90+ Points | Critical Acclaim | Wine & Sparkling Wine

Illumination by Quintessa · Sauvignon Blanc · 2025 · 750ml

Illumination 2025 combines layered citrus and tropical fruit with a rich mid-palate and a long line of saline acidity. Decanter's 97-point review highlights lemon, lime, creamy apple and pear alongside apricot, pineapple, mango and guava, with a savory hint of anise and freshness that carries through the extended finish.

Producer & Style

A passion project of the Huneeus family, Illumination is approached with the same care and attention as Quintessa, aiming for aromatic complexity, beautiful texture and harmony. This California Sauvignon Blanc balances generous fruit with the saline mineral character singled out in the 2025 review.

Expert Review · Vintage 2025

Decanter · 97 Points

Very expressive bouquet running the gamut from lemon and lime-bright citrus fruit to creamy apple and pear, with notes of apricot and hints of pineapple, mango and guava, along with a savoury note of anise. On the attack, one thing is clear: this is a seriously layered, complex Sauvignon Blanc. Its rich mid-palate weight and long, exacting through-line of saline acidity – particularly pronounced in 2025 – are striking. All that fruit in the bouquet really pops and melds together seamlessly on the palate, as the wine retains optimum freshness into the very long, viscous, fruity finish. That saline mineral character makes this one of the best food-friendly vintages of Illumination I’ve tasted.

Expert Reviews · Previous Vintage 2024

Wine Spectator · MaryAnn Worobiec · 94 Points · Vintage 2024

Fragrant, effusive and charming, with notes of honeysuckle and orange blossoms up front giving way to a creamy mix of mango, orange sherbet and lemon curd. Spicy accents of candied ginger, litsea oil and salted, preserved lemon join a drizzle of wildflower honey and linger on the long, impressive finish. Drink now through 2036. 5,000 cases made.

The Wine Advocate · Joe Czerwinski · 93 Points · Vintage 2024

Quintessa's 2024 Illumination blends fruit from Napa (55%) and Sonoma (45%). As usual, there's a decent-sized dollop of old-vine Sémillon (14% this year) in the blend, with the rest of the fruit being Sauvignon Blanc—roughly one-third of that is the more aromatic Musqué clone. Fermented and raised in a variety of vessels, including new and old French oak barrels, acacia barrels, stainless steel drums and concrete eggs, it offers up enticing scents of pencil shavings, lemon zest, grapefruit and fig. Plump and medium-bodied in the mouth, it boasts a fine line of acidity from start to finish, giving the fruit a spine to play against and prolonging the concentrated, citrusy finish.

The blend percentages, vessel details, production figure and drinking window in these historical reviews describe 2024, not the 2025 bottle.

Further Winemaker Notes ·

What started as a passion project for the Huneeus family, this limited bottling is one of Napa Valley's most sought-after Sauvignon Blancs. When making Illumination our ultimate goal is to produce a white wine of true character. We approach Illumination with the same care and attention as with Quintessa, with the aim of capturing the best qualities of our grapes and to craft a wine of harmony and balance. Illumination is alive with aromatic complexity, beautiful texture and bright fruit flavors. This is an incredible vintage and the perfect summer wine that pairs with a variety of appetizers and seafood.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Try with seared scallops, grilled fish, citrus-dressed shellfish or appetizers with fresh herbs. Its combination of rich texture and saline freshness offers room for dishes with a little cream or butter.

Details

• Producer: Illumination by Quintessa, Huneeus family
• Vintage: 2025
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Country: United States
• Region: California
• Appellation Listed: Napa Valley
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Type: White wine
• Current-Vintage Review: Decanter, 97 Points
• Historical Reviews: Wine Spectator and The Wine Advocate, vintage 2024

Napa Zinfandel with Finesse — From One of California’s Iconic Estates

Grgich Hills is one of Napa Valley’s most storied estates, founded by Miljenko “Mike” Grgich — the winemaker behind the legendary 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that won the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Their 2019 Napa Valley Zinfandel is a departure from the overblown Zins of the past: elegant, fresh, and certified organic, with lifted acidity and fine-grained tannins that showcase what Zinfandel can do when approached with finesse.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

• Decanter — 92 pts: “Opulent and lavish nose of menthol, cassis and spice, palate of dark fruit, redcurrant, bramble and spicy oak.”
• Wine Review Online — 92 pts: “A breath of fresh air. An elegant medium ruby with strawberry jam, sweet cherry, vanilla, fine-grained tannins and lifted, fresh acidity. This wine showcases well what Zinfandel can do when approached with finesse.”

Winemaker Notes

Grgich Hills Zinfandel Napa Valley 2019 750ml

Inviting aromas of cherry, raspberry, and blackberry intermixed with hints of cranberry and blood orange. Graceful and soft on the front palate, with mixed red berries and lively tannins adding luscious texture through the mid-palate. Its long finish reveals spicy undertones and superb freshness — built to age beautifully for many years.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Zinfandel
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Producer: Grgich Hills Estate
• Vintage: 2019
• Certified: Organic
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A versatile red — excellent with BBQ ribs, grilled sausages, pizza, lamb burgers, aged cheddar, and spiced dishes.

Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella 2021 · Veneto, Italy · 750ml

Producer Description

Founded in 1902, Tommasi has spent four generations building a legacy rooted in Valpolicella, with a commitment to quality and a vision that celebrates Italy’s finest terroirs. Tommasi Family Estates’ recognition as Winery of the Year by Gambero Rosso’s Vini d’Italia 2027 Guide is a powerful endorsement of that legacy.

Gambero Rosso International, October 26, 2026: “This family boasts 125 years of winemaking tradition, and the fourth generation is carrying the company forward with extraordinary enthusiasm. The Tommasis are among the finest interpreters of Valpolicella, yet they have had the courage and foresight to invest in no fewer than seven regions, in Italy’s finest terroirs – from Oltrepò to Collio in Friuli, from Montalcino to Maremma Toscana and Umbria, from Puglia to Basilicata and all the way to Etna – creating a group of international standing.”

Expert Reviews · Vintage 2021 

James Suckling, 93 Points: Overt and fruity with assertive raspberries, bay leaves and roasted black peppercorns. The full-bodied, supple palate is warming, showing crisp acidity and tight yet ripe tannins. A bit sticky in the finish.

Wine Spectator, 92 Points: A harmonious red, quite elegant for an Amarone, with a refreshing plum skin tang that buoys flavors of plumped black cherry, dried fig, spiced orange peel, sweet tobacco and fresh earth. Fine, chalky tannins show on the finish. Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone and Oseleta. Drink now through 2036.

Details

• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Region/Appellation: Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy
• Grapes: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Oseleta
• Type: Red

Winemaker Description 

When Edmond de AYALA founded the House in 1860, he focussed on crafting a champagne with a distinct and recognisable style, known today as AYALA Brut Majeur. A pure and balanced champagne which showcases the diverse personalities of Champagne’s different Terroirs.

Crafted with a unique diversity of crus from Champagne’s vineyard, this cuvée is a multi-cru and multi-vintage blend with Chardonnay as main grape variety.

To preserve this pure style, the House brings its expertise and meticulous approach to the micro-vinification process, always with a minimum of intervention on wines.

