Half Bottles

Winemaker Description

This Cabernet Sauvignon is a deep and intense ruby red. On the nose are notes of plum, currants and cherries with toasted notes from oak ageing. On the palate this wine is elegant and soft with a fresh and persistant finish. 

Winemaker Description

Magnificent bright rose-gold color with silver undertones. Very elegant, the nose reveals a superb, intense and delicate aromatic bouquet, mixing notes of hibiscus and amaryllis with a gourmet nature offering delicious aromas of vine peaches. 

The sophistication continues on the palate with a beautiful tension, an ample, fleshy, silky texture, a very nice balance, and gourmet aromas of crunchy fruit combined with the minerality of saline and limestone notes. The finish is outstanding, full of length.

Noilly Prat Extra Dry — The Original French Dry Vermouth

Created in Marseillan, France in 1813, Noilly Prat is the vermouth that defined the category — and remains the benchmark against which all others are measured. The Extra Dry is the essential ingredient in a proper Martini, bringing a delicate herbal complexity and crisp, dry finish that no substitute can replicate.

Crafted from a blend of Picpoul and Clairette grapes aged in oak, then infused with 14 hand-selected herbs and spices sourced from around the world — including chamomile, Moroccan coriander, Tunisian bitter orange peel, and Italian orris root. The result is a vermouth of remarkable depth: floral and aromatic on the nose, with a clean, dry, subtly bitter palate and a long, elegant finish.

• Producer: Noilly Prat, Marseillan, France
• Size: 375ml (Half Bottle)
• Style: Extra Dry French Vermouth
• ABV: 18%
• Key Botanicals: Chamomile, Moroccan coriander, Tunisian bitter orange, Italian orris root
• Best Used In: Classic Martini (50:50 or dry), Dirty Martini, Gibson, or chilled as an aperitif

The 375ml half bottle is ideal for home bartenders who want the freshest vermouth possible — because great Martinis start with great vermouth.

Winemaker Description 

Leonor is a 12 year old Palo Cortado Sherry and described as the wild child of Jerez. It shows a light mahogany color with golden tones and a slight orange rim. On the nose intense and complex with notes of hazlenut perfectly balanced with aromas of bitter orange and mature oak. On the palate powerful and intense with toasted notes yet smooth and silky. Due to its power and structure this wine is perfect with mature cheeses and stong meats such as venison. Serve chilled.

Expert Reviews 

93 Points James Suckling | A very elegant example of this rare type of Sherry, which combines the best of Fino freshness with Oloroso richness. Long finish with delicate dried-fruit and toasted-nut character. Drink now. Aged for 12 years in cask. Drink now.

92 Points Wine Spectator | Bright, with fennel seed, Brazil nut, green tea, ginger and hazelnut husk notes that are racy and dry from start to finish. Dried green fig accents add a subtle seduction on the finish.

91 Points Decanter | Aromas of caramel and curry spices. Milk chocolate on the palate with a soft texture and delicate body. A very harmonious wine with a long and spicy finish.

91 Points Wine & Spirits | Elegant and refined, with soft touches of candied cherries, walnuts and almonds, this is a textbook Palo Cortado. Aged 12 years in botas, it falls halfway between Amontillado and Oloroso in flavor, but much closer to the former. It needs only smoked trout.

90 Points Wine Enthusiast | This dry Sherry is a touch hot, with alcohol swirling around the glass, but there’s also complex, welcoming aromas of almond, apricot and toffee. The palate is appropriately rich, with flavors of caramel, toasted nuts and buttered toast. A finish with walnut, truffle and mushroom flavors urges contemplation.

Round Pond Estate · Sauvignon Blanc · Rutherford · 2024 · 375ml Half Bottle

Round Pond Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2024 combines bright citrus and layered tropical fruit with a rich mouthfeel and a fresh, clean finish. Offered in a 375ml half bottle, this Rutherford white brings lemon peel, mango and citrus blossom to the glass, followed by guava, passion fruit and honeydew on the palate.

Estate & Harvest

Multiple picking passes through the Rutherford estate capture Sauvignon Blanc at different stages of ripeness. The resulting layers move from zesty citrus to stone fruit, melon and exotic tropical notes, with crisp acidity keeping the wine juicy and bright.

Expert Reviews · Vintage 2024

Tasting Panel · Brian Freedman · 93 Points

Aromatically complex yet still anchored, the balance between lemon blossom lift and citrus acidity is beautifully woven. Flavors of white grapefruit, papaya, fennel bulb, and tarragon mingle seamlessly, and resolve in a savory, mineral finish.

JamesSuckling.com · Jim Gordon · 91 Points

Sliced pears, lemon pith, jasmine and mineral nuances on the nose. The medium-bodied palate is textured yet crunchy, with lively acidity coming through. Flavorful and sleek.

Wine Spectator · MaryAnn Worobiec · 90 Points

Peach, apricot and lemon curd flavors are generous, plump and juicy in this white, with plenty of oomph to the details of tangerine, orange zest and lemon thyme that linger on a mouthwatering frame.

Winemaker Description

This wine is focused on purity of fruit; it is a flip book of the varietal as it ripens on our Rutherford estate. We capture different snapshots of the grape’s character by making multiple picking passes during harvest. This provides the wine with complex layers of fruit starting with zesty citrus, moving to stone fruits, progressing to melons, and finishing with a hint of exotic tropical fruits. Each of these aromatic profiles represents the different ripeness levels at which the clusters were picked.

Delightfully aromatic, notes of lemon peel, mango and a touch of citrus blossom burst out of the glass. On the palate, tropical notes of guava and passion fruit are balanced by hints of citrus and honeydew. Juicy and bright, with a rich mouthfeel, the crisp acidity adds a fresh, clean finish that begs you back for more.

2024 was a picture-perfect growing season with exceptional fruit set, balanced vines, and ideal ripening. While days were a bit hotter than usual during the summer months, nights cooled significantly, slowing vines to replenish and balance out ripening. Careful canopy management was key to ensuring we got dappled sunlight on the fruit without too much sun exposure on the hot days. The warmer weather helped us achieve maximum ripeness and concentration with deep color and flavors for our red wines while our white wines have our signature bright acidity mixed with loads of tropical aromas and flavors.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Try with grilled shrimp, citrus-dressed salads, goat cheese or fish with fresh herbs. Its citrus freshness and generous fruit also make it a lively aperitif.

