90 + Points | Critical Acclaim

Experience the Naughty Charm of Birichino Zinfandel

Discover Birichino Zinfandel Old Vines from the historic Gimelli Vineyard, a remarkable expression of California Zinfandel crafted from ancient vines. Birichino is renowned for producing distinctive, terroir-driven wines that showcase the unique character of California's heritage vineyards. This 2023 vintage captures the essence of old vine Zinfandel, offering wine enthusiasts a taste of California winemaking tradition combined with modern artisanal craftsmanship.

Expert Reviewed - Vintage 2023 

The Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | This is a big fruit bomb of a Zinfandel from very old vines, offering intense strawberry-boysenberry syrup aromas alongside a touch of red flowers. The palate balances the boisterous red fruit flavors with a fresh acidity, a crushed rock minerality and a dusting of fennel pollen. Altogether, it uses old vines to showcase young flavors. 

Old Vine Heritage

The Gimelli Vineyard is home to old Zinfandel vines that have been producing exceptional fruit for decades. Old vines, typically 50+ years old, naturally produce lower yields of more concentrated, intensely flavored grapes. These ancient vines have deep root systems that access unique soil minerals and water sources, resulting in wines with greater complexity, depth, and character. The old vine designation represents a commitment to preserving California's viticultural heritage.

Gimelli Vineyard Terroir

The Gimelli Vineyard is a historic California vineyard known for producing exceptional Zinfandel. The unique terroir, including soil composition, microclimate, and vine age, contributes to the distinctive character of this wine. Single-vineyard wines like this offer a pure expression of place, showcasing the specific characteristics that make each vineyard unique.

Birichino Winemaking Philosophy

Birichino (Italian for "rascal" or "scamp") is dedicated to producing wines that are both playful and serious, combining traditional winemaking techniques with a modern sensibility. The winery focuses on working with heritage vineyards and lesser-known grape varieties, creating wines with personality, balance, and food-friendliness. Birichino's approach emphasizes minimal intervention, allowing the vineyard's character to shine through.

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Deep ruby to garnet color with vibrant clarity
Aroma: Ripe blackberry, raspberry, black cherry, dried herbs, black pepper, subtle spice, and hints of bramble
Palate: Medium to full-bodied with concentrated dark fruit flavors. Layers of blackberry, plum, and cherry complemented by notes of vanilla, baking spices, and earthy undertones. Balanced acidity with well-integrated tannins
Finish: Long, persistent finish with lingering fruit and spice notes

2023 Vintage Character

The 2023 vintage showcases the exceptional quality of the growing season, offering wine enthusiasts a fresh expression of old vine Zinfandel. This vintage captures the balance between ripe fruit character and the structure that defines great California Zinfandel.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This versatile Zinfandel pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled and barbecued meats (ribs, brisket, burgers)
• Italian cuisine (pasta with meat sauce, pizza, lasagna)
• Roasted lamb and game meats
• Spicy dishes (Mexican, Cajun, Indian)
• Aged cheddar and hard cheeses
• Charcuterie boards
• Hearty stews and braised dishes
• Smoked meats and sausages

Serving Suggestions

Serve slightly below room temperature at 60-65°F (15-18°C) to appreciate the wine's complexity and balance. Decanting for 30-60 minutes before serving will allow the wine to open up and reveal its full aromatic potential. Use large Bordeaux-style glasses to enhance the tasting experience.

Perfect for Wine Enthusiasts

Birichino Zinfandel Old Vines Gimelli Vineyard is ideal for:

• Zinfandel lovers seeking authentic old vine character
• Wine enthusiasts exploring California heritage vineyards
• Dinner parties and casual gatherings
• Barbecues and outdoor entertaining
• Collectors of artisanal California wines
• Gift giving for wine aficionados

California Zinfandel Tradition

Zinfandel is California's heritage grape variety, with a winemaking tradition dating back to the Gold Rush era. Old vine Zinfandel represents the pinnacle of this tradition, offering wines with depth, complexity, and authentic California character. Birichino's commitment to working with historic vineyards like Gimelli ensures that this winemaking heritage continues for future generations.

Artisanal Craftsmanship

This wine represents the intersection of California's viticultural heritage and modern artisanal winemaking. From the ancient vines of Gimelli Vineyard to Birichino's careful, minimal-intervention approach, every aspect of this wine reflects a dedication to quality, authenticity, and terroir expression. The result is a Zinfandel with personality, balance, and the distinctive character that makes California wine special.

A Historical Vineyard

The Birichino Zinfandel Old Vines Gimelli Vineyard 2023 is sourced from a vineyard with rich history. Known for its well-maintained old vines, Gimelli has been producing top-quality grapes for years. These ancient vines not only add complexity to the wine but also contribute to its unique character. The vines thrive in a diverse ecosystem that allows the grapes to soak up various minerals from the soil, resulting in a rich flavor profile that wine enthusiasts find irresistible. When you indulge in this Zinfandel, you are tasting a piece of history that has been cherished over multiple generations.

Tasting Notes

This vintage of Birichino Zinfandel is truly a reflection of its terroir, embodying a delightful blend of flavors that make it a compelling choice for any occasion. The primary keyword, naughty, aptly describes its bold and vibrant fruit-forward persona. Expect to experience layers of ripe raspberry, cherry, and hints of spice on the palate. The balance of acidity and tannins gives it a smooth finish, making it enjoyable whether you are sipping it alone or pairing it with a nice meal. It's the kind of wine that brings a touch of playful indulgence to your evening.

Pairing the Birichino Zinfandel Old Vines with the right dishes can elevate your dining experience. Given its fruity profile and light spiciness, it's great with grilled meats, particularly barbecue ribs or burgers. The wine also complements spicy dishes, like Mexican or Caribbean cuisine. For a delightful contrast, consider pairing it with dark chocolate desserts that will enhance the naughty flavors in the Zinfandel. This versatility allows you to enjoy it in numerous settings, from casual gatherings to sophisticated dinners.

