2010 - Present Wine

Schloss Lieser | Riesling Niederberg Helden Feinherb 2021 | Mosel, Germany

Thomas Haag's Niederberg Helden is one of the Mosel's most storied steep-slope sites — a south-facing amphitheater of blue Devonian slate just east of the village of Lieser. The slate imparts a signature mineral grip and cool-climate tension that defines this wine's character.

Feinherb is the winemaker's own style: poised between dry and semi-sweet, it is built for the table — the gentle residual sweetness cuts through spice, while the electric acidity stands up to rich, savory dishes.

The 2021 vintage was a cooler, more classic year in the Mosel, producing wines of exceptional energy and precision. This bottling delivers intense wild herb, crisp pear, and white peach on a sleek, compact frame, with a stony mineral undertow and impressive length. Drink now or cellar with confidence.

Tasting Notes - Vintage 2021

James Suckling — 94 Points: The intense wild herb character gives this sleek and compact 2021 Mosel a very striking personality. Lots of crisp pear and white peach fruit fill this picture out neatly. The impressive length suggests this has many years ahead of it. Drink or hold.

Wine Enthusiast — 90 Points (Aleks Zecevic): Well tuned and flowing with grace, this wine delivers notes of understated passion fruit and kumquat. A stony undertow adds to the charm and complexity. Not a blockbuster — for those who value nuance and subtlety.

Technical Details

Variety: Riesling  |  Vineyard: Niederberg Helden  |  Region: Mosel, Germany  |  Soil: Blue Devonian Slate  |  Fermentation: Stainless Steel  |  Size: 750ml

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

The Tasting Panel 92 Points | Quintessential aromas of ripe berries and plum are joined by vanilla and peppercorn in this textbook Zin grown on the most southerly estate vineyard in Paso Robles 14 miles from the Pacific. The result is a red of effusive energy and real charm that's fruit-forward enough to sip on its own yet has sufficient spice and structure to stand up to grilled meats.

The Wine Spectator 89 Points | Snappy and briary, with user-friendly raspberry and green peppercorn flavors that end with zesty tannins. Drink now through 2030. 4,008 cases made.

Winemaker Description

The name "La Tremenda" references the name of the vineyard from which the grapes for this wine are grown and handharvested. Made entirely from mature Monastrell vines, carefullyraised in the harsh, arid landscape of Alicante. "The vine must suffer..." and here it does.

Bright ruby-red in color, this wine shows expressive notes of fresh black cherries and red berries mingled with hints of sweet spice, toast and cocoa. On the palate, this accessible red shows silky texture, liveliness and long length.

Pair it with pork chops Normandy, Kobe beef, or parmesan-crusted asparagus tips.

Memo Summary Notes

Pair With -

• Meats: Grilled hamburgers, pork chops (especially with savory sauces), Kobe beef, or leg of lamb.

• Vegetarian: Rich dishes like mushroom risotto or parmesan-crusted asparagus tips.

• Classic Spanish: Paella with meat, or aged Manchego cheese.

Our Professional Review

Oscar Garcia Moncada | Senior Wine Buyer | Xipella” refers to a local Catalan dialect spoken in the Conca de Barberà area. This blend of Samsó (Carignan) and Cabernet Sauvignon is packed with dark fruit — think blackberries, black cherries, and black plum — supported by vibrant acidity and a beautifully persistent finish. An ideal  companion for poultry stews, hanger steak, or grilled tuna.

Winemaker Description 

Winemaking and aging | The grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature between 25 and 28 °C. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged in new and used barrels for 12 to 16 months.

Tasting note | Red wine of intense colour. Powerful ripe fruit aroma, notes of mineral and oak barrel. In the mouth, it presents friendly and tempting, with smooth, well-integrated tannins and a long, persistent finish.

Type of vine | Vines located in the area of the cellar, at an altitude of 470 meters.

Memo Summary Notes

Samso, Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Clos Mont-Blanc Xipella Negre 2021 is a sophisticated red blend from the Conca de Barberà region in Catalonia, Spain. Known for its balance of indigenous and international varieties, this vintage offers a modern expression of a historic wine-growing area.

