2010 - Present Wine

Tasca d’Almerita Regaleali Nero d’Avola — Sicily, Italy 2021

Tasca d’Almerita is one of Sicily’s most storied and respected family estates — a winery whose Regaleali holdings in the heart of the island represent some of southern Italy’s most important indigenous viticulture. The flagship grape is Nero d’Avola — a black variety also known as Calabrese, whose roots trace back to the ancient Calabrese family originating in the Modica-Avola area of southeastern Sicily. The 2021 Regaleali Nero d’Avola is crafted from estate-grown fruit that expresses the warm Mediterranean terroir with exceptional clarity: ripe fruit, harmonious spice, and a pleasantly tannic structure that has made this bottling a perennial value benchmark. It earned 90 Points from James Suckling and overdelivers at its price point.

The nose is warm and expressive: brambly dark fruit, fresh figs, cherries, and white pepper, with harmonious fruity notes well blended with typical Mediterranean spices. On the palate, the wine is round and fresh with an intense flavor of ripe fruit, creamy tannins, and a simple, fruit-forward finish. It is approachable, food-friendly, and deeply satisfying — the kind of Sicilian red that disappears fast at the table.

"Rich brambly fruit with some fresh figs, cherries and white pepper. Round and fresh on the palate with creamy tannins and a simple, fruit-forward finish." — James Suckling, 90 Points

• Producer: Tasca d’Almerita, Regaleali Estate, Sicily, Italy
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: Sicilia DOC, Sicily, Italy
• Varietal: Nero d’Avola (100%)
• Aging: Estate-crafted for ripe fruit, Mediterranean spice & creamy tannin structure
• Closure: Cork
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Brambly dark fruit, fresh figs, cherries, white pepper, Mediterranean spice, creamy tannins, fruit-forward finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled lamb, pasta alla Norma, eggplant caponata, aged pecorino, wood-fired pizza

Sicily’s benchmark estate Nero d’Avola at an honest price — Tasca d’Almerita Regaleali is the standard for what indigenous, sun-drenched Sicilian red can deliver.

Santi Valpolicella Ripasso Solane 2021 · Veneto, Italy

Santi Valpolicella Classico Superiore is a "ripasso" method Valpolicella: following primary fermentation, the wine sees a second fermentation with the addition of Amarone grapes and skins, creating a richer, more complex and more exciting final wine. The Solane Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore is a wine strongly linked to the territory and therefore of great character.

Producer

Santi has been operating in the Valpolicella area since 1843, allowing it to select not only the best vineyards in the Val d'Illasi, but also in other valleys in order to have different exposures and microclimates to obtain the best combinations and create the exclusive and consistent style of Santi wines.

Terroir and Vinification

Santi Solane is sourced from estate vineyards within the original Valpolicella appellation of Valpolicella Classico. When primary fermentation is complete in early winter, grapes, skins and pomace from Santi's Amarone are added to the vats. The additional sugars from the Amarone trigger a second fermentation which adds additional layers of complexity, rich fruit and structure. The wine is blended and then aged for 3-5 months in small oak casks followed by an additional 12 months in larger neutral casks prior to bottling.

Tasting Notes

It has a beautiful and intense ruby color; the typical, clean and complex scent has intense hints of fresh red fruit and maraschino jam, wrapped in hints of vanilla. The taste is warm and frank, balanced, with an elegant spicy and toasted bottom. It has a strong personality thanks to the distinct elegance and subtlety of perfumes, to the flavor and persistence in the mouth. Great and pleasant when young, it improves over time.

Details

• Producer: Santi (winemaker Alessandro Nogara)
• Appellation: Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore, Veneto, Italy
• Grape varieties: Corvina, Rondinella
• Vintage: 2021
• Size: 750ml
• Pairings: Truffle risotto, pork, cheeses, red meats

McManis Family Vineyards · Lodi, California · 2023

McManis Family Vineyards has been farming the rich alluvial soils of California's Central Valley for three generations. Rooted in Lodi — one of California's most celebrated Zinfandel-producing regions — the family grows fruit with an exceptional depth of flavor, benefiting from warm days, cool Delta breezes, and old vine complexity. Their Zinfandel consistently over-delivers for the price, earning fans from casual drinkers to serious collectors alike.

The 2023 Zinfandel is bold and supple, opening with inviting aromas of red currant, dark strawberry, brown sugar, cinnamon, and toasty oak. On the palate, hibiscus tea and cracked black pepper unfold alongside silky tannins and a long, smooth finish. Rich, expressive, and supremely food-friendly.

92 Points — Wine Enthusiast (Tonya Pitts)
"Bold and supple with aromas of red currant, dark strawberry, brown sugar, cinnamon, and toasty oak. The palate mirrors the nose with hibiscus tea, cracked black pepper, silky tannins, and a smooth finish." (Vintage 2023). 

• Producer: McManis Family Vineyards
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Lodi, California
• Grape Variety: Zinfandel
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red currant, dark strawberry, brown sugar, cinnamon, toasty oak, silky tannins
• Food Pairings: BBQ, shredded chicken, grilled meats, burgers, spiced dishes

A crowd-pleasing California Zinfandel at a remarkable price — drink now through 2027.

Val de Mer by Patrick Piuze Chablis 2025 is a beautifully focused expression of Chardonnay, bringing together fruit from three distinct parcels in the Chablis region: Des Couverts in the village of Chablis, Préhy near Courgis, and Lignorelles.

Fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel, the wine emphasizes freshness, purity and the naturally mineral character of Chablis. The absence of oak keeps the fruit bright and transparent, allowing the distinctive character of the region to remain firmly at the forefront.

