Red Wine

The Benchmark of Amarone — Bertani's 2011 Della Valpolicella

Bertani and Amarone are nearly synonymous — the estate's 150+ year history in the Veneto is so intertwined with this iconic appellation that one cannot speak of great Amarone without invoking the Bertani name. Their Amarone is a wine of uncompromising elegance rather than brute power, built for the long haul and rewarding patience with extraordinary complexity. The 2011 vintage, now over a decade in bottle, is drinking magnificently — a rare opportunity to experience a fully mature, world-class Amarone at its peak.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2011

• James Suckling — 97 pts: "Density and dryness that really comes together here, after almost 10 years in bottle. Very deep and vertical on the palate. Very pure and beautiful crushed cherries, dried flowers, carbon and pumice. Wonderful all round. Drink or hold."
• Decanter (Aldo Fiordelli) — 94 pts: "One of the most classic Amarones, which has never changed its elegant rather than powerful style. Bright garnet in the glass, dominated by leather, earthy tones and restrained raspberry fruit. Fresh character with hints of citrus, slightly oxidative flavours and a Modica salted-chocolate finish. Full and firm, with outstanding balance between suppleness and structure. Drinking 2021–2047."
• Wine Spectator (Alison Napjus) — 91 pts: "A poised red, expanding slowly on the palate, with fine, creamy tannins enmeshed with black cherry coulis, black plum reduction, iron, dark chocolate and tobacco notes. Fresh and focused, with a lasting, spiced finish. Drink now through 2031."

Winemaker Notes

Bertani Amarone Della Valpolicella 2011 750ml

Bertani's impact on Veneto winemaking is so considerable that their name and Amarone are nearly inseparable. Their 150+ year history is dotted with groundbreaking initiatives and royal accreditation. While respectful of tradition, Bertani strives toward innovation — using progressive techniques allied with extensive experience and a deeply felt respect for the land to produce wines of uncompromising quality.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grapes: Corvina, Rondinella
• Appellation: Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, Veneto
• Producer: Bertani
• Vintage: 2011
• Drinking Window: Now–2047
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A wine for the grandest occasions — exceptional with braised beef short ribs, osso buco, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, wild boar ragù, truffle dishes, and dark chocolate desserts.

Tempranillo (Tinto Fino) | Ribera del Duero / Spain
Vintage: 2018  |  Size: 750ml  |  Reserva · 90+ Rated

Bodegas Valduero is one of Ribera del Duero’s founding estates, established in 1984 by Gregorio García Álvarez in the small Burgos town of Gumiel del Mercado — making it one of the very first wineries in the appellation. Today, alongside his daughters Yolanda and Carolina, the family cultivates 200 hectares of Tempranillo at the foot of a mountain, aging their wines in an authentic cave over 30 metres deep that houses more than 4,000 oak barrels and a million bottles.

The Tierra Alta en 2 Cotas Reserva is their most terroir-driven expression: sourced from 50-year-old bush-trained vines planted at 830 metres altitude on clay-calcareous soils, with production naturally limited to 3,500 kg/ha. Harvested by hand into 14kg boxes, fermented in stainless steel, then aged 30 months in oak barrels of three different origins, followed by 18 months of bottle aging before release. The 2018 is classic and expressive — dark fruit, cedar, warm spice, and a subtle earthiness from the high-altitude soils. Fine and elegant on the palate, with well-balanced fruit and oak, firm but refined tannins, and a long, complex finish that speaks clearly of its terroir.

“Deftly made wine, with intense fruit and smart oak ageing, redolent of Ribera typicity, with a modern and easygoing style. Very clean, well defined, dry and smooth in mouth, remarkably fresh. Persistent and fruity finish… An excellent entry point to Valduero’s stable of great wines, which is one of the most notable in the whole region.”
— Decanter, 92 Points. (Vintage 2018). 

Vines: 50+ years, bush-trained  |  Altitude: 830m  |  Soils: Clay-calcareous
Aging: 30 months in oak (3 origins) + 18 months bottle aging
Pairs with: Roast lamb, suckling pig, beef stew, aged Manchego, hearty game dishes.

Château Pédesclaux · Pauillac Grand Cru Classé · 2016

Château Pédesclaux 2016 brings together concentrated currant and blackberry fruit, floral notes and a mineral edge, framed by fine, polished tannins. The reviews emphasize the balance of freshness, depth and finesse in this Pauillac, with 94-point assessments from both Decanter and Jeb Dunnuck.

A 5ème Grand Cru Classé in Pauillac, Château Pédesclaux has undergone a renaissance through investment in its vineyards and cellar. The 2016 blend is 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Wine Advocate reports 18 months of aging in French oak, 60% new and 40% one-year-old barrels.

Expert Reviews · Vintage 2016

Decanter · 94 Points This really shows the heart of 2016 in the northern Médoc - it has the triumvirate of good acidity, good tannins and good fruit. It's a little austere and is going to take its time to truly get going. A second bottle proved much better for depth, as we queried rusticity on the nose of the first bottle. The second instead showed a hawthorn, hedgerow character and gorgeously rich black fruits, concentrated and focussed, and given complexity by tobacco and spice. It's the first time that four grape varieties have been used in the grand vin - Cabernet, Merlot, Petit Verdot, plus 3% Cabernet Franc. Eric Boissenot consults.

Jeb Dunnuck · 94 Points An estate that’s unquestionably on the upswing, the 2016 Château Pédesclaux is made from 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc that spent 18 months in 60% new oak. In the past, the wines from this estate have been slightly chunky, but that started to change around 2014, and I think this 2016 is the best yet. Beautiful blue fruits, violets, spicy oak, and a touch of minerality all emerge from this medium-bodied Pauillac, which has fine, polished tannins, a seamless texture, and a great finish. With purity and finesse as well as richness and depth, it’s already reasonably approachable today, but it’s going to evolve for three decades or more.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate · 93 Points The 2016 Pedesclaux is composed of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. It aged for 18 months in 60% new and 40% one-year-old French oak. It has a deep garnet-purple color and nose of crushed red and black currants and blackberries with cigar box, new leather, pencil lead and crushed rocks. The palate is medium-bodied, elegant, fresh and lively with loads of mineral nuances and a lovely earthy finish. Around 15,000 cases produce

James Suckling · 95 Points · Vintage Not Specified So aromatic with crushed currants, raspberries and blackberries with hints of graphite and lead pencil. Full-bodied and very tight with beautiful tannins and a long, flavorful finish. The tannins really build at the end of the palate. Try from 2024.

Wine Spectator · 92 Points · Vintage Not Specified An extroverted style, with bold plum and blackberry compote aromas and flavors, infused with anise accents and backed by an alluring finish of toasted vanilla, violet and mocha. On the showy side, but has enough latent drive to keep it honest. Drink now through 2030.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pair with roast lamb, grilled beef, braised short ribs or mushroom dishes. The wine's fresh structure and savory complexity suit rich, deeply flavored food.

Details

• Producer: Château Pédesclaux
• Vintage: 2016
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Country: France
• Region: Bordeaux
• Appellation: Pauillac AOC
• Classification: 5ème Grand Cru Classé
• Blend: 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc
• Type: Red Bordeaux blend
• Aging: 18 months in French oak, 60% new and 40% one-year-old barrels

Bodegas Antídoto Ribera del Duero 2024 | Tempranillo | Soria, Spain | 750ml

Antídoto comes from the far eastern reaches of Ribera del Duero — the Soria province, a wilder, less-traveled corner of the appellation where the rules are looser and the vineyards are older. Bertrand Sourdais and David Hernando work with up to 400 different parcels of old, ungrafted Tempranillo (Tinto Fino) vines rooted in a patchwork of limestone, decomposed granite, and clay. The project is biodynamic and organic in spirit, with spontaneous fermentation, no fining, no filtering, and minimal intervention throughout.

