2010 - Present Wine

Domaine Christophe Mittnacht Pinot Blanc — Alsace, France 2024

Domaine Mittnacht is one of Alsace's most respected and pioneering family estates — founded in 1958 and today led by Christophe and Yuka Mittnacht from their base in Hunawihr, a village at the heart of the Alsace wine route surrounded by some of the region's finest vineyard sites. Christophe was an early pioneer of the biodynamic movement in Alsace, believing that biologically complex, complete soils are essential for producing elegant, terroir-driven wines. The domaine was officially certified biodynamic in 1999 — one of the very first in all of Alsace — and continues to farm with minimal intervention, using neutral wood and tank to let the soil sing. Their old vine holdings include the Grand Cru Rosacker (where the fabled Clos-St.-Hune is located), as well as excellent sites between Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr. Christophe harvests balanced fruit and deliberately avoids the excesses of alcohol and residual sugar that can mask the freshness and florality that make Alsace so special.

The Pinot Blanc is a richer style, yet still fresh and elegant — a hallmark of Mittnacht's biodynamic approach. Mouthwatering acidity enlivens flavors of citrus, apricot, and lemon zest, leading to a stony and floral finish that is unmistakably Alsatian. Precise, expressive, and beautifully delicate.

"A richer style of Pinot Blanc, yet still fresh and elegant. Mouthwatering acidity enlivens flavors of citrus, apricot and lemon zest, leading to a stony and floral finish." — Domaine Mittnacht, Winemaker

• Producer: Domaine Christophe Mittnacht, Hunawihr, Alsace, France (est. 1958)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Alsace AOC
• Varietal: Pinot Blanc
• Farming: Certified Biodynamic (since 1999)
• Winemaking: Minimal intervention, neutral wood and tank
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, apricot, lemon zest, mouthwatering acidity, stony and floral finish
• Style: Medium-bodied, fresh, elegant, dry
• Drink: Now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, oysters, choucroute garnie, roast chicken, soft cheeses, asparagus, light pasta

Biodynamic Alsace Pinot Blanc from one of the region's pioneering estates — Mittnacht 2024 is fresh, floral, and a benchmark of what organic farming can achieve in Alsace.

RouteStock | Pinot Noir | Sonoma Coast AVA | California | 2023

RouteStock is a California label built around the idea that great wine should be accessible — that world-class terroir doesn’t have to come with a world-class price tag. Their Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir draws from one of California’s most celebrated cool-climate appellations, where Pacific fog and coastal winds push grapes to their expressive limits. The 2023 is a textbook example of what makes this region so compelling: complexity, tension, and a savory depth that punches well above its price.

The nose is brooding and aromatic — dried herbs, toasted hazelnuts, blood orange peel, and a whisper of lavender. On the palate, bright red-cherry acidity and crunchy minerality frame an appealing umami core, with flavors of shiitake mushroom, bay laurel, brambly berries, and cooked red and blackberries woven through with woodsy spice. Rich and complex, yet bright and inviting — a Sonoma Coast Pinot that delivers far beyond its price point.

• Producer: RouteStock
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast AVA, California
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 750ml
• Pairings: Roast duck, grilled salmon, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, mushroom risotto, charcuterie with prosciutto and mild cheeses

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2023 

• The Tasting Panel — 92 pts: Punches way above its price. Savory tilled earth and loam, red-cherry acidity, crunchy minerality, and an umami core with brambly berries and woodsy spice.

Winemaker Description

Columbia Crest H3 Red Blend is focused and generous, open-textured and inviting. Sourced from Horse Heaven Hills — one of Washington State's most celebrated AVAs — this approachable yet complex red blend delivers cherry, currant, red plum, and raspberry jam flavors with a smooth, well-rounded finish.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby in color with aromas of ripe dark cherry, blackcurrant, and a hint of toasted oak. The palate is plush and fruit-forward with flavors of red plum, raspberry jam, and subtle spice. Medium-bodied with soft tannins and a smooth, lingering finish.

Food Pairings

Pairs beautifully with grilled burgers, BBQ ribs, roasted chicken, pasta with meat sauce, and aged cheddar. A versatile everyday red from one of Washington's most trusted producers.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: 2021
Region: Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington State, USA
Appellation: Horse Heaven Hills AVA
Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
Producer: Columbia Crest
Style: Red Blend, Dry, Medium-Bodied

Winemaker Notes

The 2023 Far Niente Chardonnay enchants with a bouquet of citrus, white floral, and hints of honeydew melon and nectarine. Its silky texture and bright, refreshing palate dance with flavors of lemon/lime zest and lemon verbena, culminating in a long, juicy finish.

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023

Tasting Panel — 97 Points
"The combination of Carneros’ maritime climate and the volcanic soils of Coombsville lends a hand in creating one of the most deluxe Chardonnays our team has had the pleasure of tasting. Augmented by sweet vanilla cream, elderflower, and white cherry, the mouthfeel is exquisitely graceful, and notes of key lime, herbed lemon, and luscious ripe pineapple are opulent to the end. Aged sur lie in French oak barrels."

James Suckling — 93 Points
"Pure aromas of lemon confit, poached Asian pears, pastry and lanolin. The palate is medium-bodied with focused acidity and a creamy texture, giving notes of lime curd, orange blossoms, yellow apples and flint. Very well constructed and polished."

Forbes Magazine (Jeanette Hurt)
"A blend of superlative Napa Valley vineyards located in Coombsville. The 2023 vintage enchants with a bouquet of citrus, white floral, and hints of honeydew melon and nectarine. Its silky texture and bright, refreshing palate dance with flavors of lemon/lime zest and lemon verbena, culminating in a long, juicy finish."

About Far Niente

Far Niente is one of Napa Valley’s most iconic and historic estates, founded in 1885 and restored to its current glory in 1979 by Gil Nickel. The name — Italian for “dolce far niente,” or “the sweetness of doing nothing” — reflects the estate’s philosophy of unhurried, meticulous winemaking. Far Niente’s Estate Chardonnay is sourced from their own vineyards in Coombsville and Carneros, two of Napa’s coolest and most prized white wine growing areas. Aged sur lie in French oak barrels, it is consistently one of California’s benchmark Chardonnays — rich, precise, and built to age.

