2021 REYNVAAN WALLA WALLA
SYRAH 'THE UNNAMED SERIES'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

Known for super high-end wines that are quite in-demand, the Walla Walla-based Reynvaan family makes a second set of wines irreverently named ‘The Unnamed Series.’ In all honesty, given this estate's pedigree, the wines in this range are dazzling for their price points and will compete with others in the area that are pricier.

Breaking the stereotype of thick, gooey versions, the Unnamed Syrah joyfully expresses itself in a stylish and silky manner. A wealth of superb Walla Walla fruit is present but so is black pepper, mineral, chocolate covered raspberry and hints of smoky minerality. Supple, broad and persuasive with tannins covered nicely by the core of generosity. Lengthy and spicy on the finish. Drink through 2031.

2021 MALAT GRUNER VELTLINER
KREMSTAL 'FURTH'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Over the last several years, Michael Malat’s wines are what I reach for when I want something diverse and flavorful that I can drink on a weeknight or to share with wine geek friends. Since taking over for his exemplary father who was one who helped the Kremstal region gain appellation status, Michael has continued and even surpassed him and makes wines on all levels that deliver well beyond their price levels.

Three years old, this entry Gruner is drinking very well right now. Multi-faceted as soon as it hits the glass, orange peel, yellow apple, herbs and wet stone ride out front unfolding into even further aromatics as it airs. Crisp, almost weightless, fanning out on the palate with an abundance of range and terroir all holding well within its 12% alcohol profile. Enjoy with pad Thai, white sausages, or ling cod, breaded with lemon or with a fruit/spice side.

2019 CASTELL'IN VILLA
CHIANTI CLASSICO
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE

94 Points – Vinous…We offer and sell countless wines from Tuscany’s Chianti zone, but this is one of the most prolific from the region we will offer this year. The best way for me to describe the idiosyncratic, ultra-traditionalist current proprietor of this historic estate, Principessa Coralia Pignatelli della Leonessa, would be to tell you to listen to the refrain on the fade of the track "Roses" from Outkast's The Love Below album. Unfortunately, I can't quote it in the weekly features, so you will have to find it out for yourselves, Karen insists that I keep it to PG-13.

Say what you will about her eccentricities, she delivers some of the greatest wines of Tuscany. There are no concessions to modernity. Instead, they are wines that reflect the power and soul of the southernmost Classico village, Castelnuovo Berardenga. No small barrels used here, this wine exudes serious detail of origin and will flatten most producers' Riserva versions. One whiff of the wonderfully pure scents of wildflowers, sage, black cherry, pekoe and tobacco will have you reminiscing about your last visit to Tuscany. The suave and sultry depth and concentration carry nicely into the mouth as it offers up chewy, flavorful tones with superb spine as well as finishing dark, earth-laden and long. Stupendous now and through 2031+.

2020 CHATEAU PICQUE-CAILLOU
PESSAC-LEOGNAN ROUGE
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE

One of our immense value Bordeaux wines is back and on its usual ass-kicking form! Pessac-Leognan is an appellation within the Graves region that is reserved for the top estates and best terroirs. In existence since 1780, Château Picque Caillou is in a very respectable neighborhood situated near two famed Graves Chateaux, Haut-Brion and Pape-Clement as well as ten minutes from the Bordeaux airport!

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot & 10% Petit Verdot and a worthy, if not greater, successor to the vaunted 2019! An intense ruby red best described as elegantly persuasive. Fine spice, cassis and blackberry shine against a backdrop of licorice and violet. The palate is exquisitely balanced, concentrated, yet still youthful and rambunctious. Ripe berries and briary tones kick in on the entry and give way to alluring chocolate and tobacco tones that spread out on the finish and follow through with pepper and cinnamon. There is good appeal and charm to this wine now but is one that will drink and develop through 2034+.

2021 SURRAU CANNONAU
DI SARDEGNA
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

Surrau one of the super producers of Sardinia, this beloved red wine has become exceedingly popular at Cellar Door after Giandomenico Zedde's visit back in 2022.

