90 + Points | Critical Acclaim

Winemaker Description

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label is the signature champagne of the House. Dominated by Pinot Noir, it offers the perfect balance of structure and finesse. Golden-yellow in color, with a foaming necklace of tiny bubbles. It is pleasing to the nose; initially reminiscent of yellow and white fruits, then of vanilla and later brioche. Note the fine balance between the fruity aromas coming from the grape varieties and the toasty notes, the result of the three years of bottle aging. The first sip delivers all the freshness and strength so typical of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label with a symphony of fruit following (pear, lemon). It is a true member of the Brut family, well-structured, admirably vinous.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 91 | This has aromas of grapefruit, pomegranates, and biscuits. It's honeyed and sleek with a medium body and supple bubbles. Soft and creamy finish. Majority Pinot Noir, with Chardonnay and Meunier. Around 40% reserve wines.

Decanter 91 | The nose offers yeasty bready aromas topped with fresh citrus, hints of stone fruit and strawberry tart. A palate of fresh croissants, red berries, green apple and lively lemon citrus, with lovely creaminess to the bright finish. A blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier. Up to 45% reserve wines. Drinking 2024 to 2030.

Wine Spectator 90 | This harmonious Champagne boasts a bright streak of tangerine peel–infused acidity, with flavors of ripe green apple, pastry cream and biscuit, plus accents of crystallized honey and candied ginger, all set on the lacy mousse. Drink now.

Jeb Dunnuck 89 | A golden straw hue, ripe with aromas of yeasty bread dough, peaches, and fresh flowers. Medium-bodied on the palate, ripe and juicy with rounded red berried fruit, a supple texture, a pillowy mousse, and a warming finish. Fresh and inviting. Drinking 2023 to 2026.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: NV (Non-Vintage)
Region: Champagne, France
Appellation: Champagne AOC
Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir (50%), Chardonnay (30%), Pinot Meunier (20%)
Style: Brut Champagne
Aging: 3 years on the lees

Expert Review

James Suckling 95 Points | This has a rather reserved nose with dried-herb, rosehip, potpourri and light cedary aromas, ahead of fragrant dried cherries. The palate has quite dense and smoothly rendered, ripe tannins that deliver a long, composed and approachable Barolo. Drink or hold. 

Winemaker Description

Intense ruby-red color. The nose is explosive, powerful and wide-ranging. Fruity notes of plum, citrusy hints of cedar, grapefruit and spices emerge. After a few minutes in the glass, notes of violet flower—typical of the Brunate terroir—emerge. On the palate, it is intense and full-bodied. The soft, rounded and velvety tannins are typical of the La Morra area. The finish reveals a hint of licorice root.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

Robert Parker 95 Points | The Vietti 2020 Barolo Brunate has a dark and spicy side that is infused throughout the fruit. Dark cherry and blackcurrant are folded into ferrous earth grilled rosemary aniseed and a hint of fresh mint. Brunate tends to be quite austere and firm in terms of its aromas and this vintage shows those qualities well. In fact the character of the site comes through clearly. The wine has a precise angular personality and the fruit feels compact. Only 4988 bottles were made.

Vinous 94 Points | The 2020 Barolo Brunate is a dark beguiling wine. Black cherry dried herbs leather game licorice and incense lend gorgeous sepia-toned nuance. Brooding and inward the 2020 clearly needs time. It is a super-classic Brunate that is hard to read in the early going but the weight substance and power are clearly there. Dense meaty and dark the 2020 shows Serralunga-like intensity. 

Winemaker Description

Intense ruby red color. Generous nose with aromas of ripe red berry fruit with spicy overtones. Intense on the palate, quite rich though very elegant and well-balanced. The tannins are present, but very well integrated in the fruit structure of the wine. Long aftertaste with good freshness. A wine with extraordinary finesse and balance. Pair with red meats, roasts, and wild game.

Expert Reviews

Vinous 98 Points | The 2019 Barolo Cerequio is a worthy follow up to the stellar 2018. Aromatic and deeply pitched, the 2019 races across the palate with remarkable depth and intensity. Crushed red berry fruit, rose petal, mint and cinnamon all open in the glass, but it is the wine's silkiness and suppleness that impresses most. A kick of acids and tannins puts an exclamation point on the finish. This is a gorgeous Cerequio that takes all the finesse this site offers, and then turns up the volume. What a wine.

Robert Parker 97+ Points | Vietti was able to buy a 9,000-square meter piece of Cerequio from Michele Chiarlo, arguably the king of this celebrated cru. And because this is a new addition to the portfolio, the Vietti team is still learning the ropes. For example, there is a fresh minty tone that pops up from the bouquet of the 2019 Barolo Cerequio. "That minty note was a mystery to us," Luca Currado tells me. "But then we understood that its part of Cerequio." This wine shows a firm grip on the palate that does extend out to include some textural softness, but it ultimately remains quite structured. Among the grand cru sites of La Morra, Luca Currado tells me that "Cerequio is the brother and Brunate is the sister." His wife Elena Penna adds, "We've never had two sites so close to one another show such a great difference between them.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points | Coming from La Morra, a more fruit-forward tone can be found in the licorice spice and depth of the 2019 Barolo Cerequio, which offers slightly darker fruit, ripe berries, and peppercorn. This was the second vintage produced and is more approachable now for the vintage. It is a joyful wine though it still has ripe structure.

Expert Review

Vinous 97 Points: The 2019 Barolo Lazzarito continues a trend seen in recent years in which the focus has been more about finesse than raw power. Intense red fruit, iron, dried herbs, chalk, dried rose petal and white pepper all run through this deep, virile Barolo. The power and intensity of Serralunga really come alive on the heady, explosive finish. Bright saline notes linger on the deep, resonant finish. A Barolo of raw, unbridled power, the Lazzarito demands patience.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

Wine Advocate 91 Points | Lazzarito stands out as one of the strongest wines in this portfolio of new releases from Vietti. With fruit from Serralunga d'Alba the 2020 Barolo Lazzarito comes in at a very high threshold in terms of complexity offering dark cherry crème de cassis violet macaron dried herb and lavender. The wine's perfumes remind me of the south of France in summer. It shows elegant tannins streamlined intensity and good acidity. Production is 10626 bottles. (2020). 

