Red Wine

The 2023 Outcrop Vineyard Pinot Noir is a beautifully focused and distinctive expression of the Dundee Hills, combining bright red fruit, savory complexity and the stony mineral character that defines this unique Eyrie estate vineyard.

Outcrop Vineyard takes its name from the ridge of underlying rock that runs perpendicular to the hillside. Situated above Eyrie’s historic original vineyard, the five-acre site ranges from approximately 280 to 360 feet in elevation and faces north-northeast. The vineyard is planted to the Wädenswil clone of Pinot Noir, with vines dating from the early 1980s through 2000. Despite its northern exposure, reflected warmth from the neighboring original Eyrie vineyard helps ripen the fruit while preserving freshness and aromatic detail.

Eyrie farms its estate vineyards organically and practices regenerative, no-till viticulture, with particular attention to soil health and biodiversity. The vineyard’s thin, rocky volcanic soils contribute to the distinctive mineral and savory personality of Outcrop Pinot Noir.

For the 2023 vintage, Eyrie’s single-vineyard Pinot Noirs were vinified using native yeast in small open-top fermenters, with hand punch-downs and native malolactic fermentation, followed by approximately 14 months of aging. The single-vineyard wines are deliberately produced using the same cellar approach so that differences in vineyard, elevation, exposure and vine age remain clearly expressed in the finished wines.

The 2023 Outcrop is notably precise and mineral-driven, opening with raspberries and pomegranate alongside blood orange and subtle red licorice. A distinctive stony, almost steely mineral quality runs through the wine, while tea-like tannins add savory structure and grip. Elegant in weight yet firmly structured, it balances vivid fruit with earthy complexity and a long, textured finish.

Expert Rating

95 Points — Paul Gregutt Gregutt highlights the wine’s rocky, mineral character, raspberry and pomegranate fruit, blood orange and red licorice, with substantial tea-toned tannins supporting the finish. Only 198 cases were produced.

An expressive, site-driven Oregon Pinot Noir that beautifully demonstrates Eyrie’s restrained winemaking philosophy and the individual personality of one of its historic Dundee Hills vineyards.

Region: Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vineyard: Outcrop Vineyard
Clone: Wädenswil
Elevation: Approximately 280–360 feet
Farming: Certified Organic / Regenerative No-Till
Fermentation: Native Yeast
Aging: Approximately 14 Months
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 198 Cases
Bottle Size: 750ml

Fresh, expressive and beautifully traditional Beaujolais. Jean-Paul Brun's L'Ancien Vieilles Vignes 2024 is made from 100% Gamay grown on old vines in the southern Beaujolais, where clay, limestone and granite soils help give the wine both brightness and mineral character.

The nose is immediately inviting, with aromas of black cherry, raspberry and ripe strawberry joined by subtle notes of spice, earth and licorice. On the palate, the wine is juicy and vibrant, with silky tannins, lively acidity and a fresh, elegant finish. It offers all the charm and drinkability Beaujolais is famous for, while the old vines bring additional depth and concentration.

Jean-Paul Brun is known for making Beaujolais in a more traditional style. Rather than emphasizing the overtly fruity character associated with industrial yeasts, Brun favors indigenous yeasts and classic winemaking methods to preserve the natural expression of Gamay and the vineyard. The result is a wine that feels pure, energetic and remarkably food-friendly. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

About Domaine des Terres Dorées

Jean-Paul Brun is based in Charnay, in the southern Beaujolais area known as the Terres Dorées, or "Golden Stones." His family estate has become celebrated for delicate, fruit-driven wines that favor traditional winemaking and a clear sense of place. L'Ancien is produced from mature Gamay vines, typically around 40 to 60 years old. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Tasting Notes

• Grape: 100% Gamay
• Region: Beaujolais, France
• Vines: Old vines, approximately 40–60 years old
• Farming: Organic
• Style: Fresh, juicy, silky and elegant
• Flavors: Black cherry, raspberry, strawberry, spice, earth and licorice

Food Pairing

Exceptionally versatile at the table. Pair it with charcuterie, roast chicken, pork, burgers, grilled meats, salmon, mushrooms or soft and semi-firm cheeses. For an especially refreshing expression, serve it slightly chilled.

Celler de Capçanes Peraj Petita Montsant Kosher 2024 is a vibrant Spanish red combining generous Mediterranean fruit with the distinctive character of Catalonia’s celebrated Montsant region.

A blend of 50% Garnacha, 20% Tempranillo, 15% Merlot and 15% Syrah, it opens with inviting aromas of ripe cherries, red currants and dark berries. Notes of sweet spice, vanilla and Mediterranean herbs emerge as the wine unfolds. The palate is juicy and fruit-forward, with a smooth texture, balanced freshness and supple tannins leading to a flavorful, gently spiced finish.

Peraj Petita is approachable enough to enjoy on its own yet has the depth and savory character to complement a wide variety of foods. Serve slightly below room temperature to bring out its freshness and expressive fruit.

Pairing: An excellent match for roast chicken, brisket, grilled lamb, burgers, meatballs, tomato-based pasta, roasted vegetables or a generous charcuterie platter. A versatile choice for Shabbat, Passover and festive gatherings.

Producer: Celler de Capçanes
Region: Montsant, Catalonia, Spain
Varietals: 50% Garnacha, 20% Tempranillo, 15% Merlot and 15% Syrah
Vintage: 2024
Bottle Size: 750ml
Certification: Kosher

Juicy · Ripe · Spiced · Smooth · Food-Friendly

A distinguished single-vineyard Brunello Riserva combining concentrated dark fruit, vibrant freshness and finely structured Tuscan elegance.

Wine Description

Frescobaldi CastelGiocondo Ripe al Convento Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2020 is a limited-production expression of Sangiovese from one of the estate’s most treasured vineyard sites. The wine takes its name from a historic vineyard situated beside an ancient monastery on the CastelGiocondo estate in southwestern Montalcino.

Located in the highest part of the estate at approximately 450 meters above sea level, the Ripe al Convento vineyard benefits from excellent sun exposure, cooling Mediterranean winds and mineral-rich marly soils. The vineyard extends across two sides of a ridge: its southern exposure contributes richness and power, while the southeast-facing vines bring freshness, tension and aromatic precision.

The 2020 Riserva presents a deep and layered bouquet of blackberry, blackcurrant, blueberry and Morello cherry, accompanied by rose, violet and subtle balsamic notes. With time in the glass, aromas of autumn spice, cocoa, tobacco, dried herbs and earth begin to emerge.

Generous and velvety on the palate, the wine balances concentrated dark fruit with lively acidity and an appealing crunchy-cherry character. Fine-grained yet confident tannins provide structure and definition, carrying the wine toward a long, savory and beautifully composed finish.

Winemaking and Aging

The Sangiovese grapes are carefully selected from the single Ripe al Convento vineyard and undergo an additional selection upon arrival at the winery. Fermentation takes place under controlled temperatures to preserve the character and aromatic detail of the fruit.

The wine is matured for 36 months in oak casks before further refinement in bottle. This extended aging gives the Riserva greater structure, complexity and longevity while allowing the fruit, tannins and savory elements to develop exceptional harmony.

Only approximately 18,000 bottles of the 2020 vintage were produced.

About Ripe al Convento

Ripe al Convento represents one of the most structured and age-worthy expressions produced at Tenuta CastelGiocondo. Its name refers both to the exceptional ripeness achieved by the Sangiovese grapes and to the vineyard’s location beside the estate’s historic monastery.

The combination of high elevation, favorable exposures and distinctive soils produces a Brunello Riserva of depth and power, balanced by the freshness, elegance and mineral character that distinguish the finest wines of Montalcino.

Expert Ratings

95  Wine Spectator: There’s plenty of black cherry and blackberry fruit in this red, along with mineral and black pepper notes, plus a touch of forest floor. Dense and even muscular for the vintage, with a vibrant feel and well-endowed, dusty tannins. Needs time to harmonize. Best from 2029 through 2045.

94 Decanter: The Ripe al Convento vineyard expands over two sides of a single ridge. Vines with a southern exposure give muscle to the blend while those facing southeast lend tension. The 2020 bottling demonstrates both facets within the gracious context of the vintage. Still restrained in aromas, it hints at smoke, thyme, mint and cocoa. Generous in girth, this oozes blackberry and blue plum with a velvety mouthfeel and carob accents. Confident tannins sport a fine grain and supply a satisfying bite. Lively acidity accentuates the salty tang. By no means austere but will be more expressive after another year in bottle.

94 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: In the bottle with the dark blue label, the Frescobaldi 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva CastelGiocondo Ripe al Convento shows dark fruit and blackberry at its core, followed by balanced freshness and an attractive crunchy cherry fruit character. This vintage is marked by lively fruit and slightly greater accessibility in terms of tannic impact. The wine can be enjoyed happily in the near or medium term. With 36 months of aging in oak casks, this is a release of 18,000 bottles. Ripe al Convento is sourced from a single vineyard adjacent to the historic monastery on the estate, and the Riserva bottling reflects both extended aging and a more structured interpretation of the vintage.

Food Pairing

An excellent partner for braised beef, roasted lamb, venison, wild boar, osso buco and bistecca alla Fiorentina. Its earthy, savory character also complements porcini mushrooms, truffle dishes, aged Pecorino Toscano and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Serving Suggestions

Serve at approximately 60–65°F in a large red-wine glass. Decanting for one to two hours is recommended when enjoying the wine in its youth. Although already approachable, its concentration, acidity and structured tannins will allow it to develop additional complexity with further bottle aging.

Wine Details

Frescobaldi CastelGiocondo Ripe al Convento Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2020

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany, Italy | 750ml

A Grand Cru-caliber Spätburgunder of extraordinary depth and finesse—wild red fruit, limestone minerality and Burgundian elegance from Ingelheim’s historic Pares vineyard.

