Labor Day Sale - White Wine!

There's a California warmth to this Chardonnay that feels effortless — ripe pear, pineapple, and mango layered over crisp Granny Smith apple and a whisper of citrus zest. Ron barrel-fermented 70% of the wine in French and American oak (20% new) for eight months, drawing out notes of vanilla, caramel, and nutmeg, while the remaining 30% aged in stainless steel to keep things fresh and bright. The result is a wine that's both generous and clean — a classically round mouthfeel with enough acidity to keep every sip lively. Great alone, better at the table.

• Grape: Chardonnay
• Region: California, USA
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Aging: 70% French & American oak (20% new, 8 months) / 30% stainless steel

Domaine de la Commanderie | Quincy AOC | Sauvignon Blanc | Loire Valley, France | 2025

Quincy is one of the Loire Valley's most distinctive and underappreciated appellations — a small, ancient wine zone situated west of Bourges on the banks of the Cher River, producing 100% Sauvignon Blanc from limestone-rich soils that impart a signature mineral precision and depth. Quincy shares the same grape variety and similar terroir as its more famous neighbor Sancerre, but at a fraction of the price — making it one of the Loire's great value secrets for lovers of mineral-driven French Sauvignon Blanc.

Domaine de la Commanderie is a committed estate producer in Quincy, farming with sustainable and organic principles and crafting wines that express the appellation's distinctive limestone terroir with clarity and elegance.

The 2025 is pale yellow with green reflections. The nose is vibrant and inviting — citrus zest, green apple, and subtle floral hints with herbal complexity. On the palate, crisp and fresh with bright acidity, rich minerality, and a harmonious balance of fruit and stone that carries through to a refreshing, lingering finish.

"Citrus and green apples fill the glass with herbal complexity and detailed minerality. A great alternative to pricier Sancerre and perfect with all types of seafood." — Bart Hopkins, 67Wine

Pair with oysters, grilled fish, shellfish, sushi, light pasta, goat cheese, and fresh salads.

• Producer: Domaine de la Commanderie
• Appellation: Quincy AOC, Loire Valley, France
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
• Vintage: 2025
• Soils: Limestone-rich
• Farming: Sustainable / Organic principles
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Grove Mill Sauvignon Blanc — Wairau Valley, Marlborough 2025

Grove Mill is one of Marlborough’s most committed sustainable producers, nestled among their own vineyards in the Wairau Valley — the heart of the region. Their winery runs on solar energy, their wetlands are among the best quality in New Zealand, and their shallow, stony, fast-draining soils produce wines with a distinct and flavourful Wairau Valley character. This is Sauvignon Blanc with a conscience and a sense of place. The 2025 earned a Double Gold at the New Zealand International Wine Show.

The nose is intense and punchy: tropical fruit aromas with a fresh green edge that signals classic Marlborough DNA. On the palate, it is juicy and vibrant — crisp citrus acidity drives a focused, modern style with a long, clean finish. Unapologetically fruit-forward and built for the table.

🇳🇿 Double Gold — New Zealand International Wine Show 2025.

• Producer: Grove Mill, Wairau Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Marlborough, Wairau Valley
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Sustainability: Solar-powered winery, certified sustainable, award-winning wetlands program
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Tropical fruit, fresh green edge, crisp citrus acidity, juicy palate, long focused finish
• Best Paired With: Fresh seafood, creamy pasta, summer barbecues, goat cheese

Punchy, vibrant, and rooted in place — Grove Mill’s Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc is Marlborough with a purpose.

Winemaker Description 

With light refreshing flavors of citrus and green apple, it’s no surprise that it comes from the #1 Italian Wine in America.

Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc — Marlborough, New Zealand 2024

Marlborough is the spiritual home of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc — and Monkey Bay is one of its most reliably delicious ambassadors. Sourced from the sun-drenched vineyards of Marlborough's famous Wairau Valley, where cool nights and long sunny days create the ideal conditions for vibrant, aromatic whites, Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc is everything the region does best: clean, fresh, expressive, and effortlessly drinkable. It is distinctively New Zealand in character — unapologetically aromatic, fruit-forward, and made for the table.

The nose is bright and inviting with lifted aromas of passionfruit, grapefruit, fresh-cut grass, and white peach. On the palate, it is clean and refreshing with lovely tropical fruit flavors — passionfruit, citrus, and a hint of gooseberry — balanced by crisp, mouthwatering acidity and a clean, mineral-tinged finish. Light-bodied and easy drinking, it is the kind of wine that disappears from the glass before you know it.

"Distinctively New Zealand — clean, fresh, and easy drinking, with lovely tropical fruit flavors." — Monkey Bay Winemaker

• Producer: Monkey Bay, Marlborough, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Passionfruit, grapefruit, white peach, gooseberry, fresh-cut grass, crisp finish
• Style: Light-bodied, vibrant acidity, aromatic
• Drink: Now through 2026
• Best Paired With: Grilled chicken, seafood, oysters, goat cheese, green salads, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine

Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc at its most approachable — Monkey Bay is fresh, tropical, and made to be enjoyed.

Cavit | Pinot Grigio delle Venezie DOC | 2024 | 1.50L Magnum

Crafted by Cavit, the cooperative that has defined Italian Pinot Grigio for American palates, this 1.5L Magnum delivers the variety's signature freshness at a generous scale. The 2024 vintage from the Venezie DOC — spanning Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, and Friuli — brings bright citrus, crisp green apple, and a clean, mineral-driven finish. Light-bodied and refreshing, it is equally at home as an aperitif or alongside pasta in cream sauce, risotto, veal, chicken, and fresh seafood. The Magnum format ensures every pour is as lively as the first.

Grape: 100% Pinot Grigio
Region: Venezie DOC, Italy
Vintage: 2024
Format: 1.50L Magnum

Nigl Grüner Veltliner Freiheit — Kremstal, Austria 2025

Martin Nigl is one of Austria's most respected winemakers, farming steep hillside vineyards above the city of Krems in the Kremstal — a region celebrated for Grüner Veltliner and Riesling of exceptional precision and mineral character. The Freiheit — German for "freedom" — takes its name from a remarkable piece of history: this land is believed to be among the first privately owned vineyard land in the valley not controlled by the Church or a feudal estate. It is, quite literally, a wine of liberation. Sourced from four different vineyards in the hills above Krems, the soils are primarily löss, and the steep elevation moderates temperature to preserve freshness and aromatic lift. Fermentation and élevage occur entirely in stainless steel, and in a detail that speaks to Martin's obsessive attention to freshness, the wine is bottled at night — when the cellars are at their coolest.

The 2025 pours a pale, luminous straw. The nose is clean and expressive — citrus, green apple, white pepper, and a subtle mineral lift from the löss soils. On the palate, it's precise and refreshing with lively acidity, a focused mid-palate, and a crisp, dry, lingering finish. Everything Kremstal Grüner should be: pure, food-friendly, and built with care.

