90+ Points | Critical Acclaim | Wine & Sparkling Wine

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

The Wine Enthusiast by Christina Pickard writes 92 Points | 2020 was a stellar vintage across New York State, despite the challenges of picking in a pandemic year. This charmingly demonstrates Long Island's prowess with Merlot. A fragrant fruit salad perfume of summer berries with subtle purple flower, vanilla and baking spice tucked beneath. It's supple, structured and harmonious, with firm, sappy tannins and a crunch of acidity.  

Winemaker Description

The Grapes of Roth is Winemaker Roman Roth's private label, and a true testament to his classic, yet adventerous, wine-making style. Wonderful dark cherry fruit with well integrated oak, classic graphite and great minerality is complimented by a very savory and elegant finish.

Dark red brick in color. Elegant aromas of cassis and fine toasted sandalwood fill the glass. The mouth-feel is rich and concentrated, yet balanced with wonderful fruit of plumbs, prunes and amazing minerality. The finish has layers of ripe tannins and nicely toasted oak with fine classic earthiness, leather and iodine notes. The fruit and alcohol provide great length and make this a very special Merlot that possesses great aging potential and is the perfect partner with food.

This is a wine to be aged. It has a huge maturation curve ahead and will gain many more nuances and facets. Serve just at room temperature. Pair this Merlot with dishes you might think of for big, bold wines: steak, cassoulet, duck and decadent dark chocolate desserts. 

Memo Summary Notes

The 2020 Wölffer Estate "The Grapes of Roth" Merlot is widely considered a benchmark for Long Island winemaking. It is the personal label of Wölffer’s longtime winemaker, Roman Roth, who uses it to showcase a more robust, "Right Bank" Bordeaux style that proves Merlot can be both powerful and sophisticated.

The 2020 vintage was particularly stellar for New York, recently earning the #100 spot on the Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Wines of 2025.

Résonance · Louis Jadot Estates · Willamette Valley · 2024

Oregon Chardonnay with a Burgundian soul. Résonance is the Oregon estate of Maison Louis Jadot, established in the Willamette Valley to explore the parallels between Oregon and Burgundy.

Producer & Terroir

The 2024 Willamette Valley Chardonnay draws on vineyards including Koosah, Découverte, Witness Tree, and other Willamette Valley sites. Jacques Lardière and Guillaume Large bring the Jadot winemaking tradition to an Oregon expression built around freshness, texture, and mineral detail.

Tasting Notes

Apple, pear, baked lemon, and lime zest meet delicate floral notes and stony minerality. The supplied reviews describe a supple, silken texture with gentle creaminess, balanced by fresh acidity and a lingering citrus-and-orchard-fruit finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

James Suckling, 93 Points | A balanced and nuanced wine with aromas of apples, baking spices and baked lemons. Nicely textured and light- to medium-bodied, with lemon oil acidity and gentle creaminess in the middle. A very fresh and clean finish with lingering flavors of spiced pears and citrus.

Vinous, 93 Points | The 2024 Chardonnay Willamette Valley entices with a highly expressive blend of crushed green apple, lime zest and wet stone aromas. It balances a pretty inner sweetness with fresh acidity and silken textures as ripe orchard fruit swirls across the palate. The 2024 displays excellent balance as it tapers off long and perfumed, leaving a subtle hint of apricot.

Jeb Dunnuck, 92 Points | Producing roughly 20,000 cases annually, the 2024 Chardonnay Willamette Valley pours a bright silver/yellow color and offers elegant aromas of pear, poached apple, fresh flowers, lemon sorbet, and delicate creaminess, along with hints of vanilla and meringue. Medium to full-bodied, it has a supple texture, lovely approachability, subtle almond cream, youthful effervescence, bright stony minerality, and a touch of bitter citrus pith on the finish.

Food Pairings

Try with pan-seared scallops, Dungeness crab, roasted halibut, wild mushroom tart, roasted squash with sage, or aged Gruyère. Serve chilled and allow a little time in the glass for the wine’s texture and aromatics to open.

Wine Details

• Producer: Résonance / Maison Louis Jadot
• Vintage: 2024
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Appellation: Willamette Valley, Oregon
• Country: United States
• Vineyard sources: Koosah, Découverte, Witness Tree, and other Willamette Valley sites
• Size: 750ml

A textured, vibrant Oregon Chardonnay for seafood dinners and lovers of mineral-driven white wines.

Domaine Jean-Marc Boillot · Montagny 1er Cru · 2023

Domaine Jean-Marc Boillot Montagny 1er Cru 2023 brings together the mineral character of Montagny with round, silky Chardonnay texture. Crushed-shell notes and a light lemon freshness meet juicy fruit, creamy vanilla and spice in a white Burgundy with both richness and lift.

Origin & Style

Made from 100% Chardonnay from Montagny 1er Cru in Burgundy's Côte Chalonnaise, this wine balances tropical pineapple and citrus with lovely acidity and a lingering finish. Jasper Morris awards the 2023 vintage 90 points, highlighting its intensity, pure white fruit and extended finish.

Expert Review · Vintage 2023

Jasper Morris · 90 Points

Pale with a lime streak. Classically Montagny with a crushed shell note on the nose. Very intense overall, pure white fruit, just a light lemon rinse, stretching out nicely at the finish. Does just what it should. Drink 2026–2029.

Winemaker Notes

Very spicy on the nose and on the palate. Creamy vanilla bean flavors, round and silky in texture with lovely acidity and juicy fruit — a beautiful balance of tropical pineapple and citrus with a lingering finish.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Try with roast chicken, pan-seared fish with a lemon-butter sauce, scallops or a creamy mushroom risotto. Its combination of citrus freshness and silky texture makes it a versatile choice for dishes with a little richness.

Details

• Producer: Domaine Jean-Marc Boillot
• Vintage: 2023
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Country: France
• Region: Burgundy
• Subregion: Côte Chalonnaise
• Appellation: Montagny 1er Cru
• Grape: 100% Chardonnay
• Type: White wine
• Review: Jasper Morris, 90 Points (2023 vintage)
• Suggested Drinking Window: 2026–2029, per Jasper Morris

Expert Reviews - 2016

The Wine Enthusiast 97 Points | This golden-colored Tokaji has aromas of raw honey, apricot blossom, pear and baked apple tart. Silky smooth upon entry, it offers flavors of baked apples, wildflower honey, canned pears and apricot. The acidity is nicely balanced so as not to be too cloyingly sweet.

The Wine Spectator 96 Points | Well-spiced and minerally on the nose, showing hints of petrol and slate, with a brilliant backbone of acidity creating a mouthwatering frame for the silky flavors of apricot pâte de fruit, clover honey, passion fruit coulis and lanolin that expand on the palate. This is an explosion of flavor and texture, yet remains light on its feet and graceful throughout. A beauty.