Food Pairings

Lobster, Dungeness crab, pan-seared halibut, roasted chicken with cream sauce, risotto, soft ripened cheeses, and truffle dishes. A luxurious Chardonnay built for the finest occasions.

Product Details

• Producer: Far Niente
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Vineyards: Coombsville & Carneros
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Aging: Sur lie, French oak barrels
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Rich, precise, age-worthy Napa Chardonnay
• Format: 750ml

Dashwood Sauvignon Blanc 2025 750ml is a classically Marlborough white wine sourced from two of the region's most celebrated sub-regions — the Wairau Valley and the Awatere Valley. Crafted by Chief Winemaker Stu Marfell, it captures the vibrant, aromatic character that has made Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc a benchmark for the style worldwide.

The wine opens with distinct, punchy aromas of guava, gooseberry, and citrus peel, underpinned by delicate floral and herbaceous notes. On the palate, tropical fruits, zesty lime citrus, and minerality come together with a crisp, lively acidity and an elegant, energetic finish. Fermented in stainless steel at cool temperatures to preserve fresh aromatics and fruit purity.

Pairs beautifully with fresh seafood, oysters, goat cheese, green salads, and light herb-driven dishes.

"Tropical and aromatic, with a nose of guavas, dried mangoes and jalapeños. Light- to medium-bodied with fresh acidity. Succulent lemon character at the center, with a mouthwatering finish."
— James Suckling, 90 Points (Vintage 2025)

• Producer: Dashwood
• Appellation: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Grape Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
• Vintage: 2025
• Style: Crisp, aromatic, fruit-forward Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
• Closure: Screwcap
• Format: 750ml
• Country: New Zealand

Winemaker Notes

Black cherry, blackberry, and chocolate aromas, complemented by hints of dried culinary herbs, provide a fruit-forward, savory profile. The palate displays balanced flavors of black currant, mocha, and vanilla, leading to an elegant, velvety finish.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with purple hues
• Nose: Black cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate and dried culinary herbs
• Palate: Black currant, mocha and vanilla with smooth, well-integrated tannins
• Finish: Elegant and velvety with lingering fruit and spice

Production Details

• Winery: Kendall-Jackson
• Region: California (Sonoma County)
• Classification: Vintner's Reserve
• Blend: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec
• Vintage: 2023 | Format: 750ml

Kendall-Jackson's Vintner's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from premier California wine regions, delivering consistent quality and approachable elegance vintage after vintage. Pairs beautifully with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, aged cheddar, and hearty pasta dishes.

One of Tuscany's most celebrated organic estates, Fontodi Chianti Classico Organic 2020 is a benchmark expression of 100% Sangiovese from the heart of Panzano's legendary Conca d'Oro — the "Golden Shell" — a privileged south-facing amphitheater of vineyards in the Chianti Classico DOCG. Certified organic, structured, and deeply terroir-driven, this is Chianti Classico at its most authentic and compelling.

Fontodi & the Conca d'Oro

Fontodi has been certified organic for decades, farming 100% Sangiovese with an unwavering commitment to terroir expression and minimal intervention. Situated in Panzano's Conca d'Oro — a sun-drenched bowl of south-facing vineyards considered among the finest sites in all of Chianti Classico — the estate produces wines of remarkable energy, structure, and longevity. The 2020 vintage is slightly more reserved and structured than recent opulent years, offering a classic, high-energy profile that rewards decanting or further cellaring.

Critical Acclaim — 2020 Vintage

94 Points — James Suckling: "Subtle aromas of sliced strawberries and cherries with some orange peel follow through to a medium body with succulent tannins and a bright and tangy finish. Lovely energy in this one. So good now. From organically grown grapes."

93 Points — Wine Spectator: "Rich and velvety, laced with black cherry, blackberry, violet and mineral flavors. Driven by vibrant acidity and backed by well-mannered tannins. Shows excellent balance and length."

92 Points — Decanter: "This flagship Chianti Classico from the renowned Fontodi estate has not lost its identity, deeply rooted in a sun-drenched stretch of Panzano's Conca d'Oro. The 2020 version has all the ripe dark fruit and assertive tannins that come so neatly into balance. It finishes with its signature bitter liquorice twist."

92+ Points — Vinous (Antonio Galloni): "The 2020 Chianti Classico offers notable tension to balance the natural richness that is such a signature here. Dark red cherry, leather, spice, rose petal, dried herbs and wild flowers all grace this nuanced Chianti Classico. I would not plan on opening this too young."

91 Points — Wine Advocate: "A certified organic wine, the Fontodi 2020 Chianti Classico shows dark fruit and blackberry with earthy sensations of crushed stone that reflect the schistous soils found in this area of the appellation. Drinking 2023–2030."

17++ — Jancis Robinson: "100% Sangiovese. Certified organic. Lots of juice on the palate and plenty of grainy but ripe tannins in perfect harmony with the succulent fruit. Drinking 2023–2032."

Tasting Profile

Youthful ruby with vibrant clarity. The nose is subtle and enticing — sliced strawberry, dark cherry, rose petal, dried herbs, leather, and a hint of baked earth. On the palate it's medium to full-bodied with succulent, grainy tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long finish with a signature bitter liquorice twist. Classic Sangiovese energy and precision.

Details

2020 | 100% Sangiovese | Panzano, Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany, Italy | Certified Organic | 750ml

Food Pairings & Serving

Decant 30–45 minutes. Serve at 61–64°F. A natural match for bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, roasted lamb, and aged Pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano. Drinking beautifully now through 2032.

Álvaro Palacios | Camins del Priorat | Priorat DOQ | Catalonia, Spain | 2024

Álvaro Palacios is one of Spain's most celebrated winemakers, the visionary who put Priorat on the world map with his legendary L'Ermita and Finca Dofí. Camins del Priorat — "paths of Priorat" — is his entry into the appellation, but make no mistake: this is a serious wine crafted with the same philosophy and terroir access that defines the estate. The 2024 vintage, a cooler year, yielded a particularly elegant and balsamic expression.

The blend leans into Garnacha (40%) and Cariñena (20%), with Syrah (20%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), Merlot (5%), and a small addition of white grapes — Garnacha Blanca, Picapoll Blanc, and Pedro Ximénez (5%) — adding aromatic lift. Fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel, oak, and concrete, with 28 days of maceration and four months in barriques and oak vats.