Tasting Notes
Bright and refreshing, with lively citrus, green apple and fresh orchard-fruit character accented by subtle floral and stony notes. The palate is crisp and energetic, showing excellent balance between juicy fruit, vibrant acidity and classic Chablis minerality. A subtle saline quality carries through the clean, persistent finish.

Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Country: France
Region: Burgundy
Subregion: Chablis
Appellation: Chablis
Vintage: 2025
Producer: Val de Mer by Patrick Piuze
Vineyard Sources: Des Couverts, Préhy and Lignorelles
Farming: Sustainable
Harvest: Hand harvested
Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation
Vinification & Aging: Stainless steel
Bottle Size: 750ml

Vineyard Sources
The 2025 Val de Mer Chablis is assembled from three parcels situated in different parts of the Chablis appellation. Des Couverts is located in the village of Chablis, Préhy lies near Courgis, and the third parcel comes from Lignorelles. Bringing these sites together creates a broader expression of Chablis while maintaining the freshness, tension and mineral character associated with the appellation.

About Val de Mer
Val de Mer is Patrick Piuze's second winery, co-owned with Moutard-Diligent and based in Tonnerre near Chablis. Although separate from Patrick Piuze's namesake winery, Val de Mer follows a very similar winemaking philosophy. Grapes are harvested by hand, fermentations begin spontaneously with native yeasts, and the emphasis remains on transparent expressions of Chardonnay and Chablis terroir.

One important distinction is that Val de Mer works with different vineyard sources from Patrick Piuze's namesake wines. While Piuze frequently bottles village-level Chablis from individual terroirs, Val de Mer takes a more traditional approach by blending multiple parcels to create a broader expression of the appellation.

About Patrick Piuze
Patrick Piuze has become one of the most distinctive figures in modern Chablis, known for his meticulous attention to individual vineyard sites and a restrained approach in the cellar. His wines emphasize freshness, precision and terroir rather than overt winemaking influence.

Val de Mer extends this philosophy into a range of wines designed to deliver classic Chablis character with excellent accessibility and value. The village Chablis is fermented and aged in tank, preserving Chardonnay's natural freshness and highlighting the mineral personality of the region.

Food Pairing
An exceptionally versatile white wine for the table. Pair with oysters, clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, crab, sushi and sashimi, grilled or roasted white fish, roast chicken and fresh cheeses. Its bright acidity and mineral character also make it an excellent aperitif.

Why We Like It
This is classic, highly drinkable Chablis with Patrick Piuze's touch: fresh, precise and mineral, without unnecessary oak influence. Sourced from three different Chablis parcels and aged entirely in stainless steel, it offers an excellent introduction to the Val de Mer style and tremendous versatility at the table. 

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.

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."

Dönnhoff Estate Riesling — Nahe VDP.Gutswein 2024

Dönnhoff is the Nahe. For decades, Helmut Dönnhoff and now his son Cornelius have set the standard for German Riesling from this compact, geologically extraordinary region between the Mosel and the Rhine. The estate's vineyards sit on steep slopes around Oberhausen in the middle Nahe, where volcanic porphyry, melaphyre, slate, and quartzite converge in soils unlike anywhere else in Germany. It is this geological complexity — ancient, mineral-rich, and deeply expressive — that gives Dönnhoff Rieslings their signature clarity, precision, and finesse.

The 2024 Estate Riesling is a VDP.Gutswein — the entry point into the Dönnhoff range, and one of the most overdelivering bottles in German wine. Sourced from a broader selection of sites than usual, including Oberhäuser Felsenberg and Kieselberg, and fermented in a combination of stainless steel tanks and large oak barrels, the wine captures the full character of the 2024 vintage: brilliant fruit, lively acidity, and a cool, precise finish. Bone dry, screw-capped, and built for immediate pleasure.

Luminous pale gold in the glass. The nose is effusive and aromatic — mandarin orange, yellow peach, green apple, citrus zest, and white peach, with a fine saline minerality threading through. On the palate it is svelte and medium-bodied, zesty and ripe, with a sunny, lip-smacking quality and a long, saline, savory finish. Pure Riesling. Vibrant, fresh, and immensely clean — a crystal-clear expression of what Dönnhoff and the Nahe are all about.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

James Suckling — 92 Points
“Brimming with mandarin orange and yellow peach aromas, this is a very attractive entry-level dry Riesling. Barely medium-bodied, but so effusive and elegant. Very zesty finish.”

Vinous — 91 Points
“An absolutely clear-cut, lip-smacking Riesling. The palate is totally strait-laced, zesty and ripe, with a sunny aspect. Svelte and immensely fresh.”

Wine Advocate — 90 Points
“Remarkably intense and aromatic yellow stone fruit intermingled with complex and saline terroir notes of the middle Nahe. Fresh and savory on the palate — pure and fresh with remarkable intensity and sustainability on the finish.”

• Producer: Weingut Dönnhoff, Oberhausen, Nahe, Germany
• Vintage: 2024
• Classification: VDP.Gutswein
• Appellation: Nahe
• Grape: 100% Riesling
• Closure: Screw cap
• Style: Bone-dry, mineral, medium-bodied Nahe Riesling
• Tasting Notes: Mandarin orange, yellow peach, green apple, citrus zest, saline minerality
• Drink Window: Now–2032
• Best Paired With: Spicy Thai or Indian cuisine, fresh trout, Jägerschnitzel, salty cheeses, oysters

Three critics. Three 90+ scores. The Nahe’s finest estate — at its most accessible.

