Red Wine

Bosman Family Vineyards · 'Twyfeling' Cinsaut · Wellington · 2024

Just an hour from Cape Town, in the sun-baked valley of Wellington, the Bosman family has been farming the same land for eight generations — one of the Cape Winelands' most enduring stories of heritage, community, and environmental stewardship. Their 'Twyfeling' (“Doubt” in Afrikaans) Cinsaut is their modern take on what Wellington bush vine Cinsaut can be: a wine that questions the assumption that South Africa's most underrated red grape is anything less than world-class. Vegan. Certified Sustainable. Made by a woman winemaker. At $24.99, it’s one of the most compelling and fairly priced Cinsauts coming out of South Africa right now.

The 2024 is harvested in three components, hand-sorted, de-stemmed, and slightly crushed. Spontaneous fermentation with daily punch-downs and pump-overs, with 10% whole-bunch and 10% stem-contact components adding freshness and complexity. Extended skin contact post-fermentation, followed by 12 months in 225L and 500L French oak barrels. Deep plum in the glass with a purple rim. The nose is fresh and inviting — lively berry, cherry, tobacco, and savoury spice. On the palate: medium-bodied but bold, with an elegant structure, luscious berry and cherry fruit, and a long, refined finish. Drink now through 2029.

• Producer: Bosman Family Vineyards (est. 8 generations · Woman winemaker)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Wellington, Western Cape, South Africa
• Varietal: 100% Cinsaut (bush vines)
• Vinification: Hand sorted · 3-component harvest · 10% whole bunch · 10% stem contact · Spontaneous fermentation · Extended skin contact · 12 months French oak (225L & 500L) · Gently filtered
• Certifications: Vegan · Certified Sustainable
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh berry, cherry, tobacco, savoury spice, medium-bodied, elegant structure, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2029
• Food Pairings: Grilled lamb, roasted duck, charcuterie, mushroom dishes, aged gouda

Eight generations of Wellington heritage, bush vine Cinsaut, and a woman winemaker’s modern vision — South Africa’s most exciting red grape at its finest.

Our Professional Review 

Bart Hopkins of 67wino.shop writes | Made from 50 year old organic and Biodynamically grown Nero d’Avola vines, the 2020 Contrada is a beautifully crafted, totally natural Sicilian red wine. The bouquet is deep and rich with earthy plum and dark berry and licorice aromas that mingle playfully with notes of exotic spices. In the mouth the flavors are seductive and elegant with purity, freshness and detailed complexity. An exceptionally unique expression of Nero d’Avola.
Bart Hopkins

Gaja · Pieve Santa Restituta · Brunello di Montalcino · 2019

Gaja’s Pieve Santa Restituta 2019 is a Sangiovese from Brunello di Montalcino in Tuscany. Audrey Frick’s 97-point review highlights a graceful, medium-bodied wine with expressive floral aromas, refined tannins, and mouthwatering acidity.

Character & Style

Wild roses, raspberry liqueur, blood orange, and fresh pine shape the aromatic profile described by Frick. A salty finish and even acidity lend freshness to its refined structure, making this a compelling bottle for a thoughtful dinner or further time in the cellar.

Expert Review · 2019 Vintage

Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck, 97 Points
A bright magenta/ruby color, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino is floral and expressive with aromas of wild roses, raspberry liqueur, blood orange, and fresh pine. Medium-bodied, it’s graceful throughout, with refined tannins, even, mouthwatering acidity, and a salty finish. It keeps you coming back for more and is going to benefit from at least another year in bottle. Drink 2025-2040.

Serving & Pairing

Suggested pairings include roast lamb, braised beef, or mushroom pasta. Serve in a generous red-wine glass, tasting before deciding whether to decant. Frick’s recommended drinking window is 2025–2040.

Details

• Producer: Gaja
• Estate: Pieve Santa Restituta
• Appellation: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
• Region: Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2019
• Grape: Sangiovese
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Review: Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck, 97 points
• Reviewer’s drinking window: 2025–2040

A graceful Brunello with floral expression, refined tannins, and a fresh, salty finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 93 Points |  A bright and racy pinot with lots of strawberries, raspberries, hibiscus, spices and dried lavender. Tense and agile with a medium body and a crunchy feel to its tannins. Fresh and minerally. Drink now or hold.

Wine Spectator 93 Points | Plush and elegantly structured, this red unfurls raspberry and cherry flavors accented with forest floor, black tea and savory spices as this builds tension toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2032.

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Crisp, mouthwatering acidity is but one of many highlights here. Pretty dried rose-petal and dark raspberry aromas are flanked by a loamy soil note. The flavors are fruit-driven, with raspberry and lemon flavors uniting with tiny bits of sugar cookie and walnut behind a curtain of silky tannins. — Michael Alberty

Winemaker Description 

The 2022 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir touts all the hallmarks of our storied appellation. It begins with hints of ripe plum skin, ocean air, baking spices, and cocoa powder dustiness on the nose. The palate is just as expressive, with fresh, juicy red fruit backed by graceful tannins, a complex brininess, and a mouth-watering acidity. Finishing with spiced oak and a mouth-coating basalt minerality, this wine is great now and will be for years to come.

Winemaker Description 

A good balance of fresh but softly perfumed ripe red currant and strawberry fruits with a touch of rosewater and anise. The nose leads to well-rounded but lively crunchy red fruits on the palate with spice and chalk notes on the elegantly tailored finish.

