Labor Day Sale!

Winemaker Description 

Blandy's 5-year old Verdelho is a dark golden brown in color with the characteristic aromatic complexity of Madeira wines - raisins, dried apricots, roasted nuts, toffee and a distinctive marine note. Great with many desserts especially fruit based tarts, cakes, cheeses. Also, a great accompaniment to foie gras.

Clear, topaz color, with a golden rim. Complex nose, revealing a fresh bouquet with raisins, dried fruits, wood and spices. 

Verdelho grapes are hand-harvested and fermented off the skins in stainless steel tanks. Neutral grape spirit is added to stop the fermentation at the desired level of sweetness. Then, the wines are aged in American oak casks and heated in the traditional Canteiro system, meaning they are transferred from higher floors in the lodge where it is warm to cooler floors below. The wine is regularly racked before bottling.

The island of Madeira is known for its distinctive varietal wines. Each varietal defines a particular style. Madeira wines are typically made from only one varietal, each made in one of the four Madeira styles: Dry, Medium-Dry, Medium Rich, and Rich. Madeira wines are fortified with grape spirit and have higher alcohol than so-called 'light' wines.

Quick Expert Summary - Vintage 2022

 🍇 Jasper Morris (Inside Burgundy) 92 Points Described the fruit as having a refined character and complexity, with a savory red berry note, plenty of energy, and good acidity.

🍷 Vinous (Neal Martin) 91 Points Noted a well-defined bouquet with black cherries and wild strawberry fruit; the palate is medium-bodied, smooth and sensual toward the finish.

📜 Burghound (Allen Meadows) 90 PointsPraised the attractively spicy nose and the "slightly better verve" on the palate, which finishes with fine-grained tannins.

✨ Wine Spectator (Bruce Sanderson) 90 Points Found it to be a tangy red with spicy cherry, pomegranate, and blood orange flavors, calling it nicely integrated and juicy.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Allen Meadows writes:  An attractively spicy nose freely offers up aromas of dark pinot fruit, Savigny-style earth, violet and an interesting hint of white pepper. There is slightly better verve suffusing the lightly stony middleweight flavors that also possess a caressing but punchy mouthfeel on the lingering finale that is noticeably finer thanks to the fine-grained tannins. This too could be approached young though at least a few years of cellaring should be beneficial.  - Burghound 90

Bruce Sanderson writes:  A tangy red, this features spicy cherry, pomegranate, blood orange and toasty oak flavors. Nicely integrated, with a whisper of dusty tannins lining the finish. This is juicy, with the fruit resonating on the aftertaste. Best from 2027 through 2040.   - Wine Spectator 90

Neal Martin writes:  The 2022 Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Lavières 1er Cru has a well-defined bouquet with black cherries and wild strawberry fruit, pure and refined. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe red fruit and light pastille notes, smooth and sensual towards the finish. Give this three or four years in bottle.  - Vinous 91

Winemaker Description

Fruity and fragrant, palatable, fine and elegant in the mouth with a direct and clear flavour and a good persistence. Wild Nature wines, symbolise the outmost care and respect for the soil, terroir and the environment where these wines come from. Pioneers in organic farming since 1974, each Wild Nature bottle's label is dedicated to the wildlife inhabiting their estates, located in Venice and Verona provinces, to further stress their effort to maintain a balance ecosystem and respect for plants and wildlife.

Prosecco Col Fondo is characterized by the deposit of the yeasts on the bottom: it is made according to the 'Ancestrale' method, which was used since ancient times, of second fermentation in the bottle without disgorgement. What is obtained is a dry, fruity and refreshing wine. The prolonged contact with the yeast confers a sapid and decisive finish and well-balanced flavors, with bread crust, green apple and white peach aromas.

Perfect as an aperitif wine, it works well also alongside the main entrée.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Kristen Bieler writes:  For a demi-sec, this leans toward the dry, savory end of the spectrum. There are a lot of layers and substance to this, with a savory thread of green herbs and bitter white tea weaving through elderflower, quince and apple flavors, while gentle tannins provide a solid frame. Cool river stone and pink peppercorn notes line the finish, encased in smoke and salt, with length and a lot of depth. The toasty cedar notes will integrate with more time in bottle. Drink now through 2037. 740 cases made.  - Wine Spectator 93

Stuart Pigott Writes:  This off-dry Vouvray has terrific depth and a lovely creaminess that’s hard to resist, but it’s tightly wound and needs some time for the aromas to unfurl. With some aeration, red apple and honeysuckle notes emerge. Long, very clean finish that’s pretty dry thanks to the bright acidity. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.  - James Suckling 93

Rebecca Gibb MW writes:  The 2023 Vouvray Demi-Sec Le Mont boasts a residual sweetness (20g/l) that brings a sense of tenderness and amplitude to a terroir that's big on precision and tension. The flint component in the soil and the natural freshness of the 2023 vintage provide persistence and momentum. Pure and tender, there’s a distinctive spearmint-like cooling sensation on the long finish.  Drinking 2024 to 2038.  - Vinous 94

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Jeb Dunnuck 91-93 Points | A ripe, opulent second wine, the 2022 Amiral De Beychevelle offers lots of black cherry, mulberry, and plum-like fruits as well as some floral, violet, and graphite nuances. It's medium to full-bodied, has elegant, silky tannins, and a great finish. It's one heck of a sexy, already hard to resist second wine that should keep for 10-12 years, if not longer.

