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Lucien Albrecht Rosé Crémant d’Alsace Brut — Alsace NV

Lucien Albrecht was one of the pioneers who helped legally codify the Crémant d’Alsace appellation, and their Rosé is the wine that Wine Advocate's David Schildknecht calls "more intriguing and distinctive" than almost anything else in the category. Made from 100% Pinot Noir using the traditional méthode traditionnelle, it is a pure expression of the grape — saline, meaty, and herbal notes layered beneath vivid strawberry and raspberry fruit, with a lush palate and an invigorating finish. Two 90-point scores from Wine Enthusiast and James Suckling confirm what the glass already tells you: this is serious sparkling rosé at a price that makes no sense.

The nose is pretty and inviting — fresh strawberry, raspberry, orange blossom, and a discreet hint of sweetness. On the palate, the wine is bright and medium-bodied, with lively mousse, juicy red fruit, and a creamy texture. Rye crumb, red apple, and lemon add complexity, while saline and herbal notes give the mid-palate real character. The finish is dry, long, and clean with a touch of invigorating bitterness.

Wine Enthusiast 90 — "A lovely balance of flavors with the freshness and juiciness of ripe apple. Fine bubbles create resonance on the dry finish." • James Suckling 90 — "Pretty nose of fresh strawberry, raspberry and orange blossom. Very bright on the palate, with a nice interplay of lively mousse with juicy fruit." • Wine Advocate — "More intriguing and distinctive… saline, meaty, and herbal notes add interest to both the nose and a lush palate." — David Schildknecht

• Producer: Lucien Albrecht, Alsace, France
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: Crémant d’Alsace AOC
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Style: Brut Rosé Sparkling — Traditional Method
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Strawberry, raspberry, orange blossom, red apple, rye crumb, lemon, saline, herbal notes, creamy texture
• Best Paired With: Smoked salmon, charcuterie, strawberries, soft cheeses, light poultry, aperitivo

Two 90-point scores, one honest price — Lucien Albrecht's Rosé Crémant is the benchmark for what Alsatian sparkling rosé can be.

Winemaker Description

This signature wine contains only fruit farmed on Howell Mountain. The wine comes in a distinctive bottle that is hand dipped in red wax. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. aged 32 months in 100% new French oak.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2017

Vinous Antonio Galloni 97 Points | The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is sure to make Dunn fans happy. Powerful and ample, it marries the natural intensity of the year with the savoriness that makes Howell Mountain Cabernets so distinctive. Dark blue/purplish fruit, graphite, spice, leather, dried herbs and lavender imbue the 2017 with striking intensity and character. I can't wait to see how it ages. The 2017 is a positively stunning edition of the Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.  Drinking 2027 - 2047.

Robert Parker Joe Czerwinski 96 Points | Already more open than the 2018 Howell Mountain, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain boasts slightly piney, resinous herb notes—thyme and rosemary—along with classic cassis and blueberry fruit. Yes, there's a cedary coat of oak, but the fruit comes through loud and clear, adding a rich, velvety textural component and mouthwatering berry flavors on the lingering finish.  Drinking 2025 - 2040  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 96+

Wine Spectator James Molesworth 95 Points | Fresh ripe cassis, blackberry and plum fruit flavors course through, carried by tar and apple wood notes that are well-embedded, giving this a muscular but sleek feel. Features a great tug of dark earth and licorice snap on the palate-staining finish. Best from 2023 through 2038. 

Producer Description 

Cleopatra Oro is a Grappa obtained from very fresh marc, featuring a refinement and bouquet rarely found in a distillate. A brief stay in oak barrels completes the structure. Cleopatra Oro Grappa should be served cool. It has floral, fresh fruit and citrus, honey, and confectionery aromas. This Grappa has a smooth, clean and elegant taste. 

Nonino AMARO Quintessentia 750ml

Producer Description

Born in Friuli — a borderland and crossroads of Roman, Arabian, Celtic, Venetian, and Slavic influences — Amaro Nonino Quintessentia® is the result of the Nonino family's alchemic art, enriched by centuries of cultural exchange and a deep knowledge of botanical varieties from near and far.

