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CrossBarn by Paul Hobbs Sonoma Coast Chardonnay — Sonoma County 2024

CrossBarn is Paul Hobbs’s second label — and one of California’s most compelling values in cool-climate Chardonnay. Drawing on 81% estate fruit from Sonoma Coast vineyards, CrossBarn channels the same winemaking philosophy that has made Paul Hobbs one of Napa and Sonoma’s most celebrated names: minimal intervention, site transparency, and a relentless focus on freshness. The Sonoma Coast appellation is defined by its proximity to the Pacific — cold ocean winds and morning fog that slow ripening and preserve the natural acidity that makes this style so compelling. Partial malolactic conversion in stainless steel adds a subtle creamy texture without sacrificing the wine’s essential brightness and drive. The 2024 vintage is a textbook expression of the appellation.

The color is a luminous pale gold. The nose is fresh, pure, and immediately inviting: green apple, baked apple, ripe pear, lemon peel, and a whisper of bread dough and warm spice. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and easygoing — generous and juicy, with vibrant acidity, a subtle creamy mid-palate from partial malo, and a long, mineral-driven finish. Crisp, refreshing, and built for the table.

James Suckling 93 • Wine Advocate 90 — “Fresh, fruity, juicy, crisp — generous in green apples, baked apples and minerals. Subtle cream and butter from partial malolactic conversion.” (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: CrossBarn by Paul Hobbs, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Estate Fruit: 81%
• Vinification: Partial malolactic conversion, stainless steel maturation
• Style: Bright, fresh, cool-climate Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Green apple, baked apple, pear, lemon peel, bread dough, warm spice, mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 3–5 years
• Best Paired With: Crab Louie, grilled shrimp, oysters, roast chicken, mushroom risotto, creamy pasta

Paul Hobbs’s vision for Sonoma Coast Chardonnay — CrossBarn delivers serious winemaking at an honest price.

Paul Hobbs CrossBarn Pinot Noir — Sonoma Coast 2022 750ml

Paul Hobbs is one of California's most celebrated winemakers — a perfectionist whose name on a label is a guarantee of quality. CrossBarn is his Sonoma Coast project, sourced entirely from estate vineyards including George Menini, Cleary, Goldrock, and Catherine Lindsay Estates. The 2022 vintage is a triumph: four critics, four scores of 90 points or above, led by James Suckling at 94. This is Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir at its most expressive — elegant, layered, and built for the table.

Brilliant deep ruby in color. The nose opens with pomegranate, cranberry, crisp red apple skin, delicate florals, and forest floor. On the palate, harmonious layers of plum, raspberry, and Morello cherry are lifted by bright acidity and fine-grained tannins, with a long, refreshing finish of spice and fruit. Creamy, focused, and beautifully balanced.

James Suckling 94 • Wine Advocate 93 • Jeb Dunnuck 92 • Wine Enthusiast 90 — "Lovely elegance, a refined feel, and great freshness through the finish." — Jeb Dunnuck. (VIntage 2022). 

• Producer: Paul Hobbs CrossBarn, Sonoma Coast, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vineyards: George Menini, Cleary, Goldrock & Catherine Lindsay Estates
• Style: Light-Medium Bodied Red
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Pomegranate, cranberry, plum, raspberry, Morello cherry, florals, forest floor, spice
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or hold 5–6 years
• Best Paired With: Grilled salmon, duck breast, mushroom risotto, roasted chicken, charcuterie

Four critics, four scores of 90+, one outstanding price — CrossBarn is the Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir that overdelivers every time.

Winemaker Description

This fresh, fruity, semi-sweet wine displays aromas and flavors of ripe, juicy berries with dark chocolate undertones.

The perfect balance between sweetness and acidity makes for a refreshing approachability. It is a versatile food wine, best served slightly chilled. 

Memo Summary Notes

The 2023 Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz is the ultimate "guilty pleasure" wine for those who prefer their reds without the bite of heavy tannins or dryness. Hailing from South Africa’s Western Cape, this wine specifically targets the gap in the market for high-quality, non-sparkling sweet reds. 

