90+ Points | Critical Acclaim | Wine & Sparkling Wine

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 93 Points | Excellent Mirabelle plum, bergamot and chamomile tea aromas are married to considerable textural depth on the compact, medium-bodied palate. Stony minerality drives the long finish.

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Ripe but nervy, with a unique combination of plump peach, apricot and nectarine notes that are carried by a taut and tangy spine of fennel, quinine and ginger. Shows a bitter orange echo on the finish.

Winemaker Description 

The Classique acts as an annual celebration of their work. It commemorates the efforts and dedication of their growers who take each vintage in stride by receiving each day with vulnerability and leaning into the gifts of Mother Nature. Their Classique is an imprint of their diverse and geologically rich region. For them, it represents the potential of Bone Dry Riesling on southeast Seneca Lake.

Memo Summary Notes

The Forge Cellars Riesling "Classique" 2023 is a benchmark dry Riesling from the Finger Lakes (Seneca Lake), New York. This winery is a collaboration between Louis Barruol (of the iconic Château de Saint Cosme in Gigondas, France) and Rick Rainey, aiming to craft "bone dry" Rieslings that rival the grand crus of Alsace and Germany.

The "Classique" is their flagship blend, representing a "tapestry" of various vineyard sites along the southeast side of Seneca Lake.

Our Professional Review 

Bart of 67wino.shop writes | Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon is one of Napa Valley’s shining stars, but it’s always a ‘special occasion’ wine that’s priced beyond the reach of ordinary quaffing. The good news is Cakebread is now producing an affordable top notch Cabernet from Paso Robles that drinks deliciously. 

Winemaker Description 

Our Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles is bold and generous, with intriguing depth and loads of California charisma. Layers of sun-kissed wild blackberries alternate with boysenberry jam, dried bay leaf, and dark chocolate. This California Cab makes friends wherever it goes.

We source our Paso Robles Cabernet from two sites at opposite ends of the appellation, so we can combine the best of both: great tannin structure and acidity, as well as plush, generous fruit with a classic herbal edge.”
— JANE DUNKLEY, WINEMAKER
 

Pommery Brut Royal — Champagne NV

Pommery holds a singular place in Champagne history: in 1874, the house introduced the world’s first successful Brut Champagne — a revolutionary departure from the sweet styles that dominated the era. The Brut Royal is the direct heir to that legacy, a perfectly balanced assemblage of equal thirds Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier that has defined the house style for 150 years. Based on the 2018 vintage with reserve wines blended for consistency and complexity, this is a Champagne of vivacity, elegance, and effortless drinkability — earning 92 points from both James Suckling and Decanter.

The color is pale yellow with light green accents. The nose is vivacious and fresh: citrus, white flowers, small berries, verbena, plum, and summer flowers, with lovely shortbread depth. On the palate, it is elegant and vibrant — round and ample, with peach, lemon, grapefruit, biscuit, and honey, sleek bubbles, and a harmonious, minerally finish that never tires. A lithesome, compulsively drinkable Champagne.

James Suckling 92 — “Peach, lemon, grapefruit, biscuit and some honey on the nose. Creamy and round with a juicy, peachy palate. Sleek bubbles.”

Decanter 92 — “Seductive nose of verbena, plum and summer flowers. Lovely shortbread depth and buttery richness on the palate with impressive finish.”

Wall Street Journal (Lettie Teague) — “A lithesome, compulsively drinkable dry sparkler with notes of citrus and pear and a long minerally finish. A terrific aperitif.”

• Producer: Pommery, Reims, Champagne, France
• Founded: 1836 (first Brut Champagne: 1874)
• Vintage: Non-Vintage (base vintage 2018)
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Blend: ⅓ Chardonnay, ⅓ Pinot Noir, ⅓ Pinot Meunier
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, white flowers, peach, lemon, grapefruit, biscuit, honey, verbena, plum, sleek bubbles, minerally finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, smoked salmon, sushi, soft cheeses, light appetizers; exceptional as an apéritif

The house that invented Brut Champagne in 1874 — Pommery’s Royal is 150 years of perfection in every glass.

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

Châteauneuf-du-Pape That Delivers Classic Southern Rhône Power and Elegance

Mas de Boislauzon has long been one of the most respected estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, farming organically and crafting wines that honor the appellation's storied tradition. Their Tradition Cuvée — a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Mourvèdre, fermented and aged in concrete — is a benchmark expression of the southern Rhône: rich, structured, and deeply aromatic, with the kind of complexity that rewards both immediate enjoyment and extended cellaring.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

• Wine Spectator — 94 pts: "Plum sauce and cassis reveal earthy, leafy dimension that brings savory freshness to this full-throttle red, which is formidable in structure and frame, with bolts of iron, black tea and persistent yet refined tannins taking this over the finish line. Long and powerful, with smokiness weaving through. Drink now through 2035."
• Jeb Dunnuck — 93 pts: "One of the riper, broader, sexier wines in the vintage. Blackberries, roasted herbs, cured meats, chocolate, and Provençal garrigue all define the aromatics, and it's full-bodied on the palate, with a powerful yet balanced style. Classic cuvées don't get much better than this in 2020. Drink 2022–2037."
• Vinous — 92 pts: "Soars from the glass with fragrant aromas of crushed violets, raspberry, wild strawberry, blueberry, licorice and mint. Full-bodied and layered, it's polished and refined, with a juicy core of fruit and good persistence on the bright finish. Drink 2024–2038."
• James Suckling — 92 pts: "Wild berries, tar, dried herbs and cloves on the nose follow through to a medium to full body with firm tannins. Structured and focused with a crisp core of berries leading to the chewy and salivating finish. From organically grown grapes. Unfiltered."
• Decanter — 92 pts: "Broad and full on the palate. Concentrated but not heavy. Lush and generous, with destemmed fruit fermented and aged in concrete. Drink 2024–2030."

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: 70% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre
• Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône Valley, France
• Producer: Mas de Boislauzon
• Vintage: 2020
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Vinification: Destemmed, fermented and aged in concrete. Unfiltered.
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for hearty Provençal cuisine — exceptional with braised lamb, roasted duck, wild boar, beef daube, aged cheeses, and mushroom-based dishes.

