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93 Points Jeb Dunnuck: The 2021 Pinot Noir Isabelle comes from a mix of sites and spent two years in new barrels. It has a translucent ruby hue as well as a beautiful nose of mulled cherries, savory raspberries, spicy wood, and dried flowers. It’s balanced, medium-bodied, has an elegant mouthfeel, and outstanding length. This classy, complex, elegant 2021 will drink nicely over the coming decade.

Winemaker Notes

Pierre Paillard Champagne Extra-Brut Grand Cru Bouzy Les Terres Roses XIX | 750ml | Bouzy Grand Cru, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France

Pierre Paillard's Les Terres Roses XIX is a refined and vinous rosé Champagne produced entirely from the Grand Cru vineyards of Bouzy, one of the Montagne de Reims' most celebrated villages. Bouzy is particularly renowned for its powerful, deeply flavored Pinot Noir, while its chalk-rich soils bring freshness, structure and mineral definition to the finished wine.

The XIX release is based primarily on the 2019 harvest and is composed of approximately 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir. Five percent of the blend is Bouzy Rouge — a still red wine made from old-vine Pinot Noir — which contributes the cuvée's delicate color, red-fruit character and subtle tannic structure.

Fermentation takes place in oak, followed by approximately three years of aging on the lees before disgorgement. A low dosage of 2 grams per liter preserves the wine's dry, precise Extra-Brut character while allowing the richness of the Bouzy fruit to remain beautifully expressive.

Pale pink in color, Les Terres Roses XIX opens with pure aromas of raspberry, red currant, wild strawberry and cherry, joined by notes of grapefruit, mandarin, iris blossom and crushed chalk. The palate is generous yet finely structured, balancing ripe red fruit with vibrant citrus acidity, a creamy mousse and a subtle touch of toast from its oak fermentation and extended lees aging.

The finish is long, dry and mineral-driven, with lingering notes of red berries, citrus peel, almond and saline chalk. It is both elegant enough to serve as an aperitif and sufficiently structured for the table.

Food Pairing

An excellent pairing with smoked salmon, tuna tartare, lobster, grilled shrimp, roast poultry, duck, charcuterie, mushroom dishes and soft-ripened cheeses. Serve well chilled in a white-wine or tulip-shaped Champagne glass.

Wine Details

• Producer: Champagne Pierre Paillard
• Country: France
• Region: Champagne
• Appellation: Champagne Grand Cru
• Village: Bouzy
• Area: Montagne de Reims
• Cuvée: Les Terres Roses XIX
• Base Harvest: Primarily 2019
• Wine Type: Rosé Champagne, Extra Brut
• Blend: Approximately 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir, including 5% Bouzy Rouge
• Farming: Certified organic
• Fermentation: Oak
• Lees Aging: Approximately 3 years
• Dosage: 2 grams per liter
• Classification: Grand Cru, Extra Brut
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Burghound 92 Points | A much earthier, riper and more deeply pitched nose speaks of black cherry, cassis and humus nuances. There is strikingly good volume and mid-palate concentration to the dense, serious and powerful flavors that conclude in an austere, balanced, very compact and sneaky long finish. This is a big Clos de Vougeot that isn't particularly refined, but it is undeniably impressive.

Decanter 93 Points | In a warm, dry year like 2019, the results are delightful, with bright red fruits and a silky, subtle texture. Lighter than the offerings from Vosne but also very worthy.

Winemaker Description

Sea Sun Pinot Noir has aromas of cherry, light toasted wood, dry earth, clove and a hint of s'mores. The flavors echo the cherry on the nose, with raspberry on the finish. Bright and fruit-driven, with lush cherries and a strikingly soft texture. 

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

A true expression of Oregon Pinot Noir with aromas of tart cherry, red fruit, rose petal and black tea. Vibrant black cherry and raspberry flavors delight the palate, with a hint of spice on the finish. Smooth, velvety tannins with a touch of French oak influence creates a luscious yet delicate style."

