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Expert Review - Vintage 2020

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2020 Cepparello is a total stunner, just as it was last year. Deeply colored, layered and explosive in the glass, the 2020 possesses striking textural richness and overall intensity. Black cherry, graphite, plum, spice and lavender flesh out effortlessly. There's tremendous pedigree and sheer stature here. Cepparello is surely one of the wines of the year.  Drinking 2027 to 2045.  - Vinous 98

The Wine Advocate, Monica Larner, 96 Points | Supple and smooth, the 2020 Cepparello brings Sangiovese to soaring heights in a manner only Paolo De Marchi can manage. This is his second to last vintage before he would retire and sell this historic estate. The wine opens to medium to full-bodied concentration with dark plum and redcurrant. Those cede to sweet spice, earth, crushed stone, rusty nail and candied orange peel. Give the wine more time to flesh out with cellar age.

The Wine Spectator 96 Points | Expressive and sumptuous from the get-go, this red features cherry, strawberry, rose, orange peel, mineral and Tuscan herb aromas and flavors. Sangiovese. Best from 2025 through 2045.

James Suckling 94 Points | Attractive red and dark berries with dried flowers, nutmeg and cocoa powder. Dried orange peel and wet earth, too. Medium- to full-bodied, toned and steady with fine-grained tannins that are slightly chalky. Polished and even with a lingering finish. Try after 2026.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

James Suckling 95 Points | Some blue fruit with iron and lavender character. Very perfumed. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a bright finish. Linear and tight. Hibiscus at the end. A blend of declassified barrels from the single-vineyard wines. Drink or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points | The ripe ruby-colored 2021 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley saw the small addition of about 10% whole cluster. The nose opens to a just gorgeous perfume of red and blue fruit as well as fresh violets and cherry candies. Very tasty indeed, the palate is inviting and medium-bodied, and it has a supple, silky texture, with a long, fresh, pure finish. This inviting red is going to have a wide drinking window over the next 6-8 years.

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | The 2021 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is a blend of fruit from Arista’s seven vineyard-designate wines. It has pretty aromas of blackberry, blueberry, plum, licorice and turned earth. The medium-bodied palate offers layered, spicy flavors structured by finely astringent tannins and bright acidity, and it has a long, fragrant finish. 

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Bright and punchy, offering energetic pomegranate, cherry and loganberry fruit infused with sassafras and hibiscus notes, while fresh and slightly high-pitched acidity gives the finish a racy edge. Drink now through 2031.

Winemaker Description 

The core principle of the winemaking philosophy at Arista is to capture and express the true character and potential of each vineyard. They work with a very carefully chosen handful of grand-cru level Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards, and are uncompromising in their efforts to maximize the full potential of the wines crafted from these special sites.

The 2021 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir blends several vineyards from across the storied Russian River appellation, which makes it a prime snapshot of our home region as a whole in each vintage. In 2021, conditions for Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley were exceptional, leading to deeply colored, intensely aromatic, wonderfully vibrant wines.

This ruby-hued wine shows classic Pinot Noir aromas of black plum, tart cherry, and cola. Across the palate, similar ripe fruit notes are abundant and buttressed by the tangy acidity. The firm tannins, which are a hallmark of the 2021 vintage, round out the long finish on this quintessential Sonoma Pinot Noir.

Meiomi Pinot Noir — California — 375ml Half Bottle

Meiomi is one of California’s most celebrated Pinot Noir producers, built on a singular vision: to capture the best of the California coast in a single, seamlessly blended wine. The name itself comes from the Coast Miwok and Wappo peoples’ word for “coastline,” and the wine lives up to it — sourced from three of California’s most prized coastal appellations: Sonoma Coast, Santa Barbara County, and Monterey County. Each vineyard is chosen for its ability to express the best of its respective terroir, then carefully blended to achieve the balance, complexity, and richness of flavor that has made Meiomi one of the most recognized Pinot Noirs in the country. This 375ml half bottle holds approximately 2.5 glasses — perfect for a solo dinner, a quiet evening, or whenever you want something special without opening a full bottle.

The color is a luminous, deep ruby with violet hues. The nose is lush and immediately appealing: fresh strawberry, blackberry, and boysenberry, layered with mocha and vanilla from careful oak aging. On the palate, it is silky and medium-bodied — bright red and dark fruit, a touch of toasty oak, and a smooth, lingering finish that is quintessentially coastal California Pinot Noir. Approachable on release, consistently delicious vintage after vintage.

• Producer: Meiomi Wines, California
• Appellation: California — Sonoma Coast, Santa Barbara County, Monterey County
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Closure: Screwcap
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle (~2.5 glasses)
• Style: Silky, fruit-forward, coastal California Pinot Noir
• Tasting Notes: Strawberry, blackberry, boysenberry, mocha, vanilla, silky tannins
• Drink Window: Now
• Best Paired With: Salmon, duck breast, mushroom risotto, charcuterie, brie, roasted chicken

California’s most beloved coastal Pinot Noir — in the perfect half-bottle format for any night of the week.

Winemaker Descripton

Dry, sparkling. Estate grown organic and biodynamic Ellis Bitter and Bramleys Seedling varieties. This third vintage is bright and tannic.

Tasting Notes: grassy, alfalfa, dried pomelo and orange

Pairings: venison, butternut squash ravioli with browned butter

8.1% ABV>

Winemaker Description 

Brick red deep covered. Clean on the nose with spicy aromas, toasts and dried fruits. Well structured, savory, ample and well balanced. Pleasent finish and harmonized flavors. Complex retronasal, in which we find balsamics and good oak. Finishes elegantly.