Very Mediterranean, the compelling 2021 Surrau Cannonau is laden with aromas of garrigue spices, prominent notes of raspberry, plum/pepper, intriguing sea-salt and cinnamon that waft from the glass. After being enticed by the fine aromas, the texture intrigues even further with warm and engaging, interwoven cherry-pit/saline/minerally flavors that unfold into a voluptuous, tangy finish. Enjoy this sumptuous Italian island red with grilled sausages, eggplant, pork or lamb chops as well as aged sheep's milk cheeses.

2020 FINCA DE ONA
RIOJA CRIANZA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

A new arrival from famed La Rioja Alta's additional property and winery, the 2020 Rioja Crianza is a terrific deal for a mere twenty-spot.

Presenting itself as a bit more powerful than the previous three vintages, this rendition is aged in both American and French oak which adds nice mocha and cinnamon tones that mingle nicely with cherry pit, hints of rose and vanilla. Lively brisk notes aid with the fleshy, polished core. Finishes generous and persistent. Drink this now with brined pork chops.

2022 MERIEAU TOURAINE ROUGE
'CENT VISAGES'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Cot is the Loire Valley name for Malbec. Cultivated and vinified in this region for generations, it remains rare in that it only is two percent of the Loire’s roster of grapes. A Loire red genius, Jean-Francois Merieau is a maestro with this grape and this offering is so unlike any that you will come across from Cahors or Argentina.

Earth-driven, yet the penetration of aromas from 50+ year old vines bring forth layered undertones of raspberry, licorice, subtle sandalwood, pepper and spice-box. Intensity and vibrancy are plentiful and done without the invasion of new oak. Earthy flavors and more dry than new world expressions, its texture is high-toned with spine and length. A real, honest taste of France, this red pairs smashingly with duck, smooth pate, hearty stews and even carnitas. If you want an even more esoteric experience, take some bottles, and put them down for 5 years - it will be even more sublime.

2021 QUINTA DO PORRAIS
DOURO TINTO
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

A lip smacking, over-the-moon 12-dollar DRY red from the Douro region, which is better known as the home of Port that is a blend of Sousao, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional (same grapes for the famed sweet Port wines).

Forward traits of blackberry, tea leaf and licorice co-exist handsomely with Moroccan spice, skillfully placed oak and sneaky turned earth. Bountiful and very stylish flavors captivate the palate with an almost-Italian plum-like quality before advancing through to the feral finish that brings it all home. Enjoy with lamb, grilled sausage or a hearty stew.

2018 MOUNT EDEN
ESTATE CHARDONNAY
$65.99 BTL./$395.94 - SIX PACK

95 Points – Vinous…If there were ever to be a case to quantify a California Chardonnay as being a Grand Cru, Mt. Eden's Estate cuvee would certainly be deemed as one of the top contenders. Simply put, this is iconic Cali-Chard and is one that ages like a beast. This Chardonnay’s scion material for was planted by Martin Ray in the 1940s and 1960s high up on the Santa Cruz Mountains. Over the years this wine has attained legendary status, especially since the estate limits the production to anywhere between 1000 and 1200 cases.

The 2018 Estate Chardonnay shows why Mount Eden is regarded as one of the apex predators when it comes to this varietal. All the great Burgundian techniques are practiced all while maintaining California roots and material. Rich aromas and flavors of orange, churned butter, smoked hazelnut and an underlay of vanilla spice, this is NOT ‘Cougar Juice’! The opulence nicely buffered by a lively streak of mountain minerality makes it succeed with balance where so many others in California fail. As previously mentioned, this wine ages impeccably. Enjoy over its first 4-5 years with sautéed scallops or lobster then another ten afterwards with more sauces and soft-ripened cheeses.

2022 CAMERON PINOT NOIR
DUNDEE HILLS RESERVE
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE

For many Cameron Pinot Noir lovers, this wine is the secret weapon of John Paul’s range. Akin to the NFL’s final cutdown day, this cuvee contains bunches of top-notch declassified Abbey Ridge and Clos Electrique fruit. In fact, this is the last wine before you get to Clos Electrique and Abbey Ridge, both of which are in the $70 range.

