Red Wine

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.

Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 750ml

Discover the excellence of Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, one of the region's most iconic wines and one of the very finest wines ever produced at this legendary estate. The Shafer Vineyard has a legacy of excellence that began in 1972, focusing on crafting superb wines from the renowned Stags Leap District in Napa Valley. This wine showcases the estate's commitment to quality, with grapes sourced from Shafer's famous Hillside estate vineyard, roughly 25 hectares, with very shallow volcanic tufa soils. The 2021 releases mark Elias Fernandez's 38th vintage as Shafer's winemaker, hired by John Shafer in 1984, two weeks out of UC Davis.

Exceptional Critical Acclaim - 2021 Vintage

Decanter - 99 Points
"Such a beautifully balanced wine with tremendous staying power and expressive Stags Leap ironstone minerality with heady sagebrush and conifer notes with white pepper and walnut husk. The wine has an impressive depth of red-toned fruit on the mid-palate framed by tannins that practically dance across the palate, exuding length, tension, and power. Huckleberry and black cherry fruits, black truffle, dried violets, graphite, and salted dark chocolate are all framed by racy acidity, which keeps everything fresh and lifted."

James Suckling - 99 Points
"Incredibly ripe, delicious and structured, this age-worthy, collectible wine puts a lot of power in a velvety, refined package. Deep, concentrated black cherries, blackberries, dried blueberries, espresso and creme de cassis are wrapped in a full body and fine-grained, supple tannins strong enough to call for further aging of at least a few years."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 99 Points
"It's a big, ripe wine, weighing in at 15.5% alcohol, but it remains harmonious from front to back. Deep, intense aromas of black cherries and cassis are accented by dried spices on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is rich and textural, showing tremendous intensity and length on the finish."

Vinous - 99 Points
"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is insanely beautiful. It's also one of the very finest wines I have ever tasted here. Bright, pliant and resonant, the 2021 offers a beguiling mix of Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics, generous fruit and gentle structure. The stylistic shift at Shafer has been remarkable—the 2021 is a great example. Red-toned fruit, blood orange, menthol, pine and sweet spice build into the eternal finish."

Jeb Dunnuck - 98+ Points
"You can safely put the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select up with the top vintages of this cuvée, yet it's much more in the style of say, the 2010 or 2018, than a more opulent year, and is going to demand bottle age. Sensational amounts of cassis, graphite, darker chocolate, graphite, tobacco, and a Pauillac-like lead pencil character all define this ultra-classic, focused, structured 2021. The purity is world class. Hide bottles for 5-7 years minimum, and it will evolve for 40+ years."

Wine Enthusiast - 97 Points
"Profound and full-bodied with an intensity of aromas and flavors, this sophisticated and ample Cabernet Sauvignon has become one of the region's icons. Abundant, fine tannins and a lengthy finish mean the wine will continue to develop with age, but will also benefit from another several years in bottle."

Wine Spectator - 93 Points
"Juicy and direct, with a solidly built core of cassis and blackberry preserves lined with cocoa, singed tobacco and warm earth hints. Best from 2025 through 2038."

Vineyard & Production

100% Cabernet Sauvignon from specific hillside blocks on the estate
Vineyard: Shafer's famous Hillside estate vineyard, approximately 25 hectares with very shallow volcanic tufa soils in Stags Leap District
Aging: 32 months in 100% new French oak (Wine Advocate notes 28 months)
Production: Barrel selection of the very best blocks, 2,900 cases produced
Alcohol: 15.5%

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Deep garnet color
Aroma: Deep, intense aromas of black cherries, cassis, ripe blackberries, dried spices, heady sagebrush, conifer, white pepper, walnut husk, black truffle, dried violets, graphite, tobacco, lead pencil, blood orange, menthol, pine, sweet spice, vanilla, cedar
Palate: Full-bodied, rich and textural. Deep, concentrated black cherries, blackberries, dried blueberries, espresso, creme de cassis, huckleberry, salted dark chocolate, cocoa, singed tobacco, warm earth. Impressive depth of red-toned fruit on the mid-palate. Refined, well-integrated tannins that practically dance across the palate. Racy acidity keeps everything fresh and lifted. Velvety, refined package with tremendous intensity
Finish: Smooth, lingering finish with tremendous length, tension, and power. Eternal finish

Stags Leap District Terroir

Quintessentially Stags Leap, with expressive Stags Leap ironstone minerality. The unique terroir of this celebrated Napa Valley region imparts remarkable depth and character to the grapes. The very shallow volcanic tufa soils contribute to the wine's distinctive mineral character and complexity.