James Suckling 91-92 Points | Very refined and pretty already with linear fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Medium body. Attractive finish. 65% cabernet sauvignon and 35% merlot.

Weingut Forstreiter | Grüner Veltliner Tabor | Kremstal DAC | Niederösterreich, Austria | 2021

Weingut Forstreiter is one of the Kremstal's most respected family estates, farming sustainably on the steep terraced vineyards above the Danube in Niederösterreich — Lower Austria. The Kremstal DAC is one of Austria's premier appellations for Grüner Veltliner, where the combination of loess and primary rock soils, the moderating influence of the Danube, and the continental climate produce wines of exceptional concentration, mineral precision, and longevity.

The Tabor is Forstreiter's single-vineyard flagship Grüner Veltliner, always hand-harvested at the very end of the harvest season to achieve maximum ripeness without botrytis. The result is a monumental and complex expression of the variety — a wine that inspires with its concentration, aromatic complexity, clarity, and youthfulness.

The 2021 opens with a dense, powerful bouquet that evolves beautifully with air — ripe aromas of green sugar snap peas, sweet citrus, overripe banana, dried apricot, and candied ginger, with a great arc of tension between warm, ripe fruit and cool mineral precision. On the palate, medium-bodied and vibrant with apple, green melon, white chocolate, and lemon fruit, underscored by a crunchy minerality. The finish is long, citrusy, and stony, marked by loads of white pepper — the hallmark of great Grüner Veltliner.

Pair with Wiener Schnitzel, grilled fish, sushi, white asparagus, light pasta, and soft cheeses. Also exceptional as an aperitivo.

• Producer: Weingut Forstreiter
• Vineyard: Tabor
• Appellation: Kremstal DAC, Niederösterreich, Austria
• Grape: Grüner Veltliner
• Vintage: 2021
• Harvest: Hand-picked; end of harvest season
• Farming: Sustainable
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2021

• Wine Enthusiast — 92 pts: Medium-bodied and vibrant — apple, green melon, white chocolate and lemon fruit underscored by a crunchy minerality. Finish is marked by loads of white pepper and a long, citrusy and stony aftertaste. — Aleks Zecevic

Winemaker Description 

An exciting wine! Organically farmed, raised in amphora, 100% Blaufrankisch. Straka is a small family winery embracing a philosophy of pure and natural winemaking at their 84 year old family estate located in the Eisenberg district of Burgenland. 

The Eisenberg is a unique geological area where the foothills of the Alps meet the Pannonian lowlands and is comprised of metamorphic, magmatic rock and cristal schist. One of only 3 places in the world with this soil composition. The deep rooted vines naturally show a distinct mineral character and a compelling purity of fruit. 

Producer Description 

Our Napa Valley Merlot opens with lively bright red fruits and a soft, lush texture. Delicate floral aromas combine with ripe blackberry, milk chocolate, wet stone and barrel spice. The finish is bright and spreads out on the palate to reveal mineral notes that support the silky tannin structure.

Deep ruby in color, the 2019 Napa Valley Merlot features a tempting nose with hints of violet, ripe cherry and warm baking spices. The palate is supple in texture with luxurious layers of brambly red fruits, cocoa, and dusty tannins. This classic Napa Valley Merlot finishes long and vibrant with lingering notes of graphite.

Expert Review - Vintage 2018

James Suckling 92 Points | A rich, fruity red with plum, chocolate and walnut character. It’s full-bodied with lots of round tannins and a savory finish.

Monica Larner writes;  The 2018 Maremma Toscana Ornello is a blend of Sangioveto (Sangiovese), Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from the design winery of Rocca di Frassinello on the Tuscan Coast. This wine pays homage to the "butteri," or cowboys, that roam this remote and hilly terrain with their sturdy horses and leather hats. This wine shows a dark and meaty character, no doubt added by the Syrah, with some burnt ember and exotic spice. The bouquet is infused with dark fruit, dried plum and blackberry preserves. This is a full-bodied Tuscan red to pair with cowboy meals of steak and beans.  Drinking 2020 to 2028.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 92

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2018 Rocca di Frassinello is a bold, exotic wine. Ripe red cherry, kirsch, cinnamon and rose petal are all kicked up in this flamboyant Maremma red. Plush fruit and silky tannins add to its considerable appeal. Hints of sweet pipe tobacco, cedar and mint appear over time, adding striking inner perfume and sweetness. The 2018 is a decidedly racy Rocca di Frassinello.  Drinking 2020 to 2033.  - Vinous 94

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Alain Meadows of Burghound writes 95 Points |  Here too the beautifully layered nose is decidedly cool with its more citrus-suffused aromas of green apple, wet stone and crushed fennel. The more refined, if slightly less concentrated, medium weight flavors flash an almost pungent minerality on the beautifully textured, bone-dry and sneaky long finale. This chiseled effort will need at least a few years of cellaring first as it's quite tightly wound today.  - Burghound 95 ♥️

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

Charles Curtis, MW of Decanter 94 Points | This village-level wine is a reliable benchmark for the commune. It reflects the sunny character of the vintage with its ripe stone fruit and citrus notes, yet offers depth and complexity as well, with saline hints, flint and fresh white flowers. The texture is silky and approachable. It’s drinking now, but with enough substance to hold for five to 10 years.

