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Winemaker Description 

Attractive deep cherry with violet glints color. Intense aroma with finesse and elegance, with mature red and black fruits well blended. powerful, luscious and mouth-filling, withsweet and mature tannins. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Elvi Herenza Rioja Reserva 2019 is the flagship Reserva from Elvi Wines, a family-run winery that has been producing world-class kosher wines in Spain for generations. In Rioja, "Reserva" status is a legal designation requiring at least three years of aging before release—this 2019 spent 20 months in French and American oak followed by nearly three years in the bottle.

• Meats: This wine is a natural partner for braised brisket, herb-crusted lamb chops, or a rich beef bourguignon.

• Savory Sides: Mushroom risotto or roasted root vegetables seasoned with smoked paprika.

  
  

   

Winemaker Description 

Rkatsiteli aged in oak has very complex and interesting aromatic profile. The citrus, green apple, flowery aromas add freshness to the wine, while secondary aromas derived from oak aging add vanilla, caramel and toasted notes. 

White dry wine made according to European rules from Kakheti region. Is made from Rkatsiteli grape variety. Has a light straw color, pronounced varietal aroma and taste. Characterized by citrus, wildflower and pineapple aromas. A cheerful, gentle wine with a light finish, balanced in acidity and alcohol.

Expert Review -  Vintage 2020

The Wine Enthusiast by Roger Voss writes 92 Points | From a specific parcel in the Haut Selve estate, the wine is rich and dense. Its black chocolate aroma gives a hint of the wine's ripeness. On the palate, this is a a powerful, smoothly textured wine, packed with black fruits and tannins. It is worth aging further, to be drunk from 2026.

Winemaker Description 

– Density: 2250 vines/acre
– Pruning: double guyot
– Sun exposed leaf area up to 3.2 acres
– Organic manure (faba beans and oats) and then scraping of the soils
– Limited yield to 38 hl/ha
– Sustainable agriculture

Vinification

– Prefermented cold maceration of 4 days, to extract aromas
– Alcoholic fermentation controlled between 26 and 28°C
– Total maceration between 3 and 4 weeks
– Malolactic fermentation in oak barrels
–  Ageing: 12 months in French oak barrels
– 1/3 of new barrels (Nadalié, Vicard, Sylvain, Mercier, Seguin Moreau, Marques, Garonnaise)

Tasting notes and Pairing | With beautiful cherry tints and orange reflects, this wine offers an intense nose of jammed morello cherry with elegant woody notes. Supple and structured, the palate is well balanced by ripped tannins.

Memo Summary Notes

Tasting Notes

    •    Appearance: Dark garnet red.

    •    Nose: Complex aromas of red and black fruits, spicy and mentholated notes, and subtle empyreumatic (smoky/toasted) woodiness.

    •    Palate: Velvety and dense with fresh fruit flavors; floral notes and violet appear on a long, structured finish with well-coated tannins.

    •    Drinking Window: Best enjoyed from 2024, reaching its peak between 2028 and 2030.

Tenuta di Ceppaiano Toscana — Keith Haring Edition, Tuscany 2017

In 1989, Keith Haring traveled to Pisa to paint his iconic "Tuttomondo" mural — a monumental work that would become one of his last. During that visit, he gifted original artwork to the Castellani family of Tenuta di Ceppaiano, and that artwork now lives on the label of this wine. It is a collector's bottle in the truest sense: a 92-point Tuscan red wrapped in a piece of art history. The wine itself is a Sangiovese-led blend from the Toscana IGT, vinified to express the richness and depth of a warm, generous vintage. James Suckling awarded it 92 points.

The nose is complex and captivating: plums, blackcurrants, dark chocolate, tobacco, balsamic, and cigar box, layered with wild rose, dark cherry, cassis, mint, licorice, roasted coffee, and leather. On the palate, it is medium-to-full-bodied with a creamy, velvety texture, fine round tannins, flavors of black fruit, vanilla, cedar, and a hint of white chocolate, leading to a long, persistent finish of sweet spice and cedar. It is drinking beautifully now and will continue to evolve for years to come.

James Suckling 92 — "Aromas of plums, blackcurrants, dark chocolate, tobacco, balsamic and cigar box. Medium-to full-bodied with fine, round tannins. Creamy, velvety texture. Sweet spices on the flavorful finish. Drink or hold." (Vintage 2017). 

• Producer: Tenuta di Ceppaiano / Castellani Family, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2017
• Appellation: Toscana IGT
• Region: Tuscany, Italy
• Varietal: Sangiovese-led blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot)
• Label Art: Original artwork gifted by Keith Haring to the Castellani family, 1989
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Plum, blackcurrant, dark chocolate, tobacco, wild rose, cassis, vanilla, cedar, sweet spice
• Best Paired With: Pasta with rich meat sauces, spicy Mediterranean dishes, rotisserie chicken with rosemary, aged pecorino

A 92-point Tuscan red with a one-of-a-kind story — Tenuta di Ceppaiano's Keith Haring edition is as compelling on the wall as it is in the glass.

Winemaker Description 

The aromas that rise from the glass are a complex blend of black cherry, herbs, apricot jam and lavender. The dark fruits and hints of herbs delight the palate as the layers of green bell pepper and vanilla emerge. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Aslina "Umsasane" Red Blend 2022 is the flagship wine from Ntsiki Biyela, South Africa’s first Black female winemaker. The name "Umsasane" refers to the umbrella acacia tree and was the nickname of Ntsiki's grandmother, Aslina, symbolizing her role as the family's "anchor and protector."

Technical Profile & Composition

The 2022 vintage is a classic Bordeaux-style blend from the Stellenbosch region, known for producing world-class Cabernet.