"Freiheit — freedom — believed to be some of the first privately owned vineyard land in the valley not controlled by the Church or a feudal estate. Bottled at night when the cellars are at their coolest." — Martin Nigl

• Producer: Weingut Nigl, Kremstal, Austria
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Kremstal DAC
• Varietal: Grüner Veltliner
• Vineyard: Four sites above Krems; löss soils; steep elevation
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation and élevage; night bottling
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, green apple, white pepper, löss minerality, crisp dry finish
• Best Paired With: Wiener Schnitzel, grilled fish, sushi, asparagus, Thai cuisine, fresh goat cheese

A wine of freedom — Kremstal Grüner Veltliner from Austria's most historically significant privately owned vineyard land, bottled at night for maximum freshness.

Indaba Sauvignon Blanc — Western Cape, South Africa 2024

Indaba — the Zulu and Xhosa word for a gathering of minds — was built on the belief that exceptional South African wine should be within everyone's reach. Sourced from family farmers working decomposed granite, calcareous clay, and ancient shale soils along the Western Cape's sunshine coast, Indaba Sauvignon Blanc is a consistently over-delivering value wine that has earned "Best Value" and "Best Buy" accolades year after year. Sustainably farmed, stainless steel fermented, and aged three months on lees for added texture.

The 2024 pours pale yellow with green reflections. The nose is vibrant and immediately inviting — guava, passion fruit, pineapple, lemon-lime, and green fig with a lift of citrus blossom. On the palate, it's fresh and zesty with racy acidity and a clean, mineral-tinged finish that lingers. Stylistically approachable and food-friendly, this is a crowd-pleaser in the best possible sense.

"Enticing citrus and tropical fruit aromas lead to fresh, zesty flavors of pineapple, lemon-lime, mango and green fig, supported by a spine of racy acidity. The mineral-tinged finish happily lingers." — Indaba Winemaker

• Producer: Indaba Wines, Western Cape, South Africa
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Western Cape WO
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Farming: Sustainable
• Fermentation: Stainless steel; aged 3 months on lees
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Guava, passion fruit, pineapple, lemon-lime, green fig, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, sushi, Thai cuisine, goat cheese, light salads, grilled chicken

An outstanding everyday Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa's Western Cape — sustainably made, consistently awarded, and priced to enjoy any night of the week.

Vavasour Sauvignon Blanc — Awatere Valley, Marlborough 2024

Vavasour is the founding winery of Marlborough’s Awatere Valley — a cooler, more dramatic sub-region that was once considered too extreme for vines. In 1986, Vavasour planted the first vines in this windswept southern pocket, and the gamble paid off spectacularly. Today, with the oldest vines in the valley and an intimate understanding of this unforgiving landscape, Vavasour produces Sauvignon Blanc of extraordinary elegance, perfume, and texture. Decanter awarded the 2024 vintage 91 points.

The nose is serious and expressive: fresh herbs, gooseberry, nettle, tropical fruit, and bright citrus with a rocky, salty mineral edge that speaks unmistakably of Awatere. On the palate, it is concentrated and focused — ripe stone fruit and a distinct minerality that holds up beautifully to rich, spicy foods. Vibrant, varietal, and rooted in place.

🇳🇿 Decanter 91 — “Fruity, vibrant and varietal, but also speaks of Awatere, with a rocky, salty herb quality with gooseberry and nettle notes.”

• Producer: Vavasour, Awatere Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Awatere Valley, Marlborough
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh herbs, gooseberry, nettle, tropical fruit, citrus, ripe stone fruit, rocky mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled fish, herb-crusted chicken, goat cheese, rich spicy dishes

The original Awatere Sauvignon Blanc — Vavasour is the wine that put this dramatic valley on the map.

Louis Latour Pouilly-Fuisse — Maconnais 2024

Maison Louis Latour has been one of Burgundy’s most storied negociants since 1797, and their Pouilly-Fuisse is a benchmark expression of the Maconnais appellation. The vineyards sit within a breathtaking limestone and heavy clay landscape — a terroir that gives Pouilly-Fuisse its distinctive richness and mineral backbone. Fermented in stainless steel with complete malolactic fermentation and aged 8 to 10 months on lees, this is a Chardonnay of genuine generosity and finesse.

The nose is bright and floral: honeysuckle, lime blossom, and a delicate citrus lift. On the palate, it is full-bodied and generous, with notes of fresh almonds and brioche underpinned by a clean, mineral thread. The finish is long, elegant, and unmistakably Burgundian.

🇫🇷 Burgundy Report (Bill Nanson) — Pouilly-Fuisse 2024, January 2026.

• Producer: Maison Louis Latour, Beaune, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Pouilly-Fuisse AOC, Maconnais, Burgundy
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation, full malolactic; aged 8-10 months in stainless steel
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Honeysuckle, lime blossom, fresh almonds, brioche, long mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Shellfish, charcuterie, skate, Reblochon cheese, roasted chicken

Generous, floral, and classically Burgundian — Louis Latour’s Pouilly-Fuisse is the Maconnais at its most elegant.

Hugel Classic Riesling — Alsace, France 2024

Famille Hugel is one of Alsace's most storied and respected wine dynasties — founded in Riquewihr in 1639 and now in its fourteenth generation of family ownership, making it one of the oldest continuously operating wine estates in the world. From their base in the medieval village of Riquewihr at the heart of the Alsace wine route, the Hugel family has been a defining force in establishing Alsace Riesling as one of the world's great white wine styles: dry, mineral, precise, and built for the table. The Classic Riesling is the family's signature expression — sourced from around half estate-grown fruit from Riquewihr, supplemented by select villages to the north and south, and crafted to showcase the finesse, frankness, and electric minerality that define Hugel's house style. It is their most demanding variety, as Riesling is also the latest ripening — expressing itself best on the steepest slopes with the most complex minerality.

The nose is unusually expressive for a Classic: a kiss of crushed fennel seed rises above pear and lemon — aromatic, precise, and inviting. On the palate, it is super slender and vividly bright, almost sylph-like, with exquisite lemony charm and lemon pithiness. Electric, vivid, and bone-dry, with a lip-smacking finish that is a tonic on any occasion. Wonderful balance and elegance — the ideal partner to fish and seafood.

Vinous 89 — "The palate is super slender and vividly bright, almost sylph-like but with exquisite lemony charm and lemon pithiness. This is an electric, vivid little Riesling; the finish is bone-dry and lip-smacking and should be a tonic on a hot day." (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Famille Hugel, Riquewihr, Alsace, France (est. 1639)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Alsace AOC
• Varietal: 100% Riesling
• Style: Bone-dry
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Crushed fennel seed, pear, lemon, lemon pith, electric acidity, mineral, bone-dry lip-smacking finish
• Drink: Now through 2030
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, oysters, sushi, scallops, lobster, Alsatian choucroute, soft cheeses, asparagus

Fourteen generations of Alsace Riesling mastery — Hugel Classic 2024 is electric, bone-dry, and one of France's most reliably brilliant white wine values.

Our Professional Review

Rand Sieger, 67 Wine Buyer: A fresh, bright Bordeaux Blanc with aromas of citrus and white stone fruits backed by subtle herbs and bracing minerality. Incredible complexity for an amazing price!