Elias Fernandez - 38 Vintages of Excellence

The 2021 releases mark Elias Fernandez's 38th vintage as Shafer's winemaker. He was hired by John Shafer in 1984, two weeks out of UC Davis. The stylistic shift at Shafer has been remarkable, with the 2021 showcasing a more focused, seamless style that represents world-class purity.

Aging Potential

Drink Window: Best from 2025 through 2038 (Wine Spectator), hide bottles for 5-7 years minimum and will evolve for 40+ years (Jeb Dunnuck)
This age-worthy, collectible wine has tremendous staying power and will continue to develop beautifully with age. The wine will benefit from another several years in bottle to fully express its potential.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This wine pairs perfectly with:

• Prime rib and succulent cuts of meat
• Grilled lamb
• Rich beef stew
• Hearty dishes for dinner parties
• Special occasion dining

Collector's Wine & Investment Quality

Adding Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon to your wine collection is a decision that reflects a true appreciation for quality. This wine not only delivers on taste but also on prestige—Shafer is renowned among wine connoisseurs and collectors alike. The 2021 vintage has been exceptionally well-received with multiple 99-point scores, promising to evolve beautifully over the years if cellared properly. You can safely put the 2021 up with the top vintages of this iconic cuvée. Its balance of structure and elegance ensures that it will be a highlight on any table, elevating your collection and impressing your guests.

One of the Region's Icons

This sophisticated and ample Cabernet Sauvignon has become one of the region's icons. Whether you're a seasoned collector or appreciating fine wine, investing in Shafer Hillside Select represents the pinnacle of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The meticulous approach in both vineyard management and winemaking ensures that every bottle reflects the hard-earned reputation and tradition of Shafer Vineyards.

Critical Acclaim

• James Suckling – 96 Points | “Aromas of iodine and oyster shell mingle with black cherries and dark brambleberries. Medium-bodied with firm, racy tannins. Drinkable now but even better after 2028.”
• Wine Advocate – 94 Points | “Solid core of dark fruit, cherry, and redcurrant, with spice and dried rose petal elegantly layered. Classic vintage expression with firm tannins and long-term aging potential.”
• Wine Enthusiast – 93 Points | “Layer upon layer of red and black berries, sweet tobacco, and woodland spice. Pure Nebbiolo power with firm tannins and infinite depth.” Drink Now–2040.
• Jeb Dunnuck – 92 Points | “Bright red, focused, spicy, and pure. Wild raspberries, clove spice, dried orange peel, and dried earth. Medium-bodied, structured, and built to age.” Drink 2025–2040.

Tasting Notes

A complex and aromatic Barbaresco with notes of iodine, oyster shell, black cherry, dark brambleberries, clove, dried orange peel, and dried rose petal. On the palate, firm and racy tannins carry flavors of layered red and black fruit, sweet tobacco, and woodland spices. The finish is long, structured, and elegant — classic Nebbiolo linear tension with serious age-worthy depth.

About the Wine

Pio Cesare is one of Piedmont’s most historic and respected estates, founded in 1881 in Alba. The 2021 Barbaresco is sourced primarily from vineyards in Treiso, with additional fruit from classic Barbaresco sites. Fermented and aged for 30 months in large Slavonian oak casks and neutral barriques, the wine captures the elegance, structure, and aromatic complexity that define great Nebbiolo. Medium-bodied yet powerful, it balances immediate drinkability with long-term aging potential.

Cellaring

Approachable now with decanting; best from 2028 through 2040+.

Food Pairing

Classic with braised beef, lamb, wild boar, truffle risotto, and aged Parmigiano-Reggiano. Decant at least 1 hour before serving.

Product Details

• Appellation: Barbaresco DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
• Varietal: Nebbiolo 100%
• Aging: 30 months in large oak casks & neutral barriques
• Vintage: 2021
• Format: 750ml
• Producer: Pio Cesare

Folk Machine Parts: A Unique Craft in Every Bottle

Winemaker Description 

Aromas of red tangy fruits and raspberries, flavors of blueberry and licorice with an underlying spice. A medium-bodied wine that feels fun, easy and gulpable, with a crisp finish. Versatile.

This is the forth vintage that Grenache has dominated the P&L blend and the first with our new label. A blend of Grenache from Mangels Ranch in Suisun Valley, Cedar Lane in Arroyo Seco, and Waddington Ranch in Mendocino, Carignane from Lolonis, Maria Martinson, and Castañon all in Mendocino, and Syrah from Vecino in Potter Valley.

