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$9.95
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France
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South of France
In stock,
5
available
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A surprisingly lush, full example of its appellation that might disappoint those looking for more typically bright, tart, lighter Picpoul virtues. Ripe pear and honeydew melon are tinged with pungent herbs as well as bitter melon rind and pear pip, and a hint of white pepper in the finish adds further stimulation.
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$9.95
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France
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Loire
In stock, 12+ available
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List $14.00
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87 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "...bright, bracing lemon and lime and borderline grassiness are accompanied by cooling mint, attractively pungent caraway, and a palpable sense of extract and chalky minerality... this gets high marks for sheer tenacity and for its light bulb-like, wake-up personality. (Aug 2008)"
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$9.95
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France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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Importer notes: "This dry Rose comes from Provence, the homeland of the greatest dry Rosé wines. Drinking more like a $20 bottle, the 2012 Bieler is a gem amongst pale pinks with its broad midpalate loaded with wild strawberry and bright berry fruit." 55% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cinsault.
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$9.95
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France
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Rhone
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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Blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Carignan. 60% of the fruit is declassified Côtes-du-Rhône from vineyards in Travaillon, just east of Gigondas and northeast of Vacqueyras. All of the grapes are destemmed to allow the easy fruit to shine through. The wine is fermented and aged in tank to retain its freshness.
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$9.95
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France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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'Wine of the Week,' Santa Rosa Press Democrat: "...a striking rosé with refreshing acidity and notes of currant, raspberry and mineral. It has great balance and a crisp finish. (4/10/13)" Made from 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache.
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$9.95
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WE 87
France
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Bordeaux
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Red
In stock, 12+ available
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List $12.00
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'Best Buy' and 87 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$12 list] With soft tannins, this wine has a full, fleshy character that’s laced with acidity. Black currant fruits and only hints of dryness suggest it is ready to drink. (Sep 2012)"
60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc. Lovely fresh fruit; rich intense and vivid with more red fruit than black. Plenty of concentration on the palate. A big wine with lots of fruit and tannin. Serving Suggestions: Sauteed mushrooms, pate, artisanal cheeses and light pork preparations.
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$8.95
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France
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Bordeaux
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Red
In stock, 12+ available
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88 points CellarTracker: "Black pepper and generic red and black fruits with a hint of orange peel which is a nice touch. It has some aging potential. It will open up over the next ten years and should be drinkable for 20 but it won't be making any major improvements. Very basic Bordeaux but definitely a good value."
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$7.95
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France
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Rhone
In stock, 12+ available
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$8.95
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France
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South of France
In stock,
2
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An assemblage of local grapes from the Gascony region (Chardonnay, Colombard, Manseng, Mauzac, Sauvignon Blanc, and Ugni Blanc) gives this wine clean flavors and a fresh finish. Serve with wide variet of seafood or shellfish, or as an aperitif.
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$6.95
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WA 87
WE 86
France
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Loire
In stock, 12+ available
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87 points David Schildknecht (Wine Advocate): "[$11 list] Laurent Gregoire’s 2009 Muscadet de Sevre et Maine Sur Lie from Domaine de Beauregard (a name that only figures on a neck label, but then, his own is even more hidden-away) delivers the sort of soft, generous satisfaction that was to be derived from his 2005. Suggestions of Persian melon, nut oils, and grapefruit are tinged with salt and herbs, and there is ample juicy refreshment in a finish with alkaline and saline accents. Enjoy it over the coming year. (Aug 2010)"
86 points Wine Enthusiast: "Showing tightly crisp grapefruit and citrus flavors, with an intense dryness and acidity, this is classic Muscadet, fresh, very bright and green. (May 2011)"
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$7.95
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France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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A blend of Colombard and Ugni Blanc. Fruity and refreshing. Colombard brings exotic fruit and citrus fruit aromas, while the Ugni Blanc offers nice roundless and balance. Pair with seafood or shellfish.
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$9.95
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WS 90
JG 89
In stock, 12+ available
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List $13.00
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90 points Wine Spectator: "[$13 list] Rich for a Muscadet, with a lemon curd core, but still plenty tangy and vibrant, with chamomile, sea salt and savory herb notes cutting through the finish. Drink now. Best Values. (11/30/11)"
89 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "This is a really lovely bottle of Muscadet, but the wine is sealed with an artificial cork, so it will need to be drunk up in the first year, as I have had nothing but disastrous results trying to age wines with plastic corks. But, for drinking over the next year there is a lot of pleasure to be had here, as the wine offers up a deep and vibrant nose of lime, green apple, briny ocean tones, a touch of straw and a lovely base of stony soil tones. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and racy, with a lovely core of fruit, fine complexity, crisp acids and outstanding length and grip on the snappy and quite impressive finish. I really wished this wine had been sealed up under natural cork, as the structure here would easily carry this wine for eight to ten years. Good juice. 2012-2013+? (Jan/Feb 2012)"
Classic Muscadet with a nice balance of minerals, melon and citrus in the nose. Excellent acidity backs up a wine that possesses the spritz that is the hallmark of true Muscadet Sur Lie. Bottled unfiltered from vat, this is that perfect wine for all fish and shellfish. No lemon needed.