• Winemaking: The wine is aged for approximately 16 months in French oak barrels, with about 15–20% being new oak. This adds structure without overpowering the fruit.

• The "Umsasane" is a bold wine that requires hearty flavors to match its structure:

  • Meats: Roast beef, grilled ribeye, or lamb chops with rosemary.

  • Vegetarian: Portobello mushroom steaks or a rich lentil stew.

  • Cheese: Aged Gouda or sharp Cheddar.

Winemaker Description 

Rich Bouquet, black fruits, spices and good balance. Fresh, fruity, aromatic fruit, good integration of the wood that allows the fruit to enhance. Good acidity and a light touch of ripe black cherries. Rich, deep, very complete wine, concentrated and long and persistent aftertaste, complex.

Memo Summary Notes

The Elvi "EL26" Kosher Red 2021 is a sophisticated, high-end blend from the prestigious Priorat region of Spain. Produced by Elvi Wines (founded by Dr. Moises Cohen), this wine is specifically crafted to showcase the unique volcanic "Llicorella" (slate) soils of the region while adhering to strict kosher standards.

Food Match: Its power makes it a perfect match for grilled ribeye steak, rack of lamb with a balsamic reduction, or even a high-end gourmet burger with caramelized onions.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

Wine Advocate 95 Points | The nose of a dry Port — all violets, ripe plums and aromatic herbs, with plenty of spices, toast and smoke from 20 months in French oak (20% new). Needs time to integrate the oak and polish the tannins.

James Suckling 95 Points | Abundant dark fruit with blueberries, delicate violets and graphite. Fleshy and medium- to full-bodied, perfectly balanced by refreshing acidity through a clean, bright finish. Supple tannins. An old field blend of more than 40 varieties. Drink now or hold.

Wine Spectator 94 Points | Bursting with brambly boysenberry and blueberry, fragrant mountain herbs, graphite and woodsy spices. Fresh and focused with concentration and length in a medium-bodied frame. Chalky, integrated tannins with a salty, iron-laced tang. Classy. Drink now through 2035.

About Wine & Soul

Wine & Soul is the joint project of husband and wife Jorge Serôdio Borges and Sandra Tavares da Silva, both qualified oenologists. They bought an old port warehouse in the Vale de Mendiz in the heart of the Pinhão valley in 2003. The estate is 6 hectares with 2.5 ha under vine, averaging over 70 years old and planted with 30+ different varieties. The project is named after their dog Pintas, a Pointer.

Winemaking

Harvested in the second week of September in perfect conditions. All grapes were hand-selected, destemmed, and foot-trodden in traditional stone lagares throughout the full 10-day fermentation. Aging and malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels for 20 months.

Varietals: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Barroca, Rufete

Tasting & Pairings

Violets, ripe plums, boysenberry, blueberry, graphite, dark chocolate, mountain herbs, and woodsy spice. Medium- to full-bodied with chalky tannins, bright acidity, and a salty, iron-laced finish. Decant generously or cellar through 2035.

• Braised beef cheeks or short ribs — the wine’s structure and dark fruit depth are built for slow-cooked meats.
• Grilled lamb chops with rosemary — the herbal and spice notes mirror the wine beautifully.
• Aged Manchego or Serra da Estrela cheese — Iberian cheeses that complement the Douro’s earthy complexity.

Domaine Hoffmann-Jayer Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits — Burgundy 2020

Domaine Hoffmann-Jayer is one of Burgundy’s most compelling small estates, and their Hautes-Côtes de Nuits is a masterclass in what old vines and meticulous winemaking can achieve at a village level. Sourced from one hectare of 60-year-old Pinot Noir planted in the lieux-dits En Foigery and Les Castaings in Magny-lès-Villers, the 2020 vintage is vinified with a pre-fermentation cold soak and spontaneous fermentation in cement tank, then aged 18 months in a combination of two-thirds 228-liter barrels (20% new oak) and one-third terracotta jar — a rare and thoughtful approach that preserves freshness and amplifies terroir. Bottled without filtration for maximum purity and expression.

The nose is spicier and slightly more deeply pitched than expected for the appellation: plum, black cherry, and subtle earth. On the palate, bigger and richer medium-weight flavors are framed by fine tension and lip-smacking minerality — fresh but serious, with clean, elegant tannins and an impressively long finish. Allen Meadows of Burghound calls it simply: “One to buy.”

Allen Meadows, Burghound — “A spicier and slightly more deeply pitched nose of plum, black cherry and subtle earth gives way to bigger and richer medium-weight flavors that also possess fine tension on the impressively long finish. One to buy.”

• Producer: Domaine Hoffmann-Jayer, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits AOC
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Vine Age: 60 years
• Vineyards: En Foigery & Les Castaings, Magny-lès-Villers — 1ha
• Vinification: Cold soak, spontaneous fermentation in cement, 18 months in barrel (20% new) & terracotta jar, unfiltered
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Plum, black cherry, spice, earth, mineral, red fruit, elegant tannins, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 5–8 years
• Best Paired With: Roast chicken, duck breast, mushroom tart, gratin dauphinois, mild aged cheeses

Sixty-year-old vines, terracotta aging, and zero filtration — Hoffmann-Jayer’s Hautes-Côtes de Nuits is village Burgundy at its most honest and compelling.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Vinous 94 Points | The 2022 Riesling Terrassen Smaragd is from 20- to 60-year-old vines planted on higher parcels at 250-350 meters. The nose has something of an eau de Cologne sense, with its conifer and citrus spice. The palate is super slender, very linear and uncompromisingly fresh, without a suspicion of fat or any opulence. This treads a thin line on perfect tiptoe. There is a weightless quality here. This is brimming with lemon and utterly fresh.

