Red Wine

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.

The Apalta Valley in Colchagua sits at the convergence of the Andes and the Pacific, where steep granite slopes and cooling ocean breezes conspire to produce Cabernet Sauvignon of uncommon depth and precision. Lapostolle's Cuvée Alexandre has long been the benchmark expression of this terroir — and the 2022 vintage is among its finest in recent memory.

The nose is layered and expressive: dark cherry, fresh blueberry, and crushed stone open to hints of rosemary, sage, graphite, and a whisper of olive. On the palate, the wine is structured and vertical yet fluid at its core, with crunchy tannins that grip cleanly and a long, fruit-driven finish that rewards patience. It strikes a coveted balance — rich and approachable today, but built to evolve.

Best from 2025, though already showing beautifully with a decant. Pair with grass-fed ribeye, lamb chops with herbs, or aged hard cheeses.

Appellation: Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2022
Format: 750ml

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2022
94 pts — James Suckling | “Well-structured and vertical… a long, fruit-expressive finish. Drink from 2025.”
92 pts — Wine Advocate | “A desirable balance between soft, creamy approachability and a serious expression of its origins.”
91 pts — Wine Enthusiast | “Fruity and fresh… integrated notes of wood spices that enhance dark berry flavors.”
88 pts — Wine Spectator

Winemaker Description 

One of the few 100% Brancellao wines from Ribeira Sacra, reminiscent of a wine from Burgundy, aged for six months in new French oak barrels, with the freshness and expressiveness of a little known variety with huge potential and great distinction.

Exceptional selection of the Brancellao grape from Pazo de La Cuesta’s historic vineyard. Manual harvesting followed by destemming and gravity-flow to the fermentation tanks. First, alcoholic fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature of 16-18oC, followed by malolactic fermentation, both in stainless steel tanks. First aged on its lees and later aged for six months in 300- and 500-litre French and Central European oak barrels.

TASTING NOTES

Clean and bright with a surprising colour. Very intense nose with complex red fruit, spices, and the characteristic coffee and cocoa notes of the terroir. This wine has a pleasant texture and is bold and complex in the mouth, well structured and intense on the palate and extremely fresh, which makes it appealing at any time of year.

Michel Sarrazin et Fils Givry Clos de la Roche 2023 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 2023 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: 2023
• 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.

Donnafugata Sul Vulcano Etna Rosso DOC — Sicily 2022

Donnafugata is one of Sicily’s most celebrated wine families, and Sul Vulcano is their love letter to Etna — the ancient, still-active volcano on Sicily’s northeastern coast that has become one of Italy’s most exciting wine regions. The volcanic soils of Etna are unlike anything else in Italy: rich in minerals, free-draining, and home to old-vine Nerello Mascalese that produces wines of extraordinary finesse, energy, and terroir expression. Sul Vulcano (“on the volcano”) captures the essence of this singular place — a wine that is simultaneously fun and serious, as Vinous put it, earning 91 points. Wine Spectator awarded it 90.

The nose lifts with floral perfumes complicated by blood orange, crushed wild berries, Asian spices (cardamom and star anise), and fresh balsamic hints. On the palate, the wine is juicy and energetic — crisp red fruits swirling across a crunchy mineral core, with silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, elegant finish of blackcurrant and iron. Light ruby in color, light-bodied in feel, but serious in character.

Vinous 91 — “Juicy and energetic with crisp red fruits that swirl across a crunchy mineral core. Long and gently tannic… I love how the Sul Vulcano is both fun and serious.” (Vintage 2022). 

Wine Spectator 90 — “A creamy red, with dried cherry and strawberry fruit flavors and hints of rooibos tea, vanilla and blood orange peel underscored by subtle notes of loamy earth and iron. Fresh and balanced, with light, chalky tannins.” (Vintage 2022). 

• Producer: Donnafugata, Sicily, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Etna Rosso DOC
• Varietal: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio
• Terroir: Volcanic soils, Mount Etna, northeastern Sicily
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blood orange, wild berries, cardamom, star anise, dried cherry, strawberry, iron, chalky mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Roast or stewed meats, grilled fish, aubergine dishes, mushrooms, Mediterranean cuisine, Tex-Mex

A 91-point volcanic Nerello Mascalese from one of Sicily’s great estates — Sul Vulcano is the Etna Rosso that is both fun and serious.

Big Format, Big Value — Lindeman's Bin 50 Shiraz in Magnum

Lindeman's has been crafting approachable, crowd-pleasing Australian wines since 1843, and the Bin 50 Shiraz is one of their most beloved expressions. Bold, smooth, and endlessly versatile, this 1.5L Magnum is the perfect format for entertaining — twice the wine, twice the fun. Sourced from South Eastern Australia's sun-drenched vineyards, the 2022/23 vintage delivers the ripe, generous fruit character that has made Bin 50 a go-to Shiraz for casual and sophisticated occasions alike.

Winemaker Notes

Lindeman's Smooth Shiraz Bin 50 2022/23 1.50L Magnum

Vibrant and bold, Bin 50 Shiraz showcases rich flavors of ripe blackberries, plums, and cherries, complemented by a touch of spice and subtle oak. Full-bodied with smooth tannins and a well-rounded finish, it's an excellent choice for both casual dinners and more festive gatherings.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Shiraz
• Appellation: South Eastern Australia
• Producer: Lindeman's
• Vintage: 2022/23
• Format: Magnum (1.5L)

Food Pairings

Made for the table — exceptional with barbecued meats, grilled sausages, hearty stews, spicy curries, burgers, and slow-roasted lamb.