Our Professional Review

Oscar Garcia Moncada | Senior Wine Buyer | This lovely family-run winery, tucked into Catalunya’s Costers del Segre DO, is among the most eco-friendly and sustainability-focused estates I’ve visited in recent years. Troballa Arrels is 100% Garnatxa Negra (Grenache Noir), delivering classic Mediterranean character: garrigue herbs, figs, black olives, and dried aromatics layered over a savory palate. Perfect with grilled sausages served over white beans dressed in olive oil and cracked black pepper.

Winemaker Description 

Notes of plums, cherries, strawberries and fresh oranges, subtle hints of cassis, raspberries and blackberries. There is a mineral touch on the nose and a saline and toasted touch stands out on the palate, with a very fresh and balsamic finish. An original and explosive wine.

Rocky limestone clay soil of very low fertility. Altitude of the vineyards: 800m above sea level. Spontaneous fermentation, aged 6 months, 1/3 of the grapes fermented and aged respectively in clay amphorae, French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks.

Pheasant's Tears | Kisi | Qvevri Amber Wine | Kakheti, Republic of Georgia | 2024 | Organic

Pheasant's Tears is one of Georgia's most celebrated natural wine producers, founded by Gela Patalishvili — an 8th-generation winemaker from the Kakheti region — and John Wurdeman, an American painter who fell in love with Georgia and its ancient wine culture in 1998. Together, they have dedicated themselves to preserving and reviving Georgia's extraordinary 8,000-year-old winemaking heritage, farming around ten indigenous grape varieties without pesticides or herbicides and vinifying everything in qvevri — traditional clay amphorae buried in the earth, used in Georgia since the Neolithic era.

Kisi is a rare and ancient Georgian white grape variety grown almost exclusively in the Kakheti region, in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. At Pheasant's Tears, it is vinified in the traditional Georgian manner: fermented and aged in qvevri with extended skin maceration of six months — producing what Georgians call an "amber wine" and the rest of the world has come to know as "orange wine." The result is a wine of extraordinary depth, texture, and complexity that has no real equivalent in the conventional wine world.

The 2024 Kisi is deep amber-gold in the glass. The nose is captivating — dried apricot, quince, honey, beeswax, dried flowers, and a hint of walnut, with an earthy, almost ancient quality that speaks directly to the qvevri. On the palate, unusually powerful structure with grippy, polished tannins — rare in a white wine — balanced by bright acidity and a long, complex, spiced finish. Not aggressive, but deeply serious. A wine that transports you elsewhere entirely.

Made from certified organic grapes. Pair with spiced lamb, charcuterie, aged Parmesan, old Comté, washed-rind cheeses, roasted root vegetables, and dishes with Middle Eastern or Caucasian spice profiles.

• Producer: Pheasant's Tears
• Grape: Kisi
• Style: Qvevri Amber Wine (Orange Wine)
• Region: Kakheti, Republic of Georgia
• Vintage: 2024
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Vinification: Fermented and aged in qvevri (buried clay amphorae); 6-month skin maceration
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Bodegas Sonsierra is a cooperative winery with deep roots in the village of San Vicente de la Sonsierra, one of the most storied wine villages in Rioja Alta. Perched above the Ebro River with a medieval castle overlooking the vineyards, San Vicente is known for producing Tempranillo of exceptional character — structured, aromatic, and built for aging. Sonsierra has been the custodian of this tradition for decades, crafting wines that offer remarkable quality and authenticity at an honest price.

The Bodegas Sonsierra Rioja Reserva Rioja Alta 2017 750ml is a classic expression of aged Rioja Tempranillo. An attractive maroon color with a ruby edge, it opens with an elegant bouquet of balsamic notes, complex spiciness, hints of ripe dark fruit, and a subtle aroma of toast from its time in oak. On the palate it is well-rounded and velvety, with a pleasant toasty finish that lingers with grace. The 2017 vintage in Rioja Alta was warm and concentrated — producing wines of depth and structure that reward patience.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Attractive maroon with a ruby edge
• Nose: Elegant balsamic notes, complex spice, ripe dark fruit, and a hint of toast
• Palate: Well-rounded and velvety with good structure
• Finish: Pleasant, toasty, and lingering

Wine Details

• 100% Tempranillo
• Rioja Alta DOCa, San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Spain
• Reserva — minimum 3 years aging (1+ in oak, 1+ in bottle)
• Vintage: 2017 | 750ml
• Pairs with: game, roast meat, stews, aged cheeses, wild mushroom dishes

Chardonnay, Moscatel, Fiano | Salento, Puglia / Italy
Vintage: 2023  |  Size: 750ml
90+ Rated

Cantine San Marzano is one of Puglia’s most celebrated cooperative estates, farming the sun-drenched heel of Italy’s boot with a commitment to quality that has earned them an international following. “Edda Lei” — named for a woman, as the best things often are — is their flagship white blend: a luxurious, opulent expression of Southern Italian viticulture that draws comparisons to fine white Burgundy, but with the exotic, sun-drenched aromatics that only Salento can deliver.

The 2023 vintage is a blend of Chardonnay, Moscatel, and Fiano, each variety contributing its own dimension. Tropical and yellow fruit lead the nose — pineapple, lychee, and melon — with delicate seashell and floral notes woven throughout. On the palate, it is fresh and gently saline, medium- to full-bodied, with a richness that feels Mediterranean in the best possible sense. A wine with genuine cult appeal and the structure to match.

