90+ Points | Critical Acclaim | Wine & Sparkling Wine

Winemaker Description

Purple with ruby highlights, this wine shows up-front aromas of raspberries and black cherries with undertones of leather and spice. On the palate, it is expansive and rich.

Pair with lamb and apricot tajines, prime rib, tomato stews, or green lentil-based dishes.

Expert Ratings

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points  | This deep-hued wine has a bouquet of brambly fruits of the wood, coffee bean and dried sage. It opens with notes of mint and clove accompanied by sturdy tannins and ripe summer cherry, Mission fig, cocoa powder and dried thyme flavors. The lengthy finish is marked with menthol and pomegranate. (2015). 

Robert Parker 92 Points |  There is some more development in the 2015 Finca Valpiedra Reserva, which also feels a little riper, showing the dry, warm and ripe character of the year but keeping a low pH of 3.47 and 6.2 grams of acidity. This is medium-bodied, although some will call them thin—and certainly, they are not full-bodied and round wines, they are sharper. This is a blend of 92% Tempranillo and 4% each Graciano and Maturana Tinta that matured in French oak barrels for 22 months. These wines are feeling a little more traditional than in the past.

James Suckling 92 Points | This shows notes of incense and smoke on the nose, together with spiced plums, blackberries, dark chocolate, licorice and a hint of tar. Medium-to full-bodied with firm tannins and bright acidity. Ripe, yet juicy and succulent, with a rich finish. Drink or hold.

Expert Review

Yohan Castaing of the Wine Advociate writes 90 Points | A blend of 41% Grenache, 31% Cinsault, 12% Mourvèdre, 8% Tibouren, 5% Syrah and 3% Carignan, the 2022 Cotes de Provence Rose Lampe de Meduse possesses a fresh, fruit-driven bouquet with aromas of citrus, lemon oil, red berries, wild strawberry and menthol. Crunchy, juicy and perfectly balanced with a medium-bodied palate, it’s long and penetrating with lively acids, an iodine-salty finish and a clean and mouthwatering texture.  Drinking 2023 - 2025. (2022).

Expert Reviews 

98 Points Vinous | The 2020 Pape Clément is outrageously beautiful. Dark, virile and imposing, the 2020 is a rare vintage of Pape Clément that is vertical and statuesque in feel. Dark fruit, chocolate, new leather, licorice and cloves infuse the palate with tremendous depth. In a word: magnificent. - Antonio Galloni

98 Points James Suckling | Lots of blackberry, iodine and crushed stone here. Some black pepper and graphite, too. Full body and medium, fine tannins that have a powdery texture and open in the mouth. So much going on. Iodine and iron undertones with some raw mushroom bring you back for more. Muscular. This is for the cellar. Drink after 2027.

97+ Points Jeb Dunnuck | I loved the 2020 Château Pape Clément, and this beauty is up there with the top wines in Pessac. Checking in as equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, aged 18 months in 90% barrels and 10% in foudre, it offers a deep purple hue to go with a powerful, concentrated profile displaying both red and black fruits, lots of spicy, chocolate, flowery incense nuances, full-bodied richness, and an almost salty, bloody character on the finish. This beauty shows the concentrated yet utterly classic, focused, elegant style of the vintage and has so much to love.

96 Points Wine Enthusiast | This ancient estate, an oasis in the suburbs of Bordeaux city, offers a wine that is packed with promising tannins. The important and rich black fruits reveal concentration, density and the potential of the development of a fine balance and structure as it matures.

95 Points Decanter | Tannic heft from the get-go, though this does have a lovely fresh, clean and precise core with a narrow, focused frame so the elements come across as quite tight and severe right now but well worked. It has class, no doubt, on the high-toned scale, potent and upfront but there's gorgeous detail and precision to the fruit, acidity and tannins. Slick and classy with lots of glamour that plays to the strengths of the vintage.

95 Points Wine Spectator | This is snazzed up with flashy toast, but there's ample mulberry, cassis and plum compote fruit to soak it up, while notes of licorice and sweet spice fill in the background. A late tug of warm earth keeps this grounded. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

94 Points Robert Parker | Aromas of rich cherries, cassis, burning embers, violets and dark chocolate introduce the 2020 Pape Clément, a medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy wine that's ripe, layered and generously extracted but also a touch deeper and more reserved than the flashy 2019. While it would be an exaggeration to say that this estate's red wines are making much of a shift in the direction of restraint, the style is certainly less aspirational than it was a decade ago.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

James Suckling 98 Points | Power, complexity and brilliance make this a truly remarkable dry riesling, the touch of creaminess from long sur-lie maturation giving this exactly the soft touch it needs to balance the steely minerality that powers it at the imposing yet totally vibrant finish. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold.

Winemaker Description

The 2020 Guado al Tasso is an intense ruby red in color. The nose offers notes of small dark fruit with sweet spice and toasted oak. On the palate, pure flavors and refined tannins lead to a persistent finish. This wine can be enjoyed immediately, but also has great aging potential. 

Expert Reviews

96 Points Robert Parker | The Marchesi Antinori 2020 Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso sees Cabernet Franc at over 30% of the blend in this vintage, with the rest going to Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% to 20% to Merlot. Matarocchio was not produced this year, and this wine benefits from the extra Cabernet Franc as a result. The 2019 and 2021 vintages of Guado al Tasso are quite concentrated and rich, whereas 2020 is leaner in texture, along the lines of the edition we saw made in 2010. There was rain in September. Managing Director Renzo Cotarella says he would not describe 2020 as a hot vintage because the rain did pose challenges at the end of the growing season. In Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast, budbreak is earlier than in other appellations, and the growing season is longer as a result. This is a benefit to the international varieties used here. The wine shows nice richness and intensity. The Cabernet Franc definitely comes through and adds the characteristic vertical lift and linearity that the grape is known for. You get black fruit, spice, white pepper and no signs of bitter stems or bramble. Sweet, almost milky tannins are interlocked with fresh acidity to give this wine good cellaring potential. The new oak was dialed back a bit in this vintage.

