2010 - Present Wine

Winemaker Description 

This cuvée is the classic white wine of Montbourgeau. It is usually bottled after 24 to 30 months of élevage in barrel. 

The very special nature of the appellation of L’Etoile produces white wines of exceptional finesse and complexity.

The fermentation occurs in stainless steel but, after malolactic, the wine is racked into small barrel and demi-muids for two years. At that point, the entire production is assembled and left for several months in cuve before being bottled. 

Château Minuty Prestige Rosé — Provence, France 2025 750ml

Château Minuty is one of Provence’s most celebrated and historic estates, situated on the Saint-Tropez peninsula in the heart of the Côtes de Provence appellation. A family-owned domaine for generations, Minuty has become synonymous with the finest expression of Provençal rosé — elegant, precise, and unmistakably of its place. The Prestige cuvée is the estate’s signature rosé, crafted from a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Rolle, and vinified with meticulous attention to freshness and finesse. The 2025 vintage in Provence delivered wines of exceptional aromatic purity and saline tension.

Pale pink with luminous clarity, the 2025 Prestige opens with a very expressive nose of floral notes that give way to aromas of apricot and yellow peach. On the palate, finesse dominates — a subtle hint of citrus and a beautifully saline, mineral finish that is quintessentially Provençal.

“The nose is very expressive, revealing floral notes that give way to aromas of apricot and yellow peach. On the palate, finesse dominates, accompanied by a subtle hint of citrus and a saline finish.” — Château Minuty Winemaker

• Producer: Château Minuty, Saint-Tropez Peninsula, Provence, France
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Côtes de Provence AOC
• Blend: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Rolle
• Style: Pale, dry, mineral Provençal rosé
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Floral, apricot, yellow peach, citrus, saline mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, shellfish, ceviche, sushi, grilled fish, Provençal vegetable dishes, Italian beach cuisine, Asian cuisine

From the Saint-Tropez peninsula to your table — Château Minuty Prestige 2025 is the definitive expression of Provençal rosé elegance.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 92 Points | Delicate peachy fruit and racy acidity are beautifully balanced on the sleek, medium-bodied palate. Excellent mountain freshness and wet-stone minerality at the super-clean and straight finish. Sustainable. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 97 Points | Outstanding balance and complexity from the beginning that showcases concentrated black fruits and purple flowers with plenty of spices and subtle yet harmonious toast and cedar aromas. Intense graphite and stony minerality, too. Full- to medium-bodied on the mid-palate with delightful acidity that gives this wonderful crunchiness. Fine-grained juicy tannins. Precisely focused wine that is colorful and sound. Beautiful length, too. Already so drinkable now but will age gracefully, especially for Atlas Peak.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2020 Cepparello is a total stunner, just as it was last year. Deeply colored, layered and explosive in the glass, the 2020 possesses striking textural richness and overall intensity. Black cherry, graphite, plum, spice and lavender flesh out effortlessly. There's tremendous pedigree and sheer stature here. Cepparello is surely one of the wines of the year.  Drinking 2027 to 2045.  - Vinous 98

The Wine Advocate, Monica Larner, 96 Points | Supple and smooth, the 2020 Cepparello brings Sangiovese to soaring heights in a manner only Paolo De Marchi can manage. This is his second to last vintage before he would retire and sell this historic estate. The wine opens to medium to full-bodied concentration with dark plum and redcurrant. Those cede to sweet spice, earth, crushed stone, rusty nail and candied orange peel. Give the wine more time to flesh out with cellar age.

The Wine Spectator 96 Points | Expressive and sumptuous from the get-go, this red features cherry, strawberry, rose, orange peel, mineral and Tuscan herb aromas and flavors. Sangiovese. Best from 2025 through 2045.

James Suckling 94 Points | Attractive red and dark berries with dried flowers, nutmeg and cocoa powder. Dried orange peel and wet earth, too. Medium- to full-bodied, toned and steady with fine-grained tannins that are slightly chalky. Polished and even with a lingering finish. Try after 2026.

Carl Loewen · Estate Riesling · Liewener Klostergarten · Mosel · Germany · 2022

Christopher Loewen is one of the Mosel’s most quietly celebrated winemakers — a craftsman who farms organically, ferments with native yeasts in large Fuder casks without temperature control, and lets each wine find its own expression. The Estate Riesling comes entirely from the Liewener Klostergarten, a site with richer soils than Loewen’s steep single-vineyard parcels, formerly bottled as a Kabinett and now declassified to “Estate” to preserve the single-vineyard designation for the estate’s highest-quality expressions. Whole-cluster pressed, fermented spontaneously, and stopped by taste — this is Riesling made with the patience and instinct of a true artisan.

The 2022 is dry-styled, rustic, and deeply approachable — a wine of beautiful complexity and mouth-filling texture born from Fuder aging and spontaneous fermentation. Yellow stone fruit, pear, and spiced citrus are underscored by a pleasingly savory salinity. At once mineral and generous, it is the kind of Riesling that rewards attention and rewards the table equally.