“Lovely tropical and yellow fruit on the nose, such as pineapple, lychees and melon, as well as seashells and flowers. It’s fresh and gently saline with a medium to full body.”
— James Suckling, 91 Points. (Vintage 2023). 

Pairs with: Sea bass in butter sauce, lobster, scallops, veal, or herb-roasted chicken.

Lombardo Marsala Ambra Sweet 750ml

Experience the tradition of Lombardo Marsala Ambra Sweet, a wine crafted by the Lombardo family who has been producing the finest premium Marsala wines for over 100 years. This long tradition was started in 1881 by Giuseppe Lombardo Maltes, the founder of KIN Lombardo fu Giuseppe C. Made from Catarratto, Grillo and Inzolia grapes with slow fermentation at controlled temperature and one year aging in oak cask, this Marsala features an amber color, intense perfume, and typical taste. For more than a century, The Fratelli Lombardo winery has produced wines of outstanding quality at affordable prices.

Winemaker's Description

The Lombardo family has been producing the finest premium Marsala wines for over 100 years. This long tradition was started in 1881 by Giuseppe Lombardo Maltes, the founder of KIN Lombardo fu Giuseppe C.

Lombardo Family - Over 100 Years of Tradition

The Lombardo family has been producing the finest premium Marsala wines for over 100 years. This heritage ensures exceptional quality and authentic character.

Founded in 1881

This long tradition was started in 1881 by Giuseppe Lombardo Maltes. The winery represents over 140 years of Marsala expertise.

Giuseppe Lombardo Maltes - Founder

Giuseppe Lombardo was a man of boundless dreams and enthusiasm, and a resourceful shipbuilder. His vision created a legacy that continues today.

Sole Objective - Best Marsala Wines

His sole objective was to produce the best Marsala Wines and to utilize his sailing ships to export his delicious and high quality wines to other countries.

Global Export Success

His dream came true and today many people from Europe, Australia, Japan, Iceland, Hong Kong, the Canaries, South Africa, and the United States are enjoying Lombardo Wines.

Fratelli Lombardo Winery - Marsala, Sicily

The Fratelli Lombardo winery is located in the city of Marsala, Sicily. The heart of Marsala wine production.

215,300 Square Feet Facility

The property consists of over 215,300-sq. ft. and it has the capacity to produce about 4,600,000 liters of wine. A substantial production facility ensuring quality and consistency.

1,300,000 Liters in Wood Casks

Of which 1,300,000 liters are in wood casks. Traditional aging in wood develops the wine's characteristic complexity.

Diverse Portfolio

Aside from Marsala Wines, the house produces aromatized wines such as Cremovo, and Crema Mandorla, and liquor wines such as Malvasia, and Zibibbo.

Outstanding Quality at Affordable Prices

For more than a century, The Fratelli Lombardo winery has produced wines of outstanding quality at affordable prices, allowing discerning consumers to buy and enjoy them.

Philosophy of Excellence

This philosophy continues to make Lombardo Marsalas successful today. Quality and value remain the guiding principles.

Best Guarantee of Quality

More than a century of presence in the wine market is the best guarantee a consumer can have that Lombardo wines are of the highest quality and offer complete satisfaction.

Marsala Ambra Sweet

Marsala Ambra Sweet is a traditional style of Marsala wine. Ambra (amber) refers to the wine's golden-amber color, while Sweet indicates its residual sugar level.

Grapes: Catarratto, Grillo & Inzolia

Grapes: Catarratto, Grillo ed Inzolia. These indigenous Sicilian white grapes are traditional for Marsala production.

Catarratto - Body & Structure

Catarratto provides body and structure to the blend. This is Sicily's most widely planted white grape.

Grillo - Aromatic Intensity

Grillo adds aromatic intensity and character. This grape is prized for quality Marsala production.

Inzolia - Freshness & Balance

Inzolia contributes freshness and balance. This variety adds elegance to the blend.

Slow Fermentation with Controlled Temperature

Slow fermentation, with controlled temperature. This careful process preserves the wine's delicate flavors and aromas.

One Year Aging in Oak Cask

One year aging in oak cask develops complexity and character. The oak aging adds depth and traditional Marsala character.

Tasting Profile

Color: Amber
Perfume: Intense
Taste: Typical sweet Marsala character

Amber Color

Color: Amber. The golden-amber hue is characteristic of Marsala Ambra wines.

Intense Perfume

Perfume: Intense. The aromatic profile is rich and inviting, with notes of dried fruits, caramel, and nuts.

Primary Varietals - Catarratto with some Grillo, Izolia.

Typical Taste

Taste: Typical. The authentic Marsala character features sweetness balanced by complexity and depth.

Sweet Style

Sweet Marsala is perfect for desserts and after-dinner enjoyment. The sweetness is balanced and not cloying.

Versatile Culinary Uses

Perfect for:

• Cooking (Chicken Marsala, veal dishes)
• Desserts (tiramisu, zabaglione)
• After-dinner sipping
• Pairing with aged cheeses
• Drizzling over ice cream
• Baking

Essential Cooking Wine

Marsala is essential for classic Italian dishes like Chicken Marsala. The wine adds depth and richness to sauces.

Perfect for Desserts

Ideal for traditional Italian desserts like tiramisu and zabaglione. The sweet, complex flavor enhances desserts beautifully.

After-Dinner Enjoyment

Enjoy as an after-dinner digestif. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Pairs with Aged Cheeses

Pairs wonderfully with aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino. The sweet wine complements salty, aged cheeses.

Sicilian Wine Heritage

Marsala represents authentic Sicilian wine heritage. This fortified wine is one of Italy's most famous wine styles.

