90+ Points | Critical Acclaim | Wine & Sparkling Wine

RouteStock | Pinot Noir | Sonoma Coast AVA | California | 2023

RouteStock is a California label built around the idea that great wine should be accessible — that world-class terroir doesn’t have to come with a world-class price tag. Their Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir draws from one of California’s most celebrated cool-climate appellations, where Pacific fog and coastal winds push grapes to their expressive limits. The 2023 is a textbook example of what makes this region so compelling: complexity, tension, and a savory depth that punches well above its price.

The nose is brooding and aromatic — dried herbs, toasted hazelnuts, blood orange peel, and a whisper of lavender. On the palate, bright red-cherry acidity and crunchy minerality frame an appealing umami core, with flavors of shiitake mushroom, bay laurel, brambly berries, and cooked red and blackberries woven through with woodsy spice. Rich and complex, yet bright and inviting — a Sonoma Coast Pinot that delivers far beyond its price point.

• Producer: RouteStock
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast AVA, California
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 750ml
• Pairings: Roast duck, grilled salmon, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, mushroom risotto, charcuterie with prosciutto and mild cheeses

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2023 

• The Tasting Panel — 92 pts: Punches way above its price. Savory tilled earth and loam, red-cherry acidity, crunchy minerality, and an umami core with brambly berries and woodsy spice.

About the Wine

Sanford Winery is one of Santa Barbara County's pioneering estates, with deep roots in the Santa Rita Hills AVA — a cool, wind-swept corridor that produces some of California's most compelling Chardonnay.

The 2023 vintage is crafted under the direction of winemaker Trey Fletcher, whose minimal-intervention philosophy allows the vineyard's natural character to lead.

90 pts — Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Composed primarily of young vines from La Rinconada planted in heavier soils, the 2023 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills is pure, floral and orchard fruit-driven, with a seamless, lifted palate that boasts remarkable textural precision and a chalky, high-toned finish." (Vintage 2023).

90 pts — Vinous: "The 2023 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) is a soft, gentle white that speaks in hushed tones — very elegant and approachable. White flowers, chamomile and pear are some of the notes that emerge with air, all motivated by saline-tinged acids." (Vintage 2023). 

Tasting Notes

Bright and aromatic on the nose with grilled lemon, dried flowers, and chamomile. The palate is silky and intensely mineral, with orchard fruit precision and a chalky, high-toned finish. Saline-tinged acidity keeps the wine fresh and lifted throughout.

Food Pairings

A natural match for shellfish, oysters, sushi, light seafood dishes, and fresh appetizers. Also lovely alongside roasted chicken or soft cheeses.

Meet the Winemaker — Trey Fletcher

Trey believes the vineyard and its farming are the cornerstone of wine quality. With eight years at Bien Nacido Vineyards and experience at Littorai Wines and in Napa Valley, he brings a seasoned, terroir-driven approach to every vintage at Sanford.

Wine Details

• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Appellation: Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Style: Elegant, mineral-driven white

Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut — Champagne NV

Piper-Heidsieck is one of Champagne’s most iconic and storied houses, founded in 1785 and long favored by royalty and Hollywood alike. The Cuvée Brut is the house’s flagship non-vintage expression — a Pinot-dominant blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier, and 20% Chardonnay that delivers the house’s signature vivacity, richness, and precision. Consistently earning scores of 90–92 points across the world’s most respected publications, this is a Champagne of genuine pedigree at an exceptional price.

The nose is complex and inviting: black cherry, white peach purée, croissant, sourdough, dried lemon, apricot, and salted almond, with bright florals and a racy finesse. On the palate, it is creamy and mouthwatering — soft Brut character balanced by a crisp bite of acidity, a finely detailed mousse, and a spiced, rounded finish of honey, red fruit, and toasted brioche.

Wine Spectator 92 — “A vivacious Champagne. Flavors of black cherry, toast point, white peach purée and salted almond on a finely detailed mousse. Creamy and mouthwatering on the spiced finish.”
Decanter 92 — “Racy nose of real finesse. A well-hewn palate with bright florals, red fruit and delicate flavours of honey.”
Wine Enthusiast 90 • Wine & Spirits 90 • James Suckling 90

• Producer: Piper-Heidsieck, Reims, Champagne, France
• Founded: 1785
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Blend: 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier, 20% Chardonnay
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, white peach, croissant, sourdough, dried lemon, apricot, salted almond, honey, red fruit, creamy mousse
• Best Paired With: Oysters, sole, lobster, smoked salmon, soft cheeses, charcuterie

Founded in 1785, favored by royalty, and scoring 92 points — Piper-Heidsieck’s Cuvée Brut is Champagne history you can drink tonight.

Marqués de Riscal is one of Spain's most iconic and historic wine estates, founded in 1858 and long regarded as a pioneer of quality winemaking on the Iberian Peninsula. While the estate's Rioja reds are legendary, its Rueda Verdejo has become one of the benchmark expressions of the D.O. Rueda — a wine that has helped define the modern identity of Spain's most celebrated white wine appellation. Consistently awarded at the highest levels, it is a wine of genuine character and remarkable consistency vintage after vintage.

The wine is made from 100% Verdejo, the indigenous white grape of the Rueda appellation in Castilla y León. Rueda's high-altitude plateau — sitting at over 700 meters above sea level — combined with its continental climate of hot days and cold nights, produces Verdejo of exceptional aromatic intensity, natural freshness, and the distinctive herbal complexity that sets the variety apart. The 2025 vintage continues the estate's outstanding track record, with the wine earning a Mundus Vini Gold and Premios Ecovino Great Gold.

Vinification is carried out at low temperatures to preserve the full aromatic expression of the Verdejo grape, with careful handling from harvest through to bottling ensuring the wine's characteristic freshness and vibrancy are fully captured.

The 2025 opens with an expressive nose of fennel, white flowers, aniseed, and fresh grass, with a lively citrus undercurrent. On the palate, the wine is generous and fresh, with bright acidity, a lively mouthfeel, and a clean, persistent finish. A benchmark Verdejo — aromatic, precise, and endlessly refreshing. Serve between 8–10°C.

Grape: Verdejo
Region: Rueda, Castilla y León, Spain
Appellation: D.O. Rueda
Vintage: 2025
Awards: Mundus Vini 2025 Gold · Premios Ecovino 2025 Great Gold · Tim Atkin 2025 90pts
Bottle Size: 750ml

Pairing: Fish, shellfish, grilled prawns, Iberian ham, chicken, light pasta, and cold meats. Serve well chilled

Winemaker Notes

de Ladoucette Pouilly-Fumé — Loire Valley, France 2024

Baron Patrick de Ladoucette is the defining name in Pouilly-Fumé — the man who, more than anyone, elevated this Loire Valley appellation to international prominence. His estate, Château du Nozet, has been in the family since the 18th century and remains the benchmark producer for the appellation’s mineral, smoke-kissed style of Sauvignon Blanc. De Ladoucette’s philosophy is uncompromising: no oak, ever. The wine is vinified and aged entirely on its fine lees in glass-tiled stainless steel tanks, preserving every nuance of the flint-rich Kimmeridgian soils and the Sauvignon Blanc grape in its purest expression. The result is Pouilly-Fumé as it should be — precise, mineral, and unmistakably of its place.

The color is pale golden-green, bright and luminous. The nose is delicate yet complex: white flowers (lilac, white blossom), citrus peel (grapefruit, lemon), and exotic fruit (lychee, mango), with the quintessential fumé — that haunting flinty, smoky mineral note that gives the appellation its name. On the palate, the wine is elegant and mineral-driven, with crushed shell, grilled lemon, green Anjou pear, and a beautiful acidity that drives a long, clean, saline finish. Orange blossom, white peach, and dried hay emerge as it opens — a wine that rewards patience in the glass.

“Chilled citrus and white-peach aromas mingle with orange blossom and lilac on the nose. The palate is pleasantly mineral driven, with flavors of crushed shell, grilled lemon, and green Anjou pear. A whiff of dried hay on the finish brings everything together.” — Wine Enthusiast, 92 pts. (Vintage 2024).

