90+ Points | Critical Acclaim | Wine & Sparkling Wine

#27 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2025

91 Points James Suckling: (2025)A charming, floral, light-bodied white in a lightweight bottle. It bursts with green apple, white peach and lemon blossom flavors on a low-alcohol body. A trace of residual sugar softens the edges. All tank-fermented with no malolactic.

Winemaker Notes

Discover Pine Ridge's refreshing white wine. Crisp, bright and vivacious, with notes of orange blossom, honeysuckle, and juicy stone fruit flavors.

Easy to enjoy on its own or paired with a variety of dishes.

Do Ferreiro Albariño 2024 — Rías Baixas, Spain

Do Ferreiro is one of Galicia's most respected producers, crafting profound, terroir-driven Albariño from more than 175 tiny plots in the Salnés Valley. The 2024 vintage shows remarkable purity and balance, with vibrant acidity, freshness, and a distinctly mineral character shaped by the region's decomposed granite soils.

Produced with organically farmed grapes and native yeast fermentation, this is a serious yet graceful white wine. It is fresh and precise on the palate, with a sapid, stony finish and the structure to develop beautifully in bottle.

Expert Description - Vintage 2024

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 94 Points | The 2024 Albariño shows harmony and balance, with purity, elegance, freshness, and textbook balance between ripeness and acidity. The palate captures the character of the Salnés Valley and its granite soils.

Producer Details

• Producer: Do Ferreiro
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Rías Baixas, Salnés Valley
• Varietal: Albariño
• Farming: Organic practices
• Fermentation: Native yeast
• Aging: Six to nine months on the lees in stainless steel
• Filtration: Unfiltered, lightly fined with bentonite
• Size: 750ml

Tasting Notes

White flowers, laurel, wet stone, lemongrass, green apple, vibrant acidity, and a clean, almost salty mineral finish.

Best Paired With

Oysters and shellfish, grilled fish, ceviche, fresh salads, and soft or tangy cheeses.

A benchmark Salnés Valley Albariño, combining Atlantic freshness, granite-driven minerality, and the depth to reward time in the bottle.

Leclerc Briant Réserve Extra Brut — Épernay, Champagne, France NV

Leclerc Briant is one of Champagne's most celebrated and pioneering grower-producers — a historic house based in Épernay with roots going back to 1872, and today one of the region's most committed advocates for biodynamic viticulture. Under the stewardship of the Lignac family, Leclerc Briant farms its vineyards according to strict biodynamic principles — certified by Demeter — believing that the health of the soil is the foundation of great Champagne. The estate works with the lunar calendar, uses only natural preparations, and practices minimal intervention in the cellar, allowing the terroir of their Marne Valley and Côte des Blancs vineyards to express itself with clarity and precision. The Réserve Extra Brut is the house's signature non-vintage cuvée — a blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier, and 20% Chardonnay, based on the 2019 harvest, with reserve wines adding depth and complexity. Extra Brut in style, it is drier and more precise than a standard Brut, allowing the terroir and the fruit to speak without the softening effect of dosage.

The color is bright pale yellow with a fine, lively mousse. The nose is complex and inviting: wet asphalt, ripe white peach, fresh redcurrant, pear, verbena, lime, herbs, and a touch of menthol — the signature of biodynamic Champagne. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and approachable with a rounded mid-palate, chalky and pithy texture, and sleek acidity animating flavors of chopped raspberry, nectarine, preserved lemon, and oyster shell. The finish is persistent, lightly spiced, and mouthwatering — clean, energetic, and long.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 — "Wet asphalt, ripe white peach, and fresh redcurrant. Rounded mid-palate, chalky and pithy texture with a lively yet fine mousse. Attractive and balanced with a clean finish."

Wine Spectator 92 — "Lithe and graceful, with sleek acidity animating flavors of chopped raspberry, nectarine, preserved lemon and oyster shell. Fine and satiny in texture, offering a persistent, lightly spiced finish."

Wine Advocate 90 — "Lively, fresh bouquet of pear, verbena, lime tree, herbs and menthol. Vinous and energetic with an incisive mid-palate and a mouthwatering, fresh finish."

• Producer: Leclerc Briant, Épernay, Champagne, France (est. 1872)
• Style: Extra Brut NV
• Blend: 40% Pinot Noir / 40% Pinot Meunier / 20% Chardonnay
• Base Vintage: 2019
• Farming: Certified Biodynamic (Demeter)
• Dosage: Extra Brut (very low dosage)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White peach, redcurrant, raspberry, nectarine, preserved lemon, oyster shell, wet asphalt, chalky texture, persistent spiced finish
• Style: Precise, energetic, terroir-driven
• Best Paired With: Oysters, sushi, grilled fish, lobster, soft cheeses, charcuterie, caviar

Biodynamic Champagne from one of Épernay's most celebrated grower-producers — Leclerc Briant Réserve Extra Brut is precise, energetic, and triple 90+ point rated.

San Marzano is one of Puglia’s most celebrated cooperative wineries, drawing from over 1,200 grower families across the sun-drenched heel of Italy’s boot. This Negroamaro — Puglia’s great indigenous red grape — is a textbook expression of the variety: deeply colored, richly aromatic, full-bodied, and built for the table. At $14.99, it’s one of the finest values in Italian red wine.

Expert Review
“Deep purple-red color with black-violet reflections; intense and persistent aroma, with hints of blackcurrant and wild berries, spicy, with notes of thyme. Full-bodied, velvety and harmonious wine, with a long and savory finish.” — 94 pts, Luca Maroni

Food Pairings: Grilled lamb, braised short ribs, pasta al ragù, aged pecorino, charcuterie, and hearty stews.

Varietal: Negroamaro
Producer: San Marzano
Region: Puglia (Salento), Italy
Vintage: 2023
Bottle Size: 750ml

Paul Jaboulet Aîné · Côtes du Rhône · 2024

Paul Jaboulet Parallèle 45 Côtes du Rhône 2024 is a fruit-forward red from France’s Rhône Valley. Strawberry and cherry notes mingle with spice and floral accents, making it an inviting bottle for the dinner table.

A classic since 1950, Parallèle 45 takes its name from the circle of latitude midway between the equator and the North Pole, which also passes over the cellars of Paul Jaboulet Aîné. Its approachable character is best enjoyed young.

Expert Reviews · Vintage 2024

James Suckling, 91 Points | Juicy, balanced and subtle, showcasing aromas of dark cherries, blueberries, Mediterranean herbs and warm spices. It’s medium-bodied, velvety and fruity with fine tannins and a delicious finish. A blend of 60% grenache, 30% syrah, 5% carignan and 5% mourvedre. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.

Wine Enthusiast, Anna-Christina Cabrales, 91 Points | Structured aromas of black raspberry, black olive and pomegranate open on the nose accented by violet blossom. The palate performs as a Côtes du Rhône blend should with balanced flavors that capture the spirit of the region. A tinge of leather adds to the finish. Pair with pork tenderloin, boiled peanuts and hanger steak.

Producer Description

Paul Jaboulet Aîné
A classic since 1950, Parallèle 45 is celebrated around the globe and is one of France’s most recognizable wines. Parallèle 45 is named after the 45th parallel, a famous circle of latitude that marks the midpoint between the equator and the North Pole. It also passes over the cellars of Paul Jaboulet Aîné.

Garnet red with purple hues, this fruit-forward wine has notes of strawberry, red currant, peony and dried roses and an elegant finish.

Food Pairings

Pair with Mediterranean vegetable lasagna, pork tenderloin or hanger steak. The producer also suggests fondant au chocolat.

Details

• Producer: Paul Jaboulet Aîné
• Wine: Parallèle 45
• Vintage: 2024
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Country: France
• Region: Rhône Valley
• Appellation: Côtes du Rhône AOC
• Grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Marselan and Carignan
• Type: Red wine
• Farming Attribute: Sustainable

Susana Balbo Crios Malbec | Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina | 2024 | 750ml

From the high-altitude vineyards of Valle de Uco, Susana Balbo's Crios Malbec is a fresh, expressive expression of Argentina's signature grape. Violets, ripe cherries, and a whisper of spice lead to a palate of vibrant red fruit, balanced acidity, and a subtle hint of oak — all wrapped in silky, approachable tannins. (Vintage 2024). 

Our Professional Review

Oscar Garcia of 67wino.shop | Easy drinking, yet very delicious Malbec. Just the right touch of red berries, soft tannins and juicy finish.

Critic Notes - Vintage 2024

92 Points | James Suckling — Earthy and savory on the nose, with dark olives and blackberries. The palate is dense and focused, framed by creamy tannins and vibrant fruit. A generous layer of ripe fruit carries through the mid-palate, building toward a bold, lingering finish. Drink now or hold.