Jam Jar was created by acclaimed winemaker Bruwer Raats with the belief that "sweet wine lovers deserve a well-crafted option." Unlike many budget sweet reds, this uses high-quality Shiraz grapes (some from 14-18 year old vines) and avoids artificial flavors or colorings. It’s a popular choice for sangria bases or for those transitioning from sweet cocktails to red wine.

La Raia · Gavi DOCG · Piedmont, Italy · 2025

At 400 metres above sea level in the hills of Gavi, where the calcareous clay soils of Piedmont meet the cool breezes of the Ligurian Apennines, La Raia farms its Cortese vines with an unwavering commitment to biodynamic principles — no chemicals, no shortcuts, just a sincere and dynamic balance between land and people. The result is a Gavi of rare purity and precision, one that speaks clearly of its place.

The nose is delicate and mineral, with notes of white peach, pear, citrus blossom, and white flowers underpinned by a fine, stony minerality. On the palate it is lively and beautifully balanced — fresh acidity giving the wine both energy and length, with a characteristic hint of almond on the finish that is the hallmark of great Cortese.

• Producer: La Raia
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Gavi DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
• Varietal: Cortese
• Farming: Biodynamic, chemical-free
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White peach, pear, citrus blossom, white flowers, stony minerality, almond finish
• Pairings: Oysters, seafood, fish ragù, vegetable first courses, fresh young cheese, aperitif

One of Piedmont’s most committed biodynamic estates — elegant, mineral, and effortlessly food-friendly.

Buehler Vineyards Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2022

A family-owned estate established in 1978, Buehler Vineyards has quietly built one of California’s most respected reputations for quality and value — wines that consistently overdeliver at their price points, vintage after vintage. Their Russian River Valley Chardonnay is a standout expression of cool-climate winemaking from one of Sonoma’s most celebrated appellations, where the influence of the Pacific Ocean and morning fog creates ideal conditions for Chardonnay of genuine elegance and complexity.

Crafted from two exceptional vineyard sources — Wood Vineyard on River Road and River Vineyard on East Side Road — the blend brings together the floral, mineral, and lime character of River Vineyard with the lush peach and apricot richness of Wood Vineyard. Sur-lie aging adds toasty brioche and graham cracker notes with a creamy, velvet-textured mouthfeel that elevates the wine well above its price point.

Abundant floral and stone fruit aromas on the nose. The palate is plush and smooth — lemon meringue, peach preserves, grilled pineapple, and subtle spice — with toasty brioche richness, bright natural acidity, and a long, clean finish with marmalade and spice accents.

Wine Spectator — 88 Points

“Lemon meringue, peach preserves and grilled pineapple mingle with spice, toasted brioche and marmalade notes on a plump and smooth frame.”

Food Pairings

Roasted chicken, lobster with butter, grilled halibut, creamy pasta, and soft-ripened cheeses.

Varietal: Chardonnay
Appellation: Russian River Valley AVA, Sonoma County, California
Vintage: 2022
Aging: Sur-lie
Format: 750ml
Score: 88 pts Wine Spectator

Babich Sauvignon Blanc — Marlborough, New Zealand 2025

Babich is one of New Zealand's most respected family wineries, farming sustainably in Marlborough since the 1970s. Their Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is the quintessential expression of the region — vibrant, aromatic, and bursting with the tropical fruit and fresh herb character that put New Zealand on the world wine map. Sourced from multiple vineyards across Marlborough, it is crafted in a fuller, riper style that adds flesh and volume to the classic varietal profile without sacrificing freshness.

The nose is expressive and inviting: sweet citrus, passionfruit, papaya, and red currant layered with fresh herbs and a mineral undercurrent. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with juicy, mouthwatering acidity, ripe blackcurrant and lime on the mid-palate, and a spiced, lingering finish. Clean, generous, and endlessly drinkable.

James Suckling 91 Points — "Fruity and delicious, showing limes, papaya and sliced almonds on the nose. Medium-bodied with juicy acidity. Round with a mouthwatering finish. Sustainable." (Vintage 2025). 