Castello di Bossi Chianti Classico Riserva Berardo Organic 2021 · Tuscany, Italy

This Riserva has a luminous ruby red color. Appealing aromas of dark cherries, plums, sweet spice, violets, vanilla, and hints of dark chocolate and menthol emerge on the nose. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied but smooth with an almost creamy mouthfeel. Tannins are well integrated with the alcohol, leading to a subtly sweet, silky finish.

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2021

James Suckling, 94 Points — Subtle aromas of black cherries, tar, mushrooms, black truffles, and dark earth. Medium-to-full-bodied with refined and linear tannins that give tension and focus to the wine. Delicate finish. From organically grown grapes. Lovely now. Drink or hold.

Vinous, 91 Points — The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Berardo is a powerful, layered wine. Black cherry, liquorice, cloves, leather, and scorched earth all run through this brooding, imposing Riserva. There’s a lot to like here, especially in the way this opens with time in the glass.

About Castello di Bossi

Castello di Bossi is one of Chianti Classico’s most respected family estates, situated in the Castelnuovo Berardenga subzone, the southernmost and warmest part of the Chianti Classico DOCG, known for producing wines of exceptional richness and structure. The estate has been farmed organically for decades, harnessing the area’s galestro and alberese soils to produce Sangiovese of remarkable depth and complexity. The Berardo Riserva, named for the estate’s founding family, is the flagship wine of Castello di Bossi, aged for an extended period in French and Slavonian oak before release. It consistently ranks among the finest expressions of Chianti Classico Riserva at any price.

Food Pairings

Korean short ribs, ragù sauces, gnocchi with roasted rabbit, beef negimaki, bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar, and aged Pecorino Toscano. Decant 1 hour before serving; cellar through 2033.

Details

• Producer: Castello di Bossi
• Appellation: Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
• Subzone: Castelnuovo Berardenga
• Grape: Sangiovese
• Certification: Organic
• Vintage: 2021
• Style: Full-bodied, structured, cellar-worthy Chianti Classico Riserva
• Drink: Now-2033 (decant 1 hour)
• Format: 750ml

Casata Parini Montepulciano d'Abruzzo — Abruzzo, Italy 2024

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is one of Italy's great everyday reds — a grape and a region that consistently delivers deep color, generous fruit, and food-friendly structure at prices that make it the go-to Italian red for the table. Casata Parini is a reliable, well-made expression of the style: full-bodied, fruit-forward, and built for the kind of casual Italian meals that call for a bottle that doesn't require a second thought. Abruzzo's rugged terrain, warm days, and cool Adriatic-influenced nights produce Montepulciano of genuine character and depth.

The 2024 pours a deep ruby with violet hints. The nose is inviting — ripe raspberry, dark cherry, and a touch of spice. On the palate, it's full-bodied and robust with a pleasantly dry acidity, slightly grippy tannins that soften quickly, and a smooth, clean finish. Quintessentially food-friendly and built for the table — open it, pour it, and enjoy it without ceremony.

"Full-bodied with raspberry notes, robust flavor, slightly tannic palate balanced with a smooth finish — the perfect pairing for classic Italian dishes." — Casata Parini

• Producer: Casata Parini, Abruzzo, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC
• Varietal: Montepulciano
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Raspberry, dark cherry, spice, full-bodied, dry acidity, smooth finish
• Best Paired With: Tomato-based pasta, pizza, spicy sausages, grilled meats, lasagna, eggplant parmigiana

Italy's most reliable everyday red — deep, fruit-forward, and made for the table at a price that makes every night feel like an Italian dinner.

Au Bon Climat | Santa Barbara County, California | Chardonnay | 2023

Jim Clendenen's Au Bon Climat has long been California's benchmark for the Burgundian approach to Chardonnay — prioritizing balance, acidity, and minerality over heavy oak and butter. The 2023 is sourced from five carefully farmed Santa Barbara vineyards: Bien Nacido, Los Alamos, Rancho Real, Gold Coast, and North Canyon. Handpicked and whole-cluster pressed, the juice is barrel-fermented and aged 8 months sur lie in neutral François Frères barrels, then blended the following summer. The result is round, bright, and unmistakably ABC.

Vineyards: Bien Nacido, Los Alamos, Rancho Real, Gold Coast, North Canyon
Oak: 8 months sur lie, neutral French oak (François Frères)
Drink: Now–2029

Tasting Notes

• Grapefruit, peach, honeysuckle, and lemon curd on the nose
• Round mid-palate with elderberry, brioche, and a hint of nutmeg
• Zippy, bright acidity | Creamy lingering finish | Mineral backbone

Pairings: Roast chicken, pasta alfredo, seared scallops, baked brie en croûte

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.

Louis Latour | Bourgogne Pinot Noir AOC | Burgundy, France | 2023 | 375ml Half Bottle

Maison Louis Latour is one of Burgundy's most storied and respected négociants, family-owned and independent since 1797. With the largest holding of Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte d'Or and a winemaking heritage stretching back to the 17th century, Louis Latour has built a global reputation for producing wines that faithfully express the character of Burgundy's diverse terroir — from the grandest Grands Crus to the most approachable regional appellations.

Bourgogne Pinot Noir is Burgundy's regional appellation, drawing fruit from vineyards across the entire region. Pinot Noir is the native red grape of Burgundy — one of the world's most celebrated and terroir-sensitive varieties — and Louis Latour's Bourgogne expression offers a genuine introduction to the elegance and finesse that defines great red Burgundy.

Vinified traditionally in open vats and aged 10 to 12 months in stainless steel to preserve freshness and fruit purity. The 2023 shows a deep, bright ruby hue. The nose is elegant — red fruits, blackcurrant bud, and licorice, lifted by a hint of spice. On the palate, round and well-balanced with freshness and a supple texture, expressing notes of cherry, blackcurrant, and licorice that linger through a harmonious finish. A classic, food-friendly Burgundy red in a convenient 375ml half bottle.

