Labor Day Sale - White Wine!

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

Tim Atkin MW 92 Points | Kara-Tara is Stark-Condé winemaker Rudger van Wyk’s own project, entirely focused on Burgundian grapes. This stylish Chardonnay marries grapes from Elgin, the Overberg and Paarl. Poised between citrus and stone fruit flavours, with subtle toast and wet stone undertones. 2022-27′.

Producer Description 

Kara-Tara is a joint-venture between Rüdger van Wyk (2018 Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year) and José Conde of Stark-Condé Wines. Translated from the Khoisan, the language from the first people in Southern Africa, it means “deep dark shadows” and refers to the Karatara river that runs through Rüdger’s home town, near Knysna which is located in South Africa, on the Cape South Coast, facing the Indian Ocean.

This wine has the classic notes of lemon and grapefruit you’d expect from Chardonnay, with hints of almond and a fine mineral finish.

Luis Perez El Muelle de Olaso Blanco VdT Cadiz 2023 750ml

Willy Pérez is one of the most exciting winemakers working in the Sherry region today — and El Muelle de Olaso is the wine that proves it. Made from 100% Palomino Fino sourced from 40- to 50-year-old vines on the legendary albariza marl soils of Macharnudo and Carrascal, this is a Vino de Pasto in the old tradition: a dry, still table wine from Jerez that has nothing to do with Sherry and everything to do with terroir. Fermented mostly in stainless steel with a touch of bota aging and brief contact with flor, El Muelle is a wine of extraordinary finesse and minerality.

The 2023 vintage is a year of nuance and detail — less concentrated than 2022 but more balanced, with a fine thread of tension running through the palate and a long, clean, and deeply satisfying finish. This is Palomino as it was always meant to taste.

"The claim that Palomino is a neutral-flavor grape is proven wrong with El Muelle — a wine with citrussy and tropical fruit flavors, lively chalky minerality, and a touch of herbal tanginess from its short contact with flor."

• Producer: Luis Pérez, Jerez, Cádiz, Spain
• Appellation: Vinos de la Tierra de Cádiz
• Grape: 100% Palomino Fino
• Vintage: 2023
• Vineyards: Macharnudo & Carrascal — 40–50 yr old vines on albariza marl
• Vinification: 80% stainless steel, 20% bota — brief flor contact — 6 months aging
• Tasting Notes: Dried pineapple, citrus, apple, light caramel, honey, cedar, chalky minerality, herbal tanginess, long clean finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled seafood, oysters, jamón ibérico, fried fish, or goat cheese

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

James Suckling — 93 Points
Aromas of dried pineapple, apple and light caramel. Medium to full body. Light honey and cedar flavors. Made mostly in stainless with some natural fino in the blend. This is blended from two top vineyards of Jerez: Macharnudo and Carrascal.

Wine Advocate — 93 Points
The 2023 El Muelle de Olaso comes from a warm year but less warm than 2022 and more balanced. It was produced with Palomino grapes from 40- to 50-year-old vines on "barajuela" laminar albariza marl soils fermented mostly in stainless steel (80%) and only 20% in bota. It matured in stainless steel for six months. Pérez confessed that the wine has a little more Macharnudo wine this vintage. The wine is still a baby, primary and undeveloped but with a lot of finesse; it’s a year of less concentration, and it has nuance and detail, a fine thread and a long, clean and tasty finish.

A wine that rewrites what Palomino can be — El Muelle de Olaso is essential drinking for anyone who loves mineral-driven whites with soul.

Producer Description 

A blend of five of our favorite Russian River Valley vineyard sites, this Chardonnay captures the fantastic character of the 2021 vintage. Fusing fresh lemon and white floral aromas with a throughline of minerality, this versatile Chardonnay is simultaneously easygoing and complex.  

Peak Drinking Window: 2023 – 2029. 

98 Points, James Suckling
94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck 
90 Points, Wine Spectator

Expert Review

James Suckling 98 Points | Extremely focused and energetic nose of sliced limes and Meyer lemons with lemongrass. Some stone and hints of flint. Full-bodied with superb density and structure and phenolics that you can feel. It goes on for minutes. Slightly chewy at the end. From Wente clones planted in 1974. (v.2021). 

Château Les Riganes | White Bordeaux | Bordeaux AOC | 2024 | Kosher | Kosher for Passover

Château Les Riganes is a reliable and well-regarded kosher producer from Bordeaux, crafting approachable, terroir-driven whites that deliver genuine regional character at an accessible price. The White Bordeaux is made primarily from Sauvignon Blanc, the dominant white variety of the appellation, vinified to emphasize freshness, aromatic precision and the mineral, citrus-driven character that defines the best dry whites of the region. Kosher and Kosher for Passover, it is an excellent choice for Shabbat, holiday tables and year-round entertaining.

Light gold in color with green reflections, the 2024 opens with bursting aromas of yellow grapefruit, lemon peel, freshly cut grass, white spring flowers and earthy minerals. The palate is light to medium-bodied and immediately lively — a bright first attack of citrus fruit gives way to hints of slate, zesty lemon, herbal notes, basil and tart green pear. Medium-plus acidity keeps the wine fresh and focused, while saline and orange blossom notes linger on a remarkably long and mouthwatering finish.

Serve well chilled at 46–50°F. Pairs beautifully with oysters, grilled fish, shellfish, sushi, goat cheese, light salads, roasted vegetables, chicken and the classic dishes of the Shabbat and Passover table.

• Producer: Château Les Riganes
• Appellation: Bordeaux AOC, France
• Grape Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon
• Vintage: 2024
• Kosher Certification: Kosher; Kosher for Passover
• Style: Dry white wine
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Expert Review- Vintage 2023

Christina Pickard of the Wine Enthusiast writes 93 Points | Lime leaf, waxy citrus, white peach notes and a hint of honey open this Clare Valley Riesling. The combo of dryness, cheek-sucking, orange peel acidity and chalky texture makes for a somewhat austere wine solo, but pair with a creamy goat's cheese or seafood risotto and watch it shine. 

Producer Description 

Originally a pastoral run dating back to 1839, and originally named Wolta Wolta, Jim Barry purchased the land for The Lodge Hill Vineyard in 1977 as he was sure it would “produce some of the best Riesling in the Clare Valley.” Situated at 480 meters above sea level and situated on the Eastern Ranges of the Clare Valley, the grapes at our Lodge Hill Vineyard are exposed to concentrated bursts of sunlight and cool nights which encourage slower ripening. This helps deliver beautiful natural acidity and citrus characters that ripen early because of the small crop it produces. Gentle pressing and a rapid move into the fermentation allows the natural fruit flavors to be preserved.

