Reds

Winemaker Description

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

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

67Wine Buyer's Note

Bart Hopkins, 67Wine
Stephanie Fumoso is the great-granddaughter of Eugène Bonfils, who founded Domaine Gour de Chaulé in 1900. The estate has 10 hectares in the village of Gigondas, planted mainly to Grenache with small percentages of Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault. The 2022 Cuvée Tradition is a pure expression of this beautiful part of the Southern Rhône — juicy, herb-infused strawberry fruit on the nose accented with crushed pepper and savory spices. Energetic and lively in the mouth, with a gentle grip of tannins and a lick of acidity on the long, elegant finish. Well balanced and perfectly suited to the dinner table — serve with braised meats, roasted vegetables, and hearty Mediterranean dishes.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

James Suckling — 93 Points
"A refined, chiseled and bright red based mostly on Grenache with the addition of Syrah and Mourvèdre. The nose is precise and charming, with notes of wild strawberries, dried flowers, wet stones, and baking spices. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Fresh and well-balanced. Beautiful volume. Silky texture with a purity of fruit and a harmonious finish. Drink or hold."

Vinous — 93 Points
"The full-bodied 2022 Gigondas Cuvée Tradition 1871 is a total delight. Succulent red fruits mingle with floral tones and a pinch of dried herbs. Smooth tannins and bright acidity neatly structure this silky-textured Gigondas, which culminates with a concentrated, sapid finish. Give it two more years in bottle to develop even more complexity."

About the Vineyard

Several important vineyard sites form this Gigondas, including Gour de Chaulé, Les Blaches, and Les Bousquets. The Grenache vines average well over a half century in age, contributing the concentration and complexity that defines this cuvée.

Product Details

• Producer: Domaine Gour de Chaulé
• Region: Gigondas AOC, Southern Rhône, France
• Blend: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault
• Vine Age: 50+ years
• Vintage: 2022
• Style: Full-bodied, structured Southern Rhône red
• Format: 750ml

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.

Discover the Richness of Primitivo di Manduria

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

James Suckling - 91 Points | A spiced nose of dark berries, smoked herbs and hints of mushrooms and moist earth. Full-bodied, dense and plush, with firm tannins and rich, almost sweet berry character.

Memo Summary Notes

The San Marzano "Anniversario 62" Primitivo di Manduria Riserva 2019 is an iconic, opulent red from Puglia that serves as a tribute to the winery's founding year. It is widely considered a benchmark for the region, known for its massive concentration, "noble" tannins, and a luxurious, velvety texture.

Why 62? The name commemorates 1962, the year 19 vine growers came together to found Cantine San Marzano. This Riserva is only made from their oldest, lowest-yielding bush vines, which results in much higher flavor concentration than standard Primitivo.

Because of its richness and hint of sweetness, it needs bold flavors to stand up to it:

• Meats: Slow-cooked beef short ribs, venison with a berry reduction, or grilled lamb chops.

• Italian Classics: Orecchiette with a spicy sausage and broccoli rabe ragu.

• Indulgent: Dark chocolate desserts or a platter of extra-aged Pecorino and blue cheeses.

Experience the Taste of Primitivo

San Marzano Anniversario 62 Primitivo di Manduria Riserva 2019 showcases the exceptional quality of Primitivo grapes. This wine is full-bodied, offering rich fruit flavors, including notes of black cherry and plum. It has a smooth texture and balanced acidity, making it an ideal choice for both casual and formal occasions. People appreciate its versatility, as it pairs well with various dishes, from pasta to grilled meats.

Why Choose San Marzano Anniversario 62?

This particular vintage stands out not only for its taste but also for its meticulous production process. San Marzano winery is known for its commitment to quality, and the 2019 Riserva reflects that dedication. The grapes are carefully harvested and fermented, ensuring that the unique characteristics of the Primitivo grape shine through. Therefore, when you choose this wine, you're selecting a product with a rich heritage and a promise of exceptional quality.

An Ideal Wine for Every Occasion

Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or enjoying a quiet evening at home, San Marzano Primitivo di Manduria is the perfect companion. Because of its complexity and rich flavor profile, it can elevate any dining experience. Many wine lovers recommend serving it slightly below room temperature to enhance its aromatic qualities. So, if you’re looking for a memorable wine experience, consider the San Marzano Anniversario 62 Primitivo di Manduria Riserva 2019.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2020

James Suckling 94 Points | Attractive aromas of ripe cherries, dried strawberries, dried orange peel, spices and crushed stones. Medium to full body with compact, firm, finely grained tannins. Smooth and textured with vivid fruit underneath and a lingering finish. Drink or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Rich ruby color. A selection from the best vineyards, aged for two years. Toasted cedar, cherry lozenge, menthol, and spiced orange peel. Medium-bodied with ripe tannins folding into a mineral texture, mouthwatering stony earth, and a long, clean finish.

Robert Parker | Wine Advocate 93 Points | Ripe fruit with measured intensity that never feels heavy or overdone — achieving this level of balance is not easy in a hot growing season. Characterized by an especially linear and direct personality that pushes over the palate with good momentum.

Wine Spectator 90 Points | Juicy yet firmly structured with bright cherry and blackberry fruit. Dense tannins inform the finish with accents of earth and mineral. Balanced in a youthful, exuberant way. Best 2025–2039.

Winemaker Notes

Ruby red with a trace of garnet. Elegant nose displaying hints of spice and fruit. Well-structured with smooth tannins and a long finish. Certified organic Sangiovese from one of Chianti Classico’s most historic and beautiful estates.

Tasting & Pairings

Ripe cherry, dried strawberry, orange peel, crushed stones, cedar, menthol, and spice. Medium to full body with firm, finely grained tannins and a mineral finish. Decant or cellar through 2039.

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina or grilled lamb — the classic Tuscan pairing for a Riserva of this caliber.
• Wild boar ragù or pappardelle with meat sauce — the tannin structure and earthy notes complement rich, slow-cooked sauces.
• Aged Pecorino Toscano — a regional cheese that mirrors the wine’s earthy, mineral character.

Expert Reviews 

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | The 2020 Chianti Classico is impressive and pure, with ripe black cherry, a hint of blue fruit, violets, and sweet herbs. It is medium to full-bodied, with supple fruit throughout, fine grained tannins, and a polished feel. It displays fresh acidity without any harsh edges, but it is mouthwatering and compels returning for more. This beautiful wine from Querciabella is drinking well now, and I imagine will continue to improve over the coming decade or more. (2020).