• Grape: Malbec
• Region: Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina
• Vintage: 2024
• Size: 750ml

Château Meyney — Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux 2023

Château Meyney is one of Saint-Estèphe’s great overachievers — a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel estate situated right next to the famed Château Montrose, whose proximity to the Gironde estuary helps cool the vines during summer heatwaves and contributes to the wine’s remarkable balance and longevity. The 2023 is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, and 12% Petit Verdot, sourced from a mix of gravelly and clay soils and aged 18 months in French oak barrels. James Suckling and Jeb Dunnuck both awarded it 94 points; Vinous and The Wine Independent 93; Wine Spectator 91. Jeb Dunnuck noted that “the quality here has stepped up a notch recently” and projects a cellar window of 2029–2053.

The color is a deep, saturated purple. The nose is dark and savory: cassis, elderberry, graphite, smoky tobacco, crushed stone minerality, incense, licorice, dried herbs, and pressed lavender. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with a pure, focused, layered mouthfeel — linear acidity, ripe and polished tannins, and a long, driving finish with beams of structure that demand cellaring. Drinkable now with aeration, but built to evolve beautifully over the next 25–30 years.

James Suckling 94 • Jeb Dunnuck 94 • Vinous 93 • The Wine Independent 93 • Wine Spectator 91 — "Beautifully done and going to evolve nicely over the coming 25–30 years." — Jeb Dunnuck

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

James Suckling — 94 Points
Crunchy dark fruit with elderberries, herbal notes and licorice. The chiseled palate is medium-bodied, showing linear acidity complemented by a crisp edge. A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 12% Petit Verdot. Drinkable now with some aeration, but better from 2028.

Jeb Dunnuck — 94 Points
Always a classic Saint-Estèphe (and I think the quality here has stepped up a notch recently), the 2023 Château Meyney comes from a mix of gravelly and clay soils and is based on 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, and 12% Petit Verdot, aged 18 months in French oak barrels. It sports a deep purple hue as well as beautiful cassis, graphite, smoky tobacco, and crushed stone-like minerality. Medium-bodied on the palate, it has a pure, focused, layered mouthfeel, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. It’s beautifully done and is going to evolve nicely over the coming 25–30 years if well stored. Drink 2029–2053.

Vinous — 93 Points
The 2023 Meyney is every bit as convincing as it was en primeur. Dark and quite savory, the 2023 has a lot to offer. Gravel, incense, tobacco, licorice, dried herbs, chocolate and pressed lavender infuse this mid-weight Saint-Estèphe with a good deal of character. Beams of tannin shape the insistent, driving finish.

The Wine Independent — 93 Points
2023 Meyney has a creamy, rounded and fruity nose with hints of yoghurt and dairy products. It is very soft and forthcoming and is made in the velvety, pleasant style very typical for the chateau. This is a good Meyney that should age well and be approachable at an early stage.

Wine Spectator — 91 Points
A fresh, racy-edged style, with damson plum and bitter cherry fruit framed by a chalky edge that’s embedded nicely. Iris and violet accents gild the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2033.

• Producer: Château Meyney, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2023
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel
• Appellation: Saint-Estèphe AOC, Bordeaux
• Blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 12% Petit Verdot
• Aging: 18 months in French oak barrels
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cassis, elderberry, graphite, tobacco, crushed stone, licorice, dried herbs, pressed lavender
• Cellar Potential: Drink now (with aeration) or cellar through 2053
• Best Paired With: Braised lamb shoulder, côte de boeuf, duck confit, cassoulet, aged Comté, Saint-Nectaire

Five scores of 91–94 points from the world’s top critics — Château Meyney is the benchmark for what Saint-Estèphe Cru Bourgeois can be.

Frame of Mind Vineyards · The Pessimist Red · 2023

The Pessimist is Frame of Mind Vineyards' signature red blend, built each vintage around a shifting mix of Petite Sirah, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Lagrein to chase maximum character rather than a fixed formula. The 2023 vintage delivers yet another bewitching blend with trademark Pessimist flair: a bold and powerful wine that opens with ample aromas of blueberry, boysenberry, plum, and strawberry.

Smoky notes of truffle and roasted coffee are accompanied by floral notes of lavender and lilac. The palate is lush and engulfing, showing both robustness and elegance with juicy flavors of cherry, huckleberry, kirsch, and cassis. Underlying suggestions of fennel, olive, and spice bring enticing complexity to a silky, balanced finish.

Winemaker Description

The 2023 vintage delivers yet another bewitching blend with trademark Pessimist flair. This is a bold and powerful wine that opens with ample aromas of blueberry, boysenberry, plum, and strawberry. Smoky notes of truffle and roasted coffee are accompanied by floral notes of lavender and lilac. The palate is lush and engulfing, showing both robustness and elegance with juicy flavors of cherry, huckleberry, kirsch, and cassis. Underlying suggestions of fennel, olive, and spice bring enticing complexity to a silky, balanced finish.
— Frame of Mind Vineyards

Expert Review — Vintage 2023

The Tasting Panel, 93 Points — Graphite, espresso, cedar, and black olives commingle in this savory, brooding, dramatic beast with teeth-grabbing cocoa tannins. Intense, lengthy flavors of blackberry and plum speak to the wine's inherent ripeness on the finish.

Specs

• Producer: Frame of Mind Vineyards
• Wine: The Pessimist Red
• Vintage: 2023
• Blend: 68.7% Petite Sirah, 17.9% Syrah, 11.4% Zinfandel, 2.0% Lagrein
• Barrel Aged: 10 months in 50% new French oak
• Size: 750ml

Experience the pinnacle of champagne craftsmanship with Krug Grande Cuvée 172nd Edition, an exceptional prestige cuvée presented in an elegant gift box. This iconic champagne represents the artistry of blending 146 separately vinified wines from 11 different vintages, with the 2016 vintage as its foundation.

Why Choose Krug Grande Cuvée 173rd Edition?

• Exceptional Ratings: 98 points Wine Enthusiast, 97 points Decanter & James Suckling, 96 points Wine Spectator
• Perfect for Gifting: Arrives in a luxurious presentation gift box
• Masterful Blend: 51% Pinot Noir, 38% Chardonnay, 11% Pinot Meunier
• Aging Potential: Drink now through 2040 or cellar for 5-10 years

Tasting Profile

Discover a symphony of flavors including toasted brioche, lemon curd, dried apricot, hazelnut, and hints of ginger and white flowers. The palate is rich yet refined, with vivacious bubbles, bright acidity, and an exceptionally long, elegant finish with notes of salted butter and roasted nuts.

Expert Reviews - 172nd Edition

Wine Enthusiast 98 Points | This is the most recent bottling of this iconic Champagne. There is a touch of toast as well as enticing apple and citrus aromas. On the palate, this wine is rich, intense, poised between maturity and ripe white fruits.

Decanter 97 Points | The 172ème édition, based around the 2016 vintage, is a delicate, floral and saline Grande Cuvée at this early stage in its life. The palate it taut, tightly wound, gradually unfurling into toasted fruit bread, rye bread and roasted nuts, wrapped around an intricate and taut lemon core. It's exceptionally long, spicy, rounded and spherical in shape.

James Suckling 97 Points | Beautiful notes of dried citrus fruit, lemon curd and dried apples with hints of spices, dried flowers and subtle brioche. I like the polished and caressing texture and steady, refreshing acidity. It's fresh and even austere, with notes of ground spices. So vertical and firm. Structured and long.

Wine Spectator 96 Points | This classy Champagne waltzes across the palate with fluid poise and grace. The mousse's pointillismlike beads and a vivid frame of acidity buoy the detailed range of aromas and flavors, including chopped cherry, dried apricot, tangerine peel and plum cake notes, plus fragrant hints of grated ginger, lime blossoms, ground coffee and grilled nuts.

The Wine Advocate 95 Points | Outstanding. It reveals a complex, slightly spicy bouquet of white fruits, beeswax, marzipan, hazelnuts, dried herbs, ripe orchard fruits and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, rich and concentrated on the palate, it has a subtly spicy entry, an enrobing and layered texture and a fleshy core of fruit framed around a perfectly balanced, fresh and mineral finish.

Perfect Pairings

Elevate your dining experience by pairing this prestigious champagne with oysters, caviar, aged Comté cheese, roasted poultry, or creamy risotto. Its complexity and structure make it ideal for special celebrations or as a sophisticated aperitif.

About Krug Champagne

Since 1843, Krug has been synonymous with the finest champagne in the world. Each Grande Cuvée is a unique blend that showcases the house's commitment to excellence and the art of blending across multiple vintages.