“A dry-styled Riesling that is at once rustic and approachable. Rockstar winemaker Christopher Loewen raises this wine in large Fuder casks, using spontaneous fermentation. This gives the wine a beautiful complexity and mouth-filling texture. A mix of yellow stone fruit, pear, and spiced citrus is underscored by a pleasingly savory salinity.”
— Rand, 67wino.shop

• Producer: Carl Loewen (Christopher Loewen), Mosel, Germany
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Mosel, Germany
• Vineyard: Liewener Klostergarten
• Varietal: 100% Riesling
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Style: Dry — rustic, mineral, textured
• Vinification: Whole-cluster press; native yeast fermentation in Fuder casks and stainless steel; no temperature control; stopped by taste
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Yellow stone fruit, pear, spiced citrus, savory salinity, mineral texture
• Pairings: Grilled trout, roast pork, sushi, Thai cuisine, aged Gouda, charcuterie

Mosel — certified organic, Fuder-aged, spontaneously fermented Riesling from one of the valley’s most instinctive winemakers. Rustic, mineral, and built for the table.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

James Suckling 95 Points | Some blue fruit with iron and lavender character. Very perfumed. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a bright finish. Linear and tight. Hibiscus at the end. A blend of declassified barrels from the single-vineyard wines. Drink or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points | The ripe ruby-colored 2021 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley saw the small addition of about 10% whole cluster. The nose opens to a just gorgeous perfume of red and blue fruit as well as fresh violets and cherry candies. Very tasty indeed, the palate is inviting and medium-bodied, and it has a supple, silky texture, with a long, fresh, pure finish. This inviting red is going to have a wide drinking window over the next 6-8 years.

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | The 2021 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is a blend of fruit from Arista’s seven vineyard-designate wines. It has pretty aromas of blackberry, blueberry, plum, licorice and turned earth. The medium-bodied palate offers layered, spicy flavors structured by finely astringent tannins and bright acidity, and it has a long, fragrant finish. 

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Bright and punchy, offering energetic pomegranate, cherry and loganberry fruit infused with sassafras and hibiscus notes, while fresh and slightly high-pitched acidity gives the finish a racy edge. Drink now through 2031.

Winemaker Description 

The core principle of the winemaking philosophy at Arista is to capture and express the true character and potential of each vineyard. They work with a very carefully chosen handful of grand-cru level Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards, and are uncompromising in their efforts to maximize the full potential of the wines crafted from these special sites.

The 2021 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir blends several vineyards from across the storied Russian River appellation, which makes it a prime snapshot of our home region as a whole in each vintage. In 2021, conditions for Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley were exceptional, leading to deeply colored, intensely aromatic, wonderfully vibrant wines.

This ruby-hued wine shows classic Pinot Noir aromas of black plum, tart cherry, and cola. Across the palate, similar ripe fruit notes are abundant and buttressed by the tangy acidity. The firm tannins, which are a hallmark of the 2021 vintage, round out the long finish on this quintessential Sonoma Pinot Noir.

Meiomi Pinot Noir — California — 375ml Half Bottle

Meiomi is one of California’s most celebrated Pinot Noir producers, built on a singular vision: to capture the best of the California coast in a single, seamlessly blended wine. The name itself comes from the Coast Miwok and Wappo peoples’ word for “coastline,” and the wine lives up to it — sourced from three of California’s most prized coastal appellations: Sonoma Coast, Santa Barbara County, and Monterey County. Each vineyard is chosen for its ability to express the best of its respective terroir, then carefully blended to achieve the balance, complexity, and richness of flavor that has made Meiomi one of the most recognized Pinot Noirs in the country. This 375ml half bottle holds approximately 2.5 glasses — perfect for a solo dinner, a quiet evening, or whenever you want something special without opening a full bottle.

The color is a luminous, deep ruby with violet hues. The nose is lush and immediately appealing: fresh strawberry, blackberry, and boysenberry, layered with mocha and vanilla from careful oak aging. On the palate, it is silky and medium-bodied — bright red and dark fruit, a touch of toasty oak, and a smooth, lingering finish that is quintessentially coastal California Pinot Noir. Approachable on release, consistently delicious vintage after vintage.

• Producer: Meiomi Wines, California
• Appellation: California — Sonoma Coast, Santa Barbara County, Monterey County
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Closure: Screwcap
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle (~2.5 glasses)
• Style: Silky, fruit-forward, coastal California Pinot Noir
• Tasting Notes: Strawberry, blackberry, boysenberry, mocha, vanilla, silky tannins
• Drink Window: Now
• Best Paired With: Salmon, duck breast, mushroom risotto, charcuterie, brie, roasted chicken

California’s most beloved coastal Pinot Noir — in the perfect half-bottle format for any night of the week.

Our Professional Review

Oscar Garcia Moncada | Senior Wine Buyer | This lovely family-run winery, tucked into Catalunya’s Costers del Segre DO, is among the most eco-friendly and sustainability-focused estates I’ve visited in recent years. Troballa Arrels is 100% Garnatxa Negra (Grenache Noir), delivering classic Mediterranean character: garrigue herbs, figs, black olives, and dried aromatics layered over a savory palate. Perfect with grilled sausages served over white beans dressed in olive oil and cracked black pepper.

Winemaker Description 

Notes of plums, cherries, strawberries and fresh oranges, subtle hints of cassis, raspberries and blackberries. There is a mineral touch on the nose and a saline and toasted touch stands out on the palate, with a very fresh and balsamic finish. An original and explosive wine.

Rocky limestone clay soil of very low fertility. Altitude of the vineyards: 800m above sea level. Spontaneous fermentation, aged 6 months, 1/3 of the grapes fermented and aged respectively in clay amphorae, French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks.

