Search results

Mauro Molino Barbaresco Giacosa — Piedmont 2023

Mauro Molino is best known for his celebrated Barolo wines from La Morra, but his Barbaresco Giacosa is a compelling reminder that his talent extends across the Langhe. Sourced from an east-facing site in Treiso — one of Barbaresco’s most prized communes — and produced in very small quantities, this is a wine of precision, elegance, and genuine cellar ambition.

The 2023 pours a bright, transparent ruby. The nose is classically Nebbiolo: fresh raspberries, dusty earth, flowers, and anise. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with a cooling, tense feel, refreshing acidity, and well-defined structure. Aged in a 3,000-liter barrel and one tonneau, the oak is perfectly integrated — supporting rather than obscuring the wine’s natural finesse. Built to drink from 2026 and evolve gracefully through 2040.

“Cooling feel with refreshing tension and well-defined structure.” — Jeb Dunnuck, 94 Points

• Producer: Mauro Molino, La Morra, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Barbaresco DOCG
• Vineyard: Giacosa, Treiso — east-facing
• Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
• Aging: 3,000-liter barrel and one tonneau
• Production: Very small quantities
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh raspberry, dusty earth, flowers, anise, cooling tension, structured finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink 2026–2040
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, braised veal, truffle pasta, aged Parmigiano, wild mushroom risotto

A 94-point Barbaresco from one of Piedmont’s most trusted names — Giacosa is a rare find built for the long haul.

Marqués de Riscal is one of Spain's most storied estates, founded in 1858 in the village of Elciego in Rioja Alavesa. Elevated vineyards, meticulous farming across 540 owned hectares, and a cellar housing every vintage back to the 1860s define a house built on permanence and precision. The Frank Gehry–designed hotel and Michelin-starred restaurant on-site speak to the same ambition: world-class in every dimension.

The 2021 Reserva is a blend of Tempranillo and 3% Graciano, aged 20 months in American oak. The nose opens with licorice, black cherry, cinnamon, and black pepper — expressive and layered, with a balsamic freshness that keeps everything lifted. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied yet polished, with silky tannins, ripe red and black fruit, and a long, persistent finish with gentle spice. Classic Riscal: structured, elegant, and built to age another 10–15 years.

"The winery's flagship wine, the 2021 Reserva has a highly appealing spicy balsamic character and an undertone of freshness... rich in red and black cherry fruit that's textured and layered throughout supple, silky tannins. This is a classic, ready to go another 10-15 years." — Jeb Dunnuck, 92 Points. (Vintage 2021).

"A combination of licorice, blackberries and cherries on the nose... The medium- to full-bodied palate is incisive with polished, focused tannins and a clean, chiseled finish." — James Suckling, 92 Points. (Vintage 2021). 

"Ripe mulberry and boysenberry fruit is accented by wild thyme, warm spices, mineral and mandarin orange peel in this well-balanced red, with light, taut tannins." — Wine Spectator, 90 Points. (Vintage 2021). 

Winemaker Notes

Intense black-cherry color with good depth and barely any signs of evolution. Very expressive aromas of licorice, cinnamon, and black pepper with a subtle hint of oak, balanced by ripe, concentrated fruit. Fresh and easy to drink, with good backbone, polished tannins, and a long, balsamic finish.

Pairs well with ham, mild cheeses, casseroles, bean and pulse dishes, poultry, red meat, grills, and roasts.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Vinous 91 Points | The 2022 Barbaresco is a fine entry-level offering from Giacosa. This perfumed, mid-weight Barbaresco is all charm. Crushed flowers, bright red fruit, blood orange, spice and mint open first. Silky, polished tannins give this pliant, alluring Barbaresco tons of character. A delight.

Memo Summary Notes

Carlo Giacosa is a fourth-generation family estate in the heart of Barbaresco. 

