$50 - $75 Wine

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023

Wine Spectator — 94 Points
"Jammy and generous, with bold aromatics, this red is a pleasure to drink, offering polished cherry and blackberry tart flavors accented by briar patch and licorice as this zips along the lively finish. Drink now through 2034."

Wine Enthusiast — 93 Points (Elaine Chukan Brown)
"A Napa classic, the Black Chicken Zinfandel relies on vineyards in cooler parts of the region, here harvested from a cooler vintage as well. The combination delivers complexity, detail and plenty of flavor: juicy mixed berries and plum, citrus peel, incense and savory length complete with refreshing verve and well balanced structure."

Jeb Dunnuck — 90 Points
"Offering brambly red, blue, and black fruits intermixed with peppery herbs, sandalwood, and savory, flowery incense, the 2023 Zinfandel Black Chicken is medium-bodied, nicely balanced, has ripe tannins, and a good finish."

Winemaker Description

The 2023 Black Chicken is the 25th-anniversary release of this iconic Napa Valley wine — and one of the most celebrated vintages in the wine’s history. A remarkably cool and balanced growing season produced a wine of exceptional complexity, detail, and structure.

Showing the influence of the breezy and fog-laced Oak Knoll District, the wine offers rich, plush fruit, delicate acidity, and a structure defined by well-ripened, fine-grained tannins. Vibrant aromas of black cherry, dried herbs, and sandalwood on the nose. Expansive on the palate with notes of blackberry, orange peel, plum, and baking spices, all driven to a long finish by balanced acidity.

The Black Chicken Story

It all started in the 1940s when 14-year-old Aldo Biale helped his mother make ends meet by selling to insider Napans — along with eggs and produce — some of the family’s homemade Zinfandel. Over the old “party line” phone system, the code words “a Black Chicken” signified a jug of bootleg wine, keeping nosy neighbors and the authorities from finding out about Aldo’s underground Zinfandel operation. Legally produced since 1999, Black Chicken Zinfandel pays homage to the industrious patriarch of the Biale family and the prominence of Zinfandel in the history of Napa Valley.

The heart of Black Chicken is sourced from vineyards in the Oak Knoll District — among them the same family vineyard Aldo, Nonna, Bob, and the Biale family have farmed since the 1930s. Black Chicken stands as the quintessential expression of Zinfandel from the Napa Valley.

2023 Vintage Notes

The 2023 season was one of the coolest vintages in more than a decade. Several years of drought were erased in a single season as rains began just after the 2022 harvest and continued through spring 2023. Ample groundwater and cool temperatures delayed budbreak until April, with flowering in mid-May. Moderate temperatures through spring and summer allowed for balanced maturation — picking at the perfect intersection of flavor, sugar, acid, and tannin maturity. Harvesting began with earlier sites in September, with moderate heat in early October accelerating picking through the end of the month.

Food Pairings

Grilled ribeye, BBQ brisket, lamb chops, wild boar, aged cheddar, and hearty pasta with meat sauce. A quintessential Napa Zinfandel built for bold, flavorful food.

Product Details

• Producer: Robert Biale Vineyards
• Appellation: Oak Knoll District AVA, Napa Valley
• Grape: 100% Zinfandel
• Farming: Practicing sustainable, head-trained, dry-farmed vines
• Soils: Ancient marine sediments and rocky alluvial fan
• Harvest: Hand-harvested
• Fermentation: Open-top fermenters, 2–4-day cold soak, 2–3 punch-downs daily
• Aging: 16 months in 100% Burgundy oak barrels (25% new)
• Vintage: 2023 (25th Anniversary Release)
• Production: 6,000 cases
• Drink: Now through 2034
• Format: 750ml

Varieties

Winemaking

Umani Ronchi Casal di Serra Verdicchio Vecchie Vigne — Marche 2022

Umani Ronchi's Casal di Serra Vecchie Vigne is the pinnacle of the estate's Verdicchio program — and the 2022 vintage is a stunning expression of what old vines can achieve. Sourced from parcels planted in the early 1970s on the Montecarotto farm in the Marche, the wine is fermented in concrete tanks with native yeasts and aged at length in bottle to develop its signature fullness and complexity. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 93 points, calling it "a wine that is as much of a feeling as it is tasty." A benchmark Verdicchio at an honest price.

The nose is a flower shop: mixed blossoms, green herbs, lemon oil, and white gravel. On the palate, the texture is extraordinary — a seamless, hugging mouthfeel with a pleasant pithy bitterness and a long, sea-salty mineral finish. It delivers the depth and elegance that only old-vine Verdicchio can achieve, and will drink beautifully through 2035.

Wine Enthusiast 93 — Jeff Porter: "This Verdicchio is a flower shop in a bottle with elegant aromas of mixed flowers, green herbs, lemon oil and white gravel... an amazing texture that hugs the palate with a pleasant pithy bitterness and sea-salty finish." (Vintage 2022). 

• Producer: Umani Ronchi, Osimo, Marche, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore DOC
• Vineyard: Montecarotto estate — old vines planted early 1970s
• Varietal: 100% Verdicchio
• Vinification: Concrete tank fermentation with native yeasts, extended bottle aging
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Mixed flowers, green herbs, lemon oil, white gravel, pithy bitterness, sea-salty mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2035
• Best Paired With: Grilled branzino, seafood pasta, roasted chicken, fresh ricotta, seared scallops

A 93-point Verdicchio from one of the Marche's most celebrated estates — Umani Ronchi's Vecchie Vigne is the benchmark for what old-vine Verdicchio can be.

Winemaker Description 

Quite dark and earthy spice, a touch of dark chocolate, a touch of ethereal coolness, black pepper, and a hint of truffle spice.

But what a mineral, almost chalky grip and the inviting freshness of acidity. It's pure, precise, unvarnished, with edges and corners, and the acidity is top-notch; you just have to like it.

An incredibly nervy, yet racy style, despite the power. Has the potential to age for a very long time. Wow.

Winemaker Description 

Originating from the traditional cru area of Barolo, Tenuta Monchiero Barolo is crafted from 100% Nebbiolo d'Alba grapes. This 2019 Barolo offers a deep and complex flavor profile, featuring pronounced tannins that soften beautifully with time.

Expect rich notes of black fruit, complemented by strong, persistent tannins and a robust structure. Aged for two years in Slavonian oak barrels and an additional two years in the bottle, this wine delivers a refined, long-lasting finish.

Expert Review — Vintage 2022

Wine Advocate — 93 Points | Herbal and spicy, keeping freshness while reflecting the dry, warm vintage conditions. A powerful white with excellent aging potential. An unusual and compelling blend of 86% Sauvignon Blanc and 14% Verdejo — a little à la Bordeaux. Fermented and matured on lees in barrel for seven months.

Winemaker Description

Clean and bright, with fragrant aromas of white flowers, elder, and acacia, layered with refreshing notes of ginger and citrus — mandarin, grapefruit, and lime. On the palate, stone fruits emerge: apricot, nectarine, and ripe melon. Persistent, creamy, and unctuous, with fresh, crystalline acidity that makes this a highly age-worthy wine.

• Producer: Abadía Retuerta
• Classification: Vino de Pago (Spain’s highest single-estate designation)
• Appellation: Sardon del Duero, Castilla y León, Spain
• Blend: 86% Sauvignon Blanc, 14% Verdejo
• Aging: Barrel-fermented, 7 months on lees
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 750ml

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 93 Points | A sleek, polished and well-balanced wine that shows hints of mint and eucalyptus. Black cherry, blackberry, black currant and bay leaf nuances. Contains 1% merlot and is aged in 15% new French oak. Contains a majority of relatively cool-climate Coombsville grapes. Full-bodied. Drink or hold.

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Deeply colored ruby, with aromas of violets, dark fruits and a pleasing waft of forest floor. Flavors reveal dark chocolate and cocoa spun through with spice and a sip of black coffee. This is a friendly while poised Cabernet Sauvignon with plenty of fruit that reveal layers of interest with further sipping.

The Wine Advocate 91 Points | Crossbarn's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley comes predominantly from Paul Hobbs's Coombsville vineyard, augmented by some purchased fruit from Calistoga. Matured in 15% new French oak, it offers up scents of black cherries, cassis and suede, alongside hints of cedar and vanilla. In the mouth, the wine is nicely smooth and supple, even plush, really well-integrated and long. It's a terrific value in Napa Cabernet.

Winemaker Description 

The ‘cross’ barn served as a childhood meeting place on Paul Hobbs’ family’s more than one hundred-and-fifty-year-old fruit farm situated in Niagara County, New York. Named after this gathering point, Crossbarn honors the values of hard work and integrity instilled in Paul from his childhood. Committed to high-quality, sustainably farmed vineyards, our wines offer a bright and youthful expression of fruit blended from Northern California’s finest appellations.

Winemaker Description 

Appearance : Opaque red-black. Scarlet rim. Aroma: Initially closed. The wine opens to an amalgam of minerals and unctuous super-ripe berries. Palate : Deep, rich and ripe. Black fruits (cherries, plums) give way to hints of liquorice, molasses and a hint of cinnamon. Solid tannins and focused acidity with a long finish.