James Suckling 93 Points | Pure fruit on the nose, with rose hips, cherries, blueberries, lemon leaves and dried flowers. Medium-bodied with tangy acidity and firm tannins. Vibrant and elegant, with such purity of fruit. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Drink or hold. (2020).

Decanter 92 Points | With an annual production of approximately 150,000 bottles, this is Querciabella’s calling card – and an impressive one at that. It also gives an incisive panoramic shot of the Chianti Classico region as it's a blend of estate vineyards in three different subzones. Bright and fresh, the 2020 annata emerges energetically out of the glass with exuberant and pure red cherry and currants. It gains intrigue with stylish touches of mocha, tarragon and truffles. It's full and vigorous yet light on its feet thanks to radiant acidity, while well-formed tannins lend just the right amount of chew. As suave as it is characterful. (2020).

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

James Suckling 92 Points | Currant, blueberry and violet aromas follow through to a medium body with firm, fine tannins that give the wine form and focus. Chocolate and hazelnut emerge in the undertones. Drink or hold.

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot features alluring aromas evoking cassis, black-skinned berry and underbrush. The concentrated palate offers black plum, tobacco and mocha alongside polished tannins.

Château Lilian Ladouys — Saint-Estèphe Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel 2020

Château Lilian Ladouys is one of Saint-Estèphe’s most exciting estates — and the 2020 vintage may be its finest hour. Owned by the Lorenzetti family and now classified as Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel (the top tier of the new classification), Lilian Ladouys consistently punches well above its weight, delivering Classified Growth quality at a fraction of the price. The 2020 vintage — one of Bordeaux’s greatest in a generation — is big, bold, and built for the long haul.

Dark fruits, damp earth, truffle, cassis, licorice, and a deft touch of creamy oak define the nose. On the palate, powerful yet polished tannins frame a concentrated, medium-to-full-bodied wine with exceptional length and a racy, structured finish. Already showing complexity, it will evolve gracefully for 10–15 years and beyond.

Wine Enthusiast 93–95 • Decanter 93 • Jeb Dunnuck 92 • James Suckling 92 • Robert Parker 91+

• Producer: Château Lilian Ladouys, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux
• Vintage: 2020
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel
• Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cassis, dark fruit, truffle, damp earth, licorice, creamy oak, powdery tannins
• Cellar Potential: Best after 2025–2027; will evolve through 2035+
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, beef tenderloin, duck confit, truffle dishes, aged hard cheeses

One of the clear leaders of the Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel category — Lilian Ladouys 2020 is a Saint-Estèphe benchmark at a remarkable price.

Pinot Noir | Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley / Oregon
Vintage: 2023  |  Size: 750ml
90+ Rated

Bethel Heights is one of the Willamette Valley’s founding estates, farming their Eola-Amity Hills vineyards since 1977. The Estate Pinot Noir is their signature bottling — a blend of nearly all sections of their three estate vineyards, spanning some 214 barrels each vintage. It is, as the winemakers put it, “the best place to start when evaluating their growing season and winemaking intent in any given vintage.”

The 2023 Estate is a standout — deeper and more concentrated than the 2021 or 2022, yet it remains light on its feet. A deeper jeweled magenta in the glass, it is perfumed with cherry liqüeur, black raspberry, violets, candied flowers, and rocky earth. The palate is medium-bodied, ripe, and elegant, with fine chalky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, nuanced finish. Crushed cherries, blackberries, rhubarb, blood orange, lavender, and iron all make appearances — a wine of genuine complexity that will reward patience or benefit from a decanter now.

“A deeper jeweled magenta… perfumed with cherry liqüeur, black raspberry, violets, candied flowers, and rocky earth. Medium-bodied, ripe, and elegant, with fine tannins and more density than the 2021 or 2022 vintages, yet it remains light on its feet.”
— Jeb Dunnuck, 94 Points. (Vintage 2023). 

“Aromas of red cherries, cranberries, dried herbs and subtle spices. The palate is fresh and layered, with fine tannins and lifted red fruit. Balanced and savory, with a long finish. Drink or hold.”
— James Suckling, 93 Points

“Slowly unfolding scents of rhubarb, blackberry, blood orange, lavender and iron. The medium-bodied palate features concentrated, floral flavors. Framed by fine, chalky tannins and vibrant acidity with a long, nuanced finish. It will benefit from time in a decanter.”
— Wine Advocate, 93 Points. (Vintage 2023). 

“Opens with a vibrant blend of crushed cherries and blackberries, elevated by sweet herbal tones and a nuance of spice. Juicy acidity enlivens depths of crisp wild berry fruit and mineral notes. The finish is pleasantly grippy, tapering off chewy and long with a tinge of licorice.”
— Vinous, 92 Points. (Vintage 2023). 

“Tightly wound and full of tension, with sinewy flavors of blueberry and raspberry framed by stony mineral and dusky spice notes. Finishes with firm tannins. Needs time. Best from 2026 through 2033.”
— Wine Spectator, 91 Points. (Vintage 2023). 

Melville Winery · Sta. Rita Hills · 2023

Melville’s Estate Pinot Noir captures the cool-climate character of Sta. Rita Hills in Santa Barbara County, balancing ripe California fruit with savory detail, freshness, and structure. It is a polished, medium-bodied Pinot Noir with the focus and versatility to work at the table or in the cellar.

Redcurrant, framboise, strawberry, and raspberry coulis meet peppery herbs, pine, floral notes, dark fruit, and citrus peel. Fermented with 40% whole cluster and aged in neutral wood, the wine carries integrated acidity, silky texture, and ripe, polished tannins through a sleek finish.

Expert Reviews — 2023 Vintage

Jeb Dunnuck: 93 points
“A terrific base appellation release, with redcurrants, framboise, peppery herbs, and floral nuances on the nose. Medium-bodied, pure, supple, and well-structured on the palate, with integrated acidity and ripe, polished tannins. Fermented with 40% whole cluster and aged in neutral wood, it’s beautifully done and worth a case purchase.”

Wine Advocate: 92+ points
“Tasted just three weeks after bottling, the 2023 Pinot Noir Estate is already showing beautifully. The nose presents powerful dark fruit and citrus peel aromas with spry energy, mirrored on the silky, refined palate. It finishes with a lovely balance between saturated fruits and a powdery, subtly drying structure.”

Wine Spectator: 90 points
“Brisk and fresh, with pine and savory notes peeking out from a core of strawberry and raspberry coulis. The finish is light-bodied but sleek. Drink now through 2027.”