Traditional Marsala Production

Made using traditional Marsala production methods that have been perfected over centuries. The techniques ensure authentic character.

Delicious & High Quality

His delicious and high quality wines continue to delight consumers worldwide. The commitment to excellence is unwavering.

Winemaker Description 

100% Jacquère. The Abymes appellation sits lower and the slope than the Apremont and is on generally flatter land. Stainless steel fermentation and aging.

A firm, mineral spine and racy acidity support this wines core of lemon, verbena, peach and pear notes. This is the perfect match for fondue, raclette or a good old fashioned charcuterie plate.

Winemaker Description 

A beautiful structured medium-bodied Shiraz with juicy ripe plum and dark berry flavours. Has fine textures of sweet spice, new leather and a hint of savoury, refreshed with a juicy, plummy finish.

Memo Pairing Suggestions

Pairings: This is a versatile "braai" (BBQ) wine. It pairs excellently with:

• Meats: Grilled lamb chops, ribeye steak, or spicy sausages.

• Casual: Wood-fired spicy pizzas or hearty pasta bolognese.

• Vegetarian: Grilled portobello mushrooms or lentil stews with earthy spices.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

96 Points James Suckling: A very balanced, refined Duhart with ever so fine tannins and currant, tobacco and cedar aromas and flavors. Medium to fine tannins. It’s extremely long and polished. Direct. You already want to drink this.
Barrel Sample:95-96

94 Points  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: The 2019 Duhart-Milon is showing beautifully, mingling aromas of cassis and wild berries with notions of violets, cedar wood, orange rind, licorice and spice box in a perfumed bouquet. Medium to full-bodied, supple and seamless, it's charming and refined, with a deep core of fruit, powdery tannins and succulent acids. This château is going from strength to strength. Best after 2025.

94 Points Decanter: This one might sneak up on you, confirming the rise of this wine in recent years. Clear depth of fruit, and above all clear Pauillac character. This feels strict and confident, with beautiful balance and restraint. Duhart is one of the later-ripening and cooler Pauillac terroirs which is why in the past it could be overly austere when young, but it is benefitting from recent hot summers in terms of its fruit ripeness. Pencil lead is prominent here, along with cassis and bilberry. Very precise, very elegant, with a creaminess to the fruit through the mid palate, and overall this is an excellent Duhart.
Barrel Sample:94

94 Wine Spectator: Racy and mineral-driven, with a chalky thread that runs from start to finish, adding a perfumed elegance to a core of steeped black currant and blackberry fruit flavors. This has a lushness to the fruit, with dark tobacco, steeped black tea and singed alder notes, but there's plenty of range, detail and textural nuance as well. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2024

Blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot

Our Professional Review

An approachable, everyday Malbec from Concha y Toro's Frontera label, sourced from Chile's sun-drenched Central Valley. Bright and fruit-forward with a soft, easy-drinking character that punches well above its price point.

Tasting Notes

Bright ruby-red with violet hues. Delicate aromas of fresh berries lead into flavors of plum and cherry with a touch of marmalade sweetness. Balanced on the palate with round, approachable tannins and a smooth finish.

Pairings: Pizza, burgers, grilled chicken, pasta with tomato sauce, or casual weeknight fare.

Product Details

• Varietal: Malbec
• Region: Central Valley, Chile
• Producer: Frontera by Concha y Toro
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Expert Reviews 

Alison Napjus of the Wine Spectator writes 92 Points | The fine and creamy bead of this elegant rosé carries an attractive mix of white cherry, peach, blood orange granita and biscuit flavors, enlivened by a firm frame of mouthwatering acidity.

Audrey Frick of Jeb Dunnuck writes 90 Points | The NV Champagne Grand Brut Rosé pours a medium salmon hue and is equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (8% of which is red wine). It is juicy with ripe raspberry, crushed flowers, and sweet citrus. The palate is ripe with apricot, sweet tangerine, and a soft texture. It is ready to drink now or over the next 6-8 years.

Winemaker Description 

This Grand Rosé has a high percentage of Chardonnay, which creates freshness and precision, complemented by Pinot Noir with delivers very fine and crunchy fruit. With 4 years minimum ageing in the cellars, this Rosé balances between freshness and fruit without masking the wine’s character and purity. The nose reveals aromas of citrus and strawberries with subtle notes of red berries and spice. The palate is well-built with a constant balance between the tension of the acidity and the smoothness of the fruit, while the finish shows a nice roundness and lovely minerality.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

Tim Atkin MW 92 Points | Kara-Tara is Stark-Condé winemaker Rudger van Wyk’s own project, entirely focused on Burgundian grapes. This stylish Chardonnay marries grapes from Elgin, the Overberg and Paarl. Poised between citrus and stone fruit flavours, with subtle toast and wet stone undertones. 2022-27′.

Producer Description 

Kara-Tara is a joint-venture between Rüdger van Wyk (2018 Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year) and José Conde of Stark-Condé Wines. Translated from the Khoisan, the language from the first people in Southern Africa, it means “deep dark shadows” and refers to the Karatara river that runs through Rüdger’s home town, near Knysna which is located in South Africa, on the Cape South Coast, facing the Indian Ocean.

This wine has the classic notes of lemon and grapefruit you’d expect from Chardonnay, with hints of almond and a fine mineral finish.

