Labor Day Sale!

Critic Notes

Charles Curtis MW writes:  hint of exotic Asian spice. The palate has a deft balance between density, moderately firm tannins, and a lively freshness that leads to a pleasantly lingering finish—lovely wine. The grapes come from the domaine holding of just under a half-hectare located under Clos de la Roche; they are partially destemmed and carefully fermented before ageing in mainly used casks. Age five years before opening.  Drinking 2028 to 2055.  - Decanter 95

Neal Martin writes:  The 2022 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Millandes 1er Cru has one-third whole bunches. Brambly red fruit, sous-bois and light chalky scents on the nose that feels quite strict at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins. There’s mainly black fruit here, plus cedar and graphite, rather "serious" towards the finish. Fine, but it will require bottle age.  Drinking 2026 to 2042.  - Vinous 90-92

Allen Meadows writes:  A discreet application of wood sets off the softly spicy and earthy aromas of violet, lavender plum and red currant. The powerful and markedly more concentrated broad-shouldered flavors exude a subtle minerality on the succulent yet very firmly structured finale that exhibits excellent length. Patience will be necessary but it should be well-rewarded in time as this is packed with development potential.  Drink 2024+  - Burghound 93

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

The Wine Spectator 91 Points | "Juicy and intense, with concentration to the passionfruit, pineapple, Key lime and kumquat flavors at the core. Details of toasted green tea, lemon thyme and makrut lime leaf add aromatic intensity, with a touch of crunchy sea salt on the finish. Drink now. 8,259 cases made, 207 cases imported." 

Winemaker's Notes:

Te Koko 2023 is initially reticent on the nose, but with time in the glass opens to reveal notes of just-ripe mango, lemon verbena and juicy sun-warmed lemon. The palate is concentrated and mouthwateringly complex. The sun-warmed impression continues, with notes of meadow hay, preserved citrus, and white nectarine, with layers of salted almond and a gentle smoky minerality leading through to a long and focused finish. 

Producer Description 

Akutain’s Rioja Reserva — a blend of Tempranillo with a touch of Garnacha and Viura — is fermented in a combination of stainless steel and fiberglass tanks, then aged for 35 months in predominantly neutral American oak with a small amount of French barrels. Mid-Ruby in color, this Reserva possesses a beautiful bouquet of ripe berry fruit mixed with notes of dried herbs, tobacco and rose petals.

The full-bodied palate displays concentrated flavors of black cherry, cooked-down strawberries and earth balanced by velvety, textured tannins. The finish exhibits enduring depth and complexity. The perfect companion to grilled, roasted or braised meats and game.

Campeador Rioja Reserva — Rioja, Spain 2020

Campeador is a name rooted in Spanish heritage — a tribute to El Cid, the legendary Castilian knight whose title "El Campeador" meant champion and master of military arts. The Rioja Reserva lives up to that name: a classically structured, age-worthy red built from an equal blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha, with Graciano adding depth and aromatic complexity. Aged to Reserva standards in oak and bottle, the 2020 vintage delivers the kind of rich, nuanced Rioja that rewards patience and pairs beautifully with the table.

The nose is warm and inviting: dark cherry, blackberry, dried plum, vanilla, and cedar, with earthy undertones of leather and dried herbs from the oak aging. On the palate, the wine is medium-to-full-bodied with a supple structure, well-integrated tannins, and a long, spiced finish of red fruit, tobacco, and toasted oak. Tempranillo brings the backbone and dark fruit; Garnacha adds roundness and warmth; Graciano contributes freshness and aromatic lift. Together they create a Reserva of genuine character and depth.

"With an equal presence of Tempranillo and Garnacha, Campeador Reserva highlights the very best of both, creating a range of rich nuances that is bound to please." — Winemaker’s Notes

• Producer: Campeador, Rioja, Spain
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Rioja DOCa, Reserva
• Region: Rioja, Spain
• Varietal: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano
• Aging: Reserva — minimum 3 years, including oak and bottle aging
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, blackberry, dried plum, vanilla, cedar, leather, dried herbs, tobacco, toasted oak
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, aged Manchego, mushroom risotto

A classically structured Rioja Reserva at an honest price — Campeador is the benchmark for what Tempranillo and Garnacha, aged to Reserva standards, can deliver from one of Spain’s greatest appellations.