The name Quintessentia® was chosen to celebrate the alchemic achievement of the purest essence, passed down through generations of family recipe. The Bowl of Hygeia at the center of the label honors the origin of amaro — historically born as a medicinal remedy.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 96 Points — Tawny and bright in the glass, this mellow, bittersweet beauty offers caramel and vanilla, braced by allspice and bitter orange. Although Nonino is best known for its grappas, this amaro — flavored with herbs from the mountains of Friuli — is worth seeking out. Consider it for dessert pairings or an edgy spin on a Negroni.

Spirit Details

Producer: Distillerie Nonino
Style: Amaro (Italian Bitter Liqueur)
Base: Aged Grappa di Monovitigno®
Region: Friuli, Italy
Awards: 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Double Gold Medal
Size: 750ml

Vigneto Saetti | Rosso Viola | Lambrusco Salamino | Organic | 2024

Real Lambrusco — not the sweet, mass-produced version that defined the category for decades, but the genuine article from Emilia-Romagna: dry, sparkling, deeply colored, and alive with energy. Vigneto Saetti farms 50-year-old Lambrusco Salamino vines organically in the flatlands south of Modena, hand-harvesting fruit with thick skins, high natural acidity, and intense pigmentation. The winemaking is as honest as the farming: spontaneous fermentation in small steel tanks taken to complete dryness, secondary fermentation initiated in the bottle with fresh grape must, hand-riddled and hand-disgorged, and zero sulfur added at any stage. The result is a wine of remarkable purity — dark ruby in the glass, with a bouquet of aromatic cherries, strawberries, and violets, and a persistent, creamy mousse that delivers an elegant, sophisticated mouthfeel. Supple tannins and energetic acidity make it as versatile at the table as it is thrilling to drink on its own.

• Appellation: Emilia-Romagna, Italy
• Varietal: 100% Lambrusco Salamino
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml
• Vine Age: 50+ years
• Method: Méthode ancestrale — bottle-refermented, hand-riddled & disgorged
• Certification: Certified Organic | No sulfites added
• Style: Dry, sparkling red

67 Wine Picks

"Made from organic grapes and fermented in the bottle with no added sulfites, Rosso Viola is a dark ruby with a terrific bouquet of aromatic cherries, strawberries and violets. In the mouth, the tiny bubbles have an elegant, persistent creaminess that brings forth a highly sophisticated mouthfeel with energetic flavors that linger deliciously through the finish. Some supple tannins make this a great wine for pizza, cured meats and strong cheeses." — Bart Hopkins

Pairing Suggestions

• Classic Emilian: Pizza, mortadella, prosciutto di Parma, or salumi boards.
• Cheese: Parmigiano-Reggiano, aged Pecorino, or strong washed-rind cheeses.
• Casual: Charcuterie, fried foods, or a simple weeknight pasta with tomato sauce.

Expert Review 

Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | This delicately perfumed wine opens to reveal power combined with elegance. The wine has great ripeness—a soft texture on the surface masking the severe tannins at the center.

Winemaker Description 

A fragrant aroma of well ripened fruit; supple and polished tannins give structure and length on the palate, with a rich sweet flavour and crisp mineral freshness. Herbal and dark fruit notes on the aftertaste. Winemaker Description.

La Marca Prosecco — Prosecco DOC NV — 375ml Half Bottle

La Marca is one of Italy's most beloved Prosecco houses, crafting Glera from the rolling hills of the Veneto with a focus on freshness, elegance, and effortless drinkability. This 375ml half bottle is the perfect format — enough for two generous pours, ideal for a solo celebration, a quiet aperitivo, or whenever a full bottle feels like too much of a commitment. Light, lively, and endlessly charming, it is Prosecco as it was meant to be enjoyed.