Deep purple in the glass, the nose is balsamic and minty with resin, violets, and dark berry. On the palate, warm mulberry, plum, and lingonberry are framed by cinnamon, dried lavender, sage, and sweet paprika, with graphite and cocoa powder accents. Fine, chalky tannins and bright acidity give it a stylish, palate-cleansing finish with excellent length. Juicy, velvety, and built to drink now through 2036.

• Producer: Álvaro Palacios
• Appellation: Priorat DOQ, Catalonia, Spain
• Blend: 40% Garnacha, 20% Cariñena, 20% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 5% white grapes
• Vintage: 2024
• Aging: 4 months in barriques and oak vats
• Drink: Now through 2036
• Production: ~175,000 bottles
• Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2024 

• Wine Spectator — 93 pts: Warm mulberry, plum and lingonberry with cinnamon, dried lavender, graphite and cocoa. Fine, chalky tannins and bright acidity. Stylish and appealing with good length. Drink now through 2036.
• Wine Advocate (Luis Gutiérrez) — 92 pts: Juicy and velvety with finesse and drinkability. Very balsamic and minty nose with hints of resin and violets. Textured and fruit-driven.

About the Wine

Sanford Winery is one of Santa Barbara County's pioneering estates, with deep roots in the Santa Rita Hills AVA — a cool, wind-swept corridor that produces some of California's most compelling Chardonnay.

The 2023 vintage is crafted under the direction of winemaker Trey Fletcher, whose minimal-intervention philosophy allows the vineyard's natural character to lead.

90 pts — Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Composed primarily of young vines from La Rinconada planted in heavier soils, the 2023 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills is pure, floral and orchard fruit-driven, with a seamless, lifted palate that boasts remarkable textural precision and a chalky, high-toned finish." (Vintage 2023).

90 pts — Vinous: "The 2023 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) is a soft, gentle white that speaks in hushed tones — very elegant and approachable. White flowers, chamomile and pear are some of the notes that emerge with air, all motivated by saline-tinged acids." (Vintage 2023). 

Tasting Notes

Bright and aromatic on the nose with grilled lemon, dried flowers, and chamomile. The palate is silky and intensely mineral, with orchard fruit precision and a chalky, high-toned finish. Saline-tinged acidity keeps the wine fresh and lifted throughout.

Food Pairings

A natural match for shellfish, oysters, sushi, light seafood dishes, and fresh appetizers. Also lovely alongside roasted chicken or soft cheeses.

Meet the Winemaker — Trey Fletcher

Trey believes the vineyard and its farming are the cornerstone of wine quality. With eight years at Bien Nacido Vineyards and experience at Littorai Wines and in Napa Valley, he brings a seasoned, terroir-driven approach to every vintage at Sanford.

Wine Details

• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Appellation: Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Style: Elegant, mineral-driven white

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.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2019

Vinous (Neal Martin) 97 Points: Beguiling bouquet with red berry fruit, truffle and light Provençal herb scents, beautifully defined. Medium-bodied with pliant tannins — exquisite in terms of balance, silky smooth, building gradually with a harmonious and quite effortless finish. Divine. A stellar showing.

Decanter (Georgina Hindle) 97 Points: Rich, full and heady nose. Ripe blackcurrant, red cherries, raspberries and strawberries with mint, black pepper and truffle. Excellent precision and density with a seductive dark chocolate edge. Powerful, muscular and confident, yet with suppleness — density and grace with a cooling finish of liquorice, mint and soft salinity. A great wine.

James Suckling 95 Points: Perfumed nose of mulberries, plums, chocolate orange and cloves. Medium-to-full bodied with firm, ripe tannins. Caressing, velvety and rich core of dark fruit. So supple and polished. 88.5% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.5% Cabernet Franc. Drink after 2024.

Wine Advocate (William Kelley) 94 Points: Fleshy and dramatic, wafting from the glass with aromas of ripe berry fruit mingled with subtle hints of truffle and violets, new oak already entirely integrated. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and seamless, broad and textural with lively acids, powdery tannins and fine length on the finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points: Elegant, solid Pomerol delivering spicy red and black cherry fruits, notes of cedary herbs and flowers, medium-bodied richness, silky yet building tannins, and a great finish. Will benefit from 3–5 years of bottle age and keep for 15–20 years.

Winemaker Description

Château Gazin is one of Pomerol’s most storied estates, neighboring the legendary Pétrus on the plateau’s finest clay soils. The 2019 is a benchmark expression — a blend of 88.5% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4.5% Cabernet Franc — that showcases the appellation’s signature combination of opulence and precision. Silky, seamless, and built for the long haul, it is a wine of remarkable harmony and effortless grace.

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Roasted lamb rack with truffle jus, beef tenderloin, or duck confit with cherry reduction.
• Classic Bordeaux: Venison with wild mushrooms, braised short ribs, or a classic French cassoulet.
• Cheese: Aged Comté, Ossau-Iraty, or a rich washed-rind cheese.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points: Classic granite notes of cassis and darker cherries, graphite, crushed stone, pepper, and violets all emerge from the 2023 Saint Joseph Offerus. Medium-bodied, focused, and beautifully balanced on the palate, with textbook Saint Joseph tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and a crisp, mineral-laced finish. Will evolve nicely over the coming 8–10 years.

Winemaker Description

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Saint Joseph OFFERUS 2023 750ml

The Offerus is produced by Chave Sélection, the négociant arm of the legendary Chave family — one of the Northern Rhône’s most revered dynasties. While the Domaine’s own Saint-Joseph commands upwards of $130, the Offerus delivers a similar pedigree and granite-driven terroir character at a fraction of the price. Pure Syrah sourced from the granitic hillsides of Saint-Joseph, it is a benchmark insider value in the appellation and a testament to the Chave family’s uncompromising standards across every tier of their portfolio.

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Grilled lamb chops with herbes de Provence, roasted duck breast, or beef daube.
• Classic French: Hearty cassoulet, charcuterie board, or braised short ribs with olives.
• Cheese: Aged Comté, Saint-Nectaire, or a firm washed-rind cheese.