Expert Rating

97 Points James Suckling: “Breathtaking nose of ripe wild berries and herbs, savory and a touch of sous bois. Great concentration and amazingly mouth-filling for just 12.5%, this is a German pinot noir masterpiece and one of the wines of the vintage! Staggering length, the finish still tightly wound. You need some patience to get the best this has to offer. From biodynamically grown grapes. 100% whole cluster, wild-fermented, then 18 months in small oak. Unfiltered and unfined. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.”  STUART PIGOTT — JAMES SUCKLING

The AdamsWein Pares Spätburgunder 2023 is one of Simone Adams’ most ambitious and profound Pinot Noirs, produced from the historic Pares vineyard in Ingelheim, Rheinhessen. Pares is recognized as a VDP.GROSSE LAGE, Germany’s equivalent of a Grand Cru vineyard, and is widely regarded as one of Ingelheim’s most important sites for Spätburgunder. AdamsWein itself is not a VDP member, however, so the estate cannot officially place “GG” on its label.

Situated at approximately 250 meters elevation on the western slope of the Mainzer Berg, Pares combines loess and sandy loam over a limestone base. The limestone gives the wine its unmistakable tension, mineral drive and finely structured finish, while the site’s elevation and exposure help preserve freshness and aromatic clarity.

Simone Adams’ parcel has an unusual history. The land had been abandoned for roughly three decades before Adams reclaimed and replanted it, using her own selections derived from traditional German Pinot material rather than relying on Burgundian clones. The result is a Spätburgunder with an identity distinctly its own—powerful and complex, yet unmistakably tied to Ingelheim.

The 2023 Pares sits at the pinnacle of the AdamsWein Pinot Noir range. It shows remarkable depth and intensity, with raspberry and ripe cherry at its core, surrounded by darker berry fruit, floral notes, savory spice and an earthy, limestone-derived mineral character. Gerstl describes an exceptionally noble aromatic expression, with Burgundian raspberry and cherry notes rising from considerable depth, and awarded the wine a perfect 20/20. Robert Parker awarded the 2023 Pares 95 points.

On the palate, the wine is layered and concentrated without becoming heavy. There is a compelling wildness to the fruit, but also tremendous clarity, freshness and precision. Fine tannins give the wine structure while vibrant acidity and chalky minerality keep everything focused through the long, persistent finish. A recent tasting at the estate singled out the 2023 Pares as the most complete of the single-vineyard wines, emphasizing its combination of depth, layered fruit and freshness.

Winemaking

The 2023 single-vineyard Spätburgunders at AdamsWein were made with 100% whole clusters and matured for approximately 18 months in barrel. Treating the vineyard wines similarly in the cellar allows the differences among Ingelheim’s individual sites to remain particularly transparent.

Adams favors spontaneous fermentation, restrained intervention and minimal sulfur. The estate does not filter or fine its wines, emphasizing purity of fruit and vineyard expression.

Organic & Biodynamic Farming

The 2023 Pares is certified organic, with German retailer Weinfurore specifically identifying the wine as coming from controlled organic cultivation and displaying certification DE-ÖKO-022.

AdamsWein began ecological soil cultivation in 2017 and converted the estate completely to biodynamic farming in 2020. U.S. importer Bowler Wine likewise categorizes AdamsWein’s Pares as biodynamically farmed.

About AdamsWein

Based in Ingelheim am Rhein, AdamsWein is run by Simone Adams, who took over her family estate in 2010. Her work focuses particularly on Burgundy varieties—Spätburgunder and Chardonnay—grown on Ingelheim’s limestone-rich soils. Production is small, yields are restrained and the wines are made with an emphasis on site transparency rather than extraction or overt winemaking.

Grape: 100% Spätburgunder / Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2023
Region: Rheinhessen, Germany
Village: Ingelheim am Rhein
Vineyard: Pares
Site Classification: VDP.GROSSE LAGE / Grand Cru vineyard
Style: Dry Red Wine
Alcohol: 12.5%
Farming: Certified Organic; Biodynamic
Vinification: 100% whole cluster
Élevage: Approximately 18 months in barrel
Robert Parker: 95 Points
Gerstl: 20/20

Character: Raspberry · Cherry · Wild Berries · Flowers · Spice · Limestone · Mineral

Food Pairing

A serious Pinot Noir suited to equally refined dishes: roast duck, venison, lamb, veal, beef tenderloin, roast chicken, wild mushrooms and truffle dishes. Its acidity and mineral structure also make it particularly compelling with richer poultry and game preparations.

Serving & Cellaring

Serve slightly cool at approximately 55–60°F (13–16°C). In its youth, this is a wine worth giving one to two hours in a decanter. Its structure and concentration point toward exceptional longevity; Gerstl gives a suggested drinking window of 2032–2060, although the wine is already impressive today. 

Silky, floral and intensely mineral Pinot Noir from Ingelheim—German Spätburgunder with remarkable Burgundy-like finesse.

Expert Rating

Vinous 94 Points: "The 2023 Spätburgunder Ingelheimer Auf dem Haun is from a west-facing, ventilated site on limestone with a high day-night amplitude. This was made with 100% whole bunches and spent 18 months in 20% new oak. Superb aroma on the nose sends out red flower petal notes, perhaps of peony, eglantine and a beautiful smattering of white pepper. It is exquisitely aromatic, wonderfully lifted, so floral and tender, yet profound and fresh, with a lovely depth. This is all tone, finesse, scent and poise. Its nature is totally disarming and the vivid scent is a killer. The 2023 is wonderful, enduring, bright, fine and silky. (Bone-dry)” — Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous, July 2025

The AdamsWein Spätburgunder “Auf Dem Haun” 2023 is a superb single-vineyard Pinot Noir from Ingelheim in Rheinhessen, made by Simone Adams, one of Germany’s most compelling producers of Burgundian varieties. From limestone-rich soils at higher elevation, Auf dem Haun produces a particularly refined style of Spätburgunder—fragrant, mineral and beautifully poised rather than heavy or extracted.

The 2023 is immediately striking for its perfume. Delicate aromas of red cherry, wild strawberry and red berriesmingle with peony, rose petals and white pepper, followed by subtle earthy and savory notes. Vinous emphasizes the wine’s remarkable floral lift, freshness and depth, describing a Pinot built around tone, finesse, scent and poise.

On the palate, the wine is silky, precise and wonderfully energetic. Pure red fruit is framed by fine savory tannins and a distinctly saline mineral character. There is impressive concentration here, but everything remains graceful and transparent, with freshness carrying the wine through a long, mouthwatering finish. Wine Advocate likewise highlights its purity, red-cherry and strawberry character, fine tannins and persistent saline finish.

This is the kind of German Pinot Noir that makes the comparison with Burgundy especially compelling. It has the aromatic delicacy and textural refinement associated with fine Côte d’Or Pinot, yet retains the freshness and limestone-driven character of its Rheinhessen origins. The 2023 is already beautifully expressive, but its balance and structure suggest considerable potential for further development in bottle.

About the Vineyard

Auf dem Haun is one of Simone Adams’ prized Ingelheim parcels. The site sits relatively high on the slope and is distinguished by limestone-rich soils, which help produce wines with tension, freshness and pronounced mineral definition. Adams has increasingly focused her range around individual vineyard expressions, allowing differences in soil and exposition to become more transparent in the finished wines.

About AdamsWein

Based in Ingelheim am Rhein, AdamsWein is led by Simone Adams, whose Pinot Noir and Chardonnay have become particularly admired for their precision, moderate alcohol and distinctly Burgundian sensibility. The estate works organically and favors spontaneous fermentation and restrained cellar intervention, with the goal of allowing vineyard character to remain at the center of each wine.

Grape: 100% Spätburgunder / Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2023
Region: Rheinhessen, Germany
Village: Ingelheim am Rhein
Vineyard: Auf dem Haun
Style: Dry Red Wine
Alcohol: 12.5%
Farming: Organic

Character: Red Cherry · Wild Strawberry · Peony · White Pepper · Limestone · Saline · Silky

Food Pairing

An excellent partner for roast duck, chicken, pork tenderloin, veal, grilled salmon, mushroom dishes and earthy risottos. Its bright acidity and fine tannins also make it especially versatile with charcuterie and moderately rich cheeses.

Serving & Cellaring

Serve slightly cool at approximately 55–60°F (13–16°C). A young bottle will benefit from 30–60 minutes of air. While already wonderfully fragrant and silky, its balance, concentration and mineral structure should reward additional bottle age.

Another classic expression from Bodegas Alejandro Fernández, Condado de Haza delivers richness and structure while maintaining freshness. Aromas of ripe blackberries and plums are layered with notes of tobacco, vanilla, cedar, and spice. The palate is full-bodied and generous, with firm tannins and a long, savory finish. A natural pairing for roasted lamb, braised beef, grilled sausages, or Manchego cheese. - Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67 Wine Buyer

Rich, polished and classically Ribera del Duero. Condado de Haza Crianza 2022 is made from 100% Tempranillo and offers a beautifully balanced combination of ripe dark fruit, savory spice, gentle tannins and well-integrated American oak.

The wine opens with aromas of ripe blackberry, plum and red berry fruit layered with notes of licorice, black pepper, vanilla, toast and subtle roasted coffee. On the palate, it is fleshy and silky, with fresh acidity, smooth tannins and a generous core of dark fruit leading into a long, elegant finish.

The 2022 vintage was aged for 14 months in American oak barrels, followed by additional bottle aging before release. The oak brings warmth, spice and complexity while preserving the freshness and fruit-driven character of the Tempranillo.

About Condado de Haza

Condado de Haza is part of Familia Fernández Rivera, the renowned winemaking family behind Tinto Pesquera. The estate is located along the banks of the Duero River and works with its own Tempranillo vineyards in the heart of Ribera del Duero.

The vineyards sit at approximately 800 meters in elevation, where the region's dramatic day-to-night temperature shifts help preserve freshness while encouraging full phenolic ripeness. The result is a classic Ribera style combining concentration, structure and elegance.