Pale golden straw in color with lively, persistent effervescence. The nose opens with fresh citrus, honeysuckle blossoms, green apple, and ripe peach. On the palate, the wine is crisp and clean with bright fruit flavors — green apple, juicy peach, and lemon — framed by a hint of minerality. The finish is light and refreshing with a tantalizing touch of sweetness that keeps it approachable and crowd-pleasing.

One of Italy's most recognized Prosecco DOC labels — fresh, floral, and endlessly food-friendly from the heart of the Veneto.

• Producer: La Marca, Veneto, Italy
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: Prosecco DOC
• Varietal: 100% Glera
• Style: Extra Dry Sparkling
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle
• Tasting Notes: Fresh citrus, honeysuckle, green apple, peach, lemon, hint of minerality, touch of sweetness
• Serve: 46–50°F in a flute or white wine glass
• Best Paired With: Oysters, light seafood, mild cheeses, prosciutto, fresh fruit, aperitivo, or on its own

The perfect half bottle — La Marca Prosecco is the benchmark for fresh, elegant Italian sparkling wine at a price that makes every moment feel like a celebration.

Domaine Graeme & Julie Bott Côte-Rôtie 2020 is a beautifully expressive Northern Rhône Syrah that combines the power and savory complexity of Côte-Rôtie with the domaine's signature elegance and finesse. Produced in extremely limited quantities, this is a refined, age-worthy wine with dark fruit, floral perfume, spice and beautifully polished tannins.

The fruit comes from approximately 40-year-old Syrah vines planted on the schist soils of the Côte Brune in Ampuis. These steep, rocky vineyards are at the heart of Côte-Rôtie and give the wine remarkable intensity, structure and mineral character.

Expert Ratings

94 Points — Vinous

Glistening ruby. Spice- and mineral-accented cherry and black raspberry scents are complemented by suggestions of pipe tobacco, violet, smoky bacon and exotic spices. Densely packed and subtly chewy in texture, offering appealingly sweet, spice-tinged red and dark berry and floral pastille flavors that are supported by an undercurrent of juicy acidity. The mineral note returns on a very long, penetrating finish that features polished tannins and resonating florality.

93 Points — Wine Spectator

Shows seductive violet, crushed plum and spice notes that mingle on the palate, grounded by balsamic and olive tapenade. The dry finish, with power that builds, is marked with a dusting of white pepper. Drink now through 2030.

93 Points — James Suckling

Dark cherries, plums, black olives, grilled meat, earth and cloves on the nose. Medium to full body with fine tannins. Serious and well-balanced with a restrained power and a lively finish with excellent length.

92 Points — Jeb Dunnuck

I loved the 2020 Côte Rôtie, another terrific effort here. Giving up lots of ripe black and blue fruits as well as spring flowers and bouquet garni-like notes, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, has ripe, sweet tannins, and a great finish.

Winemaking

The grapes are harvested by hand and carefully sorted both in the vineyard and again upon arrival at the winery. Approximately 80% of the fruit is destemmed before a cold maceration in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. Fermentation begins naturally with indigenous yeasts, followed by 18 months of aging in French oak barrels.

Production is exceptionally small, at approximately 1,200 bottles, making this a particularly limited expression of Côte-Rôtie.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby with violet reflections, the 2020 Côte-Rôtie offers an expressive aromatic profile of ripe blackberry, dark cherry and plum layered with violet, cracked pepper and savory spice. Subtle notes of olive, smoked meat and earthy minerality add classic Northern Rhône complexity.

The palate is full and concentrated yet remarkably supple, with ripe dark fruit framed by firm, silky tannins and fresh acidity. Peppery spice and mineral notes carry through the long, elegant finish, giving the wine both immediate appeal and excellent potential for further development in the cellar.

About Domaine Graeme & Julie Bott

Graeme and Julie Bott met while working at the renowned Northern Rhône estate of Stéphane Ogier before establishing their own domaine. Beginning with a small cellar in their garage, they gradually planted vineyards in Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Saint-Joseph and Seyssuel.

Today, working from their cellar in Ampuis, their philosophy centers on allowing the Northern Rhône's schist and granite terroirs to speak clearly through the wines. Production remains deliberately small, with an emphasis on balance, purity and finesse.