Honig Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon — Napa Valley 2022

Honig is one of Napa Valley’s most trusted family estates — a multi-generational winery committed to sustainable viticulture and the kind of honest, terroir-driven Cabernet that made Napa famous. Sourced from estate vineyards in the heart of the valley and aged in a combination of French and American oak, the 2022 delivers everything that defines great Napa Cabernet: concentrated dark fruit, elegant structure, silky tannins, and a long, complex finish. James Suckling awarded it 91 points; Wine Advocate 90. At under $60, it is one of the most compelling values in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

The nose is inviting and expressive: blackberry, kirsch, red plum, dried flowers, and walnuts. On the palate, it is full-bodied and luscious, with layers of black cherry, cranberry, cedar, loam, and subtle bitter spice, framed by ripe yet lightly chewy tannins and a silky-velvety texture that leads to a long, intense finish. Drink now or cellar through 2030+.

James Suckling 91 — “Attractive nose of blackberries, kirsch and hints of dried flowers and walnuts. Full and well-structured with ripe yet lightly chewy tannins and deep, succulent fruit underneath. Intense, bitter-spice finish.” (Vintage 2022).

Wine Advocate 90 — “Delivers notes of cedar, loam, black cherries and dried spices… full-bodied, silky-velvety in texture and softly tannic, with ample length and texture on the finish.” (Vintage 2022).

• Producer: Honig Vineyard & Winery, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Napa Valley AVA
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Aging: French and American oak
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, kirsch, red plum, black cherry, cedar, loam, dried spice, bitter-spice finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar through 2030+
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, roasted lamb, beef Wellington, aged cheddar, mushroom risotto

A 91-point Napa Valley Cabernet at an honest price — Honig is the benchmark for what family-farmed Napa Cab can be.

Producer Description 

Jacopo Poli Torcolato is a clear grappa with a full spectrum of aromas: dates, dried apricots, raisin, honey and sweet spice. On the palate, the depth is incredible, rich and persistant?the flavors continue to evolve well into the finish.

Gato Negro Balance White Wine Blend — Chile

Gato Negro is one of Chile’s most recognized wine brands, known for delivering honest, flavorful wines at everyday prices. With Balance, they’ve done something genuinely useful: crafted a white wine blend that delivers the full flavor of their classic style at just 5.5% alcohol and 62 calories per glass. No compromise on taste — just a lighter, more flexible wine for any occasion. Whether you’re pacing yourself at dinner, cutting back without cutting out, or simply looking for a wine that fits your lifestyle, Balance White is the answer.

The wine is fresh and fruit-forward, with the easy-drinking, approachable character that has made Gato Negro a household name. Light on alcohol, generous on flavor — a guilt-free glass that doesn’t taste like one.

• Producer: Gato Negro, Chile
• Appellation: Chile
• Varietal: White Wine Blend
• Alcohol: 5.5%
• Calories: ~62 per glass
• Closure: Screw Cap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh, fruit-forward, light-bodied, easy-drinking
• Best Paired With: Salads, light seafood, grilled vegetables, soft cheeses, casual entertaining

Full flavor, half the guilt — Gato Negro Balance White is the everyday low-alcohol wine that actually delivers.

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

This wine shows deep in color, with ruby tints. It has scents of red and black berries mixed with floral notes, together with hints of delicate spices and vanilla. On the palate, it displays aromas of crushed black fruits such as raspberries, blackcurrants, cherries and black-cherry jam. This wine is complex, rich and long with well integrated 

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

Wine Advocate 95 Points | The nose of a dry Port — all violets, ripe plums and aromatic herbs, with plenty of spices, toast and smoke from 20 months in French oak (20% new). Needs time to integrate the oak and polish the tannins.

James Suckling 95 Points | Abundant dark fruit with blueberries, delicate violets and graphite. Fleshy and medium- to full-bodied, perfectly balanced by refreshing acidity through a clean, bright finish. Supple tannins. An old field blend of more than 40 varieties. Drink now or hold.

Wine Spectator 94 Points | Bursting with brambly boysenberry and blueberry, fragrant mountain herbs, graphite and woodsy spices. Fresh and focused with concentration and length in a medium-bodied frame. Chalky, integrated tannins with a salty, iron-laced tang. Classy. Drink now through 2035.

About Wine & Soul

Wine & Soul is the joint project of husband and wife Jorge Serôdio Borges and Sandra Tavares da Silva, both qualified oenologists. They bought an old port warehouse in the Vale de Mendiz in the heart of the Pinhão valley in 2003. The estate is 6 hectares with 2.5 ha under vine, averaging over 70 years old and planted with 30+ different varieties. The project is named after their dog Pintas, a Pointer.

