2010 - Present Wine

Forstreiter Grüner Veltliner Kogl — Kremstal, Austria 2024

Weingut Forstreiter is one of the Kremstal's most respected family estates — farming some of the most beautiful vineyard sites in this prized Austrian wine region, where the Danube carves through ancient terraced hillsides of loess, primary rock, and crystalline soils. The Kremstal is one of Austria's premier Grüner Veltliner appellations, producing wines of distinctive mineral precision, elegant spice, and vibrant acidity that set them apart from the broader Niederösterreich style. The Kogl is Forstreiter's single-vineyard expression from the estate's finest sites — a wine of genuine character, finesse, and typicity that showcases everything that makes Kremstal Grüner Veltliner so compelling. Farmed sustainably.

The nose is fine and expressive: fresh apple, gooseberry, cassis leaf, and aromatic herbs, with a merest touch of flinty reduction that dissipates on the first sniff to reveal a hint of yeasty concentration beneath. On the palate, it continues with citrus, herbs, and a juicy tone of Mirabelle — finely woven, medium-weight, and distinguished, with a pinch of the white pepper spice that is the hallmark of great Grüner Veltliner. Straightforward, uncomplicated drinking pleasure at its most elegant.

"Fine spice, fresh apple fruit, and typical of the variety on the nose. On the palate, citrus and herbs. Finely woven, distinguished and medium-weight — a drinkable Grüner Veltliner. A juicy tone of Mirabelle arises, making for a wonderful and compelling combination." — Forstreiter, Winemaker

• Producer: Weingut Forstreiter, Kremstal, Niederösterreich, Austria
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Kremstal DAC
• Vineyard: Kogl
• Varietal: 100% Grüner Veltliner
• Farming: Sustainable
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh apple, gooseberry, cassis leaf, citrus, herbs, Mirabelle, flinty mineral, white pepper spice, elegant finish
• Style: Medium-bodied, crisp, mineral, food-friendly
• Drink: Now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Wiener Schnitzel, roasted pork, cold cuts, asparagus, mushroom risotto, goat cheese salads, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, spicy sushi

Kremstal Grüner Veltliner at its most elegant — Forstreiter Kogl 2024 is mineral, precise, and one of Austria's great food wines.

Hugel Classic Riesling — Alsace, France 2024

Famille Hugel is one of Alsace's most storied and respected wine dynasties — founded in Riquewihr in 1639 and now in its fourteenth generation of family ownership, making it one of the oldest continuously operating wine estates in the world. From their base in the medieval village of Riquewihr at the heart of the Alsace wine route, the Hugel family has been a defining force in establishing Alsace Riesling as one of the world's great white wine styles: dry, mineral, precise, and built for the table. The Classic Riesling is the family's signature expression — sourced from around half estate-grown fruit from Riquewihr, supplemented by select villages to the north and south, and crafted to showcase the finesse, frankness, and electric minerality that define Hugel's house style. It is their most demanding variety, as Riesling is also the latest ripening — expressing itself best on the steepest slopes with the most complex minerality.

The nose is unusually expressive for a Classic: a kiss of crushed fennel seed rises above pear and lemon — aromatic, precise, and inviting. On the palate, it is super slender and vividly bright, almost sylph-like, with exquisite lemony charm and lemon pithiness. Electric, vivid, and bone-dry, with a lip-smacking finish that is a tonic on any occasion. Wonderful balance and elegance — the ideal partner to fish and seafood.

Vinous 89 — "The palate is super slender and vividly bright, almost sylph-like but with exquisite lemony charm and lemon pithiness. This is an electric, vivid little Riesling; the finish is bone-dry and lip-smacking and should be a tonic on a hot day." (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Famille Hugel, Riquewihr, Alsace, France (est. 1639)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Alsace AOC
• Varietal: 100% Riesling
• Style: Bone-dry
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Crushed fennel seed, pear, lemon, lemon pith, electric acidity, mineral, bone-dry lip-smacking finish
• Drink: Now through 2030
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, oysters, sushi, scallops, lobster, Alsatian choucroute, soft cheeses, asparagus

Fourteen generations of Alsace Riesling mastery — Hugel Classic 2024 is electric, bone-dry, and one of France's most reliably brilliant white wine values.

La Vieille Ferme Ventôux Rosé — Rhône Valley 2025 | 1.5L Magnum

La Vieille Ferme is the beloved everyday label of Famille Perrin — the same dynasty behind Château de Beaucastel — and the 2025 Ventôux Rosé is everything the iconic “Chicken Wine” has always promised: fresh, generous, and endlessly drinkable. Blending Cinsault, Grenache, and Syrah from vineyards in the Ventôux appellation, this magnum format is the ultimate warm-weather bottle — made for long tables, summer evenings, and good company. At under $18 for a 1.5L, it is one of the most exciting values in all of French rosé.

The color is a beautiful bright powder-pink with silver highlights. The nose is fresh and inviting: rose petals, red fruit, and a delicate tangy lift. On the palate, it is lively and balanced, with juicy notes of strawberry and peach framed by a saline, mineral finish that lingers with elegance and finesse. It drinks beautifully right now — and the magnum keeps it fresher, longer.

• Producer: La Vieille Ferme (Famille Perrin), Rhône Valley, France
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Ventôux AOC
• Blend: Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah
• Format: 1.5L Magnum
• Tasting Notes: Rose petal, strawberry, peach, red fruit, saline mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled chicken, salmon, summer salads, charcuterie, goat cheese, light pasta

A Beaucastel-pedigree rosé in magnum at an honest price — La Vieille Ferme is the benchmark for what everyday French rosé can be.

Few names carry more weight in Tuscan wine than Antinori. With over six centuries of winemaking history, the family has shaped the identity of Chianti Classico as much as any single producer — and the Villa Antinori Riserva is their benchmark expression of the appellation: a wine that balances tradition with refinement, vintage after vintage.

The Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2022 is ruby red in the glass, with a nose that opens on fresh pomegranate, cherry, and orange peel, layered with ginger spice, lavender, rose petals, and delicate balsamic notes of white musk. On the palate, the entry is vertical and precise, building to a savory, full-flavored structure supported by supple tannins and a long, warm finish of cocoa and dark fruit. The 2022 vintage brings exceptional balance — ripe, elegant, and built to age.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Kerin O'Keefe — 95 Points: "Elegantly structured and loaded with finesse, the 2022 Chianti Classico Riserva from Antinori pushes all the right buttons, starting with its enticing aromas of ripe black-skinned fruit, violet, exotic dark spice and a whiff of Mediterranean scrub. On the delicious palate, notes of licorice, vanilla and crushed mint accent a ripe black cherry core while velvety tannins provide seamless support and plenty of finesse. It's well balanced, with fresh acidity. Drink through 2030." (05/25)

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Pomegranate, cherry, orange peel, ginger, lavender, rose petals, white musk
• Palate: Savory and full-flavored with supple tannins, black cherry, licorice, and crushed mint
• Finish: Long, warm, and expansive with cocoa notes

Wine Details

• Sangiovese-based blend
• Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2022 | Drink through 2030
• 750ml

Silver Oak built its reputation on a single, deliberate choice: age Cabernet Sauvignon in American oak, not French, and do it at a winery with its own cooperage. That decision — made in 1972 and never abandoned — is what gives Silver Oak its signature: wines that are immediately approachable, generous with fruit, and possessed of a smooth, polished texture that makes them as enjoyable now as they are over a decade in the cellar.

