Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Gabriel Meffre “Saint-Vincent” Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc 2024, Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A classic Southern Rhône white blend that leans casual and food-oriented rather than flashy or intensely aromatic, and this cuvée is typically a blend of Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne, and Clairette. The result is a smooth, lightly stony, and subtly textured white that feels very comfortable at the table.

Aromas & Flavors
Soft white peach, pear, yellow apple, and delicate white floral tones open gently in the glass. Subtle hints of wet stone, citrus peel, and light herbal nuances emerge underneath, keeping the wine grounded and balanced rather than overtly fruity.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with a smooth and approachable texture. There is a gentle tension toward the back palate that adds freshness without becoming sharp. The finish remains subtle, soft, and savory-leaning.

Food Pairings
This is where the wine truly shines. Excellent with roasted chicken, creamy seafood dishes, cod in white wine sauce, grilled vegetables, herb-driven Mediterranean cuisine, or mild cheeses.

Verdict
A very honest and traditional Rhône white that prioritizes versatility and food compatibility over complexity. Not necessarily a “sit and analyze” sipping wine, but a dependable bottle that works beautifully at the dinner table.

Did You Know?
White Côtes-du-Rhône wines represent only a small percentage of total Rhône production, which is why many consumers associate the region almost entirely with reds despite the area producing some excellent traditional white blends.

🍷 Personal Pick
This feels like one of those understated French whites that quietly performs best with food. Casual, stony, smooth, and very easy to enjoy alongside a proper meal rather than on its own. Cheers! — 4 hours ago

Katy McMullen-wendt

9.1

Very crisp and light. Would be delicious on a summer day. — 3 years ago

Severn G

9.4

Nose has ripe plum, cedar shavings, dried blackberry, over-ripe black cherry, crushed black currant, menthol syrup and dried violets.

Palate has dried black currant, moist soil, cedar shavings, moist cigar, ripe blackberry, dried black cherry, rose hip tea with light tannins.

A beautiful cork, almost no soak; pulled clean with a standard screw. This is really in the zone tonight after a 6H decant. Drink 2022-2028 from proper storage.

Paired to Allen Bros USDA Prime Hanger with Dijon/Rosemary/Garlic/Lemon Zest marinade. Grilled to great 130° centers, 10m rise/rest to absolute perfection.
(I was honestly fighting with two cats to eat dinner tonight.) — 4 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Château Garraud – Lalande de Pomerol / 2018
AOC Lalande de Pomerol – Right Bank, Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
From the Esnée family estate, this red Bordeaux blend is composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. The Garraud vineyards lie just north of Pomerol proper, where gravelly and clay soils echo the region’s reputation for plush yet structured wines.

Aromas & Flavors
Lush black cherry, plum compote, and cassis wrapped in notes of violet, cocoa, and cedar. Subtle graphite and earthy tobacco hints reflect the Cabernet Franc influence.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet polished, with supple tannins and a round mid-palate. Concentrated fruit depth balances with freshness, finishing long and silky with lingering spice.

Food Pairings
Duck breast with cherry glaze, roast lamb, or beef bourguignon. Mushroom risotto, charcuterie, or truffle pasta. Comté, aged Gouda, or Saint-Nectaire.

Verdict
A classic Right Bank profile: generous Merlot fruit framed by Cabernet Franc finesse. Traditional, powerful, and approachable, drinking beautifully now but with the structure to evolve gracefully for another 8–10 years.

Did You Know?
Lalande de Pomerol, though often overshadowed by its famous neighbor Pomerol, offers exceptional value. Many estates here share the same terroir characteristics, producing wines of impressive depth at a fraction of Pomerol’s price tag.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight: This bottle delivers Right Bank soul without the Pomerol price, rich yet refined, and an excellent “insider’s pick” for Bordeaux lovers. Cheers! — 7 months ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.6

Along with 02, 04 and the majestic 2010, 08 is one of my absolute favorite vintages from Raveneau and it’s absolutely rocking tonight showing superb weight, density and waxy yellow fruit that’s layered with stony minerality and piercing lemony acids. 08 Raveneau is all about that Chablisian balance: proper levels of richness and acid, ripeness and minerality. Code yellow ftw 🙌🏻 — 3 years ago

M. Christopher Roebuck

9.4

Sticking with St. Emilion for the night. This wine is quite different from the last. Deep dark stewed blue fruits and figs, pencil lead, quite extracted, nose and palate in harmony transmitting similar notes. Even the darker color forshadows the darkness to follow. This wine is oppulent, but without the big fruit forward New World bravado. It stays true to Bordeaux but pushes the limits. Medium plus alcohol and body, slightly drying tannins, long finish. I regret that I have finished my steak because this wine craves a proper food pairing. Excellent and it will only get better.

94 points — 4 years ago

romo

9.1

Slow attack but strong finish. Proper Rias Baixas but a nod to the new world. — 9 months ago

Ellen Clifford

9.1

Rich but bright, passionate and full of color and flavor. The proper volley between fruit and baguette. Serious but doesn’t take itself so. — 2 years ago

Daniel M

9.1

After a month off of any type of ethanol content to prepare for a marathon that I ran and finished earlier today, it's about time for me to come back on here. My first entry post break and race is a celebration post. And what better way to celebrate than with a proper bubbly?
The nose shows some reductive notes of sour apple, along with green apple, brioche and croissant. It's very inviting. The palate is very dry and acid driven but shows again these superb notes of croissant and some lemon curd too. The bubbles are subtle and complement the pastry notes very well. The finish is fresh, lemony, zingy and quite long. It's really a great champagne and it's been a while since I last tasted such a quality one. Great stuff and perfect way of celebrating a sport achievement ✌🏻 — 3 years ago

Aravind A

9.1

Still solid Rocks district syrah. — 4 years ago