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95 Points by Antonio Galloni, Vinous

A new wine in this range, the 2022 Brut Nature Blanc de Noirs Fusion is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Meunier. Rich, ample and layered in the glass, the 2022 is so impressive. Dried pear, crushed flowers, spice, ginger and dried herbs all build as the 2022 gradually unfurls in the glass. Readers will find a Champagne of real breadth and texture. I loved it. Bottled with no dosage. Disgorged: March 2025; multiple disgorgements throughout the year.

~ Antonio Galloni, VINOUS – November 2025

Expert Review — Vintage 2022

Jeb Dunnuck — 90 Points | Mostly Viognier (55%) but with other permitted white varieties, the 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Blanc has a medium-bodied, vibrant, pure style to go with lovely peach and tangerine-like aromas and flavors. Drink this outstanding, classy white over the coming 2-3 years. I never cease to be amazed at the quality of the Côtes du Rhône white from this team, especially given the quantities produced.

Winemaker Description

Yellow gold, clear and brilliant. Freshness on the nose marked by the distinctive aromas of Viognier — white flowers, apricot, acacia and white peach. On the palate it is fruity with plenty of richness and body. A well-rounded wine with elegance, strength and balance.

• Producer: E. Guigal
• Appellation: Côtes du Rhône AOC, Southern Rhône, France
• Blend: 55% Viognier + other permitted white varieties
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle

Single-Vineyard Napa Perfection — Nickel & Nickel State Ranch

Nickel & Nickel is Napa Valley's preeminent single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon producer, dedicated exclusively to crafting wines that express the unique character of individual estate vineyards. State Ranch is their Yountville expression — a site that delivers a distinctive combination of power, elegance, and aromatic complexity that sets it apart from other Napa appellations. At $110, this is a serious collector's Cabernet that rewards both immediate enjoyment and medium-term cellaring.

Winemaker Notes

Nickel & Nickel State Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Yountville Napa Valley 2022 750ml

Powerful and driven, State Ranch captivates the nose with a perfume of mixed wild berries, black cherry, and aromatic herbs. At once juicy and concentrated, layers of black plum, black currant, and clove flavors unfold on the tongue. Polished tannins melt into the palate, beautifully framing the wine from entry to the long, silky finish.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Yountville, Napa Valley
• Vineyard: State Ranch (single-vineyard)
• Producer: Nickel & Nickel
• Vintage: 2022
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural at the fine dining table — exceptional with dry-aged ribeye, lamb rack with herbs, braised short ribs, wild mushroom risotto, and aged hard cheeses.

In the 1940s, Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta planted Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc cuttings on a gravelly hillside at his Tenuta San Guido estate in coastal Tuscany — an act of visionary defiance that would change Italian wine forever. The first vintage offered on the open market was 1968. By 1994, Sassicaia's reputation was so singular that it was granted its own DOC — Bolgheri Sassicaia — the only single-estate DOC in Italy. It remains the world's first and most celebrated Super Tuscan, still owned by the noble Incisa della Rocchetta family.

The Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia Bolgheri 2023 1.5L Magnum is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Cabernet Franc, aged 24 months in 40% new French oak. The 2023 vintage was shaped by a cold winter, above-average rainfall, and a severe outbreak of downy mildew that forced brutal fruit selection and a 20% reduction in yields — a vintage of pressure and sacrifice that, like the legendary 1985, produced diamonds. The result is a Sassicaia of uncanny openness and generosity in its youth: wild sage, rosemary, dark fruit, crushed stone, rose petal, pink peppercorn, bergamot, and blood orange on the nose; chalky tannins, bright acidity, and a saline coastal freshness on the palate; and a long, persistent, mineral finish. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it a perfect 100 points. In Magnum — the ideal format for long-term cellaring.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

• Wine Advocate — 100 Points: "Very few vintages of this legendary Tuscan wine deliver the immediate joy, richness and complexity found in the 2023. Uncannily open and generous in its youth. Like the legendary 1985, 2023 was a difficult vintage shaped by a cold winter, yet it stands as proof that great pressure can indeed give birth to diamonds."
• James Suckling — 99 Points: "Very cool, complex and pretty aromas of black currants, fresh herbs, lavender and violet. Crunchy and layered fruit with polished, velvety tannins. A very clear and distinctive Sassicaia with true character of the estate."
• Decanter — 98 Points: "Takes the idea of finesse and elegance to another level. Supple, lifted and fragrant, with pure, crunchy bramble fruits, succulent mid-palate and prolonged freshness. A true-to-life model for the future of Italian reds."
• Jeb Dunnuck — 98+ Points: "Full-bodied yet remarkably lifted, moving across the palate with precision and energy. Saline, coastal freshness adds tension and length. Already compelling, with the framework to evolve gracefully over the coming decades."
• Vinous — 97 Points: "Elegant and supremely polished. Blackberry, gravel, incense and new leather. One of the wines of the vintage. I can't wait to see how the 2023 ages."