The 2022 Alexander Valley is blended before barrel aging — another Silver Oak hallmark, allowing the components to integrate on the basis of terroir and varietal character before oak influence shapes the final wine. The blend is anchored by 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon with small additions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, aged 24 months in American oak barrels from their own cooperage, The Oak.

The 2022 vintage shows Silver Oak at its most expressive: plum, anise, black cherry, and sweet spice on the nose, with a mid-palate that is juicy and structured without being heavy. Fine-grained tannins and lively acidity carry a flavorful mix of red and black fruit through a long, clean finish. Fresh and drinkable now, with the structure to age elegantly through 2035 and beyond.

• Producer: Silver Oak Cellars
• Appellation: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Blend: 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.1% Merlot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, 0.7% Petit Verdot, 0.6% Malbec
• Aging: 24 months in American oak (Silver Oak cooperage)
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 750ml

Expert Review - Vintage 2022:

95 James Suckling — “Pleasing aromas of plums, anise, black cherries and sweet spice box… very fine-grained tannins and juicy acidity, showing the pretty side of cabernet. Fresh and drinkable now but will age elegantly.”

Food Pairings: Prime rib, grilled ribeye, lamb chops, braised short ribs, aged cheddar, and hard cheeses.

The Prisoner Red Blend · California · 2023

The Prisoner Wine Company built its reputation on a rule-bending California red blend. Its team, led by Director of Winemaking Todd Ricard, works with growers across northern California to bring together fruit for a wine that favors character over convention.

The winemaker note already on this listing describes dried blackberry and açai, cedar and tobacco leaf, followed by sweet baking spices. Dark cherry, blackberry and anise carry through to a soft, vibrant finish balanced by ripe tannins. Pour a glass for a generous dinner or a long evening with friends.

Critic reviews · Vintage 2023

Tasting Panel, 91 Points — Packed with very ripe flavors, 15.5% stated alcohol, and plenty of coconut-scented oak riding atop its mostly black-toned fruit. Notable sweetness helps balance out the 35% new oak and buffers the wine's tannin load, resulting in a very big wine with forgivingly soft texture.

Wine Enthusiast, 90 Points — Lavish and full-bodied, the red blend from Prisoner delivers ripe mixed fruits, crushed chocolate blended with dried caramel, vanilla bean, and a light pour of espresso. Succulent tannins and layers of spice make for a forward, crowd pleasing wine.

These reviews appeared on the existing listing without a vintage attribution; their scores are not verified for the 2023 bottle.

At a glance

• Producer: The Prisoner Wine Company
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: California red blend
• Size: 750ml

A richly styled red blend with a distinctive California point of view.

Santa Marina Pinot Grigio — Italy 2024 — 1.5L Magnum

Santa Marina Pinot Grigio is a perennial crowd-pleaser from Italy — fresh, honest, and endlessly versatile. The 2024 vintage arrives in a generous 1.5L Magnum format, making it the perfect pour for al fresco dinners, summer gatherings, and any occasion where one bottle is never quite enough. Two bottles in one, at a price that makes the decision easy.

Delicate gold with hints of straw. The nose opens with ripe pear, citrus zest, and almond blossom — clean, inviting, and classically Italian. On the palate, the wine is light to medium-bodied with soft, clean fruit, bright acidity, and a crisp, dry finish that keeps you coming back for another glass. Chill well and pour freely.

Crisp, dry, and effortlessly food-friendly — Santa Marina Pinot Grigio in a generous 1.5L Magnum. Two bottles, one great price.

• Producer: Santa Marina, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Italy
• Varietal: Pinot Grigio
• Style: White Wine — Dry, Crisp, Light-Bodied
• Format: 1.5L Magnum (equivalent to 2 standard bottles)
• Size: 1.5L
• Tasting Notes: Ripe pear, citrus zest, almond blossom, soft clean fruit, crisp dry finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled seafood, light pasta, bruschetta, fresh mozzarella, antipasto, summer picnics, aperitivo

Two bottles, one honest price — Santa Marina Pinot Grigio Magnum is the benchmark for effortless Italian white wine built for sharing.

Awards & Accolades

Gold Medal | 2024 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Gold Medal | 2024 Los Angeles Wine & Spirits Challenge

Winemaker Description

Bogle's heritage Petite Sirah is celebrated for its concentration and jammy, luscious character. The nose opens with touches of cacao and roasted coffee bean, while blue fruits and boysenberry command the senses upon entry. Notes of black pepper and spice linger on the palate, and 12 months of aging in American oak has noticeably softened the ripe, textured tannins — yielding an incredibly well-structured yet approachable wine of great color and depth.

Aging: 12 months in American oak  |  Certifications: Certified Sustainable (California Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing), Vegan Friendly, Gluten-Free

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Smoked lamb shoulder with rosemary or braised short ribs with blackberry barbecue sauce.
• Cheese: Smoked Gouda or other bold, aged cheeses.
• Grilled: BBQ brisket, portobello mushrooms, or spiced lamb chops.

Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc — Russian River Valley 2024

Merry Edwards is one of Sonoma County's most celebrated producers, and their Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc has been a benchmark bottling since its debut in 2001. The 2024 vintage is a lush, aromatic expression fermented in French oak barrels with twice-weekly lees stirring — a meticulous protocol that builds the characteristic creamy texture and rich body the wine is known for. Sourced from a specific blend of Shenandoah (Clone 1) and Sauvignon Musqué clones, the wine brims with tropical and floral character with a bright citrus core.

The nose is fragrant and inviting: white pineapple, passionfruit, mango, guava, and plumeria with hints of lemon curd and lime zest. On the palate, apricot, peach, and slate give way to ruby red grapefruit, honeysuckle, and ripe melon, with a silky, rounded texture and a burst of crisp, refreshing acidity on the finish. Vinous gave it 92 points; Jeb Dunnuck matched that score, calling it "charming and well-detailed."

"Bright yellow/silver in color, with aromas of white peach, grapefruit pith, tropical flowers, guava, and elegant spice. Medium-bodied with a silky, rounded texture and ripe fruit filling the palate. Guava and tropical tones linger through a charming, lush finish. Drink 2026–2033." — Jeb Dunnuck, 92 pts. (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Merry Edwards Winery, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc — Shenandoah Clone 1 & Sauvignon Musqué
• Winemaker: Heidi von der Mehden
• Fermentation: French oak barrels, twice-weekly lees stirring
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White pineapple, passionfruit, mango, guava, lemon curd, grapefruit, honeysuckle, creamy finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled halibut, goat cheese, lemon risotto, Thai seafood dishes

One of California's most sought-after Sauvignon Blancs — Merry Edwards delivers tropical richness and creamy texture with a precision that sets it apart from the crowd.

Winemaker Description 

Straw yellow color. The nose is intense and delicate with notes of orange blossom, apricot, and peach. On the palate, it is soft, fresh, with a tasty finish and a fruity aftertaste.

From the rolling hills of Umbria, the Antinori Santa Cristina Orvieto Classico Campogrande 2024 is a fresh and vibrant expression of one of Italy’s historic white wine regions, Orvieto Classico. Crafted primarily from traditional local varieties including Grechetto and Procanico (the local name for Trebbiano Toscano), this wine captures the bright, easygoing character that has made Orvieto famous for centuries.