Tasting notes | Deep, rich, and ripe. Black fruits (cherries, plums) give way to hints of licorice, molasses, and a hint of cinnamon. Solid tannins and focused acidity with a long finish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

Lisa Perrotti-Brown of the Wine Advocate writes 92-94+ Points | Opaque purple-black colored, the 2019 Larrivet Haut-Brion charges out of the gate with wonderfully fragrant scents of black raspberries, Morello cherries and wild blueberries with suggestions of blackcurrant pastilles, candied violets, chocolate mint and forest floor. The medium to full-bodied palate is jam-packed with red and black fruit layers, framed by firm, exquisitely ripe, velvety tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and fragrant. Just stunning!.

Winemaker Description 

The 2019 vintage was marked by a dry, mild winter. April showers were followed by cool, rainy May and June. The year was also notable for its exceptionally hot summer, with irregular rainfall. A dry, warm September helped to balance out the slow veraison. Harvesting took place from September 19 to October 12. 

The 2019 vintage is a blend of three grape varieties, composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Franc. This vintage is notable for its brilliant garnet color. The typical nose of this wine is the expression of the Cabernet Sauvignon of our terroir, powerful and deep, releasing notes of black fruit stewed with spices and zan sticks. On the palate, the wine is opulent, sustained by an explosion of black fruits such as blackcurrant and morello cherry. The powerful tannic structure accompanies the gourmand sensation throughout the entire length. 2019 is one of the great Bordeaux vintages of 2018, 2019 and 2020. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Jeb Dunnuck 91-93 Points | A ripe, opulent second wine, the 2022 Amiral De Beychevelle offers lots of black cherry, mulberry, and plum-like fruits as well as some floral, violet, and graphite nuances. It's medium to full-bodied, has elegant, silky tannins, and a great finish. It's one heck of a sexy, already hard to resist second wine that should keep for 10-12 years, if not longer.

James Suckling 91-92 Points | Very refined and pretty already with linear fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Medium body. Attractive finish. 65% cabernet sauvignon and 35% merlot.

Producer Description 

Our Napa Valley Merlot opens with lively bright red fruits and a soft, lush texture. Delicate floral aromas combine with ripe blackberry, milk chocolate, wet stone and barrel spice. The finish is bright and spreads out on the palate to reveal mineral notes that support the silky tannin structure.

Deep ruby in color, the 2019 Napa Valley Merlot features a tempting nose with hints of violet, ripe cherry and warm baking spices. The palate is supple in texture with luxurious layers of brambly red fruits, cocoa, and dusty tannins. This classic Napa Valley Merlot finishes long and vibrant with lingering notes of graphite.

Domaine Jean Foillard Morgon Côte du Py Organic — Beaujolais 2024

Jean Foillard is one of the founding members of Beaujolais’s legendary Gang of Four — alongside Marcel Lapierre, Jean-Paul Thévenet, and Guy Breton — the group of vignerons who, inspired by the teachings of Jules Chauvet, staged a quiet revolution against the industrial Beaujolais of the 1980s. Their manifesto: old vines, no synthetic herbicides or pesticides, late harvesting, rigorous sorting, minimal sulfur, no chaptalization, no filtration. The result is Morgon as it was always meant to be — structured, mineral, and age-worthy, with none of the bubblegum and banana aromas that plagued the region’s commercial wines. Jean and Agnès Foillard farm nearly 14 hectares, most of them on the Côte du Py — the famed granite and schist slope above Villié-Morgon that is the pride of the appellation. Vinous awarded the 2024 Côte du Py 92 points.

The nose is serious and mineral: earthy stone, plum, red and black fruit, and black tea leaves with crushed stone. On the palate, the wine is fresh and lively on entry, with a skip in its step — a Côte du Py with energy and precision, finishing with an assiduous sprinkle of white pepper and a long, harmonious close. Jean raises his wines in older Burgundy barrels, lending a velvety lushness that makes them irresistible young despite their considerable aging potential.

Vinous 92 — "A mélange of red and black fruit, black tea leaves and crushed stone. Fresh and lively on the entry, a Côte du Py with a skip in its step and an assiduous sprinkling of white pepper towards the harmonious finish." (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Domaine Jean Foillard, Villié-Morgon, Beaujolais, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Morgon, Beaujolais
• Vineyard: Côte du Py — granite and schist soils
• Varietal: 100% Gamay
• Farming: Certified Organic, no synthetic inputs, minimal sulfur, unfiltered
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Earthy stone, plum, red and black fruit, black tea, crushed stone, white pepper, velvety finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 5–10+ years
• Best Paired With: Roast chicken, duck confit, charcuterie, mushroom dishes, soft cheeses

A 92-point organic Morgon from one of Beaujolais’s most important estates — mineral, structured, and built to age.

Turley Wine Cellars Dusi Vineyard Zinfandel — Paso Robles, California 2023

Turley Wine Cellars is the definitive address for old-vine Zinfandel in California. Founded in 1993 by Larry Turley and guided by winemaker Tegan Passalacqua, the estate farms organically across more than 50 vineyards statewide — many with vines dating to the late 1800s. The Dusi Vineyard in Paso Robles is one of Turley's most storied sources: a historic site that produces Zinfandel of uncommon depth, intensity, and character. Wine Spectator awarded the 2023 vintage 95 points; Vinous 92–94. At $59.99, it is one of the most compelling old-vine Zinfandels in California.

Deep and hedonistic in the glass. The nose opens with plum, black cherry, briar patch, spice, leather, tobacco, and incense — layered and complex from the first pour. On the palate, the wine is mid-weight but intensely flavored: ripe dark fruit, savory pepper, scorched earth, dried flowers, and mocha build toward polished, detailed tannins and a deep, resonant finish. Supple, juicy, and mouthwatering, with a mineral zip that keeps everything in balance. Drink now through 2037.

Wine Spectator 95 — "Loaded with compelling flavors of black cherry, briar patch and savory pepper that build detail and tension toward polished tannins. Drink now through 2037."

Vinous 92–94 — "Laced with plum, spice, leather, tobacco and incense... tons of fruit intensity and character. Scorched earth, dried flowers and mocha build into the deep, resonant finish."

• Producer: Turley Wine Cellars, Napa Valley, California
• Vineyard: Dusi Vineyard, Paso Robles
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Paso Robles AVA
• Varietal: Zinfandel (old vines)
• Farming: Organic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, plum, briar, pepper, leather, tobacco, mocha, mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2037
• Best Paired With: Braised short ribs, lamb chops, BBQ brisket, aged cheddar, wild boar ragù

A 95-point old-vine Zinfandel from California's most dedicated custodian of the variety — Turley Dusi is the benchmark for what Paso Robles Zinfandel can be.

Winemaker Description

Medium to medium-dark ruby-red. Very cool, stately aromas of red cherry, cola, and fresh tobacco leaf. On the palate, medium-full bodied. Flavors of red fruits and blood orange take front and center stage, persisting through the long, smooth finish. Not a wine of bombast but instead, one of elegance, purity, and quiet confidence. Wonderful now, this can be enjoyed through at least 2028.

Expert Ratings

94 Points Wine Spectator | Few Zinfandels show this much nuance and detail, yet there's an elegant power to this red, with cherry and raspberry flavors that mingle with orange peel and fresh sage. Ends with refined tannins.

93 Points Jeb Dunnuck | The 2020 Zinfandel Papera Ranch is ripe with fresh berries, raspberry preserve, and baking spice. Its gushy fruit up front gives way to a note of raspberry seed and refreshing lift on the finish. Drink 2023-2032.

Winemaker Description

Lightly touched by wood aging, this ripe Mercurey Blanc is both crisp and rich. Its briskness brings a mineral edge while the ripeness produces generous apple and apricot fruit. Matured on fine lees with regular stirring, the wine possesses remarkable body and smooth richness that are central to its balance. Ready to drink now.

About Philippe Le Hardi

Philippe Le Hardi is one of Burgundy’s most respected négociant-éleveurs, based in Santenay on the southern Côte de Beaune and specializing in wines from the Côte Chalonnaise and Côte d’Or. With deep roots in the region and a commitment to expressing the character of each appellation, Philippe Le Hardi produces wines that balance Burgundian tradition with approachability. Their kosher range — certified Kosher for Passover and Mevushal — is crafted to the same standards as their full portfolio, bringing authentic Burgundy to the kosher table. The Mercurey Blanc is sourced from the Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy’s most underrated appellation for white wine, where Chardonnay on limestone and clay soils produces wines of real depth and mineral character at outstanding value.

Food Pairings

Grilled fish, roasted chicken, veal in cream sauce, soft ripened cheeses, mushroom risotto, and light pasta dishes. A natural match for Shabbat dinners, Passover seders, and holiday tables. A versatile, food-friendly white Burgundy.

Product Details

• Producer: Philippe Le Hardi
• Appellation: Mercurey Blanc AOC, Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy, France
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Aging: Lightly oaked, matured on fine lees with regular stirring
• Certification: Kosher for Passover, Mevushal
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Crisp, rich, mineral white Burgundy
• Format: 750ml

Tenuta Guado al Tasso is one of the crown jewels of the Antinori portfolio — a 320-hectare estate in the prestigious Bolgheri DOC on the Tuscan coast, set within the distinctive "Bolgheri Amphitheater" of rolling hills and cooled by constant sea breezes from the Tyrrhenian coast. Cont'Ugo is the estate's singular statement on Merlot: a wine produced entirely from this variety as a new interpretation of the Bolgheri territory, sourced from vineyards at 45–60 meters elevation on clay-loam alluvial soils that deliver deep, complex notes while preserving the fragrance and freshness that Merlot does best.