Winemaker Description

This Riesling is rich in taste with a fresh, fruity delicate flavor.

Serve slightly chilled.

Expert Reviews 

James Suckling 96 Points | Here is a great Mosel Kabinett that needs a bit more time to show what it is really made of. Still very young with a pronounced yeasty character that slowly recedes with aeration, but the white peach and honeysuckle aromas that emerge are stunning. Extremely vibrant and precise, the slatey acidity making this fabulously graceful. As pure as an Alpine stream running with glacier water.

Wine Spectator 92 Points | This elegant version starts off closed before opening to reveal flavors of jasmine, sweet green apple and Asian pear. Shows impressive purity and inner density, with accents of fresh-cut chive and wet slate. Bitter, pithy acidity moves through, making for the shimmering, razor-edge finish, which lingers. Drink now through 2040. 300 cases imported.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 95 Points | All the ripeness of this very warm vintage, married to wonderful freshness that gives this the light-footedness of a great dancer. Mostly white fruit, but just a hint of fresh pineapple. Long, silky finish. Drink or hold. (2018). 

Robert Parker 93+ Points | The 2018 Graacher Himmelreich Spätlese is discreet yet deep and complex on the elegant and spicy nose that exhibits very fine stone fruit aromas. Round, lush and piquant on the palate, this is a crystalline, piquant, persistently salty and stimulating Himmelreich with fine tannins on the finish that add grip and a very light, food-friendly astringency that moderates away the sweetness. Still young, this is a Spätlese to serve with food in 10-15 years. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.

Wine Spectator 93 Points | This has all of the elements of a great spätlese, with pronounced acidity supporting the ripe peach, yellow apple, mango and spruce flavors, while hints of vanilla and piecrust add to the complexity. Still a bit intense, but this should develop beautifully with age, allowing the minerality to become more prominent. Best from 2022 through 2038. (2018).

Anterra Pinot Grigio | Terre Siciliane | 2024 | 1.5 Liter Magnum

Sun-drenched and effortlessly elegant — the Anterra Pinot Grigio is grown using 100% sustainable viticulture in the dry, warm heart of Central-Western Sicily, where the variety takes on a uniquely decisive character while retaining its signature freshness. The name Anterra — "ancient land" in Italian — pays homage to Sicily's millennia-long winemaking heritage.

This 1.5 Liter Magnum is the perfect format for the table: generous, impressive, and built for sharing. Expect a pale lemon pour with aromas of tropical fruit, green apple, fresh peach, and delicate floral notes with a whisper of almond. On the palate, it's crisp, balanced, and clean — a crowd-pleaser that punches well above its price.

Food Pairing

Excellent with appetizers, flavorful soups, poultry, and seafood — particularly shellfish.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Tropical fruit, green apple, peach, floral notes, hint of almond
• Palate: Crisp, light-bodied, fresh and elegant
• Finish: Clean, refreshing, pleasantly dry

Wine Details

• Grape: 100% Pinot Grigio
• Region: Terre Siciliane, Sicily — Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Size: 1.5 Liter Magnum
• Closure: Screw Cap
• Farming: 100% Sustainable

Gamay | Morgon, Beaujolais / France
Vintage: 2024  |  Size: 750ml
Organic · Natural Fermentation · Unfiltered

Jean Foillard is a legend of the natural wine movement — a pioneering figure in Morgon who helped define what Beaujolais could be when farmed with care and made without compromise. His family tends fourteen hectares in the heart of Morgon with a non-interventionist philosophy: organic viticulture, spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, whole-bunch vinification, and bottling unfiltered. The result is Gamay that is silky, structured, and unmistakably of its place.

