A favorite Willamette Valley producer of mine. The wines are charming, soulful, and Burgundian. There’s so much earthy red fruit here. Cherries, strawberries, leaves, and soil after a fresh rain. Impeccably integrated spice and polish from oak aging. The folks at Illahe are experimental artisans that love the land they work. That consistently shows in their entire lineup. Pair with sautéed mushrooms.
Is anyone else noticing that Europeans are discovering the value of Oregon in comparison to their Burgundian counterparts? 👀 — 2 years ago
The delicacy of Beaujolais wines with the beautiful concentration of Morgon wines. First Cuvée by great artisans of the appellation. A wine with direct pleasure but nevertheless deep with lightness. The finish is stretched with herbaceous notes and beautiful tight and persistent tannins.
La gourmandise des vins du Beaujolais avec la belle concentration des vins de Morgon. Cuvée d’entrée de gamme par des artisans de reconnus de l’appellation. Un vin au plaisir direct mais néanmoins profond avec de la légèreté. La finale est tendue avec des notes herbacées et de beaux tanins serrés et persistants. — 5 years ago
God only knows how old this mini bottle was? It was so smooth and delicious. I honestly believe that now is a wonderful time to invest in Jerez wines. They age forever and I believe they will get more and more expensive as their market decreases each year. Also there are less artisans and wineries willing to do the work and have the patience. #amontillado #jerez #sherryporn #sherrylover — 6 years ago
8 months later ... Light, cloudy ruby color (unfiltered) ... the nose is a floral explosion on a beautiful bouquet: Lilies, peony, rose. The mouth is slightly sparkling at the opening, proof that the wine lives: no sulfur added (or very little, at the time of bottling certainly). With exuberant floral notes, the mouth adds the roundness of an explosive fruity, typical of strawberry, jammy raspberry. The texture is supple, silky, and digestible. Magnificent "natural" wine, entry-level cuvée, by one of the great craftsmen of Beaujolais. Delicious as an aperitif, light or Italian cuisine, or over fish.
8 mois après... Robe rubi légère, trouble (non filtré)... le nez est une explosion florale sur un beau bouquet de Lys, pivoine, rose. La bouche est légèrement perlante à l’ouverture, preuve que le vin vit: pas de souffre ajouté (ou très peu, au moment de la mise en bouteille certainement). Aux notes florales exubérantes, la bouche ajoute la rondeur d’un fruité explosif, typé fraise, framboise confiturés. La texture est souple, soyeuse, et digeste. Magnifique vin « nature » cuvée d’entrée de gamme, par l’un des grands artisans du Beaujolais. Délicieux à l’apéritif, cuisine légère, italienne, ou sur un poisson. — 6 years ago
Impeccably made, but misses some of the uncompromising qualities of the Burgundian artisans like Montille and Arlaud. — 7 years ago
Deep purple in color; blackberries, black plums, and black pepper on the nose; high acidity; medium tannins; tastes like blueberries, stewed strawberries, green peppercorns, and crushed gravel with a long finish. — a year ago
60/40 blend of Cinsault and Grenache noir. Light pink, excellent clarity. Faint red fruit and citrus in the nose. Crisp, strawberry lemon pith and grapefruit pith in the mouth, lactic and mineral finish. If you like high acid rosés with some complexity of texture and savoriness, this is a good choice. Value too. After 24 hours softens up nicely and much more enjoyable — 2 years ago
Fruit meets earthiness in a relatively round way — 4 years ago
When you open a Lapierre you know you are going to have a good time. A gourmet wine with immediate pleasure as the Beaujolais floods know how to produce. Here we are dealing with one of the great artisans of natural wine without the inconvenience that this type of wine sometimes produces. It is a magnificent expression of Gamay, with volume, depth, relief. the nose is just wow! The mouth is incredibly charming .. to (re) discover.
Quand on ouvre un Lapierre on sait qu’on va passer un bon moment.. Vin gourmand au plaisir immédiat comme les crues du Beaujolais savent le produire. Ici nous avons à faire à l’un des grands artisans-historique du vin nature sans les désagréments que ce type de vins produisent parfois. C’est une magnifique expression du gamay, avec du volume, de la profondeur, du relief. le nez est juste wow! La bouche est d’un charme fou.. à (re)découvrir. — 5 years ago


Entry-level cuvée by one of the great artisans of natural wine in Beaujolais. Not as complex and long on the palate as his two admirables Brouilly, or Eau-Vive; but for its price ... It is a beautiful gourmet bottle with this explosive fresh floral bouquet on the nose (Lily, Rose, Iris, Peony). The mouth is sparkling, bringing a very greedy crunchy fruitiness. To drink in its youth. A lot of pleasure
Cuvée d’entrée de gamme par l’un des grands artisans du vin nature en Beaujolais. Pas aussi complexe et long en bouche que ses deux admirables Brouilly, ou Eau-Vive; mais pour son prix... C’est une belle bouteille gourmande avec ce bouquet floral frais explosif au nez (Lys, Rose, Iris, Pivoine). La bouche est perlante, apportant un fruité croquant très gourmand. A boire sur sa jeunesse. Beaucoup de plaisir. — 6 years ago
Beautiful entry-level cuvée by one of the great artisans of the Northern Rhône.
