Red Wine

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

Decanter Magazine 98 Points | The Montelena Estate is a gorgeous wine in 2021, built of 94.1% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.9% Cabernet Franc, and 1.0% Petit Verdot, aged 22 months in 45% new French oak. It is super bright and wonderfully aromatic with gorgeous light brown spices, white pepper, and sagebrush. Medium-bodied with cranberry and huckleberry fruits, they have very ripe and powerful tannins with supreme granularity and a fine, pinpoint, pixelated texture. Fantastic, linear, and racy acidity brings this wine into focus. Tasted with winemaker Matt Crafton at Chateau Montelena, Crafton explained that 'the aromatic potential of the vintage leapt out.' For him, the challenge was to reflect the concentration and richness and keep the fresh aromatics. So he moved to very light toast barrels in this vintage.

Winemaker Description 

Fresh and lively, the wine opens exclusively with raspberry, mint and plum sauce. The baking spices soon follow, leaning clove initially but with plenty of cedar and vanilla. Still subtle, the ripe fruit elements, mostly cassis and fig at this stage, lurk beneath the surface along with beautiful hints of graphite and toasted sage, awaiting additional time in glass. Still very tightly wound, it’s the texture and mouthfeel that drive the palate initially.

The tannins in particular are somewhat coarse but not so angular to overshadow the abundant dark fruit. The dynamic tension on the mid-palate serves to focus and magnify the layers of black cherry, cocoa powder, and black pepper, before turning slightly earthy and dusty.

The structure is pronounced, but still harmonious and well defined. It’s in the transition to the finish that the acidity materializes in almost candy-like fashion, a beautiful contrast to the supple tannins. Here the wine’s density shines elegantly, well balanced between smoky, espresso bean and delicate, dried blackberry. It’s the latter that defines the finish at this moment, persistent in length and depth. 

An extraordinary single-vineyard Pinot Noir from the Dundee Hills of Oregon's Willamette Valley, the 2023 Bergström Vineyard Pinot Noir showcases the depth, elegance, and complexity that have made Bergström Wines one of the region's most celebrated family-owned estates.

Founded in 1999, Bergström Wines is dedicated to expressing the individuality of its estate vineyards through biodynamic farming and thoughtful winemaking. The Bergström Vineyard, located in the prestigious Dundee Hills appellation, is the family's original estate vineyard and an important part of the winery's history.

The 2023 vintage beautifully captures the richness of the Dundee Hills, offering concentrated dark fruit, floral complexity, savory nuances, and a remarkably elegant finish. Its combination of power, finesse, and structure makes it an exceptional expression of Oregon Pinot Noir.

Winemaker Notes

This wine represents the vintage so well. It is deep red in appearance and incredibly complex on the nose with aromatics of grilled meats, black cherries, wisteria, chocolate cosmos flowers, cologne, and wood smoke. Layered and brooding, every return to the glass reveals something new.

The palate is medium-bodied and full of loganberries, cocoa nib, oak spice, oregano, tar, and stem. The depth of this wine mirrors its impressive nose, showcasing the opulence achievable in the Dundee Hills.

The tannins are lush, and the flavors are expansive and spiced. While robust and delicious, there is an elegance on the finish that renders it a complete and thoughtful wine.

Professional Ratings & Reviews

98+ Points — Jeb Dunnuck

The 2023 Pinot Noir Bergström Vineyard displays a deep, jeweled ruby/magenta hue and has a more introspective profile. Notes of leather, sanguine, iron-rich earth, and cherry liqueur unfold from the glass. While it carries depth and power, it maintains the weightless feel that runs through the estate lineup. With ripe tannins, supple texture, and refreshing acidity, this is a wine worth cellaring. However, it's already a pleasure to taste, and I imagine it will have a wide window for enjoyment over the next couple of decades.

95 Points — James Suckling

Savory and spiced, with a lot of earthy complexity, it offers wild berries, dried orange peel and subtle hints of cherries, chocolate and iodine on the nose. The palate is broad and encompassing, very textured and seamless, with a medium body and well-integrated tannins. Long, deep and complex.

95 Points — Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2023 Pinot Noir Bergström Vineyard has ringing aromas of red cherry, cranberry, violet, rooibos tea and spicy, ferrous undertones. The medium-bodied palate has a silky texture and fragrant, nuanced flavors. It's balanced by mouthwatering acidity and has a very long, detailed finish.

94 Points — Vinous

The 2023 Pinot Noir Bergström Vineyard is impossible to ignore, offering a playful bouquet of crushed cherries, dusty rose and tarragon, complicated by earthy tones and a hint of sweet smoke. Lifted and graceful in style, it soothes the senses with fresh acidity and pretty red berry fruits as violet inner florals arch across the palate. A sour citrus twang punctuates the experience along with edgy tannins and a nuance of tart citrus.

Vineyard & Winemaking

The Bergström Vineyard is situated in Oregon's Dundee Hills, an appellation renowned for its distinctive volcanic soils and elegant, age-worthy Pinot Noir. Farmed biodynamically, the vineyard reflects the family's commitment to soil health, biodiversity, and expressing the natural character of the land.

The 2023 vintage offers a compelling balance of concentrated fruit, refined tannins, savory complexity, and vibrant acidity, making this a Pinot Noir that can be enjoyed now or cellared for further development.

Food Pairing

Beautifully suited to roasted duck, wild mushroom risotto, herb-crusted lamb, grilled salmon, roasted poultry, and earthy vegetable dishes. Its elegant structure and complex savory character also make it an excellent choice for special occasions and sophisticated food pairings.

Wine Specifications

Producer: Bergström Wines
Wine: Bergström Vineyard Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2023
Country: United States
State: Oregon
Region: Willamette Valley
Appellation: Dundee Hills AVA
Vineyard: Bergström Vineyard
Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
Wine Type: Dry Red Wine
Farming: Biodynamic
Bottle Size: 750ml
Soil: Volcanic soils
Cellaring: Suitable for extended aging

Winemaker Description

This wine is generous and complex with aromas of cherry cola, cassis and chocolate. Some savory notes and hints of citrus zest and mint. This wine is intensely aromatic and develops in the glass as layers are revealed. This full-bodied wine is powerful yet exhibits grace and finesse. A rich and dense mid-palate evolves into a muscular and graceful finish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

Tasting Panel 100 Points | Awe-inspiring, with dramatically structured tannins, this wine possesses an opulence matched by its seductive texture of soft suede as well as its grip. Blueberry and pomegranate are intense and showy on the finish.

Vinous 95+ Points | The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Tomahawk Vineyard emerges from the youngest block on the vineyard, planted nearly twenty years ago. Readers will find a pure, voluptuous wine that is immediately engaging. Succulent dark cherry, plum, espresso, licorice, incense and new leather fill out the layers effortlessly. I imagine the Tomahawk will require only modest cellaring.

