Vinous (98)

Having followed the 2005 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve from barrel and tasted it several times in bottle, this tasting reaffirmed it as a hallmark Rayas, arguably the finest during the late Emmanuel Reynaud's stewardship of the domaine. The nose is quintessential Rayas: an exuberant burst of kirsch layered with stemmy nuances, dried rosemary, sage and a medley of dried red fruits. On the full-bodied palate it shows energy and concentration in a seamless frame of silky tannins, which are remarkably refined within the context of a vintage otherwise marked by edgier textures. The finale is long, spicy and superbly poised with effortless balance. Slowly entering its prime drinking window, the 2005 Rayas promises at least two more decades of pleasure. This bottle was opened six hours in advance without decanting.

James Suckling (92)

Rich savory nose, then a powerful but fresh palate with a lot of life and some real depth. The finish bounds along. Lots of savory fruit. Drink or hold.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (93)

The 2018 Chauvin is rich and generous in the glass, with plenty of black cherry, espresso, menthol, licorice, chocolate and new oak flavors. Beautifully layered and sumptuous, Chauvin is so expressive today. The 2018 is quite lush, but it has enough energy to keep things in balance. Best of all, it will drink well with minimal cellaring.

Jeb Dunnuck (94+)

I continue to love the wines from this château. The 2019 Château Chauvin shows an impeccably balanced, elegant, yet still concentrated style that's well worth seeking out. Mostly Merlot (there's some Cabernet Franc as well as a tiny amount of Cabernet Sauvignon), its deep purple hue is followed by a clean, pure, medium to full-bodied wine offering classic ripe darker cherry and currant fruits as well as spicy oak, chalky minerality, and hints of tobacco. It's still closed and reserved today, yet the balance is spot on, it has beautifully ripe tannins, and a great mid-palate. It's going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and have at least two decades of prime drinking. It's wonderful stuff.

Jeb Dunnuck (93-95)

Tasted from multiple bottles, the 2020 Château Chauvin looks to be a superstar and boasts an already complex nose of ripe red and blue fruits, cedary incense, and chalky minerality. Beautifully balanced, medium to full-bodied, and just about seamless on the palate, it’s a remarkable Saint-Emilion that will benefit from short-term bottle age and cruise for two decades in cold cellars.

Proudly presenting the Chavy Chouet Bourgogne Taupe Rouge 2021, a paragon of fine French winemaking. Exquisitely crafted in the heart of Meursault, within Burgundy's lauded Côte de Beaune region, this ruby nectar expresses the deep terroir richness associated with Chavy-Chouet, a respected family of winemakers dating back to the 15th century. Regarded for their organic viticulture approaches, the Chavy Chouet Bourgogne Taupe Rouge 2021 encapsulates the producer's commitment to sustainable winemaking, resulting in a wine of outstanding purity.

This full-bodied Burgundy wine boasts an elegant palette, brimming with layers of ripe fruits and balanced accents of spice and underlay of earthy nuances. Notably sophisticated, with persistent structure and graceful tannins, this French red wine is resplendent from first sip to resounding finish.

Destined to create extraordinary moments, the Chavy Chouet Bourgogne Taupe Rouge 2021 is an unparalleled choice for discerning wine collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Proudly presenting the Chavy Chouet Bourgogne Taupe Rouge 2021, a paragon of fine French winemaking. Exquisitely crafted in the heart of Meursault, within Burgundy's lauded Côte de Beaune region, this ruby nectar expresses the deep terroir richness associated with Chavy-Chouet, a respected family of winemakers dating back to the 15th century. Regarded for their organic viticulture approaches, the Chavy Chouet Bourgogne Taupe Rouge 2021 encapsulates the producer's commitment to sustainable winemaking, resulting in a wine of outstanding purity.

This full-bodied Burgundy wine boasts an elegant palette, brimming with layers of ripe fruits and balanced accents of spice and underlay of earthy nuances. Notably sophisticated, with persistent structure and graceful tannins, this French red wine is resplendent from first sip to resounding finish.

Destined to create extraordinary moments, the Chavy Chouet Bourgogne Taupe Rouge 2021 is an unparalleled choice for discerning wine collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Proudly presenting the Chavy Chouet Bourgogne Taupe Rouge 2021, a paragon of fine French winemaking. Exquisitely crafted in the heart of Meursault, within Burgundy's lauded Côte de Beaune region, this ruby nectar expresses the deep terroir richness associated with Chavy-Chouet, a respected family of winemakers dating back to the 15th century. Regarded for their organic viticulture approaches, the Chavy Chouet Bourgogne Taupe Rouge 2021 encapsulates the producer's commitment to sustainable winemaking, resulting in a wine of outstanding purity.

This full-bodied Burgundy wine boasts an elegant palette, brimming with layers of ripe fruits and balanced accents of spice and underlay of earthy nuances. Notably sophisticated, with persistent structure and graceful tannins, this French red wine is resplendent from first sip to resounding finish.

Destined to create extraordinary moments, the Chavy Chouet Bourgogne Taupe Rouge 2021 is an unparalleled choice for discerning wine collectors and connoisseurs alike.

