2010 - Present Wine

Expert Review - Vintage 2020 

Allen Meadows of Burghound | There is enough wood to merit mentioning but not so much as to overshadow the vaguely exotic and ripe aromas of white peach, apple compote, various citrus elements and a whiff of acacia blossom. The wood is also reflected by the big-bodied, powerful and overtly muscular flavors that possess outstanding richness that is buffered by both a firm minerality as well as bright acidity on the strikingly persistent, balanced and robust finale. This is not a CC of refinement but it is indisputably impressive in its fashion and a wine that should age and improve gracefully over the next 12 to 15 years and last thereafter for a similar period. In a word, superb.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

Decanter 96 Points | This wine is among the best village-level Monthelies that I can remember. Coche produces it from his 0.3ha of south-facing vines in the village and some purchased fruit (which accounts for 15% of the total). The super-ripe cherry fruit is adorned with rose petal and licorice notes, and firm tannins and crisp acidity back up the pretty aromas. Perfect for drinking now for the fruit, or for mid-term ageing. Drinking Window 2025 - 2040.

John Gilman 92+ Points | The 2019 Monthélie “Côte de Beaune” from Domaine Coche-Dury is another beautifully sappy bottle in the making, with a more black fruity personality than the Auxey-Duresses. The nose jumps from the glass in an expressive blend of plums, black cherries, espresso, pigeon, bonfire, a lovely base of dark soil tones and a deft touch of new oak. On the e palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and already nicely plush on the attack, with a sappy core of fruit, fine soil signature, ripe, fine-grained tannins and a long, complex and beautifully balanced finish. Fine, fine juice.

Vinous 91 Points | The 2019 Monthélie Village is a little more backward on the nose compared to the Auxey-Duresses, well defined but just a bit timid at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannin, nicely structured with dark berry fruit towards the finish. (NM)

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

Michael Alberty of The Wine Enhusiast writes 94 Points | Caffè latte, cranberry and lilac aromas make for a heck of an introduction. Then comes the wave of blackberry, rosemary, tarragon and English breakfast tea flavors—delicious. This wine features the sturdiest tannins this side of a tannery, so be prepared to offer it a little air. Enjoy now until 2034. 

Winemaker Description 

Bright, deep purple-ruby core, lighter at the rim with moderate slightly stained tears on the glass. Robust aromas of boysenberry, black cherry, plums with dried herbs, black pepper, baking spice, leather, camphor and oak.

Full-bodied, with ripe blackberry, pluot, and mixed cherries with cinnamon, black pepper, and tanned leather on the entry. Robustly textured tannins lead to a mid-palate featuring smoked tea leaves and savory meats. The long and balanced finish is dominated by the lasting flavors of dried cranberry, camphor and baking spices. 

Winemaker Descxription 

MUSE DE MIRAVAL is a rigorous selection of the château's oldest and best plots and the finest expression of this unique terroir!

Organically farmed.

This rosé cuvée, mostly vinified in egg-shaped concrete vats, is also aged to a lesser extent in special oak barrels (so-called demi-muids). Each of its aromas evokes a chapter in Miraval's history, reflecting the place and its fragrance, which is typical of this Provençal winery. The unique shape of its handcrafted bottle (available only in magnum) and its very own rosé wine celebrate Miraval's timeless style with rare elegance.

Winemaker Description 

Cherry red color of medium intensity, medium layer. The nose is intense, with notes of jelly beans and red fruits combined with mineral notes of flint and a light background of toast. At the entrance to the mouth we will find soft tannins, with high volume and fat, well compensated by good acidity and a general feeling of verticality. Red fruits and mineral notes stand out, resulting in a long and intense aftertaste.
Evolution

In good conditions of this bottle will evolve positively for at least the next 7 years.

Winery Notes

Quality sparkling wine with very fine bubbles due to its long aging. Complex aroma, fresh notes of pineapple and eucalyptus, toasted cocoa and dried fruits, perfectly blended together. Voluminous, fleshy and fresh in the mouth. Structured and surprisingly fresh, long-lasting and well balanced.

