2010 - Present Wine

Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon — Napa Valley 2022

Freemark Abbey is one of Napa Valley’s most historic estates — a winery with roots stretching back to 1886 and a reputation built on classic, terroir-driven Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker Kristy Melton sources from a diverse portfolio of estate vineyards and carefully selected purchased fruit across multiple Napa appellations and elevations — including the legendary Bosché Vineyard, Orchard Vineyard, Red Hen Vineyard, Colline, Henrickson, Carpenter, Red Barn Ranch, Castle Rock, and Atalon — to craft a wine that is classic, balanced, and genuinely complex. The 2022 vintage produced approximately 11,000 cases, with a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, and 1% Merlot, aged 20 months in French oak with 47% new barrels. Harvest ran from August 13th through October 14th, 2022. Alcohol: 14.5%. pH: 3.66.

The color is a deep, concentrated ruby. The nose is classic and inviting: dark chocolate, black forest fruits, oak spices, leather, and cedar, with bright aromas of ripe cherries and sunny strawberries adding lift and freshness. On the palate, it is full-bodied and soft — blueberry compote, espresso, olive, dried herbs, and black pepper, with fresh red currants and light baking spices woven through a velvety, well-structured mid-palate. The tannins are integrated and approachable, making it enjoyable now while remaining capable of cellaring well for years to come.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Decanter — 92 Points (Jonathan Cristaldi, Jul 2025)

James Suckling — 92 Points
“Bright aromas, ripe flavors, a full body but rather light tannins give this wine an easy drinkability. Red cherries and sunny strawberries on the nose, then a palate of good acidity with fresh red currants and light baking spices. Drink or hold.”

Wine Advocate — 90 Points
“Cedar and mocha shadings accent ripe cherries on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is soft and velvety. Forward and probably not meant for the cellar, this is still a tasty wine, with just a hint of dried fruit on the finish.”

• Producer: Freemark Abbey, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Napa Valley
• Vineyards: Bosché, Orchard, Red Hen, Colline, Henrickson, Carpenter, Red Barn Ranch, Castle Rock, Atalon
• Blend: 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Merlot
• Aging: 20 months in French oak, 47% new
• Alcohol: 14.5% | pH: 3.66
• Production: ~11,000 cases
• Style: Classic, balanced, multi-vineyard Napa Cabernet
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark chocolate, black forest fruit, cedar, blueberry compote, espresso, red currant, integrated tannins
• Drink Window: Now–2032+
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, roast lamb, wild mushrooms, aged hard cheeses

One of Napa’s most storied addresses — Freemark Abbey 2022 is classic, balanced, and built for the table.

A superb, cellar-worthy Vintage Port from an outstanding Douro harvest, Maynard’s Vintage Port 2016 combines extraordinary richness, powerful structure and vibrant freshness. Produced from carefully selected grapes grown in Portugal’s historic Douro Valley, this is a deeply concentrated Port built for decades of graceful development in bottle.

Maynard’s is the flagship Port label associated with the van Zeller family, whose history in the Port trade stretches back for centuries. The name honors Walter Maynard, one of the early English merchants associated with exporting Port wine from Portugal to England.

Region & Style

Country: Portugal
Region: Douro Valley
Appellation: Porto
Wine Type: Fortified Red Wine
Style: Vintage Port
Vintage: 2016
Bottle Size: 750ml
Alcohol: 20% ABV
Winemaker: Álvaro Van Zeller

Grape Varieties

This traditional Douro field blend includes several of the region’s classic Port varieties:

• Touriga Nacional
• Touriga Franca
• Tinta Roriz
• Tinta Barroca
• Tinto Cão
• Old-vine Douro varieties

The 2016 Vintage

The 2016 growing season in the Douro was distinctive, with cooler conditions and significant rainfall earlier in the year followed by warm summer weather. Rain arriving again before the end of harvest helped the grapes complete their ripening while retaining excellent natural acidity.

The resulting Ports combine generous fruit concentration with freshness, structure and balance—qualities that give the best 2016 Vintage Ports exceptional long-term aging potential.

Winemaking & Aging

Vintage Port is produced only from grapes of a single exceptional harvest. Carefully selected fruit is fermented before the fermentation is stopped by fortification with grape spirit, preserving the wine’s natural richness and sweetness.

Unlike Tawny Port, which develops through extended aging in wood, Vintage Port is designed to mature primarily in the bottle. During this slow evolution, its powerful youthful fruit and tannins gradually become increasingly harmonious, layered and complex.

Tasting Notes

Deep and intensely colored, the Maynard’s 2016 Vintage Port opens with expressive aromas of blackberry, black cherry, ripe red plum and dark berry fruit, complemented by subtle notes of spice and mint.

The palate is rich, dense and full-bodied, with luscious blackberry fruit framed by firm yet polished tannins. Despite its considerable concentration, the wine retains a fresh, energetic quality that keeps the sweetness beautifully balanced.

Powerful yet refined, this is a complex, structured Vintage Port with an exceptionally long finish and tremendous potential for further development in the cellar.

99 Points & Editors’ Choice — Wine Enthusiast

Wine Enthusiast awarded the Maynard’s 2016 Vintage Port an exceptional 99 Points and named it an Editors’ Choice.

Reviewer Roger Voss: 

99 POINTS — WINE ENTHUSIAST | EDITORS’ CHOICE:

"A beautifully balanced, rich wine, this has great tannins, a dense, firm texture and luscious blackberry fruits. It shows the structure of the vintage while also bringing a fresher element. Jammy but never cloying, this is an impressive wine for the long term. Drink from 2029."

