2010 - Present Wine

The Secret Ingredient Is Dirt — Brendel’s Multi-Vineyard Napa Cabernet

Brendel sources from some of Napa Valley’s most coveted sites — the eastern side of Rutherford, the highest elevations of Howell Mountain, two diverse plots in St. Helena, and a steep parcel in Oak Knoll. Their philosophy is simple: great wine starts with great dirt. The 2021 Cooper’s Reed Cabernet Sauvignon is a fresh, vibrant expression of Napa’s famed grape — harvested under moonlight, fermented cool, and aged 9 months in upright oak casks to preserve bright red and black fruit character.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | Made by the Heitz team led by winemaker Brittany Sherwood, Brendel's 2021 Cooper's Reed Cabernet Sauvignon now includes a sufficient amount of Sonoma fruit to carry a North Coast AVA on the label—this vintage is approximately two-thirds Napa and one-third Sonoma, and the blend includes 5% Petite Sirah and 1% Merlot. Still made in old oak vats to avoid overt wood influence and just medium-bodied, it's something of a throwback stylistically. Although the fruit is quite obvious upfront, combining black cherries and blackberries, the wine is streamlined and somewhat restrained on the palate, finishing with ample length, hints of star anise and a silky texture. (Vintage 2021). 

As Featured In

San Francisco Chronicle — “Their range of wines are made from some of the best sites in Napa’s most renowned regions. Each vineyard is chosen for its quality and unique aptitude, with soil types ranging from volcanic to clay to bring out the best in each grape. It’s, as they put it, good dirt.”

Winemaker Notes

Brendel Cabernet Sauvignon Cooper’s Reed Napa Valley 2021 750ml

Harvested under moonlight and crushed at cool temperatures, this Cab is thoughtfully monitored throughout fermentation. After 7–10 days, it’s gently pressed to upright oak casks for 9 months of maturation. Fruit sourced from prized Napa and Sonoma vineyards delivers mouthwatering structure with bright red and black fruit throughout.

— Brittany Sherwood, Director of Winemaking

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Key Sites: Rutherford, Howell Mountain, St. Helena, Oak Knoll
• Producer: Brendel
• Vintage: 2021
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural Napa Cab pairing — excellent with grilled ribeye, roasted lamb, mushroom risotto, aged gouda, and hearty pasta.

High on the terraced slopes above the River Anoia, where marine soils hold the memory of an ancient sea, Raventós i Blanc has been quietly redefining what sparkling wine can be. The De La Finca is their most personal expression — drawn exclusively from vineyards first classified by Pepe Raventós’s grandfather, on plots of singular character that demand lower yields and reward patience above all else.

The 2022 is a blend of 60% Xarel·lo, 30% Macabeu, and 10% Parellada, whole-cluster pressed and fermented in concrete to preserve freshness and build for longevity. After reférmenting in bottle, it ages no fewer than 30 months on the lees, sealed with cork — a commitment to complexity that few producers in Catalonia match. Bone dry, unadjusted, and released as a Brut Nature. Certified organic and biodynamic.

The result is a sparkling wine of extraordinary precision: a bright, almost luminous yellow-gold with tiny, tightly integrated bubbles. The nose is expressive and layered — yeasts, Mediterranean herbs, white almond, chalk, and a subtle mineral salinity drawn from the fossil-rich limestone beneath the vines. On the palate it is vibrant and clean, with ample mousse, real weight and volume, and a long, phenolic finish that speaks of place and time in equal measure.

• Appellation: Conca del Riu Anoia, Catalonia, Spain
• Blend: 60% Xarel·lo, 30% Macabeu, 10% Parellada
• Farming: Certified Organic & Biodynamic
• Method: Traditional Method, 30+ months on lees
• Style: Brut Nature (bone dry, unadjusted)
• Production: 55,000 bottles

Expert Reviews:

93 Wine Advocate — “Vibrant, clean and precise palate, super tasty… a generous wine from a generous year.”

92 James Suckling — “Almost bone-dry on the palate, with an ample mousse and very good weight and volume.”

Food Pairings: Oysters, grilled langoustine, aged Manchego, or simply as an aperitif on its own terms.

Château Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon — Columbia Valley, Washington 2022

Château Ste. Michelle is Washington State’s founding winery and one of the most important names in American wine. The Indian Wells label is their warm-climate expression — sourced from the Indian Wells Vineyard and a selection of other warm-climate Washington sites ranging from the Wahluke Slope to Cold Creek Vineyard in the Columbia Valley. These are some of the hottest, most sun-drenched growing sites in the Pacific Northwest, producing grapes of exceptional ripeness, concentration, and dark fruit intensity. The result is a lush, opulent New World Cabernet that delivers serious pleasure at an honest price: rich, round, and full-bodied, with the kind of generous fruit that makes it immediately approachable.

The nose is dark and inviting — blackberry, black cherry, and ripe plum with a hint of mocha and spice. Syrah (12%) adds richness and concentration; Merlot (3%) rounds out the texture. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with a lush, velvety mouthfeel, concentrated dark fruit, and a smooth, lingering finish. Aged 18 months in a combination of neutral and new American and French oak, with gentle pump-overs to extract optimal flavor and color while minimizing harsh tannins.

• Producer: Château Ste. Michelle, Woodinville, Washington, USA
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Columbia Valley AVA
• Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Syrah, 3% Merlot
• Aging: 18 months in 75% neutral oak, 20% new American oak, 5% new French oak
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, black cherry, ripe plum, mocha, spice, velvety finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, BBQ brisket, lamb chops, aged cheddar, mushroom burgers

Washington State’s most celebrated winery delivers a lush, warm-climate Cabernet built for the table — Indian Wells is the Columbia Valley red that over-delivers at every price point.