The Antinori Guado al Tasso Cont'Ugo Bolgheri Rosso 2023 750ml is 100% Merlot, sourced from vineyards across the northern, central, and southern zones of the Bolgheri appellation. Deep, inky red in the glass, it opens with an aromatic and inviting bouquet of crushed lavender, plum compote, blackberry, sweet earth, mint, and fresh herbs. On the palate it is full-bodied, supple, and rounded, with velvety tannins, a balanced core of acidity, and pristine, clean fruit that carries seamlessly from entry through the finish. Polished, expressive, and built to drink beautifully from 2026 through 2035.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

• Wine Enthusiast — 94 Points: "Peppery and earthy with tart blackberries over damp soil and graphite. Layers of sweet dark berries and dark chocolate create a sleek, acrobatic wine."
• Jeb Dunnuck — 93 Points: "Aromatic and inviting with crushed lavender, plum compote, blackberry, sweet earth, mint, and fresh herbs. Full-bodied, supple, and rounded with velvety tannins. Polished and expressive with good depth and length."
• Wine Spectator — 93 Points: "Rich, inviting and harmonious with black cherry, blackberry, plum, vanilla, toast and earth. Vibrant with dense tannins and an expansive finish. Best from 2026 through 2035."
• Wine Advocate — 92 Points: "Soft, fleshy texture with black cherry and blackberry. Pristine and clean fruit sustaining the wine seamlessly from entry through the finish."

Wine Details

• 100% Merlot — Cont'Ugo single-variety expression
• Bolgheri DOC, Tuscany, Italy — clay-loam alluvial soils, 45–60m elevation
• Tenuta Guado al Tasso, Marchesi Antinori
• Vintage: 2023 | Drink 2026–2035 | 750ml

Winemaker Description 

To taste Emeric’s brandy is to confront one of the wildest and most potent homemade concoctions in any cellar in the Rosenthal family of growers. According to local tradition, he blends this heady elixir with twice the volume of unfermented grape must—mostly Chardonnay—to create his Macvin du Jura, which throws politeness out the window and offers the imbiber a juicy, flagrant, undeniably delicious version of the recipe.

Elegant, expressive and beautifully textured, Gérard Boulay’s Monts Damnés captures the character of one of Sancerre’s most celebrated vineyards. Crafted from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grown on the steep hillsides of Chavignol, this distinctive white combines ripe fruit, floral finesse and a persistent mineral finish.

The south-facing Monts Damnés vineyard benefits from excellent sun exposure and pale, reflective soils, making it one of Chavignol’s warmer sites. Its limestone-rich Kimmeridgian terroir provides the foundation for a wine of depth and definition, balancing generous fruit with the freshness and structure that distinguish Boulay’s finest bottlings.

The 2024 is particularly elegant and aromatic, with floral notes accompanying ripe citrus and orchard fruit. A finely chalky texture gives the palate shape, while lively acidity brings brightness and lift. Subtle saline nuances carry through the long, stony finish, creating a Sancerre that feels both substantial and graceful.

The Boulay family’s winegrowing history in Chavignol dates back to 1380. Gérard has farmed organically since 1990 and harvests entirely by hand. Natural fermentation and maturation in neutral vessels reflect a restrained approach that allows the vineyard’s individual character to emerge without overt oak influence.

Pair with grilled fish, seared scallops, roast chicken or Crottin de Chavignol goat cheese. Allow the wine time to unfold in the glass when young, or cellar it to explore the additional depth and complexity that make Boulay’s single-vineyard Sancerres so rewarding.

Expert Rating

Vinous 93 Points | Done in a floral, finely aromatic style that’s both elegant and perfumed, the 2024 Monts Damnés is ripe, but there’s no shortage of acidity. It leaves a lip-smacking, bright finish as if someone’s just played a triangle, or the clouds have parted and the angels are singing a top note. Textbook chalky texture elevates this wine, making for a very classic style.

A beautifully expressive Sauvignon Blanc from one of Chavignol’s most historic vineyards, Gérard Boulay’s Clos de Beaujeu captures the depth, energy and mineral character that make this corner of Sancerre so distinctive.

The Boulay family’s winegrowing roots in Chavignol date back to 1380. Gérard has farmed organically since 1990, tending steep hillside vineyards with a meticulous, hands-on approach. His small Clos de Beaujeu parcel lies within the vineyard’s original medieval boundaries, where mature vines grow in rocky, limestone-rich soils scattered with fossils. These demanding slopes yield one of the domaine’s most structured and ageworthy wines.

The 2024 combines concentrated fruit with lively freshness. Citrus and orchard-fruit notes meet a pronounced stony minerality, while savory nuances add complexity. There is substance and texture on the palate, balanced by bright acidity and a long, focused finish—a compelling expression of Sauvignon Blanc with both immediate appeal and the structure to develop beautifully in the cellar.

Expert Rating

Vinous 92 Points: "excellent tension and chalkiness this is all about texture, structure and line... reveals an innate power, demonstrating precision and balance". 

Natural fermentation and aging in neutral wood reflect Boulay’s restrained approach in the cellar, allowing the vineyard’s character to lead. The result is a Sancerre of precision, depth and individuality.

Pair with seared scallops, roast fish, lobster or classic Loire Valley goat cheese. Give it time to open in the glass when young, or cellar it to discover the additional complexity that makes Boulay’s single-vineyard wines so rewarding.

The 2023 Roland Green Vineyard Pinot Noir is a distinctive single-vineyard expression from The Eyrie Vineyards, combining the elegance and freshness associated with the Dundee Hills with a darker, more fruit-forward personality. Brambly blackberry fruit, savory undertones and firm, textured tannins give this limited-production Pinot Noir both immediate appeal and excellent potential for further development in bottle.

Named in honor of Roland Green Lett, the vineyard was first planted in 1988 to Pommard and Wädenswil Pinot Noir clones. The site rises from approximately 540 to 720 feet elevation and enjoys a direct southern exposure. Eyrie describes Roland Green as a site capable of producing Pinot Noir with exceptional texture, depth and finesse. More recent plantings, including vines established in 2016, complement the mature blocks and add an especially bright, fresh fruit character to the wine.

Like Eyrie’s other estate vineyards, Roland Green is certified organic and farmed according to regenerative, no-till principles. The winery focuses on maintaining healthy soil ecosystems and naturally balanced vines rather than relying on intensive intervention. The elevated, south-facing site and volcanic Dundee Hills soils contribute both ripeness and structural definition to the finished wine.

Eyrie’s single-vineyard Pinot Noirs are deliberately handled with a restrained cellar approach so that differences in vineyard site remain clearly visible. Native yeast fermentation, small fermentation vessels and extended élevage are central to the program, emphasizing texture, freshness and the individual character of each vineyard rather than overt winemaking influence.

The 2023 Roland Green is particularly expressive and fruit-driven, with brambly blackberry taking center stage. Compared with some of Eyrie’s more reserved vineyard selections, this vintage is somewhat more forward and immediately generous, while retaining the structure and savory character associated with the site. Dusty, textured tannins frame the dark fruit and provide a firm finish that should become increasingly integrated with additional bottle age.

Expert Rating

95 Points — Paul Gregutt

Gregutt highlights the influence of Roland Green’s younger vines, noting their bright, fresh fruit character. He describes the 2023 as more fruit-forward than some of Eyrie’s other vineyard selections, centered on brambly blackberry fruit with textured, dusty tannins that should soften further with time in bottle. Only 193 cases were produced.

With its combination of ripe dark fruit, freshness, firm structure and Dundee Hills elegance, the 2023 Roland Green Vineyard offers a particularly compelling expression of Eyrie’s vineyard-focused approach to Pinot Noir.

Region: Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Roland Green Vineyard
Clones: Pommard & Wädenswil
Elevation: Approximately 540–720 feet
Exposure: South-facing
Farming: Certified Organic / Regenerative No-Till
Alcohol: 13.5%
Production: 193 Cases
Bottle Size: 750ml

Aromas of candied lemon and acacia flowers rise from the glass with effortless charm. On the palate, brioche and wet stones unfold across a broad, expansive texture — supported by bright, ripe acidity and a long, complex finish that speaks to the quiet elegance only great Burgundy can offer.

Blend: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru, Burgundy, France
Vintage: 2023
Format: 750ml

For nearly 200 years, Maison Louis Jadot has been a guardian of Burgundy's viticultural heritage. Managing hundreds of carefully tended parcels passed down through generations, the house combines deep respect for terroir with precision winemaking. Their private nursery — founded in 1995 — preserves old-vine Chardonnay and Pinot Noir genetic material, ensuring future vintages carry the same soul as those of the past.

Latour Vincent Saint-Aubin "Cuvée Thomas" 2024 is a fresh, refined and beautifully energetic white Burgundy from Domaine Vincent Latour, the historic Meursault estate run by Vincent Latour and his wife, Cécile. Formerly known as Domaine Latour-Labille, the domaine dates back to 1792 and is known for producing Chardonnay that combines texture and generosity with freshness, tension and precision.