James Suckling 94 Points | Perfumed and complex nose of dried apricot, white nectarine, white truffle, bergamot, white pepper and jasmine. Dense and sweet, yet balanced. Focused and layered. Spicy character on the finish.

Memo Summary Notes

The Disznókő Tokaji Aszú 6 Puttonyos 2016 is a benchmark sweet wine from Hungary, representing the highest standard classification (6 Puttonyos) for traditional Aszú. In the 2016 vintage, this wine is celebrated for its "laser-like" acidity, which perfectly balances its massive sugar content, preventing it from feeling cloying.

Expert Reviews - Base 2021

The Wine Advocate 95 Points | Emmanuel Brochet’s NV Le Mont Benoit (2021 base), which includes 40% reserve wines from 2020 and 2019, was disgorged in May 2024 with a dosage of four grams per liter—slightly higher than usual. He notes that this modest adjustment was necessitated by the incisive profile of the base vintage. The wine unfurls from the glass with aromas of green apple, chamomile and peeled almond. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied, chiseled, bright and laden with electric acidity, culminating in a long, chalky finish marked by a distinctive bitterness. Stylistically, this bottling slightly diverges from recent iterations shaped by a string of warm vintages, but qualitatively speaking, it is unmistakably the same superb cuvée. While Brochet himself expresses a degree of dissatisfaction due to its higher malic acid, such critique speaks to the standards of a perfectionist. This rendition, in all likelihood, will age beautifully over the coming years.  

Memo Summary Notes

The Emmanuel Brochet Rosé de Saignée Extra Brut "R21" is a highly sought-after, "unicorn" grower Champagne. It is crafted by Emmanuel Brochet, a cult producer based in Villers-aux-Nœuds on the Montagne de Reims, known for his tiny production and extremely meticulous organic farming.

The "R21" notation indicates that the base year for this non-vintage release is the 2021 harvest.

Frog’s Leap has been making Zinfandel in Napa Valley for decades, and this 2021 is a masterclass in restraint and elegance — a world away from the overripe, high-alcohol style that defined California Zin for so long. Using their signature technique of cold-soaking the Petite Sirah portion of the co-ferment before infusing it into the fermenting Zinfandel ten days later, the winemaking team locks in freshness and accentuates the wine’s natural elegance. A dash of Carignane adds acidity and structure, while aging largely in small concrete tanks preserves the wine’s vibrancy. The result is deeply flavored, beautifully balanced, and genuinely fresh — equally compelling with a slight chill on a summer evening or after a few years in the cellar.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

“Mouthwatering and delicious with crisp acidity and a driving finish, this wine offers a pleasing range of flavors including mixed cherries, cranberries, warming spices and savory accents. Both friendly and beguiling, it has pleasing approachability and depth. Firm while moderate tannins and mouthwatering acidity create a palate-cleansing accompaniment to a wide range of foods.” — 94 pts, Wine Enthusiast

“A medium-bodied, juicy and succulent zinfandel with aromas of dark cherries, plums, wild berries and mixed herbs. Well-rounded with a caressing texture and a satisfying wild berry character toward the finish.” — 90 pts, James Suckling

Varietal: Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane
Vintage: 2021
Region: Napa Valley, California
Farming: Dry Farming 
Bottle Size: 750ml

Soter Vineyards · Estates Pinot Noir · Willamette Valley · 2023 · 375ml Half Bottle

Soter Estates Pinot Noir 2023 layers exuberant red berries and tart cranberry over a plush, velvety mid-palate. Silky tannins frame savory hints of pencil lead, fresh pine and licorice, while the 375ml half-bottle format offers this estate-grown Oregon Pinot Noir in a smaller serving size.

Estate Vineyards & Winemaking

Made from 100% Pinot Noir from Soter's Northern Willamette Valley estate holdings, the blend brings together Mineral Springs Vineyard in Yamhill-Carlton, Ribbon Ridge Estate and Tarren Vineyard in Eola-Amity Hills. The producer identifies all three sources as certified organic, with Mineral Springs also certified biodynamic. The wine sees 30 days of extended maceration, 25% whole clusters and 10 months in barrel, with 35% new French oak.

Expert Reviews · Vintage 2023

James Suckling · 94 Points

A brilliant, composed and polished wine from Tony Soter that captures fresh, pure fruit flavors on an elegant texture. Strawberry, black cherry and subtle pine aromas lead to tangy red cherries, orange zest and creme de cassis on the palate. A medium body and moderate tannins complete the picture. Made from certified sustainable grapes. Drink now or hold.

Wine Spectator · 93 Points

Graceful and elegantly crafted, with fragrant raspberry and pomegranate flavors laced with black tea and tarragon as this glides on the sleek finish. Drink now through 2033.

Jeb Dunnuck · 93 Points

A deep ruby red color, the 2023 Pinot Noir Estates boasts attractive aromatics, featuring notes of red cherries, cedar, lifted spices, and potpourri. Medium-bodied, it has ripe tannins, refreshing ripe acidity, and chalky richness of texture through the finish, with lightly warming spice. Drink 2025-2035.

Vinous · 92 Points

The 2023 Pinot Noir opens with a cascade of violet and lavender tones that give way to crushed blackberries. Round textures and a lifted personality soothe the palate as vibrantly ripe red and blue fruits swirl throughout. Lively and spry, it leaves nuanced tannins and a tinge of spice while tapering off with medium length.

Winemaker Description

The 'Estates' wines represents our fascination with the breadth of great vineyard sites located throughout the Northern Willamette Valley. This wine is comprised of Pinot Noir entirely from our Estate holdings, which includes but is no longer limited to our flagship property, Mineral Springs Ranch. DETAILS 200 cases produced 100% Pinot Noir 30% Mineral Springs Vineyard, Yamhill-Carlton, Certified Biodynamic Demeter, Organic CCOF 50% Ribbon Ridge Estate, Certified Organic CCOF 20% Tarren Vineyard, Eola-Amity Hills, Certified Organic CCOF FERMENTATION & AGING 30 days extended maceration 35% new French oak 25% Whole Clusters Aged 10 months in barrel.

Expressive and layered, the 2023 Estates Pinot Noir bursts with exuberant red berries and tart cranberry, leading into a plush, velvety mid-palate. Silky, integrated tannins provide structure, while hints of pencil lead and a whisp of fresh pine add a savory, woodsy complexity. Sappy and round, with a note of licorice weaving through the finish, this wine lingers with depth and quiet intrigue.

Food Pairing Suggestions

The earthy and bright fruit profile of this wine makes it versatile:

• Poultry: Roasted chicken with herbs or duck breast with a cherry reduction.
• Earthy Dishes: Wild mushroom risotto or grilled salmon with a miso glaze.
• Vegetarian: Roasted root vegetables or lentil stews.