Details

• Producer: Round Pond Estate
• Vintage: 2024
• Bottle Size: 375ml Half Bottle
• Country: United States
• Region: California
• Subregion: Napa Valley
• Appellation: Rutherford
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Type: White wine
• Closure: Screw top
• Harvest: Multiple picking passes to capture different ripeness levels

Ridge Vineyards · Geyserville · Alexander Valley 2021

This 2021 Alexander Valley red blend brings together Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet and Mataro. The winemaker lists Zinfandel as 69% of the blend, with the other varieties in smaller proportions.

Ripe cranberry and cassis open into dark bramble fruit, cocoa and clove. Vibrant acidity carries the opulent fruit through a long, elegant finish; critics also note plum, blueberry, pepper, blackberry and herbal complexity. The review sources give differing blend percentages, so each is kept with its own attribution below.

Winemaker Description · blend
Ripe cranberry and cassis on the nose. Focused dark bramble fruit on the palate, layered with cocoa and clove. Vibrant acidity balances beautifully with opulent fruit and carries through to a long and elegant finish. Blend: 69% Zinfandel, 20% Carignane, 8% Petite Sirah, 2% Alicante Bouschet, 1% Mataro.

Wine & Spirits · 95 Points · 2021
When Geyserville hits in a great vintage, it takes me back to what I originally loved about California wine. Or to that sense of optimism on a spring day when I first visited San Francisco in 1984, to pitch this magazine on publishing services. I didn’t know at the time that I would still be publishing it 40 years later, and I didn’t know how much California wine would change. Or how little the style and intention of Geyserville would change. The team at Ridge manages the vineyard’s generations of vines to produce complex wines like this perfectly ripe 2021, with its dark, resinous scents of marijuana, its deep layers of rich fruit and the fruitiness of detailed tannins. The fresh, herbal complexity is pretty epic and the richness doesn’t stop. What I want from California.

Wine Enthusiast · 94 Points · Cellar Selection · 2021
Toasted oak and wood-smoke aromas lead to equally smoky, spicy flavors of black pepper, blackberry jam and maple in this full-bodied, muscular and firmly tannic wine. Great to pair with barbecue and hatchet throwing. The Zinfandel grapes were supplemented with 16% Carignane, 6% Petite Sirah and 2% Alicante Bouschet. Best from 2025-2035.

Jeb Dunnuck · 93 Points · 2021
The 2021 Geyserville checks in as 76% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, and the rest Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet. It has a pure, expressive bouquet of fresh plums, figs, mulberries, peppery herbs, leather, and vanilla bean, and it takes some air to show at its best, gaining depth and richness with time in the glass. This medium to full-bodied, spicy, elegant red blend has a touch more oak present than I'm accustomed to, but it has a silky, elegant mouthfeel, nicely integrated acidity, and outstanding length. It's going to benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age. Rating: 93+

Wine Spectator · 93 Points · 2021
Tightly focused and briary, this blend offers density without weight. Presents plum and blueberry flavors accented by dill and green peppercorn as this builds tension toward medium-grained tannins. Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet.

• Producer: Ridge Vineyards
• Wine: Geyserville
• Vintage: 2021
• Region: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Style: Zinfandel-led red blend
• Blend (winemaker description): 69% Zinfandel, 20% Carignane, 8% Petite Sirah, 2% Alicante Bouschet, 1% Mataro
• Size: 375ml half bottle

Geyserville’s layered fruit, spice and vibrant acidity make this half bottle a distinctive expression of Alexander Valley.

The Gruet family left Champagne in 1984 and planted vines in the high-altitude desert of New Mexico — an unlikely move that turned out to be quietly inspired. At 4,300 feet elevation, the cool nights and volcanic soils of the Rio Grande Valley proved to be remarkable terroir for sparkling wine. Today, Gruet Brut Rosé is widely regarded as one of the finest sparkling wine values in America, made by a family that learned the craft in France and never forgot it.

This non-vintage rosé is 100% Pinot Noir, crafted via traditional méthode champenoise with a minimum of 24 months aging on the lees en tirage. The result is a wine of genuine weight and character: a deep, nearly garnet-pink color far richer than a typical salmon rosé, a bright floral bouquet of wild strawberry, raspberry, and rose petal, and a palate that is rich and mouth-filling with ripe cherry, cranberry, and a hint of biscuit from the extended aging. The finish is zesty and clean, with the kind of refreshing acidity that makes the glass disappear faster than expected.

• Producer: Gruet Winery
• Style: Brut Rosé NV, Méthode Champenoise
• Region: New Mexico, USA
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Aging: Minimum 24 months on the lees
• Size: 375ml (Half-Bottle)
• Tasting Notes: Wild strawberry, raspberry, rose petal, ripe cherry, cranberry, biscuit
• Food Pairings: Oysters, smoked salmon, charcuterie, strawberries and cream, brunch

Champagne pedigree, New Mexico terroir, half-bottle convenience — one of America’s best sparkling values.

Winemaker Description 

Cherry, pomegranate, and floral notes of lavender and violets. Dried cranberry, black raspberry, cocoa, vanilla, and black pepper spice.

Intense, vibrant red fruit—black cherry, cranberry, pomegranate—mixed with darker flavors of currant, plum, and hints of chocolate and vanilla. Nice acidity, making the wine balanced and sweet, but not at all cloying—an ideal dessert wine.

Dashe Cellars has made Late Harvest Zinfandels since 1997, and this luscious and balanced dessert wine has always been a favorite. This particular Late Harvest Zinfandel is made from grapes grown on the Louvau Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley. One of the reasons that we love this vineyard is the wonderful acidity of the grapes. The resulting wine is focused and clear—it’s never cloying, and always finishes with a crisp, clean, sweet-spicy note.

We create the conditions for making Late Harvest Zinfandel by allowing the grapes to hang on the vine approximately 3--4 weeks after they normally would be picked for a dry wine. These grapes were picked on October 30th on a beautiful Fall day, and the grapes arrived at the winery at 40° Brix of sugar. We crushed the grapes into a small 1,500-gallon tank and as is our tradition at Dashe Cellars, we fermented the grapes naturally, using the native yeasts that naturally live on the skins of the grapes. We let the grapes macerate to gain color and flavor, and then allowed the tank to warm. The fermentation took off quickly, and then naturally halted when the alcohol had reached about 15.5% and the sugar level was about 9%. We always allow the wine to achieve its balance of sweetness and alcohol naturally, by letting the fermentation finish on its own. The wine was aged in older French oak barrels so as to not overpower the intensity of the fruit. We bottled the wine as soon as possible to maintain its fresh fruit flavors and conserve its sweet concentration and purity. The wine is unfined and received minimal handling to the bottle.