Pale straw in color, it opens with inviting aromas of white peach, citrus blossom, green apple, and delicate floral notes. The palate is crisp and refreshing, showing lively acidity and flavors of lemon, pear, and subtle almond, finishing clean and mineral-driven.

Perfect as an aperitif or paired with seafood, light pasta dishes, salads, and fresh cheeses, this classic Italian white offers both elegance and everyday drinkability.

A refreshing, food-friendly white that showcases the timeless charm of Orvieto.

Tua Rita Rosso dei Notri 2023 · Tuscany, Italy · 750ml

Producer History

When, in 1984, Rita and Virgilio decided to purchase what would become Tua Rita, those lands and buildings were meant to be merely the setting for a place where they could live in harmony with nature, cultivating their own land. But the irresistible drive of their passion for wine decidedly changed everything...

Expert Reviews · Vintage 2023

James Suckling · 93 Points: Lovely crushed berry and cherry aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with bright acidity and a crunchy and delicious finish. A blend of mostly merlot and cabernet sauvignon with some syrah and cabernet franc. Drink now.

Decanter · James Button · 90 Points: Rosso dei Notri is Tua Rita's biggest production, at about 150,000 bottles a year. This is the first vintage using concrete alongside the usual stainless steel vats, which in theory should give a bit more softness of texture and fruit expression. Creamy red and black berry aromas carry through to the mouth, where they are joined by overtones of liquorice and violet. Fresh and spicy, this is a fairly straightforward, easy-drinking red which shows lovely purity of fruit. 80% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah and Cabernet Franc. Drinking 2024 to 2028.

Jeb Dunnuck · Audrey Frick · 91 Points: Pouring a medium red color, the 2023 Rosso Dei Notri is a blend coming from all the cru vineyards and is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and the rest Syrah and Cabernet Franc. It’s the entry-level wine but always comes from the cru vineyards and is raised in concrete for six months. The nose of the 2023 is inviting, fresh, and fruity, with notes of mixed berries, apricots, candied flowers, and sweet herbs. It moves seamlessly to the palate and is medium to full-bodied, with a silky texture and a clean, fruity feel throughout. It’s a joyful wine to drink over the next several years. Drinking 2025 to 2028.

Vinous · Antonio Galloni: The 2023 Rosso di Notri, the estate’s entry-level red, is a fine choice for drinking over the next few years. Succulent red cherry, tobacco, spice and leather are nicely pushed forward in this refreshing, juicy red blend of 30% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah and 20% Cabernet Franc. Drinking 2024 to 2027.

Winemaker Description

This youthful offering from Tua Rita is 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 10% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Franc, harvested in September from vineyards in the foothills of Suvereto, a small hilltop village in Tuscany. After a gentle pressing, the wine is aged for three months in French oak barriques and stainless steel tanks.

Deep ruby red in color, with aromas of black fruits, namely blackberries, plums and ripe black cherries over more subtle notes of cocoa, licorice and sweet spice. On the palate, the wine is smooth, with silky tannins and bracing acidity, showing structural balance long into the finish.

Food Pairings

Pair this wine with prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, spice rubbed chicken, or lasagna Bolognese with béchamel sauce.

Details

• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Vintage: 2023
• Region: Tuscany, Italy
• Appellation: Toscana
• Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc
• Type: Red

Seghesio Family Vineyards is one of California's most storied Zinfandel producers, with roots in Sonoma County stretching back to 1895 when Edoardo Seghesio planted his first vines in the Alexander Valley. Over more than 125 years, the family has become synonymous with old-vine Zinfandel of exceptional character — wines that honor the grape's Italian heritage while expressing the full power and personality of Sonoma County's diverse terroir. The estate farms sustainably, with a deep commitment to the land and the community that has shaped the Seghesio name for generations.

The Sonoma County Zinfandel is sourced from a blend of estate and grower vineyards across Sonoma County, drawing on the region's varied soils and microclimates to build complexity and depth. Sonoma County's warm days and cool Pacific-influenced nights create ideal conditions for Zinfandel of ripe, concentrated fruit balanced by natural freshness and structure. The wine is produced under certified sustainable farming practices, reflecting Seghesio's long-standing commitment to responsible viticulture.

Vinification follows Seghesio's classic approach: careful fermentation to extract the full depth of the Zinfandel fruit while preserving the variety's characteristic spice and briar character. The wine is aged in oak to develop structure and complexity before blending and bottling.

The 2023 opens with a complex bouquet of blackberry, black currant, plum, cherry, and baking spice, with notes of raspberry, savory anise, and white pepper. On the palate, the wine is lively and full-flavored, with succulent fruit, supple tannins, and a long, gratifying finish with a characteristic snap of briar and pepper. An old-school Zinfandel loaded with zest and personality.

"An old-school Zin that's loaded with zest and briar patch, plus raspberry, savory anise and white pepper flavors that end with snappy tannins."
— Tim Fish, Wine Spectator, 92 Points. (Vintage 2023). 

Grape: Zinfandel
Region: Sonoma County, California
Vintage: 2023
Certification: Certified Sustainable
Bottle Size: 750ml

Pairing: Braised short ribs, pork belly, BBQ, hearty pasta, gnocchi gorgonzola, and aged hard cheeses.

Flowers Vineyards Pinot Noir — Sonoma Coast, California 2023

Flowers Vineyards is one of California's most iconic coastal Pinot Noir estates, perched on the extreme Sonoma Coast where the Pacific Ocean's influence is felt in every bottle. Founded in 1991 by Walt and Joan Flowers, the estate farms some of the most dramatic and remote vineyard sites in California — high-elevation, wind-swept ridges above the fog line where the long, cool growing season produces Pinot Noir of extraordinary tension, complexity, and coastal character. Now part of the Huneeus Vintners family alongside Quintessa and Benton Lane, Flowers continues to set the benchmark for California coastal Pinot Noir. The 2023 vintage, shaped by a long, cool growing season, is one of the most compelling in recent memory.

The nose is captivating and complex: gravel dust, pine tar, and smashed blue fruits with whispers of violet florality, coastal evergreens, and wildflowers. On the palate, a core of red and blue brambles with a nearly feral, savoury character — dried herbs, black tea, warm spices (anise, cardamom, allspice), and earthy sandalwood — all threaded through by an intense saline throughline that crescendos at the finish with a bright squeeze of orange peel. Tangy, fresh, and beautifully balanced.

Decanter 93 Points — "There is an oomph and intensity to the 2023 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir from Flowers. Aromas of gravel dust, pine tar and smashed blue fruits come to the fore with whispers of violet florality. There's an intense saline throughline that crescendos at the finish."

James Suckling 93 Points — "A great reflection of the long, cool growing season. Tangy, fresh and well balanced, with intricate orange zest, cinnamon, red cherry and black tea flavors on a vibrant, acid-driven texture. Medium- to full-bodied." (Vintage 2023).

• Producer: Flowers Vineyards & Winery, Extreme Sonoma Coast, California
• Founded: 1991
• Owner: Huneeus Vintners (Quintessa, Benton Lane)
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast AVA, California
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Style: Medium-to-Full Bodied, Coastal, Complex
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blue fruit, red cherry, gravel dust, pine tar, violet, saline, dried herbs, black tea, orange peel, dark spice
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2033
• Best Paired With: Roasted duck, grilled salmon, mushroom dishes, lamb, aged pinot-friendly cheeses
• Serve: 58–62°F, decant 20–30 minutes

93 points from both Decanter and James Suckling — Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2023 is California coastal Pinot at its most compelling.