After being founded in the 1750s, in the mid-18th century, the Domaine de Montille century extended over 12 hectares. The family's financial problems meant that Etienne de Montille, the manager at that time, had to abandon certain parcels of land and focus on 3 hectares, mainly in Volnay. With the arrival of Hubert de Montille, Etienne's grandson, the domaine took off in another direction. Like his father, Hubert was a lawyer, however he would go on to lead a double life as a wine grower and a lawyer. He decided to produce his own wines from A to Z. Within a few decades, he would become one of the finest examples in the region, perfectly expressing the terroir of each climat with pure and elegant wines.

Today, the domaine is managed by Etienne and Alix de Montille, Hubert's children who also were originally steered towards a legal career. The domaine now has 20 hectares of vines, including 15 of grand and premier crus, on the best climats of Burgundy, in white and red! Domaine de Montille now produces its wines using biodynamic methodology, perpetuating the tradition of innovation and excellence introduced by Hubert de Montille. Etienne and Alix also created a mini trading structure, Maison Deux Montille Soeur Frère.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | This ripe and generous wine smells like a cherry pie and tastes like warm raspberries and cherries dusted with cinnamon and ground cloves. It’s a welcoming, almost-sweet Pinot that is comfy in texture and alluring in flavor.

Wine Spectator 91 Points | Juicy and elegant, with a savory edge to the mix of gently mulled raspberry and cherry fruit flavors, revealing a sous-bois accent as they move through the finish. Drink now through 2027. 342 cases made.

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | Pouring a deep youthful red hue, the 2021 Pinot Noir Reserve is ripe and expressive on opening, offering loads of black cherries, sweet herbs, forest floor, and cola. Medium-bodied, it retains good levity on the palate while keeping a ripe feel, with ripe tannins and a clean finish.

Winemaker Description 

Ripe cherry and plum aromas open to a complex mix of rhubarb, forest floor, creamy oak and exotic dark floral tones. The fruit flavors continue a smooth, full bodied palate with forest floor, vinous and dark cherry flavors, finishing with supple volume and balance acidity.

Enjoy this wine now with sweet and spicy Moroccan roasted carrots, truffle risotto or cellar for enjoyment over the next few years.

Winemaker Description 

This affordable Merlot is medium-bodied with a hint of oak and flavors of cherries and plums. It is rich in the mouth and ends in a soft fruit filled finish!

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018 

Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points | From one of my favorite estates in Pomerol, the 2018 Château Le Gay knocks it out of the park and has that classic Pomerol mix of sexy opulence paired with an incredible sense of finesse. Offering an already complex bouquet of crème de cassis, black cherries, white truffle, camphor, tobacco, and acacia flowers, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a seamless, expansive texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a blockbuster of a finish. I'd be thrilled with bottles in the cellar. It's going to put a smile on any wine lover's face over the coming 20-25 years.

James Suckling 97 Points | Aromas of plums, violets and mushrooms with earthy notes. Fleshy and succulent texture to the full body with round, firm tannins and a salivating, savory finish. Very persistent. Opulent and reserved at the same time. Contrastive wine. Drink after 2025.

Wine Advocate 95 Points | Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Le Gay has a beautifully perfumed nose of lavender essence, chocolate-covered cherries and preserved plums, leading to a fragrant undercurrent of kirsch, licorice and fertile loam. The concentrated, full-bodied palate (15% alcohol) delivers bold, black fruit flavors with compelling red berry sparks and a plush texture, finishing long with just enough freshness.

Vinous 94 Points | The 2018 Le Gay is unusually reticent today. Lavender, rose petal, mint, blood orange and crushed red berry fruit emerge over time. Deceptive in its mid-weight structure, the 2018 packs serious punch. It is one of more sensual wines of the vintage in Pomerol, but readers will have to be patient, as the 2018 is in no mood to show its cards just yet.

Wine Spectator 93-96 Points | Plum, boysenberry and açaí berry flavors give this a slightly exotic character, with a polished texture and lingering anise notes. Shows latent grip on the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Winemaker Description 

Producer Description 

The wine is a crimson-hued garnet red. The nose reveals red berry fruit aromas combined with delicate floral notes of peony and fresh mint. A dense and muscular attack leads into a full-bodied mid-palate whose juicy and expressive substance is underlined by well-rounded, silky tannins. The long and balanced finish lingers on notes of spice, especially white pepper.

Expert Reviews - 2021 Vintage

James Suckling 95 Points | This is surprisingly full-bodied and round, reflecting the warmth and sunny exposure of the vineyard around the chateau. Tangy and vivid with currants, fresh flowers and plenty of energy and length. Delicate yet ripe. 77% cabernet sauvignon, 19.5% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 0.5% petit verdot. Needs two or three years to come together completely. Drink after 2027.

Jeb Dunnuck 91-93 Points | The second wine of this great estate, the 2021 Le Petit Mouton De Mouton Rothschild checks in as 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19.5% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, brought up in 50% new barrels. It has plenty of class and charm, with pure Cabernet notes of cassis, graphite, tobacco, and damp earth. These carry to a medium-bodied, balanced, elegant, seamless wine with fine tannins, integrated oak, and a great finish.

Vinous 90-92 Points |  Representing 40% of the total volume, a little more than usual, the 2021 Le Petit-Mouton, is aged in 50% new oak. A very Cabernet nose with conspicuous graphite scents infusing the black fruit, a little Earl Grey in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with a fleshy opening, not amazingly complex but well balanced with fine tannins and just a pinch of black pepper on the finish. Classic in style, it should give 15-20 years of drinking pleasure.