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Tomahawk Vineyard is slightly brighter and more perfumed than the Ganymede, offering a brilliant array of crème de cassis and black raspberries as well as spicy oak, graphite, and spring flower notes. It has classic Stags Leap vibrancy and complexity, is medium to full-bodied, and has plenty of polished tannins as well as a great finish. It deserves 4-6 years in the cellar, and I suspect this will be very long-lived. It's a gorgeous wine that shows the style of the vintage to a T.

Decanter Magazine 94 Points | From a small group of vines at the southern edge of the Stags Leap District estate property called Tomahawk Vineyard. A very pretty and elegant wine with fantastic blackberry fruit nuanced by white pepper, sage, and iron-volcanic minerality. Medium to full-bodied with juicy mixed berry fruits, very fine tannins that have a granularity, which builds with intensity before getting wiped clean away by rather scintillating acidity that has a crisp, citrusy quality. Long, lean, and focused, with hints of bay laurel on the finish. A really lovely effort.

James Suckling 94 Points | Notes of ripe blackcurrants, blackberries, pinewood, grilled herbs and spices. Full-bodied, dense and structured with very fine, velvety tannins.

Wine Spectator 93 Points | Juicy, solid and focused in feel, with a core of black currant and blackberry preserves backed by licorice and singed apple wood notes, plus a hint of sweet tobacco through the finish. Drink now through 2040. 1,289 cases made.

Our Professional Description

67wino.shop | Leather, plums, pepper, and some green vegetal notes on the nose. Lighter medium body. Some citrus, blackberries, and prunes on the palate. Very soft and fading tannins. Pair with roasted poultry. Herbed dishes would play well with this subtly green wine. Great for all your Thanksgiving sides or your favorite hearty salads.

Winemaker Description

Camins 2 Dreams is a winery designed by two women with a creative desire to produce natural wines, utilizing the best sustainably and organically farmed grape cultivars available. Business and life partners Tara Goméz and Mireia Taribo work in tandem with SIP Certified growers to create wines of specific terroir with absolute regard for grape typicity and quality.

Expert Rating

Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | Quite inky in the glass, this bottling is loaded with thick, dark-fruit aromas of black plum, cassis and violet, as hints of cocoa arise slowly. It lands with a force on the palate, providing lively while powerful and offering fresh fruit and flower flavors as well as a dried meat and tarry earth backbone. 

Winemaker Description

Camins 2 Dreams is a winery designed by two women with a creative desire to produce natural wines, utilizing the best sustainably and organically farmed grape cultivars available. Business and life partners Tara Goméz

Winemaker Description 

Charles Woodson’s Intercept Wines has released a one-time, Limited-Edition Hall of Fame Cabernet Sauvignon to commemorate Charles Woodson’s enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

In 2019, Woodson launched the Intercept Wines brand and the team prepared to have the 2018 vintage ready for 2021 should he become a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

“When we found out Charles was eligible to be selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, we were eager to make a commemorative wine to celebrate the occasion,” said Intercept winemaker Amanda Gorter. “We wanted to create something special that truly embodied the sentiment of greatness from grape to glass.”

The 2018 Limited Edition Hall of Fame Cabernet Sauvignon from four premier districts in California’s Paso Robles AVA: Adelaida, Estrella, El Pomar, and Willow Creek. It is a full-bodied winewith bold tannins and exquisite structure, and can be enjoyed today or laid down to age.

The limited production resulted in 6,500 bottles, an homage to his 65 career interceptions. His career accolades are etched onto the bottle, and a note from Woodson lines the inside of the soft-touch matte black gift box.

Woodson explained, “Intercept has created this Hall of Fame Edition Cabernet Sauvignon – very fitting for this special time in my life! I’m sharing this moment with you because when I go in, we all go in!”

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Soft and supple, with appealing raspberry and cherry flavors highlighted by roasted sage and spice notes. Finishes with polished tannins. Drink now through 2032. 428 cases made.

Winemaker Description 

With experience making Zinfandel dating back to the 1990’s, Ehren Jordan is a true vigneron, with decades of experience in cellars and vineyards all over the world. His obsessive hands-on farming practices and minimalist hands-off winemaking approach come through in every bottle- allowing site, variety and vintage to shine through. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Day Zinfandel Sonoma County 2022 is the latest release from the "Day" project by Ehren Jordan, the legendary winemaker behind iconic labels like Turley, Failla, and Neyers. After decades of making high-octane Zinfandels at Turley, Jordan launched Day to focus on a more restrained, "vigneron" style that emphasizes acidity and elegance over sheer power.

The 2022 vintage is a blend of top-tier, organically farmed sites in the Dry Creek Valley, including the El Diablo, Grist, and Lumberyard vineyards.

Winemaker Description

Israel. Very elegant, taking local terroir and making some good work with it - the blend with mostly Zinfandel, and a bit of Syrah and Petit Syrah creating balanced and rich wine. Some plum, black fruits, licorice and hints of red fruits.

Asufa is our winemaker Guy Eshel’s personal playground at Dalton Winery; A series of moments and memories gathered throughout his time in the field, brought to life together here at Dalton. Each wine in this series tells a different story – some of the here and now, others of a time and place elsewhere – but all were made to add color and complexity to your dining experiences. Winemaker Description.

Ver Sacrum · Los Chacayes, Uco Valley · 2024

Ver Sacrum Gloria S is a 100% Garnacha from a single goblet-trained plot within the estate vineyard in Los Chacayes, Uco Valley. Hand-harvested fruit gives a perfumed, layered red with a soft texture and a light tannin backbone.

Producer & Terroir

Eduardo Soler and two friends founded Ver Sacrum in 2012 to grow and vinify Rhône varieties. Their approach favors fresh, lower-alcohol wines, lighter skin contact and native yeasts, with minimal intervention in both vineyard and cellar. All grapes are harvested by hand and most are foot-crushed, without corrections, filtration or pump-overs.

Their small Los Chacayes vineyard is planted to Grenache, Monastrell, Carignan, Roussanne, Marsanne, Mencía, Syrah, Teroldego and Nebbiolo. Soler came to winemaking after returning to Mendoza and reconnecting with adventurous Argentine growers. An avid mountaineer, he has climbed numerous famous peaks, worked ski patrol in Aspen and Mendoza for many years, and operates a small ski resort two hours outside Mendoza.

Eduardo Soler | “When the old sent their young to found new villages, bringing grape vines to start new vineyards, they gave off by a ceremony called the sacred spring or Ver Sacrum. Since then, the Ver Sacrum is a symbol of the new tribe, new art, new vine. We renew this ancient vow, with the audacity create something new. This is our Ver Sacrum”

Tasting Notes

Raspberry and cranberry lead the vibrant nose, with wet clay and a touch of ash adding an earthy dimension. The palate is soft and round, bringing red cherry and baking spices together with gentle tannins and a nuanced, layered character.