96 Points Wine Enthusiast | The nose is rich with notes of blackberries, black cherry and soil, while a white pepper undertone provides pop. On the supple, warm palate, berries continue leading the way, before a salty, chocolaty finish with another kick of pepper. Stoic tannins are balanced by lively, persistent acidity.

95 Points James Suckling | Aromas of black olives, berries, herbs, red beans, sour cherries, and sage follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins and plenty of structure. It’s flavorful and intense. Needs time to come together. Best after 2027.

95 Points Wine Spectator | Packed with exuberant blackberry, black currant and blueberry fruit, this red shows the expressive character of the vintage. Just when you think it's too flamboyant, the solid structure reins it in. Shows excellent balance and length, with a touch of lavender and wild herbs on the lingering finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2025 through 2040.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winemaker Description 

This wine has a unique freshness brimming with bright red berry fruit and hints of dried fruit. It is flavorful, yet restrained for a California Zin, with black peppercorn spice and hints of chocolate and nuts.

Memo Summary Notes

The Neyers Zinfandel "Vista Notre" 2021 is a distinct departure from the "jammy" style often associated with California Zinfandel. It is crafted with a French-influenced sensibility—focused on restraint, acidity, and lower alcohol—making it a favorite for those who enjoy food-friendly red wines.

Pair with its high acidity makes it perfect for Pasta with Artichokes, grilled lamb chops with salsa verde, or a high-quality grilled cheese sandwich.

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023

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

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

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

Winemaker Description

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

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

The Black Chicken Story

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

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

2023 Vintage Notes

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

Food Pairings

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

Product Details

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

Winemaker Description

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

Expert Ratings

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

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

Kosta Browne's One Sixteen Chardonnay is a masterful blend sourced from premier sites across Sonoma County — including Cerise, Ritchie, El Diablo, and Bootlegger's Hill — fermented in barrel and aged 12 months in 34% new French oak. The result is a wine of remarkable precision and depth, balancing generous fruit with vibrant, mouthwatering acidity.

The nose opens with aromas of fresh apple, river rocks, orange blossom, peach, nectarine, beeswax, and a whisper of flint. On the palate, flavors of Meyer lemon, grilled pineapple, ripe melon, lemon curd, and pineapple sage unfold with a lovely salty grip and a long, spicy finish accented by white cardamom, clove, and wildflower honey. Delicious now, with exceptional aging potential of at least a decade.

• Appellation: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Vineyards: Cerise, Ritchie, El Diablo, Bootlegger's Hill
• Aging: 12 months in 34% new French oak
• Format: 750ml

• 95 pts — Wine Enthusiast (Cellar Selection): "Aromas of fresh apple, river rocks, orange blossom and a whisper of flint... lively acidity with flavors of pithy Meyer lemon, white flowers, grilled brioche and pineapple sage with a lovely salty grip at the finish." (Vintage 2023).
• 93 pts — Wine Spectator: "Grilled pineapple, ripe peach, melon and lemon curd flavors are generous, plump and juicy... Vibrant acidity keeps the flavors fresh and in focus." (Vintage 2023). 
• 92 pts — Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Layered, flint-laced flavors and well-integrated new oak spice... balanced by bright, mouthwatering acidity and a long, spicy finish." (Vintage 2023). 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Robert Parker 93 Points | The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva shows velvety richness and good textural support. This comes thanks to the warmer microclimate and thicker soils, sometimes with a lot of clay, that distinguish the Castelnuovo Berardenga region of Chianti Classico. The finish is dry and long, but there is plenty of sweet earth, dark fruit, plum and balanced cherry in the mix.

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva (90% Sangiovese and the rest Merlot) takes on more spiced layers of smoke, cedar, menthol, and blackberry. It is full-bodied, with snappy acidity and fine tannins, and is noted with redcurrant, orange zest, tea leaf, and clove. Hold another year or two and drink 2025-2035.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

Burghound 93 Points | A more reserved if equally airy and elegant speaks more of acacia, green apple and zest, all of which is trimmed in enough wood to notice. Here too there is excellent volume and punch to the medium-bodied that flash noticeably more minerality on the beautifully persistent finish. Like the Pucelle, this possesses a simply gorgeous texture that can be replicated by no other commune in the Côte. It's worth pointing out that the Pucelle and Cailleret are quite similar qualitatively but they offer two very different expressions. Outstanding. ♥

Decanter 94 Points | Chartron’s Clos du Cailleret is a regal premier cru. This emblematic cuvée of the Chartron family is particularly successful in 2021, with exotic aromas of guava and pomelo, lemon, and spice. The texture is concentrated and rich, with no lack of acidity but an equally impressive richness in extract for balance. The vines come from the Chartron parcel of nearly a hectare at the northern end of the Clos. The grapes are lightly crushed and slowly pressed before fermentation in cask (25% new)—genuinely delicious wine. 

About This Wine — A Rare Expression of Nebbiolo

Rose delle Casasse is widely considered the only Barbaresco produced entirely from Nebbiolo Rosé — a grape that, while related to Nebbiolo, has been proven genetically distinct. As noted by ampelographer Ian d’Agata in his landmark book Native Wine Grapes of Italy, Nebbiolo Rosé is not simply a clone but its own variety, making this Riserva a genuinely singular wine in the Barbaresco appellation.