Food Pairing

An excellent partner for grilled or roasted beef, ribeye steak, rack of lamb, braised lamb, duck and slow-cooked game. Its savory, peppery character also pairs beautifully with mushrooms, lentils, roasted root vegetables and dishes featuring rosemary, thyme or black pepper.

Wine Details

• Producer: Domaine Graeme & Julie Bott
• Vintage: 2020
• Country: France
• Region: Northern Rhône
• Appellation: Côte-Rôtie AOC
• Vineyard Location: Ampuis, Côte Brune
• Grape: Syrah
• Vine Age: Approximately 40 years
• Soil: Schist
• Harvest: Hand harvested
• Vinification: Approximately 80% destemmed; indigenous yeast fermentation
• Aging: 18 months in French oak barrels
• Alcohol: 13%
• Production: Approximately 1,200 bottles
• Bottle Size: 750ml

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

Straw yellow with greenish hues, the Lícia Albariño has strong varietal characteristics with hints of grapefruit, candied fruit, quince jelly, notes of fresh herbs, green apples, and minerals. It is full bodied and well balanced, highlighting the aromas of citrus and green apple, with a long and persistent finish.

The Wine Advocate 96 Points: “It brings forth a floral bouquet, showing subtle elegance at the start. Give it a few moments and the wine hits on all cylinders with integrated oak, bright fruit, black cherry, pomegranate seed, iris root and dustings of oak spice that never overshadow the fruit. The wine is refreshingly uncomplicated but shows refined nuance instead. This is the proverbial understated elegance that Gaja achieves so beautifully. It closes with lovely acidity and dusty tannins.” Monica Larner

Vinous Media 94 Points: “The 2021 Magari is the most elegant Magari I can remember tasting. Vibrant, nuanced and medium in body, the 2021 possesses notable energy from start to finish. All the elements are so nicely balanced. Dark cherry, mocha, dried herbs, licorice and menthol are finely sculpted in this super-expressive Bolgheri red. Terrific.” Antonio Galloni

Wine Spectator 93 Points: "Tobacco, licorice and cedar aromas and flavors frame the core of black currant and black cherry fruit in this intense, vibrant red. An iron element emerges too, as this builds to the lingering finish, with fine balance and a lingering aftertaste." Bruce Sanderson 

Magari is an Italian expression having different meanings “If only it was true…!”, “Maybe…”. It carries a sort of irony which leads people to smile, without showing off the great commitment and determination associated to the Ca’Marcanda project.

Purplish red in color, the nose presents a wonderful mixture of black fruits such as plums and blackcurrants. Notes of black tea, and hints of aromatic herbs commonly found in the Mediterranean like rosemary and thyme, lead to a structured mouthfeel with tannins that are denser and more elegant reflecting the style of the vintage all culminating with a salinity representative of a classic Bolgheri style. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

Charles Curtis, MW of Decanter Magazine 96 Points | In 2021 the domaine protected this site above all from frost but still lost half their crop despite being surrounded by the also well-protected vines of Domaine Leflaive. Accessible almost even now the aromas of green apple and passionfruit coconut butter and baking spice are almost opening even now. There is a lovely freshness and silky texture yet this is a powerful wine with impressive length and density at the end. This should open in five years and continue to improve for at least twenty-five more. (Drink between 2027-2050).

Cupcake Lighthearted Low Alcohol Pinot Noir 750ml

Discover Cupcake Lighthearted Low Alcohol Pinot Noir, a refreshing choice crafted to support an active lifestyle without compromising on flavor. Winemaker Jessica Tomei was inspired to create Cupcake Vineyards' Lighthearted collection after struggling to find delicious tasting wines that fit her active lifestyle. This elegant Pinot Noir is light and juicy with notes of wild strawberry and plum, offering only 80 calories, 8% ABV, and less than one gram of sugar per serving, while maintaining the classic Pinot Noir profile you love.