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

James Suckling 91 Points | A supple, deeply fruity wine that’s generous in blueberry, milk chocolate and black cherry flavors on a full body. Mild tannins keep the texture smooth and easy in this Bordeaux-style red blend that is dominated by cabernet sauvignon.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018

Tim Atkin 98 Points | The maiden 2016 vintage has only just been released through the Place de Bordeaux, so it may be a little premature to review this 2018, but make sure you remind yourself to buy a case in two years' time. Produced without Cabernet Sauvignon for the first time, it's the polar opposite of the big, ripe, overwooded styles of Ribera. Nuanced, refined and hauntingly balanced, with perfumed oak, lovely texture and balance, leafy, graphite-like complexity and the length of a world-class wine. 2023-35.

Jane Anson 95 Points | Muscular, slate hewn tannins, this has a rugged quality where nothing is overpowered by oak and yet it hugs the palate, making its presence felt. Serious tannic architecture that softens through the mid palate to show creamy raspberry and red cherry fruits, spiced aniseed, fennel and liqourice root, sinewy tannins, totally moreish. Aged in 25% new oak, 10% amphora, and the rest in neutral barrels. Jean-Claude and Jeff Berrouet consultants, with winemaker Montxo Martinez and owners Marcos and Carlos Yllera. Old vine Tempranillo, including some dating right back to pre-Phylloxera, sat at between 750m and 1000m altitude, from a selection of their own vines, and those of local growers.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2018 Bodega Vivaltus "Vivaltus" is a prestigious, "new wave" Ribera del Duero that has rapidly gained cult status. It is the flagship wine of a project by the Yllera family, who famously enlisted Jean-Claude Berrouet—the legendary former winemaker of Château Pétrus—to help create a wine of "Bordeaux-like" elegance rather than the heavy, over-extracted style common in the region.

Bodegas Albamar Albariño — Rías Baixas, Galicia 2024

Bodegas Albamar is one of the most exciting estates in Rías Baixas, farming a wide range of parcels in and around Castrelo in the Salné s Valley — the heart of Galicia's Atlantic wine country. Their flagship Albariño is hand-harvested from sandy, granite-based soils that produce wines of exceptional aromatic precision and mineral tension. Spontaneously fermented and raised primarily in tank with a small percentage of neutral oak foudre, with no malolactic fermentation, it is a wine of purity, focus, and genuine terroir expression.

The nose is clean and precise: lemon zest, a dusting of sea salt, flint, green apple, and yellow kiwi — the unmistakable signature of Atlantic Galicia. On the palate, it is serious and austere beyond the varietal notes, with excellent ripeness, beautifully integrated acidity, and a dry, chalky finish that lingers with mineral elegance. The 2024 vintage is defined by balance — and Albamar delivers it in spades.

Wine Advocate 93 Points — "Clean and precise, serious and austere beyond the varietal notes, with good ripeness and very good balance and a dry, chalky finish. I think 2024's main characteristic is balance." (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Bodegas Albamar, Castrelo (Cambados), Salné s Valley, Galicia, Spain
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Rías Baixas DO (Val do Salné s)
• Varietal: 100% Albariño
• Harvest: Hand-harvested from sandy, granite-based parcels
• Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation, tank + neutral oak foudre, no malolactic
• ABV: 13%
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon zest, sea salt, flint, green apple, yellow kiwi, dry chalky finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled fish, roasted artichokes, sheep cheese, seafood rice, ceviche
• Serve: Well chilled, 45–50°F

93 points from Wine Advocate — Albamar Albariño is Atlantic Galicia at its most precise: mineral, saline, and impossible to put down.

Winemaker Description 

"Locos por el Vino” is a new project from Bodegas Alto Moncayo, aiming to expand their range with high-quality, modern and casual wines produced from the winery’s youngest vineyards, guaranteeing the continuity of the Alto Moncayo project for future generations to come. A local term used in the village of Borja, "Zismero" refers to one who is provocative, jovial, and mirthful, with a complexity and uniqueness that makes its audience think deeply from the pointed jocularity.

Expert Reviews- Vintage 2020 

The Wine Enthusiast by Mike DeSimone 94 Points | This deep garnet-colored wine has a nose of black currant, sage leaf and cherry pipe tobacco. It is smooth at first sip and then bold tannins settle in and coat the tongue and gums. Blackberry, raspberry, cocoa powder, crème brûlée and orange zest flavors are accompanied by a note of butterscotch that endures on the palate.

James Suckling 92 Points | Spicy oak to the fresh blackberries with some vanilla, smoke, walnut and dried orange peel. Chewy and pretty tannic with juicy fruit on the tight, medium- to full-bodied palate. Long and grippy finish. Needs at least two years to come around. Better from 2025.

Expert Reviews

Beronia Wineries: Experience the Excellence of Rioja GRAN Reserva 2018

Our Professional Review 

Oscar Garcia 67wino.shop | Beronia Gran Reserva is one of my favorite Gran Reservas. Every vintage seems to get better and better. The long-term aging Gran Reserva gives the wine time to develop a great arrange of flavors and nuances, not found in younger wines. Aromas of toasty oak, cassis, dark plum and cedar. Medium to full-bodied. Great length and integration. Serious but approachable.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018

James Suckling 92 Points | Attractive nose with a hint of walnut husk and dark earth to the black cherries and sweet tobacco. A hint of truffle and sous-bois, too. Medium-bodied on the palate with firm, dusty tannins that grow and extend in a long, succulent finish. Tempranillo, graciano and mazuelo.

The Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Deep violet to the eye, this wine has a nose of black plum, dark chocolate and dried hillside herbs. Bold red berry flavors are joined by plush tannins and deeper notes of mocha, truffle and thyme. As flavors and textures wind down on the palate, a note of orange zest remains.