Vinous 92 Points | The 2022 Puligny-Montrachet Village has a nicely detailed bouquet of green apples. It's a touch spicier than the Bourgogne Blanc with a trace of walnut coming through with aeration. The palate is nicely balanced with a keen line of acidity sour lemon hints and again that spice that lingers on the aftertaste.

Allen Meadows of Burghound 90-92 Points | A markedly more floral-suffused nose features notes of cool Granny Smith apple citrus and a touch of mineral reduction. The caressing delicious and plump but agreeably energetic medium-bodied flavors possess solid depth and persistence on the balanced firm and highly refreshing finale. This is also excellent for its level and a wine that should drink well after only 3 to 4 years of keeping but age gracefully for a decade. Recommended.

Mark West Pinot Noir California — 1.5L Magnum

Mark West is the original California Pinot Noir for the everyday table — the wine that proved you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy a genuinely good Pinot. Sourced from vineyards across California’s cool coastal regions, it’s been a go-to carafe wine for over two decades, beloved for its approachable style, consistent quality, and the kind of easy drinkability that makes a bottle disappear faster than expected. Now in a 1.5L magnum — equivalent to two standard bottles — it’s the perfect pour for a dinner party, a backyard gathering, or any occasion where one bottle just isn’t enough.

Medium-bodied and smooth, with aromas and flavors of black cherry, strawberry, cola, and plum, with a fine combination of ripe red fruit and sweet oak. Soft, fine-grained tannins and a clean finish make it endlessly food-friendly — and just as good on its own.

Food Pairings

Pasta with light tomato sauce, grilled salmon, roasted pork tenderloin, a juicy cheeseburger, or simply poured into a carafe for a relaxed dinner. If you’re not a cook, drink it on its own — no judgment.

Varietal: Pinot Noir
Appellation: California
Format: 1.5L Magnum (= 2 standard bottles)

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018

James Suckling 96 Points | A full-bodied cabernet sauvignon that’s fruity on the nose with notes of crushed raspberries, berries and herbs. Some bark and stones. The palate is fresh with velvety tannins and a generous, savory finish. One for the cellar. Try after 2023.

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Townsend Vineyard has a similar herbal/classic Cabernet nose of red and black currants, green tobacco, bouquet garni, sandalwood, and spring flowers. Also beautiful on the palate, it’s full-bodied and has a concentrated, layered mid-palate, building tannins, and just an all-around classic, age-worthy style. Give bottles 2-4 years in a cold cellar and enjoy over the following 20 years or more. The blend is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc.

Producer Description 

Las Beatas is a spectacular 1.9 hectare property which Telmo and Pablo have invested tremendous time and energy: 15 years of renovative viticultural work took place before a single bottle was made.

There are at least ten grape varieties grown on eight terraces, predominantly Tempranillo with 30% Garnacha, some Viura and traces of many other rare, perhaps unidentified cultivars, all planted on cold sandy soils. Las Beatas was made and aged in a single 1200 liter old French foudre. This is a refined, elegant and fluid wine with great complexity and nuance that will age beautifully. 

Winemaker Description

Purple with ruby highlights, this wine shows up-front aromas of raspberries and black cherries with undertones of leather and spice. On the palate, it is expansive and rich.

Pair with lamb and apricot tajines, prime rib, tomato stews, or green lentil-based dishes.

Expert Ratings

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points  | This deep-hued wine has a bouquet of brambly fruits of the wood, coffee bean and dried sage. It opens with notes of mint and clove accompanied by sturdy tannins and ripe summer cherry, Mission fig, cocoa powder and dried thyme flavors. The lengthy finish is marked with menthol and pomegranate. (2015). 

Robert Parker 92 Points |  There is some more development in the 2015 Finca Valpiedra Reserva, which also feels a little riper, showing the dry, warm and ripe character of the year but keeping a low pH of 3.47 and 6.2 grams of acidity. This is medium-bodied, although some will call them thin—and certainly, they are not full-bodied and round wines, they are sharper. This is a blend of 92% Tempranillo and 4% each Graciano and Maturana Tinta that matured in French oak barrels for 22 months. These wines are feeling a little more traditional than in the past.

James Suckling 92 Points | This shows notes of incense and smoke on the nose, together with spiced plums, blackberries, dark chocolate, licorice and a hint of tar. Medium-to full-bodied with firm tannins and bright acidity. Ripe, yet juicy and succulent, with a rich finish. Drink or hold.