Winemaker Description & Memo Notes

The Umathum Zweigelt Rotburger Classic 2022 is a standout example of Austria’s most-planted red grape. Produced by Josef "Pepi" Umathum, a pioneer in biodynamic viticulture in the Burgenland region, this wine is celebrated for being "crushable" yet sophisticated.

The name "Rotburger" is used here as a nod to the grape's historical name (Zweigelt is a cross of Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent).

Tasting Notes

•    Appearance: Deep ruby red with a youthful purple rim.   

•    Nose: A "cherry bomb" on the nose—expect intense aromas of sour cherry, blackberry, and raspberry, accented by a distinct black pepper spice and a touch of damp earth or flint. 

•    Palate: Fresh and juicy with medium body. It features vibrant acidity and soft, silky tannins. The palate mirrors the nose with tart red fruit and a savory, spicy finish.

•     Structure: Fermented with natural yeasts and aged for one year in large, neutral Austrian oak barrels (foudres) to preserve the purity of the fruit rather than adding heavy oak flavors. 
        
Pepi Umathum is one of Austria's best known producers. In the Burgenland growing district called Neusiedlersee (Lake Neusiedl), he counts as one of the great champions of the traditional Austrian grape varieties. His main holdings are Rotburger (Zweigelt), St Laurent and Blaufrankisch with a bit of Welschriesling, Roter Traminer, the extremely rare Gelber Traminer, and the unusual ancient Lindenblattriger (Harslevelu in Hungary).

Pepi has embraced the intricacies and harmonies of biodynamic viticulture, and for most of his wines, which are all hand-harvested, he prefers to use large barrels of native Austrian oak, which underscores the clear fruit aromatics of the wines. Some of the high-toned single vineyard bottlings are matured in smaller oak barrels and barriques, and are first released three years after the vintage. 

Memo Summary Notes

Notably, Umathum uses the name "Rotburger" (the original name for Zweigelt) to move away from the controversial historical associations of the grape's namesake, Dr. Zweigelt.

Tasting Notes

1848 Winery's 2nd Generation Chardonnay is an unoaked expression that lets the fruit speak for itself. Expect a fresh, clean palate with notes of green apple, citrus, and white peach, balanced by lively acidity and a crisp, refreshing finish — a versatile Kosher white that pairs effortlessly with any table.

About the Wine

Crafted by 1848 Winery, one of Israel's storied producers, the 2nd Generation series honors the tradition of Kosher winemaking while embracing a modern, approachable style. Unoaked and food-friendly, this Chardonnay is a go-to for everyday enjoyment and festive occasions alike, including Passover.

Food Pairing

Pairs beautifully with grilled fish, light poultry, salads, and soft cheeses. An excellent choice for Shabbat and holiday tables.

Product Details

• Appellation: Israel
• Varietal: Chardonnay (Unoaked)
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Certification: Kosher, Kosher for Passover
• Producer: 1848 Winery

Eguren Ugarte Cincuenta Rioja 2017 is an elegant and beautifully balanced Spanish red crafted from 100% Tempranillo in the renowned Rioja wine region. Produced by the historic Eguren Ugarte family winery in Rioja Alavesa, this expressive wine combines rich fruit character, refined oak influence, and the distinctive elegance of traditional Rioja winemaking.

Aged for 14 months in French and American oak barrels, followed by additional bottle maturation, the wine develops remarkable depth and complexity while retaining its vibrant fruit character.

#23 Top 100 Best Buys 2026

 ruby-red in color, the 2017 Cincuenta opens with inviting aromas of ripe cherries, dark plums, red berries, and subtle toasted oak. On the palate, layers of black cherry, raspberry, sweet spice, and hints of chocolate unfold alongside bright acidity and polished tannins. Medium-bodied and beautifully structured, it offers a silky texture and a long, flavorful finish.

Expert Reviews

Wine Enthusiast – 92 Points, Best Buy: This dark garnet wine has a nose of black cherry, butterscotch and olive tapenade. It is spicy on entry, offering eucalyptus and clove notes alongside flavors of dark and red berries. Bittersweet chocolate and orange zest. Luxurious tannins build slowly and then remain on the palate.

James Suckling – 92 Points: An unassuming nose of plums, cherries, earth and sweet spices. Medium-bodied with assertive, chalky tannins and bright acidity. Lively and elegant with a silky texture and lots of cherry character on the palate. Succulent fruit lingers through the long, fruit-oriented finish. Drink or hold.

Food Pairing: An excellent companion to grilled lamb, roasted meats, beef, mushrooms, Spanish tapas, charcuterie, and aged Manchego cheese.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Jane Anson 95 Points | Tasted at the Palmères de Castillon event, where I was a jury member, and this was one of the wines picked out blind. I checked it against a different bottle at home later, and suggest that it is given at least half an hour in a carafe, as it remains fairly closed, but once again this is proof of the quality of 2022, and it's a seriously impressive wine that offers wonderful value. I'm always a fan of Clos Puy Arnaud, and you get the deft precision of the winemaking here, coupled with ripe blueberry and raspberry fruits, liquorice, black tea, pomegranate and slate-scrape tannins. 