The Wine Spectator 90 Points | A classy red, fresh and fragrant, with notes of bay leaf, pepper and tar-tinged mineral accenting crushed cherry and blackberry fruit flavors. Shows good focus, with lightly chalky tannins in a medium-bodied frame. Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano. Drink now through 2026. 50,000 cases made, 3,500 cases imported.

Memo Summary Notes

The Bodegas Beronia Rioja Gran Reserva 2018 represents the pinnacle of Beronia’s classic lineup. While the Mi Villa you looked at earlier is fresh and unoaked, this Gran Reserva is the complete opposite: a wine defined by patience, extensive aging, and complex secondary flavors.

A wine of this stature needs "heavy lifters" to match its intensity:

• • Game: Roasted duck or wild boar ragu.

  • Mature Cheeses: Aged Manchego, Roncal, or even a salty Blue cheese.

  • Umami Dishes: Anything involving truffles or wild forest mushrooms.

    Red Meats: Slow-roasted lamb shanks, prime rib, or venison. 

The Making of Rioja GRAN Reserva

The 2018 vintage of Rioja GRAN Reserva is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. Grapes are handpicked at optimal ripeness, then aged for an impressive 24 months in oak barrels, which adds layers of flavor and structure. This careful aging process ensures that the wine develops a wonderful balance of fruity and spicy notes. Because of this attention to detail, you can trust that every sip delivers a rich, sophisticated experience that complements many meals or stands alone as a delightful choice.

An Overview of Beronia Wineries

Beronia Wineries is a renowned name in the world of Spanish wine, particularly noted for its exceptional Rioja creations. Founded in 1973, the winery embraces traditional methods combined with modern innovation. The iconic Rioja GRAN Reserva 2018 showcases the rich heritage and quality that Beronia represents. Using Tempranillo grapes, this wine reflects the unique terroir of Rioja, bringing depth and complexity to every bottle, making it a sought-after choice for wine enthusiasts.

Pairing Suggestions and Serving Tips

When serving the Beronia Rioja Gran Reserva 2018, consider decanting it for about an hour before enjoying. This allows the wine to breathe and enhances its flavors. It pairs beautifully with dishes such as grilled lamb, gourmet cheeses, and hearty stews. This wine is perfect for special occasions or cozy evenings at home, making it a versatile addition to your wine collection.

Producer Notes

The Spanish word “Hito” means milestone — a stonepost used to indicate direction or distance on roads, or to delimit fields. A clean, bright pale pink in color, the nose reveals sweet, fruity aromas of ripe strawberries, red currants, and rose florals. On the palate, it is refreshing, balanced, and lively with a good acidity that makes it easy to drink. A benchmark rosé from one of Ribera del Duero’s most celebrated producers.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

• Wine Enthusiast 90 pts | Medium apricot in color with a bouquet of Seckel pear, white peach, and a touch of flint. Hints of floral and smoke combine with brilliant acidity and flavors of nectarine, Honeycrisp apple, Turkish delight, and dried thyme. A delightful pour.

Food Pairings

• Grilled shrimp or seafood paella
• Charcuterie, Manchego, or fresh goat cheese
• Light salads with citrus vinaigrette
• Sushi or ceviche

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Vinous 93 Points by Joaquín Hidalgo writes 93 Points | The 2023 Clio is composed of 70% Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from Jumilla. It was aged for 23 months in French and American oak barrels. Recently bottled, the oak is at the forefront but will integrate. The wine opens with plum, soft herbal notes and blackberry. Intense with fruit complexity, the palate is creamy, flavorful and delicate in tannins, finishing with a touch of oak that will meld with time.

Winemaker Description 

The wine exhibits a glass-coating opaque purple color. The nose is expressive with pain grille, underbrush, brier, minerality, blueberry and blackberry fruit. On the palate is a plush, opulent wine with great density, savory flavors, and a lengthy finish.

The Bodegas El Nido winery is located in the Valle de La Aragona, inside the Murcia district of Jumilla. The vineyards are 76.8 acres of very old Monastrell vines (also known as Matar or Mourvdre) all vaso trained and oriented northeast, and 28.8 acres of 30-year old Cabernet Sauvignon vines on north facing hills. The vineyards have a foot deep layer of chalky stones over substrata of sandy soil. The Bodegas El Nido is a collaboration of the Gil Family and winemaker Chris Ringland, one of the best Australian enologists.

A blend of 70% Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Aged 24 months French & American oak.

Memo Summary Notes

The Bodegas El Nido "Clio" 2023 is a powerhouse red from the Jumilla region of Spain. Created through a collaboration between the Gil family and legendary Australian winemaker Chris Ringland, it is famous for its "maximalist" style—intense, high-alcohol, and deeply oaked.

This wine will overwhelm delicate dishes. Pair it with heavy-hitters like venison, pepper-crusted ribeye, or wild boar stew.

95 Jeb Dunnuck: From one site, the 2015 Finca Iscorta De Pecina Gran Reserva has more density, more alcohol, more color, and more black fruit on the palate and should age outstandingly. Finca Iscorta is the winery’s oldest vineyard, which it treats as a grand cru, only making the wine in worthy years. The next won’t be until 2019. Strong and powerful in tannin and full-bodied weight, it could go another 20-30 years, so intensely concentrated, spiced, and textured, from both a powerful year and a powerful site. It spent four years in used American oak.

94  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: A more modern Gran Reserva from a single vineyard, the 2015 Finca Iscorta de Peciña Gran Reserva was produced with the grapes from a 50-year-old vineyard, fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel with a moderate extraction and short-ish maceration. It matured in used American oak barrels for four years and was racked every six months. It's a little darker, the color and the fruit profile, and it's intensely balsamic, with notes of camphor and abundant spicy notes. It's solid and seamless and fills your mouth; it's powerful with 15% alcohol and 6.2 grams of acidity, ripe but balanced.