• Producer: Babich Wines, Marlborough, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Farming: Sustainable
• Style: Fuller, riper Marlborough style — aromatic, fresh, tropical
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, passionfruit, papaya, red currant, fresh herbs, mineral, lime, spiced finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2027
• Best Paired With: Grilled white fish, oysters, shrimp scampi, goat cheese, Thai green curry, sushi, citrus salads
• Serve: Well chilled, 45–50°F

91 points from James Suckling — Babich Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is New Zealand in a glass: bright, tropical, and impossible to put down.

Tasting Notes

Bristling with kinetic energy, the Rossatz offers a hugely expressive nose of tangy yellow fruits with a laser-like, salt-drenched palate that prompts salivation. Its acidity is juicy rather than cutting, and its 1.5 g/L of residual sugar are rendered completely invisible — a textbook example of dry Wachau Riesling at its most vibrant.

About the Wine

Fischer's village-level Rossatz Riesling is a blend of fruit from his various premier crus — grapes that don't quite make his rigorous cut for single-vineyard bottlings, yet still deliver exceptional quality and character. The Federspiel classification — the middle tier of the Wachau's ripeness hierarchy — signals a wine of elegant, food-friendly weight: lighter than Smaragd, yet with more depth and structure than a Steinfeder.

Food Pairing

A natural match for freshwater fish, sushi, oysters, light poultry, and herb-driven dishes. Serve well chilled.

Product Details

• Appellation: Wachau (Rossatz), Niederösterreich, Austria
• Varietal: Riesling
• Classification: Federspiel
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 750ml
• Producer: Josef Fischer

Nigl Grüner Veltliner Freiheit — Kremstal, Austria 2025

Martin Nigl is one of Austria's most respected winemakers, farming steep hillside vineyards above the city of Krems in the Kremstal — a region celebrated for Grüner Veltliner and Riesling of exceptional precision and mineral character. The Freiheit — German for "freedom" — takes its name from a remarkable piece of history: this land is believed to be among the first privately owned vineyard land in the valley not controlled by the Church or a feudal estate. It is, quite literally, a wine of liberation. Sourced from four different vineyards in the hills above Krems, the soils are primarily löss, and the steep elevation moderates temperature to preserve freshness and aromatic lift. Fermentation and élevage occur entirely in stainless steel, and in a detail that speaks to Martin's obsessive attention to freshness, the wine is bottled at night — when the cellars are at their coolest.

The 2025 pours a pale, luminous straw. The nose is clean and expressive — citrus, green apple, white pepper, and a subtle mineral lift from the löss soils. On the palate, it's precise and refreshing with lively acidity, a focused mid-palate, and a crisp, dry, lingering finish. Everything Kremstal Grüner should be: pure, food-friendly, and built with care.

"Freiheit — freedom — believed to be some of the first privately owned vineyard land in the valley not controlled by the Church or a feudal estate. Bottled at night when the cellars are at their coolest." — Martin Nigl

• Producer: Weingut Nigl, Kremstal, Austria
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Kremstal DAC
• Varietal: Grüner Veltliner
• Vineyard: Four sites above Krems; löss soils; steep elevation
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation and élevage; night bottling
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, green apple, white pepper, löss minerality, crisp dry finish
• Best Paired With: Wiener Schnitzel, grilled fish, sushi, asparagus, Thai cuisine, fresh goat cheese

A wine of freedom — Kremstal Grüner Veltliner from Austria's most historically significant privately owned vineyard land, bottled at night for maximum freshness.

Critical Acclaim

• James Suckling – 92 Points | “Grapefruit, lemongrass and golden apples on the nose, alongside salted almonds. Medium-bodied, cool and mineral, with zesty and reductive undertones. Made in clay vessels.”

Tasting Notes

A racy, flavoursome Sauvignon Blanc with green pineapple, gooseberries, and quince on the nose, alongside a refreshing salinity of ocean spray and kelp. The palate delivers green citrus, lemongrass, and litchi, with an edgy textural linearity from flint and oyster shells. Cool, mineral, and utterly distinctive.

