90+ Points | Critical Acclaim | Wine & Sparkling Wine

67Wine Buyer's Note

Bart Hopkins, 67Wine
Stephanie Fumoso is the great-granddaughter of Eugène Bonfils, who founded Domaine Gour de Chaulé in 1900. The estate has 10 hectares in the village of Gigondas, planted mainly to Grenache with small percentages of Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault. The 2022 Cuvée Tradition is a pure expression of this beautiful part of the Southern Rhône — juicy, herb-infused strawberry fruit on the nose accented with crushed pepper and savory spices. Energetic and lively in the mouth, with a gentle grip of tannins and a lick of acidity on the long, elegant finish. Well balanced and perfectly suited to the dinner table — serve with braised meats, roasted vegetables, and hearty Mediterranean dishes.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

James Suckling — 93 Points
"A refined, chiseled and bright red based mostly on Grenache with the addition of Syrah and Mourvèdre. The nose is precise and charming, with notes of wild strawberries, dried flowers, wet stones, and baking spices. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Fresh and well-balanced. Beautiful volume. Silky texture with a purity of fruit and a harmonious finish. Drink or hold."

Vinous — 93 Points
"The full-bodied 2022 Gigondas Cuvée Tradition 1871 is a total delight. Succulent red fruits mingle with floral tones and a pinch of dried herbs. Smooth tannins and bright acidity neatly structure this silky-textured Gigondas, which culminates with a concentrated, sapid finish. Give it two more years in bottle to develop even more complexity."

About the Vineyard

Several important vineyard sites form this Gigondas, including Gour de Chaulé, Les Blaches, and Les Bousquets. The Grenache vines average well over a half century in age, contributing the concentration and complexity that defines this cuvée.

Product Details

• Producer: Domaine Gour de Chaulé
• Region: Gigondas AOC, Southern Rhône, France
• Blend: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault
• Vine Age: 50+ years
• Vintage: 2022
• Style: Full-bodied, structured Southern Rhône red
• Format: 750ml

Allegrini · Palazzo della Torre · Veronese IGT · Veneto, Italy · 2023 · 750ml

Allegrini is one of the Veneto's most important wine families, with roots in Fumane di Valpolicella stretching back to the 16th century. Palazzo della Torre is their signature Veronese IGT — a wine that has quietly become one of Italy's great overachievers. Blended from Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and a touch of Sangiovese, it undergoes a partial ripasso-style process: a portion of the grapes are dried before fermentation, adding concentration, depth, and structure that punch well above the wine's price point. The result is a bottle that drinks like an Amarone's younger sibling — at a fraction of the cost. At $20.99, this is the Italian red you reach for when you want to impress without overthinking it.

Deep ruby in the glass with a generous, dark-fruited nose of black cherry, blackberry, ash, incense, and a hint of dark chocolate. On the palate: full-bodied and richly textured, with lush fruit framed by graphite, crisp acidity, and tight, youthful tannins that give the wine real structure and aging potential. James Suckling awarded it 93 points for the 2023 vintage. Drink now through 2029, or cellar for a few years to let the tannins soften and the complexity deepen. Pair with braised short ribs, lamb ragu, aged pecorino, or a simple plate of charcuterie.

• Producer: Allegrini (est. Fumane di Valpolicella, Veneto)
• Wine: Palazzo della Torre · Veronese IGT
• Vintage: 2023
• Origin: Veneto, Italy
• Blend: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Sangiovese
• Method: Partial ripasso-style drying process
• Style: Full-bodied, structured Veneto red
• Score: James Suckling 93 Points
• Drinking Window: Now–2029
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, blackberry, ash, incense, dark chocolate, graphite, crisp acidity, chewy tannins
• Pair With: Braised short ribs · Lamb ragu · Aged pecorino · Charcuterie

Ripasso depth, Amarone soul — Allegrini's most reliable overachiever.

The Wine Spectator 90 Points | A bright, balanced red, with an aromatic overtone of medicinal herbs and spices accenting flavors of macerated cherry and raspberry fruit, stone, smoke, milled pepper and paprika. Lightly chewy on the finish. Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio. Drink now through 2033. (Vintage 2023). 

Winemaker Notes

Benanti Etna Rosso is pale ruby red in color. The bouquet is ethereal and intense, with spicy red fruit aromas. Well balanced and medium-bodied, with a mineral-rich complexity, pleasant acidity, and a saline freshness on the long and lively finish.

Food Pairings

A versatile wine that pairs beautifully with red meats, aged cheeses, grilled fish, and white meats. Equally excellent by the glass.

Product Details

• Producer: Benanti
• Region: Etna DOC, Sicily, Italy
• Grape: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio
• Vintage: 2022
• Style: Volcanic red — mineral, floral, saline
• Format: 750ml

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points by Jeff Porter | A stunning wine from a vastly underrated region, this wine opens with vibrant orchard fruits and cascading spring blossoms, creating a seductive aromatic cloud that pulls you into the glass. The dynamic palate dazzles with tart fruit, almond skin, and peach stone complexity, while fresh herbs add layers of intrigue. This brilliant Gavi captures both immediate pleasure and serious aging potential. Drink now – 2035.

Winemaker Description

Straw yellow in color with slight greenish hints. Offers a particularly fine mineral feeling with notes of fruit and white flowers. The mouthfeel is lively and balanced, with a fresh acidity that increases its persistence and favors its drinkability. A slight almond finish.

About La Raia

La Raia's vineyards sit at approximately 400 metres above sea level in the Gavi DOCG zone of Piedmont, with calcareous and clayey soils and south-east and south-west exposures. With an average density of 4,500 plants per hectare, the estate is farmed entirely without chemicals in accordance with strict biodynamic principles — one of the most committed organic and biodynamic producers in all of Italy.

Food Pairings

Excellent as an aperitif, paired with hors d’oeuvres, fish ragù, vegetable first courses, and seafood. A versatile and food-friendly Italian white.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: 2024
Region: Gavi, Piedmont, Italy
Appellation: Gavi DOCG
Grape Variety: Cortese
Farming: Biodynamic, Chemical-Free
Style: White Wine, Dry

Studio by Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé — Provence 2025

Studio by Miraval is a collaboration between the celebrated Perrin Family — the force behind Château Beaucastel and some of the Rhône’s greatest wines — and the legendary Miraval estate in Provence. Named as a tribute to the recording studio where Pink Floyd recorded The Wall, this wine embodies the spirit of Art de Vivre around the Mediterranean. Strongly influenced by sea spray and the proximity of the Mediterranean Sea, the salty, almost iodized soils of the estate give the wine a unique coastal character that sets it apart from the crowd. The 2025 vintage — marked by intense summer heat, early maturity, and beautifully concentrated, aromatic berries — earned 90 points from Decanter and is punching well above its price.