Details

• Producer: Soter Vineyards
• Wine: Estates Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2023
• Bottle Size: 375ml Half Bottle
• Country: United States
• Region: Oregon
• Appellation: Willamette Valley
• Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
• Type: Red wine
• Vineyard Blend: 30% Mineral Springs Vineyard, 50% Ribbon Ridge Estate, 20% Tarren Vineyard
• Farming: Certified organic vineyard sources (CCOF); Mineral Springs also certified biodynamic (Demeter), per producer notes
• Winemaking: 30 days extended maceration; 25% whole clusters
• Aging: 10 months in barrel; 35% new French oak
• Production: 200 cases, per producer notes

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

Vinous 93 Points | The pale lemon-gold colored 2019 Coutet is a thrill ride from the get-go, exploding from the glass with fantastically intense scents of tangerine peel, lime blossoms and lemon marmalade over a core of pineapple upside-down cake, candied ginger, ripe apricots and clover honey plus suggestions of chanterelles and musk perfume. The palate is equally electric and exhilarating, prancing around the palate with a whole myriad of candied citrus, stone fruit and citrus flavors, charged by a racy backbone of acidity, finishing beautifully textured and with an epically long firework display of minerals. Apart from all that, it is pretty darn delicious.

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | A soft-edged and forward-styled version, with lemon meringue, warmed peach and fresh pineapple and mango notes all mixing together. Features a pie crust accent that holds sway on the finish. Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. Drink now.

Memo Summary Notes

The Château Coutet 2019 is widely considered one of the standout sweet wines of its vintage in Barsac. Known as the "First Growth of Barsac" (Premier Cru Classé), Coutet is famous for its "knife-like" acidity (the name Coutet is derived from the Gascon word for knife), which provides a refreshing counterpoint to its intense sweetness.

Pair with 

Classic: Foie gras terrine or Roquefort blue cheese. 

Savory: Roast chicken with herbs or spicy Asian cuisine (the sweetness tames the heat).

Dessert: Fruit tarts, particularly those with apricot, peach, or lemon curd.

Stonestreet Estate · Cabernet Sauvignon · Alexander Valley · 2021

Stonestreet Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 brings mountain-grown depth to a rich, expressive Alexander Valley red. Blackberry, dark plum and blackcurrant mingle with violet, savory spice and a hint of blood orange. Concentrated fruit, silky tannins and bright freshness carry into a long finish.

Producer & Mountain Terroir

Established in 1995 by Jess Stonestreet Jackson and Barbara Banke, Stonestreet Estate Vineyards explores the rugged eastern highlands overlooking Alexander Valley. Christopher and Ariel Jackson continue the family's stewardship, working with a mosaic of mountain vineyard sites while leaving much of the property unplanted and wild.

The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon expresses a mountain site ranging from 400 to 2,000 feet in elevation. Varied slopes, exposures and soils contribute to its layered character. The 2021 blend includes 1% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot and matured for 17 months in French oak, 41% new, as detailed in the Wine Advocate review.

Expert Reviews · Vintage 2021

Jeb Dunnuck · 93 Points. The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a deep opaque red hue and delivers aromas of blackcurrants, leather, baking spice, nutmeg, and walnut. Full-bodied, fleshy, and ripe, it’s already drinking beautifully today, with impressive depth and richness, though there is a touch of baked fruit for my palate. Scheduled for release this fall. Drink 2026-2040.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate · 93 Points. The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate was blended with 1% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot and matured for 17 months in 41% new French oak. It has pure, inviting aromas of blackcurrant and cherry, licorice and violet, cigars and graphite. The full-bodied palate is concentrated and expressive with detailed flavors. It’s framed by silky tannins, and bright freshness calls you in for another sip on the long finish.

Winemaker Description

This Estate Cabernet Sauvignon fully expresses the diversity of its prolific Alexander Valley mountain site that ranges from 400' to 2000' in elevation. Savory aromas of blackberry, dark plum, blood orange, Star Anise and black cherry. The palate is rich and inviting with framed tannins and incredible length.

Pairing & Serving

Pair with grilled ribeye and roasted potatoes, braised lamb shanks or wild mushroom risotto with truffle. Serve slightly below room temperature and consider decanting to explore the wine's layered fruit and savory character.

Details

• Producer: Stonestreet Estate Vineyards
• Vintage: 2021
• Country: United States
• Region: California
• County: Sonoma County
• Appellation: Alexander Valley
• Site: Monument Ridge mountain estate
• Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon with 1% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot
• Type: Red wine
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Aging: 17 months in French oak, 41% new

Expert Reviews - Vingage 2023

The Wine Enthusiast by Tonya Pitts writes 92 Points | There are so many gems coming out of the 2023 vintage in California. Flavors of fresh-picked red berries, plums, pomegranates, mint sprigs, a kiss of earth and sunshine tell the story of a short but almost perfect growing season. Pick this one up and give it a whirl on the dinner table. 

The Tasting Panel 91 Points | This bright and shining red is a floral beauty packed with peony, violets, orange blossom, and red tea. Cherry pie arises on the midpalate.

Winemaker Description 

Production:
• Regeneratively farmed
• Certified sustainable per “Lodi Rules”
• Aged 12 mos. in seasoned French oak
• Vegan-friendly

Composition: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon • 25% Nero d'Avola

Eye: Deep garnet core, translucent ruby rim.

Nose: Gardenia, lilac, lavender, violet, black cherry, dried rose petals, spicy cedar, cigar box, and sweet vanilla.

Palate: Ripe blue & black fruits with subtle citrus, eucalyptus & brown sugar. Structured yet lush and creamy with soft, supple tannins that lead to an endlessly
delightful finish.

Pairing inspirations: Grilled portobello mushroom with balsamic garlic glaze, Moroccan spiced lamb, spaghetti Bolognese, vegetable lasagne, wild mushroom risotto, Margherita pizza.

House of Brown is a second-generation wine label under the BROWN Napa Valley umbrella, which also includes Chaos Theory and is anchored by flagship Brown Estate.

The Brown family have been in Napa since 1980. Siblings Deneen, Coral, and David began making wine in 1996. Raised by two medical professionals in a “Blue-Zone” household in Southern California, they all pitched in at their parents’ medical clinic. There, they adopted what would become a guiding principle in their wine business: Do no harm.

The creation of House of Brown was inspired by an extraordinary community of wine consumers who for over two decades had been finding themselves at home with Brown Estate, and in 2017 began assembling at the family’s then newly opened Brown Downtown Napa tasting room. This period marked an evolution in wine consumer demographics, with the industry at large seeing an influx of young and culturally diverse enthusiasts coming to the fore — dynamics that have been manifest at Brown for decades.