• Producer: Melville Winery
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Sta. Rita Hills AVA
• Region: Santa Barbara County, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Winemaking: 40% whole cluster; aged in neutral wood
• Style: Medium-bodied, cool-climate California Pinot Noir
• Tasting notes: Redcurrant, framboise, strawberry, raspberry, peppery herbs, pine, florals, and citrus peel
• Pair with: Mushroom risotto, grilled pork chops, roasted duck, salmon, tuna poke, or earthy vegetable dishes
• Drinking window: Now through 2027+
• Size: 750ml

A precise, cool-climate Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir with 93-point pedigree, savory freshness, and polished structure.

Domaine Sigalas MM I — Mavrotragano & Mandilaria, Cyclades 2022

Domaine Sigalas is the most celebrated winery on Santorini — and one of the most important estates in all of Greece. Founded by Paris Sigalas, a mathematician turned winemaker, the domaine has spent decades proving that Santorini is not just a white wine island. The MM I is their flagship red: a 50/50 blend of Mavrotragano and Mandilaria, two of the Aegean's most ancient and distinctive indigenous red varieties, cultivated on the volcanic soils of Santorini and the Cyclades. Aged for one year in large oak casks, it is a wine of genuine character — punchy, food-driven, and unlike anything else in the world of Greek wine.

Deep crimson in the glass with a refreshing, aromatic nose of red fruit, cherry, and a finely blended bouquet of spice and earth. On the palate, it is vibrant and food-friendly with flavors of cherry, cassis, grilled watermelon, and apple cider, framed by firm, bitter tannins and lively acidity. Best served slightly cooler than a typical red to maximize its freshness and accessibility. A wine built for the table — especially cheese-heavy dishes.

Wine Advocate 91 Points — "Punchy flavors of cherry, cassis, grilled watermelon and apple cider. The tannins are bitter, and it might help to serve this wine one or two degrees cooler than normal to make it more accessible. It is inherently food-friendly, especially with cheese-heavy dishes like lasagna or pizza." (Vintage 2022). 

• Producer: Domaine Sigalas, Santorini, Cyclades, Greece
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Cyclades PGI, Aegean Islands
• Blend: 50% Mavrotragano, 50% Mandilaria
• Aging: 12 months in large oak casks
• Style: Medium-Bodied, Vibrant, Food-Driven
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherry, cassis, grilled watermelon, apple cider, firm tannins, lively acidity
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2029
• Best Paired With: Lasagna, pizza, lamb chops, grilled meats, aged cheeses, moussaka
• Serve: 58–62°F (serve slightly cooler than a typical red)

91 points from Wine Advocate — Domaine Sigalas MM I is Santorini's most exciting red: ancient grapes, volcanic soils, and a flavor profile unlike anything else.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

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

Winemaker Description 

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

Memo Summary Notes

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

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

High on the hills above the Val di Chiana, the hilltop town of Montepulciano has been shaping Sangiovese — here called Prugnolo Gentile — into something distinctly aristocratic for centuries. Cantine Dei is among its finest custodians. Founded when Alibrando Dei acquired the legendary Bossona vineyard in 1964, the estate reached its full expression under his granddaughter Caterina, who returned to Montepulciano in the early 1990s with a singular conviction: that these wines exist to reveal their land, not obscure it. The first Dei Vino Nobile was released from the exceptional 1985 harvest. Four decades on, the intention hasn't changed.

The 2021 is a luminous ruby with garnet tones, and it opens with an intense bouquet of ripe cherries, plums, violets, and iron-tinged earth. On the palate it walks the line between fruity and savory with real grace — full-bodied yet poised, with velvety tannins, fine acidity, and notes of almond, camphor, and tobacco that build through a long, lively finish. Paolo Caciorgna's winemaking is as restrained as ever: the fruit speaks, and the structure rewards patience. Drink now through 2035.

93 points — Wine Spectator | “Supple and complex, walking a fine line between fruity and savory, youthful and mature. Cherry, plum, almond, iron, earth and tobacco… fades gracefully on the long, lively aftertaste. Drink now through 2035.” (Vintage 2021). 

92 points — James Suckling | “Aromas of forest floor, black cherries, camphor and dried flowers. Forthright structure with crisp acidity, chalky tannins and a tight finish that’s chewy and polished. Drink or hold.” (Vintage 2021).

• Producer: Cantine Dei
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
• Varietal: Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese), Canaiolo
• Farming: Sustainable
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe cherry, plum, violet, almond, iron, earth, tobacco, vanilla
• Cellar: Drink now through 2035
• Food Pairings: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, aged Pecorino, braised lamb

Ranked #34 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2023 — one of Tuscany’s most compelling values at this level.

Husch Vineyards · Pinot Noir · Anderson Valley · Mendocino County, California · 2022 · 750ml

Husch Vineyards holds a special place in California wine history: founded in 1971, it was the first winery established in the Anderson Valley, a remote, fog-laced appellation in Mendocino County that has since become one of the state’s most celebrated addresses for Pinot Noir. The valley’s cool, maritime climate — shaped by Pacific fog that rolls in through the Navarro River corridor — produces Pinot Noir that sits at a compelling stylistic crossroads: darker and earthier than Russian River or Sonoma Coast, yet more structured and spice-driven than Willamette Valley Oregon. Husch has been farming this land for over fifty years, and the estate Pinot Noir remains the benchmark expression of what makes Anderson Valley special.

Lively ruby in the glass with an inviting, complex nose of raspberry compote, strawberry jam, dried florals, dried herbs, and a savory note of portobello mushroom. On the palate: baked red plum, pomegranate, and orange zest, interwoven with vanilla bean, earth, and mineral, carried by smooth tannins and lifted acidity that brings focus and length to a dry, supple finish. Wine Enthusiast awarded 92 points, calling it “a legacy family in the Anderson Valley still going strong.” Drink now through 2029. Pair with coq au vin, mushroom ravioli, roasted duck, grilled salmon, or creamy cheeses.

• Producer: Husch Vineyards (est. 1971, Anderson Valley — first winery in the appellation)
• Wine: Estate Pinot Noir · Anderson Valley
• Vintage: 2022
• Origin: Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, California
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Style: Earthy, spice-driven, food-friendly Anderson Valley Pinot Noir
• Score: Wine Enthusiast 92 Points
• Drinking Window: Now–2029
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Raspberry compote, strawberry, dried florals, portobello mushroom, red plum, pomegranate, orange zest, vanilla, earth, mineral, supple finish
• Pair With: Coq au vin · Mushroom ravioli · Roasted duck · Grilled salmon · Creamy cheeses

Anderson Valley’s founding winery, 92pts Wine Enthusiast — California Pinot Noir at its most authentic.