Winemaking

Harvested in the second week of September in perfect conditions. All grapes were hand-selected, destemmed, and foot-trodden in traditional stone lagares throughout the full 10-day fermentation. Aging and malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels for 20 months.

Varietals: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Barroca, Rufete

Tasting & Pairings

Violets, ripe plums, boysenberry, blueberry, graphite, dark chocolate, mountain herbs, and woodsy spice. Medium- to full-bodied with chalky tannins, bright acidity, and a salty, iron-laced finish. Decant generously or cellar through 2035.

• Braised beef cheeks or short ribs — the wine’s structure and dark fruit depth are built for slow-cooked meats.
• Grilled lamb chops with rosemary — the herbal and spice notes mirror the wine beautifully.
• Aged Manchego or Serra da Estrela cheese — Iberian cheeses that complement the Douro’s earthy complexity.

Super-Tuscan Quality at a Remarkably Fair Price

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

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

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

Winemaker Notes

Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo Toscana Organic 2022 750ml

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

Vineyard & Provenance

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

Food Pairings

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

Vietti | Cascinetta | Moscato d'Asti DOCG | Piedmont, Italy | 2025

Vietti is one of Piedmont's most celebrated and historic estates, based in Castiglione Falletto in the heart of the Langhe and renowned above all for their benchmark Barolo and Barbaresco. Yet the Cascinetta Moscato d'Asti is a wine that stands entirely on its own merits — sourced from estate vineyards in Santo Stefano Belbo in the Canelli zone, the most prized area for Moscato Bianco in all of Piedmont, and consistently one of the finest expressions of the DOCG. Delicate, aromatic and irresistibly charming, it is the perfect introduction to the joys of great Italian Moscato.

Moscato d'Asti is a lightly sparkling (frizzante), low-alcohol style — typically around 5.5% ABV — that captures the pure, fragrant character of Moscato Bianco with a gentle effervescence and a natural sweetness that never feels heavy or cloying. The Cascinetta is a benchmark of the style: precise, fresh and beautifully balanced, with the kind of aromatic intensity and delicacy that only the finest Canelli-zone fruit can deliver.

The 2025 pours bright straw-yellow with shimmering hints of gold and a fine, persistent perlage. The nose is intensely aromatic — ripe peach, apricot, rose petals, acacia flowers and a whisper of ginger. The palate is sweet and delicate, with modest acidity, excellent balance and a lingering finish of fresh apricot and white flowers. Serve well chilled at 43–46°F and enjoy young while its freshness and aromatics are at their peak.

A natural partner for fresh fruit tarts, peach desserts, panna cotta, almond biscotti, panettone and light pastries. Also stunning as an aperitif or alongside spicy Asian cuisine.

• Producer: Vietti
• Cuvée: Cascinetta
• Appellation: Moscato d'Asti DOCG
• Region: Piedmont, Italy
• Village: Santo Stefano Belbo, Canelli zone
• Grape Variety: Moscato Bianco (100%)
• Vintage: 2025
• Style: Sweet, lightly sparkling (frizzante)
• Alcohol: ~5.5% ABV
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Experience the elegance of Soave Classico with Cantina Pra 'Otto' 2024, a masterclass in volcanic minerality. Named after Graziano Prà's beloved dog, Otto, this wine is widely considered one of the most reliable and "dangerously delicious" white wines in Italy. Earning 91 points from Vinous, this bright, mid-weight white wine showcases fresh orchard fruit, vibrant acidity, and salty minerals, making it ideal as an aperitif as well as a perfect match for seafood, roast chicken, and a variety of pasta dishes.

Vinous - 91 Points (2024 Vintage)

"The 2024 Soave Classico Otto impresses with its fresh mix of vividly ripe orchard fruit. It's airy and lifted with notes of minty herbs, sweet spices and white smoke. A burst of vibrant acidity invigorates the palate as salty minerals saturate. Crisp and clean, the Otto closes with a long, citrus-inflected finish."

Winemaker's Description

This base wine from Prà fully embodies its concept, named after Graziano's dog, Otto, it is a bright, mid-weight white wine with aromas and flavors of green apple, flowers, almond, and citrus, making it ideal as an aperitif as well as a perfect match for seafood, roast chicken, and a variety of pasta dishes.

