2010 - Present Wine

Marqués de Riscal · Rioja XR Reserva · 2021 · 750ml

Marqués de Riscal XR Reserva 2021 blends Tempranillo and Graciano in a layered Rioja red. The supplied Jeb Dunnuck review describes 25 months of American oak aging, with dark cherry, vanilla and cocoa across a concentrated palate.

The supplied critics' notes highlight blackberry and black plum alongside cedar, leather and spice, with persistent tannins and a long finish. Enjoy it with a hearty meal now, or allow further development in the cellar.

Winemaker Description

Marqués de Riscal: Throughout its history, Marqués de Riscal has always been an innovating, pioneering cellar and reference in a constantly changing winemaking sector. We seek to make wines which are original, fresh, elegant and easy to drink. Since the beginning, we have always had a clear vocation for export. Today we can be found in more 110 countries to which we export more than 60% of our production.

Expert Reviews - 2021

James Suckling, 94 Points: Dark mushrooms, spices and leather with cedar and black plums. Ripe yet juicy with plenty of blackberries and a twist of citrus and vanilla. Medium- to full-bodied with dusty tannins and a very lengthy finish. Pretty traditional and linear, this Rioja is excellent to drink now but will benefit from extra time in bottle. Drink or hold.

Wine Enthusiast, 93 Points: Classic and focused with dark, layered flavors, this XR Reserva captures a deeper tone of Tempranillo with a body of black fruits, wet tobacco, spiced cocoa, and a drop of pine resin. Flavor fills the mouth while the wine maintains restraint with a medium body and plenty of length. Melting tannins bring persistence and the potential to enjoy after several more years in cellar.

Jeb Dunnuck, 93 Points: An ode to blending, the 2021 XR by Marques de Riscal Reserva is Tempranillo and Graciano made in a fruity, modern style, with sweet tannins and 25 months of American oak aging. Dark cherry, vanilla, and a rich dusting of cocoa powder give it a lustiness across layers of full-bodied concentration and decadence. Ready to enjoy, it will remain enjoyable another 10-12 years.

Pairing Suggestions

Try with roast lamb, grilled beef, mushroom dishes or aged Spanish cheeses.

Wine Details

• Producer: Marqués de Riscal
• Wine: XR Reserva
• Vintage: 2021
• Region: Rioja, Spain
• Grapes: Tempranillo and Graciano
• Aging: 25 months in American oak, according to the supplied Jeb Dunnuck review
• Size: 750ml

A layered Rioja Reserva for the dinner table or further time in the cellar.

Winemaker Description

Magnificent bright rose-gold color with silver undertones. Very elegant, the nose reveals a superb, intense and delicate aromatic bouquet, mixing notes of hibiscus and amaryllis with a gourmet nature offering delicious aromas of vine peaches. 

The sophistication continues on the palate with a beautiful tension, an ample, fleshy, silky texture, a very nice balance, and gourmet aromas of crunchy fruit combined with the minerality of saline and limestone notes. The finish is outstanding, full of length.

Rapaura Springs · Marlborough · New Zealand · 2025

Rapaura is the beating heart of Marlborough — a sub-region of the Wairau Valley where the stony, free-draining soils and long hours of sunshine produce Sauvignon Blanc of exceptional intensity and character. Rapaura Springs takes its name from this storied terroir, and the wine delivers on every promise the address makes: pure, vibrant, and unmistakably Marlborough.

The nose is an exuberant rush of passionfruit, lime, lemongrass, and tropical fruit, with a signature herbaceous lift of jalapeño and fresh basil. On the palate, juicy fruit flavors are balanced by a lovely textural element that pads out the zippy acidity, leading to a long, mouth-watering finish with notes of ruby grapefruit, guava, and crunchy sea salt.

92 Points – Wine Enthusiast | “With all the feistiness you’ve come to know and love from Marlborough Savvy B, this explodes with aromas of passion fruit, lime, lemongrass, jalapeño and bell pepper. There’s a lovely textural element on the palate that nicely pads out the zippy acidity, taking this up a notch in quality — just as a good reserve-level wine should. Best Buy.” (Vintage 2025). 

92 Points – Wine Spectator | “Bursting with notes of ruby grapefruit, guava and pear, accented by tangerine, lemon blossoms, crunchy sea salt, fresh basil and lemon oregano. Offers appealing plumpness, ending with a long, expressive finish.” (Vintage 2025). 

• Producer: Rapaura Springs
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Passionfruit, lime, lemongrass, jalapeño, ruby grapefruit, guava, sea salt, fresh basil
• Pairings: Grilled fish, shellfish, goat cheese, Thai cuisine, light salads, aperitif

Dual 92-point scores and a Best Buy designation — Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc at its most expressive and rewarding.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 92 Points | A deliciously dark-fruited tempranillo that has aromas and flavors of grilled herbs, charcoal and black plums. Hints of soy, too. It’s full-bodied with ripe, mellow tannins.

Winemaker Description

Intense purple color. Aromas of tobacco, licorice and blackcurrants. Full-bodied with hints of toast and mature fruit. Long balanced finish.

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.

Te Mata Estate · Hawke's Bay · 2025

Te Mata Estate has been making wine in Hawke's Bay since 1896. The 2025 Estate Sauvignon Blanc comes from estate vineyards in the Bridge Pā Triangle, Dartmoor and Havelock Hills, where the warm climate and free-draining soils help shape ripe fruit balanced by fresh acidity.

The winery’s tasting note describes a brilliant pale gold wine with lifted aromas of lime, blackcurrant, gooseberry, fennel, guava and passionfruit. The palate carries that citrus and tropical character through a creamy mid-palate, mouth-watering freshness and a long, balanced finish. Serve chilled with oysters, grilled fish or fresh goat cheese.

Winemaking

Te Mata reports that the grapes were chilled and gently pressed, with the juice cold-settled before fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve the variety’s aromatics and flavors.

Expert Reviews · 2025 Vintage

The 2025 Estate Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc leads with notes of cassis, white currant and passion fruit, alongside hints of white pineapple and yellow guava. A highly detailed approach to viticulture at Te Mata enables smaller, more selective harvest picks, contributing to the precision and detail evident in the finished wine. The palate here is soft and textural yet also restrained and persistent, with impressive length and a distinctly mouthwatering acidity. Fermentation was managed with approximately 200 NTU (nephelometric turbidity units) retained in tank, while different yeast strains were employed across individual vineyard blocks to enhance complexity and site expression. This is very good.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate · 94 points

Aromas of melon, pears and lotus flowers follow through to a medium body with crunchy fruit and a crisp and delicious finish. Lots of Meyer lemon character at the end. Bone dry. Bring on the oysters.