Wine Details

• 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc
• Bolgheri Sassicaia DOC, Tuscany, Italy
• Aged 24 months in 40% new French oak
• Vintage: 2023 | 1.5L Magnum
• Cellar for decades — Magnum format ideal for long-term aging

Tasting Notes

A dry, full-bodied red brimming with blackcurrant aromas, rich concentration of fruit, and intense flavors. Strong and structured, it finishes with a smooth, lingering warmth of vanilla and cloves — a classic Cabernet Sauvignon of excellent character and depth.

About the Wine

The Special Edition series from Hayotzer showcases high-quality classic varietals crafted for connoisseurs who appreciate fine wine. Grapes were harvested at full maturation, then cold-soaked before fermentation at controlled temperatures. Following three weeks of maceration, the wine was aged in barrel and blended from the finest barrels of the vineyard.

Hayotzer Winery is situated on the outskirts of Jerusalem — a unique partnership between French-born winemaker Philippe Lichtenstein and the Shor family, whose winery was founded in 1847 in the Old City of Jerusalem, making it the first recorded winery in Israel. Eight generations and over 170 years later, Hayotzer combines this extraordinary heritage with the terroir of Israel's finest wine regions and Philippe's winemaking artistry.

Food Pairing

Pairs beautifully with grilled lamb, beef short ribs, roasted vegetables, and aged hard cheeses.

Product Details

• Appellation: Jerusalem Hills, Israel
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml
• Certification: Kosher
• Producer: Hayotzer Winery (Philippe Lichtenstein & Shor Family)

Producer Notes

Koonunga Hill is one of Penfolds’ most beloved and enduring wines — a benchmark for approachable, everyday Australian red. The Shiraz brings plenty of dark fruit while the Cabernet Sauvignon adds cool, lifted aromatics. Deep crimson with red brick hues, the nose reveals preserved plums, fresh mulberry, cherry compote, milk chocolate, baking spices, fresh bay leaf, white pepper, and licorice. The palate is succulent with refreshing acidity and subtle tannins. Ripe red fruits offer richness on the mid-palate, with dark cherry, pomegranate, and cranberry. A savory, umami edge adds complexity. Softly textured, medium-bodied, and very approachable.

Food Pairings

• Grilled steak, ribs, or lamb shanks
• Beef stew or shepherd’s pie
• Aged cheddar or blue cheese
• BBQ or hearty pasta dishes

Experience the rich depth of Pielihueso Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine that embodies the passion and organic farming philosophy of this family-owned estate. Spanish for "skin and bones," Pielihueso began in 2017 when father/daughter combo Alejandro and Celina Bartolome planted vines in Los Chacayes and Los Sauces, both subregions of the Uco Valley located within Tunuyán. This exquisite blend combines the elegance of Malbec with the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon, creating a delightful balance that captivates the palate.

High Elevation Organic Vineyard

50% Malbec, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon grown on a high elevation vineyard (3,900m) with vines ranging from 12 years (Malbec) to 72 years (Cabernet Sauvignon) in sandy/clay soils. The grapes are hand harvested and kept 50% whole cluster, then fermented in stainless steel tanks. All wines are farmed organically and made with no corrections, fermented with native indigenous yeasts, and a low addition of sulfur is added just before bottling.

Family Winemaking Philosophy

Alejandro comes from a long background in organic farming, and this is the family's first foray into wine. The winery's style focuses on making light, bright, clean, and vibrant wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Uco Valley. The labels were even created by the family - Carmela, the other daughter, designed them from their brother's artwork, making each bottle a true family collaboration.

Tasting Profile

Deep purple hue with an inviting aroma. The flavor profile is a tapestry of dark fruits, complemented by hints of spice and oak. Rich notes of blackberry and plum are coupled with soft tannins that provide a velvety mouthfeel. The addition of Cabernet Sauvignon adds complexity, introducing subtle layers of blackcurrant and a whisper of chocolate. Light, bright, clean, and vibrant character with a smooth finish. This wine is designed to be enjoyed young but has the potential to develop further nuances with age.