About the Wine Château La Rame is among the oldest and most renowned properties in the Sainte-Croix-du-Mont appellation, situated on a hill overlooking the Garonne River, 25 miles southeast of Bordeaux. While the estate is world-famous for its sweet wines, this "Sec" (dry) bottling is a sommelier favorite for its oyster-shell minerality and electric freshness.

95% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sémillon from hillside clay-limestone soils blessed with an exceptional substratum — a bed of fossilized oysters dating from the Tertiary era. Vines average 25 years old. Manual harvest, fermented in temperature-controlled vats, and aged 6 months on fine lees.

Tasting & Pairings

Citrus, white stone fruit, subtle herbs, and bracing oyster-shell minerality. Crisp, vibrant, and electric with impressive complexity for the price.

• Fresh oysters, mussels, or moules frites — the fossilized oyster terroir meets actual oysters. A perfect match.
• Grilled white fish with lemon and sea salt — the classic Bordeaux Blanc pairing.
• Goat cheese (chèvre) — the acidity and minerality cut through creamy cheese beautifully.

Dr. Konstantin Frank Dry Riesling — Finger Lakes, New York 2024 750ml

Dr. Konstantin Frank is the founding father of vinifera winemaking in the Finger Lakes — a Ukrainian-born viticulturist who arrived in New York in 1951 and proved, against all skepticism, that great European varieties could thrive in the cold climate of upstate New York. His winery, established in 1962, remains the benchmark for the region, and the Dry Riesling is its flagship: a wine made from estate vines dating back to 1958, blended from a mosaic of sites across their Keuka Lake estate. The 2024 vintage is a true reflection of the season — structured, expressive, and unmistakably Finger Lakes.

Pale straw with brilliant clarity. The nose is profoundly aromatic: vibrant lime, stone fruit, ripe melon, white flowers, and citrus zest. On the palate, a dynamic interplay of apricot, nectarine, and distinct stoniness is supported by a backbone of bright, mouthwatering acidity. Despite its brisk freshness, the wine offers a rich texture and a lingering, elegant finish that speaks to the pedigree of site and the timeless character of this estate.

• Producer: Dr. Konstantin Frank, Hammondsport, Finger Lakes, New York
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Finger Lakes
• Varietal: 100% Riesling
• Vines: Estate vines planted 1958
• Style: Dry Aromatic White
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lime, stone fruit, melon, apricot, nectarine, white flowers, citrus zest, slate minerality, elegant finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 5–10 years
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled fish, sushi, spicy Thai, roast pork, soft cheeses

The wine that put the Finger Lakes on the world map — Dr. Frank’s Dry Riesling is American fine wine at its most historic and most delicious.

Granbazán Albariño Etiqueta Ámbar — Rías Baixas, Galicia 2024

Granbazán is one of the founding estates of modern Rías Baixas, pioneering the region's reputation for world-class Albariño since the late 1980s. The Etiqueta Ámbar — the Amber Label — is their most celebrated wine, famously served by the glass at El Bulli for many years and the wine that put Granbazán on the international map in the 1990s. Sourced from a blend of estate fruit and grapes from long-established family growers in the Salnés Valley, it receives more active bâtonnage and extended lees aging than most Albariños, adding a richness and textural depth that sets it apart from the category. Winemaker Diego Ríos, who trained in the Mosel Valley working with Riesling, brings a precision and mineral focus that is unmistakably his own.

The nose is classic and inviting: ripe peach, citrus, and white blossom with a signature salty, briny minerality that speaks directly to the Atlantic coast. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and sappy with beautiful lees-derived texture, layered fruit, and a long, tapering finish of saline freshness. A wine with genuine aging potential — and the structure to prove it.

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points — "The most famous of this estate's wines, served by the glass at El Bulli for many years. It has richness and length in the form of medium-bodied peach and salty brine and should do well in the bottle another 5-7 years." (Vintage 2024).

Tim Atkin 93 Points — "A classic, salty, lip-smacking Val do Salnés Albariño. Sappy, layered and refreshing, it has some texture from lees-ageing and a tapering finish. 2025–29." (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Granbazán, Salnés Valley, Rías Baixas, Galicia, Spain
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Rías Baixas DO (Val do Salnés)
• Varietal: 100% Albariño
• Sourcing: Estate fruit + long-established family growers, Cambados & Meaño
• Vinification: De-stemmed, cold maceration, free-run juice only; fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel; 8 months on lees with active bâtonnage
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe peach, citrus, white blossom, salty brine, lees richness, long saline finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2031
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled turbot, seafood rice, roasted artichokes, goat cheese, ceviche
• Serve: Well chilled, 45–50°F

93 points from both Jeb Dunnuck and Tim Atkin — Granbazán Ámbar is the Albariño that made Rías Baixas famous, and it has never been better.

Bürklin-Wolf Estate Riesling Trocken — Pfalz 2024

Dr. Bürklin-Wolf is one of Germany's most storied wine estates, with roots in the Pfalz stretching back to the 17th century. Under the stewardship of Bettina Bürklin-von Guradze — one of Germany's most celebrated woman winemakers — the estate converted fully to biodynamic farming in 2005, becoming a benchmark for sustainable viticulture in the region. The vineyards, which include grand cru sites Gaisböhl and Gerümpel, are farmed without synthetic inputs, guided by lunar cycles, and harvested by hand. The result is a range of Rieslings that express the Pfalz with uncommon precision and vitality.

The 2024 Estate Riesling Trocken is sourced from young vines — fifth and sixth leaf — from Gaisböhl and Gerümpel, fermented spontaneously with native yeasts, half in traditional Doppelstück oak casks and half in stainless steel. The combination preserves freshness while adding a subtle textural complexity that sets this wine apart from its peers at the price. Bone dry, vegan, and built for the table.

Pale gold in the glass with a luminous clarity. The nose is pristine and aromatic — abundant peach, Amalfi lemon, preserved citrus, and a delicate mineral flicker of flint. On the palate it is medium-bodied and juicy, with the characteristic Pfalz generosity of stone fruit balanced by vivid lemon acidity and a long, saline finish. Crisp, focused, and deeply satisfying — a Riesling that rewards both the casual pour and the considered pairing.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

James Suckling — 92 Points
“Abundant peach and Amalfi lemon fruit, plenty of structure and bright mineral acidity on the juicy, medium-bodied palate. Pronounced preserved lemon and salt flavors in the long finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Vegan.”

Vinous — 90 Points
“A very subtle flicker of flint accompanies bright citrus and crushed citrus foliage. The palate brings the typical Pfalz juiciness with some stone fruit, but the lemon overtone is a constant in this vivid, bone-dry expression.”