Pomerol That Delivers Right Bank Richness and Aromatic Extravagance

Château Vieux Maillet is a small, highly regarded estate in Pomerol — the celebrated Right Bank appellation that produces some of Bordeaux’s most opulent and sought-after Merlot-based wines. The 2019 Vieux Maillet comes from an exceptional vintage across Bordeaux and delivers the hallmark Pomerol profile: succulent, aromatic, and richly textured, with the depth and fine balance to drink beautifully now or develop further through the decade.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019 

• Vinous — 94 pts: "Aromatic, effusive and charming right out of the gate. Succulent dark cherry, plum, mocha, chocolate, espresso and licorice lend striking aromatic nuance. There’s plenty of depth and fine balance to this decidedly extroverted Pomerol."
• Wine Enthusiast — 92 pts: "Superripe Merlot gives a wine that is succulent, rich, and densely packed with balanced blackberry fruits and solid tannins. The wine’s layers of ripeness promise great things. Drink from 2025."
• James Suckling — 92 pts: "Grilled herbs, iron, damp earth and subtle sweet spices on top of ripe plums, berries, potpourri and cooked grapefruit. Juicy and medium-bodied with round tannins and a fresh, composed finish of excellent length. Quite appealing for early drinking."

Producer Notes

Deep garnet-purple in color with well-expressed notes of black cherries, fresh blackberries, and black raspberries with suggestions of dried Mediterranean herbs, dark chocolate, eucalyptus, and cracked black pepper. Medium to full-bodied with vibrant black fruits, ripe rounded tannins, and a peppery lift on the finish.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Pomerol AOC, Bordeaux, France
• Producer: Château Vieux Maillet
• Vintage: 2019
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A classic Right Bank pairing — exceptional with roasted duck, lamb rack, beef tenderloin, truffle dishes, and aged Comté or Brie de Meaux.

Bodegas Albamar Albariño — Rías Baixas, Galicia 2024

Bodegas Albamar is one of the most exciting estates in Rías Baixas, farming a wide range of parcels in and around Castrelo in the Salné s Valley — the heart of Galicia's Atlantic wine country. Their flagship Albariño is hand-harvested from sandy, granite-based soils that produce wines of exceptional aromatic precision and mineral tension. Spontaneously fermented and raised primarily in tank with a small percentage of neutral oak foudre, with no malolactic fermentation, it is a wine of purity, focus, and genuine terroir expression.

The nose is clean and precise: lemon zest, a dusting of sea salt, flint, green apple, and yellow kiwi — the unmistakable signature of Atlantic Galicia. On the palate, it is serious and austere beyond the varietal notes, with excellent ripeness, beautifully integrated acidity, and a dry, chalky finish that lingers with mineral elegance. The 2024 vintage is defined by balance — and Albamar delivers it in spades.

Wine Advocate 93 Points — "Clean and precise, serious and austere beyond the varietal notes, with good ripeness and very good balance and a dry, chalky finish. I think 2024's main characteristic is balance." (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Bodegas Albamar, Castrelo (Cambados), Salné s Valley, Galicia, Spain
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Rías Baixas DO (Val do Salné s)
• Varietal: 100% Albariño
• Harvest: Hand-harvested from sandy, granite-based parcels
• Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation, tank + neutral oak foudre, no malolactic
• ABV: 13%
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon zest, sea salt, flint, green apple, yellow kiwi, dry chalky finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled fish, roasted artichokes, sheep cheese, seafood rice, ceviche
• Serve: Well chilled, 45–50°F

93 points from Wine Advocate — Albamar Albariño is Atlantic Galicia at its most precise: mineral, saline, and impossible to put down.

Dalton Alma Deep Red Rhone Blend Crimson Galilee Kosher 2021 750ml

Winemaker Description

From the sun-drenched hillsides of Galilee, Dalton's Alma Crimson is a bold, structured Rhone-style blend that speaks to the ambition of Israeli fine wine. Dark and full-bodied, it opens with generous aromas of ripe cherries, plums, and sweet dark fruits, leading to a rich, buttery palate layered with vanilla, cloves, and a distinctive whisper of green tea.

Crafted with meticulous attention, the grapes were harvested and fermented in separate batches to preserve the character of each variety. The wine was pressed just before completing fermentation, malolactic fermentation was encouraged, and the wine was then racked into French oak barriques for 12 months of aging. Each parcel was individually assessed before the final blend was assembled and returned to barrel for a further six months of integration.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 94 Points — "We think of this as Israeli Châteauneuf-du-Pape — tasted blind, it will fool you!" Blackberry, cassis, and toasted nut aromas lead the way. A bright thread of pomegranate runs beneath layers of Mission fig, eucalyptus, dark chocolate, orange zest, and caramel. Luxurious tannins and perfectly balanced acidity carry through to a long, satisfying finish.

Wine Details

Producer: Dalton Winery
Wine: Alma Deep Red Crimson — Rhone Blend
Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Appellation: Galilee, Israel
Vintage: 2021
Aging: 18 months in French oak barriques
Size: 750ml
Kosher: Yes — Mevushal

Organic-Estate Central Otago Pinot Noir from the Bendigo Heartland

Loveblock is the project of Kim and Erica Crawford — a certified organic estate dedicated to minimal-intervention winemaking in New Zealand’s most celebrated Pinot Noir region. The grapes for this bottling come from their family-owned “Someone’s Darling” vineyard on the Bendigo Loop Road in Central Otago, placed into organic conversion in March 2022. The 2021 delivers fleshy black plum, layers of cherry and sweet berries, with hints of violet and savoury spice — grown with love, made with care.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

• Wine Spectator — 93 pts: Pretty clove, nutmeg and cardamom details complement sleek maraschino cherry, raspberry and cranberry flavors at the core. A touch of malty Assam tea lingers on the finish, adding a firm note. Drink now through 2035.

Winemaker Notes

Loveblock Pinot Noir Central Otago 2021 750ml

From the “Someone’s Darling” vineyard, Bendigo Loop Road, Central Otago. Fleshy black plum, cherry, and sweet berries on the palate with hints of violet and savoury spice. Bright and structured with a long, elegant finish. Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand
• Vineyard: Someone’s Darling, Bendigo Loop Road
• Producer: Loveblock
• Farming: Organic conversion (certified March 2022)
• Closure: Screwcap
• Vintage: 2021
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A versatile Central Otago Pinot — exceptional with roasted duck, lamb rack, salmon with pinot beurre blanc, mushroom risotto, and aged sheep’s milk cheeses.