The Corcelette cuvée comes from one of Morgon’s most prized sites. Grapes are harvested late and hand-selected in the vineyard, then fermented as whole bunches for 2–3 weeks before aging 6–8 months in oak barrels. The 2024 is wonderfully characterful — brambly red fruit, hints of sous-bois and wilted rose petal on the nose, with impressive delineation. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with gentle grip, fine powdery texture, and a focused, slightly herbaceous tea-leaf finish. Very classy, and built to reward patience over the next four to six years.

“The 2024 Morgon Corcelette has a wonderful, characterful bouquet with brambly red fruit, hints of sous-bois and wilted rose petal. Impressive delineation. The palate is fresh and vibrant with gentle grip on the entry. Fine structure… focused. Very classy.”
— Vinous, 90 Points

“Silky and seductive, with notes of rose petals, red berries, and stones. With just the right amount of tannin and acidity, and lots of class, it is perfect for all occasions.”
— Tom Wolf, Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant

Pairs with: Roast chicken, duck confit, charcuterie, mushroom dishes, or a simple platter of French cheeses.

Winemaker Description

This delicious, versatile wine begins with aromas of blackberry, rose hip, dried cranberries and hints of boysenberry followed by notes of violets and crushed spices.

On the palate, the wine begins with a soft, dense, lush, tannin structure supported by flavors of red berry fruit, subtle acidity and a long flavorful, vanilla finish. 

Don Melchor Puente Alto Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon — Maipo Valley, Chile 2022 750ml

Chile’s first icon wine and a true benchmark among the world’s finest labels, Don Melchor is the singular expression of the Puente Alto Denomination of Origin — a vineyard planted at the foot of the Andes Mountains on the northern bank of the Maipo River at 650 meters elevation. The Don Melchor Vineyard spans 125 hectares, with vines averaging 38 years of age, rooted in the poor gravel soils and balanced temperatures that define this legendary Cabernet Sauvignon terroir. The 2022 blend is composed of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot, aged in French oak barrels with 78% new oak.

The 2022 vintage delivered exceptionally even temperatures throughout the growing season, with stable conditions from veraison through ripening and cooler nights that preserved freshness and aromatic precision. Winemaker Enrique Tirado describes it as a wine of “intense aromatic expression dominated by red fruit and floral notes followed by blackcurrants and blackberries — smooth on entry, evolving into mouth-filling flavours with tremendous concentration, great energy, fine textures, and a long, expressive finish.”

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 99 Points: Blackcurrants, cassis, and graphite on the nose. Pure and fragrant. Full-bodied with superb density and tannins that are so polished — the texture is like touching a silk ball. The finish is very long and compact, and it will come together beautifully with time in the bottle.

Tim Atkin 97 Points: Fresh yet rich and concentrated. Youthful, focused, and well structured — a seamless cuvée showing delightful purity and elegance, top notes of cedarwood and graphite, layered tannins, and a core of cassis, vanilla spice, and black cherry.

Vinous 97 Points: Complex aromas of currant, blackberry, ash, mint, and a subtle floral tone. Dry, rich, and moderately juicy with precisely calibrated tannins and clear fruit imparting intensity and agility. A more nuanced and energetic edition of Don Melchor.

• Producer: Viña Don Melchor, Puente Alto, Maipo Valley, Chile
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Puente Alto Denomination of Origin, Maipo Valley
• Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot
• Aging: French oak barrels, 78% new
• Vineyard: 125 hectares at 650m, vines averaging 38 years old
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackcurrant, cassis, graphite, cedarwood, black cherry, mint, floral, silk tannins, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Exceptional aging potential — best from 2027 onward; decant if opening now
• Best Paired With: Prime ribeye, braised short ribs, roast lamb, aged hard cheeses, truffle dishes

Chile’s most celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon — Don Melchor 2022 is a wine of extraordinary concentration, elegance, and Andean terroir that belongs in any serious cellar.

Winemaker Notes

Aromas of red fruits with flavors of fragrant cherry, black pepper, and notes of wood. Hints of raspberry lead to a lingering finish.

About the Wine

The David & Nadia Topography Pinotage 2024 is a definitive example of the "New Wave" South African wine movement. David and Nadia Sadie are leading figures in the Swartland region, celebrated for their minimal-intervention, terroir-focused approach that reimagines Pinotage as an elegant, fresh, and cerebral wine rather than a heavy or rustic one.