Serving & Decanting

Vintage Port naturally develops sediment as it matures in bottle. Stand the bottle upright for approximately 24 hours before serving, then carefully decant the wine to separate it from the sediment.

Serve at approximately 15–18°C / 59–64°F. A generous Port or red-wine glass will allow the wine’s aromas and complexity to develop fully.

Food Pairing

An excellent partner for dark chocolate, chocolate truffles, rich chocolate desserts, blue cheeses and mature cheeses. It is equally compelling served on its own after dinner as a contemplative wine.

Cellaring

This is a serious Vintage Port designed for long bottle aging. Its combination of concentrated fruit, firm tannins and balancing acidity gives it the structure to evolve beautifully for decades when properly cellared.

About Maynard’s

Maynard’s celebrates a centuries-old connection between the van Zeller family and the Port trade. The brand takes its name from Walter Maynard, born in 1652 and remembered as one of the early English merchants involved in shipping Port from Portugal to England.

Today, Maynard’s produces a broad collection of traditional Ports, from aged Tawnies and rare Colheitas to Vintage Ports such as this exceptional 2016 release.

A 99-point Vintage Port combining extraordinary concentration, freshness and longevity—the Maynard’s 2016 is a compelling addition to any serious Port cellar.

Maynard’s Vintage Port 2016 750ml

Sylvain Bailly Sancerre Chêne Marchand — Loire Valley 2024

Sylvain Bailly is a family domaine with deep roots in Sancerre, farming Kimmeridgian marl and caillottes (stony limestone) soils across some of the appellation’s most prized sites. Chêne Marchand is one of Sancerre’s most prestigious crus, located in the village of Bué and renowned for its caillottes soils — a stony limestone that produces wines of greater power, richness, and longevity than your average Sancerre. This is not a simple, zesty Loire white: it is a structured, mineral-driven Sauvignon Blanc with the depth and precision to age. The Bailly family’s commitment to sustainable viticulture and meticulous winemaking ensures the purity and terroir expression that Chêne Marchand demands.

The nose bursts with grapefruit, white flowers, and a distinctive flinty minerality that is the unmistakable signature of the appellation. On the palate, lemon zest, green apple, and a refreshing, lively acidity carry through to a long, stony, mineral finish. Precise, focused, and built for the table.

• Producer: Sylvain Bailly, Sancerre, Loire Valley, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Sancerre AOC
• Vineyard: Chêne Marchand, Bué — caillottes (stony limestone) soils
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Farming: Sustainable
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Grapefruit, white flowers, lemon zest, green apple, flinty minerality, stony finish
• Best Paired With: Goat cheese, oysters, grilled asparagus, seafood, light salads, sushi

A structured, mineral-driven Sancerre from one of the appellation’s most prestigious crus — Sylvain Bailly Chêne Marchand is the Loire white that punches above its weight.

🇫🇷 France — Pinot Noir | Sancerre, Loire Valley

Vinified ‘grey’ — grapes pressed immediately after harvest — this Sancerre Rosé is salmon pink in color, lightly tinted, and possessed of remarkable freshness and finesse. Bursting with juicy grapefruit and pomelo, it has the exuberance of a paloma in wine form: bright, aromatic, and utterly irresistible.

The Pinot Noir vines of Domaine Hippolyte Reverdy are planted on two distinct terroirs — kimmeridgien limestone-clay soils and stony pebbly soils — whose intelligent blending gives the wine both structure and vivacity. A family estate with roots in the commune of Verdigny dating to the 16th century, the domaine has been tended with the same devotion across generations.

“Every year when Domaine Hippolyte Reverdy’s iconic label returns… my heart and taste buds feel a special flutter. Amidst all the blush-hued splendor, there’s something extra delightful about Reverdy’s rendition — bursting with juicy grapefruit and pomelo, as though a paloma decided to slip on a wine disguise. This is summertime rosé at its finest.”
— Allyson Noman

Pairs well with: Seasonal crudo, charcuterie, salads, pizza, cold meats, chicken, pork, and spicy dishes. Serve at 8°C.

Grape: Pinot Noir
Region: Sancerre, Loire Valley, France
Vintage: 2025
Format: 750ml
AOC: Sancerre Rosé

DOMAINE HIPPOLYTE REVERDY SANCERRE ROSÉ 2025 | 750ML

Quiet Resolve Project 517 Leila’s Dance Rosé Western Cape 2024

Quiet Resolve is a South African project rooted in the belief that exceptional wine can come from unexpected places. Leila’s Dance — named with the easy elegance of South African coastal living in mind — is a vibrant, dry rosé that captures the freshness and energy of the Western Cape. Crafted from 80% Mourvèdre and 20% Cinsault, it is a wine of genuine character and exceptional value.

Pale salmon in the glass, the wine opens with expressive aromas of fresh strawberries, watermelon, rose petals, and citrus zest. The palate is crisp and refreshing, with bright flavors of wild berries, white peach, and ruby grapefruit, balanced by lively acidity and a clean, mineral-driven finish. Dry, food-friendly, and effortlessly drinkable — a rosé made for warm afternoons and relaxed gatherings.

Food Pairing

Excellent as an aperitif or alongside grilled shrimp, salmon, sushi, Mediterranean salads, fresh goat cheese, charcuterie, roasted vegetables, or spicy Asian cuisine. Serve well chilled at 45–50°F (7–10°C).