Aromas of fresh lime, spice, citrus blossom, white peach, and nectarine skins open on the nose. In the mouth, the lime flavors take center stage commanding attention on entry. The fruit is fleshy with considerable weight and framed with a refreshing driving acid. A lot of wine!

Producer Description 

A nectar from one end of the tasting to the other! An intensely golden adornment, a nose of perfectly over-ripe Chenin, underlined by great elegance, a note of almond cream, quince, very ripe peach skin.

The palate is very straight, freshness, tension and sweetness so well integrated, a finish of candy sugar crystals but also the fine bitterness of the schists, it is a very beautiful vintage, a wine built to last and already so pleasant to taste now. It is the cuvée representative of the estate's terroir, i.e. almost five vines.

RouteStock · Chardonnay · Sonoma Coast · California · 2024 · 750ml

RouteStock is a Sonoma-based label built around a simple idea: source from the best sites, let the fruit speak, and keep the price honest. The Sonoma Coast Chardonnay draws from two consistent vineyard sources — one in the Petaluma Gap AVA, known for its cool, wind-driven conditions and naturally high acidity, and one located just 1.5 miles from the Pacific coast, where the marine influence is felt in every cluster. The result is a Chardonnay that leans into freshness and precision rather than weight and oak — bright, complex, and genuinely food-friendly. Sealed with a screw cap to preserve every bit of that coastal aromatics. At $23.99, this is Sonoma Coast Chardonnay at a price that makes it a weeknight staple.

Brilliant light straw in the glass with a beguiling, aromatic nose of Gravenstein apple, wild sage, Meyer lemon, and a lift of lemongrass — unmistakably Chardonnay, unmistakably coastal. On the palate: bright and racy, with a beautiful array of apple, tarragon, toasted nuts, and lemongrass, carried by a lovely richness that stays fresh and lifted through a long, lingering finish. Complex, inviting, and vibrant from first pour to last. Pair with roast chicken, grilled halibut, pasta with cream sauce, or a simple plate of soft cheeses.

• Producer: RouteStock Wines · Sonoma, California
• Wine: Chardonnay · Sonoma Coast
• Vintage: 2024
• Origin: Petaluma Gap AVA & Coastal Sonoma, California
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Style: Bright, fresh, coastal California Chardonnay
• Closure: Screw Cap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Gravenstein apple, wild sage, Meyer lemon, lemongrass, tarragon, toasted nuts, long lingering finish
• Pair With: Roast chicken · Grilled halibut · Cream pasta · Soft cheeses · Aperitif

Petaluma Gap precision, Pacific coast freshness — Sonoma Chardonnay the way it should taste.

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars — AVETA Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Appellation: Napa Valley, California | Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc | Format: 750ml

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars needs no introduction — the Napa Valley estate that stunned the world at the 1976 Paris Tasting with its Cabernet Sauvignon is equally masterful with white wine. AVETA, named for the Celtic goddess of springs and water, is their Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc: a wine of remarkable freshness, aromatic complexity, and thirst-quenching precision that stands apart from the richer, oak-driven California white wine style.

The 2022 is bright, lively, and unmistakably Napa — fragrant, fruit-forward, and built for the table.

Critical Acclaim

Wine Enthusiast — 92 Points
“Lively aromas and inviting flavors of mixed tropical fruits, wild grasses and wet stones make this wine mouthwatering and inviting through a lengthy finish.”

Winemaker’s Notes

Fragrant aromas of grapefruit, lemongrass, citrus, lychee, and orange blossom. Bright and lively on the palate with thirst-quenching acidity and pure flavors of mandarin orange and honeysuckle that lead to a lasting aftertaste.

Wine Details

• Producer: Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 750ml

Food Pairings

Fresh fish ceviche, crab cakes, grilled oysters with mignonette sauce, sushi, goat cheese, and light citrus-dressed salads.

Bolla | Pinot Grigio | Delle Venezie DOC | Veneto, Italy | NV | 1.5L Magnum

Bolla is one of Italy's most recognized and trusted wine brands, with roots in the Veneto stretching back to 1883. The Pinot Grigio is the estate's benchmark everyday white — consistent, clean and reliably crowd-pleasing, made from 100% Pinot Grigio sourced from the Delle Venezie DOC, the heartland of Italian Pinot Grigio production. The 1.5L magnum format makes it an ideal choice for parties, casual gatherings and any occasion where a generous pour is called for.

Light-bodied, dry and refreshingly crisp, the wine opens with delicate aromas of lime, green apple and white flowers. The palate is clean and easy-drinking, with light citrus and lime fruit flavors, gentle acidity and a fresh, clean finish. Serve well chilled and enjoy young.

Pairs easily with grilled fish, shellfish, light pasta, salads, soft cheeses, antipasti and casual warm-weather fare.

• Producer: Bolla
• Appellation: Delle Venezie DOC
• Region: Veneto, Italy
• Grape Variety: Pinot Grigio (100%)
• Style: Dry white wine, light-bodied
• Format: Magnum (1.5L)

Memo Summary Notes 

The Domaine Leflaive Mâcon-Verzé "Les Chênes" 2023 is a prestigious biodynamic white Burgundy that serves as an entry point into the world of the most famous Chardonnay producer on earth. While Leflaive’s Grand Crus from Puligny-Montrachet fetch thousands, their Mâcon-Verzé wines are crafted with the same biodynamic rigor and technical precision by the same winemaking team.

The "Les Chênes" (The Oaks) is a specific vineyard within the Mâcon-Verzé appellation known for its older vines (some planted in 1935) and south-facing exposure, which produces a wine with more structure and "toasty" complexity than their standard Mâcon-Verzé.

    •    Food Pairing: Its mineral precision and creamy finish make it perfect for butter-poached lobster, grilled scallops, or a rich vegetable tart.

    •    Cheese: Pairs exceptionally well with Chèvre (goat cheese) or a younger Comté.

Winemaker Description 

Clay-limestone terroir with little depth before reaching the bedrock. Gentle to very steep slopes. Surface area: 3.43 ha located in the heart of the Verzé valley, "Les Chênes" comprises two south-west-facing parcels.

