90+ Points | Critical Acclaim | Wine & Sparkling Wine

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

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc — Marlborough, New Zealand 2025

Kim Crawford is New Zealand's most recognized wine brand and one of the defining names in Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc — the style that put New Zealand on the world wine map. Founded in 1996, Kim Crawford pioneered the high-energy, intensely aromatic style of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc that has since become a global benchmark: vibrant, tropical, herbaceous, and irresistibly fresh. Sourced from select Marlborough vineyards and crafted sustainably, the 2025 vintage continues to deliver the intense, high-energy profile that made it a household name worldwide — one of the most consistent and recognizable white wines at any price.

The nose is lifted and expressive: passion fruit, melon, stone fruit, lime, bell pepper, and crushed herbs — classic Marlborough aromatics in full force. On the palate, it is fresh and juicy with ripe tropical flavors, vibrant acidity, and plenty of weight and length. Laid-back and delicious, with a clean, refreshing finish. Serve well chilled.

James Suckling 90 — "Juicy and fruit-driven with notes of limes, bell peppers and herbs on the nose. Medium body with fresh acidity. Laid-back and delicious. Sustainable." * (Vintage 2025). 

• Producer: Kim Crawford Wines, Marlborough, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Farming: Sustainable
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Passion fruit, melon, stone fruit, lime, bell pepper, crushed herbs, vibrant acidity, long finish
• Style: Light-to-medium bodied, crisp, aromatic
• Serve: Well chilled
• Drink: Now
• Best Paired With: Fresh oysters, ceviche, grilled asparagus, summer salads, lobster with lemon butter, shrimp, goat cheese

The benchmark Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc — Kim Crawford 2025 is tropical, crisp, and one of the world's most reliably delicious whites.

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

Critical Acclaim

• Wine Enthusiast – 90 Points | “Fresh and vibrant, this classic Prosecco is exactly what we are all looking for: freshness, fun and fruitiness. Ample apple and lemon notes with a touch of white flower define the nose. These lead to a zippy palate that directly translates from the nose with loads of fresh apples and a touch of minerality.”

Tasting Notes

Fresh and vibrant with aromas of green apple, lemon, and white flower. The palate is zippy and fruit-forward, with loads of crisp apple, a touch of minerality, and a clean, refreshing finish. Everything a great Prosecco should be.

About the Wine

Mionetto is one of the most celebrated Prosecco houses in the Veneto, with over 130 years of history in the region. The Prestige Collection — instantly recognizable by its iconic orange label — is the benchmark expression of the range: a Prosecco DOC Treviso Brut made from Glera grapes grown in the hills around Treviso. Consistent, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly versatile.

Serving

Serve well chilled at 6–8°C. Perfect as an aperitivo, for celebrations, or anytime a glass of something bright and joyful is called for.

Food Pairing

Excellent with antipasti, prosciutto, light seafood, sushi, fresh cheeses, and fruit-based desserts.

Product Details

• Appellation: Prosecco DOC Treviso, Veneto, Italy
• Varietal: Glera
• Style: Brut Sparkling
• Format: 750ml
• Producer: Mionetto

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.

E. Guigal · Côtes du Rhône Rouge · Southern Rhône · France · 2022 · 750ml

E. Guigal is the most celebrated name in the Rhône Valley — a family estate founded in Ampuis in 1946 by Etienne Guigal and now run by his son Marcel, whose obsessive commitment to quality has made Guigal synonymous with the finest expressions of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre from Hermitage to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The Côtes du Rhône Rouge is Guigal’s benchmark entry-level wine: a blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, and 10% Mourvèdre, partially aged in large oak foudres, and crafted to deliver genuine Rhône character at an honest price. The 2022 vintage was the hottest and driest growing season since 1950 — intense heatwaves followed by mid-August rainfall that promoted ripening and yielded concentrated, full-bodied wines of exceptional richness and depth. Jeb Dunnuck called it “smoking good.” At $18.99, this is one of the most compelling values in French red wine.

Deep ruby in the glass with an intensely aromatic nose of blackberry, black plum, pepper, garrigue, and a whisper of cocoa — generous, expressive, and unmistakably southern Rhône. On the palate: full-bodied and round, with lush dark fruit, velvety tannins, and a long, elegant finish that shows real finesse beyond the abundance of fruit. Three critics, three 90+ scores: Jeb Dunnuck 91, Wine Enthusiast 91, Wine Advocate 90. Drink now through 2028. Pair with charcuterie, braised lamb, beef stew, roast chicken, or a simple cheese board.

• Producer: E. Guigal (est. 1946, Ampuis)
• Wine: Côtes du Rhône Rouge AOC
• Vintage: 2022
• Origin: Southern Rhône Valley, France
• Blend: 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre
• Aging: Partially aged in large oak foudres
• Style: Full-bodied, generous southern Rhône red
• Scores: Jeb Dunnuck 91 · Wine Enthusiast 91 · Wine Advocate 90
• Drinking Window: Now–2028
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, black plum, pepper, garrigue, cocoa, velvety tannins, long elegant finish
• Pair With: Charcuterie · Braised lamb · Beef stew · Roast chicken · Cheese board

The Rhône’s most celebrated name, three 90+ scores — southern France’s most reliable everyday red.

Expert Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck — 91 Points
“Smoking good — blackberries, pepper, and garrigue in a round, supple, medium to full-bodied style. Remarkable quality for the appellation.”

Wine Enthusiast — 91 Points
“Black plum and cocoa-dusted aromas bump against raspberry and black tea. Fulsome in body, with red fruit riding all the way to the finish, made more complex by velvety tannins.”

Wine Advocate — 90 Points
“Juicy, round and elegant — remarkably dense for the vintage and represents excellent value.”

Cloudy Bay · Sauvignon Blanc · Marlborough · 2025

In 1985, Cloudy Bay planted vines in Marlborough and changed the world’s understanding of what Sauvignon Blanc could be. Before Cloudy Bay, New Zealand was a footnote in the global wine conversation. After it, Marlborough became a benchmark — a name synonymous with cool-climate precision, electric aromatics, and a style of white wine that no other region on earth replicates quite the same way. Four decades on, the estate remains the standard-bearer: sourcing from across Marlborough’s diverse sub-regions, blending with meticulous care, and bottling under screwcap to preserve every last molecule of freshness. WN:93. At $28.89, this is the iconic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc — and one of the best values at this level of pedigree.

The 2025 is open and expressive from the first pour: peach, elderflower, makrut lime, and gooseberry on the nose, with a herbal lift and sea salt minerality that is unmistakably Marlborough. On the palate: bright lemon, white nectarine, and passionfruit, framed by refreshing acidity and a clean, steel-cut citrus finish with real precision and length. Drink now through 2027.

“Highly aromatic, with elderflower, citrus, and passionfruit. Crisp, textural, and elegant — a benchmark expression of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.”
— Wineanorak, 93 Points. (Vintage 2025). 

"Concentrated and fragrant, with lemongrass, lemon verbena and celery salt notes to complement the pineapple, mango and lemon curd flavors, backed by a touch of orange sherbet. Gains momentum on the long, expressive finish." - The Wine Spectator, 93 Points. (Vintage 2025). 