Its high acidity and dry finish make it incredibly versatile:

• Tapas: Excellent with Jamón Ibérico, olives, and aged Spanish cheeses.

• Seafood: Perfect with oysters, sushi, or grilled shrimp.

• Anything Fried: The sharp acidity cuts beautifully through rich, fried foods like calamari or fried chicken.

FARMING

Certified Organic 

Winemaker Description 

Juan Jurado belongs to a new generation of young winemakers who see potential in the Marco de Jerez region beyond traditional fortified wines. After living away from his native Andalusia for many years (from Sitges to Australia via London), during which time he trained in the world of wine and sommellerie, he decided to return to his roots to start a project focused on authentic wines that reflect the diversity of the Jerez Region beyond Finos and Olorosos.

In 2022, Jurado invested all his savings to purchase a small vineyard in the Miraflores de Sanlúcar estate, along with winemaking equipment including a press, destemmer, casks, and jars to produce his first vintage. This marked the birth of Agrícola Calcárea, a project dedicated to crafting honest wines using minimal yet sufficient intervention to showcase the unique characteristics of each vineyard through classic and ancestral varieties of the Marco region.

The resulting wines are highly aromatic, featuring stone fruit, citrus, and white flower notes, with chalky and salty undertones. On the palate, they are savory and mineral, with a touch of bitterness.

Winemaker Description 

Andalucía has a long tradition of producing non-fortified wines—reds and whites made from the same grapes used for fortified wines (Sherry). In Andalucia these still wines are known as Vinos del Marco de Jerez or Vinos de Pasto. It is important to highlight that these wines do not belong to the Jerez-Xeres-Sherry DO. In recent years, producers like Willy Pérez, Ramiro Ibanez and others have led a movement to bring these wines back into the spotlight, aiming to place them on tables around the world.

During a recent in-store tasting with Nacho Monclús, Spanish & South American Portfolio Manager at T. Edwards Wine & Spirits, he introduced me to a producer from Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Andalucía: Juan Jurado of Agricola Calcarea.

Mr. Jurado represents a new generation of winemakers who have spent years working abroad, gaining experience in vineyards as well as in both front- and back-of-house roles in the restaurant industry. These experiences have enriched their perspective, and upon returning home, many have sought to revive the long-standing traditions of their ancestors. Mr. Jurado is one such story.

After more than a decade away, he returned to Andalucía and founded Agrícola Calcárea, producing wines in a small-scale, garage-style setting. His wines quickly gained national recognition, attracting the attention of the press. Now, his work has reached New York City, where wine lovers can experience his unique expressions firsthand.

When Nacho presented the wines to me, I was immediately drawn to their beautifully designed labels. The three wines I tasted featured indigenous Andalusian grape varieties, including Palomino (also known as Listán Blanco) and Tintilla Rota. All three expressions stood out, but my palate that day had a particular affinity to Agrícola Calcárea Porfía Tinto 2023 — an electric, vibrant red made from Tintilla Rota.

Porfia Tinto 2023 is unlike any other Spanish red currently available in the NYC market, this wine is a testament to the energy and innovation defining the new wave of Andalusian winemaking.

Porfia Tinto 2023 opens open with an alluring nose of sun-kissed black fruit: black cherries, black berries with undertones of dried Mediterranean herbs. On the palate this red is harmonious walking a tight rope of tannins, acidity and flavor: Suave tannins, crisp acidity and just perfect fruit quality.

Pair this red with Pan-Roasted Quail lightly dressed in thyme butter sauce.

Oscar Garcia Moncada

Winemaker Description 

La Igriega Malbec Paraje Altamira is a single-vineyard Argentine red showing off the beauty and complexity of the Malbec grape. "The name LA IGRIEGA means "Y" in Spanish--equivalent to "and" in English--and symbolizes the genetic structure of this project. 