Honig Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon — Napa Valley 2022

Honig is one of Napa Valley’s most trusted family estates — a multi-generational winery committed to sustainable viticulture and the kind of honest, terroir-driven Cabernet that made Napa famous. Sourced from estate vineyards in the heart of the valley and aged in a combination of French and American oak, the 2022 delivers everything that defines great Napa Cabernet: concentrated dark fruit, elegant structure, silky tannins, and a long, complex finish. James Suckling awarded it 91 points; Wine Advocate 90. At under $60, it is one of the most compelling values in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

The nose is inviting and expressive: blackberry, kirsch, red plum, dried flowers, and walnuts. On the palate, it is full-bodied and luscious, with layers of black cherry, cranberry, cedar, loam, and subtle bitter spice, framed by ripe yet lightly chewy tannins and a silky-velvety texture that leads to a long, intense finish. Drink now or cellar through 2030+.

James Suckling 91 — “Attractive nose of blackberries, kirsch and hints of dried flowers and walnuts. Full and well-structured with ripe yet lightly chewy tannins and deep, succulent fruit underneath. Intense, bitter-spice finish.” (Vintage 2022).

Wine Advocate 90 — “Delivers notes of cedar, loam, black cherries and dried spices… full-bodied, silky-velvety in texture and softly tannic, with ample length and texture on the finish.” (Vintage 2022).

• Producer: Honig Vineyard & Winery, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Napa Valley AVA
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Aging: French and American oak
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, kirsch, red plum, black cherry, cedar, loam, dried spice, bitter-spice finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar through 2030+
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, roasted lamb, beef Wellington, aged cheddar, mushroom risotto

A 91-point Napa Valley Cabernet at an honest price — Honig is the benchmark for what family-farmed Napa Cab can be.

Scharffenberger Brut Excellence | Méthode Traditionnelle | Mendocino County, California

A benchmark California sparkling wine crafted in the traditional méthode champenoise, bottle-fermented and aged a minimum of 24 months on the lees. The blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir draws from Scharffenberger's own 120-acre Anderson Valley vineyards and select long-term Mendocino County contracts — a pedigree that shows in every pour.

The nose opens with toasted brioche, crème caramel, Asian pear, and honeysuckle, layered with hazelnut and candied citrus. On the palate, a creamy, fine-bubbled mousse gives way to bright orchard fruit — yellow apple, white fig, apricot — framed by lip-smacking acidity and a long, nutty finish. 100% malolactic fermentation adds a round, full-bodied texture that punches well above its price point.

• Appellation: Mendocino County, California
• Blend: 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir
• Method: Méthode Traditionnelle (Champenoise)
• Aging: Minimum 24 months on the lees
• Dosage: ~8 g/L
• Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim

• Jeb Dunnuck — 93 pts: Impressive depth of texture and balanced richness; lovely notes of crème caramel and brioche.
• The Tasting Panel — 93 pts: Remarkable value with the poise and presence of wines twice the price; lilting, lip-smacking acidity and a creamy tang.
• Decanter — 92 pts: Riveting aromatics of brioche, crème brûlée, and candied citrus; broad and mouth-filling with a crisp, layered finish.
• James Suckling — 92 pts: Solid core of fruit with apple, strawberry, and hints of iron and salt; tensioned and full of flavor.

Producer Notes

Marietta Cellars has been crafting their Old Vine Red blend in Sonoma County since 1980, releasing it in numbered lots — each one a unique expression of the vintage. Lot 74 is a Zinfandel-based blend of old vine fruit, incorporating Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignan, Grenache, and Barbera. It jumps out of the glass with lovely bright plum fruit — dark and focused with notes of briar patch and black tea. Medium-bodied with sweet spice, velvety tannins, and electric vibrancy. A wine that strikes a perfect balance between fruit-forward enjoyment and layered sophistication.

Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignan, Grenache, Barbera

Expert Reviews

• Robert Parker 93 pts | Spicy and easy to drink with aromas of red and black cherries, mint, bitter chocolate, and allspice with earthy undertones. The medium-bodied palate is finely chalky and refreshing, with spicy fruit and an easygoing finish.

Food Pairings

• BBQ ribs or grilled sausages
• Braised short ribs or lamb chops
• Pizza, burgers, or hearty pasta
• Aged cheddar or smoked gouda

Expert Reviews

94 Points Wine Specator | A classy rosé that glides across the palate, with flavors of raspberry coulis, yellow peach, chamomile and blanched almond that expand on the creamy mousse and linger on the lightly spiced finish, powered by mouthwatering acidity. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drink now through 2026.

90 Points Robert Parker |  The latest rendition of Ruinart's NV Brut Rosé is a pretty, vibrant wine that offers up inviting aromas of tangerine, blood orange, plum and freshly baked bread. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and precise, with tangy acids and a pretty mousse, it's ca harming, comparatively vinous wine that is already showing well.

92 Points James Suckling | The appeal of this excellent rosé Champagne begins with the nose of red berries, ripe nectarine, coriander and red roses. Striking balance of delicate tannins, animating freshness and just a touch of creaminess. Long, very clean and dry finish. The cuvée is 55% pinot noir from Aÿ (some fermented as red wine) and 45% chardonnay. Drink now.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

The Wine Spectator 94 Points | Dynamic and precise, this features a core of steely acidity that frames expressive flavors of raspberry and guava, laced with crushed stone, forest floor and dusky spice notes that gather tension and richness toward fine-grained tannins.

94 James Suckling | The nose is pure and focused, showing aromas of redcurrants, wild raspberries and orange rind. The palate is medium-bodied with finely integrated tannins and acidity, giving notes of cherry, potpourri, struck match and forest floor. Tightly wound with years of aging ahead.

Winemaker Description 

Avni 2022 Pinot Noir is focused and flavorful, yet harmonious and balanced, with an overlying elegance and velvety mouthfeel. Red fruits dominate the flavor profile with some black cherry, spice, black tea, fresh herbs, and a hint of black cherry, tar and rose petal, finishing with a round texture.

It is versatile, pairing well with hot smoked salmon and roasted poultry, even grilled meats.

Pommery Champagne Rosé Brut Royal 750ml

Explore the elegance of Pommery Champagne Rosé Brut Royal, a renowned name in the world of luxurious sparkling wines, celebrated for its innovative approach and commitment to quality. Earning 92 points from James Suckling and 90 points from Decanter, this champagne exemplifies Pommery's legacy, offering a delightful balance of elegance and flavor. A festive salmon pink with a subtle tinge of rust, fruity and fleshy, elegantly robust with a perfect balance of freshness. To create Brut Rosé Royal, Pommery selects some thirty crus with Chardonnay grapes predominant, making up over one-third of the blend, then aged in the Pommery cellars for an average of three years.

