Red Wine

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018

Benujamin Lewin, MW of Decanter writes 95 Points | Great sense of fruit purity on the nose, showing a mélange of black fruits. This shows brilliance on the palate, it’s very flavourful, with almost savoury undertones lingering on a very long finish. A sensation of gunflint shows retronasally. This is a rare combination: the height of elegance combined with depth. Drinking Window: 2032-2052.

La Revue du Vin de France writes 94 Points | As for Le Bourg, it remains faithful to the generously toasted and hedonistic expression of its barrel ageing. A concentrated material, a sensation of sweetness and power accompany the salient tannic framework that the years will soften. 

Winemaker Description 

Clos Rougeard was created in 1664 on the land of Chacé, a village not far from Saumur. Eight generations have succeeded one another at the head of the estate, the most recent being the Foucault brothers. From the 1980s onwards, Charly and Nady adopted a singular philosophy to enhance the terroirs of Saumur and Saumur-Champigny: leave the wine in peace so it can expresses its own identity. No synthetic products are added to the vines, gentle vinifications are thought out like infusions and minimalist approach is claimed. In 2017, the Bouygues family bought the estate and has continued the work begun by their emblematic predecessors with a deep respect for the DNA of the winery and its identity. Today the estate has found its balance thanks to a passionate team who strives to preserve the excellence and uniqueness of the wines whose depth, finesse and precision are unparalleled.

Located in the heart of the village of Chacé, Le Bourg is composed of very old vines and lies on a predominantly limestone terroir on shallow clay loam, typical of the Saumur-Champigny appellation. This wine reveals riper, fleshier fruit and a dense, full-bodied texture. Le Bourg is from vines averaging 80 years old, planted on a thin layer of clay over a deep bed of tuffeau, also in Chacé. The combination of vine age and richer soil makes this the most powerfully structured wine in Clos Rougeard’s array.

Adegas Guímaro Mencía — Ribeira Sacra, Spain 2024

Adegas Guímaro is Ribeira Sacra's most celebrated rebel — a family estate founded by Pedro Rodríguez, whose pioneering work in one of the world’s most dramatic wine landscapes helped put this Galician appellation on the international map. Guímaro means “rebel” in Gallego, and the name fits: farming old-vine Mencía on Ribeira Sacra’s impossibly steep, slate-terraced hillsides — vineyards cultivated since Roman times, rivaling the Douro, Côte Rôtie, and the Mosel in their dramatic beauty and treacherous terrain — demands spirited determination, eternal optimism, and a deep sense of tradition. The 2024 Mencía is a high-energy, mineral-driven Joven crafted from concentrated old-vine fruit, earning 92 Points from both James Suckling and Wine Advocate and overdelivering at every price point.

The nose is vivid and expressive: ripe cherries, dark plum, red fruit, and earth, with sweet spice, luscious savory depth, and a mineral undercurrent driven by the region’s signature slate soils. On the palate, the wine is silky and juicy with vibrant acidity, smooth tannins, and a long, mineral finish with subtle herbal lift. Often described as a cross between Pinot Noir and Syrah in its elegance and energy, it is approachable, versatile, and deeply satisfying — the kind of Spanish red that disappears fast at the table.

"Savory and silky, with luscious flavors of red fruit, plums, earth, and sweet spice. Old vine Mencía vines lead to concentrated and juicy grapes." — Producer’s Notes, Adegas Guímaro

• Producer: Adegas Guímaro, Ribeira Sacra, Galicia, Spain
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Ribeira Sacra DO, Galicia, Spain
• Varietal: Mencía (100% old vine)
• Farming: Steep slate terraces, old vines — hand-harvested, sustainably farmed
• Closure: Cork
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe cherry, dark plum, red fruit, earth, sweet spice, slate minerality, silky finish
• Best Paired With: Roasted pork loin, grilled chorizo, seared duck breast, aged Tetilla cheese, mushroom dishes

Ribeira Sacra’s most iconic rebel at an honest price — Guímaro Mencía is the benchmark for what old-vine, slate-driven Galician red can deliver.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points | Another beautiful Pessac from 2020, the 2020 Château Latour-Martillac has a textbook bouquet of smoky red and black fruits, spring flowers, truffly earth, and smoked tobacco. With a lush, round, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, it has ripe tannins, some classic Graves sexiness, and a great finish. It's going to benefit from 5-6 years of bottle age and keep for 15-20 years.

Decanter 94 Points | Chocolate, liquorice, some bitter points that accompany the fruit from beginning to end, this is one of the best in terms of focus and precision. There is clearly excellent colour extraction, you get real glass-staining purple, but the flavours are more austere and tannic than the colour might suggest. Well chosen coffee and chocolate expression that remains elegant and pointed. Good stuff, needs time, but will grow into a classic elegant wine. A yield of 38hl/ha.

Wine Advocate 92 Points | Complex aromas of cherries, raspberries, rose petals, bay leaf and spices introduce the 2020 Latour Martillac, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy, lively wine with good depth and excellent balance. It represents an improvement on the 2019.

Wine Spectator 91 Points |  Juicy and compact, with a solid core of dark currant and blackberry fruit waiting to unfurl, while sweet tobacco, tar and bittersweet cocoa notes flash around. Reveals a light cedary thread on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2033. 9,350 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.