Named After Graziano Prà's Dog, Otto

Named after Graziano Prà's beloved dog, Otto, this wine carries a personal touch that reflects the winemaker's passion. The name adds charm and character to this exceptional Soave Classico.

"Dangerously Delicious" - Most Reliable White Wine in Italy

This wine is widely considered one of the most reliable and "dangerously delicious" white wines in Italy. Its consistent quality and irresistible character make it a favorite among wine enthusiasts.

Masterclass in Volcanic Minerality

Moving from the coastal, sandy soils of the Rhône delta to the volcanic hills of the Veneto, the 2024 Cantina Prà 'Otto' Soave Classico is a masterclass in volcanic minerality. The volcanic soils impart distinctive mineral character.

Volcanic Hills of the Veneto

From the volcanic hills of the Veneto, this wine showcases the unique terroir of the Soave Classico region. The volcanic soil contributes to the wine's signature minerality and complexity.

Primarily Garganega Grape

This grape variety, primarily made from Garganega, boasts a fresh and vibrant profile. Garganega is the indigenous grape of Soave and produces wines of exceptional quality and character.

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Bright, pale yellow
Aroma: Fresh mix of vividly ripe orchard fruit. Minty herbs, sweet spices and white smoke. Green apple, flowers, almond, and citrus. Pear, white peach, and a hint of almond
Palate: Airy and lifted. Burst of vibrant acidity. Salty minerals saturate. Crisp and clean. Bright, mid-weight. Refreshing acidity that invigorates the palate
Finish: Long, citrus-inflected finish

Fresh Mix of Vividly Ripe Orchard Fruit

The 2024 Soave Classico Otto impresses with its fresh mix of vividly ripe orchard fruit. The fruit expression is pure and vibrant, showcasing the quality of the 2024 vintage.

Airy & Lifted

It's airy and lifted with notes of minty herbs, sweet spices and white smoke. The wine feels light and elegant, never heavy or cloying.

Minty Herbs, Sweet Spices & White Smoke

With notes of minty herbs, sweet spices and white smoke adding aromatic complexity. These nuanced aromas elevate the wine beyond simple fruit character.

Burst of Vibrant Acidity

A burst of vibrant acidity invigorates the palate. The acidity provides structure, freshness, and makes the wine incredibly food-friendly.

Salty Minerals Saturate

As salty minerals saturate the palate, creating a distinctive savory character. This mineral salinity is a hallmark of volcanic terroir and adds complexity.

Crisp & Clean

Crisp and clean, the wine showcases purity and precision. The winemaking allows the terroir and fruit to express themselves clearly.

Long, Citrus-Inflected Finish

The Otto closes with a long, citrus-inflected finish. The extended finish demonstrates the wine's quality and concentration.

Green Apple, Flowers, Almond & Citrus

With aromas and flavors of green apple, flowers, almond, and citrus. These classic Soave characteristics are beautifully expressed in the 2024 vintage.

Bright, Mid-Weight White Wine

It is a bright, mid-weight white wine that balances substance with elegance. The wine has enough body to pair with food while remaining refreshing.

Pear, White Peach & Almond

The 2024 vintage showcases bright notes of pear, white peach, and a hint of almond. These fruit and nut flavors create an inviting, complex profile.

Subtle Minerality from Volcanic Soil

You'll notice the subtle minerality derived from the volcanic soil of the Soave region. This terroir-driven character distinguishes Soave Classico from other Italian whites.

Unique Terroir Expression

Each bottle encapsulates the unique terroir, celebrating the richness of its surroundings. This wine is not just a beverage; it's an experience that transports you to the enchanting vineyards of Italy.

Soave Classico Region

Soave Classico is a charming white wine hailing from the picturesque Soave region of Italy. The Classico designation indicates grapes from the historic heart of the Soave zone.

Remarkable Balance of Fruitiness & Minerality

The Cantina Pra 'Otto' Soave Classico 2024 offers a remarkable balance of fruitiness and minerality that is characteristic of this esteemed wine. This balance is the hallmark of quality Soave.

Versatile Food Pairing

Pair with:

• Risotto with spring vegetables (asparagus or peas)
• Sushi or Sashimi (the salinity mimics the sea)
• Prosciutto di Parma (the fruitiness cuts through the salt of the ham)
• Grilled fish
• Shrimp risotto
• Light chicken dishes
• Fresh salads
• Antipasti platters
• Seafood
• Light pasta dishes
• Creamy sauces

Ideal as an Aperitif

Making it ideal as an aperitif to start your meal. The bright acidity and refreshing character awaken the palate and stimulate the appetite.

Perfect for Seafood

A perfect match for seafood, from grilled fish to shellfish. The wine's minerality and acidity complement the delicate flavors of seafood perfectly.

Cuts Through Creamy Sauces

Its bright acidity makes it an ideal companion for creamy sauces, cutting through richness while enhancing the dish's flavors. The wine provides balance and refreshment.

Meticulous Winemaking Process

What sets Cantina Pra 'Otto' apart is its meticulous winemaking process that embodies tradition and innovation. The Prà family's dedication to quality is evident in every bottle.

Italian Wine Craftsmanship

Explore the essence of Italian wine craftsmanship in every sip and discover why Soave Classico is a favorite among wine enthusiasts worldwide. This wine represents the best of Italian white wine tradition.

2024 Vintage Quality

The 2024 vintage showcases exceptional quality, earning 91 points from Vinous. This vintage represents the excellence of Cantina Prà's winemaking.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Ideal for casual gatherings or formal dining, this versatile wine elevates any occasion. Embrace the flavors of Italy and impress your guests with this exceptional white wine—perfect for both casual get-togethers and festive celebrations.

Cantina Pra 'Otto' Soave Classico 2024 750ml

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

Medium-light garnet in color, Gravelly Ford Pinot Noir offers intense aromas of raspberry and cherry, accented by a touch of vanilla and sweet spice. The bright, fruit-forward palate displays soft, silky tannins, well balanced acidity with a touch of violet on the finish.

Winemaker Description 

This traditional grappa has a clear, intense golden yellow to amber color. The nose is delicate and complex, with hints of bread, orange peel, wild flowers, elderberry, vanilla, plum, dried fruits, raisins and amaretto. 

The taste is smooth, rich, velvety, tannic and harmonious, exploding at the back of the mouth with authoritative aromas and long-lasting persistence, leaving notes of vanilla, almond, cocoa, tobacco, licorice and walnut bread. 

Winemaker's Notes

Castello Monaci crafts Kreos as a dry, elegant rosé that captures the sun-drenched character of Salento, Puglia. Bright and aromatic on the nose, it opens with lingering floral notes alongside fresh cherries, raspberries, and redcurrants.

On the palate, Kreos is velvety and rounded with a tangy, minerally backbone and an intoxicatingly fresh finish. Ripe fruit notes linger beautifully — making this an ideal companion for warm evenings, light Mediterranean fare, or simply on its own.

• Winery: Castello Monaci
• Appellation: Salento IGP, Puglia, Italy
• Varietal: Negroamaro
• Vintage: 2025
• Format: 750ml
• Style: Dry, elegant, fruit-forward rosé
• Pairings: Seafood, light pasta, charcuterie, aperitivo

Pio Cesare Barolo Chinato 750ml

Experience the unique Pio Cesare Barolo Chinato, a distinctive Italian aromatized wine celebrated for its intricate blend of aromatic herbs, spices, and quinine. This enchanting drink captures the essence of Barolo wine, enhancing it with complex flavors that are hard to resist. Crafted from Barolo wine and infused with a medley of botanicals, it offers a unique tasting experience that has earned exceptional critical acclaim with dual 94-point scores. Ideal after a meal as a digestif, Pio Cesare Barolo Chinato is designed to tantalize your taste buds and stimulate your senses, making every sip memorable.