Technical Description 

• Practicing Sustainable
• 100% Zinfandel
• Lily Hill Vineyard (Dry Creek Valley AVA)
• Originally planted in 1915, replanted in 2001
• 800 – 1,000 ft. elevation
• Harvested 3-4 weeks after normal picking for dry wines
• Crushed into stainless steel tanks
• Native yeast fermentation
• Aged in older French barrels
• R.S. 90 g/L or 9% by volume
• 381 cases produced
• 14.5% abv

Clos La Coutale · Cahors · 2024 Half Bottle

A 375ml half bottle of Clos La Coutale Cahors, made from Malbec and Merlot in southwest France. The smaller format is an easy choice when you want a glass or two of red with dinner without opening a full bottle.

Winemaker Description

Heaps of bramble fruit, with blackberry and cranberry followed by subtle vanilla, ripe plum and earthy undertones. A delicious red wine from this small region bordering Bordeaux in the South of France.

About Clos La Coutale

The estate describes Clos La Coutale as a blend of Malbec and Merlot. It vinifies the wine in temperature-controlled tanks with regular punch-downs, then ages it in oak barrels and large oak casks for one year to balance fruit and tannins. The estate also produces a separate cuvée called Grand Coutale; its blend and aging details are not those of this wine.

At a Glance

• Producer: Clos La Coutale
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Cahors, France
• Grapes: Malbec and Merlot
• Size: 375ml half bottle

Poderi e Cantine Oddero · Barolo · 2021 Half Bottle

This 375ml half bottle brings Oddero’s 2021 Barolo to a smaller table. Made from Nebbiolo in the Langhe, it offers floral and red-fruit character, with the polish Vinous found in this vintage. Open it with a meal, or give it a little time in the glass to unfold.

Expert Review · 2021 Vintage

I was so impressed with these 2021s from Poderi e Cantine Oddero. I suppose I should not be surprised, given where the wines have been over the last handful of years, but at the same time, I can't forget the enormous strides the Oddero family has made over that period. The 2021 Barolo is fabulous. Aromatic, pliant and wonderfully inviting. Oddero's Barolo shows just how appealing this vintage is. Crushed flowers, red/blue-toned fruit, spice and perfumed notes build nicely in the glass. Polished, silky tannins wrap it all together in style. Vineyard sources are Bricco Chiesa, Capalot, Bricco Fiasco and a bit of Galina. Drinking 2025 to 2033.

Antoni Galloni · Vinous · 92 points

Producer Description

Sourced from several parcels, this Barolo is a style you can enjoy young or with a few years of age. The vines are relatively young, planted in predominantly clay soils with some limestone. It’s aged for 30 months in a mix of large Austrian oak casks before bottling.

Producer Description

About Oddero

The Oddero family’s roots in the Langhe stretch back to the 18th century. Giacomo Oddero helped build the estate and champion the quality of wines from the area; today the family’s Barolo continues that long connection to the vineyards of Piedmont.

At a Glance

• Producer: Poderi e Cantine Oddero
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: Nebbiolo
• Size: 375ml half bottle

Rémy Martin VSOP — Fine Champagne Cognac

Rémy Martin VSOP is one of the world’s most celebrated cognacs — a benchmark expression from the house that has specialized exclusively in Fine Champagne Cognac since 1724. Sourced entirely from the Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne crus of Cognac, France, this gold-hued VSOP is twice the age of a standard VS and delivers a perfect harmony of power and elegance.

Aged in French Limousin oak, the nose opens with dominant vanilla, subtle apricot, fresh apple, and delicate floral notes. On the palate, ripe stone fruit and a whisper of licorice unfold with a silky, well-balanced texture and a long, refined finish.

• Producer: Rémy Martin, Cognac, France
• Classification: VSOP Fine Champagne Cognac
• Size: 375ml (Half Bottle)
• ABV: 40%
• Tasting Notes: Vanilla, apricot, apple, stone fruit, licorice, silky finish
• Best Enjoyed: Neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails — Sidecar, Cognac Sour, or Stinger

The 375ml half bottle is perfect for gifting, exploring, or keeping a premium cognac on hand without committing to a full bottle.

Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve — Champagne, France · NV

Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve is a nonvintage Champagne made from wines selected across more than twenty top vineyards in the Marne department. The winemaker describes a blend of 40% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, a composition said to have changed little over nearly fifty years.

Its persistent, fine mousse accompanies a straw-colored profile of ripe pear and cut hay. Tasting notes from critics add dried lemon, grapefruit, salted almonds, Asian pear, star fruit, pastry and honey, with creamy bubbles and mouthwatering acidity.

James Suckling · 92 Points · NV
Dried lemon, grapefruit, croissants and salted almonds here, with a flavorful palate. Creamy bubbles. Layered and delicious NV. 40% pinot meunier, 30% chardonnay and 30% pinot noir. Drink now.

Wine Spectator · 91 Points · historical review
A harmonious Champagne that's satiny in texture, framing flavors of Asian pear, star fruit, pastry and honey with mouthwatering acidity. Offers a fine and creamy finish. Drink now through 2021.

Jeb Dunnuck · 90 Points · 2016-vintage release
The first wine tasted in a short vertical to highlight the evolution of the NV Champagne Brut over the past several years, this release is from the 2016 vintage and is composed of 44% Meunier and 28% each Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with 64% reserve wine, with 4% cask aging. Pouring a rich straw hue, it opens to generous and lightly toasty aromas of ripe red berries, caramel, and honeycomb. Medium to full-bodied, it’s ripe, rounded, expressive, and approachable, although it feels the touch of dosage in its texture as well as the suggestion of sweetness. Its fruit is ripe and long on the palate, with a hint of walnut skin on the long finish. It is certainly the classic, old school style, and compared to the other wines, has a bit broader shoulders. Its toasty touch likely comes from the malolactic fermentation that was permitted as opposed to oak.