About the Wine

The Amphora Sauvignon Blanc is part of the Gabriëlskloof Range — a selection of boutique-style wines from this acclaimed Bot River estate that consistently over-deliver on quality and value. True to its name, this wine is fermented and aged in clay amphora vessels, a winemaking technique that preserves freshness and imparts a unique mineral texture without the influence of oak. The result is a Sauvignon Blanc of striking individuality and coastal character.

Food Pairing

A natural match for oysters, grilled linefish, sushi, ceviche, and fresh goat cheese. Serve well chilled.

Product Details

• Appellation: Bot River, Western Cape, South Africa
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Vessel: Clay Amphora
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Producer: Gabriëlskloof

Winemaker Description

If you’re after Sauvignon Blanc with all the incredible crisp, tropical Marlborough flavours and less of the calories, you’ve come to the right place. Matua has crafted this Sauvy so you can enjoy it with 25% less alcohol and calories — now that’s a winning combination. Just 9% ABV.

Tasting Notes

• Crisp and refreshing with classic Marlborough character
• Tropical fruit notes — passionfruit, citrus and fresh-cut grass
• Light-bodied with vibrant acidity and a clean, zesty finish

Food Pairings

• Fresh salads, sushi, or light seafood
• Grilled fish or shrimp with citrus
• Goat cheese, light appetizers, or summer picnic fare

Product Details

• Producer: Matua
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
• ABV: 9% (25% less alcohol than standard)
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml

KRIS Pinot Grigio delle Venezie IGT 2024 — Northeastern Italy

KRIS Wines is one of northeastern Italy’s most reliable and widely loved Pinot Grigio producers, crafting wines that deliver genuine varietal character at an honest price. Sourced from the Delle Venezie IGT — the broad, quality-focused appellation spanning Veneto, Friuli, and Trentino-Alto Adige — KRIS works with grapes grown in the region’s cool, Alpine-influenced climate, which preserves the natural acidity and delicate aromatics that define great Pinot Grigio.

The 2024 shows a pale yellow with brilliant greenish reflections. The nose is enticing: acacia flowers, citrus, tangerine, hints of apricot and almond. On the palate it is lean and refreshing, with delicate notes of blossom and honey, a silky, mineral-tinged texture, and a bright, clean finish. James Suckling awarded it 91 points, noting “nicely placed acidity keeps it fresh with a bright fruit and mineral finish.”

James Suckling 91 — “Stony note that turns denser and provides a silky, grainy mouthfeel.”

• Producer: KRIS Wines, Delle Venezie, Northeastern Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Delle Venezie IGT
• Varietal: Pinot Grigio
• Alcohol: 12.5%
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Acacia, citrus, tangerine, apricot, almond, blossom, honey, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Seafood, light pasta, fresh cheeses, aperitivo spreads, grilled branzino

A 91-point Italian Pinot Grigio at an everyday price — KRIS is the benchmark for what Delle Venezie can deliver.

Winemaker Description

This wine is made in accordance with Georgia’s ancient winemaking traditions. Organic farming and fermented in a set of Qvevri’s (aka Kvevri’s) designed for fermentation and another set of Qvevri’s designed for aging. Bottled with minimal to no sulfur and no filtering or fining. Result is clean, concentrated and balanced. 6 months on skins. Dry, deep amber, nose of honey, fruit, nuts. Bold depth and slight minerality.

Winemaker Description 

Bright, deep purple-ruby core, lighter at the rim with moderate slightly stained tears on the glass. Robust aromas of boysenberry, black cherry, plums with dried herbs, black pepper, baking spice, leather, camphor and oak.

Full-bodied, with ripe blackberry, pluot, and mixed cherries with cinnamon, black pepper, and tanned leather on the entry. Robustly textured tannins lead to a mid-palate featuring smoked tea leaves and savory meats. The long and balanced finish is dominated by the lasting flavors of dried cranberry, camphor and baking spices. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

Michael Alberty of the Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | I'm a Kansas kid, so I'm a sucker for a sunflowers. The juice inside this bottle, however, is what will make me buy it again. The Sunflower offers aromas of lemon, rosemary and a wee bit of butterscotch. A rich texture and lemon curd and brioche flavors are counterpointed by tangy acidity. Pour with The Wizard of Oz.