Vinous 94 Points | The 2022 Clos Puy Arnaud is a dense, extroverted wine. Inky dark fruit, licorice, menthol and cloves are all amplified. Usually Clos Puy Arnaud is more refined, but in 2022, the vintage dominates and speaks loudly. Even so, this is a compelling offering. I look forward to tasting it with bottle age. 

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | Sleek and polished, with alluring notes of blackberry puree and warmed cassis that glide through, while fine-grained tannins, a buried chalky spine and a gilding of sweet tobacco add range and length. Shows a mouthwatering floral echo at the end.

Memo Summary Notes

Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon.

The 2022 Clos Puy Arnaud is a standout release from the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, largely considered one of the best "value" wines of this highly acclaimed vintage. Produced by Thierry Valette (whose family famously once owned Château Pavie), this estate is a pioneer in biodynamic viticulture on Bordeaux's Right Bank.

The 2022 vintage in Bordeaux was marked by extreme heat, but Clos Puy Arnaud’s limestone plateau location helped maintain remarkable freshness.

Chateau D'Issan · Margaux · 2022

The Chateau D'Issan Margaux 2022 is a historic release for this 1855 Third Growth estate. It has achieved legendary status early on, being named James Suckling's #1 Wine of the Year for 2025. This vintage also marks a significant technological milestone for the property, as it is the first to be vinified in their state-of-the-art vat room featuring smaller, plot-specific tanks for extreme precision.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

James Suckling, 98 Points — This is really luxurious, showing blackcurrants and orange peel with cedar and dried-mushroom aromas following through to a medium to full body that grows on the palate. This has crunchy and lightly chewy tannins that are slightly austere but in an elegant, classical Bordeaux way. Chewy at the end. So much energy and vibe. So complex. Probably the greatest wine ever from here. A blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 2% cabernet franc, 2% malbec and 1% petit verdot. Best after 2028 but already a joy to taste.

Jeb Dunnuck, 96 Points — The deep ruby/purple-hued 2022 Château D'Issan is rock star stuff, offering a massive array of red and black fruits, spring flowers, violets, smoky tobacco, and a beautiful sense of minerality. This full-bodied, powerful, concentrated Issan has a layered, seamless mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and a great finish.

Decanter, 96 Points — Deep, heady, really quite seductive and aromatic on the nose, draws you in with bramble fruits, chocolate, exotic spices and perfumed floral nuances. Juicy and lively, pure and focussed, but such a vibrancy to this wine. Sweet and sour elements combine with really salty, chalky, powdery and quite filling tannins that give the nuance of flavour and texture. Bright yet serious, finessed yet layered. Lovely intensity of elements. On the more savoury side right now in terms of lingering flavour but there's mouthwatering acidity giving the liveliness and sense of fun. I really like this, textured, upfront, forward, extremely drinkable and so approachable, but thrilling too. An exciting wine with great integration and finesse and still clear strength underneath. One of the most exciting wines this year. Stylish, potent and polished. I love it! A yield of 30hl/ha. Harvest 15 - 28 September. 1% PV planted in 1948, 12% press wine. 2% Malbet and 1% Petit Verdot complete the blend. Total acidity: 3.55. 50% new barrels. 3.67pH.

The Wine Advocate, 95 Points — The 2022 D'Issan has turned out beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of minty cassis, rose petals, pencil shavings and vine smoke. Medium to full-bodied, suave and velvety, it's deep, complex and well-balanced, with a sweet core of fruit and ripe structuring tannins.

Vinous, 94 Points — The 2022 d'Issan is a potent, tightly wound wine. Gravel, incense, leather, licorice and plum fill out the layers. This deep, virile Margaux is in no mood to show its cards today. I expect it to be very slow to mature. There's a lot of wine here. Powerful tannins dominate, which is unusual considering that Issan is often more charming at the outset.

Pairings

Classic: Roast lamb with garlic and rosemary or a pan-seared duck breast.
Rich & Savory: Beef tenderloin with a truffle reduction or a hearty mushroom risotto.

Specs

• Producer: Chateau D'Issan (1855 Third Growth, Margaux)
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Margaux, Bordeaux, France
• Blend: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot
• Accolade: James Suckling's #1 Wine of the Year, 2025
• Size: 750ml

Expert Review — Vintage 2021

Decanter 96 Points (Clive Pursehouse) | "Quite the Chardonnay from Brianne Day and the renowned Eola Springs Vineyard in the best Chardonnay appellation in America." Three different blocks and three different clones: Hyde Wente, Mount Eden, and Dijon 96. Captivating lemon curd aromas and rich, honeyed apricots followed by almond pastry cream — dollops of rich lemon cream, ripe peach fuzz, and rich apricot flesh.

Winemaker Notes

Brianne Day chose three blocks and three clones from the gorgeous Eola Springs Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills to get to know the site intimately. Hyde Wente and Mount Eden (California heritage clones) were picked earlier for structure and acid; Dijon 96 was picked later for stone fruit and riper character.

The result is lively, lithe, and built on a solid mineral structure with a supple, glossy mid-palate. Lemon curd, peaches, river stones, lime zest, sweet orange, honeysuckle, and a hint of pastry all come to mind.

Tasting & Pairings

Lemon curd, honeyed apricot, almond pastry cream, peach fuzz, river stones, lime zest, and honeysuckle. Lively and lithe with mineral structure and a glossy mid-palate. Serve lightly chilled.

• Lobster or crab with drawn butter — the wine’s richness and acidity are a perfect match.
• Roasted chicken with tarragon — a classic pairing for textured, mineral-driven Chardonnay.
• Aged Comté or Gruyère — nutty cheeses complement the pastry cream and stone fruit notes.

