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Diatom Chardonnay — Santa Barbara County 2024

Greg Brewer's Diatom project is built on a single, radical idea: subtraction. No oak barrels. No malolactic fermentation. No extended aging. Just 100% Chardonnay from Santa Barbara County, fermented and aged six months in stainless steel, stripped of everything that typically softens, butters, or blurs the grape. What remains is electric — a wine that tastes like the soil and the sea. The name itself is a clue: diatomaceous earth, the plankton fossil-rich geology beneath Santa Barbara's vineyards, is the terroir this wine is designed to express. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it 94 points and called it "a no-brainer purchase." Wine Spectator followed at 93, James Suckling at 93, Wine Enthusiast at 92, and Wine Advocate at 90. Across the board, the verdict is the same: this is one of California's most precise and honest Chardonnays.

The nose is vivid and pure: exotic citrus, minty herbs, oyster shell, honeydew rind, lime candy, and a whisper of sea spray. On the palate, it is sleek and taut — ripe pear, ginger, pomelo, and brisk lime zest coiled around a mouthwatering thread of acidity. Salinity and minerals run through the finish alongside springtime blossoms and a lingering kick of melon pith. It gains weight and richness with time in the glass without ever losing its electric freshness.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 • Wine Spectator 93 • James Suckling 93 • Wine Enthusiast 92 • Wine Advocate 90 — "A no-brainer purchase for those who love Santa Barbara County Chardonnay."

• Producer: Diatom (Greg Brewer), Santa Barbara County, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Santa Barbara County
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation and aging — no oak, no malolactic fermentation
• Aging: 6 months, stainless steel
• Style: Unoaked, crisp, mineral-driven
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, oyster shell, lime zest, sea spray, pear, ginger, pomelo, saline mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled halibut, ceviche, fresh goat cheese, sushi

A 94-point unoaked Chardonnay at an honest price — Diatom is the benchmark for what Santa Barbara Chardonnay can be when nothing gets in the way.

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."

Vietti · Barbera d’Asti Tre Vigne · DOC · Piedmont · Italy · 2023

Vietti is one of Piedmont’s most celebrated estates — a Barolo producer of the highest order whose commitment to quality extends all the way down to their Barbera. Tre Vigne (“Three Vineyards”) is Vietti’s Barbera d’Asti, sourced from three distinct sites in the appellation and crafted to showcase the grape’s most compelling qualities: bright, high-toned acidity, vivid red fruit, and the kind of food-friendly energy that makes it one of Piedmont’s most versatile and beloved reds. A wine that punches well above its price point, vintage after vintage. 

The 2023 pours ruby red with mineral and vanilla notes on the nose alongside fresh red cherry and a touch of spice. On the palate, it is very well balanced — bright acidity, moderate tannins, and a clean red cherry finish with good complexity and length. Quintessential Barbera: energetic, food-friendly, and endlessly drinkable.

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points | From vineyards with south, southeast, and southwest exposures, the 2023 Barbera D'Asti Trevie reflects the solar character of the vintage. It pours a saturated magenta/red color and opens with ripe aromas of blackberries, plum, violets, and red fruit accents layered with a resinous undertone of tarry earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate offers vibrant acidity, ripe tannins, and a savory finish. (Vintage 2023). 

• Producer: Vietti, Castiglione Falletto, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Barbera d’Asti DOC
• Varietal: 100% Barbera
• Style: Dry red — bright acidity, vivid fruit, moderate tannins
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red cherry, mineral, vanilla, spice, bright acidity, clean finish
• Pairings: Pasta with tomato sauce, lasagna, mushroom risotto, margherita pizza, roasted chicken, veal, grilled pork sausages, charcuterie, aged cheeses

JS:91 · Barbera d’Asti DOC — Tre Vigne from one of Piedmont’s great estates. Bright, mineral, and built for the Italian table.

Sicily’s Only DOCG — Organic Nero d’Avola & Frappato from Gulfi

Gulfi Cantina is one of southeastern Sicily’s most respected organic producers, farming clay-limestone soils at 420 meters elevation in the rugged province of Ragusa. Their 2024 Cerasuolo di Vittoria is a classic expression of Italy’s only Sicilian DOCG — a blend of Nero d’Avola for structure and depth, and Frappato for aromatics and freshness. Aged one year in barrel, it’s silky, vibrant, and full of Mediterranean character.