James Suckling - 92 Points

A strikingly pale rosé Champagne with a color reminiscent of the coolest still Provence rosé wines. Overflowing with strawberry and raspberry aromas, very juicy and bright on the medium-bodied palate, the finish as charming as it is clean, thanks to the lively mousse. A very similar blend to the white Brut Royal, but with a dash of red wine added for color and extra body. Drink now.

Decanter - 90 Points

There is some honest and measured precision to this wine, with fresh and mineral peach, pear and nectarine tones. It has potential through its robust framework; it is showing well now but will get even better.

Wine Spectator

A bright, balanced rosé Champagne, with flavors of baked raspberry, poached apricot, toasted brioche and lemon curd riding a creamy mousse. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Drink now.

Winemaker's Description

A festive salmon pink, with a subtle tinge of rust. Fruity and fleshy, elegantly robust with a perfect balance of freshness. Although delightful by day, soft lighting is the most flattering to it colors, making it the champagne of romantic evenings, par excellence.

Pommery - Renowned Champagne House

Pommery Champagne is a renowned name in the world of luxurious sparkling wines, celebrated for its innovative approach and commitment to quality. The house represents tradition and excellence.

Brut Rosé Royal - Flagship Rosé

The Pommery Champagne Rosé Brut Royal exemplifies this legacy. This flagship rosé showcases Pommery's expertise in crafting exceptional sparkling wines.

Selects Some Thirty Crus

To create Brut Rosé Royal, Pommery selects some thirty crus. This multi-cru approach ensures complexity and depth.

Chardonnay Predominant - Over One-Third

In this delicate composition, Chardonnay grapes are predominant, making up over one-third of the blend. Chardonnay provides elegance and finesse.

Blend: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier create a harmonious blend. This classic Champagne trio delivers balance and complexity.

Red Wine Added for Color & Body

A handful of Pinot Noir grapes are made into red wine before being blended with the Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier varieties. A dash of red wine added for color and extra body.

Aged Three Years in Pommery Cellars

The Brut Rose Royal is then aged in the Pommery cellars for an average of three years. Extended aging develops complexity and refinement.

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Festive salmon pink with a subtle tinge of rust. Strikingly pale rosé. Distinct pink hue
Aroma: Overflowing with strawberry and raspberry aromas. Delicate aromas. Gracious notes of red berries, cherries, and hints of citrus. Fresh and mineral peach, pear and nectarine tones
Palate: Fruity and fleshy. Elegantly robust. Very juicy and bright on the medium-bodied palate. Flavors of baked raspberry, poached apricot, toasted brioche and lemon curd. Creamy mousse. Fine bubbles. Perfect balance of freshness
Finish: The finish as charming as it is clean, thanks to the lively mousse. Long and sophisticated

Festive Salmon Pink with Subtle Tinge of Rust

A festive salmon pink, with a subtle tinge of rust. The color is visually stunning and inviting.

Strikingly Pale Rosé

A strikingly pale rosé Champagne with a color reminiscent of the coolest still Provence rosé wines. The delicate hue is elegant and refined.

Distinct Pink Hue

With its distinct pink hue, this champagne not only appeals visually but also promises a vibrant taste experience.

Overflowing with Strawberry & Raspberry

Overflowing with strawberry and raspberry aromas. The red berry character is fresh and inviting.

Gracious Notes of Red Berries, Cherries & Citrus

With gracious notes of red berries, cherries, and hints of citrus. Each sip reveals layers of richness.

Fresh & Mineral Peach, Pear & Nectarine

With fresh and mineral peach, pear and nectarine tones. The stone fruit character adds complexity.

Fruity & Fleshy

Fruity and fleshy, showcasing ripe fruit character. The wine has substance and appeal.

Elegantly Robust

Elegantly robust with a perfect balance of freshness. The wine is both powerful and refined.

Very Juicy & Bright

Very juicy and bright on the medium-bodied palate. The fruit expression is vibrant and pure.

Baked Raspberry, Poached Apricot & Toasted Brioche

With flavors of baked raspberry, poached apricot, toasted brioche and lemon curd. The complexity is remarkable.

Creamy Mousse & Fine Bubbles

Riding a creamy mousse. The fine bubbles playfully dance on your palate. The bubble quality is exceptional.

Lively Mousse

Thanks to the lively mousse, the finish is charming and clean. The effervescence is perfectly integrated.

Perfect Balance of Freshness

With a perfect balance of freshness, accentuating the champagne's crispness. The wine is refreshing and invigorating.

Long & Sophisticated Finish

The finish is long and sophisticated. The wine lingers pleasantly on the palate.

Charming & Clean Finish

The finish as charming as it is clean. The conclusion is elegant and satisfying.

Honest & Measured Precision

There is some honest and measured precision to this wine. The craftsmanship is evident in every detail.

Robust Framework with Potential

It has potential through its robust framework; it is showing well now but will get even better. The wine has aging potential.

Bright & Balanced

A bright, balanced rosé Champagne offering harmony and elegance. Every element is in perfect proportion.

Champagne of Romantic Evenings

Although delightful by day, soft lighting is the most flattering to it colors, making it the champagne of romantic evenings, par excellence. Perfect for intimate moments.

Versatile Food Pairing

Perfect with:

• Aperitif
• Gourmet meals
• Seafood
• Poultry
• Soft cheeses
• Desserts
• Sushi

Versatile Culinary Pairings

Making it a versatile choice for various culinary pairings. Whether enjoyed as an aperitif or alongside a gourmet meal, Pommery Champagne caters to diverse tastes.

Refreshing Delight in Every Glass

While ensuring a refreshing delight in every glass. Each sip is a celebration.

Perfect for Celebrations & Special Occasions

This exquisite Pommery Champagne is perfect for a variety of occasions, elevating any gathering with its sparkling presence. Whether you're hosting a celebration, a romantic dinner, or a festive holiday party.

Ideal for Weddings, Graduations & Promotions

It is particularly loved for milestones such as weddings, graduations, or promotions, offering a fitting way to toast achievements.

Adds Luxurious Touch

The Pommery Champagne Rosé Brut Royal adds a luxurious touch to any occasion. The wine embodies elegance and sophistication.

Excellent for Casual Gatherings

Additionally, its vibrant character makes it an excellent choice for casual gatherings, ensuring everyone enjoys a special moment together.

Celebrating the Joys of Life

Celebrating the joys of life with a glass of this fine champagne. Every moment becomes memorable.

Experience of Indulgence

Sipping on this exquisite bubbly is not just a drink; it's an experience of indulgence that brings people together.