Decanter 92 Points | Beautifully fragrant strawberries and red cherries, just so perfumed and appealing, really a very lovely nose drawing you in. An excellent Petit Mouton in 2021; serious intensity here but also such a liveliness as well as creaminess. It has weight and layers while having fruit intensity and a core of aromatics. There's a softness and delicacy in terms of the tannins and frame - beguiling - but a real base of concentrated blue, red and black fruits - strawberries, red cherries and blackcurrants. You get the stony tones and the clove on the finish but this feels round, expansive and approachable. It's uber glamorous, still with freshness and lift. A gorgeous wine with lots going on! 0.5% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 3.73pH. 14% press wine.

Wine Advocate 89-91 Points | Since Mouton-Rothschild itself this year derives exclusively from the two plateaus that always make up the core of the blend, the 2021 Le Petit Mouton benefits from the inclusion of parcels that often make it into the grand vin. Exhibiting aromas of crème de cassis, mint, cigar wrapper, violets and espresso roast, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and fleshy, with a rich core of fruit, powdery tannins, succulent acids and a persistent finish. Characterful and beautifully made, I wonder if I'm being a little severe with my score?

Joseph Phelps · Cabernet Sauvignon · Napa Valley · 2022

Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2022 combines lifted dark cherry and plum aromas with cedar, fresh herbs and supple tannins. A Cabernet-led Bordeaux-variety blend, it balances plush fruit and rounded texture with aromatic freshness and harmony.

Producer & Legacy

Joseph Phelps Vineyards describes its story as a relentless pursuit of excellence, honoring the past while exploring new possibilities. Across half a century and three generations, the team has carried forward Joe Phelps’s commitment to winemaking, gracious hospitality and sustainability efforts in its vineyards and wineries.

The winery’s reputation is closely linked to Insignia, introduced in 1974 as California’s first proprietary red Bordeaux-style blend. Joe chose the name to represent the finest lots of each vintage, emphasizing blending rather than varietal designation as a measure of quality. Insignia’s 2002 vintage was named Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year in 2005, and its 1991, 1997, 2002 and 2007 vintages received 100-point Wine Advocate scores. Robert Parker described it as “one of the world’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon dominated blends.” These honors refer to Insignia, not this Cabernet Sauvignon bottling.

Joe built the winery’s early reputation on Cabernet Sauvignon and Rhône-style wines. Its portfolio now spans Napa Valley and Sonoma Coast vineyards, giving the winemaking team opportunities to explore both regions.

Tasting Notes & Winemaking

Red and black fruits, dark cherry and damson plum are joined by cedar, vanilla, tobacco and graphite notes. The palate offers rounded texture, softly integrated tannins and an approachable character. The blend is led by 91% Cabernet Sauvignon with Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot, and is raised in French and American oak.

Expert Reviews · 2022

James Suckling, 94 Points
Bright, lifted, black and red fruits with aromas of dark cherries, damson plums, cedar box and fresh herbs. The full-bodied palate has a supple, rounded mouthfeel and softly integrated tannins. 91% cabernet sauvignon with smatterings of the other main Bordeaux varieties. Lively and approachable yet plush with plenty of years ahead.

Vinous Media, 92 Points
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is terrific, especially for a wine of its level and production. Aromatic, medium in body and impeccably balanced, the 2022 is seriously impressive. It is perhaps a bit more floral and lighter than most years, but its balance and overall harmony are beyond reproach. This is a strong showing. New oak is 45%, 27% French and 18% American.

Jeb Dunnuck, 91 Points
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is based on 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Merlot brought up in French and American oak. Classy red and black fruits, vanilla oak, tobacco, and graphite notes all define the aromatics, and it's ripe, rounded, and nicely textured, with good mid-palate density and a good finish.

The Wine Advocate, 90 Points
The Joseph Phelps 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is dominated by fruit from Yountville and Suscol; only 21% of the blend is from growers, as there's a push toward estate fruit. As always, there's some American oak in the mix, but that proportion is evolving downward. Redcurrants and cherries are joined by gentle dusty earth notes and hints of vanilla and cedar on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is a bit more dusty and drying than the 2021, yet it remains soft and approachable.

Pairing Suggestions

Try with grilled steak, roast lamb, braised beef or mushroom dishes to complement the dark fruit, cedar and savory notes.

Details

• Producer: Joseph Phelps
• Vintage: 2022
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country: United States
• Region: California
• Appellation: Napa Valley, Napa County
• Primary grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Blend: 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot; remaining varieties Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot
• Type: Red wine
• Oak: French and American

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

Luis Gutierrez of the Wine Advocate 96 Points | The 2021 Pegaso Granito has a very clean nose and comes through as very approachable, with an elegant personality. They picked all grapes together (there were some unripe grapes) and fermented it all together. The wine has a medium-bodied palate, the granularity of the tannins is extremely small, and it has a very fine mineral sensation. It has incredible elegance and finesse, with lifted aromatics, high-pitched, acute, fine-boned and with the frontal tannins from the granite soils.

Producer Description 

Cebreros is both the name of the village and the appellation of origin in the southeast of the province of Ávila, within the greater Sierra de Gredos region, the mountainous area located on the continental divide of Spain. The region is unspoiled, wild, rustic, full of energy and light, and as authentic as it gets. It is a transitional zone where northern Spain gives way to southern Spain. The wines from the Sierra de Gredos mountains to the west of Madrid (aka Vinos de Madrid) have finally begun to claim their rightful place alongside other top wine regions focused on producing world-class garnacha. For many insiders, the region is now leading the conversation about this Mediterranean garnacha grape, now understood to be indigenous to Spain. 