Pair with grilled meats, roast duck, charcuterie, mushroom dishes, and mature cheeses.

• Producer: Maison Louis Latour
• Appellation: Bourgogne Pinot Noir AOC, Burgundy, France
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2023
• Vinification: Traditional open vat fermentation; 10–12 months in stainless steel
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle

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.

André Montessuy · Bourgogne Rouge · Pinot Noir

André Montessuy is a Burgundy-based négociant-éleveur producing approachable wines from across the region. This Bourgogne Rouge is made from 100% Pinot Noir grown on limestone, clay and marl soils, bringing a regional expression of Burgundy to the table.

Blackcurrant, cherry and blackberry lead the nose, with a gentle spicy accent. The palate is supple and round, with soft, integrated tannins, finesse and a long finish. Its fruit-forward character makes it an inviting choice alongside a relaxed meal.

Vinification & Aging

The grapes are sorted by hand before a three-day cold pre-fermentation maceration. Alcoholic fermentation lasts 12 days, with twice-daily pump-overs and punch-downs to extract color and structure gently. The wine is aged for 10 to 12 months before bottling.

Pairing Suggestions

Pair with grilled or roasted red meats, cold cuts, pot-au-feu, veal, poultry tarts or Gouda.

Details

• Producer: André Montessuy
• Country: France
• Region: Burgundy
• Appellation: Bourgogne Rouge AOC
• Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
• Type: Red wine
• Soils: Limestone, clay and marl
• Aging: 10–12 months
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Producer Notes

The Oddero estate is one of Piedmont’s most storied Barolo producers, with impressive vineyard holdings throughout the entirety of the denomination. The classic Barolo bottling incorporates younger vines from sites in La Morra as well as Bricco Fiasco in Castiglione Falletto, and draws from Bricco Chiesa, Capalot, and Galina. The 2021 vintage is a standout — aromatic, pliant, and wonderfully inviting, with crushed flowers, red and blue-toned fruit, spice, and perfumed notes. Fine, polished tannins and a long, savoury finish. Gorgeously approachable now but will keep evolving.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2021

• Decanter 93 pts | Evocatively scented with wild red berries, vanillin, and spice. Fine tannins increase steadily across the palate alongside richness of raspberry fruit. Hints of tea and citrus lead to a savoury, mouth-cleansing finish. Gorgeously approachable now but will keep evolving. — Michaela Morris
• Vinous 92 pts | Fabulous. Aromatic, pliant, and wonderfully inviting. Crushed flowers, red/blue-toned fruit, spice, and perfumed notes build nicely in the glass. Polished, silky tannins wrap it all together in style. — Antonio Galloni

Food Pairings

• Braised beef short ribs or osso buco
• Truffle pasta or mushroom risotto
• Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Castelmagno
• Roasted lamb or wild boar

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.

Altos de Torona | Albaríno | O Rosal, Rías Baixas DO | Galicia, Spain | 2024

Altos de Torona is one of Rías Baixas's most distinctive estates, farming the largest single vineyard in the entire region — 94 hectares of Albaríno vines in the O Rosal subzone, the southernmost and most maritime corner of Galicia. The estate practices sustainable viticulture within a rich biodiversity of over 160 species of flora and fauna, a commitment to the land that translates directly into wines of exceptional purity and terroir expression.

Rías Baixas is Spain's premier white wine appellation, situated on the Atlantic coast of Galicia in northwestern Spain. The O Rosal subzone is particularly prized for its proximity to the sea — the Atlantic influence brings cooling breezes, morning mists, and a natural salinity that gives Albaríno from this area its signature mineral freshness and oceanic character. Albaríno is one of the world's great aromatic white grapes, producing wines of vibrant acidity, generous fruit, and a distinctive saline minerality that makes them among the finest seafood wines on earth.

The 2024 Altos de Torona is straw yellow with greenish hues. The nose is fresh and aromatic — reineta apple, citrus, apricot, and toasted notes from aging on lees. On the palate, voluminous and unctuous with restrained acidity, a saline mineral thread, and a subtle, lingering finish. Silver Medal — International Wine Challenge 2025.

A world-class seafood wine. Pair with grilled scallops, steamed cockles, hake, oysters, sushi, light pasta with seafood, and semi-soft or fresh goat cheeses. Serve well chilled at 45–50°F.

• Producer: Altos de Torona
• Appellation: Rías Baixas DO, O Rosal subzone, Galicia, Spain
• Grape: Albaríno
• Vintage: 2024
• Farming: Sustainable; 94-hectare single vineyard
• Vinification: Aged on lees for added texture and complexity
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2024

• Decanter — 93 pts
• James Suckling — 91 pts
• International Wine Challenge 2025 — Silver Medal

La Crema · Sonoma County · 2024

La Crema Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County 2024 balances fresh citrus and stone fruit with a supple, elegant texture. Nectarine, lime and melon aromas lead to grapefruit and white peach on the palate, with hints of wet stone and flint adding a savory counterpoint.

A touch of Sémillon complements the Sauvignon Blanc. Most of the wine is raised in stainless steel, while 26% is fermented and aged in neutral oak, bringing volume and texture to a crisp, juicy finish.

Expert Reviews · Vintage 2024

Jeb Dunnuck, 90 Points | The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County is bottled under screwcap and shows a touch of youthful spritz on opening, pouring a pale silver/yellow color. Just a splash of Semillon is included, while most of the wine is raised in stainless steel, with 26% fermented and aged in neutral oak. Quince, melon, starfruit, and kiwi-like notes emerge from the restrained nose. Medium-bodied, it has an elegant texture without veering overly tropical.

