Cuvée Du Bois Laveau

Domaine Bois de Boursan

Cuvée des Félix Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend 2022

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim, and medium plus intensity.

Pretty nose of raspberries, strawberries, light cedar, earth, herbs and chocolates.

Medium bodied with medium acidity.

Dry on the palate with raspberries, currants, plums, cooked cherries, spices, light oak, chocolates and peppercorn.

Long finish with round tannins and tangy cherries.

This young Grenache based blend from Châteauneuf-du-Pape needs a few years in the bottle to mature properly, but already enjoyable, even by itself.

This great 2022 vintage is starting to drink nicely now. Well structured and nicely balanced, with a great mouthfeel.

Will continue to age nicely in the next 20 years.

Elegant and robust. Rich and fruit forward. Tannic and tangy. Interesting stuff.

A blend of 65% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre, 5% Syrah and 5% of other local grapes. Aged in used French oak barrels.

15% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$100.
— 2 months ago

Dave, Anthony and 9 others liked this

Les Crêtes

Cuvée Bois Valle d'Aosta Chardonnay 2021

A Golden Chardonnay. Oak noticed, full body with apple strudel notes. — 8 months ago

Main Ridge Estate

The Acre Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir 2016

Semi transparent Ruby red. Aromatics of dried rose petals and violets with Sous Bois. Profound flavour intensity with savoury red cherry. Burgundian overtones. The Langtons Classification adopted Main Ridge as a top Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir many years ago - almost the original. Oak is in balance and doesn’t intrude. A very good Pinot, and probably a point or two behind their premium Cuvée, The Half Acre. Had the last one on 30/5/25. Good but not great. — 2 years ago

Jan, Paul and 16 others liked this

Gérard Raphet

Cuvée Unique Clos-Vougeot Grand Cru Pinot Noir 2012

Presented double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine pours a pretty ruby color with a transparent core and maybe some slight rim variation. Medium viscosity with no staining of the tears. No obvious signs of sediment. On the nose, developing with strawberries, raspberries, mushrooms, sous bois and soft baking spices. Delicate. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. Finish is medium+. Lovely and quite elegant. I called Bourgogne Rouge from a great producer but it was 2012 Raphet “Clos Vougeot”. Oooop. Drinking well now with some secondary characteristics just beginning to show. Drink through 2032.
— 2 years ago

Scott@Mister, Bob and 7 others liked this

Billecart-Salmon

Brut Sous Bois Champagne Blend

Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois NV
Champagne, France 🇫🇷

Overview
This distinguished cuvée from the esteemed family-run house (est. 1818) earns its name “Sous Bois” (“under wood”) by being fully vinified and aged in oak barrels. The blend features ~34% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir, and 33% Pinot Meunier—a balanced trio that brings both richness and finesse. The oak elevates its texture, resulting in a strikingly layered and structured Champagne that’s a step above the usual non-vintage Brut. 

Aromas & Flavors
Lively orchard fruit like pear, green apple, and citrus mingle with decadent notes of brioche, roasted nuts, vanilla, and a tertiary spice layer from the oak. A mineral undertone provides brightness underneath the creamy, toasty character.  

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet refined, with a fine and lingering mousse. The palate feels velvety and textured, balanced by bright acidity and a satisfying, mineral-driven finish.  

Winemaking Notes
Fermentation and aging are conducted entirely in oak barrels at cool temperatures. A portion of the wine includes reserve wines, which contribute depth and consistency. Lees aging ranges from 6 to 7 years. No malolactic fermentation in most lots, preserving freshness and clarity.   

Food Pairing
A versatile and luxurious Champagne—ideal with roasted poultry, creamy shellfish dishes (think lobster or scallops), and earthy mushroom preparations. Works elegantly as both an aperitif and a gastronomic accompaniment.

Verdict
Champagne Billecart-Salmon Brut Sous Bois NV is a masterclass in barrel-fermented Champagne. It blends textural richness with precision and finesse—bold yet balanced, complex yet harmonious. A standout choice when you want something unforgettable and elegant.
— 2 months ago

Ted, ESF and 1 other liked this

Fattoria Le Pupille (Elisabetta Geppetti)

Riserva Morellino di Scansano Sangiovese 2021

Présentation: Ce Morellino di Scansano Riserva 2021 de Fattoria Le Pupille est l'expression parfaite du terroir toscan de la Maremme. Produit principalement à partir de Sangiovese (appelé localement Morellino), ce vin reflète l'expertise et la passion de cette propriété emblématique dirigée par Elisabetta Geppetti. Dégustation: Visuel : Robe rubis profond aux reflets grenat, brillante et limpide, avec une belle concentration. Nez : Bouquet intense et complexe, mêlant des arômes de cerises noires, de mûres et de prunes, accompagnés de notes d'épices (poivre noir, clou de girofle), de tabac et d'une légère touche balsamique. Des nuances subtiles de sous-bois et de cuir apparaissent à l'aération. Bouche : Attaque franche et généreuse, dévoilant un bel équilibre entre une structure tannique élégante et une acidité vivifiante caractéristique du Sangiovese. Le milieu de bouche révèle des saveurs de fruits rouges et noirs bien mûrs, rehaussées par des notes d'herbes méditerranéennes et d'épices douces. La finale est longue, harmonieuse et légèrement minérale. Note personnelle: Je suis particulièrement impatient(e) de pouvoir déguster le Saffredi, autre cuvée prestigieuse de Fattoria Le Pupille. Ce vin d'exception, considéré comme l'un des Super Toscans les plus remarquables, promet une expérience gustative encore plus intense et complexe que ce magnifique Morellino di Scansano Riserva. — 8 months ago

Domaine les Grands Bois

Cuvée Maximilien Cairanne Red Rhône Blend 2018

Deep prune almost cheesy, olive, medium light tannins long finish — 2 years ago

Domaine les Grands Bois

Cuvée Gabrielle Côtes du Rhône Villages

I may have inadvertently aged this too long. Diminished fruit, high acid. — 2 months ago

Mike liked this

Domaine de la Mordorée

Cuvée La Reine des Bois Lirac Red Rhone Blend 2020

Dark ruby in color with a wide reddish rim.

Nice nose and medium plus in body with medium acidity.

Showing red fruits with light oak, licorice and chocolate notes.

Nice length on the finish with round tannins and tangy cherries.

This is a very tasty 5 year old GSM blend from Lirac. Nicely balanced and elegant, with mild complexity. The high alcohol is well integrated by now.

Easy drinking and good by itself as a sipping wine.

A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Aged in concrete tanks and 15% large French oak barrels.

15.5% alcohol by volume.

90 points.

$35.
— 6 months ago

Daniel, Anthony and 15 others liked this

Domaine Ponsot

Cuvée Vieilles Vignes Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Pinot Noir 1999

The 1999 Clos de la Roche VV pours a slightly hazy ruby color with a transparent core; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with gorgeous notes of ripe red and black fruits: raspberry, bruised strawberry, black cherry, dried red flowers, licorice, mushroom, sous bois, all spice. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and dripping with complexity. During the first couple hours, this was pretty locked up and willing to share its secrets. Towards the end of the night, this ended up being one of the wines what really started to pour it on. My favorite pairing with the boeuf Bourguignon. Drink now with some patience but better after 2029 and through 2049 with ease. — 8 months ago

Daniel, Jan and 18 others liked this
Jay Kline

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@Pooneet K I think that’s a wise choice
Pooneet K

Pooneet K Premium Badge

@Jay Kline appreciate the insight!
Lyle Fass

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@Jay Kline top vintage mugnier moose always special. 93 and 98 were both memorable as was 01.