Winemaker Notes

Gulfi Cerasuolo di Vittoria 2024 750ml

A beguiling nose of sour cherry, plum, and grilled herbs. Super silky and full of Mediterranean gusto on the palate — the kind of wine that makes Cerasuolo di Vittoria one of Italy’s most exciting and undersung appellations.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: Nero d’Avola, Frappato
• Appellation: Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG, Sicily, Italy
• Producer: Gulfi Cantina (Vito Catania)
• Vintage: 2024
• Certified: Organic
• Soils: Clay-limestone, 420m elevation
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Incredibly versatile — excellent with Pasta alla Norma, grilled tuna, swordfish, spicy fish stew, cured meats, medium-aged cheeses, and mushroom ragout.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

Burghound | A perfumed and exuberantly spicy nose offers up a blend of both red and dark cherry along with floral nuances. The wonderfully sleek, refined and punchy medium weight flavors possess a gorgeous texture thanks to the very fine-grained tannins supported the firm, youthfully austere and mineral-driven finish. This is textbook Fuées. Outstanding.

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

Fragrant and bright on the nose, Ciampoleto Rosso di Montalcino delivers juicy red berries and baking spice on the palate. Supple tannins and vibrant acidity refresh and the lingering finish begs another sip.

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

Deep red with purple tones in the beginning, changing to garnet red throughout its aging process. The bouquet brings out notes of berries, marmalade, violets, vanilla, fig and almonds, with slight smoky hues. Dry, elegant, harmonious and full-bodied with typical acidic notes during its juvenile stage. Becomes more round and complex over the years obtaining a soft finish.

Expert Review

James Suckling 95 Points | This has a rather reserved nose with dried-herb, rosehip, potpourri and light cedary aromas, ahead of fragrant dried cherries. The palate has quite dense and smoothly rendered, ripe tannins that deliver a long, composed and approachable Barolo. Drink or hold. 

One of Tuscany's most celebrated organic estates, Fontodi Chianti Classico Organic 2020 is a benchmark expression of 100% Sangiovese from the heart of Panzano's legendary Conca d'Oro — the "Golden Shell" — a privileged south-facing amphitheater of vineyards in the Chianti Classico DOCG. Certified organic, structured, and deeply terroir-driven, this is Chianti Classico at its most authentic and compelling.

Fontodi & the Conca d'Oro

Fontodi has been certified organic for decades, farming 100% Sangiovese with an unwavering commitment to terroir expression and minimal intervention. Situated in Panzano's Conca d'Oro — a sun-drenched bowl of south-facing vineyards considered among the finest sites in all of Chianti Classico — the estate produces wines of remarkable energy, structure, and longevity. The 2020 vintage is slightly more reserved and structured than recent opulent years, offering a classic, high-energy profile that rewards decanting or further cellaring.

Critical Acclaim — 2020 Vintage

94 Points — James Suckling: "Subtle aromas of sliced strawberries and cherries with some orange peel follow through to a medium body with succulent tannins and a bright and tangy finish. Lovely energy in this one. So good now. From organically grown grapes."

93 Points — Wine Spectator: "Rich and velvety, laced with black cherry, blackberry, violet and mineral flavors. Driven by vibrant acidity and backed by well-mannered tannins. Shows excellent balance and length."

92 Points — Decanter: "This flagship Chianti Classico from the renowned Fontodi estate has not lost its identity, deeply rooted in a sun-drenched stretch of Panzano's Conca d'Oro. The 2020 version has all the ripe dark fruit and assertive tannins that come so neatly into balance. It finishes with its signature bitter liquorice twist."

92+ Points — Vinous (Antonio Galloni): "The 2020 Chianti Classico offers notable tension to balance the natural richness that is such a signature here. Dark red cherry, leather, spice, rose petal, dried herbs and wild flowers all grace this nuanced Chianti Classico. I would not plan on opening this too young."

91 Points — Wine Advocate: "A certified organic wine, the Fontodi 2020 Chianti Classico shows dark fruit and blackberry with earthy sensations of crushed stone that reflect the schistous soils found in this area of the appellation. Drinking 2023–2030."