Expert Review — Vintage 2024

James Suckling 92 Points | Citrus, white pears and hints of snow peas on the nose of this juicy and crisp white. It’s medium-bodied, bright and cool, with a light peppery twist at the end. From organically grown grapes.

Winemaker Description

This Grüner Veltliner is a blend of wines sourced from different terraced vineyards in the Kamptal. The elevated terraces consist of stonier soils (schisted granite), producing wines with aromatic expression, good acidity, elegant stone fruit and pronounced minerality. The lower terraces of layered fertile loess contribute more body and ripeness. The combination of these two characteristics yields a classic Grüner Veltliner with both finesse and vigor — certified organic.

Food Pairings

• Wiener Schnitzel or roasted veal
• Grilled white fish, scallops, or sushi
• Asparagus, spring vegetables, or herb-forward dishes
• Fresh goat cheese or mild alpine cheeses

Product Details

• Producer: Weingut Bründlmayer
• Grape: Grüner Veltliner
• Appellation: Kamptal, Niederösterreich, Austria
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml

Expert Review — Vintage 2023

Wine Enthusiast — 89 Points (Tonya Pitts) | Fresh aromas of youthful strawberry, watermelon, and citrus zest on the nose. The palate is lively with raspberry jam, vanilla cream, orange peel, and clove — supported by supple tannins and a clean, dry finish.

Murphy-Goode Winery sources this Pinot Noir from premier cool-climate vineyards along the California coast, including Arroyo Seco, Santa Maria Valley, and Monterey. These exceptional growing sites maintain a perfect balance between vibrant dark fruit character and bright, refreshing acidity.

DELOACH PINOT NOIR CALIFORNIA 2024 | 750ML

🇺🇸 United States — Pinot Noir | California Delta Region

An expressive, fruit-forward California Pinot Noir from a long-time pioneer in sustainable winemaking. The nose opens with ripe cherry, raspberry, wild strawberry, rose petal, and subtle baking spice. On the palate, vibrant red berry flavors — cranberry, pomegranate, and ripe cherry — are framed by soft tannins and bright acidity, with a touch of vanilla and a silky texture that carries through to the elegant finish.

Sourced from a single grower partner DeLoach has worked with since 2009, with fruit primarily from the Delta region where the cooling influence of the Sacramento River preserves natural acidity and creates ideal conditions for Pinot Noir. Grapes are de-stemmed and cold-soaked for four days to extract color, followed by two weeks of maceration before fermentation — yielding softer tannins and layered flavors. The vineyards are California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) certified, with a focus on reducing carbon footprint as well as agricultural impact.

89 Points — Wine Enthusiast
“Lush, with aromas of raspberries, baking spices, toasty oak, leading up to a juicy finish with texture.”
— Tonya Pitts. (Vintage 2024). 

Pairs well with: Roasted salmon, duck breast, mushroom risotto, charcuterie, and soft cheeses.

Grape: Pinot Noir
Region: California Delta Region, United States
Vintage: 2024
Format: 750ml
Viticulture: CSWA Certified Sustainable
Score: 89 pts Wine Enthusiast

Jordan Winery | Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California | Chardonnay | 2023

Russian River Valley's cool, fog-driven climate is tailor-made for Chardonnay, and Jordan has long been one of its most elegant interpreters. A cool, steady 2023 growing season allowed for extended hang time, producing a wine of exceptional finesse and complexity — bright acidity, layered citrus and stone fruit, and a restrained touch of French oak that enhances without dominating. Versatile enough for the aperitif glass, refined enough for the table.

Oak: Hint of French oak
Drink: Now–2029

Tasting Notes

• White peach, Meyer lemon, lime zest, and delicate floral blossom on the nose
• Zesty lime, orange peel, crisp Bosc pear, and elderflower on the palate
• Focused, textural mouthfeel | Crystal-clean mineral finish | Refreshing acidity

Critical Acclaim

• 94 pts — The Somm Journal (July 2025), Best Aromatic Whites: "Intense up-front flavors with white-peppered lemon drop, sleek and lively. Crisp acidity brightens notes of elderflower, McIntosh apple, and hazelnut. The mineral tone is crystal clean and clear on the finish."
• 93 pts — James Suckling: "Aromas of flint, wet stones, Meyer lemons and lime zest with subtle white flowers. Focused and textural, with loads of minerals and citrus oil in the finish."

Pairings: Raw bar, oysters, grilled salmon, ahi tuna, roasted chicken, creamy pasta, light salads

Bodegas Escudero · Serna Imperial Reserva · Rioja Baja, Spain · 2015 · 750ml

The Escudero family started making wine in 1852, and four generations on it's still very much a family business. Of their 150 hectares of vineyards, 120 sit on the southern slopes of the Monte Yerga range in Rioja Baja, where the grapes for Serna Imperial are grown. The vines are around 40 years old and planted between 450 and 800 meters above sea level.

Predominantly Tempranillo, blended with Mazuelo and Garnacha, this Reserva spent 14 months in five-year-old American oak barrels followed by a further 28 months in bottle before release. The result is a mature, harmonious Rioja with real character, now showing the savory complexity that comes with age.

Winemaker Description

Brick red deep covered. Clean, complex and with a good intensity on the nose. Red fruit aromas well conjoined with those of the aging. Balsam, spices (pepper), tobacco and leather. Well structured, tasty, large, soft but with character and a good harmony in its flavors. Complex and retronasal clean.

Bodegas Escudero

Expert Reviews · Vintage 2015

The Escudero family started making wine in 1852 and, four generations on, it is still very much a family business. They own a total of 150ha of vineyards, of which 120ha are located on the southern slopes of the Monte Yerga mountain range, where the grapes for this wine are produced. The vines are grown at between 450m-800m above sea level and are approximately 40 years old. Predominantly made from Tempranillo blended with Mazuelo and Garnacha, this reserva was aged for 14 months in five-year-old American oak barrels followed by a further 28 months in bottle.

Decanter, 95 Points

Supple, juicy, well-balanced, fully rounded. A lovely vintage and a great wine.

Sarah Jane Evans, Decanter

A broad and generous mouthfeel, the tannic grip still persuasive, but acidity is wrapped around the black fruit core with subtle conviction.

Simon Field, Decanter

Liquorice and dark fruit, compact, quite complex, framed by muscular tannins, underlying depth that unfurls in the glass, and really good length. Drinking Window 2020 - 2023

Pierre Mansour, Decanter

Pairings & Serving

Serve at 60–65°F and give it 30 minutes to an hour in a decanter to open up. A classic partner for roast lamb, grilled steak, chorizo, jamón, wild mushrooms and aged Manchego.

Specs

• Producer: Bodegas Escudero
• Wine: Serna Imperial Reserva
• Vintage: 2015
• Appellation: Rioja Baja, Rioja, Spain
• Blend: Predominantly Tempranillo, with Mazuelo and Garnacha
• Vineyards: Southern slopes of Monte Yerga, 450–800m, ~40-year-old vines
• Aging: 14 months in five-year-old American oak, plus 28 months in bottle
• Rating: Decanter 95 points
• Size: 750ml

A 95-point, decade-old Rioja Reserva from a family making wine since 1852.

