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The Beverage Dynamics National Retailer Wine Panel recommends a lineup of top quality / value French wines .

FOR OUR FIRST WINE PANEL OF 2023 , we asked panelists to taste and rate French wines . These can be any style and from anywhere in this classic Old World wine country .

As always , these selections include brief tasting notes , a rating and the wine ’ s retail price ( which can vary from store to store and market to market ). Unless noted otherwise , prices reflect a 750-ml . bottle . If you are a beverage professional with a specialty in wine who is interested in participating in the panel , please contact Editor Kyle Swartz at kswartz @ epgacceleration . com or 763-383-4447 .

RATING SYSTEM ★★★★★ Five Stars ( 92-100 ) A top-flight wine . Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price / value relationship . ★★★★ Four Stars ( 86-91 ) A very good wine and an excellent value . A wine for which customers will keep coming back . ★★★ Three Stars ( 80-85 ) An above-average wine , at a reasonable price point , which many customers will enjoy .

FIVE STARS

( 98 ) Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Rouge 2017 ( Pessac Leognan ). Dynamic flavors of black cherry , pomegranate and wild berries burst into a medley of rose petals and juicy dark fruits , with freshly picked herbs wafting through the core . The finish shows notes of tea leaf , sandalwood and vanilla bean . ($ 121.99 )

( 97 ) Les Fillottes Rouge 2016 ( Pomerol ). The wine shows bright , juicy red cherries and raspberries that sink into a beautifully plush palate .

The midpalate becomes gorgeously creamy while continuing to show red fruit , while also adding notes of violets and rose petals with hints of mocha . The finish is long and tantalizing with whiffs of white herbs , sage and a dusty minerality . ($ 88.79 )

( 96 ) Domaine Marguerite Carillon Pinot Noir Premier Cru Volnay Santenots 2020 ( Volnay ). Flavors of black cherry and pomegranate flow through the velvet palate with notes of violets and wildflowers . The mid-palate offers notes of forest floor , fresh meadow flowers and just a whiff of anise that flows into a finish of wild berries , sandalwood and fresh herbs . ($ 84.99 )

( 94 ) Joseph Le Roi Les Fourneaux 1er Cru 2017 ( Chablis ). 2017 was a tough year in Chablis . But the grapes that survived the frost produced excellent wines . A taste of mineral , green apple , kiwi leads to a long , persistent finish . If you can spare it , splash a bit on your seared buttered scallops . ($ 45 )

( 93 ) Domaine des Causses Lirac Reserve Syrah Cru Cotes du Rhone 2019 ( Rhone ). Fresh blueberry and graphite on the nose . Medium-bodied wine that shows notes of stewed stone fruits and pencil shavings on the palate . Slight bit of chewy tannins , yet balanced and full of structure that one might not expect at this price point . ($ 13 )

( 92 ) Maison Tardieu Laurent Les Becs Fin Cotes du Rhone 2020 ( Rhone ). An absolutely gorgeous wine . Ripe blackberry , dark cherry notes and a subtle woodiness give this wine depth and complexity . Sets the bar high for Cotes du Rhone . ($ 20 )

( 92 ) Chateau Rauzan Despagne Bordeaux Blanc 2022 ( Bordeaux ). This elegant sauvignon blanc / sémillon blend is lightweight and crisp . Floral fruits like passionfruit and apricot on the nose with notes of crips pears and lemon-lime zest on the palate . This would be easily paired with any chicken or fish dish , but is also a great glass of wine on its own . ($ 16.99 )

( 92 ) Cotes de Provence Saint Roch Les 2020 ( Provence ). 50 / 50 Cinsault and Grenache . Smooth as silk , an elegant rosé made by a cooperative near Toulon . Laden with strawberry and almond , along with a bit of floral and thyme , this wine is 100 % Provencal . Serve it on a spring day with warm brie . ($ 18 )

( 91 ) Ocean & Vines Chablis 2021 ( Burgundy ). Light bodied and crisp with citrus flavors of orange blossom and lemon . Due to this wine ’ s

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