Tasting Notes

• Grape: 100% Tempranillo
• Region: Ribera del Duero, Spain
• Aging: 14 months in American oak, followed by bottle aging
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• Style: Full-bodied, silky, structured and balanced
• Flavors: Blackberry, plum, red berries, licorice, black pepper, vanilla, toast and coffee

Food Pairing

A natural partner for roasted lamb, braised beef, grilled steak, roast pork and hearty rice dishes. It also pairs beautifully with grilled sausages, Manchego and other aged Spanish cheeses.

For those looking to experience the Vincent Paris style at a lower price point, Granit 30 is another exceptional find.

Named for the approximately 30-degree slopes on which its Syrah grows, Granit 30 offers a beautifully expressive introduction to Paris' Cornas: dark fruit, pepper, mineral character and the unmistakable granitic personality of the appellation.

It delivers the combination that makes Vincent Paris so compelling — Cornas intensity without heaviness, plenty of Northern Rhône character, and remarkable freshness and precision.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

96 Points James Suckling: A profound nose of cherries, crushed raspberries, roasted meat, cigar box, black pepper, warm spices and some bark and leather. Medium- to full-bodied with fine tannins. Expansive and spherical. Ample but refined in texture, with perfectly integrated structure at the edges and a vibrant, focused midpalate showing a bright, stony and peppery dimension. Quite spectacular for the vintage, with a very long, flinty finish. Drink or hold.

96 Points Jeb Dunnuck: Brilliant aromatics of blue fruits, fig, blood orange, pepper, and violet notes emerge from the medium-bodied 2024 Cornas La Geynale, which has a concentrated mouthfeel, building, ripe tannins, and a gorgeous finish. This reminds me of a great vintage of Clape Cornas! It sees a lot more stems and comes from the oldest vines of the estate, and it's going to need 4-5 years of bottle age. It's up there with the crème de la crème of the vintage. Barrel Sample: 94-96

95 Points Vinous:  The 2024 Cornas La Geynale hails from the glass with intense peppercorn, crushed rocks, fleshy tones and precisely ripe blackberry. Dried violets and earthy tones add more aromatic layers. Built like a skyscraper, the 2024 is a serious La Geynale in the making, lifting the finish with stupendous vitality. I can't wait to taste it once it's bottled. Barrel Sample: 93-95

Granit 30 is Vincent Paris’ vibrant, approachable expression of Cornas, produced from relatively young Syrah vines planted at both the lower and upper reaches of the appellation, from approximately 100 to 400 meters in elevation. The fruit comes in part from the Patou sector, where vines grow in decomposed granite soils at the base of the hillside, giving the wine freshness, finesse and an unmistakable mineral character.

Because the vines are younger than those used for Paris’ more powerful Cornas bottlings, the grapes are fully destemmed before fermentation. The wine undergoes approximately three weeks of maceration with gentle extraction, followed by 12 months of aging in used barrels. This restrained approach keeps the emphasis on pure Syrah fruit, spice and the granitic personality of Cornas rather than oak.

The 2024 Granit 30 shows a deep red color with aromas of blackberry and other dark fruits layered with black pepper, savory spice and subtle earthy notes. The palate is juicy and energetic, with ripe fruit, peppery complexity and supple, well-coated tannins.

Compared with Vincent Paris’ more structured Granit 60 and La Geynale bottlings, Granit 30 is especially inviting in its youth. It offers plenty of classic Cornas character—dark Syrah fruit, spice, freshness and mineral drive—while remaining polished, balanced and remarkably easy to enjoy.

The finish is long and savory, with lingering pepper, dark fruit and granite-derived freshness. It can be enjoyed relatively young for its exuberant fruit and supple texture, yet it has enough structure and balance to develop beautifully for more than a decade.

An excellent introduction to both Vincent Paris and the Cornas appellation, Granit 30 delivers genuine Northern Rhône character with impressive purity, freshness and value.

Producer: Domaine Vincent Paris
Vintage: 2024
Region: Northern Rhône, France
Appellation: Cornas AOC
Grape: 100% Syrah
Vineyards: Parcels at the lower and upper slopes of Cornas
Elevation: Approximately 100–400 meters
Soil: Granite and decomposed granite
Vinification: 100% destemmed; approximately three-week maceration with gentle extraction
Aging: 12 months in used oak barrels
Style: Dark-fruited, peppery, fresh and supple
Cellaring: Delicious young; capable of aging for 10+ years

La Geynale is Vincent Paris’ most prestigious Cornas, produced from an exceptional parcel of century-old Syrah vines planted on the steep, granite slopes of Cornas. The original vines here were replanted after phylloxera in 1910, and the site’s full southern exposure allows these old vines to achieve remarkable concentration while preserving the freshness and mineral character that define great Northern Rhône Syrah.

98 Pts James Suckling: A profound nose of cherries, crushed raspberries, roasted meat, cigar box, black pepper, warm spices and some bark and leather. Medium- to full-bodied with fine tannins. Expansive and spherical. Ample but refined in texture, with perfectly integrated structure at the edges and a vibrant, focused midpalate showing a bright, stony and peppery dimension. Quite spectacular for the vintage, with a very long, flinty finish. Drink or hold.

96 Pts Jeb Dunnuck: Brilliant aromatics of blue fruits, fig, blood orange, pepper, and violet notes emerge from the medium-bodied 2024 Cornas La Geynale, which has a concentrated mouthfeel, building, ripe tannins, and a gorgeous finish. This reminds me of a great vintage of Clape Cornas! It sees a lot more stems and comes from the oldest vines of the estate, and it's going to need 4-5 years of bottle age. It's up there with the crème de la crème of the vintage. Barrel Sample: 94-96

96 Points Vinous: The 2024 Cornas La Geynale hails from the glass with intense peppercorn, crushed rocks, fleshy tones and precisely ripe blackberry. Dried violets and earthy tones add more aromatic layers. Built like a skyscraper, the 2024 is a serious La Geynale in the making, lifting the finish with stupendous vitality. I can't wait to taste it once it's bottled. Barrel Sample: 93-95

Vincent Paris acquired the La Geynale parcel from his uncle, legendary Cornas grower Robert Michel, and today it stands at the pinnacle of his small production. The vineyard is farmed with a restrained, hands-on approach, with low yields and careful work in the vines designed to capture the character of this extraordinary terroir.

The 2024 La Geynale is vinified with whole clusters and aged for approximately 12 months in used oak barrels, allowing the old-vine fruit and granite-driven character to remain at the forefront. Deep and intense, it opens with blackberry and dark berry fruit layered with crushed stone, black pepper, dried violet, savory spice and earthy complexity.

On the palate, the wine is dense and powerful yet remarkably fresh, with concentrated black fruit, pronounced mineral energy and firm, finely structured tannins. Despite its depth, La Geynale retains impressive precision and vitality, finishing long, stony and persistent.

This is classic, age-worthy Cornas: serious and structured in its youth, but with the balance, concentration and freshness to evolve beautifully for decades. A compelling expression of one of Cornas’ great old-vine sites and one of the benchmark wines of Vincent Paris.

Producer: Domaine Vincent Paris
Vintage: 2024
Region: Northern Rhône, France
Appellation: Cornas AOC
Grape: 100% Syrah
Vineyard: La Geynale
Vine Age: Century-old vines, originally planted in 1910
Exposure: South-facing hillside
Soil: Granite
Vinification: Whole-cluster fermentation
Aging: Approximately 12 months in used oak barrels
Cellaring: Built for long-term aging; capable of developing for 20+ years

A bold and expressive Pinotage from the sun-drenched vineyards of the Western Cape, South Africa. Bob's 2025 vintage delivers the grape's signature smoky depth alongside vibrant red fruit — ripe plum, cherry, and a hint of dark chocolate — with a smooth, full-bodied finish.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby in the glass with aromas of ripe plum, smoked meat, and dark berry. On the palate, flavors of blackberry, mocha, and a touch of vanilla lead to a warm, lingering finish with well-integrated tannins.

Food Pairings

Pairs beautifully with boldly flavored comfort foods. Try with turkey meat loaf and spicy tomato chutney, vegetarian three-bean chili, or pulled pork sandwiches with burnt end baked beans.

• Grape: Pinotage
• Region: Western Cape, South Africa
• Vintage: 2025
• Size: 750ml

Château Bel Orme Tronquoy-de-Lalande is one of the Haut-Médoc's most storied family estates, with origins dating to the late 18th century. The property was designed in 1750 by Victor Louis — the celebrated architect of the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux — and acquired its full name when the Tronquoy-de-Lalande family elevated the vineyard to prominence in the 19th century. In 1936, Lucienne Quié famously chose this charming manor overlooking the Gironde estuary over Château Pichon Baron, and the estate has remained in the Quié family ever since. Today, the third generation — Anne-Françoise, Jean-Philippe, and Paul-Henri — stewards the property with the same passion and commitment to quality, and since 2012 the estate has been united in destiny with Château Rauzan-Gassies. The Château holds the prestigious Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant label, awarded in spring 2024 in recognition of its commitment to ecologically sound agriculture.

The estate's 30-hectare vineyard sits on the finest hillsides of the village of Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne, within a Natura 2000 biodiversity site on the banks of the Gironde. The vineyard is planted with 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, farmed according to virtuous, sustainable agriculture with parcel-specific soil management. Clay soils lend the Merlot roundness and vivid, savoury fruit, while drier, draining soils allow the Cabernet Sauvignon to reach optimal maturity with ripe, velvety tannins — the authentic signature of Haut-Médoc.

Each parcel is vinified individually with meticulous attention to terroir expression. The wine is crafted to reflect the natural character of the vintage and the estate's distinctive clay-gravel soils, with careful extraction to build structure without sacrificing freshness or elegance.

The 2020 opens with aromas of blackberries, graphite, and black currant, precise and focused. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with compressed, chewy tannins that are fine and structured, showing excellent concentration and length. A serious, cellar-worthy Haut-Médoc from an outstanding vintage that rewards patience.