Los Chacayes & Los Sauces Terroir

This wine reflects the rich terroir of Los Sauces and Los Chacayes, subregions of the renowned Uco Valley in Tunuyán. The 2024 vintage stands out due to optimal growing conditions at high elevation, ensuring that only the finest grapes are harvested. The combination of sandy/clay soils, high altitude, and old vines (up to 72 years for Cabernet Sauvignon) creates wines of exceptional quality and character.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This incredibly versatile wine complements a variety of dishes:

• Grilled lamb and beef stew
• Hearty steaks and grilled meats
• Aged cheeses
• Roasted vegetables
• Gourmet pizzas
• Rich pasta dishes

Serving Suggestions

Serve slightly below room temperature to allow the aromatic qualities to shine. Whether paired with rich dishes or savored on its own, Pielihueso Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon offers a luxurious taste experience. As you indulge in this exceptional wine, let the robust flavors and smooth finish transport you to the picturesque vineyards of the Uco Valley, where each glass tells a story of family, organic farming, and dedication to crafting light, bright, and vibrant wines. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, this wine will elevate your collection.

A rare, perfectly aged Muscadet from one of the Loire’s benchmark domaines. “L d’Or” is sourced from old-vine Melon de Bourgogne planted on mica-schist soils, producing a wine of remarkable depth and longevity.

The 2005 shows extraordinary maturity: layers of salted lemon, preserved citrus, crushed stone, dried herbs, and a subtle smoky minerality. On the palate, it’s beautifully evolved yet still vibrant, with the hallmark tension and salinity that define great Muscadet. Long, savory, and deeply textural, this is a stunning library release that proves just how well Muscadet can age.

A rare treat direct from the winery’s cellar — ideal for collectors and lovers of nuanced, maritime whites. Perfect with oysters, scallops, sushi, or aged cheeses.

Rombauer Vineyards | Chardonnay | Carneros, Napa Valley | 2024 | 750ml

Few California Chardonnays have achieved what Rombauer has: a style so consistent, so immediately recognizable, and so genuinely crowd-pleasing that it has become a benchmark in its own right. The Carneros bottling is the house's flagship — a wine that delivers ripe fruit intensity, creamy texture, and the signature bright acidity that keeps it from ever feeling heavy.

The 2024 vintage benefited from good winter rain, a moderate spring, and warm September spells that brought optimal ripeness while preserving structure. Sustainable farming throughout, with block-by-block precision guided by NDVI aerial imaging. The result is a wine that is both generous and focused.

On the nose: yellow peach, ripe melon, and bright citrus. On the palate: creamy vanilla, buttery nuance, and a long finish anchored by Rombauer's hallmark acidity. This is the Chardonnay that earns its reputation every vintage.

The Rombauer family authored the Joy of Cooking — they recommend pairing this with their Chicken Risotto or Strawberry Shortcake. Hard to argue.

• Appellation: Carneros, Napa Valley, California
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2024
• Farming: Sustainable, NDVI block-by-block management
• Style: Full-bodied, creamy, oak-influenced
• Pairs with: Lobster with drawn butter, Fettuccine Alfredo, crab cakes, chicken risotto, strawberry shortcake

J. Vignier Les Longues Verges Grand Cru Brut — Cramant & Chouilly 2013

Les Longues Verges is J. Vignier’s most distinctive single-vineyard cuvée — a Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs from a unique parcel that straddles the boundary between two of the Côte des Blancs’ most celebrated villages: Cramant and Chouilly. The name itself is a piece of history: “verges” was an old French unit of measurement, roughly 50 meters, used before the metric system. The vineyard’s northeast-facing exposure on Cretaceous chalk, marl, and clay preserves freshness and acidity while encouraging the Chardonnay to develop exceptional purity and concentration. Vinified in stainless steel with full malolactic fermentation, bottled in May 2014, and aged 84 months in bottle before release — the 2013 vintage emerges with the depth and integration of a wine that has been given all the time it needs. Certified sustainable by Socofret.

Elegant and focused on the nose: bright citrus, white peach, and orchard fruit joined by jasmine, fennel, ginger, and toasted brioche. The palate is long, juicy, and finely structured — creamy texture balanced by vivid acidity and the steely, chalk-driven minerality that defines Grand Cru Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs. Cramant’s refined structure and Chouilly’s generous fruit meet in a wine of compelling harmony and a finish that lingers with precision and grace.

“Les Longues Verges sits at the boundary of two Grand Cru villages — and the wine itself is a study in contrasts beautifully resolved: structure and generosity, freshness and depth, history and precision.”