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | With fullness to the lychee, green plum and quince flavors, this delicious, mouthcoating and salty white is laced with baking spice notes. Stays elegant and well-defined despite its plump profile, offering zesty clementine acidity, with dried sage and fresh-cut grass notes bringing a savory dimension. Drink now through 2032.

Winemaker Description 

Wachau Riesling is dry and often defined by high levels of dry extract (due to a lengthy ripening period) and a pleasing freshness (due to dramatic temperature swings between day and night). Soils of primary rock from various terraced sites give this dry Riesling subtle minerality accompanied by aromas and flavors of citrus and stone fruit.

Riesling’s high acidity makes it one of the most versatile wines at the table. Riesling can be used to cut the fattiness of foods such as pork or sausages and can tame a certain amount of saltiness. Conversely, it can highlight foods such as fish or vegetables in the same way a squeeze of lemon or a vinaigrette can.

Rudi Pichler is among the elite growers of the Wachau producing wines of precision, power, and longevity. Grüner Veltliner and Riesling make up 95% of the production with the remaining 5% shared between Weißburgunder and Roter Veltliner. Rudi Pichler belongs to the prestigious Vinea Wachau and vinifies under the strict parameters of their codex.

Yields are kept low between 30 and 35 hectoliters per hectare with botrytis carefully removed by hand.  Grapes are crushed by foot and receive between three and 36 hours of maceration on the skins. Vinification is entirely in stainless-steel tanks and malolactic fermentation is avoided.

Weingut Rudi Pichler consists of 37 acres spread between Wösendorf, Joching, and Weißenkirchen where south-facing terraces look down at the Danube River. Terrassen indicates it is a cuvée from multiple terraced sites. Smaragd is a term used by Vinea Wachau members indicating a dry wine with a minimum alcohol of 12.5%.

Winemaker Description

Very fresh and delicate nose with citric and floral notes. On the palate, the wine shows great texture and minerality, with excellent acidity and complexity.

Because of the Arinto grape’s natural high acidity, this wine is fantastic for food pairing. The best pairings are richer seafood dishes such as Portuguese bacalhau (salt cod), scallops in citrus butter sauce, oysters, lobster or crab dishes. Japanese food, spicy food, curry and grilled vegetables are also wonderful pairing options.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Advocate 91 Points | The white 2022 Quíbia was produced with 60% Premsal and 40% Giró Ros and sold as a generic wine without appellation because of the use of the Giró Ros grape. It matured with lees in stainless steel before being bottled. It has 12.9% alcohol and good freshness. Unfortunately, it feels quite reductive and is difficult to read on the nose, but the palate feels vibrant and fresher. Give it a little bit of time.

Memo Notes

The 2022 is celebrated for blending aromatic fruit with a refreshing, savory quality:

Color: Enticing straw-lemon with greenish highlights.

Aromas: A delightful mix of ripe white peach, pear, jasmine, and the striking note of sea brine or crushed seashells. You may also find subtle hints of Meyer lemon and green mango.

Palate: Crisp, lively, and well-balanced. The wine delivers concentrated flavors of ripe peach,

Anjou pear, and citrus zest. Reviewers often mention a silky, almost olive oil-like texture and a savory note of capers or green almond.

Salinity: A distinct salinity runs through the wine, acting as a complex counterpoint to the fruit, which makes it incredibly versatile with food.

Winemaker Description 

Ànima Negra was founded in 1994 when two self-taught friends — Pere Ignasi Obrador and Miquelàngel Cerdà — decided that the wines of their native Mallorca weren’t reaching full potential.

Taking advantage of some unused milk tanks at the dairy farm owned by Pere’s family, they made two barriques of wine from Callet grapes (a native Mallorcan varietal) they’d purchased from local farmers. The initial results were so encouraging that the friends decided to form a partnership and continue pursuing their newly found passion for wine.

Situated in the southeast of Mallorca, Ànima Negra winery produces its wines on the old country estate of Son Burguera, close to the town of Felanitx. The buildings date back to the 13th century, and contain a traditional winemaking area, which historically was used to supply wine for locals living on and near the estate.

Ànima Negra sources its grapes from more than 135 carefully selected parcels of land that the partners either own or control. Virtually all of these parcels are within a six-mile radius of the winery, and most of the vines are 50 to 85 years old.

Winemaker Description

This unique Israeli wine represent the best of the best of the specific vintage. Made from Jezreel's top rated barrels of Syrah and Carignan. 

Aromas of dark fruit, such as blackberry and black cherry, complemented by hints of leather, tobacco, and spice. On the palate, it is rich and full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a long, smooth finish. 

Aged for 22 months in oak barrels.

Pair with grilled meats, hearty stews, or aged cheeses.

Memo Summary Notes

The Jezreel Valley Winery is a boutique winery located in the Jezreel Valley region of Israel, specifically in Kibbutz Hanaton.

The Jezreel Valley itself has one of the longest traditions of winemaking in the region.

Biblical Connection: The Jezreel Valley is famous in the Bible, most notably as the location of Naboth's Vineyard (1 Kings 21), a story that highlights the area's ancient importance for viticulture.

Archaeological Evidence: Archaeologists have uncovered a large, rock-cut ancient winery complex at the foot of Tel Jezreel, which dates back to the 9th century BCE, around the time of King Ahab and Naboth. This shows the land has been producing wine for thousands of years.

The 2009 L d’Or delivers a richer, slightly broader expression of this iconic single-vineyard Muscadet while retaining its hallmark finesse and mineral precision. The warmer vintage brings notes of ripe pear, lemon curd, and white peach alongside the classic aromas of crushed granite, oyster shell, and fresh herbs. On the palate, it’s generous yet impeccably balanced, with supple texture lifted by bright acidity and a long, saline, stony finish. A beautifully mature Muscadet that combines depth, freshness, and terroir transparency—released directly from the domaine’s cellar and drinking at a gorgeous point today.