Blend: 80% Mourvèdre, 20% Cinsault
Appellation: Western Cape, South Africa
Vintage: 2024
Format: 750ml | ABV: 12.5%

Antinori Santa Cristina Toscana Rosso — Tuscany 2023 750ml

Santa Cristina is the everyday Tuscan red from Marchesi Antinori — one of Italy’s oldest and most storied wine dynasties, with over 600 years of winemaking history in Florence. Blended from Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, it is crafted to deliver the warmth, generosity, and food-friendliness of Tuscany in an approachable, everyday format. The 2023 vintage is vibrant and expressive — a wine that overdelivers at its price and earns its place on any Italian table.

Ruby red with violet hues. The nose is fruity and inviting: fresh cherry, blueberry, and currant meet delicate hints of vanilla and cocoa. On the palate, it is enveloping and supple — medium-bodied with flavors of red cherry, mint, blueberry, and black pepper, a light oak touch, and a smooth, fruit-forward finish that lingers pleasantly.

• Producer: Marchesi Antinori, Florence, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Toscana IGT
• Blend: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
• Style: Medium-Bodied Red
• ABV: 13%
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherry, blueberry, currant, mint, black pepper, vanilla, cocoa, smooth finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now
• Best Paired With: Roasted meats, cured meats, hard cheeses, Caesar salad, pizza, pasta al pomodoro

Six centuries of Tuscan winemaking in every bottle — Santa Cristina is Antinori’s gift to the everyday table.

Vincent Cuillier L'Arbre Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature — Champagne 2022

L'Arbre is Vincent Cuillier's most personal wine — a single-parcel Blanc de Noirs from Les Voyets, the family's most historic vineyard in the Marne village of Pouillon. The name references Cuillier's deep commitment to vitiforestry: the integration of trees and biodiversity into the vineyard ecosystem as a living expression of natural viticulture. Made exclusively from 100% Pinot Meunier with zero dosage, this is a vintage Champagne of remarkable purity and depth. Indigenous yeast fermentation in stainless steel, 36 months sur lattes, and hand disgorgement with no fining or filtration — nothing added, nothing taken away.

Plump, forward berry fruit opens the nose — red cherry, wild strawberry, and a whisper of brioche — kept in elegant check by crisp acidity and fine, mineral-driven lines. The palate is taut and precise, with the zero dosage revealing the wine's true character: pure, focused, and long on the finish. A Blanc de Noirs of genuine cellar-worthiness and rare transparency of place.

"L'Arbre is grower Champagne at its most uncompromising — a single parcel, a single variety, zero dosage, and a winemaker who lets the vineyard speak."

• Producer: Vincent Cuillier, Pouillon, Marne, Champagne, France
• Vintage: 2022 (Disgorged)
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Parcel: Les Voyets, Pouillon
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Meunier
• Style: Blanc de Noirs, Brut Nature (Zero Dosage)
• Vinification: Indigenous yeast, stainless steel; 36 months sur lattes; hand-disgorged
• Dosage: Zero | Farming: Natural viticulture / Vitiforestry
• Fining & Filtration: None
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red cherry, wild strawberry, brioche, crisp acidity, mineral lines, long pure finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, sea urchin, shellfish, charcuterie, aged ham, mushroom dishes, Brie, Camembert, roast chicken

Single parcel. Single variety. Zero dosage. 36 months on the lees. Vincent Cuillier's L'Arbre is the purest expression of Pinot Meunier in Champagne.

#27 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2025

One of California's most iconic white blends, Pine Ridge's Chenin Blanc-Viognier (CBV) has been captivating wine lovers for over 30 years. The 2024 vintage is crisp, bright, and vivacious — opening with vibrant aromas of kiwi, fresh-cut melon, key lime zest, and white flowers. Hints of honeysuckle, jasmine, white peach, and nectarine add layered depth, while the Viognier contributes a luscious mouthfeel with exotic notes of lychee and orange blossom. The palate is clean and refreshing, balancing bright acidity with gentle sweetness for a harmonious finish.

Perfect on its own or paired with light seafood, Asian cuisine, soft cheeses, or summer salads.

• Blend: 80% Chenin Blanc, 20% Viognier
• Appellation: Clarksburg, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

The Somm Journal 92 Points : "Brisk and salty notes of vanilla meringue and key lime appear alongside macadamia and a hint of spice."

James Suckling 91 Points: "Aromas of sliced pears, yellow apples, nectarines and white flowers. Bright acidity and a salty, crunchy finish."

The Wine Spectator 90 Points: "Lovely mix of ripe peach, apricot and orange blossom notes — effusive, juicy and decidedly drinkable."

Discover the Richness of Primitivo di Manduria

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

James Suckling - 91 Points | A spiced nose of dark berries, smoked herbs and hints of mushrooms and moist earth. Full-bodied, dense and plush, with firm tannins and rich, almost sweet berry character.

Memo Summary Notes

The San Marzano "Anniversario 62" Primitivo di Manduria Riserva 2019 is an iconic, opulent red from Puglia that serves as a tribute to the winery's founding year. It is widely considered a benchmark for the region, known for its massive concentration, "noble" tannins, and a luxurious, velvety texture.

Why 62? The name commemorates 1962, the year 19 vine growers came together to found Cantine San Marzano. This Riserva is only made from their oldest, lowest-yielding bush vines, which results in much higher flavor concentration than standard Primitivo.

Because of its richness and hint of sweetness, it needs bold flavors to stand up to it:

• Meats: Slow-cooked beef short ribs, venison with a berry reduction, or grilled lamb chops.