The 2024 vintage is a more delicate, fine-boned expression than prior years — fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts, then aged nine months in 600-liter French oak barrels (25% new). The result is juicy and full-bodied but balanced: black cherry, plum skins, dried herbs, and a kiss of vanilla spice, with firm, chewy tannins and a pristine finish. Very primary now — worth a year or two of patience, but already compelling.

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2024:

• Wine Advocate: 91–92 pts — "Juicy and full-bodied but balanced... soft vinification... fine-boned. Very primary, with some toasted notes that suggest waiting a bit more."
• James Suckling: 91 pts — "Fresh and pure... full of black cherries, plum skins and some dried herbs. Tannins are firm and nicely chewy with medium to full body and a pristine finish."
• Tim Atkin: 91 pts — "A comparatively forward, easy-drinking style with some subtle reduction, plum, raspberry and black cherry fruit and a kiss of vanilla spice."

• Appellation: Ribera del Duero, Soria, Spain
• Grape: 100% Tempranillo (Tinto Fino)
• Vintage: 2024
• Farming: Biodynamic & organic
• Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation, no fining, no filtering
• Aging: 9 months in 600L French oak (25% new)
• Best With: Roast lamb, Ibérico, aged Manchego, grilled mushrooms, braised short rib

Husch Vineyards · Pinot Noir · Anderson Valley · Mendocino County, California · 2022 · 750ml

Husch Vineyards holds a special place in California wine history: founded in 1971, it was the first winery established in the Anderson Valley, a remote, fog-laced appellation in Mendocino County that has since become one of the state’s most celebrated addresses for Pinot Noir. The valley’s cool, maritime climate — shaped by Pacific fog that rolls in through the Navarro River corridor — produces Pinot Noir that sits at a compelling stylistic crossroads: darker and earthier than Russian River or Sonoma Coast, yet more structured and spice-driven than Willamette Valley Oregon. Husch has been farming this land for over fifty years, and the estate Pinot Noir remains the benchmark expression of what makes Anderson Valley special.

Lively ruby in the glass with an inviting, complex nose of raspberry compote, strawberry jam, dried florals, dried herbs, and a savory note of portobello mushroom. On the palate: baked red plum, pomegranate, and orange zest, interwoven with vanilla bean, earth, and mineral, carried by smooth tannins and lifted acidity that brings focus and length to a dry, supple finish. Wine Enthusiast awarded 92 points, calling it “a legacy family in the Anderson Valley still going strong.” Drink now through 2029. Pair with coq au vin, mushroom ravioli, roasted duck, grilled salmon, or creamy cheeses.

• Producer: Husch Vineyards (est. 1971, Anderson Valley — first winery in the appellation)
• Wine: Estate Pinot Noir · Anderson Valley
• Vintage: 2022
• Origin: Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, California
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Style: Earthy, spice-driven, food-friendly Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
• Score: Wine Enthusiast 92 Points
• Drinking Window: Now–2029
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Raspberry compote, strawberry, dried florals, portobello mushroom, red plum, pomegranate, orange zest, vanilla, earth, mineral, supple finish
• Pair With: Coq au vin · Mushroom ravioli · Roasted duck · Grilled salmon · Creamy cheeses

Anderson Valley’s founding winery, 92pts Wine Enthusiast — California Pinot Noir at its most authentic.

Expert Reviews

Wine Enthusiast — 92 Points
“This lively wine offers aromas of raspberry compote, strawberry jam, florals, dried herbs and portobello mushroom on the nose. The flavors on the palate are baked red plum, pomegranate and orange zest, interwoven with vanilla bean, earth, mineral and a dry, supple finish. From a legacy family in the Anderson Valley still going strong.”

Bart Hopkins — 67wino.shop 
“The beautiful Anderson Valley of Mendocino County is home to some of California’s best Pinot Noir. I look at it as a stylistic bridge between Russian River–Sonoma Coast and the Willamette Valley of Oregon. The fruit leans more to the darker spectrum with earthy complexity and a spicy character. Aromas of cherry and strawberry mingle with shades of violet, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Well balanced and harmonious with smooth tannins and lifted acidity that brings focus to the fruit on the long flavorful finish.”

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2021

Jeb Dunnuck 98+ Points | "Incredibly elegant yet concentrated 2021 that does everything right." Purple-hued, with ample cassis, wild sage, graphite, and darker chocolate aromatics. Picks up a Graves-like gravelly earth character with air. Full-bodied with ripe, polished tannins, beautiful balance, and a great finish. Needs 4–5 years of bottle age but will drink well for 30 years.

James Suckling 98 Points | Intense aromas of iodine, blackcurrants, cedar, sandalwood and mint. Medium to full body with silky tannins that spread across the palate and expand in a balanced, harmonized way. Hints of chocolate and tar. Better in a few years — try 2027 and beyond.

Wine Spectator 95 Points | Packed with dark, winey flavors of blackcurrant and blackberry paste underscored with alder, sweet tobacco, warm paving stone and black licorice. Violet accent fills the background. Polished finish makes it accessible now, with plenty of life ahead. Drink now through 2042. — Wine Spectator’s #2 Wine of the Year 2024.

Winemaker Notes

A truly remarkable vintage of BV’s iconic flagship. The bouquet is intense with wild sage, blackcurrant, cedar, and fresh mint. The palate is expansive and full-bodied with layers of ripe blackberry, redcurrant, and red rose petal alongside graphite, licorice root, gravelly stone, and dark chocolate. French oak aging adds sandalwood, clove, and Ceylon cinnamon. The signature "Rutherford Dust" tannins are silky, polished, and fine-grained, finishing long with a cocoa powder texture.

Slightly reserved upon release but incredibly drinkable — significant presence, depth, and concentration foreshadowing cellar-worthy potential across the next few decades.

Tasting & Pairings

Cassis, wild sage, graphite, dark chocolate, blackberry, cedar, sandalwood, and Rutherford Dust. Full-bodied with polished, fine-grained tannins and extraordinary length. Decant generously now or cellar through 2042+.

• Prime rib or dry-aged ribeye — the wine’s concentration and tannin structure demand equally serious beef.
• Braised lamb shank with herbs — the sage and cedar notes mirror herbed, slow-cooked meats.
• Dark chocolate truffles — the cocoa powder finish and chocolate aromatics are a decadent match.

Belle Glos · Clark & Telephone Vineyard · Santa Barbara · 2024

Belle Glos explores California's coastal vineyards through vineyard-designated Pinot Noir. Owner and winemaker Joe Wagner named the winery for his grandmother, Lorna Belle Glos Wagner, an inspirational figure in his life and an avid lover of Pinot Noir. Clark & Telephone brings that vineyard-focused approach to Santa Barbara.

The supplied winemaker note describes a dark scarlet wine with blackberry, cherry and boysenberry aromas layered with cocoa. Rich marionberry flavors meet dried fig and chocolate-covered blueberry, with supple, refined tannins and a silky, lush finish. It is an opulent expression of Pinot Noir for those who enjoy generous fruit and velvety texture.

The Producer & Winemaker

Joe Wagner created Belle Glos in 2001 after learning the family craft alongside his father at Caymus Vineyards. His focus on coastal Pinot Noir recognizes the differences in fog, wind, sunlight and soils from one vineyard to the next, with each wine intended to express its locale.

Winemaker Description

Dark scarlet red in color, with aromas of blackberry, cherry and boysenberry highlighted with layers of cocoa. A rich and opulent wine offering flavors of marionberry accented by hints of dried fig and chocolate covered blueberry this wine is velvety with supple, refined tannins and a silky, lush finish.

Pairing Suggestions

Try with roast duck, grilled salmon, pork tenderloin or mushroom risotto. Serve slightly below room temperature to explore its fruit and cocoa accents.