• Producer: Dr. Bürklin-Wolf, Wachenheim, Pfalz, Germany
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Pfalz
• Grape: 100% Riesling
• Farming: Certified Biodynamic, Vegan
• Size: 750ml
• Style: Bone-dry, mineral, medium-bodied Pfalz Riesling
• Tasting Notes: Peach, Amalfi lemon, preserved citrus, flint, stone fruit, saline finish
• Drink Window: Now–2030
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, oysters, sushi, roast chicken, soft cheeses, asparagus

Biodynamic farming. Woman winemaker. Two 90+ scores. Pfalz Riesling at its most honest.

Forstreiter Grüner Veltliner Kogl — Kremstal, Austria 2024

Weingut Forstreiter is one of the Kremstal's most respected family estates — farming some of the most beautiful vineyard sites in this prized Austrian wine region, where the Danube carves through ancient terraced hillsides of loess, primary rock, and crystalline soils. The Kremstal is one of Austria's premier Grüner Veltliner appellations, producing wines of distinctive mineral precision, elegant spice, and vibrant acidity that set them apart from the broader Niederösterreich style. The Kogl is Forstreiter's single-vineyard expression from the estate's finest sites — a wine of genuine character, finesse, and typicity that showcases everything that makes Kremstal Grüner Veltliner so compelling. Farmed sustainably.

The nose is fine and expressive: fresh apple, gooseberry, cassis leaf, and aromatic herbs, with a merest touch of flinty reduction that dissipates on the first sniff to reveal a hint of yeasty concentration beneath. On the palate, it continues with citrus, herbs, and a juicy tone of Mirabelle — finely woven, medium-weight, and distinguished, with a pinch of the white pepper spice that is the hallmark of great Grüner Veltliner. Straightforward, uncomplicated drinking pleasure at its most elegant.

"Fine spice, fresh apple fruit, and typical of the variety on the nose. On the palate, citrus and herbs. Finely woven, distinguished and medium-weight — a drinkable Grüner Veltliner. A juicy tone of Mirabelle arises, making for a wonderful and compelling combination." — Forstreiter, Winemaker

• Producer: Weingut Forstreiter, Kremstal, Niederösterreich, Austria
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Kremstal DAC
• Vineyard: Kogl
• Varietal: 100% Grüner Veltliner
• Farming: Sustainable
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh apple, gooseberry, cassis leaf, citrus, herbs, Mirabelle, flinty mineral, white pepper spice, elegant finish
• Style: Medium-bodied, crisp, mineral, food-friendly
• Drink: Now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Wiener Schnitzel, roasted pork, cold cuts, asparagus, mushroom risotto, goat cheese salads, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, spicy sushi

Kremstal Grüner Veltliner at its most elegant — Forstreiter Kogl 2024 is mineral, precise, and one of Austria's great food wines.

Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc — Marlborough 2025

Allan Scott Family Winemakers is one of Marlborough’s pioneering estates, and their Sauvignon Blanc has long been a benchmark for the region. The 2025 vintage is a textbook expression of what makes this corner of New Zealand so compelling — bright, fruit-driven, and unmistakably fresh, with enough texture and minerality to keep things interesting. James Suckling awarded it 91 points; Wine Spectator followed with 90, calling it “sleek and juicy.”

The nose is lively and aromatic: white berries, currant leaves, white roses, and hints of crushed stone with a spicy green edge. On the palate, it is light to medium-bodied — crunchy, fresh, and juicy, with tropical fruit and zesty passionfruit balanced by a tense, minerally finish. Clean, dry, and built for the table.

🇳🇿 James Suckling 91 • Wine Spectator 90 — “An elegant style, with lime sorbet, quince, Fuji apple and lemon zest, all on a sleek and juicy frame that lingers.” (Vintage 2025). 

• Producer: Allan Scott Family Winemakers, Marlborough, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Marlborough
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Closure: Screw cap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White berries, currant leaf, white rose, lime sorbet, passionfruit, crushed stone, minerally finish
• Best Paired With: Fresh oysters, grilled white fish, shrimp scampi, goat cheese salads, fresh herb dishes

Crisp, vibrant, and true to its terroir — Allan Scott’s Sauvignon Blanc is the benchmark for what Marlborough does best.

CrossBarn by Paul Hobbs Sonoma Coast Chardonnay — Sonoma County 2024

CrossBarn is Paul Hobbs’s second label — and one of California’s most compelling values in cool-climate Chardonnay. Drawing on 81% estate fruit from Sonoma Coast vineyards, CrossBarn channels the same winemaking philosophy that has made Paul Hobbs one of Napa and Sonoma’s most celebrated names: minimal intervention, site transparency, and a relentless focus on freshness. The Sonoma Coast appellation is defined by its proximity to the Pacific — cold ocean winds and morning fog that slow ripening and preserve the natural acidity that makes this style so compelling. Partial malolactic conversion in stainless steel adds a subtle creamy texture without sacrificing the wine’s essential brightness and drive. The 2024 vintage is a textbook expression of the appellation.

The color is a luminous pale gold. The nose is fresh, pure, and immediately inviting: green apple, baked apple, ripe pear, lemon peel, and a whisper of bread dough and warm spice. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and easygoing — generous and juicy, with vibrant acidity, a subtle creamy mid-palate from partial malo, and a long, mineral-driven finish. Crisp, refreshing, and built for the table.

James Suckling 93 • Wine Advocate 90 — “Fresh, fruity, juicy, crisp — generous in green apples, baked apples and minerals. Subtle cream and butter from partial malolactic conversion.” (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: CrossBarn by Paul Hobbs, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Estate Fruit: 81%
• Vinification: Partial malolactic conversion, stainless steel maturation
• Style: Bright, fresh, cool-climate Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Green apple, baked apple, pear, lemon peel, bread dough, warm spice, mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 3–5 years
• Best Paired With: Crab Louie, grilled shrimp, oysters, roast chicken, mushroom risotto, creamy pasta

Paul Hobbs’s vision for Sonoma Coast Chardonnay — CrossBarn delivers serious winemaking at an honest price.

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2025

• Wine Spectator – 92 Points | “Vibrant, juicy and wonderfully intense, showing off fleshy notes of passion fruit, mango and citrus, with mouthwatering acidity and a touch of saline and lemongrass on the finish. Drink now.”

Tasting Notes

A veritable fruit basket of tropical proportions — kiwi, pineapple, spearmint, and crunchy apple — with the vibrant, mouthwatering acidity that defines great Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Beautifully balanced and intensely expressive.

About the Wine

Originally Australian, winemaker Anthony ‘Ant’ Moore moved to Marlborough on New Zealand’s South Island in the early 2000s and never looked back. His signature approach — old oak barrels and extended lees aging — tempers the searing acidity and typical greenness of NZ Sauvignon Blanc, resulting in a wine with greater texture, complexity, and tropical fruit depth than most in its class.

Food Pairing

Pairs beautifully with grilled fish, goat cheese, crunchy salads, and light seafood dishes. Perfect for any sunny moment.

Product Details

• Appellation: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Vintage: 2025
• Format: 750ml
• Producer: Ant Moore Wines

Expert Review — Vintage 2024

James Suckling 92 Points | Citrus, white pears and hints of snow peas on the nose of this juicy and crisp white. It’s medium-bodied, bright and cool, with a light peppery twist at the end. From organically grown grapes.