Pheasant's Tears | Kisi | Qvevri Amber Wine | Kakheti, Republic of Georgia | 2024 | Organic

Pheasant's Tears is one of Georgia's most celebrated natural wine producers, founded by Gela Patalishvili — an 8th-generation winemaker from the Kakheti region — and John Wurdeman, an American painter who fell in love with Georgia and its ancient wine culture in 1998. Together, they have dedicated themselves to preserving and reviving Georgia's extraordinary 8,000-year-old winemaking heritage, farming around ten indigenous grape varieties without pesticides or herbicides and vinifying everything in qvevri — traditional clay amphorae buried in the earth, used in Georgia since the Neolithic era.

Kisi is a rare and ancient Georgian white grape variety grown almost exclusively in the Kakheti region, in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. At Pheasant's Tears, it is vinified in the traditional Georgian manner: fermented and aged in qvevri with extended skin maceration of six months — producing what Georgians call an "amber wine" and the rest of the world has come to know as "orange wine." The result is a wine of extraordinary depth, texture, and complexity that has no real equivalent in the conventional wine world.

The 2024 Kisi is deep amber-gold in the glass. The nose is captivating — dried apricot, quince, honey, beeswax, dried flowers, and a hint of walnut, with an earthy, almost ancient quality that speaks directly to the qvevri. On the palate, unusually powerful structure with grippy, polished tannins — rare in a white wine — balanced by bright acidity and a long, complex, spiced finish. Not aggressive, but deeply serious. A wine that transports you elsewhere entirely.

Made from certified organic grapes. Pair with spiced lamb, charcuterie, aged Parmesan, old Comté, washed-rind cheeses, roasted root vegetables, and dishes with Middle Eastern or Caucasian spice profiles.

• Producer: Pheasant's Tears
• Grape: Kisi
• Style: Qvevri Amber Wine (Orange Wine)
• Region: Kakheti, Republic of Georgia
• Vintage: 2024
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Vinification: Fermented and aged in qvevri (buried clay amphorae); 6-month skin maceration
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Bodegas Sonsierra is a cooperative winery with deep roots in the village of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, one of the most storied wine villages in Rioja Alta. Perched above the Ebro River with a medieval castle overlooking the vineyards, San Vicente is known for producing Tempranillo of exceptional character — structured, aromatic, and built for aging. Sonsierra has been the custodian of this tradition for decades, crafting wines that offer remarkable quality and authenticity at an honest price.

The Bodegas Sonsierra Rioja Reserva Rioja Alta 2017 750ml is a classic expression of aged Rioja Tempranillo. An attractive maroon color with a ruby edge, it opens with an elegant bouquet of balsamic notes, complex spiciness, hints of ripe dark fruit, and a subtle aroma of toast from its time in oak. On the palate it is well-rounded and velvety, with a pleasant toasty finish that lingers with grace. The 2017 vintage in Rioja Alta was warm and concentrated — producing wines of depth and structure that reward patience.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Attractive maroon with a ruby edge
• Nose: Elegant balsamic notes, complex spice, ripe dark fruit, and a hint of toast
• Palate: Well-rounded and velvety with good structure
• Finish: Pleasant, toasty, and lingering

Wine Details

• 100% Tempranillo
• Rioja Alta DOCa, San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Spain
• Reserva — minimum 3 years aging (1+ in oak, 1+ in bottle)
• Vintage: 2017 | 750ml
• Pairs with: game, roast meat, stews, aged cheeses, wild mushroom dishes

Winemaker Description 

100% Jacquère. The Abymes appellation sits lower and the slope than the Apremont and is on generally flatter land. Stainless steel fermentation and aging.

A firm, mineral spine and racy acidity support this wines core of lemon, verbena, peach and pear notes. This is the perfect match for fondue, raclette or a good old fashioned charcuterie plate.

Winemaker Description 

A beautiful structured medium-bodied Shiraz with juicy ripe plum and dark berry flavours. Has fine textures of sweet spice, new leather and a hint of savoury, refreshed with a juicy, plummy finish.

Memo Pairing Suggestions

Pairings: This is a versatile "braai" (BBQ) wine. It pairs excellently with:

• Meats: Grilled lamb chops, ribeye steak, or spicy sausages.

• Casual: Wood-fired spicy pizzas or hearty pasta bolognese.

• Vegetarian: Grilled portobello mushrooms or lentil stews with earthy spices.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

96 Points James Suckling: A very balanced, refined Duhart with ever so fine tannins and currant, tobacco and cedar aromas and flavors. Medium to fine tannins. It’s extremely long and polished. Direct. You already want to drink this.
Barrel Sample:95-96

94 Points  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: The 2019 Duhart-Milon is showing beautifully, mingling aromas of cassis and wild berries with notions of violets, cedar wood, orange rind, licorice and spice box in a perfumed bouquet. Medium to full-bodied, supple and seamless, it's charming and refined, with a deep core of fruit, powdery tannins and succulent acids. This château is going from strength to strength. Best after 2025.