Wine Details

• Producer: Belle Glos
• Winemaker: Joe Wagner
• Vineyard: Clark & Telephone
• Region: Santa Barbara, California, United States
• Vintage: 2024
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Style: Rich, opulent and velvety
• Size: 750ml

Tommasi Poggio al Tufo Cabernet Sauvignon Toscana 2022

93 Points James Suckling | 91 Points Wine Enthusiast | 90 Points Wine Spectator

Tommasi Poggio al Tufo Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 is a rich, expressive and beautifully structured Tuscan red wine from the celebrated Maremma region of southern Tuscany. Produced by Tommasi Family Estates, this distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon combines the bold fruit character of the variety with the elegance, freshness and savory complexity of Tuscany's Mediterranean terroir.

The Poggio al Tufo estate represents an important chapter in the Tommasi family's winemaking history. Acquired in 1997, it was the family's first major expansion beyond their historic home in Valpolicella. Located in the picturesque Maremma countryside, the estate is known for its distinctive volcanic tuff soils, warm Mediterranean climate and excellent conditions for cultivating international grape varieties.

Crafted exclusively from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine is produced from carefully selected grapes grown at the Albore estate near Scansano. The grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, followed by traditional red wine fermentation with approximately 12 days of skin maceration. The wine is then matured for 12 months in large Slavonian oak casks, developing complexity and structure while preserving its generous fruit character.

Deep ruby red in color, the 2022 vintage opens with an inviting bouquet of ripe blackberries, blackcurrants, dark cherries and plum preserves, complemented by black pepper, licorice, vanilla, cedar and aromatic Mediterranean herbs. Subtle notes of tobacco, violets and earthy minerals add depth and sophistication.

On the palate, this Cabernet Sauvignon is medium to full-bodied, rich and beautifully balanced. Layers of ripe black fruit, dark cherry and savory spice unfold across a supple texture, supported by firm yet polished tannins and refreshing acidity. Hints of roasted pepper, cedar, licorice and balsamic herbs contribute complexity, leading to a persistent, structured finish.

The warm 2022 growing season produced concentrated, flavorful fruit, while late-season cooling helped preserve the wine's freshness and balance. The result is a Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers impressive depth and character while remaining approachable and versatile.

An excellent companion to hearty Italian cuisine, Tommasi Poggio al Tufo Cabernet Sauvignon pairs beautifully with grilled steaks, roasted lamb, braised beef, pappardelle with wild mushrooms, pasta with meat ragù, grilled sausages and moderately aged cheeses. Its combination of ripe fruit, savory complexity and polished structure makes it equally enjoyable for casual gatherings and special occasions.

WINE EXPERT RATINGS

James Suckling - 93 Points
A savory and structured Cabernet Sauvignon displaying aromas of tobacco, dried herbs and cedar layered over ripe blackcurrants and dark cherries. Medium to full-bodied, with compact, chalky tannins and a firm, lingering finish.

Wine Enthusiast - 91 Points
Rich aromas of Bing cherry, green bell pepper and wild herbs introduce a generous palate of ripe cherries, roasted peppers and savory spice. Velvety tannins, fresh acidity and impressive finesse create an appealing balance of power and elegance.

Wine Spectator - 90 Points
An expressive Tuscan Cabernet Sauvignon featuring blackcurrant, blackberry, violet, mineral, tobacco and bell pepper notes. Supple fruit flavors are supported by dense, structured tannins and a persistent finish.

Winemaker Notes

Deep ruby red in color, it has a broad, complex nose with aromas of blackberry preserve, black pepper, licorice, vanilla and balsamic herbs. On the palate it is mouth-filling, rich and full-bodied, with velvety tannins that are nicely integrated with a pleasing sensation of freshness.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Producer: Tommasi Family Estates
Estate: Poggio al Tufo
Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2022
Country: Italy
Region: Tuscany (Toscana)
Subregion: Maremma Toscana
Appellation: Toscana IGT
Grape: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine Type: Dry Red Wine
Body: Medium to Full
Vineyard: Albore Estate, Scansano, Maremma
Soil: Volcanic tuff and mixed mineral-rich soils
Climate: Mediterranean
Harvest: Grapes picked at advanced ripeness
Vinification: Traditional red wine fermentation with approximately 12 days of skin maceration
Aging: 12 months in large 70-hectoliter Slavonian oak casks
Alcohol: 13% ABV
Bottle Size: 750ml
Serving Temperature: 60-64°F (16-18°C)
Food Pairings: Grilled meats, roasted lamb, hearty pasta, mushroom dishes and aged cheeses
Cellaring Potential: Suitable for medium-term aging under proper storage conditions

Château Pipeau is a fourth-generation estate founded in 1929 in Saint-Émilion, on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, where many of the world’s greatest Merlot-based wines are produced.

Winemaker Jean Mestreguilhem, son of the current owners, worked at Château de Fieuzal in Pessac-Léognan and Screaming Eagle in Napa Valley before returning to his family estate.

The property includes 25 hectares of clay-limestone and deep sandy soils planted to 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc, with an average vine age of 40 years.

Grass grows naturally between the vine rows, while careful debudding and green harvesting limit yields and maximize quality. Canopy management and early harvesting help preserve freshness. The grapes are sorted first on the vine and then again on a sorting table.

“This is an intriguingly delicious wine, starting off with a waft of warm nutmeg and cinnamon. The palate is balanced but assertive, with ripe black plum and bramble fruit.”

—Rand Sieger, 67 Wine Buyer

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This expressive Saint-Émilion Grand Cru comes from a historic, family-owned estate situated at the foot of the Saint-Émilion hillside on Bordeaux’s Right Bank. Founded by Georges Mestreguilhem in 1929, Château Pipeau has remained in the same family for four generations and is now directed by Jean Mestreguilhem with the support of his father, Richard. The estate has grown from its original seven hectares to approximately 25 hectares of vines located just three kilometers from the village of Saint-Émilion.

The vineyard is planted predominantly to Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The vines average approximately 40 years of age and are rooted in a combination of clay-limestone soils and deep sands. These contrasting soils help produce a wine that combines the generosity and plush fruit of Merlot with freshness, structure, and aromatic complexity.

Château Pipeau follows environmentally conscious vineyard practices and holds Haute Valeur Environnementale certification. Grass is maintained between the vineyard rows to encourage healthy soils and biodiversity, while careful debudding, green harvesting, and leaf removal are used to control yields and promote even ripening. The grapes are harvested both manually and mechanically before undergoing precise optical sorting at the winery.

Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, with gentle macerations lasting approximately three to four weeks and daily pump-overs to extract color, flavor, and tannin without sacrificing finesse. A traditional vertical press is used to preserve the integrity of the fruit. Most of the wine is then matured for 12 to 14 months in new French oak barrels, while a smaller portion remains in stainless steel to retain freshness and vibrant fruit character.

The 2022 vintage opens with generous aromas of ripe black plum, crushed blackcurrant, raspberry, and wild strawberry. Layers of nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, tobacco, and subtle toasted oak add depth and complexity. The palate is rich and assertive, yet balanced by freshness, with ripe dark fruit, bramble, warm spice, and polished tannins carrying through the finish. A professional tasting of the vintage also noted its deep, fresh aromatic profile and awarded it 90 points.

Approachable in its youth with decanting, this wine also has the concentration and structure to develop further in the cellar. It is an excellent match for roast lamb, grilled steak, beef tenderloin, duck, braised short ribs, mushroom dishes, and firm aged cheeses.

Appellation: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Region: Bordeaux, France
Vintage: 2022
Grape Varieties: 90% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Soils: Clay-limestone and deep sand
Average Vine Age: Approximately 40 years
Farming: Environmentally responsible; HVE certified
Vinification: Temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks with gentle maceration
Aging: Approximately 12–14 months, primarily in new French oak
Bottle Size: 750ml

Serving Recommendation: Serve at approximately 60–65°F. Decant for one to two hours when drinking young to allow the fruit, spice, and tannins to fully open.