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

Winemaker Description

Plenty of chocolate, tobacco and blackcurrant character on the nose. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins that are polished and present. Long and intense. This is rather tight and mouth-puckering. Give it time to soften. Very structured. From organically grown grapes. Better after 2025.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Vinous 95 Points | The 2019 La Lagune offers exquisite transparency on the nose - one of the most terroir-expressive Pessac-Léognan wines this vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, taut and fresh, quite saline with a very integrated and poised finish that lingers in the mouth. Wonderful - could this be the best La Lagune in years? Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.

James Suckling 95 Points | Plenty of chocolate, tobacco and blackcurrant character on the nose. It’s full-bodied with chewy tannins that are polished and present. Long and intense. This is rather tight and mouth-puckering. Give it time to soften. Very structured. From organically grown grapes. Better after 2025.

Effortlessly Smooth — Lindeman's Bin 40 Merlot

Lindeman's has been crafting approachable, crowd-pleasing Australian wines since 1843, and the Bin 40 Merlot is one of their most reliable everyday expressions. Soft, elegant, and immediately drinkable, this is the kind of bottle you reach for on a weeknight without a second thought — generous fruit, smooth tannins, and a rounded finish that makes it endlessly versatile at the table. Exceptional value from one of Australia's most trusted producers.

Winemaker Notes

Lindeman's Smooth Merlot Bin 40 2022 750ml

A soft, elegant, and approachable medium-bodied wine with complete, rounded characters. Ripe plum and red berry fruit lead the way, with a touch of chocolate and soft, velvety tannins on the finish. Fermented to preserve fresh fruit aromas and smooth drinkability.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Merlot
• Appellation: South Eastern Australia
• Producer: Lindeman's
• Vintage: 2022
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Wonderfully versatile — excellent with roast chicken, pasta with tomato sauce, grilled salmon, soft cheeses, burgers, and casual weeknight dinners.

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.

Santa Barbara's Finest Syrah — Beckmen's Purisima Mountain Vineyard

Beckmen Vineyards has been one of Santa Barbara County's most celebrated estates since 1996, farming organically and biodynamically on the legendary Purisima Mountain Vineyard in Ballard Canyon. Their Purisima Mountain Vineyard Syrah is the flagship expression of this extraordinary site — a wine that captures the unique combination of intense California sunshine, cool Pacific breezes, and volcanic soils that make Ballard Canyon one of America's most exciting Syrah appellations. The 2020 vintage, despite the heat, retained beautiful acidity that balances the bold, rich flavors with classic texture and structure.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

• Jeb Dunnuck — 92 pts: "Blueberries, mulberries, peppery herbs, and some flower notes all emerge from the 2020 Syrah Purisima Mountain Vineyard, a medium to full-bodied, fruit-forward, plush, sexy little gem of a Syrah that will offer loads of pleasure over the coming 4-6 years or more. Completely destemmed and brought up in 35% new French oak."

Winemaker Notes

Beckmen Vineyards Syrah Purisima Mountain Vineyard 2020 750ml

Classic Purisima Mountain Vineyard Syrah aromas and flavors of black fruits, chocolate, game, pepper, and smoke are ripe and intense in the 2020 vintage. Very ripe, fine tannins frame the bold flavors and rounded texture. Through all the heat of the vintage, the fruit retained beautiful acidity which balances the bold and rich flavors — creating an awesome vintage with classic texture and structure.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Syrah
• Appellation: Ballard Canyon, Santa Barbara County
• Producer: Beckmen Vineyards
• Vintage: 2020
• Farming: Certified Organic & Biodynamic
• Aging: 35% new French oak
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Built for bold flavors — exceptional with grilled lamb chops, smoked brisket, wild boar, duck confit, aged cheddar, and hearty mushroom dishes.

Icardi Langhe Nebbiolo Surisjvan Organic 2024 750ml

A wine of honesty, character, and integrity from one of Piedmont's most committed organic estates. The Icardi family has been growing grapes since 1914, farming in full harmony with nature — no herbicides, no pesticides, no nitrogen fertilizers. Just certified organic viticulture and a deep respect for the land.

Tasting Notes

100% Nebbiolo. Perfumed and elegant with inviting aromas of rose petals, violets, red berries, and spice. Medium-bodied and juicy with succulent cherry fruit, savory richness, and earthy complexity, framed by sturdy yet fine-grained tannins and beautifully integrated oak.

Food Pairings

• Braised meats, osso buco, and slow-cooked lamb
• Aged cheeses and charcuterie boards
• Mushroom risotto and truffle dishes
• Roasted pork and game birds

Wine Details

• Varietal: Nebbiolo
• Region: Langhe, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Size: 750ml
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Producer: Icardi

Priorat and old vines usually mean a serious price tag. This one breaks the rule. La Garnatxa Fosca is part of Raúl Acha's Proyecto Garnachas de España — a mission to preserve and celebrate Spain's ancient Garnacha vines — and the fruit here comes from 60-year-old vines grown on Priorat's famous llicorella, the dark, slate-rich soils that give the region its unmistakable mineral signature. The result is a wine of genuine complexity: dark red fruit, iron-laced minerality, and a structure that feels far more serious than the price suggests. Rich and full-bodied, yet balanced with elegance and length. This is Priorat doing exactly what it does best, at a price that makes it an easy yes.