• Producer: de Ladoucette, Château du Nozet, Pouilly-sur-Loire, Loire Valley
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Pouilly-Fumé AOC, Loire Valley, France
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Vinification: No oak — aged on fine lees in glass-tiled stainless steel tanks
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White flower, lychee, grapefruit, crushed shell, grilled lemon, green pear, dried hay, saline mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, scallops, grilled sea bass, Crottin de Chavignol, fresh chèvre, asparagus, roast chicken with lemon

The definitive Pouilly-Fumé — de Ladoucette delivers Sauvignon Blanc’s most mineral, precise, and terroir-driven expression from the Loire’s most storied flint-soil estate.

Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc — Constantia, South Africa 2024

Klein Constantia is one of South Africa's most historic and celebrated estates, situated in the Constantia Valley on the slopes of the Cape Peninsula — a site with a winemaking legacy stretching back to the 17th century and home to the legendary Vin de Constance. Their Sauvignon Blanc is a wine of genuine craft and ambition: sourced from 42 individual vineyard blocks across the estate, each fermented separately to allow the terroir of each parcel to express itself before careful blending. Grapes are harvested at 4am to preserve freshness, and the winemaking is a meticulous balance of wild and inoculated fermentation — 80% wild (some ferments taking up to two months to complete), 20% with Non-Saccharomyces Cerevisiae for complexity and natural microbial protection. Ten percent is aged in neutral 500L oak barrels, and the wine spends six months on gross lees before blending and bottling.

The 2024 pours light and bright. The nose is perfumed and atypically complex for Sauvignon Blanc — grapefruit, lime, kiwi, yellow plum, and hints of mango, with a citrus blossom and umami thread. On the palate, it's moreish and textured with a crisp entry, quince, light walnut, flinty mineral elements, and a fresh salinity that gives it real energy. The finish is long, vibrant, and expressive — fanning out beautifully with aeration. Real texture for the variety.

"Atypical for a Sauvignon Blanc — real texture to this Savvy, which is unusual for the variety, fanning out nicely on the finish." — Neal Martin, Vinous, 91 Points

• Producer: Klein Constantia, Constantia Valley, South Africa
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Constantia WO
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Vineyard: 42 blocks, harvested at 4am
• Fermentation: 80% wild (up to 2 months), 20% Non-Saccharomyces Cerevisiae; 10% neutral 500L oak
• Aging: 6 months on gross lees
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: Vinous 91 (Neal Martin)
• Tasting Notes: Grapefruit, lime, kiwi, yellow plum, mango, citrus blossom, umami, flinty minerality, fresh salinity
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled fish, sushi, goat cheese, asparagus, light herb-driven dishes

A 91-point Constantia Sauvignon Blanc of remarkable craft — 42 blocks, 4am harvest, wild fermentation, and six months on lees from one of South Africa's most historic estates.

Castello di Bossi | Chianti Classico Gran Selezione | Organic | 2020

Gran Selezione is the apex of the Chianti Classico pyramid — a single-vineyard or best-barrel selection aged a minimum of 30 months before release. Castello di Bossi's 2020 version is a textbook example of why this category matters. Sourced from the estate's southern Gaiole in Chianti holdings and certified organic, it spent 24 months in large 40–50HL casks — a deliberate choice that preserves Sangiovese's aromatic lift while building structure without over-oaking. The 2020 vintage delivered warm, even ripening across Tuscany, and Bossi channeled that richness into a wine of explosive intensity and remarkable finesse. Deep ruby with garnet lights, it opens with black cherry, plum, cedar, sweet spice, dark chocolate, and a whisper of saddle leather. The palate is fleshy and dense, yet balanced, with a very pronounced, lingering finish. Drink now with confidence, or cellar through 2034.

• Appellation: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
• Varietal: Sangiovese
• Vintage: 2020
• Format: 750ml
• Aging: 24 months in 40–50HL large casks
• Certification: Certified Organic
• Drink Window: Now – 2034

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2020

Vinous — Antonio Galloni | 92 Points: Gorgeous. Floral, lifted and quite expressive, the 2020 has a lot to offer. It marries the richness of this southern district with lovely aromatic presence and a good bit of brightness. A complete, deeply satisfying wine to drink now and over the next decade or so. Drink 2024–2034.

Pairing Suggestions

• Classic Tuscan: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, or pappardelle with meat sauce.
• Meat: Roasted lamb rack, braised short ribs, or aged beef tagliata.
• Cheese: Aged Pecorino Toscano, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or a firm sheep’s milk cheese.

In 1968, Miljenko “Mike” Grgich went to work for Robert Mondavi as chief enologist, crafting the inaugural release of “Fumé Blanc” — an elegant, dry, oak-aged style of Sauvignon Blanc that Mondavi named after the French word for smoke. A decade later, Mike's 1973 Chardonnay famously won the Judgment of Paris, putting California wine on the world map. He went on to found Grgich Hills Estate in 1977, where he continued to champion the Fumé Blanc style as a tribute to his mentor and friend. Today, the estate farms all five of its Napa Valley vineyards organically and biodynamically.

The Grgich Hills Fumé Blanc Sauvignon Blanc 2023 375ml Half Bottle opens with striking aromas of fresh lime, lemon verbena, gooseberry, and honeysuckle. On the palate, bright citrus, tangy star fruit, and a hint of green mango are framed by deft oak and a chiseled, linear acidity that carries through to a long, mineral finish of lasting slate. Certified organic and biodynamic — a wine of precision, integrity, and genuine pleasure in a perfect half-bottle format.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Fresh lime, lemon verbena, gooseberry, and honeysuckle
• Palate: Bright citrus, star fruit, green mango, and lemongrass with deft oak
• Finish: Long, chiseled, and mineral with lasting slate and juicy citrus

Wine Details

• 100% Sauvignon Blanc — Fumé Blanc style
• Certified Organic & Biodynamic — five estate vineyards
• Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2023 | 375ml Half Bottle
• Pairs with: filet of sole, pork loin, seafood, light pasta

One of Tuscany's most celebrated organic estates, Fontodi Chianti Classico Organic 2020 is a benchmark expression of 100% Sangiovese from the heart of Panzano's legendary Conca d'Oro — the "Golden Shell" — a privileged south-facing amphitheater of vineyards in the Chianti Classico DOCG. Certified organic, structured, and deeply terroir-driven, this is Chianti Classico at its most authentic and compelling.

Fontodi & the Conca d'Oro

Fontodi has been certified organic for decades, farming 100% Sangiovese with an unwavering commitment to terroir expression and minimal intervention. Situated in Panzano's Conca d'Oro — a sun-drenched bowl of south-facing vineyards considered among the finest sites in all of Chianti Classico — the estate produces wines of remarkable energy, structure, and longevity. The 2020 vintage is slightly more reserved and structured than recent opulent years, offering a classic, high-energy profile that rewards decanting or further cellaring.

Critical Acclaim — 2020 Vintage

94 Points — James Suckling: "Subtle aromas of sliced strawberries and cherries with some orange peel follow through to a medium body with succulent tannins and a bright and tangy finish. Lovely energy in this one. So good now. From organically grown grapes."

93 Points — Wine Spectator: "Rich and velvety, laced with black cherry, blackberry, violet and mineral flavors. Driven by vibrant acidity and backed by well-mannered tannins. Shows excellent balance and length."

92 Points — Decanter: "This flagship Chianti Classico from the renowned Fontodi estate has not lost its identity, deeply rooted in a sun-drenched stretch of Panzano's Conca d'Oro. The 2020 version has all the ripe dark fruit and assertive tannins that come so neatly into balance. It finishes with its signature bitter liquorice twist."

92+ Points — Vinous (Antonio Galloni): "The 2020 Chianti Classico offers notable tension to balance the natural richness that is such a signature here. Dark red cherry, leather, spice, rose petal, dried herbs and wild flowers all grace this nuanced Chianti Classico. I would not plan on opening this too young."

91 Points — Wine Advocate: "A certified organic wine, the Fontodi 2020 Chianti Classico shows dark fruit and blackberry with earthy sensations of crushed stone that reflect the schistous soils found in this area of the appellation. Drinking 2023–2030."

17++ — Jancis Robinson: "100% Sangiovese. Certified organic. Lots of juice on the palate and plenty of grainy but ripe tannins in perfect harmony with the succulent fruit. Drinking 2023–2032."