Winemaker Description

This Grüner Veltliner is a blend of wines sourced from different terraced vineyards in the Kamptal. The elevated terraces consist of stonier soils (schisted granite), producing wines with aromatic expression, good acidity, elegant stone fruit and pronounced minerality. The lower terraces of layered fertile loess contribute more body and ripeness. The combination of these two characteristics yields a classic Grüner Veltliner with both finesse and vigor — certified organic.

Food Pairings

• Wiener Schnitzel or roasted veal
• Grilled white fish, scallops, or sushi
• Asparagus, spring vegetables, or herb-forward dishes
• Fresh goat cheese or mild alpine cheeses

Product Details

• Producer: Weingut Bründlmayer
• Grape: Grüner Veltliner
• Appellation: Kamptal, Niederösterreich, Austria
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml

Santa Marina Pinot Grigio — Italy 2024 — 1.5L Magnum

Santa Marina Pinot Grigio is a perennial crowd-pleaser from Italy — fresh, honest, and endlessly versatile. The 2024 vintage arrives in a generous 1.5L Magnum format, making it the perfect pour for al fresco dinners, summer gatherings, and any occasion where one bottle is never quite enough. Two bottles in one, at a price that makes the decision easy.

Delicate gold with hints of straw. The nose opens with ripe pear, citrus zest, and almond blossom — clean, inviting, and classically Italian. On the palate, the wine is light to medium-bodied with soft, clean fruit, bright acidity, and a crisp, dry finish that keeps you coming back for another glass. Chill well and pour freely.

Crisp, dry, and effortlessly food-friendly — Santa Marina Pinot Grigio in a generous 1.5L Magnum. Two bottles, one great price.

• Producer: Santa Marina, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Italy
• Varietal: Pinot Grigio
• Style: White Wine — Dry, Crisp, Light-Bodied
• Format: 1.5L Magnum (equivalent to 2 standard bottles)
• Size: 1.5L
• Tasting Notes: Ripe pear, citrus zest, almond blossom, soft clean fruit, crisp dry finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled seafood, light pasta, bruschetta, fresh mozzarella, antipasto, summer picnics, aperitivo

Two bottles, one honest price — Santa Marina Pinot Grigio Magnum is the benchmark for effortless Italian white wine built for sharing.

Cupcake Vineyards · Marlborough · New Zealand · 2025

Marlborough is Sauvignon Blanc country — a place where the long, sun-drenched days and cool nights of New Zealand’s South Island coax every last bit of aromatic intensity from the grape. Cupcake Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is a textbook expression of why this corner of the world has become one of the most exciting white wine regions on earth: vibrant, precise, and impossible to put down.

The nose is bright and expressive, leading with Meyer lemon, white nectarine, and key lime, then opening into hints of grapefruit, gooseberry, and fresh citrus blossom. On the palate it’s crisp and lively, with a clean, balanced finish that lingers just long enough to make you reach for another sip.

• Producer: Cupcake Vineyards
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Meyer lemon, white nectarine, key lime, grapefruit, gooseberry, citrus blossom
• Pairings: Oysters on the half shell, creamy lobster risotto, grilled fish, goat cheese, light salads

Bright, fresh, and endlessly drinkable — New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc at its most approachable.

Dönnhoff Estate Riesling — Nahe VDP.Gutswein 2024

Dönnhoff is the Nahe. For decades, Helmut Dönnhoff and now his son Cornelius have set the standard for German Riesling from this compact, geologically extraordinary region between the Mosel and the Rhine. The estate's vineyards sit on steep slopes around Oberhausen in the middle Nahe, where volcanic porphyry, melaphyre, slate, and quartzite converge in soils unlike anywhere else in Germany. It is this geological complexity — ancient, mineral-rich, and deeply expressive — that gives Dönnhoff Rieslings their signature clarity, precision, and finesse.

The 2024 Estate Riesling is a VDP.Gutswein — the entry point into the Dönnhoff range, and one of the most overdelivering bottles in German wine. Sourced from a broader selection of sites than usual, including Oberhäuser Felsenberg and Kieselberg, and fermented in a combination of stainless steel tanks and large oak barrels, the wine captures the full character of the 2024 vintage: brilliant fruit, lively acidity, and a cool, precise finish. Bone dry, screw-capped, and built for immediate pleasure.

Luminous pale gold in the glass. The nose is effusive and aromatic — mandarin orange, yellow peach, green apple, citrus zest, and white peach, with a fine saline minerality threading through. On the palate it is svelte and medium-bodied, zesty and ripe, with a sunny, lip-smacking quality and a long, saline, savory finish. Pure Riesling. Vibrant, fresh, and immensely clean — a crystal-clear expression of what Dönnhoff and the Nahe are all about.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

James Suckling — 92 Points
“Brimming with mandarin orange and yellow peach aromas, this is a very attractive entry-level dry Riesling. Barely medium-bodied, but so effusive and elegant. Very zesty finish.”

Vinous — 91 Points
“An absolutely clear-cut, lip-smacking Riesling. The palate is totally strait-laced, zesty and ripe, with a sunny aspect. Svelte and immensely fresh.”

Wine Advocate — 90 Points
“Remarkably intense and aromatic yellow stone fruit intermingled with complex and saline terroir notes of the middle Nahe. Fresh and savory on the palate — pure and fresh with remarkable intensity and sustainability on the finish.”

• Producer: Weingut Dönnhoff, Oberhausen, Nahe, Germany
• Vintage: 2024
• Classification: VDP.Gutswein
• Appellation: Nahe
• Grape: 100% Riesling
• Closure: Screw cap
• Style: Bone-dry, mineral, medium-bodied Nahe Riesling
• Tasting Notes: Mandarin orange, yellow peach, green apple, citrus zest, saline minerality
• Drink Window: Now–2032
• Best Paired With: Spicy Thai or Indian cuisine, fresh trout, Jägerschnitzel, salty cheeses, oysters

Three critics. Three 90+ scores. The Nahe’s finest estate — at its most accessible.

Calera Chardonnay — Central Coast 2023

In 1975, Josh Jensen founded Calera high in the Gavilan Mountains — naming it after the Spanish word for "lime kiln" — and spent decades proving that California's Central Coast could produce world-class wine. Nearly fifty years on, the Central Coast Chardonnay remains the benchmark of the estate: impeccably balanced, cool-climate in character, and consistently earning 91-point scores from both Wine Enthusiast and Jeb Dunnuck. The 2023 growing season was exceptional — a long wet winter, delayed budbreak, and a mild extended summer gave the fruit an extra month to ripen, achieving rare harmony between acidity and concentration.

The nose shows toasted almond, citrus pith, lemon zest, apricot, and delicate orange blossom. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with a rounded, grainy texture — golden apple, pineapple, and tangerine are framed by bright, focused acidity and a touch of wet stone minerality. The finish is crisp, long, and refreshing, with chaparral herb and dried pear lingering through the close. Drinking beautifully now, with 5–7 more years of potential.