Saint Cosme · Côte-Rôtie · 2023

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

Wine Spectator, 94 Points — This refined, graceful version is winey, offering steeped currant flecked with bacon fat, dried leaves, white pepper and mocha. Streaming and fluid in feel, with salty, mineral intensity building toward the long, elegant finish, which shows polished tannins. Though drinking beautifully now, this will benefit from time in bottle. Best from 2026 through 2038.

Jeb Dunnuck, 93 Points — Coming from the Rozier, Tupin, and Maison Rouge lieux-dits and all Syrah, the 2023 is a beautiful Côte Rôtie offering red and black fruits and some pepper and floral nuances, intermixed with a subtle bloody, meaty character. It's elegant, medium to full-bodied, pure, layered, and seamless, with ripe tannins. Give it a few years and drink over the following 15 years. Drink 2028-2043.

Vinous, 93 Points — The 2023 Côte-Rôtie assembles 100% whole-cluster grapes from the five different lieux-dits Côte Bodin, Rozier, Semons, But De Mont and Maison Rouge. Pronounced blackberry, fresh violets, smoothly lifted pepper and minty shadings are all pushed forward. Midweight and smooth, the 2023 is a delicious Côte-Rôtie from Louis Barruol, centering the last notes with drive and precision. This narrowly outperforms the 2022 I tasted last year.

Winemaker Description

On the palate, it reveals a fresh attack followed by an ample, structured, long-lasting finish. The wine unfurls in successive stages and ends with top-quality tannins produced by whole cluster fermentation. It features aromas and flavors of smoked ham, violet, graphite, and licorice.
— Saint Cosme

Food Pairing & Serving Suggestions

Roasted lamb, duck confit, or a rich mushroom risotto work wonderfully to harmonize with the wine's complexity. Serving it at a slightly cooler temperature, around 60–65°F, will enhance its aromatic profile. Allow the bottle to breathe for at least an hour before serving to fully appreciate the depth of flavors.

Specs

• Producer: Saint Cosme (Louis Barruol)
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Côte-Rôtie, Rhône Valley, France
• Varietal: 100% Syrah
• Size: 750ml

Delamotte · Brut Champagne · Non-Vintage · 750ml

Delamotte Brut NV combines orchard fruit and citrus with brioche, chalky minerality and a fine, creamy mousse. Fresh and inviting, it balances a generous texture with lively acidity and a focused finish, making it an elegant aperitif or partner for a seafood dinner.

Producer & Terroir

Founded in 1760, Champagne Delamotte has a long history and a close association with Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, the grand cru village in the Côte des Blancs. The house emphasizes consistency, delicacy and character across a focused range of four cuvées: Blanc de Blancs, vintage Blanc de Blancs, Brut and Rosé.

This Brut blends Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The reviews below describe individual non-vintage releases; their blend proportions and base years are retained in their original context rather than presented as specifications for every bottle.

Expert Reviews · Non-Vintage Releases

Jeb Dunnuck · 90 Points. The NV Champagne Le Mesnil Sur Oger Brut is a terrific Champagne, offering lots of juicy citrus and stone fruits as well as more apple and brioche characteristics with time in the glass. Possessing a medium-bodied, fresh, lively style, with a distinct minerality on the palate, it has an elegant mousse, fine acidity, and a great finish. The blend is 55% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, and the balance Pinot Meunier, with only a portion of the blend going through malolactic fermentation.

William Kelley · Robert Parker's Wine Advocate · 90 Points. The latest release of Delamotte's NV Brut is especially charming, bursting with aromas of crisp orchard fruit, peach and freshly baked bread. Medium to full-bodied, pillowy and enveloping, it's a fleshy, giving wine that's ample and pliant, with a pinpoint mousse and a nicely defined finish.

James Suckling · 91 Points · 2018 Base Release. Attractively chalky and biscuity nose, with some honey, apricots and lemon cream. It's balanced and focused, with very fine bubbles, a medium body and well-rounded finish. 60% chardonnay, 35% pinot noir and 5% meunier. Base wine from 2018 with 20% reserve wines from 2017 and 2016. Drink now.

Andy Howard MW · Jancis Robinson · 16 Points. Fresh, clean, lemon zest/sherbet on the nose. Tight and precise on the palate with a fine, lengthy finish. Just a tad bitter at the end but a classy entry point to the Delamotte range.

Alison Napjus · Wine Spectator · 91 Points. A minerally Champagne, with a streak of smoke, chalk and oyster shell notes supporting flavors of Asian pear, star fruit and candied lemon peel as they ride the creamy mousse. Racy, focused finish. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Drink now.

Pairing & Serving

Serve chilled as an aperitif, or try oysters, grilled fish, shrimp or light poultry dishes. Allow a little time in the glass for the orchard-fruit and brioche notes to unfold.

Details

• Producer: Champagne Delamotte
• Cuvée: Brut
• Vintage: Non-vintage
• Country: France
• Region / appellation: Champagne AOC
• House location: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Côte des Blancs
• Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier
• Type: Sparkling wine / Champagne
• Style: Brut
• Bottle size: 750ml

Malbec | Valle de Uco, Mendoza / Argentina
Vintage: 2023  |  Size: 750ml
90+ Rated

Susana Balbo is one of Argentina’s most celebrated winemakers — the first woman to earn an enology degree in the country and a tireless champion of Mendoza’s high-altitude potential. The Signature Malbec is sourced from Paraje Altamira in the Valle de Uco, one of the most coveted sub-appellations in all of Argentina, where volcanic soils and cool nights at elevation produce Malbec of remarkable depth and precision.

The 2023 vintage is deep purple in the glass, opening with aromas of dusty dark fruit, pink peppercorn, black cherry, plum, licorice, and a whisper of graphite and tar. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied with a dark thread of blackberries, firm and structured tannins, and a rich, lingering finish. Compact and tight in its youth, this is a Malbec built to reward patience — or to be enjoyed now alongside a great cut of beef.

“This shows aromas of dusty, brooding dark fruit and touches of graphite and tar. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with a dark thread of blackberries supported by firm tannins and a rich, lingering finish.”
— James Suckling, 93 Points (Vintage 2023). 

“Deep purple in hue, it opens with notes of pink peppercorn, black cherry, plum, licorice and blackberry. Dry and broad, the palate shows 2023’s characteristic grip, with firm tannins and lingering dark fruit.”
— Vinous, 92 Points (Vintage 2023). 

Exceptional Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

Belle Glos Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023 is a stunning expression from one of California's most prestigious wine regions. The vineyard name "Las Alturas" translates to "the heights," reflecting its elevated position on the highest grape-growing benches in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, reaching up to 1,200 feet. This lofty elevation creates a unique microclimate where sunny days meet cool coastal breezes, producing a wine that is robust, expressive, full-bodied, and beautifully balanced by firm acidity.

Expert Reviews & Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2023

Wine Enthusiast - 93 Points: "A dark shade in the glass, this bottling offers intense aromas of black cherry, cola, rosewater and caramelized oak on the nose. The palate is rich and powerful, pairing smoky oak with black cherry flavors to create a lavish sip."

Artisanal Winemaking Process

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the grapes were harvested in the early morning to preserve vineyard-fresh flavors. After destemming without crushing, the berries underwent a two-week cold soak to soften skins and optimize extraction. Fermentation took place in a combination of closed and open-top stainless steel fermenters, using both punch-downs and pump-overs to extract color, tannins, and maximize flavors. The wine was aged in 100% French oak (60% new) for up to nine months, followed by malolactic fermentation and two rackings before final blending.