Vinous 93 Points | The 2020 Barolo Lazzarito is a blend of fruit picked before and after the early October rains. It marries power and finesse to a notable degree. Dark red fruit menthol licorice crushed rocks and dried herbs open nicely in the glass. This is a bit light for a Serralunga Barolo although the tannic structure is there. This is missing a bit of personality. (2020). 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

James Suckling 99 Points | One of the palest and most perfumed Barolos from Vietti with a transparent, ruby-orange hue. This is a super nuanced, elegant, expressive and ethereal Monvigliero that grows on me, with enchanting notes of grilled grapefruit, thyme, frozen raspberries and mineral. A subtle splash of white pepper and mezcal-like smokiness. Really refined and transparent, with some citrus and mineral tensions that are closely knit with the fine, crumbled tannins. So much finesse and detail here, and its complexity will continue to unwind. Really composed, soulful and mind-blowing! An otherworldly, idiosyncratic Barolo that actually reminded me of the finest Gredo garnacha. A big wow that deserves attention. Vegan. Best with a Burgundy glass. Can drink now or from 2027.

Robert Parker 95 Points | A relatively new departure for Vietti, the 2020 Barolo Monvigliero is soft and delicate with pretty floral aromas, dried iris, powdered spice and a hint of tar or road pavement. The inaugural vintage was 2018. Made with 60% whole-cluster fruit during fermentation, the wine has a moment of tartness, punchy highlights, sweet grenadine and cranberry jelly. It ages in large oak casks for 24 months.

Expert Reviews 

Decanter 92 Points |  The oldest part of this vineyard was planted in 1935 but the average age is 34 years. It's located at 400 metres – Ravera is one of the highest MGAs within the communes of Barolo and Novello, which it straddles. This 2019 is intensely perfumed, with dried fruits soaked in blood orange, strawberry jam and a suggestion of grace. The attack confirms this lightly extracted style, with ripe tannins, still sticky at the moment, and long, refreshing acidity leading to a good finish.

Vinous 100 points | The 2019 Barolo Ravera is the most intensely mineral and saline of the Barolos. Crushed rocks, white pepper, flowers, orange zest, red berry fruit and bright acids all run through this finely sculpted, chiseled Barolo. Readers who enjoy Barolos of energy and tension will adore the Ravera. I have always had a soft spot for this Barolo. The 2019 is another magnificent dimension of Vietti's dark horse, a wine that over the last 10-12 years has routinely challenged for the crown here, and often won!

Winemaker Description

Intense garnet red color. Very classic and traditional with a robust structure and intense tannins. Bouquet takes a little time to show itself with slight hints of yeast. It opens slowly in the glass touch of spice and menthol. In the final, the powerful structure and concentration soften the tannins potential. Pairs well with game, red meats, and cheeses.

Expert Reviews

Wine Advocate 95 Points | The Vietti 2020 Barolo Ravera offers dark fruit cherry and blackcurrant enhanced by soft spice. You also get a sun-kissed note of eggplant tomato leaf and ferrous earth. Ravera displays strong lines with good acidity and firm tannic backbone. It closes dry and ages in large oak botte only. This is one of the most eyeballed MGAs sites. Ravera with its open mountain skyline and cool temperatures is seen as one of the best sites in the appellation especially as the climate changes. This vintage produced exactly 10026 bottles.

Vinous 94 Points | Picked on October 9 and 10 the 2020 Barolo Ravera has plenty of Ravera classicism and tension but also feels a bit light in the mid-palate. Ravera is never a huge wine in body but the depth is often there even if expressed in an understated and more linear manner. The 2020 lacks that depth. Red-toned fruit blood orange mint spice and white pepper lend brilliance throughout.

Winemaker Description

Ruby-red color. The nose is complex and elegant. Notes of dry flowers, hay and rose petal, accompanied by a hint of chamomile. It is fresh, balanced, silky, enveloping and full-bodied on the palate. The tannins are prominent yet well-integrated. The finish is long and persistent. We recommend decanting a few hours before serving.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

Jeb Dunnuck 98 Points | A medium red hue, the 2020 Barolo Rocche Di Castiglione offers more complexity and is more nuanced in the glass, with notes of dried raspberries, tangerine, roses, dried herbs, and cedar. Medium-bodied, it is crunchy with an elegant feel but has balanced structure and retains a somewhat more chiseled feel that’s true to the vintage. It has a lot to enjoy now and also has a wide drinking window. Drink 2025-2050.

The Wine Advocate 96 Points | The Vietti 2020 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is a very delineated wine with sharp ferrous notes, cherry cola, redcurrant and chalky mineral. It is extremely precise in terms of its aromas. The effect is direct and layered, showing different sides and increasing complexity as it opens in the glass. Dried floral notes, purple flower and iris also appear delicately. The chalky tannins feel abrupt at this young stage, but this wine is built to last nonetheless. Only 3,512 bottles were created.

Vinous 96 Points | The 2020 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is a magical wine from a magical site. It marries finesse and volume to a degree that is not found in most of the other wines in this range. Castiglione Falletto is the center of the Barolo production zone, literally and figuratively, the place where many different soil types meet. As a result, the wines often possess mind-blowing balance, which is very much the case here.

Winemaker Notes

Villa Antinori Rosso Toscana — Tuscany 2023

First crafted in 1928, Villa Antinori Rosso Toscana is one of Italy’s most enduring and beloved Super Tuscans — a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah that reflects nearly a century of winemaking tradition from the Antinori family, whose history in Florentine winemaking dates back to 1385. Approachable, versatile, and consistently earning critical acclaim, it delivers the character and soul of Tuscany at an everyday price. The 2023 vintage earned 90 points from Wine Spectator and is drinking beautifully now through 2030.