Winemaker Description

This wine is 100% hand harvested Garnacha from a single plot that is all planted to goblet within the estate vineyard in the Los Chacayes IG within the Uco Valley. The nose is vibrant and perfumed showing raspberry and cranberry wrapped up in wet clay and a touch of ash. The palate is soft and round with red cherry and baking spices with a light tannin backbone. A very nuanced and layered wine.

Pairing Suggestions

Try with roast chicken, grilled pork, mushroom dishes or roasted vegetables. Serve slightly cool to highlight the perfumed fruit.

Details

• Producer: Ver Sacrum
• Wine: Gloria S
• Vintage: 2024
• Country: Argentina
• Region: Mendoza, Uco Valley
• Origin: Los Chacayes IG
• Grape: 100% Garnacha
• Type: Red wine
• Size: 750ml
• Farming: Sustainable
• Vineyard: Single plot, goblet-trained vines
• Harvest: Hand-harvested

Winemaker Notes:

Campo di Camagi is one of the three labels of 100% Cabernet Franc produced by Andrea Franchetti from 2014, who wanted to devote the utmost attention to this historic grape of Bordeaux, enhancing its characteristics in relation to three different terroir of the estate. It is produced exclusively with grapes from a single plot of 1.5 hectares composed of a thin layer of quartz and limestone. The 27 year old vines struggle to grow in this space, the stems do not grow, the roots have filled it.

Expert Reviews 

Monica Larner writes:   Made with Cabernet Franc, the Tenuta di Trinoro 2020 Campo di Camagi shows a level of sharpness and precision that you don't get as clearly in the other wines in this series of single-vineyard releases. There is more oak spice with redwood and cedar, along with crushed granite and pencil shaving. The wine is linear and delivers big intensity to the palate, and it has the structure and acidity to accompany a long drinking window.  Drinking 2024 2045  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 95+

James Suckling writes:  So perfumed with violets and lavender with some currants. Medium- to full-bodied with polish and finesse. Racy and fine. Finesse with drive. Very elegant and straightforward with a racy texture. Very long and lightly edgy. 92% cabernet franc and 8% merlot. Drink after 2027 but already beautiful.  - James Suckling 96

Bruce Sanderson writes:  A spicy red, featuring a beam of black currant and blackberry fruit shaded by violet, black pepper, iron and mint. Lithe and ends with a line of resonant tannins on the tobacco-tinged finish. Cabernet Franc. Best from 2025 through 2038. 166 cases made, 65 cases imported.  Wine Spectator 94

Jancis Robinson writes:  Racy, lively and a little fragile and delicate. Tense.  Drinking 2024 - 2034  - Jancis Robinson 17.5

Winemaker Description

Syrah Laide translates loosely to Pretty-Ugly, a French term of endearment to describe something that is unconventionally beautiful, a dogma that is applied to each cuvée. "Hawks Butte adds slightly more density and fruit while still wildly fresh with lithe tannin and Halcon compliments with brooding structure. Violet, camphor, white pepper and cedar" - Jolie-Laide 100% Syrah, grapes were planted on two vineyards (Halcon and Hawkes Butte) both at high elevation. 

Grapes are left on stems, crushed by foot and fermented with very light punch downs. The juice is then placed into neutral oak for 10 months. 12-25ppm added SO2 depending on vintage and cuvée. 

Winemaker Description

Deep dark purple in color. Leather on the nose. Black plums with tannins and a little heat on the palate. It's medium-bodied with a cleaner finish than you expect it to be. Let it open up a little for the most enjoyment. Pair with grilled meats.

Winemaker Description 

The Beringer Founders' Estate Merlot is approachable and delicious. Hints of plum and brown spice on the nose compliment the boysenberry, blackberry and blueberry finish on the palate. It's well-balanced, soft tannins make this wine a perfect accompaniment to a variety of foods, such as grilled meats or hearty vegetable dishes. 

Winemaker Descrption 

Milan Nestarec Youngster Red is a red natural wine made from a blend of Zweigelt, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Dornfelder. The grapes are hand-harvested and destemmed. The juice ferments in 2000-liter stainless steel tanks. The wine ferments for about 2 months, with occasional pigeage and indigenous yeast fermentation. Elevage takes place in the same tanks for about 2 months. The wine is bottled unfiltered, unfined, and with zero sulfur added.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018

Wine Spectator 93 Points | This is richly layered, with cassis, crushed plum and blackberry puree flavors moving through slowly but steadily, while warm earth, ganache and black licorice notes follow along. Picks up a tarry edge on the finish as the fruit takes an encore. For fans of the muscular, fruit-driven style. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2036. (2018). 

Wine Advocate 97 Points | The 2018 Insignia is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc. The vineyard sources this year include: 30% Las Rocas (Stags Leap District),18% Yountville (Oak Knoll District), 13% Banca Dorada (Rutherford), 18% Suscol (South Napa Valley), 14% Home Ranch (St. Helena), 12% Las Rocas (Stags Leap District), 7% Barboza (Stags Leap District). It was aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, it comes storming out of the glass with powerful notes of blackcurrant cordial, stewed black plums and boysenberries, plus hints of cedar chest, graphite, menthol and wet slate with a fragrant waft of clove oil. The medium to full-bodied palate already demonstrates remarkable balance at this youthful stage, featuring a firm backbone of fine-grained tannins and bold freshness to support the tightly wound, crunchy black fruits, finishing long and spicy. (2018).

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | Very much in the style of the vintage with its pure, concentrated, yet also elegant and focused style, the 2018 Insignia offers up a vivid purple hue to go with lots of red and blue fruits, menthol, tobacco, graphite, and distinct minerality. With an almost Bordeaux-like style, medium to full-bodied richness, present tannins, and a great finish, it's a beautiful, classic Cabernet Sauvignon blend from this team that's going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for two decades or more. (2018). 

James Suckling 99 Points | Blackberry and black chocolate with mint, conifer and clove. Sweet tobacco, violets and flowers, too. Some graphite. Cool and complex. Full-bodied with ultra fine, dusty tannins and a wonderful, extremely long finish. Savory and refined. A classic-styled 2018. This needs time, but is so approachable and gorgeous. One of the best Insignias ever. Alive and changing all the time. 40% Stags Leap AVA. 87% cabernet sauvignon, 8% petit verdot, 3% malbec and 2% cabernet franc. Leave this for five or six years, but so wonderful now. (2018). 

Winemaker Description

A medium-bodied Pinot Noir with remarkable floral, cherry and raspberry aromas. In the mouth, bright fruit flavors with a wonderful texture and extraordinary acidity. Smooth and balanced with a long, silky and velvety finish.