Winemaker Description 

This has a pretty nose with dark spices, nut shell and cedar notes with a dark fruit backbone, following through to a medium body with firm and finely polished tannins that go on and on. Refined and nicely balanced with velvety texture. Lingering and chalky finish. Try after 2026.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

James Suckling 94 Points | This has a pretty nose with dark spices, nut shell and cedar notes with a dark fruit backbone, following through to a medium body with firm and finely polished tannins that go on and on. Refined and nicely balanced with velvety texture. Lingering and chalky finish. Try after 2026.

Vinous 93 Points | The 2020 Sociando Mallet has retained its impressive aromatics from its showing in barrel with beautifully defined blackberry and raspberry fruit, pressed violet and light cedar aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with firm backbone, a little powdery in texture, fine backbone with ample freshness and tension towards its graphite-infused finish. Bravo!

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | The 2020 Sociando-Mallet is very attractive, exhibiting aromas of cassis and plums mingled with notions of pencil shavings, loamy soil, tobacco leaf and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with lively acids and powdery tannins, it's a strong effort from a site that always does well in warm vintages. The 2020 is a blend of 53% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc.

Decanter 92 Points | Wonderfully fragrant on the nose, just stopping short of being potent. Glorious perfumed scents and rich, ripe black fruits. Clean and clear, this has a lively energy to it and a little bit of liquorice which gives a savoury, dark and sticky edge to the fruit. Clarity, classicism and precision on show. Sculpted, muscular, grippy and chewy. Excellent potential with a slate and coffee-toned finish.

Producer Description 

The wine is a crimson-hued garnet red. Elegant and refined, the nose exudes floral aromas, going on with airing to develop notes of blackcurrant and licorice root. The full and smooth attack reveals an alluring and complex array of flavors in which ripe fruit is magnificently set off by notes of toasted cereals and violet. The mid-palate is underpinned by high-quality close-knit and creamy tannins, leading into a saline and slightly minty finish which lingers on hints of chocolates.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 96 Points | Aromas of crushed stone, blackcurrants and blackberries. Full-bodied with extremely well-crafted tannins that are chewy and layered, yet polished and fantastic. Love the finish. 72% cabernet sauvignon, 25% petit verdot, 22% merlot and 4% cabernet franc. (v.2019).

Wine Enthusiast 94-96 Points | Dense and rich, with a high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, this is another great vintage from the estate. Its black fruits ooze concentration alongside firm tannins that promise a potential for long aging. The aftertaste has opulent black currant richness. (v.2019). 

The Wine Advocate 95 Points | The 2019 Clerc Milon is a real success. At more than 70%, this blend contains one of the highest proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon in the property's recent history, and the result is a wine of real nobility. Offering up aromas of violets, wild berries, licorice, loamy soil and cigar wrapper, it's full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, with notable depth at the core, lively acids and ripe, powdery tannins that assert themselves on the finish. From clay-limestone soils rather than the sandy gravels that characterize d'Armailhac, this is by some margin the more structured and serious of Mouton-Rothschild's two Pauillac stablemates.(v.2019).

Decanter 95 Points | The wine has the highest levels of Cabernet Sauvignon since the 1980s, and even on the nose you can feel its impact in terms of the depth of tight black fruit. Extremely good quality with fine tannins that build, build, build over the palate, and grip on, forcing you to slow down and pay attention. Beautiful spice with menthol, slate, pencil lead, blackberry and blackcurrant. An exciting wine with real energy and forward motion, helped to withstand the summer heat by its position by the river, and the fact that the average age of the vines at Clerc Milon is almost 50 years. 2% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Jean Emmanuel Danjoy's last outing doing the full vintage at Clerc Milon before he heads over to Mouton as technical director. (v.2019).

Wine Spectator 93 Points | Presents a very fresh core of cassis, red cherry and damson plum fruit flavors that meld nicely with a racy iron streak, while light savory and floral details run along the edges. A very pure and bright version that should age well. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenère. (v.2019).

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | Another beautiful effort from this team, the 2019 Château Clerc Milon is 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, from vines just across the street from Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Mouton Rothschild. Brought up in a mix of new and used barrels, it has a healthy ruby/plum color to go with a great nose of ripe red and black fruits supported by some classic Pauillac lead pencil, tobacco, and spice box notes. I love its overall balance, it's medium-bodied, has silky tannins, and the fresher, elegant style of the vintage. I wouldn't call it mid-weight, but I compared this to the 2014 on release, and I still think that comparison holds, although there's a touch more length and intensity in the 2019. This will drink well today with a decant (I followed this bottle for two days) and will shine for a good two decades.(v.2019).

Producer Description 

There are two types of red grapes in the world that are always trimmed for finesse and elegance. The much better known is the Pinot Noir from France and then also with its relative, the German Pinot Noir.

Then in the outer tip of Austria - in Styria - there are more and more winemakers who feel a total devotion to their local red wine specialty - Blaufränkisch - and can derive just as much elegance from it as the much more prominent Pinot Noir. Now Gottfried Lamprecht is very fortunate to have the Buchertberg, a vineyard that can show dramatic differences in the soil. And anyone who has ever been to Burgundy in France and has seen the prices of wines that come from particularly fortunate soils - for the winemakers and their wallets - will appreciate Gottfried Lamprecht's wines.

For the connoisseurs it should be briefly mentioned that on the Buchertberg opok soils, partly sandstone weathering, sand and silt change in a very small space and make up the rare great class of this wine.

Producer Description 

This new red wine blend is produced from Suisun Valley, a remarkable AVA that has become the Wagner family's second home. A 30-minute drive from Napa, Suisun has ideal soils and climate for a variety of grapes. The Walking Fool is named after a long-ago relative who was often seen traveling by foot - thus earning this affectionate moniker. Featuring Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, this wine is smooth and lively, with juicy raspberry, notes of espresso and softly fine tannins.

