2010 - Present Wine

Renato Ratti · Barolo Marcenasco · DOCG · Piedmont · Italy · 2020

Renato Ratti is one of Barolo’s most historically significant estates. The late Renato Ratti — winemaker, scholar, and cartographer — was among the first to map the Barolo crus in the 1970s, fundamentally shaping how the world understands the appellation’s terroir. Marcenasco is the estate’s flagship Barolo, sourced from their home vineyard in La Morra — a commune known for producing Barolo of elegance, aromatic complexity, and earlier accessibility relative to the more austere Serralunga style. The 2020 vintage in Piedmont was exceptional: warm and dry, producing wines of deep concentration, ripe tannins, and remarkable longevity. Dual 92 points from both Wine Spectator and Decanter.

The 2020 Marcenasco opens with a beam of cherry and red currant, revealing flashes of rose and wild herbs with a mineral underpinning — the hallmarks of La Morra Nebbiolo at its finest. On the palate, ripe black and red berry fruit, baked plum, and hints of tea leaf are framed by robust, open, grainy tannins. The finish is long, juicy, and persistent, emphasizing pure fruit with real charm and length. Best from 2026 through 2042.

Expert Reviews

“A beam of cherry and red currant courses through this racy red, revealing flashes of rose and wild herbs, with a mineral underpinning. This is persistent, with a long aftertaste that emphasizes the pure fruit. Best from 2026 through 2042.”
— Wine Spectator · 92 Points

“Ripe black and red berry fruit, baked plum, and hints of tea leaf. Robust and rich, open, grainy tannins frame the fruit, and the finish has nice juice and length. Shows real charm!”
— Decanter · 92 Points

• Producer: Renato Ratti, La Morra, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Barolo DOCG
• Vineyard: Marcenasco, La Morra
• Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
• Style: Dry red — elegant, aromatic, mineral
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherry, red currant, rose, wild herbs, baked plum, tea leaf, mineral underpinning, grainy tannins, long finish
• Pairings: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised short rib, truffle risotto, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, wild boar ragù
• Drink: 2026–2042

WS:92 · D:92 · Barolo DOCG — La Morra Nebbiolo from the estate that mapped the crus. Elegant, mineral, and built for the long haul.

Winemaker Description 

Established in 1978, Kistler Vineyards stands as a pioneer in the realm of Californian winemaking, guided by the vision of founders Steve Kistler and Mark Bixler. Their belief that exceptional wines of site could thrive in California laid the foundation for a four-decade journey marked by dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Kistler’s Pinot Noirs are come from two heritage selections originating from a Grand Cru vineyard in Burgundy. Both clones contribute to the richness and complexity of the wines. The approach in the vineyard emphasizes low yields, small berries, and a delicate touch to let the individual site characteristics shine through.

Aromas of wild cherries, pepper, spice and earthy floral notes in the 2023 Russian River Pinot Noir lead to a rich, medium-bodied palate of red and black fruits with excellent depth of flavor, elegant balance and a deceptively long lasting finish.

• 100% Pinot Noir
• Heritage Kistler Clones
• Redder soils banded with gravel from the Sebastopol soil series along the Gravenstein Ridge
• Hand harvested at night
• 100% destemmed
• Fermented in open top fermenters
• Only free run juice is collected from the tanks, with no pressing
• Aged 10 months in barrel and racked once to tank
• Bottled unfined and unfiltered

Chateau Montelena · Chardonnay · Napa Valley · California · 2023 · 750ml

On May 24, 1976, Chateau Montelena's Chardonnay changed the wine world forever. In a blind tasting judged by a who’s-who of French food and wine critics — now known as the Judgment of Paris — it took first place over Burgundy’s most celebrated whites, announcing California as a serious fine wine region to a skeptical world. Nearly fifty years later, the Montelena Chardonnay remains the benchmark: a wine of extraordinary precision, minerality, and longevity that has never chased trends or compromised its identity. Winemaker Matt Crafton has described the 2023 vintage as one of the best in the last decade — a cool, mild growing season that produced wines of exceptional tension, acidity, and aging potential. At $69.99, this is a piece of California wine history in every bottle.

Brilliant pale gold in the glass with a vivid, pure nose of Meyer lemon, citrus blossom, white peach, and oyster shell minerality — linear, precise, and utterly compelling. On the palate: lush pear, lime leaf, orange blossom, and flinty minerals, with bright, racy acidity that gives the wine extraordinary shape and drive. Marcona almond notes add depth and texture through a long, elegant finish. Decanter called it “vivid, pure citrus expression with a mineral character… crisp, crunchy acidity provides shape and drive.” Winemaker Matt Crafton notes the mouthfeel is “just gorgeous with more gravitas and weight than I would have expected.” Drink now through 2035+, or cellar for a decade to watch it fully unfold. Pair with lobster, roast halibut, Dover sole, or aged Comté.

• Producer: Chateau Montelena · Winemaker Matt Crafton
• Wine: Chardonnay · Napa Valley
• Vintage: 2023
• Origin: Napa Valley, California
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Style: Precise, mineral, age-worthy Napa Chardonnay
• Certifications: Sustainable
• Notable: 1976 Judgment of Paris — 1st Place
• Press: Decanter — “Vivid, pure citrus expression with a mineral character”
• Drinking Window: Now–2035+
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Meyer lemon, citrus blossom, pear, lime leaf, orange blossom, flinty minerals, Marcona almond, long elegant finish
• Pair With: Lobster · Roast halibut · Dover sole · Aged Comté

The wine that won the Judgment of Paris — Napa Chardonnay at its most precise and enduring.

Winemaker Description 

"L'Affreux Jojo" means "the ugly Jojo". In the stronghold of Cabernet Franc in Touraine, Geoffrey de Nouel highlights old terroirs, those of Sainte Maure de Touraine. The result is a wine without artifice, short-aged, full of fruit and with few sulphites: the awful Jojo!

Vinification: 1/3 whole cluster (carbonic maceration), 2/3 destemmed grapes. Maceration of 2-3 weeks. Fermentation is in fiber glass with natural yeasts. The wine ages for 6 months in fiber glass tanks. No filtration, no fining. Grape varieties :100% Cabernet Franc Vineyard age :25-year-old vines Soil Clay, flint, gravel Alcohol :12.5%.