Winemaker Notes

Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta Hinia — Rioja Reserva 2014

Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta is one of Haro's most storied producers, crafting wines in the historic heart of Rioja Alta since 1895. Hinia — named for the fossilized shells found in the vineyard soils, remnants of an ancient sea that once covered the entire region — is a homage to the refined, classic wines that made Haro famous. A traditional Rioja blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, and Mazuelo, it was aged for 36 months in American oak with natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentation, producing a wine of genuine complexity and elegance.

Deep cherry red in the glass with an aromatic nose of ripe black fruit, spiced plums, tobacco leaf, balsamic, and a seductive layer of vanilla, caramel, and chocolate from the extended oak aging. On the palate, it is full-bodied with palate-coating tannins, vibrant citrus zest energy, and a long, persistent finish of ripe cherry and vanilla blossom. Balanced, opulent, and built to last.

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points — Elaine Chukan Brown | "Spiced and ripe plums and cherries gain the energy of citrus zest, and the opulence of vanilla blossom and a drizzle of balsamic. Balanced with great persistence for a pleasurable wine." (Vintage 2014).

• Producer: Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta, Haro, Rioja Alta, Spain
• Founded: 1895
• Vintage: 2014
• Appellation: Rioja DOCa (Rioja Alavesa)
• Varietals: Tempranillo, Graciano & Mazuelo
• Aging: 36 months in American oak
• Classification: Reserva
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe black fruit, spiced plum, cherry, tobacco, balsamic, vanilla, caramel, chocolate, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2030
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, braised short ribs, Manchego, charcuterie, grilled ribeye, mushroom risotto
• Serve: 60–65°F, decant 30 minutes

93 points from Wine Enthusiast — Hinia is classic Rioja at its most refined: a wine that honors a century of winemaking tradition in Haro.

Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta — Rioja Gran Reserva 2011

Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta has been crafting wines in Haro, the historic capital of Rioja Alta, since 1895. Their Gran Reserva is the pinnacle of the house — produced only in the finest vintages, when the fruit and conditions align to create something truly exceptional. The 2011 vintage is one such year: a classic Rioja growing season that delivered concentration, structure, and the natural balance required for long aging. A traditional blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, and Mazuelo, it was aged for a minimum of 60 months — at least 18 in oak and the remainder in bottle — before release, in the time-honored Gran Reserva tradition.

Deep ruby with garnet edges, the nose is complex and evolved: dried cherry, leather, cedar, tobacco, and earthy minerality layered with notes of vanilla, dark spice, and a whisper of balsamic. On the palate, it is full-bodied and silky with fine, integrated tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, lingering finish of red fruit and warm spice. A wine of sublime delicacy and elegance — exactly as the winemaker intended.

"A classic combination of Tempranillo, Graciano, and Mazuelo that takes us back to the origins of great Rioja wines. Produced only in the finest vintages, which allow us to bottle exceptional wines. The sublime fusion of delicacy and elegance. Time stands still, enabling us to continue savoring the future." — Martinez Lacuesta Winemaker

• Producer: Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta, Haro, Rioja Alta, Spain
• Founded: 1895
• Vintage: 2011
• Appellation: Rioja DOCa
• Varietals: Tempranillo, Graciano & Mazuelo
• Classification: Gran Reserva
• Aging: Minimum 60 months (18+ months oak, remainder in bottle)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dried cherry, leather, cedar, tobacco, vanilla, dark spice, balsamic, silky tannins, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2035+
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, aged Manchego, braised short ribs, wild mushroom dishes, charcuterie, grilled ribeye
• Serve: 62–66°F, decant 45–60 minutes

Produced only in the finest vintages — Martinez Lacuesta Gran Reserva 2011 is a rare opportunity to drink classic Rioja at the peak of its evolution.

Winemaker Description

This wine comes from plots of bush-trained vines on poor, sandytextured soils in the Rioja Alta area. The vines are an average of morethan 35 years old and smaller yields. They are harvested with great care and transported to the winery in small containers. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainlesssteel tanks at a controlled temperature of 28ºC, with prior bleeding-off and a long maceration of three weeks in contact with theskins. Ageing in French and American oak barrels (90%-10%) over 28 months, followed by subsequent bottle conditioning for at least 4 years until it is leaves the winery.

AWARDS
93 Silver Medal · International Wine Challenge (v. 2011).

90 Puntos · James Suckling (a. 2010).

90 puntos · Guía Repsol (a. 2010).

90 puntos · Wine Spectator (a. 2009).

91 puntos · Wine Enthusiast (a. 2009).

91 puntos · Wine Wine Advocate (a. 2008).

SENSORY EVALUATION

Look: Ruby red with a noticeable rim. Excellent brightness and clarity.

Aroma & palate: On its first contact with oxygen, it appears clean but reticent. Then, sweet notes of oak appear, cinnamon, clove and candied fruits. Infinite nuances that change with the passage of time.

On the palate, it is subtle and pleasant, with great finesse uponentry and through the mid-palate.

The tannins are extremely well polished and it has a serene acidity that maintains a long finish.

SERVING & FOOD PAIRING

White meat, oven-baked fish. Cured meat and dark chocolate desserts. 

93 Silver Medal · International Wine Challenge (v. 2011).

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

James Suckling 92 Points | A complex and fascinating Rioja with aromas of wet earth, dried meat, tea leaf, and dark fruit that follow through to a medium-bodied palate with firm, silky tannins and a flavorful finish. A blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, and Mazuelo.

About Cerro Añón Crianza

Bodegas Olarra is one of Rioja's most storied producers, and Cerro Añón is their flagship label — named after the iconic hill that overlooks their estate in Logroño. The Crianza is aged a minimum of 12 months in American and French oak barrels, followed by additional bottle aging, delivering the classic earthy complexity and structured elegance that defines traditional Rioja.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby in color with aromas of dark cherry, dried herbs, wet earth, and subtle oak spice. The palate is medium-bodied with flavors of red and black fruit, leather, and tea leaf, supported by firm yet silky tannins. The finish is long, savory, and satisfying.