The vines are cultivated biodynamically.

Harvesting is entirely manual, and pressing is carried out in Verzé. After decanting, the musts are transported daily to Puligny- Montrachet for fermentation and ageing, under the watchful eye of Domaine Leflaive's technical team. Vinification takes place in vats, and ageing lasts from 15 to 16 months.
Pressing: Long, gentle pneumatic pressing, 24-hour decanting followed by settling.
Fermentation: 55% in stainless steel tanks, 42% in cement tanks and 3% in new oak barrels.

Ageing: After 10 months' ageing on lees in fermentation containers, the wine is racked into stainless steel tanks and aged on fine lees for 6 months. Winemaker Description. 

Silver Gate | Chardonnay | California

Silver Gate is an on-premise exclusive crafted by James Foster, a winemaker with a long legacy of coaxing true varietal character from California fruit. The philosophy is straightforward: let the grape speak, keep the winemaking clean, and deliver something genuinely enjoyable at an accessible price. This Chardonnay is medium-bodied and approachable, with ripe tropical fruit, a touch of vanilla, and a smooth, crisp finish — the kind of bottle that works equally well alongside a meal or as a way to decompress at the end of a long day.

• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Format: 750ml | Screwcap
• Style: Medium-bodied, fruit-forward, smooth finish

Tasting Notes

Ripe tropical fruit, vanilla, and a smooth, crisp finish. Approachable and easy-drinking with enough body to pair well at the table.

Pairing Suggestions

• Poultry: Roast chicken, turkey, or creamy chicken pasta.
• Seafood: Grilled shrimp, salmon, or light fish tacos.
• Casual: Soft cheeses, charcuterie, or a simple weeknight dinner.

Nino Negri Alpi Retiche Nebbiolo Bianco 2024 750ml

Nino Negri is the benchmark producer of the Valtellina, Lombardy's dramatic Alpine wine zone where Nebbiolo — known locally as Chiavennasca — clings to steep granite terraces above the Adda River. But this wine is something else entirely: a white wine made from Nebbiolo. The Alpi Retiche Bianco has been produced since 1978, making Nino Negri one of the earliest pioneers of blanc de noirs-style winemaking in Italy. The red grapes are harvested and immediately soft-pressed with the skins removed at once, preserving the freshness and aromatics of the fruit without a trace of color.

Grown at 350–600 meters altitude on shallow sandy loam soils in the Rhaetian Alps, the 2024 is a wine of delicate precision and mountain freshness — light, bright, and harmonious, with a mineral backbone that speaks clearly of its Alpine origins. Fermented in stainless steel at controlled temperature and aged on its lees before bottling.

"Straw yellow color with light golden hues; delicate, distinct aromas of green apple and white pulp fruit; dry and fresh on the palate, with a pleasant mineral finish." — Nino Negri Winemaker, Danilo Drocco

• Producer: Nino Negri, Chiuro, Valtellina, Lombardy, Italy
• Appellation: Alpi Retiche IGT
• Grape: 100% Nebbiolo (white vinified — blanc de noirs style)
• Vintage: 2024
• Altitude: 350–600 meters — shallow sandy loam soils
• Vinification: Soft press, immediate skin separation, stainless steel fermentation at 18°C, lees aging
• Tasting Notes: Green apple, pear, white pulp fruit, floral nuances, minerality, fresh acidity, light herbaceous finish
• Best Paired With: Freshwater fish, fried fish and vegetables, light appetizers, fresh salads, delicate cheeses, or as an aperitif

A genuinely rare Italian white — Nebbiolo vinified blanc de noirs since 1978, from the Alpine terraces of Valtellina. There is nothing else quite like it.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

Wine Advocate 94 Points | The 2021 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett is deep and flinty but bright and clear on the refined and elegant nose with beautiful crushed slate aromas. On the palate, this is a rich, round and generous, incredibly lush and supple but crystalline and even pure Sonnenuhr with a highly stimulating, mouth-watering finish. This 2021 shows the great terroir of the cru, in particular in cool vintages due to its exposition that collects the sun's rays in the morning. 

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | This shows very little sweetness, but is harmonious and well integrated despite the firm acidity that fuels it. Stone- and orchard-fruit notes are flecked by chrysanthemum and cardamom to create the full-spectrum. The finish is long and persistent.

Winemaker Description 

Cassis and lime zest aromas with tart, salty and slate notes.

Try with yellow curry or spring rolls.

Winemaker Description 

The Bourgogne Blanc from Domaine Leflaive has the particularity to only come from vineyards located in the town of Puligny, making it easily one of the best Bourgogne Blanc you could get your hands on. This is the perfect first step into the Domaine Leflaive’s unique offerings. All vineyards are farmed biodynamically. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

Allen Meadows of Burhound | A very pretty nose freely reveals its aromas of apple, pear and lemon rind. The succulent, delicious and appealingly vibrant middleweight flavors possess a relatively refined texture while displaying fine depth and length for a wine of this level. The 20% addition of young vines from upper-level vineyards clearly helps and overall, this is excellent.

Crowded House · Marlborough · New Zealand · 2025

Twenty years ago, the Waihopai Valley was a blank canvas — a peaceful, remote haven in the ranges of Marlborough. Today it is home to Crowded House, a wine built on the conviction that Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, done right, needs nothing more than the land, the climate, and the courage to let both speak. Winemaker Matt Ward ferments entirely in stainless steel at cool temperatures, preserving every last note of varietal freshness and vibrancy, and sources fruit from a select group of growers — all certified under Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand — who have been part of the Crowded House story from the very beginning.

The nose opens with zesty lime, sweet pea, and freshly cut passionfruit, with an intentionally restrained mineral core layered beneath ripe citrus and crushed thyme. On the palate it is vibrant and expressive — Liberty apple, white nectarine, and passionfruit coulis — flowing with minerality to a rounded, classically crisp Marlborough finish.

• Producer: Crowded House
• Winemaker: Matt Ward
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Farming: Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) certified
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lime, sweet pea, passionfruit, Liberty apple, white nectarine, crushed thyme, mineral finish
• Pairings: Grilled fish, shellfish, goat cheese, Thai cuisine, light salads, aperitif

Classically Marlborough — sustainably grown, beautifully made, and impossible to put down.