Producer Description 

A blend of five of our favorite Russian River Valley vineyard sites, this Chardonnay captures the fantastic character of the 2021 vintage. Fusing fresh lemon and white floral aromas with a throughline of minerality, this versatile Chardonnay is simultaneously easygoing and complex.  

Peak Drinking Window: 2023 – 2029. 

98 Points, James Suckling
94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck 
90 Points, Wine Spectator

Expert Review

James Suckling 98 Points | Extremely focused and energetic nose of sliced limes and Meyer lemons with lemongrass. Some stone and hints of flint. Full-bodied with superb density and structure and phenolics that you can feel. It goes on for minutes. Slightly chewy at the end. From Wente clones planted in 1974. (v.2021). 

Alsace is one of France's most distinctive wine regions — a narrow strip of vineyards along the Rhine, sheltered by the Vosges Mountains, producing wines of remarkable aromatic intensity and precision. Domaine Koenig is a family estate in the heart of this region, crafting Crémant d'Alsace with the same care and finesse that defines the great still wines of the appellation. Their Crémant is aged in the cellars for many months, developing the fine bubbles and elegant structure that set Alsatian sparkling wine apart.

The Domaine Koenig Crémant d'Alsace Brut Kosher 750ml is a beautifully crafted sparkling wine with notes of citrus and crisp apple on the nose, and a brisk, refreshing palate of citrus and tart greengage fruit. Elegant, lively, and genuinely festive — it is equally at home as an aperitif, alongside a celebration, or paired with veal, poultry in sauce, or mushroom dishes. Kosher for Passover and Mevushal.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Citrus and crisp apple with fine, persistent bubbles
• Palate: Brisk and refreshing with citrus and tart greengage fruit
• Finish: Clean, elegant, and lively

Wine Details

• Crémant d'Alsace AOC, France
• Brut | Aged in cellars for many months
• Kosher for Passover | Mevushal
• 750ml — serve well chilled
• Pairs with: aperitifs, veal, poultry in sauce, mushrooms, light desserts

Château Les Riganes | White Bordeaux | Bordeaux AOC | 2024 | Kosher | Kosher for Passover

Château Les Riganes is a reliable and well-regarded kosher producer from Bordeaux, crafting approachable, terroir-driven whites that deliver genuine regional character at an accessible price. The White Bordeaux is made primarily from Sauvignon Blanc, the dominant white variety of the appellation, vinified to emphasize freshness, aromatic precision and the mineral, citrus-driven character that defines the best dry whites of the region. Kosher and Kosher for Passover, it is an excellent choice for Shabbat, holiday tables and year-round entertaining.

Light gold in color with green reflections, the 2024 opens with bursting aromas of yellow grapefruit, lemon peel, freshly cut grass, white spring flowers and earthy minerals. The palate is light to medium-bodied and immediately lively — a bright first attack of citrus fruit gives way to hints of slate, zesty lemon, herbal notes, basil and tart green pear. Medium-plus acidity keeps the wine fresh and focused, while saline and orange blossom notes linger on a remarkably long and mouthwatering finish.

Serve well chilled at 46–50°F. Pairs beautifully with oysters, grilled fish, shellfish, sushi, goat cheese, light salads, roasted vegetables, chicken and the classic dishes of the Shabbat and Passover table.

• Producer: Château Les Riganes
• Appellation: Bordeaux AOC, France
• Grape Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon
• Vintage: 2024
• Kosher Certification: Kosher; Kosher for Passover
• Style: Dry white wine
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

A dense glowing purple. Considerable energy to the nose in a dark-fruited raspberry style. Started here for part of the Chorey vineyards. Has considerable muscle for this appellation, will be its usual super satisfying self. Enough acidity, tannins folded in, just a wealth of deep red fruit. Sunny but managed. Jasper Morris - Barrel Sample: 87-90

Memo Summary Notes

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

Chorey-lès-Beaune lies on the plains below the Cote d'Or escarpment with 336 acres almost exclusively planted with Pinot Noir. Initially, the Tollot family owned vines only in Chorey, but successive generations made small acquisitions in Savigny-lès-Beaune, Aloxe-Corton, and Beaune for a current total of 60 acres.

Most of the wine grown in Chorey-lès-Beaune is bottled as Côte de Beaune-Villages, a catchall appellation that allows several villages to blend their red wines. Tollot-Beaut is proud of their village and produces this classic example from vines planted between 1992 and 1998. The wine spent 18 months in 25% new Burgundian pièce.

Winemaker Description 

Aromatic and elegant expression of an otherwise deep and dark flavored grape. Delicious aromas of flowers, red berries and black cherries, shadowed by notes of orange peel, spices and earth. Supple on the palate with silky tannins and a refreshingly mineral finish.

It has a bright ruby color with the grip of the fine tannins and an herbal touch that provides freshness.

Expert Review- Vintage 2023

Christina Pickard of the Wine Enthusiast writes 93 Points | Lime leaf, waxy citrus, white peach notes and a hint of honey open this Clare Valley Riesling. The combo of dryness, cheek-sucking, orange peel acidity and chalky texture makes for a somewhat austere wine solo, but pair with a creamy goat's cheese or seafood risotto and watch it shine. 