Food Pairings

A classic match for roasted lamb, grilled chorizo, Manchego cheese, slow-cooked beef stew, and hearty Spanish tapas. A versatile and food-friendly Rioja Crianza.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: 2021
Region: Rioja, Spain
Appellation: DOCa Rioja
Classification: Crianza
Grape Varieties: Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo
Producer: Bodegas Olarra
Style: Red Wine, Dry, Medium-Bodied
Aging: 12+ months in American & French oak

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Decanter 92 Points | Enticing nose of sweet spices, caramel, prunes, wild forest fruits and herbaceous nuances. Fresh and harmonious, with a lengthy finish. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2019 

Decanter 90 Points | Blue fruit, tobacco and cocoa nose. The palate is juicy and savoury with rounded tannins and well-integrated alcohol. Long, lively finish. Rather classic.

Thomas Matthews of The Wine Spectator writes 92 Points | This red is lively and expressive. Black cherry and currant flavors are fresh and juicy, backed by cocoa, spice and licorice notes. Well-integrated tannins and fresh acidity give this a balanced structure. Drink now through 2030. 

Winemaker Description

Valduero Una Cepa is a red wine aged for 18 months in barrels and another 12 months in the bottle. This single-varietal wine made with Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero wine ideal for pairing with the finest roasts and meat stews.

Expert Review - Vintage 2015

Mike DeSimone of the Wine Enthusiast writes 95 Points | Dark ruby in color, this wine has a nose of black cherry, cedar chest and violet candy. A pleasant floral note is a constant companion to blackberry, anisette, clove and dark-chocolate flavors that are enclosed in a shell of muscular tannins. A soft note of pomegranate permeates the grippy finish. Drink through 2035. 

Winemaker Description 

A 1er Cru RBD from Yolanda and Carolina García Viadero whose mission is to place the Tinto Fino varietal among the world’s best.  Bursts of blackberry and cassis, relaxed opulence and richness.

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

James Suckling 92 Points | A deliciously dark-fruited tempranillo that has aromas and flavors of grilled herbs, charcoal and black plums. Hints of soy, too. It’s full-bodied with ripe, mellow tannins.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 92 Points | A deliciously dark-fruited tempranillo that has aromas and flavors of grilled herbs, charcoal and black plums. Hints of soy, too. It’s full-bodied with ripe, mellow tannins.

Winemaker Description

Intense purple color. Aromas of tobacco, licorice and blackcurrants. Full-bodied with hints of toast and mature fruit. Long balanced finish.

Boekenhoutskloof · The Chocolate Block · Swartland · Western Cape, South Africa · 2024 · 750ml

Boekenhoutskloof is one of South Africa's most acclaimed estates, and The Chocolate Block is the wine that put Swartland on the world map. Created by winemaker Marc Kent, it is a Syrah-led blend — 73% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cinsault, and 1% Viognier — sourced from old-vine parcels in the granite-rich soils of the Swartland. The name is no accident: this is a wine built for pleasure, with the kind of dark, brooding generosity that makes it impossible to put down. Over 1.1 million bottles are produced each vintage, yet the quality never wavers. At $37.99, The Chocolate Block remains one of the most compelling values in the New World red wine category.

Deep, inky ruby in the glass with an intense nose of blackberry, bramble, lavender, cacao, and a whisper of cured meat and potting soil — dark, brooding, and utterly compelling. On the palate: medium-to-full bodied with a lush compote of blueberries, ripe plums, black currants, and cherries, framed by cacao-powdery tannins that add texture and complexity. Cumin spice, white pepper, licorice, and hints of garrigue carry through to a velvety, persistent finish. James Suckling awarded 92 points; Wine Advocate 92 points. Drink now through 2030, or cellar for added complexity. Pair with grilled ribeye, lamb chops, braised short ribs, or a serious cheese board.

• Producer: Boekenhoutskloof · Winemaker Marc Kent
• Wine: The Chocolate Block · Swartland
• Vintage: 2024
• Origin: Swartland, Western Cape, South Africa
• Blend: 73% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cinsault, 1% Viognier
• Style: Full-bodied, structured New World red
• Scores: James Suckling 92 · Wine Advocate 92
• Drinking Window: Now–2030
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, bramble, lavender, cacao, blueberry, ripe plum, black currant, cumin spice, white pepper, licorice, velvety finish
• Pair With: Grilled ribeye · Lamb chops · Braised short ribs · Aged cheese

Old-vine Swartland Syrah, cacao-powdery tannins — South Africa's most beloved red, vintage after vintage.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

James Suckling — 92 Points
This creamy, medium-bodied red has aromas of dark cherries, blueberries, cracked pepper and thyme. It’s juicy and smoothly integrated with tasty savory undertones to the dark fruit.

Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) — 92 Points
The Boekenhoutskloof 2024 Swartland The Chocolate Block, a blend of 73% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cinsault and 1% Viognier, may not aim for intellectual nuance, but it more than compensates with pure, comforting charm, like a big, shaggy dog asleep by the fireplace. Medium- to full-bodied, it delivers generous black fruit and bold cherry flavors with a smooth, reassuring texture, offering plenty of pleasure. Conceived by vintner Marc Kent as an accessible, crowd-pleasing expression of Swartland fruit, the wine reflects Boekenhoutskloof’s belief that serious craftsmanship and broad appeal need not be mutually exclusive. Production is substantial, with 3,741 barrels made, translating to just over 1.1 million bottles, making it an ideal choice for a long wooden table at a steakhouse surrounded by friends and shared plates.