Tasting Profile & Sensory Experience

This wine displays a rich crimson color that hints at its depth and complexity. The nose opens with fragrant aromas of Bing cherry, dried fig, black cassis, and hints of rich dark chocolate, complemented by sandalwood and incense notes. On the palate, discover bold and elegant flavors of marionberry pie, boysenberry preserves, dark plum, and subtle mocha, with peppery spices adding layers of complexity. The lusciously creamy texture is balanced by beautiful acidity that carries through to a long, mouthwatering finish.

Perfect Food Pairings

Belle Glos Las Alturas Pinot Noir's versatility makes it an exceptional companion to a wide range of dishes. Pair it with roasted duck, grilled salmon, or mushroom risotto for classic combinations. It also complements lamb chops, beef tenderloin, pork loin, wild game, or aged cheeses beautifully. For vegetarian options, try it with truffle pasta, eggplant parmesan, or roasted root vegetables. Whether you're hosting an intimate dinner or a festive celebration, this wine elevates any culinary experience.

Santa Lucia Highlands Terroir

The Las Alturas Vineyard benefits from the exceptional terroir of the Santa Lucia Highlands, where elevation, diverse soil types, and coastal influence combine to create wines of remarkable complexity and depth. The vineyard is meticulously cared for, ensuring only the finest grapes make it into each bottle. This commitment to quality and the unique characteristics of the region result in a Pinot Noir that truly captures the essence of one of California's most celebrated wine-growing areas.

Winemaker Notes:  The 2020 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has captivating notes of cedar and concentrated red fruit character that dance gracefully on the palate. With its ruby hue and smooth, polished tannins, this wine offers a harmonious blend of depth and nuance. Balanced acidity adds a refined touch to the long finish, with vibrant layers of fresh raspberry, cherry and cola. This wine will continue to improve through 2042 given proper cellaring conditions.

Blend: 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.1% Merlot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, 0.7% Petit Verdot, 0.6% Malbec

Expert Ratings

94 Decanter: Silver Oak's 2020 releases of Napa and Alexander Valley Cabernets are downright impressive. Tasted four years after the fires, in September of 2024 at the Alexander Valley winery, neither wine showed any sign of the hardened tannic structure or overwrought fruit often associated with the vintage. Instead, these wines remain true to Silver Oak’s signature style, with blackcurrant, fig, and plum fruits layered with white pepper, sweet cedar, and coriander spice. Medium-bodied, with sculpted tannins that persist through the lengthy finish, the Alexander Valley Cabernet in particular retains all the hallmarks of a balanced, inviting, and vibrant Silver Oak red.

94 James Suckling: Truly gorgeous, fruity, velvety and enjoyable for a full-bodied cabernet. It is rich in blueberries, cherry cream, black cherries and raspberries on the palate, with very smooth, layered tannins and a soothing mouthfeel.

Domaine Lafond Roc-Épine · Lirac · 2023

From the Rhône’s Lirac appellation, this red from Pascal Lafond’s family estate brings dark fruit and spice to the table. The estate describes its farming as practicing organic. A generous, structured wine for roast meats or a slow-cooked supper.

Winemaker Description

A powerful and well built wine, a deep ruby colour with violet tints. Complex nose of vanilla, fruits and griotte-cherries.

The attack is rich and firm; the mouth expresses long lasting nuances of vanilla and pepper. This is a smooth and rich wine with a very good length.

Domaine Lafond · Winemaker Description

Expert Review · 2023 Vintage

A blend of two-thirds Grenache Noir and one-third Syrah, the 2023 Lirac from Domaine Lafond Roc-Épine is a superb effort. It opens with a deep, complex bouquet of dark wild berries, black cherries, violet and licorice, complemented by subtle spice and a discreet touch of oak. Medium- to full-bodied, it’s rich and enveloping, with a fleshy core of fruit, layered textures and a harmonious mid-palate. Framed by velvety tannins, it concludes with a long, spicy and ethereal finish. This is a serious Lirac that will reward cellaring over the next decade or more.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate · 92 points

About the Estate

Pascal Lafond’s family-run estate is based in Tavel and makes wines from Tavel, Lirac and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Its Lirac reds emphasize concentration and structure while retaining balance.

At a Glance

• Producer: Domaine Lafond Roc-Épine
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Lirac, Rhône Valley, France
• Blend: Grenache Noir and Syrah, according to the 2023 Wine Advocate review
• Farming: Practicing organic
• Size: 750ml

Mineral · Fresh · Elegant · Precise · Persistent

A beautifully structured Premier Cru Chablis with orchard fruit, floral lift and classic mineral tension.

Domaine William Fèvre’s Chablis 1er Cru Montmains 2023 is a refined expression of one of Chablis’ most respected Premier Cru vineyards. Montmains is known for producing wines with excellent freshness, firm mineral structure and the ability to develop beautifully with time.

Under longtime winemaker Didier Séguier, William Fèvre brings together fruit from multiple parcels across Montmains, including sections of Forêts and Butteaux. The result is a wine that combines the vineyard’s characteristic restraint and mineral grip with impressive depth, elegance and persistence. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

The 2023 vintage opens with delicate aromas of white blossom, freshly cut golden apple and subtle brioche, joined by notes of green apple, gooseberry, acacia flower and gentle spice.

On the palate, the wine is lively, fresh and beautifully balanced. Bright orchard fruit is carried by crisp acidity, while a firm mineral backbone adds structure and definition. There is excellent substance beneath the freshness, giving the wine both immediate appeal and the potential to develop additional complexity in the cellar.

The finish is long, precise and persistent, with a cool mineral character and subtle saline quality that are unmistakably Chablis.

Food Pairing

Pair with oysters, scallops, crab, lobster and grilled white fish, as well as roast chicken, veal, creamy seafood dishes and fresh goat cheese. Its combination of freshness and structure also makes it an excellent partner for dishes finished with light butter or cream sauces.

Serve lightly chilled to allow the wine’s floral aromas, orchard fruit and mineral complexity to fully emerge.

Professional Ratings

95 Decanter Magazine: In the hands of Fèvre winemaker Didier Séguier, premier cru Montmains has a certain initial reserve. But with time, the green apple and gooseberry notes, touched with acacia blossoms and spice, open up on the palate. The texture is lively and fresh, yet there is substance here as well. The grapes are assembled from 10 parcels throughout Montmains, including some in Forêts and Butteaux. Séguier explains that Butteaux is deep in the valley and further from the Serein so it ripens later. The grapes are fermented in tank and older casks for 40–50% of the harvest.

94 Jasper Morris: Assembled earlier today, so cloudy and this procedure also masks the nose. Classic Montmains behind, with the usual reductive grip, yet also some elegance, very persistent. The lees were first class, says Didier Seguier and this certainly has the makings of a first class Montmains. Barrel sample: 91-94

94 Wine Enthusiast: Delicate aromas of white blossom, brioche, freshly cut golden apple, and dried grass draw in the nose with feathery opulence. The palate is rich with citrusy acidity that plays second fiddle to fall-rip- ened orchard fruit that washes across wet stone on the finish. Editor’s Choice.

93 James Suckling: Lovely elegance with a chalky, marine-like character to the nose, along with lime and minerals. Medium weight, with chalky notes and some white fruit leading to a pithy, lightly salty, bitter finish. Very attractive.