Geoffrey de Noüel is a young vigneron on the rise in Chinon, an AOC located in central Loire, where some of the greatest Cabernet Franc is being produced. He started his winemaking journey in 2011 with a series of internships in Burgundy, then transported the Burgundian idea of cultivating and vinifying a singular grape on different plots (to showcase the terroir of each) to his own project in the Loire. All of Geoffrey's vineyards are certified organic, and his goal is to work as hands off as possible to produce transparent wines that showcase the varied soils of the area. Geoffrey is intent on showcasing the terroir of the different sites that he works with and believes in minimal intervention in the cellar.  

Luca Roagna's Langhe Rosso is a masterclass in Piedmontese restraint — a Nebbiolo-based blend from the Pajé vineyard in Barbaresco, crafted to be approachable in its youth while carrying the hallmark depth and complexity of the estate. The 2020 vintage delivers a multifaceted, savory expression with vibrant acidity and silky structure.

Regenerative Agriculture. 

• Producer: Roagna
• Region: Langhe, Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: Nebbiolo
• Vintage: 2020
• Format: 750ml

• 94 James Suckling

  A multifaceted wine, super rich and profound, with aromas of embers, dried cherries, wild strawberries, violets and bright blood oranges. Medium-bodied and slightly firm, with dusty tannins coated by fruit. Very tasty, savory, slightly lifted and citrusy.

• 91 Wine Spectator

  This red exudes cherry, rose hip and mineral flavors, with vibrant acidity and pliable tannins. Balanced overall, with staying power on the finish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Jeb Dunnuck 95-97 Points | Readers looking for one of the hidden gems in the vintage should jump on the 2023 Château Brane-Cantenac, an incredibly impressive Margaux that does everything right. Cassis, graphite, violets, lead pencil, and leafy tobacco notes all emerge on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with classy, integrated oak, flawless balance, and fine tannins. I love its overall purity, as well as its balance, and it should need just 4-5 years of bottle age to show its potential.

Decanter 96 Points | Very aromatic, gorgeous florality on the nose, so inviting and welcoming. Really open and generous - roses, violets, peonies, red cherries and strawberries. Supple and juicy, instantly quite pretty and fun, a lively bright aspect to the red fruits - cranberry, crisp green apple, raspberry and strawberry then the fine tannins come into play and give the structure and the focus to the finish. It’s a little less plush than Brane is normally - usually more gentle, fleshy and smooth - this is a little two-toned with influence from the new oak in the tightness but there’s great potential here. Feels a bit more like a St-Julien expression - calm, relaxed, smooth, intentional, juicy and lifted. Less charming right now, more tense and precise.

James Suckling 95 Points | This shows very pretty fruit and ultra-fine tannins that have an almost al-dente sense to them. It has a medium to full body, fine tannins and a fresh, vivid finish. The tannin quality is exceptional.

Jane Anson 96 | A great aromatic hit on the opening beats, giving way to silky tannins, spiced plum, rhubarb and slate, cassis and bilberry fruit, all showing depth and intensity. Such an accomplished wine, once again showing how it's done.

Winemaker Description 

Baron de Brane is the second wine of Château Brane-Cantenac, a second growth château owned by Henri Lurton and one of the oldest and largest properties in Margaux. The blend is made up of about 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, the grapes coming from developing vineyards, some on gravel beds 12 metres deep.

Winemaker Description 

Mellow tannins, along with a touch of bright acidity, guide this delicious little bistro-style red to a tasty, enduring finish. Enjoy an assortment of roasted or grilled vegetables, grilled chicken thighs marinated in Moroccan spices or pork chops slathered in homemade barbecue sauce.

L’Ile Quatre Sous comes from a single vineyard in Parnay with a high proportion of sandy soil which yields a softer “bistrot style” red wine to be enjoyed right away. The name means "Four Penny Island", and refers to an actual sandy bank located in the middle of the Loire River near Parnay (though no vines are actually planted there).

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

Luis Gutierrez writes:  The white 2020 Blanco is a little closed, young, clean and tender with subtle oak. They produced a little bit more in 2020, and the wine has less oak and less buttery sensations, a change that started with the 2017 vintage, which seems to have found its style harvesting earlier to retain freshness; it has 13.04% alcohol and a pH @ 3.23 and matured in larger oak containers, 500-liter oak barrels and some concrete for 12 months. It's floral and expressive, a blend of Viura with 20% Garnacha Blanca that they still consider work in progress but moving in the direction they want to go. 16,200 bottles and 100 magnums were filled in March 2022.  Drinking 2022 to 2028.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 93

James Suckling writes:  A delicious, creamy white with aromas of apricots, baked peaches, hazelnuts, white chocolate and nougat. It’s medium-to full-bodied with a ripe and creamy palate. Lovely buttery pastry and nougat character, with a fresh finish. Drink now  - James Suckling 93

Pedro Ballesteros MW, Sarah Jane Evans MW, Pierre Monsour write:  Round and warm on the nose, with fine notes of smoke. A mouth-filling wine that's fresh and expressive.  Drinking 2024 to 2027.  - Decanter 90

Winemaker Notes

Contino Blanco 2020 shows a very intense nose, marked by its aging in barrel. It is fresh and fruity wine, a true reflection of the identity of our vineyard. San Gregorio offers a Garnacha Blanca with great complexity and volume. The soils are clayey-calcareous, with medium stoniness, key for good drainage.

Blend: 80% Viura, 20% Garnacha Blanca

Southern Italy's Noble Grape — Aglianico from Campania's Finest Co-op

La Guardiense is one of Campania's most respected cooperative wineries, farming the volcanic soils of the Sannio hills in Benevento for over 60 years. Their Janare Aglianico Beneventano is a textbook expression of this ancient and noble southern Italian grape — powerful, structured, and deeply rooted in terroir. At this price point, it is one of Italy's great overachievers: a serious, food-friendly red that punches well above its weight.