Bassermann-Jordan Riesling Trocken — Pfalz, Germany 2024

Bassermann-Jordan is one of Germany's most historic and prestigious wine estates — a founding member of the VDP, Germany's elite organization of top quality wine producers, and a name synonymous with the finest dry Riesling from the Pfalz. The estate's roots in Deidesheim stretch back to 1718, when Pierre Jordan purchased the family's first vineyards in the Pfalz. Johann-Peter Jordan built the winery in Deidesheim 65 years later, and around the turn of the century, Andreas Jordan elevated quality winemaking in the region by becoming one of the first growers to plant single varieties by vineyard and vinify each vineyard separately — a revolutionary approach that set the standard for precision winemaking in Germany. A marriage between the Bassermann and Jordan families added the Bassermann name in 1883, cementing the estate's place at the pinnacle of Pfalz winemaking. Today, the estate farms organically, bringing the same commitment to quality and terroir expression to every bottle.

The Riesling Trocken is the estate's classic dry Pfalz expression — a wine that shows the style of the house and the typicality of the different soils around the winery. Fine fruit, elegant acidity, and gripping minerality define the palate — dry, focused, and unmistakably Pfalz. Clean and precise on the finish, with the kind of mineral backbone that makes great German Riesling so compelling at the table.

"A dry Palatinate Riesling with fine fruit, elegant acidity and gripping minerality — it shows the style of the house and the typicality of the different soils around the winery." — Bassermann-Jordan, Winemaker

• Producer: Bassermann-Jordan, Deidesheim, Pfalz, Germany
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Pfalz, Germany
• Classification: VDP member estate
• Varietal: 100% Riesling
• Style: Trocken (Dry)
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fine fruit, elegant acidity, gripping minerality, dry and focused, clean mineral finish
• Drink: Now through 2030
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, sushi, oysters, roast pork, Asian cuisine, soft cheeses, aperitivo

VDP Pfalz Riesling from one of Germany's oldest estates — Bassermann-Jordan Trocken 2024 is dry, mineral, and organically farmed.

Winemaker Description

The Pazo de La Cuesta Godello Ribeira Sacra Blanco 2023 is a Galician white of excellent expression, crafted from hand-harvested Godello grapes in the steep, terraced vineyards of Ribeira Sacra. After destemming, the grapes undergo cold pre-fermentation maceration for 6 hours, followed by slow fermentation in stainless steel below 20°C for 60–70 days. The wine then ages for 4 months on fine lees with weekly rackings, building texture and complexity while preserving freshness.

Tasting Notes

Bright pale yellow with a steely rim. The nose is subtle and delicate — white flowers, stone fruit, citrus, and a touch of anise. On the palate, rich and fresh with excellent balance, vibrant acidity, and a long, pleasantly bitter finish that is the hallmark of great Godello.

Pairing Suggestions

• Seafood: Grilled scallops, steamed clams, octopus a la gallega, or grilled branzino.
• Light dishes: Goat cheese, white asparagus, or a simple roast chicken with herbs.
• Aperitif: Serve well chilled — a natural match for Galician tapas.

Buyer's Description

"A good Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is arguably one of the most dependable wines to serve with mid-week meals. One such Montepulciano is the Frentana Rubesto Riseva 2020. Brightly flavored, elegant and well balanced, with mouth filling cherry fruit, spicy complexity and  lifted acidity that complements food so perfectly. Pizza and pasta are always what come to mind, but this is a wine that can also partner well with roasted chicken, salmon, tuna  and vegetarian menus. Turn your mid-week mediocre meals into something more special. A good bottle of wine can make the difference!""  Bart Hopkins

Winemaker Description

Very intense ruby red color, with aging it appears garnet; highlights smell remarkably complex, with aromas of black cherry, violet, vanilla and spicy notes. It goes perfectly with meat dishes of the Abruzzo’s cuisine, particularly the lamb, but also roast or braised veal and mature cheese.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux) 91 Points | Crisp citrus, white pear, a ton of peach juice, slate, cloves, this is unfussy, easy drinking, and great value. Pierre Lurton home estate.

James Suckling 91 Points | Light, crispy stone fruit with gooseberries and guava. Dry, this has light to medium body and good acidity. Medium finish.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni/Neal Martin) 90 Points | Just bottled, the 2024 Marjosse is pretty hard to beat for its quality and price. Brisk, dry and inviting... White flowers, citrus peel, mint and almond linger."

Albert Mann Gewurztraminer Biodynamic — Alsace 2022

Domaine Albert Mann is heralded the world over as one of Alsace's top-tier producers. Guided by certified organic and biodynamic farming, the Domaine cultivates precisely controlled yields from estate fruit averaging 35 years old, coaxing grapes of elevated maturity and complexity from Alsace's storied soils. Never heavy, clumsy, or out of balance, each carefully crafted vintage presents a beautiful delineation of flavors and precise textures that are unmistakably Albert Mann.

The 2022 Gewurztraminer opens with rich aromas of yellow rose, lychee, and exotic spice, followed by a palate of remarkable elegance — a delicate creaminess, beautifully integrated touch of sweetness, and a freshness rarely seen in this grape variety. The finish is long, aromatic, and poised. From biodynamically grown grapes.

James Suckling 93 — “Rich and very elegant, with a lovely interplay of yellow rose aromas, delicate creaminess and remarkably elegant acidity. Drink or hold.”

• Producer: Domaine Albert Mann, Alsace, France
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Alsace AOC
• Varietal: 100% Gewurztraminer
• Farming: Certified Organic & Biodynamic
• Vine Age: Averaging 35 years
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Yellow rose, lychee, exotic spice, cream, integrated sweetness, elegant acidity
• Best Paired With: Spiced Asian cuisine, foie gras, Munster cheese, roasted pork with fruit, Thai curry

A benchmark Alsace Gewurztraminer from one of the region’s most committed biodynamic estates — expressive, elegant, and built to impress.

St. Francis Chardonnay — Sonoma County, California 2023

St. Francis Winery has been crafting benchmark Sonoma County wines since 1979, and their Chardonnay remains one of the appellation’s most reliable values. The 2023 is a lighter-styled, nimble expression — elegant rather than opulent — with a creamy mouthfeel balanced by refreshing minerality on the finish. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 91 points, calling it a wine that delivers genuine Sonoma character at an honest price.