House of Brown was established in 2018 to expand access to the Brown wine experience, then nearly 25 years strong. The label designs are an homage to the brand’s Feel Seen ethos, and to the sense of welcome and belonging that are hallmarks at Brown. Produced with the same commitment to purity and balance that is foundational to Brown Estate, House of Brown wines are regeneratively farmed, certified sustainable, and vegan-friendly.

House of Brown is 100% family-owned + 100% Black-owned, and the brand is women-led.

Memo Summary Notes

The House of Brown Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 is a relatively new addition to the "next-generation" lineup from the legendary Brown Estate—Napa Valley's first Black-owned estate winery. This Lodi bottling is designed to be inclusive, sustainable, and highly aromatic.

Highly versatile. It pairs excellently with Margherita pizza, grilled portobello mushrooms with balsamic glaze, Moroccan spiced lamb, or wild mushroom risotto.

Critical Acclaim

• Tim Atkin – 95 Points | “Impressive finesse in a hot growing season, succulent tannins, flavours of blackberry, red cherry and ginger spice and a violet top note.”
• Vinous – 94–95 Points | “Violets, fresh plum and a delicate touch of oak open on the nose. Fine-grained reactive tannins define the texture. A red with charming nuances and evolving character.”
• Wine Advocate – 93–94 Points | “Pretty, juicy, ripe and approachable — really balanced and integrated with good purity. An approachable vintage of Flor.”

Tasting Notes

Aromas of blackberry, red cherry, violet, and ginger spice with a delicate touch of oak. On the palate, fine-grained, succulent tannins frame flavors of fresh plum and dark fruit with charming nuances and evolving character. Beautifully balanced and integrated, with impressive finesse for the vintage.

About the Wine

Flor de Pingus is the celebrated second wine of Dominio de Pingus, the legendary Ribera del Duero estate founded by Danish oenologist Peter Sisseck — widely regarded as one of Spain’s greatest winemakers and the visionary behind the cult flagship Pingus. Far more than a second label, Flor consistently ranks among Spain’s finest wines in its own right. The 2023 is sourced from five parcels — Barroso, El Castillo, El Pino, Fuentenarro, and Fuentes — totalling 49 hectares of 35+ year old Tinta del País and Garnacha vines farmed biodynamically. Aged in 10–15% new oak with a portion matured in 2,000-liter oak vats for added freshness and texture. Approximately 92,000 bottles produced.

Food Pairing

Pairs magnificently with roasted lamb, Wagyu beef, Iberian charcuterie, and complex mushroom dishes. A regional classic combination.

Product Details

• Appellation: Ribera del Duero, Castilla y León, Spain
• Varietal: Tinta del País (Tempranillo) & Garnacha
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Farming: Biodynamic
• Producer: Dominio de Pingus (Peter Sisseck)

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Soft and supple, with appealing raspberry and cherry flavors highlighted by roasted sage and spice notes. Finishes with polished tannins. Drink now through 2032. 428 cases made.

Winemaker Description 

With experience making Zinfandel dating back to the 1990’s, Ehren Jordan is a true vigneron, with decades of experience in cellars and vineyards all over the world. His obsessive hands-on farming practices and minimalist hands-off winemaking approach come through in every bottle- allowing site, variety and vintage to shine through. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Day Zinfandel Sonoma County 2022 is the latest release from the "Day" project by Ehren Jordan, the legendary winemaker behind iconic labels like Turley, Failla, and Neyers. After decades of making high-octane Zinfandels at Turley, Jordan launched Day to focus on a more restrained, "vigneron" style that emphasizes acidity and elegance over sheer power.

The 2022 vintage is a blend of top-tier, organically farmed sites in the Dry Creek Valley, including the El Diablo, Grist, and Lumberyard vineyards.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2013

The Wine Advocate 95 Points | The 2013 Valadorna (mostly Merlot with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot) is yet another home run in this blockbuster collection of new releases from Tenuta di Arceno in the southern part of Chianti Classico (Castelnuovo Berardegna). This is a firm and tightly knit expression that is packed tight with black fruit, tobacco, tar and dark chocolate. The wine shows enormous aromatic intensity, but then it slims down just a touch in the mouth to offer an elegantly tapered finish.

Decanter 94 Points | Compared to the older and warmer 2011, which is a bit rustic and jammy, this 2013 is a fairly classic vintage for Merlot. It was harvested in September, marking a return to the usual picking dates. The percentage of the Merlot here reaches 74% of the blend, in order to maximise its fleshy character in a relatively cool year. The nose is evolved yet with an amazing complexity of tobacco, earthy tones, clean leather and balsamic depth. On the palate cassis fruit melds with leather and spices, supported by polymerised tannins and natural refreshing acidity. - Decanter Magazine, February 2021

James Suckling 94 Points | Very intense nose of blackberries, dark chocolate, sandalwood, vanilla, treacle and tar. Full-bodied with plenty of dark fruit, but lots of black-olive undertones and bright acidity keep this fresh, while firm tannins carve out an elegant, polished shape. Drink in 2021.

Memo Summary Notes

The Tenuta di Arceno "Valadorna" 2013 is a powerhouse Super Tuscan that represents the "Right Bank" Bordeaux style of the estate. While the flagship Arcanum focuses on Cabernet Franc, Valadorna is a Merlot-led blend sourced from the coolest, sandiest blocks of the estate in the southern Chianti Classico zone (Castelnuovo Berardegna).

As of late 2025, the 2013 vintage is considered a "Classic" and "Elegantly Tapered" expression, currently at its absolute peak drinking window.

• Food: This is a "Meat Wine." It pairs perfectly with Bistecca alla Fiorentina, herb-crusted roast beef, or wild boar ragù.

• Cheese: Aged Pecorino Toscano or a sharp Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Winemaker Description 

Bright soft-hued ruby. Delicately fruity on the nose reminiscent of cherry and toasted almonds, juicy on the palate, extremely “quaffable” and elegant on the
finish.

Memo Summary Notes

The Manincor "der Keil" Lago di Caldaro 2023 is a benchmark example of Schiava (also known as Vernatsch) from South Tyrol (Alto Adige), Italy. Produced by the Manincor estate—a leader in biodynamic and organic viticulture—this wine is sourced from the historical "der Keil" vineyard (a monopole), where old vines overlook the Lake of Kaltern.

It is often described as the perfect "bridge" wine for those who enjoy the elegance of Pinot Noir but want the crunchy, spicy character of northern Italy.

• Traditional Pairing: South Tyrolean Speck (cured ham) and local cheeses.

• Modern Pairing: It is one of the few reds that pairs beautifully with fried fish, tomato-based pasta, or even Cantonese cuisine.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

The 2023 vintage is receiving high praise for its focus and "crunchy" fruit:

• Decanter: 92 Points – "A lightly edgy nose of nutmeg-dusted red fruit... fleshy, balanced palate with juicy raspberry."