Argyle Winery | Vintage Brut | Willamette Valley | 2022

Oregon is not the first place most people think of for serious sparkling wine — but it should be. Argyle has been making the case since 1987, and the Willamette Valley’s cool, maritime-influenced climate turns out to be near-ideal for the traditional method: long growing seasons, natural acidity, and Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that ripen slowly and retain the tension that great sparkling wine demands. The 2022 Vintage Brut draws heavily on fruit from the legendary Knudsen Vineyard, one of the oldest and most respected sites in the valley, which contributes natural weight, brightness, and a distinctive character that sets this wine apart from its non-vintage counterparts. Golden apple and Anjou pear lead the nose, layered with vanilla and toasted cake crust — opulent without being heavy. On the palate, apple, cherry blossom, and spiced cinnamon flavors linger at length, carried by a foamy mousse and vivid acidity. A classic modern vintage from one of America’s most important sparkling wine producers.

• Appellation: Willamette Valley, Oregon
• Blend: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
• Method: Traditional method (Méthode Classique)
• Key Vineyard: Knudsen Vineyard
• Dosage: Brut
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 750ml
• Farming: Sustainable

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2022

Wine Spectator | 90 Points: Appealing for its easygoing flavors of apple, cherry blossoms and spiced cinnamon that linger at length.

Pairing Suggestions

• Celebration: A versatile aperitif for any occasion that calls for bubbles.
• Seafood: Oysters, Dungeness crab, grilled salmon, or smoked fish.
• Casual: Fried chicken, soft cheeses, charcuterie, or brunch dishes.

Domaine Jean Foillard Morgon Côte du Py Organic — Beaujolais 2024

Jean Foillard is one of the founding members of Beaujolais’s legendary Gang of Four — alongside Marcel Lapierre, Jean-Paul Thévenet, and Guy Breton — the group of vignerons who, inspired by the teachings of Jules Chauvet, staged a quiet revolution against the industrial Beaujolais of the 1980s. Their manifesto: old vines, no synthetic herbicides or pesticides, late harvesting, rigorous sorting, minimal sulfur, no chaptalization, no filtration. The result is Morgon as it was always meant to be — structured, mineral, and age-worthy, with none of the bubblegum and banana aromas that plagued the region’s commercial wines. Jean and Agnès Foillard farm nearly 14 hectares, most of them on the Côte du Py — the famed granite and schist slope above Villié-Morgon that is the pride of the appellation. Vinous awarded the 2024 Côte du Py 92 points.

The nose is serious and mineral: earthy stone, plum, red and black fruit, and black tea leaves with crushed stone. On the palate, the wine is fresh and lively on entry, with a skip in its step — a Côte du Py with energy and precision, finishing with an assiduous sprinkle of white pepper and a long, harmonious close. Jean raises his wines in older Burgundy barrels, lending a velvety lushness that makes them irresistible young despite their considerable aging potential.

Vinous 92 — "A mélange of red and black fruit, black tea leaves and crushed stone. Fresh and lively on the entry, a Côte du Py with a skip in its step and an assiduous sprinkling of white pepper towards the harmonious finish." (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Domaine Jean Foillard, Villié-Morgon, Beaujolais, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Morgon, Beaujolais
• Vineyard: Côte du Py — granite and schist soils
• Varietal: 100% Gamay
• Farming: Certified Organic, no synthetic inputs, minimal sulfur, unfiltered
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Earthy stone, plum, red and black fruit, black tea, crushed stone, white pepper, velvety finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 5–10+ years
• Best Paired With: Roast chicken, duck confit, charcuterie, mushroom dishes, soft cheeses

A 92-point organic Morgon from one of Beaujolais’s most important estates — mineral, structured, and built to age.

Chateau Ste. Michelle | Merlot | Columbia Valley, Washington State | 2022

Chateau Ste. Michelle is Washington State's founding winery and most iconic producer, with a history stretching back to 1934. Based in Woodinville, the winery has been instrumental in establishing the Columbia Valley as one of America's premier wine regions — and their Columbia Valley Merlot is one of the most consistent and best-value expressions of Washington State red wine available anywhere.

The Columbia Valley AVA is one of the largest and most diverse wine regions in the United States, stretching across eastern Washington. Its continental climate — with long, sunny days, cool nights, and low rainfall — allows Merlot to ripen fully while retaining natural acidity and freshness. A touch of Syrah is blended in to add a jammy, fruit-forward character that complements Merlot's natural plushness.

The 2022 offers an almost perfume-like nose of black cherry, sandalwood, worn leather, and spice. On the palate, medium-bodied and supple with sturdy tannins and flavors of boysenberry, blueberry, graphite, and black tea, with layers of rich dark red fruit and a long, smooth, sweet finish. Complex yet approachable — a benchmark Columbia Valley Merlot at an exceptional price.

Pair with roast lamb, beef tenderloin, duck, mushroom dishes, and aged cheeses.