The Conca de Barberà DO is unique for its limestone soils and high-altitude vineyards (around 470 meters for this specific wine). This elevation provides a thermal contrast between day and night, which helps preserve the acidity and freshness of the grapes, preventing the wine from feeling overly heavy despite its ripeness.

Winemaker Description

Domaine De Souch. Located at the foot of the Pyrenees, near the Atlantic Ocean, at an altitude of 332 meters above sea level. This is where the pure, crisp wines of Domaine De Souch are produced. Winemaker Yvonne Hegoburu was 60 years old when she decided to start making wine here in 1987. At the time, she was one of the first to work entirely biodynamically in the region. Today, she owns 7 hectares of land; the vineyards face south and are largely planted with Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng.

Yvonne Hegoburu, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 95, was living proof that it is never too late to follow your winemaking dreams. It all started when Yvonne and her husband René purchased 16 hectares of land in the Jurançon region in southwest France. The couple lived together in the small hilltop village of Laroin until 1987, when René unexpectedly passed away. Yvonne recalled how the duo would fervently discuss their winemaking dreams; in her husband’s honor, she decided to pursue viticulture for the first time at the age of 60. Today, Domaine de Souch is comprised of 7 hectares of biodynamically farmed vines, which have been certified since 1994.

Yvonne was taken by biodynamics early on. She believed that farming without herbicides and pesticides is the truest and most honest form of winemaking. The vines are double guyot trained and rooted into flinty clay soils. All fruit is hand-harvested and comes from south-facing vines grown at 1,000+ feet above sea level. The vineyards are mostly dedicated to Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng, two of southwest France’s most well-known varieties.

Yvonne herself said it best in the acclaimed documentary, Mondovino: “I planted vines when my husband died. Ever since then, all this love inside me, I give it to the vines. I talk to them. I have an exchange with them. I ask them to drive their roots deep down into the soil to get the best from the land.” Yvonne worked the vines tirelessly until 2014, when she handed over the operation of the domaine to her son Jean-René, who continues to make wine in the style of his mother to this day. We are inspired by the Hegoburu family’s robust work ethic and passion for honest viticulture as the domaine continues into the next generation.

The vineyards have been fully biodynamically certified since 1994. The yields are low, never more than 30 hl per hectare, and the soil consists of heavy "flinty" clay called poudingues. This combination results in intense wines with high acidity and exceptional minerality.

Winemaker Description

The dry jurançon perfectly represents the style of the estate: precise, pure and grandiose. a straight, tense white wine. the attack is lively, the mid-palate is incredibly intense and the finish never ceases to delight us. the blend of native grape varieties is judiciously developed for a stunning result. its aging potential is certain.

For over thirty-five years, Domaine de Souch has been a pioneer in producing modern-style Jurançon wines. Certified organic and biodynamic since 1994, their south-facing terraced vineyards are nestled on steep slopes with views of the Pyrenees Mountains. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Domaine de Souch "Cuvée Monplaisir" Jurançon Sec 2024 is a standout white wine from one of the most soulful estates in Southwest France. The winery was famously founded by Yvonne Hegoburu, who began her winemaking journey at the age of 60 in honor of her late husband and became a pioneer of biodynamics in the region.

The ultimate partner for shellfish (oysters, crab, lobster). It also cuts beautifully through the richness of sheep’s milk cheeses (like Ossau-Iraty), grilled trout, or summer salads with citrus vinaigrettes.

Winemaker Description 

"Locos por el Vino” is a new project from Bodegas Alto Moncayo, aiming to expand their range with high-quality, modern and casual wines produced from the winery’s youngest vineyards, guaranteeing the continuity of the Alto Moncayo project for future generations to come. A local term used in the village of Borja, "Zismero" refers to one who is provocative, jovial, and mirthful, with a complexity and uniqueness that makes its audience think deeply from the pointed jocularity.

Winemaker Description 

Distinguished by its ruby red color and a fresh bouquet of red berry fruits and sweet spices. Round on the palate, with a lively acidity, the wine is well balanced and persistent.

As is the case with the Nero d’Avola variety, Frappato also demonstrates Sicily’s full winemaking potential, able to produce a powerful, persistent and very elegant wine that inspires the taster from its very first olfactory notes, which characterise it in an unmistakable manner. Label drawn by Carolina Marengo.