This is Pinotage for people who think they don’t like Pinotage.

Tasting & Pairings

Fragrant cherry, raspberry, black pepper, and subtle wood notes. Fresh, elegant, and medium-bodied with a lingering finish. Serve at cellar temperature or with a slight chill.

• Grilled lamb chops with Ras el Hanout — North African spices complement the peppery fruit.
• Pulled pork or smoked duck — the wine’s freshness cuts through rich, smoky meats.
• Mushroom risotto or roasted squash — savory herbs and earthy flavors are a natural match.
• South African braai (BBQ) — the traditional pairing, and for good reason.

About Damso Peach Soju

Damso Peach Soju captures the sweet, sun-ripened taste of fresh peaches in every sip. Light, smooth, and refreshing, it brings the approachable character of traditional Korean soju together with a luscious peach flavor — perfect for sipping chilled or mixing into your favorite cocktails.

Serving Suggestions

• Chilled neat or over ice
• Mixed with sparkling water, iced tea, or lemonade
• In a peach soju spritz with prosecco and fresh mint
• Paired with Korean BBQ, spicy dishes, or light Asian cuisine

• Spirit: Soju
• Flavor: Peach
• Origin: South Korea
• Size: 375ml
• Closure: Screwcap

Expert Reviews

Winemaker Description

Sea Sun Pinot Noir has aromas of cherry, light toasted wood, dry earth, clove and a hint of s'mores. The flavors echo the cherry on the nose, with raspberry on the finish. Bright and fruit-driven, with lush cherries and a strikingly soft texture. 

Winemaker Description 

With deep expertise in the world of Pinot Noir, Dan Kosta's admiration for the grape began at an early age, taking sips from his father's glass of Burgundy and listening to stories about wine around the dinner table.

His fascination continued as he became a wine buyer, sommelier, and vintner known for producing highly-renowned, world-class wines. Dan's lifelong passion for Pinot Noir is evident in Admire, the latest creation from his native Sonoma Coast. 

This wine is 100% Pinot Noir, sourced entirely from the Sonoma Coast appellation. Harvested in early September, this Pinot Noir was aged in 100% French Oak, 30% new for 9 months. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Admire by Dan Kosta Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2023 is a standout choice for those who love high-end Pinot Noir but want to stay in a more approachable price bracket. Dan Kosta (co-founder of the legendary Kosta Browne) launched this label to capture the elegance of the Sonoma Coast with more immediate accessibility.

Food: Its bright acidity makes it perfect for herbed chevre (goat cheese), roasted duck, or mushroom risotto.

Winemaker Description

Israel. 100% Petite Verdot Produced from grapes grown on old vines in the Carmel region. After fermentation and soaking on the skins, the wine aged in French oak barrels for 15 months.

The wine has a deep purple hue and aromas of blackberries, blueberries, licorice and leather. It is full bodied and has a long and well-balanced finish. Pair with lamb based casseroles, and pasta dishes with a mushroom or meat broth base.

Kosher for Passover.

Gomez Cruzado El Predilecto — Rioja, Spain 2023

Bodegas Gomez Cruzado is one of Rioja's most exciting modern producers — a historic estate in Haro, the heart of Rioja Alta, that has undergone a remarkable transformation under the direction of winemaker Amanda Klemp, who has brought a precision-focused, terroir-driven approach to the cellar while honoring the estate's deep roots in the region. El Predilecto — "The Favorite" — is a total departure from the Rioja norm: a blend of old vine Garnacha and Tempranillo sourced from two distinct mountain landscapes, united in concrete and crafted to express the full complexity of Rioja's diverse terroir. The Garnacha (65%) comes from Alto Najerilla, in the triangle formed by the towns of Badarán, Cordovín, and Cárdenas in the Sierra Demanda mountains. The Tempranillo (35%) comes from the highest area of Samaniego, near the Sierra Cantabria mountains. Old vines at the foot of both mountain ranges provide greater fruit character and concentration. Fermented separately with native yeast, 100% destemmed without crushing, cold fermented with short maceration, then blended and refined in concrete for approximately five months — a winemaking approach that preserves freshness, precision, and the distinct personality of each site.