• Wine Enthusiast: 91 Points – "Tart cranberries, pomegranate, and red apple skin... delivers a fresh, lively wine with a peppery edge."

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

The Tasting Panel — 94 Points (Ruth Tobias, Nov. 2025) | The balance between fresh sensations of pear and star fruit with richer tones of toffee and gardenia is striking in this supple and very pretty wine, whose lilting acidity washes gently over touches of vanilla and hazelnut. There’s a timelessness to its profile.

Wine Spectator — 92 Points (MaryAnn Worobiec, Nov. 2025) | Pure and succulent, with fleshy peach, apricot and melon notes highlighted by vibrant acidity. Accents of apple pastry, pineapple and Himalayan sea salt linger, as do lemon verbena and sweetgrass aromatics.

Winemaker's Notes

Anderson Valley sits in the lush coastal region of Mendocino County, 110 miles northwest of San Francisco. Only 15 miles long, this cool, fog-kissed valley — framed by rolling hills and redwood forests — is one of California's most distinctive growing regions. Merry Edwards blends grapes from multiple sites within the valley to capture its full range of terroir, resulting in a fresh, vibrant, and bright Chardonnay.

The nose is filled with tangerine and gardenia, leading to a clean, crisp entry with white orchard fruit, caramel apple, lemon meringue, almonds, and nutty oak. The finish is long and warm, with a hint of apple pie.

Pairing Suggestions

Seafood of many types pairs beautifully with this fresh and bright Chardonnay. We suggest Merry’s recipe for Lobster Risotto with Creamy Tomato Sauce — the wine’s bright acidity complements the rich sauce and sweet poached lobster perfectly.

• Winery: Merry Edwards
• Appellation: Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, California
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Farming: Organic
• Style: Fresh, vibrant, full-bodied
• Pairings: Lobster, seafood, creamy pasta, light poultry

Expert Reviews

~ Rosé made using the saignée method
~ Zero dosage
~ Natural
~ Very low sulphur content
~ Aromas of red fruits, mandarin orange and white pepper
~ Pinot Noir

Vinification of the Brut Nature Rosé cuvée

~ Rosé made using the saignée method with maceration in vats lasting 3 days
~ Only the juices from first pressing are used
~ Minimal use of sulphur
~ No filtering
~ Use of gravity to avoid oxidation
~ Then total and natural malolactic fermentation
~ Zero dosage
~ 100% of the wines are made in vats to preserve freshness
~ After bottling the cuvée is aged for 2 to 3 years sur lattes (on laths)

GRAPE VARIETY: 100% Pinot Noir

FOOD PAIRINGS: Ideal as an aperitif. Goes perfectly with salmon carpaccio or scallops, sushi, grilled meats. Serve at: 45°F.

TASTING NOTES: On the nose, very evocative of strawberry and raspberry with a floral note of rose petals. The palate recalls red fruits and is augmented by hints of citrus fruit, mandarin orange and a small, very refined touch of white pepper.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Vinous 92 Points | The 2023 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands) is a good bit lighter and brighter than last year, unsurprising given the conditions of this long, cool growing season. Layers of rose petal, sweet black cherry, asphalt, crushed rocks and blood orange unfurl in a nicely focused, elegant wine with sweet tannins and a sexy finish.

James Suckling 92 Points | A racy beam of acidity runs through raspberries, cranberries and red cherries. That mouthwatering fruit is wrapped up in anise, grilled sage and tilled earth. Balanced, rich and full of life. Drink or hold.

Expert Reviews - VIntage 2022 

A deep ruby/magenta color, the 2022 Il Pino Di Biserno starts to show more mineral-inflected notes of graphite, preserved strawberries, blackberries, cocoa, and sweet herbs. Full-bodied, the palate expands with ripe tannins, even acidity, and darker mineral undercurrents, as well as a hint of gamey richness and notes of tea leaf through the mid-palate and rather long finish. Hold this one another couple of years and drink 2027-2040.: Audrey Frick - Jeb Dunnuck - 94 Points

A cedary twist to the typical notes of black olives, tobacco, paprika and black fruit. Medium- to full-bodied with prominent, fine-grained tannins and fruit. Long, demure and tight. Needs at least one more year to soften and open up. Drink from 2026."  Zekun Shuai - James-Suckling - 94 Points

The Tenuta di Biserno 2022 Il Pino di Biserno delivers a ripe fruit profile with blackberry confit and sweet cherry pie. Those warm vintage tones are followed by an ample use of oak that adds baking spice and toasted nutmeg. There is a hint of campfire ash or something blackened or toasted at the core of this full-bodied Tuscan blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Verdot. I pick up a note of dryness on the otherwise velvety tannins. Monica Larner - The Wine Advocate - 92 Points

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | The young, creamy and juicy 2019 Petra is pure Garnacha that fermented in concrete with indigenous yeasts and matured in well-seasoned, neutral oak barrels for 15 months, including malolactic. There is a lactic touch and some notes of cereals here that interferes a bit with the purity of Garnacha. It's medium-bodied and has moderate ripeness at 13.5% alcohol, revealing good freshness and acidity and a pH of 3.6.

The Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Deep garnet in color, this single-varietal Garnacha has a nose of black cherry, caramel and nutmeg. Bright fruit and soft baking spice flavors wrapped in silky tannins enliven the palate and drift into a cranberry and orange-zest finish.

Vinous 92 Points | The 2019 Petra de Valpiedra is 100% Garnacha sourced from a single vineyard next to the Ebro River, in the Cenicero area of Rioja Alta. Aged for 1nine months in American and French oak barrels, it displays a garnet hue and presents aromas reminiscent of liqueur, with hints of herbs and ash overlaying a fruit layer. On the palate, it is dry and edgy, with tannins that are fairly searing, leaving a lingering impression of balsamic notes.

James Suckling 92 Points | Aromas of baked raspberries and strawberries with spicy and earthy touches. Medium- to full-bodied with powdery tannins and a soft texture. Firm finish. Drink or hold.

Memo Summary Notes

The Finca Valpiedra Rioja Garnacha Petra de Valpiedra 2019 is a highly praised, single-varietal Garnacha (Grenache) from the Rioja Alta sub-region. It is part of a premium, limited-edition line from the respected Finca Valpiedra winery.

The 2019 vintage is noted for combining the power of Garnacha with great freshness and elegance, making it an excellent example of modern, high-quality Rioja.

The wine's silky texture and savory complexity make it versatile:

• Meat: Grilled lamb, roast duck, or white meats such as turkey and pheasant.

• Spanish Classics: Aged Manchego cheese.

• Other: Fish stews (like tuna marmitako), rice dishes, and mushroom risotto.

