Domaine Stephane Magnien Morey Saint Denis Premier Cru Les FaconnieresDeeply composed and quietly authoritative, this opens with red plum, dark cherry, and dried raspberry, layered with rose stem, forest floor, and a cool, iron tinged minerality typical of Moreys firmer soils. The palate is medium bodied but firmly built, showing Premier Cru density without heaviness: savory red fruit framed by compact, chalk dust tannins and a steady, grounding line of acidity. Subtle notes of oolong tea, damp earth, and clove emerge

Mer Soleil was born here

It’s like a great book or movie

and wet stone

Let me explain

carried by bright acidity and fine

The upside to this catch is that you can drink it now (and at great savings compared to a bottle of Brunello)

but lithely insistent—a ribbon of wild red cherry and raspberry draped over crushed violets and a bramble of herbs de Provence

He’s the kind of farmer whose hands are as big as lobster claws and who looks at you funny if you ask for a tour

these two bottles show just how versatile great California Chardonnay can be

2021 was a cooler vintage in the Loire

rose petal

It vanished with almost supernatural speed