Tasting Profile

Youthful ruby with vibrant clarity. The nose is subtle and enticing — sliced strawberry, dark cherry, rose petal, dried herbs, leather, and a hint of baked earth. On the palate it's medium to full-bodied with succulent, grainy tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long finish with a signature bitter liquorice twist. Classic Sangiovese energy and precision.

Details

2020 | 100% Sangiovese | Panzano, Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany, Italy | Certified Organic | 750ml

Food Pairings & Serving

Decant 30–45 minutes. Serve at 61–64°F. A natural match for bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, roasted lamb, and aged Pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano. Drinking beautifully now through 2032.

Elk Cove Estate Pinot Gris — Willamette Valley, Oregon 2024

Elk Cove Vineyards is one of Oregon’s founding and most respected estate wineries, established in 1974 in the northern Willamette Valley near Gaston. From the beginning, the Campbell family has farmed sustainably and focused on cool-climate varieties that express the unique terroir of their hillside estate vineyards — and Pinot Gris has become their most beloved white wine. Their approach is meticulous: whole-cluster pressing preserves the grape’s aromatic delicacy, followed by cool fermentation in small stainless steel tanks that protects varietal character and builds natural richness. The 2024 vintage was, by the winemaker’s own account, a dream season — well-paced with idyllic conditions for cool-climate whites, delivering concentration, complexity, and pristine fruit character.

A small but meaningful addition of 4% Gewurztraminer and 2% Muscat adds a gorgeous aromatic lift to the Pinot Gris base. The nose is understated and elegant: peach, apricot, honeysuckle, and bread dough, with a whisper of warm spice. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, textural, and savory, with gently honeyed stone fruit flavors, bright acidity, and a beautifully long, flavorful finish. Just 3.6 grams of residual sugar keep it fresh and food-friendly without tipping into sweetness.

“Understated aromas of peach, apricot, bread dough and spice. The medium-bodied palate is concentrated, textural and savory with gently honeyed flavors. Bright acidity balances 3.6 grams of residual sugar, and it has a long, flavorful finish.” — Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, 90 pts. (Vintage 2024).

“Delicate and pretty, with floral peach, lemon and honeysuckle tones that linger.” — Wine Spectator, 89 pts. (Vintage 2024).

• Producer: Elk Cove Vineyards, Gaston, Willamette Valley, Oregon (est. 1974)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Willamette Valley AVA, Oregon
• Blend: Pinot Gris 94% / Gewurztraminer 4% / Muscat 2%
• Vinification: Whole-cluster pressed — cool fermented in stainless steel
• Size: 750ml
• Farming: Sustainable | Estate hillside vineyards
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, oysters, shrimp tacos, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, pork tenderloin, soft cheeses, lightly truffled dishes

Oregon’s most celebrated Pinot Gris estate delivers its finest vintage in years — Elk Cove 2024 is concentrated, aromatic, and built for the table.

Bramito Della Sala Chardonnay — Castello della Sala, Umbria, Italy 2024

Castello della Sala is one of Italy's most storied white wine estates — a magnificent medieval fortress set in the hills of Umbria, just 18 kilometers from Orvieto, where the Antinori family has spent decades proving that Italy can produce world-class Chardonnay. Bramito Della Sala is the estate's benchmark white: a pure, elegant expression of Chardonnay grown on the estate's high-altitude vineyards, fermented in stainless steel to preserve freshness and precision. Wine Enthusiast awarded the 2024 vintage 93 points, praising its perfect balance between richness and restraint. At $25.99, it is one of the most exciting values in Italian white wine.

The nose is inviting and complex: baked apple, hazelnut brittle, crème fraîche, and wet stones. On the palate, generous fruit meets mineral tension in a seamless, structured mid-palate, leading to a refreshing, tart finish that is clean and long. This is Chardonnay that finds the rare sweet spot between Old World restraint and New World generosity — and it delivers every time.

Wine Enthusiast 93 — "Baked apples and hazelnut brittle weave through notes of crème fraîche and wet stones. The palate delivers substance with style, where generous fruit meets mineral tension and a refreshing tart finish. Here’s Chardonnay finding perfect balance between richness and restraint." (Vintage 2024).

• Producer: Castello della Sala (Antinori), Umbria, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Umbria IGT
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Baked apple, hazelnut, crème fraîche, wet stone, mineral tension, tart finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, lobster, roast chicken, risotto, soft cheeses, pasta with cream sauce

A 93-point Umbrian Chardonnay at an honest price — Bramito Della Sala is the benchmark for what Castello della Sala and Italian white wine can be.

François & Julien Pinon | Vouvray Blanc Sec — Buvez du Bon Pinon | Loire Valley, France | 2023

François and Julien Pinon are a father-and-son team working exclusively with Chenin Blanc on their 15-hectare estate in the Vallée de Cousse, in the heart of Vouvray. Certified organic by Ecocert since 2003, their work in the vineyard is in complete harmony with nature — a philosophy that translates directly into wines of exceptional purity, energy, and terroir expression.

Vouvray is one of the Loire Valley's most celebrated appellations, producing Chenin Blanc of extraordinary range and longevity. The region's tufa limestone soils and continental climate — tempered by the moderating influence of the Loire River — give Vouvray Chenin Blanc its signature combination of vibrant acidity, mineral precision, and generous aromatic complexity. Chenin Blanc is a grape that flies under the radar, which is baffling given its charming character and remarkable versatility.

The 2023 Buvez du Bon Pinon sports a gorgeous bouquet reminiscent of a walk through an orchard in spring blossom. Aromas of white stone fruits, peach, pear, wildflower honey, and quince emerge from the glass with lively fanfare. On the palate, energetic and effortless with refreshing lift, steely mineral intensity, and beautifully balanced vibrant acidity. The finish is long, tangy, chalky, and utterly delicious. Drink now through 2030.

A wine that adds cheerful accompaniment to roast chicken, grilled seafood, fresh salads, vegetable dishes, goat cheese, and herb-driven cuisine.

• Producer: François & Julien Pinon
• Cuvée: Buvez du Bon Pinon
• Appellation: Vouvray AOC, Loire Valley, France
• Grape: Chenin Blanc
• Style: Dry (Sec)
• Vintage: 2023
• Farming: Certified Organic (Ecocert since 2003)
• Drink: Now through 2030
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023

• Wine Spectator — 90 pts: A steely, mineral-intense style that starts out austere and then fills in with crunchy apple, pear and dried herbs. Chalky feel to the finish, which is racy and pure. Drink now through 2030.

67Wine Buyer's Note

Bart Hopkins, 67Wine — "Energetic and effortless in the mouth with refreshing lift and well-balanced vibrant acidity, with a long and tangy, delicious finish."

Chateau Mont Redon Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Rouge 2023 375ml HALF BOTTLE

Producer Description

Enchanting and complex on the nose with red fruit, tobacco leaf, licorice, and delicate spices. Super-sensual on the palate — rich and refined, with stunning interplay of ripe fruit, raw-meat, and smoked-bacon character. Very long, silky finish. Sustainable. Drink or hold.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

James Suckling 97 Points — Brimming with youthful Amarena cherry fruit, this has excellent concentration but also a compact tannic core. Really needs some time to open up. Very long and intense finish with stacks of licorice.

Vinous 92 Points — Vinified from fully destemmed grapes, the deep ruby-colored 2023 develops with red and black plum, licorice, fresh violets, and leafy elements. Full-bodied and polished, with a juicy core of fruit and good freshness on the bright resolution.

Wine Advocate 91 Points — A blend of 60% Grenache Noir, 31% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre, and other permitted varieties. Somewhat introverted and oak-driven, opening with aromas of toast, spices, and licorice. Medium- to full-bodied, enveloping and creamy, with a fleshy core of fruit framed by assertive oak tannins. Well-balanced and competently executed.