Château Mondot Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2021

Perched atop a singular hill overlooking the ancient village of Saint-Émilion, Château Mondot has stood as an understated beacon of exceptional terroir since its creation in 1700. The estate — the second wine of the legendary Château Troplong Mondot — occupies a position like no other in the appellation, its lofty elevation and unique soil profile setting it apart from its neighbors on the limestone plateau.

The secret lies beneath the surface: Mondot's hill is one of the only places in Saint-Émilion where ancient Agenais Molasse clays, formed during the region's geological creation, have survived erosion to great depths, overlying the astéries limestone so characteristic of the appellation. This rare clay-over-limestone profile is the defining signature of Mondot's wines — lending them structure, freshness, and a distinctive mineral tension that sets them apart.

The 2021 Mondot holds a special place in the estate's history: it is the last vintage produced exclusively from Merlot grown on Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau — a milestone worth cellaring. Bright and vibrant in character, the wine reflects the cool, precise nature of the 2021 vintage with crystalline energy and elegant restraint.

Deep ruby in the glass, the wine opens with floral wildflower and crushed flower aromas, followed by red cherry, blackberry, currant, orange peel, cola, mint, and white pepper, with a touch of toasted oak and blue fruit. The palate is refined and focused — not plush or heavy — with pure acidity, a gorgeous tannic structure, and a mouthwatering, saline finish with notes of liquorice and wet stone. Drink from 2027.

Wine Enthusiast — 93 pts
"Floral wildflower aromas. Partial wood aging has produced a wine with light toast and pure acidity. Black-currant flavors are dominant with bright acidity as well as structure. Drink from 2027." (Vintage 2021). 

Decanter — 93 pts
"Beautifully delicate and fragrant — a touch of cola, blue fruits and salt with green pepper and toasted oak. Refined and focussed, crisp and mouthwatering, excellent energy and sense of life with a delicious moreish liquorice, wet stone finish. A serious, well-constructed wine with depth but no heaviness." (Vintage 2021). 

James Suckling — 92 pts
"A vivid and bright red with currant, orange peel and some light spices. Medium body and fine tannins that turn dusty in the finish." (Vintage 2021).

Vinous — 91 pts
"A bright, vibrant wine. Crushed flowers, red cherry fruit, orange peel, mint and white pepper abound. A wine of crystalline energy and tension — super-impressive." (Vintage 2021).

Wine Advocate — 90 pts
"Charming and expressive, bursting with aromas of blackberries, plums, orange zest and spices. Medium to full-bodied, ample and velvety, seamless and suave, with succulent acids and a mouthwateringly saline finish. The last rendition of Mondot produced exclusively from Merlot growing on Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau." (Vintage 2021).

Varietal: 100% Merlot (final vintage)
Appellation: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC, Bordeaux, France
Vintage: 2021
Format: 750ml
Scores: 93 WE | 93 Decanter | 92 JS | 91 Vinous | 90 WA

Thirty years of winemaking in the Galilee — and this is the wine that tells that story. Created to celebrate three decades of the Dalton family's journey, this extraordinary red blend incorporates wine from every vintage stretching back to 1995, weaving together the memory of each harvest into a single, deeply expressive bottle.

Rooted in the rugged terroir of the Upper Galilee, the blend draws on Cabernet Sauvignon from Elkosh, Merlot from Tel Fares, and Shiraz from Elkosh — three sites that have defined Dalton's identity over the years. Aged 24 months in new French oak barrels, then rested a full year before release, this is a wine built with patience and intention.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with garnet hues
• Nose: Concentrated red fruit, dark berries, tobacco, and subtle vanilla
• Palate: Soft and supple with layered complexity and well-integrated oak
• Finish: Long, warm, and celebratory

Blend & Aging

• Cabernet Sauvignon (Elkosh), Merlot (Tel Fares), Shiraz (Elkosh)
  
• 24 months in new French oak + 12 months bottle aging pre-release

Kosher Certification

Kosher Le'Mehadrin and Kosher for Passover.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve at 17–19°C
• Pairs beautifully with lamb, beef tenderloin, aged hard cheeses, and charcuterie
• Decant 30–45 minutes before serving

750ml. Limited release. Galilee, Israel.

In the northernmost commune of Barolo, perched in a castle that has stood since the early 1500s, the Burlotto family has quietly produced some of the most elegant Nebbiolo in Piedmont. Castello di Verduno has been theirs since 1909, and the Massara vineyard — planted on the chalky Marne di Sant’Agata soils that define the commune’s signature minerality — is among its finest expressions.

The 2022 Massara is, by any measure, a seriously impressive Barolo. Vinified in open-top wooden vats with an extended maceration using the traditional submerged cap method, then aged in large Austrian and Slavonian botti grandi, it carries the full weight of its terroir with uncommon grace. Bottled unfined and unfiltered — nothing added, nothing taken away.

On the nose: macerated cherry, new leather, spice, and pomegranate with an exotic, almost heady complexity. The palate is broad and ample, with a lovely textural intensity and a seamless mid-palate carried effortlessly by fine, ripe tannins through a long and structured finish. A standout of the vintage.

• Producer: Castello di Verduno
• Appellation: Barolo DOCG — Verduno, Piedmont, Italy
• Vineyard: Massara — Marne di Sant’Agata (30% sand, 55% clay, 15% limestone)
• Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
• Viticulture: Practicing organic, hand-harvested
• Bottling: Unfined & unfiltered
• Drink: Now through 2040+

Expert Review - Vintage 2022:

94 Vinous — “Seriously impressive… broad and ample, with a lovely level of textural intensity and complexity that is exceedingly rare in this vintage.”

Food Pairings: Braised short ribs, roast lamb, truffle risotto, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, wild boar ragù.

GAJA · Dagromis Barolo · 2022 · Piedmont, Italy

GAJA Dagromis 2022 brings together two Barolo origins, La Morra and Serralunga, in a wine made entirely from Nebbiolo. The name recalls Gromis, the previous owner of the land, connecting this bottling to the history of its vineyards.

Ripe fruit, plum, rose and violet mingle with balsamic notes and sweet licorice. Earth, warm spice, sandalwood and juniper add savory depth. A rich, concentrated palate combines bright acidity with polished tannins, leading into a persistent finish with violet and blood-orange accents.

Wine Description

Dagromis 2022: The 2022 Gaja Barolo Dagromis is an expression of two great terroirs of Barolo, La Morra and Serralunga. "Gromis" refers to the previous owner of the land. The wine opens with balsamic aromas, where the fruit prevails and fills the nose with its vibrant presence. One can perceive wild, ripe, and freshly picked fruit, with notes of plum blending into a bouquet of red and balsamic flowers, including rose, violet, and sweet licorice. The tannins are soft and juicy, providing a sensation of roundness and length on the palate. The structure is remarkable, rich, and full, and the wine has a good balance. It concludes with an elegant aftertaste of violet and a long, persistent finish.

The nose shows deep wet earth, warm spice, sandalwood, juniper, red fruit, and subtle savory, sanguine notes. Powerful and concentrated on the palate, it is balanced by bright savory acidity and dense yet polished tannins, finishing fresh with a hint of blood orange.

Blend: 100% Nebbiolo

Food Pairings & Serving

Suggested pairings include braised beef, roast lamb, mushroom risotto or aged hard cheeses. Serve slightly below room temperature and give the wine time in the glass to explore its floral and savory layers.

Wine Details

• Producer: GAJA
• Wine: Dagromis
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Barolo
• Vineyard origins: La Morra and Serralunga
• Region: Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: 100% Nebbiolo
• Style: Red wine
• Bottle size: 750ml

Floral Nebbiolo, savory depth and polished structure from two Barolo origins.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

Decanter 96 Points | Super-fresh with balsamic herb, blueberry and floral aromatics, Guidalberto 2023 has blossomed into a grand vin all of its own. Invigorating cool forest berry flavours mingle with touches of spice and fine, silky tannins. So poised. Wow!"
Decanter Magazine 

James Suckling 96 Points | This vintage shows a remarkable aromatic profile of Mediterranean herbs, cassis, black cherries, leather and earth with a kind of gamey depth. Full-bodied, it shows velvety, slightly sandy tannins with a firm structure, refreshing integrated acidity and a savory cedar finish.