Frappato is ideal with fresh cheeses, cold cuts and full-flavored fish dishes.

Distinguished by its ruby red color and a fresh bouquet of red berry fruits and sweet spices. Round on the palate, with a lively acidity, the wine is well balanced and persistent.

As is the case with the Nero d’Avola variety, Frappato also demonstrates Sicily’s full winemaking potential, able to produce a powerful, persistent and very elegant wine that inspires the taster from its very first olfactory notes, which characterise it in an unmistakable manner. Label drawn by Carolina Marengo.

Frappato is ideal with fresh cheeses, cold cuts and full-flavored fish dishes.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Antonio Galloni of Vinous writes 95 Points | The 2022 Echezeaux Grand Cru is absolutely exquisite, not to mention a significant step up in the range. Impossibly silky tannins and deep, penetrating aromatics give the Echezeaux its seductive personality. Medium in body and polished, with phenomenal balance, the Echezeaux shows how compelling the vintage is. There is no heaviness at all, nor any sign of a growing season marked by severe heat and drought.

Winemaker Description 

With a more textured and intense character than Échezeaux, Grands-Échezeaux presents a rich, almost rustic profile. The wine offers a concentrated palate of dark fruits, with gamey nuances and bramble hints, wrapped in a structured yet velvety texture. It's a wine of depth and character, often described as having a "monastic" quality. It is “Grands” before being Échézeaux. It is a country gentleman, aristocrat and dreamer. 

Oyster King · Melon de Bourgogne · Grand Vin de Loire · France · 2024

The name says it all. Oyster King is built for the table — specifically, for a cold platter of briny bivalves and a glass of something lean, mineral, and refreshing. Made from Melon de Bourgogne, the grape of Muscadet, this Loire Valley white is the archetype of the oyster wine: soft, light, and driven by a saline minerality that makes it one of the most food-friendly whites at any price point. The 2024 vintage delivers exactly what the grape promises — no more, no less — with the kind of honest, unpretentious character that keeps you reaching for the bottle.

This exceptional wine, crafted by renowned winemaker Jean Luc Olivier, is grown and produced in the Loire Valley’s estuary, where the majestic river descends from the mountains and meets the Atlantic Ocean.

This traditional grape is grown on Kimmeridgian soil, a limestone-based loam; its clay is calcareous, and its limestone has developed from the accumulation of both oyster and sea shells over millions of years. This magic terroir gives the wines their vibrancy and minerality.

Pale straw in the glass with a clean, inviting nose of green pear, lemon zest, and honeydew melon. On the palate, lean bright acidity and a subtle mineral thread carry through to a clean, refreshing finish. Light-bodied and precise, it is the kind of wine that disappears effortlessly alongside seafood, shellfish, or a simple summer meal.

• Producer: Oyster King
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Grand Vin de Loire, France
• Varietal: 100% Melon de Bourgogne
• Style: Dry white — light, mineral, crisp
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Green pear, lemon zest, honeydew melon, saline minerality, clean finish
• Pairings: Oysters, clams, mussels, grilled fish, seafood platters, light salads

Grand Vin de Loire — the quintessential oyster wine. Lean, mineral, and made for the table.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 98 Points | The iodine, blackberry and rose-stem character comes through clearly. Plenty of fruit and depth. Medium-bodied with fine tannins that caress the palate and provide endless flavors of Indian spices, flint, nutmeg and light crust. Such refinement and integrity. Drinkable now, but better in three or four years.

The Wine Advocate 93 Points | The 2023 Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches (Domaine) is showing nicely, bursting with aromas of sweet berries, spices, orange zest and new oak. Medium to full-bodied, succulent and lively, with chalky grip on the finish, it will offer a broad drinking window.

Decanter 93 Points | Lovely cherry fruit with hints of lavender and rosemary. The texture is silky and dense, almost fat. There is more clay here, and less limestone than in Les Cras, and the tannic structure is not as firm. The grapes are from Drouhin's massive 6.75ha here, not far from Pommard; they are partially destemmed and fermented on native yeasts before ageing in cask (25% new) for 14–18 months.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

The Wine Enthusiast 90 Points by Elaine Chukan Brown | Juicy, fresh and mouthwatering, this flavorful and friendly red delivers flavors of red plum, mixed berries, fennel, and a touch of sweet vanilla. 