• Italian Classics: Orecchiette with a spicy sausage and broccoli rabe ragu.

• Indulgent: Dark chocolate desserts or a platter of extra-aged Pecorino and blue cheeses.

Experience the Taste of Primitivo

San Marzano Anniversario 62 Primitivo di Manduria Riserva 2019 showcases the exceptional quality of Primitivo grapes. This wine is full-bodied, offering rich fruit flavors, including notes of black cherry and plum. It has a smooth texture and balanced acidity, making it an ideal choice for both casual and formal occasions. People appreciate its versatility, as it pairs well with various dishes, from pasta to grilled meats.

Why Choose San Marzano Anniversario 62?

This particular vintage stands out not only for its taste but also for its meticulous production process. San Marzano winery is known for its commitment to quality, and the 2019 Riserva reflects that dedication. The grapes are carefully harvested and fermented, ensuring that the unique characteristics of the Primitivo grape shine through. Therefore, when you choose this wine, you're selecting a product with a rich heritage and a promise of exceptional quality.

An Ideal Wine for Every Occasion

Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or enjoying a quiet evening at home, San Marzano Primitivo di Manduria is the perfect companion. Because of its complexity and rich flavor profile, it can elevate any dining experience. Many wine lovers recommend serving it slightly below room temperature to enhance its aromatic qualities. So, if you’re looking for a memorable wine experience, consider the San Marzano Anniversario 62 Primitivo di Manduria Riserva 2019.

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.

Expert Review — Vintage 2021

Vinous 94 Points | Pure Chardonnay from vines around 25 years old. The bright energy hits you with the first sniff — lift, brightness, and something immensely citric and pervasive. Exquisite shape: it glides and moves with agility, like a drop of liquid rolling across plumage — always entire, rounded, shining, smooth and mobile. The finish sinks into soil, draws you in, seasons the tongue with saltiness and floors you with incredible equanimity. Endless, profound, and ineffable. Bone-dry.

About the Wine

Velich Darscho is named after a smaller lake in the village near the estate in Burgenland, Austria. The fruit comes from vineyards that are 35–50 years old — significantly older than the Vinous note suggests (which references 25-year-old vines), reflecting the depth and complexity in the glass. This is Velich’s step up from the Tó cuvée, showing greater concentration, minerality, and aging potential.

Tasting & Pairings

Bright citrus energy, saltiness, soil-driven minerality, and an ineffably long finish. Bone-dry with exquisite shape and agility. Serve lightly chilled — this rewards patience in the glass as it opens.

• Roasted lobster or langoustines with brown butter — the wine’s richness and salinity are a perfect match.
• Roasted chicken with tarragon and crème fraîche — classic Chardonnay territory elevated by the wine’s minerality.
• Aged Comté or Gruyère — nutty, hard cheeses complement the wine’s depth and saline finish.

Expert Review — Vintage 2021

Vinous 97 Points | Pure Chardonnay from the oldest vines of the estate, planted in 1959. Smoothness dominates the nose — almost salty hints of lanolin, a touch of Mirabelle and a lovely note of straw. The palate is intense, concentrated and pervasive, with uncompromising nakedness, dynamism and drive, dripping with lemon brightness, all bound up in earthiness reminiscent of fresh cep mushroom and profound, cooling limestone. Clarity is everything here. The finish is long, serene, touching and memorable. Bone-dry.

About the Wine

Velich Tiglat is the crown jewel of the Velich lineup — sourced from the estate’s original plantings from 1959 in Burgenland, Austria. The wine is fermented naturally and kept on full lees for at least 24 months, building extraordinary texture and complexity without compromising the bone-dry purity that defines the house style.

This is the pinnacle of the Velich range: Tó (young vines) → Darscho (35–50 year vines) → Tiglat (1959 vines). Each step up brings greater concentration, minerality, and aging potential.

Tasting & Pairings

Lanolin, Mirabelle, straw, lemon brightness, fresh cep mushroom, cooling limestone, and salt. Intense and concentrated yet profoundly clear. The finish is long, serene, and memorable. Serve lightly chilled — this demands time and attention in the glass.

• Lobster or scallops with brown butter — the wine’s concentration and lemon brightness elevate luxurious shellfish.
• Roasted turbot or Dover sole — noble white fish for a noble Chardonnay.
• Aged Comté (24+ months) — the depth and salinity of both are a stunning match.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

James Suckling 90 Points | A flattering version, with star fruit, white peach and verbena notes backed by a rounded, shortbread-accented finish. Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc.

Memo Summary Notes

Château Haut Selve Graves Blanc 2024 is the newest release of this high-performing white Bordeaux. The 2024 vintage in Graves is characterized by vibrant acidity and intense aromatic profiles, as the cooler-than-average spring followed by a warm summer allowed for excellent "aromatic snap" in Sauvignon Blanc.

Varietals - Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Semillon

Discover Domaine de La Solitude Pessac-Léognan Blanc 2023, an exceptional white Bordeaux that showcases the finest expression of the Pessac-Léognan appellation. This wine has garnered outstanding critical acclaim, with multiple scores in the 90+ range from the world's most respected wine critics. Crafted from grapes grown on gravel soils with cooler clays, this estate wine represents the perfect balance of fruit, freshness, and elegance that defines great white Bordeaux.

Exceptional Critical Acclaim - 2023 Vintage

James Suckling - 94 Points
"More savory and creamy than fruity, showing gooseberries, guavas and sliced apples. Fresh and round with medium body and a textured, long finish. Good energy, with a saline twist at the end. Nice phenolics and density at the end. Drink now or hold."