The Wine Enthusiast 94 Points | On the nose, the density of blackberries and damp earth is balanced by the clean snap of pencil eraser and wild mint. The palate brings tangy, tart blackberries, black plums and citrus, alongside more wild mint and fennel, while smooth tannins sit back and watch a hot, acidic river carry the finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 92-94 Points | The 2023 Guidalberto was tasted as a preview and was a preliminary blend of barrel samples prepared for this tasting by the winery team, led by Carlo Paoli. The second sample that was blended was pure and ripe, with detailed layers of youthful cherry liqueur, fresh herbs, and lavender perfume. The palate offers medium to full-bodied richness, with a supple and primary feel, though it starts to reveal its underlying refined structure. While this was an early preliminary look at what the wine could look like, I’m looking forward to next year’s tasting to see how it develops. 

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Pure and juicy, revealing black cherry, blackberry, floral and Mediterranean herb notes, plus touches of spices. Light-bodied, elegant and deftly balanced, with a lingering, mouthwatering finish. This is approachable now but will benefit from another 612 months aging. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2032. 5,400 cases imported.

Vinous 92 Points | The 2023 Guidalberto is another terrific wine from Tenuta San Guido in this vintage. Aromatic, medium in body and gracious, the 2023 is pure charm. Crushed flowers, bright red-toned fruit, spice and blood orange all pulse through a vibrant, refreshing Guidalberto that will drink well on release. The more refined side of Bolgheri is very much on display. This is a fine effort in a year marked by heavy rains and elevated disease pressure. What a delight.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2023 Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto is a highly acclaimed release from the legendary estate behind Sassicaia. Often called "Sassicaia’s little brother," Guidalberto is a distinct, standalone wine designed to be more approachable in its youth while still possessing the elegance of Bolgheri's coastal terroir.

In 2023, the blend shifted slightly due to a hot start to August that made the Merlot more challenging to manage. As a result, the Cabernet Sauvignon plays a more dominant role than in recent previous years.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

James Suckling 94 Points | This exhibits violets and tar, as well as underbrush and a distant bitter-chocolate note. The palate is angular and incisive, well-constructed with a harmonious interplay between the focused acidity, fine grained tannins and delineated, fleshy fruit. Precise. Best ever from here. Better in 2028.

The Wine Spectator by Bruce Sanderson 94 Points | A sleek, elegant red, silky in texture and linear in profile. Rose, macerated cherry, strawberry, mineral and spice flavors abound, while a line of energetic tannins shows up on the long finish. This wine's purity and structure show the potential of the vintage.

Jeb Dunnuck by Audrey Frick 93 Points |  One of the overachievers of the vintage for a regional Barolo and a strong contender for top of the year lists, the 2021 Barolo Ludo pours a reflective brick red color and is attractive on the nose with notes of cinnamon sticks, fresh cherries, mossy earth, and anise. The palate offers a good balance of richness in the structure of its medium-bodied frame, with ripe tannins, lovely clarity of fruit, and refreshing ripe acidity. A gorgeous entry-level Barolo, it’s stunning now and has the potential to age with ease over the next 12-15 years.

Memo Summary Notes

The Poderi Luigi Einaudi Barolo "Ludo" 2021 is a significant release, as 2021 is being hailed as an exceptional, "best-ever" vintage for this specific bottling. Unlike Einaudi’s single-vineyard crus (like Cannubi or Bussia), Ludo is a blend of Nebbiolo from younger vines across those famous sites, designed to be more approachable in its youth.

Why "Ludo"? The name comes from the Latin ludus, meaning "playful."

Pair with Wild mushroom risotto or tajarin pasta with truffles.

Meats: Braised beef short ribs or herb-crusted lamb chops.

Cheese: Aged Grana Padano or Castelmagno.

Winemaker Description 

Ruby-red with a purple shimmer. Subtly pronounced on the nose, fresh and fruity, with floral (violet) notes and white pepper. Light-to-medium bodied, well-balanced, soft, and dry on the palate.

Serve with starters, pasta, pizza, white meats and poultry.

Memo Summary Notes

The Alois Lageder Schiava 2023 is a signature "mountain red" from one of the pioneers of biodynamic viticulture in the Alto Adige (Südtirol) region of Northern Italy. Schiava (also known as Vernatsch) is prized for being incredibly light, fresh, and lower in alcohol—essentially the Italian Alpine answer to a light Pinot Noir or Gamay.

Lageder’s expression is specifically noted for its "funky" and "earthy" complexity, which sets it apart from more commercial, purely fruit-driven versions of the grape.
Perfect for "light fare" like lake trout, sautéed mushrooms, or a charcuterie board featuring speck and mild cheeses. It is also an excellent companion for pizza and tomato-based pasta dishes.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

The Wine Advocate 89 Points | Partially destemmed and matured in a mix of foudres, large barrels and concrete tanks (80%), the 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape is somewhat shy and introverted at this stage, opening with aromas of dark berries and licorice. Medium- to full-bodied, round and sappy, it shows a sweet, juicy core of fruit tapering into a finish that is slightly marked by bitterness.

Memo Summary Notes

About This Wine

This is not your average Rioja. The 67 Wine Artist Series Rioja Crianza 2019 is a limited edition collaboration between 67 Wine, Bodega Obalo, and legendary Bronx-born street artist Cope2 — one of the most iconic names in graffiti history. The label is an original artwork created exclusively for 67 Wine, making every bottle a collectible as much as a wine.

Behind the art is a wine of genuine quality. Bodega Obalo, established in 2006 on the border of Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa, farms 100% hand-harvested grapes with rigorous sorting standards. The 2019 Crianza is 98% Tempranillo with small additions of Viura and Garnacha, gravity-crushed into small-batch tanks, fermented, and matured 12 months in French oak before additional bottle aging. Classic Rioja structure, modern winemaking precision.

Somm Pick

Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67wino.shop: “A classic Crianza crafted with modern winemaking techniques to highlight the purity and quality of the fruit. Elegant bouquet of red and black fruits, a floral note of violets, and a touch of baking spice. Round, supple tannins with a silky mouthfeel and crisp acidity that keeps the wine lively and engaging. A red Rioja full of life and personality — just like the label it bears.”

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with garnet highlights
• Nose: Red and black fruits, violets, baking spice, subtle oak
• Palate: Medium body, round supple tannins, silky mouthfeel, vibrant acidity
• Finish: Lively, engaging, and persistent

Food Pairings

Mediterranean tapas, roasted lamb, grilled chorizo, aged Manchego, and mushroom-based dishes. Equally at home with Asian, modern French, or contemporary American cuisine.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: 2019
Region: Rioja, Spain
Appellation: DOCa Rioja Crianza
Blend: 98% Tempranillo, 2% Viura & Garnacha
Oak Aging: 12 months, French oak
Style: Medium-bodied Red Wine
Label Art: Original artwork by Cope2, exclusively for 67 Wine

Central Otago's Most Exciting Pinot Noir — Moonlight Race by Burn Cottage

Burn Cottage is one of Central Otago's most celebrated biodynamic estates, and the Moonlight Race Pinot Noir is their benchmark expression of this breathtaking South Island appellation. Sourced from three exceptional vineyards — Burn Cottage, Sauvage, and Luna — the 2023 vintage is a wine of extraordinary energy and precision. Crunchy, lively, and deeply satisfying, it captures everything that makes Central Otago Pinot Noir so compelling: vivid fruit, electric acidity, and a silky, fine-grained texture that is impossible to put down.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

• James Suckling — 96 pts: "I really like the crunchy character to this, with ripe, al dente pinot noir character highlighting the strawberry and lemon notes. Medium-bodied, lively and energetic with citrus and crushed stone undertones. This is so satisfying and fresh."
• Wine Spectator — 95 pts: "Stalky, spicy and bright, with notes of Campari/blood orange that mingle alongside dark chocolate, coffee, blood plum and star anise. The tannins and acidity work together as one, making this wine feel integrated, serious, and fun, all at once. Very fine."
• Wine Advocate — 94 pts: "Supple and spicy, with pink peppercorn, cherry blossom, red apple skins, a hint of blond tobacco and white pepper. The tannins are totally fresh and fine — finely milled and like poudre. Superb, silky, totally satisfying and enlivening."