James Suckling · 93 points

A distinctive, lucid SB that evokes a summer garden: green beans still on their vines, sun-ripened bell pepper, and basil bushes; a tomato plant or two; the fruit holds its own—a spiced tropical-citrus-stone fruit combo that feels ripe yet fresh. Unlike many Marlborough SBs, which contain a small amount of sugar, this is fermented totally dry, with a rush of lemony acidity and some subtle textural weight beneath. It’s both classic and characterful, a carefully made bottle from one of NZ’s most historic producers.

Wine Enthusiast · 93 points

Wine Details

• Producer: Te Mata Estate
• Appellation: Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2025
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Style: Dry
• Alcohol: 12.5%
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml

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.

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.

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.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Advocate 94 Points | The 2022 Chardonnay Estate has open, inviting aromas of candied peaches, manuka honey, white pepper and tropical flowers. The satiny, medium-bodied palate pairs concentrated flavors and textural breadth with tangy acidity, and it has a long, flavorful finish.

Winemaker Description 

Gato Negro | Pinot Grigio | Valle Central, Chile

Gato Negro is one of Chile's most beloved everyday wine brands, produced by Viña San Pedro — a winery with roots dating back to 1865 and one of the most established names in South American wine. The iconic Black Cat label has built a global following for delivering consistent, fruit-forward wines at exceptional value.

Valle Central is Chile's heartland wine region, stretching between the Andes and the Coastal Range. The warm, sunny climate and cool Pacific breezes create ideal conditions for fresh, aromatic whites — and Pinot Grigio thrives here, producing wines that are light, delicate, and refreshingly easy to drink.

Gato Negro Pinot Grigio is pale yellow in the glass with a fresh, delicate nose of green apple, white pear, and subtle floral hints. On the palate, light-bodied and crisp with perfectly balanced acidity and a clean, fruity finish. Approachable, versatile, and endlessly easy to enjoy.

Pair with light seafood, sushi, grilled fish, fresh salads, soft cheeses, and antipasti. Serve well chilled.

• Producer: Gato Negro / Viña San Pedro
• Varietal: Pinot Grigio
• Region: Valle Central, Chile
• Style: Light-bodied, fresh, aromatic white
• Closure: Screwcap
• Bottle Size: 750ml

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

Vinous Top 100 of 2024 — Speri’s Single-Vineyard Amarone at Its Finest

Speri is one of the Valpolicella Classico’s most respected family estates, farming the legendary Vigneto Monte Sant’Urbano organically for generations. Their 2020 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is undisputedly the symbol of the house — a superb, classic Amarone of extraordinary complexity, vigorous structure, and rare elegance. Named #79 on Vinous Media’s Top 100 of 2024, this is one of Italy’s benchmark wines.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

• James Suckling — 94 pts: “Intense, dark-fruited nose of plum skins, raisins, chocolate and wet stone character. Full and structured with a rich, succulent mid-palate and firm tannins. Structured and long, with juiciness and sappiness at the end. From organically grown grapes.”

Winemaker Notes

Speri Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Vigneto Monte Sant’Urbano Organic 2020 750ml

Deep garnet red with an ethereal bouquet of dried fruit. Full-bodied, warm, mouth-filling and dry on the palate — a substantial wine of rare elegance built for long aging. Undisputedly symbolic of the Speri estate: great complexity, vigorous structure, and consistent top-tier elegance.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: Corvina Veronese, Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara
• Appellation: Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, Veneto, Italy
• Vineyard: Vigneto Monte Sant’Urbano
• Producer: Speri
• Vintage: 2020
• Certified: Organic
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A wine for the grandest occasions — excellent with braised meats, game, richly flavored red meat dishes, and mature cheeses. Equally magnificent on its own at the end of a fine dinner.

Winemaker Description

This is a very concentrated Brunello that combines intense notes of blood orange with a hint of chinotto mixed with complex Mediterranean spices (Helichrysum Thyme and Broom Flowers). It is a wine with a strong nerve, a vibrant acid structure that sustains a concentrated mouthfeel, rich in silky tannins. The finish is extremely long and soft. 

Expert Reviews

94 Points James Suckling | Dusty notes with crushed gravel and dried tea leaves are a prelude to aromas of fresh button mushrooms and hints of fennel. Savory mushrooms and olives, followed by firm, fine-grained tannins. Structured and full-bodied.

94 Points Jeb Dunnuck | The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino has aromatics of menthol and medicinal herbs, brushed leather, and black cherry. The palate is dark fruited without weight, marked with dried blackberry, black tea, dried herbs, and classically balanced structure. It is sourced from three different vineyard sites of various exposition on the hill of Montalcino. This will be ready to drink a touch earlier and be great to check in on over the next 15 years. Drink 2022-2036.

93 Points Wine Spectator | Aromas of iron, blood and cherry lead off in this smooth and vibrant red, with a well of dark fruit—black cherry and blackberry—settling in on the palate. Offers a dusting of dark chocolaty tannins on the finish. Best from 2023 through 2043. 1,500 cases imported.

91 Points Decanter | Bringing together grapes from diverse vineyards throughout Montalcino, this midweight, almost-approachable Brunello is focused and vibrant. It takes a bit of coaxing on the nose then divulges sage, orange rind and fennel. Brisk acidity and chalky tannins meet crisp red currant and cranberry, cleansing the palate nicely. A delightful jumping off point to Val di Suga’s single-vineyard offerings, which COO and winemaker Andrea Lonardi has been refining since 2012.

Single-Vineyard Napa Perfection — Nickel & Nickel State Ranch

Nickel & Nickel is Napa Valley's preeminent single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon producer, dedicated exclusively to crafting wines that express the unique character of individual estate vineyards. State Ranch is their Yountville expression — a site that delivers a distinctive combination of power, elegance, and aromatic complexity that sets it apart from other Napa appellations. At $110, this is a serious collector's Cabernet that rewards both immediate enjoyment and medium-term cellaring.

Winemaker Notes

Nickel & Nickel State Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Yountville Napa Valley 2022 750ml

Powerful and driven, State Ranch captivates the nose with a perfume of mixed wild berries, black cherry, and aromatic herbs. At once juicy and concentrated, layers of black plum, black currant, and clove flavors unfold on the tongue. Polished tannins melt into the palate, beautifully framing the wine from entry to the long, silky finish.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Yountville, Napa Valley
• Vineyard: State Ranch (single-vineyard)
• Producer: Nickel & Nickel
• Vintage: 2022
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural at the fine dining table — exceptional with dry-aged ribeye, lamb rack with herbs, braised short ribs, wild mushroom risotto, and aged hard cheeses.

Domaine Lafond Roc-Épine · Lirac · 2023

From the Rhône’s Lirac appellation, this red from Pascal Lafond’s family estate brings dark fruit and spice to the table. The estate describes its farming as practicing organic. A generous, structured wine for roast meats or a slow-cooked supper.