Jeb Dunnuck - 93 Points (91-93)
"The 2023 Domaine De La Solitude (Pessac-Léognan) Blanc will certainly be outstanding. Based on 65% Sauvignon Blanc and 35% Semillon, it has bright, minty herbs, citrus, and honeyed pineapple-like aromas and flavors as well as a medium-bodied, round, plush, beautifully textured style on the palate."

The Wine Independent - 92 Points (90-92)
"The 2023 Domaine de la Solitude Blanc races out of the glass with expressive scents of fresh grapefruit, crunchy peaches, and Bosc pears leading to hints of beeswax and sea spray. The medium-bodied palate is silky, with great intensity of orchard fruit flavors and a racy backbone, finishing with great length."

Decanter - 91 Points
"Earlier harvest to preserve acidity from this estate with gravel soils but thankfully cooler clays as well, resulting in an easy-going wine not without some warmth, but marked by ripe pear, peach, orange zest and lemon, more fruit forward than complex – and a pleasure to drink."

Wine Advocate - 90 Points (88-90)
"The Domaine de la Solitude 2023 Blanc exudes aromas of confit citron, lemon, verbena and white fruits. Medium-bodied, supple and juicy, it's perfectly balanced with a long, delicate and perfumed finish."

Vinous Media - 90 Points
"The 2023 Domaine de la Solitude Blanc has a cohesive and focused bouquet with green apple, kiwi fruit and light, pithy pear aromas that are neatly knitted together by the oak. The palate is a more textural white with a keen line of acidity, vibrant and fresh with a dab of ginger toward the finish."

Grape Blend

Composition: 65% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Sémillon
This classic Pessac-Léognan white blend combines Sauvignon Blanc's vibrant aromatics and acidity with Sémillon's richness and texture.

Tasting Profile

Aroma: Expressive scents of fresh grapefruit, crunchy peaches, Bosc pears, gooseberries, guavas, sliced apples, bright minty herbs, citrus, honeyed pineapple, confit citron, lemon, verbena, white fruits, green apple, kiwi fruit, pithy pear, ripe pear, peach, orange zest, hints of beeswax and sea spray
Palate: Medium-bodied, fresh and round. Savory and creamy. Silky with great intensity of orchard fruit flavors. Round, plush, beautifully textured style. Supple and juicy, perfectly balanced. More textural white with keen line of acidity, vibrant and fresh. Good energy with nice phenolics and density
Finish: Textured, long finish with a saline twist at the end. Great length. Long, delicate and perfumed finish. Dab of ginger toward the finish

Pessac-Léognan Terroir

From an estate with gravel soils and cooler clays, this wine benefits from the unique terroir of Pessac-Léognan. Earlier harvest preserves acidity, resulting in an easy-going wine marked by freshness and balance. The combination of gravel and clay soils provides both drainage and moisture retention, creating ideal conditions for producing exceptional white Bordeaux.

Winemaking Excellence

The grapes are carefully selected and the wine is neatly knitted together by oak aging, which adds texture and complexity without overwhelming the fruit. The winemaking approach preserves the natural acidity and vibrant character of the grapes while developing the wine's textural qualities and depth.

Aging Potential

Drink Window: Drink now or hold
This wine offers both immediate pleasure and aging potential. It's a pleasure to drink now with its fruit-forward character, yet has the structure and balance to develop further complexity with cellaring.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This versatile white Bordeaux pairs beautifully with:

• Seafood and shellfish
• Grilled fish
• Poultry and white meats
• Creamy cheeses
• Salads with citrus vinaigrette
• Asian cuisine
• Light pasta dishes
• Oysters and raw bar

Outstanding White Bordeaux

The 2023 Domaine de La Solitude Blanc will certainly be outstanding, representing exceptional value in white Pessac-Léognan. With its cohesive and focused bouquet, racy backbone, and perfectly balanced palate, this wine showcases why Pessac-Léognan is one of Bordeaux's premier appellations for white wine. The combination of critical acclaim, classic blend, and distinctive terroir makes this a must-have for white Bordeaux enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Domaine de La Solitude Pessac-Leognan Blanc 2023 750ml

Château Potensac is one of the Médoc's most reliable overachievers — a cru bourgeois estate with the pedigree and precision of a classified growth. Managed by the Delon family of Léoville-Las Cases fame, Potensac consistently punches well above its appellation, producing structured, age-worthy Bordeaux blends that reward patience and reward the cellar.

The Château Potensac Médoc 2016 375ml Half Bottle is widely considered one of the finest vintages in the estate's modern history. A blend of 44% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, aged 14 months in 30% new French oak, it delivers a dark, layered bouquet of cassis, pencil shavings, cedar, graphite, and cool stones. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, with sleek tannins, lively acidity, and a long, penetrating finish. Accessible now, yet built to age with style for 15+ years.

Expert Reviews

• James Suckling — 94 Points: "Suave aromas of cedar and fresh red flowers with ripe red berries and blackcurrants, mulberries, coal smoke and cool stones. A class act. One of the best from here in the modern era."
• Jeb Dunnuck — 91 Points: "Beautiful concentration and a layered, elegant texture — ample upfront appeal yet will keep for 15+ years."
• Wine Advocate — 91+ Points: "Seamlessly balanced with beautifully refined tannins, lively acids and a long, penetrating finish. Built to age with style."