La Framboisière has been one of Domaine Faiveley's monopoles since 1933, producing wines of remarkable character: intense red fruit aromas, pleasant minerality, and a silky elegance that reflects the soul of Mercurey. The estate's vat house is named after this iconic parcel, a testament to its enduring importance.

Vineyard
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vines Planted: 1962, 1978, 1981
Total Area: 10.61 ha
Exposure: South-East
Soil: Clay-limestone
Viticulture: Undergoing Organic Conversion

Vinification
Fermentation: Partial whole cluster with twice-daily pumpovers; 15–19 day vatting
Aging: 12 months in French oak, 10% new
Fining & Filtration: Unfined; light lenticular filtration
Alcohol: 13%

Tasting Notes
Old vines over thirty years of age yield an exceptionally aromatic wine. The nose opens with pretty, airy notes of redcurrant and raspberry. On the palate, a smooth, fruity attack evolves toward ripe red berries, orange rind, and a touch of allspice, with silky tannins and a fresh, lively finish.

Vinous 89 

Winemaker Description 

Viña Sastre is an iconic, family-run winery in the heart of Ribera del Duero, famous for making long-lived, elegantly structured wines from organic, old vines grown near the Duero river. Flavus is an incredible, singular white wine made from indigenous cayetana blanca grapes from 100-year-old vines, selected from Sastre’s historic Pago de Santa Cruz vineyards at 800m to 840m for their complexity and ability to age gracefully. Sastre handcrafts classic wines through extremely low-yielding biodynamic farming methods, fermenting exclusively with native yeasts.

In Pago de Santa Cruz, a small amount of white cayetana blanca grapes have always existed alongside the red tempranillo, co-planted and traditionally mixed into the field blend destined to be one of Spain’s most iconic wines. Through Jesús Sastre’s good friend and Rías Baixas pioneer Gerardo Méndez, they first researched and separated the white grapes from the blend, making the first Flavus in 2007 to make a simple, charming white wine for near-term consumption. Ribera del Duero does not have much of a tradition for white wines, so the initial concept was to make something simple and humble. Instead, they discovered through the cellaring and consistent tasting of verticals of Flavus over the years that the wine is capable of improving in bottle for a decade or more, leaving tasters stunned by the unique, complex flavors which develop. There is no designation for Ribera del Duero blanco, so while this mighty blanco may be a “Reserva” qualitatively and spiritually, bureaucratically, it carries the humble Vino de Mesa designation. Perhaps in the future, the appellation will see the same possibilities for value and quality in their white wines as their more famous reds.

Vinification – Following a manual harvest, the wine spontaneously fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel. No malolactic fermentation. The wine was racked and aged in stainless steel for ten months, followed by two years of bottle age prior to release.

Winemaker Description 

Jesús Sastre performs a high-wire, tight-rope act with his wines, where the drinker can have everything in one wine, and at the end of it all, one is left wondering how he is able to pack such an adventure into each bottle.

He manages to achieve a level of sophistication and complexity unequaled by almost no other producer in Ribera del Duero.” WOW!!!

The Viña Sastre is dark and brooding with notes of baked black fruit, herbs, earth, and cocoa powder. Grill it up with steak with a little melted cabrales blue cheese and see God.

Winemaker Description 

A natural, young, and fresh wine. Made with minimum intervention. No added Sulfites. A blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha. 

Experience the purity of Alona Rioja Sin Sulfitos Añadidos, a unique wine with no sulfites added and organically farmed. 

Winemaker Description 

Has a peachy nose and a mellow palate, round and gentle with hints of orange peel, nuts and varnish. It could be around 20 years of age, so it's not a super old wine. It's approachable, super clean and defined and a textbook example of the category. This has 19% alcohol.

Winemaker Description 

The 2021 Cuvée brings together a variety of Pinot Noir blocks from the 42-acre Domaine Lumineux vineyard, showcasing the full spectrum of the estate. Heavy rains in the early summer of 2021 impacted pollination in the vineyard and resulted in a very light fruit crop. This was followed by record setting heat and extreme dry conditions throughout the summer, which proved to be beneficial for optimal grape ripening. The combination of low yield and ample warmth produced wines of exceptional balance, intensity, and grace in the Willamette Valley. This ideal harvest yielded outstanding Pinot Noir fruit that came together harmoniously in this blend.

