Domaine Albert Morot – 2013 Beaune Premier Cru Marconnets 

Burgundy, France

$71.00 Buy Here

Since 1820, Domaine Albert Morot has been a major benchmark for AOC Beaune. Now managed by Albert’s great, great-grandnephew Geoffroy Choppin de Janvry, the team now farms eight hectares of almost entirely Premier Cru vineyards in Beaune. Produced from the oldest vines on the property (63+ years), Marconnets is considered to be the best of the northern vineyard sites within the commune. The sheer quality of this wine easily proves this with its fragrances of plum, red cherry, peony, ash and subtle hints of barnyard. Bright with acidity and soft powdery tannins, earthy notes of mushroom fill the midpalate before evolving into a distinct white pepper finish.

Campos de Celtas – 2013 Albariño

Rias Baixas, Spain

$14 Buy Here

The wine wonders of north-west Spain happily express themselves by way of a delicious white grape called Albariño. With the area’s maritime climate that is unique for the otherwise semi-arid Spain, this refreshing wine offers elegant perfumes of apricot, lilac and honeysuckle. Its medium body and crisp acidity unveil a nice purity with flavors of ripe pear, nectarine and a subtle saline character on the finish. This Albariño makes a delicious summertime pairing for muscles, white fish, or even vegetables with grilled chicken. A distinct and lovely example of a great wine from Rias Baixas.

Lynmar Estate – 2012 Quail Hill Vineyard ‘Old Wente’ Chardonnay

Russian River, California

$55 Buy Here

It’s no secret that over the years Lynmar Estate has become a household name in the realm of Russian River wines. This particular bottling is an incredibly intriguing chardonnay from the pristine Quail Hill Vineyard on the property. Grown from a Wente clone, this chardonnay offers tantalizing aromas of Meyer lemon, fresh pineapple, pine and cashew nut. Aged for 15 months in French oak (60% new), its round body and vibrant acidity further express flavors of lemon cream and a long mineral-driven finish. It was certainly a perfect glass of wine to sip on as we sat outside on the estate’s patio overlooking the vineyards and garden. If you have a day off and the sun is out, Lynmar is a great way to spend your afternoon.

Domaine du Viking – NV Vouvray Brut  

Loire Valley, France

$24 Buy Here

The irony behind the name of this domaine is the fact that the producer is not of any Scandinavian descent – he is actually quite French. But with his platinum blonde hair and light eyes, he was given this nickname for simply looking the part. Well, just like the name, this wine has a mighty intensity of aromatics including lemon curd, honeysuckle, toasted bread and chalky minerality. 100% Chenin Blanc grown in chalk and silex soils, fermented in stainless steel and spending two years in bottle before release, this sparkling wine is far from shy with its rich mousse, notes of jasmine, and long finish with a nice precision of minerality. A great bottle of bubbly that has quite the saga to tell.

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