This cuvée comes from a small 0.214-hectare vineyard parcel known as Le Village, planted in 1989. The vineyards of Saint-Aubin generally sit around 100 meters higher in elevation than Meursault, helping to preserve freshness and acidity while contributing to the lively, mineral character that makes the appellation increasingly sought after by Burgundy lovers.

The wine is fermented and aged on the lees in one- and two-year-old demi-muids, allowing it to develop texture and complexity without excessive oak influence. The cuvée is named after Vincent Latour's son, Thomas, giving this bottling a particularly personal connection to the domaine.

The 2024 Cuvée Thomas is expressive and vibrant, showing aromas of fresh citrus, green and yellow apple, white flowers and subtle stone fruit. The palate is focused and energetic, with bright acidity, a finely textured mid-palate and a distinctly mineral edge.

As the wine opens, delicate notes of lemon zest, pear, white peach and subtle savory spice emerge, while the higher-elevation terroir keeps the wine fresh and lifted. The finish is clean, persistent and precise, with an appealing balance of fruit, texture and tension.

Saint-Aubin has become one of the Côte de Beaune's most exciting sources of high-quality Chardonnay, offering much of the character and complexity associated with its famous neighbors while often delivering exceptional value. Cuvée Thomas is a particularly elegant example, combining mature vines, careful élevage and the natural freshness of its elevated vineyard site.

Producer: Domaine Vincent Latour
Grape: Chardonnay
Region: Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France 🇫🇷
Appellation: Saint-Aubin
Cuvée: Cuvée Thomas
Vineyard: Le Village
Vintage: 2024
Parcel Size: Approximately 0.214 hectare
Vine Age: Planted in 1989
Élevage: Fermented and aged on the lees in one- and two-year-old demi-muids
Bottle Size: 750ml

Pairing: Excellent with grilled fish, scallops, oysters, roast chicken, herb-roasted poultry, creamy seafood dishes, goat cheese, Comté and lighter mushroom preparations.

Latitude is Larmandier-Bernier's generous, beautifully textured expression of Chardonnay from the southern reaches of Vertus in the Côte des Blancs. Where the estate's Longitude is linear and chalk-driven, Latitude comes from richer soils with deeper topsoil, yielding a broader, rounder and more immediately seductive Champagne — while retaining the purity and mineral energy for which Larmandier-Bernier is celebrated. The name refers to the vineyards, all situated along roughly the same latitude south of Vertus, with predominantly east- and southeast-facing exposures.

The 2022-based release incorporates 60% base wine from the 2022 harvest and 40% reserve wines drawn from the estate's perpetual reserve, established in 2004. Grapes are gently pressed and lightly clarified before going directly into wood, where alcoholic and malolactic fermentations begin spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in Stockinger casks and vats. The wine rests on its lees during the first year without fining or filtration, then spends more than two additional years aging in bottle before disgorgement in September 2024 with a dosage of just 2 g/L — firmly Extra Brut.

Expert Reviews - Base 2022

94 Vinous: "Bright, punchy and full of mineral-driven intensity. Crushed flowers, lemon peel, sage, mint and crushed rocks build as this potent, intensely saline Champagne opens in the glass. This is impressive. The Latitude is a Champagne built on textural breadth and volume, typical of wines from the southern sector of Vertus."

92 Jeb Dunnuck: "Opening to pure notes of quince and light tropical notes, with a hint of white flowers, lychee, and shortbread, it's medium-bodied on the palate, fruity, elegant, and powdery, yet it retains its ripeness and a meringue-like quality, with a fluffy and refined mousse."

91 Wine Advocate: "Blossoming in the glass with aromas of pear, peach, lemon confit and freshly baked bread. It reveals a medium- to full-bodied, fleshy yet racy palate that is rich and giving, underpinned by ripe yet vibrant acidity and concluding with a long, resonant finish."

Tasting Notes

Broad, expressive and beautifully concentrated, the 2022-based Latitude opens with ripe pear, peach and lemon confit alongside fresh bread, tangerine peel and subtle marzipan. As it develops, hints of mint, flowers and chalk add lift and complexity. The palate is rich and ample yet remains energetic — ripe acidity balances the wine's generous fruit and creamy texture, while a persistent mineral freshness carries through the long, resonant finish. Delicious now, with enough structure and depth to reward additional bottle age.

Food Pairing

Excellent as an aperitif or alongside oysters, scallops, lobster, sushi, roast chicken, creamy seafood dishes, soft cheeses and richer fish preparations.

Specifications

Grape Variety: Chardonnay (100%)
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Sub-Region: Côte des Blancs
Village: Vertus
Classification: Premier Cru
Style: Blanc de Blancs / Extra Brut
Dosage: 2 g/L — Extra Brut
Base Vintage: 2022
Blend: 60% 2022 base wine, 40% perpetual reserve (est. 2004)
Soils: Deep chalk with richer topsoil
Exposure: Predominantly east and southeast-facing
Farming: Organic / biodynamic
Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts; spontaneous alcoholic and malolactic fermentation
Disgorgement: September 2024
ABV: 12%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Producer: Larmandier-Bernier

About Champagne Paul Bara

Paul Bara Rosé Brut Grand Cru NV is a vibrant, expressive Rosé Champagne from one of Bouzy’s most storied grower estates — a family that has farmed this celebrated Grand Cru village since 1833. The estate tends approximately 11 hectares of clay-limestone and chalk-rich vineyards planted primarily to Pinot Noir, and its Champagnes are renowned for their combination of ripe fruit, fine structure, and a distinctive sense of place. Composed of 80% Pinot Noir (including 12% estate-produced Bouzy Rouge) and 20% Chardonnay, this Rosé is a benchmark expression of Bouzy’s vinous depth and red-fruit generosity.

Tasting Notes

Luminous salmon-pink in the glass with a fine, persistent mousse. The bouquet is expressive and inviting: raspberry, wild strawberry, and red cherry lead, accompanied by dried apricot, citrus peel, and delicate flowers, with subtle accents of almond, biscuit, and gentle spice emerging with air. On the palate, the wine is lively, generous, and beautifully balanced — juicy red fruit supported by refreshing acidity and a fine mineral backbone, with a smooth, creamy texture from approximately four years of lees aging. The finish is dry, focused, and persistent, with lingering red-fruit, citrus, and savory mineral notes.

Critical Acclaim

Decanter — 96 Points: “Enticing creamy raspberry and ground almond notes which propel over the pink grapefruit acidity and gorgeous glowing, silky mousse. Delicate with a crushed red fruit ending.”

James Suckling — 93 Points: “Attractive fruit with sliced-strawberry and apple aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with fresh apples and citrus as well as touches of heather and bread dough. Tangy at the end.”

Winemaking

Only the first pressing of the grapes is used. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks; malolactic fermentation is avoided to preserve freshness and natural acidity. The estate-produced Bouzy Rouge contributes the Rosé’s attractive color, richness, and red-fruit complexity. Aged approximately four years on lees before release — well beyond the NV minimum — developing greater texture and depth while retaining vibrant fruit. Sustainable farming, lutte raisonnée. Average vine age: approximately 35 years.

Food Pairings

Exceptional as an aperitif. Pairs beautifully with smoked salmon, tuna tartare, sushi, grilled shrimp, lobster, duck breast, roast poultry, pork tenderloin, charcuterie, creamy cheeses, and red-berry desserts. Versatile enough to accompany an entire meal.

R.H. Coutier Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs (Base 2022) is a rare and compelling Champagne from one of Ambonnay's most respected grower-producers — a family that has cultivated vines in this celebrated Grand Cru village for generations. What makes this cuvée so distinctive is its origin: Ambonnay is revered above all for Pinot Noir, yet R.H. Coutier was among the village's earliest champions of Chardonnay, and this Blanc de Blancs stands as a testament to that vision — combining the generous structure and clay-chalk depth of Ambonnay with the precision, citrus energy, and mineral elegance of 100% Grand Cru Chardonnay.

The bouquet is refined and expressive: lemon peel, crisp orchard fruit, white stone fruit, and delicate floral notes, underpinned by a chalky, fresh-pastry quality that speaks directly to the terroir. On the palate, the wine is bright and finely textured, with ripe stony fruit, lively acidity, and fine, persistent bubbles that carry the flavors with effortless grace. The Extra Brut dosage keeps the wine focused and refreshingly dry, leading to a long, mineral-driven finish of impressive length and clarity.

A grower Champagne of genuine character — site-specific, hand-crafted, and deeply expressive of its Grand Cru origins. The 2022 base brings generous structure and ripeness, balanced by the natural freshness of high-altitude Champagne viticulture.

Serve at 46–50°F. An exceptional aperitif and a natural partner for oysters, shellfish, sushi, smoked salmon, delicate white fish, soft cheeses, and lightly fried seafood.

93 Points — Jeb Dunnuck
92 Points — James Suckling
91 Points — Wine Advocate

Geoffroy “Empreinte Millésime” 2018 is a vintage Blanc de Noirs Champagne produced entirely from Pinot Noir grown in three historic Premier Cru parcels in Cumières. Powerful yet refined, it captures the ripe red-fruit character of this celebrated Vallée de la Marne village while preserving freshness, mineral tension and a finely detailed mousse.