A select blend of our distinct pinot noir clones, the 2021 Cuvée is a multidimensional, harmonious, expression of the Domaine Lumineux Dundee Hills vineyard. This wine exhibits opulent aromas of spice, featuring hints of anise, nutmeg, and earthy forest floor. The savory palate is accompanied by concentrated red fruit notes, intermingled with dried fig. The 2021 Cuvée boasts a complex structure, with intriguing notes of black pepper lending an alluring mouthfeel and a prolonged finish.

Winemaker Description

Deep garnet red with aromas of black currant, cherry pie filling, cedar, and milk chocolate. A rich and opulent wine offering flavors of dark fruit such as ripe plum, sweet black cherry, and boysenberry with hints of sage and thyme. This wine is bold and well-balanced with supple, refined tannins, and a long satisfying finish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

Wine Spectator 97 Points | This is distinctly floral, with peach, lime blossom, citronella and mineral aromas and flavors. Sleek and elegant, offering intensity through the lingering aftertaste of lemon and orchard fruits. Shows terrific length and harmony. Best from 2026 through 2036. 30 cases imported.

Winemaker Description 

Ferrando’s white-label Carema is among the most elegant expressions of Nebbiolo in existence, combining ample density with a very Alpine sense of nimbleness. Never an overwhelmingly powerful wine, “Etichetta Bianca” derives its sense of structure more from its acid-fruit tension than its tannins, offering satisfyingly savory fruit buttressed by vigorous mountain acidity.

Fermented in stainless steel without temperature control and using only indigenous yeasts, it spends three full years in a combination of 20-hectoliter Slavonian oak botti and used 500-liter French barrels.

Winemaker Description 

The 2024 growing season for the San Luis Obispo Coast was marked by higher-than-average rainfall and a notably cooler spring. The wet winter and early spring precipitation replenished water reserves, providing a strong foundation for vine growth. The cooler temperatures in spring delayed bud break, pushing the season back slightly compared to typical years. As temperatures gradually warmed in late spring and early summer, the vines caught up, and overall growth was robust, however the cool spring inhibited the vines production and yields were slightly lower than average. The summer months experienced moderate heat, which helped in developing the grapes’ flavors while maintaining good acidity.

Flavors of vibrant raspberry and the subtle herbaceousness of dried oregano with delicate notes of oak that give a hint of toasted marshmallow.

Drawing on our 50+ years of experience at Cakebread Cellars, we craft Central Coast wines as complex and charismatic as the people who share them. Who says your everyday glass can’t be extraordinary, too?

In jewelry making, a bezel is the grooved setting that secures a gem or watchface in place. The name speaks to the craftsmanship behind every bottle of Bezel wine – the skill, precision and experience we’ve honed through 50 years of winemaking at Cakebread, and brought to the Central Coast.

Our winemaking mission is simple, though the resulting wines complex: Seek the best grapes from the West Coast’s finest vineyards and let that region’s personality shine through in each wine. Winemaker Jane Dunkley chased her passion for world-class winemaking all the way from her native Australia to Portugal, Italy and finally, the Central Coast of California.

Today she lives, works and breathes in the same spectacular spots as the grapes she crushes for Bezel. Jane’s on-the-ground knowledge of Paso Robles and the SLO Coast builds on the Cakebread team’s deep expertise to make Bezel wines the dynamic, distinctive individuals they are.

Our Pinot Noir from California’s San Luis Obispo Coast is deep and thoughtful, with layers that are well worth getting to know. Ripe plum, black cherry, and raspberry reach out first, with a whisper of cedar and a wink of baking spice. This California Pinot pairs well with others – especially the ones you love.