There is a good amount of whole cluster and carbonic maceration through the lots keeping everything fresh and fun. As always, the blend was made immediately after harvest and the wine was aged in a combination of French oak foudres and stainless steel tanks.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2023 Folk Machine "Parts & Labor" Red is a high-energy, "bistro-style" California red blend crafted by Kenny Likitprakong of the Hobo Wine Company. Known for being "gulpable" and unpretentious, this vintage continues the shift toward a Grenache-heavy profile.

Why Choose Folk Machine Parts?

Folk Machine Parts stands out not just for its unique craftsmanship but also for the attention to detail that goes into every bottle. The 2023 edition, featuring Labor Red, blends traditional methods with contemporary flavors. This means that each sip offers a nuanced taste experience, as the ingredients are carefully selected and combined. You won’t just enjoy a drink; you will celebrate a piece of art in a bottle.

The Perfect Pairing for Any Occasion

Labor Red 2023 is a versatile alcohol that pairs beautifully with a variety of foods. Whether you are hosting a casual dinner party, or a sophisticated gathering, this 750ml bottle will impress your guests. The rich flavors complement both savory and sweet dishes, so you can create memorable dining experiences. Hosting becomes easier because you have a go-to beverage that everyone will love!

Craftsmanship that Captivates

In today’s market, many drinks lack the personal touch that distinguishes craft beverages, but Folk Machine Parts embraces individuality. Each batch is handcrafted, ensuring consistency in quality while allowing for subtle variations that make each bottle unique. This dedication to craftsmanship resonates with enthusiasts who appreciate not just the taste but the story behind their drink, making Labor Red a popular choice among discerning drinkers.

Winemaker Description 

Cherry, pomegranate, and floral notes of lavender and violets. Dried cranberry, black raspberry, cocoa, vanilla, and black pepper spice.

Intense, vibrant red fruit—black cherry, cranberry, pomegranate—mixed with darker flavors of currant, plum, and hints of chocolate and vanilla. Nice acidity, making the wine balanced and sweet, but not at all cloying—an ideal dessert wine.

Dashe Cellars has made Late Harvest Zinfandels since 1997, and this luscious and balanced dessert wine has always been a favorite. This particular Late Harvest Zinfandel is made from grapes grown on the Louvau Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley. One of the reasons that we love this vineyard is the wonderful acidity of the grapes. The resulting wine is focused and clear—it’s never cloying, and always finishes with a crisp, clean, sweet-spicy note.

We create the conditions for making Late Harvest Zinfandel by allowing the grapes to hang on the vine approximately 3--4 weeks after they normally would be picked for a dry wine. These grapes were picked on October 30th on a beautiful Fall day, and the grapes arrived at the winery at 40° Brix of sugar. We crushed the grapes into a small 1,500-gallon tank and as is our tradition at Dashe Cellars, we fermented the grapes naturally, using the native yeasts that naturally live on the skins of the grapes. We let the grapes macerate to gain color and flavor, and then allowed the tank to warm. The fermentation took off quickly, and then naturally halted when the alcohol had reached about 15.5% and the sugar level was about 9%. We always allow the wine to achieve its balance of sweetness and alcohol naturally, by letting the fermentation finish on its own. The wine was aged in older French oak barrels so as to not overpower the intensity of the fruit. We bottled the wine as soon as possible to maintain its fresh fruit flavors and conserve its sweet concentration and purity. The wine is unfined and received minimal handling to the bottle.

Technical Description 

• Practicing Sustainable
• 100% Zinfandel
• Lily Hill Vineyard (Dry Creek Valley AVA)
• Originally planted in 1915, replanted in 2001
• 800 – 1,000 ft. elevation
• Harvested 3-4 weeks after normal picking for dry wines
• Crushed into stainless steel tanks
• Native yeast fermentation
• Aged in older French barrels
• R.S. 90 g/L or 9% by volume
• 381 cases produced
• 14.5% abv

Winemaker Description

Owned and operated by the highly-acclaimed Château Peybonhomme-Les Tours. This is an entirely biodynamic estate and the winemaking is very low intervention. This bottling is 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet-Franc, and 5% Malbec.

Memo Summary Notes

Château La Grolet 2022 is a standout "natural" Bordeaux from the Côtes de Bourg (located on the Right Bank, across the river from Margaux). Owned by the Hubert family (who also own Château Peybonhomme-Les Tours), this estate is a pioneer in sustainable viticulture, having been certified biodynamic for over 20 years.