• Grape: Garnatxa Negre (Garnacha)
• Region: Priorat DOQ, Catalonia, Spain
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 750ml
• Vines: ~60 years old, llicorella slate soils

Food Pairing

Grilled lamb chops with rosemary, venison, thick ribeye, jamón ibérico, Manchego, rich oxtail stew, or roasted root vegetables with smoked paprika.

Argentina's Most Iconic Grape — Layer Cake Malbec from Mendoza

Layer Cake wines are crafted by celebrated winemaker Jayson Woodbridge, sourcing from the world's finest vineyards to deliver bold, expressive wines at an exceptional price point. Their Mendoza Malbec is anchored by fruit from the legendary Sea of Stones vineyard — a site defined by deep alluvial cobblestones that lend a distinctive thread of minerality to every vintage. The 2022 is a rich, layered, and deeply satisfying Malbec that punches well above its price.

Winemaker Notes

Layer Cake Malbec Mendoza 2022 750ml

Big, brooding black fruit with a slight hint of cherry, earthy truffles, and dark cocoa lead the way. The Sea of Stones vineyard is always evident — a thread of minerality from the deep alluvial cobblestones runs through the wine. Elegant on the palate with fresh-picked blackberries, simmering chocolate, and a savory depth that keeps you coming back. So many layers, so little time.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Malbec
• Appellation: Mendoza, Argentina
• Vineyard: Sea of Stones
• Producer: Layer Cake (Jayson Woodbridge)
• Vintage: 2022
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Made for the grill — exceptional with traditional Argentinian asado, grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, beets with truffle, dark berry desserts, and aged hard cheeses.

About Psagot Winery

Perched in the Judean Hills, Psagot Winery is one of Israel's most celebrated estates, crafting wines that reflect the ancient terroir of the Benjamin Region. With a commitment to quality and tradition, Psagot has become a benchmark for Israeli fine wine.

Tasting Notes

The Homeland Red Blend is a rich, elegant expression of the Judean Hills. The nose opens with lifted dark fruit — blackberry, plum, and cassis — interwoven with subtle spice and floral notes. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet refined, with velvety tannins and a long, complex finish shaped by 24 months of aging in 300L French and Hungarian oak barrels.

Food Pairings

Lamb chops, braised short ribs, aged hard cheeses, and hearty stews. A natural centerpiece for Shabbat and holiday tables.

Kosher Certification

Kosher for Passover | Mevushal

Le Sciare Primitivo Rocca Normanna Puglia 2024 1.5L Magnum

Le Sciare is produced by Cantine Due Palme, a celebrated cooperative founded in 1989 in Cellino San Marco in the province of Brindisi, deep in the heart of Salento, Puglia. Under the leadership of Angelo Maci — third-generation winemaker and grape grower — Due Palme has become one of the most respected cooperatives in southern Italy, channeling the region's ancient Primitivo vines into wines of remarkable character and value.

This 1.5L Magnum is the ultimate expression of the Le Sciare Primitivo — old vines planted on sandy coastal soils, delivering a full-bodied, blackberry-perfumed, hedonistic red with unexpected complexity for the price. The large format keeps the wine fresher longer and makes it the perfect centerpiece for a table of friends.

"A full bodied, full flavored Primitivo guaranteed to please! Perfumed aromas and flavors of rich blackberry, juicy black cherry, spice and dark chocolate fill the nose and fill the mouth with rich texture and soft tannins on the surprisingly complex finish." — Bart Hopkins, 67Wine

• Producer: Cantine Due Palme, Cellino San Marco, Brindisi, Puglia, Italy
• Appellation: Puglia IGT — Salento
• Grape: 100% Primitivo
• Vintage: 2024
• Vines: Old vines on sandy coastal soils
• Format: 1.5L Magnum
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, black cherry, spice, dark chocolate, rich texture, soft tannins, complex finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled lamb, BBQ ribs, pasta al ragù, aged pecorino, or dark chocolate

A juicy, hedonistic Puglia Primitivo in a Magnum — Le Sciare overdelivers at every pour and disappears fast at the table.

Klinker Brick Winery · Lodi, California · 2022

Klinker Brick Winery has been farming Lodi's ancient vineyards for over a century, with some blocks dating back more than 120 years. The Old Vine Zinfandel is the winery's flagship — now in its 20th consecutive vintage — and a true expression of what makes Lodi one of California's most compelling Zinfandel regions. Cool Delta breezes and morning fog moderate the warm growing season, preserving the bright acidity that sets Klinker Brick apart from riper, jammier styles.

The 2022 Old Vine Zinfandel opens with aromas of dark cherry and warm spice, with the concentration that only century-old, extremely low-yielding vines can deliver. On the palate, notes of plum and cranberry unfold alongside a hint of black pepper, balanced by above-average acidity and a structure built through barrel fermentation. Complex, layered, and endlessly food-friendly.

• Producer: Klinker Brick Winery
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Lodi, California
• Grape Variety: Zinfandel (Old Vine, up to 120 years)
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, plum, cranberry, warm spice, black pepper, bright acidity
• Food Pairings: BBQ brisket, grilled lamb, smoked sausage, hearty stews

A benchmark Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel — drink now through 2028.