Wine Details

• 44% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & Petit Verdot
• Médoc AOC, Bordeaux, France
• Aged 14 months in 30% new French oak
• Vintage: 2016 | Drink now through 2035+
• 375ml Half Bottle

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

James Suckling 94 Points | This exhibits violets and tar, as well as underbrush and a distant bitter-chocolate note. The palate is angular and incisive, well-constructed with a harmonious interplay between the focused acidity, fine grained tannins and delineated, fleshy fruit. Precise. Best ever from here. Better in 2028.

The Wine Spectator by Bruce Sanderson 94 Points | A sleek, elegant red, silky in texture and linear in profile. Rose, macerated cherry, strawberry, mineral and spice flavors abound, while a line of energetic tannins shows up on the long finish. This wine's purity and structure show the potential of the vintage.

Jeb Dunnuck by Audrey Frick 93 Points |  One of the overachievers of the vintage for a regional Barolo and a strong contender for top of the year lists, the 2021 Barolo Ludo pours a reflective brick red color and is attractive on the nose with notes of cinnamon sticks, fresh cherries, mossy earth, and anise. The palate offers a good balance of richness in the structure of its medium-bodied frame, with ripe tannins, lovely clarity of fruit, and refreshing ripe acidity. A gorgeous entry-level Barolo, it’s stunning now and has the potential to age with ease over the next 12-15 years.

Memo Summary Notes

The Poderi Luigi Einaudi Barolo "Ludo" 2021 is a significant release, as 2021 is being hailed as an exceptional, "best-ever" vintage for this specific bottling. Unlike Einaudi’s single-vineyard crus (like Cannubi or Bussia), Ludo is a blend of Nebbiolo from younger vines across those famous sites, designed to be more approachable in its youth.

Why "Ludo"? The name comes from the Latin ludus, meaning "playful."

Pair with Wild mushroom risotto or tajarin pasta with truffles.

Meats: Braised beef short ribs or herb-crusted lamb chops.

Cheese: Aged Grana Padano or Castelmagno.

Schloss Lieser SL Feinherb Estate Riesling has herbal and minerally aroma, really flinty on the nose. Has aromas of fruit and slate that lead to a fresh and round palate with a salty finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018

The Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | This dark ruby-colored wine offers aromas of Luxardo cherry and toasted baking spices. It is very spicy at first sip as flavors of clove and mint leaf with a touch of black pepper hit the taste buds, followed by blackberry, cherry and raspberry flavors. Muscular tannins are balanced out by well-integrated acidity that stays around for a while. 

James Suckling 92 Points | Juicy and expressive Rioja with some dark spices, black earth and a hint of peppercorn to the cherries and plums. Fresh and bright on the palate with a medium body rounded by fine-grained tannins. Succulent and long. Consistent quality. The first year that there is some maturana in the blend. Drink now, but can hold well, too.

Memo Summary Notes

Food Pairings: Highly versatile. Pairs perfectly with grilled meats, roasted lamb, hearty stews, mushrooms, cured ham (Jamón Ibérico), and medium-aged cheeses.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

The Wine Enthusiast 94 Points | This is the flagship Chardonnay produced by Domaine Anderson. It is a glimpse into the winemaking style of the house, highlighting the cool climate, sunshine and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The nose conveys pithy apple, youthful nectarine and butterscotch candy. The palate intensifies these notes, along with high acidity, minerals, cinnamon and a mouthwatering finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Made from estate-grown, certified organic vineyards, including three single-vineyard designates (Navarro-Fairhills, Walraven, and Dach), the 2021 Chardonnay Estate is a light-bodied white that is tangy in acidity and fresh citrus notes, expertly showcasing both the cool-climate region and coolness of the vintage, one of the earliest harvests on record in the Anderson Valley. Meyer lemon and a twist of lime highlight the aromatic profile, with more lemon developing on the palate as a nice complement to the green and Golden Delicious apple flavors.

The Wine Spectator 91 Points | With sleek notes of lemon, pear and yuzu alongside racy acidity, this pops out of the glass, finding wonderful harmony with the grace notes of white pepper and vanilla custard, plus a hint of salted butter shortbread on the finish. Drink now. 1,000 cases made.

Winemaker Description 

Central Otago's Most Exciting Pinot Noir — Moonlight Race by Burn Cottage

Burn Cottage is one of Central Otago's most celebrated biodynamic estates, and the Moonlight Race Pinot Noir is their benchmark expression of this breathtaking South Island appellation. Sourced from three exceptional vineyards — Burn Cottage, Sauvage, and Luna — the 2023 vintage is a wine of extraordinary energy and precision. Crunchy, lively, and deeply satisfying, it captures everything that makes Central Otago Pinot Noir so compelling: vivid fruit, electric acidity, and a silky, fine-grained texture that is impossible to put down.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

• James Suckling — 96 pts: "I really like the crunchy character to this, with ripe, al dente pinot noir character highlighting the strawberry and lemon notes. Medium-bodied, lively and energetic with citrus and crushed stone undertones. This is so satisfying and fresh."
• Wine Spectator — 95 pts: "Stalky, spicy and bright, with notes of Campari/blood orange that mingle alongside dark chocolate, coffee, blood plum and star anise. The tannins and acidity work together as one, making this wine feel integrated, serious, and fun, all at once. Very fine."
• Wine Advocate — 94 pts: "Supple and spicy, with pink peppercorn, cherry blossom, red apple skins, a hint of blond tobacco and white pepper. The tannins are totally fresh and fine — finely milled and like poudre. Superb, silky, totally satisfying and enlivening."