"The 2025 Sauvignon Blanc is fleshy and intense, as is the style of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, and there is enough savory extract and shape in the wine to elevate it beyond the norm. Here, we have grass clippings and brine, green olive tapenade, passion fruit and pineapple husk. The acidity is saline, and all elements work together toward a common goal. I recall, in context, this wine looking a little sweeter and fleshier than some of its regional peers, and yet here today in isolation, it looks tight, textural and composed. It's very good indeed. Cloudy Bay is a member of the Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW). 13% alcohol." - The Wine Advocate, 94 Points. (Vintage 2025). 

"Vivid, round and juicy, with lemons, limes, fresh herbs and some mild spices on the nose, following through to a medium body with fresh acidity. Lively and succulent, with a delicious finish packed with limes. - James Suckling, 92 Points. (Vintage 2025). 

• Producer: Cloudy Bay (est. 1985)
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Peach, elderflower, makrut lime, gooseberry, white nectarine, passionfruit, sea salt minerality, clean citrus finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2027
• Food Pairings: Oysters, sashimi, steamed mussels, grilled prawns, goat cheese, herb-crusted fish, lemon pasta

WN:93 — the wine that put Marlborough on the map, still setting the standard 40 years on.

Château Hyot Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux 2020 · Bordeaux, France

Château Hyot is situated on the slopes just west of Castillon, in the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux appellation on Bordeaux's Right Bank, a neighboring region to Saint-Émilion known for Merlot-dominant wines of genuine character at value prices. The estate's sandy-gravelly soils act as a natural flavor enhancer, contributing a distinctive minerality and freshness to the wine.

Tasting Notes

Intense color with ruby reflections and a shine. The nose offers black fruit, blackberry, blackcurrant and blueberry with toasted notes. The authenticity of the terroir comes through in the tannic structure and fruitiness of the wine.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

Wine Enthusiast (Roger Voss), 91 Points— A well-balanced wine with acidity and black currant fruits, this is structured and juicy. It is set to age well, freshness keeping the fruit vivid. Drink from 2025.

Prior Vintage Review - Vintage 2019

James Suckling, 90 Points — Mulberries, dark plums, dried herbs, burdock and cigar box on the nose. Medium body with powdery tannins. Fruity, with fresh acidity and a flavorful, earthy finish.

Details

• Producer: Château Hyot
• Appellation: Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux AOC, Right Bank, France
• Varietal: Merlot with some Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon
• Vintage: 2020
• Size: 750ml
• Terroir: Sandy-gravelly slopes west of Castillon
• Pairings: Roast lamb, grilled beef, duck, mushroom dishes, aged cheeses

Matua Sauvignon Blanc — Marlborough 2024

Matua pioneered Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc back in 1974, and fifty years on, the region's most iconic grape variety still finds one of its most honest expressions here. The 2024 vintage is everything Marlborough promises — vivid aromatics, electric acidity, and a palate that is both refreshing and precise. Ken's Wine Guide awarded it 89.5 points, calling it crisp, zesty, and mouthwatering. With classic structure and a dry, lingering finish, this is the bottle you reach for when the occasion calls for something bright, honest, and undeniably delicious.

The nose opens with white grapefruit and guava, layered with hints of white peach and limestone. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with bright, mouthwatering acidity — crisp, round, and zesty. Flavors of white grapefruit and lime are accented by tonic water, yellow bell pepper, and a touch of chalky minerality. The finish is dry and lingering, with classic Marlborough length and precision.

Ken's Wine Guide 89.5 (Vintage 2024) • Wine Enthusiast 93 (Prior Vintage 2023) — "Dried herbs and lemongrass, with passionfruit sorbet, open this lovely, balanced Sauvignon. It's textural, long and persistent, with a salted pink grapefruit finish." — Christina Pickard

• Producer: Matua, Marlborough, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Marlborough
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Style: White Wine — Dry, Crisp & Aromatic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White grapefruit, guava, white peach, limestone, lime, tonic water, yellow bell pepper, chalky minerality
• Best Paired With: Fresh oysters, grilled fish, sushi, poke bowls, goat cheese, green salads, herb-driven dishes

At an honest price — Matua's benchmark bottling is the quintessential expression of New Zealand's most celebrated white wine region.

About This Wine

La Marca is one of Italy's most beloved Prosecco brands — and for good reason. Sourced from the Glera grape in the prestigious Veneto DOC zone, this is a sparkling wine that delivers pure Italian pleasure: bright, festive, and effortlessly drinkable. Whether you're toasting a milestone or simply elevating a Tuesday evening, La Marca is the bottle to reach for.

Pale golden straw in the glass with lively, fine effervescence, it opens with fresh citrus and honeysuckle blossoms. The palate is crisp and clean — green apple, juicy peach, and ripe lemon, framed by a hint of minerality. The finish is light, refreshing, and just off-dry, with a tantalizing touch of sweetness that keeps it endlessly approachable.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale golden straw with fine, lively bubbles
• Nose: Fresh citrus, honeysuckle, green apple, pear
• Palate: Crisp and clean, juicy peach, ripe lemon, green apple, hint of minerality
• Finish: Light, refreshing, off-dry with a touch of sweetness

Serving Notes

Serve chilled between 46–50°F in a sparkling flute or white wine glass. One bottle pours approximately 5–7 glasses. Seal opened bottles with a stopper and keep chilled — best enjoyed within 3–4 hours of opening.

Food Pairings

Seafood, light appetizers, bruschetta, mild cheeses, prosciutto, and fresh fruit. A natural aperitivo, equally at home alongside rich pasta dishes or a celebratory dessert.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Region: Veneto, Italy
Appellation: Prosecco DOC
Grape Variety: Glera
Style: Sparkling Wine, Extra Dry

Antinori · Pèppoli Chianti Classico 2024 · Tuscany, Italy

Antinori Pèppoli 2024 is a Sangiovese-led Chianti Classico with vibrant cherry fruit, floral aromas and a long, savory finish. Its juicy palate and soft tannins make it an inviting choice for a table of tomato-sauced pasta, grilled meats and Italian cheeses.

Expert Reviews · Vintage 2024

Wine Enthusiast · 92 Points: The nose brings aromas of vanilla bean, freshly brewed coffee, Bing cherry, and wild strawberry. Raspberries join more strawberries and cherries on the palate, but earthy undertones and chalky tannins ground things and create a substantial mouthfeel.

James Suckling · 91 Points: A spicy wine with aromas of licorice, dried flowers, bright red cherries, violets, and blood oranges. Light-bodied, soft and extracted, with crisp acidity and a chalky finish.

Winemaker Description

Antinori: Pèppoli 2024 is a bright ruby red. The nose is vibrant and expressive, offering fresh notes of cherries, raspberry jelly, and pomegranate juice with floral sensations of violets and geraniums. The palate is lively and dynamic: an energetic entry leads to a juicy, flavorful mid-palate followed by a long, savory finish characterized by soft, sweet tannins.

About Antinori & Pèppoli

The Antinori family has been committed to the art of winemaking for over six centuries, since 1385 when Giovanni di Piero Antinori became a member of the Florentine Winemakers’ Guild. The Pèppoli estate, located 5 kilometers northeast of the Tenuta Tignanello estate, spans 100 hectares in the heart of Chianti Classico DOCG. Its vineyards produce a Sangiovese-led blend celebrated for its full fruit expression, characteristic floral aromas, and faithful representation of the Chianti Classico territory.

