Please note that our reviews are based on a variety of sources: samples sent to our team, those we purchase in store, tasting events, those tasted in restaurants and while traveling domestically and internationally.
Red Wine
Château Plantey 2020, Pauillac, Bordeaux A.O.C., France: The Château Plantey from Pauillac A.O.C. is an equal-parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend from a small, intimate estate at the very heart of Pauillac, aged in French oak barrique with 25% new wood, opening with a refined nose of crushed dark berry, mulberry and a whisper of dried tobacco, while the medium-to-full-bodied palate delivers concentrated flavors of ripe black cherry, dark fig and a savory thread of warm cedar spice, all framed by firm, tightly knit tannins and a long, structured finish that rewards patience. It is bone dry and classically composed, so serve it slightly below room temperature and enjoy now through 2030. Owner and manager Claude Meffre, who walked away from a career in journalism when he took the reins of the estate in 1996, has brought a storyteller's attention to detail to every aspect of the winemaking, crafting one of the rare genuine values to be found in the storied Pauillac appellation, which is home to three of Bordeaux's five legendary First Growths including Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild and Latour. The 2020 vintage was awarded a Gold Medal at the prestigious Concours des Grands Vins de France Macon, a remarkable achievement in what was a more challenging year for the Médoc. Pour it alongside a slow-braised beef stew with roasted root vegetables and fresh thyme, where the wine's dark fruit and earthy structure are a seamless match for the richness of the dish, or serve it with a perfectly grilled dry-aged ribeye steak, letting the wine's firm tannins and layered complexity rise magnificently to meet the char and depth of the meat. Food pairings: braised beef stew, grilled steak, gourmet burgers. Drink: 2024 - 2030 38192 13.6% XD 750 mL $34.95 Score: 90/100. March 2026. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sparkling Wine
French Bloom Le Blanc Sparkling, France: French Bloom Le Blanc Sparkling 0.0%, France is a refreshing non-alcoholic sparkling wine with bright aromas of green apple, citrus zest and white peach, complemented by subtle floral and lightly bready notes. The palate is light-bodied, crisp and effervescent, with lively bubbles and clean fruit flavours that carry through to a refreshing, zesty finish. Fascinating fact: This 0.0% sparkling wine allows you to enjoy the celebratory effervescence and bright fruit character of a traditional sparkling wine without alcohol, making it perfect for inclusive gatherings. Serve it well-chilled in a flute or tulip glass. Sparkling food pairings: fresh fruit skewers, vegetable crudité with dip, lemon-herb grilled chicken, mild cheeses like brie or mozzarella. Drink: 2026 - 2032 S 750 mL $49.99 Score: 93/100. March 2026. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart