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Critical Acclaim

• James Suckling – 96 Points | “Aromas of iodine and oyster shell mingle with black cherries and dark brambleberries. Medium-bodied with firm, racy tannins. Drinkable now but even better after 2028.”
• Wine Advocate – 94 Points | “Solid core of dark fruit, cherry, and redcurrant, with spice and dried rose petal elegantly layered. Classic vintage expression with firm tannins and long-term aging potential.”
• Wine Enthusiast – 93 Points | “Layer upon layer of red and black berries, sweet tobacco, and woodland spice. Pure Nebbiolo power with firm tannins and infinite depth.” Drink Now–2040.
• Jeb Dunnuck – 92 Points | “Bright red, focused, spicy, and pure. Wild raspberries, clove spice, dried orange peel, and dried earth. Medium-bodied, structured, and built to age.” Drink 2025–2040.

Tasting Notes

A complex and aromatic Barbaresco with notes of iodine, oyster shell, black cherry, dark brambleberries, clove, dried orange peel, and dried rose petal. On the palate, firm and racy tannins carry flavors of layered red and black fruit, sweet tobacco, and woodland spices. The finish is long, structured, and elegant — classic Nebbiolo linear tension with serious age-worthy depth.

About the Wine

Pio Cesare is one of Piedmont’s most historic and respected estates, founded in 1881 in Alba. The 2021 Barbaresco is sourced primarily from vineyards in Treiso, with additional fruit from classic Barbaresco sites. Fermented and aged for 30 months in large Slavonian oak casks and neutral barriques, the wine captures the elegance, structure, and aromatic complexity that define great Nebbiolo. Medium-bodied yet powerful, it balances immediate drinkability with long-term aging potential.

Cellaring

Approachable now with decanting; best from 2028 through 2040+.

Food Pairing

Classic with braised beef, lamb, wild boar, truffle risotto, and aged Parmigiano-Reggiano. Decant at least 1 hour before serving.

Product Details

• Appellation: Barbaresco DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
• Varietal: Nebbiolo 100%
• Aging: 30 months in large oak casks & neutral barriques
• Vintage: 2021
• Format: 750ml
• Producer: Pio Cesare

Montenidoli Vernaccia di San Gimignano Tradizionale — Tuscany 2024

Montenidoli is not just a winery — it is a mountain, a philosophy, and one of the most singular estates in all of Tuscany. Perched above the medieval towers of San Gimignano, this certified organic estate has been farming its ancient Vernaccia vines with radical integrity for decades. The Tradizionale is their most expressive bottling: fermented in stainless steel and macerated on the skins for approximately 7 days, it is a Vernaccia of rare complexity and texture — light-medium bodied, energetic, and vibrant, with a beautiful, almost tactile presence on the palate. Fresh stone fruits, orange zest, and blanched almonds lead to a long, lingering finish that is pure and precise. This is Vernaccia as it was always meant to be.

The nose opens with delicate herbal lift, white peach, and almond blossom. On the palate, the skin contact adds a gentle grip and golden depth — citrus pith, apricot, fennel frond, and a whisper of saline minerality. The finish is clean, long, and refreshingly dry, with a classic bitter almond note that is the hallmark of great Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

Certified Organic • Skin-Contact Vernaccia • Estate-Grown, San Gimignano DOCG

67Wine Buyer's Review

Montenidoli is a mountain above the appellation of San Gimignano — and this is a noble, elegant expression of Vernaccia from this historic estate. Certified organic, aged in stainless steel, and macerated on the skins for about 7 days, it has lovely complexity: light-medium bodied, energetic, and vibrant with a beautiful texture. Fresh and pure, with flavors of stone fruits, orange zest, and blanched almonds, and a long, lingering finish. Pair with seafood, pasta, vegetables, or simply with cheese.

• Producer: Montenidoli, San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG
• Varietal: 100% Vernaccia di San Gimignano
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation, ~7-day skin maceration
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Stone fruit, orange zest, blanched almond, citrus pith, saline minerality, dry finish
• Best Paired With: Seafood, oysters, sushi, pasta, grilled vegetables, soft cheeses

A Vernaccia of genuine character and organic conviction — Montenidoli's Tradizionale is the benchmark for what San Gimignano can be.

La Spinetta Barbera d’Asti Superiore Ca’ di Pian Organic — Piedmont 2023

La Spinetta is one of Piedmont’s most celebrated estates, founded by Giorgio Rivetti in Castagnole delle Lanze. Rivetti is widely credited with modernizing Barbera d’Asti — bringing precision viticulture, organic farming, and meticulous cellar work to a variety long underestimated in the region. Ca’ di Pian, sourced from Castagnole delle Lanze and Costigliole d’Asti, is La Spinetta’s entry-level Barbera — yet it consistently punches well above its price, earning critical acclaim vintage after vintage. The estate farms entirely without synthetic pesticides or herbicides, expressing the purest possible fruit from its Piedmontese terroir.

The 2023 is soft, supple, and immediately captivating. A burst of blueberry, black cherry, morello cherry, spice, lavender, menthol, and chocolate gives the wine tremendous appeal and versatility. Fresh, fruit-forward, and beautifully balanced — an especially fine edition of this beloved cuvée.

“A terrific value… tons of immediacy and sheer appeal.” — Vinous, 90 Points

• Producer: La Spinetta, Castagnole delle Lanze, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Barbera d’Asti Superiore DOC
• Vineyard: Ca’ di Pian (Castagnole delle Lanze & Costigliole d’Asti)
• Varietal: 100% Barbera
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blueberry, black cherry, morello cherry, spice, lavender, menthol, chocolate
• Best Paired With: Cured meats, soft cheeses, Piedmontese agnolotti, roast veal, grilled meats, mushroom dishes

Giorgio Rivetti’s benchmark Barbera — organic, expressive, and one of Piedmont’s great values under $30.

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2019

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points |  The 2019 Rosso Di Montalcino is ripe but energetic, with pure red cherry, rose petal, orange peel, and white pepper. It is medium-bodied, with elegant ripe raspberry with a graceful feel. Seamless, with fine tannins, it is supple and soft in its texture and raises the bar in a big way for the category. 6,700 bottles were produced. 

Vinous 93 Points |  An unbelievably pretty blend of dusty rose, cherry and sage wafts up from the 2019 Rosso di Montalcino. It’s strikingly beautiful and graceful within, silky yet cool-toned, mixing saline-tinged minerals with ripe red fruits and floral nuances that resonate throughout. The 2019 finishes structured yet potent and long, leaving lingering dried cherry and licorice notes. Cellaring will be required, but with that said, this is a Rosso of astonishing depth and complexity.

Winemaker Description

The Pian dell Orino estate is adjacent to the Biondi Santi property. This area has a long history of being particularly suited for growing grapes for high quality wines. Husband and wife team Caroline and Jan's love for Tuscany and passion for viticulture binds them particularly to this land, their vines and the resulting wines. 

The wines are produced from four different vineyards that have a total area of 6 hectares. From the beginning they studied the soil and the structure of each vineyard in order to fully understand its characteristics. Fossils, petrified shells and chalk sediment all testify to the earth’s evolutions and recount marine flooding and periods of drought in the area. 

The wines are produced from four different vineyards that have a total area of 6 hectares. From the beginning they studied the soil and the structure of each vineyard in order to fully understand its characteristics. Fossils, petrified shells and chalk sediment all testify to the earth’s evolutions and recount marine flooding and periods of drought in the area. 

Paul Bara Brut Réserve Grand Cru NV is the signature cuvée of Champagne Paul Bara and a classic expression of Bouzy, one of the most celebrated villages in Champagne’s Montagne de Reims. Produced entirely from estate-grown Grand Cru fruit, this non-vintage Champagne combines the generosity and structure of Bouzy Pinot Noir with the freshness and finesse of Chardonnay.

The blend is composed of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay from vines averaging approximately 35 years of age. Bouzy’s south-facing vineyards and deep clay-limestone soils encourage excellent ripeness while preserving the freshness, mineral definition and balance essential to fine Champagne. Only the first pressing of the grapes is used, and malolactic fermentation is avoided to retain natural acidity and vibrancy.

Light yellow-gold in color with fine, abundant bubbles and a persistent mousse. The bouquet opens with ripe orchard and stone fruits — Mirabelle plum, yellow peach and quince — followed by sweet spice, honey, candied citrus, bergamot and orange peel. On the palate, the Brut Réserve is rich, fresh and beautifully focused, with lively acidity, a fine mineral backbone and the subtle peppery character associated with Pinot Noir from Bouzy. The texture is generous and mouth-filling, yet the finish remains dry, precise and refreshing.

Press Notes

91 pts — James Suckling: "Attractive aromas of pears and sliced apples with hints of yeast follow through to a medium body with bright acidity and a delicate bread-dough finish. A blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay."

91 pts — Wine Spectator: "A creamy Champagne, offering concentrated flavors of mandarin orange preserves, dried white cherry and grated ginger, underscored by a streak of salty mineral. Well-balanced, with a lip-smacking finish."

Wine Details

• Producer: Paul Bara
• Cuvée: Brut Réserve
• Style: Non-Vintage Brut Grand Cru
• Country: France
• Region: Champagne
• Subregion: Montagne de Reims
• Village: Bouzy Grand Cru
• Grapes: 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay
• Vine Age: ~35 years on average
• Soil: Clay and limestone over deep chalk
• Vinification: First pressing only; stainless steel; no malolactic fermentation
• Dosage: ~7 g/L (may vary by disgorgement)
• Alcohol: ~12.5%
• Serving Temperature: 46–50°F

About Paul Bara

The Bara family has been rooted in Bouzy since 1833. Today, the historic grower estate farms approximately 11 hectares of Grand Cru vineyards, producing Champagnes admired for their ripe fruit, vinous depth, freshness and distinctive expression of Bouzy’s chalk-rich terroir.