Expert Review

92 Points Wine Spectator | A medium-bodied red with aromas of wild raspberries, porcini, dried herbs and smoked meat. Powdery, fine tannins with a chalky feel. Concentrated and taut with a savory, mineral finish. Drink or hold. (2019)

Frog’s Leap has been making Zinfandel in Napa Valley for decades, and this 2021 is a masterclass in restraint and elegance — a world away from the overripe, high-alcohol style that defined California Zin for so long. Using their signature technique of cold-soaking the Petite Sirah portion of the co-ferment before infusing it into the fermenting Zinfandel ten days later, the winemaking team locks in freshness and accentuates the wine’s natural elegance. A dash of Carignane adds acidity and structure, while aging largely in small concrete tanks preserves the wine’s vibrancy. The result is deeply flavored, beautifully balanced, and genuinely fresh — equally compelling with a slight chill on a summer evening or after a few years in the cellar.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

“Mouthwatering and delicious with crisp acidity and a driving finish, this wine offers a pleasing range of flavors including mixed cherries, cranberries, warming spices and savory accents. Both friendly and beguiling, it has pleasing approachability and depth. Firm while moderate tannins and mouthwatering acidity create a palate-cleansing accompaniment to a wide range of foods.” — 94 pts, Wine Enthusiast

“A medium-bodied, juicy and succulent zinfandel with aromas of dark cherries, plums, wild berries and mixed herbs. Well-rounded with a caressing texture and a satisfying wild berry character toward the finish.” — 90 pts, James Suckling

Varietal: Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane
Vintage: 2021
Region: Napa Valley, California
Farming: Dry Farming 
Bottle Size: 750ml

Abadía Retuerta — Pago Negralada Single Vineyard Tempranillo 2018

Appellation: DO Abadía Retuerta, Sardón del Duero, Castilla y León, Spain | Varietal: Tempranillo | Format: 750ml

Few estates in Spain carry the singular distinction of their own Designation of Origin. Abadía Retuerta — built around a historic 12th-century abbey on the banks of the Duero — earned that honor in 2022, cementing its place among the Iberian Peninsula’s most serious fine wine producers. Led by Bordeaux-trained enologist Dr. Ángel Anocibar, the estate combines scientific rigor with a deep respect for terroir, crafting wines of cosmopolitan elegance and genuine depth.

The Pago Negralada is the estate’s single-vineyard Tempranillo — a wine of place, not just variety. The 2018 vintage, from a cooler growing season, delivers a restrained, substantial expression: 60% aged in French oak barrels, the remainder in stainless steel to preserve freshness and precision.

Critical Acclaim

Vinous — Joaquín Hidalgo (September 2023): 93 Points
“Purple in hue. The aromas feature blackberry, blackcurrant, mint and hazelnut in a cedar frame. The palate is dry and plush with reactive tannins and a juicy flow. The 2018 is a restrained, substantial wine.”

Vineyard & Vinification

• Vineyard: Pago Negralada — single vineyard, DO Abadía Retuerta
• Varietal: 100% Tempranillo
• Vintage: 2018 (cooler growing season)
• Aging: 60% French oak barrels; 40% stainless steel vats
• Winemaker: Dr. Ángel Anocibar

Tasting Notes

Mid-to-high color intensity with a fragrant, complex nose of raspberries, redcurrants, and blackberries interwoven with spiced notes of clove, laurel, and black tea. Refreshing on the palate with bold structure, smooth tannins, and a very pleasing, long finish. A great Tempranillo from a cooler vintage in the classic style.

Food Pairings

Roasted lamb, Iberian suckling pig, aged Manchego, wild mushroom dishes, and slow-braised beef. Decant 30–45 minutes before serving.

Allegrini · Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG · Veneto · Italy · 2021

Allegrini is one of the Valpolicella Classico’s most celebrated families — a benchmark producer whose Amarone has become emblematic of Italian oenology, standing alongside Barolo and Brunello di Montalcino as one of the country’s great red wines. The 2021 is a true classic of the appellation: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Oseleta grapes air-dried until at least December, checked daily for perfect health, then vinified with the patience and precision that only a family with generations of expertise can bring. Lengthy refining and aging yields a wine of imposing structure, depth, and the kind of complexity that rewards both the cellar and the table. Rated 94 by James Suckling and 93 by Decanter, Wine Enthusiast, and Wine Spectator.

The 2021 is still very youthful but with enormous potential. The nose is intense and classic — bay leaves, fresh black pepper, prunes, blood orange, tamarind, licorice, and plums simmering with herbs. On the palate, creamy and full-bodied with roasted peppercorn, crushed black cherry, espresso, thyme, and cocoa, framed by firm, velvety, fine-grained tannins and refreshing acidity. Long, fresh, and elegant on the finish with graphite and spice. Drink now through 2040.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

“Still very youthful, but with so much potential. Intense and zippy on the attack, there’s some wonderfully bright fruit fighting to break through the woody veil, with an orange peel halo. Beautifully balanced — but don’t open this yet!”
— Decanter · 93 Points

“This is what happens when earth meets elegance. Forest walks lead to a kitchen where plums simmer with herbs for wild game while cocoa adds its luxury touch. The palate keeps that old-school Amarone soul but adds modern polish, dusty tannins framing everything just right.”
— Wine Enthusiast · 93 Points · Cellar Selection

“Sleek and well-structured, offering flavors of crushed black cherry and black plum, black licorice, espresso, and thyme, all enmeshed with sculpted, fine-grained tannins. Long and fresh, with delicate notes of spices and graphite playing on the finish.”
— Wine Spectator · 93 Points

• Producer: Allegrini, Fumane, Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG
• Blend: 45% Corvina, 45% Corvinone, 5% Rondinella, 5% Oseleta
• Method: Appassimento — grapes air-dried until at least December; checked daily
• Style: Dry red — full-bodied, imposing structure, velvety tannins
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Bay leaf, black pepper, prune, blood orange, tamarind, licorice, espresso, cocoa, graphite, velvety tannins
• Cellar: Drink now through 2040
• Pairings: Braised short rib, wild boar ragù, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, venison, osso buco, dark chocolate

JS:94 · D:93 · WE:93 · WS:93 · Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG — Allegrini’s benchmark appassimento red. Imposing, complex, and built for the ages.

Ornellaia Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia 2024 is an exceptional Super Tuscan red from the prestigious Ornellaia estate in Bolgheri, Tuscany. Crafted as the estate's distinguished second wine, Le Serre Nuove shares the same Bordeaux grape varieties, meticulous vineyard management, and uncompromising winemaking philosophy as the legendary Ornellaia flagship.

First introduced in 1997, Le Serre Nuove has earned a reputation for combining the depth and sophistication of a great Tuscan wine with remarkable freshness, elegance, and approachability.

The 2024 vintage displays a deep ruby color with youthful violet reflections. The expressive bouquet opens with fresh raspberries, redcurrants, and ripe red berries, complemented by delicate floral aromas, subtle spice, and hints of Mediterranean herbs.