Pair with 

Classic: Grilled lamb chops with rosemary or a traditional beef stew (Bœuf Bourguignon).

Rustic: Hearty lentil stews, tourtière (meat pie), or roasted root vegetables.

Cheese: Pairs exceptionally well with Comté or aged Cheddar.

Winemaker Description 

Liatiko variety gives us delicate and light wines with ruby colour. We suggest you try it in a burgundy shape glass that perfectly unfolds its aromas. It has concentrated aromas of fresh red fruits, herbs and light floral aromas.

As it ages, develops a unique bouquet of ripe fruits, leather and spices. It has light body, good acidity, soft and delicious tannins and long aftertaste, traits that portrait it as a very elegant wine.

The Douloufakis "Dafnios" Liatiko 2021 is a standout example of Crete's indigenous red grape, Liatiko. Produced in the village of Dafnés by Nikolas Douloufakis, this wine is often compared to Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo due to its lighter color and elegant, aromatic profile.

Winemaker Description 

A stunning Sagrantino from our favorite Italian, Mr. Mattoni himself! Intense ruby red color with hints of berries, sweet spices and tobacco. On the palate there is a freshness followed by soft tannins of finesse and persistence.

Finca Valpiedra is one of Rioja's most distinctive single-estate wineries, situated on a meander of the Ebro River in the Cenicero area of Rioja Alta. The estate takes its name from the pebble stones and limestone that define its soils — valpiedra meaning "valley of stones" — and it is these soils that give the wines their signature freshness, minerality, and cool-climate precision.

The Finca Valpiedra Cantos de Valpiedra Rioja 2020 750ml is 100% Tempranillo sourced from a single vineyard on the Ebro riverbank, harvested in mid-September and fermented in stainless steel with a 16-day maceration before aging 12 months in French and American oak. Intense purple with violet glints, it opens with black fruit, ripe sloe, and minerality, layered with vanilla, spice, and tobacco from the barrel. On the palate it is oily, rich, and intense with great finesse — velvety, fruit-driven, and juicy, with a long, cool, mineral finish and the characteristic Valpiedra freshness. Drink now through 2030.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

• Vinous — 92 Points: "Aromas of sour cherry, sweet cherry and fresh plums over an herbal bed. Dry and taut with a granular, reactive texture. Pure in flavors — will settle and evolve with time."
• Wine Advocate — 91 Points: "Aromatic, fruit-driven and juicy. Velvety, clean and modern with a balanced and tasty palate, contained ripeness and good freshness. Develops an acute note of licorice with time."
• James Suckling — 91 Points: "Vibrant spiced cherries, red plums and stones. Succulent and firm, with fresh and fine-boned tannins and a juicy, exuberant finish. Very well made."

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Black fruit, ripe sloe, minerality, vanilla, spice, and tobacco
• Palate: Oily, rich, and velvety with cherry, licorice, and great finesse
• Finish: Long, cool, and mineral with characteristic Valpiedra freshness

Wine Details

• 100% Tempranillo — single vineyard, Ebro riverbank
• Rioja Alta DOCa, Cenicero, Spain
• 16-day maceration; aged 12 months in French & American oak
• Vintage: 2020 | Drink now–2030 | 750ml

Château Loumelat · Cuvée JJ Lesgourgues · 2023

Château Loumelat Cuvée JJ Lesgourgues is a structured Bordeaux red made with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Fresh grape and subtle black-fruit aromas lead into a richly fruited palate with firm tannins, depth and a lively sense of freshness.

Producer & Terroir

Overlooking the Gironde estuary, Château Loumelat lies six miles northeast of the historic city of Blaye. The surrounding area brings together centuries of history, its royal fortress and vineyards, with a modern, dynamic approach to wine. The vineyard benefits from generous sun exposure and sandy-clay and clay-limestone soils, formed from sedimentary layers left by the ocean millions of years ago. The estate's description notes approximately 240 sunny days annually in the Blaye area.

Owned by the Mariochaud family since 1778, the vineyard is operated under the supervision of the Lesgourgues family. The property dedicates 94 acres in the “L’Oumelat” parcel to red-wine production and 27 acres in the “Champ des Pins” parcel to white wines.

Winemaker Description

Château Loumelat
Beautiful ruby red color with an intense nose of fresh grapes and subtle black fruits aromas.