94 Points Decanter: This one might sneak up on you, confirming the rise of this wine in recent years. Clear depth of fruit, and above all clear Pauillac character. This feels strict and confident, with beautiful balance and restraint. Duhart is one of the later-ripening and cooler Pauillac terroirs which is why in the past it could be overly austere when young, but it is benefitting from recent hot summers in terms of its fruit ripeness. Pencil lead is prominent here, along with cassis and bilberry. Very precise, very elegant, with a creaminess to the fruit through the mid palate, and overall this is an excellent Duhart.
Barrel Sample:94

94 Wine Spectator: Racy and mineral-driven, with a chalky thread that runs from start to finish, adding a perfumed elegance to a core of steeped black currant and blackberry fruit flavors. This has a lushness to the fruit, with dark tobacco, steeped black tea and singed alder notes, but there's plenty of range, detail and textural nuance as well. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2024

Blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot

Anne Pichon “Sauvage” Grenache Noir Vieilles Vignes — Vaucluse, Southern Rhône 2023

At the foot of Mont Ventoux, where the limestone soils are stony and the summer sun is relentless, Anne Pichon farms old-vine Grenache Noir the way it was always meant to be farmed — organically, patiently, and with deep respect for the vine. The “Sauvage” Vieilles Vignes is their flagship red: a late-harvested cuvée from old vines that delivers the kind of concentration and hedonistic power that makes Grenache lovers stop and pay attention. Ecocert Certified Organic. At $18.99, it is one of the great overachievers of the Southern Rhône.

The 2023 vintage is dense, ripe, and immediately seductive. The nose opens with black cherry, blackberry, and blackcurrant — dark fruit piled high — followed by layers of cocoa, sweet chocolate, and licorice that add complexity and depth. On the palate it is full-bodied and concentrated, with plush texture, ripe tannins, and a long, warming finish. This is a Grenache Bomb in the best possible sense: powerful, generous, and built for the table.

Anne Pichon — "Harvested late at an optimal ripeness, this cuvée is very concentrated and powerful with notes of black cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant, cocoa, sweet chocolate and licorice."

• Producer: Anne Pichon, Vaucluse, Southern Rhône, France
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Vaucluse IGP
• Sub-Region: Mont Ventoux, Southern Rhône
• Varietal: 100% Grenache Noir (Vieilles Vignes)
• Farming: Ecocert Certified Organic
• Style: Full-bodied, concentrated & hedonistic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant, cocoa, sweet chocolate, licorice, plush tannins
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 5+ years
• Best Paired With: Lamb chops with harissa, grilled steak, smoked brisket, wild mushroom risotto, aged hard cheese

A certified organic Grenache Bomb from the shadow of Mont Ventoux — old vines, late harvest, and pure Southern Rhône power at an honest price.

Domaine Hippolyte Reverdy | Sancerre Blanc | Loire Valley | 2025

The Reverdys are one of the appellation's essential winemaking families and they have thoroughly mastered elegant and delicious Sancerre. Winemaker Julie Guiard simply has the right touch, making her Sancerre one of the most universally gratifying white wines out there. In the village of Verdigny, Reverdy's vineyards feature two of Sancerre's three principal soil types: mainly caillottes — pebbly white limestone — and some terres blanches, composed of richer marl formed in the Kimmeridgian era. The result is a Sauvignon Blanc balancing bright, zesty citrus and delicate floral nuances with an enveloping texture and stony, saline notes that make your mouth water. Irresistibly charming now, it can even age for a few years if desired. — Anthony Lynch

Domaine Hippolyte Reverdy is based in Verdigny, one of the most respected villages within the Sancerre appellation, where the family has farmed their vineyards for generations. The estate's parcels sit on two of Sancerre's three classic soil types — caillottes (pebbly white limestone) and terres blanches (Kimmeridgian marl) — a combination that gives the wine both the bright, citrus-driven freshness of limestone and the richer texture and mineral depth of the ancient marl soils. Under winemaker Julie Guiard, the domaine has become a benchmark for the appellation: precise, elegant and consistently delicious.

The 2025 opens with vibrant aromas of grapefruit, lemon zest, white peach and fresh-cut grass, accented by delicate floral notes, a whisper of smoke and the stony, saline minerality that is the signature of Verdigny's limestone soils. The palate is bright and lively, with an enveloping texture and exquisite balance of fruit, acidity and mineral tension. A long, mouthwatering finish with saline and citrus notes lingers beautifully. A cut above textbook Loire Sauvignon Blanc — and a wine that rewards a few years of cellaring if you can resist opening it immediately.

Serve well chilled at 46–50°F. An ideal partner for raw oysters, grilled fish, fish tacos, shellfish, sushi, goat cheese, tomato salads, gazpacho and light vegetable dishes.

• Producer: Domaine Hippolyte Reverdy
• Winemaker: Julie Guiard
• Appellation: Sancerre AOC
• Region: Loire Valley, France
• Village: Verdigny
• Soils: Caillottes (pebbly limestone) and terres blanches (Kimmeridgian marl)
• Grape Variety: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
• Vintage: 2025
• Style: Dry white wine
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

Tim Atkin MW 92 Points | Kara-Tara is Stark-Condé winemaker Rudger van Wyk’s own project, entirely focused on Burgundian grapes. This stylish Chardonnay marries grapes from Elgin, the Overberg and Paarl. Poised between citrus and stone fruit flavours, with subtle toast and wet stone undertones. 2022-27′.

Producer Description 

Kara-Tara is a joint-venture between Rüdger van Wyk (2018 Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year) and José Conde of Stark-Condé Wines. Translated from the Khoisan, the language from the first people in Southern Africa, it means “deep dark shadows” and refers to the Karatara river that runs through Rüdger’s home town, near Knysna which is located in South Africa, on the Cape South Coast, facing the Indian Ocean.

This wine has the classic notes of lemon and grapefruit you’d expect from Chardonnay, with hints of almond and a fine mineral finish.