Eric Guido OF Vinous writes 92 Points | Honeyed flowers, green melon, chamomile and hints of gingery spice waft up from the 2021 Chardonnay The Sunflower. Soothingly round, this impresses with its depths of ripe pit fruits and candied citrus tones, all perfectly offset by a salty tinge of minerality. The 2021 leaves a cheek-puckering freshness and minty herbal tones, finishing with staining length and freshness.  Drinking 2024 to 2028.  - Vinous 92

James Suckling writes 91 Points | A refreshing and citrusy chardonnay with notes of lemons, baking spices and some blanched almonds. Medium-bodied with fresh acidity. Focused and well-made, with a delicious finish. Drink now. 

Winemaker Description 

Charmat method sparkling wine.

This is a refined Brut with a delicate mineral nature and a flowery, welcoming bouquet which charms the senses.

Each sip conjures fresh sensations and light thoughts.

Soft pressing in pneumatic press, sedimentation of must and fermentation at controlled temperature with inoculation of selected yeasts. Aflnation in steel barrels for at least 4 months.

Charmat method for 30 days in autoclave. 

Winemaker Description

The blend is dominated by the Estate Vineyard, yet the significant percentage of Walker—Kanzler's Green Valley vineyard—bends the wine in an exciting red-note direction: hibiscus, rhubarb and red licorice. The aromatics deliver fresh berries, cola, white pepper and pine sap. Fig notes emerge on the palate with a spicy, black tea finish. Modest whole cluster and slightly more new oak make the wine soft and approachable, while bright acid keeps it fresh, juicy, and well-knit.

Hess Select Chardonnay Monterey County 2024 — Monterey County, California

Hess Collection is one of California’s most respected family-owned wineries, with estates spanning Napa Valley and beyond. Hess Select is their approachable everyday label — crafted with the same attention to quality as their flagship wines but designed for the table. This Monterey County Chardonnay draws from one of California’s premier cool-climate appellations, where Pacific breezes off Monterey Bay preserve natural acidity and allow grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, producing Chardonnay of genuine character at an honest price.

A thoughtful blend of 70% stainless steel and 30% French oak fermentation keeps the wine fresh and bright while adding a touch of richness. The nose opens with aromas of grilled pineapple, star fruit, and vanilla, leading to a medium-bodied palate of sliced peach and golden apple, with a touch of crème brûlée on the finish — clean, balanced, and crowd-pleasing.

70% stainless, 30% French oak — Monterey freshness with just enough richness to satisfy.

• Producer: Hess Collection (Hess Select), Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Monterey County
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Fermentation: 70% stainless steel, 30% French oak
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Grilled pineapple, star fruit, vanilla, sliced peach, golden apple, crème brûlée finish
• Best Paired With: Roast chicken, grilled halibut, lobster mac and cheese, creamy pasta, Brie, aged cheddar, goat cheese

Consistent, crowd-pleasing, and genuinely well-made — Hess Select Chardonnay is the benchmark for everyday California white.

Winemaker Description 

Rkatsiteli aged in oak has very complex and interesting aromatic profile. The citrus, green apple, flowery aromas add freshness to the wine, while secondary aromas derived from oak aging add vanilla, caramel and toasted notes. 

White dry wine made according to European rules from Kakheti region. Is made from Rkatsiteli grape variety. Has a light straw color, pronounced varietal aroma and taste. Characterized by citrus, wildflower and pineapple aromas. A cheerful, gentle wine with a light finish, balanced in acidity and alcohol.

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

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | An elegant red, boasting cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral aromas and flavors. Firm, with a dry edge to its tannins as this builds to the long finish. Overall, there's fine balance, and the lasting impression is of ripe fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2030.

From one of the pioneering wineries of the Russian River Valley, Davis Bynum River West Vineyard Chardonnay 2023 captures the richness and elegance that have made this region one of California's premier homes for Chardonnay. Sourced from the acclaimed River West Vineyard, this beautifully balanced wine combines vibrant fruit, refreshing acidity, and refined texture. 