Tasting Notes

Bright ruby red, with cherries, raspberry jelly, pomegranate and floral notes of violets and geraniums. A lively entry opens into a juicy mid-palate, with soft, sweet tannins supporting the long, savory finish.

Food Pairings

A natural companion for pasta with tomato-based sauces, grilled meats, roasted lamb, and aged Italian cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino.

Wine Details

• Producer: Antinori
• Estate: Pèppoli
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Chianti Classico DOCG
• Region: Tuscany, Italy
• Blend: Sangiovese-led
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Reviews: Wine Enthusiast 92 points; James Suckling 91 points

Vibrant Tuscan fruit and a savory finish, ready for your next Italian supper.

Justin Vineyard is one of Paso Robles' founding estates, established in 1981 in the Adelaida Hills — where calcareous soils, hot days, and dramatically cool nights create ideal conditions for Bordeaux-style Cabernet Sauvignon. Justin has become the benchmark producer of the appellation, crafting wines of genuine depth, balance, and approachability that rival Napa at a fraction of the price. The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is aged 14 months in traditional small oak barrels, built with the same care as the finest traditionally crafted Bordeaux-style wines.

The nose is aromatic and inviting: red raspberry and black cherry laced with vanilla, soft herbs, and warming spices. On the palate, it is dry, moderately full-bodied, and supple — bursting with bright red plum and ripe cherry, with velvety, well-integrated tannins and nuanced elements of caramel, toasted coconut, fennel, and sage. The long finish turns pleasantly savory with floral notes and a hint of pepper. Remarkably balanced and complex, with a fresh palate that invites another sip.

"Lush aromas of cherry, cinnamon, and candied pecan show on the inviting nose. The palate is silky and generous with ample cherry, vanilla, and spicecake flavors. This is a deeply satisfying and bold Cab at a very fair price." — Matt Kettmann, Wine Enthusiast, 92 Points (Vintage 2023)

Winemaker Notes

Bright ruby red with moderate concentration. Red raspberry and black cherry on the nose with vanilla, soft herbs, and warming spices. Dry and supple on the palate with red plum, ripe cherry, caramel, toasted coconut, fennel, and sage. Long, savory finish with floral notes and a hint of pepper. Pairs well with filet mignon, ribeye, grilled chicken, aged Cheddar, and Manchego.

Critical Acclaim

James Suckling 93 Points: A rich, yet balanced wine with honest cabernet characteristics of savory herbs and graphite as well as cedar, tobacco and cigar box. Full-bodied with cleansing acidity and flavors of black cherry, cocoa and spiced orange rind.

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points: This is a deeply satisfying and bold Cab at a very fair price. Lush aromas of cherry, cinnamon, and candied pecan show on the inviting nose. The palate is silky and generous with ample cherry, vanilla, and spicecake flavors. Editors' Choice

Vinous Media 90 Points: The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon bursts with bright raspberry and cherry, complemented by autumnal spice. It is juicy in feel, with a solid core of ripe red and blue fruits supported by vibrant acidity. Gently tannic yet lively, the 2023 leaves a licorice and dark chocolate tinge that lingers.

Decoy by Duckhorn · California · 2023

Decoy is the approachable expression of Duckhorn Wine Company, bringing the house’s quality-minded style to premium California Cabernet at an inviting price. The 2023 growing season began with abundant winter rain and a cool spring, followed by a long harvest that helped build depth, color, and texture in the fruit.

Deep ruby in the glass, it opens with black cherry, blackberry, mocha, savory blueberry, and sweet baking spice. The palate is rich and supple, with silky tannins, dark berry and cocoa flavors, a touch of barrel spice, and a long, lush finish.

Wine Enthusiast: 93 points
“Dark berry and plum aromas on the nose of this bottling are cut by nutmeg, cola and bittersweet cocoa touches. The palate is quite dry with flavors of dark-chocolate flake and oregano, as dark berry fills in the fruit tones. A very classic California Cab.” (Vintage 2023). 

• Producer: Decoy by Duckhorn Wine Company
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: California
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Rich, supple, approachable California Cabernet
• Tasting notes: Black cherry, blackberry, mocha, blueberry, cocoa, baking spice, and silky tannins
• Pair with: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb chops, burgers, barbecue, or aged cheddar
• Cellar potential: Enjoy now or cellar for 3–5 years
• Size: 750ml

Duckhorn quality at an everyday price, a polished California Cabernet with 93-point appeal.

Ridge Three Valleys Sonoma County Zinfandel Red Blend 2023

Ridge Vineyards is one of California’s most iconic and respected wineries — a benchmark producer whose Monte Bello Cabernet has competed with the world’s greatest wines, and whose commitment to traditional winemaking is unmatched. Three Valleys, made since 2001, is Ridge’s Sonoma County field blend: a multi-vineyard, multi-appellation wine sourced from Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma Valley, and Russian River Valley, crafted in the exact same way as all of Ridge’s wines — open-top tanks, native fermentations, and real oak. It’s meant to represent a vintage more than a location, and the 2023 is one of the finest in recent memory.

The 2023 blend is 71% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, 9% Petite Sirah, 2% Mataro, and 2% Alicante Bouschet, aged 12 months in 19% new air-dried American oak. Floral, complex, and less rustic than usual — the vintage showing classic charm and elegance. A popular by-the-glass pour at restaurants across the country. Order it when you see it.

Aromas of confit cherries, licorice, blackberry, baking spices, wild berries, Italian plums, and lavender. The palate is full-bodied yet light on its feet — expressive raspberry and blueberry, licorice, pepper, and chargrilled herbs — with chalky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, spicy, generous finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

Jeb Dunnuck — 93 Points

“Floral, complex and less rustic than usual, the vintage showing classic charm and elegance… A popular by-the-glass pour, order it when you see it.”

Wine Spectator — 93 Points

“Generous and robust yet retains a sense of polish, with expressive raspberry and blueberry flavors highlighted by licorice and pepper. Drink now through 2034.”

James Suckling — 93 Points

“Aromas of confit cherries, licorice, blackberry bush, baking spices and violets. Full-bodied with a rounded mouthfeel and firmly framed tannins that end in a lush and generous finish.”

Wine Advocate — 91 Points

“Layered aromas of wild berries, Italian plums, chargrilled meats, resinous herbs and lavender. Full-bodied with highly concentrated flavors, chalky tannins and vibrant acidity. Long, spicy finish.”

Track Record

Three Valleys has scored 92 points or above for five consecutive vintages: 94 pts Decanter (2022) | 92 pts WS (2021) | 93 pts WS (2020) | 93 pts WS (2019).

Food Pairings

Grilled lamb, BBQ ribs, braised short rib, aged cheddar, and hearty pasta with meat sauce.

Blend: 71% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, 9% Petite Sirah, 2% Mataro, 2% Alicante Bouschet
Appellation: Sonoma County, California
Vintage: 2023
Aging: 12 months, 19% new air-dried American oak
Format: 750ml
Scores: 93 pts JD | 93 pts WS | 93 pts JS | 91 pts WA

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins, 67 Wine Buyer: A juicy, joyous organic blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that’s bright, perky, full of life and begging for food. Aromas of spiced cherries on the nose with a medium body and an earthy note that adds complexity. Balanced acidity and softly tamed tannins lead to a cheerful, food-friendly finish. This is a perfect pizza, pasta, weekday red that satisfies without breaking the bank!