Winemaker Description

The deep ruby color indicates a luxe complexity, while aromas of black cherry, cassis, and rich earth are abundant in this classic Cabernet Sauvignon. On entry, currants and black plums generously lead to a plush mouthfeel, with ample tannins carrying the fruit to a long, lingering finish. Aged 12 months in 1-year-old American oak barrels, developing notes of baking spices, nutmeg, and hints of caramel.

Expert Review —  Current Vintage 2023, Prior Vintage 2022

Wine Enthusiast - 90 Points - (Tonya Pitts) (Vintage 2023) Pronounced nose, with a focused fruit core, notes of Black plum, black licorice, molasses, vanilla bean, and violets. Fresh youthful blackberries on the palate, dried herbs, bittersweet chocolate, espresso, and grippy tannins to finish. Aerate and enjoy mid-week.  —

Wine Enthusiast — 90 Points (Vintage 2022)
"For $11, this California Cab packs bags of flavor. Find notes of black cherry, plum and currant, cinnamon, nutmeg, fennel, crushed violets and toasted wood alongside mouthcoating tannins and modest acidity."

Food Pairings

Pairs well with rib-eye steak with blue cheese butter, roasted eggplant with provolone, and dark chocolate mousse with fresh berries.

Product Details

• Producer: Bogle Vineyards
• Region: California, USA
• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Aging: 12 months in American oak
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Full-bodied, plush, fruit-forward California Cabernet
• Format: 750ml

Bogle Vineyards California Chardonnay — California 2023

Bogle Vineyards has been farming the Sacramento River Delta since 1968 — one of California's most enduring family wine estates, now in its third generation. Their California Chardonnay is a perennial overachiever: sourced from select California vineyards, crafted with careful oak integration, and built to deliver genuine complexity at an everyday price. The 2023 vintage reflects the distinct influence of a cooler growing season, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and develop nuanced, layered flavors that punch well above their weight class.

The nose is captivating: freshly baked brioche, yellow plum, bruléed orange slices, and notes of elderflower honey lead into vibrant aromas of bright citrus, freshly plucked apple, and delicate white jasmine. On the palate, stone fruit notes are met with rich undertones of vanilla and clove, harmonized with warm spice and a touch of oak-derived toastiness. Sugared lemon rind, baked pear, and Pink Lady apple carry through to a balanced, mineral-dry finish with higher toasty notes lingering gracefully.

🏆 Wine Enthusiast 92 Points — Tonya Pitts. "The aromas of freshly baked brioche are captivating, giving way to yellow plum, bruléed orange slices and notes of elderflower honey. Flavors of sugared lemon rind, baked pear, Pink Lady apple with a mineral dry finish."

• Producer: Bogle Vineyards, Clarksburg, California, USA
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: California AVA
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Size: 750ml
• Style: Dry white, medium-bodied, oak-influenced
• Tasting Notes: Brioche, yellow plum, bruléed orange, elderflower honey, citrus, baked pear, vanilla, clove, toasty oak, mineral finish
• Drink: Now through 2027
• Best Paired With: Roasted chicken, grilled salmon, creamy pasta, soft cheeses, butternut squash dishes

California Chardonnay that genuinely overdelivers — Bogle's 2023 is complex, balanced, and built for the table.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

Wine Enthusiast (Tonya Pitts) 90 Points: Deep aromas of baked plum, coffee bean, dried bay leaf, cocoa, and dried florals on the nose. These aromas softly float into the palate giving flavors of dried cranberry, strawberry, and grilled orange rind, leaving the palate with grippy, mouthwatering tannins.

Winemaker Description

Bogle’s California Merlot opens with aromatics of Bing cherries, sassafras, and hints of pipe tobacco. Supple red fruits on the entry give way to touches of cedar and sweet herbs — an approachable, food-friendly Merlot that consistently over-delivers for the price.

Pairing Suggestions

• Poultry: Peking duck, roasted chicken with herbs, or turkey with cranberry sauce.
• Meat: Braised short ribs, pork tenderloin, or a classic beef stew.
• Cheese: Mild cheddar, Havarti, or a creamy Brie.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2014 

Vinous 98 Points | Bollinger’s 2014 La Grande Année is a great way to start the evening as guests mill around Wheeler Farms. It is early evening in Napa, but there is still plenty of action in the winery, where various lots are being pressed under the watchful eye of winemaker Nigel Kinsman. There are some moments where I would very much like to be a civilian, a regular person enjoying the night, but I am more concerned with our guests having a great night, so I quickly go back to check on our wines. The Bollinger 2014 is everything I expected; bright, focused and full of all the energy this late-ripening vintage conferred to the best wines. 

Producer Description 

La Grande Année: The Great Year. This Champagne is the embodiment of everything that makes Bollinger the producer that stands apart in Champagne. La Grande Année symbolizes the word “hand-crafted” so strongly that an overused word suddenly becomes the appropriate definition. 

La Grande Année is only produced in the most outstanding of vintages, where ripeness and acidity reach a perfect balance and aging potential is excellent.

Expert Review - Vintage 2015

Alison Napjus of the Wine Spectator writes 97 Points |  Like a racing spinnaker, this is tightly trimmed yet voluminous in character. Toasty notes of roasted almond and vanilla wafer are deftly integrated with sun-dried black cherry, baked peach, blood orange sorbet and candied ginger flavors, all well-defined by racy acidity and a subtle streak of salinity. This is long and fragrant, with pain d'épices, graphite and tea rose notes playing on the finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Disgorged February 2024. Drink now through 2040.

William Kelley of the Wine Advocate writes 96 Points | Bollinger's 2015 Brut La Grande Année Rosé was disgorged in May last year with seven grams per liter dosage. Offering up deep aromas of orchard fruits, blood orange, mandarin rind and peach mingled with nuances of coffee, praline and fino sherry, it's medium to full-bodied, pillowy and layered, with a broad attack that segues into a vinous palate framed by high levels of structuring dry extract that makes its presence felt on the sapid, nutty and penetrating finish. Given the skin maturity and inherent structure of the year, the Bollinger team elected to include only 4.5% of still red wine in the blend, a comparatively low percentage.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Moving to a darker expression, the 2019 Bootleg Red Blend pours an inky black hue and offers up aromas of pencil shaving, boysenberry preserve, and sweet tobacco. Full-bodied, with full, ripe tannins, it reveals notes of preserved black plum, crushed purple flowers, and turned soil. 