The 2008 L d’Or is a strikingly fresh and finely structured mature Muscadet, drawn from old vines rooted in the estate’s signature granite soils. This vintage shows lifted aromas of citrus oil, green apple skin, crushed stone, and sea breeze, layered with subtle notes of almond and fennel as it opens. On the palate, it’s tense, vibrant, and beautifully chiseled, carrying the classic saline edge that defines great Muscadet. Long, mineral, and impeccably balanced, this is a superb example of how L d’Or evolves with time—precise, elegant, and still remarkably youthful despite its age.

Winemaker Description 

A bold and structured red with hints of ripe cherries and Mediterranean herbs. Organic elegance at a remarkable value.

A vibrant and elegant red from Puglia, Italy, this organic wine showcases the region’s signature Nero di Troia grape. On the nose, it offers aromas of dark cherry, plum, and subtle hints of Mediterranean herbs. The palate is structured yet approachable, with soft tannins, balanced acidity, and flavors of ripe red fruit, cocoa, and a touch of minerality. Perfect with roasted meats, hearty pasta dishes, or aged cheeses, this wine embodies the rich terroir of southern Italy while remaining fresh and expressive.

Winemaker Description

Elegant, approachable, and focused on drinkability and fruit, with depth and balance. It's often described as a great representation of classic Blaufränkisch, showcasing its lighter, more mineral side.

Dark berries, wild cherry, violets, cracked pepper, a subtle herbal/spice background, and an earthy edge. Soft, juicy, and lively with bright acidity. Flavors often include dark berries, plum, graphite, and spice. Some notes mention a salty, peppery, and iron-rich minerality.

Medium-bodied with fine, well-dispersed, or "dusty" tannins that play a supporting role. It has a bright, engaging, and long finish.

Sourced from vineyards in and around Oggau in Burgenland, Austria, with soils comprised of limestone, mica-schist, and slate.

The winery practices organic farming.

Fermented in stainless steel with native yeast, often racked into used Stockinger (large wooden) barrels for aging. The focus is on achieving ripeness while maintaining freshness and lower alcohol.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

The Tasting Panel 92 Points | Quintessential aromas of ripe berries and plum are joined by vanilla and peppercorn in this textbook Zin grown on the most southerly estate vineyard in Paso Robles 14 miles from the Pacific. The result is a red of effusive energy and real charm that's fruit-forward enough to sip on its own yet has sufficient spice and structure to stand up to grilled meats.

The Wine Spectator 89 Points | Snappy and briary, with user-friendly raspberry and green peppercorn flavors that end with zesty tannins. Drink now through 2030. 4,008 cases made.

Winemaker Description

The name "La Tremenda" references the name of the vineyard from which the grapes for this wine are grown and handharvested. Made entirely from mature Monastrell vines, carefullyraised in the harsh, arid landscape of Alicante. "The vine must suffer..." and here it does.

Bright ruby-red in color, this wine shows expressive notes of fresh black cherries and red berries mingled with hints of sweet spice, toast and cocoa. On the palate, this accessible red shows silky texture, liveliness and long length.

Pair it with pork chops Normandy, Kobe beef, or parmesan-crusted asparagus tips.

Memo Summary Notes

Pair With -

• Meats: Grilled hamburgers, pork chops (especially with savory sauces), Kobe beef, or leg of lamb.

• Vegetarian: Rich dishes like mushroom risotto or parmesan-crusted asparagus tips.

• Classic Spanish: Paella with meat, or aged Manchego cheese.

Our Professional Review

Oscar Garcia Moncada | Senior Wine Buyer | Xipella” refers to a local Catalan dialect spoken in the Conca de Barberà area. This blend of Samsó (Carignan) and Cabernet Sauvignon is packed with dark fruit — think blackberries, black cherries, and black plum — supported by vibrant acidity and a beautifully persistent finish. An ideal  companion for poultry stews, hanger steak, or grilled tuna.

Winemaker Description 

Winemaking and aging | The grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature between 25 and 28 °C. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged in new and used barrels for 12 to 16 months.

Tasting note | Red wine of intense colour. Powerful ripe fruit aroma, notes of mineral and oak barrel. In the mouth, it presents friendly and tempting, with smooth, well-integrated tannins and a long, persistent finish.

Type of vine | Vines located in the area of the cellar, at an altitude of 470 meters.

Memo Summary Notes

Samso, Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Clos Mont-Blanc Xipella Negre 2021 is a sophisticated red blend from the Conca de Barberà region in Catalonia, Spain. Known for its balance of indigenous and international varieties, this vintage offers a modern expression of a historic wine-growing area.

The Conca de Barberà DO is unique for its limestone soils and high-altitude vineyards (around 470 meters for this specific wine). This elevation provides a thermal contrast between day and night, which helps preserve the acidity and freshness of the grapes, preventing the wine from feeling overly heavy despite its ripeness.

Winemaker Description

The dry jurançon perfectly represents the style of the estate: precise, pure and grandiose. a straight, tense white wine. the attack is lively, the mid-palate is incredibly intense and the finish never ceases to delight us. the blend of native grape varieties is judiciously developed for a stunning result. its aging potential is certain.

For over thirty-five years, Domaine de Souch has been a pioneer in producing modern-style Jurançon wines. Certified organic and biodynamic since 1994, their south-facing terraced vineyards are nestled on steep slopes with views of the Pyrenees Mountains. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Domaine de Souch "Cuvée Monplaisir" Jurançon Sec 2024 is a standout white wine from one of the most soulful estates in Southwest France. The winery was famously founded by Yvonne Hegoburu, who began her winemaking journey at the age of 60 in honor of her late husband and became a pioneer of biodynamics in the region.