James Suckling 91 Points |  Juicy and compact, with a solid core of dark currant and blackberry fruit waiting to unfurl, while sweet tobacco, tar and bittersweet cocoa notes flash around. Reveals a light cedary thread on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2033. 9,350 cases made, 1,000 cases imported

Winemaker Description 

An intriguing bouquet of strawberry, neroli and almond greet the nose. The opening is subtle but quickly crescendos to a full mid palate, pushing towards a long and satisfying finish.

Structured and well rounded, flavors of ripe pomegranate and olive cumulate with juniper and sage, building in both nuance and intensity as the wine opens

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

Jasper Morris MW of Inside Burgundy writes 91-94 Points |  90% whole bunch vinification. Mid purple, with a nose which shows the whole bunch a lot by giving some crushed strawberry on top of the darker fruit of Nuits-St-Georges. The latter appears further back on the palate but the tannins remain refined. Good length. Drink from 2028-2034.

Allen Meadows of Burghound writes 90-93 Points | Here the unreadable nose is marked by firm reduction. More interesting are the beautifully textured, rich and vibrant medium-bodied flavors that possess an abundance of sappy dry extract on the lingering finish that isn't quite as complex but is very well-balanced. (Drink starting 2031).

Yellow Tail | Merlot | South Eastern Australia | NV | 750ml

Yellow Tail is one of Australia's most recognized and beloved wine brands, produced by the Casella family in Yenda, New South Wales. Since its launch in 2001, [yellow tail] has become a global phenomenon — a wine that introduced millions of drinkers to the approachable, fruit-forward style of Australian red wine. Sourced from vineyards across South Eastern Australia, it is crafted to be consistent, reliable, and endlessly enjoyable at an unbeatable everyday price.

Ripe and appealing with red berry and cherry fruit flavors, a hint of mint, and a touch of vanilla on the soft, velvety finish. Smooth, easy-drinking, and endlessly crowd-pleasing — perfect for any meal or your next party.

Pair with pasta, pizza, burgers, grilled chicken, BBQ, and casual weeknight meals.

• Producer: Casella Family Brands
• Appellation: South Eastern Australia
• Grape: Merlot
• Style: Soft, fruit-forward Australian Merlot
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Producer Description 

A French made keepsake with green stamina wood handle. The most prestigious corkscrew in the world, this exquisite professional corkscrew line continues to grow in popularity and has been expanded again in response to popular demand.

Each corkscrew is elegantly designed to include:- A long, forged knife blade - A smooth, rounded boot lever - A long spiral. Comes boxed in its own custom leather pouch. Etched bee emblem (Napoleons symbol representing industry, efficiency and productivity), ensures that each piece is a genuine Chateau Laguiole and Hand made in France. 4-1/2 inches long.

In 1993, Master Sommelier Guy Vialis introduced the Chateau Laguiole® Classic, the first genuine waiter-style Laguiole corkscrew. Since its inception, Chateau Laguiole® has become a favorite among elite sommeliers worldwide and remains the top-selling and most counterfeited high-end waiter-style Laguiole corkscrew globally. Rest assured, all authentic Chateau Laguiole corkscrews, like this one, are 100% Made in France.

Included Black Sheath: The authentic Chateau Laguiole black belt sheath, favored by numerous waiters globally, fits belts up to 2.5" wide. Each sheath, crafted from meticulously chosen genuine cowhide, is produced by Max Capdebarth in France. 

Horn Tip from domestic cattle. The tip of the horn is the hardest and most durable, Inferior horn handles are made from the bottom of the horn which will warp with time. 

Note: The color of the piece you will receive may vary from the stock photos. Please contact us if you have a specific preference, we will do our best to accommodate your need if such piece is available.

All Chateau Laguiole wine openers are made of 12C27 stainless steel and weigh around 4 oz (113 grams). The overall length closed is 4.5 inches (11.40 cm).
The foils cutter is serrated and measures 1.5/8 inches ~ 4.06 cm).

Finca El Origen · Malbec Reserva · Uco Valley, Mendoza · 2025

Finca El Origen Malbec Reserva 2025 offers violet and red-fruit aromas layered with vanilla and cigar notes. Blackberry and spice follow on the palate, where medium structure, silky tannins and natural acidity lead to a prolonged finish.

Producer & Terroir

Finca El Origen is situated in Los Chacayes, a winegrowing micro-region of Mendoza's Uco Valley. At approximately 1,200 meters above sea level, its rocky, sandy terrain provides the setting for balanced wines with concentrated color and aromas. The estate's philosophy brings together knowledge, passion and a close attention to place to create authentic mountain wines.

A Nautilus fossil discovered while preparing the land for vines connects the vineyard's story to its ancient marine origins and the formation of the Andes. This discovery is part of the inspiration behind the Finca El Origen identity.

Expert Review - Vintage 2025

James Suckling · 90 Points · Vintage 2025. Fresh aromas of vanilla beans, coffee, ripe blackberries and dark cherries. Flavorful and medium- to full-bodied with chewy tannins and a direct, flavorful finish. Try from 2027.