Wine Enthusiast, Tom R. Capo, 88 Points | This straight-forward and summery Savvy-B delivers aromas of lime pith, cut grass and jalapeno on the nose. The palate brings in fresh lemon and grapefruit flavors, with nuances of oyster shell and white pepper lingering on the finish.

Winemaker Description

La Crema
This wine combines fresh aromas of nectarine, lime, melon, and subtle hints of wet stone and flint. In the mouth, flavors of grapefruit and white peach are accompanied by tropical notes of mango and guava. Barrel fermentation brings volume and texture to the wine while crisp and vibrant acidity drives a juicy lingering finish.

Food Pairings

Serve with Caesar salad, asparagus, fish tacos, fresh oysters or goat cheese crostini.

Details

• Producer: La Crema
• Vintage: 2024
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Country: United States
• Region: California
• Appellation: Sonoma County
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc, with a touch of Sémillon
• Type: White wine
• Closure: Screw top
• Winemaking: Primarily stainless steel; 26% fermented and aged in neutral oak

Vera Vinho Verde Branco 2025 750ml

Discover the delight of Vera Vinho Verde Branco, a refreshing and vibrant Portuguese white wine that tantalizes the taste buds with its unique flavor profile. This wine is characterized by its bright acidity and delightful notes of citrus and green apple, with clean, lively flavors of lime, ripe pink and yellow grapefruit. The slight effervescence adds a refreshing sparkle, making it a perfect choice for warm summer days and a favorite at gatherings.

Winemaker's Description

Arinto brings bright acidity and aging potential, Azal is citric and fresh and Loureiro is aromatic and delicate.

Three Grape Blend

This Vinho Verde is a blend of three classic Portuguese grape varieties: Arinto, Azal, and Loureiro. Each grape contributes unique characteristics that create a harmonious and complex wine.

Arinto - Bright Acidity & Aging Potential

Arinto brings bright acidity and aging potential to the blend. This grape provides the wine's crisp backbone and ensures freshness, making it both enjoyable now and capable of short-term aging.

Azal - Citric & Fresh

Azal is citric and fresh, contributing vibrant citrus character to the wine. This grape adds lively, zesty flavors that make the wine incredibly refreshing.

Loureiro - Aromatic & Delicate

Loureiro is aromatic and delicate, bringing floral and aromatic complexity to the blend. This grape adds elegance and perfume to the wine's bouquet.

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Pale yellow hue with slight effervescence
Aroma: Citrus, green apple, floral notes, aromatic and delicate character
Palate: Clean, lively flavors of lime, ripe pink and yellow grapefruit. Bright acidity with light body and crisp finish. Subtle hints of mineral undertones
Finish: Crisp, refreshing finish with slight effervescence

Clean, Lively Flavors

Clean, lively flavors of lime, ripe pink and yellow grapefruit define this refreshing wine. The purity of fruit expression is characteristic of quality Vinho Verde.

Lime, Pink & Yellow Grapefruit

Flavors of lime, ripe pink and yellow grapefruit create a vibrant citrus profile. These bright fruit notes make the wine incredibly food-friendly and refreshing.

Slight Effervescence

Slight effervescence adds a refreshing sparkle and liveliness to the wine. This gentle fizz is a hallmark of traditional Vinho Verde and enhances the wine's refreshing character.

Bright Acidity

Characterized by its bright acidity that provides structure and freshness. The acidity makes this wine perfect for pairing with food and ensures it's thirst-quenching.

Citrus & Green Apple Notes

Delightful notes of citrus and green apple create an inviting flavor profile. These classic Vinho Verde characteristics make the wine approachable and enjoyable.

Mineral Undertones

The subtle hints of mineral undertones add depth to the wine, enhancing its overall experience. This minerality reflects the terroir of Portugal's Vinho Verde region.

Light Body & Crisp Finish

Light body and crisp finish make it incredibly enjoyable and easy to drink. The wine's refreshing nature makes it perfect for warm weather and casual occasions.

2024 Vintage Quality

This 2024 vintage of Vera Vinho Verde Branco showcases the freshness and vibrancy that defines great Vinho Verde. The wine is meant to be enjoyed young to capture its lively character.

Portuguese Vinho Verde Region

From Portugal's Vinho Verde region, known for producing refreshing, slightly effervescent white wines. This region in northwest Portugal has a cool, maritime climate ideal for these grape varieties.

Versatile Food Pairing

This wine pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes:

• Light salads
• Grilled fish and seafood
• Spicy Asian cuisine
• Sushi and sashimi
• Shellfish
• Fresh oysters
• Light appetizers
• Goat cheese

Perfect for Summer Days

A perfect choice for those warm summer days, making it a favorite at summer picnics, beach parties, and garden gatherings. The refreshing characteristics make it ideal for outdoor entertaining.

Ideal for Gatherings

Imagine relaxing on a sunny afternoon, sipping on this delightful wine while sharing meals with friends and family. Whether it's a casual barbecue or a formal dinner, Vera Vinho Verde Branco is the ideal companion.

Serve Chilled

Served chilled, this wine elevates any occasion, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. Serve at 45-50°F for optimal enjoyment.

Pale Yellow Hue

As you pour it into your glass, the pale yellow hue captivates your senses. The wine's appearance signals its freshness and quality.

Enticing Aromas

The moment the cork pops, the enticing aromas fill the air, inviting you to take the first sip. The aromatic complexity from Loureiro creates an inviting bouquet.

Adds Elegance & Joy

Whether you are celebrating a special milestone or simply unwinding after a long day, Vera Vinho Verde Branco adds a touch of elegance and joy to your lifestyle. This wine impresses wine lovers and casual drinkers alike.