Majority Abbey Ridge for 2022, this is luxurious from points A, B, C & D. The first aromas almost transport you to somewhere in the Cote-de-Beaune with its alluring, penetrating perfume of lavender, turned earth, rose petal, smoked herbs and subtle meaty tones. Cerebral and very suave, there are layers of sophistication and grace in the mouth. Beautifully expressed even now, we all know that Cameron’s Pinot Noirs age like beasts and this wine has a deceptive underbelly of structure and dimension that is going to reveal itself even further. Super-material on the drawn-out finish that is even-keeled and just waiting to unleash itself, the vinous, mouth-coating, sultry texture that is present on the entire palate truly belies its usual lower alcohol level. A terrific choice to drink as well as to put some away and enjoy over the next fifteen years. 298 cases produced. Knockout juice from one of Oregon's virtuosos…Bravo!!

2022 CAMERON GIULIANO
DUNDEE HILLS BIANCO
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE

This year when John came in to sample us on these two wines, he was like a jackrabbit on speed with his excitement for his Giuliano Bianco, a Northern Italian-influenced blend of six different grapes (Predominantly Friulano fermented in amphorae with Ribolla Gialla, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Auxerrois and Moscato). With his vines becoming a bit older, one sees the Friulano stand out for 2023 and then the various grapes morph together then revealing the Dundee Hills terroirs.

Upon smelling, it is difficult not to believe that it would be from NE Italy and not the Dundee Hills. Soaring scents of tangerine, white flowers and enhanced by forthright minerality. This seamless beauty coats your mouth with flavors kept in perfect balance by briskness and minerality derived from Dundee Hills vines planted in basalt-driven soils. This wine screams for seafood, in particular simple preparations of crab, shrimp, and even halibut. Nothing brings a bit of sunshine quite like a little Cameron Giuliano. This is scintillating white wine and year in and year out, one of Oregon's finest.

2022 PRA VALPOLICELLA
'MORANDINA'
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Grown in an area where both the Valpollicella and Amarone are known for the expressions of brutal power, Pra’s versions maintain integrity, class and succulence and are a tad lower in alcohol and made in a style to go directly to the table.

Lively juice with aromas of blackberry, bing cherry, almond and dark chocolate all filling your nose. Lusciously textured but buoyant from entry to the impressive finish with fine balance and approachability throughout makes it never be oversized or heavy. Truckloads of fruit define the palate, with notes of espresso bean, exotic spice and chocolate covered berries and earth all coming out on the finish. A great twenty-dollar Valpolicella that will impress and work so well with any Italian dinner.

2020 DOMAINE LE GALANTIN
BANDOL ROUGE
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

Domaine le Galantin is renowned for their Rose wines and in fact, the estate only produced Rose when founded in 1965. Over time they have expanded into red and white wines and this forward, formidable Bandol does not take a back seat to their pink wine.

90% Mourvedre & 10% Grenache, this is the epitome of neo-classical Bandol. Combining an aromatic nose of fresh leather and pipe tobacco with a user-friendly palate of assorted ripe plums, spice and peppercorns, this wine reveals its origins very well and follows through to an exceptionally long finish even though its tannins are smoothed out and well-rounded to make it accessible over the next 7-8 years. Nevertheless, this is a boisterous and rotund wine requiring an equally full-on dish. Very enticing, it will truly shine with such hearty red meat entrees as grilled lamb, sausages or beef kabobs.

2017 ZERBINA 'MARZIENO'
RAVENNA ROSSO
$39.99 BTL./$239.94 - 6 PACK

Zerbina's Marzieno is a legendary red blend that if it were a 'Super Tuscan', it would certainly be in the 80-100 range. Very ageworthy and winning eleven of Gambero Rosso's vaunted Tre Bicchieri awards (Cristina has twenty-five in total during her tenure) for this wine alone it is certain that her 2017 will be another very memorable offering. This wine is young, but it does not disappoint and will cellar beautifully.

The base is 40% Sangiovese with the remaining 60% blend being Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah and not produced every year, only in fine vintages. Savory blackberry, ground pepper, licorice, cassis, Italian herbs and with hints of smoke and nutmeg arriving late on the scene. Terrific complexity at age six. Bold, full and generous but not oversized or overdone. A superb Italian/Bordeaux-like presence on the long, structured finish revealing Havanas and Morello cherry intertwined with earth and coffee notes. If you drink this now, do decant and have it with a T-bone steak or ossobuco...this can and will age nicely and drink well through 2034 and beyond.