Winemaker Description

A powerful and well built wine, a deep ruby colour with violet tints. Complex nose of vanilla, fruits and griotte-cherries.

The attack is rich and firm; the mouth expresses long lasting nuances of vanilla and pepper. This is a smooth and rich wine with a very good length.

Domaine Lafond · Winemaker Description

Expert Review · 2023 Vintage

A blend of two-thirds Grenache Noir and one-third Syrah, the 2023 Lirac from Domaine Lafond Roc-Épine is a superb effort. It opens with a deep, complex bouquet of dark wild berries, black cherries, violet and licorice, complemented by subtle spice and a discreet touch of oak. Medium- to full-bodied, it’s rich and enveloping, with a fleshy core of fruit, layered textures and a harmonious mid-palate. Framed by velvety tannins, it concludes with a long, spicy and ethereal finish. This is a serious Lirac that will reward cellaring over the next decade or more.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate · 92 points

About the Estate

Pascal Lafond’s family-run estate is based in Tavel and makes wines from Tavel, Lirac and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Its Lirac reds emphasize concentration and structure while retaining balance.

At a Glance

• Producer: Domaine Lafond Roc-Épine
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Lirac, Rhône Valley, France
• Blend: Grenache Noir and Syrah, according to the 2023 Wine Advocate review
• Farming: Practicing organic
• Size: 750ml

Castel Blanc du Castel — Judean Hills, Israel 2023

Domaine du Castel is the founding estate of modern Israeli fine wine. In 1988, Eli Ben Zaken planted the first contemporary vineyard in the Judean Hills in the backyard of his home in Ramat Raziel — almost by chance, and almost entirely by conviction. Within four years, family and friends gathered to harvest the grapes that would become Castel Grand Vin 1992, and a benchmark was set. Today, Eli’s children carry the tradition forward: Ariel (CEO, trained in Beaune), Eytan (winemaker alongside Eli), and Ilana (Director of Export & Procurement). The grandchildren have vineyards bearing their names. This is a family winery in the truest sense — and Blanc du Castel is its most celebrated white wine.

Made from 100% Chardonnay, fermented and matured in French oak barrels for approximately one year in the Burgundian style, with residual sugars preserved to add richness and texture. The result is a wine of genuine complexity: rich and buttery on the nose, with refreshing acidity, citrus, tropical fruit, and roasted almonds. Full, round, and well-balanced, with a fine, long finish. Reaches its peak approximately four years after harvest — the 2023 is drinking beautifully now and will continue to develop through 2027 and beyond.

• Producer: Domaine du Castel, Ramat Raziel, Judean Hills, Israel
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Judean Hills
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Winemaking: Fermented and aged in French oak barrels, Burgundian style
• Certification: Kosher, Vegan
• Size: 750ml
• Serve: 12–14°C (54–57°F)
• Tasting Notes: Rich, buttery bouquet, citrus, tropical fruit, roasted almonds, refreshing acidity, long finish
• Best Paired With: Roast chicken, grilled fish, creamy pasta, soft cheeses, seared scallops

Israel’s benchmark Kosher Chardonnay from the estate that started it all — Blanc du Castel is the Judean Hills white that belongs in any serious cellar.

Winemaker Description

This Cabernet Sauvignon is a deep and intense ruby red. On the nose are notes of plum, currants and cherries with toasted notes from oak ageing. On the palate this wine is elegant and soft with a fresh and persistant finish. 

Forstreiter · Sankt Laurent Reserve · 2019

Forstreiter Sankt Laurent Reserve 2019 is an Austrian red with a silky texture and inviting plum and blueberry notes, underscored by earth and spice. Wine Enthusiast's Aleks Zecevic describes an easy-to-enjoy wine with moderate length, a savory-fruited choice for relaxed meals.

Producer & Terroir

Family-owned since 1868, Forstreiter is based in Hollenburg on the southern banks of the Danube in Krems. Its Kremstal setting brings together cool, moist influences from the Waldviertel and warm, dry winds from the Pannonian lowlands, a contrast the estate credits with giving its wines complexity, finesse and distinctive fruit and spice.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast · 87 Points · Vintage 2019 · Aleks Zecevic This silky version, with notes of plum and blueberry, underscored by earth and spice, is easy to enjoy. It has moderate length.

Producer Notes

The southeasternmost district of Austria‘s ‘capital city of white wine’ – Krems – lies on the southern banks of the Danube River. The Forstreiter estate is situated here, in the idyllic winegrowing community of Hollenburg, family-owned since 1868 and thus proud to look back on a long tradition. They live and work in a place that is extraordinarily rich in viticultural history, with official records dating back to the year 400 AD.

Much like the neighbouring vineyards of the Wachau Valley and the nearby Kamptal, the Kremstal also benefits from the dynamic tension in climate systems, between the cool and moist influences from the nearby Waldviertel and the warm, dry winds rising from the Pannonian lowlands to the east. These contrasts in temperature inspire the vines to breathe, causing the grapes to accumulate more substance (and therefore more complexity and finesse than they might do elsewhere), yielding wines that are captivating for their minerality, spiciness and depth of fruit – all adding up to unmistakable and distinctive flavour profiles.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Try with roast pork, duck, mushroom dishes or herb-roasted chicken. These savory dishes make natural companions for the wine's plum fruit and earthy spice.

Details

• Producer: Forstreiter
• Wine: Sankt Laurent Reserve
• Vintage: 2019
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Country: Austria
• Region: Niederösterreich
• Winegrowing Area: Kremstal
• Grape: Sankt Laurent
• Type: Red wine
• Closure: Screw cap

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

James Suckling 92 Points | Currant, blueberry and violet aromas follow through to a medium body with firm, fine tannins that give the wine form and focus. Chocolate and hazelnut emerge in the undertones. Drink or hold.

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot features alluring aromas evoking cassis, black-skinned berry and underbrush. The concentrated palate offers black plum, tobacco and mocha alongside polished tannins.

Podere Grattamacco's Bolgheri Superiore is one of the coast's most compelling expressions — a Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend with Merlot and Sangiovese, grown on the mineral-rich soils of the Bolgheri DOC. Deeply aromatic and structured, it opens with ripe red fruits, balsamic and Mediterranean herb notes, and a distinctive mineral thread that carries through to a long, persistent finish. Built for the cellar, yet captivating now.

Pairs beautifully with game, wild boar, roasted and braised red meats, and medium-aged cheeses.