Winemaker Description
Fine bubbles which rise slowly, persistent mousse. Straw-colored. A nose of ripe pear with some touches of cut hay. Full fruit, but clean in the mouth. This cuvée contains 40% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay. All wines from the best sites in the department of the Marne, from more than twenty top vineyards in Champagne. The overall composition of this cuvée has not changed much for almost fifty years. Fresh and long tasting, the Brut Réserve may be drunk on all occasions.

• Producer: Billecart-Salmon
• Cuvée: Brut Réserve
• Vintage: Nonvintage (NV)
• Appellation: Champagne, France
• Blend (winemaker description): 40% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay
• Style: Brut sparkling wine
• Size: 375ml half bottle
• Serving: Chilled, as an aperitif or with seafood and light dishes

Fine, persistent bubbles and a generous, balanced profile bring classic Champagne character to this half bottle.

Winemaker Description 

Tio Pepe Fino Sherry is a star bright, pale golden color. It is elegant and distinctive, with fresh bread and almond aromas. The palate is full bodied, crisp and very dry, with a complex, long finish.

Perfect with canapes and tapas, Asian food, seafood and all fish based dishes. Try it with caviar, oysters, anchovies or tuna carpaccio. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Review 

James Suckling 90 Points | This is the prototypical fino sherry with all the salty and yeasty character you expect. Also dried-apple, pear and lemon-zest character. Generous, but very dry and salty on the palate with a refreshing touch of austerity. Where are the olives? Drink now, if possible from a freshly opened bottle. 

Piper-Héidsieck Champagne Brut NV — Half Bottle (375ml)

Founded in 1785, Piper-Héidsieck is one of Champagne’s most storied and celebrated houses — a name synonymous with elegance, festivity, and the art of the blend. With a history of dressing Hollywood royalty and gracing the world’s most celebrated tables, Piper-Héidsieck has long stood for a bold, fruit-forward style that is instantly recognizable and endlessly appealing. The Brut NV is the house’s signature expression: a classic, well-structured Champagne that showcases the Piper style at its most vibrant.

Crafted from fruit sourced across more than 100 of Champagne’s crus, the blend is led by Pinot Noir for structure, complemented by Pinot Meunier for fleshy fruit expression, and Chardonnay for elegance and acidity. Precious reserve wines ensure a consistent, recognizable flavor profile year after year. Now available in a convenient 375ml half-bottle — perfect for a solo celebration, a romantic dinner, or a gift.

Pale gold with a festive shimmer and lively, precise bubbles. The nose offers almond, fresh hazelnut, croissant, dried lemon, and apricot. The palate is lively and balanced — fresh pear, apple, pomelo, and juicy white fruits — with a creamy mousse, bright acidity, and a smooth, rounded finish.

Wine Enthusiast — 90 Points

“Balanced between a soft Brut character and crisper lemon flavors. That balance gives a fine wine, open and easy, but with a fine bite of acidity at the end.”

Wine & Spirits — 90 Points 

“A clean Champagne, green-gold in color with the flavor of peaches just coming into ripeness. Its cool mineral savor brings to mind grapes sautéed in butter.”

James Suckling — 90 Points

“Attractive aromas of croissants, sourdough, dried lemons, apricots, figs and walnuts. Soft and balanced on the palate, with a medium body, creamy mousse and a dry, rounded finish.”

Blend: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay
Appellation: Champagne AOC, France
Style: Brut NV
Format: 375ml (Half Bottle)
Scores: 90 pts WE | 90 pts W&S | 90 pts JS

Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth — Turin, Italy | 16.5% ABV | Half Bottle 375ml

Carpano Antica Formula is the original sweet vermouth — and arguably the most important bottle in the history of the cocktail. Created by Antonio Benedetto Carpano in Turin in 1786, this is the vermouth that started it all: the ancient formula that defined the category, inspired generations of bartenders, and remains the gold standard for sweet vermouth to this day. Produced from the Carpano Distillery’s original 18th-century recipe, bottled in a faithful reproduction of the original label and bottle with traditional cork and red wax seal, Antica Formula is as much a piece of history as it is a drink. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 95 points.

The nose is rich, fruity, and deeply enticing: fig, dried cherries, faint spiced gingerbread, and bitter orange peel, all warmed by a signature hint of vanilla that sets Antica Formula apart from every other sweet vermouth on the market. On the palate, it is lush and complex — drinkable solo over ice as an aperitif, or as the non-negotiable ingredient in a proper Negroni or Manhattan. The 375ml half bottle is the perfect format for home bartenders who want the real thing without committing to a full bottle.

Wine Enthusiast 95 — “Rich, fruity and enticing… warmed with notes of fig and dried cherries, and just faint hints of spiced gingerbread and bitter orange peel. Drinkable solo as an aperitif, or use it as a cocktail-mixing favorite.”

• Producer: Carpano Distillery, Turin, Piedmont, Italy
• Style: Sweet (Red) Vermouth — Antica Formula (Ancient Recipe, est. 1786)
• ABV: 16.5%
• Format: Half Bottle — 375ml
• Tasting Notes: Fig, dried cherry, vanilla, spiced gingerbread, bitter orange peel, lush and complex finish
• Best Served: Over ice as an aperitif, or in a Negroni, Manhattan, Boulevardier, or Americano
• Food Pairings: Charcuterie, aged cheeses, dark chocolate, roasted nuts, antipasto
• Storage: Refrigerate after opening

The original, the benchmark, the one that started it all — Carpano Antica Formula is the non-negotiable sweet vermouth for anyone who takes their cocktails seriously.

Christian Drouin Calvados Coeur de Lion Sélection — Pays d’Auge, Normandy | 375ml

In the heart of Normandy’s Pays d’Auge — the most prestigious appellation within Calvados — the Drouin family has been distilling apple and pear spirits for generations. Christian Drouin is one of the region’s most respected names, celebrated for Calvados of exceptional finesse and authenticity, crafted from hand-selected fruit grown in the estate’s own orchards. The Coeur de Lion Sélection is the entry point into the Drouin range and a beautifully balanced introduction to the world of Calvados: the sharp freshness of perry pears combined with the smoothness of cider apples, distilled in a column still and aged in old, lightly used casks that preserve the subtle balance of fresh fruit without imposing heavy wood character. The 375ml format is the ideal size for gifting, exploring, or keeping on the bar. 