Our Professional Review

Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67Wine Buyer, writes: Raventós i Blanc De Nit Rosé is a benchmark rosé sparkling wine. The Raventós family’s commitment to biodynamic agriculture serves as the core philosophy of their winemaking. Fine bubbles with a nose of raspberry, red currants, and wild strawberries. Crisp and enticing finish. Serve chilled as an aperitif.

A Spanish sparkling rosé made with biodynamically grown estate grapes in the style of Cava. This Macabeo-driven blend has a pale light pink hue — matched on the palate with an elegant bouquet of pink grapefruit, rose petals, red berry fruits, and lively acidity.

Expert Reviews

Wine & Spirits Magazine — 94 Points | Pepe Raventós adds depth and a touch of color with fruit from Monastrell vines planted in 1974. That addition lays a smoky note and red-fruit hints over a base of Xarel·lo, Macabeo, and Parellada. Narcissus scents, peach fuzz, and brisk clarity of flavor — its elegance is hard to resist.

Decanter — 91 Points | Simple nose but very pretty red crunchy fruit and mulberries on the palate. Pleasant acidity and excellent length. Very pretty.

• Producer: Raventós i Blanc
• Appellation: Conca del Riu Anoia, Catalonia, Spain
• Grapes: Macabeo, Xarel·lo, Parellada, Monastrell (1974 vines)
• Farming: Certified biodynamic & organic
• Style: Sparkling Rosé, Brut
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml

Paul Hobbs CrossBarn Pinot Noir — Sonoma Coast 2022 750ml

Paul Hobbs is one of California's most celebrated winemakers — a perfectionist whose name on a label is a guarantee of quality. CrossBarn is his Sonoma Coast project, sourced entirely from estate vineyards including George Menini, Cleary, Goldrock, and Catherine Lindsay Estates. The 2022 vintage is a triumph: four critics, four scores of 90 points or above, led by James Suckling at 94. This is Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir at its most expressive — elegant, layered, and built for the table.

Brilliant deep ruby in color. The nose opens with pomegranate, cranberry, crisp red apple skin, delicate florals, and forest floor. On the palate, harmonious layers of plum, raspberry, and Morello cherry are lifted by bright acidity and fine-grained tannins, with a long, refreshing finish of spice and fruit. Creamy, focused, and beautifully balanced.

James Suckling 94 • Wine Advocate 93 • Jeb Dunnuck 92 • Wine Enthusiast 90 — "Lovely elegance, a refined feel, and great freshness through the finish." — Jeb Dunnuck. (VIntage 2022). 

• Producer: Paul Hobbs CrossBarn, Sonoma Coast, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vineyards: George Menini, Cleary, Goldrock & Catherine Lindsay Estates
• Style: Light-Medium Bodied Red
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Pomegranate, cranberry, plum, raspberry, Morello cherry, florals, forest floor, spice
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or hold 5–6 years
• Best Paired With: Grilled salmon, duck breast, mushroom risotto, roasted chicken, charcuterie

Four critics, four scores of 90+, one outstanding price — CrossBarn is the Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir that overdelivers every time.

A 99-Point Napa Cabernet That Outscores Cult Wines at Double the Price

Heitz Cellars is one of Napa Valley’s most storied estates, producing benchmark Cabernet Sauvignon since 1961. The 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet bounds from the glass with Heitz’s signature pure red cherry and redcurrant flavors, accented by mint, underbrush, and dark cocoa. With Napa Valley’s average Cabernet price cresting $100, this is a phenomenal value — outscoring some cult names at double the price, with the firm acidity and tannin structure to fascinate for decades.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

• Decanter — 99 pts: Remarkably pure and fresh. Pristine black cherry and blackberry, layered with beautiful violet aromas. Everything builds with precision and focus, supported by gorgeously firm, taut, mineral-rich tannins that bring energy and drive. Compact and tightly wound at this youthful stage, its intensity truly emblematic of the vintage.
• James Suckling — 94 pts: Dark fruit aromas of blackberries, bitter chocolate, dried herbs, blackcurrants, black olives and graphite. Full-bodied with a textural, rounded mouthfeel and finely integrated tannins, leading to a savory, fruit-driven finish.
• Wine Spectator — 94 pts: Ripe, fresh and focused, offering a lovely beam of red currant and plum coulis alongside savory, violet, tobacco and singed cedar hints. Finishes with a late twang of iron.
• Vinous — 93 pts: Plump and vibrant with good up-front fruit and bright acids. Captures the essence of modern classicism typical of Heitz wines today. Floral overtones brighten the finish.

Winemaker Notes

Heitz Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2021 750ml

Pure red cherry and redcurrant on the nose, accented by red plum, mint, underbrush, and dark cocoa. Firm acidity and tannin in harmony with a plush mouthfeel — a wine built to evolve for decades. One of Napa Valley’s great values in serious Cabernet Sauvignon.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Producer: Heitz Cellars
• Vintage: 2021
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A classic Napa Cabernet at the table — exceptional with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, roasted lamb rack, duck breast with cherry reduction, and aged cheddar or Gruyère.

Champagne Gamet | Rive Droite | Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut | Vallée de la Marne, Champagne | NV (60% 2021 Base) | Practicing Organic

Champagne Gamet is a grower-producer based along the right bank of the Marne River — a stretch of Champagne defined by its sunny exposures, sandy clay soils over limestone, and a distinctly saline, mineral character. The estate farms with purpose: practicing-organic viticulture, old vines averaging 40 to 50 years, and a winemaking philosophy that prizes precision and terroir transparency over power. Rive Droite is the house’s signature Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut, drawing fruit from the villages of Fleury-la-Rivière and Damery — two contrasting sites whose combination of ripe fruit character and firm mineral backbone defines the wine’s identity.

The blend is 85% Pinot Meunier and 15% Pinot Noir. Approximately 60% comes from the 2021 harvest, with 40% reserve wines dating back to 2014 — a depth of material that adds complexity and consistency without sacrificing freshness. Vinification is primarily in stainless steel, with roughly 10% fermented and matured in oak for texture and nuance. Malolactic fermentation is carried out in full. After secondary fermentation in bottle, the wine ages approximately 18 months on its lees before disgorgement at a low dosage of approximately 4 grams per liter, placing it firmly within the Extra Brut category and emphasizing its freshness, precision and mineral character.

The wine pours pale straw with a fine, persistent mousse. The nose opens with dried pear, white cherry, raspberry and delicate strawberry, layered with apple blossom, dried flowers and a whisper of spice. With air, blood orange peel, grapefruit, almond, brioche and crushed stone emerge. On the palate, the wine is fresh, supple and finely textured — Pinot Meunier brings roundness and generosity, while Pinot Noir adds structure and savory depth. Bright acidity and a clean saline thread carry the wine through a mouthwatering, gently nutty finish.