The color is ruby red, intense and captivating. The nose offers dark fruit, tobacco, juniper berries, sweet spices, coffee, and hazelnuts. On the palate, it is mouth-filling and pleasantly sapid — smoky black cherry, black currant, and tobacco are framed by a layer of chalky tannins, lively freshness, and a persistent, fruit-driven finish.

Wine Spectator 90 — “Smoky, with aromas and flavors of sweet spices, black cherry, black currant and tobacco. A layer of chalky tannins lends support. Fresh, with fine length. Drink now through 2030.” (Vintage 2023). 

• Producer: Marchesi Antinori, Tuscany, Italy
• First Vintage: 1928
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Toscana IGT
• Blend: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
• Style: Super Tuscan
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark fruit, tobacco, juniper, sweet spice, coffee, hazelnut, black cherry, black currant, chalky tannins, persistent finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2030
• Best Paired With: Pappardelle with wild boar ragù, grilled lamb chops, Bistecca alla Fiorentina, aged Pecorino Toscano, Parmigiano-Reggiano

Nearly a century of Super Tuscan tradition, 90 points from Wine Spectator, and priced for every night of the week — Villa Antinori is the Tuscan classic that never disappoints.

Producer Notes

Villa di Capezzana’s Barco Reale di Carmignano is often called the ‘little brother’ to the estate’s prestigious Carmignano DOCG — offering a more accessible, youthful entry into one of Tuscany’s most historic and unique wine regions. A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Canaiolo, the 2022 is dusty and floral with autumnal spices, cedar shavings, Tuscan dust, and dried strawberries. Soft-textured and supple on the palate with mineral-tinged red berry fruits and a web of fine tannins. Finishes with hints of orange citrus and a tart cherry twang.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

• Vinous 91 pts | Dusty and floral with autumnal spices, cedar shavings, Tuscan dust, and dried strawberries. Soft-textured and supple with mineral-tinged red berry fruits. Fine tannins, orange citrus, and tart cherry on the finish.
• James Suckling 91 pts | Dense, compact, and well-framed with aromas of red berries, clay, and flowers. Medium-bodied with firm tannins. Textured with a powdery touch and a focused, densely fruited finish.
• Wine Spectator 90 pts | Black currant and cherry fruit prominent in this vibrant, juicy red. Graphite, olive, and tobacco underlined by dusty tannins. Mouthwatering. Drink now through 2028.

Food Pairings

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina or wild boar ragù pasta
• Wood-fired pizza or herb-roasted chicken
• Grilled lamb or pork chops
• Charcuterie with salty Pecorino

Winemaker Description

This wine is intense ruby red in colour with youthful highlights. On the nose, there are notes of almonds, violets and oranges which are intertwined with aromas of coffee and vanilla. It is a full-bodied wine with well-balanced acidity.

The rounded tannins from the Sangiovese are lifted by the cassis concentration of the Cabernet on the long, concentrated finish. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2017 

James Suckling 93 Points |  Blueberries and blackcurrants with bark and licorice. Full body and round, chewy tannins. This is very fresh and bright with some sage and stone character. From organically grown grapes. Needs time to soften. Drink after 2023.

Vinous 92 Points | The 2017 Ghiaie della Furba opens to a bouquet of minty herbs, camphor and smoke before deepening further to display dusty red currant and spice box. This is velvety and fleshy in feel, with stimulating acidity that enlivens its spicy black fruit and building mineral tones. It tapers off with persistence, power and grippy tannin, the perfect mix for a long evolution. The Ghiaie della Furba is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah and 20% Merlot that refines in barrique, half new and half second pass. It's important to note that production was down by 40% in 2017 due to trost.

• Practicing organic
• 90% Pinot Noir (15% vin rouge), 10% Chardonnay
• 50% 2022, 50% 2021-2020
• From Rilly-la-Montagne 1er Cru and Villers-Allerands 1er Cru
• Clay and limestone
• 35+ year old vines
• No malo
• Fermented and aged in large foudre
• Aged 30+ months on the lees
• Dosage: 8g/L

• The Wine Advocate by William Kelley writes 92 Points |

  Generous and expressive, the latest rendition of Vilmart's NV Brut Premier Cru Cuvée Rubis is showing very well, bursting with aromas of red berries, plums, blood orange and dried flowers. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, with a sapid core of fruit, a pillowy mousse and a lively, delicately phenolic finish, it's already drinking well. This is based on the 2017 vintage, with reserve wines from the 2016 and 2015 vintages, and it was disgorged with nine grams per liter dosage.

• The Wine Spectator 93 Points | Fine and harmonious, this is lightly chalky and refined in texture, showing pinpoint integration of its well-spiced range of pureed raspberry, blood orange granita, lime peel, biscuit and mineral notes and its spine of chiseled acidity. Concentrated yet ethereal. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Disgorged July 2024. Drink now through 2030.
• Allen Meadows Burghound 91 Points | Medium ruby color. The moderately fruity nose is composed of raspberry, cherry, strawberry and lovely yeast, apple and citrus peel whiffs. The delicious and super-yeasty flavors possess fine depth on the clean and relatively dry finish, indeed this is notably drier than what is typical for the genre. Lovely and this is a wine that could be enjoyed now or held for a few years first.
• Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | The NV Cuvée Rubis is vibrant pink, with aromas of wildflowers, wild raspberry, and juicy fruit. The palate is juicy and round, with blood orange, and perfect for relatively near-term drinking over the next 6-8 years.

Winemaker Description 

The Renvivas bottling is from another very old vineyard of Rufete, planted in 1930. These are also bush vines sitting at six hundred and fifty meters of elevation, with a due south exposition on a base of schist, limestone and sand, with the vines having been farmed without any chemicals for their entire lifetimes.

The wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel and aged in older French casks prior to bottling. The 2018 Renvivas offers up a lovely bouquet of dark berries, chicory, woodsmoke, a hint of tree bark and a fine, complex base of soil.