The Finca Valpiedra Rioja Garnacha Petra de Valpiedra 2019 is an outstanding example of premium, single-vineyard Garnacha from Rioja, praised for its elegance, freshness, and complexity.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Advocate 91 Points | The white 2022 Quíbia was produced with 60% Premsal and 40% Giró Ros and sold as a generic wine without appellation because of the use of the Giró Ros grape. It matured with lees in stainless steel before being bottled. It has 12.9% alcohol and good freshness. Unfortunately, it feels quite reductive and is difficult to read on the nose, but the palate feels vibrant and fresher. Give it a little bit of time.

Memo Notes

The 2022 is celebrated for blending aromatic fruit with a refreshing, savory quality:

Color: Enticing straw-lemon with greenish highlights.

Aromas: A delightful mix of ripe white peach, pear, jasmine, and the striking note of sea brine or crushed seashells. You may also find subtle hints of Meyer lemon and green mango.

Palate: Crisp, lively, and well-balanced. The wine delivers concentrated flavors of ripe peach,

Anjou pear, and citrus zest. Reviewers often mention a silky, almost olive oil-like texture and a savory note of capers or green almond.

Salinity: A distinct salinity runs through the wine, acting as a complex counterpoint to the fruit, which makes it incredibly versatile with food.

Winemaker Description 

Ànima Negra was founded in 1994 when two self-taught friends — Pere Ignasi Obrador and Miquelàngel Cerdà — decided that the wines of their native Mallorca weren’t reaching full potential.

Taking advantage of some unused milk tanks at the dairy farm owned by Pere’s family, they made two barriques of wine from Callet grapes (a native Mallorcan varietal) they’d purchased from local farmers. The initial results were so encouraging that the friends decided to form a partnership and continue pursuing their newly found passion for wine.

Situated in the southeast of Mallorca, Ànima Negra winery produces its wines on the old country estate of Son Burguera, close to the town of Felanitx. The buildings date back to the 13th century, and contain a traditional winemaking area, which historically was used to supply wine for locals living on and near the estate.

Ànima Negra sources its grapes from more than 135 carefully selected parcels of land that the partners either own or control. Virtually all of these parcels are within a six-mile radius of the winery, and most of the vines are 50 to 85 years old.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 97 Points | So pretty, charming and elegant, with floral aromas, light tannins and quiet vibrancy. Fresh raspberries, sour cherries, red cherries, rose petals and minerals give it complexity and appeal. Finesse, nerve and great balance. Drink now or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points | A bright red color, the 2023 Pinot Noir Roserock Zephirine offers focused and expressive notes of wild raspberries, framboise, rosy perfume, and sweet herbs. Medium-bodied, it has ripe tannins and an approachable feel, with its underlying mineral focus shining through the midpalate and finish. It’s delicious now but will only improve over the next 6-7 years and drink well over the coming 15 years.

Vinous 93 Points | The 2023 Pinot Noir Zéphirine wafts up with an understated blend of dried flowers, spiced citrus and wild strawberries. A stern mineral core and brisk acidity enliven the tart wild berry fruits. Youthful tension pinches at the cheeks, leaving angular tannins and admirable freshness.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Distinctive in a very good way, this chooses savory elegance over power. A refreshing and mineral-driven style, with appealing pepper, spice box and chestnut, all surrounding a core of red currant threaded with a stream of herbs. With warm earth on the seductively textured palate, this shows good energy and harmony through the vibrant finish, marked by iron and smoked meat. Well-done. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault. Drink now through 2032. 2,464 cases imported.

Vinous 92 Points | The 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Télégramme kicks off with crushed violets, ripe raspberry, wild strawberry and a pinch of dried herbs. Leafy gradations add more complexity. Round and elegant, the full-bodied 2022 walks off the stage with persistence on the juicy finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | The only wine produced in the vintage due to the devastating tornado just before the harvest, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Télégramme seems to be a mix of a normal Vieux Télégraphe and a Télégramme. Black raspberries, darker cherries, peppery garrigue, and a Grand Vin sense of salty minerality define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied on the palate, has rock-solid ripeness, plenty of tannins, and outstanding length.

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | A blend of 85% Grenache and the rest of Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvèdre, the 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Télégramme offers up aromas of flowers, dark cherries and dark wild berries, followed by a medium to full-bodied, structured and concentrated palate with velvety tannins and a long, dense finish.

James Suckling 92 Points | An elegant expression of grenache in Chateauneuf, this has a wealth of red berries and summer flowers. The very solid tannins have been expertly crafted, and they build beautifully in the long finish. Considering how the vineyards were hit by hail just before the harvest, this has turned out very well. 

Day Wines · Dazzles of Light · Dundee Hills · 2023

A bright, textured Oregon white blending Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Melon de Bourgogne. Dazzles of Light brings together Chardonnay’s orchard-fruit richness, Sauvignon Blanc’s lively lift, and the rounded mouthfeel of Melon de Bourgogne.

Wine & Place

This 2023 bottling from Day Wines is listed from the Dundee Hills. Its three-grape blend offers both generous texture and citrus-driven freshness, making it an inviting choice for a leisurely lunch or a seafood dinner.

Tasting Notes

The reviews below describe Meyer lemon, pineapple, green mango, mandarin, and a chalky mineral character. Bright acidity balances the wine’s weight, while lemon zest, orchard fruit, and savory herbal accents add detail to each sip.

Expert Reviews

Decanter Magazine, Clive Pursehouse, 93 Points | The fleshy Chardonnay elements dominate but are brightened by Sauvignon Blanc and Melon de Bourgogne. All three varieties combine wonderfully - rich, tangy citrus aromatics with Meyer lemon pulp, clover honey and a chalky mineralogy. The palate carries the weight of Chardonnay, accented by the Melon de Bourgogne's mouthfeel and lifted by a brightness from the Sauvignon Blanc. Tropical pineapple flavors cut against tart lemon, green mangoes and a succulent mandarin pulp finish.

Wine Enthusiast, Michael Alberty | An aptly named wine given its bright acidity and dazzling aromas of lemon zest, icy tonic water and the spicy, citrusy scent of a spicebush. Chardonnay orchard fruit battles Sauvignon Blanc tropical for flavor supremacy, with earthy oregano and lemon zest shouting from the sidelines. Every sip reminds you to go play outside.

Pairing & Serving Suggestions

Try with grilled shrimp, lemon-roasted chicken, seared scallops, or a fresh goat cheese salad. Serve chilled and let it open a little in the glass to enjoy both its citrus brightness and rounded texture.

Wine Details

• Producer: Day Wines
• Cuvée: Dazzles of Light
• Vintage: 2023
• Region: Dundee Hills, Oregon, United States
• Grapes: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Melon de Bourgogne
• Wine type: White blend
• Bottle size: 750ml

A lively white blend with enough texture for the table and plenty of citrus energy.

uxuriously smooth with caramel, dried figs, toasted nuts, and orange peel. A perfectly aged tawny offering richness, balance, and a long, warming finish—ideal for gifting or holiday desserts.