The Benchmark of Amarone — Bertani's 2011 Della Valpolicella

Bertani and Amarone are nearly synonymous — the estate's 150+ year history in the Veneto is so intertwined with this iconic appellation that one cannot speak of great Amarone without invoking the Bertani name. Their Amarone is a wine of uncompromising elegance rather than brute power, built for the long haul and rewarding patience with extraordinary complexity. The 2011 vintage, now over a decade in bottle, is drinking magnificently — a rare opportunity to experience a fully mature, world-class Amarone at its peak.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2011

• James Suckling — 97 pts: "Density and dryness that really comes together here, after almost 10 years in bottle. Very deep and vertical on the palate. Very pure and beautiful crushed cherries, dried flowers, carbon and pumice. Wonderful all round. Drink or hold."
• Decanter (Aldo Fiordelli) — 94 pts: "One of the most classic Amarones, which has never changed its elegant rather than powerful style. Bright garnet in the glass, dominated by leather, earthy tones and restrained raspberry fruit. Fresh character with hints of citrus, slightly oxidative flavours and a Modica salted-chocolate finish. Full and firm, with outstanding balance between suppleness and structure. Drinking 2021–2047."
• Wine Spectator (Alison Napjus) — 91 pts: "A poised red, expanding slowly on the palate, with fine, creamy tannins enmeshed with black cherry coulis, black plum reduction, iron, dark chocolate and tobacco notes. Fresh and focused, with a lasting, spiced finish. Drink now through 2031."

Winemaker Notes

Bertani Amarone Della Valpolicella 2011 750ml

Bertani's impact on Veneto winemaking is so considerable that their name and Amarone are nearly inseparable. Their 150+ year history is dotted with groundbreaking initiatives and royal accreditation. While respectful of tradition, Bertani strives toward innovation — using progressive techniques allied with extensive experience and a deeply felt respect for the land to produce wines of uncompromising quality.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grapes: Corvina, Rondinella
• Appellation: Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, Veneto
• Producer: Bertani
• Vintage: 2011
• Drinking Window: Now–2047
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A wine for the grandest occasions — exceptional with braised beef short ribs, osso buco, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, wild boar ragù, truffle dishes, and dark chocolate desserts.

Tempranillo (Tinto Fino) | Ribera del Duero / Spain
Vintage: 2018  |  Size: 750ml  |  Reserva · 90+ Rated

Bodegas Valduero is one of Ribera del Duero’s founding estates, established in 1984 by Gregorio García Álvarez in the small Burgos town of Gumiel del Mercado — making it one of the very first wineries in the appellation. Today, alongside his daughters Yolanda and Carolina, the family cultivates 200 hectares of Tempranillo at the foot of a mountain, aging their wines in an authentic cave over 30 metres deep that houses more than 4,000 oak barrels and a million bottles.

The Tierra Alta en 2 Cotas Reserva is their most terroir-driven expression: sourced from 50-year-old bush-trained vines planted at 830 metres altitude on clay-calcareous soils, with production naturally limited to 3,500 kg/ha. Harvested by hand into 14kg boxes, fermented in stainless steel, then aged 30 months in oak barrels of three different origins, followed by 18 months of bottle aging before release. The 2018 is classic and expressive — dark fruit, cedar, warm spice, and a subtle earthiness from the high-altitude soils. Fine and elegant on the palate, with well-balanced fruit and oak, firm but refined tannins, and a long, complex finish that speaks clearly of its terroir.

“Deftly made wine, with intense fruit and smart oak ageing, redolent of Ribera typicity, with a modern and easygoing style. Very clean, well defined, dry and smooth in mouth, remarkably fresh. Persistent and fruity finish… An excellent entry point to Valduero’s stable of great wines, which is one of the most notable in the whole region.”
— Decanter, 92 Points. (Vintage 2018). 

Vines: 50+ years, bush-trained  |  Altitude: 830m  |  Soils: Clay-calcareous
Aging: 30 months in oak (3 origins) + 18 months bottle aging
Pairs with: Roast lamb, suckling pig, beef stew, aged Manchego, hearty game dishes.

Château Pédesclaux · Pauillac Grand Cru Classé · 2016

Château Pédesclaux 2016 brings together concentrated currant and blackberry fruit, floral notes and a mineral edge, framed by fine, polished tannins. The reviews emphasize the balance of freshness, depth and finesse in this Pauillac, with 94-point assessments from both Decanter and Jeb Dunnuck.

A 5ème Grand Cru Classé in Pauillac, Château Pédesclaux has undergone a renaissance through investment in its vineyards and cellar. The 2016 blend is 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Wine Advocate reports 18 months of aging in French oak, 60% new and 40% one-year-old barrels.

Expert Reviews · Vintage 2016

Decanter · 94 Points This really shows the heart of 2016 in the northern Médoc - it has the triumvirate of good acidity, good tannins and good fruit. It's a little austere and is going to take its time to truly get going. A second bottle proved much better for depth, as we queried rusticity on the nose of the first bottle. The second instead showed a hawthorn, hedgerow character and gorgeously rich black fruits, concentrated and focussed, and given complexity by tobacco and spice. It's the first time that four grape varieties have been used in the grand vin - Cabernet, Merlot, Petit Verdot, plus 3% Cabernet Franc. Eric Boissenot consults.

Jeb Dunnuck · 94 Points An estate that’s unquestionably on the upswing, the 2016 Château Pédesclaux is made from 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc that spent 18 months in 60% new oak. In the past, the wines from this estate have been slightly chunky, but that started to change around 2014, and I think this 2016 is the best yet. Beautiful blue fruits, violets, spicy oak, and a touch of minerality all emerge from this medium-bodied Pauillac, which has fine, polished tannins, a seamless texture, and a great finish. With purity and finesse as well as richness and depth, it’s already reasonably approachable today, but it’s going to evolve for three decades or more.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate · 93 Points The 2016 Pedesclaux is composed of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. It aged for 18 months in 60% new and 40% one-year-old French oak. It has a deep garnet-purple color and nose of crushed red and black currants and blackberries with cigar box, new leather, pencil lead and crushed rocks. The palate is medium-bodied, elegant, fresh and lively with loads of mineral nuances and a lovely earthy finish. Around 15,000 cases produce

James Suckling · 95 Points · Vintage Not Specified So aromatic with crushed currants, raspberries and blackberries with hints of graphite and lead pencil. Full-bodied and very tight with beautiful tannins and a long, flavorful finish. The tannins really build at the end of the palate. Try from 2024.

Wine Spectator · 92 Points · Vintage Not Specified An extroverted style, with bold plum and blackberry compote aromas and flavors, infused with anise accents and backed by an alluring finish of toasted vanilla, violet and mocha. On the showy side, but has enough latent drive to keep it honest. Drink now through 2030.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pair with roast lamb, grilled beef, braised short ribs or mushroom dishes. The wine's fresh structure and savory complexity suit rich, deeply flavored food.