Winemaker Notes

Burn Cottage Pinot Noir Moonlight Race Central Otago 2023 750ml

A blend of 56% Burn Cottage Vineyard, 22% Sauvage Vineyard, and 22% Luna Vineyard fruit. Seven percent whole bunch was included in the ferment with 17 days on skins. Aged in 22% new French oak. The result is a wine of remarkable freshness and complexity — bright red fruit, floral lift, spice, and a long, mineral-driven finish that is quintessentially Central Otago.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand
• Producer: Burn Cottage
• Vintage: 2023
• Farming: Biodynamic
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Incredibly versatile — exceptional with roasted duck, salmon, mushroom risotto, lamb rack, soft cheeses, and charcuterie boards.

A powerful, age-worthy Rioja with layered dark fruit, chocolate, spice and finely structured tannins

Expert Ratings

97 Points  Decanter World Wine Awards 2026, Platinum
“Packed with ambition and guile, bestowing the palate with voluptuous black cherry compote, smoky chocolate oak and peppered mushrooms. Fulsome and structured with powerful tannins and fabulous igniting acidity rippling through. Made for the long run.”

95 Points Tim Atkin MW
“Always the most ambitious red in Marqués de Cáceres’ range, this wouldn’t look out of place in a line-up of top wines from Pauillac in Bordeaux. Cedarwood and coffee bean-scented oak frames a youthful, layered, well-structured palate of blackberry, fig, and dark chocolate, with fine-grained tannins and the concentration to age further in the bottle.”

Marqués de Cáceres Gaudium 2021 is a refined, full-bodied Rioja built around Tempranillo, showing the depth, polish and structure expected from one of the estate’s most ambitious wines.

The palate is rich and layered, with flavors of blackberry, black cherry and ripe plum joined by notes of fig, dark chocolate, cedar, coffee bean and warm spice. The oak is well integrated, adding smoky and savory complexity without overwhelming the fruit.

Firm yet fine-grained tannins give the wine excellent structure, while fresh acidity keeps the palate balanced and energetic. The finish is long, polished and persistent, with lingering dark fruit, cocoa, spice and woodland notes.

A serious, age-worthy Rioja that can be enjoyed now with hearty dishes or cellared for further development.

Grape: Tempranillo
Region: Rioja, Spain
Style: Full-bodied, structured and elegant
Pairings: Roast lamb, grilled steak, braised beef, game, aged cheeses and mushroom dishes.

Warehouse stored item - please allow three to five business days to fulfill.

Vinous 90 Points | The 2022 Langhe Freisa is another new wine in this range. Lifted floral, spice and savory overtones lend an exotic flair. Readers will find a quirky Freisa with a ton of character. I don't know of any other Freisas done with stems, 50% in this case. The Vietti Freisa is a promising wine that will surely be better as the team gains more experience with this tricky indigenous grape and in using whole clusters here.

Warehouse stored item - please allow two to five business days to fulfill.

The grape variety that expresses the character of Sicily’s oenological tradition better than all the others. This wine is meticulously produced using the estate’s finest resources expresses, in absolute purity, with the extraordinary elegance and ability to improve over time. Label drawn by Versace.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

95 points, Wine Spectator. This bursts with bramble, licorice snap, blackberry and mulberry aromas and flavors that are energetic and juicy through the finish, where a flash of iris kicks in. A graphite spine to keep this honest. For fans of the exuberant style. Drink now through 2040.

Warehouse stored item - please allow two to five business days to fulfill.

Domaine Pierre Gelin is the leading wine producer in the small village of Fixin (pronounced “Fees-an”). The family domaine was founded in 1925 by Pierre Gelin and is today in the hands of Pierre’s grandson, Pierre-Emmanuel. Pierre-Emmanuel farms organically and works to minimize the impact on the environment in both vineyard and cellar.

The family owns 32 acres in total including parcels in five of the Fixin premier crus and the monopole Clos Napoléon.

In 1961 Pierre also purchased vineyards in Gevrey-Chambertin, including the monopole Clos de Meixvelle, Clos Prieur 1er cru, and the Grand Cru Clos de Bèze.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

On the palate it is silky, supple and delicate; well-balanced and elegant with a fine long finish of ripe blackberry and blackcurrents.

Barolo's Most Elegant Single Cru — Monvigliero by Paolo Scavino

Paolo Scavino is one of Barolo's most revered producers, and the Monvigliero is the crown jewel of their single-vineyard lineup. Sourced from the stately Monvigliero vineyard in Verduno — widely regarded as the grand cru of the village — this cru was first bottled as a single vineyard wine in 2007 after the Scavino family purchased the site. Monvigliero is celebrated for its distinctly feminine character: floral, spicy, balsamic, and precise, with a finesse and aromatic complexity that sets it apart from the more powerful expressions of Barolo.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

• Jeb Dunnuck — 95 pts: "Moving north to Verduno, the 2022 Barolo Monvigliero pours a bright ruby hue and remains slightly reserved at this stage, revealing aromas of preserved cranberries, white peach, candied orange, baking spice, ripe apricot, and dried earth. Medium-bodied, it has a more linear feel, with focused acidity and well-defined tannins. Citrus notes lift the palate and carry through a refined finish."  Rating: 95+                                                                                                     
• James Suckling — 95 pts: "This wine shines with freshness and transparency, full of red currants, red cherries and intense violets against a meaty background. Lightly extracted and medium-bodied, showing crisp, brilliant acidity and velvety tannins. A touch of sternness in the tense, fragrant finish. Drinkable now but best from 2027."

Winemaker Notes

Paolo Scavino Barolo Monvigliero 2022 750ml

Great finesse and aromatic complexity, distinctly floral spicy, savory, balsamic in its expression. The nose is vivid and compound. The texture is focused. An extremely elegant cru, feminine and full of character. 

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Nebbiolo
• Appellation: Barolo DOCG, Piedmont
• Vineyard: Monvigliero, Verduno
• Producer: Paolo Scavino
• Vintage: 2021
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A classic Piedmontese pairing — exceptional with braised beef, osso buco, white truffle dishes, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, wild boar ragù, and roasted lamb.

Michel Sarrazin et Fils Givry Clos de la Roche 2024 750ml

Michel Sarrazin et Fils is a benchmark family domaine in Givry, one of the Côte Chalonnaise's most exciting appellations for Pinot Noir. The Clos de la Roche is a prized lieu-dit on the northern edge of Givry — a single-site wine grown at over 250 meters altitude on limestone-heavy soils with clay, farmed with organic practices and harvested from vines over 45 years old. This is serious Burgundy at a price that still makes sense.

The 2024 is a standout vintage for the domaine — round, juicy, and harmonious, with the kind of sappy fruit and supple structure that makes it equally compelling now or in the cellar. Fermented with indigenous yeasts, de-stemmed, and aged in barrel with 50% new oak, it delivers the full Givry terroir experience in every glass.

"Round and juicy with aromas of plums, cherries, black raspberries, violets and peppery spice on the nose. Well balanced and harmonious in the mouth with sappy fruit and supple tannins on the long satisfying finish. A very solid performance from the Sarrazin brothers!" — Bart Hopkins, 67Wine

• Producer: Michel Sarrazin et Fils, Givry, Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy, France
• Appellation: Givry AOC — Clos de la Roche (lieu-dit)
• Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2024
• Farming: Practicing organic — indigenous yeast fermentation
• Vines: 45+ years old, 250+ meters altitude, limestone and clay soils
• Aging: Barrel aged, 50% new oak — de-stemmed
• Tasting Notes: Plum, cherry, black raspberry, violet, peppery spice, sappy fruit, supple tannins, long finish
• Best Paired With: Roast duck, lamb chops, mushroom risotto, aged Comté or Époisses

A great lieu-dit from one of Givry's most reliable family estates — the Clos de la Roche 2023 is the kind of village Burgundy that reminds you why this region is worth every penny.