Graham's 20 Year Old Tawny Port pairs extremely well with vanilla ice cream or crème brulee. Serve slightly chilled to appreciate thefull complexity and sensuous pleasure of this wine.

Port is best served in classic Port wine glassware or white wine glasses. Avoid cordial or liqueur glasses as they are too small to fully appreciate the wine's aromas.

#57 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2025

Amber, golden tawny color. An excellent bouquet, with a characteristic "nutty" character, such as almonds, and delicious mature fruit with hints of orange peel. Rich, sweet and smooth onthe palate, it is perfectly balanced, with a long and lingering finish.

Expert Reviews

96 Points Decante |  Tawny Port is always exciting, but if you can afford to splash out, go for a 20 Year Old. All the major houses make wonderful aged tawnies and this is always one of the best. Ethereal and mellow on the palate, it boasts flavours of toffee and caramel, burnt orange and raisins, dried plums, hazelnuts and a savoury hint of mushroom on the finish. Wonderful stuff!

94 Points | James Suckling: Dried cherry, iodine and peat with some watermelon. Hints of toffee and bark. Medium-to full-bodied, sweet and layered with a tannin texture and rich finish. Tangy and focused.

93 Points |  Spirits: Earthy rather than fruity, this is all about umami, its cool cellar tones layering dark mushroom and savory black bean flavors over papaya. It lasts with intriguing complexity that would work with a range of umami-rich foods, like seafood in an XO sauce.

93 Points | Wine Spectator: Plump and inviting, with a burst of red and black cherry compote backed by hazelnut husk, date, green fig and baking spice notes. Generous in feel, but with the underlying zip for balance and focus.

Founded in 1806 by Scottish wine merchant John Lewis Brown of Colstun, Château Cantenac Brown is one of Margaux's most storied estates — a 3ème Grand Cru Classé of 1855, instantly recognizable by its spectacular Tudor-style château. Acquired in 2019 by the Le Lous family, the estate is undergoing a new chapter of modernization, including the construction of a pioneering raw earth cellar designed to deepen the expression of terroir in every bottle.

The Château Cantenac Brown Margaux 2021 750ml is a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot, with the Cabernet harvested late — between October 4th and 12th — to achieve full phenolic ripeness. Aged in 60% new French oak, it is medium to full-bodied, layered, and seamless, with a perfumed bouquet of black cherry, raspberry, cassis, tobacco, and rose petal. The palate is vibrant and exquisitely structured, with chalky tannins, lively acidity, and a long, elegant finish marked by crushed stone and a touch of bitter dark chocolate. A wine of great character, definition, and classicism.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

• Decanter — 93 Points: "Perfumed black cherries and raspberries on the nose. Waves of juicy, bright red summer berries with creamy, chalky edges. Great character, energy and classicism with slate and crushed stone. Extremely attractive finish."
• Jane Anson — 93 Points: "Excellent quality, well put together, finessed and powerful with black cherry fruits and raspberry purée, with tiny pulses of lemongrass acidity."
• Wine Advocate — 92–94 Points: "Cassis, wild berries, loamy soil and cigar box. Medium to full-bodied, layered and seamless, with good concentration, lively acids and a nicely defined finish."
• Vinous — 92–94 Points: "Sweet red-fleshed fruit, tobacco, incense and rose petal. Vibrant and exquisitely layered. Quite promising."

Wine Details

• 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot
• Margaux AOC, 3ème Grand Cru Classé, Bordeaux, France
• Aged in 60% new French oak
• Vintage: 2021
• 750ml

Château Pontet-Canet · Pauillac · 2020

Château Pontet-Canet 2020 comes from Pauillac in Bordeaux, France. This 750ml bottling represents the Tesseron family estate, whose approach to vineyard care combines traditional methods with organic and biodynamic farming.

Producer & Vineyard

The estate has passed through just three families over more than three centuries. The existing winery information identifies Alfred Tesseron as owner and his daughter Justine Tesseron as CEO, and describes the use of Percheron workhorses on part of the vineyard to help protect the soils.

Serving & Pairing

Suggested pairings for this Pauillac red include roast lamb, grilled beef, or a mushroom dish. Serve in a generous red-wine glass and taste before deciding how much air it needs.

Details

• Producer: Château Pontet-Canet
• Appellation: Pauillac
• Region: Bordeaux
• Country: France
• Vintage: 2020
• Type: Red wine
• Bottle size: 750ml

Historical Reviews from the Previous Listing, Not Ratings for the 2020

The following reviews are preserved from the previous 2022-oriented description. Jeb Dunnuck explicitly reviews the 2022; the vintage of the James Suckling and Decanter excerpts is not stated in their supplied text. None is presented here as a verified review of this 2020 bottling.

Jeb Dunnuck, 100 Points · 2022 Vintage
A sensational Pauillac as well as the finest wine from this château since the 2009 (although the 2010 might have something to say about that), the 2022 Château Pontet-Canet sports a deep purple hue as well as a heavenly perfume of crème de cassis, smoke, incense, leafy tobacco, and chocolate. This beauty has sensational purity, a deep, layered, multi-dimensional mouthfeel, flawless balance, and incredible precision and detail in its aromas and flavors. Despite its opulence and power, it has a solid underlying structure, and its tannins are sweet and polished; it has remarkable depth and concentration, and it just does everything right. It should have 40, 50, if not 60 years of overall longevity. The 2022 is based on 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, brought up in 50% new barrels, 35% in amphora, and the rest in once-used oak.

James Suckling, 99 Points · Historical Excerpt, Vintage Unconfirmed
The concentration of dried herbs such as thyme, sage and mint with blackcurrants and Spanish cedar is mesmerizing. Full-bodied with a dense and intense palate, this has creamy, crunchy tannins and a long and flavorful finish that goes on for minutes. Punchy and rich with lots of power. The real identity of Pontet-Canet comes through despite the hot and dry growing year. 57% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot. From biodynamically grown grapes.

Decanter Magazine, 95 Points · Barrel Sample · Historical Excerpt, Vintage Unconfirmed
Vibrant, vivid purple colour in the glass, rich and deep. Smells bright, super fresh and expressive on the nose with freshly-picked blackcurrants and perfumed purple flowers - the Petit Verdot, really standing out. Clean and clear, creamy, powdery and softly chewy on the palate. The texture is lovely, you can tell they haven't over extracted but there’s still clear concentration with a gentle succulence provided by the acidity, cool freshness and appealing mineral touches alongside liquorice, clove, dried herbs and bitter chocolate. Enjoyable and well defined if still a little compact. 3.85pH. 4% Cabernet Franc completes the blend. 15% press wine used. Harvest 8 - 28 September, the earliest and longest ever. 20% lower yields than in 2021. The technical team used a clay sunscreen on the grapes to avoid burning. Tasted twice. Barrel Sample: 95

Historical listing accolade: #85 James Suckling Top 100 Wines of the World 2025. Its applicability to the 2020 bottling has not been verified.