Why We Like It

The Brut Réserve is a benchmark Grower Champagne — Pinot Noir-driven, terroir-expressive and consistently excellent. At this price point, it offers a compelling window into what Grand Cru Bouzy Champagne can be: structured, generous and unmistakably characterful.

Food Pairings: Oysters, shrimp, scallops, smoked salmon, roast chicken, pork tenderloin, creamy mushroom dishes, aged Comté or savory pastries.

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.

Winemaker Description

Since its 175th anniversary, Pol Roger has decided to offer a very limited range of older vintages from its iconic cuvées. After the original disgorgement, these bottles were then returned to the famously deep and cool Pol Roger cellars for additional extended maturation where they have rested undisturbed until their release. Not only do these bottles have a label, cap and collar based on a historic Pol Roger design, they also have been dressed by hand and arrive in an elegant wooden box.

The Sir Winston Churchill Cuvée was created in 1975 as a tribute to the "Old Lion", using the qualities he appreciated in champagne : robustness, structure and maturity. Whilst its exact composition is a secret guarded by family members, it is undeniable that it is based on a formula of which its dedicatee would have approved : "My tastes are simple, I am easily satisfied with the best". Made exclusively with grapes from the Grands Crus of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay already in production during the Churchill era, this cuvée is only produced in the very best vintages.

The predominance of Pinot Noir unquestionably ensures structure, fullness and robustness, while Chardonnay lends elegance, finesse and freshness. Produced in limited quantities, this cuvée has matured for 10 years prior to disgorgement.

Bottle Size: 750ml | Region: Champagne, France

Producer Description 

The Grappa Riserva 7 Years Bortolo Nardini Selection is a grappa obtained from artisanal processes starting from pomace of multivitigno grapes. It ages for at least 7 years in Slavonian oak barrels.

Light amber in color, it offers rich spicy sensations of vanilla to the nose, enriched by hints of cherry and wild berries. On the palate it offers a complex, rich and persistent profile.

Ideal to be tasted neat, it is perfect to be served at the end of a meal with dry pastries. 

67Wine Petit Somm Series Rosé (Central Park) — Castilla y León, Spain 2024

The 67Wine Petit Somm Series is a project created by our in-house buyer and sommelier, Oscar Garcia Moncada — a meticulously curated collection of high-quality, value-driven wines selected to represent the best of what the wine world has to offer at an accessible price. Each label in the series features artwork inspired by iconic New York City neighborhoods and landmarks. The Central Park Rosé is Oscar's everyday rosé selection: a 100% Tempranillo rosé from Castilla y León, crafted to deliver the freshness, vibrancy, and food-friendliness that makes Spanish rosé one of the world's great warm-weather wine values. Sealed with a screwcap for maximum freshness — pop, pour, and enjoy.

The 2024 vintage opens with an enticing bouquet of fresh-cut watermelon, ripe peaches, and red berries. On the palate, it is vibrant and refreshing, showcasing notes of strawberries, raspberries, and a touch of zesty citrus. The finish is dry yet juicy, lifted by a lively acidity that makes it exceptionally drinkable — a rosé to enjoy all year round.

"Opens with an enticing bouquet of fresh-cut watermelon, ripe peaches, and red berries. Vibrant and refreshing on the palate — strawberries, raspberries, and a touch of zesty citrus. The finish is dry yet juicy. I've paired it successfully with a wide range of cuisines — from scallion pancakes dipped in peanut sauce to smoked salmon bocadillos." — Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67Wine Somm

• Producer: 67Wine Petit Somm Series, curated by Oscar Garcia Moncada
• Region: Castilla y León, Spain
• Appellation: Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León
• Varietal: 100% Tempranillo
• Vintage: 2024
• Style: Dry Rosé
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Watermelon, peach, red berries, strawberry, raspberry, zesty citrus, dry and juicy finish
• Drink: Now
• Best Paired With: Scallion pancakes, smoked salmon, grilled fish, tapas, light salads, soft cheeses, aperitivo

Oscar's everyday rosé pick — the 67Wine Petit Somm Central Park is fresh, vibrant, and made for any occasion.

Domaine Georges Lignier Chambolle-Musigny — Burgundy 2022

Domaine Georges Lignier’s Chambolle-Musigny is one of the quiet gems of the Côte de Nuits — and the 2022 vintage may be its finest expression yet. Sourced from a prime 0.71-hectare parcel of 70-year-old vines straddling the “Les Drazey” and “Les Bussières” vineyards, just below the Premier Cru “Les Sentiers” and adjacent to the Bonnes Mares grand cru, this is village Burgundy that performs well above its appellation. Matured in small oak barrels — none new — to preserve the purity and transparency of the Pinot Noir. James Suckling awarded it 93 points, calling it “a very charming Chambolle-Musigny village wine with a lot of floral finesse.”