Wine Enthusiast 91 — "Toasted almond, citrus pith and light dairy aromas. Chaparral rock and herb flavors meet with brighter lemon and dried pear elements." — Matt Kettmann • Jeb Dunnuck 91 — "Hugely enjoyable, with a rounded mouthfeel and long-lasting acidity." (Vintage 2023). 

• Producer: Calera, Gavilan Mountains, Central Coast, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Central Coast
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Style: White Wine — Full-Bodied, Cool-Climate
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Toasted almond, citrus pith, lemon zest, apricot, golden apple, pineapple, tangerine, wet stone, chaparral herb
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 5–7 years
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, roasted chicken, wild mushroom ravioli, goat cheese salads, light cream sauces

Two 91-point scores, one honest price — Calera's Central Coast Chardonnay is the benchmark for what California cool-climate white wine can be.

Vera Vinho Verde Branco 2025 750ml

Discover the delight of Vera Vinho Verde Branco, a refreshing and vibrant Portuguese white wine that tantalizes the taste buds with its unique flavor profile. This wine is characterized by its bright acidity and delightful notes of citrus and green apple, with clean, lively flavors of lime, ripe pink and yellow grapefruit. The slight effervescence adds a refreshing sparkle, making it a perfect choice for warm summer days and a favorite at gatherings.

Winemaker's Description

Arinto brings bright acidity and aging potential, Azal is citric and fresh and Loureiro is aromatic and delicate.

Three Grape Blend

This Vinho Verde is a blend of three classic Portuguese grape varieties: Arinto, Azal, and Loureiro. Each grape contributes unique characteristics that create a harmonious and complex wine.

Arinto - Bright Acidity & Aging Potential

Arinto brings bright acidity and aging potential to the blend. This grape provides the wine's crisp backbone and ensures freshness, making it both enjoyable now and capable of short-term aging.

Azal - Citric & Fresh

Azal is citric and fresh, contributing vibrant citrus character to the wine. This grape adds lively, zesty flavors that make the wine incredibly refreshing.

Loureiro - Aromatic & Delicate

Loureiro is aromatic and delicate, bringing floral and aromatic complexity to the blend. This grape adds elegance and perfume to the wine's bouquet.

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Pale yellow hue with slight effervescence
Aroma: Citrus, green apple, floral notes, aromatic and delicate character
Palate: Clean, lively flavors of lime, ripe pink and yellow grapefruit. Bright acidity with light body and crisp finish. Subtle hints of mineral undertones
Finish: Crisp, refreshing finish with slight effervescence

Clean, Lively Flavors

Clean, lively flavors of lime, ripe pink and yellow grapefruit define this refreshing wine. The purity of fruit expression is characteristic of quality Vinho Verde.

Lime, Pink & Yellow Grapefruit

Flavors of lime, ripe pink and yellow grapefruit create a vibrant citrus profile. These bright fruit notes make the wine incredibly food-friendly and refreshing.

Slight Effervescence

Slight effervescence adds a refreshing sparkle and liveliness to the wine. This gentle fizz is a hallmark of traditional Vinho Verde and enhances the wine's refreshing character.

Bright Acidity

Characterized by its bright acidity that provides structure and freshness. The acidity makes this wine perfect for pairing with food and ensures it's thirst-quenching.

Citrus & Green Apple Notes

Delightful notes of citrus and green apple create an inviting flavor profile. These classic Vinho Verde characteristics make the wine approachable and enjoyable.

Mineral Undertones

The subtle hints of mineral undertones add depth to the wine, enhancing its overall experience. This minerality reflects the terroir of Portugal's Vinho Verde region.

Light Body & Crisp Finish

Light body and crisp finish make it incredibly enjoyable and easy to drink. The wine's refreshing nature makes it perfect for warm weather and casual occasions.

2024 Vintage Quality

This 2024 vintage of Vera Vinho Verde Branco showcases the freshness and vibrancy that defines great Vinho Verde. The wine is meant to be enjoyed young to capture its lively character.

Portuguese Vinho Verde Region

From Portugal's Vinho Verde region, known for producing refreshing, slightly effervescent white wines. This region in northwest Portugal has a cool, maritime climate ideal for these grape varieties.

Versatile Food Pairing

This wine pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes:

• Light salads
• Grilled fish and seafood
• Spicy Asian cuisine
• Sushi and sashimi
• Shellfish
• Fresh oysters
• Light appetizers
• Goat cheese

Perfect for Summer Days

A perfect choice for those warm summer days, making it a favorite at summer picnics, beach parties, and garden gatherings. The refreshing characteristics make it ideal for outdoor entertaining.

Ideal for Gatherings

Imagine relaxing on a sunny afternoon, sipping on this delightful wine while sharing meals with friends and family. Whether it's a casual barbecue or a formal dinner, Vera Vinho Verde Branco is the ideal companion.

Serve Chilled

Served chilled, this wine elevates any occasion, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. Serve at 45-50°F for optimal enjoyment.

Pale Yellow Hue

As you pour it into your glass, the pale yellow hue captivates your senses. The wine's appearance signals its freshness and quality.

Enticing Aromas

The moment the cork pops, the enticing aromas fill the air, inviting you to take the first sip. The aromatic complexity from Loureiro creates an inviting bouquet.

Adds Elegance & Joy

Whether you are celebrating a special milestone or simply unwinding after a long day, Vera Vinho Verde Branco adds a touch of elegance and joy to your lifestyle. This wine impresses wine lovers and casual drinkers alike.

Bravium Russian River Valley Chardonnay — Plumis Vineyard, Sonoma County 2024

Bravium is a specialist in cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley — one of California’s most prestigious appellations for both varieties, where morning fog rolls in off the Pacific and lingers through the vines, preserving natural acidity and producing wines of remarkable freshness and precision. The 2024 Chardonnay is sourced primarily from the Plumis Vineyard near Forestville, a prized site where the interplay of coastal influence and California sunshine creates a wine that balances richness with crisp coastal structure. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 91 points.

The nose is loaded and inviting: floral aromas, chalky minerality, pithy lemon, pineapple, honey, pear, apple, and white flowers, with a judicious framing of vanillin oak. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and lively — crisp pineapple and mango fruit flavors that turn into apple pastry on the mid-palate, finely textured with medium acidity that builds into a saline, mineral finish of remarkable length and bounce. It is the kind of Chardonnay that delivers great value at every pour.

Wine Enthusiast 91 (Tom R. Capo) — "The nose is loaded with floral aromas, swirling with chalky minerality, pithy lemon, and pineapple. The palate is driven by lively acid, with flavors of fresh pear, tropical citrus, white flowers, and ginger that ebb and flow through the finale. There’s great value here." (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Bravium, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Russian River Valley AVA
• Vineyard: Plumis Vineyard, Forestville
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Style: Full-bodied, cool-climate Chardonnay with saline minerality
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Pineapple, mango, lemon, pear, apple pastry, white flowers, ginger, vanillin oak, saline mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Oyster po’ boys, grilled salmon with lemon butter, Dungeness crab cakes, mushroom risotto, fettuccine Alfredo, aged Gouda, creamy Brie

A 91-point single-vineyard Russian River Chardonnay at an honest price — Bravium’s Plumis Vineyard bottling is the benchmark for what cool-climate, fog-influenced Sonoma Chardonnay can deliver.