This is a complex wine that offers firm tannins and rich fruit. It has weight, density and a strong sense of ripeness. With balance and depth, it’s a wine with good aging potential.
Will pair nicely with all kind of meats (pork shank, roasted poultry), and perfumed cheeses (like crottins de Chavignol or other goat cheeses).

On the palate, the wine reveals a good structure and the evolution expresses some freshness that gives to the wine a very dynamic character and a contemporary style. Great with grilled meats and hard cheeses!

Pairing Suggestions

Serve with pork shank, roasted poultry or grilled meats. Hard cheeses and goat cheeses such as Crottin de Chavignol also complement its fruit and structure.

Details

• Producer: Château Loumelat
• Cuvée: JJ Lesgourgues
• Vintage: 2023
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country: France
• Region: Bordeaux
• Appellation: Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux
• Grapes: Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
• Type: Red wine
• Soils: Sandy clay and clay-limestone

Chateau Lagrange Saint-Julian 2022 · Bordeaux, France

Producer Description

Third Classified Growth of 1855, perfectly balanced, the Grand Vin of Château Lagrange reflects the ultimate harmony between the three grape varieties cultivated here, with a strong predominance of Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and Petit Verdot. Vinified from the oldest vines of the estate, then aged for twenty-one months in half-new barrels, it shows the concentration and ageing potential of a great wine. Already powerful and brilliant in its youth, a slow and serene evolution will bring out a delicacy expressed by the precision of flavours.

Critical Acclaim -  Vintage 2022

Vinous (reviewed May 2023) — The 2022 Lagrange was picked between 8 and 30 September, it ages in 60% new oak for a planned 21 months. It has an almost clinical bouquet, with very well defined blackberry and blueberry fruit, graphite and crushed stone. Quite a gap in quality between this and the Fiefs de Lagrange this year. The palate is extremely pure with cashmere tannins, black cherry fruit infused by blood orange, lightly spiced, hints of white pepper toward a very concentrated, fine-boned finish. This will require several years in bottle, but it will be worth waiting for. A serious and very able Lagrange that should not be under-estimated. (NM)

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot | Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux / France
Vintage: 2019  |  Size: 750ml  |  Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel · 90+ Rated

Château Le Crock is one of Saint-Estèphe’s most distinguished estates, owned by the Cuvelier family — the same family behind the legendary Léoville-Poyferré in Saint-Julien. Spread across 32 hectares of deep gravel beds overlooking the Gironde Estuary, the vineyard benefits from the river’s natural thermal regulation and soils that express all the power and complexity of the Saint-Estèphe terroir. With an average vine age of 50 years — many planted before the Second World War — and organic farming trials introduced since 2015, this is an estate that takes the long view.

The 2019 is a powerful, classic Saint-Estèphe. Blackberries, currants, loamy soil, cigar wrapper, and a rush of scorched earth, licorice, and tobacco on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, broad and fleshy, with an ample core of succulent dark fruit, ripe powdery tannins, and a long, complex finish with notes of cast iron, dark walnut, and bitter citrus. A wine built for the cellar — best from 2024 through 2035.

“Wafting from the glass with aromas of blackberries, currants, loamy soil and cigar wrapper, it’s medium to full-bodied, broad and fleshy, with an ample core of succulent fruit underpinned by ripe, powdery tannins.”
— Wine Advocate, 92 Points. (Vintage 2019). 

“Leads off with sweet bay leaf, tobacco and warm earth hints, which are quickly met by a core of steeped plum and black currant fruit. Shows subtle charcoal dusting and a note of cast iron that add fuel to the finish. Best from 2023 through 2035.”
— Wine Spectator, 92 Points. (Vintage 2019). 

“A powerful, burly Saint-Estèphe… rich, virile and packed, the 2019 is big, hearty wine that shows the savory personality of Saint-Estèphe. There is certainly a lot of wine here.”
— Vinous, 92 Points. (Vintage 2019). 

“Lots of blackcurrants and spices with some dried flowers follow through to a medium body with firm, silky tannins and a bitter-citrus and dark-walnut aftertaste. Needs time to soften.”
— James Suckling, 92 Points. (Vintage 2019). 

Pairs with: Roast lamb, duck confit, beef tenderloin, aged hard cheeses, or classic Bordelaise dishes.