The nose is inviting and fragrant: fresh apple, ripe pear, and delicate floral notes. On the palate, it is smooth and beautifully balanced, with crisp perry pear and ripe cider apple framed by a clean, fresh, gently warming finish. Approachable, versatile, and genuinely delicious — equally at home as an aperitif long drink, a cocktail base, or a culinary ingredient.

• Producer: Christian Drouin, Coudray-Rabut, Pays d’Auge, Normandy, France
• Expression: Coeur de Lion Sélection
• Style: Calvados AOC — apple & perry pear, column still, old cask aging
• Size: 375ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh apple, ripe pear, floral notes, smooth, clean warming finish
• Best Served: Long drink over ice with tonic; aperitif; cocktails; gourmet cooking (tarte tatin, cream sauces, pork dishes)

A Pays d’Auge Calvados of rare freshness and balance — Christian Drouin Coeur de Lion is the benchmark for what approachable Normandy Calvados can be.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | Bright topaz in the glass, this 12-year-old blend of over 40 whiskies has a pleasant fresh apple and vanilla scent. Polished, versatile and flavorful, look for creamy caramel and vanilla accented by dried orange peel and honeysuckle. - K.N. 

Producer Description 

Johnnie Walker has the luxury of having exclusive access to Scotland's very best whiskies, ranging from the powerful west coast malts all the way to the more subtle east coast flavors. Black Label draws upon all these aromas to create a unique blend with a smooth, deep and 
complex character.

Black Label retains the authenticity of its creator and currently outsells every other deluxe blended Scotch whisky around the globe. That it's stood the test of time is a testament to the pioneering spirit and the skills of the House of Walker. 

Producer Description 

Maker's Mark has undeniably enriched the world of bourbon, offering a remarkable product that elevates the drinking experience within an accessible price range. Their commitment to delivering exceptional quality at an affordable price has made indulging in high-caliber bourbon an effortless pleasure for enthusiasts.

Experience the artistry of Maker's Mark by savoring a pour over ice, a simple yet exquisite way to cap off a long day.

The smoothness and depth of flavor inherent in Maker's Mark bourbon create a moment of respite, allowing you to unwind and appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into every sip.

Expert Reviews 

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Oyster shell, smoke and fleur de sel aromas lead on the nose of this mouthwatering Champagne, while the plush, creamy mousse carries flavors of poached quince, tangerine sorbet, candied ginger and brioche. Long and minerally on the well-cut and re- freshing finish. Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay.

James Suckling 91 Points | A silky Champagne with aromas of apricot pie, shortcrust, croissants, lemon curd and seashells. Very fine, soft bubbles. Gentle salinity underneath the pastry notes, with a soft finish. Drink now.

Memo Summary Notes

The Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut is the signature, non-vintage blend of this prestigious Champagne house, famous for its delicate floral notes and Art Nouveau-inspired bottle design.

Its balanced nature and subtle floral notes make it a phenomenal aperitif, but it also pairs beautifully with lighter, more delicate dishes.

• Seafood: Oysters (a classic pairing), shrimp/prawns, or fish carpaccio.

• Poultry: Oven-fried chicken or braised chicken with lemon and thyme.

• Appetizers: Crisp vegetables, tofu dishes, or delicate pastries.

Caymus · Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon · 2023 · 375ml Half Bottle

Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 comes in a convenient 375ml half bottle. Napa Cabernet style - dark and concentrated, combining structure for aging with ripe, luxurious, fruit-driven softness from release.

Producer & Family

Chuck Wagner founded Caymus Vineyards with his parents, Lorna and Charlie Sr., in 1972, beginning with 240 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon. The Rutherford-based winery remains family-owned and run, with successive generations carrying forward its farming and winemaking traditions.

The family's Napa roots reach back to winemaker Lafayette Stice and to Charles and Mary Glos, who homesteaded on Howell Mountain after arriving from Germany in the 1880s. Lorna and Charlie grew up a mile apart in Rutherford, married in 1934 and worked together for more than 50 years. Chuck was 19 when he joined them in creating Caymus. Today, Charlie and Jenny Wagner continue the family's work as winemakers.

Vineyard & Winemaking Approach

Caymus describes Cabernet Sauvignon grown on low-fertility soils on the Napa Valley floor and surrounding mountains. Its approach includes close attention to viticulture, some dry farming, high-density planting, yield thinning and harvesting at an elevated degree of ripeness. These are the producer's general practices, rather than a vintage-specific technical account.

Producer Description · 

Caymus Vineyards is located in the center of the Napa Valley. Primary production is Cabernet Sauvignon grown on low-fertility soils on both the valley floor and the mountains that surround the valley. Attention to viticulture details, some dry farming, high-density plantings (with some blocks spaced as close as meter x meter), thinning of the yield, along with healthy vines and harvesting at an elevated degree of ripeness – all of these elements produce a unique and singular style of Cabernet.

While the wine has sufficient tannins and structure for long-term bottle aging, Caymus Cabernet is dark and concentrated, with ripe, luxurious, fruit-driven softness that shows from the day of release.

Chuck, Charlie and Jenny Wagner “We feel extremely fortunate to spend our days farming grapes and making wine, following a path laid out by past generations of our family. One of our biggest fortunes is sharing good company, great food and delicious wine.”

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pair with grilled steak, roast lamb, braised short ribs or hearty mushroom dishes. The half-bottle format is a practical option when a full bottle is more than you need.

Details

• Producer: Caymus Vineyards
• Vintage: 2023
• Bottle Size: 375ml, half bottle
• Country: United States
• State: California
• Appellation: Napa Valley
• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Type: Red wine
• Ownership: Family-owned and run

Producer Description 

Faccia Brutto is a line of Italian-inspired liqueurs made by Patrick Miller, a former chef who worked in restaurants for fourteen years before turning his attention to creating spirits that pay homage to traditional Italian recipes.

The Nocino is a seasonal favorite, with each walnut cut in half and macerated with 8 other ingredients including citrus peel, allspice, vanilla, and cocoa nibs for 3 weeks in non-GMO neutral grain spirit. This rendition of the classic nocino is a less spice-forward, more complex and less cloyingly sweet tipple. Imagine that maple syrup and vanilla extract had a baby… that’s nocino.