Hirsch · The Bohan-Dillon Pinot Noir · Sonoma Coast 2024

This 2024 Bohan-Dillon is a generous, youthful Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir built for the table. Cherries, ripe strawberries and cassis lead, followed by plum skin, wet stone and a note of redwood forest as the wine opens in the glass. Its juicy, mouthwatering palate makes it an easy companion to roast chicken, salmon or mushroom dishes.

Producer Description

The Bohan-Dillon is an authentic, handmade Pinot Noir that is delicious young and effortlessly food-friendly. The 2024 Bohan-Dillon is a charming, exuberant wine with lots of personality and character. It opens with a bouquet of cherries, ripe strawberries and cassis. With air, notes of plum skin, wet stone and redwood forest emerge. On the palate, it’s juicy and mouthwatering, with an easy, irresistible drinkability. Delicious upon release and effortlessly food-friendly, this wine can be enjoyed young and pair with a wide variety of foods.

Hirsch · Producer Description

Expert Review · 2024 Vintage

Purity and freshness with sliced strawberries, minerals and hints of flint. Some volcanic undertones. There’s an edge this year that gives it energy.

James Suckling · 94 points

About Hirsch

Hirsch describes its vineyard practices as Biodynamic, organic and regenerative. Since 2011, the estate says it has farmed its 72 acres of vines, along with gardens and orchards, using those practices, with work focused on bringing each vine into balance.

At a Glance

• Producer: Hirsch
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast, California, USA
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Size: 750ml

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

The Wine Advocate 95 Points | The San Felice 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Grigio (made with 80% Sangiovese and 20% complementary indigenous grapes) stands out due to its velvety richness and expressive flavor profile. The wine delivers measured intensity with bright purple and black fruits, a good sense of energy and drive, and some lingering spiciness on the close. It is rich but not heavy.

James Suckling 93 Points | This is spiced and racy with dark cherries, currants, savory herbs, walnuts and sandalwood. Medium- to full-bodied with ripe, powdery tannins, juicy acidity and a mineral backbone on the palate. Bright and fruit-forward in the finish. Drink or hold.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

Erin Brooks of The Wine Advocate 95 Points | I tasted the 2021 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley about a month after it was bottled, but it doesn't seem to matter—it bursts from the glass with generous pomegranate, cranberry and raspberry preserves aromas and accents of orange peel, aniseed and tea leaves. The palate is stunning: it strikes a balance between highly concentrated, nuanced fruit and an uplifted, silky structure, and it has a particularly elegant finish. 

James Suckling 94 Points | Wild and vibrant nose of rosemary, cherry stones, small strawberries, violets and seaweed. So fresh, with a medium body and powdery tannins. I like the persistent fine, chalky texture. Unfined and unfiltered. Drink or hold.

Wine Spectator 94 Points |  Sleek, graceful and elegantly proportioned, with expressive violet, raspberry, guava and black tea flavors that jump out of the glass and gather richness toward polished tannins. Drink now through 2032.

Decanter 93 Points | Sourced from 13 vineyards throughout the Valley, though predominantly Star Morring and Doration vineyards. Aromas of violets and crushed stone hint at edginess. The palate offers sappy blackberries and bright, fresh fruits backed by spearmint. There is an excellent lingering juiciness and a finish that goes on for minutes.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Deep ruby with a purple tinge, the 2021 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley is generous and attractive, with a pure and spicy perfume of pressed flowers, wild raspberry preserve, and brambly herbs. Approachable and drinking well out of the gate, this medium to full-bodied red is ripe with juicy fruit, good structure, ripe tannins, and pithy texture, as well as a touch of warming spice on a long finish. It’s a solid appellation wine that casts a very large net for appeal. Drink 2024-2030. - Audrey Frick

Vinous 91 Points |  The 2021 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley is lifted and pure with a cool-toned bouquet of dusty florals, lavender and spice-dusted blackberries. Soft and round, it casts violet inner florals and wild berries across the palate, taking on a saline tinge and hints of licorice toward the close. The 2021 finishes remarkably fresh and with a pleasantly chewy sensation, leaving slowly fading inner rose tones. -- Eric Guido

GAJA · Sito Moresco Rosso · Langhe · 2022

GAJA Sito Moresco Rosso 2022 brings together Nebbiolo and Barbera in a red from the Langhe in Piedmont, Italy. Its name recalls Moresco, the previous owner of a parcel in the Pajorè vineyard purchased in 1979.

For the table, consider this 750ml bottle with a Piedmont-inspired meal of mushroom pasta, braised meat or aged cheese. The earlier-vintage producer notes below offer background on Sito Moresco while remaining distinct from this 2022 bottling.

Producer Background

GAJA: The name derives from Moresco, the previous owner of the parcel in Pajorè vineyard which was purchased in 1979.

Historical Winemaker Notes · Vintage 2021

GAJA · 2021 Growing Season: Abundant snowfall and low temperatures led to an unusually severe, rainy winter, followed by a dry spring. Temperatures picked up again in mid-March, accelerating the plant life cycle.

Unfortunately, the cold temperatures returned in early April with icy winds that channeled through the valleys and affected the lower vineyards, especially in the Barbaresco area.

Other Barbaresco vineyards affected by frost recorded minimal losses of 5%. Our Barolo vineyards are located at higher altitudes and survived the frost unscathed. The summer rolled out dramatically with a bright and windy start, hot and violent midseason, characterized by frequent thunderstorms, and ended hot and dry.

While both benefited from thunderstorms that cooled the land, powdery mildew became a real threat in Barbaresco in July. A redeeming rainfall came at the end of August, refreshing the Barbaresco and Barolo vineyards.

2021 was a late vintage, tending to be dry but cool, resulting in wines of great volume and richness marked by savoriness and length, generous even on the nose, with intense and complex aromas.

Winemaking · Supplied With the 2021 Notes: The two varieties ferment and macerate separately for three weeks. After the malolactic fermentation, they are blended and then aged in oak for 12 months.

Tasting Description · Vintage 2021: A beautiful violet color atypical of Nebbiolo but reflective of the 2021 vintage where fullness and richness are even present to the eye. The wine has bold notes of blackberry, cherry, blood orange, and bergamot with a touch of flintiness. Medium-structured with lots of juiciness and harmony on the palate all lead to well-balanced acidity and tannin structure with a long finish.

Food Pairings & Serving

Suggested pairings include mushroom tagliatelle, braised beef, roast pork or aged hard cheeses. Serve slightly below room temperature and allow time in the glass to explore the wine.

Wine Details

• Producer: GAJA
• Wine: Sito Moresco Rosso
• Vintage: 2022
• Origin: Langhe, Piedmont, Italy
• Grapes: Nebbiolo and Barbera
• Style: Red wine
• Bottle size: 750ml

A Langhe red for a thoughtfully paired meal and a closer look at GAJA's range.

Chateau Sociando-Mallet Haut-Medoc 2020 · Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

James Suckling, 94 Points — This has a pretty nose with dark spices, nut shell and cedar notes with a dark fruit backbone, following through to a medium body with firm and finely polished tannins that go on and on. Refined and nicely balanced with velvety texture. Lingering and chalky finish. Try after 2026.

Vinous, 93 Points — The 2020 Sociando Mallet has retained its impressive aromatics from its showing in barrel with beautifully defined blackberry and raspberry fruit, pressed violet and light cedar aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with firm backbone, a little powdery in texture, fine backbone with ample freshness and tension towards its graphite-infused finish. Bravo!