The nose bridges two landscapes: red and black fruit intertwine, with cherry and blackberry layered with licorice, a faint balsamic nuance, and an intensity of spice. On the palate, it is juicy and poised — generous, full-bodied warmth with tannins sitting between chalky and plush, freshness carrying the wine forward through a lengthy, supple finish. Precise, modern Rioja that shows two mountain landscapes in one gesture. Age 12–15 years.

Jeb Dunnuck 95 — "A total departure from the norm — intensity of spice and a generous mouthfeel of full-bodied warmth while remaining elegant through the lengthy, supple finish. Age 12-15 years."

Vinous 93 — "Bridges two origins. Cherry and blackberry layered with licorice and a faint balsamic nuance. Juicy and poised — a precise, modern Rioja that shows two landscapes in one gesture."

• Producer: Bodegas Gomez Cruzado, Haro, Rioja Alta, Spain
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Rioja DOCa
• Blend: 65% Garnacha (Alto Najerilla, Sierra Demanda) / 35% Tempranillo (Samaniego, Sierra Cantabria)
• Vines: Old vines at the foot of two mountain ranges
• Winemaking: Native yeast, 100% destemmed, cold fermentation, short maceration, 5 months in concrete
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherry, blackberry, licorice, balsamic, spice, chalky-plush tannins, long supple finish
• Style: Full-bodied, precise, modern Rioja
• Drink: Now–2038 (best 2028+)
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, braised short rib, aged Manchego, wild mushroom dishes

Two mountain landscapes, one extraordinary wine — Gomez Cruzado El Predilecto 2023 is modern Rioja at its most compelling.

Winemaker Description

Strikingly rich in color and extract, the 2018 Rubicon is unquestionably a precocious, hedonistic wine. The exotic, well-knit aromas and flavors include ripe cassis, allspice, star anise, vanilla and black licorice. Upon entry, this full-bodied wine envelops the palate with its luxurious concentration and supple, silky tannins, supported by vibrant freshness from the balanced acidity and perfectly-integrated French oak. Very long and expansive in the finish, the 2018 Rubicon will be memorable for decades to come.

Expert Reviews – Vintage 2018

James Suckling 97 Points | Subtle and complex red with blackberry, black truffle, sweet tobacco and mahogany. Highlights of lavender and violets. Full-bodied and very tight with finesse and tension. Very polished, fine tannins. Long finish. Delicious already, but best after 2022.

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | The 2018 Rubicon is based on 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Classy notes of crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, freshly crushed stone, and cedar. Beautifully balanced with gorgeous tannins, integrated acidity, and outstanding length. Give this classic beauty 4–5 years in the cellar and enjoy over the following 15–20.

Wine Spectator 93 Points | Alluring aromatically, with restrained yet complex notes of mulberry, loganberry and anise. Refined structure drapes nicely on the finish with a mineral hint. Drink now through 2035.

CK Mondavi Pinot Grigio — California (1.5L Magnum)

CK Mondavi is California’s go-to for approachable, everyday wines that deliver genuine varietal character at an unbeatable price. This 1.5L Magnum — equivalent to two standard bottles — is the perfect format for entertaining, al fresco dining, and any occasion that calls for a generous, crowd-pleasing pour. Light-bodied, crisp, and endlessly refreshing, it is the kind of white wine that earns a permanent spot in the fridge.

The wine opens with inviting aromas of wildflowers, ripe peaches, and pears. On the palate, fresh tropical flavors unfold with a touch of spice, a lively medium body, and a crisp, clean finish. Bright acidity keeps it refreshing from the first sip to the last.