Donnafugata · Ben Ryé · Passito di Pantelleria · 2023 · 375ml Half Bottle

Donnafugata Ben Ryé 2023 is a Zibibbo dessert wine from Pantelleria, Sicily, offered in a 375ml half bottle. The 2023 Vinous review describes an exotic yet fresh expression, with white raisins, minty herbs, poached peaches and tropical citrus, followed by a long, refreshing finish.

Ben Ryé comes from Pantelleria in Sicily and is made from Zibibbo, also known as Muscat of Alexandria. The current-vintage review appears first below; the 2022 reviews and memo notes are retained separately as historical context.

Expert Review · Vintage 2023

Vinous · 94 Points · Vintage 2023

Exotic yet remarkably fresh, the 2023 Ben Ryé bursts from the glass with a seductive blend of white raisins, minty herbs, poached peaches and tropical citrus. It is weighty, rich and harmonious throughout, coming across as sweet but not cloyingly so. Ultra-ripe pit fruit combines with candied lemon and a crisp mineral tinge that adds form toward the close. Dramatically long, the 2023 leaves a resonance of sour melon and an air of confectionary spice while cleaning up well, leaving the palate completely refreshed.

• Nose: Intense aromas of dried apricots, candied orange peel, and figs, with tropical hints of mango and papaya. You’ll also notice "Mediterranean macchia" (herbal/balsamic notes like wild mint and sage).
• Palate: Unctuous and honeyed but balanced by a remarkably high acidity that keeps it from being cloying.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Try with almond pastries, fruit-based desserts or blue cheese, or serve a small glass on its own at the end of a meal.

Details

• Producer: Donnafugata
• Wine: Ben Ryé
• Vintage: 2023
• Bottle Size: 375ml Half Bottle
• Country: Italy
• Region: Sicily
• Appellation: Passito di Pantelleria
• Grape: Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria)
• Type: Dessert wine
• Reviews: Vinous review for 2023; historical reviews for 2022, labeled separately

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019 

The Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | Spicy and structured, this is a classic Saint-Estèphe. Big tannins are boldly paired with the potential of the ripe black currant fruits that are juicy and fresh. The two sides of this wine are not yet together but do promise considerable aging. 

The Wine Advocate 94 Points | This year's blend is 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 de Pez comes tumbling out of the glass with an astonishingly beautiful perfume of lilacs, black cherries and black raspberries over a core of stewed plums, clove oil, dark chocolate and Sichuan pepper. The medium-bodied palate is jam-packed with energetic black fruits, supported by a firm foundation of ripe, grainy tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and perfumed. I love where this once-malingering château is headed—bravo to winemaker Nicolas Glumineau from Pichon Lalande! 

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | Bright and fresh, featuring an upfront display of red and black currant preserve flavors, laced with black tea and backed by a nice iron twinge through the finish. Sneaky long, too. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. 

Decanter 93 Points | Owned by Pichon Comtesse, this is a lovely St Estèphe with polish and poise. Good depth to the berry fruits, with an appealing unfussy confidence. New cellars this year that allows for more precise reflection of the plots in 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 

James Suckling 93 Points | Sweet berries with cedar and sandalwood, as well as flowers, such as lavender. Perfumed. Full-to medium-bodied with very polished and refined tannins that run the length of the wine. Very attractive and balanced. 

Producer Description 

• Eau-de-vie distilled in Ribeauvillé, Haut-Rhin, in the Alsace region of France
• Distilled from Poire Williams (known as Bartlett Pears in the US); the fruit is picked and stored in small wooden boxes (5 kg maximum) to allow for further, even ripening
• Crushed and then fermented for eight weeks in fiberglass tanks with no additional sugar or yeast
• Twice distilled on a Charente-style copper pot still
• After distillation, the eau-de-vie is placed in stainless steel vats for 6–8 years. These vats are kept in an outdoor courtyard and the opening covered in mesh so that the spirit may blow off unwanted esters and benefit from fluctuation in temperature.
• Approximately 11 pounds of pears are required to produce one 375 ml bottle of eau-de-vie
• Pungent green pear skin & cinnamon stick on the nose transitions to a full mouthfeel that hints at white and purple flowers with an underlying note of sweetened red bean paste before finishing dry and dusty
• 42% ABV

A joyous translation of dimensional pear flavors, this is an eau-de-vie that verily expresses the Williams Pear but with a personality.

Tío Pepe · Fino En Rama · 2026 Spring Release · 375ml Half Bottle

Tío Pepe Fino En Rama brings the character of Jerez to a convenient half-bottle format. This listing is for the 2026 Spring Release, a Palomino Fino Sherry for exploring alongside olives, seafood and a selection of tapas.

Expert Review · Release Not Specified

James Suckling · 90 Points: This is the prototypical fino sherry with all the salty and yeasty character you expect. Also dried-apple, pear and lemon-zest character. Generous, but very dry and salty on the palate with a refreshing touch of austerity. Where are the olives? Drink now, if possible from a freshly opened bottle.

Winemaker Description · Release Not Specified

Producer Notes: Pale yellow with golden glints. Slightly cloudy as it contains flor in suspension, reflecting it’s having been bottled ‘En Rama’. Complex aromas of almonds, lemon and floral notes combined with sea spray and minerals.

The palate is concentrated and sightly creamy with a salty tang and impressive depth of flavour boasting toasted almonds, apple skins and bready undertones. The finish is rounded and alluring, clearly harking back to its origins in the albariza soil yet also reflecting the Significance of its biological ageing. This wine is the purest definition of the vines and the winery.

From Our Buyer · Historical Note Written in 2025, Featuring Saca 2023

Oscar, 67 Wine Buyer: In 2015, I was one of only three invitees from the United States selected to participate in the prestigious Gonzalez Byass Tio Pepe Sherry Master program. This incredible experience allowed me to earn certification as a Sherry Master through their renowned education program. To this day, it remains one of the highlights of my professional wine career.

I was captivated by the vineyards, the historic Sherry bodegas, and the wealth of knowledge I gained under the guidance of the legendary Antonio Flores, Master Blender at Bodegas Gonzalez Byass.

Fast forward to 2025, and I am thrilled to invite all wine aficionados to explore our newly revamped Sherry selection at the shop. We have curated an extensive collection of over 100 selections ranging from delightfully crisp, saline-driven Finos and Manzanillas to complex and rare Amontillados, Olorosos, and Palo Cortados. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming Sherry tastings and other exciting events celebrating the magic of El Marco de Jerez.