• Producer: J. Vignier, Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
• Vintage: 2013
• Appellation: Champagne Grand Cru
• Villages: Cramant & Chouilly
• Vineyard: Les Longues Verges (northeast exposure)
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Style: Blanc de Blancs Brut
• Soil: Cretaceous chalk, marl and clay
• Farming: Certified Sustainable by Socofret
• Vinification: Stainless steel; full malolactic fermentation
• Bottle Aging: 84 months
• Residual Sugar: 4.4 g/L | Acidity: 4.2 g/L | pH: 3.07 | Alcohol: 12.5%
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, white peach, orchard fruit, jasmine, fennel, ginger, brioche, creamy texture, steely chalky minerality
• Best Paired With: Oysters, caviar, lobster, scallops, sushi, roasted white fish, creamy poultry, mushroom risotto, aged cheeses

2013 vintage. 84 months in bottle. A single parcel spanning two Grand Cru villages. J. Vignier’s Les Longues Verges is Côte des Blancs Blanc de Blancs at its most singular and precise.

Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc — Stellenbosch, South Africa 2024

Ken Forrester is widely regarded as the "King of Chenin" — no producer in South Africa has done more to champion the grape or elevate its reputation on the world stage. Founded in 1993 on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain in Stellenbosch, the estate farms old vines on decomposed granite soils with the benefit of cooling maritime influences from False Bay. The Reserve Chenin Blanc is their benchmark expression: textured, layered, and built to age, yet approachable from release. The 2024 vintage was shaped by a warm, dry summer that concentrated the fruit beautifully, with just 2,000 cases imported to the US.

The wine pours a bright, pale straw. The nose is perfumed and generous — ripe pineapple, honeydew melon, baked apple, nectarine, and subtle floral notes with a whisper of hazelnut. On the palate, it's rich, creamy, and silky with vivid acidity, a subtle streak of chalky sapidity, and layers of tropical and yellow fruit. The finish is long and mineral-driven, with refreshing hints of quinine and grapefruit pith. Drink now through 2030.

"A lovely, silky white, with vivid acidity and a subtle streak of chalky sapidity layered with flavors of yellow apple, pear, lemon meringue and chamomile, plus a rich touch of hazelnut." — Wine Enthusiast, 91 Points

• Producer: Ken Forrester Vineyards, Stellenbosch, South Africa
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Stellenbosch WO
• Varietal: Chenin Blanc (Old Vine)
• Terroir: Decomposed granite, Helderberg Mountain slopes
• Production: 10,000 cases made; 2,000 cases imported
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: Wine Enthusiast 91 | James Suckling 91
• Drink: Now through 2030
• Tasting Notes: Pineapple, honeydew, baked apple, nectarine, hazelnut, chalky minerality, quinine finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled prawns, scallops, roast chicken with herbs, butternut squash risotto, aged goat cheese

Dual 91-point old vine Chenin Blanc from South Africa's undisputed King of Chenin — textured, mineral, and built for the table.

Winemaker Description

This wine is generous and complex with aromas of cherry cola, cassis and chocolate. Some savory notes and hints of citrus zest and mint. This wine is intensely aromatic and develops in the glass as layers are revealed. This full-bodied wine is powerful yet exhibits grace and finesse. A rich and dense mid-palate evolves into a muscular and graceful finish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

Tasting Panel 100 Points | Awe-inspiring, with dramatically structured tannins, this wine possesses an opulence matched by its seductive texture of soft suede as well as its grip. Blueberry and pomegranate are intense and showy on the finish.

Vinous 95+ Points | The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Tomahawk Vineyard emerges from the youngest block on the vineyard, planted nearly twenty years ago. Readers will find a pure, voluptuous wine that is immediately engaging. Succulent dark cherry, plum, espresso, licorice, incense and new leather fill out the layers effortlessly. I imagine the Tomahawk will require only modest cellaring.

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Tomahawk Vineyard is slightly brighter and more perfumed than the Ganymede, offering a brilliant array of crème de cassis and black raspberries as well as spicy oak, graphite, and spring flower notes. It has classic Stags Leap vibrancy and complexity, is medium to full-bodied, and has plenty of polished tannins as well as a great finish. It deserves 4-6 years in the cellar, and I suspect this will be very long-lived. It's a gorgeous wine that shows the style of the vintage to a T.