Mora & Memo "Tino" Vermentino di Sardegna — Sardinia, Italy 2024

Mora & Memo is the project of Elisabetta Pala, one of Sardinia's most celebrated winemakers, working from her family estate in Serdiana in the southeastern corner of the island. The winery is instantly recognizable by its iconic "Bandida" label — a stylized woman in traditional Sardinian dress — a symbol of the estate's balance between deep-rooted heritage and contemporary winemaking vision. Their Vermentino di Sardegna is a striking, modern expression of Sardinia's signature white grape: aromatic, textured, and mineral, with the kind of island freshness that makes it one of the most compelling Italian whites at any price. James Suckling awarded it 94 points.

The nose is clean and intensely aromatic: sliced lemon, green apple, white flowers, rosemary, thyme, and sage, with a delicate mineral underpinning from the island's ancient soils. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and beautifully textured — juicy acidity, a warm, full mouthfeel, and a long, mineral-laced finish with persistent vegetal and herbal notes. It is everything a great Sardinian Vermentino should be: vibrant, complex, and deeply satisfying.

James Suckling 94 — "A clean floral nose of sliced lemons, apples and white flowers with mineral nuances. The medium-bodied palate is textured and nicely framed, with juicy acidity and a mineral-laced finish."

• Producer: Mora & Memo (Elisabetta Pala), Serdiana, Sardinia, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Vermentino di Sardegna DOC
• Region: Sardinia, Italy
• Varietal: 100% Vermentino
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon, green apple, white flowers, rosemary, thyme, sage, mineral, juicy acidity, long herbal finish
• Best Paired With: Fritto misto, grilled sea bass, pasta with clams and bottarga, pesto, herb-heavy dishes, creamy vegetable soups

A 94-point Sardinian Vermentino from one of the island's most distinctive estates — Mora & Memo is the benchmark for what modern, terroir-driven Vermentino di Sardegna can deliver.

Weingut Petri Riesling Kabinett Herxheimer Honigsack Trocken — Pfalz, Germany 2023

The Honigsack vineyard in Herxheim am Berg is one of the Pfalz’s quietly revered single-vineyard sites — a place where Riesling finds its most precise, mineral expression. Weingut Petri has long understood this terroir, farming with care and bottling with restraint to let the vineyard speak for itself. The 2023 Kabinett Trocken is a dry Kabinett that delivers everything the Pfalz does best: crisp, focused fruit, lively acidity, and a stony mineral backbone that carries through to a long, clean finish. “Kabinett” designates the lightest and most delicate ripeness level in German Prädikat wine; “Trocken” means fully dry. The result is a wine of real complexity and precision at a price that makes it an everyday pleasure. Rand Sieger, 67Wine Buyer, calls it “great value and complexity at its price point.” At under $14, he is right.

The nose is fresh and inviting: green apple, citrus zest, and wet stone. On the palate, it is crisp, vibrant, and mineral-driven, with refreshing acidity and a long, clean, precise finish with a delightful apple core character. Just off-dry in feel, it balances fruit and minerality with effortless precision.

Rand Sieger, Wine Buyer, 67Wine — “Just off-dry with delightful green apple aromas and edgy minerality. Ends in a long, delicious apple core finish. Great value and complexity at its price point.”

• Producer: Weingut Petri, Herxheim am Berg, Pfalz, Germany
• Vintage: 2023
• Vineyard: Herxheimer Honigsack — single vineyard, Pfalz
• Classification: Kabinett Trocken (dry)
• Varietal: 100% Riesling
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Green apple, citrus zest, wet stone, mineral-driven, long apple core finish
• Best Paired With: Light seafood, sushi, oysters, fresh goat cheese, Asian cuisine, summer salads

A single-vineyard Pfalz Kabinett Trocken at an honest price — Petri Honigsack is the benchmark for what dry German Riesling can be.

Marcel Lapierre Raisins Gaulois VdP de Gaul Organic 2025

Marcel Lapierre is one of the founding fathers of the natural wine movement in Beaujolais, and Raisins Gaulois is his most joyful, approachable expression. Sourced from 60-year-old Gamay vines on granitic soils, the 2025 is vinified without sulfur using semi-carbonic maceration — the result is a wine that is pure, vibrant, and made to be drunk with abandon. Think red cherries, clementine zest, and a whisper of earth, with silky tannins and a refreshing finish. Serve slightly chilled.

• Producer: Marcel Lapierre
• Grape: 100% Gamay
• Region: VdP de Gaul, Beaujolais, France
• Vintage: 2025
• Size: 750ml
• Farming: Certified Organic, No Added Sulfur
• Vinification: Semi-carbonic maceration, 4–6 days; 2 months in cuve before release
• Alcohol: 12.5%

Pairs beautifully with roasted cod, coq au vin, prawn dumplings with sweet chilli sauce, or your next backyard barbecue.

Commanderie de Peyrassol | Cuvée des Commandeurs | Côtes de Provence Rosé | 2025 | 750ml

Few estates in Provence carry a history as remarkable as Peyrassol. Located in the heart of the appellation, the Commanderie was founded by the Knights Templar in the early Middle Ages — the first recorded grape harvest here dates to 1256. When the Templars were dissolved in 1311, the Knights of Malta assumed stewardship, maintaining the vineyards with characteristic precision until the French Revolution. The Rigord family purchased the estate in 1870, and today Françoise Rigord — who has been making wine here since 1981 — continues alongside her son François. Nearly eight centuries of uninterrupted winemaking, and the Cuvée des Commandeurs remains the estate's most beloved bottle.

Pale and luminous in the glass, this is quintessential Provence rosé: delicate, dry, and effortlessly elegant. Expect fresh strawberry, white peach, and citrus zest on the nose, with a clean, mineral-driven palate and a crisp, refreshing finish. This is the wine that spring and summer were made for.

Serve well chilled alongside black olives, tomato-based dishes, grilled fish, ratatouille, or a simple spread of Provençal charcuterie.

• Appellation: Côtes de Provence AOC, France
• Blend: Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah (traditional Provence blend)
• Style: Dry, pale rosé
• Vintage: 2025
• Serve: Well chilled, 8–10°C
• Pairs with: Grilled fish, ratatouille, tomato dishes, black olives, Provençal charcuterie

Flowers Vineyard & Winery | Chardonnay | Sonoma Coast AVA | California | 2024

Flowers Vineyard & Winery is a pioneer of the Far Sonoma Coast — one of California's most extreme and celebrated cool-climate wine regions. Perched on rugged coastal ridges just miles from the Pacific Ocean, Flowers has built its reputation on wines of exceptional tension, purity, and precision. Where most of California basks in warmth, the Far Sonoma Coast is defined by cold Pacific fog, relentless ocean winds, and a growing season that pushes Chardonnay to its limits — producing wines of remarkable focus, minerality, and longevity.

The Sonoma Coast Chardonnay captures the signature interplay between cool Pacific influence and bright California sun that defines this remarkable terroir. Energetic and bright, it balances mouthwatering acidity, fresh citrus, and an elegant, finely-woven texture with exceptional purity and precision.

Meyer lemon and just-ripe mandarin orange mingle with pithy herbaceous notes and a fine mist of green citrus oil. On the palate, savory preserved lemon and a hint of spice are supported by a backbone of persistent acidity. Briny ocean spray minerality lifts the tightly-knit texture, which expands across the mouth for a vibrant, lingering finish. Drink now through 2036.

A natural match for fresh oysters, Dungeness crab, grilled halibut, roasted chicken with lemon and thyme, and dishes with bright citrus or herb-driven sauces.