Our Professional Review

Rand of 67wino.shop writes | Crisp and very dry with crunchy green apples and lime zest. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Clemens Busch Riesling Trocken (2024) is a quintessential example of "modern Mosel"—a dry, high-energy Riesling crafted by one of Germany’s pioneers in biodynamic viticulture.

Based in Pünderich, Clemens Busch is renowned for producing wines that are pure, site-specific, and reflect the unique slate soils of the region without the mask of heavy residual sugar.

Rombauer Vineyards · Sauvignon Blanc · Napa & Sonoma Counties · California · 2025

Rombauer Vineyards has long been synonymous with California’s most hedonistic whites — and their Sauvignon Blanc, affectionately known as “California Sunshine in a Glass,” is no exception. Sourced from two estate vineyards in Sonoma prized for freshness and vibrancy, blended with select warmer sites in Napa County, the wine is farmed sustainably with NDVI aerial imaging to optimize each block individually. Whole-cluster pressed, fermented primarily in stainless steel with a portion in French oak and concrete for texture, and bottled under screwcap to lock in every bit of its aromatic intensity. 91 points from James Suckling.

The 2025 was shaped by a long, cool growing season — heavy winter rains replenishing the water table, followed by slow, even ripening through a cool spring and summer — yielding a wine of exceptional freshness and aromatic precision. Pale lemon-green in the glass, it bursts with key lime, freshly cut grass, grapefruit, stone fruit, and lychee. The palate is mid-weighted with brilliant acidity, a textured mouthfeel, and a linear, bright, mouthwatering finish that keeps you reaching for the next sip.

“Generous, fresh and vibrant, with white pepper, stone fruit, lychee and sliced lemon. The palate is mid-weighted with balanced acidity and textured mouthfeel with a linear, bright finish and freshness.”
— James Suckling · 91 Points (Vintage 2025). 

• Producer: Rombauer Vineyards, St. Helena, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Napa & Sonoma Counties, California
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Farming: Sustainable; NDVI precision viticulture; night harvest
• Vinification: Whole-cluster press; stainless steel + French oak + concrete tank fermentation
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Key lime, freshly cut grass, grapefruit, stone fruit, lychee, white pepper, bright acidity, textured finish
• Pairings: Persian herbed omelet, green curry, fried fish tacos, grilled seafood, goat cheese, light salads

JS:91 · Napa & Sonoma — California’s most aromatic Sauvignon Blanc. Sustainably farmed, screwcap fresh, and built for sunshine.

Vigneti del Sole Pinot Grigio — Delle Venezie DOC 2025 — 1.5L Magnum

Northeast Italy's Delle Venezie DOC is the heartland of Italian Pinot Grigio, and Vigneti del Sole is one of its most reliable and honest expressions. Vinified with no oak to let the pure varietal character shine, this is Pinot Grigio as it should be — crisp, fresh, and effortlessly drinkable. Now in a generous 1.5L Magnum format, it is the perfect bottle for aperitivo spreads, summer gatherings, and any table that deserves something better than ordinary.

Pale yellow-green in color with a clean, inviting nose of crisp lemon, green apple, and almond. On the palate, the wine is lighter-bodied with lively acidity, bright citrus fruit, and a pure, unoaked character that keeps everything fresh and focused. The finish is clean, balanced, and refreshing — exactly what you want from a great everyday Italian white.

Unoaked — pure varietal Pinot Grigio from the Delle Venezie DOC, northeast Italy's benchmark appellation for the grape.

• Producer: Vigneti del Sole, Delle Venezie, Veneto, Italy
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Delle Venezie DOC
• Varietal: Pinot Grigio
• Style: White Wine — Crisp, Unoaked
• Format: 1.5L Magnum (equivalent to 2 standard bottles)
• Closure: Screwcap
• Tasting Notes: Lemon, green apple, almond, bright acidity, clean finish
• Best Paired With: Filet of sole, crab salad, grilled branzino, shrimp scampi, grilled chicken, pasta primavera, mild cheeses, aperitivo

Two bottles in one — Vigneti del Sole's Magnum Pinot Grigio is the benchmark for effortless Italian white wine at a price that makes every occasion feel like a celebration.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2014

Stephan Reinhardt of the Wine Advocate writes 94+ Points | The 2014 Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile is highly complex on the clear, intense and smoky, lemony nose. Clear, fresh, straight and very mineral on the nose, this is a pure but complex, intense, stony Riesling that is pretty austere at the moment. Provided with racy acidity, but concentrated and mineral on the palate, this is exceptional dry Riesling with great tension. To be served in 10, 20 and even in 30 years.  Drinking 2025 to 2040. 

Ian D’Agata of Vinous writes 94+ Points | Vivid straw-green. Delicate nuances of jasmine and lemon verbena complicate aromas of green apple, lime and minerals. Pure and penetrating on the palate, boasting superb definition to the flavors of gin, mint, minerals, violet and lemon zest. The finish is remarkably crystalline and long. This Frédéric Emile is currently dominated by its Osterberg component (the cuvée is a blend of Osterberg and Geisberg grand cru grapes), which brings chiseled acidity, as opposed to the Geisberg’s ripe fruit personality and licorice quality. Despite the difficult year, this is likely to become a memorable Frédéric Emile. So much so, in fact, that it’s currently impossible to choose between it and the more famous Clos Sainte Hune.  Drinking 2022 to 2045.

James Suckling writes 96 Points | So much mineral and sliced apple character with hints of orange and apple peel. Turns to steely character. Full-bodied, racy and bright. So lively. Great finish. Drink or hold on release. 

Jeb Dunnuck writes 92+ Points | Coming close to a decade after the vintage, the 2014 Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile is still vivid and racy, with a taut, focused, almost austere style in its ripe citrus, crushed stone, hazelnut, and smoky mineral-driven aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied and nicely concentrated, with high yet integrated acidity, this needs another 4-5 years of bottle age, as it's currently austere, firm, and inward. It will be an incredibly long-lived Riesling, but how much pleasure it will ultimately deliver might be questionable.  Drinking after 2027. 