Noilly Prat · Sweet Vermouth · France · 1 Liter

Noilly Prat Sweet Vermouth combines earthy, foresty aromas with a supple, sweet and nutty palate. Its sweet-sour complexity and almost sherried character earned it 91 points from Ultimate Beverage Challenge, offering an expressive option for an aperitif or classic cocktail.

Tasting Profile

An exotic, earthy bouquet leads into a rounded texture and nutty sweetness. The contrast between sweet and sour notes brings dimension to the rich flavor profile.

Expert Review · 

Ultimate Beverage Challenge · 91 Points Complex, earthy, foresty aromas abound in this exotic bouquet that's sweet/sour in nature. Taste is supple, sweet, nutty, almost sherried.

Serving Suggestions

Try over ice as an aperitif, or use in a Manhattan, Negroni or Americano. An orange twist makes a simple garnish to explore alongside its earthy and nutty notes.

Details

• Producer: Noilly Prat
• Country: France
• Bottle Size: 1.0 Liter
• Type: Vermouth
• Style: Sweet
• Rating: Ultimate Beverage Challenge, 91 Points

Drappier · Carte d’Or Brut NV · Champagne, France

Drappier Carte d’Or is a Pinot Noir-led Champagne with aromatic richness, stone-fruit character and a vinous palate. White peach, spice and quince jelly give it a generous personality, equally suited to an apéritif or a place at the dinner table.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling · 92 Points: Attractive aromas of white peach, dried orange, blanched almond and brioche with subtle hints of dried raspberries and crushed stones. Medium- to full-bodied palate with a creamy texture and delicate mousse. Long and even. A blend of 80% pinot noir, 15% chardonnay and 5% pinot meunier. Dosage 6.5g/L.

Wine Advocate · 91 Points: As always, the NV Brut Carte d'Or is a classic, well-executed and perfumed Champagne. It evokes aromas of white peach, ripe orchard fruits, pastry and spices. Medium-bodied, round and enrobing, it's delicately vinous and framed by an elegant mousse, with a lovely, mouthwatering, ripe orchard fruits-inflected finish. This blend of 80% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay and 5% Pinot Meunier was disgorged with 6.5 grams per liter dosage.

Wine Spectator · 90 Points: A bright Champagne in an aperitif style, with a pleasing range of ripe currant and raspberry, lime blossoms and orange peel set on a zesty bead. Creamy finish. Drink now.

Winemaker Description

Drappier: The Carte d'Or cuvée is the very expression of the Drappier style. With its very high proportion of Pinot Noir, one is almost tasting a Blanc de Noirs. Champagne with a fine aromatic richness, it opens with aromas of stoned fruits such as white vineyard peach. A spicy hint announces a powerful complex palate. A vinous Champagne of lovely complexity with a characteristic note of quince jelly.

Ideal as an apertif. At the table, it goes with white meats, rolled fish fillets, Chaource cheese.

Blend: 75% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay, 10% Meunier

About Champagne Drappier

The Gallo-Romans planted the first vines in Urville around 2,000 years ago. In 1152, Saint Bernard, founder of Clairvaux Abbey, had cellars built into the land. The Drappier family estate was established in 1808 around the preserved medieval Abbey, and the cellars continue to provide a home for storing and aging the house's wines.

Pinot Noir is central to Drappier's identity in Urville. The house describes managing its vineyards according to organic and natural practices, while preserving heirloom varieties including Fromenteau, Arbanne, Petit Meslier and Blanc Vrai. Its approach emphasizes terroir, low sugar dosage and moderate use of sulfites; the separate Brut Nature Sans Soufre cuvée is a particular expression of that philosophy.

Tasting Notes

White vineyard peach and stone-fruit aromas lead into a spicy, complex palate, with a vinous character and a distinctive note of quince jelly.

Food Pairings & Serving

Serve chilled as an apéritif, or follow the producer's suggestions of white meats, rolled fish fillets and Chaource cheese.

Wine Details

• Producer: Champagne Drappier
• Cuvée: Carte d’Or
• Vintage: Nonvintage
• Style: Brut Champagne
• Origin: Champagne, France
• Grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Meunier
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Reviews: James Suckling 92; Wine Advocate 91; Wine Spectator 90

A rich, Pinot Noir-led Champagne for an aperitif or a leisurely meal.

Rioja Gran Reserva That Rivals Wines Twice the Price

Marques de Vargas is one of Rioja’s most respected estates, distinguished by its commitment to varietal correctness and minimal intervention. Only indigenous yeasts from the vineyard are used for fermentation — a philosophy that prioritizes terroir expression over the homogenizing effects of commercial yeast. Rather than chasing the heavily extracted, over-oaked style common in the appellation, Marques de Vargas produces a Gran Reserva of remarkable freshness, elegance, and longevity.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2017

• Wine Enthusiast — 94 pts: Deep ruby in color with aromas of black cherry, caramel and thyme. Flavors of blackberry, raspberry, licorice, dark chocolate and orange zest wrapped in feathery tannins and a soft sheath of acidity. A nice floral note on the bright finish.
• Wine Advocate — 91 pts: Surprisingly clean and fresh — peppery and spicy with toasty notes. 70% Tempranillo, 17% Garnacha, 13% Mazuelo, matured in 225- and 500-liter French oak barrels for 23 months.
• James Suckling — 91 pts: Delicate creaminess and sweet spices to the blackberries and dark plums. Medium to full body with lots of dusty tannins. Subtle finish with creamy, spiced cherries. Drink or hold.

Winemaker Notes

Marques de Vargas Rioja Gran Reserva 2017 750ml

A blend of 70% Tempranillo, 17% Garnacha, and 13% Mazuelo, aged 23 months in French oak. The 2017 is peppery, spiced, and layered — with black cherry, dark chocolate, and orange zest on the nose, and a long, floral finish. Built for the cellar, but approachable now.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo
• Appellation: Rioja, Spain
• Producer: Marques de Vargas
• Vintage: 2017
• Classification: Gran Reserva
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural at the table — exceptional with roasted lamb, Iberian pork, cochinillo asado, rabo de toro, Jamón Ibérico, aged Manchego, and Idiazábal.

In a valley that has made its name on Cabernet Sauvignon, Frog’s Leap has always done things a little differently. Since 1981, they have farmed their Rutherford estate organically and dry-farmed — no irrigation, no shortcuts, no apology for it — producing wines that taste unmistakably of where they come from. Their Sauvignon Blanc is proof that Napa can make world-class whites when a producer commits to restraint and terroir over sheer extraction.

The 2024 is sourced from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, vinified primarily in stainless steel to preserve freshness and precision, with lees-stirring to build mid-palate texture and a small addition of Muscat clone for aromatic lift. The result is a white of genuine elegance: stone fruit and white flower on the nose, layered with crisp citrus, mineral, slate, and a clean herbaceous thread that speaks clearly of Rutherford’s distinctive soil and climate.

On the palate it is medium-bodied and refreshingly precise — bright lemon and lime flavors supported by lively acidity, with dried herb and mineral accents that carry through to a clean, focused finish. This is California Sauvignon Blanc at its most thoughtful.

• Producer: Frog’s Leap
• Appellation: Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Farming: Dry-Farmed
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024:

93 Vinous — “Lemon confit, slate, white pepper, mint and dried herbs… lees-stirring builds the mid-palate beautifully.”

92 James Suckling — “Crisp, well balanced and medium-bodied… refreshing and clean. Good acidity supports bright lemon and lime flavors.”

Food Pairings: Oysters, grilled halibut, goat cheese salad, roasted asparagus, herb-crusted chicken, or a simple summer lunch that deserves a great white.

A Classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from One of the Valley’s Most Iconic Estates

Cakebread Cellars has been crafting benchmark Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon since 1973, and the 2022 is a quintessential expression of the house style — rich, layered, and beautifully balanced. A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Syrah, and 1% Cabernet Franc, it delivers ripe blackberry, plum, and boysenberry with dark chocolate, baking spices, and toasty oak, underpinned by bright acidity and velvety tannins.

Expert Reviews

• James Suckling — 92 pts: Plush and generous aromas of blackcurrants, mulberries and baking spices. Full-bodied with finely integrated tannins and bright acidity, giving flavors of olive tapenade, blackberries and cedar. Approachable for early drinking, but will age nicely. (Vintage 2022). 