2023 TERRE NERE ETNA BIANCO
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

From Mount Etna’s most influential producer is the new arrival of the 2023 Etna Bianco. As usual, quantities are limited but the quality is in orbit.

Pliant, bright and teeming with lime, quince, white peach, anise and plenty of smoky and savory aspects from Etna’s volcanic soils. Lovely presence on the palate, this wine stretches out nicely on the palate and bursts into being vivacious and mouthwatering on the home stretch. Flavorful and fun yet with no shortage of sophistication this compelling white wine will pair well with mussels, grilled shrimp, roasted or grilled chicken with Italian herbs. Only 60 bottles available.

2022 SANGOUARD-GUYOT
MACON-VERGISSON 'LA ROCHE'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

From a producer who has always made solid wines, it was exhilarating to taste their range of 2022s which I felt is their best work to date. Macon-Vergisson is from one of the four villages that make up the famed Pouilly-Fuisse region. Sangouard-Guyot specializes in Pouilly-Fuisse but also makes very credible Macon wines.

Aged in 10-year-old neutral barrels from a 1.25-acre plot, this little brother Pouilly-Fuisse comes from a site in Vergisson not qualified for Pouilly-Fuisse, thus labeled Macon-Fuisse. Nice amplification, depth, green and yellow apple with lemon curd and prominent minerality from the very rocky soils. Quite expansive and drawn out, this sophisticated value goes nicely with roasted chicken, grilled fish (particularly salmon) or vegetarian dishes revolving around squashes.

2023 STRATUM SAUVIGNON BLANC
WAIRAPA VALLEY
$10.99 BTL./$131.88 CASE

We highlighted this producer’s Pinot Noir value earlier this year and their Sauvignon Blanc is smashing and prototypical and at a great price point.

The Waipara Valley is situated just south of Marlborough and the city of Christchurch. Bursting mandarin fruit nicely buffered by gooseberry and vibrant herb tones. Fully dry with no kisses of sugar. A ringing, addictively mouth-watering white wine that makes one desire to drink more, more and more. Have with spicy Asian-inspired preparations.

2021 NOVELTY HILL 'R.S.R'
COLUMBIA VALLEY RED
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

We have been featuring Novelty Hill's wines since their inception in 2000 and consistently they deliver remarkable bang for the buck. From Novelty Hill's Stillwater Estate Vineyard, Royal Slope Red is a prototype Bordeaux-inspired Columbia Valley blend.

65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and quite remarkable for twenty bucks. Sheer deliciousness with good substance and without getting silly with just a bunch of wood, this vivacious Washington red delivers currants, blackberry, fine herbs and spices which dominate the nose while a prominent core of mouth-filling fruit pleases the palate. A perfect wine to serve with grilled ribs or other fare and is one that will please a plethora of varying palates!

2019 CHATEAU HAUT-RIAN
CADILLAC COTES-DE-BORDEAUX
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

91 Points – Wine Enthusiast Magazine...The hardest working wine in the show business that is Bordeaux and holy merde the 2019 is drinking oh so well right now! Pauline Dietrich is on quite the roll and is one of the cool kids in the Cadillac region with her range of wines.

Merlot, Cab and Cab Franc. Dazzling, debonair aromas of fill the glass with plum, red and purple flowers, fine herbs and sandalwood. Underlying spearmint and raspberry. Suave, smooth entry and attack that expands and unfolds extremely well with mineral and spice tones arriving on the earthy, dry, very silky finish that persists longer than any 14-dollar Bordeaux ever should. Enjoy with lentil soup, pho, cheeseburgers, chili, confit, roasted chicken, ribeye and on and on.

2016 VIGNALTA ROSSO RISERVA
COLLI EUGANEI
$19.99 BTL./$119.94 - SIX PK

Famous for the jars of salt that are always around here, Lucio Gomero literally put the Colli Euganei region just outside of Venise on the map. Bordeaux varietals thrive here and Lucio strives to produce what is an Italian Saint-Emilion. Let's set one thing straight about Vignalta's red wines, these are not glossed-up, overoaked, overpriced Super Tuscan wannabes. Unlike Tuscany, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were introduced to Northern Italy in the late 19th century and the wines here speak beautifully of their terroir versus having to suffer in shimmering new French barrels.