Alison Napjus of the Wine Spectator writes 95 Points | A bone-dry, racy white, with a lovely entry point of slate, petrol and brine aromas on the nose, plus a minerally profile that underscores notes of crunchy nectarine, kiwifruit, cherry blossoms, pink grapefruit pith and fresh thyme. Firm and linear, this graceful version exhibits seamless knit and definition. Drink now through 2039.  - Wine Spectator 95

Jancis Robinson writes 17.5+ Points | To be released around 2022 or 2023. Razor-sharp nose and very tight. Lots to chew on. They could release this and no one would object but I can see why they want it to unfurl a bit.  Drinking 2022 to 2035.  - Jancis Robinson 17.5+

Winemaker Description 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2006

Wine Spectator 96 Points | This has lovely flavors of apricot, dried tangerine, pineapple and papaya rushing along, supported by hazelnut, frangipane and coconut notes. Despite the depth, it's very, very pure, with filigreed acidity carrying the long, long finish. Drink now through 2037. 7,500 cases made. 

Wine Advocate 95 Points | Served from an ex-chateau bottle. The 2006 Chateau d Yquem has a slightly reticent bouquet at first that unfolds in the glass. There aromas are well-behaved at first, but then start having some fun with lovely scents of dried honey, dried quince, marzipan and beeswax. Delving further into the aromatics there is a hint of spice and white pepper. The palate is extremely well-balanced with a viscous opening. There is great harmony and composure here - certainly not as voluminous or ravishing as the 2009 - but a controlled and very focused Yquem with a slight saltiness coming through toward the finish. The edginess is absorbing and it should play out nicely with bottle age. This could be the dark horse between the 2001 and 2009. Drink now-2050. Tasted March 2014. 

Carl Loewen · Estate Riesling · Liewener Klostergarten · Mosel · Germany · 2022

Christopher Loewen is one of the Mosel’s most quietly celebrated winemakers — a craftsman who farms organically, ferments with native yeasts in large Fuder casks without temperature control, and lets each wine find its own expression. The Estate Riesling comes entirely from the Liewener Klostergarten, a site with richer soils than Loewen’s steep single-vineyard parcels, formerly bottled as a Kabinett and now declassified to “Estate” to preserve the single-vineyard designation for the estate’s highest-quality expressions. Whole-cluster pressed, fermented spontaneously, and stopped by taste — this is Riesling made with the patience and instinct of a true artisan.

The 2022 is dry-styled, rustic, and deeply approachable — a wine of beautiful complexity and mouth-filling texture born from Fuder aging and spontaneous fermentation. Yellow stone fruit, pear, and spiced citrus are underscored by a pleasingly savory salinity. At once mineral and generous, it is the kind of Riesling that rewards attention and rewards the table equally.

“A dry-styled Riesling that is at once rustic and approachable. Rockstar winemaker Christopher Loewen raises this wine in large Fuder casks, using spontaneous fermentation. This gives the wine a beautiful complexity and mouth-filling texture. A mix of yellow stone fruit, pear, and spiced citrus is underscored by a pleasingly savory salinity.”
— Rand, 67wino.shop

• Producer: Carl Loewen (Christopher Loewen), Mosel, Germany
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Mosel, Germany
• Vineyard: Liewener Klostergarten
• Varietal: 100% Riesling
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Style: Dry — rustic, mineral, textured
• Vinification: Whole-cluster press; native yeast fermentation in Fuder casks and stainless steel; no temperature control; stopped by taste
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Yellow stone fruit, pear, spiced citrus, savory salinity, mineral texture
• Pairings: Grilled trout, roast pork, sushi, Thai cuisine, aged Gouda, charcuterie

Mosel — certified organic, Fuder-aged, spontaneously fermented Riesling from one of the valley’s most instinctive winemakers. Rustic, mineral, and built for the table.

Expert Reviews | Vintage 2020 

96 Points James Suckling | This Spatlese beams you up to Cloud 9, from where you have a wonderful view over the beautiful Mosel Valley. In spite of the considerable concentration, this is super-delicate and precise on the barely medium-bodied palate. Enormously long finish, where you barely feel the natural grape sweetness. Drink or hold. 

95 Points Wine Advocate | The 2020 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spätlese is pure, clear and flinty on the concentrated nose that is reminiscent of a fresh fruit salad served on a slate plate on an early summer morning. Light, lush and highly finessed but seriously structured on the palate, this is a savory, very clear and elegant Sonnenuhr Spätlese with great precision and finesse and highly stimulating salinity and mouth-watering grip on the finish. Rating: 95+ 

Winemaker Description 

Winemaker Description 

Arneis produces a lightly styled white wine with beautiful straw yellow colour. Citrus edged orchard fruits, pear and apricot are attractive on the palate with slightly bitter floral note that can resemble almonds. L'azienda Brovia is a traditional Piemontese family wine growing estate in Castiglione Falletto, in the heart of Barolo country. The wine is appreciated for its refined elegance.

The sole white wine of the estate is produced in the Roero district from an 0.80 hectare plot in Vezza d’Alba. The soil is essentially sandy in composition and sits at 340 meters altitude on south-facing slopes. The vineyard was planted in 1980. Harvest (manual) normally occurs in mid-September.

The grapes are briefly macerated and the fermentation occurs at controlled temperatures (around 15 degrees Celsius) for two to three weeks. The wine rests in stainless steel until the early spring months of the following year and is usually released to the market, after several months of bottle aging, in late summer/early fall.

Approximately 4500 bottles are produced annually, 3,000 of which are shipped to the USA. 

Memo Pairing Notes

This Arneis is incredibly versatile. Its freshness and body make it a perfect match for:

• Raw and Cooked Seafood: Oysters, raw tuna, grilled octopus, and white fish.

• Vegetable Dishes: Vegetable-based pasta, light risottos, or asparagus.

• Cured Meats & Cheese: Light ham or salami, and fresh, milky cheeses like Burrata or soft goat cheese.

Domaine Hippolyte Reverdy | Sancerre Blanc | Loire Valley | 2025

The Reverdys are one of the appellation's essential winemaking families and they have thoroughly mastered elegant and delicious Sancerre. Winemaker Julie Guiard simply has the right touch, making her Sancerre one of the most universally gratifying white wines out there. In the village of Verdigny, Reverdy's vineyards feature two of Sancerre's three principal soil types: mainly caillottes — pebbly white limestone — and some terres blanches, composed of richer marl formed in the Kimmeridgian era. The result is a Sauvignon Blanc balancing bright, zesty citrus and delicate floral nuances with an enveloping texture and stony, saline notes that make your mouth water. Irresistibly charming now, it can even age for a few years if desired. — Anthony Lynch

Domaine Hippolyte Reverdy is based in Verdigny, one of the most respected villages within the Sancerre appellation, where the family has farmed their vineyards for generations. The estate's parcels sit on two of Sancerre's three classic soil types — caillottes (pebbly white limestone) and terres blanches (Kimmeridgian marl) — a combination that gives the wine both the bright, citrus-driven freshness of limestone and the richer texture and mineral depth of the ancient marl soils. Under winemaker Julie Guiard, the domaine has become a benchmark for the appellation: precise, elegant and consistently delicious.