Today, I'm especially delighted to feature one of my favorite Finos, typically available only in the spring: Tio Pepe Fino en Rama Saca 2023. Bottled in the spring of 2023, this en rama Fino undergoes minimal filtration and remains unfined, preserving its raw, expressive character. Hand-selected by Antonio Flores, this release showcases a vintage label from the Gonzalez Byass archives, making it a collector's item.

The wine itself is bursting with aromas and flavors of green olives, citrus, saline notes, and delicate yeasty nuances. Bone dry and intensely flavorful, it pairs beautifully with cured meats, cheeses, and grilled skewers of shrimp and calamari.

Food Pairings & Serving

Serve chilled with olives, cured meats or cheeses. Grilled shrimp and calamari are further pairing ideas drawn from Oscar's earlier-release note.

Wine Details

• Producer: González Byass
• Wine: Tío Pepe Fino En Rama
• Release: Spring 2026
• Style: Fino Sherry
• Grape: Palomino Fino
• Origin: Jerez-Xérès-Sherry, Andalucía, Spain
• Size: 375ml half bottle

A half bottle of Jerez character for your next tapas table.

Winemaker Description 

The treasures of El Maestro Sierra are many. From the back of their building they have a clear view of the Atlantic Ocean.

In 1832 the master carpenter José Antonio Sierra founded El Maestro Sierra. As one of the top coopers in the area, José Antonio was the person who made the barrels for all of the big Sherry houses. After years of making barrels for everyone else, he came to the conclusion that he could produce Sherries that were better than what the big Sherry houses were cranking out, so he went about opening up his own little winery.

This little up-start Sherry producer was not welcomed in the world of nobility-owned Sherry houses and so the local gentry did everything they could to stop him. Fortunately the quality of his sherry prevailed over their efforts and José Antonio Sierra became one of the top Almacenistas (stockholders) of high-quality Sherries. Poking fun at his struggle, the label depicts an allegorical fox hunt with the nobles hunting El Maestro Sierra’s fox.

This Amontillado is aged for a total of 12 years under flor and oxidatively in American oak casks. Very explosive aromas of salts and almonds. The palate offers similar flavors in a very elegant framework.

MacRostie · Sonoma Coast · 2025 · 375ml Half Bottle

Rooted in Sonoma for more than three decades, MacRostie works with a network of the region's finest growers, over 30 Chardonnay vineyards alongside its own estate sites. Head Winemaker Heidi Bridenhagen and founder Steve MacRostie let each vineyard's fruit guide the wine, running 130+ small fermentations every vintage to build a wide palette for blending. The result is Chardonnay of real character and complexity that captures the whole Sonoma Coast.

Tasting Notes

On the nose, tropical fruit, melon and perfumed lemon mingle with hints of slate, wet chalk and floral notes of jasmine and orange blossom. The velvety palate echoes that lush tropical fruit, with pineapple and guava giving way to stone fruit, Key lime pie, Asian pear and yellow apple, all flowing to a long, luxurious finish.

Winemaker Description

With a medium golden color and alluring layers of persimmon, ripe Meyer lemon and rich brioche this is an elegant and alluring wine. Lush, textural and beautifully complex on the palate, its bright citrus flavors and cool-climate energy showcase the poise and purity of great Sonoma Coast Chardonnay.

MacRostie Winery

The journey from land to bottle is organic, intuitive and more often felt than calculated.

Heidi Bridenhagen, Head Winemaker

Pairings & Serving

Serve chilled at 50–55°F. Lovely with roast chicken, crab cakes, seared scallops, lobster, creamy pastas and soft-ripened cheeses. The half bottle is perfect for a dinner for two or a glass or two without opening a full 750ml.

Specs

• Producer: MacRostie Winery
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast, California, USA
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Winemaker: Heidi Bridenhagen
• Size: 375ml (half bottle)

A woman-led Sonoma Coast benchmark, in a perfectly sized half bottle.

Cantine Florio Dry Fine Marsala Superiore — Sicily, Italy (375ml)

Cantine Florio is the most storied name in Marsala — founded in 1833 in the port city of Marsala on Sicily's western coast, and the producer that helped define the category for the world. Their Dry Fine Marsala Superiore Secco is the house's everyday expression: a versatile, beautifully balanced fortified wine made from indigenous Sicilian grapes, amber in color, and crafted to be equally at home as an elegant aperitif or as the essential cooking wine for classic Italian preparations. At 375ml, it is the perfect half-bottle for the kitchen and the table alike.

The nose is warm and inviting: raisins, vanilla, dried apricot, and a subtle nuttiness from the oxidative aging. On the palate, the wine is dry, full-bodied, and harmonious — fervent and structured, with a clean, lingering finish. It is the Marsala of choice for chicken Marsala, veal scaloppine, fish preparations, and poultry dishes, and an elegant aperitif alongside aged cheeses.

"A versatile and ductile Marsala Superiore Secco, suitable for everyday occasions. Amber to light brown, with hints of raisins and vanilla; dry, full, harmonic and fervent. The Marsala of choice for fish, poultry and meat preparation. An elegant aperitif to serve with cheese." — Cantine Florio

• Producer: Cantine Florio, Marsala, Sicily, Italy (est. 1833)
• Style: Marsala Superiore Secco (Dry)
• Appellation: Marsala DOC
• Region: Sicily, Italy
• Varietal: Grillo, Catarratto, Inzolia
• Size: 375ml (half-bottle)
• Best Used For: Chicken Marsala, veal scaloppine, fish & poultry preparations, aperitif with aged cheese

Sicily's most iconic fortified wine from its founding producer — Cantine Florio Dry Marsala is the benchmark for what a classic, versatile Marsala Superiore Secco should taste like.

