began in a French table area and tried some Sancerres (made from Sauvignon Blanc), some white Burgundys (made from Chardonnay) and some white blends. The standout of the bunch was the Boulay Sancerre La Comtesse 2006, which has a subtle perfumi-ness, some nice minerality, and a fabulous mouth feel. The 2006 Morey-St. don't know. MORE >>

Ben Hagan, one of the wine buyers at Slope Cellars in Park Slope, Brooklyn recommends (Slope Cellars prices listed) : Whites: 2006 Caves de Saumur Saumur Les Pouches, $13, LVDH Imports (100% Chenin Blanc). 2006 Caves de Saumur Saumur Les Epinots, $13, LVDH Imports. range. Yup, it costs over $1.50 So there. MORE >>

Savennieres is one of the great Loire Valley appellations, producing amazing white wines made from the chenin blanc grape. Many wines made in Savennieres can improve for decades with cellaring. Tasted back in March, 2006. My personal favorite Savennieres producer is Domaine du Closel. Did you notice that? Mais bien sur! MORE >>

The entire back wall is devoted to Loire whites, including many differe t chenin blancs from Savennieres, Vouvray, and somethimes the lesser known Montlouis sur Loire, Coteaux du Loir and Jasnieres. We checked out the dark and dank cellar where hundreds.thousands (?) We then toured the facilities. MORE >>

The white is called Breze and is 100% Chenin Blanc. have never tasted this wine - it retails at over $70 and I just haven't gone there yet on a Chenin. If I were ever to spend that kind of dough on a Chenin, it would be either this wine or a Joly Coul é e de Serrant. This retails for approximately $35. Bordeaux? MORE >>