Winemaker Description

The intense violet color makes it a worthy representative of the wines from Los Chacayes. A wine of distinct aromatic complexity, with outstanding notes of red fruits, floral aromas of violets, vanilla and cigar. The mouth confirms the presence of black fruits like blackberries and spices. The medium structure and silky tannins are perfectly balanced with the delicious natural acidity, leading to a prolonged finish.

Pairing & Serving

Try grilled steak, roasted vegetables, mushroom empanadas or a hearty lentil stew. Serve slightly below room temperature and allow time in the glass for the fruit and spice to unfold.

Details

• Producer: Finca El Origen
• Wine: Malbec Reserva
• Vintage: 2025
• Country: Argentina
• Region: Mendoza
• Winegrowing area: Uco Valley / Los Chacayes
• Grape: Malbec
• Type: Red wine
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Attribute: Vegan

Producer Description 

Spray onto carpet or fabric, let soak and rub. Some stains may require a second application. Bleach-free and biodegradable. Made from vegetable extracts. Safe when used around children and pets. Also works on other stains such as cranberry juice, coffee and more. Fresh citric scent. Made in the USA.

Tasting Notes

Gato Negro Red Velvet is a lush, approachable semi-sweet Chilean red with rich flavors of ripe red berries, cherries, and a velvety smooth texture. Gently sweet with soft tannins and a round, easy finish — perfect for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their glass.

Tasting Notes: Ripe red berries, cherry, velvety smooth textureBest For: Casual sipping, light desserts, entertaining, gifting

Matchbook The Arsonist · Dunnigan Hills · 2021

From the Giguiere family's Matchbook label in California's Dunnigan Hills, The Arsonist 2021 is a boldly styled red blend led by Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec round out a wine built for a hearty table and a long conversation.

The Wine Enthusiast review on the existing listing describes concentrated dark berries, violet and clove on the nose, followed by boysenberry, black currant and a dry, grippy finish. Pair it with braised lamb, barbecue brisket or a pepper-crusted ribeye.

Expert review · 2021 vintage

The Wine Enthusiast, 91 Points — This wine is concentrated, with aromas of blueberry, olallieberry, clove, violet and notes of dried vanilla bean on the nose. The flavors on the palate are boysenberry, black currant confiture, paprika and orange cream, with dry, grippy tannins to finish.

At a glance

• Producer: Matchbook
• Wine: The Arsonist Red Blend
• Vintage: 2021
• Region: Dunnigan Hills, California, United States
• Blend listed on the existing page: 52% Petit Verdot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Malbec
• Size: 750ml

A dark-fruited California red blend with enough grip for the grill.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Ken's Wine Guide | This slightly cloudy midnight purple colored Zinfandel from Once and Future opens with a blackberry and red licorice bouquet with hints of red plum, black cherry, dried sage, and violets. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with integrated medium acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, round, and smooth. The flavor profile is blackberry, stone dust, and cinnamon blend with notes of boysenberry, black plum and nutmeg. We also detected hints of black tea and oak. The finish is dry, and its well-managed moderate tannins are very nicely sustained. The Tasting Panel would then pair this Zin with a nice New York strip steak along with a dark chocolate mousse. Enjoy – 

Vinous 91 Points | The 2022 Zinfandel Green & Red Vineyard is another wine in this range that is pretty closed today. It has plenty of energy, but the mid-palate is not quite as developed as it is in most vintages. Bottled on the early side, this feels a bit like it’s not fully developed. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

The Wine Advocate 99 Points | Colgin's 2021 IX Estate is a rich, opulent example, with layers of ripe black cherries and dark chocolate punctuated by hints of sage and bay leaf, plus some vaguely floral notes (violets?). Full-bodied, concentrated, velvety and long, it's another terrific wine that showcases the potential of Pritchard Hill, the investment by the owners and the talent of the winemaking team.

James Suckling 99 Points | Red currant, lead pencil and terra cotta aromas with some bay leaf and sage. Full-bodied with tight, firm tannins that are polished and very fine. Turns to graphite. Extremely long, refined, polished and exquisite. Best after 2028.

98+ Points Jeb Dunnuck | I’d wager a Napa Valley legend in the making, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon IX Estate comes from the estate vineyard on Pritchard Hill, and if there was ever a classification of terroirs in the valley, this would check in near the top of the list. Deep purple-hued, with awesome aromatics of pure cassis, graphite, crushed stone, and subtle floral hints, this has that rare mix of power and elegance that defines so many great wines. Full-bodied, concentrated, and flawlessly balanced, it has no shortage of structure and is going to need 7-8 years, if not a decade, to hit full maturity, where it will hold for 2-3 decade.

98 Points Vinous | The 2021 IX Estate is such an elegant wine. Sleek, aromatic and refined, the 2021 is one of the most polished young wines I have tasted from this site. Red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal and mint abound. Silky and delineated, the 2021 is exceptionally beautiful and balanced. Clean saline notes and veins of tannin extend the explosive, sublime finish. 