Winemaker Description 

Moving to a darker expression, the 2019 Bootleg Red Blend pours an inky black hue and offers up aromas of pencil shaving, boysenberry preserve, and sweet tobacco. Fullbodied, with full, ripe tannins, it reveals notes of preserved black plum, crushed purple flowers, and turned soil.

Bravium Russian River Valley Chardonnay — Plumis Vineyard, Sonoma County 2024

Bravium is a specialist in cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley — one of California’s most prestigious appellations for both varieties, where morning fog rolls in off the Pacific and lingers through the vines, preserving natural acidity and producing wines of remarkable freshness and precision. The 2024 Chardonnay is sourced primarily from the Plumis Vineyard near Forestville, a prized site where the interplay of coastal influence and California sunshine creates a wine that balances richness with crisp coastal structure. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 91 points.

The nose is loaded and inviting: floral aromas, chalky minerality, pithy lemon, pineapple, honey, pear, apple, and white flowers, with a judicious framing of vanillin oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and lively — crisp pineapple and mango fruit flavors that turn into apple pastry on the mid-palate, finely textured with medium acidity that builds into a saline, mineral finish of remarkable length and bounce. It is the kind of Chardonnay that delivers great value at every pour.

Wine Enthusiast 91 (Tom R. Capo) — "The nose is loaded with floral aromas, swirling with chalky minerality, pithy lemon, and pineapple. The palate is driven by lively acid, with flavors of fresh pear, tropical citrus, white flowers, and ginger that ebb and flow through the finale. There’s great value here." (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Bravium, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Russian River Valley AVA
• Vineyard: Plumis Vineyard, Forestville
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Style: Full-bodied, cool-climate Chardonnay with saline minerality
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Pineapple, mango, lemon, pear, apple pastry, white flowers, ginger, vanillin oak, saline mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Oyster po’ boys, grilled salmon with lemon butter, Dungeness crab cakes, mushroom risotto, fettuccine Alfredo, aged Gouda, creamy Brie

A 91-point single-vineyard Russian River Chardonnay at an honest price — Bravium’s Plumis Vineyard bottling is the benchmark for what cool-climate, fog-influenced Sonoma Chardonnay can deliver.

The Secret Ingredient Is Dirt — Brendel’s Multi-Vineyard Napa Cabernet

Brendel sources from some of Napa Valley’s most coveted sites — the eastern side of Rutherford, the highest elevations of Howell Mountain, two diverse plots in St. Helena, and a steep parcel in Oak Knoll. Their philosophy is simple: great wine starts with great dirt. The 2021 Cooper’s Reed Cabernet Sauvignon is a fresh, vibrant expression of Napa’s famed grape — harvested under moonlight, fermented cool, and aged 9 months in upright oak casks to preserve bright red and black fruit character.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | Made by the Heitz team led by winemaker Brittany Sherwood, Brendel's 2021 Cooper's Reed Cabernet Sauvignon now includes a sufficient amount of Sonoma fruit to carry a North Coast AVA on the label—this vintage is approximately two-thirds Napa and one-third Sonoma, and the blend includes 5% Petite Sirah and 1% Merlot. Still made in old oak vats to avoid overt wood influence and just medium-bodied, it's something of a throwback stylistically. Although the fruit is quite obvious upfront, combining black cherries and blackberries, the wine is streamlined and somewhat restrained on the palate, finishing with ample length, hints of star anise and a silky texture. (Vintage 2021). 

As Featured In

San Francisco Chronicle — “Their range of wines are made from some of the best sites in Napa’s most renowned regions. Each vineyard is chosen for its quality and unique aptitude, with soil types ranging from volcanic to clay to bring out the best in each grape. It’s, as they put it, good dirt.”

Winemaker Notes

Brendel Cabernet Sauvignon Cooper’s Reed Napa Valley 2021 750ml

Harvested under moonlight and crushed at cool temperatures, this Cab is thoughtfully monitored throughout fermentation. After 7–10 days, it’s gently pressed to upright oak casks for 9 months of maturation. Fruit sourced from prized Napa and Sonoma vineyards delivers mouthwatering structure with bright red and black fruit throughout.

— Brittany Sherwood, Director of Winemaking

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Key Sites: Rutherford, Howell Mountain, St. Helena, Oak Knoll
• Producer: Brendel
• Vintage: 2021
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural Napa Cab pairing — excellent with grilled ribeye, roasted lamb, mushroom risotto, aged gouda, and hearty pasta.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2021

Wine Advocate 94 Points: Pretty aromas of honey, allspice and roasted almonds complement a core of peach and quince fruit. The medium-bodied palate is satiny and expansive with a dynamic interplay of textural breadth and energetic acidity, offering layered flavors on the finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points: Refined and elegant, with notes of pure white flowers, lemon curd, and white peach. Medium to full-bodied with a silky mouthfeel driven by citrus — tangerine, orange sherbet — with great texture and a long, decadent finish.

Wine Spectator 91 Points: Polished and sleekly layered, with honeydew, pear and spice flavors that build structure toward the handsome finish. Drink now through 2026. 220 cases made.

Winemaker Description

Brick House Chardonnay Cascadia Organic Biodynamic 2021 750ml

Brick House’s “Cascadia” is the winery’s reserve-level Chardonnay — a highly regarded, estate-grown wine from Oregon’s Ribbon Ridge AVA. Hand-crafted on a 40-acre farm that has been at the forefront of sustainable viticulture for decades, it is made with an Old World sensibility: organic and biodynamic farming, minimal intervention, and an unwavering focus on terroir expression. One of Oregon’s benchmark Chardonnays.

