Red Wine

Conundrum Red · California · 2023

From the Wagner family of wines, Conundrum Red takes a flexible approach to blending California's dark red varieties, including Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The family's blending tradition grew from Charlie Wagner Sr.'s habit of mixing wines at the dinner table to find the right match for a meal. Charlie Wagner now leads Conundrum, carrying that exploratory spirit into the red blend.

The existing producer notes describe lavish fruit, baking chocolate and smooth tannins. A slight chill can bring the fruit forward, making this an easy bottle to open for a relaxed dinner or a cookout.

Winemaker description

A medley of fresh fruits including plum and a hint of nectarine; semi-sweet baking chocolate, damp earth and a backdrop of toasted oak aromas. Flavors of chocolate cake with coconut shavings, crème de cassis, stone fruit, nutmeg and clove, smooth tannins. Dry yet rich, with lavish fruit and a smooth texture. Be daring and drink slightly chilled to reveal an unexpectedly refreshing red wine.

Winemaker description

At the table

Pair with Asian or Indian cuisine; Mexican tacos and fajitas; smoked meats or anything that fits on a grill.

At a glance

• Producer: Conundrum, Wagner family of wines
• Vintage: 2023
• Region: California, United States
• Style: Red blend featuring Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon
• Size: 750ml

A California red blend that is equally at home beside the grill or poured slightly chilled.

The Secret Ingredient Is Dirt — Brendel’s Multi-Vineyard Napa Cabernet

Brendel sources from some of Napa Valley’s most coveted sites — the eastern side of Rutherford, the highest elevations of Howell Mountain, two diverse plots in St. Helena, and a steep parcel in Oak Knoll. Their philosophy is simple: great wine starts with great dirt. The 2021 Cooper’s Reed Cabernet Sauvignon is a fresh, vibrant expression of Napa’s famed grape — harvested under moonlight, fermented cool, and aged 9 months in upright oak casks to preserve bright red and black fruit character.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | Made by the Heitz team led by winemaker Brittany Sherwood, Brendel's 2021 Cooper's Reed Cabernet Sauvignon now includes a sufficient amount of Sonoma fruit to carry a North Coast AVA on the label—this vintage is approximately two-thirds Napa and one-third Sonoma, and the blend includes 5% Petite Sirah and 1% Merlot. Still made in old oak vats to avoid overt wood influence and just medium-bodied, it's something of a throwback stylistically. Although the fruit is quite obvious upfront, combining black cherries and blackberries, the wine is streamlined and somewhat restrained on the palate, finishing with ample length, hints of star anise and a silky texture. (Vintage 2021). 

As Featured In

San Francisco Chronicle — “Their range of wines are made from some of the best sites in Napa’s most renowned regions. Each vineyard is chosen for its quality and unique aptitude, with soil types ranging from volcanic to clay to bring out the best in each grape. It’s, as they put it, good dirt.”

Winemaker Notes

Brendel Cabernet Sauvignon Cooper’s Reed Napa Valley 2021 750ml

Harvested under moonlight and crushed at cool temperatures, this Cab is thoughtfully monitored throughout fermentation. After 7–10 days, it’s gently pressed to upright oak casks for 9 months of maturation. Fruit sourced from prized Napa and Sonoma vineyards delivers mouthwatering structure with bright red and black fruit throughout.

— Brittany Sherwood, Director of Winemaking

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Key Sites: Rutherford, Howell Mountain, St. Helena, Oak Knoll
• Producer: Brendel
• Vintage: 2021
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural Napa Cab pairing — excellent with grilled ribeye, roasted lamb, mushroom risotto, aged gouda, and hearty pasta.

Château Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon — Columbia Valley, Washington 2022

Château Ste. Michelle is Washington State’s founding winery and one of the most important names in American wine. The Indian Wells label is their warm-climate expression — sourced from the Indian Wells Vineyard and a selection of other warm-climate Washington sites ranging from the Wahluke Slope to Cold Creek Vineyard in the Columbia Valley. These are some of the hottest, most sun-drenched growing sites in the Pacific Northwest, producing grapes of exceptional ripeness, concentration, and dark fruit intensity. The result is a lush, opulent New World Cabernet that delivers serious pleasure at an honest price: rich, round, and full-bodied, with the kind of generous fruit that makes it immediately approachable.

The nose is dark and inviting — blackberry, black cherry, and ripe plum with a hint of mocha and spice. Syrah (12%) adds richness and concentration; Merlot (3%) rounds out the texture. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with a lush, velvety mouthfeel, concentrated dark fruit, and a smooth, lingering finish. Aged 18 months in a combination of neutral and new American and French oak, with gentle pump-overs to extract optimal flavor and color while minimizing harsh tannins.

• Producer: Château Ste. Michelle, Woodinville, Washington, USA
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Columbia Valley AVA
• Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Syrah, 3% Merlot
• Aging: 18 months in 75% neutral oak, 20% new American oak, 5% new French oak
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, black cherry, ripe plum, mocha, spice, velvety finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, BBQ brisket, lamb chops, aged cheddar, mushroom burgers

Washington State’s most celebrated winery delivers a lush, warm-climate Cabernet built for the table — Indian Wells is the Columbia Valley red that over-delivers at every price point.

Eguren Ugarte Cincuenta Rioja 2017 is an elegant and beautifully balanced Spanish red crafted from 100% Tempranillo in the renowned Rioja wine region. Produced by the historic Eguren Ugarte family winery in Rioja Alavesa, this expressive wine combines rich fruit character, refined oak influence, and the distinctive elegance of traditional Rioja winemaking.

Aged for 14 months in French and American oak barrels, followed by additional bottle maturation, the wine develops remarkable depth and complexity while retaining its vibrant fruit character.

#23 Top 100 Best Buys 2026

 ruby-red in color, the 2017 Cincuenta opens with inviting aromas of ripe cherries, dark plums, red berries, and subtle toasted oak. On the palate, layers of black cherry, raspberry, sweet spice, and hints of chocolate unfold alongside bright acidity and polished tannins. Medium-bodied and beautifully structured, it offers a silky texture and a long, flavorful finish.

Expert Reviews

Wine Enthusiast – 92 Points, Best Buy: This dark garnet wine has a nose of black cherry, butterscotch and olive tapenade. It is spicy on entry, offering eucalyptus and clove notes alongside flavors of dark and red berries. Bittersweet chocolate and orange zest. Luxurious tannins build slowly and then remain on the palate.