Winemaker Notes

Burn Cottage Pinot Noir Moonlight Race Central Otago 2023 750ml

A blend of 56% Burn Cottage Vineyard, 22% Sauvage Vineyard, and 22% Luna Vineyard fruit. Seven percent whole bunch was included in the ferment with 17 days on skins. Aged in 22% new French oak. The result is a wine of remarkable freshness and complexity — bright red fruit, floral lift, spice, and a long, mineral-driven finish that is quintessentially Central Otago.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand
• Producer: Burn Cottage
• Vintage: 2023
• Farming: Biodynamic
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Incredibly versatile — exceptional with roasted duck, salmon, mushroom risotto, lamb rack, soft cheeses, and charcuterie boards.

Winemaker Description 

A fresh, floral bouquet with notes of acacia flowers, this dry white wine is well-balanced with lively white fruit flavors. Harvested from Italy’s premier regions for the cultivation of Pinot Grigio, the grapes are vinified in stainless steel and released soon after the vintage to preserve the integrity of the fruit and maintain the naturally fresh character of the variety. Alverdi Pinot Grigio is an excellent aperitif.

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

James Suckling 90 Points | Fresh and floral with candied lemons, quince, fine herbs and spices on the nose. Medium-bodied, polished and sleek, with mouthwatering acidity. Flavorful and refreshing aftertaste. 

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

The Nicosia “Cru” wines of Etna come from the Monte Gorna estate, located in the Trecastagni area, very close to the wine cellar. A red and a white wine, made with organic grapes, that authentically represent the great expression that this terroir and its native vines can offer.

These DOC wines are the demonstration that on the volcano each slope, each area, each vineyard can produce wines with different characteristics, giving unique and unrepeatable sensations. The composition of the eruptive materials gave life to composite soils, often made up small sized pumice stones, known as "ripiddu", found mostly on extinguished volcanic cones such as Monte Gorna; thier elevated drainage capacity and their wealth of potassium paly an important role in balancing the grape's maturation process.

Even the climate distinguishes the Etna area respect to the rest of Sicily. The average temperatures on the mountains are lower and the climate also changes depending on the slope and the alyitude.

From a winemaking standpoint, the wine diurnal temperature range is fundamental, as it gives the wines their goog freshness and elegant aromas.

Carricante is an indigenous white grape cultivated exclusively on Etna and its name refers to the plant considerable productivity. In fact, the name Carricante refres to a "plant full of fruits".

Winemaker Description 

Xavier Flouret Fynbos Chenin Blanc is a vibrant white wine from Stellenbosch, South Africa. Crafted from 100% Chenin Blanc, it offers aromas of ripe pineapple, guava, and mango, with a crisp, clean palate featuring subtle acidity and tropical fruit flavors.

Its refreshing finish makes it an excellent pairing for shellfish, spicy dishes, or mild cheeses.

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

Washington State. On the nose, a delicate scent of jasmine intertwines with a crisp aroma of green apple. On the palate, lemon peel offers a bright and zesty burst of citrus complemented by the presence of wet stone, and the subtle and refreshing taste of lemongrass, infusing the wine with a hint of herbal freshness. With its fuller body and lengthy finish, this wine is perfect for those seeking a Sauvignon Blanc with depth and balance.

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

James Suckling 92 Points | An elegant wine that’s dry and fruity, with a lovely creamy texture and suppleness on the palate. Fresh and poised, with a medium-long finish. A very good rosé made from 46% cinsault, 37% grenache, 13% syrah and 4% mourvedre.

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

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

Fruity and silky, Château Léoube's bottle of rosé wine is considered one of the best in the region. This dry rosé wine from Provence can be enjoyed as an aperitif or with a meal, with a wide range of surprising and delicious combinations. This elegant, full-bodied Provence rosé, with its strong maritime influence, is a wine for all seasons and all occasions.

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

A fresh and pure unwooded Chenin Blanc, made to express the delicious purity of the grape. A lovely wine to enjoy on its own or even better with a slightly spicy dish.

Winemaker Description 

The Judean Hills Blanc reflects the character and quality of the vineyards, located in the ancient region of Judean Hills. The color on this wine is a light gold, its not a deep color but its a pretty light gold.

The aromas are really nice, citrusy, melony, gooseberries, but also some yellow pear and green apple. There are lots going on fruit wise on the nose which makes it a really nice, medium to full bodied wine.

The acid comes on in the mid palate with more citrus in the mouth and a big acid on the finish. This wine is still going strong. It has a fairly long finish for a white wine, with some nice residual acid and melon flavor on the back.

The wine is super enjoyable with its fairly big white wine flavors. It drinks beautifully today and will keep developing in the bottle during the next 2-3 years.

Barolo's Most Elegant Single Cru — Monvigliero by Paolo Scavino

Paolo Scavino is one of Barolo's most revered producers, and the Monvigliero is the crown jewel of their single-vineyard lineup. Sourced from the stately Monvigliero vineyard in Verduno — widely regarded as the grand cru of the village — this cru was first bottled as a single vineyard wine in 2007 after the Scavino family purchased the site. Monvigliero is celebrated for its distinctly feminine character: floral, spicy, balsamic, and precise, with a finesse and aromatic complexity that sets it apart from the more powerful expressions of Barolo.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

• Jeb Dunnuck — 95 pts: "Moving north to Verduno, the 2022 Barolo Monvigliero pours a bright ruby hue and remains slightly reserved at this stage, revealing aromas of preserved cranberries, white peach, candied orange, baking spice, ripe apricot, and dried earth. Medium-bodied, it has a more linear feel, with focused acidity and well-defined tannins. Citrus notes lift the palate and carry through a refined finish."  Rating: 95+                                                                                                     
• James Suckling — 95 pts: "This wine shines with freshness and transparency, full of red currants, red cherries and intense violets against a meaty background. Lightly extracted and medium-bodied, showing crisp, brilliant acidity and velvety tannins. A touch of sternness in the tense, fragrant finish. Drinkable now but best from 2027."