Expert Reviews

Wine Enthusiast — 92 Points
“This lively wine offers aromas of raspberry compote, strawberry jam, florals, dried herbs and portobello mushroom on the nose. The flavors on the palate are baked red plum, pomegranate and orange zest, interwoven with vanilla bean, earth, mineral and a dry, supple finish. From a legacy family in the Anderson Valley still going strong.”

Bart Hopkins — 67wino.shop 
“The beautiful Anderson Valley of Mendocino County is home to some of California’s best Pinot Noir. I look at it as a stylistic bridge between Russian River–Sonoma Coast and the Willamette Valley of Oregon. The fruit leans more to the darker spectrum with earthy complexity and a spicy character. Aromas of cherry and strawberry mingle with shades of violet, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Well balanced and harmonious with smooth tannins and lifted acidity that brings focus to the fruit on the long flavorful finish.”

Few names carry more weight in Tuscan wine than Antinori. With over six centuries of winemaking history, the family has shaped the identity of Chianti Classico as much as any single producer — and the Villa Antinori Riserva is their benchmark expression of the appellation: a wine that balances tradition with refinement, vintage after vintage.

The Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2022 is ruby red in the glass, with a nose that opens on fresh pomegranate, cherry, and orange peel, layered with ginger spice, lavender, rose petals, and delicate balsamic notes of white musk. On the palate, the entry is vertical and precise, building to a savory, full-flavored structure supported by supple tannins and a long, warm finish of cocoa and dark fruit. The 2022 vintage brings exceptional balance — ripe, elegant, and built to age.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Kerin O'Keefe — 95 Points: "Elegantly structured and loaded with finesse, the 2022 Chianti Classico Riserva from Antinori pushes all the right buttons, starting with its enticing aromas of ripe black-skinned fruit, violet, exotic dark spice and a whiff of Mediterranean scrub. On the delicious palate, notes of licorice, vanilla and crushed mint accent a ripe black cherry core while velvety tannins provide seamless support and plenty of finesse. It's well balanced, with fresh acidity. Drink through 2030." (05/25)

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Pomegranate, cherry, orange peel, ginger, lavender, rose petals, white musk
• Palate: Savory and full-flavored with supple tannins, black cherry, licorice, and crushed mint
• Finish: Long, warm, and expansive with cocoa notes

Wine Details

• Sangiovese-based blend
• Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2022 | Drink through 2030
• 750ml

Winemaker Description

Rescuing and resistant, Queen Isabella has ensured since the attack of phylloxera, in the 19th century, the continuation of vineyards and wine on the islands until the present day. For many...it's not part of the customs.

This "Isabella" the Forbidden, highlights the history of the last 200 years, in an elegant, aromatic, authentic and...simple wine, like all that is good!

A fresh, elegant, spicy and saline red like few others. Ideal partner for grilled and seasoned red meat dishes. Signature of the winemaker António Maçanita.

An Isabella Forbidden and super appetizing.... Another great wine from the Azores Wine Company! 

Planteray 5 Years Old Barbados Old Traditional Rum — Barbados & Cognac, France (750ml)

Planteray — formerly known as Plantation Rum — is one of the world’s most celebrated craft rum houses, renowned for their meticulous double-aging process and their deep collaboration with the Cognac region of France. The 5 Years Old Barbados is the house’s flagship expression: a very fine blend of Barbados rums, aged for a minimum of five years in ex-Bourbon casks in the Caribbean, then shipped to Château de Bonbonnet in the Cognac region to be refined in old Pierre Ferrand Cognac casks — a finishing technique that adds extraordinary depth, complexity, and a silky elegance that sets Planteray apart from any other rum in its class. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 94 points and a Best Buy designation.

The nose is succulent and inviting: toasted coconut, fudge, mellow brown sugar, and oaky vanilla — classic Barbados style at its most expressive. On the palate, the rum is exceedingly smooth and creamy, opening with vanilla, toasted marshmallow, and vanilla wafers, winding into a long, warming finish tinged with espresso and allspice. It is exceptional straight, on ice, or as the backbone of a premium cocktail.

Wine Enthusiast 94 Best Buy — "This tawny rum offers a mellow brown sugar aroma. The exceedingly smooth palate opens with plenty of creamy vanilla, plus hints of toasted marshmallow and vanilla wafers, winding into a long finish tinged with espresso and allspice."

• Producer: Planteray (formerly Plantation Rum), Cognac, France
• Origin: Barbados (distillation) & Cognac, France (finishing)
• Age: Minimum 5 years
• Aging: Ex-Bourbon casks in Barbados, then Pierre Ferrand Cognac casks at Château de Bonbonnet
• Style: Old Traditional Rum (O.T.R.)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Toasted coconut, fudge, brown sugar, vanilla, toasted marshmallow, espresso, allspice
• Best Enjoyed: Neat, on ice, or in premium cocktails (Daiquiri, Old Fashioned, Mai Tai)

A 94-point Best Buy rum from one of the world’s most celebrated craft rum houses — Planteray 5 Years Old Barbados is the benchmark for what double-aged, Cognac-finished Caribbean rum can deliver.

Super-Tuscan Quality at a Remarkably Fair Price

Tenuta Sette Ponti is one of Tuscany’s most respected estates, located in the Valdarno di Sopra between Florence and Arezzo. Crognolo is their flagship Super-Tuscan blend — 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot — crafted from a historic Sangiovese clone unique to the property. Certified organic, it delivers serious Tuscan character with vibrant energy, firm structure, and exceptional aging potential.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

• James Suckling — 94 pts: Fresh strawberries and cherries with orange peel and flowers. Cedar, black olive and violet undertones. Medium-bodied with firm, racy tannins that give energy and focus. Tangy and fresh with slightly bitter citrus on the finish. Drink or hold.
• Wine Advocate (Monica Larner) — 92 pts: A core of blackened fruit with plum and cooked blackberry, plus varietal Sangiovese hints of pressed rose and sweet potting soil. Medium texture with fruity freshness. A selection from a historic clone of Sangiovese found on the estate. 150,000 bottles produced.
• Vinous (Antonio Galloni) — 92 pts: Dark, vibrant and persistent. Dark-fleshed fruit, chocolate, licorice, cloves, menthol. Admirable energy with grippy tannins on the finish.
• Wine Spectator — 91 pts: Black cherry, blackberry, lavender and spice. Dense, tight and compact with plenty of fruit and well-integrated structure. Fine length. Best 2026–2038.