James Suckling – 92 Points: An unassuming nose of plums, cherries, earth and sweet spices. Medium-bodied with assertive, chalky tannins and bright acidity. Lively and elegant with a silky texture and lots of cherry character on the palate. Succulent fruit lingers through the long, fruit-oriented finish. Drink or hold.

Food Pairing: An excellent companion to grilled lamb, roasted meats, beef, mushrooms, Spanish tapas, charcuterie, and aged Manchego cheese.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Jane Anson 95 Points | Tasted at the Palmères de Castillon event, where I was a jury member, and this was one of the wines picked out blind. I checked it against a different bottle at home later, and suggest that it is given at least half an hour in a carafe, as it remains fairly closed, but once again this is proof of the quality of 2022, and it's a seriously impressive wine that offers wonderful value. I'm always a fan of Clos Puy Arnaud, and you get the deft precision of the winemaking here, coupled with ripe blueberry and raspberry fruits, liquorice, black tea, pomegranate and slate-scrape tannins. 

Vinous 94 Points | The 2022 Clos Puy Arnaud is a dense, extroverted wine. Inky dark fruit, licorice, menthol and cloves are all amplified. Usually Clos Puy Arnaud is more refined, but in 2022, the vintage dominates and speaks loudly. Even so, this is a compelling offering. I look forward to tasting it with bottle age. 

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | Sleek and polished, with alluring notes of blackberry puree and warmed cassis that glide through, while fine-grained tannins, a buried chalky spine and a gilding of sweet tobacco add range and length. Shows a mouthwatering floral echo at the end.

Memo Summary Notes

Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon.

The 2022 Clos Puy Arnaud is a standout release from the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux appellation, largely considered one of the best "value" wines of this highly acclaimed vintage. Produced by Thierry Valette (whose family famously once owned Château Pavie), this estate is a pioneer in biodynamic viticulture on Bordeaux's Right Bank.

The 2022 vintage in Bordeaux was marked by extreme heat, but Clos Puy Arnaud’s limestone plateau location helped maintain remarkable freshness.

Chateau D'Issan · Margaux · 2022

The Chateau D'Issan Margaux 2022 is a historic release for this 1855 Third Growth estate. It has achieved legendary status early on, being named James Suckling's #1 Wine of the Year for 2025. This vintage also marks a significant technological milestone for the property, as it is the first to be vinified in their state-of-the-art vat room featuring smaller, plot-specific tanks for extreme precision.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

James Suckling, 98 Points — This is really luxurious, showing blackcurrants and orange peel with cedar and dried-mushroom aromas following through to a medium to full body that grows on the palate. This has crunchy and lightly chewy tannins that are slightly austere but in an elegant, classical Bordeaux way. Chewy at the end. So much energy and vibe. So complex. Probably the greatest wine ever from here. A blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 2% cabernet franc, 2% malbec and 1% petit verdot. Best after 2028 but already a joy to taste.

Jeb Dunnuck, 96 Points — The deep ruby/purple-hued 2022 Château D'Issan is rock star stuff, offering a massive array of red and black fruits, spring flowers, violets, smoky tobacco, and a beautiful sense of minerality. This full-bodied, powerful, concentrated Issan has a layered, seamless mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and a great finish.

Decanter, 96 Points — Deep, heady, really quite seductive and aromatic on the nose, draws you in with bramble fruits, chocolate, exotic spices and perfumed floral nuances. Juicy and lively, pure and focussed, but such a vibrancy to this wine. Sweet and sour elements combine with really salty, chalky, powdery and quite filling tannins that give the nuance of flavour and texture. Bright yet serious, finessed yet layered. Lovely intensity of elements. On the more savoury side right now in terms of lingering flavour but there's mouthwatering acidity giving the liveliness and sense of fun. I really like this, textured, upfront, forward, extremely drinkable and so approachable, but thrilling too. An exciting wine with great integration and finesse and still clear strength underneath. One of the most exciting wines this year. Stylish, potent and polished. I love it! A yield of 30hl/ha. Harvest 15 - 28 September. 1% PV planted in 1948, 12% press wine. 2% Malbet and 1% Petit Verdot complete the blend. Total acidity: 3.55. 50% new barrels. 3.67pH.

The Wine Advocate, 95 Points — The 2022 D'Issan has turned out beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of minty cassis, rose petals, pencil shavings and vine smoke. Medium to full-bodied, suave and velvety, it's deep, complex and well-balanced, with a sweet core of fruit and ripe structuring tannins.

Vinous, 94 Points — The 2022 d'Issan is a potent, tightly wound wine. Gravel, incense, leather, licorice and plum fill out the layers. This deep, virile Margaux is in no mood to show its cards today. I expect it to be very slow to mature. There's a lot of wine here. Powerful tannins dominate, which is unusual considering that Issan is often more charming at the outset.

Pairings

Classic: Roast lamb with garlic and rosemary or a pan-seared duck breast.
Rich & Savory: Beef tenderloin with a truffle reduction or a hearty mushroom risotto.

Specs

• Producer: Chateau D'Issan (1855 Third Growth, Margaux)
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Margaux, Bordeaux, France
• Blend: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot
• Accolade: James Suckling's #1 Wine of the Year, 2025
• Size: 750ml

Terra Vega Malbec — Valle Central, Chile 2023 · 375ml Half Bottle

Terra Vega draws on Chile’s long winegrowing tradition, pairing that heritage with modern winemaking. This Malbec comes from Valle Central in a 375ml half bottle, a convenient format for a smaller dinner or a glass or two without opening a full-size bottle.

The winemaker describes a deep ruby color, berries and cherries on the nose, with black pepper and light vanilla and chocolate notes. Plum and spice carry through a juicy, structured palate. Pour it with grilled meats, hearty vegetables or a simple weeknight supper.

This Malbec shows an intense, deep ruby red color. In the nose are aromas of berries, cherries, followed with notes of black pepper and light touches of vanilla and chocolate. On the palate, notes of plums and spices stand out with an impeccable structure and juiciness.

Terra Vega · Winemaker Description

• Producer: Terra Vega
• Vintage: 2023
• Region: Valle Central, Chile
• Varietal: Malbec
• Size: 375ml half bottle
• Tasting Notes: Berries, cherries, plum, black pepper, vanilla, chocolate and spice, per the winemaker
• Best Paired With: Grilled meats or hearty vegetables

Chilean Malbec in a half-bottle format, made for a satisfying pour at a smaller table.