17++ — Jancis Robinson: "100% Sangiovese. Certified organic. Lots of juice on the palate and plenty of grainy but ripe tannins in perfect harmony with the succulent fruit. Drinking 2023–2032."

Tasting Profile

Youthful ruby with vibrant clarity. The nose is subtle and enticing — sliced strawberry, dark cherry, rose petal, dried herbs, leather, and a hint of baked earth. On the palate it's medium to full-bodied with succulent, grainy tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long finish with a signature bitter liquorice twist. Classic Sangiovese energy and precision.

Details

2020 | 100% Sangiovese | Panzano, Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany, Italy | Certified Organic | 750ml

Food Pairings & Serving

Decant 30–45 minutes. Serve at 61–64°F. A natural match for bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, roasted lamb, and aged Pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano. Drinking beautifully now through 2032.

Château des Jacques Beaujolais Blanc — Clos de Loyse, Burgundy 2024

Château des Jacques is the crown jewel of Louis Jadot’s Beaujolais holdings — and the Clos de Loyse is its most historic parcel: a 22.3-acre walled vineyard attached to a castle of medieval origin, farmed by Carthusian monks from 1643 until the French Revolution. The Chardonnay vines here grow on alluvial soils over granite bedrock, just a few kilometers from Fuissé but on an entirely different terroir — one that gives the wine a fruitier, more energetic character than its Burgundian neighbors. The 2024 vintage was a story of survival and reward: excessive rainfall, vine disease pressure, and a devastating midsummer hailstorm reduced the crop by 50%. The grapes that remained ripened perfectly, yielding a small quantity of genuinely delicious wine. James Suckling awarded it 91 points. At $19.99, it is one of the most exciting values in French white wine.

The nose is round and inviting: spiced apple, dried herbs, citrus blossom, and mild spice. On the palate, it is bright and energetic — lively acidity, sleek texture, and citrus flavors enhanced by subtle earth and saline notes that expand gracefully over a long, elegant finish. Mellow, seductive, and impossible to put down.

James Suckling 91 — "Round, succulent and balanced, with aromas of spiced apples, dried herbs and mild spices. Medium-bodied with fresh acidity. Mellow and seductive. Drink or hold."

• Producer: Château des Jacques (Louis Jadot), Beaujolais, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Beaujolais Blanc AOC
• Vineyard: Clos de Loyse — 22.3 acres, medieval walled vineyard, alluvial soils over granite
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Vintage Note: 50% crop reduction from midsummer hailstorm; remaining grapes ripened perfectly
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Spiced apple, dried herbs, citrus, saline minerality, sleek texture, elegant finish
• Best Paired With: Seafood, sushi, oysters, salads, charcuterie, soft cheeses — or simply as an aperitif

A medieval vineyard, a dramatic vintage, and 91 points from James Suckling — Château des Jacques Beaujolais Blanc is the benchmark for what Clos de Loyse Chardonnay can be.

ROCCAFIORE FIORFIORE GRECHETTO DI TODI 2023 | 750ML

🇮🇹 Italy — Grechetto di Todi | Todi, Umbria

Straw yellow with golden reflections. The nose is generous and expressive — pineapple, golden apple, yellow flowers, and delicate hints of white spice. On the palate it is enveloping, fresh, and sapid, with good minerality and a sleek texture that speaks to both the single-vineyard terroir and the 12 months of amphora aging. A wine of great elegance and complexity, with a drinking window that extends 3–4 years from harvest.

Fiorfiore is produced from a single vineyard of Grechetto di Todi (clone G5) planted in 1990, trained Guyot on whitish clay soils rich in marl, limestone, and chalk. Fermentation is spontaneous with indigenous yeasts; the wine is then aged 12 months in amphora and large Slavonian oak casks on fine lees, with no malolactic fermentation, followed by a minimum of 6 months in bottle before release.

Cantina Roccafiore was established by the Baccarelli family in 1999 on 15 hectares of rolling hills near Todi — the green heart of Umbria. Sustainability is foundational: the estate runs on renewable energy, uses organic farming practices, and employs indigenous yeast fermentations exclusively. “Today, in addition to the essential quality of the grapes, creating excellent wines requires vision, innovation and nerve.”