"A chewy and tight wine with blackberries, graphite and currant aromas and flavors. Medium body. Compressed and solid with chewy tannins that are focused and fine. Give it two or three years to open. Drink after 2025."
— James Suckling, 92 Points. (Vintage 2020). 

Grape: Merlot 65%, Cabernet Sauvignon 35%
Region: Bordeaux, France
Appellation: Haut-Médoc
Vintage: 2020
Vineyard: Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne, 30 hectares
Bottle Size: 750ml

Pairing: Roast lamb, duck confit, braised short ribs, game, aged hard cheeses, and classic Bordelaise preparations.

Château d'Arvigny is a well-regarded estate in the Haut-Médoc appellation, situated on the left bank of the Gironde between the prestigious communes of Margaux and Saint-Julien. The estate benefits from the deep gravel soils that define the finest terroirs of the Haut-Médoc — soils that drain freely, warm quickly, and encourage the deep root systems that produce wines of natural finesse and character. The property is committed to responsible viticulture, following integrated farming practices that prioritize quality and environmental respect.

The blend is led by Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), complemented by Merlot (30%) and Cabernet Franc (10%) — a classic Bordeaux assemblage that delivers the structure and aromatic complexity the Haut-Médoc is known for. Each variety is vinified separately before blending, allowing the winemaking team to select the best lots for the final wine.

The 2022 vintage is one of the finest in recent Bordeaux memory — a warm, dry growing season that produced grapes of exceptional ripeness, concentration, and natural balance. The wines of 2022 are characterized by ripe, generous fruit, supple tannins, and excellent structure, making them approachable young while retaining the depth to evolve with time.

The 2022 d'Arvigny is soft, supple, and fruit-forward, with inviting aromas and flavors of red berries, plum, and gentle spice. On the palate, the wine is smooth and elegant with soft tannins and well-balanced acidity — a polished, approachable Haut-Médoc that delivers genuine Bordeaux character at an accessible price.

Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon 60%, Merlot 30%, Cabernet Franc 10%
Region: Bordeaux, France
Appellation: Haut-Médoc
Vintage: 2022
Bottle Size: 750ml

Pairing: Roast lamb, grilled beef, duck, mushroom dishes, and aged hard cheeses. Drink now or cellar through 2030.

Marqués de Vitoria is a distinguished Rioja producer with a long tradition of crafting wines that express the classic character of the D.O.Ca. Rioja appellation. The estate is committed to producing wines of elegance, balance, and longevity, drawing on the region's exceptional terroir and time-honored winemaking techniques to create Tempranillo-based wines of real depth and refinement.

The Rioja Reserva is sourced from select vineyards within the D.O.Ca. Rioja, where Tempranillo thrives in the region's continental climate — warm summers, cold winters, and the moderating influence of the Cantabrian Mountains and the Ebro River. The combination of clay-limestone soils and carefully managed yields produces grapes of concentration and aromatic complexity.

Following harvest, the wine is aged for a minimum of 24 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels, developing the spice, vanilla, and toasted notes that are hallmarks of classic Rioja Reserva. The wine then continues to evolve in bottle before release, ensuring harmony and integration at the time of purchase.

The 2018 Reserva shows a clean, bright cherry-red color developing to maroon. On the nose, complex and intense aromas of ripe plums, cherries, creamy vanilla, and hazelnut are interwoven with spice and well-integrated barrel notes. The palate is medium-bodied, round, and fluid — with dusty, refined tannins, bright acidity, and a long, elegant finish of sweet vanilla spice, succulent plums, and red berries. A beautifully balanced and approachable Reserva.

"A juicy Rioja showing some creamy vanilla and hazelnut characters to the savory plums and cherries. Medium body with round, dusty tannins and a long, bright finish showing plenty of sweet vanilla spices, succulent plums and red berries at the end. Fluid and elegant."
— Zekun Shuai, James Suckling, 92 Points. (Vintage 2018).

Grape: Tempranillo
Region: Rioja, Spain
Appellation: D.O.Ca. Rioja Reserva
Vintage: 2018
Élevage: Minimum 24 months in French and American oak barrels
Bottle Size: 750ml

Pairing: Roast and grilled meats, lamb, mushroom rice, tuna, cod, and medium-aged cheeses such as Emmental or Gruyère.

Domaine Graeme & Julie Bott Côte-Rôtie 2020 is a beautifully expressive Northern Rhône Syrah that combines the power and savory complexity of Côte-Rôtie with the domaine's signature elegance and finesse. Produced in extremely limited quantities, this is a refined, age-worthy wine with dark fruit, floral perfume, spice and beautifully polished tannins.

The fruit comes from approximately 40-year-old Syrah vines planted on the schist soils of the Côte Brune in Ampuis. These steep, rocky vineyards are at the heart of Côte-Rôtie and give the wine remarkable intensity, structure and mineral character.

Expert Ratings

94 Points — Vinous

Glistening ruby. Spice- and mineral-accented cherry and black raspberry scents are complemented by suggestions of pipe tobacco, violet, smoky bacon and exotic spices. Densely packed and subtly chewy in texture, offering appealingly sweet, spice-tinged red and dark berry and floral pastille flavors that are supported by an undercurrent of juicy acidity. The mineral note returns on a very long, penetrating finish that features polished tannins and resonating florality.

93 Points — Wine Spectator

Shows seductive violet, crushed plum and spice notes that mingle on the palate, grounded by balsamic and olive tapenade. The dry finish, with power that builds, is marked with a dusting of white pepper. Drink now through 2030.

93 Points — James Suckling

Dark cherries, plums, black olives, grilled meat, earth and cloves on the nose. Medium to full body with fine tannins. Serious and well-balanced with a restrained power and a lively finish with excellent length.

92 Points — Jeb Dunnuck

I loved the 2020 Côte Rôtie, another terrific effort here. Giving up lots of ripe black and blue fruits as well as spring flowers and bouquet garni-like notes, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, has ripe, sweet tannins, and a great finish.

Winemaking

The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted both in the vineyard and again upon arrival at the winery. Approximately 80% of the fruit is destemmed before a cold maceration in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. Fermentation begins naturally with indigenous yeasts, followed by 18 months of aging in French oak barrels.

Production is exceptionally small, at approximately 1,200 bottles, making this a particularly limited expression of Côte-Rôtie.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby with violet reflections, the 2020 Côte-Rôtie offers an expressive aromatic profile of ripe blackberry, dark cherry and plum layered with violet, cracked pepper and savory spice. Subtle notes of olive, smoked meat and earthy minerality add classic Northern Rhône complexity.

The palate is full and concentrated yet remarkably supple, with ripe dark fruit framed by firm, silky tannins and fresh acidity. Peppery spice and mineral notes carry through the long, elegant finish, giving the wine both immediate appeal and excellent potential for further development in the cellar.

About Domaine Graeme & Julie Bott

Graeme and Julie Bott met while working at the renowned Northern Rhône estate of Stéphane Ogier before establishing their own domaine. Beginning with a small cellar in their garage, they gradually planted vineyards in Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Saint-Joseph and Seyssuel.

Today, working from their cellar in Ampuis, their philosophy centers on allowing the Northern Rhône's schist and granite terroirs to speak clearly through the wines. Production remains deliberately small, with an emphasis on balance, purity and finesse.

Food Pairing

An excellent partner for grilled or roasted beef, ribeye steak, rack of lamb, braised lamb, duck and slow-cooked game. Its savory, peppery character also pairs beautifully with mushrooms, lentils, roasted root vegetables and dishes featuring rosemary, thyme or black pepper.

Wine Details

• Producer: Domaine Graeme & Julie Bott
• Vintage: 2020
• Country: France
• Region: Northern Rhône
• Appellation: Côte-Rôtie AOC
• Vineyard Location: Ampuis, Côte Brune
• Grape: Syrah
• Vine Age: Approximately 40 years
• Soil: Schist
• Harvest: Hand harvested
• Vinification: Approximately 80% destemmed; indigenous yeast fermentation
• Aging: 18 months in French oak barrels
• Alcohol: 13%
• Production: Approximately 1,200 bottles
• Bottle Size: 750ml

One of the rarest and most sought-after wines produced by Egly-Ouriet, the Cuvée des Grands Côtes Vieilles Vignes is a still red Coteaux Champenois made entirely from Pinot Noir. The fruit comes from a single south-facing vineyard in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay, situated directly below the domaine’s celebrated Les Crayères parcel.

The vineyard’s old vines, more than 60 years of age, are rooted in soils containing a higher proportion of clay than the neighboring chalk-dominant Les Crayères site. This warmer, clay-rich terroir is particularly well suited to producing deeply flavored, structured Pinot Noir. The vineyard is farmed according to practicing-organic principles, with meticulous attention to vine health, ripeness and naturally low yields.

The grapes are harvested by hand and fermented with indigenous yeasts in French oak barrels. The wine is then matured in barrel for approximately 22 months, with around 30% new oak. It is bottled individually by hand directly from barrel, without fining or filtration, preserving the wine’s natural concentration, texture and expression of its Ambonnay terroir.

The 2023 Cuvée des Grands Côtes is an intense yet beautifully refined expression of Pinot Noir. Aromas of ripe raspberry, red cherry and wild strawberry are joined by rose petals, savory spices, crushed stone and subtly toasted oak. The palate combines generous fruit with freshness and mineral precision, framed by finely textured tannins and a long, complex finish.

Although produced within Champagne, this is not a sparkling wine. Coteaux Champenois is the appellation reserved for the region’s rare still wines, and Egly-Ouriet’s Ambonnay Rouge is widely regarded as one of its most distinguished examples. Its depth, structure and ability to develop in the cellar frequently invite comparison with fine red Burgundy.

This exceptionally limited wine may be enjoyed after decanting or cellared for further development. Serve slightly cool with roast duck, game birds, veal, beef tenderloin, wild mushrooms, truffle dishes or aged cheeses.