Wine Details

Producer: Château Mont-Redon
Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France
Blend: 60% Grenache Noir, 31% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre
Vintage: 2023
Size: 375ml (Half Bottle)
Farming: Sustainable

Expert Reviews 

Audrey Frick writes: (Tasted November 7, 2022) The NV Champagne La Cuvée Brut Rosé is entirely Pinot Noir from 10 crus in the Montagne de Reims. It is forward in the glass with ripe currants, fresh herbs, and smoky perfume. This continues to the palate, with notes of ripe wild raspberry and tangerine, and it has a medium to full-bodied texture that is pure and lightly savory on the finish. Fantastically paired with beef tartar and other richer raw preparations, this is a wonderful and food-friendly expression. Drink 2022-2032.  - Jeb Dunnuck 92

About This Wine

Beringer's Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has long been one of California's benchmark expressions of the variety — a wine that bridges Napa's richness with Sonoma's elegance. Sourced from the volcanic soils of Knights Valley, just east of the Mayacamas Mountains, the 2022 vintage delivers everything this appellation is known for: depth, structure, and a sense of place.

The 2022 growing season brought warmth and richness, yielding bold layers of blackcurrant, plum, and boysenberry, accented by dark chocolate, sage, and hints of tobacco and cedar. Extended maceration extracted maximum color and flavor, while 14 months in French oak (30% new) added spice and texture without overwhelming the fruit. Fine-grained tannins and bright acidity give this wine both immediate appeal and genuine aging potential.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep plum with ruby highlights
• Nose: Blackcurrant, boysenberry, cassis, dark chocolate, sage, cedar, wild lavender
• Palate: Medium-to-full body, plush sandy tannins, vibrant acidity, baking spice, crushed stone
• Finish: Long, elegant, savory — structured and mouthwatering

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 93 | Perfumed aromas of red currants, lavender, fresh thyme and graphite. Medium-bodied with plush tannins and balanced acidity, giving flavors of raspberry coulis, red licorice and baking spices. Very soft and delicate, with a nicely constructed backbone. Drink or hold.

Food Pairings

Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb chops, aged cheddar, and mushroom risotto. A natural at the dinner table, equally at home with a casual weeknight meal or a celebratory feast.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: 2022
Region: Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California
Appellation: Knights Valley AVA
Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot
Oak Aging: 14 months, French oak (30% new)
Style: Full-bodied Red Wine

Monte Degli Angeli Pinot Noir Monferrato Piedmont 2025

Expert Review — Vintage 2025

James Suckling 91 Points | Deep aromas of cherries with hints of chocolate and mild spices. Medium-bodied and tense, with dusty tannins and a firm, structured finish. Drink now or hold.

Winemaker's Notes

Rich, silky, and velvety with smooth tannins. Expressive fruity notes of cherry, strawberry, raspberry, and ripe tomato, layered with floral hints of rose petal and violet. A wine that delivers elegance and approachability in equal measure — a standout value from Piedmont's Monferrato appellation.

Food Pairings

• Meats: Roast beef, braised lamb, or classic Boeuf Bourguignon.
• Vegetarian: Wild mushroom risotto, truffle-infused pasta, or butternut squash ravioli with sage.
• Cheese: Soft, creamy cheeses like Brie or mild goat cheese.

About the Wine

While Piedmont is celebrated for its bold Nebbiolo-based wines like Barolo, this Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) from Monte Degli Angeli is a rare gem — offering Burgundian-inspired elegance at a remarkable price point. A high-quality, budget-friendly Italian red that punches well above its weight.

Pio Cesare Barbera d’Alba — Piedmont 2024

Pio Cesare is one of Piedmont’s most storied and respected producers, with over 140 years of winemaking history in Alba. Their Barbera d’Alba is a benchmark for the variety — a wine that balances the grape’s naturally exuberant acidity and fruit with genuine structure and complexity, drawn from carefully selected calcareous clay and alluvial vineyards in the Barolo zone. Fermented in stainless steel and aged for nearly 12 months in large French and Eastern European oak barrels, the 2024 is a classically built Barbera with real depth and excellent longevity.

The nose is assured and inviting: damson plum, violets, whole peppercorn, and freshly turned earth, with blackberry and ripe dark fruit underneath. On the palate, the wine is generous and full, with a live wire of characteristic Barbera acidity keeping the ripe blue and black fruit fresh and honest. It is approachable now, food-friendly across a wide range of cuisines, and built to age — a must-have from the Pio Cesare lineup.

“Few houses understand Barbera the way Pio Cesare does, and 140 years of practice show clearly in this glass. Damson plum, violets, whole peppercorn, and freshly turned earth set an assured and classic tone. The palate is generous, ripe blue and black fruits fresh and preserved, a live wire of acidity keeping everything honest. Barbera as it should be.” — Wine Enthusiast, 91 points. (Vintage 2024) 

• Producer: Pio Cesare, Alba, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Barbera d’Alba DOC, Piedmont
• Varietal: 100% Barbera
• Aging: ~12 months in large French & Eastern European oak barrels
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Damson plum, violets, peppercorn, earth, blackberry, ripe dark fruit, vibrant acidity
• Best Paired With: Pasta bolognese, grilled meats, aged cheeses, pizza, braised short ribs

Piedmont’s benchmark Barbera — Pio Cesare delivers 140 years of expertise in every bottle, offering classic structure, vibrant acidity, and genuine aging potential at an exceptional value.

Alain Graillot · Crozes-Hermitage Rouge · 2023

A Northern Rhône Syrah from the Graillot domaine, this 2023 Crozes-Hermitage brings dark cherry, plum and wild-herb notes to a lively, textured palate. Its fine tannins and fresh finish make it a compelling choice for a table set with grilled lamb or mushroom-rich dishes.

Expert Reviews · 2023 Vintage

A driven, balanced, flavorful, textural and lively Crozes-Hermitage, showing aromas of dark cherries, spiced plums, wild herbs and warm spices. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Superb texture and balance with a long, succulent and vivid finish. Drink or hold.

James Suckling · 94 points

Fermented with 100% whole clusters, the 2023 displays ripe red fruit tones, stemmy touches, pencil shaving, licorice and cedar aromas. Medium- to full-bodied and fresh — shaping up to be a delicious red Crozes-Hermitage. A long, defined finish wraps it up.

Vinous · 91+ points

Winemaker Description

In France’s Northern Rhône Valley, few names are as revered as Graillot. It was in 1985 that the late, legendary Alain Graillot — after working with the venerable Jacques Seysses at Domaine Dujac — returned to his home in Crozes-Hermitage to start his own domaine. With each passing year, his devotion to making hauntingly delicious Syrah from organically farmed, stone-laden vineyards earned him a devoted global following. Alain’s sons Maxime and Antoine have been in charge since 2008, continuing the legacy unchanged: hand-harvesting, organic farming, 100% whole-cluster fermentation, and aging primarily in 1-to-3 year old barrels sourced from top Burgundy estates.

Winemaker Description

Pairings & Details

Pair with grilled lamb chops with herbes de Provence, roasted duck, venison with wild mushrooms, daube de bœuf, cassoulet, charcuterie, aged Comté or Saint-Nectaire.

• Producer: Alain Graillot
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Crozes-Hermitage, Northern Rhône, France
• Grape: Syrah
• Size: 750ml

Bodegas CARO · Amancaya Malbec-Cabernet · Mendoza · 2021 · 750ml

The Producer

The partnership between Domaine Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) and the Catena family took root in 1999. The Catenas brought their knowledge of Mendoza's high-altitude terroirs and their passion for fine Malbec; the Rothschilds brought centuries of skill in growing, vinifying and aging great Cabernet Sauvignon, plus their mastery of blending. Together they created CARO, a union of their famous surnames, Catena and Rothschild, celebrating the fusion of opposites and the greatness that synergy can yield.

Bodegas CARO sources grapes from exceptional sites in the Andean foothills: Luján de Cuyo, part of the "First Zone" where Argentina's first Malbecs were planted, and the Uco Valley. The winery itself, built in 1884, is a designated heritage building in the heart of Mendoza. Today the estate is led by Laura Catena and Saskia de Rothschild, two of the most dynamic women in wine, with winemaker Philippe Rolet, crafting expressions of Mendoza's rugged terroir with balance, refinement and freshness.

The Wine

Amancaya is CARO's Malbec-led blend with Cabernet Sauvignon, pairing Argentina's plush, dark-fruited signature grape with the structure and polish of Bordeaux's classic variety.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

93 Points James Suckling | Pristine blue and purple fruit with violets, blueberries, black cherries, mulberries, pepper and a twist of dried herbs and spices. Fleshy and round on the palate with medium to full body and soft, fine tannins.

Pairings & Serving

Grilled steak, lamb, empanadas or aged hard cheeses. Serve around 60–64°F.