On the palate, the wine is vibrant and beautifully structured, offering juicy red fruit, refreshing acidity, and refined, elegant tannins. Its impressive concentration is balanced by freshness and precision, leading to a long, harmonious finish with lingering fruit and savory complexity.

An outstanding expression of Bolgheri's coastal terroir, Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia 2024 delivers the unmistakable character of Ornellaia in a wine that is both approachable in its youth and capable of graceful evolution in the cellar.

Expert Rating

94 Points James Suckling: A spicy wine with aromas of cloves, toast, restrained dark fruit, balsamic and a hint of eucalyptus. Quite full-bodied with refreshing acidity and velvety tannins that are firm, extracted and grainy yet sweet. Tight, muscular yet savory finish. Very tasty.

Wine Details

• Producer: Tenuta dell'Ornellaia

• Wine: Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia

• Vintage: 2024

• Country: Italy

• Region: Tuscany

• Appellation / Classification: Toscana IGT Rosso (Bolgheri)

• Grape Varieties: 49% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Petit Verdot, 13% Cabernet Franc

• Wine Type: Red Wine

• Style: Dry, elegant, structured Bordeaux-style blend

• Alcohol: 14% ABV

• Aging: Approximately 15 months in French oak barriques

• Bottle Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Excellent with grilled ribeye steak, roasted lamb, braised short ribs, wild mushroom risotto, and aged Italian cheeses such as Pecorino Toscano or Parmigiano Reggiano.

Serving Recommendation: Serve at approximately 60–64°F (16–18°C). A short decant can help reveal its aromatic complexity and refined structure.

Poderi Aldo Conterno · Barbera d'Alba · 2023

Conca Tre Pile brings together Barbera and the hillside vineyards of Bussia in Monforte d'Alba, Piedmont. The wine takes its name from a hilly area in Bussia Soprana, planted mainly to Barbera, with vines reaching a maximum age of 45 years.

Producer & Terroir

The Conterno family's winemaking story stretches back to the 19th century. After emigrating to Argentina and returning to Italy, Giovanni Conterno joined his father Giuseppe's small winemaking farm in Monforte d'Alba. Production grew, with wine sold in casks in Italy and as far away as America through a relative who had remained in Argentina. The family pursued a long-lived Barolo made only in the best vintages with extended vinification, bottling its first Barolo reserve in 1920.

Giovanni passed the business to his son Giacomo at the end of the 1930s. Giacomo developed the label throughout Italy by visiting clients personally, while his sons Giovanni and Aldo began working alongside him. In 1950, Aldo left for America, hoping to establish a vine-growing and winemaking business with an uncle in California. His five-year stay was formative, although he ultimately returned to the family business. Giacomo handed the thriving, nationally recognised business to his sons in 1961. After working alongside his brother, Aldo pursued his ambition to establish his own winery, purchasing the Favot estate and founding Poderi Aldo Conterno in 1969. His three sons, Franco, Stefano and Giacomo, carry on the family tradition.

Vineyard & Winemaking

The Conca Tre Pile vineyard lies in Bussia, Monforte d'Alba. Grapes are harvested by hand, with selection in the vineyard; the producer's harvest timing is the first week of October. Red-wine vinification takes place in stainless-steel vats, with approximately 8–10 days of skin contact at 24–26°C. After a few months in stainless steel, the wine spends a further few months in oak casks.

Expert Review

Wine Spectator, 91 Points · Vintage 2023
"Plum, blackberry, tamarind an black pepper flavors highlight this intense red. It's firmly structured, including some dusty tannins, remaining balanced and long."

Pairing Suggestions

Try this Barbera with tomato-based pasta, mushroom dishes or roasted meats.

Details

• Producer: Poderi Aldo Conterno
• Wine: Conca Tre Pile
• Vintage: 2023
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country: Italy
• Region: Piedmont
• Appellation: Barbera d'Alba
• Grape: Barbera
• Type: Red wine
• Harvest: Manual, with vineyard selection
• Vinification: Stainless steel, followed by oak-cask aging

Domaine de Montille Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru Aux Malconsorts 2022 is an extraordinary expression of Pinot Noir from one of Burgundy's most prestigious Premier Cru vineyards. Combining remarkable depth, aromatic complexity, and exceptional elegance, this wine captures the sophistication and distinctive terroir of Vosne-Romanée at its finest.

Situated immediately south of the legendary La Tâche Grand Cru vineyard, Aux Malconsorts is widely regarded as one of the finest Premier Cru sites in the Côte de Nuits. Its exceptional location and limestone-rich soils produce wines of remarkable concentration, refined structure, and extraordinary aging potential.

Under the direction of Étienne de Montille, Domaine de Montille has become internationally celebrated for its precise, terroir-driven wines and dedication to organic and biodynamic viticulture. The estate's Aux Malconsorts is particularly prized for its ability to combine the seductive richness of Vosne-Romanée with remarkable freshness and mineral definition.

The outstanding 2022 vintage delivers an alluring bouquet of black cherries, ripe raspberries, wild strawberries, and dark plums, beautifully interwoven with notes of violets, rose petals, exotic spices, and subtle forest floor.

On the palate, the wine is concentrated yet remarkably graceful, revealing layers of succulent dark fruit, fine-grained tannins, and vibrant acidity. Hints of licorice, crushed stone, and delicate savory spice add complexity, while its silky texture and exceptional balance lead to a long, sophisticated finish.

A magnificent expression of one of Burgundy's most celebrated terroirs, the 2022 Aux Malconsorts offers the depth and refinement expected of a truly exceptional Premier Cru. Built for extended cellaring, it promises to develop even greater aromatic complexity and elegance with time.

Expert Rating

96–98 Points | Jasper Morris, Reviewed January 2024

90% whole cluster. A ruby edge to the purple colour. A hauntingly beautiful bouquet, brilliant rose petal notes, the lovely fragrance of Gloire de Dijon springs to mind, with the delicacy of really fine red berry fruits. Incredible intensity in such a refined manner, very beautiful long fresh finish. Excellent. Drink from 2030-2040. Tasted Oct 2023.

Food Pairing: Exceptional with roasted duck breast, venison, herb-crusted lamb, beef tenderloin, truffle risotto, wild mushrooms, and refined game dishes.

Wine Details

• Producer: Domaine de Montille

• Wine: Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru Aux Malconsorts

• Vintage: 2022

• Country: France

• Region: Burgundy

• Subregion: Côte de Nuits

• Appellation: Vosne-Romanée Premier Cru AOC

• Vineyard: Aux Malconsorts (Premier Cru)

• Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir

• Wine Type: Red Wine

• Style: Dry, medium-bodied, concentrated, elegant and structured

• Farming: Organic and biodynamic

• Soil: Limestone-rich clay soils

• Bottle Size: 750ml

• Serving Temperature: 55–60°F (13–16°C)

• Cellaring Potential: Approximately 15–25+ years under proper storage conditions

Domaine de Montille Pommard Premier Cru Les Rugiens-Bas 2022 is a magnificent expression of Pinot Noir from one of the most prestigious Premier Cru vineyards in Burgundy's Côte de Beaune. Combining remarkable concentration, muscular structure, and exceptional finesse, this distinguished wine captures the power and complexity that have made Les Rugiens one of Pommard's most celebrated terroirs.