The Icon of Super Tuscans — Tignanello at Its Finest

Few wines in the world carry the legacy and prestige of Tignanello. Created by Marchese Antinori in 1971, it was the wine that rewrote the rules of Italian winemaking — the first Sangiovese-based wine to be aged in small French oak barriques, and the first to blend Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The 2022 vintage is a stunning expression of this storied wine: concentrated and velvety, yet precise and energetic, with the hallmark Tignanello tension that rewards both immediate pleasure and long cellaring.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

• Wine Advocate — 97 pts: "Rich and fruit-forward, the 2022 Tignanello very much respects the vintage. It delivers extra fruit weight with a velvety, satiny feel over a generous mouthfeel. Blackcurrant and cherry, with a mineral note that keeps things focused. A beautiful expression of the vintage, with excellent work done to execute soft tannins, texture and length."
• James Suckling — 96 pts: "There's extraordinary energy in this wine. A dark nose of black cherries, bramble fruit, violets, forest, licorice, bark, carob and leather. Density and tension dominate the full-bodied palate, with firm, velvety tannins. Crunchy and full of potential."
• Vinous — 95 pts: "Such an elegant, poised wine. Brisk acids cut through a core of red Sangiovese fruit. Crushed flowers, mint, cinnamon, rose petal and a kiss of French oak appear later, adding notable brightness. All the elements are very nicely balanced throughout."
• Decanter — 95 pts: "Succulent palate of good intensity. Well balanced and bright, with cashmere tannins supporting a core of sapid hedgerow berries outlined by crushed rock minerality and bitter herbs."
• Wine Spectator — 94 pts: "Rich texture wraps around plum, cherry, graphite, tobacco and earth flavors, with a line of dusty tannins underneath. Fresh, elegant and long. Best from 2027 through 2040."

Winemaker Notes

Marchese Antinori Tignanello Toscana 2022 750ml

The 2022 Tignanello is a blend of 78% Sangiovese, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Cabernet Franc, sourced exclusively from the Tignanello estate vineyard in the Antinori hills. The wine is aged in French oak barriques for approximately 12 months, followed by further bottle aging before release. The result is a wine of extraordinary depth and elegance — dark fruit, floral lift, mineral precision, and the long, structured finish that has made Tignanello one of Italy's most collectible wines.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Sangiovese (78%), Cabernet Sauvignon (18%), Cabernet Franc (4%)
• Appellation: Toscana IGT, Tuscany
• Producer: Marchese Antinori
• Vintage: 2022
• Aging: French oak barriques, ~12 months
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A wine built for the table — exceptional with bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised lamb, wild boar ragù, aged Pecorino, truffle risotto, and slow-roasted beef.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

The Wine Spectator 95 Points | This is supple and complex, delivering cherry, strawberry, summer meadow, earth, leather and iron aromas and flavors. Firmly structured, this picks up a hint of licorice as it winds down on the lingering finish, with tannins that are solid yet civilized. Shows fine potential. Best from 2028 through 2046. 1,670 cases made, 540 cases imported.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | The medium red 2020 Barolo Cascina Nuova is spiced and fruity with notes of ripe grenadine, pink peppercorn, dried apricots, and polished leather. Open and approachable, it offers ripe, supple tannins, even acidity, and a clean finish with good length. It’s a very charming wine with a wide drinking window for enjoyment over the next 10 years.

Château Haut Gaudin · Bordeaux Supérieur · Bordeaux · France · 2020

Château Haut Gaudin is a classic Right Bank Bordeaux estate producing Merlot-dominant blends in the Bordeaux Supérieur appellation — the category that consistently delivers the best value in all of Bordeaux. The 2020 vintage is one of the finest in recent memory for the region: a warm, dry growing season with ideal ripening conditions that produced wines of exceptional concentration, structure, and longevity. At this price point, the Haut Gaudin 2020 is a remarkable over-achiever, earning 91 points from Decanter and offering classic Bordeaux character with genuine depth and elegance.

Deep ruby in the glass, the wine opens with earthy aromas of red and black plum, spice, and leather — the hallmarks of well-made Right Bank Bordeaux. On the palate, it is soft and flexible with lovely, ripe tannins, fruity notes recalling ripe grapes, and a long, satisfying finish. Approachable now, with the structure to reward a few more years in the cellar.

“Earthy, red and black plum flavours with spicy, leathery notes, lovely tannins and a long finish.”
— Decanter · 91 Points · Vintage 2020

• Producer: Château Haut Gaudin, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Bordeaux Supérieur AOC
• Primary Varietal: Merlot
• Style: Dry red — soft, elegant, fruit-forward
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red plum, black plum, earthy spice, leather, ripe fruit, long finish
• Pairings: Grilled red meats, lamb chops, duck confit, aged cheeses, charcuterie

Decanter 91 · Bordeaux Supérieur 2020 — classic Right Bank Merlot from one of Bordeaux’s finest recent vintages. Exceptional value.

Eight Generations of Farming — Mettler Family’s Lodi Cabernet

The Mettler family has farmed the same land in Lodi for eight generations — one of California’s longest continuous farming legacies. Their 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to that deep-rooted connection to place: elegant, accessible, and built for the long haul. Lodi’s warm days and cool Delta breezes produce Cabernet of exceptional ripeness and balance at an outstanding everyday price.

Winemaker Notes

Mettler Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Lodi 2022 750ml

Deep garnet in color with inviting aromas of dark cherry and nutmeg. Flavors of dark cherry and plum with a hint of vanilla, perfectly paired with balanced acidity and moderate tannins. Elegant and accessible now, with the structure and complexity to age beautifully for many years.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Lodi, California
• Producer: Mettler Family Vineyards
• Vintage: 2022
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A classic California Cab pairing — excellent with grilled ribeye, BBQ brisket, roasted lamb, aged cheddar, and hearty pasta dishes.

Marcel Lapierre · Morgon, Beaujolais, France · 2024 · 750ml

Marcel Lapierre Morgon Cuvée S Organic 2024 showcases Gamay from one of Beaujolais’s cru appellations. Morgon’s granitic soils provide the backdrop for a wine whose existing tasting notes highlight red berries, fresh acidity, and an earthy thread.

Producer & Terroir

Lapierre’s organic approach and low-intervention winemaking, including fermentation with indigenous yeasts. This Morgon balances fruit character with the structure and freshness that make it an inviting companion at the table.