Winemaker Notes

Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2022 750ml

Rich layers of ripe blackberry, plum, and boysenberry enhanced by subtle hints of dark chocolate, baking spices, and toasty oak. Bright acidity and velvety tannins deliver a full-bodied yet refined and elegant structure. Approachable now and built to age gracefully.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Syrah, 1% Cabernet Franc
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Producer: Cakebread Cellars
• Vintage: 2022
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural at the table — exceptional with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, roasted lamb rack, rich pork dishes, game, and aged cheddar or Gruyère.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

The Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | Here’s Dolcetto flexing all tis muscles. Dark purple fruits hit first, then a crack of black pepper wakes up your senses. Violets drift above it all, adding complexity without getting precious. The structure means business but doesn’t forget Dolcetto’s friendly side.  This is the wine showing you why it deserves more attention, serious enough for wine geeks but fun enough for everyone else. (Best Buy)

The Wine Spectator 89 Points | Ripe and bursting with boysenberry, raspberry, violet and sweet spice flavors, this is dense and backed by gripping tannins on the finish. Balanced with succulent acidity.

Winemaker Description 

The Pecchenino "San Luigi" Dogliani Superiore is a distinguished example of Dolcetto, known for its depth and rich flavor profile. It features a well-structured profile with vibrant acidity and a smooth, elegant finish. Produced by Pecchenino, a notable estate in the Dogliani region, the winery is celebrated for its dedication to quality and traditional winemaking techniques.

This Superiore, crafted from carefully selected Dolcetto grapes, offers a complex array of flavors including ripe dark fruit, subtle spice, and a hint of earthiness. It pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes such as pasta, grilled meats, and savory cheeses, making it a versatile choice for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions.

Philipponnat Champagne Reserve Perpetuelle Brut NV 750ml

Producer Notes

Philipponnat's Réserve Perpétuelle Brut NV represents a landmark rebranding of the house's flagship “Royale Réserve” — a name now updated to reflect the perpetual reserve (solera) system the house has maintained since 1946, where older wines are continuously refreshed with younger vintages to ensure a consistent, complex, and deeply layered house style.

Based on the 2021 base vintage with over 50% reserve wines, this is a Pinot Noir-driven expression that emphasizes the vinous, gastronomic character of the Mareuil-sur-Aÿ terroir. The blend — 65% Pinot Noir, 32% Chardonnay, 3% Pinot Meunier — is vinified primarily in stainless steel, with reserve wines aged in oak and partial malolactic fermentation. Disgorged December 2024 with 8g/L dosage.

Expert Reviews

Decanter 94 Points — A distinctly red-berry nose of red currants and small forest fruit. Red Delicious apple carries a telltale Pinot scent. The palate has pure, bright apple fruit, a lemony verve, and a very delicate mousse backed by gently salty autolysis. Vanilla oak comes through like the custard on an apple crumble, carrying freshness and flavour to a lingering finish.

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points — The nonvintage cuvée from this producer, based on the southern slopes of the Montagne de Reims, is beautifully judged. Rich while also showing great freshness from citrus fruit flavors.

James Suckling 93 Points — Complex and smoky nose with orange blossom, green apple, licorice, chalky minerality, and toasted bread. Refined palate with pinprick mousse, crisp acidity, and a tight, tense, clean aftertaste.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points — Bright straw color. Inviting and pure, with gorgeous red fruits, notes of almond, peaches, red berries, and fresh bread. The mousse is elegant and integrates beautifully into the wine.

Wine Spectator 92 Points — A baseline of chalky minerality supports juicy pear and white cherry fruit, lemon peel, and pickled ginger alongside rich accents of crystallized honey and biscuit. Harmonious and finely knit, with good length through the lightly spiced finish.

Wine Advocate 90 Points — Opens with an inviting bouquet of ripe peach, red berries, pear, and pastry. Medium- to full-bodied, broad-shouldered and textural, delivering a generous, enveloping style energized by racy acidity.

Food Pairings

A gastronomic Champagne with the body to carry a full meal. Exceptional with scallops in butter sauce, lobster, roasted poultry, premium charcuterie, and high-quality sushi or sashimi.

Wine Details

Producer: Philipponnat
Cuvée: Réserve Perpétuelle Brut NV
Blend: 65% Pinot Noir, 32% Chardonnay, 3% Pinot Meunier
Base Vintage: 2021
Disgorgement: December 2024
Dosage: 8 g/L
Appellation: Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Champagne, France
Size: 750ml

Elk Cove Vineyards · Willamette Valley · Pinot Noir · 2024 · 375ml Half Bottle

Elk Cove Vineyards Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2024 brings fresh cherry, delicate toast and refined spice together in a balanced, medium-bodied Oregon red. Ripe tannins and good length frame the estate-grown fruit, presented here in a convenient 375ml half bottle for occasions when a full bottle is more than you need.

The Estate & Vineyards

Founded in 1974, Elk Cove Vineyards is one of Oregon's pioneering estates, with a commitment to site expression and sustainable viticulture. Its benchmark Willamette Valley Pinot Noir draws fruit from across the estate vineyards, bringing together red-fruit clarity, earthy complexity and silky structure.

Winemaker's Notes · Vintage Not Specified

Bright cherry and raspberry aromas complement notes of cinnamon and delicate violet. The palate strikes a balance between juicy plum and boysenberry and complex, earthy cola and leather, finishing with chalky tannins and hints of crème brûlée.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

Tasting Panel, 93 Points · 2024: This is a Pinot that deftly walks the line between subtlety and sweet fruitiness. Red berry and cherry flavors stand at center stage, with a faint whiff of oak spice lending complexity along with a tender tug of tannin that frames the finish.

Jeb Dunnuck, 92 Points · 2024: The 2024 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley is a jeweled ruby color and leaps from the glass with delicate toast, fresh cherries, and refined spice. Medium-bodied, it has ripe tannins, lovely balance, and good length, with fruit drawn from all of the estate vineyards.

James Suckling, 91 Points · Vintage Not Specified: A fresh, juicy, light- to medium-bodied wine with loads of red-cherry, spice and rose-petal aromas. Fine, gentle tannins and a silky texture.

Pairing & Serving

Try with roast chicken, salmon or mushroom dishes. Serve slightly below room temperature to highlight the fruit and spice.

Details

• Producer: Elk Cove Vineyards
• Vintage: 2024
• Bottle size: 375ml Half Bottle
• Country: United States
• Region: Oregon
• Appellation: Willamette Valley
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Type: Red wine
• Viticulture: Sustainable vineyard practices
• Fruit source: Estate vineyards

Producer Notes

Villa di Capezzana’s Barco Reale di Carmignano is often called the ‘little brother’ to the estate’s prestigious Carmignano DOCG — offering a more accessible, youthful entry into one of Tuscany’s most historic and unique wine regions. A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Canaiolo. the 2023 is dusty and floral with autumnal spices, cedar shavings, Tuscan dust, and dried strawberries. Soft-textured and supple on the palate with mineral-tinged red berry fruits and a web of fine tannins. Finishes with hints of orange citrus and a tart cherry twang.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

• Wine Enthusiast 92pts | A primarily herbaceous, earthy nose has warm Bing cherry undertones to provide balance. Cherries grow into themselves on the palate, above a latent bitterness of coffee and bergamot. Acidity is fierce, and tannins clear the mouth, but dynamism doesn't come at the expense of coherence. 
• Vinous Media 91 pts | The 2023 Barco Reale is a total pleasure to the senses, as crushed cherries and wild berries mix with sweet sage and spice. It possesses a pretty inner sweetness offset by crisp mineral tones and a steely sensation. Tart blackberries mix with a sour citrus twang as it finishes long and staining yet remarkably fresh. The 2023 Barco Reale is a total pleasure to taste.

Food Pairings

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina or wild boar ragù pasta
• Wood-fired pizza or herb-roasted chicken
• Grilled lamb or pork chops
• Charcuterie with salty Pecorino

Villa Sandi Asolo Prosecco Superiore — DOCG NV

Villa Sandi is one of the Veneto’s most celebrated sparkling wine estates, and their Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG represents the pinnacle of the category. Asolo is Italy’s highest-quality tier of Prosecco — a hillside DOCG appellation with strict quality standards that sets it firmly apart from standard Prosecco DOC. Crafted from carefully selected Glera grapes grown on the prestigious Asolo hillsides, this is mineral-driven, elegant, and endlessly food-friendly sparkling wine. The Tasting Panel awarded it 91 points.

The nose is intense and inviting: honeydew, ripe pear, honeysuckle, and banana with a fine, persistent perlage. On the palate, it is glossy and fleshy — poached pear, preserved lemon, sliced almond, and a touch of smoke — finishing clean and bright with lemon sorbet, peach, and a slight herbaceous lift.

🇮🇹 The Tasting Panel 91 — “This one’s got vivacity to spare. Intense scents of honeydew and ripe pear mingle with honeysuckle and banana before descending on a glossy, fleshy palate that finishes clean and bright with lemon sorbet, peach, and a slight herbaceousness.”