The color is a seductive, clear, bright pale-pink with pastel reflections. The nose is all finesse and elegance: small red fruit, cherry blossom, and a superb aromatic bouquet. On the palate, it is lively and ample — blood orange, redcurrant, and cranberry are perfectly balanced by a fresh mineral structure and a hint of bitterness, with a long, tasty finish that lingers with iodized freshness.

Decanter 90 — “Concentrated, a really nice balance between cranberry and citrus. Open and lifted and aromatic, floral, dry and full of flavour. This is punching above its weight for the price.”

• Producer: Studio by Miraval, Perrin Family, Provence, France
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Côtes de Provence AOC
• Style: Dry Rosé
• Terroir: Mediterranean coastal soils with sea spray influence
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherry blossom, small red fruit, blood orange, redcurrant, cranberry, fresh mineral structure, iodized finish
• Serve: Well-chilled at 44–48°F
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, seafood, light salads, goat cheese, Provençal cuisine; perfect as an apéritif

Pink Floyd’s studio, the Perrin Family’s expertise, and the Mediterranean’s soul — Studio by Miraval is the Provence rosé that always earns its place at the table.

Domaine Schoffit Pinot Blanc Auxerrois Vieilles Vignes Sec — Alsace 2024

Bernard Schoffit is one of Alsace’s most celebrated and quietly brilliant producers — a pioneer in the region’s greatest Grand Cru, Rangen de Thann, where he has reclaimed 6.5 hectares of near-vertical, abandoned slopes through sheer determination and ambition. His gift for winemaking extends well beyond Rangen: from his vineyards near Colmar, he applies the same rigorous approach to yields and viticulture, coaxing extraordinary wines from old vines with intense varietal purity, concentrated fruit, and perfect balancing acidity.

This Pinot Blanc Auxerrois Vieilles Vignes is sourced from steep slopes near Colmar, from vines planted between 60 and 75 years ago. Pure Auxerrois — bone dry, elegant, and unusually smooth. The nose offers delicate yellow plum, white berry fruit, stony minerality, and a subtle hint of spice. On the palate, it flows with poise and grace — bright, fluid, and surprisingly fresh, with a long, concentrated finish that belies its modest price.

“Unusually smooth and fluid, just flowing and bright… exceptionally serene.” — Vinous, 91 Points (2023 prior vintage)

“Elegant, yet complex and rich. Delicate yellow plum and white berry fruit intermingles with stony minerality and a subtle hint of spice.” — Rand Sieger, 67 Wine Buyer

• Producer: Domaine Schoffit, Colmar, Alsace, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Alsace AOC
• Varietal: 100% Auxerrois (Pinot Blanc Auxerrois)
• Vine Age: 60–75 years old
• Style: Bone Dry (Sec)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Yellow plum, white berry, stony minerality, citrus, subtle spice, long finish
• Best Paired With: Alsatian tarte flambée, grilled trout, roast pork, soft-ripened cheeses, charcuterie

Old vines, a legendary producer, and a price that makes it an instant cellar staple — Schoffit Auxerrois is one of Alsace’s great white wine values.

Château Bel-Air Lussac Saint-Émilion 2020 — Bordeaux, France

Château Bel-Air is a benchmark estate in Lussac Saint-Émilion, the satellite appellation just north of Saint-Émilion proper, where clay-limestone soils and a cooler microclimate produce Merlot and Cabernet Franc of remarkable depth and elegance. The 2020 Cuvée Jean & Gabriel — equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc, raised in one-third new French oak — is a standout achievement in an exceptional vintage. James Suckling awarded it 92 points; the Wine Advocate 91; Jeb Dunnuck 90 — calling it “well worth seeking out” with 8–10 years of prime drinking ahead.

The nose is complex and inviting: crushed raspberries and blackberries, kirsch, lavender, dark spices, and a whisper of wild mushroom and damp earth. On the palate it is medium- to full-bodied, with savory layers of red and black fruit, soft tannins, and a seamless, balanced finish of outstanding length.

James Suckling 92 • Wine Advocate 91 • Jeb Dunnuck 90 — “Seamless, balanced mouthfeel and outstanding length.”

• Producer: Château Bel-Air, Lussac Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Lussac Saint-Émilion AOC
• Blend: 50% Merlot, 50% Cabernet Franc
• Aging: One-third new French oak
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, raspberry, kirsch, lavender, dark spice, earthy, seamless finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 8–10 years
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, duck confit, beef bourguignon, aged Comté, mushroom risotto

A 92-point Right Bank Bordeaux at an honest price — Château Bel-Air is the benchmark for what Lussac Saint-Émilion can be.

Educated Guess Cabernet Sauvignon — Napa Valley 2023

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at this price is a rare find — and Educated Guess makes a compelling case that you don’t have to spend a fortune to drink well from one of the world’s greatest wine regions. The 2023 vintage is bright, structured, and built for the table.

The nose is spiced and cedary, with dark cherry, ripe plum, hints of cigar box, and a whisper of wet earth. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and chewy with a lightly austere, bitter-spice character balanced by juicy, fruit-forward depth. Petite Sirah contributes beautiful color and spice, while splashes of Petit Verdot and Malbec round out the mouthwatering finish.

“Full-bodied and chewy with juicy fruit underneath.” — James Suckling, 90 Points

• Producer: Educated Guess, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Malbec
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, plum, cedar, cigar box, wet earth, bitter spice
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, lamb chops, aged cheddar, braised short ribs

A crowd-pleasing Napa Cab with genuine structure and complexity — an educated choice for any occasion.

  Frank Family Vineyards Chardonnay Napa Valley 2024 — Carneros, Napa Valley

Frank Family Vineyards is one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated estates, founded in 1992 by Rich Frank — former president of Disney Studios — with a singular focus on producing benchmark Napa wines. Their Carneros Chardonnay is a perennial critical favorite, sourced from one of Napa Valley’s most prized appellations for the variety. Carneros, situated at the southern end of the valley just north of San Pablo Bay, is defined by cool maritime breezes, morning fog, and clay-rich soils that produce Chardonnay of exceptional balance between richness and acidity.

The 2024 leads with zesty lemon and guava aromas tempered by notes of vanilla and caramel-covered apples. On the palate, delicious layers of nutmeg and crème brûlée seamlessly combine with hints of toasted oak and elegant waves of fresh acidity, leading to a bright, lingering finish. James Suckling awarded it 92 points, calling it “a very generous, luscious and focused Chardonnay — well made, poised and stylish.”