On the sun-warmed shores of the Neusiedlersee in Burgenland, Hannes Schuster tends his organically farmed vineyards with quiet conviction. Sankt Laurent — an ancient variety thought to be a crossing related to Pinot Noir, native to this corner of Austria — finds one of its most honest expressions here. The Klassik is exactly what its name promises: focused, unadorned, and deeply satisfying.

The 2022 arrives brimming with red cherry and wild berry fruit, carrying the earthy, mineral-rich signature of the St. Margarethen soils. The palate is barely medium-bodied yet anything but thin — silky tannins, lively acidity, and a delicate spice thread keep each sip animated through to a long, clean finish. At just 11% alcohol, it drinks with effortless elegance.

Fermented with native yeasts and aged one year in used 500-liter Stockinger barrels, this is a wine made without shortcuts. Drink slightly chilled as an aperitif, or alongside mushroom dishes, charcuterie, roast chicken, or duck confit.

Appellation: Neusiedlersee, Burgenland, Austria
Grape: Sankt Laurent
Farming: Organic
Vintage: 2022
Format: 750ml

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2022

91 Points — James Suckling | “Brimming with red-cherry fruit and joyful freshness… Amazing for just 11% alcohol!”

Domaine Lafond Roc-Épine · Lirac · 2023

From the Rhône’s Lirac appellation, this red from Pascal Lafond’s family estate brings dark fruit and spice to the table. The estate describes its farming as practicing organic. A generous, structured wine for roast meats or a slow-cooked supper.

Winemaker Description

A powerful and well built wine, a deep ruby colour with violet tints. Complex nose of vanilla, fruits and griotte-cherries.

The attack is rich and firm; the mouth expresses long lasting nuances of vanilla and pepper. This is a smooth and rich wine with a very good length.

Domaine Lafond · Winemaker Description

Expert Review · 2023 Vintage

A blend of two-thirds Grenache Noir and one-third Syrah, the 2023 Lirac from Domaine Lafond Roc-Épine is a superb effort. It opens with a deep, complex bouquet of dark wild berries, black cherries, violet and licorice, complemented by subtle spice and a discreet touch of oak. Medium- to full-bodied, it’s rich and enveloping, with a fleshy core of fruit, layered textures and a harmonious mid-palate. Framed by velvety tannins, it concludes with a long, spicy and ethereal finish. This is a serious Lirac that will reward cellaring over the next decade or more.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate · 92 points

About the Estate

Pascal Lafond’s family-run estate is based in Tavel and makes wines from Tavel, Lirac and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Its Lirac reds emphasize concentration and structure while retaining balance.

At a Glance

• Producer: Domaine Lafond Roc-Épine
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Lirac, Rhône Valley, France
• Blend: Grenache Noir and Syrah, according to the 2023 Wine Advocate review
• Farming: Practicing organic
• Size: 750ml

Winemaker Description 

Ruby-garnet color. Very vibrant, well-balanced aromas with hints of Mediterranean scrubland and eucalyptus, and nuances of black berry fruit and pipe tobacco. The palate shows full, tangy, mineral flavor, velvety though, rounded and beautifully structured.

Perfect with stewed horsemeat in sauce; highly recommended with pasta (sagne ‘ncannulate), meatballs with sauce, chick pea soup, roasted or stewed red meats (lamb and goat).

Fattoria dei Barbi is one of Montalcino's most historic and respected estates, with a winemaking tradition stretching back centuries. The Colombini family has been farming these lands since the 18th century, and the estate today remains one of the benchmarks for classic, age-worthy Brunello — wines built on structure, terroir integrity, and the long-term vision that defines the appellation at its finest. Fattoria dei Barbi farms its own vineyards, produces its own olive oil and pecorino, and operates one of Montalcino's most celebrated wine museums, embodying the full culture of the Tuscan estate.

The estate's vineyards are planted on the southeastern slopes of Montalcino, where galestro and clay-limestone soils combine with the area's warm, dry climate to produce Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello) of exceptional concentration and aromatic complexity. The southeastern exposure delivers ripe, structured fruit while preserving the freshness and acidity essential to Brunello's legendary longevity.

Following harvest, the wine undergoes extended maceration and fermentation before aging for a minimum of five years — including at least two years in large Slavonian oak casks — in accordance with Brunello di Montalcino DOCG regulations. The result is a wine of classical structure, with the depth and tannic architecture to evolve gracefully over decades.

The 2019 opens with a clean, bright aromatic profile of plum, dark cherry, blueberry, and orange peel, with notes of cedar, nutmeg, and a mentholated freshness. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied with firm, polished, slightly chalky tannins, rich texture, and a long, structured finish with hints of licorice and wild herbs. Fresh, velvety, and still quite primary — this is a wine with an exceptional future ahead of it.

"Offering a clean and bright fruit profile… The fruit presented in this vintage is fresh, velvety, nicely contoured and still tastes quite primary in nature. This bodes well for the wine's future bottle evolution… Great job here."
— The Wine Advocate, 95 Points. (Vintage 2019). 

"Blueberry and orange peel with some cedar and nutmeg in the aromas and flavors. Medium to full body with firm and polished tannins and a flavorful finish. Polished and refined, yet structured."
— James Suckling, 95 Points. (Vintage 2019). 