PIERRE PAILLARD CHAMPAGNE 1ER CRU EXTRA BRUT BLANC DE NOIRS LUDES 2020 | 750ML

🇫🇷 France — Pinot Meunier | Ludes, Montagne de Reims, Champagne

A terroir-driven Blanc de Noirs of rare precision and mineral intensity. The bouquet opens with ripe white peach, apricot, nectarine, red apple, citrus peel, brioche, and subtle floral accents. On the palate it is vinous yet sharply defined — fine bubbles, lively acidity, and a pronounced chalky salinity that takes precedence over the grape’s naturally generous fruit. The finish is long, dry, and energetic with an elegant, pleasantly bitter edge. A powerful yet beautifully controlled expression of Meunier — more linear, saline, and structured than the grape is often expected to be.

Produced entirely from old-vine Pinot Meunier (planted 1970) grown in the lieux-dits Les Hautes-Pertes and Les Vigneulles-de-Devant in the Premier Cru village of Ludes, near Grand Cru Mailly-Champagne. The soils are highly calcareous with very little clay over deep chalk subsoil — the source of the wine’s distinctive mineral tension. Vinified and aged in oak barrels, bottled under natural cork for secondary fermentation, then matured approximately 4.5 years on the lees before disgorgement at a very low dosage of 2 g/L.

94 Points — James Suckling

Pairs well with: Oysters, sushi, sashimi, smoked trout, grilled white fish, scallops, shellfish, roast poultry, and creamy cheeses. An exceptional aperitif.

Grape: 100% Pinot Meunier
Classification: Premier Cru
Village: Ludes, Montagne de Reims
Vintage: 2020
Lees Aging: ~4.5 years
Dosage: 2 g/L (Extra Brut)
Format: 750ml
Score: 94 pts James Suckling

Winemaker Description 

An organic wine born in Priorat with its own personality Gratavinum GV5 is born from the Cusine family´s desire to make quality wines in the well reputed region of Priorat, bringing together the special terroir and their passion for wine. Their philosophy is based on respect for the environment, passion for nature and the enjoyment of making this exciting project succeed.

With GV5 we strive to produce a unique wine with personality; a balanced, elegant, fine and fruity wine combined with the minerals and touch of the terroir of Priorat.

Expert Review — Vintage 2023

Wine Enthusiast — 89 Points (Tonya Pitts) | Fresh aromas of youthful strawberry, watermelon, and citrus zest on the nose. The palate is lively with raspberry jam, vanilla cream, orange peel, and clove — supported by supple tannins and a clean, dry finish.

Murphy-Goode Winery sources this Pinot Noir from premier cool-climate vineyards along the California coast, including Arroyo Seco, Santa Maria Valley, and Monterey. These exceptional growing sites maintain a perfect balance between vibrant dark fruit character and bright, refreshing acidity.

Domaine Faiveley · Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru · 2022

Pinot Noir | Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France | 750ml

Pre-Arrival · Introductory Offer · 

Producer & Terroir

Founded in 1825 in Nuits-Saint-Georges, Domaine Faiveley brings generations of Burgundian experience to this historic Grand Cru. Erwan Faiveley and Technical Director Jérôme Flous combine traditional craftsmanship with precise vineyard management and winemaking.

Originally developed by Cistercian monks beginning in the 12th century, Clos de Vougeot is a walled vineyard in the heart of the Côte de Nuits. Faiveley's approximately 1.27 hectares are spread across three parcels: two extending from the lower vineyard toward the middle, and a third near the Château du Clos de Vougeot. Vines planted between 1940 and 2013 and varied soils contribute depth, structure and aromatic complexity.

Winemaker Description

Winemaker's Notes, as supplied in the listing: An extraordinary expression of one of Burgundy's most legendary Grand Cru vineyards, Domaine Faiveley Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2022 combines remarkable power, concentration and refinement with the elegance that defines the finest Pinot Noir of the Côte de Nuits.

Deep ruby-red in color, this magnificent Burgundy reveals a complex and captivating bouquet of ripe black cherries, blackberries and dark raspberries, interwoven with delicate aromas of roses, violets, warm spice and subtle toasted oak.