The nose is classically Chambolle: red flowers, ripe cherry, wild raspberry, and a whisper of forest floor. On the palate, it is sweet and silky — warm, powdery tannins deftly supporting a long, polished finish with remarkable depth for a village-level wine. The ancient vines and ideal location produce a complexity that elevates this far beyond what one would expect from a Villages bottling.

James Suckling 93 — “Sweet and silky, this is a very charming Chambolle-Musigny village wine with a lot of floral finesse, the warm, powdery tannins deftly supporting the long, polished finish.”

• Producer: Domaine Georges Lignier, Morey-Saint-Denis, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Chambolle-Musigny AOC
• Vineyards: Les Drazey & Les Bussières — 0.71ha, 70-year-old vines, red soil
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vinification: Aged in small oak barrels, no new oak
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red flowers, cherry, wild raspberry, forest floor, silky tannins, long polished finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 8–12 years
• Best Paired With: Roast duck, mushroom risotto, lamb chops, aged Comté, rabbit in mustard sauce

Silky, floral, and unmistakably Chambolle — Domaine Georges Lignier’s village bottling is the benchmark for what old-vine Burgundy can deliver at this level.

BOM DIA BRAZILIAN BUBBLES SPARKLING BRUT NV | CANS 250ML

🇧🇷 Brazil — Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

From vineyards hidden deep in the jungle, this sparkling Brut marries Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes grown in Brazil's beautiful southern wine region, where altitude, cool nights, and volcanic soils produce wines of genuine finesse.

Fresh, delicate, and classically structured. Pale straw in color with fine, persistent bubbles. The nose opens with green apple, white peach, and a whisper of brioche. On the palate it is crisp and dry, with bright citrus acidity and a clean, refreshing finish.

A celebration of Brazil's emerging wine culture — proof that great sparkling wine doesn't need a bottle.

Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Region: Southern Brazil
Format: 250ml Can
Style: Brut, NV

67 Wine Petit Somm Series® — Sauvignon Blanc, Chile 2025

The 67 Wine Petit Somm Series® is a passion project from our in-house buyer Oscar Garcia Moncada — a meticulously curated collection of high-quality, value-driven wines that punch well above their price point. Each label celebrates iconic NYC neighborhoods and landmarks, bringing a distinctly New York spirit to world-class wine regions. The Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from Chile's Central Valley, one of South America's most reliable sources for fresh, vibrant white wine, and crafted for everyday drinkability without compromise.

Pale lemon in the glass with a bright, expressive nose of citrus fruit — lemon, lime, and gooseberry — with a playful touch of kiwi. On the palate, it is dry, crisp, and thirst-quenching with lively acidity and a clean, vibrant finish. The kind of wine that disappears fast and always leaves you wanting another glass.

"100% Sauvignon Blanc from Chile's Central Valley, crafted for freshness and everyday drinkability. Pale lemon in color with citrus fruit aromas — lemon, lime, and gooseberry with a touch of kiwi. Dry and thirst-quenching on the palate with a clean, vibrant finish." — Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67Wine Buyer

• Producer: 67 Wine Petit Somm Series®, curated by Oscar Garcia Moncada
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Central Valley, Chile
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Style: Crisp, dry, fresh & aromatic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon, lime, gooseberry, kiwi, vibrant acidity, clean finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2026
• Best Paired With: Grilled white fish, seafood, ceviche, goat cheese, light salads, aperitif
• Serve: Well chilled, 45–50°F

New York attitude, Chilean freshness — the 67 Wine Petit Somm Sauvignon Blanc is the ultimate everyday white at an unbeatable price.

CUNE Crianza Rioja — Rioja DOCa 2021

CUNE Crianza is the calling card of Bodegas CVNE — and the 2021 vintage is a textbook expression of everything that makes Rioja Crianza so enduringly lovable. Sourced from estate vineyards in Rioja Alta, the wine is aged 12 months in American and French oak before additional bottle aging, preserving the bright fruit character of Tempranillo while adding just enough structure and spice to make a lasting impression. James Suckling awarded it 91 points. At this price, it is one of the most reliable everyday values in all of Spain.

The nose is inviting and expressive: ripe cherry, plum, dried herbs, and a whisper of vanilla from oak. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with well-integrated tannins, refreshing acidity, and a juicy, fruit-forward finish with hints of white pepper and warm spice. It delivers the kind of easy, honest pleasure that only a great Crianza can — and it drinks beautifully right now.

James Suckling 91 — "Spicy rendition of Cune Crianza, but as always this is fruity, with lots of cherries, plums and a touch of white pepper. Juicy and bright, with some restrained fruit sweetness. Very fine-grained, juicy and consistent." (Vintage 2021). 

Oscar Garcia, Wine Buyer, 67Wine — "A text-book Crianza from Bodegas CVNE. Aromas of red fruits and dried herbs. Medium-bodied with well integrated tannins and just enough grip to make a good impression. One of my personal go-to crianzas for every day enjoyment."