• Producer: Chateau Ste. Michelle
• Appellation: Columbia Valley AVA, Washington State, USA
• Blend: Merlot with a touch of Syrah
• Vintage: 2022
• Style: Medium-bodied, fruit-forward red
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2022

• Wine Enthusiast — 91 pts: An almost perfume-like aroma of black cherries, sandalwood and worn leather. Medium-bodied with a supple mouthfeel and sturdy tannins. Boysenberries, blueberries, graphite and black tea. — Michael Alberty

Magoutes Siatista Rosé — Macedonia, Greece 2025

Magoutes Vineyard sits at 800 metres above sea level in the rugged, inhospitable region of Siatista in northern Macedonia — one of Greece's most compelling and least-known wine territories. Winemaker Dimitri Diamantis practices radical low-intervention viticulture: spontaneous fermentation, gentle racking off skins, and aging in old barrels to finish. The vineyard holds sway over everything.

This rosé is a blend of 80% Xinomavro and 20% Moschomavro — an über-rare indigenous variety (meaning "black Muscat") grown almost exclusively by Diamantis. The result is a wine of delicate partridge-eye color, subtly aromatic with hints of redcurrants and fraises de bois, wonderfully fruity within a structured core of zingy acidity. A rosé of real character and place.

• Producer: Magoutes Vineyard, Siatista, Macedonia, Greece
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Siatista, Macedonia
• Blend: 80% Xinomavro, 20% Moschomavro
• Style: Dry, structured, low-intervention rosé
• Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation, old barrel aging
• Format: 750ml
• Best Paired With: Grilled seafood, mezze, roasted vegetables, feta salads, lamb kebabs

A high-altitude Greek rosé of rare character — Xinomavro and Moschomavro from the mountains of Macedonia.

Winemaker Description

This exquisite blend of grapes, stemming from four different harvests, showcases its strong personality through a symphony of fruits and a full-bodied, elegant presence. Singular in its expression of terroir, a revelation of the variety that nature offers from one year to the next.

Réserve Rosé evokes romance and harmony. The initial nose reveals fresh red fruits with a touch of brioche. The first sensation is reminiscent of biting into a perfectly ripe Morello cherry, bursting with full and mature aromas. Powerful, yet remarkably subtle with an extraordinarily long-lasting finish.

Expert Review

Yohan Castaing of the Wine Advociate writes 90 Points | A blend of 41% Grenache, 31% Cinsault, 12% Mourvèdre, 8% Tibouren, 5% Syrah and 3% Carignan, the 2022 Cotes de Provence Rose Lampe de Meduse possesses a fresh, fruit-driven bouquet with aromas of citrus, lemon oil, red berries, wild strawberry and menthol. Crunchy, juicy and perfectly balanced with a medium-bodied palate, it’s long and penetrating with lively acids, an iodine-salty finish and a clean and mouthwatering texture.  Drinking 2023 - 2025. (2022).

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

Mike DeSimone of The Wine Enthusiast writes 94 Points | Medium straw colored, this wine has a bouquet of carambola, crème brûlée and honeysuckle. A soft floral note joins white peach, jasmine, lemongrass and dried apricot flavors set into a full-textured wine with well-matched acidity. Notes of wildflowers and bright citrus fruit endure on the palate.

Winemaker Description 

Made of 100% Istrian Malvasia grape from four vineyards (Kastanjari, Vrh, Santa Lucia, Baredine) located on the west coast of Istria, in an area called Buje (in Croatian, Bujstina), just 50 miles away from Venice. They are 100 meters high on a little hill, a few miles away from the shore. Aged in stainless steel vats on fine lees. Look for alluring aromas of camomile, acacia, lime zest, quince, pear, apricot and ripe nectarine.
 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

The Wine Advocate 97 Points |  From a beautiful site that must be seen to be believed, the Altesino 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli is redolent with dark fruit, blackcurrant and crushed slate. The mineral element of Montosoli and its schistic galestro-rich soils comes through beautifully in this vintage to add a linear sense of immediacy and verticality to the bouquet. The mouthfeel is especially elegant, and the wine's acidity is delivered expertly to showcase freshness but more importantly to highlight the quality of the fruit. The effect is very tonic and bright, and you get hints of baked brioche or oven-baked Italian focaccia bread, thanks to careful aging in Slavonian oak. This is a 12,000-bottle release.

Vinous 97 Points | An enticing blend of steeped plums, blood orange, sage and sweet smoke makes the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli a total pleasure on the nose. Elegant and soothing, it flows across the palate with a silken wave of ripe red fruits and spices as saline minerals slowly saturate under an air of violet inner florals.

Decanter 95 Points | Elisabetta Gnudi took over the Altesino estate in 1992 and has continued with the Montosoli bottling, which has been produced since 1975. The 2019, harvested at the very end of September, is introverted to start with but the nose eventually hints at porcini with liquorice root and bark. Sleek cherry and raspberry provide the backdrop on the palate, yet that appealing earthy tone pervades. Racy with smooth, vertical tannins clinging in all the right places, it displays cleverly balanced structure and stuffing.