The nose opens with expressive aromas of Gala apple, ripe nectarine, lemon peel, and toasted hazelnut, accented by delicate hints of citrus blossom and vanilla. On the palate, layers of orchard fruit and bright citrus unfold across a rich, textured mouthfeel. Fresh acidity provides lift and energy, while subtle oak influence adds complexity without overwhelming the wine's natural fruit character. The finish is long and polished, with lingering notes of salted lemon, pineapple, and baking spice.

A versatile and food-friendly Chardonnay, this Russian River Valley bottling pairs beautifully with roast chicken, grilled salmon, lobster, crab cakes, creamy pasta dishes, and aged cheeses.

Wine Enthusiast – 92 Points
"Aromas of Gala apple, nectarine, toasted hazelnut and lemon peel drive the nose of this acid-forward Chardonnay. The palate gives rich, pithy texture and sunny flavors of tart pineapple and citrus blossom, with salty lemon lingering on the finish." — Tom R. Capo

Tasting Notes

• Aromas: Gala apple, nectarine, lemon peel, toasted hazelnut
• Palate: Tart pineapple, citrus blossom, orchard fruit, subtle vanilla
• Body: Medium to full-bodied
• Style: Rich, vibrant, and beautifully balanced
• Finish: Long, fresh, and mineral-driven with lingering citrus notes

An elegant Russian River Valley Chardonnay that delivers both richness and precision, showcasing the distinctive character of one of California's most celebrated wine regions.

Talbott Kali Hart Chardonnay — Monterey County, California 2024

Named after founder Robb Talbott's daughter, Kali Hart is the estate's most approachable and fruit-forward expression — and one of the most consistent overachievers in California Chardonnay. Grown on Talbott's certified sustainable estate vineyards in Monterey County, where morning fog rolls in off the Pacific and the Santa Lucia Highlands channel cool maritime air through the vines, the 2024 vintage delivers the kind of lush, balanced Chardonnay that earns 90-point scores and Best Buy recognition from Wine Enthusiast year after year. The estate uses 100% recycled irrigation water, solar-offset vineyard power, and a 2:1 industry-leading water-to-wine ratio — sustainability built into every bottle.

The nose opens with vanilla, brioche, ripe Bosc pear, pineapple, tangerine, and melon — generous and inviting, with a cool-climate freshness underneath. On the palate, the wine is smooth and full-bodied with lush tropical fruit, soft texture, and a clean finish with a hint of minerality. It is the kind of Chardonnay that works equally well on a Tuesday night or at a dinner party — effortless, crowd-pleasing, and genuinely delicious.

Wine Enthusiast Best Buy — "Kali Hart delivers ripe tropical fruit, vanilla, and brioche with a smooth, balanced finish. Estate-grown Monterey Chardonnay at its most approachable." (Prior Vintage 2023). 

• Producer: Talbott Vineyards, Monterey County, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Monterey County AVA
• Region: Central Coast, California
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Certification: Certified California Sustainable (CSWA)
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Vanilla, brioche, Bosc pear, pineapple, tangerine, melon, soft minerality
• Best Paired With: Fish tacos with pineapple salsa, Dungeness crab, seared scallops, roast chicken, Brie

A Best Buy Chardonnay at an honest price — Talbott's Kali Hart is the benchmark for what sustainable, estate-grown Monterey Chardonnay can deliver.

Naturally Fermented Sparkling Red | Copenhagen, Denmark
Size: 750ml  |  ABV: <0.5% (Non-Alcoholic)  |  Sparkling · Light Tannins · Red Berries

Murí is one of Copenhagen’s most celebrated non-alcoholic producers, crafting complex, naturally fermented beverages that belong on any serious table. Founded by Murray Paterson — formerly a distiller at Copenhagen’s legendary Empirical Spirits — Murí celebrates the tradition of Danish gastronomy through beverages that are genuinely novel, deeply considered, and built to honor the ritual of drinking well.

“Fade to Black” is their sparkling red: a dark, fun-yet-grown-up fermented cuvée of red and black currants, chamomile kefir, fig leaf, and pine needle kvass. It pours a deep, inviting red with delightful effervescence — fruity, rich, and earthy, with light tannins and a flavor profile that rewards the same attention you’d give a serious natural wine. Much more pleasant than kombucha. Much more interesting than anything else in the glass.