Winemaker Description 

Alta Alella is the closest winery to Barcelona, located 2 kilometres from the Mediterranean between the towns of Alella and Tiana. It is a family-run project that began in 1991 with Josep Maria Pujol-Busquets and his wife Cristina Guillen. Now the estate is headed up by their daughter, Mireia.

Alella is one of the smallest appellations in Spain yet it possesses a fascinating terroirs that the Alta Alella team have harnessed in their journey to being recognised as the premier estate in the region. All the vines are planted on slopes and terraces overlooking the Mediterranean, between 100 and 250m above sea level. One of the key elements is the Sauló soil found throughout the vineyard.

Particular to this region, Sauló is an acidic and sandy soil with a low limestone content, low organic matter and good natural water drainage – ideal for the production of clean wines with a mineral edge.

Winemaker Description

Flores de Callejo is the youngest wine from Bodegas Félix Callejo in Sotillo de la Ribera (Burgos). It is made from Tempranillo grapes grown on clay-loam soils. Flores de Callejo is the result of a quest for fruitiness and freshness, an effort that is well represented in this cheerful and vibrant red wine, designed for immediate consumption.

The exceptional quality of the grapes and the high concentration of aromas due to low yields and the resulting small berries make this vintage one of the best from this winery. Flores de Callejo is an ideal wine to pair with vegetables, fresh pasta, and soups.

Winemaker Description

Nuanced, fruity taste with hints of barrels, wild raspberries, plums, nougat, blackberries, cedar, black tea, pepper and bay leaves.

Originally from Cádiz, the restless winemaker Verónica Ortega arrived in Bierzo after training for years with some of the greats, such as Álvaro Palacios and Daphne Glorian in Priorat, and Raúl Pérez in Bierzo.

She also worked at legendary Burgundy wineries, such as Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Domaine Combier in Crôzes-Hermitage. She eventually settled in Valtuille de Abajo, where she founded her own winery in 2010.

Verónica works five hectares of old vines, primarily planted with Mencía grapes using organic methods, with a touch of Palomino, Garnacha Tintorera, Merenzao, and Valenciana. In crafting her wines, Verónica Ortega seeks balance and transparency, aiming to express the most elegant side of Bierzo while preserving the character of the terroir.

Fresh, playful, and aged in clay amphorae, Quite is a light, juicy, and cheerful wine. It has a short aging period of 8 months. 

Wine Advocate 93 Points 2020 vintage.

Celler Balart Amfora Negre Terra Alta 2024 750ml

Experience the richness of Celler Balart Amfora Negre Terra Alta 2024, an exquisite wine that captures the essence of its region. This vintage offers a unique blend of local grapes, expertly crafted to showcase the rich terroir of Terra Alta in Catalonia, Spain. Celler Balart's dedication to quality and tradition is evident in every sip, delivering a delightful experience that wine enthusiasts will cherish. This wine is not just a drink; it's an invitation to explore the rich culinary landscape of Spain.

Amphora Fermentation

The "Amfora" in the name refers to the traditional amphora (clay vessel) fermentation process, an ancient winemaking technique that imparts unique mineral characteristics and texture to the wine. This method provides distinctive citrus fruits and mineral notes that complement the natural fruit character of the grapes.

Grape Variety

Garnatxa Negre (Grenache Noir)
This wine showcases the classic characteristics of Grenache, including apple, peach, and banana notes typical of the variety, enhanced by the amphora fermentation process.

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Clean and bright, intense cherry color. Deep ruby color
Aroma: Red and black fruits, licorice, mineral touches, slightly balsamic. Apple, peach, banana typical of Grenache, citrus fruits and minerals provided by the amphora
Palate: Voluminous, friendly, silky. Full-bodied with harmonious balance. Fine tannins and well-integrated acidity. Unctuous and greedy. Bold character with dark fruit flavors complemented by earthy undertones derived from amphora fermentation
Finish: Long and elegant finish. Smooth finish

Terra Alta Terroir

This vintage highlights the vibrant personality of grapes from the Terra Alta region in Catalonia, Spain. The wine embodies the spirit of the land, bringing forward flavors that are both distinct and memorable. The 2024 vintage showcases the winemaker's meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that each bottle reflects the rich terroir of Terra Alta.