The nose opens with lemon peel, white flowers, tangerine, butterscotch, and baked apple. On the palate, D’Anjou pear, fresh apple, almond, and Meyer lemon zest emerge with a creamy texture that gives way to a clean, mineral-driven finish with notes of orange blossom and spice.

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points — “This lighter-styled and nimble Chard brings aromas of lemon peel, white flowers and tangerine on the nose, giving way to flavors of pear, river rocks, spice and orange blossom on the palate and finish.” — Tom R. Capo

• Producer: St. Francis Winery, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Sonoma County, California
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon peel, white flowers, tangerine, baked apple, D’Anjou pear, almond, Meyer lemon zest, orange blossom, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Roast chicken, grilled halibut, lobster bisque, creamy pasta, soft cheeses

A 91-point Sonoma Chardonnay that delivers elegance and minerality at an everyday price — St. Francis is the benchmark.

Winemaker Description

An initial impression of rich, buttery cream quickly turns to aromas of honey and lightly toasted almonds, followed by tropical aromas of pineapple, citrusy lemon, and crème brûlée. The wine is refreshing on the palate, with a minerality that is both bright and clean, drawing you into a vibrant tartness and lemon zest that is absolutely, positively Bonterra Chardonnay — vintage after vintage.

About Bonterra Organic Vineyards

Bonterra has been a pioneer of organic farming in California since 1987, sourcing grapes from certified organic vineyards in Mendocino County — one of California's most pristine and naturally diverse wine regions. Their commitment to farming without synthetic pesticides or herbicides results in wines that are expressive, terroir-driven, and sustainably produced.

Food Pairings

Perfect with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, seafood pasta, soft cheeses, and light cream sauces. A crowd-pleasing organic Chardonnay for any occasion.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: 2023
Region: Mendocino County, California, USA
Appellation: Mendocino County AVA
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
Farming: Certified Organic
Producer: Bonterra Organic Vineyards
Style: White Wine, Dry

Castello di Bossi | Chianti Classico Gran Selezione | Organic | 2020

Gran Selezione is the apex of the Chianti Classico pyramid — a single-vineyard or best-barrel selection aged a minimum of 30 months before release. Castello di Bossi's 2020 version is a textbook example of why this category matters. Sourced from the estate's southern Gaiole in Chianti holdings and certified organic, it spent 24 months in large 40–50HL casks — a deliberate choice that preserves Sangiovese's aromatic lift while building structure without over-oaking. The 2020 vintage delivered warm, even ripening across Tuscany, and Bossi channeled that richness into a wine of explosive intensity and remarkable finesse. Deep ruby with garnet lights, it opens with black cherry, plum, cedar, sweet spice, dark chocolate, and a whisper of saddle leather. The palate is fleshy and dense, yet balanced, with a very pronounced, lingering finish. Drink now with confidence, or cellar through 2034.

• Appellation: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
• Varietal: Sangiovese
• Vintage: 2020
• Format: 750ml
• Aging: 24 months in 40–50HL large casks
• Certification: Certified Organic
• Drink Window: Now – 2034

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2020

Vinous — Antonio Galloni | 92 Points: Gorgeous. Floral, lifted and quite expressive, the 2020 has a lot to offer. It marries the richness of this southern district with lovely aromatic presence and a good bit of brightness. A complete, deeply satisfying wine to drink now and over the next decade or so. Drink 2024–2034.

Pairing Suggestions

• Classic Tuscan: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, or pappardelle with meat sauce.
• Meat: Roasted lamb rack, braised short ribs, or aged beef tagliata.
• Cheese: Aged Pecorino Toscano, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or a firm sheep’s milk cheese.

Bogle Vineyards · Essential Red · California · 2023 · 750ml

Bogle Vineyards has been farming the Sacramento Valley since 1968, and the Essential Red is the wine that best captures their philosophy: exceptional quality at an honest price. Sourced from estate vineyards spanning Dunnigan Hills, Clarksburg, and Lodi, the 2023 vintage benefited from a long, temperate summer and extended hang time that allowed for slow, even ripening across all varieties. The blend — 44% Petite Sirah, 32% Teroldego, 15% Syrah, and 9% Zinfandel — is aged for twelve months in a combination of American and French oak, adding warmth and structure without sacrificing the wine's natural generosity. Certified by the California Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free. At $9.78, this is one of California's most compelling everyday reds.

Deep, boldly colored ruby in the glass with an expressive nose of bramble berry, ripe plum, boysenberry, and black currant, layered with warm accents of vanilla, mocha, and a hint of tiramisu from the oak aging. On the palate: generous and full-bodied, with an enveloping mouthfeel and a long, composed finish marked by refined, chalky tannins that provide structure while keeping the wine approachable. Pair with barbecue ribs, seared duck breast, rich pasta with truffle oil and parmesan, or anything off the grill.

• Producer: Bogle Vineyards (est. 1968, Sacramento Valley)
• Wine: Essential Red · California
• Vintage: 2023
• Origin: Dunnigan Hills · Clarksburg · Lodi, California
• Blend: 44% Petite Sirah, 32% Teroldego, 15% Syrah, 9% Zinfandel
• Oak: 12 months · American & French oak
• Style: Full-bodied, approachable California red blend
• Certifications: Sustainable · Vegan-Friendly · Gluten-Free
• Drinking Window: Now–2027
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Bramble berry, ripe plum, boysenberry, black currant, vanilla, mocha, tiramisu, chalky tannins, long finish
• Pair With: BBQ ribs · Seared duck breast · Truffle pasta · Grilled meats

Sustainable farming, Sacramento Valley soul — California's best-kept everyday red.

Bodega Colomé · Estate Torrontés · Valle Calchaquí · Salta · Argentina · 2025

Bodega Colomé is one of Argentina’s oldest and most celebrated wineries, farming at extreme elevations in the Calchaquí Valley of Salta — some of the highest vineyards in the world. At altitude, the intense sun, cool nights, and thin mountain air produce Torrontés of extraordinary aromatic precision and freshness: floral, citrus-driven, and refreshingly dry — a world away from the heavy, low-acid expressions that gave the grape an undeserved reputation. The 2025 Estate Torrontés earned 91 points from Vinous as a Best Buy, praised for its fresher, more mineral style. Screwcap.