Winemaker Notes

A versatile, young red wine with ruby red color and a bouquet of ripe cherries, blueberries, and sweet spices. Medium-bodied, fruity and smooth with a long, lingering dry finish reminiscent of undergrowth with an underlying hint of menthol. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.

About the Wine

The Avignonesi Cantaloro Toscana Rosso 2024 is the estate’s "everyday" super-Tuscan blend and one of the best values for certified biodynamic wine in Italy. Produced under the direction of Virginie Saverys, who steered Avignonesi toward total sustainability, the Cantaloro is designed to be fresh, versatile, and accessible immediately upon release.

Tasting & Pairings

Spiced cherries, blueberries, sweet spice, earth, and menthol. Medium-bodied with balanced acidity and soft tannins. Serve at cellar temperature.

• Pizza, lasagna, or pasta Bolognese — the reason this wine exists.
• Grilled pork chops or Tuscan tagliata — sliced steak with arugula, a classic match.
• Roasted Mediterranean vegetables or lentil stews — the earthy notes complement hearty vegetarian fare.

Expert Review - Vintage 2024 James Suckling

90/100 points

Pinot Grigio is one of the most cultivated grape varieties in Alto Adige and finds ideal conditions in Kurtatsch. Our Pinot Grigio Selection consists only of grapes from selected hillsides and steep slopes.

Expert Review — Vintage 2024

Jeb Dunnuck — 90 Points
"A bright ruby/magenta color, the 2024 Barbera d’Alba is spicy and lifted on the nose with notes of pepper, fresh herbs, and bright red fruit. The palate is zesty and lively, with electric energy, refreshing focused acidity, and a compact linear feel. This is not a Barbera for volume of richness — it’s about the crunchy, bright fruit, and it will be best enjoyed while it retains its lively nerve. Drink over the next several years."

Winemaker Notes

G.D. Vajra’s Barbera d’Alba comes from a wonderful range of estate vineyards in Piedmont. Fermented for an average of 20 days and aged no less than twelve months in respect of the rhythm of nature, it is a fine blend — charming, rich yet forward.

The 2024 vintage exhibits a brilliant purple hue. On the nose, a celebration of freshness: red berry juice, roses, and fresh plums. The palate is crisp and juicy, layering sweet red and black cherries, spices, and fresh dark berries into a vibrant, aromatic finish that defines the vintage.

Food Pairings

A natural companion for pasta with tomato-based sauces, wood-fired pizza, grilled sausages, roasted chicken, mushroom risotto, and aged Parmigiano-Reggiano. Serve slightly chilled (60–65°F) to enhance its refreshing character.

Product Details

• Producer: G.D. Vajra
• Region: Barbera d’Alba DOC, Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: Barbera
• Vintage: 2024
• Style: Bright, zesty, fruit-forward Piedmont red
• Format: 750ml

Château Greysac Cru Bourgeois Supérieur — Médoc, Bordeaux 2019

Château Greysac has a remarkable story. Built in the 1700s in the Médoc hamlet of Begadan, north of St. Estèphe, the estate was purchased in 2012 by Jean Guyon — a tastemaker, designer, and visionary who moved in the circles of fine art and couture fashion. Guyon arrived with a clear objective: to craft wines with the same care and attention to detail as a Cru Classé, but at far more approachable prices. He modernized the winery, overhauled vineyard practices with sustainability in mind, and by 2018 the estate was classified as Cru Bourgeois Supérieur. As the largest landowner in the Médoc, Guyon controls quality and consistency that few Bordelaise châteaux can claim — which is why, since 2015, Greysac has been the persistent #1 Médoc over $20 in the United States.

The 2019 — widely regarded as one of Bordeaux's finest vintages of the last decade — is a seamless, beautifully structured expression of the estate. The nose is plush and enticing: blackcurrant, blackberry, dark cherry, cedar, graphite, and a hint of spice. On the palate, it's medium-to-full-bodied with sappy black fruit, fine depth, smooth structured tannins, and a pure, caressing finish that belies its backbone. Aged 12 months in 50% one-year-old French oak and 50% tank, with malolactic fermentation in oak and three months of lees stirring.

"Seamless nose with plush black fruits and a hint of spice. Fabulous fruit on the palate with great balancing acidity and fine-grained tannins. Persistent finish." — Decanter, 96 Points

• Producer: Château Greysac, Begadan, Médoc, Bordeaux, France
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois Supérieur
• Vintage: 2019
• Appellation: Médoc AOC
• Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
• Vineyard: 68 ha on clay-gravel hilltop; avg. 35-year-old vines; sustainably farmed
• Aging: 12 months, 50% one-year-old French oak / 50% tank; MLF in oak; 3 months lees stirring
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: Decanter 96 | Vinous 91 | Jeb Dunnuck 90
• Tasting Notes: Blackcurrant, blackberry, dark cherry, cedar, graphite, smooth tannins, persistent finish
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, duck confit, aged hard cheeses, classic Bordelaise cuisine

The #1 Médoc over $20 in the US — Cru Bourgeois Supérieur quality at an approachable price, in one of Bordeaux's greatest recent vintages.

Marqués de Riscal is one of Spain's most storied estates, founded in 1858 in the village of Elciego in Rioja Alavesa. Elevated vineyards, meticulous farming across 540 owned hectares, and a cellar housing every vintage back to the 1860s define a house built on permanence and precision. The Frank Gehry–designed hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant on-site speak to the same ambition: world-class in every dimension.

The 2021 Reserva is a blend of Tempranillo and 3% Graciano, aged 20 months in American oak. The nose opens with licorice, black cherry, cinnamon, and black pepper — expressive and layered, with a balsamic freshness that keeps everything lifted. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet polished, with silky tannins, ripe red and black fruit, and a long, persistent finish with gentle spice. Classic Riscal: structured, elegant, and built to age another 10–15 years.

Expert Ratings

"The winery's flagship wine, the 2021 Reserva has a highly appealing spicy balsamic character and an undertone of freshness... rich in red and black cherry fruit that's textured and layered throughout supple, silky tannins. This is a classic, ready to go another 10-15 years." — Jeb Dunnuck, 92 Points. (Vintage 2021).

"A combination of licorice, blackberries and cherries on the nose... The medium- to full-bodied palate is incisive with polished, focused tannins and a clean, chiseled finish." — James Suckling, 92 Points. (Vintage 2021). 

"Ripe mulberry and boysenberry fruit is accented by wild thyme, warm spices, mineral and mandarin orange peel in this well-balanced red, with light, taut tannins." — Wine Spectator, 90 Points. (Vintage 2021). 

Winemaker Notes

Intense black-cherry color with good depth and barely any signs of evolution. Very expressive aromas of licorice, cinnamon, and black pepper with a subtle hint of oak, balanced by ripe, concentrated fruit. Fresh and easy to drink, with good backbone, polished tannins, and a long, balsamic finish.

Pairs well with ham, mild cheeses, casseroles, bean and pulse dishes, poultry, red meat, grills, and roasts.