Specs

• Producer: Bodegas CARO (Barons de Rothschild Lafite & Catena)
• Wine: Amancaya
• Region: Mendoza, Argentina
• Vintage: 2021
• Varietals: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon
• Size: 750ml

Lafite pedigree meets Mendoza muscle, at a price that makes it an easy yes.

Bull by the Horns · Paso Robles · 2022

This Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon delivers generous, perfumed fruit in a full-bodied style, with supple tannins and a lift of juicy acidity. Notes of baked red cherry and plum meet savory hints of graphite, tobacco, tea leaves and anise.

Pour it alongside ribeye, barbecue brisket, lamb burgers, smoked short ribs or aged cheddar for an easygoing California red that holds its own at the table.

Expert Review · 2022 Vintage

Wine Advocate 90 points: The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is scented of baked red cherry and plum with nuances of graphite, tobacco, tea leaves, and aniseed. The full-bodied palate offers generous, perfumed fruit. It has supple tannins and just enough juicy acidity to call you in for another sip.

Wine Details

• Producer: Bull by the Horns
• Appellation: Paso Robles, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Size: 750ml

Mirabelle Brut Rosé by Schramsberg · Méthode Traditionnelle · California

Mirabelle Brut Rosé combines Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from select cool-climate vineyards in Northern California. Red berries, citrus and toasty notes lead into a lively finish, making this nonvintage sparkling rosé an inviting choice for an aperitif or a meal.

Expert Reviews

Eric Guido, Vinous · 91 Points: A beautiful platinum pink with orange hues in the glass. The NV Brut Rosé Mirabelle opens with a perfumed blend of nectarines, ginger and spiced orange rind. This impresses with a sweet and sour combination of citrus and minerals carried across a core of zesty acidity. A chiseled bead of bubbles massages the palate. The Mirabelle finishes quite savory yet fresh. A salty flourish mingles with toasty brioche notes. Drinking 2023 - 2025.

Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate · 92 Points: The NV Mirabelle Brut Rose has a pale cherry-pink color and scents of green melon, citrus blossoms and creamy undertones with stony wafts. The palate is rounded and floral with fragrant flavors, energetic mousse and a long, flavorful finish. Drinking 2022 - 2025.

James Suckling · 91 Points: Lush fruit aromas of tangerines, ruby grapefruit and raspberries followed by brioche and bread crumbs. Full-bodied with creamy beads and crisp acidity. Glossy and citrusy. Nice crunchiness at the end. Drink now.

Wine Enthusiast · 91 Points: This wine is delicious but subtle as it weaves tempting notes of raspberry and cream with toasted nut and baked bread nuances that provide complexity and layering. It has both a vivid crispness and a subtle smoothness that coats the mouth and helps the finish linger.

Winemaker Description

Schramsberg: The Mirabelle Brut Rosé is a specially crafted blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Schramsberg's select cool-climate vineyards in Carneros, Anderson Valley, and the Sonoma and Marin coastal areas of Northern California. Pinot Noir lots, including a few fermented with skin contact, provide brightness of berry fruit and body, while Chardonnay lots lend length and zest to the palate. Additional flavor depth and aromatic complexity results from the blending of base wine lots aged in barrels and tanks for one or more years. The finished Brut Rosé exhibits fresh, elegant and toasty aromas of red berries and lemon-lime. Upon first sip, flavors of juicy red apple, pineapple, and orange lead into a lively and delicious finish on the palate.

Blend: 54% Chardonnay, 46% Pinot Noir.

Tasting Notes

Fresh red berries and lemon-lime mingle with elegant, toasty aromas. Juicy red apple, pineapple and orange flavors carry through a lively finish.

Food Pairings & Serving

Serve chilled as an aperitif, or try it with smoked salmon, shrimp, roast chicken or a soft cheese. Its fruit and citrus notes also make it a pairing to explore with lightly spiced dishes.

Wine Details

• Producer: Schramsberg
• Cuvée: Mirabelle Brut Rosé
• Vintage: Nonvintage
• Origin: Northern California, United States
• Method: Méthode Traditionnelle
• Style: Brut sparkling rosé
• Blend listed in the winemaker note: 54% Chardonnay, 46% Pinot Noir
• Bottle size: 750ml

California sparkling rosé with bright fruit, toasty detail and a lively finish.

Winemaker Description 

Anthìlia 2024 has a yellow straw color. The nose offers a fresh and fragrant bouquet with notes of white pulp fruit and zest of citrus combined with delicate hints of wild – flowers.

In the mouth the fruity notes are enhanced by a pronounced freshness and pleasant sapidity.

Perfect when paired with raw fish, fried fish and vegetable pie; excellent with fresh cheeses and white meat.

Lucido (synonym for Catarratto), the pre- dominant variety; the blend is complemented by other autochthonous and inter- national varieties.

Serve in glasses of medium size and height; it can be uncorked at the time of serving, excellent at 9-11°C (48- 51°F)

Expert Review

90 Points Wine Enthusiast: On the nose, aromas of sweet and tart citrus and fragrant white flowers play on a beach of crushed rocks and shells. The palate sprinkles flaky salt over lemon slices and white peaches, intensifying a salty, lively overall feel.
Best Buy #77 top 100 List 2026

Memo Summary Notes 

The Donnafugata Anthìlia 2024 is a beloved Sicilian classic and often the first wine people discover from this legendary estate. Named after the Roman city of Entella, it is a versatile, "sunshine-in-a-glass" white wine that captures the Mediterranean spirit through its blend of indigenous grapes.

Pair with

• The Match: Its saline mineral core makes it perfect for raw or fried seafood, octopus salad, or mussels au gratin.

• Vegetarian: Excellent with vegetable tarts or pasta with zucchini and ricotta.

Critical Acclaim

• Wine Spectator – 93 Points | “Lush and intense, with mouthwatering notes of Key lime, tangerine and lemon cream. Hints of matcha, freshly grated ginger and white pepper add complexity and aromatics through the intense finish, where the flavors gain torque, power and freshness.” — Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2025, #20
• Wine Advocate – 93 Points | “Leads with a gentle mix of cassis and vanilla pod, juniper, green apple and fresh linen, jasmine tea and petrichor. In the mouth, the acidity is bright, making for a crunchy, intensely flavorsome wine that has admirable restraint and finesse.”

Staff Pick David of 67 Wine | Truly a step up from most other New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs....fruit that explodes on your palate.

About the Wine

Rimapere is the New Zealand project of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), sourcing fruit from Marlborough — New Zealand's premier Sauvignon Blanc region. This Kosher expression brings the prestige of the Rothschild name to a vibrant, terroir-driven white of exceptional quality and value.

Food Pairing

Perfect with oysters, sushi, grilled fish, goat cheese, and fresh salads. Serve well chilled.

Product Details

• Appellation: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml (Screwcap)
• Certification: Kosher
• Producer: Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) – Rimapere

Ruggeri Argeo | Prosecco Treviso Brut Rosé Millesimato | 2023 | 750ml | Valdobbiadene, Italy

Rated 93 Points – Wine Enthusiast

For five generations, the name Ruggeri has been synonymous with the finest Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG. Founded by Eliseo Bisol and his son Luigi — among the first modern winemakers in the region — Ruggeri stands today among the top wineries of Valdobbiadene, pioneering quality and vision since the 1950s. Now part of the Rotkäppchen-Mumm Group, Ruggeri continues to be recognized worldwide for its commitment to excellence.

• Winery: Ruggeri
• Origin: Valdobbiadene, Treviso, Italy
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Style: Brut Rosé Millesimato (Vintage)
• Varietal: Glera with Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Prosecco DOC Treviso

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Soft pink hue reminiscent of peach flowers with abundant foam and lively, fine perlage
• Nose: Glera aromatics enriched with red currants, raspberries, white flowers, and a balsamic note of fresh rosemary
• Palate: Succulent cherry, wild strawberry, pomegranate, and full-bodied structure from Pinot Noir
• Finish: Long, elegant, crisp, and harmonious — perfectly matching the aromas

Critical Acclaim

• 🏆 Wine Enthusiast – 93 Points: "With its soft pink hue and inviting berry-scented bouquet, this Prosecco rosé is a charmer. The palate is awash with succulent cherry, wild strawberry and a subtle hint of pomegranate. The finish is crisp and refreshing, making it an ideal aperitivo or a surprising addition to tacos or burgers."