92 Wine Spectator: There’s a sleek feel to this white despite its rich texture, revealing lemon, apple and flint flavors, plus a hint of honey. Harmonious and enticing, this ends with citrus and stone elements. Shows fine expression and length.

The Style

Fresh, elegant and mineral-driven — a classic Premier Cru Chablis with beautiful tension, depth and a long, precise finish.

Fonseca Bin 27 Port 750ml

Fonseca is the only Port house with four 100-point scoring wines — and Bin 27 is the wine that made their name accessible to the world. A non-vintage Ruby Reserve blended for consistency of character, Bin 27 shares the heritage and depth of the great Fonseca Vintage Ports but is bottled ready to drink and can be served by the glass directly from the bottle. Aged in large oak casks for four to five years, it retains a deep color and intensely fruit-driven character that has earned it a devoted global following.

Rich, generous, and unmistakably Fonseca — Bin 27 is the benchmark for what a Ruby Reserve Port should be: plush dark fruit, velvety texture, and a luscious finish that lingers long after the glass is empty.

"Bin 27 remains one of the most reliably delicious Ruby reserves, presenting the plump Fonseca style in a wine that's remarkably easy to drink. Its scent of purple plums emanates from a luscious texture, the wine's freshness firmed up by schist tannins." — Wine & Spirits, 92 pts (Best Buy)

• Producer: Fonseca, Douro, Portugal
• Style: Non-Vintage Ruby Reserve Port
• Appellation: Porto DOC, Douro Valley
• Blend: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz
• Aging: 4–5 years in large oak casks
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, cassis, cherry, plum, spice, velvety texture, firm tannins, rich luscious finish
• Best Paired With: Dark chocolate, blue cheese, walnuts, crusty bread with Queijo Serra da Estrela, or enjoyed on its own

The most decorated Ruby Reserve in Port — Fonseca Bin 27 is the bottle you reach for when only something rich, dark, and deeply satisfying will do.

Cantina Terlano is one of Italy's most revered cooperative wineries, founded in 1893 in the village of Terlano in Alto Adige — a region widely regarded as producing the finest Pinot Bianco in the world. The winery's philosophy is built on patience: every wine is given all the time it needs to mature to perfection, whether years or even decades. This commitment to slow, unhurried winemaking is backed by a legendary archive of over 100,000 bottles spanning vintages from 1955 to the present, with some rarities dating to the winery's founding year. Terlano's white wines have repeatedly made headlines for their extraordinary longevity and complexity.

The Tradition Pinot Bianco is sourced from carefully selected vineyards in the Alto Adige, where high-altitude sites, mineral-rich soils, and old vines farmed with up to 700 hours of manual work per hectare per year create conditions of exceptional harmony. Low yields and rigorous selection of healthy, fully mature grapes ensure concentration and precision in every vintage.

Vinification is carried out entirely in stainless steel, with extended lees aging to develop texture, complexity, and the wine's signature mineral depth. The focus is on secondary and tertiary aromatic development rather than primary fruit — a hallmark of Terlano's distinctive, age-worthy style.

The 2024 Tradition opens with aromas of crushed yellow apple, jasmine, wildflowers, and ripe pear, with a light, inviting waxiness. On the palate, the wine is beautifully balanced — fleshy yet precise, with candied citrus, nectarine, warm bread, and a classic stony, saline finish. Lively acidity and a long, fresh close with a twang of sour lime complete a wine of real elegance and depth.

"The Alto Adige produces arguably the finest Pinot Bianco in the world, and this scintillating example is a perfect introduction to the local style… Balanced and with lovely acidity, it's quite fleshy but not fully open yet… Really good length, with that classic stony, salty finish."
— Decanter, 93 Points. (Vintage 2024). 

"Baked apples and fresh pears mingling with lemon curd… The palate keeps that balance between power and grace, candied citrus and warm bread notes flowing with the confidence of a winery that's been mastering this dance since forever."
— Wine Enthusiast, 93 Points — Editors' Choice. (Vintage 2024). 

"Mixes vivid notes of crushed yellow apple with wildflowers and spice… A subtle saline tinge remains, as the 2024 finishes incredibly fresh with a twang of sour lime."
— Vinous, 91 Points. (Vintage 2024). 

"Well-balanced and fresh, with flavors of ripe nectarine, green almond, passion fruit and white blossom, plus a stony base note that chimes in on the finish."
— Wine Spectator, 90 Points. (Vintage 2024). 

Grape: Pinot Bianco
Region: Alto Adige, Italy
Appellation: Alto Adige DOC
Vintage: 2024
Élevage: Stainless steel with extended lees aging
Bottle Size: 750ml

Pairing: Grilled fish, scallops, risotto, roast chicken, soft cheeses, and light pasta dishes with cream or vegetables.

Tempranillo (Tinto Fino) | Ribera del Duero / Spain
Vintage: 2018  |  Size: 750ml  |  Reserva · 90+ Rated

Bodegas Valduero is one of Ribera del Duero’s founding estates, established in 1984 by Gregorio García Álvarez in the small Burgos town of Gumiel del Mercado — making it one of the very first wineries in the appellation. Today, alongside his daughters Yolanda and Carolina, the family cultivates 200 hectares of Tempranillo at the foot of a mountain, aging their wines in an authentic cave over 30 metres deep that houses more than 4,000 oak barrels and a million bottles.

The Tierra Alta en 2 Cotas Reserva is their most terroir-driven expression: sourced from 50-year-old bush-trained vines planted at 830 metres altitude on clay-calcareous soils, with production naturally limited to 3,500 kg/ha. Harvested by hand into 14kg boxes, fermented in stainless steel, then aged 30 months in oak barrels of three different origins, followed by 18 months of bottle aging before release. The 2018 is classic and expressive — dark fruit, cedar, warm spice, and a subtle earthiness from the high-altitude soils. Fine and elegant on the palate, with well-balanced fruit and oak, firm but refined tannins, and a long, complex finish that speaks clearly of its terroir.

“Deftly made wine, with intense fruit and smart oak ageing, redolent of Ribera typicity, with a modern and easygoing style. Very clean, well defined, dry and smooth in mouth, remarkably fresh. Persistent and fruity finish… An excellent entry point to Valduero’s stable of great wines, which is one of the most notable in the whole region.”
— Decanter, 92 Points. (Vintage 2018). 

Vines: 50+ years, bush-trained  |  Altitude: 830m  |  Soils: Clay-calcareous
Aging: 30 months in oak (3 origins) + 18 months bottle aging
Pairs with: Roast lamb, suckling pig, beef stew, aged Manchego, hearty game dishes.

Pierre Moncuit Delos Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is a refined, mineral-driven Grower Champagne produced entirely from 100% Chardonnay grown in the Grand Cru village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, one of the most celebrated Chardonnay terroirs in Champagne's Côte des Blancs.

Delos is one of the signature cuvées of the family-run Pierre Moncuit estate and offers a classic expression of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger: elegant, precise and beautifully structured, with the chalky mineral character for which this Grand Cru village is renowned.

Although labeled non-vintage, this release is based on the 2021 harvest. Pierre Moncuit favors vinification and aging in stainless steel, allowing the purity of the Chardonnay and its terroir to remain at the forefront. The Brut Delos is finished with a dosage of 7 grams per liter, giving the wine a slightly rounder and more generous profile than the estate's Extra Brut version while retaining freshness and tension.