Traditional Winemaking Excellence

Celler Balart combines traditional amphora fermentation with expert winemaking to create wines that seamlessly blend fruity notes with depth and complexity. The amphora aging process adds unique mineral characteristics and texture, creating a wine with distinctive personality and artistry.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This full-bodied red pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes:

• Red meats and grilled meats
• Game meats
• Barbecue and roasts
• Hearty stews
• Cured cheeses and rich cheeses
• Risottos
• Seafood and blue fish
• White meats

Versatile for Every Occasion

Perfect for both casual gatherings and special celebrations, this wine adds a touch of sophistication to any occasion. Whether you're enjoying a quiet evening at home or celebrating with friends, Celler Balart Amfora Negre elevates your dining experience to new heights. Ideal for both seasoned wine drinkers and newcomers alike, this wine is sure to impress your palate.

Catalonian Winemaking Heritage

Celler Balart represents the artistry and passion of Catalonian winemaking. Each bottle reflects the dedication that goes into producing this remarkable wine, showcasing the unique characteristics of Terra Alta's terroir combined with ancient amphora fermentation techniques. Embrace the tradition and innovation that defines this exceptional Spanish red wine.

2024 Vintage Excellence

The 2024 vintage offers enticing aromas and a nuanced flavor profile that wine enthusiasts will cherish. With its deep ruby color, bold character, and smooth finish, this wine embodies excellence and rich flavor, making it a perfect choice for exploring the vibrant culinary landscape of Spain.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

James Suckling 94 Points | Aromas of redcurrants, flowers and spices, such as nutmeg. Some cherries, too. It’s full-bodied, yet racy and energetic. Chewy tannins. Structured. One of the best Cos Labory in a long time. This needs three or four years to come together.

Decanter 92 Points | A Cru Classé that in recent years has clearly been striving to catch up with its 1855 neighbours. It remains far less polished than the other classified growths in the appellation, but that gives it a charm all of its own. There are plenty of firm tannins here, with cassis and bilberry fruits, along with clear austerity that is going to need a few more years to soften. A serious wine with a sense of identity, takes its time to reveal its hand and may move up when retasted in bottle. Tasted twice one week apar

Vinous 92 Points | The 2019 Cos Labory remains rather brawny, but it certainly has a ton of character. Black cherry, plum, gravel, licorice and scorched earth add to an impression of rusticity. Even so, there is plenty of depth and more than enough energy to support many years of fine drinking.

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | A classic Saint-Estèphe nose of darker currants, damp earth, leafy herbs, and cedar emerges from the 2019 Château Cos Labory, a medium-bodied, balanced 2019 with good mid-palate concentration, ripe, building tannins, and a great finish. It deserves 3-5 years of bottle age and will keep for 15-20 years.

Winemaker Description 

THE STORY:  We’re thrilled to share the latest release of Boutanche! This release is a new, fresh and lively blend. After several years of farming and making wine from our Fox Hill Vineyard, we've gained a deeper understanding of the site and its fruit, especially Sangiovese, which truly shines here. This new bottling is built around that very Sangiovese, which makes up 50% of the blend. All grapes were naturally fermented using whole clusters, with a portion undergoing carbonic maceration, then gently pressed and aged for 9 months in a mix of concrete and neutral barrique.

The result? A wine that’s fresh, vibrant, juicy, and surprisingly refined - perfect for any gathering. Like all wines under the Boutanche label, it's all about enjoyment, and you'll be glad it comes in a liter because it disappears quickly. Whether you chill it down or enjoy it at cellar temperature, this is a bright, delicious expression of California that’s made to be shared, any time of day.

FUN FACT: Badger means Broc in Scottish Gaelic. The badger is our winery mascot. 

VARIETIES: 50% Sangiovese, 23% Carignan, 20% Valdiguie, 4% Trousseau, 3% Grenache Noir

LOCATION: Northern California 

FARMING PRACTICES: Organically grown grapes

ALCOHOL: 13% 

Pre-Arrival - Expected date for delivery and/or pick up Thursday February 12, 2026

Expert Reviews

Isabel Ferrando’s reputation for outstanding wines has grown every vintage since her first release in 2003. As a woman owned business and winemaker, Isabel has built a tremendous reputation producing highly acclaimed wines. 