Decanter Magazine 94 Points | From a small group of vines at the southern edge of the Stags Leap District estate property called Tomahawk Vineyard. A very pretty and elegant wine with fantastic blackberry fruit nuanced by white pepper, sage, and iron-volcanic minerality. Medium to full-bodied with juicy mixed berry fruits, very fine tannins that have a granularity, which builds with intensity before getting wiped clean away by rather scintillating acidity that has a crisp, citrusy quality. Long, lean, and focused, with hints of bay laurel on the finish. A really lovely effort.

James Suckling 94 Points | Notes of ripe blackcurrants, blackberries, pinewood, grilled herbs and spices. Full-bodied, dense and structured with very fine, velvety tannins.

Wine Spectator 93 Points | Juicy, solid and focused in feel, with a core of black currant and blackberry preserves backed by licorice and singed apple wood notes, plus a hint of sweet tobacco through the finish. Drink now through 2040. 1,289 cases made.

Lucien Albrecht Crémant d’Alsace Brut Blanc — Alsace NV

Lucien Albrecht is one of Alsace's most storied estates, and their Crémant Brut Blanc is the wine that earned them a place on Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Wines of 2018 — ranked #71 in the world. Made primarily from Pinot Blanc grown in the heart of Alsace and crafted using the traditional méthode traditionnelle, this is Champagne's most elegant and underpriced neighbor. Creamy, structured, and endlessly food-friendly, it is the sparkling wine you reach for when you want something serious without the serious price tag.

Pale yellow with brilliant clarity and fine, delicate bubbles. The nose is expressive and inviting — fresh apple, white peach, apricot, and dried flowers with a touch of caramelized lemon. On the palate, the wine is medium- to full-bodied and creamy, with firm, persistent effervescence and a rich, characterful mid-palate. Ripe fruit and subtle structure carry through to a fresh, clean finish with real length and subtlety.

James Suckling 90 — "Ripe, slightly candied character with caramelized lemons and dried flowers. Creamy and weighty on the palate with firm bubbles and a rich, characterful mid-palate." • Wine Enthusiast — #71 Top 100 Wines of 2018

• Producer: Lucien Albrecht, Alsace, France
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: Crémant d’Alsace AOC
• Varietal: Pinot Blanc (dominant blend)
• Style: Brut Sparkling — Traditional Method
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh apple, white peach, apricot, dried flowers, caramelized lemon, creamy texture, firm bubbles
• Best Paired With: Oysters, smoked salmon, charcuterie, soft cheeses, light poultry, aperitivo

A Top 100 Crémant d’Alsace at an honest price — Lucien Albrecht is the benchmark for what Alsatian sparkling wine can be.

Winemaker Description 

Made using wines made with 50% Garnacha Blanca and 50% Xarello grapes, El Bandarra Vermut Bianco is infused with more that 40 botanicals to create its complex bittersweet character.

96 James Suckling:  Though slightly restrained at this young age, this is an outstanding wine with the structure and depth of flavor typical of this estate-grown bottling. Blackberries, dried blueberries, creme de cassis, cedar and cinnamon are layered on the palate. Tannins are fine-grained, velvety and well integrated. Drinkable now but best from 2029.

95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V. kicks off with masses of black cherries and cassis, plus hints of dark chocolate. It's full-bodied, rich and velvety in feel, perhaps even a touch open-knit in character, but it shows great length and freshness on the lingering finish.

94 Jeb Dunnuck: Rocking levels of crème de cassis, redcurrants, spicy wood, dried flowers, and sweet tobacco all emerge from the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V., a medium to full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that has a pure, layered, elegant mouthfeel, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. Aged 20 months in 100% new French oak, it's another remarkably fresh 2022 from this estate that has tons to love.

Winemaker Notes

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

The Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | While this wine is currently quiet, it shows a lot of promise. Mouthwatering and long on the palate, it offers attractive citrus pith, delicate white flowers and fresh almonds.

Expert Review 

The Wine Enthusiast by Kara Newman 91 Points | This Sardinian vermouth has a straw hue and bold tropical fruit aromas. The palate opens and closes with toasted coconut and vanilla sweetness, plus a pineapple hint midpalate. 

Producer Description 

Crafted on the island of Sardinia, Silvio Carta’s “Servito” Vermouth Bianco is a fragrant, Mediterranean expression of the classic aperitif. This 750ml bottling is infused with local botanicals such as myrtle, sage, and citrus peels, layered over a base of Vernaccia wine. It’s elegantly floral and herbaceous, with a subtle sweetness and vibrant, coastal freshness. Enjoy it chilled, over ice with a lemon twist, or as a base for a distinctly Sardinian spritz.