Winemaker Notes

La Guardiense Janare Aglianico Beneventano 2022 750ml

Deep in color with garnet hints, the Janare Aglianico opens with cherry aromas that meld with sweet vanilla notes from oak aging. On the palate it is full, powerful, and intense, with light and soft tannins and a long, mouth-filling finish that is quintessentially Aglianico.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Aglianico
• Appellation: Beneventano IGT, Campania
• Producer: La Guardiense
• Vintage: 2022
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Built for the table — exceptional with braised lamb, grilled sausages, eggplant parmigiana, hearty pasta with meat sauce, aged Pecorino, and slow-roasted pork.

Winemaker Description

Plenty of chocolate, tobacco and blackcurrant character on the nose. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins that are polished and present. Long and intense. This is rather tight and mouth-puckering. Give it time to soften. Very structured. From organically grown grapes. Better after 2025.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Vinous 95 Points | The 2019 La Lagune offers exquisite transparency on the nose - one of the most terroir-expressive Pessac-Léognan wines this vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, taut and fresh, quite saline with a very integrated and poised finish that lingers in the mouth. Wonderful - could this be the best La Lagune in years? Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.

James Suckling 95 Points | Plenty of chocolate, tobacco and blackcurrant character on the nose. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins that are polished and present. Long and intense. This is rather tight and mouth-puckering. Give it time to soften. Very structured. From organically grown grapes. Better after 2025.

Producer Description 

Refreshing persistence, resinous herbal notes on the nose and lovely fresh pear fruit, lime zest, grapefruit pith, and pineapple on the palate. 

The grapes for this basic cuvée of Sancerre are sourced from the vineyards in Bué, Vinon and Crézancy. After harvest, fermentation is done in stainless steel cuves at temperatures between 14 and 18 degrees Celsius. 

As with all the whites at the domaine, this wine sits in contact with the fine lies for a considerable period of time with the racking being done late in the spring following harvest. The first bottling occurs no earlier than July and frequently does not occur until September of the year following harvest.

Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67 Wine Buyer, writes: Ramon Canals Marta Violet Ecologic Penedès 2023 is the perfect wine to sip as we “Spring Forward”! Made from a blend of 60% Muscat, 20% Xarel·lo, and 20% Macabeu, sourced from Canals’ proprietary vineyards in the DO Penedès. Certified organic grapes enhance this wine’s purity and quality.

The nose bursts with aromas of white blossom flowers, jasmine, and stone fruit. The palate is clean and precise, offering flavors of green pears, citrus peel, and orange preserve. Refreshingly dry with a long finish, this wine, at 12% ABV, does not overwhelm the senses.

Ideal food pairings include fish crudos, tuna tartare, and slightly spicy Indian or Asian dishes.

Producer Description 

The white grape varieties Xarel.lo, Macabeu and Muscat from our Penedès vineyards are the base for the Marta Violet elaboration. It’s fresh, fruity and floral white wine. The violet bottle is the unique violet glass bottle in the world.

It presents a beautiful pale yellow color. Aroma: It’s fresh with fruity and floral notes.
Palate: It has a good balance with smooth palate and pleasant finish. Gastronomy: It’s recommended for aperitif, assorted salads, pasta, rice and fish dishes. Enjoy anytime of the day.

Effortlessly Smooth — Lindeman's Bin 40 Merlot

Lindeman's has been crafting approachable, crowd-pleasing Australian wines since 1843, and the Bin 40 Merlot is one of their most reliable everyday expressions. Soft, elegant, and immediately drinkable, this is the kind of bottle you reach for on a weeknight without a second thought — generous fruit, smooth tannins, and a rounded finish that makes it endlessly versatile at the table. Exceptional value from one of Australia's most trusted producers.

Winemaker Notes

Lindeman's Smooth Merlot Bin 40 2022 750ml

A soft, elegant, and approachable medium-bodied wine with complete, rounded characters. Ripe plum and red berry fruit lead the way, with a touch of chocolate and soft, velvety tannins on the finish. Fermented to preserve fresh fruit aromas and smooth drinkability.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Merlot
• Appellation: South Eastern Australia
• Producer: Lindeman's
• Vintage: 2022
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Wonderfully versatile — excellent with roast chicken, pasta with tomato sauce, grilled salmon, soft cheeses, burgers, and casual weeknight dinners.

Silverado Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown — Napa Valley 2023

Silverado Vineyards is one of Napa Valley’s most storied estates — founded in 1981 by Ron and Diane Miller and her mother, Lillian Disney, on historic vineyard sites in the Stags Leap District that had been planted to Cabernet as far back as the 1960s. For years, the family sold their fruit to neighboring wineries building global reputations for excellence. Then they decided it was time to make their own wines — their own expressions of the Napa Valley they loved. Today, under the ownership of Foley Family Wines and the leadership of Courtney Foley, Silverado continues that legacy with over 300 acres planted across some of Napa’s most celebrated AVAs: Stags Leap District, Yountville, Coombsville, Carneros, and Napa Valley proper. The Estate Grown Cabernet is their benchmark expression — a wine that has earned over 40 scores of 90 points or higher from the world’s top critics. The 2023 earned 93 points from Wine Spectator.

The color is a deep, concentrated ruby. The nose is soft and supple: black currants, dark chocolate, black olives, potpourri, and graphite — classic Stags Leap District aromatics with elegance and precision. On the palate, it is smooth and textural, with firmly framed tannins, bright acidity, and a long, polished finish. The blend is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of the other four Bordeaux varieties, adding complexity and structure. Drink now or cellar with confidence.

Wine Spectator — 93 Points — “Soft and supple aromas of black currants, dark chocolate, black olives, potpourri and graphite. The palate is smooth and textural, with firmly framed tannins, bright acidity and a long finish. A lovely blend of 81% cabernet sauvignon with small amounts of the other four Bordeaux varieties. Drink or hold.”

• Producer: Silverado Vineyards, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Napa Valley
• Blend: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, plus Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec
• Designation: Estate Grown, Produced & Bottled
• Size: 750ml
• Style: Elegant, textural, estate-driven Napa Cabernet
• Tasting Notes: Black currant, dark chocolate, black olive, graphite, potpourri, bright acidity, long finish
• Drink Window: Now–2035+
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, roast lamb, duck confit, aged hard cheeses

Four decades of Napa excellence — Silverado Vineyards Estate Grown 2023 is Stags Leap District Cabernet at its most refined.