On the palate the wine is bright, pure and full-bodied, with excellent transparency and core, fine-grained tannins and a long, tangy and complex finish. This is first class juice and impressively light on its feet. 2020-2040+.  

Expert Review - Vintage 2018

93 Points View from the Cellar-John Gilman of The Wine Advocate | The 2018 Renvivas is a 0.5-hectare vineyard planted 80 years ago with Rufete and a little Rufete Blanco in the middle of a chestnut tree forest. The destemmed grapes fermented with some added stems with indigenous yeasts in open-top vats at low temperature, and the wine matured in second and third use Stockinger barrels. There is a little more ripeness here, a mixture of red and black fruit, some herbs and spices and an earthy touch. The palate is medium-bodied, with a soft texture, fine tannins and integrated acidity. Only 850 bottles were filled in August 2019. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

The Wine Advocate Luis Gutierrez writes 97 Points | From the vines on the mid slope and has a very elegant, fragrant nose with notes of concentrated violet and a solid palate. The slate tannins give a talcum powder texture, and the wine opens up in the mid-palate, making it very expansive. In the long term, it seems like the slate gives a better palate and the granite is more nose.…This has the combination of the cooler year and the resilience of the slate soils, coming through as complex and elegant, powerful and concentrated but with an ethereal side to it too. Bravo!

Producer Description 

The Pizarra vineyards are found on red metamorphic slate soils, which are unique to the village of Cebreros, folded into the mostly granitic mountain range. This slate soil makes Cebreros unlike any other village within the Sierra de Gredos region. Pizarra soil is located above 950 meters, up to 1200 meters, mainly with an eastern orientation. 

The wines from here have a signature expression: they are always fresh, complex, direct, and profound. Pizarra is a limited production wine produced from over 60-year-old, bush-trained garnacha vines, yielding 15hl/ha from the vineyards of Arrebatacapas, La Redonda, La Curva, Fuente Fabian, and Presidente. The farming at Pegaso is organic, and the wines are made with low intervention and minimal sulfur at bottling.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

Luis Gutierrez of the Wine Advocate 96 Points | The 2021 Pegaso Granito has a very clean nose and comes through as very approachable, with an elegant personality. They picked all grapes together (there were some unripe grapes) and fermented it all together. The wine has a medium-bodied palate, the granularity of the tannins is extremely small, and it has a very fine mineral sensation. It has incredible elegance and finesse, with lifted aromatics, high-pitched, acute, fine-boned and with the frontal tannins from the granite soils.

Producer Description 

Cebreros is both the name of the village and the appellation of origin in the southeast of the province of Ávila, within the greater Sierra de Gredos region, the mountainous area located on the continental divide of Spain. The region is unspoiled, wild, rustic, full of energy and light, and as authentic as it gets. It is a transitional zone where northern Spain gives way to southern Spain. The wines from the Sierra de Gredos mountains to the west of Madrid (aka Vinos de Madrid) have finally begun to claim their rightful place alongside other top wine regions focused on producing world-class garnacha. For many insiders, the region is now leading the conversation about this Mediterranean garnacha grape, now understood to be indigenous to Spain. 

Whole clusters are picked by hand in small boxes, with a strict selection made in the vineyard. The clusters are de-stemmed, crushed, and fermented spontaneously with native yeasts in stainless steel tanks and large neutral French oak foudres. The wine is then aged for 18 months in new and used 600L French oak barrels sourced from different forests.

Expert Reviews - 2021 Base

Vinous by Antonio Galloni 92 Points | The 2021 Brut Nature Blanc de Sable is soft, understated and creamy. This is an especially finessed style of Chardonnay with no hard edges. Intensely floral aromatics meld into a core of citrus fruit. All the elements are so nicely balanced. There's so much to like. All that is missing is a bit of depth in the mid-palate. No dosage. Disgorged: April 2024.

Winemaker Description 

About L’Arbre

L’Arbre is Vincent Cuillier’s most personal wine — a single-parcel Champagne from Les Voyets, the family’s most historic vineyard in the Marne village of Pouillon. The name “L’Arbre” (The Tree) is a direct nod to Cuillier’s extensive work planting trees and cultivating biodiversity across the estate through natural viticulture and vitiforestry.

Made exclusively as a zero-dosage vintage Champagne from 100% Pinot Meunier, this is a wine of remarkable depth and precision — a testament to Cuillier’s deft hand in both the vines and the cellar.

Tasting Notes

Plump, forward berry fruit — red cherry, wild strawberry, and a hint of brioche — kept in elegant check by crisp acidity and fine, complex mineral-driven lines. The zero dosage reveals the wine’s true character: pure, taut, and long on the finish. A Blanc de Noirs of genuine cellar-worthiness.

In the Cellar

Indigenous yeast fermentation in small stainless steel tanks, followed by a full year of tank aging. This vintage cuvée spends the requisite 36 months sur lattes before being hand-disgorged with zero dosage. No fining, no filtration.

Food Pairings

• Oysters, sea urchin, and raw shellfish
• Charcuterie, aged ham, and mushroom dishes
• Soft-ripened cheeses (Brie, Camembert)
• Roasted chicken or guinea fowl

About Vincent Cuillier

Vincent Cuillier is a grower-producer based in Pouillon in the Marne Valley, farming his family’s historic parcels with a deep commitment to natural viticulture and vitiforestry — an approach that integrates trees and biodiversity into the vineyard ecosystem. His wines are made with minimal intervention: indigenous fermentations, no fining or filtration, and zero dosage across the range. L’Arbre represents the pinnacle of his work.