Critical Acclaim

• James Suckling – 92 Points | “Grapefruit, lemongrass and golden apples on the nose, alongside salted almonds. Medium-bodied, cool and mineral, with zesty and reductive undertones. Made in clay vessels.”

Tasting Notes

A racy, flavoursome Sauvignon Blanc with green pineapple, gooseberries, and quince on the nose, alongside a refreshing salinity of ocean spray and kelp. The palate delivers green citrus, lemongrass, and litchi, with an edgy textural linearity from flint and oyster shells. Cool, mineral, and utterly distinctive.

About the Wine

The Amphora Sauvignon Blanc is part of the Gabriëlskloof Range — a selection of boutique-style wines from this acclaimed Bot River estate that consistently over-deliver on quality and value. True to its name, this wine is fermented and aged in clay amphora vessels, a winemaking technique that preserves freshness and imparts a unique mineral texture without the influence of oak. The result is a Sauvignon Blanc of striking individuality and coastal character.

Food Pairing

A natural match for oysters, grilled linefish, sushi, ceviche, and fresh goat cheese. Serve well chilled.

Product Details

• Appellation: Bot River, Western Cape, South Africa
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Vessel: Clay Amphora
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Producer: Gabriëlskloof

Terra Vega Malbec — Valle Central, Chile 2023 · 375ml Half Bottle

Terra Vega draws on Chile’s long winegrowing tradition, pairing that heritage with modern winemaking. This Malbec comes from Valle Central in a 375ml half bottle, a convenient format for a smaller dinner or a glass or two without opening a full-size bottle.

The winemaker describes a deep ruby color, berries and cherries on the nose, with black pepper and light vanilla and chocolate notes. Plum and spice carry through a juicy, structured palate. Pour it with grilled meats, hearty vegetables or a simple weeknight supper.

This Malbec shows an intense, deep ruby red color. In the nose are aromas of berries, cherries, followed with notes of black pepper and light touches of vanilla and chocolate. On the palate, notes of plums and spices stand out with an impeccable structure and juiciness.

Terra Vega · Winemaker Description

• Producer: Terra Vega
• Vintage: 2023
• Region: Valle Central, Chile
• Varietal: Malbec
• Size: 375ml half bottle
• Tasting Notes: Berries, cherries, plum, black pepper, vanilla, chocolate and spice, per the winemaker
• Best Paired With: Grilled meats or hearty vegetables

Chilean Malbec in a half-bottle format, made for a satisfying pour at a smaller table.

The Icon of Super Tuscans — Tignanello at Its Finest

Few wines in the world carry the legacy and prestige of Tignanello. Created by Marchese Antinori in 1971, it was the wine that rewrote the rules of Italian winemaking — the first Sangiovese-based wine to be aged in small French oak barriques, and the first to blend Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The 2022 vintage is a stunning expression of this storied wine: concentrated and velvety, yet precise and energetic, with the hallmark Tignanello tension that rewards both immediate pleasure and long cellaring.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

• Wine Advocate — 97 pts: "Rich and fruit-forward, the 2022 Tignanello very much respects the vintage. It delivers extra fruit weight with a velvety, satiny feel over a generous mouthfeel. Blackcurrant and cherry, with a mineral note that keeps things focused. A beautiful expression of the vintage, with excellent work done to execute soft tannins, texture and length."
• James Suckling — 96 pts: "There's extraordinary energy in this wine. A dark nose of black cherries, bramble fruit, violets, forest, licorice, bark, carob and leather. Density and tension dominate the full-bodied palate, with firm, velvety tannins. Crunchy and full of potential."
• Vinous — 95 pts: "Such an elegant, poised wine. Brisk acids cut through a core of red Sangiovese fruit. Crushed flowers, mint, cinnamon, rose petal and a kiss of French oak appear later, adding notable brightness. All the elements are very nicely balanced throughout."
• Decanter — 95 pts: "Succulent palate of good intensity. Well balanced and bright, with cashmere tannins supporting a core of sapid hedgerow berries outlined by crushed rock minerality and bitter herbs."
• Wine Spectator — 94 pts: "Rich texture wraps around plum, cherry, graphite, tobacco and earth flavors, with a line of dusty tannins underneath. Fresh, elegant and long. Best from 2027 through 2040."

Winemaker Notes

Marchese Antinori Tignanello Toscana 2022 750ml

The 2022 Tignanello is a blend of 78% Sangiovese, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Cabernet Franc, sourced exclusively from the Tignanello estate vineyard in the Antinori hills. The wine is aged in French oak barriques for approximately 12 months, followed by further bottle aging before release. The result is a wine of extraordinary depth and elegance — dark fruit, floral lift, mineral precision, and the long, structured finish that has made Tignanello one of Italy's most collectible wines.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Sangiovese (78%), Cabernet Sauvignon (18%), Cabernet Franc (4%)
• Appellation: Toscana IGT, Tuscany
• Producer: Marchese Antinori
• Vintage: 2022
• Aging: French oak barriques, ~12 months
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A wine built for the table — exceptional with bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised lamb, wild boar ragù, aged Pecorino, truffle risotto, and slow-roasted beef.

Frog's Leap · Napa Valley, California · 2023

Frog's Leap is one of Napa Valley's most celebrated organic estates, farming without pesticides or herbicides since 1981 and dry-farming their vineyards to encourage deep root systems and natural vine stress. Their Shale and Stone Chardonnay takes its name from the ancient fractured shale soils beneath their Napa Valley vineyards — a terroir that imparts a striking minerality and stony tension rarely found in California Chardonnay. Vinified entirely in concrete with extended sur lie aging, this wine is crafted without new oak, allowing the fruit and soil character to speak for themselves.