Whole clusters are picked by hand in small boxes, with a strict selection made in the vineyard. The clusters are de-stemmed, crushed, and fermented spontaneously with native yeasts in stainless steel tanks and large neutral French oak foudres. The wine is then aged for 18 months in new and used 600L French oak barrels sourced from different forests.

Critic Notes

Charles Curtis MW writes:  hint of exotic Asian spice. The palate has a deft balance between density, moderately firm tannins, and a lively freshness that leads to a pleasantly lingering finish—lovely wine. The grapes come from the domaine holding of just under a half-hectare located under Clos de la Roche; they are partially destemmed and carefully fermented before ageing in mainly used casks. Age five years before opening.  Drinking 2028 to 2055.  - Decanter 95

Neal Martin writes:  The 2022 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Millandes 1er Cru has one-third whole bunches. Brambly red fruit, sous-bois and light chalky scents on the nose that feels quite strict at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins. There’s mainly black fruit here, plus cedar and graphite, rather "serious" towards the finish. Fine, but it will require bottle age.  Drinking 2026 to 2042.  - Vinous 90-92

Allen Meadows writes:  A discreet application of wood sets off the softly spicy and earthy aromas of violet, lavender plum and red currant. The powerful and markedly more concentrated broad-shouldered flavors exude a subtle minerality on the succulent yet very firmly structured finale that exhibits excellent length. Patience will be necessary but it should be well-rewarded in time as this is packed with development potential.  Drink 2024+  - Burghound 93

Producer Description 

Akutain’s Rioja Reserva — a blend of Tempranillo with a touch of Garnacha and Viura — is fermented in a combination of stainless steel and fiberglass tanks, then aged for 35 months in predominantly neutral American oak with a small amount of French barrels. Mid-Ruby in color, this Reserva possesses a beautiful bouquet of ripe berry fruit mixed with notes of dried herbs, tobacco and rose petals.

The full-bodied palate displays concentrated flavors of black cherry, cooked-down strawberries and earth balanced by velvety, textured tannins. The finish exhibits enduring depth and complexity. The perfect companion to grilled, roasted or braised meats and game.

Winemaker Description 

Dark berry and meat flavors carry the day, making it a great match for roasted or braised meat and game. But it also will mesh with and enhance pizza, hearty pasta and most anything made with winter squash.

Gamay | Morgon, Beaujolais / France
Vintage: 2024  |  Size: 750ml
Organic · Natural Fermentation · Unfiltered

Jean Foillard is a legend of the natural wine movement — a pioneering figure in Morgon who helped define what Beaujolais could be when farmed with care and made without compromise. His family tends fourteen hectares in the heart of Morgon with a non-interventionist philosophy: organic viticulture, spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, whole-bunch vinification, and bottling unfiltered. The result is Gamay that is silky, structured, and unmistakably of its place.

The Corcelette cuvée comes from one of Morgon’s most prized sites. Grapes are harvested late and hand-selected in the vineyard, then fermented as whole bunches for 2–3 weeks before aging 6–8 months in oak barrels. The 2024 is wonderfully characterful — brambly red fruit, hints of sous-bois and wilted rose petal on the nose, with impressive delineation. The palate is fresh and vibrant, with gentle grip, fine powdery texture, and a focused, slightly herbaceous tea-leaf finish. Very classy, and built to reward patience over the next four to six years.

“The 2024 Morgon Corcelette has a wonderful, characterful bouquet with brambly red fruit, hints of sous-bois and wilted rose petal. Impressive delineation. The palate is fresh and vibrant with gentle grip on the entry. Fine structure… focused. Very classy.”
— Vinous, 90 Points

“Silky and seductive, with notes of rose petals, red berries, and stones. With just the right amount of tannin and acidity, and lots of class, it is perfect for all occasions.”
— Tom Wolf, Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant

Pairs with: Roast chicken, duck confit, charcuterie, mushroom dishes, or a simple platter of French cheeses.

Troublemaker · Red Blend Lot 14 · Paso Robles, California

Troublemaker Red Blend Lot 14 offers a rich, generous California red-wine profile, bringing black fruit, oak and black pepper together with vanilla, caramel and black cherry notes. This 750ml bottle is a bold choice for a hearty meal.

Origin & Blend

From Paso Robles in California, this red blend brings together Syrah, Petite Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Zinfandel. Its layered fruit and spice character offers plenty to explore alongside food.

Tasting Profile

Black-fruit aromas meet oak and black pepper, followed by a rich palate with vanilla, caramel, fudge and black cherry character.

Expert Review · 

Wine Enthusiast, 90 Points: This is a widely available, nonvintage blend of 54% Syrah, 15% Petite Syrah, 14% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre and 7% Zinfandel. Aromas of caramelized black fruit, oak and black pepper lead into an extremely rich palate that's loaded with vanilla, caramel, fudge and black cherry.

Pairing & Serving Suggestions

Try with grilled steak, barbecue, burgers or hearty mushroom dishes. Serve slightly below room temperature and allow a little time in the glass before enjoying.

Details

• Wine: Troublemaker Red Blend
• Lot: 14
• Country: United States
• Region: California
• Appellation: Paso Robles
• Grapes: Syrah, Petite Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Zinfandel
• Type: Red wine
• Bottle size: 750ml

Winemaker Description

This delicious, versatile wine begins with aromas of blackberry, rose hip, dried cranberries and hints of boysenberry followed by notes of violets and crushed spices.

