Lilia scored this wine: 100/100

This beautiful sparkling wine made from 100% Chardonnay hails from the small French Alpine region of Jura. I first enjoyed it while on a dinner date with my husband in November 2024 at a French restaurant. As soon as the sommelier popped open the bottle and began to pour its bubbly contents into the coupe glass before me, I knew I was about to sip something special! The color was an unusually dark golden for a younger sparkling wine. The froth was foamy and soft — almost like a beer. As I lifted the glass to my nose for an initial sniff before tasting, very pronounced aromas of dried fruit, toasty brioche and nuts stood out to me. As I sipped, those same notes were accompanied by a long, splendidly surprising peanut buttery finish. It was DIVINE — truly one of the most remarkable wines I've ever tasted! This second bottle was a different experience, but no less amazing. Once more, when poured, a gorgeous soft foam developed, but the color was noticeably lighter and more lemon, less gold. Aromas of sugary cream, freshly baked bread, buttered popcorn, marzipan, vanilla and pear were very present, but the nutty aromas were not as pronounced as before. On the palate creamy yogurt and pear flavors gave way to a toasted brioche finish. Just beautiful! Pair With Buttery dishes like dover sole, cooked spinach and mashed potatoes pair beautifully with this sparkling! However, Jura is actually more well known for producing Comté cheese than wine — a regional delight that perfectly pairs with a glass of Domaine Bourdy, Crémant du Jura. Both have nutty flavors and amplify that character in one another.

Lilia scored this wine: 97/100

This 100% Garnacha Blanca caught my breath at first sip. Very pronounced fruit notes span the spectrum from citrusy grapefruit and lemon to tart green apple and pear to white peach and apricot and even cantaloupe. While a wet stone-like minerality is very present, a creaminess is noticeable too. A medium to full body, gorgeous acidity and a long finish complete this impressive wine. It’s big, abundant and memorable! Pair With: Cured meats, such as Jamon Serrano, and nutty medium-hard cheeses, like Manchego, are a great match. However, this is a bold, creamy wine. So it can hold its own alongside oilier fishes, pork, rich meats and creamy pastas.

Lilia scored this wine: 98/100

This vintage is considered one of their best in the last 15 years. The wine is highly complex, yet all of its nuances are completely harmonious with one another. No aroma or flavor shouts louder than another. It’s perfectly balanced. Aromas of black cherry, black currant, fig, dried fruit, brown sugar, burnt caramel, baking spices, vanilla and nuts fill the glass. Notes of oak, tobacco box, graphite and a minerality reminiscent of wet stones are also present. The palate matches the nose, note for note. Silky tannins and a long consistent finish add to its sophistication. This is truly one of the most impressive wines I have ever tasted. Pair With Enjoy this wine with a cheese platter or cheese soufflé and grilled beef and vegetables.

Lilia scored this wine: 97/100

Complex aromas of the best of Pauillac fill the glass upon pouring. Dark cherry, blackberry, plum and cassis were noticeable first, followed by floral notes with dried fruit, lots of spices, pepper, licorice, mint, and dark chocolate. As the wine continues to open up smoked meat, tobacco, cedar, mushroom, earth and herbal notes abound. The nose of this wine is so lovely, you can almost forget to take a sip! On the palate it’s bright, fresh and elegant! Flavors of dark red fruit, dark chocolate, pepper and spices are abundant, along with a lovely medium body and finish (typical of Pauillac). At first, it's a bit, yet not unpleasantly, tart. However, it mellows out as it lingers in the glass. Decanting is certainly beneficial. It's a powerful, but lovely and balanced wine. I highly recommend it! Pair With In my experience, medium-hard cheese, cooked mushrooms and truffle oil really bring out the best in this wine. However, red meat will certainly be a divine match as well. For a classic pairing, try roast lamb with garlic, parsley, and truffles! Note This wine is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot. It’s aged for 16 months: 40% in new oak barrels, 40% in one-year old barrels, 20% in amphora TAVA.

Lilia scored this wine: 90/100

One immediately notices this wine’s beautiful dark ruby color as its poured in to the glass. Aromas of ripe dark cherry, blackberry and prune are most noticeable at first. However, it doesn’t take long for notes of pastrami, smoke, earth, tobacco, leather and oak to become more pronounced. Cloves, a little chocolate and herbs are also present. Ripe dark cherry and berries abound once again on the palette. Flavors of bitter herbs and greens linger on a long finish. There are just enough tannins to give this medium bodied wine a little grippiness. Decant it before sipping to experience the full potential of its elegance. Pair With This wine is best when enjoyed with food. It shines with salty semi to hard cheeses, cured and grilled meats or even a burger, which really smooth out the bitter finish. Note This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Carmenere.