“Black cherries but also violets and fresh herbs, making this an expressive wine. Some power from the ripe tannins, which has a lot to offer. If it was more elegant at the finish, would definitely rate this even higher. Drink or hold.” – James Suckling

“Very pure, this white delivers expressive aromas and flavors of peach, apple, spice and oyster shell. Lingers on the finish, with elements of spice and brown butter. Drink now through 2020.”

January is a great time to reset the palate, not with a cleanse – but with outstanding Burgundy wines that are actually affordable! We had the opportunity to sit down and taste a handful of wines with Food & Wine magazine’s executive wine editor, Ray Isle. He was really impressed with the Domaine Chanson 2015 Marsannay, adding that it offers “bright raspberry notes, a scent of tea leaves and dry herbs, and an excellent balance of intensity and elegance.”

Wine writer Michael Cervin recounts some of the most interesting conversations and wines he tried during the 2019 World of Pinot Noir conference on IntoWine.com. He had the opportunity to sit down with Vincent Avenel, Managing Director of Domaine Chanson, to taste through several wines from the venerable Burgundy producer’s portfolio and highlighted one of the winery’s flagship wines, the 2016 Clos des Feves Monopole, Cote du Beaune. He noted,  “The cherry, raspberry and blackberry fruit creates a complex, dense red that is packed with a true sense of place, the earthiness and minerality being prevalent.” For any lovers of Pinot Noir or those looking to learn more about the history and complexity this grape offers, we highly recommend reading Michael’s extremely detailed story that speaks to a variety of things that factor into the quality of Pinot Noir, from region/environment to age of the vines and distinctive style. Read the full story HERE

Wine Enthusiast features the Gary Farrell 2017 Olivet Lane Chardonnay and Domaine Chanson 2018 Clos des Mouches Beaune Premier Cru in its recent article highlighting the top chardonnays from both France and California.

While both of these regions are well known for their Chardonnay plantings, the two countries produce vastly different wines. Burgundian Chardonnay can vary from the northerly Chablis to Pouilly-Fuissé. Chablis offers yellow citrus, green apple and pear, and the flavors ripen as you head south, into yellow plum, peach and melon […] In California, winemakers in the Napa and Sonoma have begun to experiment with leaner, more elegant styles than before.

The article includes Wine Enthusiasts 9 top wines from the two regions. The Gary Farrell 2017 Olivet Lane Chardonnay received 94 points and the following review: “Bright, focused and fresh, this wine is defined by its lifted acidity and elongated texture. Apple, pear and nutmeg go along for the ride, punctuating the concentrated fruit core while honeysuckle lingers on the finish.” Similarly, the Domaine Chanson 2018 Clos des Mouches Beaune Premier Cru received 92 points and an equally great review: ” Lifted freshness, as from herb-scented lemons, rises from the glass. The concentrated palate of this wine has a gentle texture that lets fruit speak, edged with pithiness that lends even more mouthfeel. The drive and energy of 2018 are captured well. It finishes dry and poised.”

Read the full story HERE.