James Suckling 92 — “A very generous, luscious and focused Chardonnay with a good core of fruit and spices, bright acidity and a textural, rounded mouthfeel.”

• Producer: Frank Family Vineyards, Calistoga, Napa Valley (est. 1992)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Napa Valley AVA (Carneros)
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon, guava, vanilla, caramel apple, nutmeg, crème brûlée, toasted oak, bright acidity, lingering finish
• Best Paired With: Roasted chicken, lobster, crab, creamy pasta, brie, light butter and cream sauces

Carneros Chardonnay at its most poised — Frank Family delivers richness, elegance, and Napa Valley terroir in every glass.

Sella & Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva — Sardinia, Italy 2021

Sella & Mosca is Sardinia's most storied and important winery, founded in 1899 near Alghero in the northwest of the island. With over 500 hectares under vine, it is one of Europe's largest single-estate wineries — and its Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva is the benchmark expression of the island's most celebrated indigenous red grape. Cannonau — known on the mainland and in France as Grenache — has been grown in Sardinia for centuries and thrives in the island's sun-drenched, wind-swept terrain. The Riserva designation requires extended aging, adding structure and complexity to the grape's naturally generous fruit character.

The 2021 pours a ruby red with garnet hues, translucent and brilliant. The nose is bright and refined — fresh violet, red berries, plum, blackcurrant, sun-dried tomatoes, and oriental spices with a savory, lightly smoky character. On the palate, it's medium-bodied, solid, and well-structured, with fine tannins, fresh bursts of balsam and medicinal herbs, and a long finish that moves through toasted hints before returning to the spice route. Warm, balanced, and unmistakably Sardinian.

"Red berries, herbs, smoke and sun-dried tomatoes on the nose. Lightly peppery and spicy on the palate, medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a tasty finish." — James Suckling, 92 Points

• Producer: Sella & Mosca, Alghero, Sardinia, Italy
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: Cannonau di Sardegna DOC Riserva
• Varietal: Cannonau (Grenache)
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: James Suckling 92
• Tasting Notes: Red berries, violet, plum, sun-dried tomatoes, oriental spices, balsam, fine tannins
• Best Paired With: Roasted lamb, grilled meats, wild boar ragù, aged Pecorino Sardo, hearty pasta dishes

A 92-point Sardinian Riserva from the island's most iconic estate — Cannonau at its most expressive, structured, and authentically Mediterranean.

Mumm Napa Brut Prestige — California NV

Mumm Napa is widely considered one of California’s finest producers of méthode champenoise sparkling wine, blending traditional French Champagne techniques with the vibrant, sun-ripened fruit of Napa Valley. The Brut Prestige is the house’s signature expression — a complex assemblage of primarily Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that delivers elegance, freshness, and exceptional value in every glass. Earning 90 points from both Wine Spectator and Decanter, this is the best-value domestic sparkler that consistently punches above its price point.

The nose opens with gorgeous layered white blossom aromas, followed by creamy vanilla, citrus, stone fruit, and melon. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and delicate yet plush — cherry, lemon verbena, green apple, orange blossom, and yeast roll flavors linger on a supple, refreshing finish with excellent mousse and crisp, elegant acidity. Equally at home as an apéritif or at the table.

Wine Spectator 90 — “Delicate in style yet plush, with pretty cherry, lemon verbena and yeast roll flavors that linger on the supple, refreshing finish.”

Decanter 90 — “A snappy sparkling with a seriously fresh nose of green apple, orange blossom, citrus and gingerbread. Medium-bodied, balanced, crisp and complex, with a lengthy finish.”

• Producer: Mumm Napa, Napa Valley, California, USA
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: California
• Blend: Pinot Noir & Chardonnay
• Method: Méthode Champenoise
• Style: Brut Sparkling
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White blossom, vanilla, citrus, stone fruit, cherry, lemon verbena, green apple, orange blossom, excellent mousse
• Best Paired With: Oysters, sushi, truffle popcorn, roast poultry, creamy pasta, spicy Thai; excellent in Mimosas or French 75

French technique, California sunshine, 90 points from two continents — Mumm Napa’s Brut Prestige is the sparkling wine that makes every occasion feel special.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2020

James Suckling — 94 Points | A discreet and savory nose of blackcurrants, tobacco leaves, coffee beans, and dried herbs. The palate is full-bodied with silky tannins, bright acidity, and notes of dark cherries, olives, and beets. A well-balanced wine that will age gracefully. Drink or hold.

Wine Enthusiast — 92 Points | The expressive nose gives aromas of black currant, plum, and tobacco with just a whisper of capsicum. The palate displays vibrant cranberry, black cherry, cigar, and black pepper flavors in a medium-bodied frame.

Winemaker Notes

Rich notes of ripe black cherry, currant, and boysenberry mingle gracefully with delicate cedar. On the palate, a harmonious balance unfolds with flavors of blueberry, cranberry, and clove, all embraced by smooth tannins from French oak barrels. The dark fruit flavors and subtle acidity leave a lasting impression. Decant 60 minutes before serving or cellar through 2040.

The elegance, acidity, and spice notes complement grilled or roasted dishes — beef bourguignon, duck confit, roasted chicken — as well as vegetarian preparations like mushroom risotto and roasted vegetables.

• Producer: Jordan Winery
• Appellation: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Blend: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec
• Aging: French oak barrels
• Vintage: 2020
• Drink: Now through 2040
• Format: 750ml

Maison Saint AIX Rosé — Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, France 2025 750ml

Nestled in the Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, Maison Saint Aix is a Provençal estate with a rich winemaking heritage rooted in exceptional terroir. The vineyard spans 75 hectares, where Mediterranean sun, cooling Mistral winds, and limestone-rich soils provide the ideal environment for Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault. Grapes are cultivated using sustainable, organic practices that respect the environment and preserve local biodiversity. Aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve maximum purity and freshness, AIX Rosé is an authentic expression of Provence — elegant, crisp, and unmistakably of its place.

The 2025 opens with a hypnotizing pale pink color and aromas of citrus, wild berries, and white peach. On the palate it is refreshingly crisp and dry, with a mineral finish that lingers with precision and grace.

The Tasting Panel 92 Points — “Salted raspberries, summer watermelon, and a linear strike of wet stone weave through, creating a juicy, mouth-puckering pink sipper.”