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$7.95
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France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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Made from 80% old vine Colombard (native to the region), plus Gros Manseng and Ugni Blanc grapes. It shows notes of melon, clean, pure flavors of citus fruit, an engaging herbaceous note, and a pleasingly dry finish. It is an ideal summer quaffer!
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$9.95
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RR 89
WS 87
France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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89 points Rhone Report: "Bottled under screw cap and very fresh and juicy, the 2009 Château Font-Mars Coteaux du Languedoc Picpoul-de-Pinet, 100% Picpoul, sports a light, golden hue to go with edgy, crisp aromas of dried pineapple, subtle honeycomb, flowers, and some green herbs. Medium to light bodied on the palate, with a smooth, focused texture, and lip smacking acidity on the finish, this excellent white will be a perfect apéritif or starter to a meal. (Mar 2011)"
87 points Wine Spectator: "A zesty white, with mineral, green apple and peach flavors that are supported by fresh acidity. The crisp finish offers some creamy notes. Drink now. (11/15/10)"
Producer notes: "Grape variety: Piquepoul. Terroir: Clayey and chalky. Pale gold, crystal clear, light green reflection. Aromas of white peach, ananas and white roses. On the palate, lively, exotic fruits. Best served as an aperitif or with seafood."
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$8.95
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IWC 90
RR 90
RP 89
France
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Rhone
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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90 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(roughly half syrah and half grenache, with a touch of mourvedre): Vivid ruby. Complex aromas of red and dark berries, Indian spices and violet, with slow-building smokiness. Taut and focused on the palate, offering lively bitter cherry and black raspberry flavors that pick up weight with air. Juicy and nicely concentrated Cotes du Rhone with strong finishing punch and lingering spiciness. (May 2012)"
90 points Rhone Report: "Up there with the '07 in terms of quality and simply a fantastic value, the 2009 E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone, a foudre aged blend of 52% Grenache, 45% Syrah, and 3% Mourvedre, boasts upfront, perfumed aromatics of sweet raspberry, kirsch, fresh flowers, sappy underbrush, and licorice to go with a medium to full-bodied, silky, polished, and focused palate. Drinking way past its humble price point, this straight-up delicious Cotes du Rhone will be a crowd pleaser over the coming 4-6 years, possibly longer. (Jun 2012)"
89 points Robert Parker: "...an amazing value. A blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre, it comes primarily from the Plan de Dieu (Plain of God), which is situated northeast of Chateauneuf du Pape. This tank-aged, deep ruby/purple-colored, concentrated, fleshy, medium to full-bodied, supple offering reveals plenty of pepper, kirsch and black currant fruit intermixed with a notion of flowers. It is meant to be consumed during its first 2-3 years of life although I have tasted 10-year-old bottles that are still holding together. (Oct 2011)"
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$8.95
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RR 90
RP 88
IWC 88
France
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Rhone
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Other
In stock,
8
available
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90 points Rhone Report: "Always a stunning value, the 2009 E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone Blanc, half Viognier and the rest a mix of Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette, and Bourboulenc, is no exception and hugely over delivers for the price, showing rich, yet focused aromas of white peach and pineapple fruit that's supported by complex notes of flowers, honey, licorice, and wet slate. Possessing superb richness, while still staying light and fresh, this is medium bodied on the palate with a silky texture, notable balance, and a clean, persistent finish. Hard not to gulp down (and this was at a tasting at 7am in the morning), this beauty should be purchased by the case, and consumed over the coming 2-4 years. (Nov 2010)"
88 points Robert Parker: "The 2009 and 2010 Cotes du Rhone Blancs are blends of 55% Viognier and the rest Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette and Bourboulenc, all aged in tank. While there are multiple bottlings given the massive production, they are consistent from bottling to bottling. The freshness, exotic tropical fruits, fragrant bouquets, dry, fleshy mid-palates and crisp finishes of these wines will be admired by consumers. These wines over-deliver in every sense, and they should drink well for several years. (Oct 2011)"
88 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(55% viognier, 15% marsanne, 13% roussanne and the rest clairette, bourboulenc and grenache blanc) Pale yellow. Melon, nectarine and honeysuckle on the nose, with notes of anise and white pepper adding complexity. Gains sweetness with air and offers pliant honeydew and orchard fruit flavors, with a touch of spice on the back half. I like this wine's complexity and finishing sappiness. (Jan/Feb 2011)"
88 points Wine & Spirits: "A rich, ripe Cotes du Rhone, this is satiny with peach flavor and sparked with white pepper spice. Pitched perfectly for winter dishes, it would also be delicious with some grilled chicken this summer. (Feb 2011)"
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$8.95
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France
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South of France
In stock,
8
available
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List $13.00
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Wine Spectator: "Medium-bodied, with dried berry and cherry flavors leading to a short finish. Drink now. 200 cases imported. (2011)"