Cascina Baricchi is a small husband-and-wife estate in Neive, farming with deep respect for the land and producing wines of remarkable character and authenticity. The Rose delle Casasse vineyard gives a wine of uncommon delicacy and complexity — more aromatic and fine-boned than classic Nebbiolo, yet no less age-worthy.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2016

Vinous — 94 Points
"The 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Rose delle Casasse is a fine follow-up to the stellar 2015. A bit more austere than its older sibling, the 2016 presents a distinctly savory profile redolent of crushed flowers, herbs, mint, spice, leather and tobacco, while the fruit is pushed into the background. This is such a gorgeous wine."

Jeb Dunnuck — 93 Points
"Made entirely from the Rosé clone of Nebbiolo, this is fresh with wild raspberry, pine, and dark earth. Medium body and good concentration, with fine tannins and a good finish of peppery spice and red cherry. Refreshing and cleanses the palate nicely."

Food Pairings

A natural match for salumi, aged hard cheeses, roasted lamb, braised Piedmontese beef, and truffle-based dishes. Decant for at least 45 minutes; will continue to develop beautifully with additional cellaring.

Product Details

• Producer: Cascina Baricchi
• Region: Barbaresco DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: Nebbiolo Rosé (100%)
• Classification: Barbaresco Riserva
• Vineyard: Rose delle Casasse
• Vintage: 2016
• Format: 750ml

Expert Review

Vinous 95 Points | The 2017 Clos-de-la-Roche Grand Cru has an expressive bouquet that is a dead ringer for a Dujac, conveying plenty of energy and earthy black fruit laced with undergrowth and sea cave scents. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and quite a firm backbone. Fresh from the start to the refreshing, elegant, saline finish that gets the saliva flowing. Excellent."

Expert Reviews- Vintage 2013 

Josh Raynolds of Vinous writes 96 Points |  (made with 50 percent whole clusters) Bright purple. A complex, intensely perfumed bouquet of fresh black and blue fruit, candied licorice and Asian spice scents develops a sexy floral note as the wine opens up. Vibrant and appealingly sweet on the palate, offering intense, smoke-tinged black currant, boysenberry, floral pastille and spicecake flavors energized by a refreshing snap of juicy acidity. Blends richness and vivacity with a deft hand and finishes extremely long and gently tannic, leaving a sappy blue fruit note behind. Drinking 2023 - 2032.

James Suckling writes 97 Points | The most brooding nose of the trio of La La's with dark coal smoky aromas and dark stones, graphite and cocoa powder. Fruits are in the very dark plum and blackberry spectrum but flavors are held in a more savory mode with assertive, powerful clean-cut tannins that hold endless length. Truly a masterpiece. Best from 2022 and for two decades or more.

Joe Czerwinski of The Wine Advocate writes 94 Points | The 2013 Cote Rotie La Mouline shows none of the vintage’s sometimes dry tannins. It offers crisp black fruit—plums and blackberries—underscored by hints of pencil shavings, espresso and grilled meat. Suave and long, it should drink well for a couple of decades. Drinking 2020 - 2035. 

James Molesworth of the Wine Spectator writes 96 Points | Very ripe, with layers of fig, boysenberry and plum compote forming the core, inlaid liberally with licorice snap, roasted apple wood and Turkish coffee notes. Shows lots of heft, but everything pulls together on the finish, exhibiting drive and definition. Best from 2020 through 2040. 65 cases imported.

Jeb Dunnuck writes 94+ Points | One of the more restrained and fresh vintages of this cuvée out there, the 2013 Côte Rôtie La Mouline still has a classic Mouline floral, gamey, and spicy bouquet to go with medium to full-bodied richness and depth on the palate. With good concentration, notable complexity, sweet tannin, and plenty of length, it needs 3-4 years of bottle age and will keep for 15+. Drinking 2022 - 2037.

Richard Hemming MW of Jancis Robinson writes 18/20 Points | Hickory smoke, violets, tobacco, black-cherry fruit, pepper and a touch of stemmy herbal character. Super-fine tannins, and quite light body with a finish that isn't as expansive as the palate. Still young, so the length may well develop. Drinking 2019 - 2033 

Winemaker Description

70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. Average age of the vines is 44 years. Replanting of these vines takes place in lots. 222 acres producing 22,000-30,000 cases.

Expert Reviews

Wine Spectator 97 Points | Rather tight, with an alluring whiff of cocoa that lures you in before disappearing into the core of steeped plum, roasted fig and blackberry coulis notes. Sandalwood, black tea and loam elements fill in on the long and expansive finish. This seems to be lying in wait for what could be a very long time in the cellar before unfurling fully. Best from 2018 through 2045. 15,833 cases made.

Wine Enthusiast 100 points | Almost black in color, this stunning wine is gorgeous, rich and dense. It s grand and powerful, with a strong sense of its own importance. The beautiful tannins and the fragrant black currant fruits are palpable. It s a great wine, with huge potential.

Wine Advocate 98 Points | The 2010 Lafite Rothschild, a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot (a 3% difference from the barrel sample shown two years ago), achieved relatively high alcohol of 13.32%, according to administrator Charles Chevalier. The wine is very impressive, not as fleshy, flamboyant and massive as the 2009, but nevertheless, a big, rich, full-throttle Lafite-Rothschild meant to age a half century or more. Deep purple, with notes of white chocolate, mocha, cedar and charcoal as well as hints of vanillin and creme de cassis, the wine is full-bodied yet has that ethereal lightness that makes it a Lafite. Rich, with good acidity, precision and freshness, this is a slightly zestier version of the 2009 as well as more restrained and structured than that particular vintage. It will need at least 10-12 years of cellaring and keep for 50+ years.