• Producer: Maison Saint Aix, Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, France
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence AOC
• Blend: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault
• Farming: Organic, sustainable practices
• Aging: Stainless steel tanks for maximum freshness
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Pale pink, citrus, wild berries, white peach, salted raspberry, watermelon, wet stone, crisp mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled seafood, summer salads, goat cheese, charcuterie, light pasta dishes

The quintessential Provençal rosé — AIX 2025 is everything summer in a glass.

Gérard Boulay | Sancerre AOC, Loire Valley, France | Rosé | Organic | 2025

Made from 35–40 year old Pinot Noir vines on the steep clay hillsides of Chavignol — the village many consider the finest terroir in all of Sancerre — Boulay's Sibylle Rosé is one of the Loire's most sought-after small-production pours. Only 200 cases are made annually. Gérard harvests his Pinot specifically for rosé by direct press into tank, adds no commercial yeast, and uses minimal SO2, letting the vintage and the land speak for themselves. What makes the rosé one year could make red another — a true expression of place and season.

"One of our favorite recommendations for the past three years. Balanced between juiciness and acidity, with obvious red berry notes — certain to make your mouth water." — Bart Hopkins, 67 Wine Buyer

Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
Vines: 35–40 years, Chavignol
Soils: Steep clay hillside
Farming: Organic (practicing)
Vinification: Direct press, tank fermented, no added yeast, minimal SO2
Production: ~200 cases annually
Drink: Now–2027

Tasting Notes

• Fresh red berries, strawberry, and subtle floral notes
• Juicy, mouth-watering palate with bright Sancerre acidity
• Crisp, clean finish | Mineral backbone | Elegant and precise

Pairings: Grilled salmon, goat cheese, charcuterie, light summer dishes, oysters

Enjoy Balta Pairs: Mas Petit Organic 2021

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

James Suckling writes 91 Points |  A well-balanced and flavorful blend of garnatxa and cabernet. Dark cherries, plums and earth aromas mingle on the nose and follow through to a medium body with creamy tannins. Vibrant with a fruity and chocolaty finish. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Drink now.

Winemaker Description 

Rhone meets Bordeaux in Penedes. The Cab here provides the body and power, Grenache for the florality and freshness. A cold maceration and fermentation in stainless before finishing in oak. Rich, velvety, dark berry, vanilla, baking spice, and a touch of licorice lead the way. Very generous fruit, big body, framed nicely in oak without it taking a front seat. This is the big red that will appeal to many.

Memo Summary Notes

The Parés Baltà Mas Petit 2021 is a characterful, eco-conscious red blend from the Penedès region of Catalonia, Spain. Produced by a family estate that has been organic since 1790, this wine is a "Crianza" style that balances Mediterranean warmth with soft oak influence.

Its soft tannins and high fruit profile make it incredibly versatile for informal dining:

• Barbecue: Grilled sausages, burgers, or marinated flank steak.

• Tapas: Cured meats (Jamon Ibérico), Chorizo, or paté.

• Vegetarian: Roasted Mediterranean vegetables or Portobello mushroom steaks.

• Cheese: Mild semi-hard cheeses like Manchego or Gouda.

Unveiling the Essence of Balta Pairs

Balta Pairs Mas Petit Organic 2021 presents an intriguing blend of flavors that showcases the richness of organic farming. This wine, made from carefully selected grapes, embodies the spirit of the Penedes region. Its vibrant notes and delicate tannins invite you to explore its complex profile. The organic nature of this wine not only reflects a commitment to sustainable practices but also enhances the overall tasting experience. Enjoying this bottle means embracing a unique wine journey, enriched by its organic heritage.

A Perfect Pairing for Every Occasion

This exquisite organic wine is versatile, making it a fantastic choice for various culinary experiences. Whether you're enjoying grilled vegetables, a flavorful cheese platter, or a hearty roast, Balta Pairs Mas Petit 2021 harmonizes beautifully with your meals. The balanced acidity and fruity notes ensure that it complements rather than overwhelms the palate. Because of its adaptability, this wine is ideal for casual gatherings, celebratory dinners, or simply unwinding after a long day.

Why Choose Organic?

Choosing Balta Pairs means choosing a product crafted with care and respect for nature. Organic wines like Mas Petit are produced without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, allowing the natural terroir to shine through. This dedication to organic farming not only benefits the environment but also results in healthier wine options. As you sip on this delightful 750ml bottle, you can feel good about supporting sustainable choices while enjoying a deliciously crafted organic wine. Explore the wonders of nature with every sip of Balta Pairs!

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2022

94 pts — James Suckling
Bright and overtly fruity, this is full of intoxicating violets, cinnamon, blood oranges and black cherries, expressing mint and balsamic depth. Full-bodied with a soft, smooth attack, dusty yet velvety tannins and brilliant acidity. The chocolaty finish shows licorice and a mouth-coating texture. Delicious and balanced. Drink or hold.

93 pts — Vinous
The 2022 Barbaresco is a pretty rich, heady wine. Dark cherry/plum fruit, cloves, licorice and mocha build as the 2022 shows off its considerable depth. One of the few 2022s that is quite resonant texturally. The inclusion of some juice from Riserva lots is a great help. All things considered, this is a stellar showing.

92 pts — Jeb Dunnuck
Jeweled red color with aromas of ripe raspberry liqueur, fresh cherries, sweet herbs, and pressed flowers. Medium-bodied with ripe tannins and a clean, even finish. Juicy and approachable. Drink 2025–2040.

Winemaker Notes

Classic Barbaresco color with scents of spices, pepper, and black cherries. Powerful, firm, elegant, and ethereal.

About Produttori del Barbaresco

Founded in 1958, Produttori del Barbaresco is one of Italy's most revered wine cooperatives — and the benchmark producer for Barbaresco DOCG. The cooperative unites growers from the finest crus in the Barbaresco commune: Asili, Rabajà, Montefico, Montestefano, Ovello, Pora, and Rio Sordo. Under winemaker Aldo Vacca, Produttori remains committed to traditional Nebbiolo winemaking — long macerations, large Slavonian oak casks, and minimal intervention — producing wines of extraordinary purity, terroir expression, and age-worthiness at prices that consistently over-deliver.

Food Pairings

Fresh pasta with truffles or ragù, braised lamb, roasted game birds, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Barolo-braised short ribs. Cellar through 2040 or decant 2–3 hours before serving now.

Product Details

• Producer: Produttori del Barbaresco
• Appellation: Barbaresco DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: 100% Nebbiolo
• Vintage: 2022
• Aging: Large Slavonian oak casks
• Style: Full-bodied, structured, age-worthy
• Drink: Now–2040 (decant 2–3 hours)
• Format: 750ml

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 95 Points | A youthful wine full of fruit, showing intense fresh roses, black cherries and plums. The generous nose is supported by a lush, supple palate with medium body. Velvety tannins with a chalkier finish and refreshing length. 