• Producer: Flowers Vineyard & Winery
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast AVA (Far Sonoma Coast), California, USA
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2024
• Style: Dry, crisp & mineral white
• Drink: Now through 2036
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2024

• Wine Enthusiast — 95 pts | Editor's Choice: Zesty lemon, lime, and green herb aromas mingle with citrus blossoms and cinnamon. The palate delivers a surge of vibrant acidity and pithy texture, with flavors of green apple, Meyer lemon, toasted hazelnut, and chopped lemon balm echoing for over a minute.
• Wine Spectator — 93 pts: Lemon sorbet and orange sherbet, plus lemongrass, lemon verbena, and fresh and dried ginger notes, with touches of saline and white tea on the long, detailed finish. Plenty of intensity and sleek, mouthwatering acidity. Drink now through 2036.

Winemaker Description

This Cabernet Sauvignon displays ripe blackcurrant and dried herb characters on the nose, backed up with spicy oak notes. The palate is smooth and soft with beautiful ripe tannins and a long finish.

About Excelsior

Excelsior Estate is a family-owned wine farm situated in the Robertson Valley of South Africa — one of the country’s most celebrated wine regions, known for its lime-rich soils, warm days, and cool nights that produce structured, fruit-forward reds. The de Wet family has farmed Excelsior for generations, combining traditional South African winemaking values with a commitment to quality and consistency. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is a benchmark Robertson Valley red: approachable, well-structured, and reliably excellent vintage after vintage. At under $15 with a convenient screwcap closure, it’s one of the best-value Cabs from the Southern Hemisphere.

Food Pairings

Grilled ribeye, lamb chops, BBQ, roasted chicken, pasta with meat sauce, and aged cheddar. A versatile everyday red that works equally well at a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend braai.

Product Details

• Producer: Excelsior Estate
• Region: Robertson Valley, Western Cape, South Africa
• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Closure: Screwcap
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Medium-to-full-bodied, fruit-forward South African Cabernet
• Format: 750ml

Hahn Estates SLH Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands 2023 750ml

Hahn Estates is one of Monterey’s most respected producers, and the SLH bottling is their flagship Pinot Noir — estate-grown in the Santa Lucia Highlands, one of California’s most celebrated cool-climate AVAs. The SLH sits at 1,200–2,200 feet elevation in the mountains above Monterey Bay, where the famous “wind-gap” effect funnels cold Pacific air and morning fog through the valleys each afternoon. The result is a long, slow growing season that builds extraordinary flavor complexity while preserving the bright acidity that makes great Pinot Noir possible.

The 2023 SLH is a standout — generous, deep, and deeply Californian, with a richness of fruit that is beautifully balanced by savory complexity and silky tannins. A clear step up from the standard California tier and a wine that punches well above its price.

"So generous, deep and flavorful, offering crushed raspberry and baked-cherry notes on soft tannins. Savory nuances of black tea, mushrooms and forest floor." — James Suckling, 93 pts. (Vintage 2023). 

• Producer: Hahn Estates, Soledad, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, California
• Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
• Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2023
• Elevation: 1,200–2,200 ft — Pacific wind-gap effect, morning fog
• Tasting Notes: Crushed raspberry, baked cherry, red plum, blackberry, black tea, mushroom, forest floor, allspice, silky tannins, long elegant finish
• Best Paired With: Roast duck, salmon, mushroom risotto, lamb chops, or soft ripened cheese
• James Suckling: 93

Estate-grown Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir at a rock-bottom price — Hahn SLH 2023 is the kind of discovery that makes you buy a case before it’s gone.

Ramon Canals · Cava Reserva Rosé · Organic · 2021

A full-bodied organic sparkling rosé with ripe red-fruit aromas, floral freshness and a subtle nutty character. Fine, persistent bubbles carry its generous fruit through a balanced palate and a long, clean finish. This is a versatile bottle for tapas, richer seafood dishes or a leisurely meal.

Producer & Winemaking

The Canals Canals family crafts this rosé Cava from 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Garnatxa (Garnacha). Made by the traditional method, it undergoes secondary fermentation in bottle and spends more than 24 months aging on its lees in the family's cellars. The wine is certified organic.

Winemaker Notes

Deep red-rose color with fine, persistent bubbles. Fresh and floral on the nose with ripened red fruits and a slightly nutty character. Perfectly balanced and full-bodied on the palate with a long, clean finish.

Awards & Acclaim · Vintage Not Specified

The listing records the following scores and awards without identifying the wine vintage assessed. Competition and guide years are retained below and should not be read as vintage dates.

James Suckling · 90 Points · Vintage Not Specified. Score listed; full review text is not provided.

• Gold Medal: Vinari Awards Barcelona Rosé International Bubbles Awards 2025
• Gold Medal: International Wine Awards 2024
• Gold Medal: Catavinum World Wine & Spirits Competition 2022
• Gourmets Guide · 92 Points: 2021 guide, Best Cavas

Pairing & Serving

Serve cold at 6–8°C (43–46°F). Pair with charcuterie and tapas, pasta or rice dishes, or oily fish. Its body also makes it a good match for seasoned white meats and red-meat stews.

Details

• Producer: Ramon Canals / Canals Canals family
• Vintage: 2021
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country: Spain
• Region: Catalonia
• Appellation: Cava
• Grapes: 85% Pinot Noir, 15% Garnatxa (Garnacha)
• Type: Sparkling rosé; Reserva
• Farming: Certified organic
• Method: Traditional method; secondary fermentation in bottle
• Aging: 24+ months on lees

Schramsberg · Blanc de Blancs 2023 · North Coast, California

Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs 2023 is a Chardonnay sparkling wine with bright apple, citrus and pear aromas framed by warm bread and pie-crust notes. Clean acidity and a tangy finish bring freshness to its juicy center.

Expert Reviews · Vintage 2023

James Suckling · 93 Points · February 2026 · Review Excerpt: A hint of reduction on the nose adds depth and minerality to aromas of sliced lemons, oyster shells, pie crust and grapefruit. The midweight palate shows precise acidity and a finely beaded mousse....

Wine Spectator · 93 Points · September 2026: Graceful and delicately structured, with pretty lemon, honeysuckle and blanched almond flavors that glide on the long, vibrant finish.

Winemaker Tasting Notes · 2023

Winemakers Sean Thompson, Jessica Koga and Hugh Davies: Our 2023 Blanc de Blancs greets the nose with bright aromas of fresh apple, pineapple, lemon blossom, and Asian pear; with warm touches of lemon meringue, fresh bread, and pie crust. On the palate, clean acidity is driven by green apple, lemon zest, and limeade. Hints of lemon curd and sugar cookie support a juicy, quenching center, with a tangy and clean finish.

The 2023 Growing Season

The 2023 growing season brought a welcome return to cooler, more moderate conditions across the North Coast after several dry, warm years. A wet winter replenished soils and delayed budbreak, followed by a mild summer that allowed for slow, even ripening. The resulting fruit shows exceptional balance and purity, with vibrant acidity and finely developed flavors.

About Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs

Blanc de Blancs (white from whites), made from Chardonnay, is the counterpart to the Blanc de Noirs (white from blacks), made from Pinot Noir. Blanc de Blancs was the first wine Schramsberg produced in 1965 and was America's first commercially produced Chardonnay-based brut sparkling wine. Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs gained international recognition in 1972 when then President Nixon served the wine at the historic Toast to Peace in Beijing, China.