Product Details

• Producer: Vincent Cuillier
• Cuvée: L’Arbre Blanc de Noirs
• Style: Brut Nature (Zero Dosage)
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Meunier
• Vintage: 2022 (Disgorged)
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Village: Pouillon, Marne, France
• Parcel: Les Voyets
• Farming: Natural viticulture / Vitiforestry
• Vinification: Indigenous yeast, stainless steel, 36 months sur lattes, hand-disgorged
• Dosage: Zero (Brut Nature)
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Closure: Cork & Cage

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

Luis Gutierrez writes:  The white 2020 Blanco is a little closed, young, clean and tender with subtle oak. They produced a little bit more in 2020, and the wine has less oak and less buttery sensations, a change that started with the 2017 vintage, which seems to have found its style harvesting earlier to retain freshness; it has 13.04% alcohol and a pH @ 3.23 and matured in larger oak containers, 500-liter oak barrels and some concrete for 12 months. It's floral and expressive, a blend of Viura with 20% Garnacha Blanca that they still consider work in progress but moving in the direction they want to go. 16,200 bottles and 100 magnums were filled in March 2022.  Drinking 2022 to 2028.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 93

James Suckling writes:  A delicious, creamy white with aromas of apricots, baked peaches, hazelnuts, white chocolate and nougat. It’s medium-to full-bodied with a ripe and creamy palate. Lovely buttery pastry and nougat character, with a fresh finish. Drink now  - James Suckling 93

Pedro Ballesteros MW, Sarah Jane Evans MW, Pierre Monsour write:  Round and warm on the nose, with fine notes of smoke. A mouth-filling wine that's fresh and expressive.  Drinking 2024 to 2027.  - Decanter 90

Winemaker Notes

Contino Blanco 2020 shows a very intense nose, marked by its aging in barrel. It is fresh and fruity wine, a true reflection of the identity of our vineyard. San Gregorio offers a Garnacha Blanca with great complexity and volume. The soils are clayey-calcareous, with medium stoniness, key for good drainage.

Blend: 80% Viura, 20% Garnacha Blanca

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018

The Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | This dark ruby-colored wine offers aromas of Luxardo cherry and toasted baking spices. It is very spicy at first sip as flavors of clove and mint leaf with a touch of black pepper hit the taste buds, followed by blackberry, cherry and raspberry flavors. Muscular tannins are balanced out by well-integrated acidity that stays around for a while. 

James Suckling 92 Points | Juicy and expressive Rioja with some dark spices, black earth and a hint of peppercorn to the cherries and plums. Fresh and bright on the palate with a medium body rounded by fine-grained tannins. Succulent and long. Consistent quality. The first year that there is some maturana in the blend. Drink now, but can hold well, too.

Memo Summary Notes

Food Pairings: Highly versatile. Pairs perfectly with grilled meats, roasted lamb, hearty stews, mushrooms, cured ham (Jamón Ibérico), and medium-aged cheeses.

Discover Walt La Brisa Pinot Noir

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

The Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | Redolent of cinnamon, Bing cherry and sarsaparilla on the nose, this Pinot gains depth, purity and focus as it hits the palate. Flavors of dried raspberries, fried shiitake mushrooms, fresh mint and pithy tangerine peel along a seamless and vibrant finish.

Winemaker Description 

This blend is comprised of primarily Bob's Ranch, with Gap's Crown and select grower partners throughout Sonoma rounding out the blend.

The wine has a true Sonoma Coast character—deep, earthy aromatics; concentration and depth on the palate; with bright fruit and supple tannin on the finish. 

We utilized whole cluster in this vintage to help accentuate the unique character of each site, and we are very pleased with the resulting wine.

Memo Summary Notes

A Unique Expression of Pinot Noir

Walt La Brisa Pinot Noir showcases the true essence of Sonoma Coast, offering a unique expression of this beloved grape. When you open a bottle, you'll immediately notice the vibrant ruby color, hinting at the rich flavors inside. This wine is crafted with love and precision, representing the delicate balance between fruitiness and acidity. The primary flavors include cherries, raspberries, and subtle hints of vanilla and spice, making it a delightful choice for both casual sipping and special occasions.

A Perfect Pairing for Every Meal

This Pinot Noir is incredibly versatile, which means it pairs well with a variety of dishes. Whether you are enjoying a cozy dinner at home or hosting a party, Walt La Brisa complements everything from grilled salmon to roasted chicken. It enhances the flavors of hearty meals but is equally delightful with lighter fare, such as salads and pasta. Furthermore, its smooth tannins and balanced acidity make it approachable for all wine lovers, no matter their experience level.

Quality You Can Trust

When you choose Walt La Brisa Pinot Noir, you are investing in quality and craftsmanship. The grapes are sourced from sustainably farmed vineyards in Sonoma Coast, where the unique terroir imparts distinctive characteristics to the wine. Each bottle reflects the commitment to excellence that Walt Wines is known for, ensuring a premium experience. Additionally, the 2023 vintage has received recognition from various wine critics, certifying its quality and appeal.

Walt Pinot Noir Blue Jay Anderson Valley 2024 375ml Half Bottle

Experience the elegance of Walt Pinot Noir Blue Jay, a remarkable wine that embodies the spirit and charm of California's Anderson Valley. The 2024 vintage showcases the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into every bottle, delivering a distinctive, character-driven Pinot Noir with exceptional quality. This half bottle offers the perfect amount for intimate gatherings or a personal treat, making it an ideal choice for both new wine enthusiasts and seasoned connoisseurs alike.

Critical Acclaim - 92 Points Vinous

Vinous - 92 Points (2023 Vintage)
"The 2023 Pinot Noir Blue Jay hails from the Anderson Valley. It delivers a dusty, floral, blue-fruited profile with enticing richness and a deep well of minerality. Black-tea-like tannins grab hold of the tongue on the lengthy finish as the Blue Jay leaves behind a mouthwatering touch of citrusy bite. I like the character and distinctiveness here."

Walt Wines - California Pinot Noir Excellence

Walt Wines is dedicated to crafting exceptional Pinot Noir from California's premier wine regions. With a focus on terroir-driven winemaking and meticulous attention to detail, Walt produces distinctive wines that showcase the unique characteristics of each vineyard site. The Blue Jay bottling represents their commitment to quality and character.