Tasting Notes

Raspberry and cherry aromas meet hints of minerality and spice. The palate is vibrant, with smooth tannins, fresh acidity, and herbal nuances, leading to a long, fresh finish with subtle earthy notes.

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

Neal Martin, Vinous, 90–92 Points · 2024 Morgon, barrel sample: The 2024 Morgon that I tasted from barrel came from the first and third pickings. There is plenty of vivacious white-tipped strawberry and Morello cherry on the nose. The palate is lively and very citrus-driven with red cherries, orange zest, noticeably "punchy" acidity and a chalky finish.

Pairing Suggestions

Pair with charcuterie, roast chicken, or roasted meats. Mushroom dishes are another serving suggestion for exploring its earthy nuances.

Details

• Producer: Marcel Lapierre
• Cuvée: S
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Morgon
• Region: Beaujolais
• Country: France
• Grape: Gamay
• Farming: Organic, as identified in the listing
• Bottle size: 750ml

Vibrant red fruit and fresh structure for a versatile table wine.

Warehouse stored item - please allow two to five business days to fulfill

Borgoforte is a small village in the middle of our Estate that proved too strong to conquer

A strong village. Like our new red wines, it symbolizes the resilient and charming character of the Tuscans.

This wine is made in the “Super – Tuscan” style by adding Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes to the classical grape of Tuscany, Sangiovese.

Each year we add selected wines to the blend to bring subtle complexity and richness without losing the flavor of the traditional wines of Tuscany. Grapes picked at optimum ripeness ensure a wine which expresses itself in its ripe blackfruit components and full body. A true reflection of flavours which are a marriage of our soils under the Tuscan sun. For smooth body and elegance, the wine is aged in small oak barrels.We enthusiastically recommend this wine with pasta, red meats and game of any kinds.

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

James Suckling 92 Points | Ripe dark berries, grilled herbs, licorice, ground cloves and walnuts on the nose. Full-bodied, dense and creamy, with velvety tannins and a fruit-forward, seductive aftertaste. Succulent and concentrated. Drink or hold.

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

Dornfelder is an extremely popular German red grape that is based on four classic varieties: Lemberger (aka Blaufränkisch), Portugieser, Frühburgunder, and Trollinger. It produces fruity, medium-bodied wines with deep color and good acidity. Made in a medium-sweet, fruit-forward style, its lightly floral aroma and plush flavors of plums and cherries are well balanced by velvety tannins. It has an intense color, lip-smacking flavor, and pairs well with a wide variety of foods.

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

It fermented in stainless steel and matured in French and American oak barrels for two years and was kept in bottle for another three. It has a textbook spicy nose with sweet spices, smoke and toast, berry fruit and herbs, a touch of forest floor and truffles, with a moderate 13.5% alcohol and balancing freshness.

Producer Notes

Pazo de La Cuesta is a boutique estate in Ribeira Sacra, one of Spain’s most dramatic and exciting wine regions — where steep, terraced vineyards plunge toward the Sil River in Galicia. The Batanero is made from Brancellao, a rare indigenous red grape variety that thrives in the region’s granite soils and cool Atlantic climate. Elegant red with purple nuances and a medium-high depth. Deep nose of cherry, blackcurrant, stone fruits, compotes, and sweet toasted wood. Very direct attack on the palate where freshness and the passage of time prevail. Aromatic nuances emerge at retronasal, calling for another sip to recall them.

Food Pairings

• Roasted lamb or slow-braised pork
• Pulpo a la gallega (Galician octopus)
• Aged Tetilla or Arzúa-Ulloa cheese
• Mushroom dishes or charcuterie

Hahn Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Nicky Hahn California 2024 750ml

The Nicky Hahn Cabernet Sauvignon is Hahn Estates' flagship everyday red — a California Cabernet that delivers serious character at an honest price. Sourced from sun-drenched California vineyards and crafted by winemaker Adam LaZarre, this is a rich, generous, and well-structured Cabernet built for the table. Deep ruby, almost black, with vivid crimson highlights, it opens with a beautifully balanced nose and a palate that rewards every sip.

The wine delivers dark fruits, raspberry, and a touch of hard candy, finishing with a whisper of tobacco and firm, well-structured tannins anchored by a bright acid core — the kind of California Cabernet that overdelivers at its price point.

"Opens with a striking nose of black cherry, anise, olive, and cedar. Rich, ripe, and generous on the palate with dark fruits, raspberry, and a touch of hard candy. Finishes with a whisper of tobacco and firm, well-structured tannins." — Winemaker Adam LaZarre

• Producer: Hahn Estates, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, anise, olive, cedar, dark fruit, raspberry, tobacco, firm tannins
• Best Paired With: Rack of lamb with sundried cherry sauce, beef medallions with cranberry Dijon chutney, grilled ribeye, aged cheddar

A benchmark California Cabernet at an everyday price — the Nicky Hahn is the kind of bottle you open on a Tuesday and finish before dinner is over.

Frontera Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml

Frontera is Concha y Toro's approachable, everyday label — crafted to deliver consistent, fruit-forward Chilean character at an exceptional price. Sourced from Chile's sun-drenched Central Valley, this Cabernet Sauvignon is a reliable crowd-pleaser that punches well above its price point.

Tasting Notes

Appealing ruby-red in color with a fruity, inviting aroma of red plums, blackcurrant, and a hint of chocolate and vanilla. The palate is soft and approachable with gentle tannins, ripe dark fruit, and a smooth, easy finish. Drink now.

Food Pairings

Excellent with grilled red meats, burgers, aged cheese, charcuterie, spicy casseroles, and hearty pasta dishes.

Producer

• Producer: Concha y Toro, Central Valley, Chile
• Appellation: Central Valley, Chile
• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Style: Soft, fruit-driven Chilean red — screw cap

Chateau Gloria Saint-Julien 2022 · Bordeaux, France

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Vinous, 94+ Points (Neal Martin) — The 2022 Gloria was picked from 12-26 September and matured in 40% new oak, slightly less than the Saint-Pierre. It has a perfumed, floral nose with crushed violet infusing the black cherry and blueberry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with sumptuous tannins that belie the structure underneath. With pure fruit and well-judged acidity, this 2022 is sensual with a persistent and lightly spiced finish. Superb.