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

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

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

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

Wine Details

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

Expert Review

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2017

The top Cabernet is the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Dancing Bear Ranch, which comes all from the Howell Mountain AVA. It's another inky colored beauty boasting a terrific perfume of black and blue fruits, ground herbs, spice box, graphite, and forest floor. With brilliant minerality on the palate as well as full-bodied richness and an expansive, opulent texture, it has sweet tannins and is approachable today, yet will benefit from short-term cellaring and cruise for 25-30 years. It's one of the few 2017s to come close to its 2016 counterpart. Bravo!  Drinking 2024 to 2054.  Jeb Dunnuck 97

Bottled only three weeks ago, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Dancing Bear Ranch is composed of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 1% Merlot, having spent 22 months in 60% new French oak. Very deep garnet-purple in color, it reveals beautiful notions of kirsch, red and black currant preserves, raspberry pie and warm plums with hints of red roses, stewed tea, underbrush and cinnamon stick. Medium-bodied, the palate has wonderful red fruit and floral intensity intermingled with black fruits, framed by firm, grainy tannins and a wicked backbone of freshness, finishing very long and mineral laced. Very different from the epic 2016 Dancing Bear, but very exciting!  Drinking 2020 to 2038.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 95+

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Dancing Bear ranch is a gorgeous Howell Mountain red. Succulent black cherry, plum, licorice, spice, new leather, rose petal and blood orange all run through this deep, resonant, unctuous Cabernet Sauvignon from Cakebread. This is a very pretty wine.  Drinking 2022 to 2032.  - Vinous 93

Winemaker Description

The 2019 Bernardot is dark and austere with wonderful nuances of ripe red fruit. Tannins are very silky and delicate in this 2019, showing a lot of finesse, typical from the Barbaresco area. It’s an elegant and very expressive Barbaresco. One of the favorite vineyards of winemaker Alessandro Ceretto.

Expert Reviews

Wine Advocate Monica Larner 95 Points writes | The organic Ceretto 2019 Barbaresco Bernadot shows a broader character and a more open-knit personality compared to the Asili. There is a lot of dark fruit, spice, truffle and earth to frame the medium-build of this elegant wine.  (2019).

Wine Spectator 94 Points | A bright red, delivering a core of cherry and raspberry fruit supported by earth, mineral and wild herbs. Intense, complex and dense, this is solidly built and persists with an aftertaste of dark fruit, mineral and spice. Best from 2025. (2019).

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

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

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

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

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

Expert Rating

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

Vibrant, textured and beautifully precise, Gérard Boulay’s La Côte showcases the distinctive mineral character of Chavignol. Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grown in the celebrated La Grande Côte vineyard, this single-vineyard Sancerre balances generous fruit with refreshing energy and an unmistakably saline finish.

First released with the 2010 vintage, La Côte comes from a prized hillside site whose limestone-rich Kimmeridgian soils help shape the wine’s character. Here, Boulay produces a Sauvignon Blanc with impressive depth, expressing the vineyard through its combination of richness, freshness and mineral definition.

The 2024 opens with citrus aromas of lime zest and grapefruit, accented by white flowers, chalk and wet stone. On the palate, a supple, rounded texture meets lively acidity, with citrus peel and subtle herbal nuances adding dimension. Concentrated yet graceful, it finishes long and fresh, leaving a lingering impression of salt and limestone.

The Boulay family has grown grapes in Chavignol since 1380, and Gérard has farmed organically since 1990. Hand harvesting and a restrained approach in the cellar preserve the individuality of each parcel. Fermentation with native yeasts and maturation that includes used oak bring texture and complexity while allowing La Côte’s distinctive vineyard character to shine.

An inviting choice among Boulay’s single-vineyard wines in its youth, La Côte also offers the depth and structure to reward cellaring. Give it time to open in the glass, and pair with oysters, scallops, grilled fish or fresh goat cheese. Its balance of supple texture and bright, savory freshness makes it especially compelling at the table.

Expert Rating

Vinous 90 Points | The Sancerre La Cote presents pure and clear aromatics of elderflower and nectarine. The palate has an easy fluidity to it and a chalky texture that comes in waves. This hails from a southeast-facing vineyard with 25-to 30-year-old vines, making it a fairly young parcel for the Boulay family. Drink 2026-2032.

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

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

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

Expert Rating

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

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

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

Cigliuti · Langhe Nebbiolo · 2024

From the Cigliuti family’s vineyards in Serraboella and Bricco di Neive, this Langhe Nebbiolo brings the character of the family’s Piedmont holdings into a fresh, approachable bottle. Renato Cigliuti began prioritizing quality over quantity in the 1960s, when green harvesting was still unusual among his neighbors. His daughters Claudia and Silvia now run the winery, with Renato and Dina still involved.

The 2024 is bright and floral, with red fruit, a lively palate and fine tannins. Give it a little time in the glass to let its cherry and spice notes unfold. It makes a lovely companion to mushroom dishes, roast poultry or a simple plate of pasta.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

From younger vines in Serraboella and Bricco di Neive, the 2024 Langhe Nebbiolo pours a bright medium ruby and reflects the cooler nature of the vintage. Fermented in stainless steel and aged five months in stainless steel followed by five months in 2,500-liter Slavonian oak casks, it opens with pomegranate, fresh flowers, tangerine, and dried earth. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, light on its feet, and refreshing without austerity, with fine tannins and a lifted floral tone that lingers through the finish.

Jeb Dunnuck · 91 points

The 2024 Langhe Nebbiolo is a fine entry-level offering from Cigliuti. Aromatic, vibrant and medium in body, the 2024 is super-classic in feel. Crushed rose petal, red-toned fruit, chalk and mint lend notable high-toned brightness. Youthful tannins extend the mid-palate and finish. This is essentially a mini-Barbaresco.