The Base 2021 release offers an inviting combination of white flowers, orchard fruit, pastry, spice and mint. The palate balances bright acidity with a softer, more generous texture, leading to an elegant, persistent finish. A beautifully versatile Champagne for both aperitif drinking and the dinner table.

Pair with oysters, shellfish, sushi, grilled fish, lobster, roast chicken, creamy cheeses — or simply enjoy on its own as an elegant aperitif.

Wine Details

• Producer: Pierre Moncuit
• Cuvée: Delos
• Style: Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru
• Base Vintage: 2021
• Country: France
• Region: Champagne
• Subregion: Côte des Blancs
• Village: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger Grand Cru
• Grape: 100% Chardonnay
• Vinification: Stainless steel
• Dosage: 7 g/L
• Disgorgement: May 2025; multiple disgorgements throughout the year
• Drinking Window: 2025–2031

About Pierre Moncuit

Based in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Champagne Pierre Moncuit is a historic family estate particularly renowned for its Chardonnay-based Champagnes. The name Delos comes from the maiden name of Nicole and Yves Moncuit's mother. The cuvée is produced in both Brut and Extra Brut versions and stands as one of the domaine's principal Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs expressions.

Press Notes

91 pts — Vinous Media: "The NV (2021) Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Delos Grand Cru is attractive, although a touch svelte in this release. Brisk acids cut through a core of citrus fruit, while floral and chalky notes lift the mid-palate and finish." Dosage: 3 g/L. Disgorged: February 2025.

Why We Like It

Delos is an excellent introduction to the distinctive Chardonnay of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. The Brut bottling combines the village's naturally racy, mineral personality with just enough dosage to give the wine additional texture and accessibility — refined enough for a special occasion, versatile enough for the whole meal.

Château Simard | Saint-Émilion AOC | Bordeaux, France | 2015

Château Simard has a history rooted in the very foundations of Saint-Émilion. The estate takes its name from Johan de Las Symas, a Jurat of Saint-Émilion in the 15th century who founded the village of Simard — where the Vauthier family's two estates are currently located. The vineyard was purchased in 1954 by Claude Mazière, and in 2008 his nephew Alain Vauthier — the celebrated proprietor of Château Ausone, one of Bordeaux's most iconic estates — took the reins. The estate has thus remained in the same family for seven decades, and the Vauthier connection to Ausone brings world-class winemaking expertise to every vintage.

Located in the southern valley of Saint-Émilion running down to the plain, the 40-hectare estate is planted on a patchwork of clay-limestone, sand, and gravel soils. The blend is 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon — though the 2015 is composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. After manual harvesting and meticulous berry sorting, the wine is fermented and aged primarily in concrete and stainless-steel tanks to preserve freshness and roundness, with approximately 30% oak. The result is a wine of pure fruit, concentration, and generosity — the very definition of Saint-Émilion's accessible, pleasure-driven style.

The 2015 is a superb vintage for Saint-Émilion. Medium to deep garnet-purple in the glass. The nose is vibrantly scented with red currants, black cherries, warm plums, violets, oranges, lemons, and fragrant earth. On the palate, medium-bodied, very fine, fruity, and elegant — ripe, fine-grained tannins, wonderful freshness, and a red cherry lift on the finish. Silky, juicy, and delicious. Ready to drink now or hold.

Pair with roast lamb, duck confit, beef bourguignon, mushroom dishes, and aged hard cheeses.

• Producer: Château Simard (Vauthier Family / Château Ausone)
• Appellation: Saint-Émilion AOC, Bordeaux, France
• Blend: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc
• Vintage: 2015
• Vinification: Concrete & stainless-steel tanks; ~30% oak aging
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2015

• Wine Advocate — 91 pts: Vibrantly scented of red currants, black cherries and warm plums with hints of violets and fragrant earth. Medium-bodied, very fine, fruity and elegant with ripe, fine-grained tannins and wonderful freshness. Finishes with a red cherry lift.
• James Suckling — 91 pts: Oranges and lemons with blackberry and dark-earth character. Full-bodied, round, juicy and silky. Delicious and soft. A gorgeous wine. Drink now or hold.
• Vinous Media — 90 pts: Intense and dark — succulent jammy fruit with exotic spice, leather and rose petal overtones wrapping around the juicy finish. An attractive, early-drinking Simard.

Domaine de Beaurenard · Rasteau · Grenache, Syrah & Mourvèdre · Rhône Valley · 2022

For eight generations, the Coulon family has farmed the southern Rhône with a reverence for the land that few estates can match. Domaine de Beaurenard has been certified organic and biodynamic since 2011 — across more than 80 acres in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 60 acres in Rasteau, and 25 acres in Côtes du Rhône. Their Rasteau is a benchmark expression of this rising appellation: 100% estate-grown Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, co-harvested and co-fermented from south-facing slopes and terraces of stony limestone-clay soils, yielding just 25–38 hl/ha. 2022 was a warm, dry year with late-season rains that restored balance — the result is a wine of beautiful fruity, bright character with real depth and persistence. JS:92 · JD:91 · WS:90. At $37.99, this is biodynamic Rhône at a price that makes it one of the cellar’s great values.

The 2022 opens with intense aromas of black fruit, blueberries, red berries, dried herbs, rosemary, and grilled meat. On the palate: full-bodied and generous, with a beautiful center-palate of ripe berries, chalky mineral, iron, and cooling river stone. Fine, firm tannins and a lively, persistent finish with herbs, peppercorns, and a smoky incense note. Drink now through 2034.

“Juicy, well-shaped and vivid… full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. In control, with a delicious center-palate of generous berries and a lively finish with herbs and peppercorns.” — James Suckling, 92 Points. (Vintage 2022).

“Beautifully polished, fine tannins and great balance. Drink over the next 10–12 years.” — Jeb Dunnuck, 91 Points. (Vintage 2022). 

“Both firm and vibrant… chalky mineral, iron and cooling river stone notes adding contrast.” — Wine Spectator, 90 Points. (Vintage 2022). 

• Producer: Domaine de Beaurenard (Coulon family, 8 generations)
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Rasteau AOC, Rhône Valley, France
• Blend: Grenache, Syrah & Mourvèdre (co-harvested & co-fermented)
• Soils: Stony limestone-clay · South-facing slopes & terraces · 25–38 hl/ha
• Vinification: Hand-picked & sorted · 18–26 day vatting · 12 months in vats & oak foudres
• Certifications: Certified Organic · Certified Biodynamic (since 2011)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black fruit, blueberry, red berry, dried herbs, rosemary, chalky mineral, iron, river stone, peppercorn, smoky finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2034
• Food Pairings: Lamb, beef stew, duck, wild boar, aged hard cheeses

JS:92 · JD:91 · WS:90 — eight generations of biodynamic farming, Rasteau at its most compelling.

Discover the Richness of Primitivo di Manduria

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

James Suckling - 91 Points | A spiced nose of dark berries, smoked herbs and hints of mushrooms and moist earth. Full-bodied, dense and plush, with firm tannins and rich, almost sweet berry character.

Memo Summary Notes

The San Marzano "Anniversario 62" Primitivo di Manduria Riserva 2019 is an iconic, opulent red from Puglia that serves as a tribute to the winery's founding year. It is widely considered a benchmark for the region, known for its massive concentration, "noble" tannins, and a luxurious, velvety texture.

Why 62? The name commemorates 1962, the year 19 vine growers came together to found Cantine San Marzano. This Riserva is only made from their oldest, lowest-yielding bush vines, which results in much higher flavor concentration than standard Primitivo.