Jeb Dunnuck, 94-96 Points (May 2023) — A gem in the vintage is going to be the 2022 Château Gloria, which comes from 50 hectares of vines and is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. Harvested between September 14 and 26, with yields of 34 hectoliters per hectare, it offers an inky purple hue to go with medium to full-bodied aromas and flavors of crème de cassis, ripe black cherries, spicy oak, and graphite. Hitting 13.8% alcohol and aging in 60% new French oak, it’s a pure, layered, elegant yet concentrated Saint-Julien that readers will love. Tasted twice.

James Suckling, 94-95 Points (April 2023) — A linear and very fine wine with blackberry, blueberry and currant character. Hints of cedar and stone. Medium to full body. Linear and fine finish. Very well done.

Domaine Le Colombier Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes  2024 is crafted from certified organically grown old-vine Grenache and Mourvèdre grapes. Perfectly balanced and drinking beautifully with aromas and flavors of red and black fruits, savory spice and earthy dark fruit complexity. Perfectly at home with Mediterranean dishes, and especially good with grilled lamb with garlic and rosemary and strong, sturdy cheeses.

Arnaldo Caprai Sagrantino di Montefalco Collepiano — Umbria 2020

Arnaldo Caprai is the definitive name in Sagrantino di Montefalco — the producer who put this ancient Umbrian grape on the world map. Founded in 1971 when Arnaldo Caprai purchased 42 hectares in Montefalco, the estate was transformed in 1986 when his son Marco took the helm and launched a series of collaborations with agronomic and winemaking research institutes that would redefine the region. The result was the legendary “25 Anni” cuvée, which captured the attention of critics worldwide and established Montefalco Sagrantino as one of Italy’s great DOCG appellations. Today, Caprai farms 160 hectares across all four cardinal points of the Montefalco DOCG, and the Collepiano is the estate’s benchmark expression of Sagrantino — powerful, structured, and built for the long haul. James Suckling awarded it 94 points; Wine Spectator 92, recommending best drinking from 2030 through 2040.

The nose is dark and commanding: wild blackberries, meat, graphite minerality, and a stern, brooding intensity. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with firm, austere tannins, lifted acidity, and a chewy, concentrated core of pureed black cherry and blackberry paste. Accents of marjoram, garam masala, sandalwood, and smoke carry through to a polished finish of salt, chocolate, and fruit. This is Sagrantino at its most serious — a wine that demands patience and rewards it generously.

James Suckling 94 — "A dark mix of wild blackberries, meat and graphite minerality. Firm, austere tannins, a full body and lifted acidity. A very chewy style, with a polished finish showing salt, chocolate and fruit." (Vintage 2020). 

Wine Spectator 92 — "Dense tannins impart a thick, creamy texture… pureed black cherry and blackberry paste, with accents of marjoram, garam masala, sandalwood and smoke. Best from 2030 through 2040." (Vintage 2020).

• Producer: Arnaldo Caprai, Montefalco, Umbria, Italy
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG
• Varietal: 100% Sagrantino
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Wild blackberry, black cherry, graphite, marjoram, garam masala, sandalwood, dark chocolate, salt
• Cellar Potential: Best from 2030–2040
• Best Paired With: Braised wild boar, lamb osso buco, aged Pecorino, truffle pasta, beef short ribs

A 94-point Sagrantino from the appellation’s defining estate — dark, powerful, and built to age for decades.

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon — California 2024

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi is California's most trusted everyday wine brand, and this Cabernet Sauvignon is the clearest expression of why. Sourced from vineyards across California and crafted in the approachable, fruit-forward tradition that Robert Mondavi championed, it delivers genuine Cabernet character at under $9 — a benchmark for what everyday California red can be. Medium-bodied, smooth, and built for the table, it is the kind of wine that earns a permanent spot in the rack.

The nose opens with inviting aromas of ripe cherries, mixed berries, cedar, brown sugar, and toast. On the palate, flavors of blackberries, dark cherry, spice, toasted marshmallow, graham cracker, and chocolate unfold with pleasing complexity. A smooth, toasty caramel finish lingers cleanly. Fermented and aged to highlight the ripe, approachable fruit character that defines this style.

"Opens with aromas of cherries, berries, cedar, brown sugar, and toast. Flavors of berries, toasted marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker follow with a toasty caramel finish. Medium-bodied and approachable." — Winemaker Note

Producer: Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi, California

• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Style: Medium-bodied, fruit-forward California Cabernet
• Vinification: Fermented and aged in oak to enhance fruit complexity and smooth tannins
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherries, blackberries, cedar, dark chocolate, toasted marshmallow, caramel finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now
• Best Paired With: Grilled meats, burgers, BBQ, tomato-based pasta, chili, aged cheddar

An everyday California Cabernet that punches well above its price — Woodbridge is the reliable, crowd-pleasing red that belongs on every table.

Producer Notes

Domaine de Chevalier is one of Pessac-Léognan’s most celebrated Grand Cru Classé estates, renowned for producing wines of extraordinary precision, freshness, and longevity. The 2020 is widely regarded as one of the legendary wines from this address — a wine that effortlessly triumphs over the heat and drought of the vintage to produce something nuanced, pure, and deeply classical. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. Pure cassis, graphite, lead pencil, and scorched earth on the nose. Full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and a finish of extraordinary length. Best from 2027, with the potential to evolve for 50+ years.

65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2020

• Jeb Dunnuck 98+ pts | Pure cassis, graphite, lead pencil, and scorched earth. Full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. Pure, classic, regal Pessac-Léognan. Drink 2027–2077.
• James Suckling 97–99 pts | Purity of fruit is really something — blackcurrants, blackberries, orange, stone, and granite. Full-bodied with very fine, polished tannins. Great length. One for the cellar. Drink after 2030.
• Vinous 96 pts | Bright, poised, and wonderfully pure. Red cherry, blood orange, mint, star anise, and cinnamon. Built on aromatic presence and persistence. What a wine! Drink 2030–2060. — Antonio Galloni
• Decanter 96 pts | Blueberry and blackcurrant with liquorice, tobacco, and bitter chocolate spices. Precision and clarity. Rich, heady, and super promising. Drink 2028–2055. — Georgina Hindle
• Wine Spectator 95 pts | Cassis, plum, blackberry, warm loam, smoldering tobacco, and singed alder. Long and deep through the fine-grained finish. Best from 2028–2038. — James Molesworth
• Jane Anson 95 pts | Cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, creamy cassis, blackberry, bilberry, cigar box, and smoked earth. A brilliant Chevalier. Drink 2027–2048.
• WK 95+ pts | Minty blackberries and cassis with burning embers, spices, rose petals, and orange rind. Fleshy and concentrated with powdery tannins and a long, saline finish. Drink 2028–2060. — William Kelley
• Jancis Robinson 18/20 | Effortlessly triumphs over the heat and drought of 2020. Nuanced, promising, with trademark freshness. Bravissimo! Drink 2030–2050.