• Producer: Villa Sandi, Asolo, Veneto, Italy
• Vintage: NV
• Appellation: Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG
• Grape: Glera
• Style: Extra Dry / Brut Sparkling (Charmat method)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Honeydew, ripe pear, honeysuckle, banana, poached pear, preserved lemon, almond, lemon sorbet, peach
• Best Paired With: Fresh oysters, grilled shrimp, light seafood pasta, fried appetizers, charcuterie, cream-sauced pastas, risotto

Mineral-driven, vivacious, and unmistakably Asolo — Villa Sandi’s Prosecco Superiore is Italy’s hillside sparkling at its most elegant.

Château Minuty M de Minuty — Rosé de Provence Kosher 2023

Château Minuty is one of Provence’s most celebrated rosé estates, a family-owned domaine on the Saint-Tropez peninsula with a legacy stretching back generations. The M de Minuty is their signature entry-level rosé — impeccably crafted, pale in color, and built to capture the essence of Provençal summer in a glass. This is the kosher expression, produced under strict supervision without compromising the elegance and freshness that has made Minuty one of the world’s most recognized rosé brands. The Tasting Panel awarded it 92 points.

Light and bright in the glass. The nose is intense and inviting: orange peel, red currant, and a delicate floral lift. On the palate, it is smooth and fresh — red plum and cherry with a citrusy acidity that keeps everything lively and dry. Impeccably balanced and endlessly food-friendly.

🇫🇷 The Tasting Panel 92 — “Impeccably dry but still quite flavorful, this wine shows appealing flavors of red plum and cherry with a fresh edge of citrusy acidity.”

• Producer: Château Minuty, Saint-Tropez Peninsula, Provence, France
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Côtes de Provence AOC
• Blend: Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah (traditional Provençal blend)
• Certification: Kosher
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Orange peel, red currant, red plum, cherry, citrusy acidity, smooth and fresh finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, summer salads, charcuterie, light pasta, aperitivo

Provence rosé at its most elegant — Minuty’s M de Minuty is the kosher expression of one of the world’s great rosé estates.

Pio Cesare · Barolo DOCG · Piedmont, Italy · 2022

Founded in 1881, Pio Cesare is one of Barolo's historic houses. Its flagship Barolo brings together Nebbiolo from multiple sites across the appellation, combining fruit from Serralunga d'Alba, Grinzane Cavour, La Morra, Novello and Monforte d'Alba in a single expression of the region.

The 2022 reviews describe a rich, succulent wine shaped by a hot, dry growing season. Black cherry and blackberry meet balsamic herbs, dusty earth, black tea and dried cherry. Savory iron, thyme blossom and blood orange add detail, while integrated tannins provide a firm framework and a lingering mineral finish.

The Producer

Pio Cesare's long tradition centers on the character of Nebbiolo and the complementary qualities of Barolo's vineyards. This multi-site approach is reflected in the 2022 bottling.

Expert Reviews · 2022 Vintage

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 94 Points: The Pio Cesare 2022 Barolo shows the fleshed-out texture and power of this hot and dry vintage, offering a degree of succulence and richness that only comes to Nebbiolo in arid growing seasons that result in more concentrated fruit. There is a darkness to the wine that comes through as black cherry and blackberry, and there is a hint of tightness to the tannins that are otherwise well managed and already on their way to integration. The wine reflects the warm conditions seen across the Langhe in 2022, where reduced yields and steady summer heat produced Barolos with extra density and early accessibility. This wine is a blend of fruit from Serralunga d’Alba (Ornato, La Serra and Briccolina), Grinzane Cavour (Gustava and Garretti), La Morra (Roncaglie), Novello (Ravera) and Monforte d'Alba (Mosconi).

Decanter, 93 Points: Pio Cesare’s historic Barolo takes its lion’s share from Serralunga. Vineyards in Monforte, Grinzane Cavour, La Morra and Novello round it out. A solid showing in 2022 makes another strong case for blending. Delightful from the get-go, it exhibits balsamic herb, dusty earth, black tea and dried cherry. Elegantly weighted but properly mouth filling, the palate brings in savoury iron, thyme blossom and a blood orange tang. Sweet tannins are seamlessly embedded giving crisp structure. Firm yet friendly. 

James Suckling, 97 Points: One of the best Barolos that Pio has ever made. A perfumed wine, slightly but pleasantly old-fashioned and full of personality. Open, generous aromas of mint, flowers, wild strawberries and pomegranate join vibrant violets and bergamot. Full-bodied and very juicy with firm, grainy tannins, well integrated and polished. Delicious licorice flavor, a bit chocolaty, with persistent acidity and a savory umami finish. Impressive and classic. Drink or hold.

Pairing & Serving Suggestions

Pair with braised short ribs, osso buco, truffle risotto, wild boar ragù or Parmigiano-Reggiano. Serve slightly below room temperature and allow time in a decanter to explore its evolving aromas.

Wine Details

• Producer: Pio Cesare
• Appellation: Barolo DOCG
• Region: Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Grape: Nebbiolo
• Size: 750ml

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Eric Guido writes:  Delicate and understated, the 2022 Pinot Noir Grande Cuvée opens with a peppery citrus tinge and dusty dried strawberries. It's round and softly textured with pure red berry fruits riding a wave of brisk acidity. An herbal tinge comes forward over time as gently grippy tannins tug at the cheeks and hints of licorice fade.  Drinking 2025 to 2030.  - Vinous 91

Audrey Frick writes:  Medium ruby red-hued, the 2022 Pinot Noir Grande Cuvee is expressive and elegant on the nose, with notes of red cherries, candied cranberries, roses, fresh spice and herbs, and lifted piney herbs. Medium-bodied, it has a weightless, linear feel, with fine tannins, even acidity, and a clean, tapered finish with a light herbal note. It’s a very charming wine to drink over the next 5-6 years.  Drinking 2024 to 2030.  - Jeb Dunnuck 91 

James Suckling writes:  Lemon zest, mushrooms, raspberries and sliced strawberries on the nose. Some rose petal, too. It’s bright and fruity, with a medium body and powdery tannins. Chalky, grainy elements at the end. Better in 2024.  - James Suckling 90

Clive Pursehouse writes:  An early released wine blended from estate sites within the McMinnville and Yamhill-Carlton AVAs. Earthen aromatics of sous bois, moss, and turned garden soils are lifted by a note of bright berries. Ripe raspberry, pomegranate and savoury sumac predominate the palate and are buoyed by mint and wild fennel notes.  Drinking 2023 to 2029.  - Decanter 92

Winemaker Description 

The Grande Cuvée Pinot Noir is made from a collection of family-owned vineyards across the Willamette Valley. This wine has a welcoming nose of cedar-spiced mulberries, hints of garden herb, and candied orange rind.

Siduri · Chardonnay · Willamette Valley · 2022

A creamy, approachable Oregon Chardonnay with citrus fruit, floral lift, and mineral detail. The 2022 bottling combines lemon curd and tangerine aromatics with a delicately rounded palate, making it an inviting white for seafood dinners and comforting risottos.

Producer & Terroir

Siduri sources this Chardonnay from Gran Moraine Vineyard in Yamhill-Carlton and Maple Grove Vineyard near Monmouth. The winemaker highlights the vineyards’ marine sedimentary soils and their contribution to mineral and saline-driven textures.

Tasting Notes

The supplied reviews describe lemon curd, tangerine, green melon, lime blossom, white flowers, and vanilla. Creamy lemon-gelato and caramel notes meet gentle acidity, a rounded mouthfeel, and a powdery finish.

Expert Reviews · 2022 Vintage

Wine Enthusiast, Michael Alberty, 91 Points | For those of you who enjoy a stroll on the creamier side of Chardonnay life, here's a wine to champion. The wine's lemon curd and tangerine aromas are a nice mix of sweet and tang, while a puff of chalkboard dust floats in the background. Gentle acidity caresses flavors of lemon gelato and the caramel-drizzled goodness of a stroopwafel cookie.

Jeb Dunnuck, 90 Points | A pale yellow hue, the 2022 Chardonnay Willamette Valley reveals attractive aromas of green melon, lime blossoms, fresh white flowers, and vanilla. Medium-bodied, it’s an approachable and charming white, with a delicately rounded feel and a powdery finish.

Winemaker Description

Siduri | The 2022 Siduri Willamette Valley Chardonnay is sourced from the Gran Moraine Vineyard, in Yamhill-Carlton, as well as the Maple Grove Vineyard - a somewhat off-the-beaten-path vineyard near the town of Monmouth. The marine sedimentary soils of these vineyards produce Chardonnays with wonderful mineral and saline-driven textures. Ripe flavors meld seamlessly with the fresh acidity and mineral structure to produce some crisp and mouthwatering Chardonnays.