Winemaker Description 

The Pascal Cotat Sancerre Les Monts Damnés 2022 is a distinguished Sauvignon Blanc from the renowned Chavignol region in the Loire Valley, France. Cultivated on the steep, chalky slopes of the Monts Damnés vineyard—known as “the damned mountains” due to their challenging terrain—this wine embodies both elegance and power.

The 2022 vintage offers a complex bouquet of citrus peel, green apple, and white flowers, interwoven with a pronounced chalky minerality. On the palate, it delivers flavors of morello cherries, cracked black pepper, and juicy red plums, balanced by refreshing acidity and a medium-bodied structure. The wine's profile is marked by its freshness and approachability, making it suitable for various occasions.

Ideal pairings include shellfish, grilled fish, and creamy goat cheeses, making it a delightful choice for refined dining experiences.

This exceptional wine is a testament to Pascal Cotat's commitment to producing some of the most singular and age-worthy Sauvignon Blancs in the world.

Aromas of melons, fresh herbs, white flowers; a delicate note of sea salt. Creamy yet light on the tongue; poached white fruits, lime zest, grapefruit. Very long.

Winemaker Description

This wine is made in accordance with Georgia’s ancient winemaking traditions. Organic farming and fermented in a set of Qvevri’s (aka Kvevri’s) designed for fermentation and another set of Qvevri’s designed for aging. Bottled with minimal to no sulfur and no filtering or fining. Result is clean, concentrated and balanced. 6 months on skins. Dry, deep amber, nose of honey, fruit, nuts. Bold depth and slight minerality.

Ken Forrester Reserve Sauvignon Blanc — Stellenbosch, South Africa 2022

Ken Forrester is one of South Africa's most celebrated winemakers — a passionate advocate for Chenin Blanc and the broader potential of Stellenbosch as a world-class wine region. His Stellenbosch farm, situated on the cool slopes of the Helderberg, benefits from the maritime influence of False Bay and long, slow ripening conditions that produce wines of genuine complexity and freshness. The Reserve Sauvignon Blanc is crafted from grapes grown in this cool-climate environment, where extended hang time allows the fruit to develop layered aromatic character while retaining the brisk, mineral-driven acidity that defines the style.

The nose shows lovely complexity: a mix of tangy grassy notes and fig leaf intertwined with peach and nectarine nuances — aromatic, fresh, and inviting. On the palate, brisk acidity and minerality take center stage, a direct reflection of the long hang time in this cool coastal region. Clean, focused, and refreshing — a Sauvignon Blanc that is equally at home at the aperitivo hour or at the table.

"Lovely complexity with a mix of tangy grassy notes, fig leaf, peach and nectarine nuances. Brisk acidity with minerality on the palate — typical of the long hang time in our cool region." — Ken Forrester, Winemaker

• Producer: Ken Forrester Wines, Stellenbosch, South Africa
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Stellenbosch, South Africa
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Grassy, fig leaf, peach, nectarine, brisk acidity, mineral finish
• Style: Light-bodied, crisp, aromatic
• Drink: Now through 2025
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, chicken, seafood pasta, goat cheese, light salads, aperitivo

Cool-climate Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc at its most expressive — Ken Forrester Reserve is fresh, mineral, and made for the table.

RouteStock · Sauvignon Blanc · Napa Valley · California · 2024

RouteStock is the fine wine project of Wilson Daniels, Napa’s storied importer — and it is built on a simple premise: take the best varietals and source them from the best appellations. For Sauvignon Blanc, that means Napa Valley, specifically the cooler southern end of the valley where the San Pablo Bay breezes keep temperatures in check and preserve the grape’s natural aromatic lift. Now in its ninth consecutive vintage from the same two growers in Carneros and Rutherford, RouteStock Sauvignon Blanc is a wine of genuine complexity — triple-fermented across stainless steel, concrete egg, and neutral French oak — that consistently over-delivers at its price point.

The 2024 is bright and expressive, with high-toned aromas of wild thyme, sage, cantaloupe rind, hay, and ruby red grapefruit. On the palate, it is racy and crisp yet surprisingly deep — cantaloupe, pear, sage, and fig coat the mouth with texture and length. The concrete egg and neutral oak add amplitude without obscuring the wine’s essential freshness. A wine equally at home on the back porch or at the dinner table.

• Producer: RouteStock (Wilson Daniels, Napa, CA)
• Vintage: 2024 (9th consecutive vintage)
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Vineyards: Carneros & Rutherford
• Varietals: 98% Sauvignon Blanc, 2% Sémillon
• Farming: Sustainable
• Vinification: Triple fermentation — 70% neutral French oak, 15% concrete egg, 15% stainless steel; aged on gross lees
• Alcohol: 13.5% | TA: 6.8 g/L | pH: 3.31
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Wild thyme, sage, cantaloupe rind, ruby red grapefruit, pear, fig, hay
• Pairings: Grilled fish, goat cheese, herb-roasted chicken, summer salads, seafood pasta

Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc — triple-fermented, sustainably grown, and built to over-deliver. Nine vintages of consistency from Wilson Daniels.

Winemaker Description

Appealing and elegant ruby robe. Delicate red fruit aromas. A subtle overtone of wood reveals its spicy bouquet. Remarkable balance with round and ripe tannins. Elegant and silky on the palate, it finishes with a delectable touch offemininity. This is a great wine to sip on the patio on a hot summer’s day or as a cocktail. The wine goes well with shell fish, white fish, sushi and curry, as well as white-meat dishes.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

91 Points Wine Enthusiast | Still young and juicy, the wine is full of bright black-currant fruits. It also has a firm structure that will allow it age. Drink this succulent wine from 2025.

90 Points James Suckling | Plums, berry fruit and crushed stones on the nose. It’s juicy and mineral with a medium body, lightly chalky tannins and a soft finish. Cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot. From organically grown grapes.