Le Volte dell’Ornellaia — Toscana IGT 2024

Le Volte dell’Ornellaia is the approachable entry point into the world of Tenuta dell’Ornellaia — one of Tuscany’s most celebrated estates and a cornerstone of the Bolgheri appellation — and the 2023 vintage is its most joyful and expressive release in years. A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, raised in used Ornellaia barriques and concrete for around 10 months, this wine captures the estate’s signature elegance and precision in a bottle built for early enjoyment without sacrificing depth or character. 

The nose is fruity and fresh: candied flowers, crushed raspberries, red apples, dark cherry compote, and a waft of balsamic herbs with fresh stony earth. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied — silky, crunchy, and vibrant, with a bright streak of raspberry coulis brought together by fresh acidity and a breezy, polished finish. Classy, aromatic, and built to drink beautifully from 2025 through 2035.

Wine Spectator 92 • Jeb Dunnuck 91 • Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 91 • James Suckling 90 — “ A bright, fruity wine with aromas of raspberries, red cherries, violets and subtle spices.”

• Producer: Tenuta dell’Ornellaia, Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Toscana IGT
• Blend: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot
• Vinification: Aged ~10 months in used Ornellaia barriques and concrete
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Candied flowers, raspberry, red apple, dark cherry, balsamic herbs, stony earth, silky finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar through 2035
• Best Paired With: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, roasted duck, truffle pizza, aged Pecorino, Parmigiano-Reggiano

Elegant, vibrant, and unmistakably Ornellaia — Le Volte is the benchmark for what a Super Tuscan entry point can be.

Wine Spectator 92 Points: A fruity style, boasting black currant, blackberry, black cherry, graphite and toasty oak flavors. Fluid and balanced, this leaves a detailed, refreshing finish, with an aftertaste of fruit and mineral notes. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2033.

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points: The 2024 Le Volte dell'Ornellaia, composed primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Petit Verdot, pours a youthful purple/red hue and is bright and expressive, with notes of red berries, plum, violet, fresh herbs, and cedar. Medium to full-bodied, rounded, and approachable, with a light, floating texture, ripe tannins, and refreshing acidity, this is a charming and accessible vintage to enjoy over the near to medium term. Drink 2026-2031.

Vinous Media 91 Points: The 2024 Le Volte dell'Ornellaia is a super-classy, polished wine. Floral, aromatic and light on its feet, the 2024 is a total delight. Crushed flowers, mint, sweet red cherry fruit, cedar and rose petal all grace this delicate, understated Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend.

James Suckling 90 Points: A bright, fruity wine with aromas of raspberries, red cherries, violets and subtle spices. Light- to medium-bodied with velvety tannins, grainy depth and moderate acidity.

Château La Vaisinerie — Puisseguin Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux 2019

Puisseguin Saint-Émilion is one of Bordeaux's four Saint-Émilion satellites — appellations that share the Saint-Émilion name and its clay-limestone terroir, but offer wines of genuine character at a fraction of the price of their more famous neighbor. Château La Vaisinerie is a standout estate in the appellation, producing a Merlot-dominant blend (90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc) that earned four separate critic endorsements in the 2019 vintage — one of Bordeaux's finest of the last decade. The result is a wine of real refinement and balance that consistently punches above its price point.

The 2019 pours a deep ruby. The nose is expressive and layered — blue fruits, blackberry, black cherry, candied violets, sweet tobacco, crushed stones, and floral notes with a mineral undertow. On the palate, it's medium-bodied, pure, and impeccably balanced: supple tannins, fine acidity, a pretty core of fruit, and a sensual, velvety-smooth finish. Already drinking beautifully with a carafe; will continue to develop through 2029.

"Blue fruits and cola cubes on the nose. Linear and direct, powerful but restrained, with a core of dark, juicy fruits and a mineral undertow giving freshness and a velvety-smooth texture to the tannins. One I want another glass of." — Georgina Hindle, Decanter, 90 Points

• Producer: Château La Vaisinerie, Puisseguin Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2019
• Appellation: Puisseguin Saint-Émilion AOC
• Blend: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: Decanter 90 | James Suckling 90 | Jeb Dunnuck | Vinous (Neal Martin)
• Drink: Now–2029 (decant if opening today)
• Tasting Notes: Blue fruits, blackberry, black cherry, candied violets, sweet tobacco, crushed stone, supple tannins, sensual finish
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, duck confit, grilled ribeye, mushroom dishes, aged cheeses

Four-critic Right Bank Bordeaux at a satellite appellation price — Saint-Émilion terroir, 2019 vintage, and Merlot-driven elegance in every glass.

Clos des Lunes Lune d’Argent — Bordeaux Blanc 2023

Clos des Lunes is one of Bordeaux’s most compelling white wine stories — an estate in the heart of the Sauternes appellation that has dedicated itself entirely to producing world-class dry white wine from legendary sweet wine terroir. Lune d’Argent (“Silver Moon”) is the estate’s flagship cuvée, blending the density and richness of Sémillon with the refinement and precision of Sauvignon Blanc, aged with a touch of French oak to add complexity without obscuring the magic of the terroir.

The 2023 vintage was harvested in multiple passes from August 28 through September 21, allowing optimal ripeness across the blend. The result is a vibrant, medium-bodied white with vivid acidity, a chalky mineral finish, and outstanding depth — floral, orchard fruit, honeyed grapefruit, golden apple, and a lovely umami complexity from the Sémillon. Four critics, four outstanding scores.

James Suckling 93 • Vinous 92 • Jeb Dunnuck 92 • Decanter 91 — “A top value pick!”

• Producer: Clos des Lunes, Sauternes, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Bordeaux Blanc
• Blend: 70% Sémillon, 30% Sauvignon Blanc
• Aging: Touch of French oak
• Harvest: Multiple passes, Aug 28 – Sep 21
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Orchard fruit, honeyed grapefruit, golden apple, citrus, chalky minerality, umami complexity
• Best Paired With: Grilled lobster, pan-seared scallops, roast chicken, soft-ripened cheeses, foie gras

Sauternes terroir, dry white ambition, four 91+ scores — Lune d’Argent is one of the great white wine values in Bordeaux.

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

Château de Ribebon Bordeaux Supérieur — Bordeaux, France 2020

Château de Ribebon has one of the more remarkable backstories in Bordeaux — the estate was formerly a hunting lodge for King Louis XVI, and today it is part of the distinguished Aubert family portfolio, one of the most respected names in the region. Farmed from 40-year-old vines and crafted in the classic Petit Château tradition, Ribebon represents exactly what Bordeaux Supérieur does best: honest, terroir-driven wine at an accessible price, made with the same care and philosophy as estates that cost far more. The 2020 vintage is widely regarded as one of Bordeaux's finest of the last decade.

The wine pours a deep ruby. The nose is inviting and well-defined — juicy black fruits, blackcurrant, plum, spice, and a touch of toast from careful oak aging. On the palate, it's structured and well-balanced with a savory, slightly earthy character, medium-to-full body, and a smooth mouthfeel. Still young and developing, it rewards patience — best from 2025 onward, but approachable now with decanting.

