Substance Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Charles Smith Substance Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Charles Smith, a self-taught winemaker originally from the Sierra Nevada foothills near Sacramento, found his passion for wine after years managing rock bands across Europe. Launching his winery in Washington State in 2001 with just 300 cases, Smith has since earned numerous accolades including Winemaker of the Year honors from Food & Wine and Wine Enthusiast. This Cabernet Sauvignon, embodying his signature style, bursts with intense blackberry, dark plum, and warm baking spices on the nose. The palate reveals smooth tannins, a solid structure, and a clean finish with delicate hints of vanilla and licorice. This approachable red wine is perfect for casual sipping or pairing with charcuterie, cheese boards, pizza, and pasta for a relaxed family meal.

Chartron et Trebuchet Chablis 2023

Renowned for producing excellent white Burgundy at great value, Maison Chartron et Trebuchet acts as a negociant carefully selecting only the best grapes from the prestigious vineyards in Côte d’Or and Mâconnais. This Chablis exemplifies their meticulous approach, with hand-harvested fruit and traditional winemaking techniques that preserve the natural character of Chardonnay and the distinctive flinty terroir. The wine offers a crisp and refreshing profile featuring lively citrus notes, delicate mineral undertones, and aromas of orchard fruits. Bright acidity on the palate balances these flavors, finishing clean and pure. Ideal served chilled, this Chablis pairs wonderfully with fresh seafood, spicy Asian cuisine, or sushi, and makes a fine aperitif.

Chateau Cos d’Estournel Goulee 2017

Chateau Cos d’Estournel’s acquisition of vineyards in the northern Médoc during the 2000s included the Goulee parcel, once an island in the Gironde River, with well-draining gravel soils. These vineyards receive the same rigorous care and manual labor as the main estate, including crop thinning and hand harvesting. Goulee’s blend is predominantly 70-80% Merlot, complemented by 10-20% Cabernet Sauvignon and a touch of Cabernet Franc. Aged for 12 months in French oak, this modern Bordeaux displays enticing aromas of cassis, mulberry, and black cherry, followed by firm tannins and a well-structured palate with nuances of cigar box, graphite, leather, and crushed wild berries. Enjoy it now with hearty red meats or vegetarian dishes, or cellar it for another decade.

Chateau de Meursault Bourgogne Terroir d’Exception Chardonnay 2022

Chateau de Meursault, a historic estate in the Côte de Beaune, cultivates its 60-hectare vineyards sustainably, including a prized parcel bordering Meursault Perrières with Jurassic limestone and marl soils. The Chardonnay grapes for this Bourgogne Terroir d’Exception are hand-picked, fermented in oak barrels for 15 days, and then aged 12-15 months on the lees, resulting in a bright yellow wine with a rich aromatic profile. Delicate scents of white flowers and yellow fruits give way to subtle toasted notes, while the medium-bodied palate is generous and complex, featuring a striking mineral backbone. It pairs beautifully with medium-aged cheeses, vegetarian dishes, and seafood risottos.

Chateau Le Gay Manoir De Gay 2020

Chateau Le Gay in Pomerol has risen to prominence under the stewardship of Catherine Pere-Verge and her son Henri Parent, who expanded vineyards and modernized winemaking facilities. Manoir de Gay, the estate’s second wine, is crafted from younger Merlot vines with a small percentage of Cabernet Franc. Low yields and micro-vinification techniques ensure a well-balanced cuvée that reflects the terroir and vintage. This approachable wine offers luscious dark fruit aromas and smooth tannins, making it enjoyable young but with the potential to mature gracefully over the next decade.