90 Points Decanter | Concentrated and scented on the nose. Smooth and oh so succulent, this is juicy and bright with tons of energy and a subtle vibrancy to the blackcurrant, black cherry and plum fruit that is edged with liquorice, graphite and crushed stone elements. Nicely compacted right now, there is a core of cool and creamy blue fruit and a drive of freshness and life that goes all the way through. Touches of minerality come back on the finish that is long and sustained. Excellent potential here with intensity, acidity and structure. Darkly charming and will improve more over ageing.

Jo Landron Amphibolite Muscadet Sèvre et Maine — Loire Valley 2025

Jo Landron has been farming the upper slopes of the Sèvre River near Nantes since 1990, and in that time he has quietly become one of the most important voices in French natural viticulture. His conversion to organic farming began in 1999, biodynamic certification followed in 2011, and the results are impossible to argue with. The Amphibolite — named for the metamorphic rock that defines its terroir — is the entry point to the Landron lineup and one of the most honest expressions of Melon de Bourgogne you will find at any price.

The 2025 is everything Muscadet should be: citrusy, saline, and alive. The nose is clean and precise — lemon zest, green apple, crushed oyster shell, and a faint floral lift. On the palate, the wine is lean and focused, with a bright, almost electric acidity and a long, mineral finish with that signature oceanic salinity Jo calls "free-spirited." Whole-bunch pressed, wild yeast fermented, aged six months on fine lees in glass-tiled concrete vats, bottled unfined and unfiltered. Nothing added, nothing taken away.

"A wine best expressed in its youth — citrusy and sizzling with a lovely salinity on the finish." — Jo Landron

• Producer: Domaine de la Louvetrie, Jo Landron, Nantes, Loire Valley, France
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AOC
• Terroir: Metamorphic amphibolite (gabbro-derived rock)
• Varietal: 100% Melon de Bourgogne
• Farming: Certified Organic (EcoCert) & Biodynamic
• Vinification: Whole-bunch direct press, wild yeast fermentation, no chaptalization, no fining or filtration
• Aging: 6 months on fine lees in glass-tiled concrete vats
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon zest, green apple, oyster shell, white flower, saline mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled sole, moules marinières, fresh chèvre, seafood crudo

The gold standard for high-energy oceanic white wine — Jo Landron's Amphibolite is Muscadet at its most alive.

Expert Notes

Stephan Reinhardt writes:  The 2021 Sand & Kalk is a pure Weissburgunder (a.k.a. Pinot Blanc) that was vinified in 600-liter oak barrels (5% new) for almost a year. Bottled in September this year and released in November, the wine offers a clear and aromatic, very elegant and balanced bouquet of ripe, white and yellow seed fruits. Medium-bodied yet dense and intensely fruity, with fine phenolic grip and delicate citrus bitters, this is a textural and very elegant Pinot Blanc with a refreshing and stimulating bitter finish with lingering lemon aromas. This is another excellent white that should be paired with raw fish, freshwater fish, seafood, white meat or cheese. This is a lovely, uncomplicated but structured terroir wine for the Buchertberg in Vulkanland Steiermark. Marketed as Landwein, though. 12.5% stated alcohol. Screw-cap closure.  Drinking 2023 to 2030.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 91

Winemaker Description 

Seductively fresh Pinot Blanc with orange zest, honeysuckle flowers, and lemongrass and a luscious texture from the bit of skin contact that we greet us like a big soft hug. He manages to coax an intense amount of flavor out a relatively neutral grape, and we think it could go with anything from a bitter green salad with winter citrus to roasted chicken, pork tenderloin or seared scallops. This could easily be our everyday white! 

Because it has a nice, round body and prominent fruit, it also works as a Chardonnay alternative for those seeking a white with a bit more meat on the bones.

The HERRENHOF was a former wine estate of the Vorau Abbey. I started this project in 2006 from scratch, without vines. It required me 15 years to rebuild the winery. Since I have always been very close to nature, it is clear to me that I grow and vinify my wines exclusively organically. I want to bring the taste of the land where I grew up into the bottle of wine. Gottfried Lamprecht. 

The wine project at the HERRENHOF is pretty young. I've started to recutivate vineyards on this perfect slope in the year 2006 completely from the scratch. My mission: I want to present the Buchertberg, the place where I grew up in a bottle of wine. Because wine just can do that! Everything is harvested by hand of course. What makes me a special wine grower? I ferment 100% in barrels. 50% of my barrels are made of wood from my own forest. This brings my wines much closer to my terroir - closer to the Buchertberg, the place where I grew up. After fermentation the wines stay on their lees till bottling. Prior bottling I just about 20mg of Sulphur or less, or nothing and anything else. It depends on the wine.

Santa Barbara's Finest Syrah — Beckmen's Purisima Mountain Vineyard

Beckmen Vineyards has been one of Santa Barbara County's most celebrated estates since 1996, farming organically and biodynamically on the legendary Purisima Mountain Vineyard in Ballard Canyon. Their Purisima Mountain Vineyard Syrah is the flagship expression of this extraordinary site — a wine that captures the unique combination of intense California sunshine, cool Pacific breezes, and volcanic soils that make Ballard Canyon one of America's most exciting Syrah appellations. The 2020 vintage, despite the heat, retained beautiful acidity that balances the bold, rich flavors with classic texture and structure.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

• Jeb Dunnuck — 92 pts: "Blueberries, mulberries, peppery herbs, and some flower notes all emerge from the 2020 Syrah Purisima Mountain Vineyard, a medium to full-bodied, fruit-forward, plush, sexy little gem of a Syrah that will offer loads of pleasure over the coming 4-6 years or more. Completely destemmed and brought up in 35% new French oak."

Winemaker Notes

Beckmen Vineyards Syrah Purisima Mountain Vineyard 2020 750ml

Classic Purisima Mountain Vineyard Syrah aromas and flavors of black fruits, chocolate, game, pepper, and smoke are ripe and intense in the 2020 vintage. Very ripe, fine tannins frame the bold flavors and rounded texture. Through all the heat of the vintage, the fruit retained beautiful acidity which balances the bold and rich flavors — creating an awesome vintage with classic texture and structure.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Syrah
• Appellation: Ballard Canyon, Santa Barbara County
• Producer: Beckmen Vineyards
• Vintage: 2020
• Farming: Certified Organic & Biodynamic
• Aging: 35% new French oak
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Built for bold flavors — exceptional with grilled lamb chops, smoked brisket, wild boar, duck confit, aged cheddar, and hearty mushroom dishes.