"Proprietress Isabel Ferrando has taken her Saint Prefert estate to France’s highest level, and she’s unquestionably making some of the most profound wines on earth today, including both reds and whites.”   —Wine Critic - Jeb Dunnuck

"Hard work. Subtle tweaks. Responsible farming. An uncompromising dedication to quality. Isabel Ferrando keeps doing things the right way, and her wines are dramatic proof.” —James Molesworth, Wine Spectator.

"one thing that remains constant is the incredible quality that continues to emerge from this talented winemaker.” Jeb Dunuck. 

The Wine Spectator 95 Points | A perfumed, elegant and complex version, with inviting, high-toned notes of red currant and cherry draped with warm licorice. The palate starts out supple, then solid ballasts of graphite and fine tannins firm everything up for a fresh, focused finish that wafts with smoked sandalwood. Brown bread, cinnamon and nutmeg add complexity, with penetrating mineral depth. Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvèdre. 

Pre-Arrival - Expected date for delivery and/or pick up Thursday February 12, 2026

Expert Comments

Isabel Ferrando’s reputation for outstanding wines has grown every vintage since her first release in 2003. As a woman owned business and winemaker, Isabel has built a tremendous reputation producing highly acclaimed wines. 

"Proprietress Isabel Ferrando has taken her Saint Prefert estate to France’s highest level, and she’s unquestionably making some of the most profound wines on earth today, including both reds and whites.”   —Wine Critic - Jeb Dunnuck

"Hard work. Subtle tweaks. Responsible farming. An uncompromising dedication to quality. Isabel Ferrando keeps doing things the right way, and her wines are dramatic proof.” —James Molesworth,

Wine Spectator one thing that remains constant is the incredible quality that continues to emerge from this talented winemaker.” Jeb Dunuck.

THE WINE SPECTATOR 95 POINTS : One thing that remains constant is the incredible quality that continues to emerge from this talented winemaker.” Jeb Dunu Expressive, perfumed and ripe, with a glossy stream of bitter cherry and steeped plum anchored by bolts of iron. Warm spice, licorice, sanguine and grilled anise notes merge in, with a vivid flash of alpine herbs and singed alder smoke. A weighty, well-structured red that’s still unwinding yet is impressively approachable

JAMES SUCKLING 98 POINTS: Enormously deep and concentrated, but this is so subtle and defies easy description. The superfine tannins give this an incredibly fine texture, the richness building in the finish without adding anything to the impression of weight. From three old-vine grenache vineyards that have limestone, sand and galet soils. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

JEB DUNNUCK 97 POINTS: Black raspberries, ground pepper, white pepper, and sappy floral notes all make an appearance in the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Colombis, another remarkable wine from this family. With medium to full-bodied richness, it's incredibly well-balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. As with the estate’s other cuvées, it reminds me of their 2020. As usual, this cuvée is 100% Grenache that’s from a mix of three parcels (Rayas, Les Roues, and Colombis). It was not destemmed and was brought up in a mix of concrete, foudre, and clay jars.

VINOUS 96 POINTS: The 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Colombis is magnificent, bursting from the glass with prominent rose petal, crushed violets, strawberry compote, spicy licorice, dried herbs and minty shadings. Enveloped in velvety tannins, the perfumed 2023 is shaping up to be a wildly alluring Colombis, closing with a subtle phenolic kick on the focused finish. I can’t wait to taste it from bottle.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 94 POINTS: A pure Grenache Noir planted in the north part of the appellation and vinified with 30% whole bunches, the 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Colombis has turned out beautifully. Evoking aromas of rose, dark cherries, spices and dark berries, it’s medium- to full-bodied, seamless and satiny with a beautifully ethereal finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Vinous 100 Points | The 2022 Romanée St. Vivant Grand Cru is a real head-turner. What a wine! As is so often the case, Romanée St. Vivant is not an obvious wine, rather it is a Burgundy of detail, of understatement, of total class. The aromatics alone are mesmerizing. Silky tannins wrap around a core of red-toned fruit, mint, white pepper, blood orange and exotic spice.