Domaine de la Solitude Pessac-Leognan Rouge 2022 · Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France

History

The Wine Estate “Domaine de la Solitude” in the 17th century, Hélène Barberini, a descendant of the illustrious Tuscan family of the same name, married Claude Martin, owner of a vineyard in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Their grandson would give a huge boost to “La Solitude” by creating the first label for the Appellation. Thus, “le Vin de la Solitude” became a symbol of quality and began to be exported, allowing a great terroir to come into its own.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling, 93 Points — Very perfumed, bright and crunchy. Rose petals, lemons and other citrus fruits. Medium body with citrus and raspberry flavors. Linear and long with lovely energy and vivacity. Drinkable now, but better in a couple of years.

Decanter, 93 Points — Deep and highly aromatic on the nose - freshly picked red berries with dried herbs and a touch of liquorice. Supple and forward, this has nice energy and bounce. Creamy, super juicy and with a cooling mineral bite that comes across as slightly spiced with graphite and pencil lead accents and a slight chalky powderiness on the tongue. Really lovely frame and focus. Great to drink now, has plenty of punch but with lovely finesse too. Easy to enjoy this.

Vinous Media, 92 Points — The 2022 Domaine de la Solitude is soft, open-knit and very appealing. Crushed flowers, bright red-toned fruit, orange peel and cinnamon build effortlessly in the glass.

Memo Summary Notes

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot

Pair with

Meats: Grilled lamb chops with rosemary, roasted duck, or a classic beef tenderloin.

Savory: Mushroom-heavy dishes or a rich truffle risotto (which echoes the wine's earthy notes).

Cheese: Mature hard cheeses like Mimolette or Manchego.

Details

• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Region: Pessac-Leognan, Bordeaux, France
• Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
• Type: Red

Winemaker Description

Dark red with delicately organ-colored edge the color, the nose reminiscent of ripe, dark stone fruit. In the mouth, notes of spices join in. The fellow drinker dreamed a club from the deer with cranberries.

Promesse is the second wine from Chteau Franc Maillet and represents wonderful value. This estate is located very close to the Pomerol plateau and bears all the hallmarks for which the region is celebrated for.

On the nose, it has notes of violets and a touch of truffle and black berries, whilst on the palate it is silky and velvety with a rich long voluptuous finish.

Pair with roast beef, lamb, mushrooms or truffles, for an elegant drinking experience

Grape variety: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet franc

Domaine de L’Arlot is one of the seminal properties in Nuits St. Georges.  The domaine was co-owned by Jean-Pierre de Smet, who spent eight years alongside Jacques Seysses of Domaine Dujac before taking over L’Arlot in 1986.  Today, the domaine consists of 14 hectares planted to mostly Pinot Noir. In 2015 the very talented Geraldine Godot took over the domaine. While retaining the core values of l’Arlot, including biodynamic farming, Geraldine has brought her own style to this historic estate, with extraction kept to a minimum, and the wines seeing less new oak than in the past. All of this is done to preserve the gorgeous fruit from their cherished vineyards. With Geraldine’s inspired leadership, Domaine de l’Arlot is committed to maintaining their classic, elegant style of terroir driven wines in hopes of providing the sort of divine pleasure only classic Burgundy delivers.

The 2023 Hautes Cotes de Nuits Le Mont has a fresh, juicy nose of raspberry and cherry that explodes on opening. The latest vintage of this wine is lively yet delicate on the palate, with silky, enveloping tannins. Its fleshy fruit flavors and rich structure make it an ideal accompaniment to dishes, such as beef fondue, country salad, chicken skewers with herbs or even aperitifs served with mushroom terrine canapes.

Domaine Georges Lignier Chambolle-Musigny — Burgundy 2022

Domaine Georges Lignier’s Chambolle-Musigny is one of the quiet gems of the Côte de Nuits — and the 2022 vintage may be its finest expression yet. Sourced from a prime 0.71-hectare parcel of 70-year-old vines straddling the “Les Drazey” and “Les Bussières” vineyards, just below the Premier Cru “Les Sentiers” and adjacent to the Bonnes Mares grand cru, this is village Burgundy that performs well above its appellation. Matured in small oak barrels — none new — to preserve the purity and transparency of the Pinot Noir. James Suckling awarded it 93 points, calling it “a very charming Chambolle-Musigny village wine with a lot of floral finesse.”

The nose is classically Chambolle: red flowers, ripe cherry, wild raspberry, and a whisper of forest floor. On the palate, it is sweet and silky — warm, powdery tannins deftly supporting a long, polished finish with remarkable depth for a village-level wine. The ancient vines and ideal location produce a complexity that elevates this far beyond what one would expect from a Villages bottling.