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Full of savory, umami flavors, this red evokes earth, leather, sweet spice, cherry, plum and Szechuan peppercorn notes. Firm and dry, with broad tannins and a lingering kernel of cherry. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2027 through 2040. 

Winemaker Description - Vintage 2022 

Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2022 is intensely ruby red in color. Impressive on the nose with intense notes of black cherries, delicate floral hints of violets and rose petals that lead over to notes of vanilla and cocoa powder. Entry on the palate is mouth filling and lively then unfolds with great balance revealing supple vibrant tannins that accompany and sustain a long, sapid and persistent finish.

Expert Review — Vintage 2023

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points | Seamless and supple with vanilla, dark cherry, and a twist of earthy forest. Sourced from several vineyards in San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara. Long-lasting, fresh, and approachable with full-bodied weight and breadth supported by supple tannins and spiced oak.

Winemaker Notes

Beautifully lush and supple, this Pinot Noir draws you in with inviting aromas of raspberry, dark cherry, dried sage, and sweet tobacco leaf. Soft, supple tannins frame alluring layers of wild strawberry and Bing cherry, with hints of cracked black pepper and spice on a long, satisfying finish.

About Calera

Calera is one of California’s most storied Pinot Noir producers, founded by Josh Jensen in the 1970s after studying under Burgundy legends. Jensen was among the first to champion limestone soils in California for Pinot Noir — the estate’s name means "lime kiln" in Spanish. This Central Coast bottling blends fruit from across the region to deliver Calera’s signature elegance at an accessible price point.

Tasting & Pairings

Dark cherry, raspberry, wild strawberry, dried sage, sweet tobacco, black pepper, and spiced oak. Full-bodied yet supple with soft tannins and a long finish.

• Roasted duck or quail — the dark fruit and sage notes are a natural match for game birds.
• Grilled salmon with herbs — California Pinot and Pacific salmon, always a winner.
• Mushroom risotto or truffle pasta — the earthy forest character complements umami-rich dishes.

Critical Acclaim

Wine Enthusiast — 91 Points
"This cru bourgeois estate has produced a generously rich wine. Dense tannins and balanced acidity come from a texture that offers dusty tannins and ripe blackberry fruits. Drink from 2021."

Winemaker Description

Deep red berry aromas underscored by black pepper, crushed herbs, and licorice. Lean and elegant on the palate with lovely red currant flavors, very fine tannins, a pleasingly chewy texture, and spice on the finish.

Primary Varietals - Cabernet Sauvignon with some Merlot, Cabernet Franc

About Château Haut Queyran

Château Haut Queyran is a Cru Bourgeois estate in the Médoc appellation of Bordeaux, producing structured, terroir-driven reds from the classic Bordeaux varieties — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The Cru Bourgeois classification, reinstated in 2020 after rigorous quality audits, recognizes estates that consistently deliver quality above their price point. At under $30, Haut Queyran represents one of the most compelling value propositions in the Médoc, offering genuine Bordeaux structure and aging potential without the grand cru price tag.

Food Pairings

Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, duck confit, mushroom risotto, and aged hard cheeses. Decant 30–60 minutes before serving; will continue to develop through 2028.

Product Details

• Producer: Château Haut Queyran
• Appellation: Médoc AOC, Bordeaux, France
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois
• Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
• Vintage: 2018
• Style: Structured, elegant Bordeaux red
• Drink: Now–2028 (decant 30–60 min)
• Format: 750ml

La Spinetta Barbera d’Asti Superiore Ca’ di Pian Organic — Piedmont 2023

La Spinetta is one of Piedmont’s most celebrated estates, founded by Giorgio Rivetti in Castagnole delle Lanze. Rivetti is widely credited with modernizing Barbera d’Asti — bringing precision viticulture, organic farming, and meticulous cellar work to a variety long underestimated in the region. Ca’ di Pian, sourced from Castagnole delle Lanze and Costigliole d’Asti, is La Spinetta’s entry-level Barbera — yet it consistently punches well above its price, earning critical acclaim vintage after vintage. The estate farms entirely without synthetic pesticides or herbicides, expressing the purest possible fruit from its Piedmontese terroir.

The 2023 is soft, supple, and immediately captivating. A burst of blueberry, black cherry, morello cherry, spice, lavender, menthol, and chocolate gives the wine tremendous appeal and versatility. Fresh, fruit-forward, and beautifully balanced — an especially fine edition of this beloved cuvée.

“A terrific value… tons of immediacy and sheer appeal.” — Vinous, 90 Points

• Producer: La Spinetta, Castagnole delle Lanze, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Barbera d’Asti Superiore DOC
• Vineyard: Ca’ di Pian (Castagnole delle Lanze & Costigliole d’Asti)
• Varietal: 100% Barbera
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blueberry, black cherry, morello cherry, spice, lavender, menthol, chocolate
• Best Paired With: Cured meats, soft cheeses, Piedmontese agnolotti, roast veal, grilled meats, mushroom dishes

Giorgio Rivetti’s benchmark Barbera — organic, expressive, and one of Piedmont’s great values under $30.

MacRostie Winery and Vineyards Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2023 — Sonoma Coast, California

MacRostie Winery and Vineyards has been one of Sonoma Coast’s most dedicated Chardonnay producers since 1987, when Steve MacRostie began crafting wines that prioritized site expression over winemaking intervention. The Sonoma Coast AVA — with its cool Pacific-influenced climate, morning fog, and well-drained hillside soils — is one of California’s premier addresses for Chardonnay, producing wines with the kind of natural acidity and aromatic complexity that sets them apart from warmer inland bottlings.

The 2023 opens with beautiful aromas of tropical fruit, melon, and perfumed lemon mingling with hints of slate, wet chalk, and intriguing floral notes of jasmine and orange blossom. On the velvety palate, pineapple and guava give way to layers of stone fruit, Key lime pie, Asian pear, and yellow apple, all flowing to a long, luxurious finish. James Suckling awarded it 90 points, noting “plenty of ripe, succulent fruit on a full body and a smooth, rounded texture.”

James Suckling 90 — “Applesauce, pineapple, brown butter and vanilla bean flavors give ample richness.”

• Producer: MacRostie Winery and Vineyards, Sonoma Coast, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast AVA
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Closure: Screwcap
• Farming: Sustainable
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Tropical fruit, melon, lemon, jasmine, orange blossom, pineapple, guava, stone fruit, Key lime, Asian pear, brown butter, vanilla
• Best Paired With: Grilled halibut, lobster bisque, roasted chicken, creamy pasta, soft cheeses, crab cakes

Sonoma Coast Chardonnay at its most expressive — MacRostie delivers complexity and elegance at an honest price.