Winemaker Notes

Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo Toscana Organic 2022 750ml

Strawberry, cherry, black olive, cedar, and violet on the nose, with chocolate, licorice, and menthol emerging on the palate. Medium-bodied with firm, racy tannins and vibrant Sangiovese acidity. Decant for 30 minutes or cellar through 2038. Certified Organic.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: 90% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot
• Appellation: Valdarno di Sopra, Toscana IGT, Italy
• Producer: Tenuta Sette Ponti
• Vintage: 2022
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural at the Tuscan table — exceptional with bistecca alla Fiorentina, grilled lamb chops, pappardelle with wild boar ragù, aged Pecorino Toscano, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Winemaker Description

Blaufränkisch, also known as Lemberger, is a beautiful varietal full of fruit and spice! 

There's a reason this vineyards been winning awards. On the nose I get cassis with some rubber and a definite minerality. Some herbal notes are hiding in the background. The palate brings forth licorice and black raspberry with those currants. There's a slight jammy quality with great acid and some beautifully lingering tannins. It's deliciously drinkable for a cold winter night but light enough in body to sip all year round. Pair with barbecue ribs or a wiener schnitzel. Winemaker Description.

Altesino's Brunello di Montalcino is a benchmark expression of Sangiovese Grosso from one of Tuscany's most storied estates. Brilliant ruby tending toward garnet with age, it opens with an intense, refined bouquet of sweet violet, tobacco, chocolate, wild berries, and vanilla. On the palate, it is full-bodied and well-structured, with firm yet balanced tannins and exceptional aging potential.

The first wine to receive Italy's DOCG appellation, Brunello di Montalcino is the ultimate ambassador of Italian fine wine. This 375ml half bottle is ideal for an intimate pairing or a first look at a cellar-worthy vintage.

Pairs beautifully with braised meats, wild boar, aged pecorino, truffles, and hearty Tuscan cuisine.

Álvaro Palacios | Camins del Priorat | Priorat DOQ | Catalonia, Spain | 2024

Álvaro Palacios is one of Spain's most celebrated winemakers, the visionary who put Priorat on the world map with his legendary L'Ermita and Finca Dofí. Camins del Priorat — "paths of Priorat" — is his entry into the appellation, but make no mistake: this is a serious wine crafted with the same philosophy and terroir access that defines the estate. The 2024 vintage, a cooler year, yielded a particularly elegant and balsamic expression.

The blend leans into Garnacha (40%) and Cariñena (20%), with Syrah (20%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), Merlot (5%), and a small addition of white grapes — Garnacha Blanca, Picapoll Blanc, and Pedro Ximénez (5%) — adding aromatic lift. Fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel, oak, and concrete, with 28 days of maceration and four months in barriques and oak vats.

Deep purple in the glass, the nose is balsamic and minty with resin, violets, and dark berry. On the palate, warm mulberry, plum, and lingonberry are framed by cinnamon, dried lavender, sage, and sweet paprika, with graphite and cocoa powder accents. Fine, chalky tannins and bright acidity give it a stylish, palate-cleansing finish with excellent length. Juicy, velvety, and built to drink now through 2036.

• Producer: Álvaro Palacios
• Appellation: Priorat DOQ, Catalonia, Spain
• Blend: 40% Garnacha, 20% Cariñena, 20% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 5% white grapes
• Vintage: 2024
• Aging: 4 months in barriques and oak vats
• Drink: Now through 2036
• Production: ~175,000 bottles
• Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2024 

• Wine Spectator — 93 pts: Warm mulberry, plum and lingonberry with cinnamon, dried lavender, graphite and cocoa. Fine, chalky tannins and bright acidity. Stylish and appealing with good length. Drink now through 2036.
• Wine Advocate (Luis Gutiérrez) — 92 pts: Juicy and velvety with finesse and drinkability. Very balsamic and minty nose with hints of resin and violets. Textured and fruit-driven.

Winemaker Description

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

The Wine Spectator 90 Points | A bright, balanced red, with an aromatic overtone of medicinal herbs and spices accenting flavors of macerated cherry and raspberry fruit, stone, smoke, milled pepper and paprika. Lightly chewy on the finish. Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio. Drink now through 2033. (Vintage 2023). 

Winemaker Notes

Benanti Etna Rosso is pale ruby red in color. The bouquet is ethereal and intense, with spicy red fruit aromas. Well balanced and medium-bodied, with a mineral-rich complexity, pleasant acidity, and a saline freshness on the long and lively finish.

Food Pairings

A versatile wine that pairs beautifully with red meats, aged cheeses, grilled fish, and white meats. Equally excellent by the glass.

Product Details

• Producer: Benanti
• Region: Etna DOC, Sicily, Italy
• Grape: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio
• Vintage: 2022
• Style: Volcanic red — mineral, floral, saline
• Format: 750ml

About This Wine

Beringer's Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has long been one of California's benchmark expressions of the variety — a wine that bridges Napa's richness with Sonoma's elegance. Sourced from the volcanic soils of Knights Valley, just east of the Mayacamas Mountains, the 2022 vintage delivers everything this appellation is known for: depth, structure, and a sense of place.

The 2022 growing season brought warmth and richness, yielding bold layers of blackcurrant, plum, and boysenberry, accented by dark chocolate, sage, and hints of tobacco and cedar. Extended maceration extracted maximum color and flavor, while 14 months in French oak (30% new) added spice and texture without overwhelming the fruit. Fine-grained tannins and bright acidity give this wine both immediate appeal and genuine aging potential.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep plum with ruby highlights
• Nose: Blackcurrant, boysenberry, cassis, dark chocolate, sage, cedar, wild lavender
• Palate: Medium-to-full body, plush sandy tannins, vibrant acidity, baking spice, crushed stone
• Finish: Long, elegant, savory — structured and mouthwatering

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 93 | Perfumed aromas of red currants, lavender, fresh thyme and graphite. Medium-bodied with plush tannins and balanced acidity, giving flavors of raspberry coulis, red licorice and baking spices. Very soft and delicate, with a nicely constructed backbone. Drink or hold.

Food Pairings

Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb chops, aged cheddar, and mushroom risotto. A natural at the dinner table, equally at home with a casual weeknight meal or a celebratory feast.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: 2022
Region: Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California
Appellation: Knights Valley AVA
Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot
Oak Aging: 14 months, French oak (30% new)
Style: Full-bodied Red Wine

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

James Suckling 94 Points | Aromas of crushed stones, dark berries, and blueberries follow through to a medium to full body with creamy tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Chocolate at the end. Two or three years of bottle age will bring this around nicely. Drink after 2024.