Winemaker Description 

One of the "cult" producers to crop up in the early 1990s, Colgin Cellars' first vintage was in 1992, with fruit purchased from the Herb Lamb Vineyard, located on the lower slopes of Howell Mountain, just low enough not to be part of the Howell Mountain AVA. Colgin would later go on to buy land and develop vineyards at Tychson Hill (westside Saint Helena, purchased 1996) and IX Estate (Pritchard Hill, purchased in 1998). In 2017, Ann Colgin and her husband, Joe Wender, sold a controlling interest in Colgin Cellars to LVMH but remain active in the business.

Today, Colgin owns six acres of vines at Tychson Hill and 20 acres of vines at IX Estate, with 11 more acres there currently being developed. Cariad comes primarily from the Abreu-farmed Madrona Ranch, on the western side of Saint Helena. Director of Winemaking Allison Tauziet has been with Colgin since 2005, when she joined as assistant winemaker, so she is nearing 20 years of experience with these wines.

To put the new-release 2021s in perspective, Colgin, Wender and Tauziet presented three vintages each of the four wines reviewed this issue—2016, 2018 and 2021. I guess it will surprise no one that these are all gorgeous wines, given the positive press and numerous accolades bestowed on previous vintages, but it is encouraging to see that success and age hasn't slowed down the Colgin team's pursuit of excellence. I've included my ratings and reviews of the older vintages so readers can compare my impressions to those of my predecessor. Like many other producers, Colgin bottled no wines in 2020. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Allen Meadows of Burghound | Ripe and very pretty aromas of both red and dark currant, violet, newly turned earth and a hint of crushed anise lead to rich, generous and round medium weight flavors that possess both fine volume and mid-palate density, all wrapped in a dusty, long and balanced finale where only a trace of rusticity is present. This always seem to outperform relative to its level chez Tollot and 2022 only adds to that reputation.

Winemaker Description 

The Tollot family represents a long lineage of winegrowers dating back to the late 1880s when François Tollot began planting vineyards in Chorey-lès-Beaune. Today, cousins Nathalie, Jean-Paul, and Olivier Tollot are in charge. The wines of Tollot-Beaut are well-known for their serious but pleasing style across a range of appellations from Bourgogne to Grand Cru.

The village of Aloxe-Corton sits at the foot of the Corton hill and is known for giving good-value red Burgundy that performs above its village-level status. A good Aloxe-Corton (pronounced Ahh-losse) will show some of the same structure, weight, and complexity found on the Grand Cru above.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Allen Meadows of Burghound writes 91-93 Points | There is an interesting hint of white pepper to the cool and exceptionally pretty aromas of exotic tea, anise, violet and lavender. I very much like the caressing mouthfeel of the medium weight flavors that possess moderate austerity and excellent persistence, Lovely.

Baga | Bairrada, Beira Interior / Portugal
Vintage: 2020  |  Size: 750ml
Organic · Natural Fermentation

Located one hundred kilometers south of Porto, Bairrada was long overshadowed — its grapes shipped north to bolster Port production when English demand ran high. Today, a new generation of producers is reclaiming the region’s identity, and Luis Patrão of Vadio is among the most compelling of them. The name “Vadio” is Portuguese slang for idler or dreamer — a fitting tribute to a winemaking philosophy rooted in patience, organics, and letting the land speak.

Baga is Bairrada’s great indigenous red grape: firm, assertive, and full of personality. In Vadio’s hands — with organically farmed vineyards and fermentation from naturally occurring yeasts — it reveals its finest self: sinewy red fruits, cedary side notes, and a high-energy acid lift that makes it one of Portugal’s most food-friendly reds. The 2020 is fresh and vibrant, with currant and berry fruit that is genuinely pleasant and endlessly versatile at the table.

“Fresh berry fruits, currants, really pleasant and enjoyable with many foods.”
— Debra, 67Wine

Pairs with: Roast suckling pig, grilled lamb, duck rice, aged sheep’s milk cheese, or anything off the grill.

Cabernet Sauvignon | Delle Venezie, Veneto / Italy
Vintage: 2024  |  Size: 1.5L Magnum

Santa Marina is a reliable, well-priced Italian Cabernet Sauvignon from the Delle Venezie IGT — the broad northeastern Italian appellation that stretches across Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The region’s cool Alpine-influenced climate gives Cabernet Sauvignon a freshness and structure that sets it apart from warmer-climate expressions, producing wines that are elegant, food-friendly, and built for the table.

This 1.5L Magnum is the ideal format for entertaining — generous, impressive, and built for sharing. Dark ruby red in the glass, with classic notes of cassis and black tea on the nose. Luscious cedar and vanilla complement an elegant but bold tannin structure on the palate, with a medium- to full-bodied weight and a pleasant, lingering finish. Straightforward, satisfying, and excellent value at the Magnum scale.

“Dark ruby red in appearance. Classic notes of cassis and black tea suffuse this wine. Luscious notes of cedar and vanilla complement its elegant but bold tannin structure. Medium to full bodied with a pleasant lingering finish.”
— Santa Marina

Pairs with: Grilled ribeye, lamb chops, pasta Bolognese, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, or any hearty dinner party spread.