Winemaker Description 

This has a pretty nose with dark spices, nut shell and cedar notes with a dark fruit backbone, following through to a medium body with firm and finely polished tannins that go on and on. Refined and nicely balanced with velvety texture. Lingering and chalky finish. Try after 2026.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

James Suckling 94 Points | This has a pretty nose with dark spices, nut shell and cedar notes with a dark fruit backbone, following through to a medium body with firm and finely polished tannins that go on and on. Refined and nicely balanced with velvety texture. Lingering and chalky finish. Try after 2026.

Vinous 93 Points | The 2020 Sociando Mallet has retained its impressive aromatics from its showing in barrel with beautifully defined blackberry and raspberry fruit, pressed violet and light cedar aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with firm backbone, a little powdery in texture, fine backbone with ample freshness and tension towards its graphite-infused finish. Bravo!

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | The 2020 Sociando-Mallet is very attractive, exhibiting aromas of cassis and plums mingled with notions of pencil shavings, loamy soil, tobacco leaf and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with lively acids and powdery tannins, it's a strong effort from a site that always does well in warm vintages. The 2020 is a blend of 53% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc.

Decanter 92 Points | Wonderfully fragrant on the nose, just stopping short of being potent. Glorious perfumed scents and rich, ripe black fruits. Clean and clear, this has a lively energy to it and a little bit of liquorice which gives a savoury, dark and sticky edge to the fruit. Clarity, classicism and precision on show. Sculpted, muscular, grippy and chewy. Excellent potential with a slate and coffee-toned finish.

Producer Description 

This new red wine blend is produced from Suisun Valley, a remarkable AVA that has become the Wagner family's second home. A 30-minute drive from Napa, Suisun has ideal soils and climate for a variety of grapes. The Walking Fool is named after a long-ago relative who was often seen traveling by foot - thus earning this affectionate moniker. Featuring Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, this wine is smooth and lively, with juicy raspberry, notes of espresso and softly fine tannins.

Producer Description 

The wine is a crimson-hued garnet red. Elegant and refined, the nose exudes floral aromas, going on with airing to develop notes of blackcurrant and licorice root. The full and smooth attack reveals an alluring and complex array of flavors in which ripe fruit is magnificently set off by notes of toasted cereals and violet. The mid-palate is underpinned by high-quality close-knit and creamy tannins, leading into a saline and slightly minty finish which lingers on hints of chocolates.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 96 Points | Aromas of crushed stone, blackcurrants and blackberries. Full-bodied with extremely well-crafted tannins that are chewy and layered, yet polished and fantastic. Love the finish. 72% cabernet sauvignon, 25% petit verdot, 22% merlot and 4% cabernet franc. (v.2019).

Wine Enthusiast 94-96 Points | Dense and rich, with a high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, this is another great vintage from the estate. Its black fruits ooze concentration alongside firm tannins that promise a potential for long aging. The aftertaste has opulent black currant richness. (v.2019). 

The Wine Advocate 95 Points | The 2019 Clerc Milon is a real success. At more than 70%, this blend contains one of the highest proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon in the property's recent history, and the result is a wine of real nobility. Offering up aromas of violets, wild berries, licorice, loamy soil and cigar wrapper, it's full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, with notable depth at the core, lively acids and ripe, powdery tannins that assert themselves on the finish. From clay-limestone soils rather than the sandy gravels that characterize d'Armailhac, this is by some margin the more structured and serious of Mouton-Rothschild's two Pauillac stablemates.(v.2019).

Decanter 95 Points | The wine has the highest levels of Cabernet Sauvignon since the 1980s, and even on the nose you can feel its impact in terms of the depth of tight black fruit. Extremely good quality with fine tannins that build, build, build over the palate, and grip on, forcing you to slow down and pay attention. Beautiful spice with menthol, slate, pencil lead, blackberry and blackcurrant. An exciting wine with real energy and forward motion, helped to withstand the summer heat by its position by the river, and the fact that the average age of the vines at Clerc Milon is almost 50 years. 2% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Jean Emmanuel Danjoy's last outing doing the full vintage at Clerc Milon before he heads over to Mouton as technical director. (v.2019).

Wine Spectator 93 Points | Presents a very fresh core of cassis, red cherry and damson plum fruit flavors that meld nicely with a racy iron streak, while light savory and floral details run along the edges. A very pure and bright version that should age well. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenère. (v.2019).

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | Another beautiful effort from this team, the 2019 Château Clerc Milon is 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, from vines just across the street from Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Mouton Rothschild. Brought up in a mix of new and used barrels, it has a healthy ruby/plum color to go with a great nose of ripe red and black fruits supported by some classic Pauillac lead pencil, tobacco, and spice box notes. I love its overall balance, it's medium-bodied, has silky tannins, and the fresher, elegant style of the vintage. I wouldn't call it mid-weight, but I compared this to the 2014 on release, and I still think that comparison holds, although there's a touch more length and intensity in the 2019. This will drink well today with a decant (I followed this bottle for two days) and will shine for a good two decades.(v.2019).

Producer Description 

There are two types of red grapes in the world that are always trimmed for finesse and elegance. The much better known is the Pinot Noir from France and then also with its relative, the German Pinot Noir.

Then in the outer tip of Austria - in Styria - there are more and more winemakers who feel a total devotion to their local red wine specialty - Blaufränkisch - and can derive just as much elegance from it as the much more prominent Pinot Noir. Now Gottfried Lamprecht is very fortunate to have the Buchertberg, a vineyard that can show dramatic differences in the soil. And anyone who has ever been to Burgundy in France and has seen the prices of wines that come from particularly fortunate soils - for the winemakers and their wallets - will appreciate Gottfried Lamprecht's wines.