The Chavy Chouet Pommard Chanlins 2021 is a masterstroke in fine French winemaking from the acclaimed Burgundy region. A testament to the virtuosity of the Chavy Chouet winery, this single-vineyard wine emanates from the coveted Chanlins climat, enchanting aficionados with its profound complexity and structure. Produced from Pinot Noir grapes, its meticulous vinification in French oak barrels underlies the robust fruit intensities and nuanced oaky undertones.

This vintage is a triumphant expression of the producer's penchant to explore the rich terroir of Pommard, creating wines that are harmonious, supple, and layered. Vintner Romaric Chavy follows organic principles to uphold the purity of the fruit and reflect the authenticity of the local terroir in each bottle. Unmistakably Chavy Chouet Pommard Chanlins 2021, it captures the palate with red fruits, fine tannins, and a long, elegant finish. Purchase to enjoy now, or cellar with confidence for compelling maturity over the next decade.

Introducing the Chavy Chouet Volnay Sous la Chapelle 2021, a Burgundy red par excellence crafted by the esteemed Maison Chavy-Chouet. Nestled deep within the heart of Meursault, this exquisite pinot noir is grown on a 2-acre plot in Volnay, known for its prized terroir. Romaric Chavy, the eighth-generation winemaker, emphasises a 'minimal intervention' philosophy and traditional vinification methods. His meticulous hand-harvesting and rigorous bunch selection, combined with organic farming principles, ensure that only the purest fruit is presented in your glass.

A reflection of its terroir, this wine exquisitely marries opulent fruitiness with a firm structure and finesse. Delivering an enthralling blend of fragrant aromas, the Chavy Chouet Volnay Sous la Chapelle 2021 surprises with dark cherry and blackberry notes, underpinned by earthy tones and balanced acidity. This luxurious embodiment of Volnay’s elegance is perfect for cellaring or for immediate enjoyment with the finest of dishes.

Hailing from the prestigious vineyards of the Loire Valley, the Chereau 2018 is a must for the discerning oenophile. This vintage, produced by esteemed winemakers Maison Chereau, showcases a mesmerising blend of Melon de Bourgogne grapes, embodying their signature style perfected over centuries. Delicate processing methods, including both sur lie and in-bottle ageing, inject a unique complexity, resultantly marrying the wine's innate minerality with a distinctive freshness.

On the palate, the Chereau 2018 unravels a symphony of bright citrus nuances, enlivened by sharp undertones of white peach. A radiant acidity balances the opulent fruitiness, contributing to a lingering finish of serene elegance. As a Muscadet Sevre et Maine sur Lie, it stands testament to the sophisticated craftsmanship of Maison Chereau's centuries-old traditions.

Experience the subtle alchemy of quality French horticulture, transformative vinification, and passionate craftsmanship with the Chereau 2018. It's more than a bottle of wine. It's the embodiment of a rich heritage.

Wine Advocate (86)

At one time elegant, lightweight, and pleasant, the 1979 Cheval Blanc continues to develop in an unexciting fashion. The color is light ruby with a watery edge. The nose offers minty, mineral, earthy, herbaceous aromas backed by some berry and coffee-scented fruit. Light and lacking substance, with a short, angular finish, this wine was more enjoyable several years ago. Drink it up. Last tasted, 5/93.

The Wine Cellar Insider (100)

You could not ask for more in a bottle. The perfume with its blend of spices, espresso, flowers, smoke, cocoa, tobacco, wild cherries, plums, and ash instantly grabs your focus. On the palate, the wine is pure silk and velvet, which caresses you with its layers of vibrant, earthy, pure, red, and black fruits. The concentrated finish is long, deep, intense, and sensuous, gaining in opulence in the glass.

Vinous - Ian D'Agata (91)

Good full ruby-red. Knockout, complex nose offers vibrant aromas of raspberry, sour red cherry, strawberry, licorice and violet, complicated by white pepper and rose. Then moderately dense and fresh in the mouth, with delicately spicy notes of redcurrant, strawberry, licorice, coffee and minerals. This rather elegantly styled wine finishes bright and fresh, with firm, highly polished tannins. This midweight Cheval Blanc lacks the density and concentration of the better vintages, but it has an amazingly pure nose of cabernet franc (I'd score this 95 or more for its aromas) that is a joy to inhale. For those with deep pockets, it's also a fantastic food wine, and a simply amazing buy, since it will cost much less than many other more sought-after Cheval Blanc vintages.

Wine Advocate (88)

It is many years since I last tasted the 1994 Château Cheval Blanc. Here it has an intriguing nose with expressive Cabernet Franc aromas that develop more floral, wilted petal tones with aeration. There are touches of desiccated red cherry and bacon fat. The palate is medium-bodied and nicely structured, quite savory in the mouth and showing some austerity towards the harmonious finish. It is a little curmudgeonly perhaps and I would consume bottles in the next 5-8 years, as it is not going to go anywhere. Tasted March 2015.

Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91)

Moderately saturated medium red. Deeper aromas of plum, loganberry, milk chocolate and spice; seems more vibrant than the '97 today. Good density and weight in the mouth; offers a penetrating sweetness and a smooth texture despite its lively acidity. Finishes youthfully fresh, with firm but not hard tannins and sneaky length.