Grape: 100% Grechetto di Todi (Clone G5)
Region: Todi, Umbria, Italy
Vintage: 2023
Aging: 12 months in amphora & Slavonian oak
Format: 750ml
Viticulture: Organic, sustainable

Producer Description 

This traditional grappa has a bright, crystal clear color. The aroma is aromatic, intense, enveloping the nose with fine, fresh fragrant and delicate floral notes of breir rose petals, orange blossoms, lily of the valley, elderberry, sage, citrus fruit and typical Moscato scents.

The fruit comes through on the smooth, well-rounded palate, with apple and pineapple dominant. There are background notes of bread crust. 

Egly-Ouriet | Les Vignes de Vrigny | Premier Cru Extra Brut | Vrigny, Montagne de Reims, Champagne | Practicing Organic

Egly-Ouriet is one of Champagne's most revered grower-producers, based in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay on the Montagne de Reims. Francis Egly farms his parcels with meticulous care — practicing organic viticulture, harvesting by hand, and working exclusively with indigenous yeasts — producing Champagnes of uncommon depth, vinous texture, and site-driven precision.

Les Vignes de Vrigny is a rare and compelling single-vineyard Champagne made entirely from 100% Pinot Meunier — a grape variety most often used as a supporting component in Champagne blends, but here given a prestigious solo presentation. The fruit comes from a single east-facing parcel of vines more than 50 years old in the Premier Cru village of Vrigny, located in the northern Montagne de Reims. This sector's chalk-rich slopes provide the freshness, mineral character, and structure necessary to produce a serious, age-worthy Champagne.

Unlike most Egly-Ouriet cuvées, Les Vignes de Vrigny is fermented and matured in stainless steel to preserve the purity, brightness, and aromatic character of the Pinot Meunier. Malolactic fermentation is blocked to retain natural acidity and energy. The wine spends approximately 36 months aging on its lees before disgorgement, and is finished with a dosage of approximately 2 grams per liter — bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Expressive and inviting on the nose: wild strawberry, raspberry, red apple, and ripe orchard fruit, with dried flowers, fresh bread, hazelnut, and gentle spice. The palate is energetic and beautifully textured — fine mousse, vibrant acidity, and a distinctive combination of ripe fruit and chalky mineral tension, with red berries, pear, citrus peel, toasted grain, and savory spice leading to a persistent, dry, and gently saline finish.

An exceptional demonstration of the complexity Pinot Meunier can achieve when grown in a distinguished site and treated with the same care reserved for Champagne's most celebrated varieties. Excellent as an aperitif; pairs beautifully with charcuterie, smoked salmon, roast chicken, pork, duck, mushroom dishes, grilled fish, and moderately aged cheeses.

• Producer: Egly-Ouriet
• Cuvée: Les Vignes de Vrigny
• Classification: Premier Cru Extra Brut
• Appellation: Vrigny, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
• Vineyard: Single east-facing estate parcel
• Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Meunier
• Vine Age: 50+ years
• Farming: Practicing organic
• Soils: Chalk-rich
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts; stainless steel
• Malolactic Fermentation: Blocked
• Lees Aging: ~36 months
• Dosage: ~2 g/L
• Bottling: Unfined and unfiltered
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim

• Decanter — 93 pts: Fragrant and focused, with notes of fresh apricot, almond, ripe orange fruit, and bright citrus. Praised for its clarity, freshness, and precise, energetic character.
• Jeb Dunnuck — 93 pts: Fresh and energetic, offering notes of raspberry, strawberry, wet stone, and freshly baked bread. Finely textured, with chalky minerality, vibrant acidity, and a long finish.
• Wine Advocate — 92 pts: Aromas of green apple, white flowers, freshly baked bread, and crushed mint lead to a pure, vinous, and beautifully precise palate with lively acidity and a savory finish.

Critic reviews may refer to different base vintages and disgorgements of this non-vintage Champagne. Base vintages, reserve-wine proportions, lees-aging period, dosage, and disgorgement date may vary by release.

Silvio Grasso Barolo DOCG Piedmont 2022 — Half Bottle (375ml)

The Grasso family has been producing wine in Piedmont since 1927. It was Federico Grasso who began bottling the estate’s production in 1980, and under his stewardship Silvio Grasso became one of the most respected names in Barolo — praised by Robert Parker for producing “a bevy of sensational efforts over recent vintages.” Today the estate is run by Federico’s son Alessio, his wife Marilena, and their sons Paolo and Silvio, across 11 hectares of vineyards in the heart of La Morra.