On the palate, the wine is rich, full-bodied and beautifully layered, offering concentrated dark fruit, fine smoky oak nuances and a remarkable depth of flavor. Its initial supple, velvety texture gradually gives way to powerful yet polished tannins, supported by vibrant acidity and a firm mineral backbone.

The finish is exceptionally long, revealing lingering notes of dark berries, spice and elegant earthiness. A profoundly structured and age-worthy Pinot Noir that promises to develop extraordinary complexity over time.

Expert Review & Ratings

James Suckling, 96 Points: Very fleshy, suave and fragrant. This has excellent concentration and beautiful harmony of ripe fruit with fine toasty, smoky oak plus ample velvety tannins.

Wine Spectator, 95 Points: Score supplied in the existing listing; review text not provided.

Winemaking

Meticulous fruit selection and controlled Burgundian vinification preserve the individuality of the Grand Cru parcels. Fermentation and gentle extraction develop aromatic complexity and refined tannins, while maturation in French oak adds toasted spice and texture.

Pairing & Serving

Pair with roasted duck breast, beef Wellington, venison, rack of lamb or truffle risotto. Wild mushrooms, roasted game and aged Comté also complement its dark fruit and earthy complexity. Serve at 60–64°F (16–18°C). Its structure makes it a candidate for further bottle aging.

Wine Details

• Producer: Domaine Faiveley
• Vintage: 2022
• Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
• Country: France
• Region: Burgundy, Côte de Nuits
• Appellation: Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru AOC
• Classification: Grand Cru
• Estate holdings: Approximately 1.27 hectares (3.14 acres), across three parcels
• Vine plantings: 1940, 1974, 1980, 1981 and 2013
• Style: Dry red wine
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Ratings in the supplied listing: James Suckling, 96 Points; Wine Spectator, 95 Points
• Availability: Pre-arrival introductory offer; ETA October 21, 2026

A structured Grand Cru for Burgundy lovers drawn to concentrated dark fruit, floral complexity and velvety tannins.

DuMOL · Wester Reach Pinot Noir 2024 · Russian River Valley · 750ml

DuMOL’s Wester Reach Pinot Noir brings together valley vineyards and cooler western ridges in a layered expression of the Russian River Valley. The 2024 combines cherry and raspberry fruit with floral perfume, dried herbs, and spice, balancing depth of texture with a bright, lingering finish.

Character & Style

Winemaker Andy Smith describes a medium-bodied wine with rose petal, hibiscus, black cherry, and dark raspberry. The supplied critics highlight refined texture, red-toned fruit, mineral detail, and refreshing acidity.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

James Suckling · 95 Points
A pleasing mix of wild berries and red and black cherries with hints of cola and spices. Medium-bodied, plush and refined, showing orange black tea and a little anise in the finish.

Jeb Dunnuck · 94 Points
The 2024 Pinot Noir Wester Reach is a youthful rub -red hue and is more red-fruited, minty, and floral in profile, with the highest percentage of estate fruit to date. Medium-bodied, with spicy pomegranate fruit, refreshing acidity, and excellent structure.

Vinous · 91 Points
The 2024 Pinot Noir Wester Reach is a very pretty, elegant wine. Crushed flowers, bright red-toned fruit, chalk, mint and crushed rocks are finely drawn in this nervy, taut Pinot Noir. The 2024 is a wine of detail and nuance. Give it a year or two to soften a bit.

Winemaker Description

Andy Smith · Viticulturist, Winemaker & Partner
Our “Wester Reach” Pinot Noir is a multi-layered interpretation of this classic region where we live and farm vines. It includes some of the finest sites in the appellation - vineyards that we have planted, farmed or harvested for thirty years. Comprising three of our region’s unique sub-districts, the wine blends fruit from the valley with vineyards further west, stretching out to the coolest ‘reaches’ of the appellation’s high elevation coastal ridges. Each district contributes something unique, be it valley-floor texture and volume, ridgeline fruit intensity or bright coastal acidity.