"Aromas of wildflowers, peaches and pears. Fresh, tropical flavors with a touch of spice and a crisp, refreshing finish." — Winemaker Notes

• Producer: CK Mondavi, California
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Pinot Grigio
• Style: Light-bodied, crisp, fruit-forward California Pinot Grigio
• Format: 1.5L Magnum (equivalent to 2 standard bottles)
• Tasting Notes: Wildflowers, peaches, pears, tropical fruit, touch of spice, crisp finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, shrimp, light pasta, fresh salads, soft cheeses, summer appetizers

An everyday California Pinot Grigio in a crowd-pleasing Magnum format — CK Mondavi delivers reliable, fruit-forward character at an exceptional value.

Founded in 1980 by Koerner and Joan Rombauer — whose great-aunt Irma Rombauer wrote the legendary Joy of Cooking — Rombauer Vineyards has spent four decades building one of Napa Valley's most beloved wine brands. Drawing on Koerner's German Rheingau heritage and a deep love of food and wine, the family established a winery known for its fruit-driven, generous style and exceptional hospitality. Today, Rombauer sources from mountain and valley vineyards across Napa, Sonoma, the Sierra Foothills, and the Santa Lucia Highlands.

The Rombauer Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2022 750ml is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc, sourced from both mountain and valley estate vineyards. A labor-intensive 30% of the fruit is barrel-fermented — a technique that deepens color and layers fruit and oak nuances with remarkable complexity. Almost entirely estate-grown and optically sorted, it opens with mixed red and black cherries, dried sage, and bay leaf on the nose. On the palate it is plush, full-bodied, and easy to drink, with a comfortable, juicy character and moderately firm tannins. The quintessential Napa Cab for immediate pleasure.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

• James Suckling — 93 Points: "A plush, fresh and juicy red that's so comfortable and easy. A large 30% of the fruit is barrel fermented, a labor intensive practice that helps deepen the color and improve the layering of fruit and oak nuances. Full-bodied and moderately tannic."
• Wine Advocate — 90 Points: "Almost entirely estate grown and optically sorted. Mixed red and black cherries dominate the nose, accented by hints of dried sage and bay leaf. Full-bodied, plush and easy to drink."

Wine Details

• 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc
• Napa Valley, California — mountain & valley estate vineyards
• 30% barrel-fermented | Optically sorted
• Vintage: 2022 | 750ml
• Pairs with: grilled ribeye, lamb chops, aged cheddar, hearty pasta

Winemaker Description 

An elegant, fruit forward wine with intense aromas of fresh red fruit. The mouth feel shows a full palate with soft round tannins and a long persistent finish. Certified Sustainability & Vegan.  

Memo Summary Notes

The 2021 Mythic Mountain Malbec is a fruit-forward, approachable red from the Luján de Cuyo region of Mendoza, Argentina.

This wine’s soft tannins and juicy profile make it versatile. It pairs excellently with:

• Grilled Meats: Classic Argentine asado or lamb chops with rosemary.

• Casual Fare: Pepperoni pizza or burgers.

• Cheeses: Aged Gouda or Mimolette.

  
  

   

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

Burghound | A much more floral-inflected nose freely offers up its aromas of cool and ripe pear, apple and zest. There is good richness if not quite the same density to the more finely textured middleweight flavors that conclude in a crunchy bitter lemon-tinged finale. Lovely and understated.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

Burhound 92-94 Points | An elegant, pure and ultra-fresh nose offers up notes of lilac, rose petal, white peach, tea and citrus zest. There is a markedly more refined mouthfeel to the utterly delicious and highly seductive medium weight flavors that are more precise, all wrapped in a citrusy, impressively persistent and youthfully austere finale. This is very classy and I particularly like the underlying tension and balance that should also permit this beauty to age effortlessly over the next 12 to 15 years. In a word, excellent.

Orin Swift Abstract Blend Grenache, Petite Sirah & Syrah 2023 750ml

Orin Swift is the creation of Dave Phinney — one of California’s most visionary winemakers, who built his reputation making bold, label-forward wines that punch far above their price point. Abstract is his signature red blend: a proprietary mix of Petite Sirah, Grenache, Syrah, and Zinfandel sourced from premier California vineyards and aged seven months in 30% new oak. The label — a swirling abstract painting — is a nod to Phinney’s belief that great wine, like great art, should provoke a reaction. Abstract reliably does exactly that.