The wine is sourced from mature, south-facing vines planted on the midslope above the Marne River. Fermentation and maturation in large oak vessels build texture and complexity without obscuring the purity of the Pinot Noir. After extended aging on the lees and a very low dosage, the finished Champagne offers ripe orchard fruit, citrus, red berries, fresh bread, toasted nuts and a distinctive saline finish.

The Place

Cumières is a historic Premier Cru village in Champagne’s Vallée de la Marne, located immediately west of Hautvillers and northwest of Épernay. Its vineyards rise steeply from the right bank of the Marne River, benefiting from predominantly south- and southeast-facing exposures.

The village’s warm, sunny slopes allow Pinot Noir to achieve excellent ripeness. Cumières Champagne is consequently known for its expressive fruit, generous texture and distinctly vinous character. The underlying chalk and limestone preserve freshness and mineral tension, preventing the wines from becoming overly broad or heavy.

Although Champagne Geoffroy’s winemaking facilities are now located in Aÿ, the family’s identity remains inseparable from Cumières, where it has cultivated vines since the 17th century.

The Empreinte Vineyards

Empreinte is drawn from three historic Cumières Premier Cru parcels:

Les Chalmonts
Les Barremonts
Les Pêchers

The vineyards lie on the midslope at approximately 160 meters above sea level, with a gradient of around 19%. Their southerly exposure promotes full Pinot Noir ripeness, while the slope provides natural drainage and excellent sunlight throughout the growing season.

The soils are composed principally of clay and limestone with fragments of millstone and flint. Clay contributes body, ripe fruit and textural generosity. Limestone and chalk provide freshness, structure and salinity, while flinty elements can contribute the delicate smoky or reductive mineral character frequently found in the wine.

The source vines average approximately 40 years of age. The parcels are selected annually, harvested together and pressed as a single expression of mature-vine Pinot Noir from Cumières.

The Meaning of Empreinte

“Empreinte” translates as “imprint” or “mark.” The name reflects the domaine’s intention to capture the distinctive imprint of Cumières terroir through Pinot Noir.

The cuvée represents one of the estate’s historic and defining wines. Rather than blending across villages or grape varieties, Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy uses Empreinte to highlight the depth, ripeness and mineral structure Pinot Noir can achieve on the warm slopes of Cumières.

The Grape: 100% Pinot Noir.

Although Pinot Noir is a dark-skinned grape, the juice is naturally clear. Gentle pressing with minimal skin contact produces a white Champagne known as Blanc de Noirs.

Pinot Noir provides Empreinte with structure, body and aging potential, together with characteristic flavors of red apple, cherry, raspberry and subtle red currant. Mature vines and extended lees aging add further layers of citrus, toasted bread, nuts, spice and savory mineral complexity.

The 2018 Vintage

Empreinte 2018 is a true vintage Champagne, produced solely from grapes harvested during the 2018 growing season.

The warm, generous vintage allowed Pinot Noir in favorably exposed Cumières vineyards to achieve excellent maturity. The resulting Champagne possesses ripe fruit and a broad, enveloping texture, but sufficient acidity and mineral structure maintain balance and freshness.

The vintage produced a comparatively approachable expression of Empreinte, combining concentrated Pinot Noir character with a creamy mousse, fresh citrus and a delicate saline edge.

Viticulture

Champagne Geoffroy practices sustainable and increasingly organic viticulture. Chemical weedkillers are avoided, vineyard soils are cultivated and cover crops are encouraged to improve biodiversity and soil health.

The grapes are harvested by hand at optimum maturity and carefully sorted. Achieving full physiological ripeness is central to the Geoffroy style, particularly for a low-dosage wine such as Empreinte, where there is very little added sweetness to soften or disguise the character of the base wine.

Pressing and Vinification

The Pinot Noir is pressed in a traditional Coquard press. Only the finest first-pressing juice, known as the tête de cuvée, is selected.

The individual vineyard parcels are handled by gravity and fermented with indigenous yeasts. The 2018 was vinified principally in large 20-hectoliter Stockinger oak casks, together with other neutral barrels and demi-muids.

Large-format, seasoned oak allows the wine to develop greater breadth, texture and oxygen-derived complexity without contributing excessive new-oak flavor. It also complements the naturally rich and vinous character of mature-vine Cumières Pinot Noir.

The wine is neither heavily fined nor filtered, preserving its natural texture and aromatic complexity.

Lees Aging and Dosage

The importer lists approximately 66 months of aging on the lees. Jeb Dunnuck describes the wine as spending a minimum of five years sur latte before disgorgement.

This extended lees maturation develops the Champagne’s fine mousse and contributes notes of brioche, fresh bread, pastry, almond and toasted nuts.

The bottles reviewed by James Suckling and Wine Advocate were disgorged in December 2024 with a dosage of only 1 gram per liter. This extremely low dosage gives the wine a dry, focused profile and allows its Pinot Noir fruit, chalky minerality and delicate phenolic structure to remain clearly defined.

Skurnik’s broader technical profile lists 3 grams per liter for the cuvée, indicating that dosage may vary between disgorgement lots. Both figures fall within the Extra Brut category.

Tasting Notes

The 2018 Empreinte displays a luminous copper-straw color with a persistent stream of small, finely formed bubbles.

The bouquet opens with sliced apple, pear, white grapefruit and orange zest, followed by raspberry, red currant and other subtle red-fruit notes. With air, aromas of honey, fresh bread, brioche, toasted almond and Madagascar vanilla become more pronounced.

A delicate flinty reduction frames the fruit and contributes additional mineral complexity. The oak is present primarily as texture and gentle toast rather than overt wood flavor.

On the palate, the Champagne is medium- to full-bodied, firm and generous. A creamy mousse surrounds ripe apple, citrus and red-berry flavors, while vibrant acidity maintains energy and definition.

The mid-palate is broad, textural and enveloping, yet the wine remains controlled and precise. Pinot Noir contributes a subtle phenolic grip, leading to a delicately bitter, gastronomic finish marked by grapefruit pith, almond, chalk and salty spice.

This is a substantial but elegant Blanc de Noirs: expressive enough to enjoy now, yet sufficiently structured to develop greater nutty, savory and brioche complexity with additional bottle age.

Professional Ratings

93 Points — Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2018 Champagne Premier Cru Cumières Blanc de Noirs Empreinte Extra Brut is a more elegant and approachable wine in this vintage, pouring a bright copper/straw color and offering notes of fresh almond, fresh bread, white grapefruit, red fruit, and delicate flinty reduction that frames the nose. Made from 100% Pinot Noir from the best plots of Cumières and raised in oak with a minimum five years sur latte, it™s medium-bodied and has a creamy texture and a fine mousse with just a subtle salty spice. It is not the most obvious wine in the tasting, but it will offer a lot of refreshing enjoyment over the next 8-10 years. Drink 2025-2035."

92 Points — James Suckling: "Sliced apples, berries, honey and toasted bread on the nose of this dry, expressive Champagne. Lovely pinot noir character, firm but generous. Tight bubbles. Pinot noir from Cumieres. Disgorged December 2024. 1 g/L dosage. Drink now or hold."

91 Points — Wine Advocate: "Geoffroy™s 2018 Blanc de Noirs Cumieres Empreinte originates from several south-facing parcels in Cumieres, averaging 40 years of age. These parcels are annually selected, harvested and pressed together, then vinified primarily in 20-hectoliter Stockinger casks. Disgorged in December 2024 with a dosage of one gram per liter, the wine bursts from the glass with expressive aromas of pear, orange zest, brioche and Madagascar vanilla. Full-bodied, textural and enveloping on the palate, it displays notable mid-palate sweetness despite its low-dosage style. Ripe yet vibrant acidity complements the wine, while Pinot Noir phenolics assert themselves on the delicately bitter finish. Made with full malolactic fermentation, this cuvee stands apart from the rest of the range, offering a richer, fruit-forward profile that's full of charm."

The Producer

The Geoffroy family has cultivated vineyards in Cumières since the 17th century. Estate bottling began during the 1950s, and René Geoffroy later expanded the domaine and established its reputation as an independent grower-producer.

Today, Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy manages the estate with his wife, Karine. Although the family moved its winemaking operations to a historic property in Aÿ in 2008, most of its vineyards remain in Cumières.

The domaine farms approximately 14 hectares, including roughly 11 hectares in Cumières, with additional parcels in neighboring Vallée de la Marne villages.

The Geoffroy style is built around ripe fruit, individual parcel selection, traditional pressing, oak fermentation and extended cellar aging. The wines combine the generosity of the Vallée de la Marne with energetic acidity, restrained dosage and a distinctive vinous character.

Food Pairing

Empreinte is a gastronomic Champagne particularly well suited to poultry, mushrooms and mature cheeses.

Recommended pairings include Bresse chicken with morels, roast chicken, quail with grapes, duck breast, veal, pork tenderloin and a fricassee of wild mushrooms.

It also pairs beautifully with seared tuna, grilled salmon, lobster, scallops, truffle risotto and savory pastry dishes. Mature Comté, Gruyère, Parmesan and other aged cheeses complement its toasted-almond and brioche character.

Serving and Cellaring

Serve at approximately 50–54°F in a tulip-shaped Champagne glass or a generous white-wine glass. The producer recommends serving Empreinte at approximately 11–12°C.