Grape variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Coteaux Champenois
Village: Ambonnay Grand Cru, Montagne de Reims
Vineyard: Single south-facing parcel below Les Crayères
Vine age: More than 60 years
Farming: Practicing organic
Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts in French oak barrels
Élevage: Approximately 22 months in barrel, including around 30% new oak
Bottling: Bottled by hand directly from barrel; unfined and unfiltered
Wine style: Still red wine
Alcohol: 13% ABV
Bottle size: 750ml

CHÂTEAU LA GARDE PESSAC-LÉOGNAN 2015 | 750ML

🇫🇷 France — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot | Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux

With more than a decade of bottle age, Château La Garde 2015 is entering a beautiful window of maturity. The bouquet opens with violet, blackberry, black currant, and dark cherry, accompanied by crushed stone, cedar, tobacco, graphite, and subtle spice — the classic mineral signature of Pessac-Léognan. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, linear, and precise, with concentrated dark fruit, fresh acidity, and finely integrated tannins. Secondary notes of tobacco, earth, and cedar are becoming increasingly expressive. Decant for 45–90 minutes and serve at 60–65°F.

The estate occupies one of the finest gravel outcrops in the Pessac-Léognan appellation. Dourthe acquired Château La Garde in 1990, recognizing the exceptional potential of its terroir, and has invested significantly in both vineyard and cellar to produce wines of precision, balance, and refined structure. The 2015 blend is 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot.

93 Points — James Suckling
“Violet, dark-berry and stone aromas follow through to a medium to full body. Linear and very fine. Tight and fresh. Precise and beautiful. A serious young red.” (Vintage 2015). 

91 Points — Wine Enthusiast
Firm tannins, fresh acidity, and layered blackberry and black-currant fruit. (Vintage 2015). 

Pairs well with: Grilled or roasted beef, rack of lamb, duck breast, braised short ribs, wild mushrooms, aged cheeses.

Grapes: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot
Region: Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France
Vintage: 2015
Format: 750ml
Scores: 93 pts James Suckling | 91 pts Wine Enthusiast

Château Fontenil, established in 1986, is the home estate of celebrated Bordeaux oenologists Dany and Michel Rolland. Before purchasing this Right Bank property, the Rollands worked as consultants to numerous producers throughout the region.

Their 11 hectares in Fronsac are planted predominantly to Merlot on a south-facing slope of clay and limestone overlooking the Isle River and the town of Libourne.

The vineyards are sustainably farmed and manually harvested. The average vine age is more than 45 years, and yields are carefully limited.

“Comes on with aromas of warm, ripe plum fruit beginning to show some stewed character, followed by a hint of tobacco. The palate is juicy, with some wood and spice on the finish.”

—Rand Sieger, 67 Wine Buyer

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Château Fontenil 2016 is a polished, expressive Right Bank Bordeaux from the Fronsac appellation, produced at the home estate of renowned Bordeaux oenologists Dany and Michel Rolland. The couple acquired the property in 1986 after years of consulting for estates throughout the region, naming it Fontenil after one of the vineyard’s original parcels.

The estate occupies approximately nine hectares in the commune of Saillans, on a south-facing hillside overlooking the Isle River and the town of Libourne. The vineyards are rooted in Fronsac’s distinctive clay-and-limestone soils, which are particularly well suited to Merlot and help produce wines with generous fruit, mineral freshness, and naturally structured tannins. The vines used for the 2016 vintage averaged more than 45 years of age.

Produced from 100% Merlot, Château Fontenil represents the rich yet refined character for which Fronsac is increasingly admired. The grapes were harvested by hand and subjected to double sorting to ensure that only healthy, fully ripe fruit entered the winery. Vinification took place in small temperature-controlled wooden and stainless-steel vats, as well as in new French oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation was also carried out in new oak, followed by 15 to 18 months of maturation in French barrels, approximately 40% of which were new.

The 2016 vintage displays a deep ruby-purple color and an expressive bouquet of black cherry, raspberry, plum, currant, and wild blueberry. With air, the wine reveals additional layers of violet, dried flowers, cinnamon, licorice, fine chocolate, tobacco leaf, cedar, subtle toast, and forest floor.

On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, round, and supple, combining ripe dark fruit with bright red-fruit freshness. The tannins are silky and beautifully integrated, providing structure without heaviness. Notes of raspberry, black cherry, pepper, spice, and gently toasted oak carry into a long, harmonious, and savory finish.

The strength of the 2016 vintage lies in its balance. It offers the ripe fruit and velvety texture associated with Michel Rolland’s approach, while retaining the freshness, elegance, and mineral definition of its Fronsac terroir. Published reviews praised the wine for its perfume, vibrancy, purity, and polished tannins. Falstaff awarded the vintage 93 points, describing a fresh, balanced wine with dark berries, cherry, licorice, chocolate, and well-integrated oak.

The Guide Hachette des Vins also highlighted its combination of black fruit, raspberry, pepper, and integrated toasted notes, along with a rounded palate, silky tannins, and a long, flavorful finish.

Now entering a very attractive stage of maturity, Château Fontenil 2016 can be enjoyed today after a brief decant, while still possessing enough fruit and structure for additional cellar development. It is an excellent value for drinkers seeking the plushness and depth of Merlot-based Right Bank Bordeaux without the pricing of neighboring Pomerol or Saint-Émilion.

Appellation: Fronsac
Region: Bordeaux, France
Vintage: 2016
Grape Variety: Predominantly Merlot
Vineyard Size: Approximately 9 hectares
Soils: Clay and limestone over Fronsac molasse
Average Vine Age: More than 45 years
Harvest: Hand harvested with double sorting
Vinification: Small temperature-controlled wooden and stainless-steel vats; partial vinification in new French oak
Malolactic Fermentation: In new French oak barrels
Aging: 15–18 months in French oak, approximately 40% new
Alcohol: 13%
Critical Acclaim: 93 Points, Falstaff
Bottle Size: 750ml

Food Pairings: Roast lamb, grilled steak, duck breast, braised beef, short ribs, pork tenderloin, mushroom dishes, lentils, and firm aged cheeses.

Serving Recommendation: Serve at approximately 60–65°F. Decant for 30 to 60 minutes to allow the fruit, spice, and mature savory notes to fully open.

The Diamond Collection Appellation Series Chardonnay bestows a rich, creamy texture, lush fruit impressions, and an impeccable balance.

Sourced from the cool, wind-swept vineyards of the Santa Lucia Highlands, our Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Appellation Series Chardonnay embodies the region’s unique ability to produce wines of exceptional depth and balance. The combination of morning fog, afternoon coastal breezes, and well-draining hillside soils allows for a long, even growing season—resulting in fruit with remarkable intensity and natural acidity.

The Diamond Collection Appellation Series Chardonnay bestows a rich, creamy texture, lush fruit impressions, and an impeccable balance.

Sourced from the cool, wind-swept vineyards of the Santa Lucia Highlands, our Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Appellation Series Chardonnay embodies the region’s unique ability to produce wines of exceptional depth and balance. The combination of morning fog, afternoon coastal breezes, and well-draining hillside soils allows for a long, even growing season—resulting in fruit with remarkable intensity and natural acidity.

Pride Mountain Vineyards sits at 2,100 feet elevation on the Napa-Sonoma border, straddling the county line in a way that is as unique as the wines it produces. Above the fog layer, bathed in sunshine from morning to evening, with warm mornings and cool afternoons, the vineyard's growing conditions are unlike anywhere else in California — producing wines of extraordinary intensity, varietal character, and natural acidity that age gracefully for decades.

The Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 750ml is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc, sourced 64% from the Sonoma side of the property and 36% from Napa. Aged 18 months in 50% new and 50% neutral French oak, it opens with aromas of blackberry, crème de cassis, sage, tobacco leaf, and cedar, with delicate hints of violet emerging as it opens. The palate is full-bodied yet nuanced, with fine tannins, integrated acidity, and a beautiful tension between fruit, floral, and savory herbal notes. Built to age gracefully over the next 20 years.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

• James Suckling — 95 Points: "Classic aromas of blackcurrants, dark cherries, cedar and graphite. Full-bodied with fine tannins and integrated acidity. Well balanced and refined, with a drying finish."
• Wine Advocate — 92 Points: "Plush and velvety with scents of dried herbs, black olives and black cherries. Mountain tannins nicely managed — present but ripe and soft, lingering pleasantly on the finish."
• Vinous — 91 Points: "Aromatic, savory and light on its feet. Crushed rose petal, sage, mint and blood orange lend notable lift and brightness. A distinctly red-fruited Cabernet."
• Jeb Dunnuck — 90 Points: "Darker currants, leafy herbs, underbrush, and a kiss of menthol. Medium-bodied with a nicely balanced, charming mouthfeel."

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Blackberry, crème de cassis, sage, tobacco leaf, cedar, and violet
• Palate: Full-bodied with Damson plum, licorice, boysenberry, and fine tannins
• Finish: Long, refined, and drying with excellent structure

Wine Details

• 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc
• Napa-Sonoma border — 2,100ft elevation
• Aged 18 months in 50% new French oak
• Vintage: 2022 | Age 20+ years | 750ml

Tenuta di Biserno Insoglio del Cinghiale — Maremma Toscana IGT 2024

Insoglio del Cinghiale is the founding wine of Tenuta di Biserno — the Upper Maremma estate created and nurtured by the Antinori family, one of Italy’s most celebrated winemaking dynasties. The name tells the story: “Insoglio” is the place in the Maremma scrubland where the wild boar (cinghiale) goes to root and roll — and the cinghiale is an expression of the soul and culture of this wild, beautiful coastal territory. The wine is a richly fruity, exquisitely structured blend of Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, hand-harvested, carefully sorted, destemmed, and soft-crushed, then aged 7 months partly in steel and partly in wood to preserve freshness and build complexity. The 2024 vintage was a discovery-filled year: a wet spring built water reserves, a cooler harvest preserved freshness, and slow ripening of later varieties added remarkable complexity. Decanter awarded it 94 points.

Intense and lively purple-red with violet reflections. The nose is expressive: violet, berries, and light peppery spice. On the palate, it is enveloping, fresh, and medium-bodied, with well-smoothed tannins, ripe concentrated fruit, and a long, precise finish of real charm and vibrancy.