Château de Pitray | Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux | 2019

Right Bank Bordeaux that punches well above its price. The 2019 Château de Pitray is a blend of 75% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Malbec — a classic Castillon formula that delivers old-world charm with immediate drinkability. Expect a bouquet of blackberry, currant, and dried herbs with a subtle marine note and a whisper of Japanese nori. On the palate, the texture is soft and velvety, with supple tannins, nicely judged acidity, and a fresh, clean finish. Dense enough to reward a few more years in the cellar, yet approachable right now — the kind of bottle that earns its place at a Sunday supper without a second thought.

• Appellation: Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, France
• Blend: 75% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec
• Vintage: 2019
• Format: 750ml
• Drink Window: Now – 2030+

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2019

Wine Enthusiast — Roger Voss | 91 Points: Soft and velvety in texture, this wine is full of ripe fruit. Cushioned by the texture, the tannins are dense enough to promise aging to this wine with potential. Drink from 2024.

James Suckling | 91 Points: Aromas of berries and mushrooms with some fresh herbs. Some currants, too. Medium body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Very drinkable now, but will age beautifully. Best after 2023.

Neal Martin, Vinous: Old school bouquet with blackberry and light marine scents, a touch of Japanese nori. Medium-bodied with supple, soft tannins. Nicely judged acidity — a Pitray that has charm and drinkability.

67 Wine Picks

"Drinks above its price tag! There's a medley of secondary and even tertiary aromas and flavors in this wine that always fits the bill for a laid-back Sunday Supper." — Oscar

Feudi di San Gregorio Falanghina del Sannio — Campania, Italy 2023

Feudi di San Gregorio is the standard-bearer for modern Campanian winemaking — a producer that has done more than any other to bring the ancient indigenous grapes of southern Italy to international attention. Their Falanghina del Sannio is sourced from the volcanic soils of the Sannio DOC in Campania's Benevento province, where the Falanghina grape has been cultivated since antiquity. Fermented in stainless steel to preserve freshness and aromatic purity, the 2023 vintage is a textbook expression of this underrated southern Italian white — vibrant, mineral, and effortlessly food-friendly.

The color is a brilliant straw yellow with green reflections. The nose is intense and persistent: jasmine, acacia honey, lemon, lime blossom, a touch of nutmeg, and clean aromas of salt and wet stone. On the palate, lively acidity turns those citrus notes bubbly, contrasting beautifully with a honeyed, mouth-filling texture that is medium-bodied and lightly creamy. The finish is clean, fresh, and mineral-driven. Drink now through 2026.

James Suckling 90 — "Fresh and pretty, showing lemon, lime blossom and a touch of nutmeg. Medium-bodied and lightly creamy in texture." | Wine Enthusiast 90 — "Lively acid turns citrus notes bubbly, contrasting with a honeyed, mouth-filling texture."

• Producer: Feudi di San Gregorio, Sorbo Serpico, Campania, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Falanghina del Sannio DOC
• Varietal: 100% Falanghina
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Jasmine, acacia honey, lemon, lime blossom, wet stone, nutmeg, creamy finish
• Drink: Now through 2026
• Best Paired With: Aperitivo, seafood, grilled fish, vegetable dishes, fresh cheeses, light appetizers

A brilliant ambassador for Campanian white wine — Feudi di San Gregorio's Falanghina is fresh, mineral, and made for the table.

Expert Review – Vintage 2023

James Suckling – 90 Points
Sour cherries, sultanas, dried oranges and sweet spices on the nose, followed by a medium- to full-bodied, jammy and lightly sweet-sour palate. Ripe tannins.

Winemaker's Notes

Broad, ripe black fruit and spice aromas, with notes of pepper, toasty vanilla and Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, the wine has a robust, concentrated character, a firm structure, and small black fruit and licorice notes on the aftertaste.

"Piluna" translates to "pot of clay" — an ancient vessel once used to store water or wine.

Terroir & Vinification

This 100% Primitivo is grown from vineyards surrounding the ancient Castello Monaci estate in Salento, Apulia. Soils are a blend of dry clay, volcanic gravel, and limestone, forcing vines deep in search of water — yielding low crops and rich, fragrant fruit.

Harvest is done by hand before dawn to preserve sugar levels and avoid the heat. Grapes are vinified in small stainless steel tanks, then aged 6 months in 75% stainless steel and 25% 2nd and 3rd use French oak. 300,000 bottles produced.

Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta Hinia — Rioja Reserva 2014

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

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

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

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

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

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Spectator 90 Points | Black cherry and plum fruit signals this rich, round red. Boysenberry, eucalyptus and lavender notes chime in as this remains focused on the long finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2027. 

Winemaker Description 

The charm of Mongrana does not take long to reveal. Well-defined aromas of ripe fruit, morello cherry, blackberry and blueberry jump out of the glass, anticipating a complex bouquet of kirsch, ivy, and pine needles, enriched by a touch of licorice. On the palate, it offers a juicy, fresh sip with soft tannins. The long finale is savory, with a mineral note that persists in the mouth.

Like the untamed nature of Maremma, Mongrana is vibrant and intense, a charming red wine to drink on its own, or pair easily with a variety of flavors.

Blend: 50% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaker Description

Complex on the nose with aromas of black fruits, woody and spicy notes. On the palate, the expression is harmonious and balanced with ripe fruit and a toasted character. Silky tannins make this a perfect expression of the spirit of the Crus Bourgeois.

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2018

Vinous (Neal Martin) — 92 Points
"The 2018 Prieuré de Beyzac has a really lovely bouquet of perfumed red cherries and wild strawberry with well-integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, pinpoint acidity, and great precision toward the finish. This is one of the outstanding Cru Bourgeois of the vintage. Absolutely superb. Drinking 2023–2035."

Decanter (Georgina Hindle) — 92 Points
"Sweet red cherry and vanilla nose. Forward and energetic, with tannic weight, freshness, and very glossy fruit and oak on the palate. Drinking 2023–2030."

James Suckling — 91 Points
"Aromas of stewed blackberries, dried violets, walnuts, and dark chocolate. Medium-to-full-bodied with firm, chalky tannins. Chewy and structured. Try from 2023."