Pairing Suggestions

• Rich Seafood: Scallops in brown butter, roasted salmon, or halibut with lemon-cream sauce.
• Poultry: Roast chicken with herbes de Provence or pheasant.
• Earthy Dishes: Mushroom risotto, truffle pasta, or roasted root vegetables.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points | The 2022 Pinot Noir Les Dijonnais comes from the oldest vines on the property, planted in 1995 with all Dijon clones. Bottled in late January of this year, the wine sports a vibrant ruby hue and shows off notes of wild raspberries, mixed berries, a hint of fresh violets, clove spice, forest herbs, and brambly earth. It’s chiseled in its structure, with coiled tannins and a good deal of youthful tension, and also offers mineral persistence, with wonderful salinity and dark undertones of earth. It demands another few years in cool cellars to soften and expand as it evolves and will drink well over the long haul. Drink 2026-2040. 590 cases were produced.

Winemaker Description 

Planted in 1995, the Dijon block is now in its prime, delivering the complexity and elegance one expects from carefully tended twenty-six-year-old vines. The 2021 “DJ,” as it is known in-house, shows characteristic black raspberry and rose hip notes. Consistent with previous vintages, it displays Asian five spice, briar and even hints of blood orange coupled with a refreshing acidity and persistent finish. It is a superior vintage, one of the best of the decade. While the 2021 Les Dijonnais Pinot Noir is delicious right now, it will reward patience after a few years in a cool cellar.  Winemaker Description.

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

The Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | This concentrated Merlot-Zinfandel-Petite Sirah blend brings waves of cherry gastrique, raspberry liqueur, violets and caramel on the nose, while the palate leans into ripe blueberries, dark chocolate and raspberry coulis with expansive texture and velvety tannins.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 93 Points | A fresh and crunchy white with light lemons, mangoes and bitter limes. It’s medium- to full-bodied with lots of fruit. The hot growing season comes through, but it remains fresh at the end.

The Wine Advocate Points | The Bruno Giacosa 2023 Roero Arneis will be a smaller release due to fruit that was damaged during a hailstorm the first week of July. Nonetheless, this wine remains salty, mineral-driven and bright with citrus and white peach. It is executed in stainless steel only. Perhaps this vintage is a little thinner in terms of mouthfeel, but it draws to a close with lingering acidity.

Winemaker Description 

Intense straw colored with greenish glints. The nose presents lemon, pineapple, peach and apricot notes with floral hints. On the palate, it is fresh, full-bodied, with mineral notes and a persistent finish.

Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon That Takes the Bull by the Horns on Value

Bull by the Horns is a Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon built for those who want serious wine without the serious price tag. Sourced from the sun-drenched vineyards of Paso Robles — one of California's most exciting Cabernet appellations — this is a full-bodied, fruit-forward red with the structure, complexity, and 92-point pedigree to punch well above its price.

Expert Reviews

• Wine Advocate — 92 pts: "Scented of baked red cherry and plum with nuances of graphite, tobacco, tea leaves and aniseed. The full-bodied palate offers generous, perfumed fruit. Supple tannins and just enough juicy acidity to call you in for another sip."

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Paso Robles, California
• Vintage: 2020
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for California-style grilling — exceptional with ribeye steak, BBQ brisket, lamb burgers, aged cheddar, and smoked short ribs.

Bürklin-Wolf Estate Riesling Trocken — Pfalz 2024

Dr. Bürklin-Wolf is one of Germany's most storied wine estates, with roots in the Pfalz stretching back to the 17th century. Under the stewardship of Bettina Bürklin-von Guradze — one of Germany's most celebrated woman winemakers — the estate converted fully to biodynamic farming in 2005, becoming a benchmark for sustainable viticulture in the region. The vineyards, which include grand cru sites Gaisböhl and Gerümpel, are farmed without synthetic inputs, guided by lunar cycles, and harvested by hand. The result is a range of Rieslings that express the Pfalz with uncommon precision and vitality.

The 2024 Estate Riesling Trocken is sourced from young vines — fifth and sixth leaf — from Gaisböhl and Gerümpel, fermented spontaneously with native yeasts, half in traditional Doppelstück oak casks and half in stainless steel. The combination preserves freshness while adding a subtle textural complexity that sets this wine apart from its peers at the price. Bone dry, vegan, and built for the table.

Pale gold in the glass with a luminous clarity. The nose is pristine and aromatic — abundant peach, Amalfi lemon, preserved citrus, and a delicate mineral flicker of flint. On the palate it is medium-bodied and juicy, with the characteristic Pfalz generosity of stone fruit balanced by vivid lemon acidity and a long, saline finish. Crisp, focused, and deeply satisfying — a Riesling that rewards both the casual pour and the considered pairing.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

James Suckling — 92 Points
“Abundant peach and Amalfi lemon fruit, plenty of structure and bright mineral acidity on the juicy, medium-bodied palate. Pronounced preserved lemon and salt flavors in the long finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Vegan.”

Vinous — 90 Points
“A very subtle flicker of flint accompanies bright citrus and crushed citrus foliage. The palate brings the typical Pfalz juiciness with some stone fruit, but the lemon overtone is a constant in this vivid, bone-dry expression.”

• Producer: Dr. Bürklin-Wolf, Wachenheim, Pfalz, Germany
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Pfalz
• Grape: 100% Riesling
• Farming: Certified Biodynamic, Vegan
• Size: 750ml
• Style: Bone-dry, mineral, medium-bodied Pfalz Riesling
• Tasting Notes: Peach, Amalfi lemon, preserved citrus, flint, stone fruit, saline finish
• Drink Window: Now–2030
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, oysters, sushi, roast chicken, soft cheeses, asparagus