Outstanding Critical Acclaim - 94 Points

Jeb Dunnuck - 94 Points
"A rich but transparent amber, the NV Barolo Chinato reveals notes of blood orange, baking spice, mocha, and rosemary, followed by a medium to full-bodied red with sweetness and delicate, attractive bitterness in its hints of tea leaf and orange peel. Lifted and not heavy, it would be perfect paired with chocolate."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 94 Points
"The Pio Cesare NV Barolo Chinato pours from the bottle with a dark amber color with shiny chestnut highlights. This fortified digestif shows amazing purity and intensity, with aromas that you can list and identify clearly one by one. There is balsam and medicinal herb with minty cough syrupy, cola and candied orange peel. With time, you might also sense some Moroccan spice or toasted Spanish cedarwood. The alcohol content is registered at 16% although it surely feels much higher. Balanced sweetness wraps smoothly over the palate. I'm never quite sure how to assign a drinking window to Barolo Chinato, and it is ostensibly built to last forever."

Pio Cesare Heritage

Pio Cesare is one of Piedmont's most prestigious wine producers, with a history dating back to 1881. For over 140 years, the Pio Cesare family has been crafting exceptional wines in the heart of Barolo country. Their Barolo Chinato represents a traditional Piedmontese specialty that showcases their commitment to quality and tradition.

What is Barolo Chinato?

Barolo Chinato is a distinctive Italian aromatized wine, a traditional Piedmontese specialty created by infusing Barolo wine with a blend of aromatic herbs, spices, and quinine (china bark). This fortified digestif combines the noble character of Barolo with complex botanical flavors, creating a unique tasting experience. The result is a rich, herbal profile that makes it perfect for sipping as a digestif or using in sophisticated cocktails.

Amazing Purity & Intensity

As Wine Advocate notes, this fortified digestif shows "amazing purity and intensity, with aromas that you can list and identify clearly one by one." The clarity and precision of the botanical infusion demonstrates Pio Cesare's mastery of this traditional specialty.

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Rich but transparent amber. Dark amber color with shiny chestnut highlights
Aroma: Notes of blood orange, baking spice, mocha, and rosemary. Balsam and medicinal herb with minty cough syrupy character, cola and candied orange peel. Moroccan spice and toasted Spanish cedarwood. Hints of spices and herbs
Palate: Medium to full-bodied with sweetness and delicate, attractive bitterness. Hints of tea leaf and orange peel. Balanced sweetness wraps smoothly over the palate. Multifaceted, combining herbal, floral, and fruity notes. Layers of cherry, caramel, and floral essences. Smooth texture with vibrant flavors
Finish: Lifted and not heavy. Harmonious balance with lingering botanical complexity

16% Alcohol - Fortified Character

The alcohol content is registered at 16%, giving this aromatized wine a fortified character that enhances its complexity and longevity. As Wine Advocate notes, "it surely feels much higher," testament to the intensity and richness of the flavors.

Built to Last Forever

Wine Advocate observes: "I'm never quite sure how to assign a drinking window to Barolo Chinato, and it is ostensibly built to last forever." This exceptional longevity makes Pio Cesare Barolo Chinato a worthy addition to any collection, with the ability to age gracefully for years.

Perfect Pairing with Chocolate

As Jeb Dunnuck notes, this Barolo Chinato "would be perfect paired with chocolate." The combination of sweetness, bitterness, and complex botanicals creates an ideal match for chocolate desserts, making it an exceptional choice for after-dinner indulgence.

Versatile Serving Options

Enjoying Pio Cesare Barolo Chinato is quite versatile:

• Neat: Sip it at room temperature to appreciate full complexity
• On the rocks: Serve over ice for a refreshing digestif
• In cocktails: Mix into sophisticated cocktails for unique twist
• Negroni-style drinks: Try it as part of a Negroni variation
• With orange: Serve with a slice of orange to enhance citrus notes

Exceptional Food Pairing Suggestions

Its unique taste pairs wonderfully with:

• Chocolate desserts and dark chocolate
• Desserts and sweet treats
• Cheese platters and aged cheeses
• After-dinner service
• Biscotti and Italian cookies
• Nuts and dried fruits

Traditional Piedmontese Digestif

Barolo Chinato is a traditional Piedmontese specialty, historically enjoyed as a digestif after meals. The combination of Barolo wine, botanicals, and quinine creates a drink that aids digestion while providing a sophisticated conclusion to dining experiences.

Botanical Complexity

Crafted from Barolo wine and infused with a medley of botanicals and quinine, the flavor profile is multifaceted. The intricate blend of aromatic herbs and spices creates layers of complexity that reveal themselves with each sip, making it a delight for the palate.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply winding down after a long day, Pio Cesare Barolo Chinato promises to enhance any moment with its rich flavor and aromatic complexity. Its sophisticated character makes it ideal for entertaining or personal enjoyment.