Situated on the southern slopes of Pommard, Les Rugiens-Bas is particularly prized for its iron-rich, reddish clay and limestone soils, which contribute to the vineyard's distinctive mineral character, depth, and impressive aging potential. Often considered among the finest Premier Cru sites in Pommard, Les Rugiens-Bas produces wines of extraordinary intensity and sophistication, frequently compared in stature to Grand Cru Burgundy.

Under the direction of Étienne de Montille, Domaine de Montille has earned international acclaim for its precise, terroir-driven winemaking and dedication to organic and biodynamic viticulture. The estate's interpretation of Les Rugiens-Bas emphasizes purity, structure, and elegance, allowing the exceptional vineyard character to take center stage.

The outstanding 2022 vintage brings generous fruit concentration balanced by freshness and precision. The aromatic profile reveals layers of black cherries, ripe raspberries, dark plums, and wild berries, complemented by notes of violets, exotic spices, forest floor, and subtle earthy minerality.

On the palate, the wine is concentrated and beautifully structured, offering rich dark berry flavors, firm yet refined tannins, and vibrant acidity. Hints of licorice, savory spice, and crushed stone add complexity, while its powerful mineral backbone carries through to a long, persistent, and elegantly balanced finish.

A truly exceptional Premier Cru Burgundy, the 2022 Les Rugiens-Bas combines the intensity and authority of classic Pommard with the precision and refinement that define Domaine de Montille. Built for extended cellaring, this remarkable wine promises to develop extraordinary complexity and elegance over the coming decades.

Expert Rating

94–96 Points Jasper Morris — Barrel Sample: 100% whole bunch vinification. Heady dense purple, with a significant intensity of fruit. This should be quite special from the first sniff. This is really intense, with a backbone that lends a crispness to the finish. Brian was keen not to overdo the 2022s and they will continue to gain weight from here. I think this will prove to be a great Pommard Rugiens. Drink from 2032.

95 Points Decanter: The Rugiens-Bas was always a favourite of Hubert de Montille, who crafted the wine in a tannic, concentrated style. Under his son Etienne and technical director Brian Sieve, he delivers a more modern-style, approachable, yet substantial wine. This wine makes a strong impression with its aromas of black plum, mulberry, and hints of smoke and earth. The texture is full-bodied and tannic, but the robust structure is managed well. The grapes from their hectare of vines in the best part of Rugiens-Bas are fermented as whole clusters and aged in cask (40% new).

Food Pairing: Excellent with roasted duck, venison, braised short ribs, beef tenderloin, herb-crusted lamb, wild mushroom dishes, and aged cheeses.

Wine Details

• Producer: Domaine de Montille

• Wine: Pommard Premier Cru Les Rugiens-Bas

• Vintage: 2022

• Country: France

• Region: Burgundy

• Subregion: Côte de Beaune

• Appellation: Pommard Premier Cru AOC

• Vineyard: Les Rugiens-Bas (Premier Cru)

• Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir

• Wine Type: Red Wine

• Style: Dry, medium-to-full-bodied, powerful and structured

• Farming: Organic and biodynamic

• Soil: Iron-rich red clay and limestone

• Bottle Size: 750ml

• Serving Temperature: 55–60°F (13–16°C)

• Cellaring Potential: Approximately 15–25+ years under proper storage conditions

Domaine de Montille Pommard Premier Cru Les Pézerolles 2022 is an exceptional expression of Pinot Noir from one of Burgundy's most respected estates. Combining the characteristic depth and structure of Pommard with remarkable finesse, this Premier Cru showcases the elegance, aromatic complexity, and mineral precision of the celebrated Les Pézerolles vineyard.

Located in the northern section of Pommard, near the border with Beaune, Les Pézerolles is known for producing wines of refinement and delicacy, often displaying a more graceful personality than the traditionally powerful style associated with Pommard. Its limestone-rich soils contribute freshness, fine tannins, and a distinctive mineral character.

Under the direction of Étienne de Montille, Domaine de Montille continues its long-standing commitment to organic and biodynamic viticulture, thoughtful winemaking, and the authentic expression of Burgundy's individual terroirs.

The outstanding 2022 vintage brings beautiful ripeness and concentration while preserving freshness and balance. Aromas of red cherries, ripe raspberries, wild strawberries, and violets unfold alongside delicate notes of sweet spice, forest floor, and crushed stone.

On the palate, the wine is beautifully composed, with concentrated red berry fruit, finely textured tannins, and lively acidity. Subtle earthy and savory nuances add complexity, while its elegant structure carries through to a long, persistent, mineral-driven finish.

An exquisite Premier Cru Burgundy, the 2022 Les Pézerolles offers both immediate appeal and impressive cellaring potential. Its combination of power, purity, and sophistication makes it an excellent addition to any serious Burgundy collection.

Expert Ratings

94 Points | Decanter: Pézerolles is up-slope from Petits Epenots. The topsoil here is relatively deep and somewhat sandy, but a firm limestone underpins the terroir. The combination gives a texture that is velvety and supple. The bright plum and blackberry aromas with a hint of tea, bergamot, and spice are lovely, and the finish is balanced and elegant. The grapes are from two parcels that total 0.89 hectares; half were fermented as whole clusters, and the wine is ageing now in cask (30% new). It will be ready to drink before the Rugiens-Bas, but this, too, will last.

90–92 Points | Jasper Morris — Barrel Sample: One third whole cluster. Dense purple, with quite a sturdy nose. Continues on the palate, this is a bit rigid, the tannins are firm but not rustic, and the fruit comes up to the wall of the structure. Drink from 2030-2036.

90–92 Points | Vinous — Barrel Sample: The 2022 Pommard Les Pezerolles 1er Cru, with one-third whole clusters, doesn't quite deliver the finesse of the Les Cras. The nose has touches of cracked black pepper and allspice, more tertiary in style. The palate is well-balanced with good depth and more black fruit, slightly granular in texture but missing the complexity of the preceding Les Cras.

Food Pairing: Perfect with roasted duck, herb-crusted lamb, beef tenderloin, veal, wild mushroom dishes, roast chicken, and aged cheeses.