Producer Description 

Our Merlot is medium-bodied with deep blackberry aromas and a soft, satisfying finish. Enjoy its smooth flavors with Grilled Pork Chops with Apples or Rosemary-Braised Lamb Shanks.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

The Wine Advocate Luis Gutierrez writes 97 Points | From the vines on the mid slope and has a very elegant, fragrant nose with notes of concentrated violet and a solid palate. The slate tannins give a talcum powder texture, and the wine opens up in the mid-palate, making it very expansive. In the long term, it seems like the slate gives a better palate and the granite is more nose.…This has the combination of the cooler year and the resilience of the slate soils, coming through as complex and elegant, powerful and concentrated but with an ethereal side to it too. Bravo!

Producer Description 

The Pizarra vineyards are found on red metamorphic slate soils, which are unique to the village of Cebreros, folded into the mostly granitic mountain range. This slate soil makes Cebreros unlike any other village within the Sierra de Gredos region. Pizarra soil is located above 950 meters, up to 1200 meters, mainly with an eastern orientation. 

The wines from here have a signature expression: they are always fresh, complex, direct, and profound. Pizarra is a limited production wine produced from over 60-year-old, bush-trained garnacha vines, yielding 15hl/ha from the vineyards of Arrebatacapas, La Redonda, La Curva, Fuente Fabian, and Presidente. The farming at Pegaso is organic, and the wines are made with low intervention and minimal sulfur at bottling.

Producer Description

The Cuvée des Commandeurs faithfully translates "the great terroir and the spirit of the vineyard." Crafted from organically farmed old vines — at least 45 years old — grown at altitude on the clay-limestone soils of Château Peyrassol, one of Provence's most storied estates. The blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grenache is vinified for pure fruit expression and accessible elegance.

The wine shows a light ruby color with violet tints. The nose opens with fresh strawberry and redcurrant, followed by sweet spice from the well-ripened Syrah. On the palate, it is beautifully mature with good body, soft and mellow tannins, and balanced acidity — an accessible wine with genuine character and depth.

Pairing Suggestions

• Classic: Grilled lamb chops with herbes de Provence or a slow-roasted duck leg.
• Casual: Charcuterie boards, wood-fired pizza, or a hearty Provençal daube.
• Vegetarian: Roasted eggplant with tomato confit or a lentil and root vegetable stew.

Critic Notes

Charles Curtis MW of Decanter writes 96 Points | The Clos de la Roche from Arlaud is from the lieu-dit Mochamps; the parcel runs from the road up to Domaine Ponsot. 20% of the grapes are fermented as whole clusters, and the wine is ageing now in cask, 20% new. The wine is charmingly aromatic, with a ripe, peony-scented cherry fruit and earthy notes. The texture is silky, round, and velvety; there is more aromatic expression but less depth than the Charmes-Chambertin. The wine should start to open in five years and will continue to improve for a further twenty.

Vinous 95-97 Points | The 2022 Clos-de-la-Roche Grand Cru has all the tropes you expect from this vineyard, with exuberant wild strawberry, raspberry confit and blood orange scents bursting from the glass. The oak is very well-integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins and darker fruit than the Charmes-Chambertin, with impressive precision on the finish. This is extremely promising.

Allen Meadows of Burghound writes 93-96 Points | Note: from a .43 ha parcel in Mochamps; 75% from 25+ year old vines and the remainder are from 40+ year old vines. A discreet application of wood sets off the herbal tea and markedly floral-inflected red currant-scanted nose where a background touch of freshly turned earth lurks. I like the sense of energy and volume to the bigger-bodied and more powerful flavors that manage to be both denser and super-sleek, all wrapped in a moderately austere and very tightly wound finale that delivers simply superb length. This is flat out terrific and a wine that should amply reward extended cellaring, indeed I would suggest not even thinking of opening a bottle before 10 years have passed."
*Burghound Don't Miss!*

Vinous 93 Points | The 2023 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Ruchots 1er Cry offers the most transparency on the nose among Arlaud's Morey Premier Crus, with intense, well-defined blackberry and raspberry fruit and fine mineralite. The medium-bodied palate features pliant tannins and commendable depth, though it may not reach the complexity of the Aux Chesaux or Blanchards on the finish. Give this two or three years in the bottle.

"A fine even purple. The bouquet is beautifully, florally, perfumed. This seems to be one of the riper wines but still has the quintessential cool balance of an Arlaud wine. Heady roses, with a ripe raspberry underlay. The acidity is sufficiently present and the tannins refined A long, supple finish. Drink from 2031-2038. Tasted Dec 2024."

Jasper Morris 92-95 Points

Mas Martinet · Martinet Bru · Priorat, Spain · 2022

Martinet Bru brings together ripe fruit and freshness in a red blend from Priorat. The 2022 reviews highlight Garnatxa, Carinyena, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a winemaking approach that uses concrete and whole clusters to shape its expressive character.