Decanter 94 (Georgina Hindle) — “Ripe and concentrated but this also has a touch of charm and vibrancy about it… a purity and precision to the fruit and a long length.” (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Tenuta di Biserno (Antinori family), Upper Maremma, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Toscana IGT
• Blend: Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc
• Aging: 7 months, partly steel, partly wood
• ABV: 14%
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Violet, berries, peppery spice, ripe concentrated fruit, smooth tannins, long precise finish
• Best Paired With: Braised or roasted meats, wild boar ragù, hard cheeses, grilled lamb

A 94-point Antinori Maremma blend at an honest price — Insoglio del Cinghiale is the benchmark for what Upper Maremma Toscana IGT can be.

Michele Chiarlo Tortoniano Barolo DOCG — Piedmont, Italy 2022

Michele Chiarlo has been vinifying the essence of Piedmont since 1956 — one of the region’s most visionary and historically significant producers. Founder Michele Chiarlo was among the first in Italy to introduce malolactic fermentation, and long before DOC laws were adopted, he was already aging his wines in oak and bottle for extended periods. Today the estate farms the finest crus of Barolo, Barbaresco, Nizza, and Gavi, using indigenous grapes — Nebbiolo, Barbera, Cortese, Moscato — to express the full depth of Piedmontese terroir. Tortoniano takes its name from the Tortonian-era soils in which the vines are planted — ancient marine sediments laid down 9 million years ago, rich in magnesium and manganese, that give the wine its distinctive mineral character and longevity. Grape clusters are thinned and harvested up to 15 days later than usual for maximum concentration, then aged two years in large oak casks and one year in bottle before release. 

Garnet with brilliant luminous hues. The nose is inviting and complex: rose petals, juniper berries, and fine spices — the unmistakable signature of great Nebbiolo. On the palate, it is elegant with ample structure and silky tannins, and a long, refined finish that speaks clearly of its ancient soils. A Barolo of real depth and class.

• Producer: Michele Chiarlo, Calamandrana, Piedmont, Italy (est. 1956)
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Barolo DOCG
• Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo — Tortonian-era soils (9 million years old), rich in magnesium & manganese
• Aging: 2 years in large oak casks + 1 year in bottle before release
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Rose petals, juniper berries, fine spices, elegant structure, silky tannins, long refined finish
• Best Paired With: Mushroom pasta, roasted fowl, braised beef, matured cheeses, truffle dishes

A 9-million-year-old terroir in a glass — Michele Chiarlo Tortoniano is the benchmark for what classic Barolo can be.

Tenuta San Guido Le Difese — Toscana IGT 2024

Le Difese is the second wine of Sassicaia — and that pedigree means everything. Tenuta San Guido is the legendary Bolgheri estate that created the Super Tuscan category, producing one of Italy’s most celebrated wines in Sassicaia. Le Difese is crafted from the estate’s younger vines using the same philosophy and the same winemaking team: fermentation on the skins in temperature-controlled stainless steel, followed by 8 months of maturation in French and American oak barrels. The 2024 vintage was exceptional — early, uniform budbreak, ideal flowering and fruit set, warm July with early veraison, and cool nights through August ensuring perfect phenolic and technical ripeness. James Suckling awarded it 92 points. At under $57, it is one of the most compelling values in all of Tuscan wine.

Intense black fruit aromas and flavors, with vanilla and spice from oak, plums, cherries, light chocolate, and cinnamon. Full-bodied with supple tannins, a tangy touch of orange peel, and a crisp, satisfying finish. A delicious and complete glass of Tuscany.

James Suckling 92 — “A fresh and crunchy red with aromas of plums, cherries, light chocolate and cinnamon… fine tannins and a crisp finish. Tangy, with a touch of orange peel. A delicious and satisfying glass of Tuscany red. The second wine of Sassicaia.” (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Tenuta San Guido, Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Toscana IGT
• Blend: 70% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Aging: 8 months in French and American oak barrels
• ABV: 13.5%
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black fruit, plum, cherry, chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla, orange peel, supple tannins
• Best Paired With: Grilled steak, steak salad, burgers, Bolognese, marinara, casual beef dishes

The second wine of one of Italy’s greatest estates at an honest price — Le Difese is the benchmark for what a Super Tuscan second label can be.

Michele Chiarlo Reyna Barbaresco DOCG — Piedmont, Italy 2023

Barbaresco is known as the queen of Italian wine — and Reyna (“queen” in Piedmontese dialect) is Michele Chiarlo’s tribute to that regal character. Sourced from steep hillside vineyards in Barbaresco and Neive, facing southeast and southwest, the vines are planted in bluish-grey calcareous clay marl rich in microelements — the same ancient soils that define the finest expressions of Nebbiolo in the Langhe. Grapes are hand-harvested 10–15 days later than normal for maximum ripeness and concentration, then fermented at controlled temperatures, put through malolactic fermentation, and aged 18 months in large casks of French Allier and Slavonian oak before bottle aging. James Suckling awarded it 92 points. 

Garnet red with brilliant hues. The nose is fine and expressive: small red fruits, rose petals, tea leaves, prunes, black cherries, licorice, and smashed flowers with a deep rhubarb undertone. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with firm, dusty yet polished tannins, brilliant acidity, and a long, tight, aristocratic finish full of flavor. Drink now or hold.

James Suckling 92 (Aldo Fiordelli) — “A ripe, fruity style, showing prunes, black cherries, licorice and bark, plus vibrant smashed flowers and a deep rhubarb undertone. Medium-bodied, offering firm, dusty yet polished tannins, with brilliant acidity and a tight, tense finish.” (Vintage 2023). 

• Producer: Michele Chiarlo, Calamandrana, Piedmont, Italy (est. 1956)
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Barbaresco DOCG
• Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo — Barbaresco & Neive, bluish-grey calcareous clay marl
• Aging: 18 months in large French Allier & Slavonian oak casks + bottle aging
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red fruits, rose petals, tea leaves, prunes, black cherry, licorice, smashed flowers, polished tannins
• Best Paired With: Risotto, braised veal shank, lamb with herbs, truffle dishes, aged Parmigiano

The queen of Italian wine from one of Piedmont’s founding estates — Michele Chiarlo Reyna is the benchmark for what classic Barbaresco can be.

CHÂTEAU FAGE GRAVES DE VAYRES RED 2022 | 750ML

🇫🇷 France — Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot | Graves de Vayres, Bordeaux

A juicy, vibrant Bordeaux red from the ultra-confidential Graves de Vayres appellation. Deep dark cherries, blackberries, toasted spices, and walnuts on the nose, with a lifted character and nicely integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied and fresh, with pliant tannins, well-judged acidity, and a smooth, chocolaty finish with gentle grip. A well-crafted wine that drinks beautifully now or rewards short-term cellaring.

Château Fage is an authentic family vineyard estate nestled in the heart of Graves de Vayres — a property where terroir and tradition are taken seriously, and where every vintage reflects the character of this quietly exceptional corner of Bordeaux.

90 Points — James Suckling
“A juicy and vibrant red that goes deep on dark cherries, blackberries, toasted spices and walnuts. Medium-bodied with polished tannins and vivid acidity. The finish is smooth, with a chocolaty character. Drink or hold.” (Vintage 2022). 

90 Points — Vinous Media
“Lifted nose with nicely integrated oak and redcurrant, boysenberry and light violet scents. The palate is medium-bodied and quite fresh, with pliant tannins, well-judged acidity and gentle grip on the finish. A well-crafted Graves de Vayres that comes recommended.” (Vintage 2022). 

Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot
Region: Graves de Vayres, Bordeaux, France
Vintage: 2022
Format: 750ml
Scores: 90 pts James Suckling | 90 pts Vinous Media

MONTES ALPHA MALBEC VALLE DE COLCHAGUA 2023 | 750ML

🇨🇱 Chile — Malbec | Valle de Colchagua

Deep ruby red with an intense violet hue. The nose focuses around pronounced aromas of ripe sour cherries, violets, and wildflowers, while a touch of crème de cassis, jam, and anise round out the aromatic profile. The generous palate has tremendous volume, and perfectly round tannins lend structure to a long, lingering finish.

“We always seek to go further — this time, we wanted to go higher, to go beyond wisdom. It is challenging, and you need two wings to fly.”

A creative flight of two generations: our founder Aurelio Montes and his son of the same name, Aurelio Montes, embark on this creative journey that brings a unique Carménère to life.

— Aurelio Montes

Grape: Malbec
Region: Valle de Colchagua, Chile
Vintage: 2023
Format: 750ml

Director’s Cut by Francis Ford Coppola — Sonoma County, California 2023

Francis Ford Coppola Winery is one of California's most iconic producers — a Sonoma institution whose Director’s Cut label represents the winemaker’s purest creative vision, free from compromise. Just as a director’s cut is an unfiltered expression of a filmmaker’s intent, the Director’s Cut Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted to reflect quintessential Sonoma character: bold, honest, and true to the land. The 2023 is sourced from Sonoma County’s climatically diverse appellations — one of only a handful of regions in the world where cool-climate freshness and warm-weather depth coexist — producing a Cabernet with structure, complexity, and real presence at its price point.

The nose is deep and inviting: blackberry, boysenberry, clove, black currant confiture, black raspberry, cardamom, dried orange peel, and notes of vanilla and green olive. On the palate, the wine is rich and full-bodied with ripe dark fruit, dusty tannins, a velvety texture, and a long, warming finish. It is bold, expressive, and deeply satisfying — the kind of Sonoma Cabernet that punches well above its price.

"Deep, with aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, clove, and notes of vanilla on the nose. The flavors are rich, featuring notes of black currant confiture, black raspberry, cardamom, dried orange peel, and green olive, with dusty tannins on the finish." — Tonya Pitts, Wine Enthusiast, 88 Points. (Vintage 2023). 