Wine Details

• Producer: Domaine de Montille

• Wine: Pommard Premier Cru Les Pézerolles

• Vintage: 2022

• Country: France

• Region: Burgundy

• Subregion: Côte de Beaune

• Appellation: Pommard Premier Cru AOC

• Vineyard: Les Pézerolles (Premier Cru)

• Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir

• Wine Type: Red Wine

• Style: Dry, medium-bodied, elegant and structured

• Farming: Organic and biodynamic

• Soil: Limestone-rich clay soils

• Bottle Size: 750ml

• Serving Temperature: 55–60°F (13–16°C)

• Cellaring Potential: Approximately 10–20 years under proper storage conditions

From one of Burgundy's most distinguished estates, Domaine de Montille Volnay Premier Cru Les Taillepieds 2023 is a beautifully refined expression of Pinot Noir, combining the floral elegance of Volnay with the structure, precision, and remarkable mineral character of this celebrated Premier Cru vineyard.

Situated on the slopes of the Côte de Beaune, Les Taillepieds takes its name from the sharp limestone fragments that characterize its rocky soils. This exceptional terroir produces wines of distinctive tension, aromatic complexity, and impressive aging potential.

Domaine de Montille, under the direction of Étienne de Montille, is renowned for its dedication to traditional Burgundian winemaking, biodynamic vineyard practices, and an uncompromising commitment to expressing the individuality of each vineyard.

The 2023 vintage offers an enticing aromatic profile of ripe red cherries, wild raspberries, crushed violets, and rose petals, complemented by delicate notes of spice, forest floor, and crushed limestone. On the palate, the wine is elegant yet firmly structured, with beautifully integrated tannins, vibrant acidity, and a refined mineral backbone.

Silky red fruit unfolds across the palate, revealing layers of savory complexity and subtle earthy nuances. The finish is long, precise, and beautifully balanced, suggesting excellent potential for further development in the cellar.

A sophisticated and terroir-driven Premier Cru Burgundy, Les Taillepieds 2023 is an outstanding choice for collectors and enthusiasts seeking the elegance of Volnay with added depth, structure, and longevity.

Expert Ratins

93–95 Points | Jasper Morris — Barrel Sample: 100% whole cluster but shaped very differently. This is a much richer wine and the fruit swamps the stems. Generous cherry and raspberry, effortless balance, a beautiful bottle of Volnay in the making. The flavours come back in waves. Drink from 2030-2038. Tasted Oct 2024.

92–94 Points | Vinous — Barrel Sample: Utilizing 50% whole clusters, the 2023 Volnay Les Taillepieds 1er Cru has a fragrant bouquet with red cherries, strawberry fruit and potpourri, with the stems more assimilated here compared to the Les Mitans. Fresh and saline, the palate is medium-bodied with finely knit tannins and a brittle, chalky-textured finish. Give this at least a couple of years in bottle. This is very promising.

Food Pairing: Ideal with roasted duck breast, herb-crusted lamb, veal, wild mushroom risotto, roast chicken, and aged cheeses.

Wine Details

• Producer: Domaine de Montille

• Wine: Volnay Premier Cru Les Taillepieds

• Vintage: 2023

• Country: France

• Region: Burgundy

• Subregion: Côte de Beaune

• Appellation: Volnay Premier Cru AOC

• Vineyard: Les Taillepieds (Premier Cru)

• Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir

• Wine Type: Red Wine

• Style: Dry, medium-bodied, elegant and structured

• Farming: Organic and biodynamic

• Soil: Limestone-rich, rocky soils

• Bottle Size: 750ml

• Serving Temperature: 55–60°F (13–16°C)

• Cellaring Potential: Approximately 10–20 years under proper storage conditions

Kosta Browne · Russian River Valley Pinot Noir · 2023

Kosta Browne's 2023 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir layers ripe raspberry, dark cherry and black fruit with fragrant hibiscus, floral notes and a touch of vanilla. Blackberry, blueberry and plum unfold on the palate, supported by balanced acidity and refined tannins, with cocoa powder adding depth to a warm, extended finish.

Producer & Terroir

Dedicated to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Kosta Browne draws this blend from Russian River Valley vineyards including its Estate Series sites, Bootlegger's Hill and Treehouse. Coastal fog follows the river inland from the Pacific, and daily temperature shifts slow ripening, helping the grapes develop complexity while retaining freshness and balance.

The vineyard selection includes Bootlegger's Hill, Giusti Ranch, Treehouse, Winner's Circle, Zio Tony, Moonshine, Jenkins, Sundawg Ridge and Barron Ranch. Soils are mainly Goldridge loam. Nearby Graton is home to a community of writers, artisans, growers and winemakers, with local restaurants and a lively harvest season.

Winemaker Description

Kosta Browne · 2023 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Our wines embody our relentless pursuit of crafting wines that reflect the land that defines them. The Russian River Valley, often called the heartland of California Pinot Noir, is shaped by the cooling influence of coastal fog that follows the river inland from the Pacific. These daily temperature shifts slow ripening, allowing the grapes to develop layered complexity while preserving freshness and balance.

The 2023 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir brings together a dynamic selection of vineyards, including our Estate Series sites, Bootlegger’s Hill and Treehouse Vineyard, which contribute to its character and dimension. Ripe raspberry, dark cherry, and black fruit intertwine with fragrant hibiscus, floral notes, and a touch of vanilla. The palate unfolds with blackberry, blueberry, and plum, supported by vibrant acidity and polished tannins. Hints of cocoa add depth, leading to a warm, extended finish. Aged for 16 months in a mix of French oak and foudre, followed by time in stainless steel, this wine achieves a refined balance of structure and elegance.

Expert Reviews

Wine Advocate, 93 Points · 2023 Vintage · Reviewed September 2025
The 2023 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is blended from several vineyards, including Bootlegger’s Hill, Giusti Ranch, Jenkins and Treehouse, and offers a lovely high-toned, red-fruited expression that is reflective of the cool growing season. Matured for 16 months in 40% new French oak, intense aromas of pomegranate, tangerine peel, rose petal, rooibos tea and conifer pour from the glass. The full-bodied palate is bursting with spicy red fruit flavors. It’s structured by fine, chalky tannins, and the vibrant acidity drives a long, energetic finish. 

Wine Spectator, 92 Points · Reviewed September 2025 · Vintage 2024 

Singed tea, apple wood and rose hip notes give this a subtly earthy edge, while the core of raspberry, black cherry and loganberry fruit shows brambly energy. Drink now through 2032. 

Winemaking

Fermentation: 55% stainless steel, 25% concrete and 20% oak, with 5% whole cluster. The Zio Tony contribution fermented on skins for 20 days. Clones include 115, Mt. Eden, 37, Swan, 777, Calera, 114, 667, Pommard, 23, 828 and 2A.

Producer Élevage Notes
40% new French oak & 60% neutral oak for 16 months, 16% foudre for 16 months, then 100% of the blend was aged in stainless steel for 1 month.

Pairing Suggestions

Try with roast duck, grilled salmon or mushroom dishes to complement the wine's layered fruit and savory accents.