The 2025 opens with herbal and floral notes of tuberose, rose, soft mint, and gentle lime, with grapefruit citrus and a spicy hint. On the palate, it is dry yet slightly indulgent — lively, fresh, and vibrant, balancing herbal, citrus, and floral characteristics with a long, elegant, mineral finish. A quintessential high-elevation Torrontés, built for the table.

“Opens with herbal and floral notes of tuberose, soft mint and gentle lime. Dry yet slightly indulgent, it offers lively freshness. A fresher style of Torrontés than is typical for the valley, balancing herbal, citrus and floral characteristics. Vibrant and delicious. A best buy.”
Producer: Bodega Colomé, Valle Calchaquí, Salta, Argentina

• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Valle Calchaquí, Salta, Argentina
• Varietal: 100% Torrontés
• Elevation: Among the highest vineyards in the world
• Style: Dry white — aromatic, floral, mineral
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Tuberose, rose, soft mint, lime, grapefruit, spice, lively acidity, mineral finish
• Pairings: Ceviche, grilled shrimp, Thai curry, fresh goat cheese, aromatic Asian cuisine

Vinous:91 Best Buy · Valle Calchaquí — high-altitude Torrontés from one of Argentina’s oldest estates. Aromatic, dry, and built for the table.

Rain Sauvignon Blanc — Marlborough, New Zealand 2025

Rain is a collaboration between Coldwell-Soper and T. Edward, based in Marlborough and dedicated exclusively to New Zealand's premier white grape. The 2025 vintage marks a milestone: winemaker Al Soper's 20th harvest of Rain — and he is one of the most highly awarded Sauvignon Blanc producers in all of Marlborough. Sourced exclusively from sustainably managed local vineyards, Rain is crafted with meticulous fruit selection and cold fermentation to preserve the full, vibrant spectrum of tropical and herbal character that defines the appellation.

The nose is exuberant and inviting: passionfruit, gooseberry, and fresh citrus zest leap from the glass. Extended lees contact adds depth, texture, and balance to the palate, while the finish is long, bright, and invigorating. This is Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc at its most refreshing and true to form — a wine that delivers every time.

• Producer: Coldwell-Soper & T. Edward, Marlborough, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2025 (20th vintage)
• Appellation: Marlborough, South Island
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Vinification: Cold fermentation, extended lees contact
• Closure: Screwcap
• Sustainability: Sustainably managed vineyards
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Passionfruit, gooseberry, citrus zest, tropical richness, herbal freshness, long finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled fish, goat cheese, Thai green curry, fresh salads

Twenty fabulously consistent harvests — Rain is the benchmark for honest, vibrant Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc at an exceptional price.

Famille Vincent Pouilly-Fuissé Marie Antoinette — Mâconnais, Burgundy 2023

Famille Vincent is the family behind Château Fuissé — one of the most celebrated and historic domaines in Pouilly-Fuissé, and the benchmark producer of the appellation. Located in the village of Fuissé in the Mâconnais, the estate has been in the Vincent family for generations and is today led by Antoine Vincent, who continues the family's commitment to expressing the full potential of Chardonnay on the distinctive limestone and clay soils of southern Burgundy. The Marie Antoinette cuvée is a tribute to Marie-Antoinette Vincent — Antoine's grandmother and a beloved figure in the family's history — crafted to be an approachable, high-quality introduction to the Château Fuissé style: elegant, mineral, and unmistakably Pouilly-Fuissé.

The color is pale yellow with hints of green. The nose offers a touch of oak alongside great finesse and minerality — white flowers, lemon, and apple scents lead into aromas of melon, kiwi, peach, and apricot. On the palate, the wine is fresh, round, and fruity with a lovely mineral backbone and a nicely balanced, long finish. Elegant and complete — a Pouilly-Fuissé that drinks well above its price.

"A touch of oak, lots of finesse and minerality with white flowers, lemon and apple scents. Fresh, round and fruity with aromas of melon, kiwi, peaches and apricot and a nice minerality. Nicely balanced and fresh with a great length." — Famille Vincent, Winemaker

• Producer: Famille Vincent / Château Fuissé, Fuissé, Mâconnais, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Pouilly-Fuissé AOC
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Cuvée: Named in tribute to Marie-Antoinette Vincent, grandmother of proprietor Antoine Vincent
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White flowers, lemon, apple, melon, kiwi, peach, apricot, mineral backbone, long balanced finish
• Style: Medium-bodied, fresh, elegant, lightly oaked
• Drink: Now through 2029
• Best Paired With: Seared scallops, grilled fish, roast chicken, veal, soft cheeses, mushroom risotto, light cream sauces

The Château Fuissé pedigree in an approachable, elegant package — Marie Antoinette is Pouilly-Fuissé at its most charming.

Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2023 — Napa Valley, California

Frank Family Vineyards is one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated estates, with roots tracing back to the historic Larkmead Winery site in Calistoga. Founded by Rich Frank in 1992, the winery has built its reputation on benchmark Napa Cabernet Sauvignon — wines that combine the valley’s signature power and richness with genuine elegance and age-worthiness. The 2023 vintage was a cool, precise year in Napa, producing wines of exceptional freshness and structure.

The 2023 opens with pronounced aromas of blackberry, cassis, and vanilla. On the palate, flavors of black plum, nutmeg, dark chocolate, and a touch of espresso build into a complex, full-bodied structure, anchored by a core of elegant acidity and fine tannins that carry from start to a long, savory finish. James Suckling awarded it 94 points, calling it “a refined and complete example of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon showing all the poise and freshness of the cool vintage.”

James Suckling 94 — “Taut and austere, with a good core of fruit, fine tannins, a textured mouthfeel and balanced acidity, leading to a savory, mouthwatering finish.”

• Producer: Frank Family Vineyards, Calistoga, Napa Valley
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Napa Valley AVA
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, cassis, vanilla, black plum, nutmeg, dark chocolate, espresso, elegant acidity
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, roasted lamb, wild mushroom risotto, aged cheddar, Manchego

A benchmark Napa Cabernet at a price that still makes sense — Frank Family delivers every time.

Winemaker Description

The 2023 Brewer-Clifton Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir displays enticing aromas of pomegranate, white tea, and raspberry. Lively and energetic on the palate with flavors of dried fig, white truffle, and ripe cherry fruit. Savory in texture, with notes of wild herbs and peppery spice lingering on the finish.