Winemaker Description

A standard-setting Super Tuscan red blend renowned for its intense and intriguing character. Ruffino Modus opens with aromas of mature red and black cherries, plums, and small blackberries. A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot — each variety contributing structure, depth, and fruit complexity in equal measure.

About Ruffino

Founded in 1877, Ruffino is one of Tuscany’s most storied wine estates. Modus — Latin for “method” or “measure” — was created to showcase the potential of blending international varieties with Sangiovese in the Toscana IGT classification, free from the constraints of traditional appellation rules. The result is a wine of remarkable consistency and age-worthiness at an accessible price point.

Food Pairings

Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, wild boar ragù, aged Pecorino, and classic Tuscan dishes. Equally rewarding with 2–3 years of additional cellaring.

Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico — Tuscany 2022

Fèlsina is the benchmark estate of Castelnuovo Berardenga, the sun-drenched southeastern corner of Chianti Classico where the zone spills toward Siena. The 2022 Berardenga is immediate and effusive — a wine that wears its terroir openly: Maritime pine, Mediterranean scrub, wild broom, and ripe strawberry, all framed by the estate's signature rocky minerality. Antonio Galloni called it "an archetype of Castelnuovo Berardenga" and awarded it 91 points. At $29.99, it is one of the most compelling values in Chianti Classico.

The nose is bright and expressive: black cherry, wild berries, leather, warm spice, tobacco, and dried herbs. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with fine tannins, juicy berry fruit, and a lift of spice that carries through to a long, tactile finish. Balanced, vibrant, and built to drink beautifully now through 2033.

Expert Reviews

Vinous 91 — Antonio Galloni writes: "Superb. Rich and deep yet also quite translucent, the 2022 is an archetype of Castelnuovo Berardenga. Black cherry, leather, spice, tobacco, menthol and dried herbs inform this potent, super-classic Chianti Classico. This is beautifully done, especially for the year. Drinking 2024–2037."

James Suckling 92 — "A well-balanced, seductive and lively red with aromas of forest berries, red currants, warm herbs and some crushed peppercorns. It's medium-bodied with fine tannins. Juicy berry character with a lift of spices bringing energy and vitality on the palate and onto the tactile finish. Drink now."

Wine Spectator 90 — Bruce Sanderson writes: "Walking the line between cherry and berry flavors and earth and iron notes, this red is bright and juicy midpalate, firming up on the long finish. Balanced overall, needing a year to knit together. Best from 2026 through 2033."

Decanter 91 — Michaela Morris writes: "At the southeastern end of Chianti Classico, the Fèlsina property spills into the Chianti Colli Senesi zone where, on a clear day you can see all the way to Siena, just 15km away. Harnessing its sunbathed setting, the 2022 is immediate and effusive in its charms. It evokes Maritime pine, scrubby Mediterranean brush and wild yellow broom, building in concentration as it glides fluently across the palate, where rocky minerals meet ripe strawberry. Vibrant, if a bit brisk to finish. Drinking 2024 to 2029."

• Producer: Fèlsina, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Chianti Classico DOCG
• Varietal: 100% Sangiovese
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, wild berries, leather, spice, tobacco, dried herbs, rocky minerals
• Drink Window: Now–2033
• Best Paired With: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, aged Pecorino, pasta al pomodoro, grilled lamb

A 90+ Chianti Classico at an honest price — Fèlsina Berardenga is the benchmark for what Castelnuovo Berardenga Sangiovese can be.

Icardi Langhe Nebbiolo Surisjvan Organic 2024 750ml

A wine of honesty, character, and integrity from one of Piedmont's most committed organic estates. The Icardi family has been growing grapes since 1914, farming in full harmony with nature — no herbicides, no pesticides, no nitrogen fertilizers. Just certified organic viticulture and a deep respect for the land.

Tasting Notes

100% Nebbiolo. Perfumed and elegant with inviting aromas of rose petals, violets, red berries, and spice. Medium-bodied and juicy with succulent cherry fruit, savory richness, and earthy complexity, framed by sturdy yet fine-grained tannins and beautifully integrated oak.

Food Pairings

• Braised meats, osso buco, and slow-cooked lamb
• Aged cheeses and charcuterie boards
• Mushroom risotto and truffle dishes
• Roasted pork and game birds

Wine Details

• Varietal: Nebbiolo
• Region: Langhe, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Size: 750ml
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Producer: Icardi

Domaine Jean Foillard Beaujolais Villages Organic 2024

Jean Foillard is at the pinnacle of Beaujolais winemakers. Serve chilled to 64°F — about 20 minutes in the fridge!

Jean Foillard is one of the Gang of Four — the legendary quartet of Beaujolais producers who, alongside Marcel Lapierre, Guy Breton, and Jean-Paul Thévenet, helped define the natural wine movement in the 1980s. His Beaujolais Villages is sourced from Gamay parcels across Villié-Morgon, Lancié, Saint-Amour, and Saint-Étienne-la-Varenne, farmed organically and vinified with minimal intervention. The 2024 is everything you want from Foillard: sensuous red fruit, mouthwatering acidity, low alcohol, and a silky, dreamy finish that makes you reach for another glass.

• Producer: Domaine Jean Foillard
• Grape: Gamay
• Region: Beaujolais Villages, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Size: 750ml
• Farming: Certified Organic, Natural Winemaking

Pairs beautifully with charcuterie, roast chicken, grilled salmon, or a classic Lyonnaise bouchon spread. Serve slightly chilled.

Antinori Il Bruciato Tenuta Guado al Tasso — Bolgheri 2024

The Antinori family has been making wine in Tuscany for over 600 years, and Tenuta Guado al Tasso is their crown jewel on the Bolgheri coast — situated near the birthplace of the Super Tuscan movement, where the moderating influence of the Tyrrhenian Sea produces wines of remarkable freshness, structure, and Mediterranean character. Il Bruciato is the estate’s second wine: a Cabernet Sauvignon-led Bordeaux blend that delivers the elegance and complexity of the appellation at an approachable price point. One of Italy’s most consistent and beloved Super Tuscans, and an outstanding value from one of Tuscany’s greatest estates.

The 2024 vintage shows an intense, deep ruby color. The nose is expressive and detailed: ripe blackberry, dark cherry, cassis, wildflowers, thyme, sweet spice, and a lifted hint of liquorice. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with polished tannins, a rounded chocolate-tinged texture, fresh coastal acidity, and a long, savory, fruit-driven finish with umami depth. Approachable now, with the structure to develop further over 3–5 years.