Calera Chardonnay — Central Coast 2023

In 1975, Josh Jensen founded Calera high in the Gavilan Mountains — naming it after the Spanish word for "lime kiln" — and spent decades proving that California's Central Coast could produce world-class wine. Nearly fifty years on, the Central Coast Chardonnay remains the benchmark of the estate: impeccably balanced, cool-climate in character, and consistently earning 91-point scores from both Wine Enthusiast and Jeb Dunnuck. The 2023 growing season was exceptional — a long wet winter, delayed budbreak, and a mild extended summer gave the fruit an extra month to ripen, achieving rare harmony between acidity and concentration.

The nose shows toasted almond, citrus pith, lemon zest, apricot, and delicate orange blossom. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with a rounded, grainy texture — golden apple, pineapple, and tangerine are framed by bright, focused acidity and a touch of wet stone minerality. The finish is crisp, long, and refreshing, with chaparral herb and dried pear lingering through the close. Drinking beautifully now, with 5–7 more years of potential.

Wine Enthusiast 91 — "Toasted almond, citrus pith and light dairy aromas. Chaparral rock and herb flavors meet with brighter lemon and dried pear elements." — Matt Kettmann • Jeb Dunnuck 91 — "Hugely enjoyable, with a rounded mouthfeel and long-lasting acidity." (Vintage 2023). 

• Producer: Calera, Gavilan Mountains, Central Coast, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Central Coast
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Style: White Wine — Full-Bodied, Cool-Climate
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Toasted almond, citrus pith, lemon zest, apricot, golden apple, pineapple, tangerine, wet stone, chaparral herb
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 5–7 years
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, roasted chicken, wild mushroom ravioli, goat cheese salads, light cream sauces

Two 91-point scores, one honest price — Calera's Central Coast Chardonnay is the benchmark for what California cool-climate white wine can be.

A fantastic Rhone from Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf du Pape 2023 

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023

James Suckling — 95 Points
"An attractive, layered, velvety, and poised Châteauneuf-du-Pape with aromas of cherries, strawberries, dried herbs, tar, and baking spices. Full-bodied with fine tannins. Succulent and well composed. There’s elegance here, yet it has character and structure. Seductive and flavorful with a long finish."

Jeb Dunnuck — 92–94 Points (Barrel Sample)
"The 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape will be beautiful, with a charming, soft, supple, forward style. Ripe red and black fruits, peppery herbs, and lavender notes all define the bouquet, and it hits the palate with medium-to-full-bodied richness, a layered, elegant mouthfeel, and sweet tannins. Based on 75% Grenache, 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, and the rest Cinsault — 50% destemmed and raised entirely in foudre. It’s clearly outstanding and another classic release from this brilliant estate."

About Le Vieux Donjon

Le Vieux Donjon is one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s most celebrated and consistent family estates, owned and farmed by the Michel family for generations. The domaine takes its name from the ancient papal tower — the “old dungeon” — that overlooks their vineyards in the heart of the appellation. Farming organically on the iconic galets roulés — the large rounded stones that retain heat and reflect sunlight onto the vines — Le Vieux Donjon produces Grenache-dominant blends of extraordinary depth, complexity, and age-worthiness. The estate is widely regarded as a benchmark Châteauneuf-du-Pape producer, consistently earning top scores from the world’s leading critics vintage after vintage.

Food Pairings

Roasted lamb, duck confit, wild boar, herb-crusted beef tenderloin, truffle dishes, aged Comté, and Provençal stews. Decant 1–2 hours before serving; cellar through 2035+.

Product Details

• Producer: Le Vieux Donjon
• Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC, Rhône Valley, France
• Blend: 75% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault
• Aging: Foudre (large oak casks)
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Full-bodied, layered, cellar-worthy Southern Rhône red
• Drink: Now–2035+ (decant 1–2 hours)
• Format: 750ml

Lindeman's Bold Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 45 2025 750ml

Lindeman's Bin 45 is one of Australia's most iconic and trusted Cabernet Sauvignons — a bottle that has earned its place on tables around the world through consistent quality and exceptional value. Sourced from South Eastern Australia's sun-drenched vineyards, Bin 45 delivers the bold, fruit-forward character that made Australian Cabernet famous.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby in color with inviting aromas of blackcurrant, dark cherry, and a hint of mint. The palate is medium-to-full bodied with rich cassis and dark berry fruit, notes of chocolate and cedar, and soft, approachable tannins. The finish is smooth, warm, and satisfying — a crowd-pleaser in every sense.

Food Pairings

A natural match for grilled ribeye, lamb burgers, slow-roasted beef brisket, smoky BBQ ribs, or pulled pork. Also excellent with sharp cheddar or aged Gouda.

Producer

• Producer: Lindeman's, South Eastern Australia
• Appellation: South Eastern Australia GI
• Grape: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Vintage: 2025
• Style: Medium-to-full bodied, fruit-driven Australian red

Winemaker Description

Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel is grown from some of the oldest vines in California — untamed, gnarled vines that produce full-flavored, concentrated grapes dense with character. The nose opens with aromas of blackberry bramble, juicy plum, and toasted oak. On the palate, this medium-bodied Zinfandel delivers balanced acidity and supple tannins, with a bold, eclectic edge that sets it apart from the crowd.

Pairing Suggestions

• BBQ & Grilled: Rich and tangy BBQ ribs, smoked brisket, or grilled sausages.
• Spiced Dishes: Chili, mini stuffed peppers, or spiced lamb kebabs.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar, smoked Gouda, or aged Monterey Jack.

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.