"A well-balanced wine, structured and still young. Spice and toast as well as juicy black fruits. The wine is on its way, but should not be drunk before 2025." — Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, 90 Points

• Producer: Château de Ribebon (Aubert Family), Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Bordeaux Supérieur AOC
• Varietal: Merlot-dominant blend
• Vine Age: 40 years
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: Wine Enthusiast 90 (Roger Voss)
• Drink: Best from 2025; decant if opening now
• Tasting Notes: Blackcurrant, plum, spice, toast, earthy, structured tannins
• Best Paired With: Gourmet burgers, lamb chops with rosemary, duck confit, beef stew, mushroom risotto, aged Comté

A 90-point Bordeaux Supérieur from a former royal hunting lodge — Aubert family quality, 40-year-old vines, and one of Bordeaux's finest recent vintages at a Petit Château price.

Henri Bourgeois · Val de Loire · 2025

Henri Bourgeois Pure Sauvignon Blanc 2025 offers an aromatic, refreshing expression of the Loire Valley. Citrus blossom, green apple and gooseberry mingle with a whisper of passion fruit, while bright acidity carries lemon zest and fresh herbs through a clean, lively finish.

Henri Bourgeois has made wine in the Loire Valley for generations, building its reputation on precision, minerality and aromatic lift. Selected Loire vineyards and vinification focused on preserving natural freshness shape this 2025 Sauvignon Blanc, bottled under screwcap.

Expert Review · Vintage 2025

Wine Enthusiast, Reggie Solomon, 90 Points | Aromas of freshly-sliced apple, white nectarine skin and lemon peel open on the nose followed by meadow grass and crushed stone. A veil of green pear and saline raises orchard fruit that is lifted by wet rock and baby's breath on the tart finish.

Prior Vintage Review Excerpts · Petit Bourgeois - Vintage 2024

James Suckling, 91 Points ·  | “Crafty, lively and delicious… fresh acidity. Bright and vivid with a frank finish.”

Wine Enthusiast, 89 Points · | “Fragrant aromas of white peach and pomelo… lime zest and field grass.”

Food Pairings & Serving

Serve at 46–50°F as an aperitif or alongside halibut in lemon butter, grilled white fish, oysters, other seafood, goat cheese or light vegetable dishes.

Details

• Producer: Henri Bourgeois
• Wine: Pure Sauvignon Blanc
• Vintage: 2025
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Country: France
• Region: Loire Valley
• Appellation: Val de Loire IGP
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Type: White wine
• Closure: Screwcap
• Serving Temperature: 46–50°F

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2024

Wine Enthusiast — 91 Points
"The nose opens umami, sanguine and earthy, with damp soil, pepper and mixed wild herbs, then presents sweet, tiny wild berries crushed underfoot. The palate first leans into the fruit, with sweet, ripe blackberries and blueberries, before finishing off with earth and pepper."
Best Buy

Winemaker Description

Hints of ripe fruit, cinnamon, and licorice and an intense and harmonious taste allow for a fresher wine, with delicate tannins and easy to drink style.

Product Details

• Producer: Tenuta Rapitalà
• Region: Terre Siciliane IGT, Sicily, Italy
• Grape: Nero d’Avola
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Medium-bodied, fresh, high-altitude Sicilian red
• Format: 750ml

Nino Franco Rustico — Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG NV

Nino Franco has been making Prosecco in Valdobbiadene since 1919, and Rustico is the wine that put them on the map. Named in honor of an old tradition of bottle-fermented Prosecco, it remains one of the world's most celebrated values in high-quality sparkling wine — earning 94 points from Wine Enthusiast and a place on their Top 100 Wines of 2019. Non-vintage by design, Rustico is blended each year to maintain a consistent house style: bright, aromatic, and effortlessly drinkable. Primo Franco recommends serving it in a wine glass rather than a flute — the wider bowl lets the aromatics fully open up.

The nose opens with white spring flowers, Bartlett pear, green apple, and honeysuckle. On the palate it is light-bodied and creamy, with soft, persistent effervescence and ripe orchard fruit accented by a whisper of fennel seed. The finish is clean and refreshing, with just a touch of quinine bitterness that keeps you coming back for another sip.

Wine Enthusiast 94 — Top 100 Wines of 2019 • Vinous 91 • James Suckling 91

• Producer: Nino Franco, Valdobbiadene, Veneto, Italy
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
• Varietal: 100% Glera
• Style: Extra Dry Sparkling
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White spring flowers, Bartlett pear, green apple, honeysuckle, citrus, fennel seed, quinine finish
• Serve: 44–48°F in a wine glass (not a flute)
• Best Paired With: Oysters, prosciutto, light seafood, risotto, fresh salads, aperitivo spreads

A 94-point Prosecco Superiore DOCG at an honest price — Nino Franco's Rustico is the benchmark for what Valdobbiadene sparkling wine can be.

Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc — Marlborough 2025

Dog Point Vineyard is the project of two Cloudy Bay veterans, Ivan Sutherland and James Healy, who set out to make a Sauvignon Blanc that transcends the region’s exuberant mainstream. Hand-harvested, whole-bunch pressed, and fermented with indigenous yeasts from organically grown grapes, Dog Point’s approach is one of restraint and terroir transparency. The 2025 earned 94 points from both James Suckling and Wine Advocate, and 93 from Wine Spectator — a wine of genuine character, savory, textural, and built to age.

The nose is complex and restrained: grapefruit, brine, green olives, limes, and a touch of salinity. On the palate, it is linear and vibrant — textural and salty, with honeysuckle, lemon oil, yuzu, pomelo, and lemongrass lingering effortlessly on a sleek, mouthwatering frame. Classy, sophisticated, and a world apart from the wham-bam Marlborough style.

🇳🇿 James Suckling 94 — “Restrained exuberance and a touch of salinity in the finish. Impressive handmade wine from organically grown grapes.” (Vintage 2025). 

🇳🇿 Wine Advocate 94 — “Textural and salty, savory and complex. Classy — a sophisticated showing of the best attributes of the variety.” (Vintage 2025). 

🇳🇿 Wine Spectator 93 — “Complex and highly detailed, with notes of honeysuckle and lemon oil, plus touches of saline and grilled Meyer lemon.” (Vintage 2025). 

• Producer: Dog Point Vineyard, Marlborough, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Marlborough
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Farming: Organic
• Vinification: Hand-harvested, whole-bunch pressed, indigenous yeast fermentation
• ABV: 12.5%
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 5+ years
• Best Paired With: Oysters, sashimi, grilled prawns, herb-crusted fish, goat cheese salads, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine

Marlborough’s benchmark organic Sauvignon Blanc — Dog Point is the wine that proves restraint and terroir always win.

Château Les Gravettes — Bordeaux Supérieur 2019

Bordeaux Supérieur is the appellation that over-delivers — and Château Les Gravettes is a textbook example of why. The 2019 vintage, one of Bordeaux’s most celebrated in recent memory, brings explosive intensity and classic structure at a price that makes it an instant cellar staple.

The wine pours a deep, brilliant dark ruby. The nose is complex and inviting — blackberries, blueberries, baking spices, and walnuts. On the palate, it is medium-to-full-bodied with chewy tannins, juicy fruit, and a chalky texture that carries through to a flavorful, aromatic finish. Harmonious and long, with the balance to drink now or hold for several more years.