Food Pairings

• Prime dry-aged ribeye or rack of lamb
• Roasted duck or slow-braised short ribs
• Aged Comté or Époisses
• Truffle dishes or wild mushroom risotto

Producer Notes

Icardi is a certified organic estate in Piedmont’s Barolo zone — The Parej is their single-vineyard Barolo, made from 100% Nebbiolo grown on the estate’s organic vineyards. Roasted cherries, warmed clove, star anise, and dried floral hints rise from the glass as the wine opens. Mouthfilling on the palate with wild berries — fresh, dried, and preserved — combined with oak spice and superfine tannins. Dense and compact with plum, cherry, leather, forest floor, and tar. Well-balanced with a lingering finish. Best from 2027 through 2042.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2019

• Wine Enthusiast 91 pts | Roasted cherries, warmed clove, and star anise with dried floral hints and wild thyme. Mouthfilling with wild berries, oak spice, and superfine tannins. Drink now–2040. — Jeff Porter
• Wine Spectator 91 pts | Dense and compact with plum, cherry, leather, forest floor, and tar. Well-balanced with a lingering finish and chalky tannins. Best from 2027–2042. — Bruce Sanderson

Food Pairings

• Braised beef short ribs or osso buco
• Truffle pasta or mushroom risotto
• Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Castelmagno
• Roasted lamb or wild boar

The Pinot Project · Pinot Noir · California Coastal · 2024 · 375ml Half Bottle

The Pinot Project was built on a simple premise: make genuinely good Pinot Noir from California’s best coastal growing regions, without the price tag that usually comes with it. The 2024 draws from a trio of complementary AVAs — Monterey and San Benito on the Central Coast, and Suisun Valley in the north — each contributing its own character to the blend. The diversity of soils and cool-climate conditions across these regions is what gives this wine its remarkable balance and depth. Grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness and destemmed to preserve bright fruit and freshness. At $9.99 for a 375ml half bottle (compare at $11.99), this is California coastal Pinot Noir that punches well above its price.

Garnet in the glass with a nose of dark cherry, blackberry, pomegranate, and a hint of cacao. On the palate: medium-bodied and smooth, with fine-grained tannins, flavors of ripe strawberry, dark cherry, and cranberry, and a clean, lingering finish. Drink now through 2026.

• Producer: The Pinot Project
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: California (Monterey · San Benito · Suisun Valley)
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle
• Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, blackberry, pomegranate, cacao, ripe strawberry, cranberry, fine-grained tannins, smooth finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2026
• Food Pairings: Salmon, roast chicken, mushroom pasta, charcuterie, soft-ripened cheese

Three California coastal AVAs, one beautifully balanced Pinot — the half bottle that earns a permanent spot in the fridge door.

La Bicicleta Voladora · Rioja · Organic & Vegan · 2024

La Bicicleta Voladora, “The Flying Bicycle,” is a fresh, fruit-led Rioja with red-berry aromas, juicy blackberry and red-currant flavors. Medium-bodied and crisp on the finish, this organic and vegan red is aged entirely in concrete rather than oak, keeping the focus on bright fruit and an inviting texture.

Producer & Terroir

La Bicicleta Voladora is Germán Blanco's project in Rioja Baja, made with fellow oenologist Javier Collio. Fruit comes from certified organic vineyards in the Navarra part of the Rioja appellation, where dry-farmed vines grow in clay and limestone soils. The winemaker's account gives an average vine age of thirty-five years, while Oscar's review describes vines aged 20–35 years.

Winemaking

Following the Milú philosophy of “happy wines made from happy grapes,” the grapes are destemmed and fermented at low temperature with native yeasts. A slight maceration before fermentation finishes helps create a delicate, fresh style. The wine spends five to six months in concrete tanks, with no oak, and is unfiltered but lightly clarified.

67Wine Professional Review

Oscar Garcia Moncada · 67wino.shop. 20-35 year old vines. Certified Organic and Vegan; 100% Tempranillo entirely aged in concrete vats. Not filtered but lightly clarified. Notes of red berries on the nose with an enticing mouth-feel. Red currant, juicy blackberry. Medium-bodied with crisp and enticing finish.

Pairing & Serving

Pair with grilled meats, rich stews, aged cheeses, roasted vegetables or pasta with tomato-based sauces. Serve slightly chilled to highlight its fruit and freshness.

Details

• Producer: La Bicicleta Voladora / The Flying Bicycle, Germán Blanco
• Vintage: 2024
• Country: Spain
• Region / appellation: Rioja
• Vineyard area: Rioja Baja, Navarra portion of the appellation
• Grape: Tempranillo; the producer description and staff review specify 100%
• Type: Red wine
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Certifications: Organic and vegan
• Farming: Dry-farmed vineyards
• Fermentation: Native yeasts
• Aging: Five to six months in concrete; no oak
• Finishing: Unfiltered, lightly clarified

Winemaker Description

This signature wine contains only fruit farmed on Howell Mountain. The wine comes in a distinctive bottle that is hand dipped in red wax. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. aged 32 months in 100% new French oak.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2017

Vinous Antonio Galloni 97 Points | The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is sure to make Dunn fans happy. Powerful and ample, it marries the natural intensity of the year with the savoriness that makes Howell Mountain Cabernets so distinctive. Dark blue/purplish fruit, graphite, spice, leather, dried herbs and lavender imbue the 2017 with striking intensity and character. I can't wait to see how it ages. The 2017 is a positively stunning edition of the Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.  Drinking 2027 - 2047.

Robert Parker Joe Czerwinski 96 Points | Already more open than the 2018 Howell Mountain, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain boasts slightly piney, resinous herb notes—thyme and rosemary—along with classic cassis and blueberry fruit. Yes, there's a cedary coat of oak, but the fruit comes through loud and clear, adding a rich, velvety textural component and mouthwatering berry flavors on the lingering finish.  Drinking 2025 - 2040  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 96+

Wine Spectator James Molesworth 95 Points | Fresh ripe cassis, blackberry and plum fruit flavors course through, carried by tar and apple wood notes that are well-embedded, giving this a muscular but sleek feel. Features a great tug of dark earth and licorice snap on the palate-staining finish. Best from 2023 through 2038. 