Serving Suggestions: Ideal as an aperitivo; pairs beautifully with tacos, burgers, light appetizers, and fresh fruit desserts.

Bruno Giacosa · Roero Arneis DOCG · 2024

Arneis · Piedmont, Italy · 750ml

Producer & Tradition

Bruno Giacosa joined his family’s winemaking business at 15, becoming the third generation of his Langhe family to work in wine. Over a career spanning nearly eight decades, his exacting palate and intimate knowledge of the region’s vineyards helped establish his reputation through single-vineyard Barolo and Barbaresco.

His legacy continues with daughter Bruna, who upholds a philosophy of respecting traditional techniques while using the best of modern technology. This Roero Arneis brings the estate’s Piedmont identity to a fresh, expressive white wine.

Tasting Notes

The producer describes lemon, pineapple, peach and apricot aromas with floral hints. A fresh, full-bodied palate brings mineral notes and a persistent finish. In the review explicitly naming the 2024 vintage, Jeb Dunnuck highlights white peach, melon, fresh herbs and wet stone, with a medium-bodied, refreshing feel.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

James Suckling, 95 Points: A lovely white with green mangoes and pineapple, white flowers and a hint of flint. Medium to full body with depth, intensity and plenty of fruit. Tangy at the end. Very complete.

Jeb Dunnuck, 90 Points, 2024: Pouring a bright silver/yellow hue, the 2024 Roero Arneis is immediately appealing. Aromatically, it offers white peach, melon, chive, fresh basil, and wet stone. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied and light on its feet, with a clean, refreshing feel that favors drinkability over weight. This is straightforward, well-made, and highly approachable while it remains fresh.

Winemaker Description

Intense straw colored with greenish glints. The nose presents lemon, pineapple, peach and apricot notes with floral hints. On the palate, it is fresh, full-bodied, with mineral notes and a persistent finish.

Pairing & Serving Suggestions

Try with grilled fish, seafood pasta, roast chicken or vegetable antipasti. Serve chilled to highlight its fresh fruit and floral character.

Wine Details

• Producer: Bruno Giacosa
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Roero Arneis DOCG
• Grape: Arneis
• Region: Piedmont
• Country: Italy
• Style: White wine
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Willamette Valley Pinot Noir That Sets the Benchmark for the Appellation

Bergström Wines has been one of Oregon's most celebrated estates since its founding in 1999, farming biodynamically across five estate vineyards in the Willamette Valley. The Cumberland Reserve Pinot Noir — a blend from Bergström's estate vineyards plus select purchased fruit, matured for 10 months — is the estate's definitive appellation-level expression: aromatic, silky, and layered, with the cool-climate precision and effortless balance that have made Bergström a reference point for Oregon Pinot Noir.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024 

• James Suckling — 96 pts: " Delicious aromas and flavors of just-ripe cherries, strawberries, spices and pine forest. Structured and fresh, with nice concentration and weight on the mid-palate. Sumptuous, with fine tannins and mouthwatering acidity. Complete and mouthwatering with a long, satisfying finish. Medium-bodied. A blend of all this producer’s single-vineyard wines. Drink or hold.."
• Jeb Dunnuck — 94 pts: "The first of the reds, the 2024 Pinot Noir Cumberland Reserve pours a jeweled ruby hue and immediately impresses with aromas of incense, toasted spice, fresh black cherries, red berries, and dried rose and hibiscus potpourri. Medium-bodied, it has bright acidity, excellent tension, refined tannins, and terrific definition. It drinks far above its appellation today yet clearly has the structure to age for decades."
• Wine Spectator — 92 pts: "Precise and well-structured, with handsome flavors of raspberry and guava framed by black tea and rose petal accents. Finishes with refined tannins. Drink now through 2034"

Winemaker Notes

The 2024 Cumberland Reserve Pinot Noir, the 24th vintage of this proprietary blend of select estate vineyard barrels, shimmers a gorgeous ruby red with youthful pink hues. Lovely floral aromas of roses and peonies burst from the glass, framing succulent red fruit notes of raspberry, strawberry, red currant, rhubarb, and cherry. The palate is vibrant and spicy, with hints of cinnamon, cardamom, sandalwood, pepper, and a subtle herbal savoriness from whole-cluster inclusion, a hallmark of Bergström Pinot Noirs. Juicy and silky, with an exceptionally smooth texture and a long, fruit-and-spice finish.

Food Pairings

Exceptional with Pacific Northwest cuisine — roasted salmon, duck breast, mushroom risotto, lamb chops, truffle dishes, and aged Pinot-friendly cheeses.

Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Tawny Port — Douro Valley, Portugal

Taylor Fladgate is widely regarded as the benchmark producer of aged Tawny Port, and their 10 Year Old Tawny is the wine that has made that reputation. Founded in 1692 and one of the last independent Port houses, Taylor’s sources fruit from their own quinta vineyards in the Douro Valley, aging the wine in small oak casks over a decade to develop the characteristic amber-tawny color, nutty complexity, and mellow richness that defines this style at its finest. Robert Parker called Taylor’s Tawnys the best of their type — more aromatic, fruitier, riper, and better balanced than the competition. The 10 Year Old is his personal favorite.

The nose is elegant and complex: sweet berries, walnut, toffee, caramel, and dried cherry, with red tea and a whisper of singed vanilla. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with a silky, mellow texture — chocolate, toffee, and dried fruit layered with subtle oak and just enough spirit backbone to keep everything honest. The finish is long, warm, and deeply satisfying. It is bottled for immediate drinking and needs no decanting.

“It is my opinion that Taylor’s tawny ports are the best of their type — more aromatic personalities, greater fruit and ripeness, and a wonderful sweetness and length. The Ten Year Old Tawny is a personal favorite, as well as the best bargain among these ports.” — Robert Parker, 93 pts

“Beautiful sweet berries with walnut, toffee and caramel undertones on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with medium sweetness and a chocolate and toffee aftertaste. A richer style of 10-year-old and delicious. Drink now.” — James Suckling, 93 pts

“This has a nice racy edge to the mix of slightly dried red cherry and raspberry fruit, backed by red tea and singed vanilla. Shows good tension from start to finish.” — Wine Spectator, 91 pts

“A very complete aged tawny with all the right nuts and fruit characters. The style is ripe, full and sweet, a mellow wine that only hints at the spirit behind it.” — Wine Enthusiast, 90 pts

• Producer: Taylor Fladgate, Douro Valley, Portugal (est. 1692)
• Style: 10 Year Old Tawny Port
• Appellation: Douro DOC — Porto, Portugal
• Aging: 10 years in small oak casks
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Sweet berries, walnut, toffee, caramel, dried cherry, chocolate, red tea, singed vanilla
• Best Paired With: Dark chocolate, almond tart, crème brûlée, coffee desserts, Stilton, walnuts, or on its own after dinner

The world’s benchmark 10 Year Tawny — Taylor Fladgate delivers over 330 years of Port mastery in a wine that Robert Parker calls the best bargain in aged Tawny.

In the heart of the Penedès, the Canals family has been crafting Cava with the quiet focus of a house that has nothing to prove. The Reserva Numerada is their flagship expression: a blend of Xarel·lo, Macabeu, and Parellada — the three indigenous varieties that define the appellation — fermented in bottle via traditional method and aged on the lees for a full 24 months. The result is a Cava of genuine complexity, one that bears its accolades without surprise. This is also an organic transition wine, farmed with care in the vineyard before the glass.

The 2021 pours a bright, luminous straw with fine, persistent bubbles. The nose is delicate and layered: citrus fruit — lemon, tangerine, orange peel — opens to orchard notes of green apple and ripe pear, with a whisper of brioche and subtle minerality from the extended lees aging. On the palate it is crisp and dry, with white peach, lime, and a pleasant bready character that adds texture without weight. The finish is refreshing, vibrant, and long. An exceptional value in serious sparkling wine.