The 2023 vintage in Napa Valley delivered ideal growing conditions — warm days, cool nights, and a late harvest that built exceptional concentration while retaining the freshness that defines this bottling. In the glass, spiced apples and ripe pears open alongside hints of citrus peel and raw almonds. The palate is taut yet generous — medium to full-bodied with a compact, lightly phenolic texture, vivid acidity, and a long, lingering mineral finish. Drink now or hold through 2028.

"Spiced apples and pears with hints of citrus peel and raw almonds on the nose. Tense and juicy with medium to full body and a compact, lightly phenolic texture. Vivid and lingering."
— James Suckling, 91 Points.

"The 2023 Chardonnay Shale and Stone, from Truchard in Carneros, is all class. Apricot, lemon confit, marzipan, tangerine peel, tropical fruit and a kiss of French oak grace this exotic, dynamic Chardonnay from Frog's Leap. Airy and gracious, with stunning balance, the 2023 is fabulous in every way." - 96 Points VINOUS

• Producer: Frog's Leap Winery, Rutherford, Napa Valley
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Napa Valley AVA, California
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Farming: Certified Organic, Dry-Farmed
• Vinification: Concrete aging, extended sur lie, no new oak
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Spiced apple, ripe pear, citrus peel, raw almond, stony minerality, vivid acidity
• Food Pairings: Grilled halibut, roast chicken, oysters, goat cheese, vegetable risotto

Napa Chardonnay at its most honest — organic, unoaked, mineral-driven, and built to last.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

The Wine Spectator 95 Points | This is supple and complex, delivering cherry, strawberry, summer meadow, earth, leather and iron aromas and flavors. Firmly structured, this picks up a hint of licorice as it winds down on the lingering finish, with tannins that are solid yet civilized. Shows fine potential. Best from 2028 through 2046. 1,670 cases made, 540 cases imported.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | The medium red 2020 Barolo Cascina Nuova is spiced and fruity with notes of ripe grenadine, pink peppercorn, dried apricots, and polished leather. Open and approachable, it offers ripe, supple tannins, even acidity, and a clean finish with good length. It’s a very charming wine with a wide drinking window for enjoyment over the next 10 years.

Château Haut Gaudin · Bordeaux Supérieur · Bordeaux · France · 2020

Château Haut Gaudin is a classic Right Bank Bordeaux estate producing Merlot-dominant blends in the Bordeaux Supérieur appellation — the category that consistently delivers the best value in all of Bordeaux. The 2020 vintage is one of the finest in recent memory for the region: a warm, dry growing season with ideal ripening conditions that produced wines of exceptional concentration, structure, and longevity. At this price point, the Haut Gaudin 2020 is a remarkable over-achiever, earning 91 points from Decanter and offering classic Bordeaux character with genuine depth and elegance.

Deep ruby in the glass, the wine opens with earthy aromas of red and black plum, spice, and leather — the hallmarks of well-made Right Bank Bordeaux. On the palate, it is soft and flexible with lovely, ripe tannins, fruity notes recalling ripe grapes, and a long, satisfying finish. Approachable now, with the structure to reward a few more years in the cellar.

“Earthy, red and black plum flavours with spicy, leathery notes, lovely tannins and a long finish.”
— Decanter · 91 Points · Vintage 2020

• Producer: Château Haut Gaudin, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Bordeaux Supérieur AOC
• Primary Varietal: Merlot
• Style: Dry red — soft, elegant, fruit-forward
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red plum, black plum, earthy spice, leather, ripe fruit, long finish
• Pairings: Grilled red meats, lamb chops, duck confit, aged cheeses, charcuterie

Decanter 91 · Bordeaux Supérieur 2020 — classic Right Bank Merlot from one of Bordeaux’s finest recent vintages. Exceptional value.

Eight Generations of Farming — Mettler Family’s Lodi Cabernet

The Mettler family has farmed the same land in Lodi for eight generations — one of California’s longest continuous farming legacies. Their 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to that deep-rooted connection to place: elegant, accessible, and built for the long haul. Lodi’s warm days and cool Delta breezes produce Cabernet of exceptional ripeness and balance at an outstanding everyday price.

Winemaker Notes

Mettler Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Lodi 2022 750ml

Deep garnet in color with inviting aromas of dark cherry and nutmeg. Flavors of dark cherry and plum with a hint of vanilla, perfectly paired with balanced acidity and moderate tannins. Elegant and accessible now, with the structure and complexity to age beautifully for many years.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Lodi, California
• Producer: Mettler Family Vineyards
• Vintage: 2022
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A classic California Cab pairing — excellent with grilled ribeye, BBQ brisket, roasted lamb, aged cheddar, and hearty pasta dishes.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

On the nose, this wine is fruit forward with a touch of apple, peach and apricot with a slight spice. Fresh and tangy, fine spices, white pepper and round body.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Harvest hand made. Fermented in stainless steel with hyper-oxygenation of the musts. Maturation on fine lees. Malo-lactic done. Bottled under vacuum. Straw yellow, elegant and refined on the nose with complex fruit aromas. Mature wines have a bouquet of toasted almonds and straw.