The 2023 is a bold, expressive, and deeply satisfying California red — explosive blue fruit aromatics, crystalline acidity, and firm tannins that give it real structure and aging potential. A wine that is equally at home at a dinner party or opened on a Tuesday when only something serious will do.

"Bursts with explosive blue fruit aromatics, layered with violets and sweet baking spice. Medium- to full-bodied, the palate is packed with pure blue fruit, blackberry, and black cherry, all structured around a crystalline acid backbone and firm tannins. The juicy fruit finish lingers, accented by white pepper and pressed floral aromatics — a bold yet balanced expression of Orin Swift’s signature style." — Decanter, 94 pts

• Producer: Orin Swift (Dave Phinney), St. Helena, Napa Valley, California
• Appellation: California
• Blend: Petite Sirah, Grenache, Syrah, Zinfandel
• Vintage: 2023
• Aging: 7 months in 30% new oak
• Tasting Notes: Blue fruit, blackberry, black cherry, violets, baking spice, white pepper, floral aromatics, crystalline acidity, firm tannins, lingering finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, lamb chops, braised short rib, hard aged cheeses, or dark chocolate
• Decanter: 94 | James Suckling: 93

Expert Reviews

Decanter — 94 Points
A proprietary red blend of Petite Sirah, Grenache, Syrah, and Zinfandel, aged seven months in 30% new oak. This blend bursts with explosive blue fruit aromatics, layered with violets and sweet baking spice. Medium- to full-bodied, the palate is packed with pure blue fruit, blackberry, and black cherry, all structured around a crystalline acid backbone and firm tannins. The juicy fruit finish lingers, accented by white pepper and pressed floral aromatics — a bold yet balanced expression of Orin Swift’s signature style.

James Suckling — 93 Points
A deep and full-bodied red that’s powerful in black fruit and laced with fine-grained tannins. Blackberry, dried blueberry, black licorice and black pepper flavors backed by sturdy tannins for a grippy texture. A blend of primarily petite sirah with syrah and grenache. Drink or hold.

Dave Phinney’s most expressive California blend — Abstract 2023 is bold, beautiful, and built to turn heads at any table.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Enthusiast by Tonya Pitts 91 Points | This wine is bright and lively, with aromas of dark berries, malted chocolate, crushed florals and notes of toasted vanilla. Structured with gripping tannins the palate opens with flavors of cranberry-strawberry, black raspberry and dried bay leaf, which evolve into red plum and citrus zest.

Winemaker Description 

The 2022 Matchbook Cabernet Sauvignon is a refined yet approachable expression of the Dunnigan Hills AVA, crafted to showcase ripe, sun-soaked fruit and the region’s signature balance.

Deep dark garnet in the glass, it opens with inviting aromas of plum and black cherry layered with subtle notes of mocha, chocolate and mild cigar box. The palate is soft, supple and immediately welcoming, offering rich flavors of blackberry and boysenberry supported by dusty tannins and well-integrated oak that adds both structure and length.

Hints of anise and warm spice elevate the finish, giving the wine lift and nuance.

Awarded 91 points by Wine Enthusiast, this Cabernet maintains varietal integrity while delivering broad appeal—an easy-drinking, food-friendly red that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, hearty pastas or aged cheeses.

Memo Summary Notes

Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Petit  Sirah

The 2022 Matchbook "Red Gravel" Cabernet Sauvignon is a standout value from the Dunnigan Hills AVA in Yolo County, California. Named after the distinct iron-rich, gravelly soils of the estate, this wine is designed to compete with much pricier Napa Cabs by offering a similar "bold and plush" profile at a fraction of the cost.

Expert Review

93 Points Wine Advocate | The 2020 Meursault Village has turned out beautifully in bottle, unwinding in the glass with scents of crisp Anjou pear, lemon zest, freshly baked bread, blanched almonds, pastry cream and apple blossom. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and layered, its textural attack segues into a fleshy, precise mid-palate that's animated by racy acids, concluding with a long, mouthwatering finish. It's another terrific rendition of this benchmark cuvée.