Winemaker Description 

One of the most sought after wines from Montalcino, Montosoli is consistently a blockbuster red. Its intense ruby red color tends towards elegant garnet with age. On the nose, it shows a complex personality with a delicious blend of black cherry, raspberry, violet, licorice, vanilla and black pepper. Extremely enticing, opulent and elegant on the palate, with a warm, long-lasting finish, Montosoli is a wine for special occasions

Pair this wine with beef bourguignon and stroganoff, lamb shank, and roasted rabbit.

Winemaker Description

Specially selected and carefully aged, this premier Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Vineyard Merlot captures the intense energy of arid vineyards resulting in velvety blackberry and vanilla flavors.

Gulfi Carjcanti DOC Sicilia Carricante 2022 Organic 750ml

Gulfi is one of Sicily's most respected family estates, based in Chiaramonte Gulfi in the Monti Iblei hills of Ragusa — a world away from the volcanic drama of Etna, yet equally compelling. The Carjcanti is made from 100% Carricante, an indigenous Sicilian grape variety traditionally associated with Etna, here grown at 420 meters altitude on limestone-clay soils using traditional alberello training with 9,000 vines per hectare. Certified organic, no irrigation, natural yeasts — this is winemaking with deep respect for the land.

Aged one year in 500L and 2,500L oak barrels followed by several months in bottle, the 2022 Carjcanti is a wine of real tension and complexity — mineral, savory, and built to age, yet already showing beautiful aromatic detail and a palate that rewards every sip.

"Sweet almond paste, young peaches, hints of flint and smoke waft up from this wine. Its soft texture soothes as a savory display of herbal-tinged orchard fruits and salty minerals wash across the palate. There’s a lovely cut of acidity as this finishes with youthful tension revealing hints of hazelnuts and inner florals."

• Producer: Gulfi, Chiaramonte Gulfi, Ragusa, Sicily, Italy
• Appellation: DOC Sicilia Carricante
• Grape: 100% Carricante
• Vintage: 2022
• Farming: Certified Organic — traditional alberello, no irrigation
• Altitude: 420 meters — limestone-clay soils
• Aging: 1 year in oak barrels (500L & 2,500L) + several months in bottle
• Tasting Notes: Almond paste, peach, flint, smoke, herbal orchard fruit, salty minerals, hazelnut, florals, bright acidity
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, seafood pasta, swordfish, burrata, or light antipasti

A rare indigenous Sicilian white from one of the island’s most dedicated organic estates — Carjcanti is the kind of discovery that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about Italian white wine.

Fetzer Valley Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon — 1.5L Magnum

Fetzer Vineyards has been a California wine institution since 1968, pioneering sustainable and organic farming practices long before they became industry standards. The Valley Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon is the estate’s flagship everyday red — sourced from some of Fetzer’s finest Cabernet vineyards across Sonoma, Napa, and Mendocino counties, and crafted to deliver genuine California Cabernet character at an exceptional value. The 1.5L magnum format — equivalent to two standard bottles — makes it the natural choice for dinner parties, casual gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a generous pour.

Bright cherry and currant aromas lead the way, accented by vanilla, cedar, and anise. The palate is mouth-filling and soft — lush, approachable, and amazingly drinkable for a young Cabernet — with a smooth, easy finish that makes it endlessly food-friendly.

Food Pairings

• Grilled or sautéed steaks with peppercorns
• Hearty stews and braised meats
• Burgers and BBQ
• Aged cheeses and charcuterie

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: California (Sonoma, Napa & Mendocino)
Producer: Fetzer Vineyards
Format: 1.5L Magnum (= 2 standard bottles)

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

The Wine Enthusiast 97-99 Points | This is already shaping up to being one of the stars of the vintage. With its great fruit, fully enveloped by the structure and tannins, the wine has been set well for the future. The aromatic black fruits are intense and concentrated. — Roger Voss

Decanter 98 Poinhts | Wonderfully aromatic and expressive, with dark fruit, floral scents, chocolate, cinnamon and liquorice. Smooth, svelte, bursting with energy. Juicy strawberries and cherries have crunch from fine tannins and mineral edges. Calm and controlled, yet quietly powerful. Fruit and oak emerge over time, layering chalky, powdery, ripe, spiced and fresh textures. Ends as joyously as it starts, and very moreish.

James Suckling 98 Points | What a nose with complex aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants, graphite and pencil shavings. Full-bodied, this has layers of tannins and intense richness but is framed and held together by the phenolic structure. Vertical and deep, it goes on for minutes on the palate. Great finish. 81% cabernet sauvignon and 19% merlot. Give this five to six years to come together more. Best after 2030 and beyon

Gato Negro Balance White Wine Blend — Chile

Gato Negro is one of Chile’s most recognized wine brands, known for delivering honest, flavorful wines at everyday prices. With Balance, they’ve done something genuinely useful: crafted a white wine blend that delivers the full flavor of their classic style at just 5.5% alcohol and 62 calories per glass. No compromise on taste — just a lighter, more flexible wine for any occasion. Whether you’re pacing yourself at dinner, cutting back without cutting out, or simply looking for a wine that fits your lifestyle, Balance White is the answer.