Because of its richness and hint of sweetness, it needs bold flavors to stand up to it:

• Meats: Slow-cooked beef short ribs, venison with a berry reduction, or grilled lamb chops.

• Italian Classics: Orecchiette with a spicy sausage and broccoli rabe ragu.

• Indulgent: Dark chocolate desserts or a platter of extra-aged Pecorino and blue cheeses.

Experience the Taste of Primitivo

San Marzano Anniversario 62 Primitivo di Manduria Riserva 2019 showcases the exceptional quality of Primitivo grapes. This wine is full-bodied, offering rich fruit flavors, including notes of black cherry and plum. It has a smooth texture and balanced acidity, making it an ideal choice for both casual and formal occasions. People appreciate its versatility, as it pairs well with various dishes, from pasta to grilled meats.

Why Choose San Marzano Anniversario 62?

This particular vintage stands out not only for its taste but also for its meticulous production process. San Marzano winery is known for its commitment to quality, and the 2019 Riserva reflects that dedication. The grapes are carefully harvested and fermented, ensuring that the unique characteristics of the Primitivo grape shine through. Therefore, when you choose this wine, you're selecting a product with a rich heritage and a promise of exceptional quality.

An Ideal Wine for Every Occasion

Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or enjoying a quiet evening at home, San Marzano Primitivo di Manduria is the perfect companion. Because of its complexity and rich flavor profile, it can elevate any dining experience. Many wine lovers recommend serving it slightly below room temperature to enhance its aromatic qualities. So, if you’re looking for a memorable wine experience, consider the San Marzano Anniversario 62 Primitivo di Manduria Riserva 2019.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

The Wine Enthusiast by Jesica Vargas writes 90 Points |  Delicate sweet notes of nectarine introduce this lively wine. The palate offers white fruit flavors, balanced by moderate acidity, leading to a crisp finish.  

Winemaker Description 

An attractive greenish-yellow colour. Its ageing in foudres has lent it citrus and green chilli pepper aromas, as well as saline notes. In the mouth, it is very structured and tense thanks to its high acidity and minerality. The finish is clean and persistent, with a subtle saline note coming through. This highly complex Sauvignon Blanc tempts you to enjoy it with food.

Block 22 is located on the first terrace of the river Huasco. It has very old, stony soils from the river which have very special qualities: a little clay and a lot of calcareous soil – lime, calcium carbonate – white soils. Characterized by low yields of grapes with very concentrated fresh fruit. In the Atacama Desert in the Huasco valley, the temperatures were fresh, especially at night. Temperatures are kept low because of the constant cool morning breezes blowing in from the Pacific Ocean, as well as the classic “Camanchaca”, a dense fog which comes in from the ocean, helping to regulate the temperatures and ensure an optimum level of humidity in the atmosphere.

Memo Summary Notes

The Ventisquero Grey Glacier Sauvignon Blanc 2023 from the Longomilla Vineyard is a highly distinctive wine that pushes the boundaries of Chilean viticulture. Grown in the Atacama Desert—the driest place on Earth—this wine is defined by "extreme" conditions, resulting in a profile that is far more saline and mineral than your typical New Zealand or Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc.

Pair with

The Perfect Match: Fresh oysters, sea urchins, or ceviche. The salinity in the wine acts like a squeeze of lime on fresh seafood.

The Perfect Match: Fresh oysters, sea urchins, or ceviche. The salinity in the wine acts like a squeeze of lime on fresh seafood.

Rapaura Springs · Marlborough · New Zealand · 2025

Rapaura is the beating heart of Marlborough — a sub-region of the Wairau Valley where the stony, free-draining soils and long hours of sunshine produce Sauvignon Blanc of exceptional intensity and character. Rapaura Springs takes its name from this storied terroir, and the wine delivers on every promise the address makes: pure, vibrant, and unmistakably Marlborough.

The nose is an exuberant rush of passionfruit, lime, lemongrass, and tropical fruit, with a signature herbaceous lift of jalapeño and fresh basil. On the palate, juicy fruit flavors are balanced by a lovely textural element that pads out the zippy acidity, leading to a long, mouth-watering finish with notes of ruby grapefruit, guava, and crunchy sea salt.

92 Points – Wine Enthusiast | “With all the feistiness you’ve come to know and love from Marlborough Savvy B, this explodes with aromas of passion fruit, lime, lemongrass, jalapeño and bell pepper. There’s a lovely textural element on the palate that nicely pads out the zippy acidity, taking this up a notch in quality — just as a good reserve-level wine should. Best Buy.” (Vintage 2025). 

92 Points – Wine Spectator | “Bursting with notes of ruby grapefruit, guava and pear, accented by tangerine, lemon blossoms, crunchy sea salt, fresh basil and lemon oregano. Offers appealing plumpness, ending with a long, expressive finish.” (Vintage 2025). 

• Producer: Rapaura Springs
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Passionfruit, lime, lemongrass, jalapeño, ruby grapefruit, guava, sea salt, fresh basil
• Pairings: Grilled fish, shellfish, goat cheese, Thai cuisine, light salads, aperitif

Dual 92-point scores and a Best Buy designation — Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc at its most expressive and rewarding.

Expert Review - Vintage 2014

The Wine Enthusiast 90 Points by Roger Voss | This is a ripe wine, already approaching maturity. It has rich tannins and a generous structure. The wine is full with plenty of black fruits and balanced acidity. Black currants and spices mingle easily. The wine will be ready to drink from 2018. 

Winemaker Description

On the nose, the wooden, toasted, and spicy notes stand out. Ripe red fruit notes are present. On the palate, it has a frank, very round onset with a beautiful evolution towards acidity. The red fruits are present throughout the tasting, and the tannins are well blended and round. An elegant and smooth wine.

Cotes de Castillon, with its rolling steep slopes of hills and valleys created by the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, is one of the most recognized and fashionable appellations of Bordeaux with several prominent winemakers purchasing châteaux here.

Its vineyards are located east of Saint-Émilion and south of Fronsac which proves to be advantageous as it provides excellent exposure to the sun, and the climate is slightly warmer and drier than most of Bordeaux. It is devoted solely to the production of red wine, and the dominant grape varieties planted are Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

The wines are known for being concentrated, fruity, and typified by strong black currant notes. They also have a good price to quality ratio and can be enjoyed young and age just as tastefully.

Cotes de Castillon is also committed to environmentally-sound practices and sustains one of the highest concentration of growers using either organic, biodynamic, or self-sustaining farming techniques. 

Where battlefields once roared, vineyards now thrive. Cotes de Castillon is steeped in history and was actually named after the last battle ‘Castillon la Bataille’ that ended the Hundred Years’ War in 1453 between England and France.

Roman ruins, old churches, and stunning châteaux provide a colorful glimpse into the region’s rich past.

Château Moya is a certified organic estate located in the Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux appellation, next to Saint Émilion in Bordeaux, France. The 20-acre property is located on a clay-limestone hill some 230 feet above the valley floor with a stunning 360-degree panoramic view.

Its pristine vineyards are tended to by the same team managing Château Gaby, and between 30,000-40,000 bottles are produced annually since the first vintage in 2009.

Château Moya has been certified organic by ECOCERT since the 2013 vintage.

Organic wines have become increasingly popular in Bordeaux and around the world not only for the longevity of soil and environmental factors but also for the quality of the wine.