Pairing & Serving Suggestions

Pair with Pacific Northwest salmon, buttered lobster, calamari, soft creamy cheeses, or mushroom risotto. Serve chilled and allow a little time in the glass for the citrus and floral aromatics to open.

Wine Details

• Producer: Siduri
• Vintage: 2022
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon
• Country: United States
• Vineyards: Gran Moraine and Maple Grove
• Soils: Marine sedimentary, per the winemaker
• Size: 750ml

A welcoming Willamette Valley Chardonnay for those who enjoy citrus freshness with a creamier texture.

Bodegas Ondarre · Millennium Cava · Brut NV · Traditional Method · Spain · 750ml

Bodegas Ondarre’s Millennium Cava is a traditional method sparkling wine crafted in the classic Cava style — secondary fermentation in the bottle, extended lees aging, and the kind of creamy, biscuity complexity that sets Cava apart from simpler sparkling wines. Made from Macabeu, it delivers exceptional value at this price point: 92 points from Wine Enthusiast for a wine that is simultaneously full and creamy, dry and fresh, with a well-balanced acidity and an elegant, fruity finish. Sustainable.

Very pale brilliant yellow with regular, fine lines of bubbles rising to form a crown. The nose is very pleasant — light, fresh aromas of Seckel pear, vanilla bean, and nutmeg, with secondary notes redolent of bottle aging and floral shades. On the palate, lightly effervescent and beautifully textured — peach, green apple, vanilla, and brioche coalesce in a vivid, elegant, and long finish with an agreeable, well-balanced aftertaste.

“A soft column of bubbles releases a bouquet of Seckel pear, vanilla bean and nutmeg. Lightly effervescent on the palate, this wine offers flavors of peach, green apple, vanilla and brioche that coalesce in a vivid finish.”
— Wine Enthusiast · 92 Points

• Producer: Bodegas Ondarre, Spain
• Style: Cava Brut NV · Traditional Method (Méthode Traditionnelle)
• Varietal: Macabeu
• Farming: Sustainable
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Seckel pear, vanilla bean, nutmeg, peach, green apple, brioche, fine bubbles, elegant finish
• Pairings: Oysters, light appetizers, seafood, soft cheeses, charcuterie, aperitif

WE:92 · Cava Brut NV — traditional method, sustainable, and exceptional value. Creamy, fresh, and built for the celebration.

#1 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2025  |  #8 James Suckling Top 100 Wines of the World 2025

Château Giscours, a Grand Cru Classé in 1855, is one of Margaux’s most storied estates — and the 2022 vintage may be its finest hour. With almost 60% of the blend drawn from vines over 50 years old, and a historic yield of just 27 hl/ha, this is a wine of extraordinary depth, precision, and generational ambition.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

98 pts — James Suckling: “Stunning aromas of blackcurrants, dark mushrooms and black cherries with forest-floor notes. Full body with fine, caressing tannins and dark, flavorful fruit. The tannins are very intense and structural, spreading across the palate in layers. Plenty of energy and verve. This has gravity, too. Best after 2029.”

97+ pts — Jeb Dunnuck: “Packed with cassis, black cherries, violets, and graphite-like aromatics. Concentrated and intense, with beautifully ripe tannins, a pure, graceful mouthfeel, and a long, structured finish. Serious depth with remarkable balance.”

96 pts — Wine Advocate: “Deep bouquet of sweet berries, mint, rose petals and pencil shavings. Textural and enveloping, built around lively acids and sweet powdery tannins, concluding with a long, resonant finish. Why is the 2022 so good? Almost 60% of the blend derives from vines over 50 years old — in a vintage that favored deep, well-established root systems.”

96 pts — Decanter: “Seriously impressive and beguiling — one of the most elegant Giscours ever. Gorgeous clarity and purity, gentle seduction, fresh and lifted, fragrant and juicy with textured tannins. Elegant, finessed, subtle confidence with cool minerality throughout. A compelling wine. Possible upscore in bottle.”

95 pts — Wine Spectator: “Warmed cassis and plum notes, with lilac, violet and iris accents. A flash of black tea on the finish, along with a beguiling, cashmere-like mouthfeel. A pitch-perfect example of the vintage profile.”

• Appellation: Margaux AOC, Bordeaux
• Blend: 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc
• Vintage: 2022
• Ageing: 17 months, 50% new oak
• Yield: 27 hl/ha — lowest in estate history
• Drink: Best after 2029 | Will age beautifully for decades
• 750ml | Serve at 60–65°F

Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste · Pauillac · 2023

Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a fifth-growth (Cinquième Cru Classé) estate in Pauillac, long overseen by the Borie family and known for producing classically structured, Cabernet Sauvignon-driven Bordeaux with real precision and age-worthiness. The 2023 Grand Vin is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Merlot, raised in 75% new French oak.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

Decanter, 95 Points (Barrel Sample) — Fragrant floral and blackcurrant notes on the nose. Just ripe fruit, on the bright side but nothing out of place, not too high toned or too sour. It's lacking a touch in density, but makes up for it in precision and nuance. Lots of fine, salty and spiced tannins support the pure fruit with a graphite edge that lingers on the tongue. It's clean and focussed, not so vertical or wide, but there's finesse here no doubt. Mouthwatering and minty all the way through. Very classy and classic with fine ageing potential. Excellent quality. Ageing 75% new oak. 3.56pH. A yield of 48hl/ha. 55% grand vin production. 12.5% press wine.

Jeb Dunnuck, 95 Points (Barrel Sample: 93-95) — The Grand Vin 2023 Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste checks in as 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Merlot (the 11th to the 28th of September) with the élevage in 75% new French oak. Its deeper plum hue is followed by beautiful aromatics of crème de cassis, graphite, and flowers. This carries to a medium-bodied Pauillac with a pure, elegant mouthfeel, ripe, polished tannins, and beautifully integrated oak. It's a little gem of a 2023 that has the pure, focused, elegant, yet concentrated style of the vintage.

James Suckling, 95 Points — Cabernet sauvignon comes through beautifully. Lovely aromas of crushed raspberries, currants and pencil shavings follow through to a medium body with integrated tannins, pure fruit on the center palate and a creamy texture. Very drinkable now. Drink or hold.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 95 Points — A blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Merlot, the 2023 Grand-Puy-Lacoste has turned out very well, evoking aromas of cassis, dark berries, cigar wrapper and rose petals, lifted by a delicate minty nuance. Medium- to full-bodied, enveloping and seamless, it is shaped by powdery, velvety tannins and a layered mid-palate that opens onto a long, vibrant and saline finish. A classic at this address, it nonetheless stands out as a particularly fine effort and an excellent value.

Vinous, 95 Points (Barrel Sample: 93-95) — The 2023 Grand Puy Lacoste was picked September 11 to 28 at 48hL/ha and matured in 75% new oak. It has a classic "GPL" bouquet with blackberry, pencil box and light marine scents, obviously not as powerful as the previous vintage, yet in typical style, beautifully defined and focused. Just a touch of cracked black pepper surfaces with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with gentle but insistent grip, just a light bitter edge lending tension and nerve. I perceive good depth here, but this is not a powerhouse of a Pauillac (is GPL ever?). It fans out toward the finish whilst maintaining control. There's an impressive linearity to this wine, and thus I suspect it will require less bottle-age compared to recent vintages.
— Neal Martin

Wine Spectator, 94 Points — A textbook Pauillac, with a slightly taciturn feel to its rock-steady beam of cassis and bitter cherry fruit, allied to a bright iron spine. Flecks of savory and tobacco dart about, adding a sparkle of energy through the chiseled finish. Shows the vintage's modest scale, but everything is in proportion. For the cellar. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Specs

• Producer: Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
• Classification: 5th Growth (Cinquième Cru Classé), 1855 Classification
• Blend: 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot
• Size: 750ml

Daou Sauvignon Blanc — Paso Robles 2024

Daou Vineyards has become one of California’s most celebrated estates, and their Paso Robles Sauvignon Blanc is a quintessential expression of what this sun-drenched appellation does with the variety. Sourced from estate vineyards perched on the limestone-rich soils of DAOU Mountain, the 2024 vintage is bright, aromatic, and decisively refreshing — a classily structured, elegantly styled white that punches well above its price point and earned 90 points from Wine Enthusiast.