• Producer: Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Sonoma County, California
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Aging: Oak-aged for dark fruit, vanilla & baking spice complexity
• Closure: Cork
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, boysenberry, black currant, cardamom, clove, dried orange peel, vanilla, dusty tannins, long finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb chops, aged cheddar, mushroom risotto

Sonoma’s benchmark value Cabernet at an honest price — Director’s Cut is the standard for what bold, oak-aged California Cabernet Sauvignon can deliver.

Domaine Louis Jadot Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Fuées — Burgundy 2022

Les Fuées is one of Chambolle-Musigny's 24 Premier Cru vineyards, distinguished by chalky soil over hard bedrock and an eastern exposure that imparts a signature mineral precision. Jadot's 2022 is a textbook expression of the site — feminine, elegant, and layered, with fine tannins and a core of red and dark fruit framed by spice, violet, and exotic tea. Fermented in vats for up to four weeks and aged 18–20 months in oak, this is a wine built for the cellar: 15–20 years of development potential. James Suckling awarded it 96 points, calling it “outstanding.”

The nose is fragrant and cool: flowers, ripe plums, blood orange, cinnamon, exotic tea, and peonies. On the palate, medium to full body with velvety, saturated tannins and a succulent core of red and dark currant. The concentration is effortlessly offset by spicy acidity, fanning out on a long, mineral-driven finish of remarkable purity and tension. In a word, classy.

James Suckling 96 • Vinous 94 • Wine Advocate 94 • Burghound 92

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2022

James Suckling — 96 Points
"This big and at first subtle wine opens with fragrant flowers, ripe plums and cinnamon, fills the palate with richness on a full body, but then tightens up on the finish to show it has the structure to age well. Outstanding wine to drink now."

Vinous Media — 94 Points
"The 2022 Chambolle-Musigny Les Fuées 1er Cru, which Frédéric Barnier said suffered less during the growing season, is a conspicuous step up in complexity from the Les Baudes: much more mineralé and precision, far more terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins, the concentration effortlessly offset by the spice of acidity. It's quite spicy as it fans out on the finish. Excellent."

The Wine Advocate — 94 Points
"The 2022 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Fuées (Domaine Louis Jadot) is excellent, mingling aromas of sweet red berries with notions of blood orange, spices and peonies. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and seamless, it's deep and layered, with a succulent core of fruit and attractive purity and tension."

Burghound (Allen Meadows) — 92 Points
"This is aromatically quite cool and fresh as well as appealingly elegant on the mix of red and dark currant, exotic tea and violet-scented nose. The sleek, intense and succulent medium weight flavors aren't particularly concentrated yet the sap still manages to coat the palate on the lingering and balanced bitter pit fruit-inflected finale that is almost aggressively mineral-driven. This is a lovely and well-balanced Fuées with fine development potential, which is just as well as it does need to develop better depth. In a word, classy."

• Producer: Domaine Louis Jadot, Beaune, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru, Côte de Nuits, Burgundy
• Vineyard: Les Fuées — chalky soil over hard bedrock, eastern exposure
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vinification: Vat fermentation up to 4 weeks, 18–20 months oak aging
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Flowers, plum, blood orange, cinnamon, tea, peonies, red currant, mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 15–20 years
• Best Paired With: Duck breast, lamb chops, mushroom risotto, aged Comté, venison

A 96-point Premier Cru Burgundy from one of the Côte de Nuits’ most trusted addresses — Les Fuées at its most expressive.

Plush Upper Galilee Merlot with ripe dark fruit, spice and silky texture.

Dalton Estate Merlot 2023 is a rich, approachable expression of Merlot from Israel’s Upper Galilee, one of the country’s most important premium wine-growing regions. Generous and polished, the wine combines ripe fruit with gentle oak influence, delivering the supple texture and inviting character that make Merlot such an appealing and versatile red.

Deep purple in color, the wine opens with expressive aromas of ripe plum, black cherry and dark berries, complemented by notes of clove, fruit preserves and subtle vanilla. The palate is smooth and fruit-driven, with juicy cherry and plum flavors framed by soft tannins and gentle spice. Aging in seasoned oak adds complexity without overwhelming the freshness of the fruit, leading to a balanced, lingering finish.

The Merlot grapes are sourced from vineyards in the Upper Galilee and selectively harvested at optimal ripeness. Following fermentation, the wine is transferred to second- and third-use barrels for aging for up to a year. The restrained use of oak allows the varietal character and Galilee fruit to remain at the forefront.

Tasting Notes:
Plum • Black Cherry • Dark Berries • Clove • Vanilla • Baking Spice

Food Pairing:
A wonderfully versatile red for the table. Pair with beef brisket, roast chicken, grilled meats, lamb, casseroles, lasagna, mushroom dishes, burgers or aged cheeses. Its plush fruit and soft tannins also make it enjoyable on its own.

An excellent choice for the Rosh Hashanah table and other holiday gatherings.

Region: Upper Galilee, Israel
Grape: Merlot
Vintage: 2023
Style: Dry Red Wine
Alcohol: 14.5%
Kosher: Yes
Mevushal: No
Kosher for Passover: Yes
Vegan: Yes

Santi's Solane Valpolicella Ripasso is a rich, elegant expression of one of Veneto's most celebrated wines. Produced using the traditional ripasso method—where young Valpolicella wine is refermented on the dried grape skins from Amarone—this wine gains added depth, richness, and complexity.

The 2021 vintage opens with inviting aromas of ripe black cherry, plum, dried cranberry, sweet spice, and violet, accented by hints of cocoa, tobacco, and vanilla. The palate is silky and full-bodied, offering layers of dark berry fruit, baking spices, and subtle chocolate wrapped around refined tannins. Fresh acidity keeps the wine balanced, leading to a long, smooth finish with lingering notes of spice and dried fruit.

Food Pairing

An excellent companion to grilled steaks, roasted meats, braised short ribs, mushroom risotto, hearty pasta dishes, aged cheeses, and traditional Italian cuisine.

Serving Temperature

Serve at 60–65°F (16–18°C). Decanting for 30–45 minutes before serving will further enhance its aromas and complexity.

About the Producer

Founded in 1843, Santi is one of the historic names of the Veneto, renowned for producing wines that faithfully express the character of Valpolicella. The Solane Ripasso showcases the winery's commitment to tradition, combining the freshness of classic Valpolicella with the richness and elegance achieved through the Ripasso method.

A beautifully balanced Ripasso that delivers the richness of Amarone-inspired winemaking with exceptional value, making it a perfect choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Country: Italy
Region: Veneto
Appellation: Valpolicella Ripasso DOC
Vintage: 2021
Wine Type: Red Wine
Grape Varieties: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella

California Cabernet that punches well above its price — approachable, food-friendly, and built for everyday enjoyment.

Vista Point Vineyards sources fruit from California's sun-drenched growing regions to craft a Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers classic varietal character without the fuss. This is the bottle you reach for on a Tuesday night, the one that holds its own at a backyard barbecue, and the one that disappears fastest at a dinner party.

The wine opens with ripe blackberry, dark cherry, and a hint of cedar. On the palate it's medium-bodied with soft, approachable tannins, a touch of vanilla from oak aging, and a clean, satisfying finish. No sharp edges, no surprises — just honest, well-made California Cab at a price that makes it easy to say yes.

Winery: Vista Point Vineyards | Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon | Region: California, USA | Size: 750ml

• Style: Medium-bodied, fruit-forward, soft tannins
• Flavor Profile: Blackberry, dark cherry, cedar, vanilla
• Pairing: Burgers, grilled steak, pasta with red sauce, aged cheddar
• Serve: 60–65°F | Decant 15 minutes for best results

La Jota Vineyard Co. Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain — Napa Valley 2021

La Jota Vineyard Co. was founded in 1898 on Howell Mountain — one of Napa Valley’s most storied and demanding appellations. The estate sits above the fog line at elevation, on rocky, shallow volcanic soils that force vines to struggle and concentrate. Today owned by Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke, La Jota farms 28 acres across three distinct estate vineyards — Hill, Meadow, and Winery Block — each with its own personality, all united by the iron-rich, volcanic character of Howell Mountain. The 2021 vintage was defined by drought: yields were down 30–35%, concentrating the fruit to extraordinary levels. The blend is a classic Howell Mountain assemblage — 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6.5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, 4% Merlot, and 2.5% Petit Verdot — and it is among the finest La Jota has ever produced.

The color is a saturated, inky ruby-black. The nose is powerful and complex: dark currants, scorched earth, graphite, pine cone, bark, and savory garrigue, with layers of ironstone minerality that are the unmistakable signature of Howell Mountain. On the palate, it is full-bodied, dense, and concentrated — broad-shouldered tannins that are chocolaty and robust, yet framed by a balance of freshness that is almost hard to imagine at this level of fruit density. The finish is long, layered, and inward. This needs 4–6 years in the cellar but will age for decades.

Expert Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck — 98 Points
“Another incredibly concentrated, focused, insanely impressive wine in the lineup is the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain, which offers a powerful nose of darker currants, scorched earth, graphite, and savory herb aromas and flavors. This full-bodied, dense, concentrated, powerful, inward beauty needs 4-6 years in the cellar but will age forever.”

Decanter — 97 Points
“In 2021, with yields down 30-35%, the La Jota was very precise and focused, with saturated layers of extremely dark fruit nuanced by very expressive ironstone minerality and fresh garrigue. Full-bodied with robust, broad-shouldered tannins that are chocolaty. More of that iron minerality is layered throughout, and for all the fruit density here, there is a balance of freshness that is almost hard to imagine. So, don’t imagine it; snap these up and see for yourself.”

James Suckling — 97 Points
“So much black currant, dark fruit, pine cone, bark and pine needle aromas that show a depth and intensity with round, polished and creamy tannins. Medium to full body, with a complex and gorgeously flavored finish. A blend of 82% cabernet sauvignon, 6.5% cabernet franc, 5% malbec, 4% merlot and 2.5% petit verdot. Give this three to four more years to come around.”