Details

• Producer: Château Pédesclaux
• Vintage: 2016
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Country: France
• Region: Bordeaux
• Appellation: Pauillac AOC
• Classification: 5ème Grand Cru Classé
• Blend: 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc
• Type: Red Bordeaux blend
• Aging: 18 months in French oak, 60% new and 40% one-year-old barrels

Bodegas Antídoto Ribera del Duero 2024 | Tempranillo | Soria, Spain | 750ml

Antídoto comes from the far eastern reaches of Ribera del Duero — the Soria province, a wilder, less-traveled corner of the appellation where the rules are looser and the vineyards are older. Bertrand Sourdais and David Hernando work with up to 400 different parcels of old, ungrafted Tempranillo (Tinto Fino) vines rooted in a patchwork of limestone, decomposed granite, and clay. The project is biodynamic and organic in spirit, with spontaneous fermentation, no fining, no filtering, and minimal intervention throughout.

The 2024 vintage is a more delicate, fine-boned expression than prior years — fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts, then aged nine months in 600-liter French oak barrels (25% new). The result is juicy and full-bodied but balanced: black cherry, plum skins, dried herbs, and a kiss of vanilla spice, with firm, chewy tannins and a pristine finish. Very primary now — worth a year or two of patience, but already compelling.

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2024:

• Wine Advocate: 91–92 pts — "Juicy and full-bodied but balanced... soft vinification... fine-boned. Very primary, with some toasted notes that suggest waiting a bit more."
• James Suckling: 91 pts — "Fresh and pure... full of black cherries, plum skins and some dried herbs. Tannins are firm and nicely chewy with medium to full body and a pristine finish."
• Tim Atkin: 91 pts — "A comparatively forward, easy-drinking style with some subtle reduction, plum, raspberry and black cherry fruit and a kiss of vanilla spice."

• Appellation: Ribera del Duero, Soria, Spain
• Grape: 100% Tempranillo (Tinto Fino)
• Vintage: 2024
• Farming: Biodynamic & organic
• Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation, no fining, no filtering
• Aging: 9 months in 600L French oak (25% new)
• Best With: Roast lamb, Ibérico, aged Manchego, grilled mushrooms, braised short rib

Husch Vineyards · Pinot Noir · Anderson Valley · Mendocino County, California · 2022 · 750ml

Husch Vineyards holds a special place in California wine history: founded in 1971, it was the first winery established in the Anderson Valley, a remote, fog-laced appellation in Mendocino County that has since become one of the state’s most celebrated addresses for Pinot Noir. The valley’s cool, maritime climate — shaped by Pacific fog that rolls in through the Navarro River corridor — produces Pinot Noir that sits at a compelling stylistic crossroads: darker and earthier than Russian River or Sonoma Coast, yet more structured and spice-driven than Willamette Valley Oregon. Husch has been farming this land for over fifty years, and the estate Pinot Noir remains the benchmark expression of what makes Anderson Valley special.

Lively ruby in the glass with an inviting, complex nose of raspberry compote, strawberry jam, dried florals, dried herbs, and a savory note of portobello mushroom. On the palate: baked red plum, pomegranate, and orange zest, interwoven with vanilla bean, earth, and mineral, carried by smooth tannins and lifted acidity that brings focus and length to a dry, supple finish. Wine Enthusiast awarded 92 points, calling it “a legacy family in the Anderson Valley still going strong.” Drink now through 2029. Pair with coq au vin, mushroom ravioli, roasted duck, grilled salmon, or creamy cheeses.

• Producer: Husch Vineyards (est. 1971, Anderson Valley — first winery in the appellation)
• Wine: Estate Pinot Noir · Anderson Valley
• Vintage: 2022
• Origin: Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, California
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Style: Earthy, spice-driven, food-friendly Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
• Score: Wine Enthusiast 92 Points
• Drinking Window: Now–2029
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Raspberry compote, strawberry, dried florals, portobello mushroom, red plum, pomegranate, orange zest, vanilla, earth, mineral, supple finish
• Pair With: Coq au vin · Mushroom ravioli · Roasted duck · Grilled salmon · Creamy cheeses

Anderson Valley’s founding winery, 92pts Wine Enthusiast — California Pinot Noir at its most authentic.

Expert Reviews

Wine Enthusiast — 92 Points
“This lively wine offers aromas of raspberry compote, strawberry jam, florals, dried herbs and portobello mushroom on the nose. The flavors on the palate are baked red plum, pomegranate and orange zest, interwoven with vanilla bean, earth, mineral and a dry, supple finish. From a legacy family in the Anderson Valley still going strong.”

Bart Hopkins — 67wino.shop 
“The beautiful Anderson Valley of Mendocino County is home to some of California’s best Pinot Noir. I look at it as a stylistic bridge between Russian River–Sonoma Coast and the Willamette Valley of Oregon. The fruit leans more to the darker spectrum with earthy complexity and a spicy character. Aromas of cherry and strawberry mingle with shades of violet, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Well balanced and harmonious with smooth tannins and lifted acidity that brings focus to the fruit on the long flavorful finish.”

Château Dereszla · Tokaj · 2023

Furmint-led dry white | Tokaj, Hungary | 750ml

Château Dereszla offers a dry expression of Tokaj, the northeastern Hungarian region celebrated for its sweet wines. Here, the emphasis is on a fresh, food-friendly white, with Furmint at its heart and the region's volcanic soils providing its setting.

Citrus and tropical-fruit notes meet a mineral character and a gentle spicy lift. Balanced acidity carries the wine into a pleasant, long finish, making it a versatile choice for the table.

Winemaker Description

The perennial favourite Tokaj dry white wine, made of Furmint grapes. Excellent accompaniment to any type of dish. Perfectly balanced acidity, pleasant and long finish.

Pairing & Serving

Serve at around 10°C with salads, pasta dishes, fish, or poultry.

Wine Details

• Producer: Château Dereszla
• Vintage: 2023
• Region: Tokaj, Hungary
• Style: Dry white wine
• Principal grape: Furmint
• Size: 750ml

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2021

Jeb Dunnuck 98+ Points | "Incredibly elegant yet concentrated 2021 that does everything right." Purple-hued, with ample cassis, wild sage, graphite, and darker chocolate aromatics. Picks up a Graves-like gravelly earth character with air. Full-bodied with ripe, polished tannins, beautiful balance, and a great finish. Needs 4–5 years of bottle age but will drink well for 30 years.

James Suckling 98 Points | Intense aromas of iodine, blackcurrants, cedar, sandalwood and mint. Medium to full body with silky tannins that spread across the palate and expand in a balanced, harmonized way. Hints of chocolate and tar. Better in a few years — try 2027 and beyond.