Producer Description 

Originally a pastoral run dating back to 1839, and originally named Wolta Wolta, Jim Barry purchased the land for The Lodge Hill Vineyard in 1977 as he was sure it would “produce some of the best Riesling in the Clare Valley.” Situated at 480 meters above sea level and situated on the Eastern Ranges of the Clare Valley, the grapes at our Lodge Hill Vineyard are exposed to concentrated bursts of sunlight and cool nights which encourage slower ripening. This helps deliver beautiful natural acidity and citrus characters that ripen early because of the small crop it produces. Gentle pressing and a rapid move into the fermentation allows the natural fruit flavors to be preserved.

Aromas of fresh lime, spice, citrus blossom, white peach, and nectarine skins open on the nose. In the mouth, the lime flavors take center stage commanding attention on entry. The fruit is fleshy with considerable weight and framed with a refreshing driving acid. A lot of wine!

Producer Description 

A nectar from one end of the tasting to the other! An intensely golden adornment, a nose of perfectly over-ripe Chenin, underlined by great elegance, a note of almond cream, quince, very ripe peach skin.

The palate is very straight, freshness, tension and sweetness so well integrated, a finish of candy sugar crystals but also the fine bitterness of the schists, it is a very beautiful vintage, a wine built to last and already so pleasant to taste now. It is the cuvée representative of the estate's terroir, i.e. almost five vines.

RouteStock · Chardonnay · Sonoma Coast · California · 2024 · 750ml

RouteStock is a Sonoma-based label built around a simple idea: source from the best sites, let the fruit speak, and keep the price honest. The Sonoma Coast Chardonnay draws from two consistent vineyard sources — one in the Petaluma Gap AVA, known for its cool, wind-driven conditions and naturally high acidity, and one located just 1.5 miles from the Pacific coast, where the marine influence is felt in every cluster. The result is a Chardonnay that leans into freshness and precision rather than weight and oak — bright, complex, and genuinely food-friendly. Sealed with a screw cap to preserve every bit of that coastal aromatics. At $23.99, this is Sonoma Coast Chardonnay at a price that makes it a weeknight staple.

Brilliant light straw in the glass with a beguiling, aromatic nose of Gravenstein apple, wild sage, Meyer lemon, and a lift of lemongrass — unmistakably Chardonnay, unmistakably coastal. On the palate: bright and racy, with a beautiful array of apple, tarragon, toasted nuts, and lemongrass, carried by a lovely richness that stays fresh and lifted through a long, lingering finish. Complex, inviting, and vibrant from first pour to last. Pair with roast chicken, grilled halibut, pasta with cream sauce, or a simple plate of soft cheeses.

• Producer: RouteStock Wines · Sonoma, California
• Wine: Chardonnay · Sonoma Coast
• Vintage: 2024
• Origin: Petaluma Gap AVA & Coastal Sonoma, California
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Style: Bright, fresh, coastal California Chardonnay
• Closure: Screw Cap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Gravenstein apple, wild sage, Meyer lemon, lemongrass, tarragon, toasted nuts, long lingering finish
• Pair With: Roast chicken · Grilled halibut · Cream pasta · Soft cheeses · Aperitif

Petaluma Gap precision, Pacific coast freshness — Sonoma Chardonnay the way it should taste.

Winemaker Description 

Cidrerie du Vulcain's Poire (Perry) Comment is a perry made from late-season perry pear varieties (end of October-December) such as Plant de Blanc, Fausset and Cloche, Gaubert, Courcou, and Rouge Vigné.

Pear cider from Domfrontais, Normandy made from late season varieties. 2 years aging in bottle and then disgorged. A little residual sugar.

The pure perry juice is fermented on its own wild yeasts and coarsely filtered on white clay. Ancestral method without disgorging: partial fermentation in stainless steel and resin vats, then aging in bottle. No added sulfites.

Our Professional Review

David of 67wino.shop |  If you are looking for a natural style wine this is fabulous. You may say to yourself this is so different in the tradition of a wine from old world France in the bard yard style. Its power immediately comes at you. If you prefer modern style California Zinfandel, then this wine is not for you. If you are an explorer, with a skydiver personality, I highly recommend this wine.

Expert Rating

92 Points Wine & Spirits | Organically farmed fruit from the Russian River Valley, neutral oak aging and the talents of Eric Sussman and his team at RadioCoteau combine to make this a pretty great zin for the price. It’s bursting with fresh wildblueberry flavor, rustic and harmonious in its barnyard-scented tannins. This is ready to decant for grilled vegetables or meats. (2020). 

Winemaker Description

The 2020 County Line Zinfandel is characterized by powerful fruit and spice aromas balanced by refreshing acidity and herbal complexity. It speaks to both the robust essence of the grape and the nuances of its Sonoma Coast terroir. The wine is vibrant, with scents of nutmeg-spiced blackberry pie and sun-warmed strawberry, elevated by floral earl grey tea. These rich, fruity notes are followed by earthy briar and flint on the palate, with a lively, savory finish. Lingering flavors of cacao nib and rugged leather make for a sophisticated compliment to the voluptuous fruit in the nose. Immediately approachable, this Zinfandel also has depth and layers to entice thoughtful sipping. An ideal pizza pairing, savor a bottle alongside a hearty salsiccia, or a white pizza with roasted zucchini flowers. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

Dark ruby in the glass, this wine has a nose of black cherry, cranberry and aniseed. It is very soft on impact, with flavors of raspberry, cassis, milk chocolate and licorice. Satiny tannins hold off on the palate at first, make their presence known and then slip away in time for a bright finish. 