For the connoisseurs it should be briefly mentioned that on the Buchertberg opok soils, partly sandstone weathering, sand and silt change in a very small space and make up the rare great class of this wine.

Winemaker Description 

The Bourgogne Blanc from Domaine Leflaive has the particularity to only come from vineyards located in the town of Puligny, making it easily one of the best Bourgogne Blanc you could get your hands on. This is the perfect first step into the Domaine Leflaive’s unique offerings. All vineyards are farmed biodynamically. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

Allen Meadows of Burhound | A very pretty nose freely reveals its aromas of apple, pear and lemon rind. The succulent, delicious and appealingly vibrant middleweight flavors possess a relatively refined texture while displaying fine depth and length for a wine of this level. The 20% addition of young vines from upper-level vineyards clearly helps and overall, this is excellent.

Producer Description 

A blend of five of our favorite Russian River Valley vineyard sites, this Chardonnay captures the fantastic character of the 2021 vintage. Fusing fresh lemon and white floral aromas with a throughline of minerality, this versatile Chardonnay is simultaneously easygoing and complex.  

Peak Drinking Window: 2023 – 2029. 

98 Points, James Suckling
94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck 
90 Points, Wine Spectator

Expert Review

James Suckling 98 Points | Extremely focused and energetic nose of sliced limes and Meyer lemons with lemongrass. Some stone and hints of flint. Full-bodied with superb density and structure and phenolics that you can feel. It goes on for minutes. Slightly chewy at the end. From Wente clones planted in 1974. (v.2021). 

Château Les Riganes | White Bordeaux | Bordeaux AOC | 2024 | Kosher | Kosher for Passover

Château Les Riganes is a reliable and well-regarded kosher producer from Bordeaux, crafting approachable, terroir-driven whites that deliver genuine regional character at an accessible price. The White Bordeaux is made primarily from Sauvignon Blanc, the dominant white variety of the appellation, vinified to emphasize freshness, aromatic precision and the mineral, citrus-driven character that defines the best dry whites of the region. Kosher and Kosher for Passover, it is an excellent choice for Shabbat, holiday tables and year-round entertaining.

Light gold in color with green reflections, the 2024 opens with bursting aromas of yellow grapefruit, lemon peel, freshly cut grass, white spring flowers and earthy minerals. The palate is light to medium-bodied and immediately lively — a bright first attack of citrus fruit gives way to hints of slate, zesty lemon, herbal notes, basil and tart green pear. Medium-plus acidity keeps the wine fresh and focused, while saline and orange blossom notes linger on a remarkably long and mouthwatering finish.

Serve well chilled at 46–50°F. Pairs beautifully with oysters, grilled fish, shellfish, sushi, goat cheese, light salads, roasted vegetables, chicken and the classic dishes of the Shabbat and Passover table.

• Producer: Château Les Riganes
• Appellation: Bordeaux AOC, France
• Grape Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon
• Vintage: 2024
• Kosher Certification: Kosher; Kosher for Passover
• Style: Dry white wine
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

A dense glowing purple. Considerable energy to the nose in a dark-fruited raspberry style. Started here for part of the Chorey vineyards. Has considerable muscle for this appellation, will be its usual super satisfying self. Enough acidity, tannins folded in, just a wealth of deep red fruit. Sunny but managed. Jasper Morris - Barrel Sample: 87-90

Memo Summary Notes

The Tollot family represents a long lineage of winegrowers dating back to the late 1880s when François Tollot began planting vineyards in Chorey-lès-Beaune. Today, cousins Nathalie, Jean-Paul, and Olivier Tollot are in charge. The wines of Tollot-Beaut are well-known for their serious but pleasing style across a range of appellations from Bourgogne to Grand Cru.

Chorey-lès-Beaune lies on the plains below the Cote d'Or escarpment with 336 acres almost exclusively planted with Pinot Noir. Initially, the Tollot family owned vines only in Chorey, but successive generations made small acquisitions in Savigny-lès-Beaune, Aloxe-Corton, and Beaune for a current total of 60 acres.

Most of the wine grown in Chorey-lès-Beaune is bottled as Côte de Beaune-Villages, a catchall appellation that allows several villages to blend their red wines. Tollot-Beaut is proud of their village and produces this classic example from vines planted between 1992 and 1998. The wine spent 18 months in 25% new Burgundian pièce.

Winemaker Description 

Aromatic and elegant expression of an otherwise deep and dark flavored grape. Delicious aromas of flowers, red berries and black cherries, shadowed by notes of orange peel, spices and earth. Supple on the palate with silky tannins and a refreshingly mineral finish.

It has a bright ruby color with the grip of the fine tannins and an herbal touch that provides freshness.

Expert Review- Vintage 2023

Christina Pickard of the Wine Enthusiast writes 93 Points | Lime leaf, waxy citrus, white peach notes and a hint of honey open this Clare Valley Riesling. The combo of dryness, cheek-sucking, orange peel acidity and chalky texture makes for a somewhat austere wine solo, but pair with a creamy goat's cheese or seafood risotto and watch it shine. 