La Vieille Ferme · Blanc · Luberon · 2025 · 1.5L Magnum

La Vieille Ferme Blanc 2025 brings the Perrin family's fresh, aromatic white to the table in a generous 1.5L magnum. With twice the volume of a standard bottle, it is a welcoming choice for a shared seafood supper, a leisurely lunch or an aperitif with friends.

Producer & Style

The Perrin family, also behind Château de Beaucastel, draws on its southern Rhône experience for La Vieille Ferme. This Luberon white offers a crisp, refreshing style with a clean mineral character, suited to everyday meals and relaxed gatherings.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Serve well-chilled with grilled fish, light seafood, fresh salads, goat cheese or charcuterie. The magnum format makes it especially convenient for a table sharing several dishes.

Details

• Producer: La Vieille Ferme, Perrin Family
• Vintage: 2025
• Bottle Size: 1.5L Magnum
• Country: France
• Region: Rhône Valley
• Appellation: Luberon
• Grape/Blend: White Rhône blend, including Grenache Blanc
• Type: White wine
• Style: Crisp, fresh and aromatic
• Closure: Screw top

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.

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.

Marqués de Cáceres is one of Rioja’s most celebrated and internationally recognized estates, founded in 1970 by Enrique Forner in partnership with the legendary Bordeaux oenologist Émile Peynaud. The winery pioneered a more elegant, French-influenced style of Rioja — emphasizing freshness, precision, and terroir expression over heavy extraction — and has remained one of the appellation’s benchmark producers for over five decades.

The Vendimia Seleccionada (Selected Harvest) Reserva is a step above the standard Reserva, crafted from a careful selection of 15–25-year-old vines in the premier Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa sub-regions. Aged in oak and bottle in accordance with Reserva regulations, this is a wine of genuine complexity and cellar-worthy structure.

The 2020 shows a deep, brilliant crimson color. The nose is powerful yet delicate — noble wood, lightly spiced, with hints of vanilla and cocoa against a background of dark fruit, touches of licorice, and woodland notes that give the wine personality and elegance. On the palate it is very expressive, full-bodied and refined, with delicious flavors of berries laced with toasty notes and a long, classy finish.

Selected Harvest. 15–25-year-old vines. Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa — Marqués de Cáceres at its most refined.

• Producer: Marqués de Cáceres, Cenicero, Rioja Alta, Spain (est. 1970)
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: DOCa Rioja (Rioja Alta & Rioja Alavesa)
• Classification: Reserva — Vendimia Seleccionada (Selected Harvest)
• Varietal: Tempranillo-based blend
• Vine Age: 15–25 years
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark fruit, vanilla, cocoa, licorice, noble wood, spice, woodland, toasty berries, long elegant finish
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, Ibérico ham, aged Manchego, slow-braised short ribs, mushroom dishes

Classic Rioja Reserva from one of the appellation’s founding estates — Marqués de Cáceres Vendimia Seleccionada is the benchmark.

Materia Prima Orange Wine Xarel·lo — Penedès, Cataluña 2024

Materia Prima is a project from the Parés Baltà family — one of Penedès' most committed organic and biodynamic estates — dedicated to exploring the full expressive potential of their indigenous varieties through natural, minimal-intervention winemaking. This Orange Wine is produced entirely from biodynamically grown Xarel·lo and Sauvignon Blanc, vinified with extended skin contact in the traditional amber wine style. The result is a wine of genuine complexity and character: pale amber, slightly cloudy, and full of the kind of textural depth that only skin-contact winemaking can produce.

The 2024 pours a pale amber with a slight natural haze. The nose is aromatic and layered — citrus peel, tropical fruit, and compote with a subtle oxidative complexity from the skin contact. On the palate, it's surprisingly approachable — fine structure, pleasant density, and gentle tannins that give it grip without austerity. The finish is long and complex, with a lingering savory-mineral thread that rewards attention. Simple to drink, but full of incredible skill.

"Simple to drink but full of incredible skill — a must-try for anyone who enjoys Orange Wines." — Materia Prima

• Producer: Materia Prima (Parés Baltà), Penedès, Cataluña, Spain
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Penedès DO
• Blend: Xarel·lo & Sauvignon Blanc
• Style: Orange Wine (extended skin contact)
• Farming: Certified Biodynamic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus peel, tropical fruit, compote, fine tannins, long complex finish
• Best Paired With: Chorizo tortilla, marinated anchovies, peas and cod salad, aged cheeses, charcuterie

A biodynamic orange wine from one of Penedès' most forward-thinking estates — textured, complex, and a perfect introduction to skin-contact wine.

Domaine Vocoret et Fils Chablis 2024

Domaine Vocoret et Fils Chablis 2024 is a Chardonnay from a hands-on, family-owned estate in Chablis, Burgundy. Five generations of family stewardship bring together tradition, innovation and a dedication to wines that express their place of origin.

The Domaine

Located near the town of Auxerre in Chablis, Domaine Vocoret & Fils has been passed down from father to son for five generations. The family's 37 acres of Chablis appellation vineyards produce wines of striking purity and terroir-driven character.

Tasting Notes · 

Opens with classic aromas of green apple, lemon zest, and wet stone. On the palate, it is crisp and focused with steely minerality, bright citrus, and firm acidity that gives the wine its signature Chablis backbone. The finish is clean, precise, and refreshing.

Food Pairings

A natural partner for oysters, clams and other seafood. Also try with snails, charcuterie, goat cheese or Gruyère. Serve well-chilled as an aperitif or alongside a meal.