Vinous · 90 points

At a Glance

• Producer: Cigliuti
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: Nebbiolo
• Size: 750ml

Generous and elegant, this classic white Burgundy combines a full palate with bright citrus and mineral freshness. The 2023 vintage opens with aromas of lemon, honeysuckle, and delicate vanilla. Fresh almond and citrus flavors unfold across the palate, with a subtle vanilla accent leading into a refined mineral finish.

Made from 100% Chardonnay grown in Meursault’s marl-limestone soils, the wine comes from hand-harvested grapes on vines averaging 25 years of age. This celebrated village in Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune is renowned for white wines that balance richness with finesse.

Barrel fermentation and full malolactic fermentation develop its rounded texture, followed by eight to ten months in French oak barrels, 15% new, from Louis Latour’s own cooperage.

A lovely choice for an elegant dinner, it pairs beautifully with grilled sea bass, shrimp and avocado, veal in a cream sauce, or Beaufort cheese.

Expert Rating

93 Points · James Suckling: “Refined and vibrant, combining richness and complexity with a lifted, saline edge. Aromas of ripe citrus, orchard fruit and white flowers mingle with hints of hazelnuts and crushed chalk. Medium- to full-bodied and gently creamy, it’s energized by bright acidity and a precise mineral thread. The finish is long, pure and harmonious.”

Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Place: Meursault, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
Appellation: Meursault AOC — Village
Style: Dry white wine, barrel-fermented and oak-aged
Aging: 8–10 months in French oak, 15% new
Serving temperature: 54–57°F (12–14°C)
Producer’s cellaring potential: 3–5 years

Richly textured and refined, this Premier Cru white Burgundy opens with inviting aromas of brioche and vanilla. The 2023 vintage offers a full, rounded palate layered with acacia honey and almond, finishing with an elegant mineral touch that brings definition to its generous character.

Made from 100% Chardonnay, “Sous le Puits” comes from a southeast-facing vineyard near the top of the Blagny hillside, just above “La Garenne.” Its name, meaning “Under the Well,” references a nearby spring. Vines averaging 35 years of age grow in clay-limestone soils, with grapes harvested by hand.

Fermentation takes place in oak barrels with full malolactic fermentation, followed by eight to ten months of aging in French oak, 50% new, from Louis Latour’s own cooperage. The result is a beautifully expressive Chardonnay with richness, depth, and finesse.

Expert Rating

95 Points · James Suckling: “Aromas of flint, grapefruit rind, orchard fruit, chalk and fresh herbs. The high-tension palate is precise with mineral-driven acidity and a textural, rounded mouthfeel. Perhaps the most linear and focused release of the 2023 premier cru whites.”

92 Points · Wine Spectator: “Plush yet dense, with peach, apple, vanilla and nutmeg aromas and flavors. Underlined by solid acidity, this just tails off a little on the finish. The oak spice notes linger.”

Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Place: Puligny-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
Appellation: Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru AOC
Vineyard: Sous le Puits
Style: Dry white wine, barrel-fermented and oak-aged
Aging: 8–10 months in French oak, 50% new
Serving temperature: 54–57°F (12–14°C)
Producer’s cellaring potential: 5–7 years 

Bright citrus, delicate flowers, and refined minerality define this elegant Premier Cru white Burgundy. The 2024 vintage offers aromas of white orchard fruit, pear, and citrus zest, followed by a medium-bodied palate revealing lime, bergamot, and nectarine. A long finish carries subtle saline and chalky notes, bringing freshness and precision to every sip.

Made from 100% Chardonnay, this cuvée brings together selected Premier Cru parcels in Pouilly-Fuissé, in Burgundy’s southern Mâconnais region. The area’s limestone and clay soils provide the foundation for a wine that combines expressive fruit with distinctive mineral character. 

Expert Rating

93 Points · James Suckling: A nice white showing aromas of minerals and flowers. Bergamot, limes and some nectarines on the medium-bodied palate. Long, lightly saline and chalky at the end. Drink now or hold.

Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Place: Pouilly-Fuissé, Mâconnais, Burgundy, France
Appellation: Pouilly-Fuissé AOC — Premier Cru
Style: Dry white wine

Elegant and inviting, this white Burgundy balances a rounded texture with lively citrus and mineral freshness. The 2023 vintage opens with aromas of toasted almond, vanilla, and honeysuckle. On the palate, delicate acacia blossom and lemon notes bring brightness to its generous character, finishing with refreshing mineral definition.

Made from 100% Chardonnay grown in clay-limestone soils, this wine comes from Marsannay at the northern gateway to Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits. Grapes are hand-harvested from vines averaging 25 years of age, then fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel with full malolactic fermentation. Aging for eight to ten months in French oak barrels from Louis Latour’s own cooperage adds depth and a gentle toasted accent.

Expert Rating

93 James Suckling: This is a linear and vivid white with umami, fresh yeast and matchstick, as well as apples and green melon. Medium-bodied with depth and beauty. Spicy at the end. Exciting.

Wine Info

Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Place: Marsannay, Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France
Appellation: Marsannay AOC
Style: Dry white wine, aged in French oak

King Estate · Willamette Valley · 2023 · 375ml Half Bottle

Ed King III and his father, Ed King Jr., founded King Estate in 1991 on a 600-acre ranch outside Eugene, Oregon, driven by a commitment to sustainability and deep respect for the land. From those roots it grew into one of Oregon's largest and most successful wineries, and the King family helped shape the Oregon Pinot Noir industry into what it is today.

That same adventurous spirit still guides the team as they nurture their vineyards and craft premium Oregon wines. This 2023 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is bright, lively and floral, and the half bottle makes it easy to pour a glass or two without opening a full 750ml.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

Lively and refreshing, this pinot bursts with bright cherry, grapefruit peel and delicate floral aromas. The medium-bodied palate is crisp and racy, with crunchy red fruit and a firm mineral backbone. Flavorful finish.