Producer Description 

Originally a pastoral run dating back to 1839, and originally named Wolta Wolta, Jim Barry purchased the land for The Lodge Hill Vineyard in 1977 as he was sure it would “produce some of the best Riesling in the Clare Valley.” Situated at 480 meters above sea level and situated on the Eastern Ranges of the Clare Valley, the grapes at our Lodge Hill Vineyard are exposed to concentrated bursts of sunlight and cool nights which encourage slower ripening. This helps deliver beautiful natural acidity and citrus characters that ripen early because of the small crop it produces. Gentle pressing and a rapid move into the fermentation allows the natural fruit flavors to be preserved.

Aromas of fresh lime, spice, citrus blossom, white peach, and nectarine skins open on the nose. In the mouth, the lime flavors take center stage commanding attention on entry. The fruit is fleshy with considerable weight and framed with a refreshing driving acid. A lot of wine!

Chappellet Vineyard · 'Signature' Cabernet Sauvignon · Napa Valley · 2022

Since its first vintage in 1968, Chappellet has set the standard for mountain-grown Napa Cabernet — wines of rare depth, longevity, and elegance from Pritchard Hill, one of the valley’s most celebrated and demanding terroirs. The ‘Signature’ is the estate’s benchmark bottling: a Bordeaux-style blend anchored by 82% Cabernet Sauvignon with Petit Verdot (9%), Malbec (7%), and Merlot (2%), each variety contributing its own dimension to a wine that is greater than the sum of its parts. JD:93 · WA:92. At $99.99, this is Pritchard Hill Cabernet at a price that makes it one of Napa’s most compelling values at this level of pedigree — “a killer wine and great value,” as Jeb Dunnuck put it.

The 2022 opens with tons of cassis and darker, almost blue fruits, interwoven with sappy spring flowers, crushed stone, and lead pencil nuances. On the palate: balanced and medium to full-bodied, with beautiful tannins, bold mocha, black cherry, and a nicely concentrated mid-palate that avoids the overripeness that plagued lesser wines in this warm vintage. The finish is long and pronounced, with a lingering mocha note and supple structure. Drink now through 2035+.

“A killer wine and great value… balanced and medium to full-bodied, with beautiful tannins.” — Jeb Dunnuck, 93 Points. Vintage 2022. 

“Well-priced for the quality… full-bodied and packed with flavor, nicely concentrated and framed by supple tannins.” — Wine Advocate, 92 Points. Vintage 2022. 

• Producer: Chappellet Vineyard (est. 1968)
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Sub-Region: Pritchard Hill
• Blend: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon · 9% Petit Verdot · 7% Malbec · 2% Merlot
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cassis, blue fruit, spring flowers, crushed stone, lead pencil, mocha, black cherry, supple tannins, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2035+
• Food Pairings: Prime ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb rack, aged cheddar, wild mushroom dishes

JD:93 · WA:92 — Pritchard Hill mountain Cabernet, setting the Napa standard since 1968.

Producer Description 

A nectar from one end of the tasting to the other! An intensely golden adornment, a nose of perfectly over-ripe Chenin, underlined by great elegance, a note of almond cream, quince, very ripe peach skin.

The palate is very straight, freshness, tension and sweetness so well integrated, a finish of candy sugar crystals but also the fine bitterness of the schists, it is a very beautiful vintage, a wine built to last and already so pleasant to taste now. It is the cuvée representative of the estate's terroir, i.e. almost five vines.

RouteStock · Chardonnay · Sonoma Coast · California · 2024 · 750ml

RouteStock is a Sonoma-based label built around a simple idea: source from the best sites, let the fruit speak, and keep the price honest. The Sonoma Coast Chardonnay draws from two consistent vineyard sources — one in the Petaluma Gap AVA, known for its cool, wind-driven conditions and naturally high acidity, and one located just 1.5 miles from the Pacific coast, where the marine influence is felt in every cluster. The result is a Chardonnay that leans into freshness and precision rather than weight and oak — bright, complex, and genuinely food-friendly. Sealed with a screw cap to preserve every bit of that coastal aromatics. At $23.99, this is Sonoma Coast Chardonnay at a price that makes it a weeknight staple.

Brilliant light straw in the glass with a beguiling, aromatic nose of Gravenstein apple, wild sage, Meyer lemon, and a lift of lemongrass — unmistakably Chardonnay, unmistakably coastal. On the palate: bright and racy, with a beautiful array of apple, tarragon, toasted nuts, and lemongrass, carried by a lovely richness that stays fresh and lifted through a long, lingering finish. Complex, inviting, and vibrant from first pour to last. Pair with roast chicken, grilled halibut, pasta with cream sauce, or a simple plate of soft cheeses.

• Producer: RouteStock Wines · Sonoma, California
• Wine: Chardonnay · Sonoma Coast
• Vintage: 2024
• Origin: Petaluma Gap AVA & Coastal Sonoma, California
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Style: Bright, fresh, coastal California Chardonnay
• Closure: Screw Cap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Gravenstein apple, wild sage, Meyer lemon, lemongrass, tarragon, toasted nuts, long lingering finish
• Pair With: Roast chicken · Grilled halibut · Cream pasta · Soft cheeses · Aperitif

Petaluma Gap precision, Pacific coast freshness — Sonoma Chardonnay the way it should taste.

Winemaker Description 

Cidrerie du Vulcain's Poire (Perry) Comment is a perry made from late-season perry pear varieties (end of October-December) such as Plant de Blanc, Fausset and Cloche, Gaubert, Courcou, and Rouge Vigné.