The ultimate partner for shellfish (oysters, crab, lobster). It also cuts beautifully through the richness of sheep’s milk cheeses (like Ossau-Iraty), grilled trout, or summer salads with citrus vinaigrettes.

Winemaker Description 

"Locos por el Vino” is a new project from Bodegas Alto Moncayo, aiming to expand their range with high-quality, modern and casual wines produced from the winery’s youngest vineyards, guaranteeing the continuity of the Alto Moncayo project for future generations to come. A local term used in the village of Borja, "Zismero" refers to one who is provocative, jovial, and mirthful, with a complexity and uniqueness that makes its audience think deeply from the pointed jocularity.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018

Tim Atkin 98 Points | The maiden 2016 vintage has only just been released through the Place de Bordeaux, so it may be a little premature to review this 2018, but make sure you remind yourself to buy a case in two years' time. Produced without Cabernet Sauvignon for the first time, it's the polar opposite of the big, ripe, overwooded styles of Ribera. Nuanced, refined and hauntingly balanced, with perfumed oak, lovely texture and balance, leafy, graphite-like complexity and the length of a world-class wine. 2023-35.

Jane Anson 95 Points | Muscular, slate hewn tannins, this has a rugged quality where nothing is overpowered by oak and yet it hugs the palate, making its presence felt. Serious tannic architecture that softens through the mid palate to show creamy raspberry and red cherry fruits, spiced aniseed, fennel and liqourice root, sinewy tannins, totally moreish. Aged in 25% new oak, 10% amphora, and the rest in neutral barrels. Jean-Claude and Jeff Berrouet consultants, with winemaker Montxo Martinez and owners Marcos and Carlos Yllera. Old vine Tempranillo, including some dating right back to pre-Phylloxera, sat at between 750m and 1000m altitude, from a selection of their own vines, and those of local growers.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2018 Bodega Vivaltus "Vivaltus" is a prestigious, "new wave" Ribera del Duero that has rapidly gained cult status. It is the flagship wine of a project by the Yllera family, who famously enlisted Jean-Claude Berrouet—the legendary former winemaker of Château Pétrus—to help create a wine of "Bordeaux-like" elegance rather than the heavy, over-extracted style common in the region.

McCall Wines 2016 Pinot Noir Hillside North Fork 750ml

Experience McCall Wines 2016 Pinot Noir Hillside from the North Fork of Long Island, New York. Sustainable farming practices ensure quality and environmental stewardship. Nice weather, cool temperatures, and a long season were the perfect mix for making excellent Pinot Noir. Silky medium body, concentrated flavor, with hints of strawberry, cherry, hibiscus, clove and vanilla. 

Sustainable farming. Nice weather, cool temperatures, and a long season were the perfect mix for making excellent Pinot Noir. Silky medium body, concentrated flavor, with hints of strawberry, cherry, hibiscus, clove and vanilla. A great wine to pair with roasted mushroom risotto and gruyere cheese.

McCall Wines - North Fork Producer

McCall Wines is a respected producer from the North Fork of Long Island. The winery is committed to quality and sustainable practices.

North Fork of Long Island - New York

From the North Fork of Long Island, New York, a premier wine region. The North Fork is known for producing exceptional cool-climate wines.

Hillside Vineyard

From the Hillside vineyard, which provides excellent terroir for Pinot Noir. Hillside vineyards offer superior drainage and sun exposure.

2016 Vintage

The 2016 vintage showcases the quality of this exceptional year. Nice weather, cool temperatures, and a long season were the perfect mix for making excellent Pinot Noir.

Sustainable Farming

Sustainable farming practices ensure quality and environmental stewardship. The commitment to sustainability is evident in every bottle.

100% Pinot Noir

Crafted from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. This noble variety thrives in the North Fork's cool climate.

Nice Weather, Cool Temperatures & Long Season

Nice weather, cool temperatures, and a long season were the perfect mix for making excellent Pinot Noir. The 2016 growing season was ideal.

Perfect Mix for Excellent Pinot Noir

The perfect mix for making excellent Pinot Noir that showcases the variety's elegance. The conditions allowed for optimal ripening.

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Ruby red
Aroma: Hints of strawberry, cherry, hibiscus, clove and vanilla
Palate: Silky medium body. Concentrated flavor. Strawberry, cherry, hibiscus, clove and vanilla
Finish: Smooth and satisfying

Silky Medium Body

Silky medium body provides elegance and substance. The texture is smooth and refined.

Concentrated Flavor

Concentrated flavor delivers depth and intensity. The wine has excellent fruit concentration.

Hints of Strawberry & Cherry

With hints of strawberry, cherry creating classic Pinot Noir fruit character. The red fruit expression is pure and appealing.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus adds floral complexity and elegance. This delicate floral note is distinctive and charming.

Clove & Vanilla

Clove and vanilla from oak aging add spice and richness. These secondary flavors complement the fruit beautifully.

Cool-Climate Pinot Noir

This is a beautiful example of cool-climate Pinot Noir. The North Fork's maritime climate is ideal for this variety.

Elegant & Refined

The wine is elegant and refined, showcasing Pinot Noir's delicate character. Every element is in harmony.

Versatile Food Pairing

Perfect with:

• Roasted mushroom risotto
• Gruyere cheese
• Duck
• Salmon
• Roasted chicken
• Pork tenderloin
• Earthy dishes

Great Wine to Pair with Roasted Mushroom Risotto

A great wine to pair with roasted mushroom risotto and gruyere cheese. The earthy flavors complement the wine's character perfectly.

Perfect with Gruyere Cheese

And gruyere cheese, creating a delightful pairing. The wine's acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese.

Ideal for Duck & Salmon

Also excellent with duck and salmon. The wine's medium body and silky texture complement these proteins beautifully.