Wine Advocate describes berries, licorice, Mediterranean herbs and spice, followed by a soft, juicy palate and abundant fine-grained tannins. Vinous finds balsamic aromas, sour cherry and marmalade, with a dry, compact texture and a long-lasting mouthfeel. Together, these notes suggest a fruit-driven wine with savory detail and a harmonious finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 93 Points · 2022: The 2022 Martinet Bru comes from a warm and dry vintage, so they did part with carbonic maceration and the rest with full clusters that were foot trodden all in concrete. The wine matured in concrete and only three months in used barriques. So, the wine has freshness and lightness but also ripeness (14% alcohol) and a very expressive nose with berries, licorice, Mediterranean herbs and some spices. It has a soft palate that is juicy and fruit-driven, with a notable mouthfeel and aftertaste. It has abundant, fine-grained tannins and a sense of harmony.

Vinous, 92 Points · 2022: Hailing from Priorat, the 2022 Martinet Bru is a blend of Garnatxa, Carinyena, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Fermented with 100% whole clusters in concrete, this purple-hued wine reveals balsamic aromas with notes of sour cherry and marmalade, reflecting the warmth of the 2022 vintage. Dry and compact, it has a taut and long-lasting mouthfeel.

Wine Spectator, 90 Points · Warm cherry and fig fruit is fresh and juicy on the palate of this balanced red, which offers dusty tannins that create a lightly chewy frame. Shows accents of dried thyme and lavender, with cocoa powder and mineral hints lingering on the finish. Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Pairing Suggestions

Try with grilled lamb, roasted vegetables, mushroom dishes or slow-cooked beef. Its juicy fruit and herbal accents offer an inviting match for Mediterranean cooking.

Wine Details

• Producer: Mas Martinet
• Wine: Martinet Bru
• Region: Priorat, Spain
• Vintage: 2022
• Grapes Named by Vinous: Garnatxa, Carinyena, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon
• Maturation Reported by Wine Advocate: Concrete, followed by three months in used barriques
• Alcohol Reported by Wine Advocate: 14%
• Size: 750ml

Sindicat La Figuera · Montsant · 2023

Garnatxa Negre | Catalonia, Spain | Dry red wine | 750ml

Producer & Terroir

A project of six farmers from La Figuera, Sindicat La Figuera brings together Garnatxa grown in one of Montsant’s highest villages, at 550 meters. Goblet-trained vines between 30 and 80 years old and traditional underground concrete tanks shape the wine’s light, fresh character.

Tasting Profile

Flowers, ripe fruit and earthy aromas lead to a juicy palate with dusty tannins. Hints of citrus and flowers bring freshness to this dry Montsant red, offering a lighter expression of Garnatxa for the table.

Winemaker Description

Winemaker Description: Sindicat La Figuera is the recovery of an illusion, a project of 6 farmers from La Figuera. A unique village in Montsant, with a very special characteristics: located in the highest point of the region - 550m-, their garnatxa vines –the only varietal– planted in goblet and ages between 30 and 80 years old stand out for their personality and particularity.

The freshness of the altitude gives its wines hints of citrus and flowers that are not found in other wines in the area. If we add their traditional way of making wine in underground concrete tanks, here is the result: a light and fresh wine.

Food Pairings & Serving

Our pairing suggestions: roasted vegetables, mushroom dishes, tomato-based pasta or grilled chicken. Try serving slightly cool to emphasize the wine’s fresh character.

Wine Details

• Producer: Sindicat La Figuera
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Montsant
• Region: Catalonia, Spain
• Grape: Garnatxa Negre
• Style: Dry red; light and fresh
• Vines: Goblet-trained, 30–80 years old
• Village altitude: 550 meters
• Winemaking: Traditional underground concrete tanks
• Size: 750ml
• Practices listed by the producer: Vegan, green practicing, minimal intervention and natural fermentation

Stag's Leap · Napa Valley · 2021

Petite Sirah | Napa Valley, California | United States | 750ml

Producer & Place

The Stags’ Leap estate has a colorful Napa Valley history, with grape plantings dating to 1872. Its historic manor, wine caves and sensory garden offer a backdrop to this Napa Valley Petite Sirah.

Tasting Profile

The reviews retained below describe blackberry, blueberry and boysenberry alongside stone and ink, with richly spiced notes of cinnamon, clove, fig and dates. A generous, structured red for the dinner table.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

James Suckling, 94 Points: Lots of blackberry, stone and ink aromas that follow through with blackberry, blueberry, and boysenberry notes. Medium- to full-bodied with plenty of flavor but not overdone. Shows balance and beauty. Drink or hold.

Wine Enthusiast, 92 Points: This mouthwatering and structural Petite Sirah is built to accompany juicy cuts of steak, mushroom risotto or richer pastas. The flavors are bright, mouthwatering and also richly spiced with cinnamon, clove and candied ginger. Notes of fig and chopped dates emerge with further sipping.

Food Pairings

Serve with juicy steak, mushroom risotto or richer pasta dishes, as suggested in the Wine Enthusiast review.

Wine Details

• Wine: Stag's Leap Petite Sirah
• Vintage: 2021
• Region: Napa Valley, California
• Country: United States
• Varietal: Petite Sirah
• Type: Red wine
• Size: 750ml

Expert Reviews

Allen Meadows of Burghoud writes 94-96 Points | As with several wines in the range, there is a subtle touch of wood evident on the ripe and ultra-pure floral-inflected nose of violet, lavender, rose petal, exotic tea and red cherry scents. There is impressive concentration to the middleweight plus flavors that brim with dry extract that imparts a seductive mouthfeel as well as buffers the borderline robust tannins shaping the hugely persistent and strikingly powerful finish. This is brilliant but it's also very much built-to-age so buy it and forget it.