Serve as an aperitif or throughout the meal. Pairs beautifully with oysters, smoked salmon, sushi, shellfish, roast chicken, pork, charcuterie, mushroom dishes and soft or moderately aged cheeses. Serve well chilled at 46–50°F in a white wine or tulip-shaped Champagne glass.

Wine Spectator: 92 Points — Sleek and finely textured, with flavors of dried white cherry, raspberry, blood orange peel, almond blossom and chopped nuts. A refreshing saline note carries through the mouthwatering finish.

Vinous: 91 Points — Bright, expressive and full of character, offering notes of dried pear, cherry, cinnamon, dried flowers and nuts. Silky and understated, with additional harmony emerging as the Champagne opens in the glass.

Jeb Dunnuck: 90 Points — Savory aromas of wet stone lead to delicate strawberry, light spice and grapefruit. Medium-bodied and subtly textured, with increasing richness on the palate and a salty, mineral-driven finish.

• Producer: Champagne Gamet
• Cuvée: Rive Droite
• Style: Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut
• Appellation: Champagne, France
• Region: Vallée de la Marne
• Villages: Fleury-la-Rivière and Damery
• Grape Varieties: 85% Pinot Meunier, 15% Pinot Noir
• Base Vintage: 60% 2021 harvest
• Reserve Wines: 40%, dating back to 2014
• Farming: Practicing organic
• Vine Age: ~40–50 years
• Soils: Sand, clay, limestone and marl
• Vinification: ~90% stainless steel, ~10% oak
• Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
• Lees Aging: ~18 months
• Dosage: ~4 g/L
• Bottle Size: 750ml

As a non-vintage Champagne, base vintage proportions, reserve wine composition, aging period, dosage and disgorgement date may vary by release.

Domaine Faiveley Bourgogne Rouge Pinot Noir — Burgundy 2022

Wine runs deep in the Faiveley family’s blood — for nearly two centuries and seven generations, they have been among Burgundy’s most deeply rooted and respected domaines. Today they are one of the largest vineyard owners in the region, with holdings spanning from the Côte de Nuits to the Côte Chalonnaise, producing polished, collectible reds and whites with consistently exceptional ratings. Their Bourgogne Rouge is the entry point to this storied estate — and it overdelivers at every turn.

Sourced from Faiveley’s own estate vineyards as well as carefully selected partner growers, each plot is quality-controlled to ensure the same standards applied to their premier and grand cru wines. The 2022 shows beautiful ruby color, fresh red-fruit aromas, and a rich, ripe palate with fine round tannins and a bright, crisp finish — “quite a serious wine for the humble appellation,” as James Suckling noted.

“Quite a serious wine for the humble appellation. Plenty of red cherry fruit. A surprising amount of structure.” — James Suckling, 90 Points

• Producer: Domaine Faiveley, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Bourgogne Rouge AOC
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red cherry, fresh red fruit, round tannins, rich texture, bright crisp finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Roast chicken, duck breast, mushroom risotto, charcuterie, soft-ripened cheeses

Seven generations of Burgundy mastery in every bottle — Faiveley Bourgogne Rouge is the benchmark for what village-level Pinot Noir can be.

Paul Hobbs Brings His Winemaking Mastery to Sonoma Cabernet

Paul Hobbs is one of California’s most celebrated winemakers, and his Crossbarn Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 delivers his signature precision and elegance at an accessible price point. Sourced from premier Sonoma County vineyards, this Cab-led Bordeaux blend is juicy, plush, and layered — earning 93 points from both Vinous and James Suckling and standing out as one of the great overachievers in California red wine.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

• Vinous — 93 pts: “A huge overachiever. Bright, punchy and super-expressive. Readers will have a very hard time finding a wine with this much quality for the money.”
• James Suckling — 93 pts: “Lots of currants and black berries with black cherries and tobacco. Medium body with nicely opened tannins that give length and beauty. Juicy at the end with hints of tobacco and cedar. Drink now or hold.”
• Wine Enthusiast — 92 pts: “Juicy and softer-style Cabernet with loads of raspberry and candied cherry aromas. Spiced black plum compote, cocoa powder and black pepper flavors concentrated on a plush but neatly balanced palate.”

Winemaker Notes

Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 750ml

A Bordeaux-inspired blend led by Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Rich and approachable with raspberry, black cherry, spiced plum, cocoa, and cedar — plush tannins and a juicy, balanced finish.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
• Appellation: Sonoma County, California
• Producer: Paul Hobbs (Crossbarn)
• Vintage: 2021
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural at the table — excellent with grilled ribeye, lamb chops, roasted duck, mushroom dishes, and aged cheddar.

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.

Expert Review — Vintage 2022

Winemaker's Notes

The 2022 vintage in Napa Valley is defined by exceptional structure, deep ruby color, and luxurious, velvety tannins. Unique weather events throughout the growing season coaxed the full spectrum of flavors Napa Valley is celebrated for — from crisp and vibrant to dense and powerful.

On the palate, Scattered Peaks delivers a rich tapestry of ripe black cherry, plum, and wild berry, layered with subtle notes of cassis, violet, and dark cocoa. The finish is long, indulgent, and impeccably balanced — a testament to the terroir and craft behind every bottle.

• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 750ml
• Tannins: Soft & velvety
• Drinking Window: Drink now through 2030

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.

Brunello di Montalcino from One of Tuscany's Most Celebrated Estates

Castello Banfi has been one of Montalcino's most important estates since 1978, playing a pivotal role in elevating Brunello di Montalcino to its status as one of Italy's greatest wines. Their 2020 Brunello di Montalcino — 100% Sangiovese Grosso from the estate's vineyards in the southern reaches of the appellation — comes from a warm, generous vintage that produced wines of exceptional richness and approachability, with the structure and depth to age beautifully through 2045.

Expert Reviews

• Wine Advocate — 93 pts: "Opens to a velvety character that includes the softness and generosity of a warm and dry vintage. The bouquet is redolent of cherry, blackcurrant, grilled herb and sweet rose. Open-knit and accessible with sweet tannins on the close."
• James Suckling — 93 pts: "Abundant violets and roses on the nose, together with cherries and pomegranates. Fruity on the medium- to full-bodied palate with firm, velvety tannins, a lot of freshness and good length. Best after 2026."
• Jeb Dunnuck — 92 pts: "Pretty on the nose with aromas of baked strawberries, sweet spices, dusty earth, and hints of lavender. Medium-bodied with fine, dusty tannins and an elegantly fruity feel. Charming and approachable with good freshness and finesse."
• Wine Spectator — 92 pts: "Aromas and flavors of graphite, cherry, blackberry, pomegranate and wet earth. Vibrant and focused with a long aftertaste embedded in muscular tannins. Best from 2029 through 2045."