Experience the Unique Flavor of Mas Blanch i Jove

Winemaker Description

Medium pink. Aromas of ripe red fruits (strawberry&cherry) with subtle notes of violet flower. Clean, penetrating furit valors of red berry fruit, considerable body balanced by the acidity, elegant, finish and substancial length.

Decanter World Wine Awards & Magazine (UK): Vintage 2014 – Bronze medal.
International Wine & Spirits Competition IWSC (UK): Vintage 2013 – Bronze medal.

Guía del Vino Cuotidiano (ESP) Vintage 2012 – Cuadro de Honor. 90 points.

International Wine Guide (ESP) Vintage 2014 – Bronze medal.
Vintage 2012 – Silver medal.

Gilbert & Gaillard (FRA) Vintage 2014 – Gold medal. Vintage 2013 – Bronze medal.
“365 Vinos al año” de Vivir el Vino (ES) Vintage 2011 – 92/100 poins.

Catavinum World Wine & Spirits Competition (ES): Vintage 2014 – Silver medal. Vintage 2013 – Silver medal.

Guía Akatavino (ES) Vintage 2014 – 91/100 points.

Golden Leaf (ES) Vintage 2015 – Silver medal

Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar (USA) Vintage 2011 – 90/100 points.

Wine Enthusiast (USA) Vintage 2011 – 91/100 points.

Wine advocate/Robert Parker (USA) Vintage 2011 – 88/100 points.

Wine Spectator (USA) Vintage 2011 – 91/100 points.

Memo Summary Notes

The Mas Blanch i Jové Petit Saó 2022 is an organic red wine from the Costers del Segre DO in Catalonia, Spain. This winery is unique for its "Artists’ Vineyard" (L'Vinyer dels Artistes), where large sculptures are integrated into the vineyard landscape.

Food Pairing Recommendations

• Meats: Ideal for BBQ and roasts, particularly lamb or pork loin.

• Pasta: Hearty pasta dishes with meat-based sauces (Bolognese) or mushroom-heavy sauces.

• Tapas: Pairs excellently with aged cheeses like Manchego or cured meats like Jamón Ibérico.

Unmatched Quality from Costers del Segre

Mas Blanch i Jove is renowned for producing high-quality wines in the Costers del Segre region. This 2022 vintage showcases the careful craftsmanship that goes into each bottle. The balance of flavors is exceptional, making it a perfect choice for both wine aficionados and casual drinkers. You'll find that the unique terroir of this area plays a significant role in the wine's profile, creating a taste that's rich and authentic.

Aromatic Profile and Tasting Notes

This red wine, Petit Sao, offers a delightful aromatic profile that enchants the senses. Upon first sip, you will notice notes of ripe berries, subtle spices, and a hint of oak, all harmoniously blended. The smooth texture ensures that every pour is a pleasure, and the wine finishes with a lingering, satisfying aftertaste. It pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile addition to your collection.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, Mas Blanch i Jove Petit Sao is the ideal choice. Its balanced flavors and elegant finish make it suitable for various occasions. You could impress your guests with its quality or simply savor a glass while unwinding after a long day. Therefore, investing in this wine not only adds value to your cellar but also enhances your enjoyment of life’s moments.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

Danielle Callegari of the WIne Enthusiast writes 88 Points | Hot chili peppers burst off the nose of this Nero d'Avola, lifted by wood smoke, macerated blackberries and bitter chocolate. Spiciness carries over to the palate, with notes of black pepper and tomato-pepper jam, but also more berries and some tobacco leaf. Tannins are firm but polished.  

Winemaker's Notes

Winemaker Description 

A sweet sparkling wine with light ruby red nuances with a lively and persistent perlage. Both at the nose and in the mouth, all the aromatic peculiarities of the vine are best expressed; intense aromas of Bulgarian rose and berries accompanied by a sweet aftertaste balanced by a good acidity.

A perfect dessert wine paired with fresh strawberries, fruit salads, fruit pies and small pastries.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 95 Points | A very pretty red with blackberry, black-cherry, flint and crushed-stone aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with a firm, focused tannin structure under the poised fruit. Long and caressing. Complex and crunchy. Drink or hold.

