Date: October 14- October 18, 2026
The Wines: See below!
French Wine Tasting Line-Up
West Sea Wine Cellars & Tasting Room
Explore four distinctive French wines, traveling from the elegant whites of Burgundy and the Loire Valley to the expressive reds of Chinon and Bordeaux.
1. 2020 Domaine Jérôme Fornerot — Santenay Les Charrons Blanc
BURGUNDY • CHARDONNAY
Region/Appellation: Santenay AOC, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France Grape: 100% Chardonnay Cellar Window: Best enjoyed now through 2026; potentially 2027 Serving Tip: Serve at 50–54°F. Allow 10–15 minutes in the glass to reveal its aromatics and texture.
In the Glass
An elegant white Burgundy featuring aromas of lemon zest, ripe pear, green apple and white flowers. The palate offers a rounded texture with subtle toasted almond, vanilla and mineral notes, balanced by refreshing acidity. As this 2020 vintage matures, expect developing hints of baked apple, hazelnut and honey.
Pair It With
Beautiful alongside mushroom risotto, roasted chicken with herbs, seared scallops in brown butter or halibut with cream sauce. Its lively acidity cuts through rich dishes, while its rounded texture complements buttery sauces. Also excellent with Brie, Comté and Gruyère.
The Story
The Fornerot family’s winemaking roots extend more than 500 years in Burgundy. Jérôme established his own domaine in 2004, focusing on wines that express their individual vineyards. Les Charrons sits on stony clay-limestone soils beneath Santenay’s Trois Croix hill, near the historic Saint-Jean-de-Narosses church. Indigenous yeast fermentation and restrained French oak aging preserve the Chardonnay’s freshness, texture and distinctive minerality.
2. 2022 Domaine Huet — Vouvray Le Haut-Lieu Sec
LOIRE VALLEY • CHENIN BLANC
Region/Appellation: Vouvray AOC, Touraine, Loire Valley, France Grape: 100% Chenin Blanc Cellar Window: Now–2040; optimal drinking approximately 2028–2035 Serving Tip: Serve at 50–54°F. Allow 15–30 minutes to open in the glass or briefly decant.
In the Glass
An exceptionally expressive dry Chenin Blanc showcasing pear, quince, yellow apple, citrus zest and white blossoms. Subtle notes of chamomile, beeswax and chalky minerality add complexity. Concentrated yet vibrant, its rich texture is balanced by lively acidity and a long mineral finish. With age, expect honeycomb, lanolin, toasted nuts and dried orchard fruit.
Pair It With
Excellent with seared scallops, roasted halibut with lemon beurre blanc, crab cakes, pork tenderloin with apple reduction or butternut squash risotto. Its bright acidity balances rich sauces, while orchard-fruit flavors complement pork and poultry. Also pairs wonderfully with aged goat cheese and Comté.
The Story
Founded in 1928 by Victor Huet and his son Gaston, Domaine Huet is among the Loire Valley’s most celebrated Chenin Blanc producers. Le Haut-Lieu, the family’s original vineyard, features deep clay soils over limestone, producing wines known for their generous fruit, texture and remarkable longevity. A pioneer in biodynamic viticulture since 1988, the estate emphasizes minimal intervention to showcase the individuality of its three historic vineyards: Le Haut-Lieu, Le Mont and Clos du Bourg.
3. 2022 Domaine Dozon — Chinon Clos du Saut au Loup
LOIRE VALLEY • CABERNET FRANC
Region/Appellation: Chinon AOC, Touraine, Loire Valley, France Grape: 100% Cabernet Franc Cellar Window: Now–2032; potentially 2035 Serving Tip: Serve slightly cool at 60–63°F. Decant for 20–30 minutes to reveal its fruit and savory complexity.
In the Glass
A lively, elegant Cabernet Franc with aromas of raspberry, black cherry, blackberry and violet, complemented by black pepper, dried herbs and earthy minerality. Medium-bodied with juicy fruit, fine-grained tannins and refreshing acidity, it finishes with subtle spice and an appealing savory character.
Pair It With
Wonderful alongside herb-roasted pork, duck breast with cherry sauce, grilled lamb chops, steak frites or roasted mushrooms. Its acidity balances rich meats, while herbal and earthy notes complement rosemary, thyme and mushroom dishes. Try it with aged goat cheese or Tomme de Savoie.
The Story
Established in 1955 near Chinon, Domaine Dozon was historically known as Domaine du Saut au Loup, a name tied to a woodland spring where wolves were once believed to gather. Since 2013, Éric Santier has focused on sustainable vineyard practices and terroir-driven wines. Clos du Saut au Loup comes from approximately 40-year-old Cabernet Franc vines growing on clay and flint-rich slopes. Extended maceration and aging in large wooden vats and concrete preserve its fruit and mineral character. The 2022 vintage earned recognition in the 2026 Guide Hachette des Vins.
4. 2021 Château Tournefeuille — Lalande-de-Pomerol
BORDEAUX • RED BLEND
Region/Appellation: Lalande-de-Pomerol AOC, Right Bank, Bordeaux, France Grapes: 78% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc Cellar Window: Now–2034; optimal drinking approximately 2026–2032 Serving Tip: Serve at 60–65°F. Decant for 30–60 minutes to soften the tannins and reveal its complexity.
In the Glass
An elegant Right Bank Bordeaux offering aromas of black cherry, ripe plum, blackberry, cocoa and cedar. Merlot provides rounded dark fruit and a velvety texture, while Cabernet Franc contributes freshness, floral lift and subtle herbal notes. Fine tannins, balanced acidity and hints of dark chocolate and spice create a lingering finish. The cooler 2021 vintage emphasizes elegance over power.
Pair It With
An excellent companion to braised short ribs, beef tenderloin, roasted lamb with rosemary, duck or beef bourguignon. Its supple tannins complement rich meats, while its acidity and savory character balance earthy mushroom sauces and herbs. Also delicious with aged Comté, Gruyère or mature cheddar.
The Story
Situated on a clay-and-gravel hillside in Néac, Château Tournefeuille overlooks the prestigious vineyards of neighboring Pomerol. Dating to the 18th century, the estate was acquired by the Petit and Cambier families in 1998 and is now managed by Emeric and Virginie Petit. Its clay-rich soils share similarities with those of Pomerol, producing Merlot with depth and silky texture. Traditional winemaking, concrete fermentation and French oak aging create an expressive Right Bank Bordeaux with elegance and complexity.
