France

Domaine Follin-Arbelet represents the type of small, family-run operation that continues to make wine comme autrefois—the way it used to be done.

This single vineyard Burgundy is a stunning example of the unique terroir found in this village. The wine is light and feminine but will age beautifully over time.

The generic Santenay is made from old vines – 50 years of average age – is a good start. It’s quite forward – 70% whole cluster – with a lovely organic fruit spiced with cinnamon and allspice.

Lots of rose blossom and peach skin in terms of aromas with pretty and subtle fruit on the nose. Full body, plenty of fruit and a lively finish. It's focused and vibrant.

This wine has a beautiful garnet color with purple highlights. The nose reveals scents of violet and blackcurrant. With a beautiful structure, this wine does not lack finesse, nor harmony.

Always a great value, Côtes Du Roussillon Villages Les Vignes De Bila Haut is close to equal parts Grenache and Syrah that was destemmed and brought up in concrete and stainless steel.

Coq d'Or are pineaux in the true Hardy style, fine and subtle in aroma and offering perfect balance between freshness and roundness. Hardy Coq d'Or white boasts a golden colour with a vast array of tints. Its delicate bouquet is reminiscent of dried fruit, honey and lime tree. It is an intense, elegant, full pineau.

The 2012 is quite pale at the present time, with brilliant green highlights. The nose is well-defined and mineral. Still very young and quite elegant, this wine has yet to reveal its full complexity.

Almost entirely Merlot, this wine comes from a vineyard made up of 13 different parcels. Richness comes from the Merlot that dominates, offering generous black fruits, ripe tannins and finishing acidity.

The nose is complex, with an explosion of notes of white flowers, candied fruit and white pepper. On the palate, a very flattering aromatic freshness, with precise flavors and a beautiful balance to which the structure gives body and spirit.

A rare beast, a producer holding back their wines until they enter a prime window. Amazing. Hitting its straps and starting to take on a more tertiary slant, precisely what we want here.

Composed of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc coming mainly from clay soils on the plateau and aged for one year in oak, 65% new, the 2015 Clos du Clocher springs forth with profound notes of crushed blackberries, black cherries and blueberry compote plus touches of iron ore, bouquet garni, beef drippings and black soil.

Since joining the family operation, the young Arnaud and David have shown remarkable ambition and precision in their work ethic: they have increased the family holdings to twenty-one hectares, adding single-vineyard cuvees while constantly striving for more complexity and layered texture in the mineral-driven beauties they produce.