The Wine Advocate 91 Points | The 2023 Cabernet Franc Magdalena Vineyard boasts slightly darker-hued fruit than the regular bottling, with the aromas tending toward black raspberries and black cherries. At the same time, it's perhaps a bit less leafy but still reasonably floral. In the mouth, the wine is medium- to full-bodied and silky-textured, with soft tannins that linger on the finish.

Winemaker Description 

Our single-vineyard iteration of our pillar red variety, Cabernet Franc, with more weight and structure than our traditional version. This fruit hails from a two-and-a-half-acre block within our Magdalena Vineyard- a warmer site which produces fruit that is amongst our ripest picks in each vintage. This additional development yields bold tannins up front which advance into red fruit transitioning to purple; black cherries, red plums, holiday seasoned cranberries. Texture, depth, and freshness are found in green flavors and garden soil earthiness, thanks to the rain of the earlier part of the '23 vintage. A drier and hotter fall is to thank for the counterbalancing fruit and composition.

Upon release, this Cab Franc has youthful muscularity to it, and has been destined to cellar beautifully. Drink now through 2038.

Perfect for pairing with rosemary roasted Parsnips and Lollipop Lamb Chops or Maple Roasted Butternut Squash with Pomegranate Seeds and Pepitas.

Memo Summary Notes

The Hermann J. Wiemer Cabernet Franc "Magdalena Vineyard" 2023 is a standout single-vineyard red from arguably the most prestigious estate in the Finger Lakes. While the winery is world-famous for Riesling, their Magdalena Vineyard—a warmer, 2.5-acre site on the western shores of Seneca Lake—is known for producing the region's most "serious," age-worthy Cabernet Franc.

The 2023 vintage is a significant release, as it was recently highlighted by James Suckling as one of the top-scoring New York reds ever tasted.

Pair with - Meats: Roast pork belly with sweet soy, lollipop lamb chops, or a classic steak with arugula and Parmigiano. 

• Vegetarian: Maple-roasted butternut squash with pomegranate seeds or a hearty lentil soup.

• Service: This is a "serious" red; decant for 30 minutes to let the flinty mineral and tobacco notes emerge from the primary fruit.

Winemaker Description 

100% estate, sustainably grown Cabernet Franc from our White Springs and 16 Falls Vineyards. Incredibly fresh and inviting with aromas of redcurrant, cranberries and mountain herbs.

The palate is pure and elegant, with notes of raspberries and hints of earth and spice. 

A perfect rendition of Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc, aged for a year in our 6-year-old, 2000 liter Austrian and Hungarian Oak casks.

Memo Summary Notes

Ravines is widely considered a pioneer of the region's dry, European-inflected style, and their Cabernet Franc is frequently used as a benchmark for what the variety can achieve in North America.

Pair with

    Meats: Roast chicken with thyme, grilled pork chops, or duck confit.

    Savory: Lentil stews, mushroom risotto, or roasted root vegetables.

Casual: A classic charcuterie board with pâté and hard cheeses like 

Winemaker Description 

Barbera, along with Nebbiolo and Dolcetto, is widely planted throughout Piemonte. Many Barolo and Barbaresco producers will also make a Barbera mainly because the aging requirement is far shorter allowing them to see a profit from the harvest earlier. In the commune of Nizza, the Barbera grape steps into the spotlight and takes center stage. This is where Barbera reaches its heights of glory.

The Frasca family has 22 hectares of vineyard in Nizza, with vines averaging 30 years of age. Their 2020 Barbera Nizza DOCG opens with an inviting bouquet of dark cherries, blackberries, and plums, intertwined with notes of violet, tobacco, and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, it is full-bodied and rich, showcasing intense flavors of ripe black fruits, licorice, and a touch of dark chocolate, balanced by firm tannins and vibrant acidity. The finish is long and complex, with lingering hints of fruit, spice, and subtle oak nuances.