The 2024 season saw a wet winter, a mild spring, and a hot July. Fortunately, harvest temperatures were gentle and mild, allowing steady progression to perfect maturity. Irrigation was not required, but we needed to crop thin to bring the vines into balance. Harvest took place over a stress-free three-week period. Berry size was moderate, so the wines have obvious concentration with an intense fruit core and fresh balancing acidity.

Aromas and flavors akin to rose petal, hibiscus, black cherry and dark raspberry. An edge of dried herb and Asian spice. Medium-bodied with deep layers of texture and lovely fruit purity. Turns sleek and succulent on the bright lingering finish. Drink between 2026 and 2034.

Vineyards & Winemaking

• 33% Flax Estate Vineyard
• 26% Dr. Galante Estate Vineyard
• 21% Dutton-Jentoft Vineyard
• 20% Occidental Road Vineyard
• Harvest dates listed: August 21–September 12
• Fermentation: Native yeasts, 25% whole clusters
• Aging: 11 months in 228L French oak barrels, 30% new, followed by 3 months in tank
• Bottled unfiltered
• Production listed: 4,500 cases of 750ml

Additional Press Mention

The supplied producer material also lists 94 points from Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent. No accompanying review text was supplied.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Serve slightly cool and allow time in the glass. Try with roast duck, salmon, mushroom dishes, or herb-roasted chicken. The winemaker’s suggested drinking window is 2026–2034; Vinous recommends allowing a year or two for the wine to soften.

Wine Details

• Producer: DuMOL
• Cuvée: Wester Reach
• Vintage: 2024
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Russian River Valley
• Origin: California, United States
• Bottle size: 750ml

Pascal Agrapart · Complantée Extra Brut · Grand Cru

Six-Grape Field Blend · Avize, Champagne, France · 750ml

Producer & Terroir

Established by Arthur Agrapart in 1894, the family domaine has bottled under its own label since its inception. Based in Avize in the Côte des Blancs, its approach centers on expressing village terroirs and a steadfast commitment to organic viticulture. Ambroise Agrapart joined his father Pascal with the 2018 vintage.

Complantée brings together Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, Arbane and Petit Meslier, co-planted as a field blend. The retained reviews describe different releases, so their base-vintage, disgorgement and dosage details should not be assumed to identify the bottle currently offered.

Tasting Character

The reviews below describe floral and citrus aromas, pear, almond and mineral notes, with fine bubbles and a persistent finish. Individual releases vary, from the airy depth described by Vinous to the more austere, high-acid expression reviewed by Wine Advocate.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling, 94 Points, reviewed June 2022: This has a pretty nose of white flowers, daffodils, blanched almonds, lemons, white grapefruit and salted peanuts. Bright and full of personality with very fine bubbles. Open and vibrant. Made from a field blend of 6 varieties, co-fermented in barriques.

Vinous, 94 Points, reviewed December 2024, release described as 2020: The NV Extra Brut Complantée Grand Cru is terrific. It’s bright and persistent, with terrific balance. The blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, Arbane, Petit Meslier and Chardonnay, all co-planted, works so well in adding what the vintage itself is missing. White pear, jasmine, crushed rocks, mint and sage all take shape in the glass. Airy and light on its feet, with terrific depth, the 2020 is superb. (AG)

Wine Advocate, 92 Points, reviewed December 2024, 2021-based release disgorged August 2024: The NV Extra Brut Grand Cru Complantée, disgorged in August 2024 with a dosage of three grams per liter, derives from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, Arbanne and Petit Meslier, all planted (in 2003 and 2015) within the same three plots in Avize. The maturity of each grape variety is different; however, they are harvested on the same day. Based on the 2021 vintage with just 10% reserve wines from 2020, it’s a wine with a chiseled, rather austere personality, marked by the cool season and defined by its vegetal material. Unfurling from the glass with scents of elderflower, lychee, mint and lemon zest, it’s medium-bodied with screeching acidity, concluding with a long, precise finish. Right now, it expresses the grape varieties more strongly than the place, but Ambroise hopes that, as the vines grow older, “it will be easier to read the terroir.” Stylistically, it could not be more different from Avizoise. (KK

The supplied review ends with an incomplete attribution; the available text is preserved above.