“For a red wine alternative, I looked for something with wow factor that I could pair with food but also sip by itself — something that would honor the ritual of drinking wine. Murí fits the bill… Fade to Black is fruity, rich, and earthy.”
— Wired.com

Ingredients: Red currants, black currants, chamomile, malt, fig leaf, pine needles, sugar, salt, yeast.
Allergens: Contains gluten · May contain sulfites
Serve: Chilled, as a party aperitif or alongside food.

Pairs with: Mezze spreads, charcuterie, steak tartare, mushroom dishes, aged cheeses.

Domaine de Durban | Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise AOC | Rhône Valley, France | 2021 | 375ml

Domaine de Durban is widely regarded as the benchmark estate for Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise, perched on the dramatic foothills of Mont Ventoux in the southern Rhône Valley. The Leydier family has farmed these sun-drenched hillside vineyards for generations, and they are among the last producers to craft this celebrated vin doux naturel in the traditional style — keeping added spirits as low as possible to preserve the extraordinary freshness and delicacy of the Muscat grape.

Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise is made from Muscat à Petits Grains, one of the oldest and most aromatic grape varieties in the world. Fermentation is arrested by the addition of neutral grape spirit, preserving natural sugars and locking in the grape's vivid aromatic character. The result is a wine of remarkable purity — more refined and elegant than most Muscats from southern France.

The 2021 is luminous gold in the glass. The nose is a pure delight — orange blossom, jasmine, ripe apricot, peach, tropical fruit, and honey, with a delicate mineral thread running through. On the palate, lusciously sweet yet beautifully balanced, with bright natural acidity keeping everything fresh and lifted. The finish is long, fragrant, and utterly captivating.

The perfect dessert wine, and equally magnificent with foie gras, fresh melon, Roquefort and blue cheeses, fruit tarts, and crème brûlée. Serve well chilled at 46–50°F.

• Producer: Domaine de Durban
• Appellation: Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise AOC
• Region: Rhône Valley, France
• Grape: Muscat à Petits Grains
• Style: Vin Doux Naturel (naturally sweet, fortified)
• Vintage: 2021
• Serve: 46–50°F
• Bottle Size: 375ml

Expert Reviews

Wine Spectator 90 Points | This red shows some depth to the black cherry, black currant, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors. There is a hint of tar, and the firm structure is well-integrated. Drink now through 2032.  — Bruce Sanderson

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | This blend opens with ripe aromas that recall blueberry and strawberry jam, followed by notes of spice, chocolate and moist tobacco. The finish is soft and velvety, and it comes with a touch of plush richness. This is complex and balanced.

Decanter 91 Points | Sweet wood nuances lead with cinnamon, clove and a touch of vanilla eventually ceding to wild cherry and wet soil. On the palate, forest berries are laced with chocolate. The fruit is concentrated and plush with ripe, powdery tannins giving effortless support. This is its usual sophisticated and polished self, with lots of juiciness. Yields are a low 30 hL/ha and ageing is in a combination of French oak tonneaux and barriques, 10% new. Give this another year for the wood to integrate.  Drinking 2022 -2027 — Michaela Morris

Jancis Robinson 17.5 Points | Greve in Chianti. 100% Sangiovese.  The grapes were destemmed but not crushed and fermented in stainless steel as well as oak casks where it also went through MLF. Aged in barriques and tonneaux for up to 14 months. Certified vegan and organic.

Walter Speller | Medium to deep crimson. Gorgeous nose of cherry and with the scent of cigar box. Luscious juicy fruit on the palate and silky tannins that make their mark. Beautiful balance and elegant and concentrated at the same time. Amazing length and focus. Drinking 2021 -2028.

Vinous 93 Points | The 2018 Chianti Classico is classy, polished and exceptionally beautiful. Like so many wines in 2018, the Chianti Classico is aromatic and gracious in feel, more finesse than power. Silky tannins wrap around a core of bright Sangiovese fruit. From start to finish, the 2018 is all class.  Drinking 2020 -2033.