Winemaker Description 

La Fita - Els Arpiots is a white wine that embodies the essence of its origins –Penedes.

A blend of Macabeu and Xarel.lo, traditional grape varieties of Penedès, creates a fresh and light wine.

It bursts with aromatic intensity, evoking the Mediterranean with scents of white fruit and flowers. Its palate is gentle and straightforward.

Winemaker Description 

In terms of quality and price, this is arguably the best 'Bordeaux blend' in our portfolio, made by a winemaker who is passionate about the wines of his French cousins but still proudly Argentine. 50% Malbec, 20% Cab Franc, 20% Cab Sauv, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot.

A nose of black fruits, spices, white pepper, clove, cardamon, eucalyptus, thyme and rosemary - complex in other words, with a fantastic finish.

Federico Benegas Lynch was raised at ‘El Trapiche’, a winery established in 1883 by his great, great grandfather, Don Tiburcio Benegas, one of the original pioneers of Argentine wine. The winery was finally sold in the 1970s and in 1998, following a successful business career in Buenos Aires, Federico returned to Mendoza to re-kindle his lifelong passion and professional destiny, wine. He bought Finca La Libertad, an historic 40-hectare vineyard with ‘soils’ of stone on the old Upper Mendoza riverbank in Cruz de Piedra, and the old winery that belonged to his mother’s family which he quickly set about refurbishing. His idea was based on the traditional French Châteaux system, where proprietorship of vineyard and winery are inextricably linked.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

The Wine Advocate 96 Points | Grapes for the 2021 Angeli Zinfandel are picked in three passes. Proprietor Scot Bilbro notes that Zinfandel's naturally varying levels of ripeness can lead to raisiny flavors if all the grapes are picked at a higher brix. "If you bring Zinfandel in over 25 brix, that means the juice inside is at 25, but the skins have a lot more sugar, and the level will go up to 28 or more," he explains. "So, we pick at 23, 24 and just shy of 25. You can enable the wine to show off layers with those different picks." This strategy led to a gorgeous Angeli in 2021 that is incredibly expressive and perfumed. Blueberry, boysenberry and blackberry give way to wafts of graphite, gobs of violet and even touches of tangerine. The medium to full-bodied palate explodes with concentrated fruit and expansive layers of floral perfume and spice. It has a powdery frame, bursts of mouthwatering acidity and a very long, nuanced finish. 

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points | The dark purple 2021 Zinfandel Angeli is from the Angeli estate vineyards in the Alexander Valley and was raised for 15 months in neutral barrels. Concentrated and full-bodied, it reveals layered notes of dried apricot, espresso, blackberry compote, and licorice. The palate is brooding and savory, with a fleshy texture, an earthier profile, and notes of dark chocolate through the finish. A more potent and powerful style.

Winemaker Description 

Showing bright and clear scarlet while poured, the wine in the glass becomes edged with a deeper hue reminiscent of plum skin. With swirling layers of ripe cherry, blood peach, and marzipan this pure Zinfandel is immediately bright, inviting, and nuanced on the nose. Hints of violet, black tea, and spice ground the wine with a dark intensity. Velvety across the palate this exuberant wine finishes dry with a textured foremouth focus and a core of acidity cutting a cleansing path through the richness. This Zinfandel is a seductive, stately celebration of the Angeli vineyard which surrounds the winery.

Winemaker Description 

A whirlwind of a vintage. The welcome September rains gave their vineyard sites the hang time they needed for slower ripening and intense flavor development. Fruit arrived from their 20+ vineyard partners from September 15th through October 6th in beautiful condition with smaller-than-average yields. Expect intense, fruit forward wines from this vintage.

Memo Pairing Suggestions

Food Pairings

• Classic Match: Cedar-planked salmon or roasted chicken with herbs.

• Savory Dishes: Mushroom risotto or duck confit.

• Casual Fare: Charcuterie boards with soft cheeses (Brie or Camembert) and earthy pâté.