Winemaker Notes

Paolo Scavino Barolo Monvigliero 2022 750ml

Great finesse and aromatic complexity, distinctly floral spicy, savory, balsamic in its expression. The nose is vivid and compound. The texture is focused. An extremely elegant cru, feminine and full of character. 

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Nebbiolo
• Appellation: Barolo DOCG, Piedmont
• Vineyard: Monvigliero, Verduno
• Producer: Paolo Scavino
• Vintage: 2021
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A classic Piedmontese pairing — exceptional with braised beef, osso buco, white truffle dishes, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, wild boar ragù, and roasted lamb.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Vinous 94 Points | The 2022 Chardonnay Alta Historic Rows originates from Gualtallary and Villa Bastías, Uco Valley vineyards. It was aged up to 14 months in a combination of new and used barrels. Yellow in hue with a golden sheen. The floral nose presents appealing green apple, cedar, and nut aromas with hints of fennel and quince in the background. On the palate, it has a creamy, chalky texture and tart acidity resulting in a taut, refreshing mouthfeel. A well-crafted Chardonnay that sums up the advantages of high-altitude vineyards. 

James Suckling 94 Points |  Pie crust, smoked pineapple, lemon curd and zesty citrus on the palate. Medium-bodied, showing fresh, creamy fruit and a lengthy finish. Drink or hold.

Winemaker Description 

One of the few 100% Brancellao wines from Ribeira Sacra, reminiscent of a wine from Burgundy, aged for six months in new French oak barrels, with the freshness and expressiveness of a little known variety with huge potential and great distinction.

Exceptional selection of the Brancellao grape from Pazo de La Cuesta’s historic vineyard. Manual harvesting followed by destemming and gravity-flow to the fermentation tanks. First, alcoholic fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature of 16-18oC, followed by malolactic fermentation, both in stainless steel tanks. First aged on its lees and later aged for six months in 300- and 500-litre French and Central European oak barrels.

TASTING NOTES

Clean and bright with a surprising colour. Very intense nose with complex red fruit, spices, and the characteristic coffee and cocoa notes of the terroir. This wine has a pleasant texture and is bold and complex in the mouth, well structured and intense on the palate and extremely fresh, which makes it appealing at any time of year.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Mike DeSimone of the Wine Enthusiast writes 91 Points | Pale yellow in color, this wine offers a bouquet of Gala apple and honeysuckle. Valencia orange, bergamot and dried-thyme flavors fade into a finish marked with touch of lemon grass. 

Winemaker Description 

Moderately deep soils except for Marges which brings its characteristic freshness and youth. The Rigolet y Baja, terroirs which add the concentration are terroirs of Miocene marl earth which allows the vine to absorb only the quantity of water necessary for adequate growth.

Sabate i Coca Castellroig Xarello 'So Blanc'

Fruity and creamy with apple aromas, pineapple, fennel, dried fruits and pine nuts. Intense in the mouth, dense and with a bitter edge that is highly distinctive and pleasant, preserving the freshness of the wine, and with a lightly sweet sensation at the end.

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

Donnafugata Sul Vulcano Etna Rosso DOC — Sicily 2022

Donnafugata is one of Sicily’s most celebrated wine families, and Sul Vulcano is their love letter to Etna — the ancient, still-active volcano on Sicily’s northeastern coast that has become one of Italy’s most exciting wine regions. The volcanic soils of Etna are unlike anything else in Italy: rich in minerals, free-draining, and home to old-vine Nerello Mascalese that produces wines of extraordinary finesse, energy, and terroir expression. Sul Vulcano (“on the volcano”) captures the essence of this singular place — a wine that is simultaneously fun and serious, as Vinous put it, earning 91 points. Wine Spectator awarded it 90.

The nose lifts with floral perfumes complicated by blood orange, crushed wild berries, Asian spices (cardamom and star anise), and fresh balsamic hints. On the palate, the wine is juicy and energetic — crisp red fruits swirling across a crunchy mineral core, with silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, elegant finish of blackcurrant and iron. Light ruby in color, light-bodied in feel, but serious in character.

Vinous 91 — “Juicy and energetic with crisp red fruits that swirl across a crunchy mineral core. Long and gently tannic… I love how the Sul Vulcano is both fun and serious.” (Vintage 2022). 

Wine Spectator 90 — “A creamy red, with dried cherry and strawberry fruit flavors and hints of rooibos tea, vanilla and blood orange peel underscored by subtle notes of loamy earth and iron. Fresh and balanced, with light, chalky tannins.” (Vintage 2022). 

• Producer: Donnafugata, Sicily, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Etna Rosso DOC
• Varietal: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio
• Terroir: Volcanic soils, Mount Etna, northeastern Sicily
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blood orange, wild berries, cardamom, star anise, dried cherry, strawberry, iron, chalky mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Roast or stewed meats, grilled fish, aubergine dishes, mushrooms, Mediterranean cuisine, Tex-Mex

A 91-point volcanic Nerello Mascalese from one of Sicily’s great estates — Sul Vulcano is the Etna Rosso that is both fun and serious.