Winemaker Notes

Brilliant ruby red with garnet reflections. Sweet and fruity on the nose with fresh red fruit, licorice, and pipe tobacco. Powerful on the palate with a consistent tannic texture, well balanced by pleasant acidity. Extremely persistent with excellent aging potential.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello)
• Appellation: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
• Producer: Castello Banfi
• Vintage: 2020
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Classic Tuscan pairings — exceptional with bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, braised lamb, aged Pecorino, and truffle-based dishes. Also outstanding as a meditation wine.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

Vinous 93 Points | The 2023 Vouvray Sec Le Haut-Lieu is a pure, refined, seamless style with pear, pineapple and nectarine flavors. It boasts excellent clarity and refinement, with lovely freshness hailing from calibrated acidity that bursts through this blossoming wine. Considering this was only bottled three weeks before tasting, I’m very encouraged by the results.

Wine Spectator 92 Points | Fresh-crushed apple, quince and spice notes have an earthy dimension, with hints of roasted agave and wet soil. There's beautiful range and just enough plumpness to make this generous, yet it's held in check by a chalky mineral element and very fine tannins. Toasted almond and salted butter notes move in, with lime-edged acidity cleaning up the finish. Refined and complex. Drink now through 2037.

Winemaker Description 

The original Huët vineyard is nearly 9 hA. It has the richest soils of the domaine’s three crus - a deep limestone-clay - and the wines are generally the estate’s most approachable. In some vintages, small quantities from nearby estate parcels may be added to Le Haut-Lieu. Winemaker Description.

Tasting Notes

1848 Winery's 2nd Generation Chardonnay is an unoaked expression that lets the fruit speak for itself. Expect a fresh, clean palate with notes of green apple, citrus, and white peach, balanced by lively acidity and a crisp, refreshing finish — a versatile Kosher white that pairs effortlessly with any table.

About the Wine

Crafted by 1848 Winery, one of Israel's storied producers, the 2nd Generation series honors the tradition of Kosher winemaking while embracing a modern, approachable style. Unoaked and food-friendly, this Chardonnay is a go-to for everyday enjoyment and festive occasions alike, including Passover.

Food Pairing

Pairs beautifully with grilled fish, light poultry, salads, and soft cheeses. An excellent choice for Shabbat and holiday tables.

Product Details

• Appellation: Israel
• Varietal: Chardonnay (Unoaked)
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Certification: Kosher, Kosher for Passover
• Producer: 1848 Winery

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars · Artemis · Cabernet Sauvignon · Napa Valley · 2023 · 750ml

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is one of the most storied names in American wine — the estate whose 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon famously defeated Bordeaux’s finest in the 1976 Judgment of Paris, announcing Napa Valley to the world. Artemis is the house’s flagship Napa Valley Cabernet: named after the Greek goddess of the hunt, it is the culmination of Stag’s Leap’s search for the finest fruit across the valley. The 2023 blend draws from a carefully selected network of vineyards — 42% from Atlas Peak, 11% from Arcadia in Coombsville, 11% from Battuello in St. Helena, and additional parcels from Calistoga and the Stags Leap District — fermented in stainless steel and aged 14 months in 57% new French oak. The 2023 vintage is being called one of the coolest and most promising growing seasons in Napa in over a decade, producing wines of exceptional freshness, structure, and aging potential. At $99.99, Artemis delivers Stag’s Leap elegance at its most accessible.

Deep ruby in the glass with a fragrant, expressive nose of ripe currants, Bing cherry, blackberry compote, bay laurel, fresh tobacco leaf, and a lift of graphite and cedar — complex, layered, and unmistakably Napa. On the palate: rich and full-bodied, with a silky, well-balanced mouthfeel and polished tannins that coat the palate with dark chocolate, black currant, and Indian spice. Loamy, volcanic earth and salty crushed-stone minerality carry through a long, resonant, savory finish. Decanter awarded 95 points; Vinous 93; Wine Advocate 91. Drink now through 2035+, or cellar for a decade to watch it fully unfold. Pair with grilled tri-tip, braised short ribs, slow-roasted lamb, wild mushroom pasta, or aged cheddar.

• Producer: Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars (Napa Valley · 1976 Judgment of Paris winner)
• Wine: Artemis · Cabernet Sauvignon · Napa Valley
• Vintage: 2023
• Origin: Napa Valley, California (Atlas Peak, Coombsville, St. Helena, Calistoga)
• Blend: 97.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5% Petit Verdot, 0.5% Cabernet Franc, 0.5% Merlot
• Aging: 14 months · 100% French oak (57% new)
• ABV: 14%
• Style: Full-bodied, elegant, age-worthy Napa Cabernet Sauvignon
• Scores: Decanter 95 · Vinous 93 · Wine Advocate 91
• Drinking Window: Now–2035+
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe currant, Bing cherry, blackberry, bay laurel, tobacco, graphite, cedar, dark chocolate, volcanic earth, long savory finish
• Pair With: Grilled tri-tip · Braised short ribs · Slow-roasted lamb · Wild mushroom pasta · Aged cheddar · Manchego

The house that won the Judgment of Paris — Artemis is Napa Cabernet at its most elegant and complete.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Decanter — 95 Points
Fragrant aromatics of dark berry fruit lead, layered with bay laurel and sagebrush freshness, cassis, and a lift of graphite. The palate delivers excellent density and poise, framed by polished tannins and loamy, volcanic earth, with rich Indian spice accents and salty, crushed-stone minerality carrying through the long, resonant finish.

Vinous — 93 Points
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis is fabulous. Black cherry, plum, lavender, licorice and chocolate are front and center. Brisk acids lend freshness to this boisterous, hugely delicious Cabernet Sauvignon. Best of all, the 2023 is a terrific value. It will drink well on release.

Wine Advocate — 91 Points
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis is a fine example, with gentle herbal shadings of sage and thyme bringing savory complexity to the cassis and cherry fruit along with hints of cedar and mocha. It’s medium- to full-bodied and silky in texture, with a sprinkling of fine-grained tannins on the finish. Enjoy this fairly priced wine over the next decade.