Marcel Lapierre · Morgon, Beaujolais, France · 2024 · 750ml

Marcel Lapierre Morgon Cuvée S Organic 2024 showcases Gamay from one of Beaujolais’s cru appellations. Morgon’s granitic soils provide the backdrop for a wine whose existing tasting notes highlight red berries, fresh acidity, and an earthy thread.

Producer & Terroir

Lapierre’s organic approach and low-intervention winemaking, including fermentation with indigenous yeasts. This Morgon balances fruit character with the structure and freshness that make it an inviting companion at the table.

Tasting Notes

Raspberry and cherry aromas meet hints of minerality and spice. The palate is vibrant, with smooth tannins, fresh acidity, and herbal nuances, leading to a long, fresh finish with subtle earthy notes.

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

Neal Martin, Vinous, 90–92 Points · 2024 Morgon, barrel sample: The 2024 Morgon that I tasted from barrel came from the first and third pickings. There is plenty of vivacious white-tipped strawberry and Morello cherry on the nose. The palate is lively and very citrus-driven with red cherries, orange zest, noticeably "punchy" acidity and a chalky finish.

Pairing Suggestions

Pair with charcuterie, roast chicken, or roasted meats. Mushroom dishes are another serving suggestion for exploring its earthy nuances.

Details

• Producer: Marcel Lapierre
• Cuvée: S
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Morgon
• Region: Beaujolais
• Country: France
• Grape: Gamay
• Farming: Organic, as identified in the listing
• Bottle size: 750ml

Vibrant red fruit and fresh structure for a versatile table wine.

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Vermentino is the star white grape variety of the Tuscan coast, perfectly capturing the feel of an afternoon in the Maremma hills looking out at the Tyrrhenian Sea. Aia Vecchia blends in a small amount of Viognier to add an intriguing hint of tropicality. The aged in stainless steel tanks for four months; aged two months in bottle before release. 

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Straw-yellow with typical greenish hues.

Wide, delightful, wildflower, almonds scent, white and yellow fruits such as apple, pear, white plum and gooseberry.

Fresh, dry, intense, harmonic and pleasantly fruity, smooth with a good body, well-balance acidity and pleasantly long-lasting aftertaste. Perfect affinity Nose-Palate.

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The Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | The nose of this wine is herbal and earthy, with notes of oregano and hiding in the background are fruits such as peach and blueberry. Salinity and texture make this wine irresistible, while mouthwatering acidity gives this wine a long finish. Great to pair with food.

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It fermented in stainless steel and matured in French and American oak barrels for two years and was kept in bottle for another three. It has a textbook spicy nose with sweet spices, smoke and toast, berry fruit and herbs, a touch of forest floor and truffles, with a moderate 13.5% alcohol and balancing freshness.

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Dornfelder is an extremely popular German red grape that is based on four classic varieties: Lemberger (aka Blaufränkisch), Portugieser, Frühburgunder, and Trollinger. It produces fruity, medium-bodied wines with deep color and good acidity. Made in a medium-sweet, fruit-forward style, its lightly floral aroma and plush flavors of plums and cherries are well balanced by velvety tannins. It has an intense color, lip-smacking flavor, and pairs well with a wide variety of foods.

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James Suckling 92 Points | Ripe dark berries, grilled herbs, licorice, ground cloves and walnuts on the nose. Full-bodied, dense and creamy, with velvety tannins and a fruit-forward, seductive aftertaste. Succulent and concentrated. Drink or hold.

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Borgoforte is a small village in the middle of our Estate that proved too strong to conquer

A strong village. Like our new red wines, it symbolizes the resilient and charming character of the Tuscans.

This wine is made in the “Super – Tuscan” style by adding Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes to the classical grape of Tuscany, Sangiovese.

Each year we add selected wines to the blend to bring subtle complexity and richness without losing the flavor of the traditional wines of Tuscany. Grapes picked at optimum ripeness ensure a wine which expresses itself in its ripe blackfruit components and full body. A true reflection of flavours which are a marriage of our soils under the Tuscan sun. For smooth body and elegance, the wine is aged in small oak barrels.We enthusiastically recommend this wine with pasta, red meats and game of any kinds.

Winemaker's Notes

Castello Monaci crafts Kreos as a dry, elegant rosé that captures the sun-drenched character of Salento, Puglia. Bright and aromatic on the nose, it opens with lingering floral notes alongside fresh cherries, raspberries, and redcurrants.

On the palate, Kreos is velvety and rounded with a tangy, minerally backbone and an intoxicatingly fresh finish. Ripe fruit notes linger beautifully — making this an ideal companion for warm evenings, light Mediterranean fare, or simply on its own.

• Winery: Castello Monaci
• Appellation: Salento IGP, Puglia, Italy
• Varietal: Negroamaro
• Vintage: 2025
• Format: 750ml
• Style: Dry, elegant, fruit-forward rosé
• Pairings: Seafood, light pasta, charcuterie, aperitivo

Producer Notes

Pazo de La Cuesta is a boutique estate in Ribeira Sacra, one of Spain’s most dramatic and exciting wine regions — where steep, terraced vineyards plunge toward the Sil River in Galicia. The Batanero is made from Brancellao, a rare indigenous red grape variety that thrives in the region’s granite soils and cool Atlantic climate. Elegant red with purple nuances and a medium-high depth. Deep nose of cherry, blackcurrant, stone fruits, compotes, and sweet toasted wood. Very direct attack on the palate where freshness and the passage of time prevail. Aromatic nuances emerge at retronasal, calling for another sip to recall them.