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$7.95
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RR 87
France
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South of France
In stock,
6
available
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List $12.00
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87 points Rhone Report: "[$12 list] The 2008 Domaine La Bastide Syrah Vin de Pays d'Hauterive Les Genêts has an interesting bouquet of deep black fruits, mint, smoked meats, pepper, and tobacco. Showing a green herb/underbrush slant right on opening, this improves and shows more fruit and complexity with air. Medium bodied and impressive on the palate, with a silky texture, surprisingly ripe fruit, and juicy acidity, it almost gives the impression of a northern Rhone Syrah as opposed to one coming from the Languedoc. This should drink admirably for 5 years or so. (Nov 2010)"
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$7.95
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France
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "Jean-Luc Colombo has forged an international reputation as one of the most visionary and imaginative winemakers in France's Rhône Valley. Colombo has turned to the vineyards of the blue coast near Marseille for the inspiration behind his Cape Bleue Rosé. The vines grow on calcareous rocks overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and a landscape composed of peaceful olive trees and the garrigue. This dry Rosé, a blend of 67% Syrah and 33% Mourvèdre, has complex flavors of fresh raspberries, cherries, a hint of black olive and finishes with an elegant touch of freshness and spice. Serve with a wide range of fish, poultry and vegetarian fare or as simply as an aperitif at a café terrace by the water's edge."
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$9.95
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WE 88
France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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88 points Wine Enthusiast: "Lightly amylic-pear drop, resin, mineral, stone-fruit and peach-skin aromas dominate the youthful nose of this wine. Very clean and mineral-focused. The medium body and vibrant acidity give the palate a firm texture. Given its short, crisp finish, it is best consumed between now and through 2013. Good by the glass or with light fare. (Jun 2012)"
Producer notes: "Color: Bright yellow with green highlights. Nose: aroma with notes of fruit with white flesh type pear with a hint of citrus. Palate: Fresh and lively, atypically found in the middle palate a slight roundness that softens and helps to differentiate. Food pairing: Seafood, shellfish and grilled fish. Alcohol 12.5%."
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$5.95
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France
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Other
In stock, 12+ available
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Wine Enthusiast: "Crisp, apple-flavored and touched by citrus, this is light and toasty. The finish is dry, fruity and fresh. Ready to drink. (Dec 2012)"
A blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Colombard and Ugni Blanc. The Chardonnay imparts a depth and complexity for the overall balance while the Chenin Blanc lends citrus flavors and hints of honey for a creamy texture. Colombard's higher acidity provides structure and length as well as a pleasant minerality which is supplemented by the Ugni Blanc's fruit profile. Le Grande Courtage is the perfect balance of fruit, acidity and sweetness. It is a crisp, smooth and less yeasty sparkler which is versatile and very cuisine-friendly.
Tasting notes: A light bouquet with aromas of Granny Smith apples, honeysuckle, strawberry and toasted brioche. Perfect balance of fruit, acidity, and sweetness. Lingers nicely with a bit of Meyer lemon, honeydew and continuing apple finish. Great length, clean with a pleasant hint of yeast on the palate. An elegant sparkling wine with balanced acidity, fine bubbles and a light, crisp, refreshing finish.
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$9.95
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France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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Grenache 80%, Syrah 20%. A product of nature that has begun to show its personality. Best appreciated in its youth for its fruitiness and smoothness.
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$8.95
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France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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Blend of 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 30% Grenache Blanc, and 20% Clairette. Attractive, clear, bright, pale gold. Powerful and seductive fruity aroma. Good acidity, lively. Full and fresh. Ready to drink now; should be drunk within 2 years.
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$8.95
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France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "40% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 15% Carignan. Deep, brilliant red. Vinous, complex aromas, with hints of red berries (cherry, blackberry, and strawberry) and spice. On the palate, opens soft and fruity with gentle tannins. Delicate and sophisticated. Finishes long and smooth; a touch rustic, reflecting its terroir. Alcohol 13%. Drink within 3 years."
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$9.95
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France
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South of France
In stock,
4
available
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List $13.00
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Robert Parker: "[$13 list] An excellent estate in Corbieres, with a handful of wines under the Vin de Pays d’Oc designation, the 2010 Capucine Blanc is a value-priced, straightforward, light-bodied, straw-colored wine offering fig, herb, citrus and grapefruit notes. Composed of 95% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Grenache Blanc, it is meant to be drunk in its first 6-12 months of life. (Aug 2011)"
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