Long Island Wine Excellence

This wine showcases the excellence of Long Island winemaking. The North Fork continues to produce world-class wines.

New York State Wine

A proud representative of New York State wine. New York is producing increasingly impressive Pinot Noir.

Maritime Climate Influence

The maritime climate of the North Fork provides ideal conditions for Pinot Noir. The moderating influence of the Atlantic Ocean creates perfect growing conditions.

Commitment to Quality

McCall Wines' commitment to quality is evident in every bottle. The attention to detail in vineyard and cellar ensures exceptional wine.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Antonio Galloni of Vinous writes 95 Points | The 2022 Echezeaux Grand Cru is absolutely exquisite, not to mention a significant step up in the range. Impossibly silky tannins and deep, penetrating aromatics give the Echezeaux its seductive personality. Medium in body and polished, with phenomenal balance, the Echezeaux shows how compelling the vintage is. There is no heaviness at all, nor any sign of a growing season marked by severe heat and drought.

Winemaker Description 

With a more textured and intense character than Échezeaux, Grands-Échezeaux presents a rich, almost rustic profile. The wine offers a concentrated palate of dark fruits, with gamey nuances and bramble hints, wrapped in a structured yet velvety texture. It's a wine of depth and character, often described as having a "monastic" quality. It is “Grands” before being Échézeaux. It is a country gentleman, aristocrat and dreamer. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 98 Points | The iodine, blackberry and rose-stem character comes through clearly. Plenty of fruit and depth. Medium-bodied with fine tannins that caress the palate and provide endless flavors of Indian spices, flint, nutmeg and light crust. Such refinement and integrity. Drinkable now, but better in three or four years.

The Wine Advocate 93 Points | The 2023 Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches (Domaine) is showing nicely, bursting with aromas of sweet berries, spices, orange zest and new oak. Medium to full-bodied, succulent and lively, with chalky grip on the finish, it will offer a broad drinking window.

Decanter 93 Points | Lovely cherry fruit with hints of lavender and rosemary. The texture is silky and dense, almost fat. There is more clay here, and less limestone than in Les Cras, and the tannic structure is not as firm. The grapes are from Drouhin's massive 6.75ha here, not far from Pommard; they are partially destemmed and fermented on native yeasts before ageing in cask (25% new) for 14–18 months.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

The Wine Enthusiast 90 Points by Elaine Chukan Brown | Juicy, fresh and mouthwatering, this flavorful and friendly red delivers flavors of red plum, mixed berries, fennel, and a touch of sweet vanilla. 

Winemaker Description 

Alta Alella is the closest winery to Barcelona, located 2 kilometres from the Mediterranean between the towns of Alella and Tiana. It is a family-run project that began in 1991 with Josep Maria Pujol-Busquets and his wife Cristina Guillen. Now the estate is headed up by their daughter, Mireia.

Alella is one of the smallest appellations in Spain yet it possesses a fascinating terroirs that the Alta Alella team have harnessed in their journey to being recognised as the premier estate in the region. All the vines are planted on slopes and terraces overlooking the Mediterranean, between 100 and 250m above sea level. One of the key elements is the Sauló soil found throughout the vineyard.

Particular to this region, Sauló is an acidic and sandy soil with a low limestone content, low organic matter and good natural water drainage – ideal for the production of clean wines with a mineral edge.

Hacienda Araucano Humo Blanco Organic Sauvignon Blanc — Colchagua Valley 2024

François Lurton and his brother Jacques have been producing Chilean wines since 1992, but it was not until 2000 that they found their ideal terroir: 200 hectares in the Lolol area of the Colchagua Valley, where vines had never been cultivated before. The cool, stable climate and disease-free conditions of this high-altitude site — now certified organic by Ecocert — are a paradise for Sauvignon Blanc, producing fruit of exceptional purity and precision. The Humo Blanco is the estate’s flagship white, and the 2024 vintage is a textbook expression of what cool-climate Chilean Sauvignon Blanc can achieve.

The nose is fresh and bright with good intensity: lime, peeled green apple, gooseberry, and wet stones. On the palate it is acid-driven and pure, with a crisp, zingy finish that lingers with mineral clarity. Serve well-chilled alongside oysters, grilled fish, goat cheese, or a simple green salad — or as the ideal aperitif on a warm evening. At this price, it is one of the most compelling organic Sauvignon Blancs in the shop.

🇨🇱 “A fresh and bright sauvignon blanc showing good intensity. Still acid-driven and limey with peeled green apples, some gooseberries and wet stones. Pure, crisp and zingy in the finish. From organically grown grapes with Ecocert certification.” — James Suckling, 91 Points

• Producer: Hacienda Araucano (François & Jacques Lurton)
• Appellation: Lolol, Colchagua Valley, Chile
• Vintage: 2024
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Farming: Organic (Ecocert certified)
• Size: 750ml
• Best Served: Well-chilled, 45–48°F
• Pairs With: Oysters, grilled fish, goat cheese, green salads, ceviche

A benchmark organic Sauvignon Blanc — pure, precise, and built for the table.

Founded in 1806 by Scottish wine merchant John Lewis Brown of Colstun, Château Cantenac Brown is one of Margaux's most storied estates — a 3ème Grand Cru Classé of 1855, instantly recognizable by its spectacular Tudor-style château. Acquired in 2019 by the Le Lous family, the estate is undergoing a new chapter of modernization, including the construction of a pioneering raw earth cellar designed to deepen the expression of terroir in every bottle.