Santa Maria Valley's Standard-Bearer — Cambria Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir

Cambria Estate Winery is one of Santa Barbara County's most storied producers, and Julia's Vineyard is their crown jewel — home to some of the oldest Pinot Noir vines in the Santa Maria Valley, planted in the 1970s. This cool-climate vineyard, buffeted by Pacific breezes, produces a Pinot Noir of remarkable definition and complexity: bright fruit, earthy spice, mineral precision, and the signature "Santa Maria spice" that sets this appellation apart. The 2023 vintage is a benchmark expression — balanced, detailed, and exceptional value for the quality in the glass.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

• James Suckling — 93 pts: "Hibiscus and herbal aromas mark this detailed Pinot Noir, following through to a palate of definition, length and mineral bones that frame cranberries, pomegranate, red cherries and their pits. Rose hips rise through the finish, a zip of orange zest on top."
• Jeb Dunnuck — 90 pts: "Framboise, Bing cherries, sappy underbrush, and floral notes that develop nicely with air. Medium-bodied, balanced, with good depth of fruit and a complex, satisfying style that would best many a great Village-level red Burgundy."
• Wine Enthusiast — 90 pts: "Rustic aromas of tart cranberry, oregano and thyme. The palate pairs red fruit with sage-like spices and dusty soil tones."
• Vinous — 90 pts: "Bright, rich and forward with spice tones and dark red cherry fruit forming the core. There's real character and Santa Maria Valley identity here."

Winemaker Notes

Cambria Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard 2023 750ml

100% destemmed and aged seven months in 18% new French oak barrels. Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir is a quintessential expression of the Santa Maria Valley — old vines, cool climate, and a winemaking philosophy that lets the vineyard speak. The result is a wine of genuine depth and Santa Maria identity at an exceptional price point.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County
• Producer: Cambria Estate Winery
• Vintage: 2023
• Vine Age: Planted 1970s
• Aging: 7 months, 18% new French oak
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Incredibly versatile — exceptional with roast chicken with herbs, grilled salmon, duck confit, mushroom pizza, Gruyère, and charcuterie boards.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

Vinous 95 Points | The 2023 Vouvray Sec Le Mont is precise, upright and flinty. It's less immediately charming than the styles we've seen in recent warmer vintages, but it was only tasted three weeks after bottling—this is one to revisit. There's just the right amount of juicy, peachy flesh within this light-bodied yet concentrated wine. It has the potential to charm but does so without showing off. Flinty and tightly sewn together, it has curves in the right places, but you're just going to have to wait for it to take shape.

Winemaker Description 

Le Mont wines are often the estate's most reticent, but develop the strongest perfume with age. Mineral-driven with a crystalline purity, this is the precision we've come to rely on with Le Mont.

Discover Domaine Leflaive's Exquisite Biodynamic Wines

Discover the exquisite quality of Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet Biodynamic 2023, the crown jewel from one of Burgundy's most prestigious estates. Established in the heart of Burgundy, this family-owned domaine has gained international acclaim for producing some of the finest white wines in the world. With a thoughtful approach to sustainability and commitment to biodynamic farming, Domaine Leflaive effortlessly blends tradition with innovation, ensuring every bottle is a true representation of the unique terroir of Puligny-Montrachet.

Expert Recognition

Wine Spectator - 92 Points
"Pure and silky in texture, revealing lemon, apple, mineral and oak spice flavors. Seamless and balanced, with lively acidity guiding the lingering aftertaste of citrus, orchard fruit and spices. Drink now through 2030."

2,715 cases made, 543 cases imported

Tasting Profile

This exceptional wine presents a brilliant golden hue that hints at the richness within. Pure and silky in texture, the palate reveals seamless flavors of lemon, apple, mineral, and oak spice. The wine bursts with ripe peach, zesty citrus, and subtle floral notes, complemented by a delicate minerality that typifies this celebrated region. Lively acidity guides the experience, creating a refreshing brightness while the oak barrels add complexity and sophistication. The finish is lingering and memorable, with citrus, orchard fruit, and spices that beckon for another taste. It's an elegant expression of biodynamic heritage and Burgundian excellence.

Biodynamic Excellence

Domaine Leflaive is renowned for its pioneering biodynamic practices, supporting environmental stewardship while enhancing the flavor profile of their wines. This thoughtful approach to organic farming not only respects the land but creates wines with greater complexity, purity, and authentic expression of terroir. The 2023 vintage showcases the harmonious balance achieved through these sustainable methods, making it a must-try for any avid wine enthusiast who values both quality and environmental responsibility.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This wine's bright acidity and intricate flavors make it ideal for pairing with:

• Grilled scallops or pan-seared sole
• Fresh oysters and shellfish
• Roasted chicken or poultry
• Creamy cheeses like Brie or Comté
• Herbaceous salads with citrus vinaigrette
• Sautéed vegetables with butter

Serving & Cellaring

Serve slightly chilled (10-12°C / 50-54°F) to fully appreciate its complexity and allow the aromas and characteristics to emerge. Drink now through 2030 for optimal enjoyment. Whether for a special occasion or an elevated dining experience, this exquisite white wine from Domaine Leflaive is sure to impress connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.

Expert Review — Vintage 2024

Wine Advocate — 94 Points | The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc L’Après-Midi contains 6% Sémillon. Matured in around 15% new French oak and bottled the spring after harvest. Continually unfurling scents of flint, white peach, tarragon, lemongrass, graham cracker, chamomile, and honey. The full-bodied palate bursts with layers of flinty stone and citrus fruit, lifted by a silky texture, succulent acidity, and a long, perfumed finish.

Winemaker Description

L’Après-Midi (The Afternoon) was named in honor of the pleasures of a slow and lazy afternoon — which, according to Sir Peter, is a good time to start enjoying this wine. One of two estate-grown Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon blends, the grapes are grown alongside the red Bordeaux varietals within Les Pavots Vineyard, benefiting from steep slopes, excellent drainage, and cool air at altitude.