"Fresh and lively… flavors of cherry, strawberry, earth and herbs, with crisp tannins emerging on the finish. Approachable now but should improve with a few more years of age. Drink now through 2038."
— Wine Spectator, 92 Points. (Vintage 2019). 

"Opens with a mentholated freshness, blending savory herbs with wild strawberries and camphor hints… Crisp red berry fruits cascade throughout and are supported by brisk acidity. This finishes tannic and long."
— Vinous, 91 Points. (Vintage 2019). 

Grape: Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello)
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Appellation: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
Vintage: 2019
Élevage: Minimum 5 years; 2+ years in large Slavonian oak
Bottle Size: 750ml

Pairing: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised wild boar, lamb, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, and classic Tuscan preparations. Decant for at least one hour; best from 2026 onward.

Washington State's Hidden Gem — Powers Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley

Powers Winery has been quietly crafting some of Washington State's most compelling value-driven Cabernets from the Columbia Valley appellation — a vast, sun-drenched plateau east of the Cascades that produces Cabernet Sauvignon of remarkable depth and structure. The 2018 Columbia Valley Cabernet is a textbook expression of the appellation: savory, complex, and built with the kind of balanced tannins and mineral backbone that make Washington Cab such a compelling alternative to Napa at a fraction of the price.

Winemaker Notes

Powers Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2018 750ml

Savory notes of fennel and sage are backed by deep aromas of mountain blackberry, black raspberry, and cassis. Woven into this complex profile are notes of wet limestone and gravel. On the palate: black raspberry and black currant, balanced by sage and anise notes. The dark fruit finish is complemented by balanced tannins, minerals, and a touch of cedar.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Columbia Valley, Washington State
• Producer: Powers Winery
• Vintage: 2018
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Built for the table — exceptional with grilled ribeye, lamb chops, smoked brisket, aged cheddar, mushroom ragù, and hearty pasta with meat sauce.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019 

Joe Czerwinski writes:  Whitehall Lane's 2019 Merlot Napa Valley actually contains 87% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. Slightly candied cherry notes mark the nose, framed by vanilla and touches of dried tobacco, while the medium to full-bodied palate is succulent and juicy, textured without being overly rich or tannic.  Drinking 2022 to 2030.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 90

James Suckling writes:  Vibrant, fruity nose of ripe plums, raspberries, mulberries, licorice and nutmeg. Some chocolate orange, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with creamy tannins. Plush, round and succulent. Drink or hold.  - Wine Spectator 91

Tim Fish writes:  Refined and structured, with expressive red currant, toasty mocha and tomato leaf tones that gather tension and polish toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2029.  - Wine Spectator 91

Winemaker Description 

This Merlot offers notes of raspberry croissant, red currants, cocoa powder, and layers of graphite. The palate showcases fine, firm tannins alongside chocolate cherry lollipop, red plums, dried goji berries, and toasted brioche. It is supple in texture and shows attractive depth on the finish. Winemaker Description. 

Livingston Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon — California NV — 1.5L Magnum

Livingston Cellars has been crafting approachable, everyday California wine for decades — and their Cabernet Sauvignon is the bottle that earns its place on the table night after night. Well-balanced, food-friendly, and built for sharing, it delivers the classic California Cabernet profile at a price that makes the Magnum format an easy decision. Two bottles in one, perfect for a dinner party, a backyard cookout, or any occasion that calls for a reliable, crowd-pleasing red.

Deep red in color with a clean, inviting nose of cassis, bright red apple, cherry, and a subtle hint of humidor. On the palate, the wine is well-balanced and medium-bodied, with soft dark fruit, gentle tannins, and a smooth, easy finish. Approachable from the first pour and versatile at the table.

Classic California Cabernet Sauvignon — cassis, cherry & a hint of humidor — in a generous 1.5L Magnum format built for sharing.

• Producer: Livingston Cellars, California
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Style: Red Wine — Medium-Bodied, Smooth & Approachable
• Format: 1.5L Magnum (equivalent to 2 standard bottles)
• Tasting Notes: Cassis, bright red apple, cherry, humidor, soft tannins, smooth finish
• Best Paired With: Burgers, grilled steak, BBQ ribs, pasta with meat sauce, mild cheddar, casual entertaining

Two bottles, one great price — Livingston Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum is the benchmark for effortless California red wine built for the table.

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.”

Malbec | Valle de Uco, Mendoza / Argentina
Vintage: 2023  |  Size: 750ml
90+ Rated

Susana Balbo is one of Argentina’s most celebrated winemakers — the first woman to earn an enology degree in the country and a tireless champion of Mendoza’s high-altitude potential. The Signature Malbec is sourced from Paraje Altamira in the Valle de Uco, one of the most coveted sub-appellations in all of Argentina, where volcanic soils and cool nights at elevation produce Malbec of remarkable depth and precision.

The 2023 vintage is deep purple in the glass, opening with aromas of dusty dark fruit, pink peppercorn, black cherry, plum, licorice, and a whisper of graphite and tar. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied with a dark thread of blackberries, firm and structured tannins, and a rich, lingering finish. Compact and tight in its youth, this is a Malbec built to reward patience — or to be enjoyed now alongside a great cut of beef.

“This shows aromas of dusty, brooding dark fruit and touches of graphite and tar. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with a dark thread of blackberries supported by firm tannins and a rich, lingering finish.”
— James Suckling, 93 Points (Vintage 2023). 