The nose is tantalizing and complex: grapefruit, pineapple, gooseberry, quince, lemongrass, acacia, and lychee with a touch of wet stone. On the palate, crisp, juicy fruit flavors burst across — lemon chiffon, key lime pie, kiwi, green apple, white nectarine, and pineapple — with a peppery kick at the tip of the sip. The finish is clean and lingering, with notes of dragon fruit, passionfruit, and citrus.

Wine Enthusiast 90 — Matt Kettmann: “Lime blossom, lemon balm, grapefruit peel and red apple aromas make for a pleasantly complex nose. Riper apple, melon and almond flavors emerge on the palate.”

• Producer: Daou Vineyards, Paso Robles, California, USA
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Paso Robles AVA
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Grapefruit, pineapple, lemongrass, lychee, key lime, kiwi, passionfruit, wet stone, clean finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish tacos, ceviche, goat cheese, Thai green curry, summer salads

Bright, aromatic, and irresistibly refreshing — Daou’s Paso Robles Sauvignon Blanc is California sunshine in a glass.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

Wine Spectator 96 Points | #13 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2025. Energetic tumble of blackberry, boysenberry and blackcurrant paste injected with bramble and apple wood, supported by a licorice snap accent. Strapping finish laced with violet and iris notes, with a cast iron edge lending bass. Best from 2027 through 2045.   

James Suckling 96 Points | Extremely attractive aromas of blackcurrants and dried flowers with fresh herbs like basil and rosemary. Medium to full body with firm and velvety tannins, tension and focus. Long and chewy finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | "One of the all-time greats from this château." Smoky currants, tobacco leaf, leather, and chocolaty notes. Sensationally textured, concentrated, medium to full-bodied. Plenty of mid-palate depth, ripe building tannins, beautiful balance, and a great finish. Raised in 60% new oak. Three decades of longevity.

About the Wine

Château Talbot is a 4th Growth (Quatrième Cru Classé) estate in Saint-Julien, one of the Haut-Médoc’s most prestigious appellations. Named after the English commander John Talbot, the estate has been producing benchmark Left Bank Bordeaux for centuries. The 2022 vintage is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, aged in 60% new French oak.

With a Wine Spectator Top 100 placement and Dunnuck calling it "one of the all-time greats," the 2022 is a landmark vintage for Talbot.

Tasting & Pairings

Blackcurrant, blackberry, boysenberry, tobacco, leather, chocolate, dried flowers, basil, rosemary, violet, and iris. Medium to full body with firm, velvety tannins and extraordinary length. Decant generously now or cellar through 2045+.

• Rack of lamb with herbs de Provence — the herbal aromatics and firm tannins are a classic Bordeaux match.
• Dry-aged côte de boeuf — the wine’s concentration and structure demand serious beef.
• Aged Comté or Roquefort — the tobacco and chocolate notes complement rich, complex cheeses.

Turley Wine Cellars Juvenile Zinfandel — California 2024 750ml

Turley Wine Cellars is California’s most celebrated Zinfandel specialist, founded by Larry Turley in Napa Valley in 1993 with a singular mission: to rescue and vinify fruit from California’s oldest, most historic Zinfandel vines. The Juvenile is Turley’s entry-level Zinfandel — but “entry-level” is a relative term here. Sourced from younger vines across California’s finest Zinfandel-growing regions, the Juvenile consistently delivers the house’s signature combination of perfumed aromatics, mid-weight elegance, and vibrant fruit character. The 2024 vintage is described by critics as an especially delicate and gracious expression — a beauty by any measure.

The 2024 Juvenile opens with crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, spice, and mint on an expressive, perfumed nose. The winemaker notes juicy dark cherries, blackberries, and just-ripened raspberries alongside savory Thanksgiving spices. On the palate, notes of salty dried meats and brambly fruits are paired with silken tannins — mid-weight, refined, and utterly drinkable.

Vinous 91 Points — “A very pretty entry-level offering from Turley. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, spice and mint give this mid-weight, perfumed red tons of character. The 2024 is an especially delicate, gracious Zinfandel. What a beauty.”

• Producer: Turley Wine Cellars, Napa Valley, California (est. 1993)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Zinfandel
• Style: Mid-weight, perfumed, elegant California Zinfandel
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Crushed flowers, sweet red berry, spice, mint, dark cherry, blackberry, raspberry, savory spice, salty dried meat, brambly fruit, silken tannins
• Best Paired With: BBQ ribs, grilled sausages, roasted lamb, pizza, aged Gouda, charcuterie

California’s greatest Zinfandel specialist at its most approachable — Turley Juvenile 2024 is a perfumed, elegant beauty built for drinking now.

Lanson Champagne Père & Fils Brut — Champagne NV

Founded in 1760, Lanson is one of Champagne’s most storied and consistent houses — and the Père & Fils Brut is its definitive expression. Crafted by chef de cave Hervé Dantan from 50% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, and 15% Meunier sourced from 100 villages across the region, with 30% reserve wines spanning 10 vintages back to 1995, this is a non-vintage Champagne of remarkable depth, consistency, and integrity. Four years on the lees — well above the minimum — adds richness, complexity, and a fine toasty character that sets it apart from the crowd. Decanter calls it “one of the best and most consistent of the bargain set.” At this price, it is hard to argue.

The nose is fresh and inviting: green apple, pear, pie crust, and a touch of toast from extended lees aging. On the palate, it is ripe and well-balanced — Pinot Noir’s weight and red fruit character is lifted by Chardonnay’s precision and fine bubbles, with a crisp, dry finish of real elegance. Already drinking beautifully, with the structure to reward short-term cellaring.

Decanter 92 — “A class act and a resounding statement of talent. One of the best and most consistent of the bargain set.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 — “Back on form, giving a ripe style dominated by Pinot Noir. Fine balance between the fruits and touches of toast from four years on the lees.”
James Suckling 92 — “A fresh, balanced palate with green apples, pie crust and pears. Fine bubbles and a crisp, dry finish.”

• Producer: Lanson, Reims, Champagne, France
• Founded: 1760
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Blend: 50% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, 15% Meunier
• Sources: 100 villages across Champagne
• Reserve Wines: 30% across 10 vintages
• Aging: 4 years on the lees
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Green apple, pear, pie crust, red fruit, toast, fine bubbles, crisp dry finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, smoked salmon, grilled fish, soft cheeses, charcuterie, light appetizers

Founded in 1760, scoring 92 across the board, and priced for every occasion — Lanson Père & Fils is the Champagne house that history and critics agree on.

About This Wine

Taittinger Cuvée Prestige Rosé is one of Champagne's most iconic non-vintage rosés — a house that has championed elegance and finesse since 1734. Blended from Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and 30% Chardonnay, with 12–15% still red Pinot Noir wine added for color and depth, this cuvée pours a vivid cherry-pink with an endless stream of fine, persistent bubbles.

The nose is classically Pinot — ripe red raspberries, wild strawberries, and blood orange, lifted by delicate floral and earthy nuances. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet refined, with vibrant berry fruit, a silky mousse, and a fresh acidity that carries through to a long, crisp finish. Versatile and celebratory in equal measure.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep cherry-pink with fine, persistent bubbles
• Nose: Red raspberry, wild strawberry, blood orange, fresh flowers, earth
• Palate: Full-bodied, juicy berry fruit, silky mousse, bright acidity
• Finish: Long, crisp, and refreshing with a hint of gastronomic bitterness

Expert Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck 92 | Full-bodied and juicy all the way through, ripe with loads of wild berry fruit and a long, slightly warming finish. Drink 2024–2034.

James Suckling 92 | Full of flavor, with a full body, sleek bubbles and a deep, beautiful fruit quality. Drink now.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate 91 | Delicately fleshy with bright acids, a lively and minty mid-palate and a graceful note of gastronomic bitterness on the finish.

Food Pairings

Salmon, tuna tartare, duck, charcuterie, and soft cheeses. Equally stunning as an aperitif or throughout a meal.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: NV (Non-Vintage)
Region: Champagne, France
Appellation: Champagne AOC
Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay (30%), Pinot Meunier (20%)
Style: Brut Rosé Champagne
Dosage: 9 g/L

Josh Raynolds writes: Opaque ruby. Ripe dark berries, cherry pit and licorice on the spice-accented nose. Lush and appealingly sweet, offering juicy blackberry and cherry flavors that take on a smoky nuance with air. Closes spicy and long, with a hint of licorice and round, even tannins. Drinking 2022 - 2028. - Vinous 90 

James Suckling writes: Aromas of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, dried herbs and spice box. It’s medium-to full-bodied with fine, supple tannins and tangy acidity. Juicy and nicely spiced. Try after 2023. - James Suckling 92

"A bright and approachable expression of Tinto Fino that showcases the grape’s youthful side. Aromas of fresh red cherries, raspberries, and blackberries mingle with subtle floral and spice notes. The palate is juicy and vibrant, with fresh acidity, soft tannins, and a clean finish. Serve it slightly chilled alongside tapas, grilled chorizo, roasted chicken, burgers, or an assortment of Spanish cheeses." - Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67 Wine Buyer

Uccelliera · Rosso di Montalcino · 2023

Andrea Cortonesi’s Uccelliera estate sits near Castelnuovo dell’Abate in the southeast of Montalcino. This 2023 Rosso offers an inviting mix of red fruit, flowers and savory freshness, with the structure to follow a meal from start to finish.