The Château Cantenac Brown Margaux 2021 750ml is a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon and 27% Merlot, with the Cabernet harvested late — between October 4th and 12th — to achieve full phenolic ripeness. Aged in 60% new French oak, it is medium to full-bodied, layered, and seamless, with a perfumed bouquet of black cherry, raspberry, cassis, tobacco, and rose petal. The palate is vibrant and exquisitely structured, with chalky tannins, lively acidity, and a long, elegant finish marked by crushed stone and a touch of bitter dark chocolate. A wine of great character, definition, and classicism.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

• Decanter — 93 Points: "Perfumed black cherries and raspberries on the nose. Waves of juicy, bright red summer berries with creamy, chalky edges. Great character, energy and classicism with slate and crushed stone. Extremely attractive finish."
• Jane Anson — 93 Points: "Excellent quality, well put together, finessed and powerful with black cherry fruits and raspberry purée, with tiny pulses of lemongrass acidity."
• Wine Advocate — 92–94 Points: "Cassis, wild berries, loamy soil and cigar box. Medium to full-bodied, layered and seamless, with good concentration, lively acids and a nicely defined finish."
• Vinous — 92–94 Points: "Sweet red-fleshed fruit, tobacco, incense and rose petal. Vibrant and exquisitely layered. Quite promising."

Wine Details

• 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot
• Margaux AOC, 3ème Grand Cru Classé, Bordeaux, France
• Aged in 60% new French oak
• Vintage: 2021
• 750ml

Celler Balart Amfora Negre Terra Alta 2024 750ml

Experience the richness of Celler Balart Amfora Negre Terra Alta 2024, an exquisite wine that captures the essence of its region. This vintage offers a unique blend of local grapes, expertly crafted to showcase the rich terroir of Terra Alta in Catalonia, Spain. Celler Balart's dedication to quality and tradition is evident in every sip, delivering a delightful experience that wine enthusiasts will cherish. This wine is not just a drink; it's an invitation to explore the rich culinary landscape of Spain.

Amphora Fermentation

The "Amfora" in the name refers to the traditional amphora (clay vessel) fermentation process, an ancient winemaking technique that imparts unique mineral characteristics and texture to the wine. This method provides distinctive citrus fruits and mineral notes that complement the natural fruit character of the grapes.

Grape Variety

Garnatxa Negre (Grenache Noir)
This wine showcases the classic characteristics of Grenache, including apple, peach, and banana notes typical of the variety, enhanced by the amphora fermentation process.

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Clean and bright, intense cherry color. Deep ruby color
Aroma: Red and black fruits, licorice, mineral touches, slightly balsamic. Apple, peach, banana typical of Grenache, citrus fruits and minerals provided by the amphora
Palate: Voluminous, friendly, silky. Full-bodied with harmonious balance. Fine tannins and well-integrated acidity. Unctuous and greedy. Bold character with dark fruit flavors complemented by earthy undertones derived from amphora fermentation
Finish: Long and elegant finish. Smooth finish

Terra Alta Terroir

This vintage highlights the vibrant personality of grapes from the Terra Alta region in Catalonia, Spain. The wine embodies the spirit of the land, bringing forward flavors that are both distinct and memorable. The 2024 vintage showcases the winemaker's meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that each bottle reflects the rich terroir of Terra Alta.

Traditional Winemaking Excellence

Celler Balart combines traditional amphora fermentation with expert winemaking to create wines that seamlessly blend fruity notes with depth and complexity. The amphora aging process adds unique mineral characteristics and texture, creating a wine with distinctive personality and artistry.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This full-bodied red pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes:

• Red meats and grilled meats
• Game meats
• Barbecue and roasts
• Hearty stews
• Cured cheeses and rich cheeses
• Risottos
• Seafood and blue fish
• White meats

Versatile for Every Occasion

Perfect for both casual gatherings and special celebrations, this wine adds a touch of sophistication to any occasion. Whether you're enjoying a quiet evening at home or celebrating with friends, Celler Balart Amfora Negre elevates your dining experience to new heights. Ideal for both seasoned wine drinkers and newcomers alike, this wine is sure to impress your palate.

Catalonian Winemaking Heritage

Celler Balart represents the artistry and passion of Catalonian winemaking. Each bottle reflects the dedication that goes into producing this remarkable wine, showcasing the unique characteristics of Terra Alta's terroir combined with ancient amphora fermentation techniques. Embrace the tradition and innovation that defines this exceptional Spanish red wine.

2024 Vintage Excellence

The 2024 vintage offers enticing aromas and a nuanced flavor profile that wine enthusiasts will cherish. With its deep ruby color, bold character, and smooth finish, this wine embodies excellence and rich flavor, making it a perfect choice for exploring the vibrant culinary landscape of Spain.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

James Suckling 94 Points | Aromas of redcurrants, flowers and spices, such as nutmeg. Some cherries, too. It’s full-bodied, yet racy and energetic. Chewy tannins. Structured. One of the best Cos Labory in a long time. This needs three or four years to come together.

Decanter 92 Points | A Cru Classé that in recent years has clearly been striving to catch up with its 1855 neighbours. It remains far less polished than the other classified growths in the appellation, but that gives it a charm all of its own. There are plenty of firm tannins here, with cassis and bilberry fruits, along with clear austerity that is going to need a few more years to soften. A serious wine with a sense of identity, takes its time to reveal its hand and may move up when retasted in bottle. Tasted twice one week apar

Vinous 92 Points | The 2019 Cos Labory remains rather brawny, but it certainly has a ton of character. Black cherry, plum, gravel, licorice and scorched earth add to an impression of rusticity. Even so, there is plenty of depth and more than enough energy to support many years of fine drinking.

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | A classic Saint-Estèphe nose of darker currants, damp earth, leafy herbs, and cedar emerges from the 2019 Château Cos Labory, a medium-bodied, balanced 2019 with good mid-palate concentration, ripe, building tannins, and a great finish. It deserves 3-5 years of bottle age and will keep for 15-20 years.