The Wine Advocate, 92 Points — The 2020 Sociando-Mallet is very attractive, exhibiting aromas of cassis and plums mingled with notions of pencil shavings, loamy soil, tobacco leaf and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with lively acids and powdery tannins, it's a strong effort from a site that always does well in warm vintages. The 2020 is a blend of 53% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc.

Decanter, 92 Points — Wonderfully fragrant on the nose, just stopping short of being potent. Glorious perfumed scents and rich, ripe black fruits. Clean and clear, this has a lively energy to it and a little bit of liquorice which gives a savoury, dark and sticky edge to the fruit. Clarity, classicism and precision on show. Sculpted, muscular, grippy and chewy. Excellent potential with a slate and coffee-toned finish.

Details

• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Region: Haut-Medoc, Bordeaux, France
• Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot
• Type: Red

Masi Campofiorin Ripasso — Rosso del Veronese, Veneto, Italy 2023

Masi Agricola is one of Italy’s most historic wine estates — a family winery whose roots stretch back to 1772, when the Boscaini family first harvested in the prized vineyards of Vajo dei Masi in the heart of Valpolicella Classica. Born in 1964, Campofiorin is Masi’s original “Super-Venetian” — internationally recognized as the creator of a new category of Veneto wines inspired by the Amarone ripasso technique, and described by Burton Anderson as “a wine of stupendous size and complexity.” The 2023 is crafted from Corvina and complementary varietals, with delayed harvest and an increased percentage of dried grapes to achieve an even more harmonious, full-bodied, and integrally fruity expression. The result is a rich, smooth, and velvety red that combines simplicity and grace with strength and majesty — and overdelivers at its price point.

The nose is warm and inviting: ripe cherries, sweet spices, and berry fruit with a depth that signals the influence of the ripasso technique. On the palate, the wine is rich and full-bodied with intense cherry and berry fruit, soft tannins, good length, and a smooth, lingering finish. It is versatile, crowd-pleasing, and deeply satisfying — the kind of Veneto classic that works from aperitivo to serious dinner with equal ease.

"Rich, smooth and velvety, yet approachable and versatile at table. Marrying simplicity and grace with strength and majesty. Born in 1964, Campofiorin is one of the world’s best-loved traditional Italian classics, internationally recognised as a ‘wine of stupendous size and complexity’ — the creator of a new category of Veneto wines inspired by the Amarone technique." — Masi Agricola

• Producer: Masi Agricola, Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy (est. 1772)
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Rosso del Veronese IGT, Veneto, Italy
• Varietal: Corvina and complementary Veneto varietals
• Technique: Ripasso — re-fermented on dried Amarone grape skins for richness & complexity
• Closure: Cork
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe cherry, sweet spice, berry fruit, soft tannins, rich and velvety finish
• Best Paired With: Richly-sauced pasta, grilled and roasted red meats, aged cheeses, risotto al tardo, braised short ribs

Italy’s original Super-Venetian at an honest price — Masi Campofiorin is the benchmark for what Amarone-inspired Ripasso from the Veneto can deliver.

Ridge Vineyards · Geyserville · Alexander Valley 2021

This 2021 Alexander Valley red blend brings together Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet and Mataro. The winemaker lists Zinfandel as 69% of the blend, with the other varieties in smaller proportions.

Ripe cranberry and cassis open into dark bramble fruit, cocoa and clove. Vibrant acidity carries the opulent fruit through a long, elegant finish; critics also note plum, blueberry, pepper, blackberry and herbal complexity. The review sources give differing blend percentages, so each is kept with its own attribution below.

Winemaker Description · blend
Ripe cranberry and cassis on the nose. Focused dark bramble fruit on the palate, layered with cocoa and clove. Vibrant acidity balances beautifully with opulent fruit and carries through to a long and elegant finish. Blend: 69% Zinfandel, 20% Carignane, 8% Petite Sirah, 2% Alicante Bouschet, 1% Mataro.

Wine & Spirits · 95 Points · 2021
When Geyserville hits in a great vintage, it takes me back to what I originally loved about California wine. Or to that sense of optimism on a spring day when I first visited San Francisco in 1984, to pitch this magazine on publishing services. I didn’t know at the time that I would still be publishing it 40 years later, and I didn’t know how much California wine would change. Or how little the style and intention of Geyserville would change. The team at Ridge manages the vineyard’s generations of vines to produce complex wines like this perfectly ripe 2021, with its dark, resinous scents of marijuana, its deep layers of rich fruit and the fruitiness of detailed tannins. The fresh, herbal complexity is pretty epic and the richness doesn’t stop. What I want from California.

Wine Enthusiast · 94 Points · Cellar Selection · 2021
Toasted oak and wood-smoke aromas lead to equally smoky, spicy flavors of black pepper, blackberry jam and maple in this full-bodied, muscular and firmly tannic wine. Great to pair with barbecue and hatchet throwing. The Zinfandel grapes were supplemented with 16% Carignane, 6% Petite Sirah and 2% Alicante Bouschet. Best from 2025-2035.

Jeb Dunnuck · 93 Points · 2021
The 2021 Geyserville checks in as 76% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, and the rest Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet. It has a pure, expressive bouquet of fresh plums, figs, mulberries, peppery herbs, leather, and vanilla bean, and it takes some air to show at its best, gaining depth and richness with time in the glass. This medium to full-bodied, spicy, elegant red blend has a touch more oak present than I'm accustomed to, but it has a silky, elegant mouthfeel, nicely integrated acidity, and outstanding length. It's going to benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age. Rating: 93+

Wine Spectator · 93 Points · 2021
Tightly focused and briary, this blend offers density without weight. Presents plum and blueberry flavors accented by dill and green peppercorn as this builds tension toward medium-grained tannins. Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet.

• Producer: Ridge Vineyards
• Wine: Geyserville
• Vintage: 2021
• Region: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Style: Zinfandel-led red blend
• Blend (winemaker description): 69% Zinfandel, 20% Carignane, 8% Petite Sirah, 2% Alicante Bouschet, 1% Mataro
• Size: 375ml half bottle

Geyserville’s layered fruit, spice and vibrant acidity make this half bottle a distinctive expression of Alexander Valley.

Bodega Garzón · Tannat Reserva · Uruguay · 2024

Bodega Garzón Tannat Reserva 2024 combines dark-fruit depth with a supple mouthfeel and firm structure. Black fruit and anise meet a juicy, savory finish, making this Uruguayan red a flavorful partner for roasted meats.

Producer & Winemaking

With consultant Alberto Antonini, Bodega Garzón emphasizes an approachable, fresh expression of Tannat and its coastal terroir. The 2024 Reserva is entirely Tannat, fermented in cement and aged in oak for 6–12 months.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

James Suckling · 91 Points  Dark cherries and inky blackberries in a slightly monolithic mode. Medium- to full-bodied, with good fruit and firm, tight-wound tannins. Juicy and savory in its medium-length finish.

Jeb Dunnuck · 90 Points · A full-bodied wine that's all varietal, the 2024 Tannat Reserva is cement-fermented and oak-aged over 6-12 months, supple in mouthfeel with chalky black fruit and anise.

Wine Enthusiast · 90 Points · Vintage Not Specified. Crushed dark berries shape the nose of this approachable Tannat. The soft palate is full of fruit flavors with dark berry character. It’s firm and juicy throughout.

Winemaker Description

Reserva Tannat is an ideal complement to roasted game meat, but its most traditional pairing is with simmered leg of lamb with sage, mint, and garlic.

Pairing & Serving

Try roasted game or slow-cooked lamb with sage, mint and garlic. Serve slightly below room temperature and allow time in the glass for the wine to open.

Details

• Producer: Bodega Garzón
• Vintage: 2024
• Country: Uruguay
• Grape: Tannat
• Type: Red wine
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Fermentation: Cement
• Aging: 6–12 months in oak