The 2025 opens with vibrant aromas of grapefruit, lemon zest, white peach and fresh-cut grass, accented by delicate floral notes, a whisper of smoke and the stony, saline minerality that is the signature of Verdigny's limestone soils. The palate is bright and lively, with an enveloping texture and exquisite balance of fruit, acidity and mineral tension. A long, mouthwatering finish with saline and citrus notes lingers beautifully. A cut above textbook Loire Sauvignon Blanc — and a wine that rewards a few years of cellaring if you can resist opening it immediately.

Serve well chilled at 46–50°F. An ideal partner for raw oysters, grilled fish, fish tacos, shellfish, sushi, goat cheese, tomato salads, gazpacho and light vegetable dishes.

• Producer: Domaine Hippolyte Reverdy
• Winemaker: Julie Guiard
• Appellation: Sancerre AOC
• Region: Loire Valley, France
• Village: Verdigny
• Soils: Caillottes (pebbly limestone) and terres blanches (Kimmeridgian marl)
• Grape Variety: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
• Vintage: 2025
• Style: Dry white wine
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Nobilo is one of New Zealand's most storied wine families, founded in 1943 when Nikola Nobilo emigrated from Croatia to New Zealand, bringing with him over 300 years of his family's winemaking heritage. An early champion of New Zealand wine, Nikola recognized the country's pristine landscapes — expansive sunlit valleys, rolling hills, and mineral-rich soils — as ideal for producing wines of exceptional freshness and character. His pioneering focus on quality and varietal expression helped shape the New Zealand wine industry into what it is today.

Marlborough, situated at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, is the country's most celebrated wine region and the spiritual home of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. The region's long, sunny days and cool nights, combined with free-draining stony soils and a reliable maritime climate, produce grapes of remarkable intensity and aromatic precision. Nobilo sources fruit from carefully selected Marlborough vineyards, ensuring consistent quality and a vivid expression of the appellation's signature character.

The 2025 vintage is crafted to preserve the natural vibrancy of the fruit. Grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness and vinified with minimal intervention to maintain freshness, aromatics, and the clean, precise profile that defines Nobilo's style.

The 2025 Sauvignon Blanc opens with an expressive, aromatic nose of ripe passionfruit, pineapple, and zesty citrus, layered with subtle hints of fresh green herbs. On the palate, the wine is crisp and refreshing with mouthwatering acidity, vibrant tropical fruit flavors, and a clean, generous finish. Intensely flavored yet beautifully balanced — a quintessential expression of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Vintage: 2025
Bottle Size: 750ml

Pairing: Oysters, grilled fish, lemon herb chicken, goat cheese, summer salads, and light seafood dishes.

A distinctive Premier Cru white Burgundy from Domaine Guy Amiot et Fils, this wine is produced from Chardonnay grown in the Beaune Premier Cru vineyard of Champs-Pimont. Introduced by the estate with the 2021 vintage, the cuvée is made from grapes carefully selected during harvest.

The vineyard’s chalky, limestone-rich soil gives the wine its characteristic mineral and saline expression. Its eastern exposure encourages freshness, while its position at mid-slope provides balance, concentration and structure. The vines are approximately 40 years old, contributing additional depth and complexity.

The 2023 vintage offers elegant aromas of lemon-lime, freshly sliced apple and delicate floral notes. The palate is beautifully textured and concentrated, with bright acidity and subtle mineral tension. A bone-dry finish brings together citrus zest, saline freshness and a lightly bitter note that adds definition and length.

Refined and energetic, this is a precise expression of Chardonnay from the Côte de Beaune, combining generous texture with freshness, minerality and excellent aging potential.

Critical Acclaim

Allen Meadows, Burghound: 88–91 Points “More elegant and slightly fresher aromas include those of lemon-lime, just sliced apple and a variety of floral wisps. There is again a lovely texture and even better volume to the more concentrated flavors that exude a subtle minerality on the bone-dry finale that also flashes a bitter zest character.”

Serving and Pairing

Serve lightly chilled with scallops, lobster, grilled or roasted fish, poultry in a cream sauce, mushroom risotto, vegetable dishes or soft and semi-firm cheeses. The wine may be enjoyed young for its freshness or carefully cellared to develop greater complexity.

Wine Details

Producer: Domaine Guy Amiot et Fils
Vintage: 2023
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Country: France
Region: Burgundy, Côte de Beaune
Appellation: Beaune Premier Cru
Vineyard: Champs-Pimont
Vineyard Classification: Premier Cru
Vine Age: Approximately 40 years
Exposure: East
Soil: Limestone, chalk and clay
Wine Type: Dry White Wine
Bottle Size: 750ml
Suggested Drinking Window: 5–8 years
Estimated Aging Potential: Up to 10 years under proper storage conditions

Domaine Guy Amiot et Fils Beaune Blanc Premier Cru Les Champs Pimonts 2023

Michele Chiarlo Le Marne Gavi DOCG — Piedmont, Italy 2024

Michele Chiarlo is one of Piedmont’s most respected producers, celebrated for wines of precision and terroir across Barolo, Barbera, and Gavi. Le Marne is their benchmark Gavi: 100% Cortese sourced from clay marl soils rich in iron on high hills near the town of Gavi, where sea breezes from the Ligurian Sea and cool mountain winds from the Apennines create a microclimate ideal for growing Cortese to optimal ripeness. The grapes are hand-harvested with summer bunch thinning for concentration, pressed without crushing, cold-settled, and fermented with indigenous yeasts at low temperature before aging 3–4 months on fine lees in stainless steel — a process that builds complexity while preserving the grape’s signature freshness. The 2024 vintage was exceptional for white grapes: warm and dry from mid-June to mid-September, with grower expertise playing a crucial role in achieving optimal ripeness. 

Straw yellow with bright green hues. The nose is elegant and inviting: golden apple, lemon, acacia flower, and bread crust. On the palate, it is crisp and fresh, with bright acidity, a mineral thread from the iron-rich clay marl soils, and a long, savory finish. A perfect food wine in every sense.