Mora & Memo "Tino" Vermentino di Sardegna — Sardinia, Italy 2024

Mora & Memo is the project of Elisabetta Pala, one of Sardinia's most celebrated winemakers, working from her family estate in Serdiana in the southeastern corner of the island. The winery is instantly recognizable by its iconic "Bandida" label — a stylized woman in traditional Sardinian dress — a symbol of the estate's balance between deep-rooted heritage and contemporary winemaking vision. Their Vermentino di Sardegna is a striking, modern expression of Sardinia's signature white grape: aromatic, textured, and mineral, with the kind of island freshness that makes it one of the most compelling Italian whites at any price. James Suckling awarded it 94 points.

The nose is clean and intensely aromatic: sliced lemon, green apple, white flowers, rosemary, thyme, and sage, with a delicate mineral underpinning from the island's ancient soils. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and beautifully textured — juicy acidity, a warm, full mouthfeel, and a long, mineral-laced finish with persistent vegetal and herbal notes. It is everything a great Sardinian Vermentino should be: vibrant, complex, and deeply satisfying.

James Suckling 94 — "A clean floral nose of sliced lemons, apples and white flowers with mineral nuances. The medium-bodied palate is textured and nicely framed, with juicy acidity and a mineral-laced finish."

• Producer: Mora & Memo (Elisabetta Pala), Serdiana, Sardinia, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Vermentino di Sardegna DOC
• Region: Sardinia, Italy
• Varietal: 100% Vermentino
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon, green apple, white flowers, rosemary, thyme, sage, mineral, juicy acidity, long herbal finish
• Best Paired With: Fritto misto, grilled sea bass, pasta with clams and bottarga, pesto, herb-heavy dishes, creamy vegetable soups

A 94-point Sardinian Vermentino from one of the island's most distinctive estates — Mora & Memo is the benchmark for what modern, terroir-driven Vermentino di Sardegna can deliver.

Weingut Petri Riesling Kabinett Herxheimer Honigsack Trocken — Pfalz, Germany 2023

The Honigsack vineyard in Herxheim am Berg is one of the Pfalz’s quietly revered single-vineyard sites — a place where Riesling finds its most precise, mineral expression. Weingut Petri has long understood this terroir, farming with care and bottling with restraint to let the vineyard speak for itself. The 2023 Kabinett Trocken is a dry Kabinett that delivers everything the Pfalz does best: crisp, focused fruit, lively acidity, and a stony mineral backbone that carries through to a long, clean finish. “Kabinett” designates the lightest and most delicate ripeness level in German Prädikat wine; “Trocken” means fully dry. The result is a wine of real complexity and precision at a price that makes it an everyday pleasure. Rand Sieger, 67Wine Buyer, calls it “great value and complexity at its price point.” At under $14, he is right.

The nose is fresh and inviting: green apple, citrus zest, and wet stone. On the palate, it is crisp, vibrant, and mineral-driven, with refreshing acidity and a long, clean, precise finish with a delightful apple core character. Just off-dry in feel, it balances fruit and minerality with effortless precision.

Rand Sieger, Wine Buyer, 67Wine — “Just off-dry with delightful green apple aromas and edgy minerality. Ends in a long, delicious apple core finish. Great value and complexity at its price point.”

• Producer: Weingut Petri, Herxheim am Berg, Pfalz, Germany
• Vintage: 2023
• Vineyard: Herxheimer Honigsack — single vineyard, Pfalz
• Classification: Kabinett Trocken (dry)
• Varietal: 100% Riesling
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Green apple, citrus zest, wet stone, mineral-driven, long apple core finish
• Best Paired With: Light seafood, sushi, oysters, fresh goat cheese, Asian cuisine, summer salads

A single-vineyard Pfalz Kabinett Trocken at an honest price — Petri Honigsack is the benchmark for what dry German Riesling can be.

Domaine Vocoret et Fils Chablis 2023 750ml

Domaine Vocoret & Fils is the epitome of a hands-on, family-owned estate located near the town of Auxerre in Chablis. For five generations, the domaine has been passed down from father to son, with the family's deep-rooted dedication driving both tradition and innovation. Their 37 acres of Chablis appellation vineyards produce wines of striking purity and terroir-driven character.

Tasting Notes

The 2023 Chablis opens with classic aromas of green apple, lemon zest, and wet stone. On the palate, it is crisp and focused with steely minerality, bright citrus, and firm acidity that gives the wine its signature Chablis backbone. The finish is clean, precise, and refreshing.

Food Pairings

A natural partner for oysters, clams, and all manner of seafood. Also excellent with snails, charcuterie, goat cheese, and Gruyère. Serve well-chilled as an aperitif or throughout a meal.

Domaine

• Domaine: Vocoret et Fils, Chablis, Burgundy, France
• Appellation: Chablis AOC
• Grape: 100% Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Unoaked, mineral-driven white Burgundy

St. Francis Chardonnay — Sonoma County, California 2023

St. Francis Winery has been crafting benchmark Sonoma County wines since 1979, and their Chardonnay remains one of the appellation’s most reliable values. The 2023 is a lighter-styled, nimble expression — elegant rather than opulent — with a creamy mouthfeel balanced by refreshing minerality on the finish. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 91 points, calling it a wine that delivers genuine Sonoma character at an honest price.

The nose opens with lemon peel, white flowers, tangerine, butterscotch, and baked apple. On the palate, D’Anjou pear, fresh apple, almond, and Meyer lemon zest emerge with a creamy texture that gives way to a clean, mineral-driven finish with notes of orange blossom and spice.

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points — “This lighter-styled and nimble Chard brings aromas of lemon peel, white flowers and tangerine on the nose, giving way to flavors of pear, river rocks, spice and orange blossom on the palate and finish.” — Tom R. Capo

• Producer: St. Francis Winery, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Sonoma County, California
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon peel, white flowers, tangerine, baked apple, D’Anjou pear, almond, Meyer lemon zest, orange blossom, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Roast chicken, grilled halibut, lobster bisque, creamy pasta, soft cheeses

A 91-point Sonoma Chardonnay that delivers elegance and minerality at an everyday price — St. Francis is the benchmark.

About the Wine

Sanford Winery is one of Santa Barbara County's pioneering estates, with deep roots in the Santa Rita Hills AVA — a cool, wind-swept corridor that produces some of California's most compelling Chardonnay.

The 2023 vintage is crafted under the direction of winemaker Trey Fletcher, whose minimal-intervention philosophy allows the vineyard's natural character to lead.

90 pts — Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Composed primarily of young vines from La Rinconada planted in heavier soils, the 2023 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills is pure, floral and orchard fruit-driven, with a seamless, lifted palate that boasts remarkable textural precision and a chalky, high-toned finish." (Vintage 2023).