About Château Prieuré de Beyzac

Château Prieuré de Beyzac is a Cru Bourgeois estate in the Haut-Médoc appellation of Bordeaux, producing structured, terroir-driven reds from the classic Bordeaux varieties — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. The 2018 vintage is widely regarded as one of the greatest in recent Bordeaux history, combining exceptional ripeness with natural freshness and structure. At under $25, Prieuré de Beyzac represents outstanding value for a wine earning 92-point scores from both Vinous and Decanter — and named one of the outstanding Cru Bourgeois of the vintage by Neal Martin.

Food Pairings

Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, duck confit, braised short ribs, mushroom-based dishes, and aged hard cheeses. Decant 30–60 minutes before serving; will continue to develop through 2035.

Product Details

• Producer: Château Prieuré de Beyzac
• Appellation: Haut-Médoc AOC, Bordeaux, France
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois
• Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
• Vintage: 2018
• Style: Medium-to-full-bodied, precise, cellar-worthy Bordeaux
• Drink: Now–2035 (decant 30–60 min)
• Format: 750ml

Expert Review — Vintage 2024

James Suckling 93 Points | A ripe but balanced wine with plenty of golden apple and Bartlett pear flavors on a smooth, buttery texture. Some green apple acidity brightens up the ripeness, lifting vanilla bean, toast, and butterscotch nuances. Full-bodied.

Winemaker Description

Decoy Limited represents the elevated tier of the Decoy lineup — where the standard Decoy Chardonnay draws from across California, the Limited label focuses strictly on the cooler maritime vineyards of the Sonoma Coast, delivering more precision, depth, and structural complexity. The 2024 growing season brought a cool, wet winter and moderate spring, with harvest beginning mid-September. Strategic leafing and crop adjustments yielded white wines with fresh aromatics and lively acidity.

Food Pairings

Dungeness crab with drawn butter, lobster rolls, seared scallops, roasted chicken with cream-and-mushroom sauce, Fettuccine Alfredo, roasted squash with sage butter, and truffle mushroom risotto.

The world’s most iconic Provence rosé, now in a certified Kosher expression — Whispering Angel from Château d’Esclans is the benchmark by which all modern rosé is measured. Pale, elegant, and endlessly drinkable, it brings the sun-drenched terroir of the Côtes de Provence to your glass with effortless sophistication.

Critical Acclaim

James Suckling — 91 Points
"A silky, seductive and saline Côtes de Provence rosé with aromas of small berries, red currants and salt. It’s medium-bodied, succulent, fresh and playful, with a caressing texture and a vivid, saline finish."

The Wine

Crafted from a classic Provençal blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Rolle (Vermentino), Whispering Angel is the worldwide reference for Provence rosé. Its signature pale blush color draws you in immediately, while the taste profile delivers everything you want: full and lush, bone dry, with a smooth, lingering finish. Highly approachable and enjoyable from mid-day to midnight.

Kosher Certified

This expression of Whispering Angel is fully Kosher certified, making it an exceptional choice for Passover Seders, Shabbat dinners, and any occasion where Kosher wine is required — without any compromise on quality or the iconic Whispering Angel character.

Tasting Profile

Pale salmon-pink with a luminous clarity. The nose is delicate and inviting — small red berries, red currants, fresh citrus, and a distinctive saline minerality. On the palate it’s silky and medium-bodied with bright acidity, a lush, succulent texture, and a vivid, clean finish with a beautiful saline lift. Classic Whispering Angel.

Food Pairings

Serve well-chilled (46–50°F) with grilled fish, seafood, light salads, mezze, roasted chicken, or soft cheeses. Equally at home at a Passover Seder, a summer lunch, or an elegant dinner party. Versatile, crowd-pleasing, and always impressive.

Product Details

• Producer: Château d’Esclans
• Region: Côtes de Provence AOC, Provence, France
• Blend: Grenache, Cinsault, Rolle (Vermentino)
• Certification: Kosher
• Vintage: 2024
• Style: Pale, bone-dry, medium-bodied Provence rosé
• Serve: Well-chilled, 46–50°F
• Format: 750ml

Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay Napa Valley 2024 — Carneros, Napa Valley

Cakebread Cellars is one of Napa Valley’s most storied estates, founded in 1973 with a single Chardonnay — and that first wine set the template for everything that followed.

For over 50 years, Cakebread has been refining its Napa Valley Chardonnay, sourcing exclusively from the Carneros appellation in southern Napa Valley.

Situated just north of San Pablo Bay, Carneros is defined by cool, windswept conditions, Haire Loam clay soils, and the kind of natural tension between fruit richness and acidity that produces benchmark California Chardonnay.

The 2024 vintage benefited from consecutive winters of abundant rainfall that refreshed soil profiles and supported vigorous vine growth, followed by Carneros’ hallmark warm days and cool nights through spring and summer — ideal conditions for steady ripening and acid retention. The result is a wine of exceptional balance and aromatic complexity.

The 2024 opens with aromas of yellow delicious apple, lemon curd, white peach, vanilla bean, jasmine, and crème brûlée. On the palate, layers of fresh citrus, poached pear, and melon unfold, accented by hints of vanilla biscotti. The finish is long and refined, carrying both creamy and mineral textures in perfect harmony. James Suckling praised it for its “nicely balanced” profile with “bright acidity and a zesty, vibrant finish.”

James Suckling — “Nicely balanced, with aromas of lemon confit, crushed stones, pastry, grapefruit and flint. Bright acidity and a zesty, vibrant finish.”

• Producer: Cakebread Cellars, Rutherford, Napa Valley (est. 1973)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Napa Valley (Carneros)
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Apple, lemon curd, white peach, vanilla bean, jasmine, crème brûlée, citrus, pear, melon, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Lobster, grilled halibut, roasted chicken, creamy risotto, soft-ripened cheeses, crab cakes

Fifty years of Napa Chardonnay mastery — Cakebread remains the benchmark.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2024

Decanter 93 Points: The 30th Anniversary bottling of Mt. Jeff, with fruit from four of the five Cristom estate vineyards. Pure Willamette character on the nose — forest floor, tart cranberries, and mint leaves balanced by a kiss of sea salt. The palate is a mélange of juicy red berries, salty mineral glimpses, and savoury amaro herbals. A classic, after all these years.

Wine Advocate 90–92 Points: Slowly opening aromas of blackberry and black cherry, earth and violets. The medium-bodied palate matches concentrated, floral fruit with well-integrated oak spice, framed by silky tannins and fresh acidity. A nuanced finish.

Winemaker Description

Cristom Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2024 750ml

Cristom’s flagship Pinot Noir — known colloquially as “Mt. Jeff” — embodies the hallmark Cristom style, marrying whole-cluster and native yeast fermentations. With the 2024 vintage, this iconic wine debuts for the first time as a fully Estate Pinot Noir, comprised of fruit from the Paul Gerrie, Eileen, Louise, and Jessie Vineyards, marking its 30th Anniversary.