Expert Reviews

Isabel Ferrando’s reputation for outstanding wines has grown every vintage since her first release in 2003. As a woman owned business and winemaker, Isabel has built a tremendous reputation producing highly acclaimed wines. 

"Proprietress Isabel Ferrando has taken her Saint Prefert estate to France’s highest level, and she’s unquestionably making some of the most profound wines on earth today, including both reds and whites.”   —Wine Critic - Jeb Dunnuck

"Hard work. Subtle tweaks. Responsible farming. An uncompromising dedication to quality. Isabel Ferrando keeps doing things the right way, and her wines are dramatic proof.” —James Molesworth, Wine Spectator.

"one thing that remains constant is the incredible quality that continues to emerge from this talented winemaker.” Jeb Dunuck. 

The Wine Spectator 95 Points | A perfumed, elegant and complex version, with inviting, high-toned notes of red currant and cherry draped with warm licorice. The palate starts out supple, then solid ballasts of graphite and fine tannins firm everything up for a fresh, focused finish that wafts with smoked sandalwood. Brown bread, cinnamon and nutmeg add complexity, with penetrating mineral depth. Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvèdre. 

Louis Jadot is one of Burgundy's most storied and trusted négociants, with a history stretching back to 1859 and holdings across the Côte d'Or's most celebrated appellations. Their Clos de Malte is a monopole vineyard in Santenay — the southernmost village of the Côte de Beaune — where Jadot's technical director Frédéric Barnier has long championed a philosophy of freshness and balance, blocking malolactic conversion to preserve the wine's natural energy and precision.

The Domaine Louis Jadot Santenay Clos de Malte Blanc 2023 750ml is a 100% Chardonnay from the top of the Santenay slope, aged in one-third new French oak. It opens with forward aromas of ripe apple, pear, white flowers, toasted nuts, and candied citrus. On the palate it is silky and medium to full-bodied, satiny and seamless, with bright flinty acidity that gives the wine excellent energy and length. Charming, expressive, and built for both near-term pleasure and short-term cellaring.

Expert Reviews

• Decanter — 92 Points: "Easy to love, with forward aromas of ripe apples, pears and a hint of white flowers. The whole task is to keep the freshness and balance — his tactics seem to have worked."
• James Suckling — 91 Points: "Attractive toasty and nutty aromas married to generous candied citrus fruit on the silky, medium- to full-bodied palate. Bright, flinty acidity gives this excellent energy."
• Wine Advocate — 90 Points: "Aromas of peach, pear, orange zest and toasted nuts. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and seamless. Charming and expressive — another solid performance for this reliable bottling."

Wine Details

• 100% Chardonnay — Clos de Malte monopole
• Santenay AOC, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
• Aged in 1/3 new French oak | Malolactic blocked
• Vintage: 2023 | 750ml

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

James Suckling 93 Points | Manzoni bianco is a super fresh grape variety, a valuable resource in view of the rising temperatures in this era of climate change. Aromas of pears, white peaches, lime peel and lemon leaves. It’s soft on the palate, with a silky texture, sharp acidity, peach flavors and a polished finish in spite of its citrus peel aftertaste.

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

Decatner 93 Points | Taut and precise, mouthwatering and dry. Lime shot through with light peach and a dab of salt. From the same Red Bank Farm vineyard as the Picnic Riesling, but aged a little longer on the lees. Could take on spicy seafood or raw oysters. Will age well.

Expert Reviews- Vintage 2020 

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

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

Pierre Paillard Les Parcelles Extra Brut Grand Cru — Bouzy NV

Pierre Paillard’s Les Parcelles is the definitive expression of Bouzy Grand Cru — a mosaic cuvée assembled from approximately 25 distinct parcels across the village’s sun-drenched, south-facing slopes. The blend is 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, based on the 2020 harvest with 20% reserve wines, and it captures everything that makes Bouzy one of Champagne’s most celebrated Grand Cru villages: power, structure, and a chalky subsoil that keeps the wine focused and precise. Fermented in 350-liter oak barrels and cellared three years on the lees before disgorgement, the wine is dosed at just 2 g/L — Extra Brut in spirit and in fact. Rated 92 points by The Wine Advocate.

The bouquet is expressive and layered: pear, ripe citrus, and warm spices mingle with toasted bread, orange zest, and a whisper of brioche. On the palate, the wine is medium- to full-bodied with a lively, luminous fruit profile driven by racy acidity. The Pinot Noir from Bouzy’s south-facing slopes delivers depth and structure, while the Chardonnay adds finesse and brightness. The finish is long and pronounced, with a saline, chalky mineral drive that is the hallmark of great Bouzy terroir.

Wine Advocate 92 — “Livelier, more luminous fruit… racy acidity and a pronounced saline finish. A precise expression of Bouzy terroir.”

• Producer: Pierre Paillard, Bouzy, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
• Appellation: Champagne Grand Cru
• Village: Bouzy (south-facing slopes)
• Blend: 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay
• Base Vintage: 2020 (with 20% reserve wines)
• Parcels: ~25 distinct parcels across Bouzy
• Style: Extra Brut
• Vinification: 350-liter oak barrels
• Lees Aging: 3 years before disgorgement
• Dosage: 2 g/L
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Pear, ripe citrus, warm spices, toasted bread, orange zest, brioche, racy acidity, saline chalky finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled fish, roast chicken, duck, charcuterie, aged cheeses, mushroom dishes

92 points from The Wine Advocate. 25 parcels. 3 years on the lees. 2 g/L dosage. Pierre Paillard’s Les Parcelles is Bouzy Grand Cru Champagne at its most precise and compelling.

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

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | Opening with a citrus and mineral-driven nose, the 2023 Bon Vallon Chardonnay displays notions of wet concrete and petrichor before aromas of lemon oil sway out of the glass. Medium-bodied, the palate displays fresh notions of citrus blossom with spiced white tea while delivering vibrant acidity with a balanced structure possessing freshness and finesse. Only 48,000 bottles were produced after the wine rested on the lees for between 80 and 120 days.

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

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

James Suckling 92 Points | This is a youthful and fresh red with raspberries, lemons, clay and wild herbs on the nose. It’s medium-bodied, clean and mineral, with tight grained tannins and a fine and focused finish.

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

The Tasting Panel 92 Points | A distinctive counterpoint to California Cab, this Washington rendition offers pleasantly leafy aromas and notes of dark cherry and moderately ripened berries. Structure from oak and tannins is proportional to the fruit's intensity, enabling the wine to pair successfully with anything from roast chicken to lamb chops.