Wine Spectator 95 Points | Packed with dark, winey flavors of blackcurrant and blackberry paste underscored with alder, sweet tobacco, warm paving stone and black licorice. Violet accent fills the background. Polished finish makes it accessible now, with plenty of life ahead. Drink now through 2042. — Wine Spectator’s #2 Wine of the Year 2024.

Winemaker Notes

A truly remarkable vintage of BV’s iconic flagship. The bouquet is intense with wild sage, blackcurrant, cedar, and fresh mint. The palate is expansive and full-bodied with layers of ripe blackberry, redcurrant, and red rose petal alongside graphite, licorice root, gravelly stone, and dark chocolate. French oak aging adds sandalwood, clove, and Ceylon cinnamon. The signature "Rutherford Dust" tannins are silky, polished, and fine-grained, finishing long with a cocoa powder texture.

Slightly reserved upon release but incredibly drinkable — significant presence, depth, and concentration foreshadowing cellar-worthy potential across the next few decades.

Tasting & Pairings

Cassis, wild sage, graphite, dark chocolate, blackberry, cedar, sandalwood, and Rutherford Dust. Full-bodied with polished, fine-grained tannins and extraordinary length. Decant generously now or cellar through 2042+.

• Prime rib or dry-aged ribeye — the wine’s concentration and tannin structure demand equally serious beef.
• Braised lamb shank with herbs — the sage and cedar notes mirror herbed, slow-cooked meats.
• Dark chocolate truffles — the cocoa powder finish and chocolate aromatics are a decadent match.

Los Vascos · Colchagua Valley · 2025

Los Vascos wines blend Lafite tradition with the unique terroir of Chile to create elegant wines that bring exceptional quality to the everyday. The vision of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) to expand their estate took them to South America in 1988, marking the first French viticultural investment in modern Chile. Los Vascos sits in the Colchagua Valley, a closed valley in Chile's central zone roughly 25 miles from the sea, where daily on-shore winds swing temperatures between 68-77°F for optimum grape maturation. With 1,581 acres planted across a 10,000-acre estate at the foot of Mount Cañeten, it's one of the largest vineyards in the Colchagua Valley.

Terroir & Vintage Notes

The estate spans a large diversity of soils: the valley floor holds sand and clay alluvions left by the erosion of neighboring granitic hills, alongside Tosca, a hard soil formed from volcanic ash. Fruit for this Chardonnay is sourced from the coolest parts of Los Vascos in Colchagua. The 2025 growing season saw a winter with above-average temperatures leading to early bud burst, a cooler spring than the relatively warm early summer that followed, before temperatures returned to average and stabilized through harvest.

Winemaking & Aging

Grapes are harvested before daylight to preserve maximum freshness, then pressed and fermented at low temperature in stainless steel tanks to protect their aromatic potential. The wine is partly aged on its lees, giving it a distinctive, rounded mouthfeel.

Tasting Notes

Crystalline, bright yellow with golden hues. Intense fruit aromas of green pineapple, fresh quince, papaya and jasmine layer with white flowers and grapefruit. The palate is refreshing with good volume, balanced acidity, and a pleasant tension that makes it easy to drink.

Expert Review

"A pure, fresh and restrained chardonnay here with a creamy edge to the lemon zest. A touch of cantaloupe. Creamy, medium-bodied palate with fresh acidity and a composed, supple mouthfeel. No oak." — James Suckling, 91 points (2022 Vintage)

Pairing & Serving

Serve chilled around 45-50°F alongside shellfish, ceviche, roast chicken, or creamy pastas. Its bright acidity and stone-fruit character also make it a natural match for soft cheeses.

Specs

• Producer: Los Vascos (Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite)
• Appellation: Colchagua Valley, Chile
• Vintage: 2025
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Size: 750ml

Tommasi Poggio al Tufo Cabernet Sauvignon Toscana 2022

93 Points James Suckling | 91 Points Wine Enthusiast | 90 Points Wine Spectator

Tommasi Poggio al Tufo Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 is a rich, expressive and beautifully structured Tuscan red wine from the celebrated Maremma region of southern Tuscany. Produced by Tommasi Family Estates, this distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon combines the bold fruit character of the variety with the elegance, freshness and savory complexity of Tuscany's Mediterranean terroir.

The Poggio al Tufo estate represents an important chapter in the Tommasi family's winemaking history. Acquired in 1997, it was the family's first major expansion beyond their historic home in Valpolicella. Located in the picturesque Maremma countryside, the estate is known for its distinctive volcanic tuff soils, warm Mediterranean climate and excellent conditions for cultivating international grape varieties.

Crafted exclusively from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine is produced from carefully selected grapes grown at the Albore estate near Scansano. The grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, followed by traditional red wine fermentation with approximately 12 days of skin maceration. The wine is then matured for 12 months in large Slavonian oak casks, developing complexity and structure while preserving its generous fruit character.

Deep ruby red in color, the 2022 vintage opens with an inviting bouquet of ripe blackberries, blackcurrants, dark cherries and plum preserves, complemented by black pepper, licorice, vanilla, cedar and aromatic Mediterranean herbs. Subtle notes of tobacco, violets and earthy minerals add depth and sophistication.

On the palate, this Cabernet Sauvignon is medium to full-bodied, rich and beautifully balanced. Layers of ripe black fruit, dark cherry and savory spice unfold across a supple texture, supported by firm yet polished tannins and refreshing acidity. Hints of roasted pepper, cedar, licorice and balsamic herbs contribute complexity, leading to a persistent, structured finish.

The warm 2022 growing season produced concentrated, flavorful fruit, while late-season cooling helped preserve the wine's freshness and balance. The result is a Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers impressive depth and character while remaining approachable and versatile.

An excellent companion to hearty Italian cuisine, Tommasi Poggio al Tufo Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with grilled steaks, roasted lamb, braised beef, pappardelle with wild mushrooms, pasta with meat ragù, grilled sausages and moderately aged cheeses. Its combination of ripe fruit, savory complexity and polished structure makes it equally enjoyable for casual gatherings and special occasions.

WINE EXPERT RATINGS

James Suckling - 93 Points
A savory and structured Cabernet Sauvignon displaying aromas of tobacco, dried herbs and cedar layered over ripe blackcurrants and dark cherries. Medium to full-bodied, with compact, chalky tannins and a firm, lingering finish.

Wine Enthusiast - 91 Points
Rich aromas of Bing cherry, green bell pepper and wild herbs introduce a generous palate of ripe cherries, roasted peppers and savory spice. Velvety tannins, fresh acidity and impressive finesse create an appealing balance of power and elegance.

Wine Spectator - 90 Points
An expressive Tuscan Cabernet Sauvignon featuring blackcurrant, blackberry, violet, mineral, tobacco and bell pepper notes. Supple fruit flavors are supported by dense, structured tannins and a persistent finish.