Food Pairings

• Roasted lamb or slow-braised pork
• Pulpo a la gallega (Galician octopus)
• Aged Tetilla or Arzúa-Ulloa cheese
• Mushroom dishes or charcuterie

Winemaker Description 

Moscato d’Asti D.O.C.G Grape variety: Moscato 100%

A bright straw-yellow color with slightly shimmering hints of gold. Intense aromas of ripe yellow fruit (peach, apricot), floral notes (rose petals, acacia flowers) and ginger. Sweet and delicate on the palate, with modest acidity, good balance and complexity.

Hints of fresh apricot on the finish.r

Sourced from small vineyards in Castiglione Tinella, with 4,500 plants per hectare. The vines, cultivated with the Guyot-system have an average age of 40 years.

Limestone- and clay-rich soil.

A percentage of around 5.5% alcohol by volume is reached, the temperature is quickly reduced to stop the fermentation.

The wine, which is only partially fermented, is then filtered. The wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation and is bottled using sterile filtration.

Kendall-Jackson · Low Alcohol Sauvignon Blanc · California · 2023

Kendall-Jackson's Low Alcohol Sauvignon Blanc is built for drinkers who want the crisp, expressive character of California Sauvignon Blanc without the usual alcohol and calorie load. At just 9% ABV, it delivers the quality Kendall-Jackson is known for at under 100 calories per serving.

At 9% alcohol, the Kendall-Jackson Low Calorie Sauvignon Blanc delivers the quality you know and love with less than 100 calories per serving. This crisp white wine showcases notes of citrus, pineapple, and guava.
— Kendall-Jackson

Expert Review — Vintage 2023

Wine Enthusiast, 91 Points — This wine is clean and crisp, with aromas of apple, guava, citrus blossom and dried herbs. The flavors are papaya, kumquat, white grapefruit and chervil, with a savory dry finish.

Specs

• Producer: Kendall-Jackson
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Alcohol: 9% ABV (Low Alcohol)
• Nutrition: 85 calories, 3g carbs, 0g sugar per 5oz serving
• Dietary: Gluten-Free, Sugar-Free, Keto & Vegan-Friendly
• Size: 750ml

Château La Chevillardière Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie — Loire Valley, France 2025

Château La Chevillardière is one of the Muscadet appellation's most respected estates, farming 88 hectares of Melon de Bourgogne vines on the granite and micaschist soils that define the finest terroirs of Sèvre et Maine. Claude-Michel Pichon took over from his father Raymond in 2009 and has steadily expanded the domaine, acquiring abandoned plots and planting new areas with a clear mission: to elevate Muscadet's reputation and showcase the genuine typicity that only this corner of the Loire can produce. Sur lie aging — resting on the spent yeast cells through the winter — adds texture and complexity while preserving the wine's essential freshness.

The 2025 pours a clear, pale yellow. The nose is delicate and precise — fresh grapes, white flowers, and elegant mineral tones that speak directly to the granite beneath the vines. On the palate, it's dynamic and focused, with a clear emphasis on freshness and aromatic clarity. The finish carries a distinctive saline quality — the hallmark of great Muscadet sur lie — that makes it one of the most food-friendly whites in the world.

"Our whites are characterized by fresh mineral notes and a real typicity — benefiting from a terroir of granite and micaschist." — Claude-Michel Pichon, Château La Chevillardière

• Producer: Château La Chevillardière, Sèvre et Maine, Loire Valley, France
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie AOC
• Varietal: Melon de Bourgogne
• Terroir: Granite and micaschist
• Aging: Sur lie (on lees through winter)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh grapes, white flowers, mineral, saline finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, mussels, grilled sole, shrimp, fresh goat cheese, light seafood dishes

A benchmark Muscadet sur lie from one of the appellation's most committed estates — mineral, saline, and the perfect companion to anything from the sea.

Chateau Gloria Saint-Julien 2022 · Bordeaux, France

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Vinous, 94+ Points (Neal Martin) — The 2022 Gloria was picked from 12-26 September and matured in 40% new oak, slightly less than the Saint-Pierre. It has a perfumed, floral nose with crushed violet infusing the black cherry and blueberry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with sumptuous tannins that belie the structure underneath. With pure fruit and well-judged acidity, this 2022 is sensual with a persistent and lightly spiced finish. Superb.

Jeb Dunnuck, 94-96 Points (May 2023) — A gem in the vintage is going to be the 2022 Château Gloria, which comes from 50 hectares of vines and is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. Harvested between September 14 and 26, with yields of 34 hectoliters per hectare, it offers an inky purple hue to go with medium to full-bodied aromas and flavors of crème de cassis, ripe black cherries, spicy oak, and graphite. Hitting 13.8% alcohol and aging in 60% new French oak, it’s a pure, layered, elegant yet concentrated Saint-Julien that readers will love. Tasted twice.

James Suckling, 94-95 Points (April 2023) — A linear and very fine wine with blackberry, blueberry and currant character. Hints of cedar and stone. Medium to full body. Linear and fine finish. Very well done.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon That Defines Organic Elegance

Grgich Hills Estate has been a Napa Valley icon since Miljenko "Mike" Grgich crafted the legendary Chardonnay that triumphed at the 1976 Paris Tasting. Their Organic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to biodynamic farming and old-world winemaking philosophy — structured, graceful, and built to age. The 2021 vintage delivers the hallmark Grgich precision: bright acidity, fine-grained tannins, and a fruit profile that is both expressive and restrained.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

• Decanter — 94 pts: "Grgich's Napa Cabernet is a bright, energetic, savoury-styled Napa classic. Its effusive black fruits and spearmint aromas give way to a medium to full-bodied red with a dusty tannin backbone framed by almost electric acidity. This impressive, tightly-knit, lovely structured Cabernet will prove a standout of the vintage."
• James Suckling — 90 pts: "Aromas of sweet red and purple berries, dried hibiscus, moss and thyme. Full-bodied with firm tannins. The aromas continue onto the palate, with the sweet fruit as the star of the show. From organically grown grapes."