Recognizable for its opulence, finesse, and well-balanced persistence, Château Moya is one of the finest Bordeaux wines in the region.



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.

Louis Jadot Meursault — Côte de Beaune, Burgundy 2022

Louis Jadot is one of Burgundy's most celebrated and trusted négociants, producing wines of exceptional quality and consistency from the Côte d'Or since 1859. Their Meursault is a benchmark expression of this legendary appellation — the village that defines white Burgundy for wine lovers around the world. Meursault's unique combination of limestone and clay soils, combined with the 2022 vintage's exceptional ripeness and natural balance, has produced a Chardonnay of remarkable depth, texture, and longevity.

The nose is rich and inviting: ripe peach, golden apple, and honey layered with toasty oak and a subtle mineral undercurrent. On the palate, it is verging on creamy in texture — vibrant and harmonious, with beautifully integrated oak and a long, layered aftertaste where a distinctive mineral element emerges on the finish. Elegant, complex, and built to age gracefully.

Wine Spectator 92 Points — "Verging on creamy in texture, this white exudes peach, apple and honey flavors wrapped in an embrace of toasty oak. Vibrant and harmonious, with a long, layered aftertaste, where a mineral element emerges. Drink now through 2032." (Vintage 2022). 

• Producer: Louis Jadot, Beaune, Burgundy, France
• Founded: 1859
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Meursault AOC, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Style: Full-Bodied, Barrel-Aged White Burgundy
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe peach, golden apple, honey, toasty oak, creamy texture, mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2032
• Best Paired With: Lobster, roasted scallops, Dover sole, roast chicken with cream sauce, aged Comté, truffle dishes
• Serve: 55–60°F, decant 15–20 minutes

92 points from Wine Spectator — Louis Jadot Meursault 2022 is white Burgundy at its most seductive: rich, mineral, and built for the ages.

Lallier Brut Réflexion R.021 — Aüy-en-Champagne, France

The Brut Réflexion R.021 is the signature non-vintage cuvée of Lallier — a grower-focused Champagne house based in Aüy-en-Champagne, one of the appellation's most prized Grand Cru villages. Blended from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier, the R.021 is built on the house's philosophy of precision and transparency: each release is numbered to reflect the blend year, and each bottle is crafted to express the purity of the terroir rather than the weight of oak or dosage. James Suckling awarded it 92 points. Restrained, citrusy, and beautifully precise.

The nose opens with vibrant lime and mandarin, lifted by elegant floral touches and mature hints of brioche and fresh hazelnut. On the palate, the mousse is frothy and light-bodied with remarkable purity and freshness — a delicate salty sensation balanced by the structure of Pinot Noir and the soft roundness of Meunier. The finish is long, deep, and aromatic, with a youthful crispness that rewards both immediate drinking and short-term cellaring.

“Restrained and citrusy with lemon peel and stone fruit. Slightly toasty with a leafy touch. Quite frothy bubbles with light body, a substantial palate and a crisp finish, precise and youthful.” — James Suckling, 92 Points (2021)

• Producer: Lallier, Aüy-en-Champagne, France
• Release: R.021 (Non-Vintage)
• Appellation: Champagne AOC — Grand Cru
• Blend: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Meunier
• Style: Brut
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lime, mandarin, brioche, hazelnut, floral, salty minerality, crisp finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled fish, soft cheeses, charcuterie, or as a refined aperitif

A 92-point Grand Cru Champagne built on precision and terroir — Lallier's Brut Réflexion is the benchmark for what grower-focused, non-vintage Champagne can be.

Expert Reviews

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | The NV 10 Year Old Tawny was bottled in 2013 with a bar top cork. It comes in at 106.7 grams per liter of residual sugar. Some Ports emphasize flavor, others emphasize structure. This starts out with perfect focus, elegant but increasingly intense on the tight finish. Early on, it was all about the structure, with a haze of velvet. The flavors were a bit muted initially, but it unfolded into an elegant and graceful whole with a flavorful finish. Its bright, clean feel always remains as it fleshes out and puts on weight. 

The Wine Spectator 90 Points | Refined, with bright flavors of dried berry, plum compote and cherry tart that are long and lush. Very creamy on the finish, which features chocolate mousse.

The Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | In the full Fonseca style, this aged tawny shows both rich fruit and a more serious wood-aged character. Good acidity follows the sweet initial taste, broadening into ripe flavors of nut, plum jelly, and a final crisp acidity.

Winemaker Description 

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

James Suckling 90 Points | Fresh and floral with candied lemons, quince, fine herbs and spices on the nose. Medium-bodied, polished and sleek, with mouthwatering acidity. Flavorful and refreshing aftertaste. 

Mirabeau X Coteaux D'Aix Rosé 2025 750ml

Mirabeau is one of Provence's most celebrated rosé producers — a family estate founded by Stephen and Jeany Cronk in the heart of the Var, with a mission to bring the effortless elegance of Provençal rosé to the world. The "X" cuvee is their Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence expression: a step up in complexity and terroir character, blending the classic Provence rosé grapes into a wine of real finesse and food-friendliness. Screwcap sealed for freshness and convenience.

The 2025 vintage delivers everything you want from a great Provence rosé — pale, precise, and aromatic, with a crisp, inviting palate and a finish that lingers with delicate red fruit and floral complexity. A wine built for the table as much as the terrace.

"Strawberries and cream aromas with some peach and mint leaf. Crisp and inviting palate, with leafy complexity and a lovely strawberry and cherry delicacy on the finish." — Decanter, 90 pts

• Producer: Mirabeau, Cotignac, Var, Provence, France
• Appellation: Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence AOC
• Blend: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault (traditional Provence rosé blend)
• Vintage: 2025
• Style: Dry, pale Provençal rosé — screw cap
• Tasting Notes: Strawberry, cream, peach, mint leaf, cherry, leafy complexity, crisp acidity, delicate finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, summer salads, ratatouille, goat cheese, charcuterie, or simply on its own in the sun
• Decanter: 90

The quintessential Provence rosé for every occasion — Mirabeau X is the bottle that makes any moment feel like a summer afternoon in the south of France.

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

James Suckling 91 Points | This has plum, orange peel and tobacco on the nose, alongside some sun-dried tomato. It’s savory, juicy and fresh on the palate with medium body and sleek tannins. Delicious now.

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

This biodynamic, sulfur-free Carménère immediately captivated us: immediately very present, enormously aromatic, a true powerhouse! On the nose, green pepper, black pepper, coffee, cloves, and other spices, with grassy, vegetal notes. A very successful blend of fruit and complex vegetal aromas. Initially astringent and fully dry, the palate displays powerful cherry fruit with tobacco, cocoa, and pepper, then becomes increasingly smooth, soft, and supple.

The Apalta Valley in Colchagua sits at the convergence of the Andes and the Pacific, where steep granite slopes and cooling ocean breezes conspire to produce Cabernet Sauvignon of uncommon depth and precision. Lapostolle's Cuvée Alexandre has long been the benchmark expression of this terroir — and the 2022 vintage is among its finest in recent memory.

The nose is layered and expressive: dark cherry, fresh blueberry, and crushed stone open to hints of rosemary, sage, graphite, and a whisper of olive. On the palate, the wine is structured and vertical yet fluid at its core, with crunchy tannins that grip cleanly and a long, fruit-driven finish that rewards patience. It strikes a coveted balance — rich and approachable today, but built to evolve.