• Producer: Bodegas CVNE, Rioja, Spain
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: Rioja DOCa
• Varietal: Tempranillo
• Aging: 12 months in American and French oak, plus bottle aging
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherry, plum, dried herbs, vanilla, white pepper, warm spice
• Best Paired With: Grilled lamb chops, roasted chicken, hearty stews, aged Manchego, rich pasta dishes

A 91-point Crianza at an honest price — CUNE is the benchmark for what everyday Rioja can be.

Domaine Equis · Crozes-Hermitage · 2024

There are few names as revered in the Northern Rhône as Graillot. Maxime Graillot trained under his father, Alain, before establishing his own path in the vineyards of Crozes-Hermitage. At Domaine Equis, organic farming and careful work in the soil allow the northern Rhône terroir to speak through expressive, pure Syrah.

The 2024 Equinoxe opens with subtle orange blossom, violets, and earthy nuances. Medium-bodied and gently structured, it offers moderate concentration, soft tannins, and an effortless charm that makes it approachable now.

Vinous: 88 points
“The 2024 Crozes-Hermitage Equinoxe was vinified from fully destemmed grapes, opening with subtle orange blossom, violets and earthy shadings. Touching the medium-bodied palate with moderate flavor concentration wrapped around gentle tannins, the 2024 can be enjoyed right away.” (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Domaine Equis, Maxime Graillot
• Varietal: 100% Syrah
• Appellation: Crozes-Hermitage
• Region: Northern Rhône, France
• Closure: Screw Top
• Tasting notes: Orange blossom, violets, earthy nuances, gentle tannins, and a graceful finish
• Pair with: Roast chicken, grilled sausages, lamb, mushroom dishes, or roasted vegetables
• Size: 750ml

A pure Northern Rhône Syrah with violet lift, earthy detail, and effortless drinkability.

Domaine Hoffmann-Jayer Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits — Burgundy 2020

Domaine Hoffmann-Jayer is one of Burgundy’s most compelling small estates, and their Hautes-Côtes de Nuits is a masterclass in what old vines and meticulous winemaking can achieve at a village level. Sourced from one hectare of 60-year-old Pinot Noir planted in the lieux-dits En Foigery and Les Castaings in Magny-lès-Villers, the 2020 vintage is vinified with a pre-fermentation cold soak and spontaneous fermentation in cement tank, then aged 18 months in a combination of two-thirds 228-liter barrels (20% new oak) and one-third terracotta jar — a rare and thoughtful approach that preserves freshness and amplifies terroir. Bottled without filtration for maximum purity and expression.

The nose is spicier and slightly more deeply pitched than expected for the appellation: plum, black cherry, and subtle earth. On the palate, bigger and richer medium-weight flavors are framed by fine tension and lip-smacking minerality — fresh but serious, with clean, elegant tannins and an impressively long finish. Allen Meadows of Burghound calls it simply: “One to buy.”

Allen Meadows, Burghound — “A spicier and slightly more deeply pitched nose of plum, black cherry and subtle earth gives way to bigger and richer medium-weight flavors that also possess fine tension on the impressively long finish. One to buy.”

• Producer: Domaine Hoffmann-Jayer, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits AOC
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Vine Age: 60 years
• Vineyards: En Foigery & Les Castaings, Magny-lès-Villers — 1ha
• Vinification: Cold soak, spontaneous fermentation in cement, 18 months in barrel (20% new) & terracotta jar, unfiltered
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Plum, black cherry, spice, earth, mineral, red fruit, elegant tannins, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 5–8 years
• Best Paired With: Roast chicken, duck breast, mushroom tart, gratin dauphinois, mild aged cheeses

Sixty-year-old vines, terracotta aging, and zero filtration — Hoffmann-Jayer’s Hautes-Côtes de Nuits is village Burgundy at its most honest and compelling.

Winemaker Description

This shows plenty of currant character, blueberry compote and tar, as well as savory undertones. Medium-bodied with resolved tannins and a round finish. 

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2024

Decanter 93 Points: The 30th Anniversary bottling of Mt. Jeff, with fruit from four of the five Cristom estate vineyards. Pure Willamette character on the nose — forest floor, tart cranberries, and mint leaves balanced by a kiss of sea salt. The palate is a mélange of juicy red berries, salty mineral glimpses, and savoury amaro herbals. A classic, after all these years.

Wine Advocate 90–92 Points: Slowly opening aromas of blackberry and black cherry, earth and violets. The medium-bodied palate matches concentrated, floral fruit with well-integrated oak spice, framed by silky tannins and fresh acidity. A nuanced finish.

Winemaker Description

Cristom Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2024 750ml

Cristom’s flagship Pinot Noir — known colloquially as “Mt. Jeff” — embodies the hallmark Cristom style, marrying whole-cluster and native yeast fermentations. With the 2024 vintage, this iconic wine debuts for the first time as a fully Estate Pinot Noir, comprised of fruit from the Paul Gerrie, Eileen, Louise, and Jessie Vineyards, marking its 30th Anniversary.

Mt. Jeff captures the diversity of volcanic soils, elevations, and aspects that define Cristom’s Eola-Amity Hills hillside. Coastal winds funneled through the Van Duzer Corridor further shape its structure and complexity. The 2024 opens with pronounced floral aromas of roses and lavender combined with blue fruit and plum, accented by subtle earth. The palate is well-balanced with fresh acidity, tart cherry, and raspberry — a benchmark classic Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and an exceptional value.

Pairing Suggestions

• Poultry: Roasted duck breast with cherry reduction, herb-roasted chicken, or turkey with cranberry.
• Meat: Lamb chops with rosemary, pork tenderloin with mushroom sauce, or salmon with pinot beurre blanc.
• Cheese: Aged Gruyère, Brie de Meaux, or a mild washed-rind cheese.

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.

94 Points — Vinous

The prestige bottling. The finest vintage. The most celebrated designation in grower Champagne. Henri Goutorbe's 2015 Cuvée Special Club is the house at its most refined and expressive — a Pinot Noir-driven vintage Champagne from Aÿ Grand Cru, produced under the Special Club designation reserved for top members of the Club Trésors de Champagne. Disgorged October 2024 after nearly a decade in the cellar, it captures both the personality of the generous 2015 vintage and the pedigree of one of Champagne's most celebrated villages.

The Special Club Designation

The Club Trésors de Champagne is an association of elite grower-producers committed to expressing individual terroir and village character. Members may only release a Special Club bottling in years they deem exceptional, and each wine must pass a blind tasting panel before it can carry the designation. The distinctive embossed bottle is a guarantee of quality, provenance and the producer's highest ambitions for that vintage.

The Place: Aÿ Grand Cru

Henri Goutorbe is based in Aÿ, one of Champagne's 17 Grand Cru villages and the historic heartland of Pinot Noir in the Vallée de la Marne. Aÿ's south-facing slopes, deep chalk soils and warm mesoclimate allow Pinot Noir to achieve exceptional ripeness and concentration, producing wines with body, ripe red and dark fruit, and a distinctly vinous character. The village's chalk-rich geology preserves freshness and mineral tension, preventing the wines from becoming heavy or overripe.

The Blend

The 2015 Special Club is composed of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, sourced from the estate's finest Grand Cru parcels in Aÿ. Pinot Noir provides the wine's structure, depth and ripe red-fruit character; Chardonnay contributes freshness, lift and the mineral precision that gives the wine its elegant, long-lived profile.

The 2015 Vintage

The warm, generous 2015 growing season produced concentrated, expressive fruit throughout Champagne. In Aÿ, Pinot Noir achieved excellent ripeness while retaining the acidity and structure necessary for extended aging. The vintage delivered the depth and personality required for a Special Club bottling — a wine designed to reward patience and develop complexity over many years in the cellar.

Winemaking and Aging

The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted. Vinification follows traditional methods, with fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks and extended aging on the lees in bottle. The wine was disgorged in October 2024 — nearly a decade after the harvest — allowing it to develop the layered complexity, refined mousse and subtle oxidative depth that define a mature prestige Champagne.

Tasting Notes

The 2015 Special Club opens with layered aromas of kirsch, cinnamon, dried flowers, ginger, citrus confit and marzipan. With air, notes of ripe orchard fruit, baked apple, toasted brioche, roasted nuts and subtle pastry cream emerge, underscored by delicate mineral tension.

The palate is broad and vinous yet precise, with fine mousse, impressive concentration and a long, elegant finish marked by pear, lemon curd, spice and chalky tension. Vinous describes the finish as deceptively long and understated — a thing of beauty — and notes that the wine has been gently shaped by the passage of time in a way that reveals the essence of Aÿ in a ten-year-old Champagne.

Professional Ratings

94 Points — Vinous (December 2025): The 2015 Special Club is a very pretty, expressive wine that captures the essence of Aÿ in a ten-year-old Champagne. Kirsch, cinnamon, dried flowers, ginger, citrus confit and marzipan all caress the palate. Readers looking for a Champagne that has been gently shaped by the passage of time will find that here. The deceptively long, understated finish is a thing of beauty. This is one of the finest Champagnes I have tasted from Goutorbe in some time. Disgorged October 2024.

The Producer

Henri Goutorbe is a historic family grower-producer based in Aÿ Grand Cru. The estate has farmed its own vineyards for generations and produces a range of Champagnes that reflect the depth, richness and mineral character of Aÿ terroir. The Goutorbe style is built around ripe Pinot Noir, careful vineyard work and traditional winemaking — producing Champagnes that are expressive, structured and age-worthy.

Food Pairing

Rich enough to enjoy on its own, the Special Club pairs beautifully with lobster, scallops, roast chicken, truffle dishes, foie gras, creamy cheeses and elegant seafood preparations. Its depth and Pinot Noir structure also make it an excellent partner for duck, veal and mushroom-based dishes.