Decanter 97 Points | The Romanée-St-Vivant has developed more complexity since bottling, with a savoury, almost gamey edge to the lush berry fruit aromas and a hint of spice. The grip and freshness of the wine are impressive and seem to carry this wine to a new level of intensity. Although this wine had originally seemed ethereal and silky, the substantial nature of the structure is now evident, aided perhaps by the stricter selection. Bertrand de Villaine confirms that two parcels in this vineyard were pulled up due to issues with the rootstock, leaving them 23,699 bottles in 2022.

The Wine Spectator 97 Points | Shy, suggesting cherry, strawberry and spice flavors. Nonetheless, there is plenty of structure and length.

Winemaker Description 

With Arribes Designation of Origin, this wine is made exclusively from Juan García grapes, a unique variety almost impossible to find outside the Arribes del Duero Natural Park. The grapes grow on vines over 100 years old, all of which are harvested and selected by hand. The wine is macerated in truncated conical tanks with temperature control and natural fermentation. It is aged in French oak barrels for 18 months, followed by 3 months of bottle aging.

On the nose, aromas of dried fruit and spices are perceived, along with a subtle hint of vanilla characteristic of the wood used for aging.

On the palate, it has a long, warm, unctuous, and smooth entry. The tannins are very well-rounded, soft, and almost sweet. The finish is very pleasant, elegant, full-bodied, and persistent.

    Country of origin: Spain
    DO: Arribes
    Year: 2019
    Color: Red
    Grape: Juan García
    Alcohol content: 14%
    Bottle size: 750 ml

Memo Summary Notes

The Gran Abadengo represents a much deeper, more structured expression of the rare Juan García grape, sourced from centenarian vines.

Pair with 

• Game: Roast duck, venison, or wild boar stew.

• Spanish Classics: Lechazo (roasted lamb) or Chuletón (aged beef ribeye).

• Cheese: Aged sheep’s milk cheeses like an extra-curado Manchego.

Expert Review -Vintage 2020

Falstaff 92 Points | Bright, radiant ruby red. Elegant nose, reminiscent of cut flowers, raspberry and some paprika powder. Delicate, youthful on the palate, with a pleasant acidity. The finish is long and mineral. Clean mouthfeel. 

Winemaker Description

Dark red with delicately organ-colored edge the color, the nose reminiscent of ripe, dark stone fruit. In the mouth, notes of spices join in. The fellow drinker dreamed a club from the deer with cranberries.

Promesse is the second wine from Chteau Franc Maillet and represents wonderful value. This estate is located very close to the Pomerol plateau and bears all the hallmarks for which the region is celebrated for.

On the nose, it has notes of violets and a touch of truffle and black berries, whilst on the palate it is silky and velvety with a rich long voluptuous finish.

Pair with roast beef, lamb, mushrooms or truffles, for an elegant drinking experience

Grape variety: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet franc

Winemaker Description 

This Pet Nat from Straka is 100% Welschriesling fermented naturally in the ancestral method. The second fermentation occurs naturally inside the bottle creating trapped CO2. Bubbles!

At a low 12% alcohol this mineral yet fruit driven expression of the main white grape of Burgenland is eminently thirst quenching. As with all the Straka wines, the farming is organic, the intervention in the cellar minimal with no additions.

The 84 year old family estate is located in the Eisenberg district of Burgenland. The Eisenberg is a unique geological area where the foothills of the Alps meet the Pannonian lowlands and is comprised of metamorphic, magmatic rock and cristal schist.

One of only 3 places in the world with this soil composition. The deep rooted vines naturally show a distinct mineral character and a compelling purity of fruit.

Combined with the attention to farming and careful hand harvesting the Straka wines are a true find. 

Winemaker Description 

This has always been the top vineyard at the estate and produces Meuiner with fruit flavors that veer towards exotic hints of mandarin orange, papaya, guava and even litchi, alongside the more typical red-fruit flavors that one might expect from Meunier.