Jeb Dunnuck 91 — “Expressive and detailed, with aromas of wildflowers, thyme, ripe cherry, and subtle gamey earthiness. Rounded, chocolate-tinged texture balanced by refreshing acidity. Polished and approachable.”

Wine Advocate 90 — “Ripe, chewy darkness with thick flavors of plummy fruit, blackberry and a savory note reminiscent of tomatoes on the vine. Soft in texture with a medium- to full-bodied mouthfeel and a gentle dustiness from fully-integrated tannins.”

67 Wine — “Il Bruciato is the benchmark entry into the world of Bolgheri — the elegance and complexity of a great Super Tuscan estate at a price that makes it an everyday pleasure.”

• Producer: Marchesi Antinori, Tenuta Guado al Tasso, Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Bolgheri DOC
• Blend: 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 18% Merlot, 8% Syrah, 7% Petit Verdot
• Style: Super Tuscan
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, dark cherry, cassis, wildflowers, thyme, sweet spice, liquorice, chocolate, savory umami finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 3–5 years
• Serve: 64–68°F
• Best Paired With: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, lamb chops, wild boar ragù, aged Pecorino, hearty pasta

Six centuries of Antinori mastery, one exceptional Bolgheri estate — Il Bruciato is the Super Tuscan that belongs on every table.

Expert Reviews - 2022

James Sucklling 92 Points | Absurdly concentrated for an entry-level wine. Deep blueberry and black-cherry fruit fills out the compact and structured medium-bodied palate. Generous fine tannins and notes of licorice and baking-spice aromas. Long, powdery and fresh finish. This is a unique solera-type blend of several vintages from 2022 to 2012. Blaufrankisch plus pinot noir, merlot and zweigelt. Drink or hold. - JamesSuckling.com

Winemaker Description

The house brand red is a blend of Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt and Pinot Noir, which is matured in large used wooden barrels. The Zweigelt brings fruit and charm, the Pinot Noir juiciness and the Blaufränkisch character and structure.

The Blaufränkisch also dominates the nose with dark aromas, ripe black cherries and plums, some eucalyptus and a slight smokiness of bacon. On the palate it starts fresh and animating, a fine and mellow tannin spreads directly on the tongue, again cherry and fine tannins.

The house brand stands for fresh drinking fun and goes well with stews and autumnal cuisine, for example with pumpkin.

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023 (Barrel Samples)

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) — 90–92 Points
"A very pretty, aromatic wine. Crushed red berry fruit, cinnamon, dried herbs, and a kiss of French oak are all nicely delineated. This juicy, perfumed, Merlot-based Haut-Médoc is a fine choice for drinking over the next decade or so. The 2023 is absolutely delicious."

James Suckling — 91–92 Points
"A crunchy red with blackcurrant and lead-pencil character. Medium body, fine tannins, and an attractive finish. Polished and friendly. 59% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot."

Jeb Dunnuck — 89–91 Points
"A terrific Haut-Médoc with a juicy, medium-bodied, elegant style and the pure, ripe red and almost blue fruit character of the vintage. Spice, spring flowers, and hints of charcoal define the aromatics, with beautiful tannins and balance."

About Madame de Beaucaillou

Madame de Beaucaillou is a relatively new and highly regarded addition to the portfolio of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou — the legendary Second Growth estate in Saint-Julien. First released in 2019 to celebrate the estate’s 300th harvest, this cuvée is a tribute to Madame Eugène-Borie, the long-standing matriarch of the owning family. Sourced from the Haut-Médoc appellation rather than Saint-Julien, it offers the winemaking precision and pedigree of Ducru-Beaucaillou at a fraction of the grand vin price — a rare opportunity to access Second Growth DNA under $30.

Food Pairings

Grilled veal chops, roast chicken with herbs, steak frites, roasted root vegetables, savory mushroom tart, Brie de Meaux, and mild Tomme de Savoie.

Product Details

• Producer: Château Ducru-Beaucaillou (Madame de Beaucaillou)
• Appellation: Haut-Médoc AOC, Bordeaux, France
• Blend: 59% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Medium-bodied, aromatic, Merlot-driven Bordeaux
• Drink: Now–2033
• Format: 750ml

La Vieille Ferme · Rouge · Ventoux · Rhône Valley, France · 3.0L Box Wine

La Vieille Ferme is produced by the Perrin family — the same family behind Château de Beaucastel, one of the most celebrated estates in all of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Drawing on their deep roots in the southern Rhône, the Perrins created La Vieille Ferme as their benchmark everyday wine: genuine Rhône character, vinified in the tradition of Beaucastel, at a price that makes it a weekly staple. The Rouge is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, and Cinsault sourced from the Ventoux appellation — a wine built for the table, for friends, and for any occasion that calls for a generous, crowd-pleasing red. Now in 3.0L bag-in-box format, equivalent to four standard bottles and staying fresh for up to six weeks after opening. At $29.95, this is the red wine you keep on hand all year.

Ruby-purple in the glass with an inviting nose of cassis, dark plum, and fresh herbs. On the palate: richly fruity and supple, with flavors of plum, blackberry, and a stony, savory undercurrent that gives the wine real length and definition. Wine & Spirits awarded 90 points, noting its “tangy berry flavors playing over a stony savor that holds the wine long and clean.” The bag-in-box format preserves freshness and eliminates waste — pour a glass whenever you want, and the wine stays as vibrant as the day you opened it. Pair with grilled lamb, roast chicken, beef stew, pasta with tomato sauce, pizza, or aged cheeses.

• Producer: La Vieille Ferme · Perrin Family (Château de Beaucastel)
• Wine: Rouge · Ventoux AOC
• Origin: Ventoux, Rhône Valley, France
• Blend: Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault
• Style: Fruity, supple, food-friendly southern Rhône red
• Score: Wine & Spirits 90 Points
• Format: 3.0L Bag-in-Box · Equivalent to 4 standard bottles
• Freshness: Stays fresh up to 6 weeks after opening
• Drinking Window: Now
• Tasting Notes: Cassis, dark plum, blackberry, fresh herbs, stony savor, long clean finish
• Pair With: Grilled lamb · Roast chicken · Beef stew · Pasta · Pizza · Aged cheeses

Beaucastel pedigree, Ventoux soul — four bottles of Rhône red, ready whenever you are.

Winemaker Description & Memo Notes

The Umathum Zweigelt Rotburger Classic 2022 is a standout example of Austria’s most-planted red grape. Produced by Josef "Pepi" Umathum, a pioneer in biodynamic viticulture in the Burgenland region, this wine is celebrated for being "crushable" yet sophisticated.