The Schramsberg style of Blanc de Blancs is dry and crisp. Small lots of barrel fermented wines, some of which complete malolactic fermentation, are added to stainless-steel fermented wines to create added complexity in the blended base wine. After undergoing a second fermentation in bottle, the wine then ages on its yeast lees for about two years prior to disgorgement. With its vibrant, fruitful and focused nature, this sparkling wine will maintain its freshness, structure and refined finish for many years, even decades following its initial release.

Earlier Press · New York Times · December 21, 2023

Eric Asimov · Earlier Release, Not a Review of the 2023 Vintage: Schramsberg was one of California’s modern pioneers of sparkling wine, with 1965 as its first vintage. A lot has changed in California’s sparkling wine world since then, with many small producers now making excellent wines. But Schramsberg is still going strong. This blanc de blancs, made entirely from chardonnay, is creamy, toasty, crisp and fresh.

Food Pairings & Serving

Enjoy chilled as an apéritif or with fresh oysters and other shellfish, crab cakes, ceviche and grilled sea bass. It is also delicious with lemon chicken and Thai curries. Serve with aged Gouda and other hard cheeses, or as a counterpoint to soft triple creams.

Wine Details

• Producer: Schramsberg Vineyards
• Wine: Blanc de Blancs
• Vintage: 2023
• Origin: North Coast, California, United States
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Style: Brut sparkling wine
• Second fermentation: In bottle
• Bottle size: 750ml
• 2023 reviews: James Suckling 93 points; Wine Spectator 93 points

Bright Chardonnay fruit, toasty detail and a tangy finish for the table or an aperitif.

Cupcake Vineyards · Marlborough · New Zealand · 2025

Marlborough is Sauvignon Blanc country — a place where the long, sun-drenched days and cool nights of New Zealand’s South Island coax every last bit of aromatic intensity from the grape. Cupcake Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is a textbook expression of why this corner of the world has become one of the most exciting white wine regions on earth: vibrant, precise, and impossible to put down.

The nose is bright and expressive, leading with Meyer lemon, white nectarine, and key lime, then opening into hints of grapefruit, gooseberry, and fresh citrus blossom. On the palate it’s crisp and lively, with a clean, balanced finish that lingers just long enough to make you reach for another sip.

• Producer: Cupcake Vineyards
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Meyer lemon, white nectarine, key lime, grapefruit, gooseberry, citrus blossom
• Pairings: Oysters on the half shell, creamy lobster risotto, grilled fish, goat cheese, light salads

Bright, fresh, and endlessly drinkable — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc at its most approachable.

Domaine Delobel Touraine Sauvignon Blanc “Angle Droit” — Loire Valley 2024

Domaine Delobel is one of the Loire Valley’s most exciting organic estates, founded in 2013 by Benjamin Delobel in Ouchamps, on the celebrated Oisly vineyard. Working with 10 hectares of certified-organic Sauvignon Blanc — planted from mass selections to preserve old-vine complexity — Benjamin crafts wines that are, as the name “Angle Droit” (Right Angle) suggests, straight, pure, and technically precise. For fans of Sauvignon Blanc who find New Zealand styles too loud and Sancerre too expensive, this wine hits the perfect middle ground. Manual harvests at dawn, slow pneumatic pressing, stainless steel fermentation, and aging on lees deliver a wine of exceptional freshness and mineral clarity.

The nose is lively and inviting: dried hay, field grass, sliced green apple, and crabapple aromas converge in a satisfying, savory frame. On the palate, the wine washes across wet river stone with tart acidity accented by white blossom — mineral-driven, focused, and refreshingly precise. The finish is clean and lingering.

Wine Enthusiast 90 — Reggie Solomon: “This lively wine refreshes the senses. The mineral-driven palate washes across wet river stone with tart acidity accented by white blossom.”

• Producer: Domaine Delobel, Ouchamps, Touraine, Loire Valley, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Touraine AOC
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Farming: Certified Organic since 2013
• Vinification: Manual harvest, pneumatic press, stainless steel, aged on lees
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dried hay, green apple, crabapple, white blossom, wet river stone, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Goat cheese (Selles-sur-Cher, Crottin de Chavignol), oysters, fish ceviche, grilled sea bass, fresh asparagus

Pure, precise, and organically farmed — Domaine Delobel’s “Angle Droit” is the benchmark for honest, terroir-driven Touraine Sauvignon Blanc.

Zardetto · Prosecco Rosé DOC · Extra Dry · 750ml

The Producer

Zardetto is a Prosecco specialist from Conegliano in Italy's Veneto, the historic heart of Prosecco country. Their Rosé blends Glera, the classic Prosecco grape, with a touch of Pinot Noir for color and red-fruit charm.

Winemaker Description

Pale, delicate pink with violet hues, obtained from short contact with Pinot Noir skins. The perlage is lively, elegant and persistent. The nose is fruity, with golden apple, white peach and small berries intermingled with spring flowers. On the palate it's exuberant, lively and fragrant, with refreshing acidity balanced by fruit to create full, enveloping, almost creamy sensations. A modern, trendy aperitif for discerning palates and a versatile companion to a variety of foods.

Pairings & Serving

The ideal companion for every joyful cheers with friends. It's also perfect with avocado and shrimp salad, cream cheese tarts and raw shellfish. Serve well chilled, around 42–45°F.

Specs

• Producer: Zardetto
• Appellation: Prosecco Rosé DOC
• Region: Veneto, Italy
• Style: Sparkling Rosé, Extra Dry
• Grapes: Glera with Pinot Noir
• Size: 750ml

Pretty in pink, bright and bubbly. An easy yes for brunch, aperitivo or any excuse to celebrate.

Aslina Wines · Sauvignon Blanc · Stellenbosch · 2024

Aslina Wines Sauvignon Blanc Stellenbosch 2024 combines bright fruit, invigorating citrus and lemon zest with a silky, lingering finish. Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, it balances refreshing crispness with the texture and depth developed through extended time on the lees.

Producer & Story

Winemaker Ntsiki Biyela brings her Zulu heritage and personal vision to Aslina Wines. Originally from Zululand, she crafts wines that reflect both her cultural roots and an innovative spirit. This Stellenbosch Sauvignon Blanc offers a lively introduction to her work, with fruit-driven freshness and a textured palate.

Tasting Notes

Bright fruit and citrus lead the way, accented by lemon zest. Extended lees contact adds complexity and a silky texture, carrying the wine into a lingering finish without losing its refreshing character.

Winemaker Description

Aslina Wines
Aslina Sauvignon Blanc enchants the palate with an enticing fusion of bright fruit flavors, invigorating citrus notes, and a touch of lemon zest. This 100% Sauvignon Blanc boasts a complex profile, achieved through extended time on the lees, which imparts a silky, lingering finish. A wine that deftly balances refreshing crispness with surprising depth, Aslina Sauvignon Blanc is a delightful journey for the senses.

The versatility of Aslina Sauvignon Blanc makes it an ideal companion for a wide array of light meals. Its lively fruit and citrus character beautifully complements seafood dishes such as grilled shrimp or seared scallops, as well as fresh, zesty salads and tangy goat cheese. For a true culinary adventure, pair it with a delicate ceviche or a vibrant, herb-infused chicken dish. Best enjoyed chilled, Aslina Sauvignon Blanc will elevate your dining experience to new heights.

Women owned. 