James Suckling, 91 Points

The 2023 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley is dusty and floral, offering an understated blend of dried strawberries and cedary spice. It's fresh and lively, delivering ripe wild berry fruit supported by juicy acidity. Nuances of violet and lavender hang around on the close.

Vinous, 90 Points

Pairings & Serving

Serve lightly cool, around 55–60°F. A natural match for salmon, roast chicken, duck, mushroom dishes and pork tenderloin.

Specs

• Producer: King Estate Winery
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Ratings: James Suckling 91, Vinous 90
• Size: 375ml (half bottle)

A 91-point Oregon Pinot from a pioneering family estate, sized just right.

95 Points Decanter • 92 Points Vinous

A new chapter in the history of Marqués de Riscal, Barón de Chirel Rioja Blanco 2024 is the winery’s first white wine produced in Rioja. Also known as Viñas Centenarias, it draws its distinctive character from century-old vineyards in Rioja Alavesa, where white grape varieties grow among historic red-wine plantings.

Crafted from Viura, Garnacha Blanca, Malvasía and Maturana Blanca, this expressive white combines the concentration of old vines with freshness and finesse. Fermentation in French oak is followed by approximately eight months of lees aging, adding texture and complexity while preserving the wine’s vibrant character.

Floral aromas and stone-fruit notes meet a mineral edge. The palate is broad and persistent, with a rounded texture balanced by lively acidity and subtle oak influence. An elegant white Rioja with the depth to complement fine cuisine and the structure for further bottle development.

Expert Ratings

Decanter — 95 Points April 21, 2026 : "Fine and assertive, with remarkable poise and focus. Deft use of wood, building a toasty, almondy frame around the fleshy white peach and yellow apple core. Precise and fluid with a pleasantly tense acid line, assertive lemon zest and Conference pear crunch. A wine that delivers a lot without trying too hard. Beautiful, laidback modern classicism. Viura, Garnacha Blanca, Malvasía and Maturana Blanca bunches were pressed whole, without destemming or crushing, and the free-run must transferred to 600L French oak foudres, no more than 10% new, where spontaneous fermentation was followed by about eight months' maturation, with weekly lees stirring via rotation of the barrels."

95 James Suckling - July 28, 2026: "A vibrant and a creamy new white with sliced lemons, honeysuckle and honeycomb on the nose. Light phenolics. Medium-bodied with subtle depth and intensity. Fermented and aged seven month in 600-liter barrels. Viura and a touch of garnachia blanca."

Vinous — 92 Points: April 6, 2026 "The 2024 Blanco Baron de Chirel (Viura and other white varieties from Rioja Alavesa) was fermented in foudre and aged in barrel. Sourced from old vines, it opens with pear and field herbs, with evident oak shaping the profile. Broad and enveloping on the palate, chalky tension tightens the structure, leading to a flavorful finish marked by cream and caramel. Frank and distinctly Viura."

Food Pairing: Poultry, rice dishes, gently seasoned stews and Japanese cuisine.

Region: Rioja Alavesa, Rioja DOCa, Spain
Grapes: Viura, Garnacha Blanca, Malvasía and Maturana Blanca
Vineyards: Century-old plantings
Aging: Approximately eight months on the lees in French oak
Alcohol: 12.5%
Bottle Size: 750ml

95 Points Wine Enthusiast • 93 Points Vinous • 91 Points Wine Spectator

Originally created to celebrate the winery’s 150th anniversary, this distinguished Gran Reserva honors the winemaking traditions of Rioja Alavesa. Produced only in excellent vintages, it draws its character from old vineyard plots with vines more than 80 years old, delivering impressive concentration, complexity and elegance.

Crafted in the winery’s restored 1883 cellar, the 2017 vintage was aged for 32 months in French oak barrels, followed by a further three years in bottle. This extended maturation refines its substantial tannins, creating a wine that balances power with a polished, rounded texture.

Deep, dark cherry in color, it offers complex aromas of toasted oak, balsamic notes, black pepper and cinnamon. The palate is rich and structured, with generous depth and concentrated tannins that carry through to a long, silky finish. A distinctive Rioja for special dinners, thoughtful gifts and the cellar.

Professional Ratings

Wine Enthusiast — 95 Points
Deep garnet in color, this wine has a nose of black currant and caramel. Black cherry, cassis, mocha, butterscotch, violet and anisette flavors are wrapped in a sheath of opulent tannins that peel away to reveal a eucalyptus-infused finish.

Vinous — 93 Points
A Rioja with a Bordeaux influence, the 2017 Gran Reserva 150 Aniversario is a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from Rioja Alavesa and aged in oak barrels. Displaying a garnet color, the nose reveals herbs and oak with hints of pepper, blackberry and mocha. Dry, juicy and taut, the substantial, concentrated palate lingers with a black fruit core. This is a tasty red crafted with care in a crowd-pleasing style.

Wine Spectator — 91 Points
A skein of sweet tobacco, vanilla and red licorice winds through the baked cherry and black plum fruit, leather, dark chocolate and spice notes offered in this elegant red. Underlying tannins are supple and well-integrated, and the rich, lasting profile is brightened by a subtle tang of mandarin orange peel acidity. Drink now through 2030.

Additional Accolades: 99 Points Guía Vinos Gourmets 2024 • 98 Points Guía Vivir el Vino 2024 • 97 Points Guía Peñín 2024.

Food Pairing: Roast lamb, grilled beef, game casseroles, cured ham and mature cheeses.