Best from 2025, though already showing beautifully with a decant. Pair with grass-fed ribeye, lamb chops with herbs, or aged hard cheeses.

Appellation: Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2022
Format: 750ml

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2022
94 pts — James Suckling | “Well-structured and vertical… a long, fruit-expressive finish. Drink from 2025.”
92 pts — Wine Advocate | “A desirable balance between soft, creamy approachability and a serious expression of its origins.”
91 pts — Wine Enthusiast | “Fruity and fresh… integrated notes of wood spices that enhance dark berry flavors.”
88 pts — Wine Spectator

Expert Review — Vintage 2024

Wine Advocate — 94 Points | The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc L’Après-Midi contains 6% Sémillon. Matured in around 15% new French oak and bottled the spring after harvest. Continually unfurling scents of flint, white peach, tarragon, lemongrass, graham cracker, chamomile, and honey. The full-bodied palate bursts with layers of flinty stone and citrus fruit, lifted by a silky texture, succulent acidity, and a long, perfumed finish.

Winemaker Description

L’Après-Midi (The Afternoon) was named in honor of the pleasures of a slow and lazy afternoon — which, according to Sir Peter, is a good time to start enjoying this wine. One of two estate-grown Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon blends, the grapes are grown alongside the red Bordeaux varietals within Les Pavots Vineyard, benefiting from steep slopes, excellent drainage, and cool air at altitude.

Whole-cluster-pressed and naturally fermented in barrel, forgoing malolactic fermentation to preserve the fruity and zesty character of the Sauvignon Blanc. Predominantly Sauvignon Blanc with just a touch of Sémillon.

• Producer: Peter Michael Winery
• Appellation: Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Blend: 94% Sauvignon Blanc, 6% Sémillon
• Vineyard: Les Pavots Estate
• Aging: 15% new French oak, no malolactic fermentation
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 97 Points | Outstanding balance and complexity from the beginning that showcases concentrated black fruits and purple flowers with plenty of spices and subtle yet harmonious toast and cedar aromas. Intense graphite and stony minerality, too. Full- to medium-bodied on the mid-palate with delightful acidity that gives this wonderful crunchiness. Fine-grained juicy tannins. Precisely focused wine that is colorful and sound. Beautiful length, too. Already so drinkable now but will age gracefully, especially for Atlas Peak.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

James Suckling 92 Points | Currant, blueberry and violet aromas follow through to a medium body with firm, fine tannins that give the wine form and focus. Chocolate and hazelnut emerge in the undertones. Drink or hold.

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot features alluring aromas evoking cassis, black-skinned berry and underbrush. The concentrated palate offers black plum, tobacco and mocha alongside polished tannins.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Mike DeSimone of the Wine Enthusiast writes 91 Points | Pale yellow in color, this wine offers a bouquet of Gala apple and honeysuckle. Valencia orange, bergamot and dried-thyme flavors fade into a finish marked with touch of lemon grass. 

Winemaker Description 

Moderately deep soils except for Marges which brings its characteristic freshness and youth. The Rigolet y Baja, terroirs which add the concentration are terroirs of Miocene marl earth which allows the vine to absorb only the quantity of water necessary for adequate growth.

Sabate i Coca Castellroig Xarello 'So Blanc'

Fruity and creamy with apple aromas, pineapple, fennel, dried fruits and pine nuts. Intense in the mouth, dense and with a bitter edge that is highly distinctive and pleasant, preserving the freshness of the wine, and with a lightly sweet sensation at the end.

A Classic Barbaresco from the Heart of Treiso

La Ganghija crafts traditional Barbaresco from the prized Treiso subzone of Piedmont, and their 2018 Barbaresco is a compelling expression of Nebbiolo at its most authentic — wild, complex, and built for the cellar. The 2018 vintage delivered exceptional ripeness across Piedmont, and this wine shows it: structured, aromatic, and layered with the kind of rustic elegance that defines great Barbaresco.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018

• Wine Enthusiast — 92 pts: “Penetrating aromas of warmed cherries soaked with cinnamon, clove and anise that develop into dried rose petals, forest floor. The palate has a core of savory spice wrapped around drying wild red berries and Alpine herbs framed by well-placed tannins and electric acidity. A wine worthy of the cellar. Drink now–2040.”
• Vinous — 92 pts: “A bold, pungent Treiso Barbaresco. Wild cherry, spice, leather, tobacco and menthol are front and center in this wild, pleasantly rustic Barbaresco. There is certainly plenty of character here.”

Buyer’s Notes

Bart Hopkins, 67Wine Buyer

Good varietal expression in this 2018 Barbaresco, with delicate aromas of spiced plums, rose petals, violets, strawberry blossoms, cinnamon, nutmeg and saddle leather. Medium bodied in the mouth with savory complexity and supple tannins that carry through the finish.

Winemaker Notes

La Ganghija Barbaresco 2018 750ml

Complex structure offering notes of wild berries, black cherry and liquorice combined with light spice and vanilla acquired during ageing in wood. Typically austere on the palate, but warm and embracing, with extraordinary persistence and freshness in the finish.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Nebbiolo
• Appellation: Barbaresco (Treiso), Piedmont, Italy
• Producer: La Ganghija
• Vintage: 2018
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for the table — excellent with stews, slow-roasted wild game, hearty pasta, and strong cheeses.

Donnafugata Sul Vulcano Etna Rosso DOC — Sicily 2022

Donnafugata is one of Sicily’s most celebrated wine families, and Sul Vulcano is their love letter to Etna — the ancient, still-active volcano on Sicily’s northeastern coast that has become one of Italy’s most exciting wine regions. The volcanic soils of Etna are unlike anything else in Italy: rich in minerals, free-draining, and home to old-vine Nerello Mascalese that produces wines of extraordinary finesse, energy, and terroir expression. Sul Vulcano (“on the volcano”) captures the essence of this singular place — a wine that is simultaneously fun and serious, as Vinous put it, earning 91 points. Wine Spectator awarded it 90.

The nose lifts with floral perfumes complicated by blood orange, crushed wild berries, Asian spices (cardamom and star anise), and fresh balsamic hints. On the palate, the wine is juicy and energetic — crisp red fruits swirling across a crunchy mineral core, with silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, elegant finish of blackcurrant and iron. Light ruby in color, light-bodied in feel, but serious in character.

Vinous 91 — “Juicy and energetic with crisp red fruits that swirl across a crunchy mineral core. Long and gently tannic… I love how the Sul Vulcano is both fun and serious.” (Vintage 2022). 

Wine Spectator 90 — “A creamy red, with dried cherry and strawberry fruit flavors and hints of rooibos tea, vanilla and blood orange peel underscored by subtle notes of loamy earth and iron. Fresh and balanced, with light, chalky tannins.” (Vintage 2022). 

• Producer: Donnafugata, Sicily, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Etna Rosso DOC
• Varietal: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio
• Terroir: Volcanic soils, Mount Etna, northeastern Sicily
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blood orange, wild berries, cardamom, star anise, dried cherry, strawberry, iron, chalky mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Roast or stewed meats, grilled fish, aubergine dishes, mushrooms, Mediterranean cuisine, Tex-Mex

A 91-point volcanic Nerello Mascalese from one of Sicily’s great estates — Sul Vulcano is the Etna Rosso that is both fun and serious.