• Producer: La Jota Vineyard Co., Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
• Composition: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6.5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, 4% Merlot, 2.5% Petit Verdot
• Vineyards: Hill, Meadow & Winery Block — volcanic soils, above the fog line
• Yields: Down 30–35% due to drought
• Style: Powerful, concentrated, iron-driven Howell Mountain Cabernet
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark currant, scorched earth, graphite, pine cone, garrigue, ironstone minerality, chocolaty tannins
• Drink Window: 2027–2045+
• Best Paired With: Braised short ribs, grilled ribeye, lamb rack, wild boar, aged Parmigiano, truffle dishes

Howell Mountain Cabernet at its most elemental — La Jota 2021 is iron, earth, and power in perfect balance.

Anakota Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley — Sonoma County 2022

Anakota is the Knights Valley project of Pierre Seillan — the visionary vigneron behind Vérité — and it stands apart from every other Sonoma Cabernet. The estate vineyards climb the southwest-facing volcanic slopes of Mount St. Helena at 700–950 feet of elevation, surrounded by cold mountain streams and forests of native fir and oak. The soils are volcanic and mineral-rich, and the message of the land is conveyed in every bottle. The 2022 blend draws from three estate parcels: Helena Montana (53%), Coyote Hills (34%), and Stonestreet Estate (13%), composed of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot. This is Sonoma Cabernet at its most rugged, pure, and terroir-driven.

The color is a brilliant ruby-violet with a vivid rim. The nose is immediately captivating: crunchy boysenberry, juicy black plum, black cherry, dark chocolate, and roasted espresso bean, layered with herbes de Provence and subtle baking spice. On the palate, the wine is rich and velvety — full-bodied with fine-grained tannins that are soothing and precise, electric acidity, and wet stone minerality driving a layered, complex, and lingering finish. Drink now or hold for a decade.

“So pure, fruity and appealing — ripe, welcoming flavors and fine-grained texture that’s soothing on the palate. Black cherries, blackberries, dried blueberries and dark chocolate. Rich in velvety tannins, leading to a lingering finish.” — 94 Points. Jim Gordon, Executive Editor, JamesSuckling.com. (Vintage 2022). 

• Producer: Anakota (Pierre Seillan), Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Knights Valley, Sonoma County
• Composition: 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot
• Vineyards: Helena Montana 53%, Coyote Hills 34%, Stonestreet Estate 13%
• Elevation: 700–950 ft, southwest-facing volcanic slopes of Mt. St. Helena
• Style: Rich, precise, terroir-driven Knights Valley Cabernet
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Boysenberry, black plum, black cherry, dark chocolate, espresso, herbes de Provence, wet stone minerality
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 10+ years
• Best Paired With: Braised short ribs, grilled ribeye, lamb chops, wild mushroom risotto, aged cheddar

Knights Valley Cabernet from one of California’s great vignerons — Anakota is the volcanic soul of Sonoma in a bottle.

About This Wine

Lewis Cellars has built its reputation on wines of explosive intensity and impeccable polish — and the 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is no exception. Sourced from prime Napa Valley fruit and aged 19 months in 100% French oak (65% new), this is a wine that balances power with precision, youthful exuberance with genuine aging potential.

The 2022 vintage in Napa was defined by warm days, cool nights, and a late-season heatwave in September that concentrated flavors beautifully. The result is a wine brimming with black cherry, brambly oak spice, cocoa, and cardamom — plush and fleshy on the palate, with soft, supple tannins and a finish that lingers. Approachable now, built to evolve through 2035.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with violet highlights
• Nose: Black cherry, bramble, cassis, cocoa, cardamom, flowery incense, cedary spice
• Palate: Medium-to-full body, plush and fleshy, concentrated dark fruit, roasted coffee, baking spice
• Finish: Long, polished, soft supple tannins — rich yet refined

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Jeb Dunnuck 93 | A rock-solid success in this challenging vintage. Plums, subtle cassis, flowery incense, and spicy, cedary nuances define the aromatics. Medium to full-bodied, round, lush, and textured with terrific overall balance. Drink 2025–2035.

James Suckling 91 | Plush and intense with deep-set, ripe dark berries, baking spices, roasted coffee beans and walnuts. Concentrated and dense on the full-bodied palate with spiced, cedary tightness to the tannins. Rich yet polished. Better from 2027.

Food Pairings

Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, roasted lamb, aged hard cheeses, and dark chocolate. A Napa Cab built for the table — and equally at home on its own.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: 2022
Region: Napa Valley, California
Appellation: Napa Valley AVA
Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon
Oak Aging: 19 months, 100% French oak (65% new)
Style: Full-bodied Red Wine

Cline Rock Carved Cabernet Sauvignon — Alexander Valley 2023

In prehistoric times, a rampaging Russian River carved the Alexander Valley — leaving behind sedimentary rock that defines the vineyard soils to this day, while the towering surrounding hills trap summer heat like an oven. It is this dramatic geological history that gives Rock Carved its name and its character. The wine is sourced from the Rio Lago Vineyard, owned and managed by the Horowitz family since 1990 — a site at the western foothills of the Mayacamas Mountain range that experiences one of the wettest microclimates within the Alexander Valley AVA. Planted in diverse clay-loam and silty-loam soils, the vineyard is cooled each evening by marine air moving in along the Russian River from the Pacific Ocean. The combination of daytime heat to ripen the grapes and cool evening air to preserve freshness and acidity is the key to producing ultra-premium quality Cabernet Sauvignon here.

Grapes are hand-harvested at night, sorted, and gently destemmed. Fermentation is carried out by native yeasts, warming to temperatures peaking at 100°F, with the wine left on skins for 24 days. After gentle pressing, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in barrel and ages for 14 months in 50% new French oak. The result is full-bodied, multilayered, and genuinely complex: blackberry, black plum, and black currant, with cedar, leather, and mocha, balanced acidity, smooth rich tannins, and a long, powerful finish. James Suckling awarded it 91 points; Wine Enthusiast 90 points.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling — 91 Points
“A robust, muscular, full-flavored and full-bodied wine that loads a ton of blackberry, black-cherry and cocoa flavors onto a frame of sturdy tannins. Cloves, cedar and toast add complexity to the core of dark fruit.”

Wine Enthusiast — 90 Points
“This dark and intense Cabernet shows aromas of roasted plum compote, licorice, shattered granite, and cinnamon on the nose. The palate possesses a wealth of rich tannin, with flavors of blackberry pie, pithy orange, violets, and grilled bread along the finale.”

• Producer: Cline Cellars, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County
• Vineyard: Rio Lago Vineyard (Horowitz Family)
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Aging: 14 months in 50% new French oak
• Size: 750ml
• Style: Robust, muscular, full-bodied Alexander Valley Cabernet
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, black plum, black currant, cedar, leather, mocha, cocoa, cloves, sturdy tannins
• Drink Window: Now–2032
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb, BBQ brisket, aged hard cheeses

Carved by geology, defined by terroir — Cline Rock Carved 2023 is Alexander Valley Cabernet at its most powerful.

San Felice — Rosso Toscana IGT 2023

San Felice is one of Chianti Classico's most storied estates — a historic borgo in Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the southern reaches of the zone, with vineyards that have been producing wine for centuries. The estate is also home to one of Italy's most important ampelographic collections, preserving rare and ancient Tuscan grape varieties. The Rosso Toscana is their everyday expression: a wine built for the table, not the cellar, blending Sangiovese with complementary indigenous varieties to deliver the kind of honest, food-friendly red that Tuscany does better than anywhere.

The 2023 shows a young, rich ruby in the glass. The nose is refreshing and inviting — raspberry, cherry, and lavender — with a harmonious, easy-drinking palate that is fruit-forward without being simple. This is the bottle you open on a Tuesday, pour freely, and finish without regret. Serve it slightly cool alongside pasta, light meats, fish soups, or a simple charcuterie spread.

• Producer: San Felice, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Rosso Toscana IGT
• Varietal: Sangiovese-based blend
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Raspberry, cherry, lavender, fresh and harmonious
• Serve: Slightly cool, 14–16°C
• Best Paired With: Pasta, light meats, fish soups, charcuterie, pizza

Honest Tuscan red at an honest price — San Felice's Rosso is the everyday bottle that over-delivers every time.

Castello di Bossi — Corbaia Toscana IGT 2022

Castello di Bossi is one of the benchmark estates of Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the southern reaches of Chianti Classico, with a history stretching back to the 13th century. Corbaia — named for the vineyard of Cabernet Sauvignon planted on the estate some 42 years ago — is their flagship Super-Tuscan: a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, fermented in stainless steel and matured in Allier oak barriques. The result is a wine of superb finesse and elegance, where the structure of Cabernet and the soul of Sangiovese find a natural equilibrium.

The 2022 is heady and explosive. Intense ruby-red with garnet highlights, it opens with a rush of dark fruit, new leather, blood orange, spice, and pipe tobacco — backed by jammy black currants, cherries, cassis, mocha, and vanilla. On the palate it is full-bodied yet supple, layered with rich texture and well-integrated tannins, with no hard edges and terrific balance. Pure and total sensuality, as Vinous put it — and they awarded it 95 points.

Vinous 95 — "The 2022 Corbaia is heady and explosive in the glass. A rush of dark fruit, new leather, blood orange, spice and pipe tobacco soars out of the glass. Rich yet not at all heavy, Corbaia delivers the goods. Readers will find a wine of pure and total sensuality with no hard edges and terrific balance."

• Producer: Castello di Bossi, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Toscana IGT (Super-Tuscan)
• Blend: Sangiovese & Cabernet Sauvignon
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation, Allier oak barrique aging
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark fruit, blood orange, leather, tobacco, cassis, mocha, vanilla, integrated tannins
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar through 2035
• Best Paired With: Grilled lamb chops, ribeye steak, meats alla Diavola, Béarnaise sauces, aged Pecorino

A 95-point Super-Tuscan at $64 — Corbaia 2022 is Castello di Bossi at its most compelling.