Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Les Indigènes — Artisans Partisans, 100% Chenin Blanc, 2024, France 🇫🇷

Overview
Organically grown, native yeast fermentation. Aged 20% in old barrels and 80% in stainless steel under reductive conditions. A mineral-driven, natural-leaning Chenin that balances texture with freshness.

Aromas & Flavors
Dried apricot, preserved lemon, crushed stone, yellow apple skin, subtle hay and chamomile notes.

Mouthfeel
Medium body, dry, textured yet vibrant. Bright acidity carries a slightly oxidative hint layered over a reductive backbone. Savory and structured rather than fruity-forward.

Food Pairings
Goat cheese, roasted chicken with thyme, grilled shrimp, mushroom tart, Comté.

Verdict
A thoughtful Chenin with personality — mineral, slightly wild, and expressive. Not plush, not commercial. A wine that leans into terroir and technique.

Did You Know?
Chenin Blanc is one of the most versatile grapes in the world, capable of bone-dry, sparkling, oxidative, sweet, and everything in between. Indigenous yeast fermentations often enhance its textural and mineral complexity.

🍷 Personal Pick
A casual and natural Chenin that delivers both approachability and taste, my daily companion.
— 2 months ago

Austin Hohnke

9.1

A favorite Willamette Valley producer of mine. The wines are charming, soulful, and Burgundian. There’s so much earthy red fruit here. Cherries, strawberries, leaves, and soil after a fresh rain. Impeccably integrated spice and polish from oak aging. The folks at Illahe are experimental artisans that love the land they work. That consistently shows in their entire lineup. Pair with sautéed mushrooms.

Is anyone else noticing that Europeans are discovering the value of Oregon in comparison to their Burgundian counterparts? 👀 — 2 years ago

Romain Fitoussi

8.9

The delicacy of Beaujolais wines with the beautiful concentration of Morgon wines. First Cuvée by great artisans of the appellation. A wine with direct pleasure but nevertheless deep with lightness. The finish is stretched with herbaceous notes and beautiful tight and persistent tannins.

La gourmandise des vins du Beaujolais avec la belle concentration des vins de Morgon. Cuvée d’entrée de gamme par des artisans de reconnus de l’appellation. Un vin au plaisir direct mais néanmoins profond avec de la légèreté. La finale est tendue avec des notes herbacées et de beaux tanins serrés et persistants. — 5 years ago

Jeremiah Diaz

9.1

Deep purple in color; blackberries, black plums, and black pepper on the nose; high acidity; medium tannins; tastes like blueberries, stewed strawberries, green peppercorns, and crushed gravel with a long finish. — a year ago

David Shaw

9.0

60/40 blend of Cinsault and Grenache noir. Light pink, excellent clarity. Faint red fruit and citrus in the nose. Crisp, strawberry lemon pith and grapefruit pith in the mouth, lactic and mineral finish. If you like high acid rosés with some complexity of texture and savoriness, this is a good choice. Value too. After 24 hours softens up nicely and much more enjoyable — 2 years ago

Samuel Danthine

9.0

Fruit meets earthiness in a relatively round way — 4 years ago

Romain Fitoussi

9.1

When you open a Lapierre you know you are going to have a good time. A gourmet wine with immediate pleasure as the Beaujolais floods know how to produce. Here we are dealing with one of the great artisans of natural wine without the inconvenience that this type of wine sometimes produces. It is a magnificent expression of Gamay, with volume, depth, relief. the nose is just wow! The mouth is incredibly charming .. to (re) discover.

Quand on ouvre un Lapierre on sait qu’on va passer un bon moment.. Vin gourmand au plaisir immédiat comme les crues du Beaujolais savent le produire. Ici nous avons à faire à l’un des grands artisans-historique du vin nature sans les désagréments que ce type de vins produisent parfois. C’est une magnifique expression du gamay, avec du volume, de la profondeur, du relief. le nez est juste wow! La bouche est d’un charme fou.. à (re)découvrir. — 5 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Les Indigènes — “Cultiver” Grenache Blanc — Southern France 🇫🇷

Overview:
A 100% Grenache Blanc from the southernmost Mediterranean-influenced vineyards of France, crafted under the Les Indigènes “Artisans Partisans” project. This is a bright, sun-kissed white focused on purity and refreshment rather than weight or oak influence.

Aromas & Flavors:
Tropical fruit notes, ripe citrus, subtle melon, light white peach, and a clean saline lift.

Mouthfeel:
Dry, crisp, and energetic with lively acidity and a very clean finish. Light-bodied with minimal texture, leaning toward freshness and drinkability rather than richness.

Food Pairings:
Grilled shrimp, ceviche, oysters, Mediterranean salads, goat cheese, light seafood pastas.

Personal Pick:
This is a heat-day wine for me — uncomplicated, refreshing, and dangerously easy to finish. When I want brightness without overthinking structure, this hits the spot.

Verdict:
A lively, Mediterranean Grenache Blanc delivering freshness and simplicity with precision. Best enjoyed young and well-chilled.

🍷 Did You Know?:
Grenache Blanc thrives in warm, dry Mediterranean climates, retaining surprising acidity while developing ripe fruit character, making it one of southern France’s most versatile white varieties. — 2 years ago

Joe C

9.4

Received as gift from friends Paula and Mario. — 4 years ago

Clint Hedtke

9.0

A very lovely red blend. — 5 years ago