Sophisticated Cocktail Ingredient

This makes it not only an excellent digestif but also a sophisticated cocktail ingredient that can elevate your beverage game. The unique taste and complex botanical profile add depth and character to creative cocktail creations.

Sensory Experience

The intriguing aroma carries hints of spices and herbs, enhancing the sensory experience. Every sip is designed to tantalize your taste buds and stimulate your senses, creating a memorable drinking experience that showcases the artistry of traditional Piedmontese winemaking.

Winemaker Description 

Siituated just below premier cru Aux Argillas on the slope in northern Nuits-Saint-Georges, Les Bousselots provides an impressive showcase for the vigorous minerality typical of this village. Drag farms a half-hectare parcel of Bousselots that abuts the well-regarded premier cru Les Chaignots to its immediate north, and this bottling possesses a murmuring stony intensity which contrasts the often-floral character of its immediate neighbors. Notes of bright red fruits, warm leather, and dark dust orbit a core of iron-like mineral enormity, and its sinewy, densely concentrated palate promises plenty of positive evolution.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

James Suckling writes 93 Points | Hardcore Nuits-Saint-Georges! This has a massive tannin structure, but also good concentration on the full-bodied palate. This has been made for the long term, but the spicy complexity is already exciting, a touch of charcoal character at the long, roasted-meat finish. Best after 2026.

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

Straw-yellow with typical greenish hues.

Wide, delightful, wildflower, almonds scent, white and yellow fruits such as apple, pear, white plum and gooseberry.

Fresh, dry, intense, harmonic and pleasantly fruity, smooth with a good body, well-balance acidity and pleasantly long-lasting aftertaste. Perfect affinity Nose-Palate.

Expert Reviews

Wine Advocate 93 Points | Notes of red berries and plums mingle with hints of rose petals, peonies, grilled meats and forest floor in an inviting bouquet, introducing Rousseau's 2019 Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru Clos des Ruchottes, a medium to full-bodied, bright and lively wine that's ethereal and perfumed, with a pretty core of fruit and a long, saline finish. Barrel Sample: 93-95

Burghound 95 Points | An elegant combination is comprised by notes of various red berries, especially essence of cherry, along with anise, the sauvage and a pretty dollop of spice elements, all of which is trimmed in enough wood to notice. The energetic and beautifully well-detailed and tautly muscular yet elegant flavors brim with an abundance of dry extract and minerality while concluding in a decidedly sleek and stunningly long finish that evidences a hint of youthful austerity. This markedly firm effort is gorgeous and possesses the wherewithal to age and improve for two to three decades.

Vinous 96 Points | The 2019 Ruchottes-Chambertin Clos des Ruchottes Grand Cru has a thrilling bouquet struck through with mineral-rich red berry fruit that teasingly takes time to unfurl in the glass; you can sense the limestone, and hints of graphite emerge later. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, quite piquant in style, leading to an edgy, slightly chalky finish that bristles with energy. This has great potential as a poised Ruchottes. Barrel Sample: 96-98 

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

The Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | A lighter hue in the glass, this wine offers aromas of sour cherry, chaparral and game. There’s a gamy, slightly reductive kick to the palate, where smashed cranberry, shredded beef and dried mushroom flavors make for a savory sip.

Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico — Tuscany 2022

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

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

Expert Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

James Suckling 99 Points | One of the palest and most perfumed Barolos from Vietti with a transparent, ruby-orange hue. This is a super nuanced, elegant, expressive and ethereal Monvigliero that grows on me, with enchanting notes of grilled grapefruit, thyme, frozen raspberries and mineral. A subtle splash of white pepper and mezcal-like smokiness. Really refined and transparent, with some citrus and mineral tensions that are closely knit with the fine, crumbled tannins. So much finesse and detail here, and its complexity will continue to unwind. Really composed, soulful and mind-blowing! An otherworldly, idiosyncratic Barolo that actually reminded me of the finest Gredo garnacha. A big wow that deserves attention. Vegan. Best with a Burgundy glass. Can drink now or from 2027.

