2022 Comte de Lauze, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, $49.75

Background: Comte de Lauze is a small estate located in the heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.  

It has been run by the same family since 1976 and today is overseen by Anne Foucher who has ten hectares of vineyards in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, as well as 12 in the Côtes du Rhône. Her farming is certified “HVE” (Haute Valeur Environmentale) for her commitment to protecting plant health and ensuring biodiversity in the vineyards. She is known for producing elegant, opulent wines.

Wine details: This blend is typically 45% Grenache Blanc, 35% Roussanne, 10% Clairette, and 10% Bourboulenc, vinified mostly in stainless steel with 10% in large neutral barrels, for added texture. Sourced from the winery’s rock-strewn parcels situated on cooler, north-facing slopes on the northern edge of Châteauneuf-du-Pape where the grapes ripen a bit later. The soil is clay-limestone and the vines are up to 50 years old.

Flavor Profile: A lovely blend of classic white Rhône grapes, it is full-bodied, rich, and elegant, with aromas of peach and white flowers, fresh, balancing acidity, creamy texture, and subtle hints of hazelnut and citrus.

Recommendation: Enjoy it anytime over the next few years, with shellfish (especially scallops), richer fish dishes, roasted vegetables or poultry, or soft cheeses. The winemaker suggests not serving it too cold.

2019 Crossbarn, Cabernet Sauvignon, $60

Background: Paul Hobbs is well known for his namesake winery in Sebastopol, California, which he founded in 1991 after working alongside some of the world’s top winemakers. In 2000, he established a second label, Crossbarn, named for a 150-year-old barn located on the family farm where he was raised in upstate New York. To him, the barn represents his family’s heritage and the values of hard work and integrity. For his Crossbarn wines, Paul farms sustainably, using gentle winemaking techniques. He harvests at night by hand, ferments each vineyard separately, and ages the wines in a combination of stainless steel and minimal new oak.

Wine details: 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot, aged 18 months in 14% new oak. The fruit is sourced from carefully selected vineyards within the Napa Valley appellation.

Flavor Profile: This Napa Cab is refined, elegant, and well-structured, with velvety texture and balanced flavors of rich dark fruit, dried herbs, and hints of dark cocoa.

Recommendation: Enjoy now or over the next five or six years. It would be great with a grilled skirt steak with chimichurri.