This wine does see oak aging but the new oak is kept to a minimum. 60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon from a great Veneto vintage, the 2016 serves up enticing scents of blueberry, roasted coffee, energetic ironstone and plum. Pure spices arrive from the earth and the wine possesses a coating texture that is dry, tangy and exactly what Colli Euganei is all about. Drink now and over the next five years.

2020 CHATEAU D'ARSAC MARGAUX
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE

Chateau D'Arsac has a prolific history that stretches back nine hundred years. Purchased by Philippe Raoux in 1986, this is quintessential Margaux that if one opened a wine dictionary, this wine's smiling face would be front and center.

70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot. Forward with aromas of cedar, bright cherry, currant and licorice along with secondary notes of cigar box and graphite. On the palate, it is round, plush, and silky with ripe, rich depth of fruit, warm spicy notes and earthy undertones. This wine possesses the power, great balance and class that are synonymous with the Margaux region. Sneaky structure from this classic vintage, this can be accessed early and develop further beautifully through 2036.

2019 MUGA RIOJA RESERVA
[reg. $37.99]
SPECIAL - $26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

94 Points - The Wine Advocate...Like rock and roll fans who revert to the blues or like your cuddly old teddy bear that you kept from your childhood, drinking Muga is akin to both. This is one of the icon Rioja addresses and their Reserva is where it all starts. 2019 is a spectacular Rioja vintage - pretty rich in style, pretty balanced and very seamless, perhaps the finest since 2005.

Beguiling scents of mocha, roses, plum and underlying roasted earth. Smooth, silky, expressive, and voluptuous around the edges, the texture marked entrancingly by building spice also announces its presence on the broad, but never heavy finish. A great score for twenty-seven dollars, this Rioja will also age nicely for another decade.

2022 SANTA JULIA MALBEC
VALLE DE UCO RESERVA
$11.99 BTL./$143.88 CASE

Contrary to popular myth, there has been a culture of wine in Argentina for about 150 years. It has only been in the last twenty years that it has become internationally known.

Santa Julia's Reserva is prototype Malbec highlighted by juicy, vibrant and layered aspects of black cherry fruit, mocha scents as well as vanilla and cedar-box. A hearty red that fills the mouth nicely and shows smoothness and instant gratification for not a bunch of money.

2021 DOMAINE ALARY CAIRANNE
VIEILLES VIGNES
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

The Rhone region of Cairanne represents some of the finest, cellar-worthy values in the entirety of the Rhone and of France. After many years, the region accomplished a well-deserved promotion to Appellation Cru status. Commencing with the 2016 vintage it will be labeled only as Cairanne versus the less fashionable and wordy Cotes-du-Rhone Village Cairanne.

A telltale GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre) sourced from old vines aging ranging from various parcels in Cairanne, all of which provide a balance between strength and smoothness. A velvet monster that emits aromas of strawberry, savory earth, tealeaf, Thai spices and black licorice. Texturally, this wine is layered, rich and possesses excellent movement from front to back. Old vine depth is very evident on the lengthy, broad finish that snaps back after the wine is swallowed and pleasantly hangs around. No doubt a 5–7-year ager, enjoy with slow-braised lamb or a simply prepared grilled porterhouse spiked with garlic and coated with black pepper.

2022 TIM MALONE CHARDONNAY
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$16.99 BTL./$203.88 CASE

Tim Malone is one of Oregon’s terrific producers whose day job is lead winemaker at J. Christopher. Having cut his teeth working alongside the likes Jay Somers at Jay Chrstopher, John Paul at Cameron and Tyson Crowley at Crowley wines, fine Pinot Noirs are present, but this Chardonnay is quite a tasty number for an under 20-dollar Oregon selection.

Fresh and incredibly vibrant with enticing notes of spice, ripe peach and tangerine interlaced with beautiful minerality. The palate is zesty and pure with soft cardamom, luscious pear and palate cleansing mineral aspects following from the nose. Drink now, drink often, drink with seafood risotto, halibut in brown butter or on its own with soft cheeses.

2021 ANDREA REALE CARDAMONE ROSSO
COSTA AMALFI TRAMONTI
$29.99 BTL./$179.94 - SIX PACK

Named after this Amalfi Coast region, Cardamone is made of 80% Per’ E Palummo (Piedirosso in local dialect) and 20% Tintore di Tramonti, which is a grape that brings about darkness and underlying strength. Vines planted in 1920 and 1929; this is Italian hedonism at its finest.