The wine is fresh and fruit-forward, with the easy-drinking, approachable character that has made Gato Negro a household name. Light on alcohol, generous on flavor — a guilt-free glass that doesn’t taste like one.

• Producer: Gato Negro, Chile
• Appellation: Chile
• Varietal: White Wine Blend
• Alcohol: 5.5%
• Calories: ~62 per glass
• Closure: Screw Cap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh, fruit-forward, light-bodied, easy-drinking
• Best Paired With: Salads, light seafood, grilled vegetables, soft cheeses, casual entertaining

Full flavor, half the guilt — Gato Negro Balance White is the everyday low-alcohol wine that actually delivers.

Experience the Elegance of Pineau des Charentes

Amber with gold glint Nose: complex and elegant - notes of honey, tilleul, fleur de vigne mixed with fresh fruits like peach, prune, fig and dry almond, pate de coing, with a hint of vanilla. Mouth: very fresh at the beginning, nice balance between the sweetness and the acidity of the pineau. The aromas are persisting with fruity notes.

Producer Maison Ferrand is the result of the encounter in 1989 between Alexandre Gabriel and one of the oldest winegrowing families in the Cognac region. Alexandre Gabriel’s intention was to breathe new life into the Ferrand cognacs and make it the world’s best cognac.

He wanted to maintain age-old, craft-based production methods which were worlds apart from mass production techniques, and sought to bring back to market the true expression of Grande Champagne’s - known as Cognac’s finest region - great terroir. It is around these core values of authenticity and character that Maison Ferrand built up its business, first with cognac, then with other distinctive fine spirits such as gin whose particular character is based on a unique production method, and our rums which are matured using a very special technique.

Nowadays, Maison Ferrand is a highly regarded company that distributes its fine spirits in more than 40 countries, in some of the world’s most prestigious outlets. Maison Ferrand draws on a dynamic team of people who nurture a passionate interest in what they do. In France The Company’s head office and production facility is located amid the vineyards of Charente, in the 18th century Chateau de Bonbonnet in Ars. Maison Ferrand has made considerable investments to meet its exacting quality requirements and support its expansion: its production facility is one of the most efficient in the region and includes an ultramodern blending hall which was unveiled in 2004. Maison Ferrand also co-owns Logis d’Angeac, a 100-hectare (247-acre) vineyard in the heart of Grande Champagne, which features a distillery that dates back to 1776. In addition to its head office in Ars,Maison Ferrand also has an office in Viroflay, in the Paris region. 

What is Pineau des Charentes?

Pineau des Charentes is a delightful French aperitif that originates from the Charente region. This unique blend is crafted from a combination of freshly pressed grape juice and Cognac, offering a complex flavor profile that is both refreshing and sweet. The exquisite balance of fruitiness and alcohol makes it a perfect drink for any occasion, whether served as an aperitif or enjoyed alongside dessert. The allure of Pineau des Charentes lies not only in its taste but also in its rich traditions, making it a beloved choice in France and beyond.

Tasting Notes and Flavor Profile

The Pierre Ferrand Pineau des Charentes presents an exquisite palate experience. You will find floral aromas combined with notes of ripe fruits such as apricot, pear, and citrus. The sweetness from the grape juice complements the depth of the Cognac, creating an indulgent yet balanced finish. As you sip, observe the smooth texture and slight acidity that invigorates the senses, making this Pineau des Charentes a captivating drink that is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

How to Enjoy Pineau des Charentes

Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply unwinding after a long day, Pierre Ferrand Pineau des Charentes offers versatile serving options. It can be enjoyed chilled as a sipping treat, poured over ice, or mixed creatively into cocktails. Pair it with fresh cheeses, charcuterie, or light desserts for an elevated dining experience. Its adaptability makes it a fantastic addition to any bar cart, pleasing a variety of tastes and preferences among wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.

Expert Reviews 

98 Points Vinous | The 2020 Pape Clément is outrageously beautiful. Dark, virile and imposing, the 2020 is a rare vintage of Pape Clément that is vertical and statuesque in feel. Dark fruit, chocolate, new leather, licorice and cloves infuse the palate with tremendous depth. In a word: magnificent. - Antonio Galloni

98 Points James Suckling | Lots of blackberry, iodine and crushed stone here. Some black pepper and graphite, too. Full body and medium, fine tannins that have a powdery texture and open in the mouth. So much going on. Iodine and iron undertones with some raw mushroom bring you back for more. Muscular. This is for the cellar. Drink after 2027.

97+ Points Jeb Dunnuck | I loved the 2020 Château Pape Clément, and this beauty is up there with the top wines in Pessac. Checking in as equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, aged 18 months in 90% barrels and 10% in foudre, it offers a deep purple hue to go with a powerful, concentrated profile displaying both red and black fruits, lots of spicy, chocolate, flowery incense nuances, full-bodied richness, and an almost salty, bloody character on the finish. This beauty shows the concentrated yet utterly classic, focused, elegant style of the vintage and has so much to love.

96 Points Wine Enthusiast | This ancient estate, an oasis in the suburbs of Bordeaux city, offers a wine that is packed with promising tannins. The important and rich black fruits reveal concentration, density and the potential of the development of a fine balance and structure as it matures.