On the palate, the wine begins with a soft, dense, lush, tannin structure supported by flavors of red berry fruit, subtle acidity and a long flavorful, vanilla finish. 

Pindar Vineyards Pythagoras Red Bordeaux NY Blend

Experience the rich flavor of Pindar Vineyards Pythagoras Red Bordeaux Blend, a special red wine first crafted to celebrate Pindar's 15th anniversary of winemaking on Long Island. This thoughtful blend showcases the round and full characteristics of Merlot with the slight herbal notes of Cabernets, capturing the unique terroir of Long Island in each bottle. This represents not just a drink, but a testament to the growing wine culture of New York's North Fork region.

Pindar Vineyards - Long Island Wine Pioneer

Pindar Vineyards has established itself as a beacon of quality in the New York wine scene. As one of Long Island's pioneering wineries, Pindar has been instrumental in establishing the North Fork as a premier wine region. Known for its exquisite blends, Pindar Vineyards aims to capture the unique terroir of Long Island in each bottle, showcasing what New York wines can offer.

15th Anniversary Celebration Wine

This special red was first crafted to celebrate Pindar's 15th anniversary of winemaking on Long Island. The Pythagoras Red represents a milestone in the winery's history and their commitment to producing exceptional Bordeaux-style blends that honor both tradition and the distinctive character of Long Island viticulture.

Bordeaux-Style Blend

The Pythagoras Red Bordeaux blend showcases a thoughtful mix of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. This classic Bordeaux-style blend combines the best characteristics of each varietal, creating a wine with complexity, structure, and elegance. The rich fusion offers wine lovers an opportunity to experience world-class Bordeaux-style winemaking from New York.

Winemaker's Vision

According to the winemaker: "This special red was first crafted to celebrate our 15th anniversary of winemaking on Long Island. It has the round and full characteristics of Merlot with the slight herbal notes of Cabernets." This vision guides the blend's character, balancing fruit richness with herbal complexity.

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Deep ruby red
Aroma: Inviting bouquet of dark berries and floral undertones. Ripe plum and cherry notes with subtle hints of oak and spice
Palate: Round and full characteristics of Merlot with slight herbal notes of Cabernets. Layers of flavors including raspberry, blackcurrant, and delicate herbal nuances. Ripe plum, cherry, oak, and spice. Well-integrated tannins
Finish: Smooth finish that lingers pleasantly on the palate

Long Island Terroir

Each sip provides a journey through flavors that reflect Long Island's unique terroir. The North Fork's maritime climate, with its moderating ocean influence and well-drained soils, creates ideal conditions for growing Bordeaux varietals. This terroir imparts distinctive character to the wine, setting it apart from other regions.

Round & Full with Herbal Notes

The wine has the round and full characteristics of Merlot with the slight herbal notes of Cabernets. This balance creates a wine that is both approachable and complex, offering immediate pleasure while revealing layers of flavor with each sip.

Well-Integrated Tannins

The tannins are well-integrated, providing a smooth finish that lingers pleasantly on the palate. This complexity makes it a fantastic wine for various occasions, whether enjoyed during a casual dinner or a celebratory feast. Pindar's meticulous crafting of this blend reflects their commitment to excellence in winemaking.

Food Pairing Suggestions

To truly appreciate the Pythagoras Red Bordeaux blend, pairing it with the right dishes is essential. This versatile wine complements a variety of foods:

• Grilled meats (lamb chops, steaks, burgers)
• Hearty pasta dishes
• Robust cheeses
• Rich mushroom risotto
• Roasted poultry
• Barbecue and grilled fare
• Charcuterie boards

Versatile for Any Occasion

This versatile wine makes it a popular choice at dinner parties and gatherings. Whether you're hosting a dinner or enjoying a quiet evening at home, Pindar Vineyards Pythagoras Red is sure to elevate your meal and impress your guests. The wine's balance and approachability make it perfect for both casual and formal occasions.

New York Wine Excellence

Each bottle represents a piece of Long Island's rich harvest and the growing wine culture of the region. The Pythagoras Red showcases the quality and character that New York wines can achieve, demonstrating that world-class Bordeaux-style blends can be produced outside of France.

Layers of Complexity

Upon sipping, the wine unfolds layers of flavors, including raspberry, blackcurrant, and delicate herbal nuances. This complexity creates a wine that rewards contemplation while remaining accessible and enjoyable for all wine lovers.

North Fork Heritage

Pindar Vineyards' commitment to excellence in winemaking shines through in the Pythagoras Red. As a pioneer in Long Island's North Fork wine region, Pindar has helped establish the area's reputation for producing exceptional wines that rival those from more established regions.

Perfect for Wine Enthusiasts

With each bottle, you experience not just good wine but a piece of Long Island's winemaking history. The Pythagoras Red offers wine lovers an opportunity to explore New York's wine culture while enjoying a beautifully crafted Bordeaux-style blend that honors both tradition and terroir.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

Wine Advocate 100 Points | One of the wines of the vintage is the 2020 La Conseillante, a blend of 86% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc that wafts from the glass with inviting aromas of raspberries, red cherries and mulberries mingled with exotic spices, violets and rose petals. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and vibrant, it's a beautifully elegant, sensual wine with a deep core of fruit framed by powdery tannins, concluding with a long, extravagantly floral finish. This is a Pomerol of striking purity and sophistication. Congratulations to Marielle Cazaux and her team for surpassing even what they achieved in 2016 and 2019 with this brilliant 2020!