Orin Swift Palermo Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 750ml

Winemaker Description

Palermo is Orin Swift's ode to the quintessential Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon — a patchwork portrait of different vineyards, unique AVAs, and regional microclimates that is both classically Cabernet and unmistakably Orin Swift. Sourcing fruit from across the valley allows the team to produce lots of varying styles: dark and concentrated from the warmer areas of Napa, and more savory from the cooler sites. Once blended, they marry their strengths to showcase this incredible region.

The 2022 Palermo opens with a dark garnet core and brooding cardinal rim. The nose delivers crunchy cassis, muddled boysenberry, ripe elderberry, chaparral, and cedar. The palate continues many of the aromatics — cassis, blackberry, savory, and thyme — effuse with ripe dark fruits and complex savory tones, closing with long, soft tannin chains and hints of licorice, black pepper, and star anise.

Producer: Orin Swift Cellars
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Napa Valley, California
Vintage: 2022
Aging: 12 months in French oak, 31% new
ABV: 15.2%
Size: 750ml

#3 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2025 | #71 James Suckling Top 100 Wines of the USA 2025

California Zinfandel That Stands Among the Greatest in the World

Ridge Vineyards has been one of California's most celebrated estates since the 1960s, and Lytton Springs — an estate vineyard in Dry Creek Valley purchased in 1972 — is among their most iconic bottlings. The 2023 vintage blends 76% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet, and 1% Mataro, aged in 100% air-dried American oak. A cooler growing season delayed harvest by a month, delivering a wine of remarkable restraint, freshness, and structural elegance — built to drink beautifully now and evolve through 2035 and beyond.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

• Jeb Dunnuck — 98 pts: "Initial chewiness leads to fine tannins, with good heft and underlying acidity. Well-woven oak supports a moderately ripe, medium-bodied frame of structured elegance. Enjoy now through 2033."
• Decanter — 96 pts: "Fresh aromas of herbs from a bouquet garni mix with earthy tones and subtle sweet notes from baking spices. The fruit profile oscillates between ripe red and black berries, with a touch of plums and ripe cherries. Tannins are firm yet polished, with a soft creaminess to the palate. Balanced and enjoyable now, with many years to evolve."
• Wine Spectator — 95 pts: "Deeply structured and full of tension, this polished red displays a distinctive personality, offering bold blackberry flavors accented with savory anise, black pepper, and dark Asian spices. Ends with big but refined tannins. Drink now through 2035."
• James Suckling — 95 pts: "A lovely release with lots of freshness from a cooler vintage. Bright and perfumed aromas of red cherries, raspberry coulis, confit plums, licorice, and spice. Full-bodied with finely tuned tannins and vibrant, crunchy acidity."
• Vinous — 95 pts: "Powerfully aromatic and expressive from the jump. Explodes from the glass with dark blue fruit, lavender, and blood orange peel, framed by mocha-like richness and a wave of exotic spice. The texture is pure silk. Remarkable persistence and poise — clearly built for the long haul."

Winemaker Notes

Nose of raspberry, pepper, licorice, and a hint of vanilla. Black cherry and plum on the palate with supple tannins, minerality, and present acidity. Long, layered finish with notes of garrigue and black tea.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: 76% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet, 1% Mataro
• Vineyard: Lytton Springs Estate, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
• Appellation: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Producer: Ridge Vineyards
• Vintage: 2023
• Aging: 100% air-dried American oak
• Drink: Now through 2035+
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for bold, rustic fare — exceptional with BBQ brisket, lamb chops, wild boar sausage, aged cheddar, and wood-fired pizza.

Montefalco Rosso That Overdelivers at Every Price Point

Arnaldo Caprai is the benchmark producer of Montefalco, the Umbrian appellation that put Sagrantino on the world wine map. Their Montefalco Rosso — a blend of Sagrantino, Sangiovese, and Merlot — is the estate's entry point into the appellation and one of central Italy's great value reds: aromatic, full-bodied, and richly textured, with the signature Sagrantino grip and spice at a fraction of the price of their flagship Sagrantino di Montalcino.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

• James Suckling — 92 pts: "Bright and fruit-forward with ripe raspberries and cherries as well as sweet spices, chocolate and candied orange peel. Medium- to full-bodied with deep, succulent fruit and firm, tightly packed tannins."

Winemaker Notes

Sensationally intense, with notes of wild flowers, violet and red berry jam. Full-bodied, rich, and dry with a long finish and a delicate hint of spice.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: Sagrantino, Sangiovese, Merlot
• Appellation: Montefalco Rosso DOC, Umbria, Italy
• Producer: Arnaldo Caprai
• Vintage: 2021
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Highly versatile at the Umbrian table — exceptional with grilled lamb, wild boar ragù, truffle pasta, aged Pecorino, and hearty lentil soups.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon That Defines the Silver Oak Legacy

Silver Oak has been one of Napa Valley's most iconic Cabernet producers since 1972, celebrated for a house style that balances power with elegance and approachability. The 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon — a blend of 76.61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18.13% Merlot, 2.56% Cabernet Franc, 2.32% Petit Verdot, and 0.38% Malbec, aged in American oak seasoned 24 months and toasted 90 minutes — is a benchmark expression of the estate: structured yet silky, complex yet immediately rewarding, with the depth to cellar through 2047.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019 

• Decanter — 96 pts: "Beautifully compact with complex aromas of Bing cherry, black raspberry, tobacco, currant leaf, and cedarwood laced with dried sage. Focused and linear on the medium to full-bodied palate with expressive dark berry character and exotic oak spices. Fine-grained structured tannins, a crisp, lively, energetic finish. One to cellar. Drink 2024–2038."
• James Suckling — 95 pts: "So elegant, supple and silky, this vintage is a dream to drink now, but should also have plenty of life ahead of it. Aromas of blueberries and dark chocolate meld with lux black fruit, mint and cocoa on the palate. Drink or hold through at least 2030."

Winemaker Notes

Expressive and lively on the nose with black cherry and huckleberry aromas laced with dry floral notes. Integrated oak adds a light note of sweet nutmeg. Ruby in color, with a fruit-forward entry, silky tannins that build across the mid-palate, and a long, balanced finish. Structured while still approachable — true to the signature Silver Oak style. Will continue to improve through 2047 with proper cellaring.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: 76.61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18.13% Merlot, 2.56% Cabernet Franc, 2.32% Petit Verdot, 0.38% Malbec
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Producer: Silver Oak Cellars
• Vintage: 2019
• Oak: American oak, 24-month seasoning, 90-minute toast
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for Napa-style entertaining — exceptional with prime ribeye, lamb rack, braised short ribs, aged cheddar, and mushroom-crusted filet mignon.