Winemaker Description 

Juan Jurado belongs to a new generation of young winemakers who see potential in the Marco de Jerez region beyond traditional fortified wines. After living away from his native Andalusia for many years (from Sitges to Australia via London), during which time he trained in the world of wine and sommellerie, he decided to return to his roots to start a project focused on authentic wines that reflect the diversity of the Jerez Region beyond Finos and Olorosos.

In 2022, Jurado invested all his savings to purchase a small vineyard in the Miraflores de Sanlúcar estate, along with winemaking equipment including a press, destemmer, casks, and jars to produce his first vintage. This marked the birth of Agrícola Calcárea, a project dedicated to crafting honest wines using minimal yet sufficient intervention to showcase the unique characteristics of each vineyard through classic and ancestral varieties of the Marco region.

The resulting wines are highly aromatic, featuring stone fruit, citrus, and white flower notes, with chalky and salty undertones. On the palate, they are savory and mineral, with a touch of bitterness.

Firefly Farms Merry Goat Round — Accident, Maryland

The Merry Goat Round is Firefly Farms’ best-selling retail cheese — and it earns that distinction every time. Made in the Appalachian highlands of Garrett County, Maryland, Firefly Farms has been crafting award-winning artisan goat cheeses since 2002, drawing on the clean mountain air and pastoral landscape that define this corner of the mid-Atlantic. The Merry Goat Round is a soft-ripened chèvre with a bloomy, fully edible rind that develops beautifully at every stage of ripening. The texture is supple and impossibly creamy, the flavor is clean and bright, and the rind — as Firefly will tell you — is where the fullest, most complex flavor is concentrated. Chefs, caterers, and cheese lovers agree: this one deserves a giant round of applause.

The paste is snow-white and lush, with a fresh, clean goat’s milk character that is tangy without being sharp. As it ripens, the rind softens and the interior becomes increasingly supple and complex, developing earthy, mushroom-laced depth that contrasts beautifully with the bright, citrusy core. Bake it at 350°F until soft and smother it in honey — it transforms into something extraordinary.

Little secret: the fullest flavor is concentrated in the rind. Eat every bit of it. — Firefly Farms

• Producer: Firefly Farms, Accident, Garrett County, Maryland, USA
• Milk Type: Goat’s milk
• Style: Soft-ripened, bloomy rind chèvre
• Size: 6oz
• Tasting Notes: Snow-white paste, clean tangy goat’s milk, earthy bloomy rind, mushroom, bright citrus core, creamy finish
• Best Paired With: Baked with honey or apricot jam, sliced apple and baguette, dried fruits, candied nuts, dry Riesling, or Sauvignon Blanc

Appalachian craft, award-winning character — Firefly Farms’ Merry Goat Round is the benchmark for what American artisan goat cheese can be.

Expert Review — Vintage 2023

Wine Enthusiast — 90 Points (Danielle Callegari) | Savory, umami aromas of low tide, seaweed, and crushed shells on the nose, turning citrusy with abundant fresh lemon, lime, and grapefruit. The palate presents sweeter notes of sugared half-grapefruit and candied orange slices, balanced by teeth-tingling acidity and a flick of Maldon salt.

Winemaker's Notes

Tenuta Rapitalà crafts Vìviri — meaning "live" or "drink" in Sicilian dialect — as a celebration of the Grillo variety at its most expressive. Grown on the sun-drenched hills of the Rapitalà estate, this wine is defined by its vibrant flavor and striking minerality.   

Terroir & Vinification

Grillo vines are planted between 900 and 1,300 feet elevation on the Rapitalà estate, trained using the traditional Guyot system in soils of clay, small pebbles, and sand. The altitude imparts greater natural acidity, lending the wine its signature sapidity and mineral tension.

Grapes are harvested in mid-August, slightly before full ripeness to preserve the balance between sugar and acidity. The fruit is pressed, fermented, and aged entirely in temperature-controlled stainless steel — keeping the wine fresh, pure, and unoaked.

• Winery: Tenuta Rapitalà
• Appellation: Sicilia DOC, Sicily, Italy
• Varietal: Grillo
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Elevation: 900–1,300 ft
• Oak: Unoaked — stainless steel
• Style: Crisp, mineral, citrus-driven
• Pairings: Fish, shellfish, light pasta, vegetables, fresh cheeses, chicken

Sierra de Tolono Rioja Blanco 2024 750ml

Experience the unique essence of the Toloño Mountains in every sip of Sierra de Toloño Rioja Blanco 2024. Sourced from organically farmed vines at over 600 meters elevation, this wine reflects Sandra Bravo's mission to show a lighter, more terroir-driven side of Rioja. No oak, no heaviness—just clean, honest fruit and a cool-climate edge that embodies the vibrant spirit of the Toloño Mountains.