Serving and Cellaring

Serve at approximately 50–54°F in a generous tulip-shaped Champagne glass or white-wine glass. Already showing beautifully, the 2015 has the structure and concentration to develop additional complexity through the early 2030s.

Producer: Henri Goutorbe
Cuvée: Cuvée Special Club
Vintage: 2015
Country: France
Region: Champagne
Subregion: Vallée de la Marne
Village: Aÿ Grand Cru
Classification: Grand Cru
Style: Vintage Brut Champagne
Blend: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay
Disgorgement: October 2024
Harvest: Hand harvested
Wine Type: Dry sparkling wine
Bottle Size: 750ml

A remarkable limited-edition Champagne created for a historic celebration, the Billecart-Salmon 250th Anniversary Cuvée Extra Brut 2018 commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States. Created exclusively for the American market, this special cuvée also highlights the longstanding relationship between the United States and Billecart-Salmon, one of Champagne's most respected family-owned houses.

For this exceptional release, Billecart-Salmon selected the outstanding 2018 vintage, a year of impressive ripeness, concentration and freshness. The Champagne is composed of 65% Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and 35% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs, sourced from prestigious Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards.

Only a small portion — approximately 3% — was vinified in oak, with the remainder in stainless steel to preserve freshness, purity and precision. The Champagne then spent an impressive 63 months aging on the lees, developing complexity and texture while retaining the finely etched character that defines the Billecart-Salmon style. A restrained Extra Brut dosage of 4.9 g/L emphasizes the wine's mineral structure and remarkable purity.

In the glass, it displays a luminous pale-gold color with a fine, energetic stream of bubbles. The bouquet is sophisticated and expressive, revealing nectarine, mirabelle plum and blueberry, layered with delicate white and violet flowers and subtle chalky minerality. Notes of biscuit and brioche emerge as the wine opens, adding further depth and complexity.

The palate begins with a beautifully creamy texture before developing remarkable energy and precision. Poached pear, white flowers and brioche are framed by an intensely chalky mineral backbone. Notes of almond, peach and citrus add dimension, while the Chardonnay brings finesse and structure and the Pinot Noir contributes depth and power.

The finish is exceptionally persistent — dry, mineral and finely sculpted, with impressive freshness balancing the richness of the vintage. Powerful without heaviness, this is a serious, sophisticated Champagne that combines the generosity of 2018 with Billecart-Salmon's signature elegance and restraint.

Both a collector's bottling and an exceptional Champagne for the table, the 250th Anniversary Cuvée is particularly suited to celebratory occasions and sophisticated cuisine.

Blend

65% Pinot Noir · 35% Chardonnay

Tasting Notes

Color: Luminous pale gold with fine, lively bubbles
Aromas: Nectarine, mirabelle plum, blueberry, white flowers, violets, biscuit and chalk
Palate: Creamy and energetic with brioche, poached pear, peach, almond and pronounced mineral character
Finish: Long, precise and chalk-driven with exceptional freshness

Food Pairings

Grilled lobster · Seared scallops · Tuna · Caviar · Foie gras · Pata Negra ham · Fine seafood dishes

Winemaking

Vintage: 2018
Vineyards: Grand Cru and Premier Cru sites
Origins: Montagne de Reims & Côte des Blancs
Oak Vinification: Approximately 3%
Lees Aging: 63 months
Dosage: 4.9 g/L — Extra Brut
Bottle Size: 750ml

A rare and highly distinctive release, Billecart-Salmon 250th Anniversary Cuvée Extra Brut 2018 combines historic significance with the precision, finesse and elegance that have made Billecart-Salmon one of Champagne's great houses.

Banshee Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2022 - Premium California White Wine

Discover the rich, luxurious character of Banshee Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2022, a beautifully crafted California Chardonnay that showcases the best of Sonoma County's warmer vineyard sites. This full-bodied white wine delivers layers of golden apple, yellow peach, and luscious caramel wrapped in a creamy, mouth-filling texture.

Why Choose Banshee Sonoma Coast Chardonnay?

• Exceptional Value: 93 points from James Suckling - premium quality at an accessible price
• Rich & Luxurious: Full-bodied with extraordinary depth and complexity
• Perfectly Balanced: Lush texture with bright acidity and a creamy finish
• Versatile Pairing: Ideal with seafood, poultry, creamy pasta, and rich cheeses

Tasting Notes

Experience a wonderfully complex wine with enticing aromatics of caramel toffee, exotic lychee, hints of spice, and lemon pie filling. On the palate, this Chardonnay is lush and viscous, packed with flavors of lemon pie, luscious caramel, and vanilla wafer. The wine finishes with bright acidity and a creamy, lingering finish that invites another sip.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 93 Points | From warmer parts of Sonoma County, this rich and luxurious wine offers golden apples, yellow peaches, hints of caramel and vanilla on a full body and rounded, mouth-filling texture.