The name "Rotburger" is used here as a nod to the grape's historical name (Zweigelt is a cross of Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent).

Tasting Notes

•    Appearance: Deep ruby red with a youthful purple rim.   

•    Nose: A "cherry bomb" on the nose—expect intense aromas of sour cherry, blackberry, and raspberry, accented by a distinct black pepper spice and a touch of damp earth or flint. 

•    Palate: Fresh and juicy with medium body. It features vibrant acidity and soft, silky tannins. The palate mirrors the nose with tart red fruit and a savory, spicy finish.

•     Structure: Fermented with natural yeasts and aged for one year in large, neutral Austrian oak barrels (foudres) to preserve the purity of the fruit rather than adding heavy oak flavors. 
        
Pepi Umathum is one of Austria's best known producers. In the Burgenland growing district called Neusiedlersee (Lake Neusiedl), he counts as one of the great champions of the traditional Austrian grape varieties. His main holdings are Rotburger (Zweigelt), St Laurent and Blaufrankisch with a bit of Welschriesling, Roter Traminer, the extremely rare Gelber Traminer, and the unusual ancient Lindenblattriger (Harslevelu in Hungary).

Pepi has embraced the intricacies and harmonies of biodynamic viticulture, and for most of his wines, which are all hand-harvested, he prefers to use large barrels of native Austrian oak, which underscores the clear fruit aromatics of the wines. Some of the high-toned single vineyard bottlings are matured in smaller oak barrels and barriques, and are first released three years after the vintage. 

Memo Summary Notes

Notably, Umathum uses the name "Rotburger" (the original name for Zweigelt) to move away from the controversial historical associations of the grape's namesake, Dr. Zweigelt.

Stellenbosch Cabernet from South Africa's Most Trailblazing Winemaker

Ntsiki Biyela is one of South Africa's most celebrated winemakers — the first Black woman to earn a winemaking degree in South Africa, and the founder of Aslina Wines, named in honor of her grandmother. Her Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine of genuine character: bold, structured, and deeply expressive of the Cape's finest red wine appellation.

Winemaker Notes

Aslina Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Stellenbosch Natural 2023 750ml

Full-bodied with hints of minty character, cigar box, and lots of dark fruit. Bold on the palate with chewy tannins and a long, satisfying finish.

About Ntsiki Biyela

Growing up in Mahlabathini, a rural village in KwaZulu-Natal, Ntsiki was awarded a scholarship to study winemaking in 1999 and graduated in 2003 with a BSc in Agriculture (Viticulture and Oenology) from Stellenbosch University. She has since consulted in Bordeaux, collaborated with Californian winemakers, and sits on the board of the Pinotage Youth Development Academy — which provides technical training and personal development for young South Africans entering the wine industry.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
• Producer: Aslina Wines
• Winemaker: Ntsiki Biyela
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for grilled ribeye, braised lamb, venison, aged hard cheeses, and Cape Malay-spiced dishes.

Gomez Cruzado El Predilecto — Rioja, Spain 2023

Bodegas Gomez Cruzado is one of Rioja's most exciting modern producers — a historic estate in Haro, the heart of Rioja Alta, that has undergone a remarkable transformation under the direction of winemaker Amanda Klemp, who has brought a precision-focused, terroir-driven approach to the cellar while honoring the estate's deep roots in the region. El Predilecto — "The Favorite" — is a total departure from the Rioja norm: a blend of old vine Garnacha and Tempranillo sourced from two distinct mountain landscapes, united in concrete and crafted to express the full complexity of Rioja's diverse terroir. The Garnacha (65%) comes from Alto Najerilla, in the triangle formed by the towns of Badarán, Cordovín, and Cárdenas in the Sierra Demanda mountains. The Tempranillo (35%) comes from the highest area of Samaniego, near the Sierra Cantabria mountains. Old vines at the foot of both mountain ranges provide greater fruit character and concentration. Fermented separately with native yeast, 100% destemmed without crushing, cold fermented with short maceration, then blended and refined in concrete for approximately five months — a winemaking approach that preserves freshness, precision, and the distinct personality of each site.

The nose bridges two landscapes: red and black fruit intertwine, with cherry and blackberry layered with licorice, a faint balsamic nuance, and an intensity of spice. On the palate, it is juicy and poised — generous, full-bodied warmth with tannins sitting between chalky and plush, freshness carrying the wine forward through a lengthy, supple finish. Precise, modern Rioja that shows two mountain landscapes in one gesture. Age 12–15 years.

Jeb Dunnuck 95 — "A total departure from the norm — intensity of spice and a generous mouthfeel of full-bodied warmth while remaining elegant through the lengthy, supple finish. Age 12-15 years."

Vinous 93 — "Bridges two origins. Cherry and blackberry layered with licorice and a faint balsamic nuance. Juicy and poised — a precise, modern Rioja that shows two landscapes in one gesture."

• Producer: Bodegas Gomez Cruzado, Haro, Rioja Alta, Spain
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Rioja DOCa
• Blend: 65% Garnacha (Alto Najerilla, Sierra Demanda) / 35% Tempranillo (Samaniego, Sierra Cantabria)
• Vines: Old vines at the foot of two mountain ranges
• Winemaking: Native yeast, 100% destemmed, cold fermentation, short maceration, 5 months in concrete
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherry, blackberry, licorice, balsamic, spice, chalky-plush tannins, long supple finish
• Style: Full-bodied, precise, modern Rioja
• Drink: Now–2038 (best 2028+)
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, braised short rib, aged Manchego, wild mushroom dishes

Two mountain landscapes, one extraordinary wine — Gomez Cruzado El Predilecto 2023 is modern Rioja at its most compelling.

Educated Guess Cabernet Sauvignon — Napa Valley 2023

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at this price is a rare find — and Educated Guess makes a compelling case that you don’t have to spend a fortune to drink well from one of the world’s greatest wine regions. The 2023 vintage is bright, structured, and built for the table.

The nose is spiced and cedary, with dark cherry, ripe plum, hints of cigar box, and a whisper of wet earth. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and chewy with a lightly austere, bitter-spice character balanced by juicy, fruit-forward depth. Petite Sirah contributes beautiful color and spice, while splashes of Petit Verdot and Malbec round out the mouthwatering finish.

“Full-bodied and chewy with juicy fruit underneath.” — James Suckling, 90 Points

• Producer: Educated Guess, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Malbec
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, plum, cedar, cigar box, wet earth, bitter spice
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, lamb chops, aged cheddar, braised short ribs

A crowd-pleasing Napa Cab with genuine structure and complexity — an educated choice for any occasion.