• Practicing organic
• 100% Meunier
• A single site on the top of the hill in Cuisles
• Terroir of green clay and limestone marl
• Yes malo
• Fermented and aged in stainless steel
• Aged 48 months on the lees
• Dosage: 0.5g/L

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

Jasper Morris 93 Points | An attractive mid crimson colour. A fine fresh bouquet, elegant fruit, not too demonstrative, but with a graceful detailed red fruit, alpine strawberry and little raspberry notes. Very nicely put together, all about the fruit more than the structure. Drink from 2030-2037.

Winemaker Description 

Supreme elegance! Beautiful color, with intense and bright reflections. The diversity of the aromas is striking: wild cherry, nutmeg, camphor wood, fine leather... Later on, the wine takes on a subtle aroma of truffle, producing the most varied palette. With its perfect balance between tannin and acidity, the wine has a fleshy, sturdy body. Powerful and long aftertaste. A wealth of harmonious sensations characterizes this great Burgundy.

This wine is a testament to elegance and complexity, with an intense bouquet of violets and spices, leading to a palate of profound silkiness. It exhibits an ethereal balance of fruit, earth, and minerality, where each sip reveals layers of flavor from dark cherries to subtle truffles. The finesse and depth of this wine make it a benchmark for Pinot Noir, showcasing the ultimate expression of its terroir. "As if, in this square of earth, the gods had bequeathed us a memory of the fascinating vestige of a timeless perfection.” — Richard Olney. Surface area: 1.81 hectares.

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

The Wine Enthusiast 94 Points | Dusty slate and earth tones mingle into luscious guava and pink-grapefruit flavors in this decadently fruity kabinett. A sumptuous semi-dry Riesling, it's profoundly ripe and deeply concentrated but zippy and spry, finishing on a long, honeyed streak of lime and lemon acidity. Delicious young but should hold well through 2035.

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

James Suckling 93 Points | Manzoni bianco is a super fresh grape variety, a valuable resource in view of the rising temperatures in this era of climate change. Aromas of pears, white peaches, lime peel and lemon leaves. It’s soft on the palate, with a silky texture, sharp acidity, peach flavors and a polished finish in spite of its citrus peel aftertaste.

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

Overview Musar Jeune White vines are from organically certified vineyards and come from two different terroirs; Vermentino and Chardonnay are grown on limestone soils, while the Viognier comes from vineyards with silty soils. Both vineyard areas are at 1,000
metres above sea level.

Grape Varieties The 2022 vintage is a blend of Viognier (40%), Vermentino (30%) and Chardonnay

(30%). The Vermentino, native to Sardinia and Corsica and thus well suited to the
Eastern Mediterranean climate, adds citrus, mineral and even a marine character. It
is moderate in alcohol and combines well with the richer Chardonnay and fragrance
of the Viognier.

Vineyard Region Bekaa Valley
Wine Making Fermented in stainles

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

Decatner 93 Points | Taut and precise, mouthwatering and dry. Lime shot through with light peach and a dab of salt. From the same Red Bank Farm vineyard as the Picnic Riesling, but aged a little longer on the lees. Could take on spicy seafood or raw oysters. Will age well.

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

White Burgundy is typified by aromas and flavors of green apple and lemon and is defined by its structure and expression of minerality. This wine is a synthesis of finesse and freshness that is enhanced by the fruitiness that Chardonnay can bring.

Pair with fish in white sauces, warm shellfish, hard cheese, or on it's own as an aperitif.

Winemaker Description 

Kimberly Vineyard is the epitome of Goldilocks-climate Merlot. It marries the lavish, ripe fruit of a warm site with the elegance and structure of a cool locale.

Dominant character traits include blackberry, anise, cassis and dried currants. Below that is a bed of juicy black fruit and supple, silky tannins. While it drinks well now, this Merlot will continue to evolve and improve over the next decade.

Winemaker Description 

Using grapes grown in Mendocino County’s rugged coastal mountains, Edmeades crafts bold, intense Zinfandels of distinctive character and personality. We work side by side with a small group of growers, who year after year produce some of Mendocino County’s most highly-prized grapes. We prefer a delicate touch in our cellar, allowing each vineyard to be fully expressed in the wines we make

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

The Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | Grown from a select plot of old vines, this beautiful expression of Valmur is full bodied and rich, with warm oak spices, ripe citrus, white peach, acacia and honeycomb. Approachable in its youth, the wine will cellar well through 2030.