Anderson Valley Terroir

The Anderson Valley is renowned for producing some of California's finest Pinot Noir. Located in Mendocino County, this cool-climate region benefits from coastal fog and marine influence, creating ideal conditions for Pinot Noir to develop complex flavors, bright acidity, and elegant structure. The valley's unique terroir imparts distinctive minerality and character to the wines.

Distinctive Flavor Profile

Aroma: Dusty, floral, blue-fruited profile. Dark cherry, raspberry, and subtle hints of oak
Palate: Enticing richness with a deep well of minerality. Notes of dark cherry, raspberry, and subtle oak. Luscious and complex taste experience. Balance between fruitiness and earthiness. Bright acidity and soft tannins
Finish: Black-tea-like tannins grab hold of the tongue on the lengthy finish. Mouthwatering touch of citrusy bite. Smooth finish that lingers with elegance

Character & Distinctiveness

As Vinous notes, "I like the character and distinctiveness here." The Blue Jay bottling delivers a dusty, floral, blue-fruited profile that sets it apart from typical Pinot Noir. The deep well of minerality and black-tea-like tannins create a wine with personality and presence, making it memorable and distinctive.

2024 Vintage Quality

The 2024 vintage showcases the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into every bottle of Walt Pinot Noir. This vintage continues the tradition of quality and character that has earned Walt critical acclaim, delivering a wine that is both elegant and distinctive.

Ideal Food Pairing Suggestions

Walt Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes, enhancing your dining experience. Its bright acidity and soft tannins make it an excellent complement to:

• Grilled salmon and seafood
• Mushroom risotto and earthy dishes
• Roasted duck and poultry
• Soft cheeses like Brie or goat cheese
• Pork tenderloin
• Charcuterie boards
• Roasted vegetables

Versatile Wine for Any Occasion

The balance between fruitiness and earthiness makes this Pinot Noir a versatile choice for any occasion, whether you're enjoying a quiet evening or entertaining guests. The wine's fruit-forward profile harmonizes with savory flavors, allowing each bite and sip to elevate the meal.

Perfect Half Bottle Format

The 375ml half bottle is perfectly sized for:

• Personal enjoyment and sampling
• Intimate gatherings and romantic dinners
• Trying new wines without full bottle commitment
• Pairing with smaller meals
• Picnics and outdoor dining
• Gift giving for wine lovers
• Building a diverse wine collection

Artistry in Every Detail

The packaging of the Walt Pinot Noir Blue Jay 2024 half bottle reflects the artistry and care that goes into its making. The attractive design not only captures attention but also ensures freshness, preserving the exquisite flavors every time you pour a glass.

Deep Well of Minerality

One of the defining characteristics of the Blue Jay bottling is its deep well of minerality, a hallmark of Anderson Valley terroir. This mineral character adds complexity and depth, creating layers of flavor that evolve in the glass and on the palate.

Mouthwatering Finish

The mouthwatering touch of citrusy bite on the finish keeps the palate engaged and refreshed. Combined with the black-tea-like tannins and lengthy finish, this wine delivers a complete and satisfying tasting experience from start to finish.

A Staple for Wine Lovers

This versatility and distinctive character make Walt Pinot Noir Blue Jay a staple for any wine lover's collection. Whether you're celebrating a special moment or indulging in a cozy night at home, this wine promises to deliver a memorable experience with its elegant balance, rich minerality, and distinctive Anderson Valley character.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 98 Points | Loads of wet earth and grape aromas with hints of stems. Old vine aromas of bark and moss. Full-bodied, sweet and structured with a big kick on the end. Very impressive. Exceptional layers of fruit and energy. A stronger and more muscular Warre.

Wine Spectator 97 Points | Lush and inviting in feel, with a beautifully creamy texture that lets plum sauce, blueberry reduction and raspberry pte de fruit flavors glide along effortlessly. Notes of violet, anise and black tea are beguiling in the background before melding seamlessly on the finish. This shimmers with fruit, balanced by depth and spine. Best from 2035 through 2055.

Wine Advocate 96 Points | Relatively accessible, this still shows some impressive firmness to go with its fine concentration. An elegant wine this may be, as Charles Symington called it, but it is still admirable for its structure, even if the whole package is a little understated. Its fruit and mid-palate are nicely supported by moderate tannins. It evolves well with air, easily showing vivid and fresh fruit. It is beautifully textured as well. This is a fine Warre's Port, holding its own next to Dow, better than the 2016 Warre and a force in its own right. It is one of the best in a while. It is relatively accessible but not ready.

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | A ripe, floral wine that has many layers of black fruits with a fresh touch of acidity. The wine is dense while also elegant and poised with tannins and fruit already in balance. That suggests the Port will age relatively quickly. Drink from 2025.

Expert Review — Vintage 2024

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

Winemaker Description

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

Food Pairings

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

Product Details

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

Wente Vineyards Riva Ranch Chardonnay — Arroyo Seco, Monterey 2023

Wente Vineyards planted Riva Ranch in 1961, long before Arroyo Seco had a reputation to speak of. Karl L. Wente saw what others missed: a cool, wind-driven corridor carved by the Santa Lucia Range, with gravelly loam soils and a microclimate that forces vines to work for every degree of ripeness. Over sixty years later, Riva Ranch remains the heart of the Wente estate — and the 2023 vintage is a compelling argument for why this vineyard matters.

The nose is warm and precise: ripe golden apple, caramelized pineapple, toasted brioche, and a lift of white flower. On the palate, the wine is lush and slightly viscous, with a creamy mid-palate of crème brûlée, roasted hazelnut, and buttery oak. Bright, carefully integrated acidity keeps the wine honest and the finish long. This is a Chardonnay that earns its richness — shaped by place, not formula.

Tasting Panel 93 • James Suckling 91 • Wine Enthusiast 90 — "Fresh and vibrant, with butterscotch adhering to a stony frame. Creamy oak, fine acid structure, and pleasing mango and banana."