Region: Rioja Alavesa, Rioja DOCa, Spain
Blend: 80% Tempranillo, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Aging: 32 months in French oak, followed by three years in bottle
Alcohol: 15%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Serving Temperature: 61–64°F (16–18°C)

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

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

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

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

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

Expert Rating

95 Points — Paul Gregutt

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

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

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

Named for a longtime friend of the winery, Daphne Vineyard contains just 1.5 acres of Pinot Noir, planted to the Pommard clone beginning in 1974. The Pinot Noir vines sit approximately 820 to 860 feet above sea level, near the top of this dramatically elevated site. The vineyard’s soils are exceptionally shallow—averaging less than ten inches over large underlying boulders—which contributes to the wine’s distinctive intensity, mineral character and naturally limited yields.

Daphne is the highest of Eyrie’s estate Pinot Noir sites. Its elevation and exposed position bring cooler conditions and help preserve acidity, while the mature vines produce very small clusters of intensely flavored fruit. Eyrie farms its vineyards organically and employs regenerative, no-till practices intended to protect soil biology and allow each vineyard to express its individual character.

Eyrie’s restrained winemaking philosophy places vineyard character ahead of cellar technique. Native fermentation, gentle handling, minimal racking and extended élevage are used to preserve freshness, aromatic complexity and transparency of site. The approach produces wines that can be compelling when young while also developing beautifully over extended bottle age.

The 2023 Daphne Vineyard Pinot Noir is especially concentrated and expressive. Layers of raspberry, blueberry and marionberry are carried by lively acidity, while earthy and exotic savory notes bring additional complexity. Hints of mushroom, sassafras and sandalwood emerge as the wine opens, leading into a long, slowly unfolding finish.

Expert Rating

96 Points — Paul Gregutt

Gregutt describes the 2023 Daphne as showing terrific concentration, with raspberry, blueberry and marionberry fruit supported by energetic acidity and nuances of powdered mushroom, sassafras and sandalwood. He also emphasizes its lingering finish. Only 153 cases were produced, making this one of Eyrie’s most limited single-vineyard Pinot Noirs.

Powerful without sacrificing elegance, the 2023 Daphne Vineyard is a compelling expression of old-vine Dundee Hills Pinot Noir. Its combination of concentrated fruit, vibrant acidity, mineral depth and savory complexity makes it particularly suited to further development in the cellar.

Region: Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Daphne Vineyard
Clone: Pommard
Pinot Noir Plantings: Beginning in 1974
Pinot Noir Area: Approximately 1.5 Acres
Elevation: Approximately 820–860 Feet
Farming: Certified Organic / Regenerative No-Till
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 153 Cases
Bottle Size: 750ml

An exceptionally refined expression of Chardonnay, Billecart-Salmon Le Blanc de Blancs is crafted entirely from Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs, one of Champagne’s most celebrated terroirs for Chardonnay.

The cuvée brings together fruit from the prestigious villages of Avize, Chouilly, Cramant and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, producing a Champagne of remarkable purity, precision and mineral intensity. Billecart-Salmon blends wines from two different years, allowing the House to capture both freshness and complexity while maintaining its signature elegant style.

Made from 100% Chardonnay, the wine is vinified in stainless-steel tanks to preserve its delicate fruit and mineral character. Between 20% and 50% reserve wines are incorporated into the blend, adding depth and complexity, while extended aging of approximately 4 to 5 years on the lees creates its refined texture and beautifully integrated mousse.

In the glass, Le Blanc de Blancs displays a luminous golden color with subtle green reflections and an exceptionally fine stream of bubbles. The mousse is delicate yet generous, giving the Champagne an elegant and polished appearance.

The bouquet is precise and mineral-driven, revealing aromas of white flowers, fresh butter and brioche, followed by bright citrus and subtle chalky notes. With time in the glass, the wine develops additional layers while retaining a remarkable sense of finesse and freshness.

On the palate, it is beautifully creamy yet vibrant. Flavors of fresh almond, lemon zest and citrus are carried by a distinctly chalky texture, reflecting the limestone-rich soils of the Côte des Blancs. A delicate meringue-like richness adds softness and depth, while the Champagne’s natural acidity keeps the palate fresh, energetic and beautifully balanced.

The finish is long, smooth and mineral, with a subtle saline note that adds precision and makes the wine particularly compelling at the table. Billecart-Salmon describes the cuvée as combining impressive vinosity with an unexpectedly fresh finish — a style that appeals especially to lovers of elegant, mineral-driven Champagne.

Vineyards

100% Grand Cru Côte des Blancs

Avize · Chouilly · Cramant · Le Mesnil-sur-Oger

Tasting Notes

Color: Luminous gold with delicate green reflections
Aromas: White flowers, brioche, fresh butter and mineral notes
Palate: Lemon zest, citrus, fresh almond, chalk and delicate meringue
Style: Creamy, precise, elegant and mineral-driven
Finish: Long, refined and saline

Winemaking

Vinification: Stainless steel
Reserve Wines: Approximately 20–50%
Lees Aging: Approximately 4–5 years
Recommended Cellaring: 8–10 years for a 750ml bottle
Serving Temperature: Approximately 50°F / 10°C
Bottle Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Oysters · Caviar · Scallops · Langoustines · Seafood carpaccio · Ceviche · Turbot · Sushi

Billecart-Salmon Le Blanc de Blancs is a beautifully precise Grand Cru Champagne, combining creamy Chardonnay richness with brilliant citrus freshness, chalky minerality and the effortless elegance for which the House is renowned.

Not Available for Immediate Delivery. Please allow 3-5 business days for fulfillment.

Chiseled · Mineral · Saline · Powerful · Precise

A profound Grand Cru Chablis combining extraordinary mineral intensity, vibrant citrus and a long, crystalline finish.

Among the most distinctive wines in the William Fèvre portfolio, Bougros Côte Bouguerots Grand Cru 2023 comes from a remarkable parcel at the lower, dramatically steep portion of the Bougros Grand Cru vineyard, close to the Serein River.