• Producer: Michele Chiarlo, Calamandrana, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Gavi DOCG
• Varietal: 100% Cortese — clay marl soils, high hills near Gavi
• Aging: 3–4 months on fine lees, stainless steel
• ABV: 12.5%
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Golden apple, lemon, acacia flower, bread crust, crisp acidity, long savory finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, sushi, seafood risotto, meat carpaccio, light pasta, fresh cheeses

A Piedmont benchmark at an honest price — Michele Chiarlo Le Marne is the standard for what Gavi DOCG can be.

Roberto Henríquez · 'Rivera del Notro' Blanco · Itata Valley · 2024

Roberto Henríquez is one of Chile's most important natural wine voices — a tireless champion of the Itata Valley, a region in the Bio-Bío that was making wine centuries before Maipo or Colchagua ever appeared on a label. His vineyards are planted with the old-vine field blends that Spanish missionaries brought to Chile in the 16th century: Sémillon, Chasselas, and Moscatel de Alejandría, grown on granite soils by small-scale farmers who have tended these vines for generations. The 'Rivera del Notro' Blanco — named for the notro tree that blooms red along the riverbanks of Itata — is his signature white: a modern-day interpretation of ancestral Chilean winemaking, vinified with extended skin contact that unlocks a depth and complexity no stainless-steel Chardonnay can touch. WA:92. At $20.99, it's one of the most exciting natural whites in South America.

The 2024 opens with a heady, complex bouquet of potpourri, resinous herbs, dried flowers, and a hint of saison beer — the unmistakable signature of skin-contact vinification done right. On the palate: svelte and elegantly concentrated, with a broad, refreshing finish that lingers with phenolic grip, a streak of bright acidity, and retronasal floral notes that keep pulling you back. Serve slightly cool — this is a wine for the table, not the cocktail hour. Drink now through 2027.

“A modern-day interpretation of ancestral Itata white wines… svelte, elegantly concentrated mouthfeel. The finish is broad and refreshing, lingering with phenolic grip laced with a streak of acidity and retronasal floral notes.”
— The Wine Advocate, 92 Points

• Producer: Roberto Henríquez
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Itata Valley, Bio-Bío, Chile
• Blend: Sémillon, Chasselas & Moscatel de Alejandría (old vines, granite soils)
• Style: Skin-contact white (orange wine)
• Vinification: Extended skin contact · Ancestral field blend · Natural winemaking
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Potpourri, resinous herbs, dried flowers, saison beer, phenolic grip, bright acidity, lingering floral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2027
• Food Pairings: Grilled fish, roasted chicken, aged goat cheese, charcuterie, spiced Middle Eastern dishes

WA:92 — ancient Itata field blends, granite soils, and skin-contact depth at a price that makes it a no-brainer.

Expert Review

The Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | Aromas of lemon-lime, orange blossom and sliced ginger arise from the glass. Ginger transitions to the palate alongside flavors of passion fruit, mango and a pleasing hint of rose petal that lingers on the taste buds. — Mike DeSimone 

Winemaker Description 

Tempranillo, Syrah

ONNA is a red wine made with the Tempranillo and Syrah variety of old vineyards of organic agriculture of our land, the Penedés. The must has macerated and fermented with the skins over a period of 2 weeks. Subsequently the wine has remained 3 months in French oak barrels of Allier. It is a fresh wine with aromas of red and black fruits with light spicy, pleasant and sweet notes.

• GOLD MEDAL – INTERNATIONAL WINE AWARDS 2022
• GOLD MEDAL – CATAVINUM WORLD WINES & SPIRITS COMPETITION 2022
• GOLD MEDAL – CATAVINUM WORLD WINES & SPIRITS COMPETITION 2021
• GOLD MEDAL – INTERNATIONAL WINE AWARDS 2021

Winemaker Evan Martin has called Koosah “the greatest Chardonnay vineyard in the Willamette Valley” — and the scores agree. Sourced from the Koosah Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills, this is Oregon grand cru Chardonnay in every sense: remarkable texture and tension between fruit, minerality, and acidity, with a finish that lingers with persistent freshness and a note of salinity. Martin himself describes it as Oregon’s answer to Puligny-Montrachet — built to drink now or cellar for 15+ years.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

“Dazzles with spiced apples, damp earth, a hint of saline, green melon, and subtle notes of white tea. Beautiful structure with a touch of tannins, perfect acidity and balanced sweetness, leading to a long, fruit-forward and saline-infused finish. An outstanding bottle poised for an even brighter future. Editor’s Choice.” — 97 pts, International Wine Cellar

“Bright yellow/silver color. Notes of smoky earth, white peach, lemon oil, and white floral tone. Lovely richness without weight, exceptionally focused length. Drink 2025–2037.” — 96 pts, Jeb Dunnuck

“The floral quality of its aromas balances the somewhat rich mouthfeel. Vibrant energy and nice overall structure — balanced acidity — featuring notes of stone fruits, crispy apples, lemon peel, and herbs. This wine nails both phenolic structure and rich texture.” — 95 pts, Decanter

Winery Notes: Lemon oil, green & gold apple, moss, white flower & minerals. Medium weight while possessing weightlessness. Our ‘Puligny’ — Oregon grand cru Chardonnay to enjoy now or cellar 15+ years.

Food Pairings: Roasted halibut, lobster, scallops, truffle risotto, aged Gruyère, and soft-ripened cheeses.

Varietal: Chardonnay
Producer: Martin Woods
Vineyard: Koosah Vineyard
Appellation: Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Vintage: 2022
Cellar: Drink now or cellar 15+ years
Bottle Size: 750ml

Winemaker Description

In the eastern reaches of Sancerre lies a distinctive terroir defined by silex — the French term for flint — a dense, siliceous soil that gives this wine its singular mineral character. Light yellow with a golden core, the nose reveals fine, elegant flint-smoke notes that immediately announce the wine’s origins. Beneath the minerality, a layer of yellow fruit and delicate florals adds complexity and density.

On the palate, the flint-smoke character continues, framed by a full, juicy mouthfeel that remains precise and elegant. Powerful acidity drives the long, tense finish. This is Sauvignon Blanc at its most mineral and structured — the clay-siliceous soils, rich in siliceous conglomerates, providing exceptional finesse and a marked aromatic intensity that sets the Silex cuvée apart from classic Sancerre.