Expert Review

97 Points Jeb Dunnuck | The 2020 Cornas Chaillot comes from a mix of lieux-dits (it's mostly Chaillot) as well as some younger vines. It's an incredible wine in its own right and certainly doesn't give much in terms quality to its big brother. Awesome aromatics of crème de cassis, violets, crushed stone, and bouquet garni-like notes all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, concentrated mid-palate, and ultra-fine tannins. It's a touch more finesse-driven and elegant compared to the Reynard and should round into form with just 5-7 years of bottle age. This is legit awesome Cornas that will have 20-25 years of ultimate longevity. (2020). 

Boekenhoutskloof · The Chocolate Block · Swartland · Western Cape, South Africa · 2024 · 750ml

Boekenhoutskloof is one of South Africa's most acclaimed estates, and The Chocolate Block is the wine that put Swartland on the world map. Created by winemaker Marc Kent, it is a Syrah-led blend — 73% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cinsault, and 1% Viognier — sourced from old-vine parcels in the granite-rich soils of the Swartland. The name is no accident: this is a wine built for pleasure, with the kind of dark, brooding generosity that makes it impossible to put down. Over 1.1 million bottles are produced each vintage, yet the quality never wavers. At $37.99, The Chocolate Block remains one of the most compelling values in the New World red wine category.

Deep, inky ruby in the glass with an intense nose of blackberry, bramble, lavender, cacao, and a whisper of cured meat and potting soil — dark, brooding, and utterly compelling. On the palate: medium-to-full bodied with a lush compote of blueberries, ripe plums, black currants, and cherries, framed by cacao-powdery tannins that add texture and complexity. Cumin spice, white pepper, licorice, and hints of garrigue carry through to a velvety, persistent finish. James Suckling awarded 92 points; Wine Advocate 92 points. Drink now through 2030, or cellar for added complexity. Pair with grilled ribeye, lamb chops, braised short ribs, or a serious cheese board.

• Producer: Boekenhoutskloof · Winemaker Marc Kent
• Wine: The Chocolate Block · Swartland
• Vintage: 2024
• Origin: Swartland, Western Cape, South Africa
• Blend: 73% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cinsault, 1% Viognier
• Style: Full-bodied, structured New World red
• Scores: James Suckling 92 · Wine Advocate 92
• Drinking Window: Now–2030
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, bramble, lavender, cacao, blueberry, ripe plum, black currant, cumin spice, white pepper, licorice, velvety finish
• Pair With: Grilled ribeye · Lamb chops · Braised short ribs · Aged cheese

Old-vine Swartland Syrah, cacao-powdery tannins — South Africa's most beloved red, vintage after vintage.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

James Suckling — 92 Points
This creamy, medium-bodied red has aromas of dark cherries, blueberries, cracked pepper and thyme. It’s juicy and smoothly integrated with tasty savory undertones to the dark fruit.

Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) — 92 Points
The Boekenhoutskloof 2024 Swartland The Chocolate Block, a blend of 73% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cinsault and 1% Viognier, may not aim for intellectual nuance, but it more than compensates with pure, comforting charm, like a big, shaggy dog asleep by the fireplace. Medium- to full-bodied, it delivers generous black fruit and bold cherry flavors with a smooth, reassuring texture, offering plenty of pleasure. Conceived by vintner Marc Kent as an accessible, crowd-pleasing expression of Swartland fruit, the wine reflects Boekenhoutskloof’s belief that serious craftsmanship and broad appeal need not be mutually exclusive. Production is substantial, with 3,741 barrels made, translating to just over 1.1 million bottles, making it an ideal choice for a long wooden table at a steakhouse surrounded by friends and shared plates.

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.

Winemaker Description

Forbes Magazine | Almost 54 years ago, Robert “Kool” Bell along with his younger brother and childhood friends, started a band. The iconic band Kool & The Gang is now one of the longest non-stop touring bands in industry. An avid lover of Champagne, Kool had always envisioned having his own brand out of Europe. For many years, he sought out Grand Cru Vineyards from owners that have been selling for generations and decided to work with Paul Berthelot, a Multi-Vintage Grand Cru Producer since 1884.