A wider glass allows its Pinot Noir fruit, oak-derived texture and mature lees aromas to develop more fully than a narrow flute.

The Champagne is ready to drink now but should continue to evolve through approximately 2035. Additional bottle age will encourage more developed notes of toasted nuts, dried fruit, honey, brioche and savory spice.

Producer: Champagne Geoffroy
Cuvée: Empreinte Millésime
Vintage: 2018
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Subregion: Vallée de la Marne
Village: Cumières Premier Cru
Classification: Premier Cru
Style: Vintage Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut Champagne
Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
Vineyard Sources: Les Chalmonts, Les Barremonts and Les Pêchers
Exposure: Predominantly south-facing
Altitude: Approximately 160 meters
Slope: Approximately 19% gradient
Vine Age: Approximately 40 years and older
Soils: Clay-limestone with fragments of millstone and flint
Farming: Sustainable and practicing organic
Harvest: Hand harvested and sorted
Press: Traditional Coquard press; tête de cuvée juice
Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts in large oak casks, barrels and demi-muids
Lees Aging: Approximately 66 months
Disgorgement: December 2024 for the bottles reviewed
Dosage: 1 g/L for the December 2024 reviewed disgorgement; importer profile also lists 3 g/L for the cuvée
Alcohol: 12.5%
Recommended Drinking: 2025–2035
Bottle Size: 750ml

Geoffroy “Empreinte Millésime” Blanc de Noirs Premier Cru Extra Brut 2018

92 Points — Wine Spectator
91 Points — Vinous

Pinot Noir from the heart of Aÿ. Henri Goutorbe's Cuvée Prestige is the signature non-vintage Brut of one of the Vallée de la Marne's most respected family estates — a grower Champagne built around the richness, depth and vinous character that Aÿ Premier Cru Pinot Noir delivers better than almost anywhere else in Champagne. Rich yet lively, layered with vanilla, pastry cream, brioche, blackberry and blood orange zest, it is an excellent introduction to the Goutorbe house style: fruit-forward, structured and generous, with enough acidity to keep the wine elegant and fresh.

The Place

Henri Goutorbe is based in Aÿ, one of Champagne's most celebrated Premier Cru villages and the historic heartland of Pinot Noir in the Vallée de la Marne. Aÿ's south-facing slopes, deep chalk soils and warm mesoclimate allow Pinot Noir to achieve exceptional ripeness and concentration, producing wines with body, ripe red fruit and a distinctly vinous character that sets them apart from the lighter, more delicate styles of the Montagne de Reims or Côte des Blancs.

The Goutorbe family has farmed vines in Aÿ for generations, and the estate's identity is inseparable from the village. Their vineyards are planted predominantly on the chalk-rich slopes that give Aÿ Champagne its characteristic combination of richness and mineral freshness.

The Blend

Cuvée Prestige is led by approximately 70% Pinot Noir, with 25% Chardonnay and a small proportion of Pinot Meunier. Pinot Noir contributes body, ripe red and dark fruit, and the vinous depth that defines the Goutorbe style. Chardonnay brings freshness, lift and precision. Meunier adds aromatic charm and suppleness to the blend.

The assemblage draws on reserve wines from multiple vintages, giving Cuvée Prestige consistency and complexity beyond what a single harvest could provide.

Winemaking

The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted. Vinification follows traditional Champagne methods, with fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks and extended lees aging in bottle to develop the wine's creamy mousse and subtle notes of brioche, pastry and toasted almond.

The dosage is calibrated to complement the wine's natural fruit and acidity without masking its character — keeping Cuvée Prestige firmly in the Brut category while preserving the generosity and approachability that define it.

Tasting Notes

The wine opens with aromas of ripe pear, red apple, blackberry and citrus, followed by notes of toasted brioche, pastry cream, honey, roasted almond and subtle spice. The palate is broad and creamy, supported by a fine, persistent mousse and bright acidity. Flavors of orchard fruit, blood orange, salted nuts and warm toast lead into a balanced, harmonious finish.

Wine Spectator describes it as rich yet lively, with layered notes of vanilla, pastry cream and brioche joined by blackberry, salted almond and blood orange zest, carried through a harmonious finish by fine acidity and texture.

Professional Ratings

92 Points — Wine Spectator: Rich yet lively, with layered notes of vanilla, pastry cream and brioche, joined by blackberry, salted almond and blood orange zest. Fine acidity and texture carry the wine through a harmonious finish.

91 Points — Vinous: A Pinot Noir-driven Champagne with generous fruit, attractive richness and the structure typical of the estate's home village of Aÿ.

The Producer

Henri Goutorbe is a historic family grower-producer based in Aÿ, one of Champagne's most prestigious Premier Cru villages. The estate has farmed its own vineyards for generations and produces a range of Champagnes that reflect the depth, richness and mineral character of Aÿ terroir. The Goutorbe style is built around ripe Pinot Noir, careful vineyard work and traditional winemaking — producing Champagnes that are expressive, structured and age-worthy.

Food Pairing

Cuvée Prestige is an excellent aperitif and a versatile food Champagne. Serve with oysters, smoked salmon, shellfish, roast chicken, creamy pasta, mushroom risotto, soft cheeses or lightly seasoned pork. Its body and red-fruit character also make it a natural partner for charcuterie and poultry dishes with cream or mushroom sauces.

Serving and Cellaring

Serve well chilled at approximately 46–50°F in a tulip-shaped Champagne glass or white-wine glass. Ready to drink now and will continue to develop over the next three to five years.

Producer: Henri Goutorbe
Cuvée: Cuvée Prestige
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Subregion: Vallée de la Marne
Village: Aÿ Premier Cru
Classification: Premier Cru
Style: Non-Vintage Brut Champagne
Blend: Approximately 70% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 5% Pinot Meunier
Farming: Family estate vineyards
Harvest: Hand harvested
Wine Type: Dry sparkling wine
Bottle Size: 750ml

Pierre Paillard Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut Les Parcelles Bouzy XXII 2022 | 750ml | Bouzy Grand Cru, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France

Les Parcelles Bouzy XXII is the signature expression of Pierre Paillard's historic estate in the Grand Cru village of Bouzy. Based primarily on the 2022 harvest, this Pinot Noir–dominant Extra Brut Champagne balances the generosity and power associated with Bouzy's sunny southern slopes with the precision, freshness and mineral structure provided by its chalk-rich soils.

The Paillard family has cultivated vines in Bouzy for more than two centuries. Today, eighth-generation brothers Antoine and Quentin Paillard oversee an estate of approximately 11 hectares, farmed organically and situated entirely within this celebrated Grand Cru village on the southern side of the Montagne de Reims.

Les Parcelles XXII is composed of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay. The blend is based on 80% wine from the 2022 harvest, complemented by 20% reserve wine to add depth, harmony and continuity of style. The fruit comes from mature, south-facing vineyards in Bouzy, including Les Maillerettes, Les Mignottes and Les Mottelettes, planted over chalky soils containing a proportion of clay.

Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in 350-liter oak barrels, followed by full malolactic fermentation. The wine remains in barrel during its initial élevage and then matures for 36 months on the lees after the secondary fermentation. It is disgorged with a very low dosage of 2 grams per liter and bottled without fining or filtration, preserving its vinous texture and distinctive Bouzy character.

Richly aromatic and expressive, the wine opens with roasted apricot, dried pear, ripe citrus and Seville orange, joined by notes of brown pastry, buttered toast and warm spice. The palate is broad, bright and detailed, combining generous, sun-ripened fruit with lively freshness and a fine chalky backbone.

Pinot Noir provides body, structure and depth, while Chardonnay contributes lift, citrus definition and elegance. Notes of bitter orange, white pepper and toasted pastry unfold across the palate, leading to a long, dry and pleasantly savory finish. Despite the natural richness of the warm 2022 growing season, the wine retains youthful energy, freshness and excellent balance.

Les Parcelles is an ideal introduction to the Pierre Paillard style: vinous and generous enough to accompany a meal, yet precise and energetic enough to enjoy as an aperitif. It may be enjoyed now for its expressive fruit and complexity or cellared for further development.

Critical Acclaim

93 Points — Decanter
An expressive and mature Champagne showing roasted apricot, dried pear, Seville orange, pastry and buttered-toast notes. Broad and detailed on the palate, with bitter citrus, white pepper and a long, pleasantly dry finish.

Food Pairing

A versatile gastronomic Champagne for roasted poultry, grilled salmon, seared scallops, lobster, mushroom dishes, aged Comté, creamy cheeses and savory pastries. Its bright citrus character and Extra Brut dryness also make it an excellent match for fried seafood, oysters and tempura.

Wine Details

• Producer: Champagne Pierre Paillard
• Country: France
• Region: Champagne
• Appellation: Champagne Grand Cru
• Village: Bouzy
• Area: Montagne de Reims
• Cuvée: Les Parcelles XXII
• Base Harvest: 2022
• Blend: 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay
• Reserve Wine: 20%
• Vineyard Sources: Les Maillerettes, Les Mignottes and Les Mottelettes
• Vine Age: More than 55 years
• Exposure: South-facing
• Soil: Chalk with some clay
• Farming: Certified organic
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts
• Vessel: 350-liter oak barrels
• Malolactic Fermentation: Completed
• Lees Aging: 36 months
• Dosage: 2 grams per liter
• Classification: Extra Brut
• Fining and Filtration: Unfined and unfiltered
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Guy Charlemagne Champagne Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grande Réserve — Le Mesnil-sur-Oger & Oger, Base 2022 

Important availability note:
The Guy Charlemagne Blanc de Blancs Grande Réserve Extra Brut Grand Cru, base 2019, is expected to arrive during the last week of August 2026. All other featured Guy Charlemagne Champagnes are currently in stock.