About J de Villebois

J de Villebois is a leading producer of Kosher Loire Valley wines, crafting appellation-driven Sauvignon Blancs from Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, and Touraine under strict kosher supervision. The Silex cuvée represents the estate’s prestige expression — sourced exclusively from flint-rich parcels in the eastern sector of Sancerre, where the terroir imparts a smoky, mineral complexity rarely found at any price point.

Kosher Certification

Fully Kosher certified and suitable for Passover. An exceptional choice for Shabbat, Passover Seder, and any occasion requiring Kosher wine without compromise on quality.

Food Pairings

Oysters, grilled sole, sea bass, sushi, goat cheese, asparagus, and herb-roasted chicken. A natural partner for Passover Seder fish courses and light spring dishes.

Product Details

• Producer: J de Villebois
• Region: Sancerre AOC, Loire Valley, France
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Terroir: Silex (flint) soils
• Certification: Kosher, Kosher for Passover
• Vintage: 2024
• Style: Mineral, flint-driven, high-acid Loire white
• Format: 750ml

Expert Review — Vintage 2017

James Suckling 96 Points | Released after seven years in bottle. Delicate yet complex aromas of finger limes, grapefruit, kerosene, sage oil, preserved lemons, gun smoke and salted nuts. The palate is high tension, with an intense concentration of flavors coiled around a textural palate and striking acidity. Made from vines planted in 1965 — this has years of life ahead. Excellent. Drink or hold.

About The Contours Museum Reserve

Pewsey Vale’s The Contours is their flagship museum-release Riesling, sourced from the coolest south-facing slope of the estate in the high-altitude Eden Valley, South Australia. The vines were planted in 1965, making them among the oldest Riesling plantings in the region.

What makes this wine special: Pewsey Vale holds it in their cellars for five to seven years before release, so you receive a bottle that has already begun its transformation into a complex, aged masterpiece — no patience required on your end.

Tasting & Pairings

Finger lime, grapefruit, kerosene, sage oil, preserved lemon, gun smoke, and salted nuts. High-tension acidity with intense concentration and a textural, coiled palate. Serve well chilled.

• Kingfish crudo or oysters with lime mignonette — classic pairing for aged Riesling.
• Five-spice duck breast or tofu Pad Thai — the acidity balances spice and oil beautifully.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 96 Points -  #13 in Top 100 Wines of France, 2024 |  It’s hard to imagine a dessert wine that’s better balanced than this, because the acidity and richness seem to dance across your palate. It’s dense and complex, with myriad aromas of dried fruit, candied citrus, floral honey and fresh garden herbs, but the final impression is of incredible clarity and precision. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points | Pouring a youthful yellow/golden hue, the 2023 Vouvray Moelleux Le Mont offers spicy notes of ginger, yellow flowers, poached golden apples, hay, and freshly rained-on asphalt. Medium-bodied, it excels and takes things to the next level with its texture, and its sweetness feels both luxurious and weightless. This exceptional offering has tremendous potential for aging and pairings. Drink over the coming 15 years or more.

Vinous Media 95 Points | The 2023 Vouvray Moelleux Le Mont is a ripe, round, serious, suit-wearing wine style that's upright and conservative. It’s sweet (74g/l) but never feels luscious, and yet there's a tropical character to the fruit that gives richness to this reserved style. The effect of the flint is clear in the 2023’s sense of freshness. It's textured, pure, balanced and harmonious.

Memo Summary Notes

Domaine Huet is the spiritual home of Chenin Blanc in Vouvray, and their "Le Mont" Moelleux 2023 is a masterclass in balance. While "Moelleux" denotes a sweet wine, Huet’s style is never syrupy; it relies on the electric acidity of the Chenin grape and the flinty "perron" soils of the Le Mont vineyard to create a wine that feels energetic and precise.

The 2023 vintage was a challenging but rewarding year. A rigorous selection process was required (rejecting 25% of the crop) to ensure only the cleanest, most concentrated fruit made it into the Moelleux bottlings.

Pair with 

he "Classic": Pan-seared foie gras with a quince reduction or a traditional Tarte Tatin.

Savory: Spicy Thai or Szechuan cuisine (the sugar tames the heat, while the acidity cleanses the palate).

Cheese: Matured Roquefort or a long-aged Comté.

Memo Summary Description 

The Placido "Primavera Selection" Pinot Grigio 2024 is a textbook example of a clean, refreshing, and high-value Italian white wine. Produced by the renowned Banfi family (owners of the Placido label), this wine is specifically crafted to be "primavera" (springtime) in a bottle—vibrant, floral, and incredibly easy to drink.

While the brand is famous for its Tuscan roots, this Pinot Grigio is typically sourced from the Delle Venezie DOC (Veneto), the world's premier region for crisp, mineral-driven Pinot Grigio.

Herzog Special Reserve Chenin Blanc — Clarksburg, California 2024

Herzog Wine Cellars is California’s most celebrated kosher winery, and the Special Reserve series represents their finest expression — small-lot, artisan winemaking from California’s most regarded wine-growing regions. This Chenin Blanc comes from estate-grown old vines in Clarksburg, a cool Sacramento Delta appellation ideally suited to the variety. Left to ripen late into the season, low yields and botrytis bring about complex, concentrated flavors. Barrel fermented with native yeast and aged 12 months on a blend of 41% new French oak and 59% neutral French oak. Fined and filtered. Kosher.

The nose is aromatic and inviting: quince, baked apple, orange peel, and dried chamomile. On the palate, flavors of persimmon and pear layer with hints of lemon curd and brioche, carrying through to a long, pleasing finish. Rich, textural, and beautifully balanced — a Chenin Blanc that rewards serious attention.

• Producer: Herzog Wine Cellars, Oxnard, California, USA
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Clarksburg, California
• Grape: Chenin Blanc
• Farming: Estate-grown, old vines
• Vinification: Native yeast barrel fermentation; 12 months on 41% new French oak, 59% neutral French oak; fined and filtered
• Certification: Kosher
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Quince, baked apple, orange peel, chamomile, persimmon, pear, lemon curd, brioche
• Best Paired With: Lobster, scallops, roasted poultry, creamy pasta, spicy Asian cuisine

California Chenin Blanc at its most serious — Herzog’s Special Reserve is old-vine complexity and kosher craftsmanship in every glass.