“Deep purple in hue, it opens with notes of pink peppercorn, black cherry, plum, licorice and blackberry. Dry and broad, the palate shows 2023’s characteristic grip, with firm tannins and lingering dark fruit.”
— Vinous, 92 Points (Vintage 2023). 

One of the Wines of the 2020 Vintage — Saint-Émilion at Its Most Magnificent

Château Valandraud is the legendary “garagiste” estate of Jean-Luc Thunevin, one of Saint-Émilion’s most celebrated and iconoclastic producers. Elevated to Premier Grand Cru Classé status, Valandraud is produced from the cooler, eastern side of Saint-Émilion and is renowned for its extraordinary concentration, perfume, and longevity. The 2020 — a blend of 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 24 months in 100% new oak — has been called one of the wines of the vintage, earning back-to-back 99-point scores from Jeb Dunnuck and James Suckling and 98 points from Vinous.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

• Jeb Dunnuck — 99 pts: "One of the wines of the vintage. Incredible perfume of crème de cassis, ripe black cherries, violets, new leather, and an almost Hermitage-like burning embers character. Full-bodied richness, ripe seamless tannins, remarkable purity of fruit, and a finish that won’t quit. Give bottles 5–7 years in the cellar. Drink 2028–2053."
• James Suckling — 99 pts: "Very opulent and expressive aromas of black fruit and pine needles. So floral. Full-bodied with plush, velvety tannins and lots of fruit and texture. It goes on for minutes. Rich at the finish, but remains fresh and vivid. Superb. One of the great Valandrauds. Drink after 2027."
• Vinous — 98 pts: "A stunner. Rich, deep and explosive with dazzling intensity from start to finish. Silky tannins wrap around a core of plush dark red/black fruit, licorice, spice, mocha and new leather. Bright and wonderfully focused with sweet floral and blood orange accents on the explosive finish. Magnificent. Drink 2028–2060."
• Decanter — 96 pts (Jane Anson): "Broad-shouldered with ample depth — brambled fruits, liquorice, cigar box spice and a gorgeously saline finish. Chalky, grippy tannins with white flowers on the aromatics. 100% new oak for 24 months. Drink 2029–2046."
• Decanter — 93 pts (Georgina Hindle): "Juicy and alive with blackcurrant, black cherry and herbal-tinged blueberries. Layers of acidity, mint, freshness and toast. Full and complex with salty minerality and unmistakable signature. Drink 2027–2046."
• Wine Spectator — 93 pts: "Black currant and fig preserves, warmed black tea, melted black licorice and a hint of alder smoke, framed by a loam- and espresso crema-accented finish. Best from 2027 through 2040."
• Wine Advocate — 92 pts: "Aromas of jammy black fruits mingled with toasted coconut, spices and new oak. Full-bodied, rich and chewy with generously extracted tannins. Drink 2025–2043."
• Jancis Robinson — 17++ pts: "Deep crimson. Dark and oaky — lots of 70% dark chocolate. Big, dense tannins with enough fresh fruit to fill it out for the long term. Drink 2030–2045."

Winemaker Notes

Freshness and opulence, fruit and structure. A perfect balance.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé AOC, Bordeaux, France
• Producer: Château Valandraud / Jean-Luc Thunevin
• Vintage: 2020
• Aging: 24 months, 100% new oak
• Yield: 49 hl/ha
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A wine of this stature deserves the finest table — exceptional with roasted lamb, beef tenderloin en croute, duck confit, aged Comté, and black truffle dishes. Also magnificent on its own as a meditation wine.

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023

James Suckling — 98 Points
"Dark and complex wine, earthy and concentrated yet balanced. Vibrant aromas of cassis, violets, licorice, pencil shavings and graphite. Full-bodied, it displays a dynamic palate with dense, velvety tannins, fruit concentration and crisp, integrated acidity, which keeps it in balance. Gorgeous now, but even better in two or three years and beyond."

Wine Spectator — 95 Points (Bruce Sanderson)
"This is concentrated with cherry, blackberry, plum, iron, sweet spice and tar flavors. Muscular tannins leave a firm grip on the finish, yet overall, this red feels balanced and crunchy. Best from 2027 through 2040."

About Oreno

Oreno is the flagship wine of Tenuta Sette Ponti — a Bordeaux-inspired blend from the Valdarno di Sopra in eastern Tuscany that has established itself as one of Italy’s most celebrated Super Tuscans. First produced in 1999, Oreno is built around Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, with a small addition of Petit Verdot, and is crafted to express the unique terroir of the Sette Ponti estate: galestro and alberese soils at altitude, with a continental microclimate that delivers exceptional concentration and natural acidity. The 2023 vintage — 45% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot — is certified organic.

About Tenuta Sette Ponti

Tenuta Sette Ponti is a historic estate in the Valdarno di Sopra, situated on the hills above Arezzo in eastern Tuscany — a region that takes its name from the seven bridges (sette ponti) that once crossed the Arno River nearby. The estate has been owned by the Moretti Cuseri family since 1957 and produces wines of exceptional quality from its organically farmed vineyards. Under the direction of winemaker Carlo Ferrini, Tenuta Sette Ponti has become one of Tuscany’s most acclaimed estates, with Oreno consistently earning scores in the mid-to-high 90s from the world’s leading critics.