Grasso’s approach is sophisticated and modern, with a particular focus on preserving the purity and elegance of Nebbiolo. To avoid excessive wood aromas, he prefers large barrels over barriques and uses less than 30% new wood even on his single-vineyard bottlings — a philosophy that results in Barolos of remarkable finesse and accessibility. Now available in a 375ml half-bottle, perfect for a solo dinner, a gift, or a first encounter with this legendary appellation.

Garnet red in the glass, with an intense and elegant nose of dried cherries, pomegranate, dried orange peel, cocoa, and dried herbs. The palate is dry, austere, and warm — savory and balanced, with chalky, angular, integrated tannins that add lift and a long, persistent finish. Harmonious and accessible. Drink now or hold.

James Suckling — 91 Points

“Subtle cherries with pomegranate and dried herbs. Medium- to full-bodied with a savory touch, complemented by chalky, angular, integrated tannins that add lift. Balanced, harmonious and accessible. Drink or hold.” (Vintage 2022). 

Food Pairings

Braised beef, osso buco, roasted lamb, truffle risotto, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Piedmontese classics.

Varietal: Nebbiolo
Appellation: Barolo DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
Vintage: 2022
Format: 375ml (Half Bottle)
Score: 91 points James Suckling

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

The 2024 Frog's Leap Sauvignon Blanc is a highly-regarded, organic, and dry-farmed Napa Valley white, noted for its bright citrus (lemon/lime), stone fruit, and mineral-driven profile. It is crisp, medium-bodied, and fermented in stainless steel for a refreshing finish, often showing, notes of white peach, sage, and tomato leaf.

Winemaker Description 

Cherry red color of medium intensity, medium layer. The nose is intense, with notes of jelly beans and red fruits combined with mineral notes of flint and a light background of toast. At the entrance to the mouth we will find soft tannins, with high volume and fat, well compensated by good acidity and a general feeling of verticality. Red fruits and mineral notes stand out, resulting in a long and intense aftertaste.
Evolution

In good conditions of this bottle will evolve positively for at least the next 7 years.

Château Minuty Prestige Rosé — Provence, France 2025 750ml

Château Minuty is one of Provence’s most celebrated and historic estates, situated on the Saint-Tropez peninsula in the heart of the Côtes de Provence appellation. A family-owned domaine for generations, Minuty has become synonymous with the finest expression of Provençal rosé — elegant, precise, and unmistakably of its place. The Prestige cuvée is the estate’s signature rosé, crafted from a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Rolle, and vinified with meticulous attention to freshness and finesse. The 2025 vintage in Provence delivered wines of exceptional aromatic purity and saline tension.

Pale pink with luminous clarity, the 2025 Prestige opens with a very expressive nose of floral notes that give way to aromas of apricot and yellow peach. On the palate, finesse dominates — a subtle hint of citrus and a beautifully saline, mineral finish that is quintessentially Provençal.

“The nose is very expressive, revealing floral notes that give way to aromas of apricot and yellow peach. On the palate, finesse dominates, accompanied by a subtle hint of citrus and a saline finish.” — Château Minuty Winemaker

• Producer: Château Minuty, Saint-Tropez Peninsula, Provence, France
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Côtes de Provence AOC
• Blend: Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Rolle
• Style: Pale, dry, mineral Provençal rosé
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Floral, apricot, yellow peach, citrus, saline mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, shellfish, ceviche, sushi, grilled fish, Provençal vegetable dishes, Italian beach cuisine, Asian cuisine

From the Saint-Tropez peninsula to your table — Château Minuty Prestige 2025 is the definitive expression of Provençal rosé elegance.

Winemaker Description 

Welcoming aromas of violet, rose, fresh cherry, leaf and cocoa spice. This dynamic wine engages the palate with riveting and luscious black cherry, black raspberry and plum flavors accented with light forest wood notes and a charming dose of red earth spice. 

A sophisticated and concentrated Willamette Valley Pinot noir that is truly seductive, with a lush balance, seamless texture, and a long, complex finish that lingers. Still stunning when tasted two days later from a previously opened bottle.