93 points — Mi Vino Guide · Best Cava in the Guide
90 points — James Suckling
Gold Medal — International Wine Awards 2022 & 2021
Gold Medal — Catavinum World Wines & Spirits Competition 2022 & 2021

• Producer: Ramon Canals, Penedès, Catalonia, Spain
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: Cava DO, Catalonia
• Blend: Xarel·lo, Macabeu, Parellada
• Method: Mètode Tradicional (Traditional Method), 24 months on lees
• Farming: Organic Transition | Vegan
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon, tangerine, orange peel, green apple, ripe pear, white peach, lime, brioche, mineral
• Food Pairings: Oysters, seafood tapas, jamón ibérico, soft cheeses, paella, aperitivo

Multiple Gold Medals, 93 points, and a price that belongs in a different category — Ramon Canals Reserva Numerada is the Cava the list was made for.

Château Prieuré-Lichine — Margaux 2020

Château Prieuré-Lichine is a jewel of the Margaux appellation — a 4ème Grand Cru Classé estate whose wines express the quintessence of one of Bordeaux's most celebrated terroirs. Certified High Environmental Value (HVE Level 3) and awarded a Best of Gold Wine Tourism prize in 2019, the estate is as committed to sustainability and hospitality as it is to winemaking excellence. The 2020 vintage is the estate's finest in a generation: seven critics weighed in, led by James Suckling at 96 points and Wine Enthusiast at 95 — a wine of extraordinary elegance, depth, and cellaring potential. Best from 2026, with a drinking window extending to 2036 and beyond.

Deep garnet-purple in color. The nose is complex and captivating — black cherries, blackcurrants, boysenberries, tobacco, cacao, licorice, dried Provence herbs, pencil shavings, and a lingering florality of roses and lavender. On the palate, the wine is medium- to full-bodied with great intensity of pure black and red fruit, framed by firm yet creamy, grainy tannins and a lively backbone. The finish is long, beautifully balanced, and refreshingly herbal — with salty, chalky minerality that gives the wine its signature Margaux elegance and sleek, restrained power.

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2020

James Suckling — 96 Points
Black cherries, blackcurrants, tobacco, cacao and some licorice on the nose. Firm yet creamy, with very fine tannins that spread across the palate. Medium to full body. So long and beautifully balanced. Try from 2026.

Wine Enthusiast — 95 Points
This wine already shows a luscious side with its ripe black fruits and rich tannins. The obverse shows structure and acidity. Both these elements will together give a wine for aging.

Decanter — 94 Points
Ripe and deeply scented on the nose and palate, a lingering florality follows the dark black fruits from start to finish. This has a lovely richness, more textural depth than some with salty, liquorice and wet stone tannins that support the fruit and give the frame. Rich and intense but so sleek. Super glamour on show, but elegant in its presentation. Definitely mineral, a salty coolness on the finish but textured tannins giving an appealing chalkiness too. Bold but restrained and super refreshing. A great wine.

Wine Advocate — 93 Points
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2020 Prieure-Lichine offers up notes of fresh redcurrants, blackcurrant pastilles, boysenberries and dried Provence herbs, plus wafts of tobacco leaf and pencil shavings. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers a great intensity of pure black and red fruit flavors, framed by grainy tannins and a lively backbone, finishing long with a refreshing herbal lift.

Vinous — 93 Points
The 2020 Prieuré-Lichine is elegant and nuanced, just as it was en primeur. Prieuré-Lichine is still a very good wine with real class.

Wine Spectator — 92 Points
Ripe and focused, with a violet and alder frame that marries well to the core of lightly steeped plum and black currant fruit flavors. The alder edge asserts itself on the finish, though the fruit keeps pace just a half-step behind. This should settle in with some cellaring. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2026 through 2036. 14,000 cases made.

Jeb Dunnuck — 92 Points
The 2020 Château Prieuré-Lichine has a solid perfume of redcurrants, blueberries, smoky oak, and chocolate that shows more and more floral nuances with time in the glass. Nicely textured on the palate, with medium to full-bodied richness, solid mid-palate depth, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It needs a solid 4–6 years of bottle age but is another impressive 2020 with real class.

• Producer: Château Prieuré-Lichine, Margaux, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2020
• Classification: 4ème Grand Cru Classé, Margaux AOC
• Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
• Style: Red Wine — Full-Bodied, Elegant, Built for Aging
• Certification: High Environmental Value (HVE Level 3)
• Production: 14,000 cases
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, blackcurrant, boysenberry, tobacco, cacao, licorice, roses, lavender, pencil shavings, salty mineral, chalky finish
• Cellar Potential: Best from 2026 — drink through 2036+
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, beef tenderloin, duck confit, aged hard cheeses, truffle dishes

Seven critics, one extraordinary vintage — Château Prieuré-Lichine 2020 is the benchmark for what 4ème Grand Cru Classé Margaux can achieve in a legendary year.

Super-Tuscan Quality at a Remarkably Fair Price

Tenuta Sette Ponti is one of Tuscany’s most respected estates, located in the Valdarno di Sopra between Florence and Arezzo. Crognolo is their flagship Super-Tuscan blend — 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot — crafted from a historic Sangiovese clone unique to the property. Certified organic, it delivers serious Tuscan character with vibrant energy, firm structure, and exceptional aging potential.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

• James Suckling — 94 pts: Fresh strawberries and cherries with orange peel and flowers. Cedar, black olive and violet undertones. Medium-bodied with firm, racy tannins that give energy and focus. Tangy and fresh with slightly bitter citrus on the finish. Drink or hold.
• Wine Advocate (Monica Larner) — 92 pts: A core of blackened fruit with plum and cooked blackberry, plus varietal Sangiovese hints of pressed rose and sweet potting soil. Medium texture with fruity freshness. A selection from a historic clone of Sangiovese found on the estate. 150,000 bottles produced.
• Vinous (Antonio Galloni) — 92 pts: Dark, vibrant and persistent. Dark-fleshed fruit, chocolate, licorice, cloves, menthol. Admirable energy with grippy tannins on the finish.
• Wine Spectator — 91 pts: Black cherry, blackberry, lavender and spice. Dense, tight and compact with plenty of fruit and well-integrated structure. Fine length. Best 2026–2038.

Winemaker Notes

Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo Toscana Organic 2022 750ml

Strawberry, cherry, black olive, cedar, and violet on the nose, with chocolate, licorice, and menthol emerging on the palate. Medium-bodied with firm, racy tannins and vibrant Sangiovese acidity. Decant for 30 minutes or cellar through 2038. Certified Organic.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: 90% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot
• Appellation: Valdarno di Sopra, Toscana IGT, Italy
• Producer: Tenuta Sette Ponti
• Vintage: 2022
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural at the Tuscan table — exceptional with bistecca alla Fiorentina, grilled lamb chops, pappardelle with wild boar ragù, aged Pecorino Toscano, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Pierre Lurton’s Personal Estate — Bordeaux’s Best-Value Rouge

Château Marjosse is the personal estate of Pierre Lurton — Managing Director of the legendary Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem. Located in the north of Entre-Deux-Mers, Marjosse produces some of the best-value wines in all of Bordeaux, and the 2022 Bordeaux Rouge is a standout: a Merlot-led blend with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec, earning 91 points from both Vinous and James Suckling. The clay-limestone soils preserved remarkable freshness in this hot, dry vintage.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

• Vinous — 91 pts: “A bright, nervy red. Floral notes, orange peel, mint and white pepper lend notable energy throughout. An atypically vibrant wine for the year — a pretty significant shift toward greater freshness.”
• James Suckling — 91 pts: “Pretty and vibrant, showing subtle cream to the red berries, currants and citrus on the nose. Quite firm and juicy on the palate with lightly chewy tannins and a fine, medium-long finish. Drink from 2025.”
• Decanter — 90 pts: “Blue fruit, bell pepper and a touch of spice on the nose. A generous palate with well-managed tannins and darker, more brooding black fruit and violets on the finish.”

Winemaker Notes

Chateau Marjosse Bordeaux Rouge 2022 750ml

A Merlot-based blend with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec from clay-limestone soils in Entre-Deux-Mers. The 2022 vintage delivered exceptional concentration, while Marjosse’s terroir preserved the freshness and vibrancy that defines this estate’s style.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec
• Appellation: Bordeaux AOC, Entre-Deux-Mers, France
• Producer: Château Marjosse (Pierre Lurton)
• Vintage: 2022
• Soils: Clay-limestone
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A versatile Bordeaux — excellent with grilled steak, roast lamb, duck breast, mushroom risotto, and aged Comté.