Mt. Jeff captures the diversity of volcanic soils, elevations, and aspects that define Cristom’s Eola-Amity Hills hillside. Coastal winds funneled through the Van Duzer Corridor further shape its structure and complexity. The 2024 opens with pronounced floral aromas of roses and lavender combined with blue fruit and plum, accented by subtle earth. The palate is well-balanced with fresh acidity, tart cherry, and raspberry — a benchmark classic Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and an exceptional value.

Pairing Suggestions

• Poultry: Roasted duck breast with cherry reduction, herb-roasted chicken, or turkey with cranberry.
• Meat: Lamb chops with rosemary, pork tenderloin with mushroom sauce, or salmon with pinot beurre blanc.
• Cheese: Aged Gruyère, Brie de Meaux, or a mild washed-rind cheese.

Badia a Coltibuono Chianti Classico Estate Organic — Tuscany 2022

Badia a Coltibuono is one of Chianti Classico's most storied estates, with roots stretching back to an 11th-century monastery in Gaiole. Farmed organically and guided by a deep respect for the land, their Estate Chianti Classico is a benchmark expression of Sangiovese — honest, structured, and unmistakably Tuscan. The 2022 vintage delivered excellent concentration with the freshness that defines the appellation at its best.

The wine pours a bright ruby with violet highlights. The nose is layered and inviting: iris, violet, tobacco, black pepper, and marasca cherry. On the palate, it is well-balanced and tightly knit, with crunchy, powdery tannins, juicy acidity, and a clean mineral backbone. The finish is warm and persistent — a wine that rewards both the dinner table and the cellar.

"Aromas of red and dark berries, chocolate, dried flowers and spices, following through to a medium body with crunchy, powdery tannins and juicy acidity. Tense and flavorful with good concentration." — James Suckling, 92 Points

• Producer: Badia a Coltibuono, Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Chianti Classico DOCG
• Varietal: Sangiovese
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Iris, violet, tobacco, black pepper, marasca cherry, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled bistecca, wild boar ragù, aged pecorino, pappardelle with meat sauce

A 92-point certified organic Chianti Classico from one of Tuscany's most trusted historic estates — structured, soulful, and built to age.

Les Allées de Cantemerle — Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux 2019

Château Cantemerle is one of Bordeaux's most storied estates — a Fifth Growth of the 1855 Classification, nestled in the southern Haut-Médoc appellation amid one of the most beautiful park settings in all of Bordeaux. Les Allées de Cantemerle is the estate's second wine, crafted primarily from the château's younger vines with a high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged partly in tank and partly in barrel to avoid over-oaking, it captures the generous, fruit-forward character of Cantemerle in a more approachable, earlier-drinking style — a wine that invites sharing and friendliness even in its youth. The 2019 vintage is one of Bordeaux's finest of the decade: a warm, dry year that produced wines of exceptional ripeness, concentration, and balance.

The nose is wonderfully aromatic and expressive — the aromas really just jump out of the glass. Juicy red fruits dominate: strawberries, raspberries, and red cherries, quite bright and a refreshing change from the darker fruit profile of many Haut-Médoc wines. On the palate, it is lively and fun, light-bodied with hints of spice underneath the fruit giving structure and backbone. The finish is spicy and persistent, with the fruit-forwardness and easy-drinking style that makes this wine hard not to like.

🏆 Decanter 90 Points — "Wonderfully aromatic and expressive on the nose — the aromas really just jump out the glass. Juicy red fruits — strawberries, raspberries and red cherries. Lively and fun, light with hints of spice giving structure and backbone. Hard not to like for its fruit-forwardness and easy drinking style."

• Producer: Château Cantemerle, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2019
• Appellation: Haut-Médoc AOC
• Classification: 2nd Wine of Château Cantemerle (1855 Fifth Growth)
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend
• Vinification: Aged partly in tank, partly in barrel
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Strawberry, raspberry, red cherry, spice, lively acidity, persistent finish
• Drink: Now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, duck confit, grilled beef, charcuterie, aged cheeses

The approachable face of a Bordeaux Fifth Growth — Les Allées de Cantemerle 2019 is lively, generous, and built for the table right now.

Columbia Crest Grand Estates | Merlot | 2020 | 750ml | Columbia Valley, Washington State, USA

Rated 90 Points – Vinous | 90 Points – James Suckling

An outstanding value from Washington State's Columbia Valley, Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot delivers dark fruit complexity, soft tannins, and a creamy finish at an everyday price. Vinous calls it "an excellent entry to the value category of Washington State Merlot."

• Winery: Columbia Crest
• Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington State, USA
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Varietal: Merlot
• Vintage: 2020
• Closure: Screw Cap

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Dark plum, herb, blackberries, tobacco, mint chocolate, dark cherries, and a kiss of vanilla
• Palate: Round and juicy with tart wild berry fruits, chewy blueberry skin, mocha, and soft ripe tannins
• Finish: Bold and structured with notes of vanilla, raspberry, and lingering minerality

Critical Acclaim

• 🏆 Vinous – 90 Points: "Darkly floral and earthy with hints of animal musk and crushed blackberries. Juicy acids enliven its tart wild berry fruits. Leaves a mark of minerality along with chewy blueberry skin concentration and hints of mocha."
• 🏆 James Suckling – 90 Points: "Blackberries, tobacco, mint chocolate and dark cherries, with a kiss of vanilla. Medium- to full-bodied with soft, ripe tannins and a creamy finish. Drink now."

Food Pairings: Blue cheese, duck, beef, veal, and dark chocolate.

Talbott Kali Hart Pinot Noir Monterey 2023

James Suckling 92 Points - "A fresh, fruity, aromatic red with a nose of spices, cinnamon, black cherries, tart cherries and raspberries. The palate shows a medium body, a rather broad mouthfeel, some soft tannin and a ripe character overall."

Tasting Profile

This elegant Pinot Noir showcases vibrant red berry aromas with subtle floral notes. On the palate, expect concentrated flavors of cherry and raspberry balanced with hints of baking spice and toasted oak. Smooth tannins provide a velvety mouthfeel with a harmonious balance of fruitiness and acidity.

Perfect Pairings

Roasted chicken, grilled salmon, creamy pasta dishes, grilled vegetables, and charcuterie boards with assorted cheeses. Serve slightly chilled for optimal enjoyment.

Wine Details

Producer: Talbott Vineyards | Region: Monterey, California | Varietal: Pinot Noir | Vintage: 2023 | Volume: 750ml