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2022

Decanter — 96 Points (Charles Curtis MW)
"The complex blend of exotic Asian spice, forward pomegranate fruit, and savoury, earthy notes make the Chambolle Sentiers an intriguing wine. Some oak is still showing through, but this will integrate with time. There is more density and extract than one might think for a Chambolle at this level, which draws this out to a forceful and long conclusion — charming wine. The grapes come from a parcel of 0.23 hectares that are partially destemmed and aged in a combination of new and used casks. Drinking 2025 to 2050."

Burghound — 92–94 Points (Allen Meadows)
"A slightly more elegant nose combines notes of red cherry and raspberry with discreet touches of earth and discreet wood. The slightly finer and succulent middleweight flavors possess very good verve while exhibiting very fine depth and persistence on the finish, dusty, youthfully austere and built to age. Patience strongly suggested — this should make for a beautiful bottle in time."

Vinous — 91–93 Points (Neal Martin)
"The 2022 Chambolle-Musigny Les Sentiers 1er Cru has a complex bouquet with black cherries, blood orange, sous-bois and an overall pastille-like purity. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit. With a good backbone, this leans towards Morey in style with a grippy, quite deep, almost obdurate finish. It has the substance to age with style. Drinking 2026 to 2046."

About Les Sentiers

Les Sentiers is a Premier Cru vineyard in Chambolle-Musigny situated on the southern border of the appellation, adjacent to Morey-Saint-Denis — which explains the slightly more structured, grippy character that distinguishes it from the more ethereal, perfumed wines of the village’s northern Premier Crus. At Domaine Arlaud, Les Sentiers is farmed as a micro-parcel of just 0.23 hectares — producing a wine of extraordinary concentration and site specificity. Partially destemmed and aged in a combination of new and used casks, it is built for the long haul: a wine to cellar and revisit over decades.

About Domaine Arlaud

Domaine Arlaud is one of the Côte de Nuits’ most exciting and critically acclaimed estates, based in Morey-Saint-Denis and farming vineyards across some of Burgundy’s most prestigious appellations — from Bourgogne Rouge through Chambolle-Musigny, Gevrey-Chambertin, and multiple Grand Crus. Under the direction of Cyprien Arlaud, the domaine has converted entirely to certified organic and biodynamic viticulture, with a winemaking philosophy centered on minimal intervention, whole-cluster fermentation, and the purest possible expression of each terroir. The results have drawn consistent praise from the world’s leading critics, with scores regularly reaching the mid-to-high 90s for their Premier and Grand Cru bottlings.

Food Pairings

Roasted squab, duck breast with cherry reduction, venison, wild mushroom dishes, aged Epoisses, and classic Burgundian preparations. A Premier Cru built for the finest occasions — drink 2025 through 2050.

Product Details

• Producer: Domaine Arlaud
• Vineyard: Les Sentiers (Premier Cru) — 0.23 hectares
• Appellation: Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru, Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Farming: Certified organic and biodynamic
• Vinification: Partially destemmed, aged in new and used casks
• Vintage: 2022
• Drink: 2025–2050
• Style: Structured, age-worthy Premier Cru Chambolle-Musigny
• Format: 750ml

Assai represents the pinnacle of Chianti Classico winemaking — the Gran Selezione designation accounts for just 8–9% of total Chianti Classico production and requires a minimum 30 months of aging including bottle time, approved only through blind tasting by a committee of expert winemakers.

Crafted exclusively from 100% organic Sangiovese sourced from a single 15-year-old estate vineyard in the prestigious U.G.A. Vagliagli, Castelnuovo Berardenga (Siena), this is a masterclass in Tuscan terroir. Aged in French oak barrels, it achieves exceptional balance, depth of flavor, and the unmistakable Sangiovese signature. Only 4,500 bottles produced.

Tasting Notes

Intense ruby color with rich complexity. Fruity and spicy on the nose with balsamic nuances. Smooth, full-bodied, and persistent on the palate with remarkable depth and a long, elegant finish.

Food Pairings

Elaborate meat and game dishes, braised lamb, bistecca alla Fiorentina, and aged cheeses. Decant 1–2 hours before serving. Cellar with confidence through 2035+.

• Producer: Terra di Seta / Assai
• Appellation: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
• U.G.A.: Vagliagli, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena
• Grape: 100% Sangiovese (organic)
• Aging: 30+ months, French oak + bottle aging
• Production: 4,500 bottles
• Certification: Kosher, Organic
• Vintage: 2019
• Format: 750ml

Eyrie Vineyards | Estate Pinot Noir | Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon | 2022 | Organic

Eyrie Vineyards is one of Oregon's most historically significant wineries — the estate that put Willamette Valley Pinot Noir on the world map. Founded in 1966 by David Lett, who planted the first Pinot Noir vines in the Willamette Valley, Eyrie has been at the forefront of Oregon wine for over half a century. Today, Jason Lett continues his father's legacy with the same commitment to minimal intervention, regenerative farming, and wines of extraordinary purity and terroir expression.