James Suckling 93 — “Sweet and silky, this is a very charming Chambolle-Musigny village wine with a lot of floral finesse, the warm, powdery tannins deftly supporting the long, polished finish.”

• Producer: Domaine Georges Lignier, Morey-Saint-Denis, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Chambolle-Musigny AOC
• Vineyards: Les Drazey & Les Bussières — 0.71ha, 70-year-old vines, red soil
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vinification: Aged in small oak barrels, no new oak
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red flowers, cherry, wild raspberry, forest floor, silky tannins, long polished finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 8–12 years
• Best Paired With: Roast duck, mushroom risotto, lamb chops, aged Comté, rabbit in mustard sauce

Silky, floral, and unmistakably Chambolle — Domaine Georges Lignier’s village bottling is the benchmark for what old-vine Burgundy can deliver at this level.

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

Brilliant color, intense, lovely red fruits, silky and rich attack. Deeply coloured with purple reflection. Fruity on the nose, dominated by morello cherry and almond paste. Medium-bodied on the palate, priority is given to the fruit. Turning more intense on the finish with good tannins.

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James Suckling 90 Points | Ripe black cherries, dark plums, mocha and a hint of toasted almonds on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied and quite tight, yet smooth in texture. Polished finish with hints of cocoa and subtle spice.

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Made with selected grapes grown on lava terraces at an average altitude of 720 m above sea level, these Etna wines represent a unique combination of the typical elegance of mountain wine and minerality due to volcanic origin. The extraordinary wealth of minerals in Etna's volcanic soils is the source of the very sapid and typical flavor of the wines produced here.  The quality of the soil is closely tied to Etna’s volcanic origins, as it was formed through the disintegration of lavas with different compositions and from different eras, and eruptive materials such as sands, ashes, pumice stone and “lapilli”. Even the climate distinguishes the Etna area respect to the rest of Sicily. The average temperatures on the mountains are lower and the climate also changes depending on the slope and the altitude. From a winemaking standpoint, the wine diurnal temperature range is fundamental, as it gives the wines their freshness and elegant aromas.

James Suckling 90 Points | The nose expresses notes of red berries, roasted meat and raw chocolate. It’s medium-bodied with chalky tannins. Rather light center palate with a dense berry- and chocolate-packed finish.

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Grown on clay and gravelly soil, this 100% Cabernet Franc from Chinon, is fruitywith soft tannins and exults aromas of red berries.

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Ryder Estate Pinot Noir is lush, silky and balanced. Black cherry and plum aromas lead into flavors of bright red cherry and raspberry with a hint of mocha and toasty oak. Pairs deliciously with BBQ’d pulled pork, stuffed mushrooms and relaxing with friends after a successful high tide sunset surf.

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Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | Juicy ripe fruits and a blend of baking spices are carried by this full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. The tannins are ample and palate coating with a moderate finish. — Elaine Chukan Brown 

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This Chianti Rùfina is the pillar of Selvapiana’s production, using primarily Sangiovese with small contributions from traditional blending partners Canaiolo, Colorino, and Malvasia Nera. T

This wine is an excellent example of the finesse and crispness the Rùfina subzone of Chianti delivers.

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Martinenga Nebbiolo Langhe DOC by Marchesi di Gresy is a pure and refined expression of Nebbiolo, one of the most noble and representative vines of Piedmont. This wine originates from the prestigious Martinenga estate, located in the renowned Langhe area, the beating heart of Piedmontese viticulture, where Nebbiolo finds the maximum expression of its character.

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The color of the wine is a ruby red, lively and pleasant. Its bouquet reminds of flowers and fruits, like small red fruits or violets, but it has also a spicy note. On the palate, the taste is elegant, full-bodied and savoury, characteristics due to its rounded tannins typical of Castiglione Falletto cru.

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Medium-light garnet in color, Gravelly Ford Pinot Noir offers intense aromas of raspberry and cherry, accented by a touch of vanilla and sweet spice. The bright, fruit-forward palate displays soft, silky tannins, well balanced acidity with a touch of violet on the finish.

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Vanilla highlights and rose petal aromas complement the ripe plum, blackberry and cherry flavors. Toasty oak and barrel spice wrap up with a soft, silky and lingering finish.

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Vinous 95 Points | The 2019 Clos de la Dioterie is a sophisticated, seductively perfumed style—brooding yet aromatic. Its concentrated flavors are pure; it remains light and elegant, with a delectable, chalky, veil-like texture residing on your tongue as the finish draws out with precision, sinew and line. This is a fine, texturally intriguing wine.