95 Points Decanter | Tannic heft from the get-go, though this does have a lovely fresh, clean and precise core with a narrow, focused frame so the elements come across as quite tight and severe right now but well worked. It has class, no doubt, on the high-toned scale, potent and upfront but there's gorgeous detail and precision to the fruit, acidity and tannins. Slick and classy with lots of glamour that plays to the strengths of the vintage.

95 Points Wine Spectator | This is snazzed up with flashy toast, but there's ample mulberry, cassis and plum compote fruit to soak it up, while notes of licorice and sweet spice fill in the background. A late tug of warm earth keeps this grounded. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

94 Points Robert Parker | Aromas of rich cherries, cassis, burning embers, violets and dark chocolate introduce the 2020 Pape Clément, a medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy wine that's ripe, layered and generously extracted but also a touch deeper and more reserved than the flashy 2019. While it would be an exaggeration to say that this estate's red wines are making much of a shift in the direction of restraint, the style is certainly less aspirational than it was a decade ago.

Winemaker Description

This has incredible power and drive with blackberry, black olive and graphite. It’s full-bodied, yet dynamic and agile, with so much polished and muscular tannin. Yet, it remains in harmony and balance. So much character. The head of the chateau calls it diabolical beauty. 25% less production than the 2019. 52% cabernet sauvignon, 42% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 3% petit verdot.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 99- 100 Points | A blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, the 2020 Haut-Bailly was harvested from the 9th to 25th of September. It has an alcohol of 14.3%. Deep purple-black in color, it prances out of the glass with naturally beautiful notions of fresh black cherries, violets, mulberries and boysenberries, giving way to hints of redcurrant jelly, star anise, tilled soil and menthol. The medium to full-bodied palate is delicately crafted with velvety/grainy tannins and fantastic freshness framing the perfumed red and black berry layers, finishing on a lingering fragrant-earth note. (2020). 

Robert Parker 96-98 Points | A legendary Haut-Bailly in the making, the 2020 sports a dense purple color to go with powerful notes of blackcurrants, black cherries, scorched earth, and graphite. Reminding me of the 2010, it takes plenty of air to show at its best yet is full-bodied, has a seamless texture, massive of ultra-fine tannins, and a blockbuster of a finish. It’s one of the most structured, powerful Haut-Bailly I’ve ever tasted, yet it still has the classic elegance, nuance, and length of this terrific terroir. It will need 5-7 years (or more) of bottle age but will have 50 years of overall longevity. The 2020 is 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, and 3% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. (2020). 

Jeb Dunnuck 96-98 Points | Deep, rich and explosive, the 2020 Haut-Bailly is magnificent from the very first taste. Dark fruit, chocolate, licorice and spice give the 2020 a level of unctuousness that is absolutely thrilling. Readers should be patient, as the 2020 is going to need time to come around. Yields are down 25% from 2019, and that richness comes through loud and clear. (2020). 

Vinous 95-97 Points | (Château Haut-Bailly, Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France, Red) Rich in texture and colour, this has clear layers and complexity, a wine that you want to take your time with, slow down and enjoy. One that will take its time to age also. This has a precision and a clarity to the aromatics, and a gentle buzz of minerality that gives a physical reaction in the mouth. Less exuberant than the 2018 or 2019, making this a vintage that suits the style of Haut-Bailly. A slight austerity to the tannins on the finish gives a blueberry redcurrant edge. 3% Petit Verdot completes the blend (now around eight years old), usually co-fermented with the Cabernet Sauvignon (sometimes with Cabernet Franc). IPT similar to 2016, 2010, 2005, but with a softness that comes from extremely ripe tannins. Strong potential for upscoring when it bottle. (Drink between 2030-2050). (2020),

Gato Negro | Merlot | Valle Central, Chile | 1.5L Magnum

Gato Negro is one of Chile's most beloved everyday wine brands, produced by Viña San Pedro — a winery with roots dating back to 1865 and one of the most established names in South American wine. The iconic Black Cat label has built a global following for delivering consistent, fruit-forward wines at exceptional value.

Valle Central is Chile's heartland wine region, stretching between the Andes and the Coastal Range. The warm, sunny climate and well-drained soils are perfectly suited to Merlot, producing wines that are ripe, generous, and approachable — with the soft tannins and plush fruit that make Chilean Merlot so universally appealing.

Gato Negro Merlot is bright ruby in the glass with an inviting nose of jammy red fruit — cherry, plum, and a hint of chocolate. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and smooth, with soft tannins and a clean, easy finish. No pretension, no fuss — just a crowd-pleasing red that delivers every time.

Now available in a generous 1.5L Magnum — perfect for entertaining, parties, and casual gatherings. Pair with grilled red meats, burgers, pizza, pasta with tomato sauce, and aged cheeses.

• Producer: Gato Negro / Viña San Pedro
• Varietal: Merlot
• Region: Valle Central, Chile
• Style: Medium-bodied red
• Closure: Screwcap
• Format: 1.5L Magnum