Winemaker Notes

Deep ruby red in color, it has a broad, complex nose with aromas of blackberry preserve, black pepper, licorice, vanilla and balsamic herbs. On the palate it is mouth-filling, rich and full-bodied, with velvety tannins that are nicely integrated with a pleasing sensation of freshness.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Producer: Tommasi Family Estates
Estate: Poggio al Tufo
Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2022
Country: Italy
Region: Tuscany (Toscana)
Subregion: Maremma Toscana
Appellation: Toscana IGT
Grape: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine Type: Dry Red Wine
Body: Medium to Full
Vineyard: Albore Estate, Scansano, Maremma
Soil: Volcanic tuff and mixed mineral-rich soils
Climate: Mediterranean
Harvest: Grapes picked at advanced ripeness
Vinification: Traditional red wine fermentation with approximately 12 days of skin maceration
Aging: 12 months in large 70-hectoliter Slavonian oak casks
Alcohol: 13% ABV
Bottle Size: 750ml
Serving Temperature: 60-64°F (16-18°C)
Food Pairings: Grilled meats, roasted lamb, hearty pasta, mushroom dishes and aged cheeses
Cellaring Potential: Suitable for medium-term aging under proper storage conditions

Domaine Faiveley · Mercurey Blanc · 2024

Chardonnay | Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy, France | 750ml

Pre-Arrival · Introductory Offer ·

Producer & Terroir

Founded in 1825 in Nuits-Saint-Georges, Domaine Faiveley brings generations of Burgundian experience to its vineyards in Mercurey. Erwan Faiveley and Technical Director Jérôme Flous combine traditional craftsmanship with precise vineyard management, emphasizing aromatic purity, elegance and balance.

This white Burgundy brings together Chardonnay from approximately 3.03 hectares of south-facing parcels, including Les Montots and Bussière. Clay-limestone soils and vines planted in stages from 1984 through 2022 provide the setting for a fresh, fragrant expression of the Côte Chalonnaise.

Winemaker Description

Winemaker's Notes, as supplied in the listing: A beautifully elegant expression of white Burgundy from the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise, Domaine Faiveley Mercurey Blanc 2024 showcases the purity, freshness and delicate charm of Chardonnay grown in the historic vineyards of Mercurey.

The inviting bouquet reveals elegant aromas of orchard fruit and delicate white flowers. On the palate, this refined Chardonnay is supple, fresh and beautifully balanced, offering gentle fruit flavors, subtle richness and a clean, harmonious finish.

Less overtly mineral than Domaine Faiveley's celebrated Clos Rochette, Mercurey Blanc offers a softer, more fragrant expression of the appellation, with a graceful texture and refreshing character that make it exceptionally enjoyable both as an aperitif and with food.

Winemaking

Careful fruit selection and traditional Burgundian white-wine methods preserve Chardonnay's aromatic elegance. Controlled fermentation and thoughtful maturation emphasize fresh orchard fruit, delicate floral notes and a supple, balanced texture.

Pairing & Serving

Pair with grilled seafood, roasted chicken, pan-seared scallops, baked cod or sole meunière. Creamy mushroom pasta, vegetable risotto, goat cheese and lighter poultry dishes also complement its gentle texture and refreshing acidity. Serve at 50–54°F (10–12°C).

Wine Details

• Producer: Domaine Faiveley
• Vintage: 2024
• Grape: 100% Chardonnay
• Country: France
• Region: Burgundy, Côte Chalonnaise
• Appellation: Mercurey AOC
• Classification: Village
• Vineyard area: Approximately 3.03 hectares (7.49 acres)
• Contributing parcels: Les Montots and Bussière
• Soils: Clay and limestone
• Exposure: South-facing
• Style: Dry white wine
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Availability: Pre-arrival introductory offer; ETA October 21, 2026

A fragrant, food-friendly white Burgundy for lovers of orchard fruit, delicate florals and a fresh, graceful finish.

Défaix Frères is a respected family domaine based in Milly, one of the most prized villages in the Chablis appellation. The Défaix family has been farming the chalky Kimmeridgian soils of Chablis for generations, producing wines of classic mineral precision and the austere, saline character that defines great Chablis at its finest. Their approach is rooted in respect for the terroir — minimal intervention in the cellar, allowing the unique geology of the appellation to speak clearly in every bottle.

The Chablis Village is sourced from estate vineyards planted on the appellation's signature Kimmeridgian limestone and clay soils — ancient marine sediments rich in fossilized oyster shells that impart the distinctive flinty minerality and saline tension that set Chablis apart from all other Chardonnay in the world. The cool continental climate of the Yonne valley, with its harsh winters and short, intense growing season, produces Chardonnay of natural freshness, high acidity, and restrained, precise fruit.

Vinification is carried out entirely in stainless steel, with the wine spending 10 months on the fine lees to develop texture and complexity while preserving the purity and tension that are the hallmarks of the style. No oak — just pure, unadulterated Chablis.

The 2023 opens with a restrained, elegant nose of white orchard fruit, citrus, green apple, and subtle floral notes, with a characteristic flinty, mineral undercurrent. On the palate, the wine is fresh and lively, with bright acidity, pronounced minerality, and a clean, saline finish. Pure, flinty, and edgy — classic Village-level Chablis at its most compelling.

Grape: Chardonnay
Region: Chablis, Burgundy, France
Appellation: Chablis AOC
Vintage: 2023
Élevage: Stainless steel; 10 months on fine lees
Bottle Size: 750ml

Pairing: Oysters, shellfish, grilled fish, sushi, light poultry, salads, and fresh or soft cheeses. Serve well chilled.

Maynard’s · Colheita Port · 2016 · Aged in Wood

Maynard’s 2016 Colheita is a Portuguese Port from a single harvest, aged in wood. This is the wood-aged Colheita bottling, not the 2016 Vintage Port intended for extended bottle maturation.

Producer & Origin

Maynard’s is associated with the van Zeller family and Portugal’s historic Port trade. This 2016 bottling comes from the Douro region, bringing together its harvest identity and maturation in wood.

Serving & Pairing

For serving, try a small pour alongside walnuts, mature cheese, or a caramel-based dessert. These are general pairing suggestions for wood-aged Port, rather than producer tasting notes for this bottling.

Details

• Producer: Maynard’s
• Country: Portugal
• Region: Douro
• Style: Colheita Port, aged in wood
• Harvest: 2016
• Bottle size: 750ml

A single-harvest, wood-aged Port for an after-dinner pour or a thoughtful gift.

te Pā Wines · Oke · Marlborough 2024

Oke is te Pā’s barrel-fermented take on Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, bringing ripe fruit, bright acidity and integrated oak into a more textured, savory style. Fruit from the Lower Wairau and Awatere valleys balances the Wairau’s generosity with the Awatere’s freshness, herbal lift and mineral tension.