Chateau d'Oupia Pays d'Herault Les Heretiques 2024 · Languedoc, France

This Carignan and Grenache blend from Languedoc takes its name from the Cathars, a local heretical group who resisted rigid Christian dogma in the 13th century. The wine is similarly rebellious: an unconventional blend bursting with dark berry fruit, violets, and garrigue, backed by freshness and minerality. Sustainable.

Vinification

The Carignan vines average 40 years in age, with some of them being over 100 years old. The fruit is sustainably farmed and harvested partly by hand and partly by machine. The Carignan remains in whole clusters and goes through a carbonic maceration in tank, while the Grenache is destemmed and goes through a 3-4-week maceration in concrete vats. Fermentation is with selected yeasts. The two varieties are blended and aged in tank, and the wine is bottled with a light, non-sterile filtration.

Producer

Everyone talks about the new quality of wines from the Languedoc. For us, this doesn't mean the ubiquitous varietal bottlings from irrigated flat vineyards but the wonderful wines coming from the best hillside vineyard sites in AOCs like Minervois, Corbières and Coteaux-du-Languedoc. The Château d'Oupia is one of the best.

André Iché inherited an impressive 13th century castle and a large estate in the barren Minervois region. Iché was never a member of his village coop, tended his very old vines and made his wines but sold everything in bulk to local négociants. One day, a Burgundian winemaker happened to be in Oupia, tasted Iché's wines, and was so enthused that he convinced Iché to bottle and market his production.

André passed away in late 2007. His daughter, Marie-Pierre, currently runs the estate with the help of Fabrice Lopez and many old timers who know the land like the back of their hands.

Critical Acclaim

Robert Parker — Château d'Oupia has consistently been praised and rated a "best buy": "Château d'Oupia has produced the ideal bistro wine. Dark, ruby-colored, the wine is wonderfully clean and pure, with an exuberant personality, and gobs of rich, peppery, red and black fruit...Bravo to proprietor André Iché!"

Details

• Producer: Chateau d'Oupia
• Country: France
• Region: Languedoc-Roussillon
• Sub-region: Pays d'Hérault
• Grapes: Carignan and Grenache
• Vintage: 2024
• Certification: Sustainable
• Size: 750ml
• Women Led 

Importer profile courtesy of Louis/Dressner.

Winemaker Notes

Aromas of red fruits with flavors of fragrant cherry, black pepper, and notes of wood. Hints of raspberry lead to a lingering finish.

About the Wine

The David & Nadia Topography Pinotage 2024 is a definitive example of the "New Wave" South African wine movement. David and Nadia Sadie are leading figures in the Swartland region, celebrated for their minimal-intervention, terroir-focused approach that reimagines Pinotage as an elegant, fresh, and cerebral wine rather than a heavy or rustic one.

This is Pinotage for people who think they don’t like Pinotage.

Tasting & Pairings

Fragrant cherry, raspberry, black pepper, and subtle wood notes. Fresh, elegant, and medium-bodied with a lingering finish. Serve at cellar temperature or with a slight chill.

• Grilled lamb chops with Ras el Hanout — North African spices complement the peppery fruit.
• Pulled pork or smoked duck — the wine’s freshness cuts through rich, smoky meats.
• Mushroom risotto or roasted squash — savory herbs and earthy flavors are a natural match.
• South African braai (BBQ) — the traditional pairing, and for good reason.

Cooper Hill Pinot Noir 2024 · Willamette Valley, Oregon

Cooper Hill by Cooper Mountain is a dry, but fruity, fresh and supple organic and biodynamic Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley, made with grapes sourced from Cooper Mountain's certified organic and biodynamic estate vineyards.

It is fermented with native yeast, and no additives or fining agents are used in crafting this wine.

Producer

In 1978 Dr. Robert Gross and his wife Corrine planted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the slopes of Cooper Mountain, an ancient volcano located in Willamette Valley just ten miles from Portland, Oregon. After initially selling grapes to other pioneering wineries in Willamette Valley, in 1987 the family converted an old horse barn on the property to start their own label, offering Cooper Mountain's first vintage. Dr. Gross developed an early interest in biodynamic agriculture, and Cooper Mountain became an early adopter of organic and biodynamic farming practices by the early 1990s. The winery is still owned and operated by founder Dr. Robert Gross with his daughter and co-owner Barbara Gross.

Winemaking and Viticulture

100% of Cooper Mountain's grapes are organically and biodynamically grown across 200 acres in North Willamette Valley. In 1995, Cooper Mountain received organic certification from Oregon Tilth, and shortly after received biodynamic certification from Demeter in 1999; today the vineyards and winery are certified USDA organic. In its biodynamic program, Cooper Mountain never uses synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, nor fungicides, and the winery achieved carbon neutrality in 2010. It was also the first winery in the United States to gain label approval for a no-sulfite-added wine.

Tasting Notes

Delightful dark berry, raspberry, cranberry and pomegranate notes laced with earth and spice are dominant in this dry, but fruity, fresh and supple Pinot Noir.

Details

• Producer: Cooper Hill by Cooper Mountain
• Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2024
• Size: 750ml
• Farming: Certified organic and biodynamic; fermented with native yeast, no additives or fining agents
• Winemaker: Gilles de Domingo

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Enthusiast by Aleks Zecevic writes 88 Points | This features oak spice notes, but with nice vibrancy and ripeness of Damson plum and mulberry. Some ripe stem notes emerge and mark the moderately long finish. 