Whole-cluster-pressed and naturally fermented in barrel, forgoing malolactic fermentation to preserve the fruity and zesty character of the Sauvignon Blanc. Predominantly Sauvignon Blanc with just a touch of Sémillon.

• Producer: Peter Michael Winery
• Appellation: Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Blend: 94% Sauvignon Blanc, 6% Sémillon
• Vineyard: Les Pavots Estate
• Aging: 15% new French oak, no malolactic fermentation
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml

Expert Reviews – Vintage 2022

Decanter 97 Points: Compelling from the first sip, this has excellent balance delivering freshness and lift as well as depth and breadth. Lovely licks of bitterness and salty stones join ripe blackcurrants and juicy plums. The power is undeniable but it’s tempered by a silky frame, making this rich but utterly charming. A great Gruaud at 13.5% ABV.

Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points: An inky-hued 2022 with a killer nose of crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, liquid violets, and crushed stone minerality. Powerful and full-bodied with plenty of mid-palate depth, fine polished tannins, and a great finish. As good as the 2018 and one of the absolute classics from this château. Best hidden in the cellar for a decade if possible.

The Wine Advocate 96 Points: Bottled May 2024. Dark berries, violets, vine smoke, pen ink and tar on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, dense and layered with terrific depth, sweet structuring tannins, and a long expansive finish. The estate’s first organic-certified vintage. 13.6% alcohol.

James Suckling 96 Points: Discreet nose of dark fruit and minerals with excellent depth. Uncoiled power and intensity, full body, firm but polished tannins that dissolve into a long, close-knit finish lasting almost a minute. Try from 2028.

Winemaker Description

The Château Gruaud Larose Saint-Julien 2022 is a landmark vintage for this historic Saint-Julien Second Growth — marking the estate’s first official vintage with organic certification. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot (14%), and Cabernet Franc (3%), aged in 95% new French oak barrels. The 2022 has been hailed as a return to the Saint-Julien elite, with critics comparing its quality to legendary vintages like 1982 and 1961.

Pairing Suggestions

• Classic: Rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic or a prime rib roast.
• Savory: Braised short ribs, duck confit, or a truffle-infused beef tenderloin.
• Cheese: Aged Comté, Manchego, or a firm Pecorino.

Argentina's Most Iconic Grape — Layer Cake Malbec from Mendoza

Layer Cake wines are crafted by celebrated winemaker Jayson Woodbridge, sourcing from the world's finest vineyards to deliver bold, expressive wines at an exceptional price point. Their Mendoza Malbec is anchored by fruit from the legendary Sea of Stones vineyard — a site defined by deep alluvial cobblestones that lend a distinctive thread of minerality to every vintage. The 2022 is a rich, layered, and deeply satisfying Malbec that punches well above its price.

Winemaker Notes

Layer Cake Malbec Mendoza 2022 750ml

Big, brooding black fruit with a slight hint of cherry, earthy truffles, and dark cocoa lead the way. The Sea of Stones vineyard is always evident — a thread of minerality from the deep alluvial cobblestones runs through the wine. Elegant on the palate with fresh-picked blackberries, simmering chocolate, and a savory depth that keeps you coming back. So many layers, so little time.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Malbec
• Appellation: Mendoza, Argentina
• Vineyard: Sea of Stones
• Producer: Layer Cake (Jayson Woodbridge)
• Vintage: 2022
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Made for the grill — exceptional with traditional Argentinian asado, grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, beets with truffle, dark berry desserts, and aged hard cheeses.

Stags’ Leap Winery Chardonnay — Napa Valley 2023

Stags’ Leap Winery is one of Napa Valley’s most storied estates — a historic property in the Stags Leap District whose winemaking legacy stretches back to the 19th century. Their Napa Valley Chardonnay draws from two of the valley’s finest cool-climate sites: Carneros and Oak Knoll, both influenced by the marine air of San Pablo Bay, which moderates temperatures and preserves the natural acidity and aromatic precision that define this style. The 2023 vintage was one of the most prolonged and compact harvests in recent Napa history — a long growing season delayed harvest until September 5th, two and a half weeks later than the prior year, producing fruit of intense color, complex flavors, and vibrant acidity. The wine is partially barrel-fermented and matured, with the balance in stainless steel, and includes 1% Viognier for an added lift of floral perfume.

The color is a glorious shimmering gold. The nose is bright and lively: lemon crème, white pineapple, melon, Asian pear, citrus blossom, and magnolia flowers, with spiced oak notes of vanilla, brioche toast, and ginger adding warmth and complexity. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, silky, and balanced — Golden Delicious apple, lemon curd, and ripe pear framed by a creamy texture, exotic floral notes, and a long, satisfying finish with hints of lychee and beautiful mineral character. A solid, well-priced Napa Chardonnay with genuine elegance.

Wine Advocate 89 — “Crushed stone, pear, melon and citrus. Medium to full-bodied, silky and balanced — a solid effort at a fair price for Napa.” (Vintage 2023). 

• Producer: Stags’ Leap Winery, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Napa Valley
• Sources: Carneros & Oak Knoll
• Varietal: 99% Chardonnay, 1% Viognier
• Vinification: Partial barrel fermentation and maturation, balance in stainless steel
• Style: Silky, balanced, floral Napa Valley Chardonnay
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon crème, pineapple, melon, Asian pear, vanilla, brioche, lychee, mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 3–5 years
• Best Paired With: Roast chicken, lobster, crab, creamy pasta, soft-ripened cheeses, scallops

Napa Valley Chardonnay with genuine elegance and a storied address — Stags’ Leap Winery 2023 delivers at every pour.

Tasting Notes

Bright and pale golden, L'Indiscrète opens with a fresh, citrus-driven palate layered with mineral notes of flint from the caillote soils. Richly textured yet underpinned by crisp acidity, the wine delivers textbook Sancerre minerality with an elegant, pure, and refreshing finish that lingers beautifully.

About the Wine

Produced by Anthony Girard of the La Clef du Récit estate, this cuvée is crafted from 45-year-old vines grown on classic Sancerre limestone (caillottes) and flint soils. It is rare to find a non-Mevushal Sancerre from a small, high-quality producer of this caliber — because it is not flash-pasteurized, the wine retains its delicate floral aromatics and sharp mineral edge, making it a benchmark for connoisseurs seeking the most authentic Kosher Sancerre experience.

