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 passion fruit 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 terroir , there is a delicate but present minerality . Very balanced and round , but the wine ’ s freshness keeps it lively on the palate . ($ 26.99 )
( 91 ) Oriane Languedoc 2018 ( Languedoc ). From Gerard Bertrand , this is a blend of 55 % syrah and 45 % carignan hand-harvested grapes . Baked black fruits with a spicy note on the finish , almost like cayenne pepper . Juicy with a lovely structure and finish , this wine longs to be paired with a good cheese board . ($ 16.99 )
( 91 ) Chateau Dargan Moulis 2019 ( Bordeaux ). For the price , this is a great expression of the Medoc region . This wine is complex and layered with undertones of earth , vanilla , strawberries , ripe cherries and a velvety , almost savory tannic finish . Its pleasant acidity keeps this wine feeling integrated and balanced . ($ 22.99 )
( 91 ) Points Domaine du Haut Bourg Muscadet sur Lie Cotes de Grandlieu 2020 ( Loire ). This dry white wine has slight hue of green . The aromatics are fresh and floral , with citrus notes . The acidity is pretty balanced in the long , lingering finish . ($ 14 )
( 91 ) Maison No . 9 Rosé 2020 ( Provence ). A beautiful and refreshing rosé . Gentle flavors of strawberry and cranberry combined with subtle acidity give this rosé a wonderful balance of flavor and control . ($ 20 )
( 91 ) Chateau Rauzan Despagne Bordeaux 2019 ( Bordeaux ). This is a super-approachable blend with a great structure and an impressive linger with soft tannins . Blueberries , cherry cola and some pepper notes from the cabernet franc are softened by the sumptuous fruit on the palate . ($ 16.99 )
( 91 ) Chateau Champs des Sables 2019 ( Bordeaux ). From Montagne de St . -Émilion , this wine opens with a super-expressive nose of ripe black fruits and soft leather . Deep and dark in color , full-bodied and strong with a well-blended , tannic finish . ($ 13.99 )
( 91 ) Les Sarrins Cotes de Provence Rosé 2021 ( Provence ). Pale pink with a hue of copper . A delicate and typical Provence rosé , made up mostly of grenache and cinsault . It shows lovely notes of white flowers , citrus and peach . The finish is long and linear . A wine that will still reward you a year from now . ($ 25 )
( 90 ) Olema Reserve Rosé 2021 ( Provence ). Salmon-pink in color with strawberries and watermelon rind coming off the nose . Similar notes on the palate with a tartness reminiscent of sweet tarts . ($ 21.99 )
( 90 ) Pardon et Fils Beaujolais Villages 2021 ( Beaujolais ). Gorgeous purple color with grape jelly nose . This wine is lighter style with plum and cassis notes . It would be the perfect complement to any barbeque or picnic . ($ 14.99 )
( 90 ) Chateau Bois Redon 2019 ( Bordeaux ). A blend of 75 % merlot and 25 % cabernet sauvignon , this is fruit-forward , full of cherries , raspberries and currants , with soft tannins . This wine should be consumed young and will be appreciated at any event . ($ 14.99 )
( 90 ) Dune Gris Rosé 2021 ( Southern France ). Immediate explosion of berry and peach blossom notes with a zesty grapefruit finish . This is an easy go-to for the summer ! This could be paired with seafood or as an aperitif . ($ 13.99 )
( 90 ) Earl Domaine Portaz Apremont 2020 ( Vin De Savoie ). Quiet and shy at first , then this dry ( slightly acidic ) white wine opens up to show a great deal of body , along with a flinty , steely note on the palate . The wine also shows notes of citrus peel and white pepper . Bring on the food or the fondue . ($ 13 )
( 90 ) La Croix Loges Anjou Roge 2020 ( Loire ). 95 % Cab franc , 5 % cabernet . Fresh fruit on the nose , ripe plum on the palate , along with notes of summertime soil , all joining and finishing with soft , slightly chewy tannins . This is a red you can enjoy with or without food — the type of soft , light red that will pair with almost anything . ($ 13 )
( 90 ) Fournier Les Belles Vignes Sancerre 2020 ( Sancerre ). Offers bright acidity with grapefruit and gentle melon fruit . A flintiness runs through the fruit , with acidity that offers a wonderful depth of flavor and texture . ($ 29 )
( 90 ) Jacky Blot Brut NV ( Loire ). 100 % chenin blanc from 40-year-old vines . Initially fermented in used oak , then bottle fermented , just like Champagne . A fine bead invites , with aromas of dark , wheat toast , apple , beer and citrus . ($ 30 )
FOUR STARS
( 89 ) Little James Basket Press Blanc 2020 ( Languedoc ). 50 / 50 viognier-sauvignon blanc . Sourced from Pays d ’ Oc , the Saint Cosme vineyards of the Rhone Valley produce this crisp , complex delight . Aromatic with stone fruit notes and a touch of mango . The nose is aromatic , and the palate is on the rich side . A great pairing for fried or grilled fish . ($ 15.95 )
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