Matchbook Petit Verdot · Dunnigan Hills · 2022

Matchbook's Estate Bottled Petit Verdot draws on the long growing season in California's Dunnigan Hills. The existing winemaker description points to plum, prune, blueberry and vanilla, followed by tobacco, mocha, cream cola and rhubarb. A lingering, dusty finish gives this hearty red a place beside a substantial dinner.

Our own Rand Sieger finds lavender, clove and sweet pipe tobacco on the nose, with blueberry, cola, chocolate, anise and fig on a palate that starts with grip and finishes silky. Pour it with lamb shank, roast pork or aged cheese.

Our professional review

Rand Sieger, 67wino.shop — The wine opens with beautiful aromas of lavender, clove and sweet pipe tobacco. The flavors are a bold, complex mix of blueberry, cola, chocolate, anise and fig. The texture is thick with a nice grip of tannins up front that mellow to a silky smoothness in the finish.

Expert review 

Wine Enthusiast, 91 Points — This full-bodied wine stands out for its potent aroma of blackberry jam and its lush and concentrated yet incredibly fresh dark-berry flavor. It's big and flavorful, ready to drink with your choice of rich proteins.

Winemaker description

Matchbook Estate Bottled Petit Verdot showcases the advantage of the Dunnigan Hills appellation's long growing season: the varietal characteristics of deep, rich flavors develop fully when allowed to slowly ripen well into the fall. The long, giving aromas of plum, prune, blueberry and vanilla show up in the mouth-filling flavors. An earthy note of tobacco mixed with flavors of mocha, cream cola and rhubarb adds complexity. The lingering, dusty finish hangs on the palate. Pair this hearty red with aged cheese, lamb shank or roasted pork loin.

Matchbook · Winemaker description

At a glance

• Producer: Matchbook
• Vintage listed: 2022
• Grape: Petit Verdot
• Appellation: Dunnigan Hills, California
• Size: 750ml

A generous, dark-fruited red with savory depth and a smooth finish.

Chianti Classico from One of Gaiole's Most Revered Organic Estates

San Giusto a Rentennano is one of Chianti Classico's most celebrated family estates, farming organically in Gaiole in Chianti and producing wines of exceptional purity and elegance. Their 2020 Chianti Classico — a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo, aged 10 months in oak barrels and barriques plus 6 months in bottle — is a benchmark expression of the appellation: energetic, fragrant, and classically structured, with the kind of pure fruit and fine tannins that make it equally compelling now or over the next 6–8 years.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

• Wine Advocate — 93 pts: "The certified organic 2020 Chianti Classico is a clever blend of 90% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo from a unique growing site in Gaiole in Chianti. This vintage stands out thanks to its ample and generous fruit profile. Elegant and velvety texture. Hits all the right notes. Drink 2022–2030."
• Jeb Dunnuck — 92+ pts: "Ripe with aromas of black raspberry coulis, red flowers, sweet tobacco, and pine. Elegant and medium-bodied, with supple texture, fine tannins, and an even, well-balanced finish. Pure, classic, and balanced — a gulpable wine that will drink great now or over the coming 6–8 years. Drink 2024–2032."
• Jancis Robinson — 17++ pts: "Lustrous mid ruby. An elegant, fragrant raspberry nose, gorgeous supple and juicy cherry and raspberry fruit on the palate, with gripping, nutty tannins. Very long and succulent and fragrant. Drink 2022–2028."
• Vinous — 91 pts: "Super-impressive. The purity of the fruit is really quite compelling. Dark cherry, plum, cedar, incense and licorice build nicely in a mid-weight Chianti Classico that hits all the right notes. Drink 2023–2032."
• Wine Spectator — 90 pts: "Dense, with solid tannins and lively acidity supporting expressive cherry, raspberry, iron and earth flavors. Balanced and long. Drink now through 2028."

Winemaker Notes

A Chianti of traditional style — energetic and elegant, with beautiful complexity and cleanliness on the nose. Aromas of ripe red fruit and spicy notes lead to an agile, fresh, and soft palate. Aged at least 10 months in oak barrels and barriques, plus 6 months in bottle.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: 90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo
• Appellation: Chianti Classico DOCG, Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy
• Producer: San Giusto a Rentennano
• Vintage: 2020
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Production: 51,872 bottles
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A classic Tuscan pairing — exceptional with bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, pasta al ragù, aged Pecorino, and grilled lamb chops.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon That Defines Organic Elegance

Grgich Hills Estate has been a Napa Valley icon since Miljenko "Mike" Grgich crafted the legendary Chardonnay that triumphed at the 1976 Paris Tasting. Their Organic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to biodynamic farming and old-world winemaking philosophy — structured, graceful, and built to age. The 2021 vintage delivers the hallmark Grgich precision: bright acidity, fine-grained tannins, and a fruit profile that is both expressive and restrained.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

• Decanter — 94 pts: "Grgich's Napa Cabernet is a bright, energetic, savoury-styled Napa classic. Its effusive black fruits and spearmint aromas give way to a medium to full-bodied red with a dusty tannin backbone framed by almost electric acidity. This impressive, tightly-knit, lovely structured Cabernet will prove a standout of the vintage."
• James Suckling — 90 pts: "Aromas of sweet red and purple berries, dried hibiscus, moss and thyme. Full-bodied with firm tannins. The aromas continue onto the palate, with the sweet fruit as the star of the show. From organically grown grapes."

Winemaker Notes

Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Organic Napa 2021 750ml

This elegant, graceful wine opens with aromas of blackberries, blueberries, sweet blackcurrant and ripe black cherry, supported by hints of vanilla and sandalwood. The flavors on the palate are of fresh red and black berry fruit accompanied by hints of rosemary and violets. The richness of the fruit is balanced with bright acidity and soft, smooth tannins leading to a long and vibrant finish.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Producer: Grgich Hills Estate
• Vintage: 2021
• Farming: Certified Organic & Biodynamic
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for the table — exceptional with prime rib, lamb chops, braised short ribs, aged cheeses, mushroom dishes, and hearty pasta with meat sauce.

Tommasi · Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC · 2022

Tommasi Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2022 combines Valpolicella’s vibrant fruit with the richness and complexity associated with Amarone. Produced by the historic Tommasi family, this elegant Veneto red balances supple texture, savory depth and refreshing acidity.