Pairing Suggestions

• Poultry: Roasted duck with cherry glaze, herb-roasted chicken, or quail with mushroom sauce.
• Meat: Lamb chops with wild herbs, pork tenderloin with fig reduction.
• Cheese: Aged Gruyère, Brie de Meaux, or a mild washed-rind cheese.

Château Le Bergey Bordeaux Rouge Biodynamic Organic — Bordeaux 2023

Château Le Bergey is a certified biodynamic and organic estate on the Right Bank of Bordeaux, farming with a commitment to the land that goes well beyond the minimum requirements of either certification. Biodynamic viticulture treats the vineyard as a living ecosystem — no synthetic inputs, farming in harmony with lunar cycles, and a focus on soil health that produces grapes of genuine character and terroir expression. At under $15, this is one of the most compelling arguments for what conscientious Bordeaux farming can deliver at an everyday price. The 2023 vintage produced a wine of real substance: medium-bodied, structured, and dry, with the classic Right Bank profile of dark fruit, earth, and graphite.

The nose opens with blackberry, black cherry, and raspberry, layered with oak, bramble, and earthy graphite notes. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with firm tannins, good structure, and a dry, focused finish. Classic Bordeaux character — honest, food-friendly, and built to drink well at the table.

• Producer: Château Le Bergey, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Bordeaux Rouge AOC
• Farming: Certified Biodynamic & Organic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, black cherry, raspberry, oak, bramble, earth, graphite
• Best Paired With: Grilled lamb, roast beef, duck, hard cheeses, charcuterie

Certified biodynamic and organic Bordeaux at an everyday price — Château Le Bergey is the Right Bank red that punches well above its weight.

Feudo Montoni · Rosé di Adele · Nerello Mascalese · Sicilia DOC · 2025

Feudo Montoni is one of Sicily's most storied organic estates, farming ancient vineyards in the rugged interior of the island near Cammarata — far from the coast, at altitude, where volcanic soils and dramatic diurnal shifts produce wines of uncommon depth and tension. Rosé di Adele, named for the estate's matriarch, is their signature rosé: a wine of striking personality, earning 92 points from Wine Enthusiast in both the 2022 and 2025 vintages and standing among the finest expressions of Nerello Mascalese in pink.

The 2025 pours a luminous onion-skin pink with bronze reflections. The nose opens with white flowers and lemon, layered over new leather and a cool umami undercurrent. On the palate, citrus candy and floral freshness give way to a stony, mineral current that adds sophistication and length. The winemaker's notes add pink rose petal, violets, straw, brine, fennel seed, pomegranate, and strawberry — a wine that is at once aromatic and savory, fresh and structured, with a persistent, sapid finish.

"There is a tension between the umami and the floral on the nose, as notes of white flowers and lemon waft above a new leather backbone. On the palate, citrus candy contributes nuance to that floral freshness, while a cool, stony undercurrent emerges suddenly and adds a feeling of sophistication."
— Wine Enthusiast · 92 Points · Vintage 2025

• Producer: Feudo Montoni
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Sicilia DOC, Italy
• Varietal: 100% Nerello Mascalese
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Style: Dry rosé — aromatic, mineral, structured
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White flowers, lemon, citrus candy, pink rose petal, pomegranate, brine, stony mineral finish
• Pairings: Grilled swordfish, burrata with tomatoes, arancini, charcuterie, light pasta with seafood

92 points, Sicilia DOC — certified organic Nerello Mascalese rosé with volcanic soul and Sicilian character.

Blue Quail | Potter Valley Unoaked Chardonnay | Mendocino County | 2025 | Certified Organic

Blue Quail's Potter Valley Chardonnay is a deliberate departure from the California norm — no oak, no malolactic fermentation, no butter. What you get instead is a bright, dry, fruit-forward white that lets the cool-climate character of Potter Valley speak clearly. Sourced from certified organic vineyards in one of Mendocino County's highest-elevation and most temperature-variable sub-appellations, this is Chardonnay built for the table rather than the trophy shelf.

Potter Valley sits at the northeastern edge of Mendocino County, separated from the warmer coastal valleys by the Mayacamas Mountains. The combination of warm days and cool nights preserves natural acidity and extends the growing season, allowing the Chardonnay to develop ripe orchard fruit flavors without losing freshness or structure. Organic farming across the estate reflects a commitment to soil health and clean, expressive fruit.

The wine is fermented in stainless steel and sees no oak contact and no malolactic fermentation — a deliberate choice that keeps the palate crisp, linear and food-friendly. The result is a Chardonnay with genuine verve: fresh and bright on the nose with aromas of ripe pear, green apple, apricot and white peach, accented by wildflowers and a touch of flint. The palate is lively and well balanced, with flavors of young peach, citrus, pineapple and white fig, carried by mouthwatering acidity through a clean, mineral-tinged finish.

Highly versatile at the table. Pairs beautifully with oysters, clams, grilled trout, shrimp, sushi, Thai green curry, General Tso’s chicken, asparagus risotto, roasted root vegetables and fresh cheeses. Equally at home as a standalone aperitif.

• Producer: Blue Quail
• Appellation: Potter Valley, Mendocino County, California
• Grape Variety: Chardonnay (100%)
• Vintage: 2025
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Vinification: Stainless steel; no oak, no malolactic fermentation
• Style: Unoaked, dry white wine
• Closure: Screwcap
• Bottle Size: 750ml

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

Bordeaux at Its Most Approachable

Château Sénéjac is one of the Haut-Médoc's most reliable Cru Bourgeois estates, consistently delivering wines of genuine character and finesse. The 2020 vintage — widely regarded as one of Bordeaux's finest in a generation — shows beautifully here: ripe, fresh, and impeccably balanced, with the kind of energy that makes it irresistible young yet capable of rewarding patience through 2033.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Heady and seductive — rich ripe dark fruits, a gentle pot pourri lift, and inviting freshness
• Palate: Searing, mouthwatering cherry juice flavors with marked but harmonious acidity; round, polished tannins and a chalky, juicy finish
• Finish: Bright, clean, and persistent — Bordeaux fruit handled with precision

Expert Reviews

• James Suckling — 93 pts: "Blackcurrants and black cherries with cocoa, pine cones, toasted spices. Round and polished tannins with a chalky and crushed stone yet juicy finish."
• Decanter — 91 pts: "Dark fruit nature, great juicy and fresh core. Tannins are firm and supportive. Confident and characterful. Eric Boissenot consultant."
• Jeb Dunnuck — 88–90 pts: "Ample blackberry and dark cherry fruits, sappy, floral core. Pretty, fresh, nicely focused with class."