Winemaker Notes

Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Organic Napa 2021 750ml

This elegant, graceful wine opens with aromas of blackberries, blueberries, sweet blackcurrant and ripe black cherry, supported by hints of vanilla and sandalwood. The flavors on the palate are of fresh red and black berry fruit accompanied by hints of rosemary and violets. The richness of the fruit is balanced with bright acidity and soft, smooth tannins leading to a long and vibrant finish.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Producer: Grgich Hills Estate
• Vintage: 2021
• Farming: Certified Organic & Biodynamic
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for the table — exceptional with prime rib, lamb chops, braised short ribs, aged cheeses, mushroom dishes, and hearty pasta with meat sauce.

Bodega Garzón · Reserva Albariño · Maldonado · Uruguay · 2026

Bodega Garzón Reserva Albariño 2026 is a fresh, aromatic white from Maldonado on Uruguay's Atlantic coast. Peach and citrus blossom mingle with mineral salinity, while bright acidity and lees-aged texture bring energy and roundness to the palate.

Producer & Terroir

Set on dramatic hillsides of granite and basalt soils near the Atlantic, Bodega Garzón emphasizes terroir-driven winemaking and sustainable viticulture. Its Reserva Albariño showcases the grape in a coastal Uruguayan setting, with freshness and mineral character at the center of its style.

Winemaking & Tasting Notes

Made from 100% Albariño, the Reserva spends three to six months on fine lees in stainless steel, preserving freshness while adding texture. Pale yellow with greenish reflections, it offers ripe peach, citrus blossom and a saline mineral character. Bright citrus and stone-fruit flavors lead into a long, clean finish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2026

Wine Spectator · 91 Points . Distinctive and engaging, with aromas of sea spray, fennel seed and acacia paving the way for a slightly fleshy and succulent core centered on honeydew, peach and spice-studded lemon notes that linger on the clean finish.

Pairing & Serving

Serve well chilled as an aperitif or alongside oysters, grilled shrimp, ceviche, grilled fish or light seafood pasta. Enjoy young for its fresh fruit and lively acidity.

Details

• Producer: Bodega Garzón
• Wine: Reserva Albariño
• Vintage: 2026
• Country: Uruguay
• Region / appellation: Maldonado
• Grape: 100% Albariño
• Type: White wine
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Closure: Screw top
• Aging: Three to six months on fine lees in stainless steel
• Viticulture: Sustainable

Domaine Le Colombier Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes  2024 is crafted from certified organically grown old-vine Grenache and Mourvèdre grapes. Perfectly balanced and drinking beautifully with aromas and flavors of red and black fruits, savory spice and earthy dark fruit complexity. Perfectly at home with Mediterranean dishes, and especially good with grilled lamb with garlic and rosemary and strong, sturdy cheeses.

Arnaldo Caprai Sagrantino di Montefalco Collepiano — Umbria 2020

Arnaldo Caprai is the definitive name in Sagrantino di Montefalco — the producer who put this ancient Umbrian grape on the world map. Founded in 1971 when Arnaldo Caprai purchased 42 hectares in Montefalco, the estate was transformed in 1986 when his son Marco took the helm and launched a series of collaborations with agronomic and winemaking research institutes that would redefine the region. The result was the legendary “25 Anni” cuvée, which captured the attention of critics worldwide and established Montefalco Sagrantino as one of Italy’s great DOCG appellations. Today, Caprai farms 160 hectares across all four cardinal points of the Montefalco DOCG, and the Collepiano is the estate’s benchmark expression of Sagrantino — powerful, structured, and built for the long haul. James Suckling awarded it 94 points; Wine Spectator 92, recommending best drinking from 2030 through 2040.

The nose is dark and commanding: wild blackberries, meat, graphite minerality, and a stern, brooding intensity. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with firm, austere tannins, lifted acidity, and a chewy, concentrated core of pureed black cherry and blackberry paste. Accents of marjoram, garam masala, sandalwood, and smoke carry through to a polished finish of salt, chocolate, and fruit. This is Sagrantino at its most serious — a wine that demands patience and rewards it generously.

James Suckling 94 — "A dark mix of wild blackberries, meat and graphite minerality. Firm, austere tannins, a full body and lifted acidity. A very chewy style, with a polished finish showing salt, chocolate and fruit." (Vintage 2020). 

Wine Spectator 92 — "Dense tannins impart a thick, creamy texture… pureed black cherry and blackberry paste, with accents of marjoram, garam masala, sandalwood and smoke. Best from 2030 through 2040." (Vintage 2020).

• Producer: Arnaldo Caprai, Montefalco, Umbria, Italy
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG
• Varietal: 100% Sagrantino
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Wild blackberry, black cherry, graphite, marjoram, garam masala, sandalwood, dark chocolate, salt
• Cellar Potential: Best from 2030–2040
• Best Paired With: Braised wild boar, lamb osso buco, aged Pecorino, truffle pasta, beef short ribs

A 94-point Sagrantino from the appellation’s defining estate — dark, powerful, and built to age for decades.