Winemaker Description 

The classic Blaufränkisch from Zantho shows a fine fruit reminiscent of blackberries with a hint of cinnamon. Juicy berries on the palate are supported by a very harmonious acid and tannin structure. 

• Winemaker Description

  Mont des Oiseaux is a cuvée produced in small quantities from Clos de l'Arlot's youngest vines, an estate Monopoly. This wine reveals the elegance of a great terroir and emphasizes the delicacy of red fruit. Fresh and tangy, with good cellaring potential, this wine can also be enjoyed in the bloom of youth.

• The Terroir

  This Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru is located inside the Clos de l'Arlot. It comes from the upper part of the Clos with a white limestone soil, and from a plot of young vines located at the bottom of the Clos on marl soil.

• Discover more

  - Ageing in barrels, with 30% of new barrels. Bottling takes place after 15-18 months of ageing.

Expert Review

97 Points Jeb Dunnuck | The 2020 Cornas Chaillot comes from a mix of lieux-dits (it's mostly Chaillot) as well as some younger vines. It's an incredible wine in its own right and certainly doesn't give much in terms quality to its big brother. Awesome aromatics of crème de cassis, violets, crushed stone, and bouquet garni-like notes all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, concentrated mid-palate, and ultra-fine tannins. It's a touch more finesse-driven and elegant compared to the Reynard and should round into form with just 5-7 years of bottle age. This is legit awesome Cornas that will have 20-25 years of ultimate longevity. (2020). 

Winemaker Description

Strikingly rich in color and extract, the 2018 Rubicon is unquestionably a precocious, hedonistic wine. The exotic, well-knit aromas and flavors include ripe cassis, allspice, star anise, vanilla and black licorice. Upon entry, this full-bodied wine envelops the palate with its luxurious concentration and supple, silky tannins, supported by vibrant freshness from the balanced acidity and perfectly-integrated French oak. Very long and expansive in the finish, the 2018 Rubicon will be memorable for decades to come.

Expert Reviews – Vintage 2018

James Suckling 97 Points | Subtle and complex red with blackberry, black truffle, sweet tobacco and mahogany. Highlights of lavender and violets. Full-bodied and very tight with finesse and tension. Very polished, fine tannins. Long finish. Delicious already, but best after 2022.

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | The 2018 Rubicon is based on 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Classy notes of crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, freshly crushed stone, and cedar. Beautifully balanced with gorgeous tannins, integrated acidity, and outstanding length. Give this classic beauty 4–5 years in the cellar and enjoy over the following 15–20.

Wine Spectator 93 Points | Alluring aromatically, with restrained yet complex notes of mulberry, loganberry and anise. Refined structure drapes nicely on the finish with a mineral hint. Drink now through 2035.

Expert Review

91 Points Wine Enthusiast | Fruit of the forest compote notes shine with subtle vanilla on the inviting nose. The palate adds cinnamon spice to these notions and comes in with both concentration and slenderness. Bright freshness gives focus and makes for a mouthwatering finish. An elegant but still fruit-driven Zweigelt.

Clos Mogador · Gratallops, Priorat · Vinya Classificada · 2023

Clos Mogador 2023 brings power and precision together in a deeply expressive Priorat red. Garnatxa and Cariñena form the heart of the wine, joined by Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The supplied reviews describe dark and red fruit, floral freshness, Mediterranean herbs and savory mineral depth, supported by abundant, finely shaped tannins.

Producer & Vineyard

Clos Mogador approaches its estates as polycultures, encouraging biodiversity through cover crops, grazing, beekeeping and animal traction. The producer’s focus is on living soils and a balanced relationship with the land.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

Wine Advocate, 98 Points, May 2026 : When I first put my nose in the glass of the 2023 Clos Mogador, I felt the freshness of spring flowers and lots of herbs, but the wine was a little closed and shy. I'm always excited when facing a new vintage of Clos Mogador, a wine that has been very important for Priorat and for my understanding of the Mediterranean. This year, the wine feels very balanced and has more elegance, and it's fine-boned and with very fine tannins. It's focused, clean and very neat; it doesn't feel chameleonic like some years when its young. This is more energetic, and there's no concern about the body; it's powerful and has abundant tannins, a wine for the long run. This is a step up in precision, freshness and elegance. It's subtle and elegant despite the notable ripeness. It fermented with 100% uncrushed grapes. They are removing the Cabernet and Syrah (in 2025, the wine is approximately 50% Cariñena and 50% Garnacha), and they are using less and less barriques. This is a very serious Mogador.

Tim Atkin, 97 Points, March 2026: A more classic style of Mogador, grounded in graphite, dark earth and smoke with ripe dark fruit beneath, still coiled and gathering itself. These wines have undergone such a change in the last 10 years and they’re all the better for it. Whilst not cheap, this must surely represent some of the best value for money in fine wine. Achingly good.

Jeb Dunnuck, 95 Points, November 2025 : A grand estate wine, the 2023 Vinya Classificada is carried by Carinyena and blended with Garnatxa, a little bit of Syrah and some Cabernet Sauvignon, aged all in foudres. Full-bodied and powerfully built, it has a dark, dusty, savory quality of earthy minerality, salinity, and elongated tannins, built to go another 20-25 years.