Winemaker Description 

THE STORY:  We’re thrilled to share the latest release of Boutanche! This release is a new, fresh and lively blend. After several years of farming and making wine from our Fox Hill Vineyard, we've gained a deeper understanding of the site and its fruit, especially Sangiovese, which truly shines here. This new bottling is built around that very Sangiovese, which makes up 50% of the blend. All grapes were naturally fermented using whole clusters, with a portion undergoing carbonic maceration, then gently pressed and aged for 9 months in a mix of concrete and neutral barrique.

The result? A wine that’s fresh, vibrant, juicy, and surprisingly refined - perfect for any gathering. Like all wines under the Boutanche label, it's all about enjoyment, and you'll be glad it comes in a liter because it disappears quickly. Whether you chill it down or enjoy it at cellar temperature, this is a bright, delicious expression of California that’s made to be shared, any time of day.

FUN FACT: Badger means Broc in Scottish Gaelic. The badger is our winery mascot. 

VARIETIES: 50% Sangiovese, 23% Carignan, 20% Valdiguie, 4% Trousseau, 3% Grenache Noir

LOCATION: Northern California 

FARMING PRACTICES: Organically grown grapes

ALCOHOL: 13% 

Pre-Arrival - Expected date for delivery and/or pick up Thursday February 12, 2026

Expert Comments

Isabel Ferrando’s reputation for outstanding wines has grown every vintage since her first release in 2003. As a woman owned business and winemaker, Isabel has built a tremendous reputation producing highly acclaimed wines. 

"Proprietress Isabel Ferrando has taken her Saint Prefert estate to France’s highest level, and she’s unquestionably making some of the most profound wines on earth today, including both reds and whites.”   —Wine Critic - Jeb Dunnuck

"Hard work. Subtle tweaks. Responsible farming. An uncompromising dedication to quality. Isabel Ferrando keeps doing things the right way, and her wines are dramatic proof.” —James Molesworth,

Wine Spectator one thing that remains constant is the incredible quality that continues to emerge from this talented winemaker.” Jeb Dunuck.

THE WINE SPECTATOR 95 POINTS : One thing that remains constant is the incredible quality that continues to emerge from this talented winemaker.” Jeb Dunu Expressive, perfumed and ripe, with a glossy stream of bitter cherry and steeped plum anchored by bolts of iron. Warm spice, licorice, sanguine and grilled anise notes merge in, with a vivid flash of alpine herbs and singed alder smoke. A weighty, well-structured red that’s still unwinding yet is impressively approachable

JAMES SUCKLING 98 POINTS: Enormously deep and concentrated, but this is so subtle and defies easy description. The superfine tannins give this an incredibly fine texture, the richness building in the finish without adding anything to the impression of weight. From three old-vine grenache vineyards that have limestone, sand and galet soils. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

JEB DUNNUCK 97 POINTS: Black raspberries, ground pepper, white pepper, and sappy floral notes all make an appearance in the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Colombis, another remarkable wine from this family. With medium to full-bodied richness, it's incredibly well-balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. As with the estate’s other cuvées, it reminds me of their 2020. As usual, this cuvée is 100% Grenache that’s from a mix of three parcels (Rayas, Les Roues, and Colombis). It was not destemmed and was brought up in a mix of concrete, foudre, and clay jars.

VINOUS 96 POINTS: The 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Colombis is magnificent, bursting from the glass with prominent rose petal, crushed violets, strawberry compote, spicy licorice, dried herbs and minty shadings. Enveloped in velvety tannins, the perfumed 2023 is shaping up to be a wildly alluring Colombis, closing with a subtle phenolic kick on the focused finish. I can’t wait to taste it from bottle.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 94 POINTS: A pure Grenache Noir planted in the north part of the appellation and vinified with 30% whole bunches, the 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Colombis has turned out beautifully. Evoking aromas of rose, dark cherries, spices and dark berries, it’s medium- to full-bodied, seamless and satiny with a beautifully ethereal finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Vinous 100 Points | The 2022 Romanée St. Vivant Grand Cru is a real head-turner. What a wine! As is so often the case, Romanée St. Vivant is not an obvious wine, rather it is a Burgundy of detail, of understatement, of total class. The aromatics alone are mesmerizing. Silky tannins wrap around a core of red-toned fruit, mint, white pepper, blood orange and exotic spice.

Decanter 97 Points | The Romanée-St-Vivant has developed more complexity since bottling, with a savoury, almost gamey edge to the lush berry fruit aromas and a hint of spice. The grip and freshness of the wine are impressive and seem to carry this wine to a new level of intensity. Although this wine had originally seemed ethereal and silky, the substantial nature of the structure is now evident, aided perhaps by the stricter selection. Bertrand de Villaine confirms that two parcels in this vineyard were pulled up due to issues with the rootstock, leaving them 23,699 bottles in 2022.

The Wine Spectator 97 Points | Shy, suggesting cherry, strawberry and spice flavors. Nonetheless, there is plenty of structure and length.

Winemaker Description 

This Pet Nat from Straka is 100% Welschriesling fermented naturally in the ancestral method. The second fermentation occurs naturally inside the bottle creating trapped CO2. Bubbles!

At a low 12% alcohol this mineral yet fruit driven expression of the main white grape of Burgenland is eminently thirst quenching. As with all the Straka wines, the farming is organic, the intervention in the cellar minimal with no additions.

The 84 year old family estate is located in the Eisenberg district of Burgenland. The Eisenberg is a unique geological area where the foothills of the Alps meet the Pannonian lowlands and is comprised of metamorphic, magmatic rock and cristal schist.

One of only 3 places in the world with this soil composition. The deep rooted vines naturally show a distinct mineral character and a compelling purity of fruit.

Combined with the attention to farming and careful hand harvesting the Straka wines are a true find.