Sandra Bravo - Artisanal Winemaker

High up in the foothills of the Sierra de Toloño, in Rioja Alavesa, Sandra Bravo works in some of the oldest and highest altitude vineyards in Rioja. This young winemaker translates the mountainous landscape into pure and expressive wines in her small winery in Villabuena de Álava, where she works with steel, anforas, and old wood.

International Experience

"I was studying Engineering and Enology in Rioja and then I was working in wineries of Bordeaux, Tuscany, New Zealand and California. When I came back to Spain, I spent 7 years in Priorat. All that experience gave me an open point of view to make different wines here in Rioja (where I come from). I have to say Priorat really influenced me to make artisanal wines, and to understand that the most important is the vineyard, the vineyard with soul."

Rioja Alavesa Terroir

"When I came back to Rioja in 2012, I decided to make wines respecting what the vineyard give and always looking for freshness. I was in love with this area in Rioja Alavesa, calcareous soil, small plots, Mediterranean herbs and always North wind with high altitude (right in the mountain that gives my name's project: Sierra de Toloño)... it was perfect! Because all of this my wines are really mineral."

Organically Farmed High-Altitude Vineyards

Sourced from organically farmed vines at over 600 meters elevation. The grapes are meticulously harvested from vineyards nestled in the Toloño Mountains, where optimal sunlight and fresh temperatures allow for perfect ripeness. These are some of the oldest and highest altitude vineyards in Rioja.

2024 Vintage Profile

The 2024 vintage delivers vibrant aromas of lemon peel, white peach, and wild herbs, with a palate that's crisp and zesty, underpinned by saline minerality and firm acidity. This vintage showcases the lighter, more terroir-driven side of Rioja that Sandra Bravo champions.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Pale gold with green reflections
Aroma: Vibrant aromas of lemon peel, white peach, and wild herbs. Lively citrus notes with Mediterranean herbs
Palate: Crisp and zesty, underpinned by saline minerality and firm acidity. Clean, honest fruit with cool-climate edge. Balanced acidity with subtle minerality
Finish: Refreshing finish with lingering minerality

No Oak, No Heaviness

No oak, no heaviness—just clean, honest fruit and a cool-climate edge. The winery employs techniques to preserve the natural flavors and aromas of the grapes, ensuring a pure expression of the terroir without oak influence or heavy winemaking intervention.

Calcareous Soil & Minerality

The calcareous soil of Rioja Alavesa creates the distinctive mineral character that defines these wines. "Because all of this my wines are really mineral," Sandra explains. Each sip reveals the influence of the limestone-rich soils and mountainous terroir.

Cool-Climate Freshness

Sandra's mission is to show a lighter, more terroir-driven side of Rioja, always looking for freshness. The high altitude, North wind, and cool climate create wines with vibrant acidity and refreshing character that set them apart from traditional oaked Rioja whites.

Small Plots & Micro-Terroirs

She harvests multiple varieties from micro-terroirs over many small plots that together form a fresh, beautiful image of the area. This approach allows each vineyard site to contribute its unique character to the final blend.

Vineyard with Soul

"I have to say Priorat really influenced me to make artisanal wines, and to understand that the most important is the vineyard, the vineyard with soul." This philosophy guides every decision in the vineyard and winery, creating wines of authenticity and character.

Steel, Anforas & Old Wood

In her small winery in Villabuena de Álava, Sandra works with steel, anforas, and old wood. This combination of traditional and modern vessels allows her to craft wines that honor tradition while expressing contemporary vision.

Mediterranean Herbs & North Wind

The area features Mediterranean herbs and always North wind with high altitude. These elements combine to create a unique microclimate that imparts distinctive aromatic complexity and freshness to the wines.

Pure & Expressive Wines

This young winemaker translates the mountainous landscape into pure and expressive wines. Each bottle captures the essence of the Sierra de Toloño, offering an honest expression of place and vintage.

Food Pairing Suggestions

The Sierra de Toloño Rioja Blanco 2024 is an excellent partner for a wide range of dishes:

• Grilled fish and seafood
• Fresh salads with citrus vinaigrette
• Creamy risottos
• Light pasta dishes
• Goat cheese and soft cheeses
• Tapas and Spanish cuisine
• Shellfish and oysters

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled to unlock its full potential. The crisp acidity and vibrant flavors make it ideal for summer gatherings or quiet evenings at home. Whether you're hosting or enjoying a casual meal, this wine enhances the experience.