Expert Reviews · 2024

Wine Enthusiast · 94 Points · Editors’ Choice
This oak-aged wine, from unique, ultra maritime blocks owned by Maori family, the MacDonalds, drinks more like a white Bordeaux than your typical Marlborough Savvy B. It's nutty and smokey, with a mineral thread through the lemon and grapefruit. It all comes together on the palate where a rush of mouthwatering salted citrus acidity is padded out by the creamier, toastier textural elements. With beautiful linearity and tautness, this should age gracefully for another 7-8 years. But why wait? It's drinking deliciously now.

James Suckling · 93 Points
This sauvignon blanc has aromas of dried lemons, wild herbs and some mangoes. Medium-bodied with fresh acidity. Direct and succulent texture. Driven and seductive, with a lively finish.

Vinous · 92 Points
The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc Oke is an intriguing, barrel-fermented expression, combining the varietal fruity/green tones with well-judged oak. Oak-derived vanilla and grilled nuts underscore blackcurrant, nectarine and green herbs. Dry and firm with fine texture and a long, scented finish, the 2024 is ready to enjoy. However, it also has the structure and substance to evolve gracefully over the coming five to eight years, particularly under screw cap.

Wine Spectator · 92 Points
Distinctive, rich and succulent, with litsea oil, grilled lemon and beeswax notes that add an appealing savory element, plus a touch of coconut water that complements the peach, lemon curd and dried mango flavors. A honeysuckle detail lingers on the finish.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate · 91 Points
The 2024 Oke Sauvignon Blanc is an oaked style of Sauvignon Blanc, and the élevage is an integral part of this wine. I find Sauvignon Blanc and oak to be awkward bedfellows, the former so easily swamped by the latter despite its propensity for exuberant fruit expression. This is the case with this wine; however, the fruit shows excellent endurance through the long finish. For fans of this style, it will be popular, and it is clear that it has been executed with sophistication in mind. Te Pa is a member of the Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) group. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

Winemaking

The Sauvignon Blanc is fermented in 320-liter French oak barrels with indigenous and selected yeasts. Lees contact builds weight and texture, while barrel maturation brings the oak and fruit into balance for a layered, savory expression.

Tasting Notes

Ripe citrus, pear and stone fruit meet tropical notes and citrus blossom. Smoky, flinty nuances sit alongside toasted nuts, vanilla and spice. Bright citrus acidity keeps the concentrated palate lively through a long, mineral-tinged finish.

About te Pā

Family-owned te Pā was founded by Haysley MacDonald. The MacDonald family traces its connection to the Wairau Bar and surrounding land back approximately 800 years to some of the earliest Māori settlers in the region, and that connection continues to inform the estate’s relationship with the land and sea.

Food Pairings

Pair with grilled or roasted fish, shellfish, lobster, scallops, roast chicken, rich soft cheeses, seafood in butter or cream sauces, or dishes with citrus and fresh herbs.

At a Glance

• Producer: te Pā Wines
• Wine: Oke Sauvignon Blanc
• Vintage: 2024
• Country: New Zealand
• Region: Marlborough
• Subregions: Lower Wairau Valley and Awatere Valley
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Style: Dry, barrel-fermented white wine
• Alcohol: 13%
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Closure: Screw cap

A textured, savory Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, with freshness to balance richer seafood and poultry dishes.

Château Pipeau is a fourth-generation estate founded in 1929 in Saint-Émilion, on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, where many of the world’s greatest Merlot-based wines are produced.

Winemaker Jean Mestreguilhem, son of the current owners, worked at Château de Fieuzal in Pessac-Léognan and Screaming Eagle in Napa Valley before returning to his family estate.

The property includes 25 hectares of clay-limestone and deep sandy soils planted to 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc, with an average vine age of 40 years.

Grass grows naturally between the vine rows, while careful debudding and green harvesting limit yields and maximize quality. Canopy management and early harvesting help preserve freshness. The grapes are sorted first on the vine and then again on a sorting table.

“This is an intriguingly delicious wine, starting off with a waft of warm nutmeg and cinnamon. The palate is balanced but assertive, with ripe black plum and bramble fruit.”

—Rand Sieger, 67 Wine Buyer

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This expressive Saint-Émilion Grand Cru comes from a historic, family-owned estate situated at the foot of the Saint-Émilion hillside on Bordeaux’s Right Bank. Founded by Georges Mestreguilhem in 1929, Château Pipeau has remained in the same family for four generations and is now directed by Jean Mestreguilhem with the support of his father, Richard. The estate has grown from its original seven hectares to approximately 25 hectares of vines located just three kilometers from the village of Saint-Émilion.

The vineyard is planted predominantly to Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The vines average approximately 40 years of age and are rooted in a combination of clay-limestone soils and deep sands. These contrasting soils help produce a wine that combines the generosity and plush fruit of Merlot with freshness, structure, and aromatic complexity.

Château Pipeau follows environmentally conscious vineyard practices and holds Haute Valeur Environnementale certification. Grass is maintained between the vineyard rows to encourage healthy soils and biodiversity, while careful debudding, green harvesting, and leaf removal are used to control yields and promote even ripening. The grapes are harvested both manually and mechanically before undergoing precise optical sorting at the winery.

Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, with gentle macerations lasting approximately three to four weeks and daily pump-overs to extract color, flavor, and tannin without sacrificing finesse. A traditional vertical press is used to preserve the integrity of the fruit. Most of the wine is then matured for 12 to 14 months in new French oak barrels, while a smaller portion remains in stainless steel to retain freshness and vibrant fruit character.

The 2022 vintage opens with generous aromas of ripe black plum, crushed blackcurrant, raspberry, and wild strawberry. Layers of nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, tobacco, and subtle toasted oak add depth and complexity. The palate is rich and assertive, yet balanced by freshness, with ripe dark fruit, bramble, warm spice, and polished tannins carrying through the finish. A professional tasting of the vintage also noted its deep, fresh aromatic profile and awarded it 90 points.

Approachable in its youth with decanting, this wine also has the concentration and structure to develop further in the cellar. It is an excellent match for roast lamb, grilled steak, beef tenderloin, duck, braised short ribs, mushroom dishes, and firm aged cheeses.

Appellation: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Region: Bordeaux, France
Vintage: 2022
Grape Varieties: 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Soils: Clay-limestone and deep sand
Average Vine Age: Approximately 40 years
Farming: Environmentally responsible; HVE certified
Vinification: Temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks with gentle maceration
Aging: Approximately 12–14 months, primarily in new French oak
Bottle Size: 750ml

Serving Recommendation: Serve at approximately 60–65°F. Decant for one to two hours when drinking young to allow the fruit, spice, and tannins to fully open.