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars — AVETA Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Appellation: Napa Valley, California | Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc | Format: 750ml

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars needs no introduction — the Napa Valley estate that stunned the world at the 1976 Paris Tasting with its Cabernet Sauvignon is equally masterful with white wine. AVETA, named for the Celtic goddess of springs and water, is their Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc: a wine of remarkable freshness, aromatic complexity, and thirst-quenching precision that stands apart from the richer, oak-driven California white wine style.

The 2022 is bright, lively, and unmistakably Napa — fragrant, fruit-forward, and built for the table.

Critical Acclaim

Wine Enthusiast — 92 Points
“Lively aromas and inviting flavors of mixed tropical fruits, wild grasses and wet stones make this wine mouthwatering and inviting through a lengthy finish.”

Winemaker’s Notes

Fragrant aromas of grapefruit, lemongrass, citrus, lychee, and orange blossom. Bright and lively on the palate with thirst-quenching acidity and pure flavors of mandarin orange and honeysuckle that lead to a lasting aftertaste.

Wine Details

• Producer: Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 750ml

Food Pairings

Fresh fish ceviche, crab cakes, grilled oysters with mignonette sauce, sushi, goat cheese, and light citrus-dressed salads.

From one of Italy’s most storied wine dynasties, the Antinori family has been crafting wine in Tuscany for over six centuries. Santa Cristina Chianti Superiore is a benchmark expression of the appellation — deeply rooted in Tuscan tradition, with soft, velvety tannins and a refreshing, food-friendly palate that makes it one of the most versatile Italian reds at this price point.

The 2023 vintage pours ruby red with purplish highlights. The nose is rich with morello cherry, aromatic herbs, and balsamic notes. On the palate it is soft and mouth-filling, with velvety tannins and a long, savory finish.

Food Pairings: Pasta with tomato-based sauces, pizza, grilled meats, aged pecorino, and charcuterie boards.

Varietal: Sangiovese-based blend
Style: Chianti Superiore DOCG
Producer: Marchesi Antinori
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Vintage: 2023
Bottle Size: 750ml

Memo Summary Notes 

The Domaine Leflaive Mâcon-Verzé "Les Chênes" 2023 is a prestigious biodynamic white Burgundy that serves as an entry point into the world of the most famous Chardonnay producer on earth. While Leflaive’s Grand Crus from Puligny-Montrachet fetch thousands, their Mâcon-Verzé wines are crafted with the same biodynamic rigor and technical precision by the same winemaking team.

The "Les Chênes" (The Oaks) is a specific vineyard within the Mâcon-Verzé appellation known for its older vines (some planted in 1935) and south-facing exposure, which produces a wine with more structure and "toasty" complexity than their standard Mâcon-Verzé.

    •    Food Pairing: Its mineral precision and creamy finish make it perfect for butter-poached lobster, grilled scallops, or a rich vegetable tart.

    •    Cheese: Pairs exceptionally well with Chèvre (goat cheese) or a younger Comté.

Winemaker Description 

Clay-limestone terroir with little depth before reaching the bedrock. Gentle to very steep slopes. Surface area: 3.43 ha located in the heart of the Verzé valley, "Les Chênes" comprises two south-west-facing parcels.

The vines are cultivated biodynamically.

Harvesting is entirely manual, and pressing is carried out in Verzé. After decanting, the musts are transported daily to Puligny- Montrachet for fermentation and ageing, under the watchful eye of Domaine Leflaive's technical team. Vinification takes place in vats, and ageing lasts from 15 to 16 months.
Pressing: Long, gentle pneumatic pressing, 24-hour decanting followed by settling.
Fermentation: 55% in stainless steel tanks, 42% in cement tanks and 3% in new oak barrels.

Ageing: After 10 months' ageing on lees in fermentation containers, the wine is racked into stainless steel tanks and aged on fine lees for 6 months. Winemaker Description. 

Staff Notes

“Jean-Marc Boillot has great winemaking in his blood. His 2023 Mâcon-Villages is literally a delicious wake-up call to the palate. Pure, energetic white orchard fruit and floral overtones emerge from the glass with wonderful freshness and invigorating liveliness. A wine that instantly brings joyous flavor and good cheer to any meal.” — Bart Hopkins

“100% Chardonnay from 4 different vineyard sites. Limestone soils contribute freshness, moderate acidity, and minerality. Stone fruit flavors of white peach, apricot, and green apple, integrated with subtle oak undertones, medium-bodied with a crisp, creamy finish. An enchanting wine from this charming 2023 vintage.” — Debra, Wine Buyer

Tasting Notes

Clear and brilliant with a silver luster and green reflections. The bouquet offers a range of delicate and generous fruits — white peach, apricot, green apple, and floral overtones. On the palate, a creamy texture with beautiful balance between refreshing sweet fruit and juicy, mouthwatering acidity. A wine to enjoy immediately.

About the Producer

Jean-Marc Boillot is one of Burgundy’s most celebrated winemakers, with exceptional winemaking heritage on both sides of his family — his paternal grandfather was Henri Boillot and his maternal grandfather was the legendary Étienne Sauzet, both of whom bequeathed him vineyards in recognition of his talent. After vinifying 13 vintages at the family domaine, he struck out on his own, determined to produce highly concentrated, rich, and ripe wines. His Mâcon-Villages is sourced from 4 vineyard sites on limestone soils, delivering a wine of real purity and terroir expression at an accessible price point.

Food Pairing

Pairs beautifully with grilled fish, roasted chicken, light pasta, and fresh goat cheese. Serve chilled at 50–55°F (10–13°C).

Product Details

• Appellation: Mâcon-Villages, Burgundy, France
• Varietal: Chardonnay (100%)
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Producer: Domaine Jean-Marc Boillot, Pommard