Winemaking

The traditional blend of 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella and 5% Corvinone undergoes a second fermentation on the grape skins used to produce Amarone, a process known as Ripasso. This technique enhances depth, texture and aromatic complexity while preserving freshness and balance. Approximately 18 months of maturation in large Slavonian oak casks complete the wine.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby red in color, this Ripasso opens with ripe cherries, dark berries, dried herbs, tobacco and black pepper. The supple, structured palate layers red and black fruit with licorice, subtle chocolate and warm spice. Silky tannins and refreshing acidity lead to a long, savory finish. Its combination of elegance and complexity offers an approachable choice for Amarone lovers and a versatile companion at the table.

Pairing & Serving

Serve at 60–64°F (16–18°C) with roasted or grilled meats, braised short ribs, hearty pasta dishes, mushroom risotto or aged Italian cheeses.

Details

• Producer: Tommasi
• Wine: Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore
• Vintage: 2022
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country: Italy
• Region: Veneto
• Appellation: Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore DOC
• Grape: Corvina blend
• Blend: 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, 5% Corvinone
• Type: Red wine, dry
• Body: Medium to full
• Winemaking: Second fermentation on Amarone grape skins using the Ripasso method
• Aging: Approximately 18 months in large Slavonian oak casks
• Alcohol: 13.5% ABV

Emilio Moro Ribera del Duero 2021 375ml Half Bottle

Bodegas Emilio Moro is one of Ribera del Duero's most beloved family estates — four generations of the Moro family have dedicated themselves body and soul to winemaking for over 100 years in the heart of Castilla y León. Their flagship Ribera del Duero is a 100% Tempranillo aged in French and American oak, crafted to express the full depth and elegance of this iconic Spanish appellation. This 375ml half bottle delivers the complete Emilio Moro experience in a format perfect for two glasses or a solo indulgence.

The 2021 vintage is serious and elegant — deep garnet in color, with a nose that opens slowly and builds in intensity and aromatic complexity. On the palate it is well-structured with ripe, silky tannins and a persistent, satisfying finish that rewards patience in the glass.

"This 100% Tempranillo aged in French and American oak exudes seductive aromas of violets, fresh blueberry, vanilla, and oak that merge with a satin-lined rush of berries and chocolate. A juicy stream of vanilla latte unfurls within the exquisite mouthfeel before violets bloom on the finish, seasoned with cigar leaf and tilled soil." — Tasting Panel, 93 pts

• Producer: Bodegas Emilio Moro, Pesquera de Duero, Ribera del Duero, Spain
• Appellation: Ribera del Duero DO
• Grape: 100% Tempranillo
• Vintage: 2021
• Aging: French and American oak
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle
• Tasting Notes: Violets, blueberry, cherry, plum, vanilla, chocolate, cigar leaf, silky tannins, persistent finish
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, Iberian pork, grilled ribeye, aged Manchego, or charcuterie

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

Tasting Panel — 93 Points
This 100% Tempranillo aged in French and American oak exudes seductive aromas of violets, fresh blueberry, vanilla, and oak that merge with a satin-lined rush of berries and chocolate. A juicy stream of vanilla latte unfurls within the exquisite mouthfeel before violets bloom on the finish, seasoned with cigar leaf and tilled soil.

James Suckling — 91 Points
Nicely expressive, with plenty of cherries, plums and spiced blue fruit. Medium-bodied with chalky tannins and a juicy. Firm and pretty long.

One of Spain’s most celebrated Tempranillos in a perfect half-bottle format — Emilio Moro delivers Ribera del Duero at its most expressive and satisfying.

The finest Malartic-Lagravière ever made. Six of the world's top critics agree — the 2022 is a historic achievement for this Pessac-Léognan estate. "Awesome levels of blackcurrants, darker cherries, roasted herbs, chocolate, and scorched earth. Incredibly concentrated, rich, layered beauty with velvety tannins and a blockbuster finish. Easily the finest I've tasted from this château. Deserves 4-6 years in the cellar and will keep for two decades or more."

• James Suckling 97 Points | "Surprisingly fresh, showing depth, innate balance and complexity. Mineral-etched fruit turns glossy with cassis, berries, plums, spices and a hint of violets. One of the best ever."
• Decanter 96 Points | "Gorgeous fragrant red berry fruit, creamy and juicy with crystalline fruit, acidity and integrated tannins. Harmonised and balanced with tension and poise. A real joy with plenty of ageing potential."
• Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | "Powerful, with concentrated black fruits and a structure that promises serious aging. Drink from 2028."
• Vinous 95 Points | "A pretty sexy wine. Dark cherry, plum, licorice, chocolate, new leather and spice. Dense and packed to the core with formidable intensity."
• Wine Spectator 93 Points | "Warm plum, black currant and black cherry compote, inlaid with singed alder and black tea. Very solid."
• Wine Advocate 92 Points | "Classic, elegant bouquet of cassis, mulberries, flowers and spices. Elegantly juicy with a spicy, long finish."

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby-garnet with brilliant clarity
• Nose: Blackcurrant, dark cherry, roasted herbs, chocolate, scorched earth and violets
• Palate: Concentrated dark fruit, cassis, plum and licorice with velvety tannins and layered complexity
• Finish: Blockbuster length with spice, graphite and exceptional persistence

Production Details

• Château: Malartic-Lagravière
• Appellation: Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France
• Classification: Cru Classé de Graves
• Blend: 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, Petit Verdot & Cabernet Franc
• Élevage: 20 months in 60% new French oak
• Production: ~8,000 cases
• Vintage: 2022 | Format: 750ml
• Cellaring: 4–6 years recommended; will keep 20+ years
  

Château Malartic-Lagravière is one of Pessac-Léognan's most celebrated Cru Classé estates, renowned for wines of precision, depth, and extraordinary longevity. The 2022 vintage, shaped by exceptional growing conditions, has produced what many critics are calling the greatest wine in the château's history. Pairs magnificently with aged beef, lamb, truffle dishes, and fine aged cheeses.

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

Lively medium red. Pure, very refreshing aromas and flavors of raspberry, licorice and violet on the drop-dead gorgeous nose. Then sweet and pliant, boasting delightful energy and balance, with the red fruits and subtle herbal notes conveying a distinct coolness on the mineral, vibrant and very long finish.

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

James Suckling 92 Points | A juicy, vibrant and fruity blend of malbec, bonarda and petit verdot. Aromas of red cherries, berries and touches of citrus and potpourri. Fresh and brambly, with a medium body and small-grained fruit tannins.