• Producer: Wente Vineyards, Livermore Valley, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Arroyo Seco, Monterey, California
• Vineyard: Riva Ranch Estate
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Golden apple, caramelized pineapple, toasted brioche, crème brûlée, roasted hazelnut, buttery oak
• Best Paired With: Roast chicken, lobster bisque, grilled halibut, aged Gruyère, creamy pasta

A 93-point California Chardonnay at an honest price — Wente's Riva Ranch is the benchmark for what Arroyo Seco can be.

Château d'Esclans | Whispering Angel Rosé | Côtes de Provence 2025

There is a reason Whispering Angel became the world's most recognized Provence rosé: it is simply, consistently, beautifully made. Sacha Lichine and his team at Château d'Esclans set the benchmark for pale Provençal rosé, and the 2025 continues that tradition with the effortless elegance the wine is known for.

Pale salmon in the glass, it opens with fresh peach, strawberry, and delicate red berry fruit, with a floral lift that is quintessentially Provence. The palate is full and lush yet bone dry — pink grapefruit and hints of peach, lively acidity, and a smooth, round finish with real concentration. Grenache provides the body, Cinsault the freshness, and Rolle (Vermentino) the aromatic lift that ties it all together.

Drink it from mid-day to midnight. It goes with everything and offends no one.

James Suckling 91 Points | An elegant and scented nose of pink cherry pits, peach skin and cherry blossoms. Medium-bodied with fresh, round acidity and a textured finish. Elegant and pure finish. (Vintage 2025). 

Pair with: Grilled seafood · Summer salads · Charcuterie · Light pasta · Goat cheese

• Appellation: Côtes de Provence AOP
• Grapes: Grenache, Cinsault, Rolle (Vermentino)
• Vintage: 2025
• Style: Dry Rosé
• Size: 750ml

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Year’s Best US Chardonnay - Wine & Spirits Magazine

James Suckling 94 Points | Grilled pineapple, apricot, hawthorn, burnt lime and flint on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with bright acidity and a sleek, creamy texture. Balanced, fresh and long. Beautiful expression. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink now or hold. 

Winemaker Description 

The 2019 'Dundee Hills Chardonnay' is a regional blend showcasing the best of the Dundee Hills AVA. Refined aromas of nectarines, honeysuckle, and bee pollen ascend from the glass, coalescing with notes of citrus peel. Layers upon layers of richness extend across the palate and crescendo to a seamless, persistent finish with lingering notes of lemon drop candy. 

This wine has the energy and drive to drink young or over the next decade. This wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered showing our commitment to minimal intervention winemaking. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019 

Joe Czerwinski writes:  Whitehall Lane's 2019 Merlot Napa Valley actually contains 87% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. Slightly candied cherry notes mark the nose, framed by vanilla and touches of dried tobacco, while the medium to full-bodied palate is succulent and juicy, textured without being overly rich or tannic.  Drinking 2022 to 2030.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 90

James Suckling writes:  Vibrant, fruity nose of ripe plums, raspberries, mulberries, licorice and nutmeg. Some chocolate orange, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with creamy tannins. Plush, round and succulent. Drink or hold.  - Wine Spectator 91

Tim Fish writes:  Refined and structured, with expressive red currant, toasty mocha and tomato leaf tones that gather tension and polish toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2029.  - Wine Spectator 91

Winemaker Description 

This Merlot offers notes of raspberry croissant, red currants, cocoa powder, and layers of graphite. The palate showcases fine, firm tannins alongside chocolate cherry lollipop, red plums, dried goji berries, and toasted brioche. It is supple in texture and shows attractive depth on the finish. Winemaker Description. 

Producer Notes

Founder Jim Bernau began experimenting with whole cluster fermentation by gently placing hand-picked clusters into a CO2-filled stainless fermenter. Fermentation begins inside each individual berry, releasing the most aromatic, fruit-driven Pinot Noir. Ruby red in the glass with aromas of dried dark cherries, cinnamon, and cranberry. Dry on the palate with fresh acidity, a light body, and integrated tannins. Cherry, leather, and tobacco add richness and depth. Best served slightly chilled (55–60°F). Drink now through 2028.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

• James Suckling 92 pts | Juicy, red-fruited, whole-cluster Pinot with lifted aromas of red cherries, dried herbs, spice, red apples, and pencil shavings. Bright and crunchy on the palate with a rounded mouthfeel and finely tuned tannins.
• Wine Enthusiast 91 pts | Blackberry and pain au chocolat aromas. Flavors of marionberries and caffe latte mix with a savory grilled mushroom note.
• Sunset International Wine Competition 91 pts, Gold | Strawberry; good oak integration; bright acid balance.
• Jeb Dunnuck 90 pts | Attractive aromas of spice, cedar, clove, baked cherries, and forest earth. Medium-bodied with nice balance, ripe tannins, and an elegant finish.

Food Pairings

• Sweet and tangy barbecue or pizza with red sauce
• Teriyaki short ribs or gourmet burgers
• Cedar-planked salmon or sushi
• Try serving slightly chilled on a warm summer evening

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | I was able to taste the just-bottled 2023 Manoella Branco. This was a very balanced vintage, the growing season was almost perfect, and yields were good. The wine was a little closed for such an expressive year of wines with purity and freshness. It has notes of white flowers and fruit and a balsamic touch with the balance and harmony from the old vines.

Winemaker Description 

Vibrant and fresh wine with intense citric, floral and mineral notes. On the palate shows pure flavors and nice balance.

Varietals - Gouveio, Viosinho, Rabigato and Códega do Larinho.

Established in 2001 by Sandra Tavares da Silva and Jorge Serôdio Borges, both winemakers and couple, that have been investing and acquiring old vineyards and properties at Pinhão Valley. “Our goal is to create wines that express all the characters of the traditional vineyards and varieties from Douro Valley. Balanced wines between concentration, complexity and elegance.

