We asked the our national wine panel to taste and rate Old World Wines. As always, these reviews include tasting notes, ratings and suggested retail price for a 750-ml. bottle (unless otherwise noted). Our wine panel consists of trade professionals, retailers and buyers, who grade wines independently and submit their scores and reviews based on our rotating theme. If you would like to join our wine panel, please email Editor Kyle Swartz at kswartz@epgacceleration.com.

RATING SYSTEM

Five Stars (92-100): A top-flight wine. Superior in taste and character and  providing an outstanding price/value relationship.

Four Stars (86-91): A very good wine and an  excellent value. A wine for which customers will keep coming back.

Three Stars: (80-85) An above-average wine, at a reasonable price point, which many customers will enjoy.

FIVE STARS

(97) Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Gran Cru Classe (France)

Regarded by many as the best white Bordeaux of this vintage that will turn the heads of red lovers. The combination of creamy texture, velvety tannins, crisp salinity and clean acidity makes for a firm, bold wine. Warm a Crottin de Chavignol with baguette. Voila! ($199)

(92) El Nido “Clio” Jumilla 2022 (Spain)

Rich and heady, crafted from old vines, monastrell and cabernet sauvignon. Aged in new French and American oak. Blackberry, blueberry and black plum flavors with notes of mocha and vanilla. ($48)

(92) Chateau Paradis Casseuil Bordeaux Blanc Rothschild 2024 (France)

This estate winery belongs to Lafite Rothschild. Bright notes of lemon, pear and green apple, layered with touches of nutmeg and mineral complexity. The refined palate culminates in a long, lingering finish. ($19.99)

(92) Famille Joly Savennieres Les Vieux Clos (France)

From an ancient, biodynamic vineyard, this is a full-bodied, elegant chenin with great complexity. Intense schist underlies a creamy apricot with honey and citrus zest. A touch of spice and apple makes this a perfect match for seared scallops. ($85)

Four Stars

(91) Pascal Bouchard Chablis Classique 2024 (France)

Expressive aromas of apple, pear and citrus. The palate is taut and mineral driven, with flavors of yellow peach, nectarine, lemon and grapefruit layered over flint and slate notes. The finish is lean, vibrant and mineral driven. ($32.99)

(91) Domaine Brusset Laurent B Cotes de Rhone 2024 (France)

Savory and structured, delivering dried black currant, tobacco leaf and smoky undertones up front. Secondary notes of black pepper, leather and herbs de Provence add depth and intrigue. Medium bodied and smooth, with well integrated tannins, refreshing acidity and a lingering complex finish. ($14.99)

(91)  Guy Mousset Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2024 (France)

An aromatic nose of honeysuckle and white peach sets the stage for a round, generous palate. Concentrated flavors of apricot, yellow apple and chamomile linger on the palate, lifted by a refreshing acidity. ($14.99)

(91) Ciguela Tempranillo 2023 (Spain)

A juicy palate of blackberries, blueberries and cinnamon is complemented by notes of vanilla and subtle hints of potting soil. Easy drinking and endlessly appealing, perfect for casual sipping any night of the week. ($8.99)

(91) Bougrier ‘V’ Vouvray 2024 (France)

Aromatic notes of white flowers and candied lemon lead the nose. Flavors of green apple, quince, honeysuckle and ripe pear unfold, touched by a hint of honey. The off-dry palate is beautifully balanced, pairing round richness with a fresh, zesty finish. ($16.99)

(91) 2024 Ropiteau Chardonnay (France)

A crisp, unoaked chardonnay. with fresh aromas of green apple, yellow plum and herbs. Aromas of green apple, yellow plum, and fresh herbs lead into flavors of Bosc pear and white blossom, accented by subtle hints of lemon peel and wet stone. ($14.99)

(91) Flausina Vinho Verde (Portugal)

Lively and refreshing, with energetic notes of clementine, lemon and white peach. High acidity and underlying mineral tones keep the palate vibrant and zippy. ($8.99)

(91) D’Autrefois Reserve Pinot Noir 2024 (France)

Smooth and approachable, offering a graceful flavor arc of red cherry and warm cinnamon spice. Soft tannins and well integrated oak frame the fruit and create balance through the finish. ($17.99)

(90) Bougrier Famille Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (France)

Bright aromas of lemon, pear and elderflower. Fresh acidity keeps the palate lifted, while a subtle herbal note on the finish adds complexity and depth. Clean, crisp and food friendly. ($12.99)

(90) Borrasca Blanc de Blancs (Spain)

Lively flavors of green apple, lemon, and lime creates a fresh, juicy profile that remains beautifully balanced. While enjoyable on its own, this sparkling lends itself perfectly as a versatile base for cocktails. ($9.99)

(90) Chateau La Rose de Vitrac White Bordeaux 2024 (France)

Concentrated flavors of green apple and pear are layered with subtle hints of parmesan and lifted by a flash of lemon and green bell pepper. The result is a distinctive wine that retains balance through to a clean, crisp finish. ($13.99)

(90) Chateau de Nages Buti Nages Rose 2024 (France)

Fresh aromas of raspberry and rose petals lead into a crisp palate showcasing notes of raspberry and strawberry, complemented by hints of lemon and mineral character, creating a bright, refreshing finish. Certified regenerative and organic. ($13.99)

(90) Bodegas Penafiel Miros de Ribera Ribero del Duero (Spain)

Tinto fino, a clone of tempranillo, known for its powerful, structured wines, is at home in Ribero del Duero. Woody spice, balsamic, mineral, blackberry and raspberry all mingle to produce a complex red with great aging potential. Any grilled meat will do!  ($45)

(90) Grangeon Syrah 2023 (France)

From west of the Rhone Valley hails a meaty and peppery complex red composed of 100% syrah. Lifted aromatics remind the taster of a Cote-Rotie that would likely cost three to four times this price. Imported by Chloe Imports. ($90)

(90) D’Autrefois Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (France)

Juicy and expressive, showcasing pear, green apple, elderflower and honeysuckle. The palate offers a touch more richness than expected, balanced by fresh acidity that keeps the wine energetic and approachable. ($14.99)

(90) Seastone Vinho Verde (Portugal)

Crisp lemon and lime flavors glide across a light, refreshing palate. Bright acidity and subtle minerality make this an effortlessly charming wine perfect for warm-weather sipping with friends. ($9.99)

(90) Pardon & Fils Beaujolais Villages 2024 (France)

Concentrated aromas of cherry kirsch, baking spices and a hint of bubble gum lead into a fruit‑driven palate. Fresh red fruit, soft tannins and lively acidity combine to create a smooth, approachable and highly drinkable wine. ($14.99)

(89) Chateau Musar Bekka Valley 2018 (Lebanon)

Crafted from equal parts cabernet sauvignon, cinsault and carignan. A rustic old-school style with dried red fruits, clove and cedar.  A wine with serious ageability. ($70)

Feature photo by Elodie Debard on Unsplash.

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