This month’s sampler contains six wines that received a perfect score—or better. Our panel of experts sampled each wine on separate occasions, at his or her desired pace, with appropriately selected food, and in good company. The wines were rated with total respect to the context in which they were tasted. The judges came to the conclusion that these six wines, when imbibed with consideration for the style of wine and region of origin, represent the best of their respective class. All wines therefore received a rating of at least one hundred points.

Perhaps you too will award these wines outstanding scores when you consider their originality, individuality, and integrity to the style each represents. They are maybe not the six best wines ever, but they are honest translations of their terroir, grape, and grower. They excel within their respective class rather than trying to overwhelm all with power or flashiness. Ostertag’s old-vine Sylvaner, for example, does not have the complexity and grandeur of a mature grand cru Burgundy, but it truly shines when matched with a variety of diverse cuisines, and you will be hard-pressed to find a better Sylvaner. Tempier’s Bandol lacks the polish of many of today’s highest-rated reds, yet we appreciate it precisely for its rusticity and untamed soulfulness. Any of these six can be one-hundred-point wines—find the cuisine, mood, and company that bring out the best of each and you are assured a genuinely fulfilling experience.

2013 Müller Thurgau “Sass Rigais” • Manni Nössing $30.00
2013 Les Vieilles Vignes de Sylvaner • Domaine Ostertag 25.00
2013 Patrimonio Blanc • Yves Leccia 38.00
2012 Vacqueyras “Cuvée Azalaïs” • Domaine le Sang des Cailloux 34.00
2012 Bandol Rouge • Domaine Tempier 46.00
2011 Chinon “Les Varennes du Grand Clos” • Charles Joguet 37.00

Normally $210.00
SPECIAL SAMPLER PRICE
$168
(a 20% discount)