2023 Vintage Notes

The 2023 vintage in Tuscany delivered a warm, dry growing season with well-timed rainfall that preserved natural acidity and allowed for ideal phenolic maturity. The result across the region was wines of exceptional concentration, balance, and aromatic complexity — and for Oreno, a vintage that James Suckling rated among the finest in the wine’s history at 98 points.

Food Pairings

Bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised wild boar, roasted lamb, aged Pecorino Toscano, truffle pasta, and hearty Tuscan ragù. A Super Tuscan built for the table — drink now through 2040.

Product Details

• Producer: Tenuta Sette Ponti
• Wine: Oreno
• Appellation: Toscana IGT, Valdarno di Sopra, Tuscany, Italy
• Blend: 45% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot
• Farming: Certified organic
• Vintage: 2023
• Drink: Now through 2040
• Style: Full-bodied, complex, age-worthy Super Tuscan
• Format: 750ml

In 1976, a bottle of Château Montelena Chardonnay shocked the wine world by beating the finest white Burgundies at the Judgment of Paris. That moment put California wine on the map — and Montelena on a pedestal it has never left. Founded in 1882 in Calistoga at the northern end of Napa Valley, the estate has spent over a century building one of California's most enduring legacies, defined by a commitment to classic structure, restraint, and wines that age with grace.

The Château Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2022 750ml is sourced from the Montelena estate and prime neighboring vineyards around Calistoga, on alluvium soils that deliver earthy, complex, and concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, aged in oak, it reveals layers of pomegranate, plum, and dried blackberry, with aromas of barrel toast, potpourri, and black pepper. On the palate, bright fruit and firm tannins tie together with fresh mint and graphite, finishing with earth, baking spices, toasted almond, and chalky tannins. More acid, more balance, more longevity than the typical Napa Cab — this is old-world structure with California sunshine.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Pomegranate, plum, dried blackberry, barrel toast, potpourri, and black pepper
• Palate: Bright fruit, firm tannins, fresh mint, graphite, dark chocolate, and tobacco
• Finish: Long and lingering with earth, baking spices, toasted almond, and chalky tannins

Wine Details

• Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot
• Napa Valley — Calistoga, California
• Alluvium soils | Aged in oak
• Vintage: 2022 | 750ml
• Pairs with: steak, grilled lamb, braised short ribs, wild game, mushroom risotto

Seven Deadly Zins — Lodi, California 2023

Michael David Winery is one of Lodi’s most celebrated family estates — a sixth-generation Phillips family operation whose deep roots in California’s Central Valley have produced some of the region’s most beloved and recognizable wines. Seven Deadly Zins is their flagship: a full-bodied, seductive old-vine Zinfandel whose name playfully nods to the seven sins and whose wine delivers on every one of them. Aged 12 months in a combination of French and American oak, the 2023 is crafted from Lodi’s ancient Zinfandel vines — some of the oldest in California — producing fruit of remarkable concentration, jammy depth, and spice that has made this one of the most popular Zinfandels in the country. Wine Enthusiast 89 Points.

The nose is deep and inviting: heaps of jammy berry fruit, dark cherry, currants, leather, oak, and spice, with a rich, full ruby-purple color in the glass. On the palate, the wine is round, layered, and corpulent with dark fruits, toffee, berry, pepper, and spice through a lingering, spice-touched finish. It is seductive, full-throttle, and deeply satisfying — the kind of classic Lodi Zinfandel that disappears fast at the table.

"Full-bodied and seductive. Heaps of jammy berry fruit are followed by aromas of leather, oak and spice notes. On the palate the wine is round and layered showing flavors of dark fruits, currants and toffee through a lingering spice-touched finish." — Winemaker’s Notes, Michael David Winery

• Producer: Michael David Winery, Lodi, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Lodi AVA, California
• Varietal: Zinfandel (Old Vine)
• Aging: 12 months French & American oak — jammy dark fruit, toffee & spice complexity
• Closure: Cork
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Jammy dark berry, cherry, currants, leather, toffee, pepper, spice, lingering finish
• Best Paired With: BBQ ribs, pepperoni pizza, grilled sausage, aged cheddar, braised short ribs

Lodi’s most beloved old-vine Zinfandel at an honest price — Seven Deadly Zins is the benchmark for what full-throttle, oak-aged California Zinfandel can deliver.

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.

Orin Swift MERCURY HEAD Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 750ml

Explore the excellence of Orin Swift MERCURY HEAD Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, a captivating red wine that expertly balances boldness and finesse. This super-concentrated, trim and age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon is structured and deep, showcasing the exceptional winemaking that has made Orin Swift one of California's most celebrated producers. With an impressive 96-point score from James Suckling, this vintage reveals an intricate tapestry of flavors that both novice and seasoned wine lovers will appreciate.

Outstanding Critical Acclaim - 96 Points - Vintage 2023

James Suckling - 96 Points
"A super-concentrated, trim and age-worthy red that's structured and deep, with black cherry flavors on an elegant texture. Very focused, showing supple tannins and slightly restrained fruit, graphite, cocoa, black olive and tobacco leaf flavors. Full-bodied but still balanced."