“Juicy with a chalky texture and a flavorful finish.” — James Suckling, 91 Points

• Producer: Château Les Gravettes, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2019
• Appellation: Bordeaux Supérieur
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, blueberry, baking spices, walnuts, chalky texture, aromatic finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or hold through 2027+
• Best Paired With: Leg of lamb with herbs, game, goat’s cheese, roast duck

A 91-point Bordeaux at a rock-bottom price — Château Les Gravettes is the kind of find that makes wine lovers smile.

About Castello di Volpaia

Volpaia is one of the most stunning estates in Italy, located in a fortified medieval village in Radda in Chianti. Because the vineyards are among the highest in the Chianti Classico zone — up to 600 meters — the wines have a cool-climate elegance that sets them apart from the heavier, more muscular Chiantis found in the valleys.

Winemaker Description

The Chianti Classico has a vivid ruby color and a strong nose of fresh red fruit with hints of cherry. A well-structured wine with a fruity finish. The vintage began with a warm winter with little rain. May and June were cold with heavy rains that caused several problems with downy mildew throughout Italy. In July temperatures rose significantly, and the hot, dry summer was followed by late August rains that allowed the grapes to complete ripening beautifully.

Expert Reviews

Decanter — 91 Points (Michaela Morris)
"A very pretty, classy wine that captures the essence of Radda in its bright, lifted personality. Crushed flowers, chalk, mint, white pepper and cranberry all grace this perfumed, lithe Chianti Classico."

Tony Wood Italian Wine — 95 Points
"Bright ruby red with purple undertones. Amazing aroma of spring flowers, violet, petal, sweet red fruits, liquorice, cedar, dry forest floor, spice. Creamy, elegant, fantastic length and balance. A total winner!"

Product Details

• Producer: Castello di Volpaia
• Region: Chianti Classico DOCG, Radda in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy
• Grape: Sangiovese
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Altitude: Up to 600 meters
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 750ml

Craggy Range | Sauvignon Blanc | Te Muna Road Vineyard | Martinborough | 2025

Most New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc comes from Marlborough — high-acid, pungent, and immediately recognizable. Te Muna Road is something different. Craggy Range’s single-vineyard site sits in Martinborough, on the southern tip of the North Island, where a cooler, more continental climate and river-stone soils produce a Sauvignon Blanc of genuine texture and mineral complexity. Wine Spectator awarded it 93 points.

The nose opens with white flowers, blossom, freshly cut peach, and passionfruit — aromatic and expressive without being aggressive. On the palate, key lime, preserved lemon, and kiwifruit are bright and precise, threaded through with a saline minerality that the river stones of Te Muna Road impart in a way no winemaking technique can replicate. Fresh, elegant, and textural, with a mouthwatering frame and a long, clean finish.

🇳🇿 Wine Spectator 93 — “Intense key lime, lemongrass and pear flavors are fleshy, bright and precise, showing details of tangerine, kiwifruit and grapefruit, with sleek notes of saline and green tea, plus a hint of white pepper on a mouthwatering frame.”

• Producer: Craggy Range, Martinborough, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Martinborough
• Vineyard: Te Muna Road Vineyard (single vineyard)
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Size: 750ml
• Drink Window: Now – 2028
• Tasting Notes: White flowers, peach, passionfruit, key lime, preserved lemon, kiwifruit, saline minerality
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled sea bass, goat cheese, Thai green curry, Vietnamese summer rolls

The Sauvignon Blanc for people who think they don’t like Sauvignon Blanc — Te Muna Road is Martinborough’s finest argument for the North Island.

Louis Roederer · Collection 246 · Brut NV · Champagne · France

Louis Roederer is among the last great family-owned Champagne houses, and Collection 246 is its non-vintage flagship — a wine of uncommon ambition and transparency. Based on the 2021 base vintage, Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon made a bold call: bumping Chardonnay to 54% (vs. the typical 44%) to navigate a challenging year, blending in 35% Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and 11% Meunier. The blend draws on 55% base 2021 wines, 30% perpetual reserve stretching back to 2012, and 10% young-vine juice from Cristal plots aged in cask — a Cristal pedigree at a fraction of the price. Triple 93 points from Wine Spectator, Vinous, and James Suckling.

The Collection 246 opens with white cherry, Honeycrisp apple, tangerine peel, and biscuit — precise and inviting. On the palate, brisk saline notes cut through a core of orchard fruit, mint, white pepper, and slate. The mousse is silky and soft, the finish creamy and chalky with delicate spice and floral accents. Harmonious, impeccably balanced, and built to drink beautifully now through 2030.

Expert Reviews

“A harmonious Champagne with impeccable balance, depth and focus. White cherry, Honeycrisp apple, tangerine peel and biscuit, retaining vibrancy and grace. Chalky underpinning on the creamy finish with delicate spice and floral accents. Drink now through 2030.”
— Wine Spectator · 93 Points

“Positively stellar. Brisk saline notes cut through a core of orchard fruit, mint, white pepper and slate. No hard angles or awkward contours — impeccably done and absolutely delicious.”
— Vinous · 93 Points

“Pretty and elegant aromas of pears, apple blossoms, grapefruit and chalk. Silky, fresh and beautifully balanced with very soft bubbles.”
— James Suckling · 93 Points

• Producer: Louis Roederer, Reims, Champagne, France
• Cuvée: Collection 246 (base vintage 2021)
• Blend: 54% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 11% Meunier
• Reserve: 30% perpetual reserve (back to 2012) + 10% Cristal-plot cask-aged juice
• Vinification: 24% fermented in oak; ~30% malolactic fermentation
• Dosage: 7 g/L Brut
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White cherry, Honeycrisp apple, tangerine peel, biscuit, orchard fruit, mint, white pepper, slate, chalky finish
• Pairings: Oysters, sushi, lobster, creamy risotto, Brie, Chaource
• Drink: Now through 2030

WS:93 · V:93 · JS:93 · Champagne — Cristal reserve wines, Chardonnay-forward precision, and triple 93-point acclaim from one of the great family houses.

Feudo Montoni · Sicilia DOC · Grillo della Timpa · 2024

The Sireci family has farmed Feudo Montoni since 1469, cultivating a deep connection to the highlands of central Sicily. Their Timpa cru sits on a dramatic 70% slope, where vineyard work and harvest are carried out by hand. Organic farming, altitude, and cool nights help preserve the acidity and aromatic precision of this distinctive Grillo.

Pale straw with green edges, the 2024 opens with green melon, kiwi, lemon, lime, herbs, gingery spice, mint, and a delicate mineral lift. The palate is juicy and layered, balancing ripe stone fruit and a lightly sweet inner texture with tart orchard fruit, citrus, zesty acidity, and a long, savory finish.

Expert Reviews — 2024 Vintage

Wine Enthusiast: 93 points
“Apricots and white peaches define the nose, while undertones of melon, honey, and raw almonds add nuance. Ripe stone fruits and juicy melons tumble over the palate, while more of that slightly bitter, savory, nutty element provides an anchor on a finish of buoyant acid and citrus.”