Robert Parker 95 Points | A relatively new departure for Vietti, the 2020 Barolo Monvigliero is soft and delicate with pretty floral aromas, dried iris, powdered spice and a hint of tar or road pavement. The inaugural vintage was 2018. Made with 60% whole-cluster fruit during fermentation, the wine has a moment of tartness, punchy highlights, sweet grenadine and cranberry jelly. It ages in large oak casks for 24 months.

Roederer Estate L’Ermitage Anderson Valley Brut 2019

When Louis Roederer — one of Champagne’s most prestigious houses — looked to California, they bypassed Napa and Sonoma entirely, heading north to the cool, fog-laced Anderson Valley in Mendocino County. The cooler climate, longer growing season, and distinctive soils of this remote appellation offered something rare: the conditions to make world-class sparkling wine with genuine terroir expression. Roederer Estate has been doing exactly that since 1982, and L’Ermitage is the pinnacle of their work — a tête de cuvée produced only in exceptional years, using the same philosophy that guides Cristal in Champagne.

The 2019 L’Ermitage marks a historic milestone: it is the first vintage of this wine to undergo malolactic fermentation, resulting in a rounder, more immediately expressive style with lower dosage (6 g/L) and an earlier drinking window than previous releases. The blend is 52% Chardonnay and 48% Pinot Noir, all estate-grown, with 3.9% Chardonnay reserve wine from 2016. Approximately 4.9% was fermented in oak cask with gentle bâtonnage for eight weeks. The wine rested on its lees for four years before disgorgement, followed by an additional seven months of cork aging prior to release.

Liquid gold in the glass, the wine opens with beguiling aromas of quince, fresh stone fruit, citrus blossoms, salt, herbs, and pine forest, with hints of river-rock minerality, sliced pear, and vanilla. The mousse is creamy and light, the palate textured and layered — baked red apple, blood orange zest, white grapefruit, brioche, clove, and sticky caramel — with a mouthwatering, chalky finish of extraordinary length. Drink now through 2035+.

Wine Enthusiast — 100 pts / Cellar Selection

“If sunshine could be bottled it would be this. Aromas of fresh succulent stone fruit, a hint of yeast, citrus blossoms and notes of quince on the nose. The mousse is creamy and light with baked red apples, blood orange zest, white grapefruit, sticky caramel and layered salinity with a mouthwatering finish. It will bring a smile to your lips.” — Tonya Pitts

James Suckling — 97 pts

“Pretty, delicate aromas of salt, herbs and pine forest. A compelling wine that really speaks of place, with fine bubbles that coat the palate before resolving in a finish of citrus oil and resinous herbs. Very fresh, layered, vibrant and medium- to full-bodied, with some wonderful chalkiness at the end.” — Courtney Humiston

Vinous — 96 pts

“A young, potent wine, the 2019 Brut L’Ermitage is shaping up to be the greatest wine ever made at Roederer Estate. Superb.” — Antonio Galloni

Jeb Dunnuck — 95 pts

“A complete, well-integrated, medium-bodied sparkling wine with a balance of fruit and savory notes. Textured and creamy in style, with a lingering brightness on the finish. Should age well over the next 10–15 years.” — Virginie Boone

Karen MacNeil — 95 pts

“Perhaps the most graceful sparkling wine made in California. Beautifully complex as well as refined. Layers of creamy notes are interspersed with a taut crispness. Purity and energy are woven together… a wine of great finesse.”

Wine Spectator — 94 pts

“Dynamic yet elegantly structured, with alluring flavors of Asian pear, baked apple, brioche, clove and nutmeg that build richness on the graceful finish.” — Tim Fish

VinePair — 93 pts

“River-rock minerality on the nose, with hints of sliced pear and vanilla bean. The palate is liquid gold with notes of roasted pear and cream and an elegant mouthfeel.” — Keith Beavers

Blend: 52% Chardonnay, 48% Pinot Noir (+ 3.9% 2016 reserve Chardonnay)
Appellation: Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, California
Vintage: 2019
Format: 750ml | Dosage: 6 g/L
Aging: 4 years on lees + 7 months post-disgorgement
Scores: 100 WE | 97 JS | 96 Vinous | 95 JD | 95 KM | 94 WS | 93 VP