Respecting What the Vineyard Gives

"When I came back to Rioja in 2012, I decided to make wines respecting what the vineyard give." This philosophy of minimal intervention and respect for terroir creates wines that are authentic expressions of their origin.

Rioja Reimagined

Sandra Bravo's international experience gave her "an open point of view to make different wines here in Rioja." The result is a fresh, modern interpretation of Rioja Blanco that showcases the region's potential for elegant, terroir-driven white wines.

Perfect for Every Occasion

This wine is not just a wine; it's an invitation to indulge in culinary exploration. Let the refreshing taste of the Toloño Mountains elevate your meals. Discover the magic of pairing with this exceptional white wine, and find yourself enchanted with every sip.

R. Pouillon & Fils | Les Blanchiens | Premier Cru Brut Nature | Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne | 2017 | Biodynamic | Zero Dosage

R. Pouillon & Fils is one of Champagne's most exciting and principled grower-producers, based in the Premier Cru village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in the Vallée de la Marne. Fabrice Pouillon farms his vineyards according to biodynamic principles — a commitment to the land that goes beyond organic certification, working in harmony with natural cycles to produce wines of exceptional purity, vitality, and terroir expression.

Les Blanchiens is considered one of the defining wines of the Pouillon estate — a mono-cru vintage Champagne from a single south-facing parcel in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, farmed biodynamically on clay-limestone soils. An equal blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the two varieties are fermented separately in used neutral barriques and raised for approximately 18 months in neutral oak before bottling — the restrained use of older oak adding texture and complexity without masking the purity of the fruit or the distinctive character of the terroir.

As a Brut Nature Champagne, Les Blanchiens is finished without dosage — zero grams per liter — placing the focus entirely on the quality of the fruit, the structure of the vintage, and the mineral tension of the vineyard. This is a wine that demands and rewards attention.

The bouquet is distinctive and complex — opening with unique aromas of black tea and bitter orange, joined by ripe citrus, orchard fruit, dried flowers, gentle spice, toasted grain, and subtle chalky minerality. On the palate, powerful yet remarkably light on its feet: Pinot Noir provides drive and structure, while Chardonnay contributes brightness, precision, and energy. Finely delineated texture with vibrant acidity and a persistent mousse carrying the wine into an exceptionally long, focused finish. A vinous, gastronomic Champagne that continues to reveal new layers as it opens in the glass.

Pair with oysters, caviar, lobster, grilled fish, scallops, roast poultry, mushroom dishes, aged Comté, and other firm or nutty cheeses.

• Producer: R. Pouillon & Fils
• Cuvée: Les Blanchiens
• Classification: Premier Cru Brut Nature (Zero Dosage)
• Appellation: Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, France
• Blend: 50% Pinot Noir, 50% Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2017
• Farming: Biodynamic
• Soils: Clay-limestone; south-facing
• Vinification: Varieties fermented separately in neutral barriques
• Élevage: ~18 months in neutral oak
• Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
• Dosage: Zero (Brut Nature)
• Bottle Size: 750ml

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

James Suckling 94 Points | A classic, sophisticated and detailed wine that's fragrant in mint and and spices, rich and layered in flavors. So deep and lush, with black cherries, blueberries, spearmint, cocoa and coffee crema. Aged in all-new French oak.

The Montrachet glass is perfect to reveal the intensity of full-bodied white wines, including the wine's multi-layered aromas. With a larger volume, the wide open-mouthed bowl enables the rich bouquet to develop its wonderfully diverse range of aromas, emphasizing the finesse while minimizing the risk of richer style white wines becoming over-concentrated.

This product is made of clear crystal glass.

Sommeliers was the world’s first wine friendly glass collection and a design revolution created by Claus J. Riedel (9th generation). The range adheres to the Bauhaus design principle of form follows function, as Claus J. Riedel had discovered that certain wines showed more depth and better balance when enjoyed from certain shapes. Thin-blown and unadorned, Sommeliers was the beginning of RIEDEL's dominance of the global wine glass market.

This product is handmade.

Our master glassmakers individually craft each item so every piece has a unique character. Due to the nature of crafting, small tolerances in the size and weight of each product, tiny bubbles, imperfections, or slight surface variations are an acceptable part of the process.

This pack contains a single piece.