The Estate Pinot Noir is a blend from Eyrie's five certified-organic estate vineyards in the Dundee Hills — one of the Willamette Valley's most celebrated sub-appellations, known for its ancient Jory volcanic soils, gentle slopes, and the ideal combination of warm days and cool nights that allow Pinot Noir to ripen slowly and develop remarkable complexity. Farming follows the precepts of regenerative no-till viticulture, with strict attention paid not just to the vines but to the healthy networks of soil organisms that support them — capturing atmospheric carbon, avoiding artificial irrigation, and nourishing the vines without additional fertilizer.

Harvested by hand, the Pinot Noir is destemmed and fermented natively in a variety of vessels, from small one-ton bins to a 5-ton wooden cuvée. Barrels are predominantly neutral (only 8% new for this vintage), preserving the purity and transparency of the fruit. After native malolactic fermentation and nearly two years of aging, the wine is blended, racked once without filtration, and bottled under Diam cork.

The 2022 is transparent ruby in the glass. The nose is pure, floral, and lifted — fresh red cherries, roses, blackberries, violets, pine needles, forest floor, and dried herbs. On the palate, weightless yet structured, with fine-grained tannins, bright acidity, and flavors of raspberry, cherry, black tea, cinnamon, cacao nibs, and a hint of bone marrow. Elegant, defined, and built to age. Drink now through 2034.

Pair with roast duck, mushroom risotto, salmon, lamb, charcuterie, and aged Pinot-friendly cheeses.

• Producer: Eyrie Vineyards
• Appellation: Dundee Hills AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2022
• Farming: Certified Organic; regenerative no-till
• Vinification: Hand-harvested; native fermentation; predominantly neutral oak; unfiltered; Diam cork
• Drink: Now through 2034
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2022

• Jeb Dunnuck — 93 pts: Pure and lifted — fresh red cherries, roses, spices, and fresh forest herbs. Fine-grained, well-defined tannins. Weightless but with a juicy feel. Should be very appealing over the next 8–10 years.
• James Suckling — 93 pts: Pure, elegant, complex and savory — red cherries, black tea, savory herbs. Medium body and moderate tannins support fresh red fruit, cloves and minerals. Tangy and well balanced.
• Wine Enthusiast — 93 pts: Blackberries, violets, pine needles, duff and mushroom. Tart black cherry and lemon zest joined by cacao nibs and bone marrow. Crisp acidity and silky tannins.
• Wine Spectator — 93 pts: Elegantly refined — raspberry and cherry accented with cinnamon, black tea and spice. Fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2034.

Winemaker Description 

Mevushal. Israel. It displays Producing a fine Pinot Noir requires an exact balance of warm days and cool nights. Barkan found this balance in their vineyard at Mitzpah Ramon in the high desert.

The wine is marked by soft, yet palpable tannin, with a fresh almost strawberry aroma with hints of black cherries and mint. Barkan Pinot Noir's medium body and crisp finish goes well with grilled salmon or veal, and is best served at a cool room temperature.

Winemaker Description

While the 2021 vintage is defined by concentration and fine tannins often found in warm, dry vintages, it is nuanced by the freshness and liveliness typical of this cool growing region. The balance of elegant, forward profiles from the Bearman Bend Vineyard with the structured, spice-driven qualities from Monument Tree Vineyard come together to create a compelling snapshot of the Anderson Valley. Aromas of ripe wild strawberry rose and cedar on the nose are complemented by supple tannins and a long, lifted finish.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 93 Points | Nicely deep in black fruit and savory flavors, this well-balanced wine offers excellent focus, depth and length. It’s medium- to full-bodied, moderately tannic and delicious. Stays fresh with good acidity from the first sip to the lingering finish.

Decanter 92 Points | A Pinot Noir blend of grapes from Bearman Bend, the Twomey estate in Anderson Valley, along with Ferrington Vineyard and Monument Tree Vineyard fruit. Lovely, bright, crunchy red fruit, rich cedar spices, dried floral notes, and dusty minerals. Satiny fruit races across the palate, along with plump tannins, electrified by terrific acidity. The fruit concentration is penetrating but never overpowering and is framed by a clove powder and cedarwood dusting on the long finish. Director of Winemaking Justin Hirigoyen has moved the program further away from whole cluster fermentations to avoid too much vintage variation, and readers should expect a consistent fruit-forward, structured style in Twomey's Anderson Valley Pinot Noir.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Burghoud Allen Meadows 93-96 Points | An expressive, ripe and airy nose features the relatively primary essence of plum liqueur, kirsch, spice and earth notes. The strikingly intense and sleek larger-bodied flavors possess only average concentration yet there is impressive power on the moderately austere and beautifully long finish that tightens up noticeable as it sits on the palate. I suspect that this will flesh out and add richness with time in bottle though like several wines in the range, this is going to require extended patience.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Burghound Allen Meadows | Ripe yet very fresh aromas include those of red and dark pinot fruit along with floral top notes, in particular violet. The vibrant and delicious, if not especially dense, middleweight flavors conclude in a dusty and lingering finish that flirts with rusticity. Solid quality here in a package that should reward mid-term keeping.