Pairing & Serving Suggestions

Try chilled with oysters, delicate seafood or a simple fish dish. A white-wine glass is a useful option for exploring the field blend’s aromatic detail.

Wine Details

• Producer: Pascal Agrapart
• Cuvée: Complantée
• Appellation: Champagne
• Village: Avize
• Classification: Grand Cru
• Style: Extra Brut
• Country: France
• Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, Arbane and Petit Meslier
• Viticulture: Organic practices, as described in the existing estate notes
• Bottle Size: 750ml

South African Pinotage from an All-Women Run Winery

HER is the flagship collection from Adama Wines, an all-women run company based in Wellington, South Africa. Founded by eight dedicated South African women, the brand was created to represent sisters, mothers, daughters, and grandmothers — the women who strive to make the world a better place. The 2024 HER Pinotage is exactly what great everyday Pinotage should be: youthful, vibrant, and immediately enjoyable, with the bright fruit and velvety texture that make South African Pinotage one of the world’s most distinctive and food-friendly red varieties.

Winemaker Notes

Youthful and fun. Bright and punchy berries and ripe red fruits on the nose. Juicy on the palate with velvety tannins and a fresh, fruit-driven finish. Best enjoyed slightly cool.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Pinotage
• Appellation: Western Cape, South Africa
• Producer: Adama Wines (HER Collection)
• Vintage: 2024
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Wonderfully versatile — exceptional with grilled meats, BBQ ribs, burgers, spiced lamb, and casual weeknight meals.

Winemaker Description 

Breathtaking steep are the slate terraces of the Ahr, on which only a few vines can be found at all times. In this respect, the yields are also dwindling and the number of bottles is limited accordingly.

Juicy on the palate with delicate, round tannins and wonderfully balanced with beautiful fruit extract. Burgundy fans can really rejoice.

The name Meyer-Näkel stands for the finest Pinot Noir from the spectacular steep slate slopes of the Ahr - this has been no secret for decades. Today, sisters Maike and Dörte Näkel are the third generation to successfully continue what their father and grandfather - both legends and pioneers of dry German Pinot Noir - had already established.

Kistler Vineyards · Pinot Noir · Russian River Valley · 2024

Since 1978, Kistler Vineyards has set the benchmark for Burgundian-inspired winemaking in California. Their Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is sourced from vineyards along the Gravenstein Ridge — red, gravelly soils from the Sebastopol series that deliver the kind of cool-climate tension and mineral precision rarely found outside Burgundy itself. The vines are planted to Kistler's proprietary heritage clones, descended from Grand Cru Burgundy selections refined over 25 years of meticulous field work, prized for their low yields, small berries, and extraordinary site expression. At $85.99, this is one of California's most sought-after Pinot Noirs — and one of the most fairly priced at this level of pedigree.

The 2024 is harvested by hand at night to preserve freshness, 100% destemmed, and fermented in open-top tanks with native yeasts — only free-run juice collected, no pressing. Ten months in French oak (38% new, hand-stacked cooperage air-dried in St. Romain), then bottled unfined and unfiltered. The result: a complex bouquet of red currant, smoked earth, and exotic florals, leading to a seamless, medium-bodied palate with silky tannins and a long, mineral-driven finish. Drink now through 2032+.

• Producer: Kistler Vineyards
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Sub-Region: Gravenstein Ridge
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir (heritage Kistler clones)
• Vinification: Hand harvested at night · 100% destemmed · Native yeast · Open-top fermenters · Free-run juice only · 10 months French oak (38% new) · Unfined & unfiltered
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red currant, smoked earth, exotic florals, silky tannins, mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2032+
• Food Pairings: Duck confit, mushroom risotto, lamb chops, aged Comté

Heritage Burgundy clones, Gravenstein Ridge terroir, and 45+ years of Kistler precision — Russian River Pinot Noir at its most compelling.