Deep and hearty, this soulful red wine shows off a combination of savory raspberry, blackberry, smoked earth, rosemary and sage. In the mouth, there is sensual fruit on the surface, giving it the impression of being easy, promiscuous, and fresh, but it is much more intricate and intellectual. The finish is spicy and stunningly long. Wine with attitude requires food with attitude and we recommend pasta with lamb sugo with chili flakes or ripe cheese that will permeate throughout the room. This is a serious next-level juice! Drink this stunner over the next decade.

2020 CHATEAU D'ARSAC MARGAUX
$44.99 BTL./$539.88 CASE

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine...There are so many Cabernet-based blends from around the world that sell at this same price that are barely half the wine that this knockout Margaux is. Chateau D'Arsac has a prolific history that stretches back nine hundred years. Purchased by Philippe Raoux in 1986, this western Margaux estate is quite a treasure and real steal proving that outside of the classified growths, there are heaps of wines that impart exceptional quality/price rapport.

70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and the essence of velvety Margaux. Forward with aromas of cedar, bright cherry, currant and licorice along with secondary notes of cigar box and graphite. On the palate, it is round, plush and with ripe, rich bright red fruits, warm spicy notes and earthy undertones. This wine possesses the power, great balance and class that are synonymous with the Margaux region. Sneaky structure from this classic vintage, this will drink and develop beautifully through 2036.

2022 PERRAULT-JADAUD VOUVRAY
'LES HAUTS BOIS'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE

Last year this producer provided me with one of the finest new Vouvray experiences in recent memory. Only in existence since 2008, Anne-Cecile Jadaud and Tanguy Perrault make very terroir-driven wines from old vines that have quickly risen to some of the finest in the appellation.

The Les Haut Bois cuvee is from a single parcel within the eponymous lieu dit that is on a steep hillside possessing several soils: sand/gravel, large pudding stones and flint. This dry Chenin Blanc is pure and very luxurious. Chamomile, quince and serious, serious minerality flow from the glass. More honeyed tea, chalk and lemon-zest tones start to arrive on the nose. Incredibly complex, rich, and with electricity that slices through the concentrated and vinous fruit. The close is persistent, penetrating, pure and palate-staining long with its tones of mineral, pineapple, truffle, pronounced flint and anise. Very enjoyable now, but this will also drink and develop over the next 10-15 years, too.

2022 ROCKS OF BAWN PINOT NOIR
YAMHILL-CARLTON
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE

Rocks of Bawn is Owen Roe leader David O'Reilly's new family project. The meat of the lineup is Cabernets and a killer white blend, but they also have a tasty, judicious Pinot for a dandy price.

On the darker side of Pinot Noir, this lush number shows black plum, cinnamon, purple flowers and undertones of cranberry. In the mouth it is forward, lush and tremendously crowd-pleasing and amazingly easy to enjoy.

CHAMPAGNE GASTON CHIQUET
BLANC DE BLANCS D'AY GRAND CRU
$65.99 BTL./$395.94 - SIX PACK

One of the first grower Champagne producers introduced to the US, this estate became famous for being featured in Ducasse's Michelin-starred restaurants. Based in Dizy and producing their own Champagnes since 1919, the latest generation of Chiquets (Nicolas and Antoine) now make 14,000 cases and have land in Hautvilliers, Dizy, Marieul-sur-Aÿ and Aÿ and all their offerings are classified as Premier or Grand Cru.

Unique that it is Chardonnay within a lake of Pinot Noir, the Blanc de Blancs D'Aÿ is both unique and pleasurable. Incredibly low dosage is conducted at for this cuvee, so there is always an extra level of dryness to go along with the substance that is always present. The Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs from Aÿ owns a lovely nose that is quite perfumed, with subtle, honey-nut-caramel tones beneath sultry pear fruit and kiss of salted biscuit. Extremely stylish, the palate clearly shows exciting potential, first greeting with a wall of zip, but behind there is exquisitely nuanced complexity and honeycomb richness. Seriously long, this is a formidable non-vintage cuvée of Champagne and fans of the jumping grape should not miss out.