Wine & Soul is one of the most exciting and dynamic producers in Portugal today, consistently earning high praise from international critics for both their still and fortified wines.

The harvest was planned for the first week of September in perfect weather conditions.

All grapes previously selected and de-stemmed were pressed on a pneumatic press and fermented on stainless steel tanks at low temperatures during 4 weeks, after which was aged sur lies during 6 months.


Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

Wine Advocate 95 Points | The nose of a dry Port — all violets, ripe plums and aromatic herbs, with plenty of spices, toast and smoke from 20 months in French oak (20% new). Needs time to integrate the oak and polish the tannins.

James Suckling 95 Points | Abundant dark fruit with blueberries, delicate violets and graphite. Fleshy and medium- to full-bodied, perfectly balanced by refreshing acidity through a clean, bright finish. Supple tannins. An old field blend of more than 40 varieties. Drink now or hold.

Wine Spectator 94 Points | Bursting with brambly boysenberry and blueberry, fragrant mountain herbs, graphite and woodsy spices. Fresh and focused with concentration and length in a medium-bodied frame. Chalky, integrated tannins with a salty, iron-laced tang. Classy. Drink now through 2035.

About Wine & Soul

Wine & Soul is the joint project of husband and wife Jorge Serôdio Borges and Sandra Tavares da Silva, both qualified oenologists. They bought an old port warehouse in the Vale de Mendiz in the heart of the Pinhão valley in 2003. The estate is 6 hectares with 2.5 ha under vine, averaging over 70 years old and planted with 30+ different varieties. The project is named after their dog Pintas, a Pointer.

Winemaking

Harvested in the second week of September in perfect conditions. All grapes were hand-selected, destemmed, and foot-trodden in traditional stone lagares throughout the full 10-day fermentation. Aging and malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels for 20 months.

Varietals: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Barroca, Rufete

Tasting & Pairings

Violets, ripe plums, boysenberry, blueberry, graphite, dark chocolate, mountain herbs, and woodsy spice. Medium- to full-bodied with chalky tannins, bright acidity, and a salty, iron-laced finish. Decant generously or cellar through 2035.

• Braised beef cheeks or short ribs — the wine’s structure and dark fruit depth are built for slow-cooked meats.
• Grilled lamb chops with rosemary — the herbal and spice notes mirror the wine beautifully.
• Aged Manchego or Serra da Estrela cheese — Iberian cheeses that complement the Douro’s earthy complexity.

Willamette Valley Pinot Noir That Delivers Oregon Elegance at an Everyday Price

Wine By Joe is the approachable label from Joe Dobbes, one of Oregon’s most experienced and celebrated winemakers. Sourced from Willamette Valley vineyards, the 2022 Pinot Noir is a textbook expression of what makes Oregon Pinot so compelling: fragrant, silky, and fruit-driven, with the lively acidity and balanced structure that make it equally at home at a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. A Wine Enthusiast 90-point Best Buy.

Expert Reviews

• Wine Enthusiast — 90 pts (Best Buy): "This is the kind of wine you want to find when you’re looking for the perfect porch or picnic pour. Lively acidity, a crisp mouthfeel, and all the fruit you can handle. Aromas and flavors of blackberries, lemon sorbet and a touch of cedar are framed by velvety tannins. Great value here."

Winemaker Notes

Fragrant and floral aromas of hibiscus and dried rose petal combined with bright cherry, dried cranberry, and a hint of black licorice. A medium-bodied entry leads to a silky mid-palate of dried Bing cherry, black tea, light sandalwood, and cedar. Well-balanced with youthful yet integrated tannins and moderate acidity that lingers into a medium-long finish.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Willamette Valley, Oregon
• Producer: Wine By Joe / Joe Dobbes
• Vintage: 2022
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Highly versatile — exceptional with roasted salmon, grilled chicken, mushroom dishes, pizza, burgers, and casual weeknight meals.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

The Wine Enthusiast by Christina Pickard writes 92 Points | 2020 was a stellar vintage across New York State, despite the challenges of picking in a pandemic year. This charmingly demonstrates Long Island's prowess with Merlot. A fragrant fruit salad perfume of summer berries with subtle purple flower, vanilla and baking spice tucked beneath. It's supple, structured and harmonious, with firm, sappy tannins and a crunch of acidity.  

Winemaker Description

The Grapes of Roth is Winemaker Roman Roth's private label, and a true testament to his classic, yet adventerous, wine-making style. Wonderful dark cherry fruit with well integrated oak, classic graphite and great minerality is complimented by a very savory and elegant finish.

Dark red brick in color. Elegant aromas of cassis and fine toasted sandalwood fill the glass. The mouth-feel is rich and concentrated, yet balanced with wonderful fruit of plumbs, prunes and amazing minerality. The finish has layers of ripe tannins and nicely toasted oak with fine classic earthiness, leather and iodine notes. The fruit and alcohol provide great length and make this a very special Merlot that possesses great aging potential and is the perfect partner with food.

This is a wine to be aged. It has a huge maturation curve ahead and will gain many more nuances and facets. Serve just at room temperature. Pair this Merlot with dishes you might think of for big, bold wines: steak, cassoulet, duck and decadent dark chocolate desserts. 

Memo Summary Notes

The 2020 Wölffer Estate "The Grapes of Roth" Merlot is widely considered a benchmark for Long Island winemaking. It is the personal label of Wölffer’s longtime winemaker, Roman Roth, who uses it to showcase a more robust, "Right Bank" Bordeaux style that proves Merlot can be both powerful and sophisticated.

The 2020 vintage was particularly stellar for New York, recently earning the #100 spot on the Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Wines of 2025.

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

White Horse wines embody the strong heritage and high quality of Wölffer Estate. Cabernet Franc, under the care of our outstanding vineyard crew, brings forth one of the most exciting and interesting red wines Long Island can produce. This wine has an elegant aroma, fruit-forward flavor and great intensity. This wine will age beautifully and is a perfect companion to food.