Vinous, 94 Points, November 2025 : The 2023 Clos Mogador from Priorat blends 45% Garnatxa, 40% Cariñena, 8% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Complex in expression, it opens with black and red fruit ranging from black cherry to soft pomegranate, together with balsamic spices. Compact and grippy on the palate, it shows delicacy in the background flavors. A wine of richness, it reflects the character of the vintage.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Suggested pairings include roast lamb, grilled beef and slow-braised dishes. Allow the wine time in the glass or a decanter when opening young to explore its layered character.

Wine Details

• Producer: Clos Mogador
• Vintage: 2023
• Origin: Gratallops, Priorat, Spain
• Designation: Vinya Classificada
• Grapes: Garnatxa, Cariñena, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon
• Style: Full-bodied red wine
• Bottle size: 750ml

A powerful, finely detailed Priorat with a long-term perspective.

Expert Reviews

Winemaker Description

Sea Sun Pinot Noir has aromas of cherry, light toasted wood, dry earth, clove and a hint of s'mores. The flavors echo the cherry on the nose, with raspberry on the finish. Bright and fruit-driven, with lush cherries and a strikingly soft texture. 

Massetino · Toscana · 2021

Massetino 2021 is a Merlot-led Tuscan red with Cabernet Franc, combining rich concentration with silky texture and vibrant structure. Blackberry, black currant, violet and cocoa mingle with espresso, mocha, licorice, cloves and lavender in a layered, elegantly balanced wine.

Wine & Winemaking

The second wine of Masseto, Massetino brings together 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. The winemaking notes describe malolactic fermentation in French barriques, 50% new, followed by 12 months of aging. The varieties are then blended and returned to barriques for a further three months before bottling. The winemaker is Gaia Cinnirella.

Expert Reviews

Wine Advocate, 96 Points · 2021 Vintage
The Masseto 2021 Massetino is mostly Merlot with a touch of Cabernet Franc for good measure. The wine (packaged in a heavy glass bottle) is very richly concentrated and layered. You see (and taste) the opulent texture of the wine as it slowly coats the glass. Quality fruit is matched by carefully selected oak, and the intensity of both builds on the palate. This vintage is poised for especially long cellar aging. This vintage of Massetino (2021) scores neck-in-neck with the current vintage (2020) of Masseto.

James Suckling, 96 Points · Vintage Not Specified in Review Text
Sweet berries with violet and rose aromas. Raspberries. So perfumed. Medium-bodied with very fine velvety tannins that run the length of the wine. Vibrant at the end. Second wine of Masseto. Best ever. Drink in 2027 but already a joy to taste.

Vinous Media, 94 Points · 2021 Vintage
The 2021 Massetino is a supremely elegant and gracious wine. Silky tannins caress a core of blackberry, espresso, mocha, licorice, cloves and lavender. All the elements are so nicely balanced in this super-appealing, racy second wine from Masseto.

Wine Spectator, 94 Points · Vintage Not Specified in Review Text
Elegant and vibrant, this red flows nicely, building to a long, spice-tinged aftertaste. Boasts blackberry, black currant, violet, cocoa, mineral and fresh herb flavors that ply its length, while lively acidity and powdery tannins provide structure. Focused and approachable now, yet will be better in a year or two. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2024 through 2033.

Decanter, 93 Points · Vintage Not Specified in Review Text
Dried herbs and dried flowers on the nose with quite dominant oaky scents. Ripe black fruit and abundant tannins, not so rich or fleshy but massy in the mouth, wide, giving a large structure which supports the expression. This is smooth and bright with grip and intensity but you can really feel the alcohol here and it detracts from any kind of delicate nuance with toasted spices, coffee, dark chocolate and cedar at the fore. Heady and overt, powerful, though sleek and layered, the tannins are great and the fruit feels both cool and ripe but there's an underlying sense of heat from start to finish. Malolactic fermentation in French barriques (50% new) then 12 months ageing after which the 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc was blended and returned to barriques for three months before bottling. Winemaker Gaia Cinnirella.

Pairing Suggestions

Try with roast lamb, grilled beef or mushroom dishes to complement the wine's dark fruit, savory notes and layered structure.

Details

• Wine: Massetino, second wine of Masseto
• Vintage: 2021
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country: Italy
• Region: Tuscany
• Appellation: Toscana
• Grapes: Merlot and Cabernet Franc
• Blend: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc
• Type: Red wine
• Aging: 12 months in French barriques, followed by three months after blending
• New oak: 50%

Winemaker Description

Israel. 100% Petite Verdot Produced from grapes grown on old vines in the Carmel region. After fermentation and soaking on the skins, the wine aged in French oak barrels for 15 months.

The wine has a deep purple hue and aromas of blackberries, blueberries, licorice and leather. It is full bodied and has a long and well-balanced finish. Pair with lamb based casseroles, and pasta dishes with a mushroom or meat broth base.

Kosher for Passover.

Winemaker Description 

An elegant, fruit forward wine with intense aromas of fresh red fruit. The mouth feel shows a full palate with soft round tannins and a long persistent finish. Certified Sustainability & Vegan.  

Memo Summary Notes

The 2021 Mythic Mountain Malbec is a fruit-forward, approachable red from the Luján de Cuyo region of Mendoza, Argentina.

This wine’s soft tannins and juicy profile make it versatile. It pairs excellently with:

• Grilled Meats: Classic Argentine asado or lamb chops with rosemary.

• Casual Fare: Pepperoni pizza or burgers.

• Cheeses: Aged Gouda or Mimolette.