Simple and straightforward Syrah. Nose and attack on fresh black fruits (blackberries, blueberries). Clear neat body, enhanced with touches of violet, white pepper, and slightly minty, characteristic of Syrah ... Final which unfolds admirably with delicately chiseled tannins. Nice bottle to open as an aperitif, on a cold meats and cheese board, ideally accompanied by some fruit and nuts, and a piece of fresh baguette.
Belle cuvée d’entrée de gamme par l’un des grands artisans du Rhône Nord.
Syrah simple et droite tres gourmande. Nez et attaque sur les fruits noirs frais (mûres, myrtilles). Corp limpide soigné, réhaussé de touches de violette, poivre blanc, et légèrement mentholée, caractéristique de la Syrah... Finale qui se déploie admirablement avec des tanins délicatement ciselés. Belle bouteille à ouvrir des l’apéro, sur une planche de charcuterie et fromages, idéalement accompagnés de quelques fruits et noix, et un bout de baguette fraîche. — 6 years ago
Les Indigènes — “Cultiver” Grenache Blanc — Southern France 🇫🇷
Overview:
A 100% Grenache Blanc from the southernmost Mediterranean-influenced vineyards of France, crafted under the Les Indigènes “Artisans Partisans” project. This is a bright, sun-kissed white focused on purity and refreshment rather than weight or oak influence.
Aromas & Flavors:
Tropical fruit notes, ripe citrus, subtle melon, light white peach, and a clean saline lift.
Mouthfeel:
Dry, crisp, and energetic with lively acidity and a very clean finish. Light-bodied with minimal texture, leaning toward freshness and drinkability rather than richness.
Food Pairings:
Grilled shrimp, ceviche, oysters, Mediterranean salads, goat cheese, light seafood pastas.
Personal Pick:
This is a heat-day wine for me — uncomplicated, refreshing, and dangerously easy to finish. When I want brightness without overthinking structure, this hits the spot.
Verdict:
A lively, Mediterranean Grenache Blanc delivering freshness and simplicity with precision. Best enjoyed young and well-chilled.
🍷 Did You Know?:
Grenache Blanc thrives in warm, dry Mediterranean climates, retaining surprising acidity while developing ripe fruit character, making it one of southern France’s most versatile white varieties. — 2 years ago
Received as gift from friends Paula and Mario. — 4 years ago
A very lovely red blend. — 5 years ago
Great cork for 19 years,
I think the 27% Merlot brings the score down for me. 2002 Jones & 97 ZD reserve are a step above at half the price,
One of the flagship wines of the late Jess Jackson’s Artisans and Estates limited production offerings is the 2001 Cardinale, a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot from some of the finest Jackson-owned vineyards on Mt. Veeder, Keyes on Howell Mountain, Alexander Mountain Estate as well as purchased fruit from the Stagecoach, To-Kalon and Peter Michael vineyards. — 6 years ago
kympin karitsapunkku, ihan ok — 6 years ago
Nice peppery note.
Grenache Sarah mourvèdre — 6 years ago
This wine is 100 % xinomavro . 14 maths oak / 20% new . Vine age on average 30 years . It’s very classy , elegant and very well made . Long finish . — 6 years ago
Lots of citrus and super bright. Really good bang for the buck! Would buy again. — 7 years ago
Freddy R. Troya
Les Indigènes — Artisans Partisans, 100% Chenin Blanc, 2024, France 🇫🇷
Overview
Organically grown, native yeast fermentation. Aged 20% in old barrels and 80% in stainless steel under reductive conditions. A mineral-driven, natural-leaning Chenin that balances texture with freshness.
Aromas & Flavors
Dried apricot, preserved lemon, crushed stone, yellow apple skin, subtle hay and chamomile notes.
Mouthfeel
Medium body, dry, textured yet vibrant. Bright acidity carries a slightly oxidative hint layered over a reductive backbone. Savory and structured rather than fruity-forward.
Food Pairings
Goat cheese, roasted chicken with thyme, grilled shrimp, mushroom tart, Comté.
Verdict
A thoughtful Chenin with personality — mineral, slightly wild, and expressive. Not plush, not commercial. A wine that leans into terroir and technique.
Did You Know?
Chenin Blanc is one of the most versatile grapes in the world, capable of bone-dry, sparkling, oxidative, sweet, and everything in between. Indigenous yeast fermentations often enhance its textural and mineral complexity.
🍷 Personal Pick
A casual and natural Chenin that delivers both approachability and taste, my daily companion.
— 5 months ago