Details

• Producer: Kosta Browne
• Vintage: 2023
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country: United States
• Region: California
• Appellation: Russian River Valley
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Type: Red wine
• Soil: Mainly Goldridge loam
• Whole cluster: 5%
• Alcohol: 14.2%
• pH: 3.68
• Total acidity: 5.35 g/L

Château Simone · Palette Rouge · 2021

Château Simone Palette Rouge 2021 is a complex Provençal red built primarily around Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Tenacious in structure yet ultimately elegant, it brings together dark fruit, savory depth and the pine-scented character associated with its surroundings near Mont Sainte-Victoire.

Producer & Terroir

Located in Meyreuil, just four kilometres from Aix-en-Provence, Château Simone occupies the former bastide of the Grands Carmes d'Aix monks. The Rougier family has owned the estate since 1830, continuing a long relationship between this terroir and generations of winegrowers. Historic documents attest to the site's longstanding vine cultivation, and the wines' reputation has carried their distinctive, classically labeled bottles to celebrated tables.

The estate's red stands alongside its rosé and white as an equal expression of the property. Along with the principal grapes, pockets of old-growth Syrah, Manosquin, Castet, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon and Muscat Noir contribute complexity. The rich pine forests of Mont Sainte-Victoire leave their mark on the wine's aromatic character.

Tasting Notes

Cassis, blackberry and blueberry mingle with black olive and exotic spices. The palate is dense and powerful, with a focused, saline character, precise mineral tannins and a long, pepper-inflected finish.

Expert Review

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 96 Points · 2021 Vintage
The 2021 Palette Rouge unfurls in the glass with a deep and complex bouquet of cassis, blackberry, blueberry, black olive and exotic spices, revealing a slow and deliberate maturity. Medium- to full-bodied, dense and powerful, it's focused and saline, with a remarkable structure, mineral tannins of extraordinary precision and a long, pepper-inflected finish of considerable depth. This is a vintage that will surely stand as one of the estate's defining wines of the 2020s.

Pairing Suggestions

Try with herb-roasted lamb, braised beef or mushroom dishes to complement its savory character and firm structure.

Details

• Producer: Château Simone
• Wine: Palette Rouge
• Vintage: 2021
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country: France
• Region: Provence
• Appellation: Palette AOC
• Principal grapes: Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cinsault
• Additional varieties: Syrah, Manosquin, Castet, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon and Muscat Noir
• Type: Red wine

Founded in 1975, the Le Sang des Cailloux estate took off with the arrival of Serge Férigoule. Hired in the 80s as an agricultural worker, Serge became owner of the estate in 1990 with a clear vision: to abandon chemical products for viticulture respectful of nature. His choices initiated a transition to a new era.

In 2003, his son Frédéri joined the family adventure. Self-taught and driven by a strong commitment to their terroir, they obtained the organic certification in 2007. Three years later, they led the estate towards biodynamics, an avant-garde approach in the region. Today, alongside his wife, Marion, he upholds Le Sang des Cailloux as an essential reference of the Vacqueyras appellation.

With an average age of 50 years, the estate’s vines, some planted over 80 years ago, testify to a precious heritage. The main grapes are Grenache, Syrah, and to a lesser extent, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Carignan and Counoise, which faithfully reveal the typicality of the Vacqueyras appellation.

The philosophy of Le Sang des Cailloux is based on a deep respect for the terroir and for nature, guided by biodynamic viticulture. Each action, in the vineyard and in the wine cellar, is designed to reveal the authenticity and uniqueness of the great terroirs of Vacqueyras.

Decanter Magazine - 92 Points Very soft and juicy style of Doucinello, with tons of bright, gourmand fruit. Fine tannins and elegant in feel, it's very harmonious and well balanced, and while not hugely complex is very drinkable. Between black and red fruits in style. 

Vinous Media - 90 Points Alluring garrigue, just-ripe black cherry, peppery gradations and leafy subtleties introduce the 2023 Vacqueyras Cuvee Doucinello. Refreshing, medium-bodied and gently framed by smooth tannins, the 2023 shows well, clocking out with elegance on the savory finish.

Booker · My Favorite Neighbor Cabernet Sauvignon · 2022

My Favorite Neighbor 2022 combines Cabernet Sauvignon's dark-fruited character with savory herbs, spice and polished tannins. Red, blue and black fruits mingle with floral and tobacco notes in a medium-bodied wine shaped by vibrant acidity and French-oak aging.

Producer Story

Booker's name honors two orphan brothers who purchased the land in the late 1920s and devoted their lives to farming and humanitarian work. Their legacy of community, giving back and quality farming informs Booker's purpose: thoughtfully farming and crafting wines with a small footprint and a lasting impact.

Booker's 100-acre estate vineyard is certified organic and emphasizes Rhône varieties. In 2021, the winery opened a visitor center with underground wine caves and an indoor-outdoor tasting lounge connected to the vineyard landscape. Its virtual tour offers a look at the vineyard, cellar and gathering spaces.

Blend & Winemaking

The 2022 blend is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 6% Syrah, 4% Petite Sirah and 3% Petit Verdot. It was aged for 20 months in French oak, 55% new.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Vinous Media, 92 Points · 2022 Vintage
"Sweet herbs combine with cloves and dried black cherries as the darling 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon blossoms in the glass. Racy and sleek, it offers ripe citrus-infused red and black fruits elevated by nuances of cola and spice, while a stream of vibrant acidity maintains fantastic balance. Mocha mingles with fine tannins as this finishes with medium length and a licorice tinge."

James Suckling, 92 Points · Vintage 2022
"Dark-fruited, classic aromas of blackcurrants, cedar and tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and acidity, showing notes of blackberries, cassia bark, dried herbs and leather. Very savory and austere. Made from a blend of 79% cabernet sauvignon, 8% malbec, 6% syrah, 4% petite sirah and 3% petit verdot."

Decanter Magazine, 91 Points · Vintage 2022
"The nose features a mix of red and black fruits with a touch of bramble. On the palate, it offers well-structured tannins yet remains approachable and enjoyable, whether sipped solo or paired with food. An easy drinker with a bit of heft, this is perfect for backyard barbecue fare, bringing just the right amount of complexity and depth."

Jeb Dunnuck, 91 Points · 2022 Vintage
"Based on 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 6% Syrah, 4% Petite Sirah, and 3% Petit Verdot, aged 20 months in 55% new French oak, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals lifted red, blue, and black fruits, violets, tobacco, and incense notes. It's medium-bodied, beautifully balanced, and polished on the palate, with fine tannins and outstanding length."

Pairing Suggestions

Serve with backyard barbecue, grilled steak or herb-roasted meats to complement its dark fruit, savory spice and fine tannins.

Details

• Producer: Booker
• Wine: My Favorite Neighbor Cabernet Sauvignon
• Vintage: 2022
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country: United States
• Region: California
• Listed appellation: San Luis Obispo
• Primary grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Blend: 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, 6% Syrah, 4% Petite Sirah, 3% Petit Verdot
• Type: Red wine
• Aging: 20 months in French oak, 55% new