Food Pairing

A natural match for grilled fish, goat cheese, and light poultry. Equally stunning on its own as an aperitif.

Product Details

• Appellation: Sancerre, Loire Valley, France
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Vine Age: 45 years
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Certification: Kosher (Non-Mevushal)
• Producer: Anthony Girard – La Clef du Récit

Explore the Exquisite Domaine du Vieux Lazaret

Winemaker Description 

Domaine du Vieux Lazaret is one of the main estate of the appelation and one of the oldest, dating from 1748. The domaine covers around 100 ha, spread over the 3 typical terroirs. All 13 grape varieties are cultivated on our lands.

On the nose it shows white flowers, peach and lemon aromas It is a long wine on the palate, full and fat, highlighting white flowers, peach and lemon on its youth. The years will give it apricot, honey and almond aromas and will confirm its minerality. Outstandingly long finish, full and fleshy. 

Summary Notes

• Appearance: Pale yellow, limpid, and brilliant with silver reflections.

• Aromas: Very expressive and floral. Expect notes of white flowers (jasmine, honeysuckle), fresh pear, and lemon, with subtle hints of honey and fennel as it opens.

• Palate: Fleshy and "fat" (rich) but balanced by a bright spine of acidity. Flavors of peach, apricot, and citrus zest are complemented by a distinct saline minerality and a touch of toasted almond.

• Finish: Outstandingly long and clean, with a graceful, slightly waxy texture.

• Food Pairings: Pairs beautifully with sophisticated dishes such as scallops in butter sauce, roasted poultry with mushrooms, lobster risotto, or aged goat cheeses.

Unveiling Domaine du Vieux Lazaret

The Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2024 is a remarkable representation of Southern Rhône’s winemaking expertise. Renowned for its full-bodied texture and complex flavor profile, this wine showcases the essence of the region's terroir. Crafted from a blend of carefully selected grapes, it offers a vibrant and aromatic experience that is unparalleled. Each sip reveals refreshing notes of citrus, pear, and floral undertones, making it an ideal choice for both casual sipping and formal dining. Not only does it reflect the heritage of its vineyard, but it also stands out as a testament to the evolving nature of modern winemaking.

Tasting Notes and Flavor Profile

Upon tasting, Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 2024 delivers a striking balance of crisp acidity and rich flavors. Expect an explosion of fruitiness complemented by minerality, reflecting the unique geological characteristics of the Chateauneuf du Pape region. The refreshing citrus notes are harmoniously blended with hints of white peach and a subtle herbal finish, providing a delightful complexity that lingers on the palate. The aromatic qualities make this wine particularly appealing, as the bouquet unfolds with every swirl of the glass, inviting you to indulge further in its richness.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This elegant white wine is versatile in the kitchen, pairing beautifully with a variety of dishes. It makes a superb companion to seafood, especially grilled fish and shellfish, enhancing the natural flavors of the ocean. Additionally, it complements rich poultry dishes, creamy sauces, and soft cheeses, offering a delightful contrast that elevates the dining experience. Whether you're hosting a formal dinner or enjoying a casual meal with friends, Domaine du Vieux Lazaret adds a touch of sophistication and enhances the overall flavor of the meal, making it a go-to choice for wine enthusiasts.

Winemaker Description

Celler Bàrbara Forés is a woman owned and operated winery located in the Terra Alta region of Catalonia, Spain. It was founded on the principles of agroecology and is known for its commitment to producing high-quality wines while respecting the environment. Uniting the efforts of three women, the winery's philosophy is rooted in sustainable viticulture and the unique terroir of the Terra Alta The wine is made with Morenillo from a single estate that has partly sandy soil but mostly a loamy texture. When the grapes have been manually harvested, they ferment in contact with the skins. Maceration lasts 21 days. After pressing, fermentation continues in stainless steel tanks, at a controlled temperature.

The wine is then aged for 9 months in clay amphoras.With the name Bàrbara Forés, the marriage of Carmen Ferrer and Manuel Sanmartín wanted to pay tribute to their great-grandmother Bárbara Forés, who was born in Gandesa on February 7, 1828. Bárbara Forés, the daughter of a wine merchant (Rafael Forés) and an agricultural owner (Maria Figueras), was a person of great character and had a decisive influence on her son Rafael.

Rafael Ferrer Forés, a pharmacist and illustrious winegrower, constructed the cellar of the manor house where he began bottling wine at the end of the 19th century. Bárbara Forés, therefore, represents respect and tradition in the production of wines, passed down from generation to generation for more than a hundred years in their house.

Willamette Valley Pinot Noir That Delivers Oregon Elegance at an Everyday Price

Wine By Joe is the approachable label from Joe Dobbes, one of Oregon’s most experienced and celebrated winemakers. Sourced from Willamette Valley vineyards, the 2022 Pinot Noir is a textbook expression of what makes Oregon Pinot so compelling: fragrant, silky, and fruit-driven, with the lively acidity and balanced structure that make it equally at home at a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. A Wine Enthusiast 90-point Best Buy.

Expert Reviews

• Wine Enthusiast — 90 pts (Best Buy): "This is the kind of wine you want to find when you’re looking for the perfect porch or picnic pour. Lively acidity, a crisp mouthfeel, and all the fruit you can handle. Aromas and flavors of blackberries, lemon sorbet and a touch of cedar are framed by velvety tannins. Great value here."

Winemaker Notes

Fragrant and floral aromas of hibiscus and dried rose petal combined with bright cherry, dried cranberry, and a hint of black licorice. A medium-bodied entry leads to a silky mid-palate of dried Bing cherry, black tea, light sandalwood, and cedar. Well-balanced with youthful yet integrated tannins and moderate acidity that lingers into a medium-long finish.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Willamette Valley, Oregon
• Producer: Wine By Joe / Joe Dobbes
• Vintage: 2022
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Highly versatile — exceptional with roasted salmon, grilled chicken, mushroom dishes, pizza, burgers, and casual weeknight meals.