Winemaker Description

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

Expert Reviews

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

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

Ornellaia Poggio alle Gazze dell'Ornellaia Toscana Bianco 2024 is an exceptional white wine from the prestigious Ornellaia estate in Bolgheri, Tuscany. Inspired by the refreshing Mediterranean breezes that shape the region's coastal vineyards, this sophisticated blend captures the elegance, aromatic complexity, and distinctive character of Ornellaia's terroir.

Crafted primarily from Sauvignon Blanc and Vermentino, with small additions of Sémillon and Viognier, the 2024 vintage combines expressive aromatics with remarkable freshness and beautifully balanced richness.

In the glass, the wine displays a lively golden-straw color. The expressive bouquet reveals enticing aromas of ripe mango, delicate wildflowers, and fresh almonds, complemented by subtle Mediterranean floral nuances.

On the palate, Poggio alle Gazze 2024 is medium- to full-bodied, with a silky, rounded texture and generous fruit concentration. Bright, refreshing acidity provides energy and precision, beautifully balancing the wine's richness. The long, elegant finish unfolds with delicate notes of acacia blossoms and rose petals.

The wine undergoes careful fermentation in a combination of French oak barriques, stainless steel, concrete vessels, and amphorae, followed by eight months of aging on fine lees. This thoughtful approach enhances texture and complexity while preserving the freshness and purity of the fruit.

A beautifully refined Tuscan white, Poggio alle Gazze dell'Ornellaia 2024 offers an exceptional expression of Mediterranean elegance and the winemaking excellence for which Ornellaia is renowned.

Professional Ratings

93 Points — Jeb Dunnuck: The 2024 Poggio alle Gazze dell'Ornellaia, a blend of 55% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Vermentino, 3% Sémillon, and 2% Viognier, pours a bright silver/yellow hue with a subtle green tinge. The nose is fresh and expressive, offering notes of white flowers, guava, lime, peach, and fresh sage, with a restrained tropical character. Medium-bodied, it floats across the palate with elegance, showing vibrant acidity, saline lift, and a lively, energetic profile. A beautifully balanced white, it emphasizes freshness and precision. Drink 2026-2032.

91 Points — Decanter: Grassy and herbal with soft citrus aspects. Juicy and nicely fragrant, there's some baked lemon patisserie elements, caramel and baked pears. This has some weight to the texture with an enjoyable salty finish. 2% Viognier completes the blend.

90 Points — Vinous: The 2024 Poggio alle Gazze is airy, bright and gracious. Lemon peel, sage, chalk, mint and white pepper open first, followed by brisk, salivating acids that are quite prominent. This is an especially austere vintage for Poggio alle Gazze. I would give it a bit of time in bottle.

90 Points — Wine Spectator: Earthy aromas give way to cut grass, pine and lychee flavors, all aligned to a juicy texture, with fine intensity and length. The earthy aromas dissipate with air, so open this a little in advance or decant. Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, Viognier and Verdicchio.

Wine Details

• Producer: Tenuta dell'Ornellaia

• Wine: Poggio alle Gazze dell'Ornellaia

• Vintage: 2024

• Country: Italy

• Region: Tuscany

• Production Area: Bolgheri, Tuscany

• Appellation / Classification: Toscana IGT Bianco

• Grape Varieties: 55% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Vermentino, 3% Sémillon, 2% Viognier

• Wine Type: White Wine

• Style: Dry, aromatic, elegant and textured

• Alcohol: 13.5% ABV

• Fermentation: French oak barriques, stainless steel, concrete, amphorae and Wine Globes

• Aging: 8 months on fine lees, followed by an additional 8 months in bottle before release

• Bottle Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

An excellent companion to grilled branzino, seared scallops, lobster, shrimp risotto, roasted Mediterranean vegetables, and fresh seafood. Its aromatic complexity and vibrant acidity also complement herb-roasted chicken, creamy pasta dishes, and delicate soft cheeses.