Estate Grown

LIVE Certified

Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay — Sonoma County 2024

Ferrari-Carano has been one of Sonoma County’s most beloved Chardonnay producers for decades, crafting wines of generous richness, depth, and approachability from their estate vineyards across the county’s finest appellations. The 2024 Sonoma County Chardonnay is barrel-fermented to deliver the house’s signature full-bodied, layered style — earning 92 points from James Suckling and representing exceptional value for the quality in the glass. Rich, round, and satisfying, this is California Chardonnay at its most crowd-pleasing.

The nose opens with Meyer lemon, apricot, vanilla, graham cracker, and buttered popcorn — inviting and generous. On the palate, incredible depth and a full mouthfeel deliver layers of ripe peach, pineapple, and caramel, leading to hazelnut and baking spice on the finish. Sweet aromas of vanilla bean and pear blossom add elegance, while a weighty creaminess and flavors of butterscotch and golden apple round out a rich, satisfying finish.

James Suckling 92 — “Sweet aromas of vanilla bean and pear blossoms with a generous mouthfeel, a weighty creaminess and flavors of butterscotch and golden apples. A rich, satisfying, barrel-fermented wine.”

• Producer: Ferrari-Carano, Sonoma County, California, USA
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Sonoma County AVA
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Vinification: Barrel-fermented
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Meyer lemon, apricot, vanilla, peach, pineapple, caramel, butterscotch, hazelnut, baking spice, creamy finish
• Best Paired With: Lobster, grilled prawns, roast chicken, creamy pasta, dishes with citrus, butter, cream, bacon, or toasted nuts

Decades of Sonoma Chardonnay mastery in every bottle — Ferrari-Carano’s Sonoma County is the rich, crowd-pleasing California white that always delivers.

Quick Expert Summary - Vintage 2022

 🍇 Jasper Morris (Inside Burgundy) 92 Points Described the fruit as having a refined character and complexity, with a savory red berry note, plenty of energy, and good acidity.

🍷 Vinous (Neal Martin) 91 Points Noted a well-defined bouquet with black cherries and wild strawberry fruit; the palate is medium-bodied, smooth and sensual toward the finish.

📜 Burghound (Allen Meadows) 90 PointsPraised the attractively spicy nose and the "slightly better verve" on the palate, which finishes with fine-grained tannins.

✨ Wine Spectator (Bruce Sanderson) 90 Points Found it to be a tangy red with spicy cherry, pomegranate, and blood orange flavors, calling it nicely integrated and juicy.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Allen Meadows writes:  An attractively spicy nose freely offers up aromas of dark pinot fruit, Savigny-style earth, violet and an interesting hint of white pepper. There is slightly better verve suffusing the lightly stony middleweight flavors that also possess a caressing but punchy mouthfeel on the lingering finale that is noticeably finer thanks to the fine-grained tannins. This too could be approached young though at least a few years of cellaring should be beneficial.  - Burghound 90

Bruce Sanderson writes:  A tangy red, this features spicy cherry, pomegranate, blood orange and toasty oak flavors. Nicely integrated, with a whisper of dusty tannins lining the finish. This is juicy, with the fruit resonating on the aftertaste. Best from 2027 through 2040.   - Wine Spectator 90

Neal Martin writes:  The 2022 Savigny-lès-Beaune Les Lavières 1er Cru has a well-defined bouquet with black cherries and wild strawberry fruit, pure and refined. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe red fruit and light pastille notes, smooth and sensual towards the finish. Give this three or four years in bottle.  - Vinous 91

Val di Suga | Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2019 | Tuscany, Italy

Val di Suga's estate Brunello is a study in Montalcino's remarkable diversity. Sourced equally from three distinct terroirs — Vigna del Lago in the northeast, Poggio al Granchio in the southeast, and Vigna Spuntali in the southwest — this 2019 brings together the full complexity of the appellation in a single, beautifully composed wine.

The nose opens with dried cherries, blood orange, cigar box, and smoky incense, layered with wild herbs and a whisper of chinotto. On the palate it is concentrated yet refined: vibrant acidity, silky tannins, and a mineral-tinged backbone that gives the wine both structure and elegance. The finish is long, pure, and deeply satisfying. The 2019 vintage in Montalcino was stellar — and this half bottle captures it perfectly for those moments when a full bottle is one glass too many.