Pear cider from Domfrontais, Normandy made from late season varieties. 2 years aging in bottle and then disgorged. A little residual sugar.

The pure perry juice is fermented on its own wild yeasts and coarsely filtered on white clay. Ancestral method without disgorging: partial fermentation in stainless steel and resin vats, then aging in bottle. No added sulfites.

Memo Summary Notes 

The Domaine Leflaive Mâcon-Verzé "Les Chênes" 2023 is a prestigious biodynamic white Burgundy that serves as an entry point into the world of the most famous Chardonnay producer on earth. While Leflaive’s Grand Crus from Puligny-Montrachet fetch thousands, their Mâcon-Verzé wines are crafted with the same biodynamic rigor and technical precision by the same winemaking team.

The "Les Chênes" (The Oaks) is a specific vineyard within the Mâcon-Verzé appellation known for its older vines (some planted in 1935) and south-facing exposure, which produces a wine with more structure and "toasty" complexity than their standard Mâcon-Verzé.

    •    Food Pairing: Its mineral precision and creamy finish make it perfect for butter-poached lobster, grilled scallops, or a rich vegetable tart.

    •    Cheese: Pairs exceptionally well with Chèvre (goat cheese) or a younger Comté.

Winemaker Description 

Clay-limestone terroir with little depth before reaching the bedrock. Gentle to very steep slopes. Surface area: 3.43 ha located in the heart of the Verzé valley, "Les Chênes" comprises two south-west-facing parcels.

The vines are cultivated biodynamically.

Harvesting is entirely manual, and pressing is carried out in Verzé. After decanting, the musts are transported daily to Puligny- Montrachet for fermentation and ageing, under the watchful eye of Domaine Leflaive's technical team. Vinification takes place in vats, and ageing lasts from 15 to 16 months.
Pressing: Long, gentle pneumatic pressing, 24-hour decanting followed by settling.
Fermentation: 55% in stainless steel tanks, 42% in cement tanks and 3% in new oak barrels.

Ageing: After 10 months' ageing on lees in fermentation containers, the wine is racked into stainless steel tanks and aged on fine lees for 6 months. Winemaker Description. 

Our Professional Review

David of 67wino.shop |  If you are looking for a natural style wine this is fabulous. You may say to yourself this is so different in the tradition of a wine from old world France in the bard yard style. Its power immediately comes at you. If you prefer modern style California Zinfandel, then this wine is not for you. If you are an explorer, with a skydiver personality, I highly recommend this wine.

Expert Rating

92 Points Wine & Spirits | Organically farmed fruit from the Russian River Valley, neutral oak aging and the talents of Eric Sussman and his team at RadioCoteau combine to make this a pretty great zin for the price. It’s bursting with fresh wildblueberry flavor, rustic and harmonious in its barnyard-scented tannins. This is ready to decant for grilled vegetables or meats. (2020). 

Winemaker Description

The 2020 County Line Zinfandel is characterized by powerful fruit and spice aromas balanced by refreshing acidity and herbal complexity. It speaks to both the robust essence of the grape and the nuances of its Sonoma Coast terroir. The wine is vibrant, with scents of nutmeg-spiced blackberry pie and sun-warmed strawberry, elevated by floral earl grey tea. These rich, fruity notes are followed by earthy briar and flint on the palate, with a lively, savory finish. Lingering flavors of cacao nib and rugged leather make for a sophisticated compliment to the voluptuous fruit in the nose. Immediately approachable, this Zinfandel also has depth and layers to entice thoughtful sipping. An ideal pizza pairing, savor a bottle alongside a hearty salsiccia, or a white pizza with roasted zucchini flowers. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

Dark ruby in the glass, this wine has a nose of black cherry, cranberry and aniseed. It is very soft on impact, with flavors of raspberry, cassis, milk chocolate and licorice. Satiny tannins hold off on the palate at first, make their presence known and then slip away in time for a bright finish. 

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars — AVETA Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Appellation: Napa Valley, California | Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc | Format: 750ml

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars needs no introduction — the Napa Valley estate that stunned the world at the 1976 Paris Tasting with its Cabernet Sauvignon is equally masterful with white wine. AVETA, named for the Celtic goddess of springs and water, is their Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc: a wine of remarkable freshness, aromatic complexity, and thirst-quenching precision that stands apart from the richer, oak-driven California white wine style.

The 2022 is bright, lively, and unmistakably Napa — fragrant, fruit-forward, and built for the table.

Critical Acclaim

Wine Enthusiast — 92 Points
“Lively aromas and inviting flavors of mixed tropical fruits, wild grasses and wet stones make this wine mouthwatering and inviting through a lengthy finish.”

Winemaker’s Notes

Fragrant aromas of grapefruit, lemongrass, citrus, lychee, and orange blossom. Bright and lively on the palate with thirst-quenching acidity and pure flavors of mandarin orange and honeysuckle that lead to a lasting aftertaste.

Wine Details

• Producer: Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 750ml

Food Pairings

Fresh fish ceviche, crab cakes, grilled oysters with mignonette sauce, sushi, goat cheese, and light citrus-dressed salads.

Expert Review 

92 Points Burghound | A slightly more deeply pitched nose is comprised by decidedly cool notes of plum, dark currant, forest floor and floral top notes, especially violet. Much like the Lavières, there is a positively gorgeous, even silky, texture to the lighter-bodied flavors thanks to the ultra-fine tannins shaping the overtly stony, dusty and youthfully austere finale. This is textbook Ile de Vergelesses.