Serving Recommendation: Serve chilled at approximately 48–52°F (9–11°C) to appreciate its aromatic expression, freshness, and elegant texture.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points | A richer reflective ruby hue, the 2022 Pinot Noir Freedom Hill Vineyard is a savory wine with notes of wet stones, graphite, pine, fresh black cherries, mixed berries, and tea leaf. It is very appealing on the palate early on. with refined tannins and a juicy feel. It’s very attractive now, and it’s not going to slow down any time soon. Drink 2024-2040.

James Suckling 95 Points | Aromas of fresh sour cherries and strawberries with hints of violets, crushed herbs and seashells. Crunchy and savory on the palate, with a medium body and wet stone and mineral character. Structured with refined yet firm tannins. Long finish.

The Wine Advocate 92 Points |  The 2022 Pinot Noir Freedom Hill Vineyard opens with tarry, meaty tones that give way to wild berry fruit, mushrooms, dried herbs and potpourri. The light-bodied palate is delicately styled with understated yet detailed flavors, silky tannins, juicy acidity and a long, spicy finish.

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Briary raspberry and wild strawberry aromas burst from the glass, followed by traces of violets and grilled portobello mushrooms. The wine’s Bing cherry, lemon and white chocolate flavors fill the mouth. A combination of jangly acidity and rippling tannins suggests a long life for this wine.

Wine Spectator 92 Points | Brooding and deeply structured, offering blueberry and cherry flavors laced with black tea and savory spice notes as this builds toward medium-grained tannins. 

Winemaker Description 

Freedom Hill Vineyard is located in the foothills of the Oregon Coast Range, toward the western edge of the Willamette Valley near the Eola-Amity AVA. The grapes from Freedom Hill make their way into the wine portfolios of some of the most esteemed, artistic wineries in the Willamette Valley.

Dough · Pinot Noir · 2023 · United States

Dough Pinot Noir 2023 puts a food-first approach at the center of the table. Led by winemaker Heidi Bridenhagen, Dough connects wine with the culinary community, crafting wines intended to accompany a meal rather than compete with it.

For a relaxed dinner, consider this 750ml bottle alongside roast chicken, grilled salmon or a mushroom dish. These are pairing suggestions for Pinot Noir, offering a starting point for building your own menu.

Producer Story

Dough: DELICIOUS WINES.
Head Winemaker Heidi Bridenhagen works with a diverse team of James Beard Foundation chefs and leaders to craft a family of food-friendly wines, which are rooted in purpose. Good food for good meets good wine for good. Woman Winemaker!

Rise To The Occasion

Dough: We are proud to support the James Beard Foundation’s work to create an inclusive, equitable and sustainable food culture through an annual donation. As a brand and as a community of food & wine lovers, we support positive changes to the culinary arts and beverages professions.

Join us in support of a vision for a more equitable and food sustainable future.

George Brown College

Dough: With a strong alignment to our commitment to supporting equality in the kitchen and the culinary & beverage arts, Dough offers two $2500 scholarships to students of George Brown College’s Hospitality & Culinary Arts programs.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

Try serving slightly cool with roast poultry, grilled salmon, mushroom pasta or lentils with roasted vegetables. These general Pinot Noir pairing ideas let you take the wine in several directions at the table.

Wine Details

• Producer: Dough
• Winemaker: Heidi Bridenhagen
• Vintage: 2023
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Country: United States
• Style: Red wine
• Bottle size: 750ml

A food-minded Pinot Noir for gathering around the dinner table.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Winemaker Description 

A Remarkable Expression of Premier Cru Pinot Noir

Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon Mi-Pentes Premier Cru Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut is an exceptional Grower Champagne that showcases the depth, elegance, and mineral precision of Pinot Noir grown in the prestigious Premier Cru village of Écueil, on the western slopes of the Montagne de Reims.

Crafted exclusively from Pinot Noir, this beautifully expressive Champagne represents the dedication of Géraldine Lacourte and Richard Desvignes, the husband-and-wife team behind one of Champagne's respected family-owned estates. Since taking over the family vineyards in 2006, they have focused on meticulous vineyard management, organic farming practices, and traditional winemaking techniques that allow the distinctive character of Écueil's terroir to shine.