Pairing & Serving

Serve chilled with grilled shrimp, seared scallops, ceviche, fresh salads, goat cheese or herb-infused chicken. Its citrus character and textured finish suit a range of light meals.

Details

• Producer: Aslina Wines
• Winemaker: Ntsiki Biyela
• Vintage: 2024
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country: South Africa
• Region: Stellenbosch
• Grape: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Type: White wine
• Winemaking: Extended time on the lees
• Dietary attribute: Vegan

Winemaker Description

The 2024 vintage in the Willamette Valley was a winemaker’s dream — cool, well-paced, and ideal for Elk Cove’s six estate vineyard sites: The Winery Estate, Mount Richmond, Five Mountain, Clay Court, Goodrich, and Windhill. A longer harvest window of 40 days allowed each block to receive optimal attention, yielding concentrated, fruit-forward wines with great complexity. The winery considers 2024 a potential classic Willamette Valley vintage.

Made from 100% estate-grown fruit spanning all three major Willamette Valley soil types, with both Pommard and Dijon clones represented. Each vineyard block is fermented separately in small, temperature-controlled steel tanks, hand punched down twice daily, then aged 10 months in French oak before careful blending. The result is Elk Cove’s most approachable, well-balanced Pinot Noir — fresh fruit, well-integrated alcohol, and great concentration of flavor.

Pairing Suggestions

• Poultry: Roasted duck with cherry sauce, herb-roasted chicken, or turkey with mushroom gravy.
• Meat: Lamb chops with rosemary, pork tenderloin with berry reduction, or salmon with pinot beurre blanc.
• Cheese: Aged Gruyère, Willamette Valley Brie, or a mild Oregon chevre.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

Wine Spectator 92 Points: Juicy and inviting, with tasty raspberry and mulberry notes infused with pine forest, red tea and wet earth accents. Keeps the fleshy, juicy feel through the lightly toasted finish. Drink now through 2028.

Winemaker Description

Lush, layered and complex, this enticing Pinot Noir draws you in with aromas of ripe raspberry and black cherry, alongside notions of pennyroyal, clove and sweet baking spices. On the palate, supple tannins and elegantly balanced acidity frame juicy flavors of blackberry and Bing cherry, with savory hints of nutmeg, leather and breakfast tea emerging on the long, robust finish.

Pairing Suggestions

• Poultry: Roasted duck with cherry reduction or herb-crusted chicken thighs.
• Meat: Lamb chops with rosemary or pork tenderloin with mushroom sauce.
• Cheese: Aged Gruyère, Brie, or a mild washed-rind cheese.

Bürklin-Wolf · Estate Riesling Trocken · Pfalz · 2025

Bürklin-Wolf Estate Riesling Trocken 2025 combines peach, quince and citrus with a bone-dry finish and a lively, zesty texture. This biodynamic Pfalz Riesling balances concentration and grip with the clarity and freshness highlighted in its 91-point Vinous review.

Producer & Terroir

Dr. Bürklin-Wolf is a historic estate in Germany’s Pfalz, with roots reaching back to the 17th century. Under Bettina Bürklin-von Guradze, the estate converted fully to biodynamic farming in 2005. Its approach emphasizes farming without synthetic inputs, attention to lunar cycles and hand harvesting, with a focus on expressing the character of its vineyards.

Vintage & Winemaking

The 2025 Estate Riesling comes from young vines across the estate. More than half was made in large oak, contributing to a wine with concentration, textural definition and bright freshness.

Tasting Notes

Peach is tempered by fragrant quince and citrus. The palate is fresh and zesty, with clear fruit, a textured sense of grip and a bone-dry profile. It is a focused, food-friendly expression of Pfalz Riesling.

Expert Review

Vinous, 91 Points · 2025
The 2025 Riesling comes from young vines across the estate. Peach is tempered and perfumed with quince and citrus. More than half of this was made in large oak and bounces with freshness, with a beautiful, zesty texture and wonderful, customary clarity. This has proper concentration and grip. (Bone-dry)

Pairing Suggestions

Try with grilled fish, oysters, sushi, roast chicken, soft cheeses or asparagus. The wine’s citrus character and dry finish make it a versatile companion at the table.

Details

• Producer: Dr. Bürklin-Wolf
• Wine: Estate Riesling Trocken
• Vintage: 2025
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country: Germany
• Region/Appellation: Pfalz
• Grape: Riesling
• Type: White wine
• Style: Trocken, bone-dry
• Farming: Biodynamic
• Dietary attribute: Vegan

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

93 Points Wine Spectator: "This packs in some serious plum compote and cassis flavors, liberally wrapped in dark licorice and finishing with a swath of sweet toast and tobacco on the broad finish. Nice mineral underpinning keeps it honest. Fairly accessible despite its heft."

Winemaker Description

The Cabernet opens with fresh fruit, aromas of black currant, ripe raspberry, wild sage, graphite, crushed rose petals, and fennel seed. The palate is elegant, complex, rich, and refreshing with a long finish that is supported by supple tannin and beautifully integrated French Oak.

Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot

About the Producer

Since first working in her family's Mendocino vineyards, Kathryn Hall dreamed of a place to showcase fine wines alongside expressive art and masterful architecture. Now, Kathryn and Craig Hall have created an unrivalled destination in the Napa Valley — where more than 30 years of winemaking excellence and innovation meets contemporary design to celebrate life and inspire the senses.

The Halls acquired the historic St. Helena Bergfeld Winery in 2003 and re-opened as HALL St. Helena in July of that year. With a rich history spanning 150 years, HALL St. Helena was once the home of the Napa Valley Co-Op, producing 40% of Napa Valley's wines. In 2013, the Hall family completed the restoration of the 1885 Bergfeld Winery — California's first LEED® Gold Certified winery — alongside a stunning Visitor Center and state-of-the-art gravity flow winemaking facility.

HALL's estate vineyards encompass more than 500 acres of classic Bordeaux varietals. As winegrowers, the Halls have a strong respect for the environment and a commitment to cutting-edge vineyard technology. Under the artisanship of winemaker Megan Gunderson, HALL Wines continue to set new heights in Napa Valley winemaking.

Château Lilian Ladouys — Saint-Estèphe Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel 2020

Château Lilian Ladouys is one of Saint-Estèphe’s most exciting estates — and the 2020 vintage may be its finest hour. Owned by the Lorenzetti family and now classified as Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel (the top tier of the new classification), Lilian Ladouys consistently punches well above its weight, delivering Classified Growth quality at a fraction of the price. The 2020 vintage — one of Bordeaux’s greatest in a generation — is big, bold, and built for the long haul.

Dark fruits, damp earth, truffle, cassis, licorice, and a deft touch of creamy oak define the nose. On the palate, powerful yet polished tannins frame a concentrated, medium-to-full-bodied wine with exceptional length and a racy, structured finish. Already showing complexity, it will evolve gracefully for 10–15 years and beyond.

Wine Enthusiast 93–95 • Decanter 93 • Jeb Dunnuck 92 • James Suckling 92 • Robert Parker 91+

• Producer: Château Lilian Ladouys, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux
• Vintage: 2020
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel
• Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cassis, dark fruit, truffle, damp earth, licorice, creamy oak, powdery tannins
• Cellar Potential: Best after 2025–2027; will evolve through 2035+
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, beef tenderloin, duck confit, truffle dishes, aged hard cheeses

One of the clear leaders of the Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel category — Lilian Ladouys 2020 is a Saint-Estèphe benchmark at a remarkable price.