Guy Charlemagne is one of the Côte des Blancs’ most respected grower-producers, farming Grand Cru Chardonnay in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger — the village that defines the benchmark for Blanc de Blancs Champagne. The Grande Réserve is the estate’s signature non-vintage expression, assembled from Chardonnay grown exclusively in the Grand Cru villages of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger, with reserve wines blended in to add depth, complexity, and continuity across vintages. The Extra Brut dosage keeps the wine dry and focused, allowing the chalk-rich terroir of the Côte des Blancs to speak without interference. This is the entry point into the Charlemagne range — and it sets a remarkably high bar.

Pale golden with a fine, persistent mousse. The nose is fresh and expressive: lemon zest, crisp orchard fruit, white flowers, and crushed stone, followed by subtle brioche, almond, and fresh pastry from extended lees aging. On the palate, bright citrus fruit combines with a creamy mousse and a pronounced mineral core. The finish is long, clean, and saline — chalk, lemon, and toasted hazelnut lingering with precision.

• Producer: Guy Charlemagne, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Champagne, France
• Base Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Champagne Grand Cru
• Villages: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger & Oger
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Style: Blanc de Blancs, Extra Brut (with reserve wines)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon zest, orchard fruit, white flowers, crushed stone, brioche, almond, saline chalk finish
• Serve: 46–50°F
• Best Paired With: Oysters, shellfish, sushi, smoked salmon, caviar, delicate white fish, soft-ripened cheeses

Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs from the village that defines the category — Guy Charlemagne’s Grande Réserve is the benchmark grower Champagne at an honest introductory price.

Yann Alexandre Blanches Terres Rosé 1er Cru Brut — Champagne 2018 Base

This elegant Premier Cru rosé is drawn from two exceptional lieu-dits: Les Blanches Terres in Coulommes-la-Montagne for Chardonnay, and Saint Lié in Villedommange for Pinot Noir. At 94% Chardonnay, it is a blanc de blancs in spirit — mineral-driven, precise, and tensile — with 6% Pinot Noir red wine added to impart delicate color, red-fruit lift, and subtle structure. The 2018 base is blended with 60% reserve wine, grounding the cuvée in depth and consistency, before a minimum of 48 months en tirage develops a refined mousse, creamy texture, and layered complexity.

The nose is graceful and expressive: white peach, strawberry, and fresh raspberry over a bed of chalk and white flowers. On the palate, the wine is precise and mineral-driven, with fine, persistent bubbles carrying notes of citrus cream, red currant, and brioche to a clean, saline finish. The Brut dosage of 6 g/L keeps the wine focused and dry, while the partial oak vinification adds just enough texture to elevate it at the table.

"Elegant and gastronomic — a Chardonnay-driven rosé Champagne of rare freshness, mineral energy, and delicate red-fruit charm."

• Producer: Yann & Séverine Alexandre, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
• Base Vintage: 2018
• Appellation: Champagne Premier Cru
• Vineyards: Les Blanches Terres (Coulommes-la-Montagne) & Saint Lié (Villedommange)
• Blend: 94% Chardonnay, 6% Pinot Noir (red wine addition)
• Reserve Wine: 60%
• Vinification: Primarily stainless steel; 15% Chardonnay in oak; partial malolactic fermentation
• Lees Aging: Minimum 48 months en tirage
• Dosage: 6 g/L | Acidity: 5.51 g/L | pH: 2.9 | Alcohol: 12%
• Farming: Certified Sustainable by OCACIA
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White peach, strawberry, raspberry, chalk, white flowers, citrus cream, red currant, brioche, saline finish
• Best Paired With: Smoked salmon, tuna tartare, shellfish, sushi, roast poultry, charcuterie, creamy cheeses

Sixty percent reserve wine, 48 months on the lees, and two Premier Cru lieu-dits of rare mineral character — Yann Alexandre's Blanches Terres Rosé is grower Champagne at its most refined.

J. Vignier Les Longues Verges Grand Cru Brut — Cramant & Chouilly 2013

Les Longues Verges is J. Vignier’s most distinctive single-vineyard cuvée — a Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs from a unique parcel that straddles the boundary between two of the Côte des Blancs’ most celebrated villages: Cramant and Chouilly. The name itself is a piece of history: “verges” was an old French unit of measurement, roughly 50 meters, used before the metric system. The vineyard’s northeast-facing exposure on Cretaceous chalk, marl, and clay preserves freshness and acidity while encouraging the Chardonnay to develop exceptional purity and concentration. Vinified in stainless steel with full malolactic fermentation, bottled in May 2014, and aged 84 months in bottle before release — the 2013 vintage emerges with the depth and integration of a wine that has been given all the time it needs. Certified sustainable by Socofret.

Elegant and focused on the nose: bright citrus, white peach, and orchard fruit joined by jasmine, fennel, ginger, and toasted brioche. The palate is long, juicy, and finely structured — creamy texture balanced by vivid acidity and the steely, chalk-driven minerality that defines Grand Cru Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs. Cramant’s refined structure and Chouilly’s generous fruit meet in a wine of compelling harmony and a finish that lingers with precision and grace.

“Les Longues Verges sits at the boundary of two Grand Cru villages — and the wine itself is a study in contrasts beautifully resolved: structure and generosity, freshness and depth, history and precision.”

• Producer: J. Vignier, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
• Vintage: 2013
• Appellation: Champagne Grand Cru
• Villages: Cramant & Chouilly
• Vineyard: Les Longues Verges (northeast exposure)
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Style: Blanc de Blancs Brut
• Soil: Cretaceous chalk, marl and clay
• Farming: Certified Sustainable by Socofret
• Vinification: Stainless steel; full malolactic fermentation
• Bottle Aging: 84 months
• Residual Sugar: 4.4 g/L | Acidity: 4.2 g/L | pH: 3.07 | Alcohol: 12.5%
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, white peach, orchard fruit, jasmine, fennel, ginger, brioche, creamy texture, steely chalky minerality
• Best Paired With: Oysters, caviar, lobster, scallops, sushi, roasted white fish, creamy poultry, mushroom risotto, aged cheeses

2013 vintage. 84 months in bottle. A single parcel spanning two Grand Cru villages. J. Vignier’s Les Longues Verges is Côte des Blancs Blanc de Blancs at its most singular and precise.

Château Mont-Redon Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2022

Château Mont-Redon is one of the most storied estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, its history predating the appellation itself. In 1923 — more than a decade before the AOC was formally established in 1936 — visionary proprietor Henri Plantin acquired this isolated plateau property, then covered in scrubland and groves, and set about clearing the land and planting vines in the famous rolled pebbles (galets roulés) that define the appellation's most iconic terroir.

Located in the northwestern sector of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the estate is uniquely privileged to possess all three of the appellation's emblematic terroir types: the pebble-strewn plateau, the compact sandy safres, and the ancient urgonian limestone. This rare combination of complementary soils is the foundation of Mont-Redon's complexity and consistency across vintages.

The 2022 is a blend of approximately 60% Grenache, 31% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre, and a mix of other authorized varieties including Counoise, Muscardin, Vaccarèse, and Cinsaut, matured in a combination of new and used barrels, concrete, and large foudres. The result is a wine of remarkable depth, structure, and elegance — built for the cellar, but already showing its extraordinary potential.

Deep ruby in the glass, the wine opens with a gorgeous nose of dark cherries, black raspberries, cassis, dried thyme, black pepper, violets, and spicy garrigue, with hints of leather, licorice, and gravel. Full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, with a firm yet refined tannic frame, dark berry fruit at the core, and a long, focused finish with crushed stone and graphite minerality. Best from 2027–2028 and drinking brilliantly for 15+ years.

James Suckling — 96 pts
"A well-composed, structured and refined Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The nose reveals notes of dark cherries, cassis, dried thyme, black pepper and a touch of violets. It’s full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Robust and focused, and the funneled finish has length. Try after 2028." (Vintage 2022). 

Jeb Dunnuck — 94 pts
"A gorgeous nose of black raspberries, Bing cherries, spicy garrigue, leather, and ground pepper. With medium to full-bodied richness and a concentrated yet focused, elegant style on the palate, it’s going to benefit from 2–3 years of bottle age and drink brilliantly over the following 15+ years." (Vintage 2022). 

Vinous — 92 pts
"Distinct licorice, gravel, red cherry and violet notes alongside minty undertones. Constructed around a firm tannic core, the full-bodied 2022 is clearly built for the long haul, demanding five more years in a cool cellar." (Vintage 2022). 

Wine Spectator — 92 pts
"Large in scale and richly styled, with a ripe core of cherry and cassis liqueur hemmed in with chalk-fine tannins. Smoked anise, meat and earth merge in, while graphite and crushed stone notes line the robust finish." (Vintage 2022). 