The name Mi-Pentes, meaning "mid-slopes," refers to the privileged vineyard parcels located halfway up the hillsides of Écueil. These carefully selected sites provide an ideal balance of drainage, exposure, and soil composition, producing Pinot Noir with remarkable concentration, structure, and finesse.

The vineyards, with an average vine age of approximately 40 years, are cultivated with great respect for the environment. Grass is maintained between vineyard rows, while the soil beneath the vines is carefully worked to encourage healthy root systems and a natural expression of terroir.

Traditional Winemaking & Extended Aging

Mi-Pentes is produced from 100% Pinot Noir, with a portion of the wine fermented and matured in oak barrels to develop complexity, texture, and aromatic depth without overpowering the purity of the fruit.

The producer's 2020-base release incorporates reserve wines from the 2019 harvest, bringing additional maturity, consistency, and richness to the finished Champagne.

The wine spends more than three years aging on its lees, developing a fine, persistent mousse and elegant layers of toasted brioche, spice, and mineral complexity. The current producer specification lists a dosage of zero grams per liter, preserving the wine's remarkable purity and naturally dry character.

The result is a sophisticated, beautifully structured Blanc de Noirs that combines the richness of Pinot Noir with the vibrant freshness and precision of Premier Cru Champagne.

Tasting Notes

In the glass, Mi-Pentes displays a luminous golden color with delicate, persistent bubbles.

The expressive nose reveals aromas of ripe yellow orchard fruits, lemon zest, and fresh red berries, accompanied by subtle floral notes, sweet spice, and hints of toasted pastry.

On the palate, this Champagne is concentrated yet remarkably refined. The richness of Pinot Noir provides a generous, layered texture, while lively acidity and pronounced minerality bring energy and balance.

Flavors of ripe pear, golden apple, citrus peel, and delicate red fruit unfold alongside toasted almond, brioche, and a subtle touch of spice. The texture is beautifully precise, with fine bubbles and an elegant, almost creamy mouthfeel.

The finish is long, vibrant, and exceptionally persistent, leaving impressions of chalky minerality, citrus zest, and delicate savory complexity.

Food Pairing Suggestions

With its generous Pinot Noir character and elegant structure, Mi-Pentes is an outstanding Champagne for the dining table, offering considerably more versatility than a traditional aperitif.

Its depth and freshness make it an excellent companion to seared scallops, roasted lobster, grilled prawns, and richly flavored seafood dishes.

It also pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, duck breast, mushroom risotto, and delicate preparations featuring truffles or wild mushrooms.

For cheese lovers, enjoy Mi-Pentes alongside aged Comté, Gruyère, Brie, or creamy artisan goat cheeses. Its crisp acidity and mineral backbone provide a delightful contrast to rich, savory flavors.

Serving Temperature: Approximately 46–50°F (8–10°C). Serve in a white wine or tulip-shaped Champagne glass to fully appreciate its complex aromas and texture.

Aging Potential: Approximately five years under proper cellar conditions, according to the producer.

Perfect For: Fine dining, special celebrations, Champagne collectors, elegant entertaining, and enthusiasts seeking an outstanding, terroir-driven Blanc de Noirs.

Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon Mi-Pentes Premier Cru Blanc de Noirs is a compelling expression of Écueil's finest Pinot Noir—combining concentration, precision, and mineral elegance in a beautifully crafted Grower Champagne of exceptional character.

Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon "Mi-Pentes" Blanc de Noirs 1er Cru Extra Brut 750ml

Region: Champagne, Montagne de Reims, France
Appellation: Champagne Premier Cru
Producer: Champagne Lacourte-Godbillon
Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Style: Blanc de Noirs, Extra Brut, Grower Champagne
Vineyards: Mid-Slope Premier Cru Vineyards of Écueil
Dosage: 0 g/L (Brut Nature, current producer specifications)
Bottle Size: 750ml