90 pts — Vinous: "The 2023 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) is a soft, gentle white that speaks in hushed tones — very elegant and approachable. White flowers, chamomile and pear are some of the notes that emerge with air, all motivated by saline-tinged acids." (Vintage 2023). 

Tasting Notes

Bright and aromatic on the nose with grilled lemon, dried flowers, and chamomile. The palate is silky and intensely mineral, with orchard fruit precision and a chalky, high-toned finish. Saline-tinged acidity keeps the wine fresh and lifted throughout.

Food Pairings

A natural match for shellfish, oysters, sushi, light seafood dishes, and fresh appetizers. Also lovely alongside roasted chicken or soft cheeses.

Meet the Winemaker — Trey Fletcher

Trey believes the vineyard and its farming are the cornerstone of wine quality. With eight years at Bien Nacido Vineyards and experience at Littorai Wines and in Napa Valley, he brings a seasoned, terroir-driven approach to every vintage at Sanford.

Wine Details

• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Appellation: Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Style: Elegant, mineral-driven white

Au Bon Climat | Santa Barbara County, California | Chardonnay | 2023

Jim Clendenen's Au Bon Climat has long been California's benchmark for the Burgundian approach to Chardonnay — prioritizing balance, acidity, and minerality over heavy oak and butter. The 2023 is sourced from five carefully farmed Santa Barbara vineyards: Bien Nacido, Los Alamos, Rancho Real, Gold Coast, and North Canyon. Handpicked and whole-cluster pressed, the juice is barrel-fermented and aged 8 months sur lie in neutral François Frères barrels, then blended the following summer. The result is round, bright, and unmistakably ABC.

Vineyards: Bien Nacido, Los Alamos, Rancho Real, Gold Coast, North Canyon
Oak: 8 months sur lie, neutral French oak (François Frères)
Drink: Now–2029

Tasting Notes

• Grapefruit, peach, honeysuckle, and lemon curd on the nose
• Round mid-palate with elderberry, brioche, and a hint of nutmeg
• Zippy, bright acidity | Creamy lingering finish | Mineral backbone

Pairings: Roast chicken, pasta alfredo, seared scallops, baked brie en croûte

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux) 91 Points | Crisp citrus, white pear, a ton of peach juice, slate, cloves, this is unfussy, easy drinking, and great value. Pierre Lurton home estate.

James Suckling 91 Points | Light, crispy stone fruit with gooseberries and guava. Dry, this has light to medium body and good acidity. Medium finish.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni/Neal Martin) 90 Points | Just bottled, the 2024 Marjosse is pretty hard to beat for its quality and price. Brisk, dry and inviting... White flowers, citrus peel, mint and almond linger."

Flowers Vineyard & Winery | Chardonnay | Sonoma Coast AVA | California | 2024

Flowers Vineyard & Winery is a pioneer of the Far Sonoma Coast — one of California's most extreme and celebrated cool-climate wine regions. Perched on rugged coastal ridges just miles from the Pacific Ocean, Flowers has built its reputation on wines of exceptional tension, purity, and precision. Where most of California basks in warmth, the Far Sonoma Coast is defined by cold Pacific fog, relentless ocean winds, and a growing season that pushes Chardonnay to its limits — producing wines of remarkable focus, minerality, and longevity.

The Sonoma Coast Chardonnay captures the signature interplay between cool Pacific influence and bright California sun that defines this remarkable terroir. Energetic and bright, it balances mouthwatering acidity, fresh citrus, and an elegant, finely-woven texture with exceptional purity and precision.

Meyer lemon and just-ripe mandarin orange mingle with pithy herbaceous notes and a fine mist of green citrus oil. On the palate, savory preserved lemon and a hint of spice are supported by a backbone of persistent acidity. Briny ocean spray minerality lifts the tightly-knit texture, which expands across the mouth for a vibrant, lingering finish. Drink now through 2036.

A natural match for fresh oysters, Dungeness crab, grilled halibut, roasted chicken with lemon and thyme, and dishes with bright citrus or herb-driven sauces.

• Producer: Flowers Vineyard & Winery
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast AVA (Far Sonoma Coast), California, USA
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2024
• Style: Dry, crisp & mineral white
• Drink: Now through 2036
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2024

• Wine Enthusiast — 95 pts | Editor's Choice: Zesty lemon, lime, and green herb aromas mingle with citrus blossoms and cinnamon. The palate delivers a surge of vibrant acidity and pithy texture, with flavors of green apple, Meyer lemon, toasted hazelnut, and chopped lemon balm echoing for over a minute.
• Wine Spectator — 93 pts: Lemon sorbet and orange sherbet, plus lemongrass, lemon verbena, and fresh and dried ginger notes, with touches of saline and white tea on the long, detailed finish. Plenty of intensity and sleek, mouthwatering acidity. Drink now through 2036.

Domaine Christophe Mittnacht Pinot Blanc — Alsace, France 2024

Domaine Mittnacht is one of Alsace's most respected and pioneering family estates — founded in 1958 and today led by Christophe and Yuka Mittnacht from their base in Hunawihr, a village at the heart of the Alsace wine route surrounded by some of the region's finest vineyard sites. Christophe was an early pioneer of the biodynamic movement in Alsace, believing that biologically complex, complete soils are essential for producing elegant, terroir-driven wines. The domaine was officially certified biodynamic in 1999 — one of the very first in all of Alsace — and continues to farm with minimal intervention, using neutral wood and tank to let the soil sing. Their old vine holdings include the Grand Cru Rosacker (where the fabled Clos-St.-Hune is located), as well as excellent sites between Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr. Christophe harvests balanced fruit and deliberately avoids the excesses of alcohol and residual sugar that can mask the freshness and florality that make Alsace so special.

The Pinot Blanc is a richer style, yet still fresh and elegant — a hallmark of Mittnacht's biodynamic approach. Mouthwatering acidity enlivens flavors of citrus, apricot, and lemon zest, leading to a stony and floral finish that is unmistakably Alsatian. Precise, expressive, and beautifully delicate.

"A richer style of Pinot Blanc, yet still fresh and elegant. Mouthwatering acidity enlivens flavors of citrus, apricot and lemon zest, leading to a stony and floral finish." — Domaine Mittnacht, Winemaker

• Producer: Domaine Christophe Mittnacht, Hunawihr, Alsace, France (est. 1958)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Alsace AOC
• Varietal: Pinot Blanc
• Farming: Certified Biodynamic (since 1999)
• Winemaking: Minimal intervention, neutral wood and tank
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, apricot, lemon zest, mouthwatering acidity, stony and floral finish
• Style: Medium-bodied, fresh, elegant, dry
• Drink: Now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, oysters, choucroute garnie, roast chicken, soft cheeses, asparagus, light pasta

Biodynamic Alsace Pinot Blanc from one of the region's pioneering estates — Mittnacht 2024 is fresh, floral, and a benchmark of what organic farming can achieve in Alsace.