While classic Bougros is often known for its broad, generous and powerful character, Côte Bouguerots offers a very different expression. Cooler nights and the steep slope contribute remarkable freshness, tension and mineral definition, creating a Chablis of exceptional precision and energy.

The vineyard rises on an incline of approximately 40%, one of the steepest sections of the Chablis Grand Cru hillside. William Fèvre's Côte Bouguerots holding totals approximately 2.2 hectares, with the majority of the vines planted in 1979. The combination of mature vines, steep exposure and Chablis' celebrated Kimmeridgian soils gives this wine its extraordinary concentration and unmistakable mineral character.

The 2023 vintage opens with an expressive yet finely controlled bouquet of lemon zest, lime, white peach and pear, layered with delicate white flowers, oyster shell, chalk and subtle marine notes.

On the palate, it is concentrated and beautifully structured, showing remarkable purity and energy. Citrus and ripe stone fruit are framed by vivid acidity and a pronounced mineral backbone. Notes of crushed stone, chalk and sea spray run through the wine, leading to an exceptionally long, clean and saline finish.

There is impressive power beneath the surface, yet the wine remains elegant and finely chiseled. Its combination of concentration, freshness and mineral tension makes Côte Bouguerots one of the most compelling and age-worthy expressions in the William Fèvre range.

Food Pairing

A magnificent partner for oysters, lobster, langoustines, scallops and crab, as well as grilled or roasted fish. It is equally impressive with Dover sole, turbot, poultry, veal and refined dishes finished with butter or delicate cream sauces.

Serve lightly chilled rather than excessively cold to allow the wine's aromatic complexity, texture and minerality to fully emerge.

Professional Ratings

95 Decanter Magazine: Initially a bit restrained, the fruit opens up on the palate with notes of white peach, nectarine and Mirabelle plums, accented with a salty minerality and a hint of spice. Chiselled and fine but still impressively powerful. Fèvre owns more than a third of Bougros; 2ha are located in this unique parcel that rises steeply from the river in south-southwest-facing slopes, producing this exotic, concentrated wine that will live for decades.

95 Jasper Morris: The usual lime tint to the pale colour. Wonderfully chiselled, not seeing the sunshine here, just the vineyard. A burst of concentrated fruit through the middle, a pure kimmeridgian streak of energy, breadth and depth together, powerful all the way through. Barrel sample: 93-95

95 James Suckling: Limey, mineral and chalky nose with lots of marine substances and some green citrus. Pure energy, with excellent texture, precision and agility. Long, limpid and saline finish.

95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: Sourced from a site closer to the river, defined by a steep 40% gradient and cooler nights, the 2023 Chablis Grand Cru Bougros Côte Bouguerots is entirely different from the fleshy, muscular Bougros bottling. It offers aromas of lemon oil, oyster shell and white flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, it is taut and structured, with bright acidity, ample dry extract and a long finish. Stylistically, it recalls Les Preuses more than the usual Bougros archetype. Of the 2.2 hectares, 1.8 were planted in 1979.

92 Wine Spectator: his is generous, displaying peach, apple, lemon verbena and grapefruit flavors. Corralled by vivid acidity that emerges midpalate and defines the stone fruit and mineral finish. Approachable now for its fleshy appeal and harmony. Drink now through 2036.

The Style

Intense, crystalline and deeply mineral — a rare Grand Cru Chablis where power meets extraordinary precision, freshness and saline energy.

William Fèvre Chablis Grand Cru Bougros Côte Bouguerots 2023

Howard Park is a pioneering family-owned winery with over 35 years of history crafting wines from two of Western Australia's premier regions: Margaret River and the Great Southern. Founded by John Wade, who recognized the enormous potential of these emerging wine regions, Howard Park has always aspired to produce wines of generational cellaring potential and uncompromising terroir expression. Today, the winery remains family-owned and continues to set the benchmark for Western Australian fine wine.

The Miamup Chardonnay is sourced from Margaret River — Australia's most celebrated region for Chardonnay, where the maritime climate, ancient gravelly loam soils, and long, temperate growing season produce white wines of exceptional freshness, precision, and natural balance. The Miamup label represents Howard Park's approachable, fruit-forward tier: wines crafted with freshness and drinkability at their core, without sacrificing the quality and terroir integrity the estate is known for.

Vinification is focused on preserving the natural vibrancy and citrus-driven character of the Margaret River Chardonnay. Careful temperature-controlled fermentation, lees contact for texture, and minimal intervention allow the fruit and the region to speak clearly in the glass.

The 2024 Miamup Chardonnay opens with fresh, citrus-driven aromas of lemon peel, grapefruit, and orange blossom, with a touch of flint and reductive complexity. On the palate, the wine is midweight with lively acidity, generous texture, and notes of white stone fruit, ginger cream, and nutty lees. Bright and linear, with a clean, refreshing finish lifted by crisp acidity.

"Fresh, citrus-driven aromas of lemon peel, grapefruit, orange blossoms and flint. The midweight palate has lively acidity and a generous texture. Bright and linear with a nice reductive touch in the finish."
— Wine Spectator, 91 Points. (Vintage 2024). 

"A no-nonsense drink, as in it's made with freshness and drinkability in mind. It meets the brief well. Some citrus and white stone fruit, ginger cream, and nutty lees add texture, with acidity lifting the finish and keeping the palate fresh."
— Australian Wine Companion, 90 Points. (Vintage 2024). 

Grape: Chardonnay
Region: Margaret River, Western Australia
Vintage: 2024
Bottle Size: 750ml

Pairing: Grilled fish, roast chicken, scallops, creamy pasta, soft cheeses, and light seafood dishes.