Orin Swift - California Wine Excellence

Orin Swift is one of California's most celebrated wine producers, known for creating bold, distinctive wines with exceptional quality and character. Founded by winemaker Dave Phinney, Orin Swift has earned a reputation for producing wines that push boundaries while maintaining balance and elegance. The MERCURY HEAD Cabernet Sauvignon represents the pinnacle of their Cabernet production.

Super-Concentrated & Age-Worthy

As James Suckling notes, this is "a super-concentrated, trim and age-worthy red that's structured and deep." The wine's concentration and structure provide the foundation for exceptional aging potential, making it both enjoyable now and worthy of cellaring for years to come.

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Deep, concentrated color
Aroma: Black cherry, graphite, cocoa, black olive, and tobacco leaf. Dark fruits like blackberry and plum with hints of chocolate, tobacco, and spices
Palate: Very focused with supple tannins and slightly restrained fruit. Black cherry flavors on an elegant texture. Graphite, cocoa, black olive and tobacco leaf flavors. Full-bodied but still balanced. Smooth mouthfeel characteristic of high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon
Finish: Structured and deep with lingering complexity

Napa Valley Terroir

The careful crafting of this wine allows it to reflect the unique terroir of the Napa Valley, ensuring a full-bodied experience. Napa Valley's ideal climate and soil conditions create the perfect environment for producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon with depth, concentration, and elegance.

Very Focused & Elegant Texture

The wine is "very focused, showing supple tannins and slightly restrained fruit" according to James Suckling. This focus and elegance demonstrate the precision winemaking that defines Orin Swift's approach, creating a wine that is powerful yet refined.

Full-Bodied but Still Balanced

Despite its super-concentration and full-bodied character, this Cabernet Sauvignon maintains exceptional balance. This harmony between power and elegance makes it approachable while showcasing the complexity that defines great Cabernet Sauvignon.

Remarkable Aging Potential

One of the standout features of the Orin Swift MERCURY HEAD Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 is its remarkable aging potential. Crafted with careful attention to detail, this wine benefits from extended cellaring, allowing the flavors to deepen and evolve over time. It can be enjoyed fresh, revealing its vibrant fruit characters, or aged for several years to develop complex nuances that enhance its profile. Wine enthusiasts will find that this Cabernet evolves gracefully in the bottle.

2023 Vintage Excellence

The 2023 vintage showcases the exceptional quality and character that defines MERCURY HEAD. This vintage reveals an intricate tapestry of flavors, encompassing dark fruits, graphite, cocoa, black olive, and tobacco leaf, making it perfect for both casual and formal occasions.

Food Pairing Suggestions

To fully appreciate the richness of Orin Swift MERCURY HEAD Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, consider pairing it with hearty dishes that match its robust character:

• Grilled meats - ribeye steaks and lamb chops
• Rich pasta dishes
• Aged cheeses
• Charcuterie board with salami and aged cheeses
• Dark chocolate
• Braised short ribs
• Roasted game meats

Perfect for Special Occasions

The wine's bold profile complements the flavors of hearty dishes, creating a harmonious dining experience. Each sip offers a smooth mouthfeel, making it perfect for both casual and formal occasions, whether you're celebrating a special moment or enjoying an elevated dinner at home.

Excellent Addition to Any Collection

This age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon makes an excellent addition to any wine collection or a thoughtful gift for wine aficionados. The combination of super-concentration, structure, and aging potential ensures this wine will develop beautifully over time.

Graphite, Cocoa & Black Olive Complexity

The complex flavor profile featuring graphite, cocoa, black olive, and tobacco leaf creates layers of interest that reveal themselves with each sip. This complexity, combined with the elegant texture and supple tannins, demonstrates the artistry of Orin Swift's winemaking.

Structured & Deep Character

The structured and deep character of this wine provides both immediate enjoyment and long-term aging potential. The careful balance between concentration and elegance ensures that MERCURY HEAD Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a memorable experience whether enjoyed young or after years of cellaring.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

Vinous 93 Points | The 2023 Flycatcher is a blend of 36% Zinfandel, 15% Cinsault, 13% Petite Sirah, 13% Carignane, 10% Tempranillo, 9% Merlot and 4% Syrah. Crushed red berry fruit, blood orange, cinnamon and crushed flowers soar from the glass. This vibrant, exuberant red offers tons of forward fruit buffered by brisk acids that add notable energy. Eminently quaffable, the 2023 also has plenty of complexity to satisfy more intellectually curious wine lovers.

Winemaker Notes

A love letter to California, Flycatcher is our newest wine that celebrates the wonderful and diverse terroirs of our home state — from Lodi to Los Carneros. An ambitious prospect we know, capturing the whole of California in a bottle, but we’ve been guided by some seriously inspiring growers and treasured vineyards that fitted together in a way that felt, and tasted, just right.

Frog’s Leap Flycatcher 2023 is a California red blend crafted to showcase the diversity and vibrancy of the state’s wine country. It’s designed as a fresh, approachable, and food-friendly wine made from a mix of grapes sourced “with intention” from heritage vineyards across California, reflecting different terroirs beyond the winery’s Napa home.

The blend typically features a variety of varietals — including Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Tempranillo, Cinsault, Carignane, and Syrah — that together create a generous, fruit-forward profile with red berry aromatics, savory depth, and balanced structure. The result is a versatile, everyday red that’s vibrant and layered, with flavors of ripe strawberries, blueberries, spice, and herbal notes, making it easy to enjoy on its own or paired with a wide range of foods.

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.