Blend & Provenance

• Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
• Appellation: Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois
• Vintage: 2020
• Drinking Window: 2023–2033
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Ideal with roast lamb, beef tenderloin, duck confit, aged hard cheeses, and classic Bordelaise preparations.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

James Suckling 94 Points: A driven, balanced, flavorful, textural and lively Crozes-Hermitage, showing aromas of dark cherries, spiced plums, wild herbs and warm spices. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Superb texture and balance with a long, succulent and vivid finish. Drink or hold.

Vinous 91+ Points: Fermented with 100% whole clusters, the 2023 displays ripe red fruit tones, stemmy touches, pencil shaving, licorice and cedar aromas. Medium- to full-bodied and fresh — shaping up to be a delicious red Crozes-Hermitage. A long, defined finish wraps it up.

Winemaker Description

In France’s Northern Rhône Valley, few names are as revered as Graillot. It was in 1985 that the late, legendary Alain Graillot — after working with the venerable Jacques Seysses at Domaine Dujac — returned to his home in Crozes-Hermitage to start his own domaine. With each passing year, his devotion to making hauntingly delicious Syrah from organically farmed, stone-laden vineyards earned him a devoted global following. Alain’s sons Maxime and Antoine have been in charge since 2008, continuing the legacy unchanged: hand-harvesting, organic farming, 100% whole-cluster fermentation, and aging primarily in 1-to-3 year old barrels sourced from top Burgundy estates.

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Grilled lamb chops with herbes de Provence, roasted duck breast, or venison with wild mushrooms.
• Classic Rhône: Daube de bœuf, cassoulet, or a charcuterie board with cured meats.
• Cheese: Aged Comté, Saint-Nectaire, or a firm washed-rind cheese.

Montenidoli Canaiuolo Toscana Rosé — San Gimignano, Tuscany 2025

Elisabetta Fagiuoli and her husband Sergio founded their 50-hectare estate in 1965 on a hillside across the valley from San Gimignano — on some of the oldest rock in Italy. It is said that vines were first planted here by the Etruscans in the 7th century BC. All farming is certified organic, yields are deliberately low, and quality control is ruthless. The Canaiuolo Rosé is made from 100% hand-harvested Canaiuolo from 65+ year-old vines, undergoing a lengthy fermentation before bottling. There is nothing quite like it in Italian rosé.

Light salmon-pink in the glass with a clean, expressive nose of strawberries, watermelon, ripe cherry, citrus, and wild herbs. On the palate, the wine is dry and fresh, medium to full-bodied, with elegant minerality, a touch of salinity, and a lively, refined finish that lingers beautifully. Savory, complex, and endlessly food-friendly — ideally served in a Champagne flute.

67Wine Rosé Buyer Debra — "Elegant and expressive. Vibrant notes of red berry fruits, citrus, and wild herbs, balanced by savory and mineral notes. Dry and fresh on the palate, medium to full-bodied, with a touch of salinity and a long, refined finish. 100% Organic."

• Producer: Montenidoli (Elisabetta Fagiuoli), San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Toscana IGT
• Varietal: 100% Canaiuolo — 65+ year-old vines
• Farming: Certified Organic — hand-harvested, low yields
• Style: Dry Rosé — Medium to Full-Bodied, Mineral & Savory
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Strawberry, watermelon, ripe cherry, citrus, wild herbs, elegant minerality, saline finish
• Serve: In a Champagne flute, well chilled
• Best Paired With: Grilled salmon, tomato salad, charcuterie, grilled poultry, aged cheeses, farro and borlotti bean soup, cacciucco (Tuscan seafood stew)

Etruscan vines, organic farming, and one of Tuscany's most singular rosés — Montenidoli Canaiuolo is the benchmark for what Italian rosé can be when it is made without compromise.

Producer Description 

Purchased by the Comte Lafond, an ancestor of the current owner, Baron Patrick de Ladoucette, Château du Nozet and its surrounding vineyards have a reputation for producing the finest Pouilly-Fumé.

The delicate and complex olfactory expression opens on aromas which remind of white flower, exotic fruits. There is a very beautiful complexity for a vintage where the end-of-season’s sun brought a lot to the aromas. Excellent complexity that translates into great and elegant richness. Nice attack, straight and bright, it takes place with elegance on fruity notes associated with a dense structure and a beautiful acidity which brings a great length in the end of the mouth. There are aromas of exotic fruits (litchi, mango).

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

The Wine Spectator by Kristen Bieler writes 89 Points | Apple, pear and citrus cream are backed by a laser beam of acidity and crushed flint. Warm hay and heather notes add dimension, while the finish is crackling and linear. Drink now through 2026. 2,500 cases imported.

Memo Notes Summary 

De Ladoucette is unique in that it utilizes no oak in its vinification, aging the wine on its fine lees in glass-tiled tanks. This process maximizes the fresh, terroir-driven characteristics of the Sauvignon Blanc grape.

Color: Pale golden-green, bright and limpid.

The nose is delicate yet complex, exhibiting a beautiful array of white flowers (lilac, white blossoms), citrus fruits (grapefruit, lemon peel), and exotic fruit (lychee, mango). The quintessential flinty/mineral aroma, known as fumé (smoke), is usually present, especially as the wine opens.

The classic, mineral-driven profile of Pouilly-Fumé makes it one of the most versatile white wines for dining:

• Seafood: A perfect match for all shellfish, including oysters, scallops, and shrimp, as well as grilled white fish (sea bass, turbot).

  Cheese: The traditional pairing is goat cheese, especially Crottin de Chavignol or fresh Chèvre. Its acidity cuts through the cheese's creaminess beautifully.

  
  

  Poultry & Other: Light white meats, salads, and vegetable dishes like asparagus risotto or chicken with a cream/lemon sauce.