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

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

Estate Vineyards & Winemaking

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

Expert Reviews · Vintage 2023

James Suckling · 94 Points

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

Wine Spectator · 93 Points

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

Jeb Dunnuck · 93 Points

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

Vinous · 92 Points

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

Winemaker Description

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

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

Food Pairing Suggestions

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

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

Details

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

Cool-Climate California Chardonnay — La Crema Monterey in a Perfect Half Bottle

La Crema has been one of California's most trusted Chardonnay producers since 1979, consistently delivering cool-climate elegance at an accessible price. Their Monterey Chardonnay draws from the fog-kissed vineyards of the Monterey appellation — a region defined by its dramatic diurnal temperature swings and Pacific influence that preserve natural acidity and freshness. This 375ml half bottle is ideal for solo enjoyment, pairing with a single dish, or exploring without committing to a full bottle.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

• Wine Spectator — 89 pts: "Smooth and plump, with an appealing seamlessness to the spice, melon, lemon zest and ripe peach flavors. There's a creamy, juicy quality that makes this white appealing and stylish. Lingering finish. Drink now."

Winemaker Notes

La Crema Chardonnay Monterey 2023 375ml Half Bottle

Aromas of grilled pineapple, citrus blossom, tangerine, and papaya lead the way. On the palate, white peach, key lime, and honeydew melon are complemented by a touch of barrel spice and a river stone minerality that gives the wine its distinctive cool-climate character.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Chardonnay
• Appellation: Monterey, California
• Producer: La Crema
• Vintage: 2023
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 375ml (Half Bottle)

Food Pairings

Perfect for one — exceptional with grilled shrimp, pan-seared scallops, roast chicken, creamy pasta, soft cheeses, and light seafood dishes.

Producer Description

Looking for that satisfying apple crunch? Just add ice cubes. Apple and Jim Beam have come together to make history with the perfect balance of premium apple liqueur and bourbon, resulting in rich American heritage with a light, juicy twist. Surprisingly smooth and deliciously different, Jim Beam Apple is succulent but not overpowering. And because it retains a rich bourbon core, it’s perfect for both whiskey fans and those looking for a refreshing new cocktail. Enjoy Jim Beam's freshest family member straight, on the rocks or in a highball with club soda and a lemon wedge. After seven generations of master distillers, the Jim Beam family tradition continues today with Jim Beam Apple and more.

As the First Family of Bourbon, we were there when it all began. But we’ve never been the type to rest on our laurels. Always innovating, always taking bourbon to new heights—that’s the Jim Beam way.

And after more than two centuries, we have no intention of doing things any differently. Since we sold our first batch in 1795, each of our family distillers has found an opportunity to push our story forward and keep the tradition of Jacob Beam alive for the next generation of bourbon drinkers.

Producer Description 

The Antique release of Fernando de Castilla Fino is heavier than the Classic. Rich and complex with notes of citrus fruit and a classic salty tang.

The company specializes in natural, unblended and unfined products as supreme examples of the ancient winemaking traditions of the Jerez region. The vineyards (farmed without pesticides or herbicides) and winery are all located in Jerez, all sherries are estate bottled. 

González Byass · Viña AB · 12 Years Amontillado Seco

Palomino Fino · Jerez-Xeres-Sherry, Spain · 375ml Half Bottle

Style & Ageing

Viña AB from González Byass combines ageing under flor with oxidative ageing. Time under flor leaves delicate reminders of yeast, while contact with oxygen brings a light amber color. The producer’s notes describe 12 years in cask, contributing subtle oak character.

Tasting Notes

Subtle hazelnut aromas and a gentle yeasty note introduce this dry Amontillado. The palate balances restrained oak with pleasant acidity, leading to a long aftertaste with slight saltiness and bitterness. The 375ml half bottle offers a compact format for exploring its savory character.

Winemaker Description

Vina AB is a young Amontillado which has experienced both ageing under flor and oxidative ageing. Due to the contact with oxygen it has taken on a light amber color. On the nose subtle and delicate with typical Palomino aromas of hazelnuts, and slight reminders of yeast due to its time under the flor. On the palate Vina AB shows subtle notes of oak due to the 12 years spent in cask. Pleasant with a balanced acidity. Long aftertaste with slight saltiness and bitterness on the finish.

Pairing & Serving Suggestions

Try lightly chilled with toasted nuts, aged cheese, mushroom dishes or Spanish jamón. Its savory, nutty profile also makes it an appealing aperitif.

Wine Details

• Producer: González Byass
• Wine: Viña AB
• Style: Amontillado Seco, dry Sherry
• Appellation: Jerez-Xeres-Sherry
• Region: Andalucía
• Country: Spain
• Grape: Palomino Fino
• Ageing: Under flor followed by oxidative ageing; 12 years in cask according to the winemaker notes
• Bottle Size: 375ml Half Bottle

Pellegrino Dry Old Marsala Superiore Secco — Sicily NV

Cantine Pellegrino is one of Marsala’s oldest and most respected houses, founded in 1880 at the sun-drenched western tip of Sicily. For nearly 150 years, they have been the benchmark for what serious Marsala can be — and this Superiore Secco is the proof. Aged a minimum of two years in oxidative cellaring, crafted from a blend of Catarratto, Grillo, Damaschino, and Inzolia, it is dry, complex, and deeply Sicilian. Wine Spectator awarded it 90 points. The half-bottle format is ideal for cooking, aperitivo, or an intimate pour.

Amber in the glass with warm golden highlights. The nose is immediately compelling: iodine, dried fig, roasted almond, and singed orange peel, with a whisper of ground clove and toffee that speaks to careful oxidative aging. On the palate, it is rich, smooth, and finely balanced — creamy in texture, with intense dried fruit, a nutty core, and a long, lingering finish of clove and orange peel.

🇮🇹 Wine Spectator 90 — Dry, complex, and deeply Sicilian. A serious fortified wine that rewards both the curious and the connoisseur.

• Producer: Cantine Pellegrino, Marsala, Sicily, Italy
• Vintage: NV
• Appellation: Marsala Superiore DOC
• Style: Secco (Dry)
• Blend: Catarratto, Grillo, Damaschino, Inzolia
• Aging: Minimum 2 years oxidative
• Size: 375ml (Half Bottle)
• Tasting Notes: Iodine, dried fig, roasted almond, singed orange peel, clove, toffee, creamy finish
• Best Paired With: Parmigiano-Reggiano, prosciutto, pizza, Chicken Marsala, Veal Marsala, zabaglione

Sicily’s benchmark dry Marsala — Pellegrino’s Superiore Secco is the half-bottle that earns its place at the table and in the kitchen.

Producer Description 

The Maestro Sierra Oloroso, aged 15 years, is dark amber with flavors of walnuts, butterscotch and figs. Dry but with great intensity.