• Appellation: Brunello di Montalcino DOCG
• Grape: Sangiovese Grosso
• Vintage: 2019
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle
• Drink: 2024–2040

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2019

Jeb Dunnuck — 95 Points | “A gorgeous entry to the Brunello offerings of Val di Suga in this stellar vintage… refined and elegant feel on the palate, offering fine tannins, fresh acidity, and a lovely mineral-tinged backbone.”

Wine Advocate — 93 Points | “Immediate and accessible… very clean and polished… bright freshness adds intensity and vibrancy to this mid-weight Brunello.”

Decanter — 92 Points | “Appealing and pure, the mid-weight palate offers a layer of luscious red berries and plump persimmon underscored by juicy acidity. Hard to resist now.”

Cambria Estate Winery | Chardonnay Katherine's Vineyard | Santa Maria Valley, California | 2023

Cambria Estate Winery is one of Santa Barbara County's most celebrated producers, farming estate vineyards in the heart of the Santa Maria Valley — one of California's premier cool-climate appellations. Named for Katherine Jackson, Katherine's Vineyard sits at the western end of the valley where persistent Pacific Ocean breezes slow ripening and allow Chardonnay to develop remarkable complexity, balance, and natural acidity.

The 2023 vintage was fermented with 30% stainless steel and 70% barrel, then aged seven months in French oak (20% new) — a winemaking approach that delivers both freshness and texture without overwhelming the fruit. The result is a Chardonnay of genuine balance: ripe tropical and orchard fruit, toasty barrel spice, taut minerality, and mouthwatering acidity that keeps everything in focus.

The nose offers lemon balm, baked apricot, ripe pear, pineapple, and macadamia nut, with honeysuckle and subtle spice. On the palate, medium-bodied and fleshy with a creamy, mouth-coating texture, bright acidity, and a long finish of lemon verbena, fresh ginger, and a hint of marzipan. Serious complexity and impressive finesse, especially at this price point.

Incredibly versatile at the table — exceptional with roast chicken, lobster bisque, pan-seared halibut, creamy pasta, brie, and soft-ripened cheeses.

• Producer: Cambria Estate Winery
• Vineyard: Katherine's Vineyard
• Appellation: Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, California
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2023
• Vinification: 30% stainless steel, 70% barrel; 7 months French oak (20% new)
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023

• Vinous — 92 pts: Rich yet energized, driven by taut minerality and juicy acidity. Barrel spice and ripe orchard fruit marry in harmony, with serious complexity, deep minerality and impressive finesse, especially for the price.
• Wine Enthusiast — 92 pts: Lemon balm, baked apricot and macadamia nut aromas. A blast of acidity cuts into the lightly salted core of pear, apple and citrus peel flavors, with a warm oak note carrying the finish.
• Jeb Dunnuck — 90 pts: Ripe stone and orchard fruits intermixed with honeysuckle and subtle spice. Medium-bodied, plush, round, and supple. A well-made, ready-to-drink California Chardonnay that delivers terrific value.
• Wine Spectator — 90 pts: Remarkable seamlessness and complexity — lemon blossoms, orange sherbet, papaya and marmalade, with a fresh thread of acidity and notes of lemon verbena, fresh ginger, and a hint of marzipan.

67Wine Buyer's Note

Debra, California Chardonnay Buyer — "This fleshy, medium-bodied wine offers plentiful flavors of tropical fruit, baking spice, and zest, with an underlying subtle oak influence. Harmoniously balanced with ample acidity and a buttery, creamy, mouth-coating finish."

Expert Reviews

Wine Advocate 94 Points  | The 2020 Bonnes-Mares Grand Cru wafts from the glass with aromas of wild berries and plums mingled with peonies, orange rind and exotic spices. Full-bodied, rich and muscular, it's deep and powerful, with imposing reserves of concentration, while remaining vibrant, even fine-boned despite its substance and plenitude.

Burghound 95 Points | Markedly floral-suffused aromas are comprised by notes of more distinctly spiced and earthier plum and black cherry where a hint of the sauvage lurks in the background. The equally sleek though notably more voluminous and powerful if less mineral-driven flavors coat the palate with dry extract while offering excellent depth and persistence on the beautifully balanced finale. This is one of the best Mugnier Bonnes Mares in recent memory.