Expert Reviews · 2023 Vintage

An intense and perfumed wine full of violets, blood oranges, red cherries and pepper. The attack is soft, with a medium body, velvety tannins, crisp acidity and a savory finish. Juicy and delicious. Drink or hold.

James Suckling · 94 points

The ruby red 2023 Rosso Di Montalcino is fruity with aromas of mixed berries, sweet herbs, and fresh flowers. It's medium-bodied, with good structure and a ripe feel, although it retains good freshness. This lovely wine casts a wide net and can be enjoyed throughout a meal. Drink over the coming 8-10 years.

Jeb Dunnuck · 92 points

The 2023 Rosso di Montalcino is remarkably pretty, captivating with an exotic burst of wildflowers, blood orange and stone dust before giving way to crushed black cherries. This is soft and round yet shows its minerality up front, with a salty tinge emphasizing its ripe wild berry fruit. It finishes with outstanding length and is gently tannic, leaving a red plum concentration. This is a total pleasure to taste. Yields in 2023 were down by 25% due to the peronospora outbreak in the spring. However, the season also blessed this bottling with lower alcohol levels and outstanding freshness.

Vinous · 92 points

About Uccelliera

Andrea Cortonesi purchased the estate in 1986 after working at neighboring Ciacci Piccolomini. Uccelliera’s first vintage followed in 1991. The winery works its vineyards by hand, and its Rosso di Montalcino offers a window into the estate’s rich yet balanced style.

At a Glance

• Producer: Uccelliera
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
• Size: 750ml

Brotte Bord Élégance · Laudun · 2025

Brotte Bord Élégance Laudun Blanc 2025 is an expressive Southern Rhône white, combining vibrant freshness, aromatic complexity and refined texture. Produced by Maison Brotte, established in Châteauneuf-du-Pape in 1931, this distinctive blend captures the character of Laudun’s terroir.

A blend of 70% Grenache Blanc, 15% Clairette, 10% Viognier and 5% Roussanne, it comes from carefully selected vineyards with well-drained sandy-clay and gravelly soils. Hand-harvested grapes undergo gentle pressing and temperature-controlled fermentation, followed by seven months of aging on fine lees in stainless steel and concrete tanks to enhance texture while preserving freshness.

Tasting Notes

Brilliant golden-yellow in color, the wine opens with citrus, white peach, ripe orchard fruit, delicate white flowers and subtle mineral notes. The fresh, balanced palate layers juicy stone fruit, lively citrus and gentle spice. Mouthwatering acidity and distinctive saline minerality carry through to a clean, elegant and persistent finish.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast, 94 Points · Vintage Not Specified: Fresh and commanding on the nose, where ripe orchard fruit and minerality are balanced by heady white rose and bergamot in a truly singular expression. The palate is divine, where salinity rides a wave of mouthwatering acidity weaving white peach, white rose, and spice into something captivating. A second bottle alongside lobster armoricaine is strongly advised. — Anna-Christina Cabrales

Recognition

Wine Enthusiast · Vintage Not Specified: #4 Top 100 Best Buys 2026

Food Pairings

Enjoy as an aperitif or alongside grilled fish, shrimp, shellfish, roasted poultry, Mediterranean cuisine and fresh goat cheese.

Details

• Producer: Maison Brotte
• Cuvée: Bord Élégance
• Vintage: 2025
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country: France
• Region: Rhône
• Appellation: Laudun AOC, Southern Rhône
• Grapes: 70% Grenache Blanc, 15% Clairette, 10% Viognier, 5% Roussanne
• Type: White wine
• Harvest: Hand-harvested
• Aging: Seven months on fine lees in stainless steel and concrete tanks

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

The Wine Enthusiast 94 Points | From a small 20-acre estate in the southern part of the prestigious Pauillac appellation, Bellegrave has produced a richly structured wine. Black-currant and toast aromas from the Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend give the wine richness and dense, concentrated black fruits.

James Suckling 94 Points | A nice smoky layer to the fresh blackcurrants, cedar and graphite. This shows the Pauillac structure and demureness with an appealing touch of dark, ashy fruit and a lead-pencil note. Full-bodied, the palate is packed with dusty, fine-grained tannins. Excellent length and verticality here. It will become even more resolved and long.

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | This is a dark and sleek offering, with gently mulled black currant and blackberry fruit dusted with a cocoa note and gilded with violet and dried anise accents. A light kiss of singed cedar underscores the fresh finish.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2022 Chateau Bellegrave Pauillac is a standout vintage from this boutique 20-acre estate, which sits in a prestigious neighborhood between legendary neighbors like Chateau Latour and Lynch-Bages.

Pair with 

Best served with roasted lamb, a thick ribeye with rosemary, or a mushroom-heavy risotto.

Ramey Cellars Chardonnay — Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 2023

David Ramey is one of California's most celebrated winemakers — a Burgundy-trained perfectionist who has spent decades proving that the Russian River Valley can produce Chardonnay of genuine world-class stature. The 2023 Russian River Valley Chardonnay is sourced from seven exceptional cool-climate vineyard sites — Lafranchi, Westside Farms, Sonoma Foothills, Martinelli Laughlin, Kilcullen, Dutton Sebastopol, and Frank Johnson — all planted on low-vigor Goldridge loam soils between 1978 and 2017. Whole-cluster pressed, native-yeast fermented, and aged 12 months on the lees in 10% new French oak, it is a Chardonnay of extraordinary intensity, purity, and precision. Decanter, The Wine Advocate, and Wine Spectator all awarded it 94–95 points. 

The nose is open and inviting: stone fruit, white peach, guava, macerated mango, and apricot, layered with exotic baking spices, toasted brioche, ginger, and honey. On the palate, the fruit is luxuriously ripe yet laser-focused — concentrated and layered, with fireworks of fresh acidity, crushed rock minerality, and a very long, perfumed finish. Drink now through 2039.

Decanter 95 • Wine Advocate 95 • Wine Spectator 94 — "One of the finest, most balanced, and well-structured Chardonnays from the Russian River Valley at this price point."

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

Decanter — 95 Points
Clean and sleek, a beautifully balanced medium-bodied Chardonnay with luxuriously ripe stone and orchard fruit. Exotic baking spices complement layers of guava, white peach, and macerated mango with apricot. What’s most impressive is the intensity and purity of the fruit — so precisely delineated, profoundly spicy, and laser-focused. At $50, this is one of the finest, most balanced, and well-structured Chardonnays from the Russian River Valley at this price point.

The Wine Advocate (Erin Brooks) — 95 Points
Open, inviting aromas of stone fruit and pineapple, panna cotta, ginger, toasted brioche and honey. The palate combines concentrated, layered flavors with fireworks of fresh acidity, and it has a very long, perfumed finish.

Wine Spectator — 94 Points
Leaps out of the glass with intensity, offering vibrant fruit flavors of crisp Meyer lemon, apple and pear. Aromatic details of tangerine, lime sherbet and lemon blossoms add complexity alongside fresh herbal accents of lemon balm and sweetgrass. Crushed rock minerality lingers on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2039.

• Producer: Ramey Cellars, Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Russian River Valley AVA, Sonoma County
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Vineyards: Lafranchi (26%), Westside Farms (18%), Sonoma Foothills (16%), Martinelli Laughlin (15%), Kilcullen (12%), Dutton Sebastopol (9%), Frank Johnson (4%)
• Soils: Goldridge loam, cool-climate, low-vigor sites planted 1978–2017
• Vinification: Whole-cluster press, native-yeast fermentation, full native malolactic, sur lies bâtonnage
• Aging: 12 months in 10% new French oak (Taransaud Beaune, François Frères); fined, bottled unfiltered December 2024
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White peach, guava, mango, apricot, baking spice, brioche, ginger, crushed rock minerality
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2039
• Best Paired With: Lobster, roast halibut, butter-poached scallops, roast chicken, truffle risotto, aged Comté

Three scores of 94–95 points from the world’s top critics — Ramey’s Russian River Valley Chardonnay is the benchmark for what California can do at this price.