France is globally regarded as the historical backbone of fine winemaking. Unlike countries that label wine by the grape variety (such as Merlot or Chardonnay), France labels its wine by terroir—the specific region, soil, climate, and tradition where the grapes were grown. This StarDozen shows this diversity with an example from Burgundy, Bordeaux, Beaujolais and the Cotes-du-Rhone

The StarDozen consists of the following:

3 bottles     Chartron et Trebuchet Bourgogne Rouge 2020
3 bottles     Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Moulin a Vent 2018
3 bottles     Bad Boy Bordeaux 2018
3 bottles     Mont-Redon Reserve Cotes du Rhone 2022

Chartron et Trebuchet Bourgogne Rouge 2020
Bright ruby red color. Aromas of black cherry and spices going towards new leather notes. The palate is fresh, sustained by round and supple tannins. This is a classic Pinot Noir exhibiting depth and density.

Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Moulin a Vent 2018
Bright violet. Ripe blue fruits and candied flowers on the nose and in the mouth. Supple, gently sweet and open-knit, showing good clarity and a hint of spiciness on the back half. Soft tannins sneak in late on a smooth, nicely persistent finish that leaves a jammy boysenberry note behind. Drink: 2021 - 2027; Josh Raynolds; Vinous

Bad Boy Bordeaux 2018
Several very good red Bordeaux wines from the 2018 vintage have been imported. This one had an excellent quality/price rapport. This is an AC Bordeaux with a measure of attitude. It has a very deep colour and profound cabernet-driven aromas of dark berry fruits with a floral high note; the palate strongly built and ripe with emphatic tannins surrounding a core of rich fruit. Long finish; good cellaring potential. Date Tasted: December 2022; Drink: 2023 to 2033; Price: $55.00; Alcohol: 15%; Rating: 93 Points; Huon Hooke; The Real Review

Mont-Redon Reserve Cotes du Rhone 2022
A blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Cinsault and 10% Syrah this wine has all the perfume and fleshy generosity of fully ripe Grenache fruit with freshness and finesse of tannins and that faint hint of provence herbs that makes southern Rhone reds, and Mont-Redon, so popular. Amazing value.