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate — 91+ pts
"Aromas of violet, dark wild berries, lavender and smoke. A medium to full-bodied, concentrated and structured wine with an assertive tannic frame, velvety tannins and a long and spicy finish." (Vintage 2022). 

Blend: ~60% Grenache, 31% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre, plus Counoise, Muscardin, Vaccarèse, Cinsaut
Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC, Southern Rhône, France
Vintage: 2022
Format: 750ml
Scores: 96 JS | 94 JD | 92 Vinous | 92 WS | 91+ WA

Lewis Cellars Chardonnay Russian River Valley — Sonoma County 2023

Lewis Cellars is one of Napa and Sonoma’s most celebrated producers of opulent, barrel-fermented Chardonnay — and the Russian River Valley bottling is the more feminine, floral counterpart to their Napa expression. The Russian River Valley is defined by its proximity to the Pacific: morning fog, cool afternoons, and salty ocean air that slow ripening and impart a distinctive floral aromatic quality and subtle minerality that sets this appellation apart. The 2023 growing season was one of the longest of the past decade — mild, consistently sunny weather promoted even ripening with exceptional complexity. Lewis waited until late September to begin harvest, picking the last fruit in the second week of November, allowing prolonged hang time for maximal flavor development. The wine is fully barrel-fermented with native yeast and undergoes 100% malolactic conversion in French oak — the Lewis signature.

The color is a luminous golden straw. The nose is rich and captivating: sweet jasmine, roasted pear, popcorn, caramel, cinnamon, and citrus blossom, with a whisper of salty Pacific air. On the palate, it is full-bodied, broad, and richly textured — pear syrup, lemon cream, apple chutney, flaky pastry, and Meyer lemon curd, with rocky minerality and barrel spice woven through a long, succulent, and elegant finish. Vibrant and elevated on entry, graceful and complex through the mid-palate, and deliciously succulent on the landing.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling — 94 Points
“This full-bodied, soft and rich wine drips with pear-syrup and lemon-cream flavors. Fully barrel-fermented with native yeast and 100% malolactic, it feels broad and melted, tasting ultraripe, almost sweet. Great wine if you like this style. Drink or hold.”

Wine Enthusiast — 92 Points
“Big, rich aromas of popcorn, roasted pear, caramel, and cinnamon waft on the nose. The palate is broad and richly textured, with flavors of apple chutney, flaky pastry, rocky minerality, barrel spice, and citrus blossoms, with echoes of cinnamon and Meyer lemon curd through the finish.”

• Producer: Lewis Cellars, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Russian River Valley
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Vinification: Fully barrel-fermented with native yeast, 100% malolactic conversion, French oak
• Harvest: Late September – second week of November (extended hang time)
• Style: Rich, opulent, floral, cool-climate Russian River Chardonnay
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Jasmine, roasted pear, caramel, lemon cream, apple chutney, Meyer lemon curd, rocky minerality, salty Pacific air
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or hold 3–5 years
• Best Paired With: Lobster, crab, roast chicken, creamy pasta, soft-ripened cheeses, scallops

Russian River Chardonnay at its most lush and expressive — Lewis Cellars 2023 is the Pacific Coast in a glass.

Remelluri Reserva — Rioja Alavesa, Spain 2018

Remelluri is one of Rioja's most historic and prestigious single-estate producers — a benchmark for classical, terroir-driven Rioja that has no equal at its price. The estate farms 86 hectares of vineyards in the Sierra Cantabria mountains of Rioja Alavesa at extraordinary altitude: 590 to 805 meters above sea level, on limestone, sandstone, and marl soils that impart the mineral precision and structural elegance that define the Remelluri style. The estate is certified organic and biodynamic, fermented exclusively with natural yeasts in stainless steel and open-top oak vats, and aged 22 to 24 months in oak containers of varying sizes. The 2018 Reserva earned 95 points from both Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and James Suckling — a dual 95 that places it among the finest Rioja Reservas of the decade.

The nose is serious and captivating: dark cherry, blackberry, dried plum, cedar, tobacco, and iron-laced mineral, with a subtle herbal lift from the high-altitude vineyards. On the palate, the wine is beautifully structured and balanced — very fine tannins, a poised mouthfeel, and enough power and concentration to show genuine elegance and nuance. Almost salty on the finish, with a long, classical persistence of dark fruit, spice, and stone. Decant one hour before serving. Will age with ease for 15 years or more.

Wine Advocate 95 (Luis Gutiérrez) — "A very good classical wine, serious and balanced, with very fine tannins, a balanced mouthfeel, and enough power and concentration to show elegance and nuance. Very tasty, almost salty." (Vintage 2018).

James Suckling 95 — "A beautifully structured Rioja Reserva with refined tannins, layered complexity, and a balanced elegance that will age gracefully." (Vintage 2018). 

• Producer: Remelluri, Rioja Alavesa, Spain
• Vintage: 2018
• Appellation: Rioja Reserva DOCa, Rioja Alavesa
• Vineyards: 86 ha, 590–805m altitude, Sierra Cantabria
• Soils: Limestone, sandstone, marl
• Varietal: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and others
• Farming: Certified organic & biodynamic
• Aging: 22–24 months in oak
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, blackberry, cedar, tobacco, mineral, fine tannins, almost salty finish
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, Iberian pork, braised short ribs, aged Manchego, classic Spanish preparations

Dual 95-point Rioja Reserva from one of the appellation’s most celebrated organic estates — Remelluri 2018 is the benchmark for what high-altitude, biodynamic Sierra Cantabria Tempranillo can deliver.

Winemaker Description

This Premier Cru displays a crisp, mineral-driven profile characterized by notes of citrus, green apple, and subtle floral hints, with a refreshing acidity that balances its complexity. Sourced from the Montmains Premier Cru site — known for its stony Kimmeridgian soils and excellent sun exposure — this is a classic expression of Chablis: precise, taut, and unmistakably Burgundian.

About Les Marronniers

Les Marronniers is a respected Chablis producer with deep roots in the appellation, farming vineyards on the region’s distinctive Kimmeridgian limestone and clay soils — the ancient marine sediment that gives Chablis its signature minerality and saline character. Their Premier Cru Montmains is sourced from one of Chablis’ most celebrated Premier Cru sites, situated on the left bank of the Serein River with ideal south-southwest exposure. Certified Kosher for Passover and Mevushal, this wine brings the full character of Chablis Premier Cru to the kosher table without compromise.

About Montmains

Montmains is one of the largest and most highly regarded Premier Cru sites in Chablis, located on the left bank of the Serein River. Its stony, Kimmeridgian soils — composed of ancient oyster fossils, limestone, and clay — are the geological foundation of Chablis’ distinctive mineral character. Wines from Montmains are known for their structure, depth, and the classic “Chablis funk”: a stony, saline, almost oyster-shell quality that sets them apart from any other Chardonnay in the world.

Food Pairings

Oysters, grilled fish, steamed lobster, shrimp, sushi, grilled scallops, soft ripened cheeses, and light poultry dishes. A natural match for Shabbat fish courses and holiday tables. The quintessential wine for oysters.

Product Details

• Producer: Les Marronniers
• Appellation: Chablis Premier Cru, Burgundy, France
• Vineyard: Montmains Premier Cru
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Soils: Kimmeridgian limestone and clay
• Certification: Kosher for Passover, Mevushal
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Crisp, mineral, structured Chablis Premier Cru
• Format: 750ml

Antinori Napa Valley Chardonnay A-26 Vineyard — Napa Valley 2022

The Antinori family has been making wine for over six centuries, and their Napa Valley project brings that same uncompromising pursuit of excellence to California’s most celebrated appellation. The A-26 Vineyard Chardonnay is sourced from a single estate block in Napa Valley, vinified to showcase the site’s natural tension between richness and precision. The 2022 vintage is a tour de force — earning 95 points from James Suckling and 94 from Wine Spectator — a Chardonnay of extraordinary balance, energy, and detail that drinks beautifully now and will reward cellaring through 2031.

The nose is bright and inviting: white nectarine, Meyer lemon, salted lemon, marzipan, raw almonds, dried flowers, honeysuckle, and toasted brioche. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, delicate and sleek — a wonderful tension between rich aromatics and a juicy thread of fresh Fuji apple, lemon curd, and caramelized pineapple, all framed by beautiful, energizing acidity. The finish is silky, long, and highly detailed.

James Suckling 95 — “Delicate and sleek with beautiful acidity that brings balance and energy. Silky and lingering.” (Vintage 2022).

Wine Spectator 94 — “What makes this wine memorable is the wonderful tension between rich aromatics and its sleek, juicy thread of fresh Fuji apple, lemon curd and caramelized pineapple. Long, expressive and highly detailed finish.” (Vintage 2022). 

• Producer: Antinori, Napa Valley, California, USA
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Napa Valley AVA
• Vineyard: A-26 Estate Vineyard
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White nectarine, Meyer lemon, marzipan, honeysuckle, toasted brioche, Fuji apple, lemon curd, caramelized pineapple, silky finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2031
• Best Paired With: Lobster, roast halibut, truffle risotto, soft-ripened cheeses, roast chicken with cream sauce

Six centuries of Italian winemaking mastery, one exceptional Napa vineyard — Antinori’s A-26 Chardonnay is California through a Florentine lens.