Vinous: 91 points
“The 2024 Grillo Timpa is wildly fresh, with an invigorating bouquet that mixes green melon and kiwi with gingery spice and mint. Juicy in style, it impresses further with a pleasant inner sweetness contrasted by tart orchard fruit and a nuance of lime. The 2024 finishes full of zesty tension that calls the taster back to the glass for more.”

Wine Spectator: 90 points
“Sleek and refreshing, with a lightly chalky feel to the mix of green melon, tangerine, lime peel and Thai basil flavors through the snappy, spiced finish.”

• Producer: Feudo Montoni, Sireci family
• Varietal: 100% Grillo
• Appellation: Sicilia DOC
• Region: Sicily, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Cru: della Timpa, a 70% slope with hand-harvested vines
• Farming: Organic
• Tasting notes: Apricot, white peach, green melon, kiwi, lemon, lime, mint, gingery spice, honey, almond, and mineral tension
• Pair with: Calamari, grilled white fish, pasta con le sarde, arancini, fresh goat cheese, herb-roasted chicken, or pizza bianca
• Size: 750ml

A steep-slope Sicilian Grillo with 93-point pedigree, vivid citrus, savory nuttiness, and remarkable freshness.

J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon — Paso Robles 2022

J. Lohr is one of California’s most respected family-owned wineries, with estate vineyards across Paso Robles, Monterey, and Napa Valley. Seven Oaks is their flagship Paso Robles Cabernet — named for the majestic valley oaks that shade the estate — and it has become one of the most decorated value Cabernets in California, consistently earning 90+ point scores from the country’s top critics. Paso Robles delivers the warm days and cool nights that produce Cabernet of exceptional ripeness and natural balance, and the 2022 vintage was no exception. Ripe fruit aromas of black cherry and currant are accented by notes of toasted pastry, hazelnut, and vanilla from J. Lohr’s authentic barrel aging program — a winemaking approach that has defined Seven Oaks for decades.

The color is a deep, concentrated ruby. The nose is rich and inviting: black cherry, currants, roasted plums, sage, cloves, and damp earth, with a spicy, toasty complexity that punches well above its price point. On the palate, it is full-bodied and plush — big, juicy red fruit, creamy black cherry, vanilla, purple plum, and black currant, with wet clay, cocoa, mint, and mace adding impressive depth. The tannins are softly textured and velvety, leading to a long, gratifying finish. Three critics, three 90+ scores. At this price, it is one of the great values in California Cabernet.

Expert Reviews

The Tasting Panel — 92 Points
“Streamlined, with velvety tannins, this balanced red surpasses expectations for its price point. Creamy notes of black cherry, vanilla, and purple plum bathe the mouth, giving way to a delectable finish of spiced black currant.”

James Suckling — 90 Points
“Currants, sage, roasted plums and cloves on the nose of this rich and spicy red. Full-bodied, plush and toasty, with ripe tannins.”

Wine Enthusiast — 90 Points
“Damp earth aromas lead quickly into sharp yet ripe cherry aromas. Likable flavors of black cherry greet the palate, as wet clay, cocoa, mint and mace flavors add impressive complexity at this price point.”

• Producer: J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Paso Robles, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Paso Robles
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Size: 750ml
• Style: Full-bodied, plush, value-driven Paso Robles Cabernet
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, currants, roasted plum, vanilla, hazelnut, cocoa, mint, velvety tannins
• Drink Window: Now–2028
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, New York strip, lamb, mushroom risotto, aged cheddar, BBQ

Three critics, three 90+ scores — J. Lohr Seven Oaks 2022 is Paso Robles Cabernet at its most generous.

Olivier Leflaive Les Sétilles — Bourgogne Blanc, Burgundy 2023

Olivier Leflaive is one of Burgundy's most respected négociant-éleveurs, founded in 1984 in Puligny-Montrachet by a member of the legendary Leflaive family — one of the most storied names in white Burgundy. The maison specializes in white wines from the Côte de Beaune and is known for sustainable farming and minimal-intervention winemaking. Les Sétilles — named for the small stones found in the vineyards — is the flagship entry-level wine and one of the most consistently praised value Burgundies on the market. While technically labeled as a Bourgogne Blanc, the fruit is sourced primarily from vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault, two of the Côte de Beaune's most celebrated white wine villages. The result is a wine with the DNA of much more expensive village-level Burgundy at a fraction of the price — a genuine insider's choice for those who know.

The nose offers aromas of white flowers, peach, grilled almond, and lemon peel on a mineral-tinged background, with appealing Granny Smith apple and nectarine fruit and a hint of white blossom. The attack is full and warm on the palate, with a surprisingly fresh texture for the vintage — lively acidity driving spicy, bitter citrus through to an elegantly long and lasting finish. Astonishing quality given the volume of production.

Decanter 90 — "Appealing Granny Smith apple and nectarine fruit aroma with a hint of white blossom. Surprisingly fresh texture for the vintage, and an elegantly lovely finish — astonishing quality given the volume of production."

Wine Spectator 90 — "Peach, almond, toasty oak and earth notes highlight this plush white. Backed by lively acidity that drives the spicy, bitter citrus finish. Fine balance and length."

• Producer: Olivier Leflaive, Puligny-Montrachet, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Bourgogne Blanc AOC
• Fruit Sources: Puligny-Montrachet & Meursault vineyards
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White flowers, peach, grilled almond, lemon peel, Granny Smith apple, nectarine, mineral, lively acidity, long finish
• Drink: Now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Lobster with drawn butter, seared scallops, grilled fish, roast chicken with tarragon, veal, Brie, aged Comté, light cream pasta

Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault fruit at a Bourgogne Blanc price — Les Sétilles is Burgundy's best-kept secret and one of the great white wine values under $40.

Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay — Sonoma County 2024

Ferrari-Carano has been one of Sonoma County’s most beloved Chardonnay producers for decades, crafting wines of generous richness, depth, and approachability from their estate vineyards across the county’s finest appellations. The 2024 Sonoma County Chardonnay is barrel-fermented to deliver the house’s signature full-bodied, layered style — earning 92 points from James Suckling and representing exceptional value for the quality in the glass. Rich, round, and satisfying, this is California Chardonnay at its most crowd-pleasing.

The nose opens with Meyer lemon, apricot, vanilla, graham cracker, and buttered popcorn — inviting and generous. On the palate, incredible depth and a full mouthfeel deliver layers of ripe peach, pineapple, and caramel, leading to hazelnut and baking spice on the finish. Sweet aromas of vanilla bean and pear blossom add elegance, while a weighty creaminess and flavors of butterscotch and golden apple round out a rich, satisfying finish.

James Suckling 92 — “Sweet aromas of vanilla bean and pear blossoms with a generous mouthfeel, a weighty creaminess and flavors of butterscotch and golden apples. A rich, satisfying, barrel-fermented wine.”

• Producer: Ferrari-Carano, Sonoma County, California, USA
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Sonoma County AVA
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Vinification: Barrel-fermented
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Meyer lemon, apricot, vanilla, peach, pineapple, caramel, butterscotch, hazelnut, baking spice, creamy finish
• Best Paired With: Lobster, grilled prawns, roast chicken, creamy pasta, dishes with citrus, butter, cream, bacon, or toasted nuts

Decades of Sonoma Chardonnay mastery in every bottle — Ferrari-Carano’s Sonoma County is the rich, crowd-pleasing California white that always delivers.