Perfect Food Pairings

This versatile Sonoma Coast Chardonnay pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled lobster or crab with drawn butter
• Roasted chicken with herbs and lemon
• Creamy fettuccine Alfredo or carbonara
• Aged Gruyère or triple-cream Brie
• Pan-seared scallops with brown butter

About Banshee Wines

Banshee Wines crafts exceptional, terroir-driven wines from California's finest coastal regions. Their Sonoma Coast Chardonnay showcases the winery's commitment to producing rich, expressive wines that over-deliver on quality and value.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled at 50-55°F to fully appreciate the wine's complex aromatics and creamy texture. This Chardonnay is perfect for enjoying now or can be cellared for 2-3 years to develop additional complexity.

Villa Antinori Rosso Toscana — Tuscany 2023

First crafted in 1928, Villa Antinori Rosso Toscana is one of Italy’s most enduring and beloved Super Tuscans — a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah that reflects nearly a century of winemaking tradition from the Antinori family, whose history in Florentine winemaking dates back to 1385. Approachable, versatile, and consistently earning critical acclaim, it delivers the character and soul of Tuscany at an everyday price. The 2023 vintage earned 90 points from Wine Spectator and is drinking beautifully now through 2030.

The color is ruby red, intense and captivating. The nose offers dark fruit, tobacco, juniper berries, sweet spices, coffee, and hazelnuts. On the palate, it is mouth-filling and pleasantly sapid — smoky black cherry, black currant, and tobacco are framed by a layer of chalky tannins, lively freshness, and a persistent, fruit-driven finish.

Wine Spectator 90 — “Smoky, with aromas and flavors of sweet spices, black cherry, black currant and tobacco. A layer of chalky tannins lends support. Fresh, with fine length. Drink now through 2030.” (Vintage 2023). 

• Producer: Marchesi Antinori, Tuscany, Italy
• First Vintage: 1928
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Toscana IGT
• Blend: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
• Style: Super Tuscan
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark fruit, tobacco, juniper, sweet spice, coffee, hazelnut, black cherry, black currant, chalky tannins, persistent finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2030
• Best Paired With: Pappardelle with wild boar ragù, grilled lamb chops, Bistecca alla Fiorentina, aged Pecorino Toscano, Parmigiano-Reggiano

Nearly a century of Super Tuscan tradition, 90 points from Wine Spectator, and priced for every night of the week — Villa Antinori is the Tuscan classic that never disappoints.

The vineyards, spread out along the Nahe valley, offer a wide variety of characteristic wines, reflecting the influence of the different soil structures and the varying microclimates. In fact, two of these single sites are solely owned by the Anheusers, namely Pfingstweide in Niederhausen and in den Felsen in Schlossboeckelheim.

VARIETAL: 100% Pinot Noir
LOCATION: Nahe
ALCOHOL: 12.7%

An unusual white dry-style Pinot Noir from free-run juice, the wine presents a good firm structure.

Miguel Torres · Cordillera Parcela Las Lomas · Maule Valley, Chile · 2021 · 750ml

Rooted in Pencedès winemaking since the sixteenth century, Familia Torres founded its winery in Vilafranca del Penedès in 1870 and is now in its fifth generation. A founding member of Primum Familiae Vini and co-founder of International Wineries for Climate Action, the family pairs tradition with innovation, regenerative viticulture and a firm commitment to fighting climate change.

In 1979 Torres became the first foreign winery to arrive in Chile, pioneering the Maule region and kickstarting a new era of Chilean wine quality. Today, under Miguel Torres Maczassek, Miguel Torres Chile is built on organic farming, sustainability and innovation, reviving ancestral varieties like País and crafting identity-driven wines such as this Cordillera Parcela Las Lomas Pinot Noir.

Tasting Notes

Delicate ruby red in the glass, with an intense, elegant nose of cherry and spice that recalls the undergrowth of the Maule Valley. The palate is fresh, delicate and elegant, with an excellent mouthfeel and a lovely end note.

Producer Description

Delicate ruby red color. Intense and elegant aroma, with touches of cherry and spice that recall the undergrowth of the Maule Valley. The palate is fresh, delicate, and elegant, providing an excellent mouthfeel and perfect end note.

Miguel Torres Chile

Pairings & Serving

Serve at 14°C (about 57°F). Ideal with fish, game and sauces with mushrooms. Stored well, it will keep its potential for the next 5–6 years.

Specs

• Producer: Miguel Torres Chile (Familia Torres)
• Wine: Cordillera Parcela Las Lomas
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: Maule Valley, Chile
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Winemaking: 14-day maceration; 8-day fermentation at 22°C with native yeasts and 20% whole bunches; 100% malolactic in neutral French oak
• Aging: 12 months in neutral French oak barrels (5+ uses)
• Technical: pH 3.4, acidity 5.3 g/L, residual sugar 1.9 g/L
• Allergens: Contains sulfites
• Size: 750ml

Elegant, cool-climate Chilean Pinot from a family that helped put Maule on the map.