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This wine shows deep in color, with ruby tints. It has scents of red and black berries mixed with floral notes, together with hints of delicate spices and vanilla. On the palate, it displays aromas of crushed black fruits such as raspberries, blackcurrants, cherries and black-cherry jam. This wine is complex, rich and long with well integrated 

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Rated 91 points by Tasting Panel (January 2024) 

Rated 90 points & Best Buy by Wine Enthusiast (December 2023) 

The 2021 One Stone Cabernet is loaded with complex aromas of plum, black olive, caramel, graphite and earthy loam. The palate is sumptuous and integrated, offering generous flavors of black cherry, cassis, cranberry, fig, anise and espresso. Velvety textures and flashy tannins complete the experience of this fully expressed Cabernet Sauvignon.

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The Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | Vasse Felix's self-titled middle range often represents the best value for money, in this reviewer's opinion. This is both an excellent example of the range's quality as well as of Margaret River's distinctive Cab style. Layered aromas of tangy redcurrant, raspberry and cranberry are woven with pencil lead, new pavement and tobacco leaf. There's a wonderful lift of crunchy currant fruit on the palate, which counterbalances the big smudgy, savory tannins.

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James Suckling 92 Points | Aromas of blackberries, tar and wet earth follow through to a medium body with bright, chewy tannins and a pretty finish. Some iodine character, too. Delicious, savory aftertaste. It’s drinkable now, but will deliver more in a year or two. Drink in 2022.

Clos La Coutale · Cahors · 2024 Half Bottle

A 375ml half bottle of Clos La Coutale Cahors, made from Malbec and Merlot in southwest France. The smaller format is an easy choice when you want a glass or two of red with dinner without opening a full bottle.

Winemaker Description

Heaps of bramble fruit, with blackberry and cranberry followed by subtle vanilla, ripe plum and earthy undertones. A delicious red wine from this small region bordering Bordeaux in the South of France.

About Clos La Coutale

The estate describes Clos La Coutale as a blend of Malbec and Merlot. It vinifies the wine in temperature-controlled tanks with regular punch-downs, then ages it in oak barrels and large oak casks for one year to balance fruit and tannins. The estate also produces a separate cuvée called Grand Coutale; its blend and aging details are not those of this wine.

At a Glance

• Producer: Clos La Coutale
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Cahors, France
• Grapes: Malbec and Merlot
• Size: 375ml half bottle

Santi Santico Amarone della Valpolicella Classico — Veneto 2020

Santi is one of the Valpolicella Classico’s most historic producers, with roots stretching back to 1843 and vineyards in the heart of the original Classico zone — the hillside communes of Fumane, Marano, and Negrar where the finest Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes have been grown for centuries. Amarone is the pinnacle of the Valpolicella tradition: grapes are harvested in late September, then laid on bamboo racks in the estate’s lofts to dry for 90–120 days — a process called appassimento — concentrating sugars, flavors, and structure to extraordinary levels before fermentation. The Santico is Santi’s flagship Amarone — a wine of power, elegance, and remarkable value for the appellation. The 2020 vintage delivered exceptional ripeness and concentration in the Classico zone.

The color is a deep, concentrated dark red. The nose is fragrant and complex: cherry jam, cranberry, plum, dried fig, cocoa, and a whisper of spice — the unmistakable aromatic richness of appassimento. On the palate, it is full-bodied and round, with velvety tannins, a pleasantly tangy backbone of acidity, and a long, alluring finish of red berries and dark fruit. This is Amarone as it should be: powerful yet balanced, concentrated yet elegant, built for the table and the cellar alike.

“Dark red hue; concentrated, fragrant nose with top notes of cherry jam and cranberries, followed by hints of plum, dried fruit and cocoa. Full, round, with velvety tannins — pleasantly tangy with a long finish.” — Santi Winemaker

• Producer: Santi, Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG
• Blend: Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara
• Method: Appassimento — grapes dried 90–120 days before fermentation
• Style: Full-bodied, velvety, concentrated Amarone Classico
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherry jam, cranberry, plum, dried fig, cocoa, spice, velvety tannins, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 10–15 years
• Best Paired With: Braised short ribs, osso buco, roast lamb, game, aged Parmigiano, hard cheeses

Valpolicella Classico Amarone at an honest price — Santi Santico is the benchmark for what this great appellation can deliver.