Loveblock | Sauvignon Blanc | Marlborough, New Zealand | 2024 | Organic

Loveblock is a certified organic winery founded by Kim and Erica Crawford — yes, that Erica Crawford, co-founder of the iconic Kim Crawford wine brand — on their estate in Marlborough, New Zealand. After selling Kim Crawford Wines, Erica returned to her passion for sustainable, organic viticulture and launched Loveblock as a vehicle for producing wines of genuine terroir expression and environmental integrity. The estate is certified organic, and every decision in the vineyard and winery is guided by a commitment to the land and to producing wines of exceptional quality and character.

Marlborough is New Zealand's most celebrated wine region and the spiritual home of Sauvignon Blanc — a place where the combination of intense sunshine, cool nights, and free-draining stony soils produces wines of extraordinary aromatic intensity, vibrant acidity, and distinctive saline minerality. Loveblock's Sauvignon Blanc draws on fruit from across the region to produce a wine of complexity and elegance that goes well beyond the category norm.

The 2024 is pale straw with a hint of green and gold. The nose is complex and elegant — citrus blossom, wild flowers, crushed ripe herbs, pineapple, lemon, grapefruit zest, and sliced peach. On the palate, medium- to full-bodied and chiseled, with a dense fruit core of juicy melon and peach, vibrant fleshy fruit, toasted herbs, green tea, ginger, lime zest, and a saline, umami-tinged finish. Beautifully rounded with layer upon layer of texture and a long, complex, mineral finish.

Pair with oysters, seafood, spaghetti alle vongole, grilled fish, goat cheese, and chicken.

• Producer: Loveblock (Erica Crawford)
• Appellation: Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
• Vintage: 2024
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Closure: Screwcap
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2024

• James Suckling — 93 pts: Lemon, grapefruit zest and sliced peach aromas. Medium- to full-bodied and chiseled, with vibrant, fleshy fruit and a saline touch in the finish.
• Wine Spectator — 91 pts: Intense and juicy — toasted herbs, green tea and crunchy sea salt mingling with ginger, lime zest and fleshy notes of ripe melon that linger on the long finish.

Expert Review — Vintage 2022

Jeb Dunnuck — 90 Points | Mostly Viognier (55%) but with other permitted white varieties, the 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Blanc has a medium-bodied, vibrant, pure style to go with lovely peach and tangerine-like aromas and flavors. Drink this outstanding, classy white over the coming 2-3 years. I never cease to be amazed at the quality of the Côtes du Rhône white from this team, especially given the quantities produced.

Winemaker Description

Yellow gold, clear and brilliant. Freshness on the nose marked by the distinctive aromas of Viognier — white flowers, apricot, acacia and white peach. On the palate it is fruity with plenty of richness and body. A well-rounded wine with elegance, strength and balance.

• Producer: E. Guigal
• Appellation: Côtes du Rhône AOC, Southern Rhône, France
• Blend: 55% Viognier + other permitted white varieties
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle

Mumm Napa Brut Rosé — California NV

Mumm Napa’s Brut Rosé is one of California’s most vibrant and food-friendly sparkling wines — a Pinot Noir-dominant expression that brings the energy and freshness of méthode champenoise winemaking to a beautiful pink-salmon package. Blending 80% Pinot Noir with 20% Chardonnay, the wine is partially fermented in the press to develop its signature soft, fruity directness, while the Chardonnay component adds power and structure. The result earned 91 points from Wine Enthusiast and is one of the most versatile food wines in the sparkling category.

The nose is ripe and inviting: black cherry, wild strawberry, peach, and fresh red fruit. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and succulent — peach, wild strawberry, and plum flavors are framed by lively acidity and fine bubbles, with a clean, refreshing finish. Robust enough to stand up to bold cuisine, yet elegant enough for the apéritif hour.

Wine Enthusiast 91 — “A hearty 80% Pinot Noir dominates in this sparkler. With a pink-salmon hue, it offers peach and wild strawberry aromas followed by similar, medium-bodied flavors, with the addition of succulent plum.”

• Producer: Mumm Napa, Napa Valley, California, USA
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: California
• Blend: 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay
• Method: Méthode Champenoise
• Style: Brut Rosé
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, wild strawberry, peach, plum, fine bubbles, clean refreshing finish
• Best Paired With: Thai cuisine, grilled salmon, charcuterie, soft cheeses, pasta with tomato, Italian dishes

Pink, precise, and endlessly food-friendly — Mumm Napa’s Brut Rosé is California sparkling at its most vibrant.

Bodegas Olarra Cerro Añón Reserva — Rioja Alta, Spain 2020

Bodegas Olarra is one of Rioja's most storied estates — a winery so architecturally ambitious it has been called the Grand Cathedral of Rioja, its landmark building designed by architect Juan Antonio Ridruejo as one of the first purpose-built wine production facilities in Spain. The 2020 Cerro Añón Reserva is crafted from a Tempranillo-dominant blend — with Graciano and Mazuelo — grown in the prestigious Rioja Alta sub-district, aged in oak in accordance with Reserva regulations to build the classic structure and depth that has defined this bottling for decades. The result is a sophisticated, layered red that overdelivers at its price point and is approachable now but built to hold.

The nose is complex and inviting: dusty dark cherry, blood orange, cedar, dark fruit, fragrant blossom, rosehip, and a sultry seam of cigar box oak. On the palate, the wine is medium-to-full-bodied with finely corded tannins, a smooth mouthfeel, and a savory, lightly earthy finish with sweet tobacco and lingering spice. It is elegant, food-friendly, and deeply satisfying — the kind of Reserva Rioja that disappears fast at the table.

"Deep ruby in the glass. Enticing dark fruit aromas join flavors of cedar and sweet tobacco with a savory, lightly earthy finish. Tannins are finely corded and lengthy, creating a smooth mouthfeel. Sophisticated, layered, and enjoyable with both the approachability to drink now, and the hutzpah to hold years in cellar." — Wine Enthusiast, 94 Points. (Vintage 2020). 

"Thriving with fragrant blossom, rosehip and fresh cranberries and a sultry seam of cigar box oak, and furnished with a broad structure and opulent tannins." — Decanter Magazine, 96 Points. (Vintage 2020). 

• Producer: Bodegas Olarra, Logroño, Rioja Alta, Spain
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: DOCa Rioja — Rioja Alta
• Varietal: Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo
• Aging: Oak-aged Reserva — cedar, tobacco & dark fruit complexity
• Closure: Cork
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, blood orange, cedar, blossom, rosehip, cigar box, sweet tobacco, earthy finish
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, chorizo, aged Manchego, slow-braised short ribs

One of Rioja's most celebrated estates at an honest price — Cerro Añón Reserva is the benchmark for what structured, oak-aged Rioja Alta Tempranillo can deliver.

Bogle Vineyards has been farming the Sacramento Delta since 1968, and Phantom is their flagship red — a bold, layered blend built from the estate's oldest and most expressive blocks. The 2021 is anchored by Petit Sirah and Zinfandel, aged over 24 months in 1- and 2-year-old American oak.

The result is a wine that punches well above its price: rich, structured, and unmistakably Californian.

The nose pulses with ripe Bing cherry, black currant, layered incense spice, molasses, and vanilla cream. On the palate, it is fresh and zesty — red berries, citrus, and dark chocolate mousse give way to spicy pepper, juniper, black plum, and blueberry. Pipe tobacco and clove settle around the long, lingering finish, framed by dry, mouth-watering tannins. A 92-point red blend at a rock-bottom price.

"The aromatics of ripe Bing cherry and black currant pulsate throughout the glass, and the notes of layered incense spice, molasses and vanilla cream create another dimensional element. The mouthfeel is fresh and zesty with red berries, citrus, dark chocolate mousse and dry, mouth-watering tannins on the finish." — Tonya Pitts, Wine Enthusiast, 92 Points (Vintage 2021)

Winemaker Notes

Full-bodied and jammy, Phantom's origins of Petit Sirah and Zinfandel emerge from the glass. Spicy pepper and juniper tantalize your senses, while black plums and blueberries emerge on the palate. After aging for over 24 months in 1 & 2 year old American oak, pipe tobacco and clove settle around the finish, long and lingering.