Details

• Producer: Domaine Vocoret et Fils
• Vintage: 2024
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Country: France
• Region: Burgundy
• Appellation: Chablis AOC
• Grape: 100% Chardonnay
• Type: White Wine
• Style: Unoaked white Burgundy
• Farming Attribute: Sustainable

Bogle Vineyards Merlot — California 2023

The Bogle family has been farming the California Delta since the late 1870s, when Captain AJ Bogle traveled west from Tennessee after the Civil War and planted the first roots in the rich delta soil. Five generations later, the family still farms over 2,000 acres of estate vineyards — and their California Merlot remains one of the most consistent and honest values in American red wine. Wine Enthusiast awarded the prior vintage 90 points, calling it a wine of baked plum, coffee bean, and grippy, mouthwatering tannins. Vegan and gluten-free certified.

The nose opens with Bing cherries, sassafras, baked plum, coffee bean, dried bay leaf, and cocoa. On the palate, supple red fruits — dried cranberry, strawberry, and grilled orange rind — give way to touches of cedar and sweet herbs. The tannins are grippy and mouthwatering, with a finish that is approachable, food-friendly, and built to over-deliver for the price.

Wine Enthusiast 90 (Prior Vintage 2022) — "Deep aromas of baked plum, coffee bean, dried bay leaf, cocoa, and dried florals. Flavors of dried cranberry, strawberry, and grilled orange rind, leaving the palate with grippy, mouthwatering tannins." — Tonya Pitts

• Producer: Bogle Vineyards, California Delta, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Merlot
• Style: Red Wine — Approachable, Medium-Bodied
• Certifications: Vegan • Gluten-Free
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Bing cherry, sassafras, baked plum, coffee bean, dried bay leaf, cocoa, cranberry, cedar, sweet herbs
• Best Paired With: Peking duck, roasted chicken, braised short ribs, pork tenderloin, beef stew, mild cheddar, Brie

A 90-point California Merlot at an everyday price — Bogle's five-generation family estate is the benchmark for what honest American red wine can be.

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

Winemaker Description

Spontaneous fermentation in concrete tanks on the skins with indigenous yeasts. Seven to ten days of skin contact. Aged in concrete vats for eight months, followed by three months in bottle before release. No additions, no fining, no filtration.

92 Points James Suckling

Tasting Notes

Golden-hued with aromas of ripe apricot, orange peel, chamomile, citrus fruit, and Mediterranean herbs. Saline minerality on the palate with a textured, slightly tannic structure, excellent depth of flavor, bright acidity, and a long, pleasant finish — the hallmark of great skin-contact wine.

Food Pairings

Grilled fish, sushi, mezze, roasted vegetables, aged pecorino, and spiced dishes. Equally stunning as an aperitivo. Serve slightly chilled (55–60°F).

• Producer: Azienda Agricola COS, Vittoria, Sicily
• Appellation: Terre Siciliane IGT, Sicily, Italy
• Grapes: Grecanico, Insolia
• Farming: Certified biodynamic, organic
• Vinification: Skin contact (7–10 days), concrete tanks, indigenous yeasts
• Aging: 8 months concrete + 3 months bottle
• Vintage: 2024
• Style: Orange wine / skin-contact white
• Format: 750ml

Domaine Equis · Crozes-Hermitage · 2024

There are few names as revered in the Northern Rhône as Graillot. Maxime Graillot trained under his father, Alain, before establishing his own path in the vineyards of Crozes-Hermitage. At Domaine Equis, organic farming and careful work in the soil allow the northern Rhône terroir to speak through expressive, pure Syrah.

The 2024 Equinoxe opens with subtle orange blossom, violets, and earthy nuances. Medium-bodied and gently structured, it offers moderate concentration, soft tannins, and an effortless charm that makes it approachable now.

Vinous: 88 points
“The 2024 Crozes-Hermitage Equinoxe was vinified from fully destemmed grapes, opening with subtle orange blossom, violets and earthy shadings. Touching the medium-bodied palate with moderate flavor concentration wrapped around gentle tannins, the 2024 can be enjoyed right away.” (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Domaine Equis, Maxime Graillot
• Varietal: 100% Syrah
• Appellation: Crozes-Hermitage
• Region: Northern Rhône, France
• Closure: Screw Top
• Tasting notes: Orange blossom, violets, earthy nuances, gentle tannins, and a graceful finish
• Pair with: Roast chicken, grilled sausages, lamb, mushroom dishes, or roasted vegetables
• Size: 750ml

A pure Northern Rhône Syrah with violet lift, earthy detail, and effortless drinkability.

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

Full-bodied, even robust, with a capacity to age but with such supple smoothness that it can be eminently drinkable even when young.

The story of Domaine de la Janasse began in 1967. That year, Aimé Sabon returned from his military service. He took over the vineyards of his father, who supplied grapes to a cooperative cellar, and his father-in-law, who sold wine to négociants. By 1973, Aimé had built his own cellar. This is how Domaine de la Janasse was born, named after the family farm located in Courthézon, at a place called “La Janasse.” Aimé was ambitious. Knowing he possessed a fabulous terroir, he continuously expanded the estate by acquiring new parcels. From 15 hectares back then, La Janasse now spans over 90 hectares.

Winemaker Description

The 2024 Côtes-du-Rhône Réserve is a more serious effort than the estate’s regular Côtes-du-Rhône bottling, showcasing Janasse’s ability to marry richness with finesse. Moderately tannic and endowed with a beautiful structure, it develops generous notes of fresh fruit — crushed strawberry and blackberry — on a crunchy, vibrant core, supported by a hint of licorice on the finish.

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Roasted lamb with herbes de Provence, grilled duck breast, or beef daube.
• Classic French: Cassoulet, tapenade crostini, or a charcuterie board.
• Cheese: Aged Comté, Manchego, or a firm sheep’s milk cheese.