Crafted for an Active Lifestyle

These wines are crafted with grapes grown in sunny California vineyards, perfectly structured to create well-balanced and medium-bodied wines. The grapes are harvested early in the growing season to minimize brix levels, which allow for a lower sugar, lower alcohol product after blending. The quality of these grapes makes for wines that deliver exceptional taste while supporting health-conscious choices, designed for a lighthearted sipping experience that's ideal for any occasion.

Tasting Profile

Light and juicy with vibrant notes of wild strawberry and plum. This Pinot Noir presents an inviting bouquet of cherries, strawberries, and a hint of vanilla, which is characteristic of the varietal. Upon tasting, you'll discover a vibrant acidity that enhances the fruitiness, making it incredibly refreshing. The light body ensures that it can be enjoyed chilled, perfect for warm weather sipping. Each sip is a celebration of bright flavors, showing that you don't have to compromise on taste to enjoy a low alcohol option.

Only 80 Calories Per Serving

Nutritional Benefits:

• Only 80 calories per serving
• 8% ABV (lower than traditional Pinot Noir)
• Less than 1 gram of sugar per serving
• Classic Pinot Noir profile maintained

Food Pairing Suggestions

This versatile low alcohol Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled salmon and seafood
• Roasted vegetables
• Light cheese platters
• Poultry and chicken dishes
• Mushroom-based dishes
• Perfect for casual gatherings
• Ideal chilled for warm weather

Winemaker Jessica Tomei's Vision

Cupcake Vineyards believes in creating wines that are not only delightful to the palate but also accessible for all drinkers. The Lighthearted line is innovatively produced to reduce alcohol content without compromising on flavor or quality. Each bottle embodies a commitment to sustainability and quality, reflecting the vineyard's dedication to responsible wine production. Enjoy each drop with the knowledge that you're making a mindful choice.

Why Choose Low Alcohol Wines?

Low alcohol wines like the Cupcake Lighthearted Pinot Noir are gaining popularity for several good reasons. They allow you to enjoy the rich experience of wine tasting while keeping your alcohol intake in check, particularly beneficial for those who are health-conscious or looking to moderate their alcohol consumption. With its lower ethanol content, you can savor the intricate flavors without the heaviness that often accompanies higher alcohol wines. Embrace the trend of lighter wines, and discover the joys of a glass that pairs perfectly with both meals and casual gatherings, striking the right balance between flavor and lightness.

Winemaker Description

Pazo de La Cuesta Mencía Ribeira Sacra 2022 750ml

A single-varietal expression of 100% Mencía from the historic estate vineyards of Pazo de La Cuesta in San Clodio, Ribas de Sil — the easternmost reaches of Ribeira Sacra. The wine opens with an intense, vivid ruby color and a frank, expressive nose of strawberry and blackcurrant with floral notes and characteristic varietal ripeness. On the palate, the attack is fresh and cool, with excellent roundness and fine balance between alcohol, acidity, and tannin. The finish is long and mineral, reflecting the granite and slate character of this historic hillside plot.

Grapes are hand-harvested and gravity-fed to fermentation tanks. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentations are carried out at controlled temperatures in stainless steel, followed by aging on the lees and 6 months in 300–500L French and Central European oak barrels.

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Roasted lamb, grilled chorizo, or slow-cooked pork shoulder with Galician spices.
• Seafood: Grilled octopus a la gallega, salt cod, or hearty fish stews.
• Cheese: Tetilla, Arzúa-Ulloa, or a mild semi-cured Spanish cheese.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Decanter 93 Points | The 2022 is a charming, elegant rendition of the vintage expressing raspberry and strawberry with snaps of coriander and allspice. Seamless in flow, the palate is underscored by sweet acid and framed by soft, silky tannins. Juicy and drinkable now but with enough grip for the next seven to eight years. A blend of the estate's parcels in the distinguished MGAs of Rabajà, Rabajà-bas and Faset, Castello di Verduno's classic Barbaresco ages in large Slavonian oak casks.

Vinous 92 Points | The 2022 Barbaresco is a gracious, classy wine that captures the essence of the house style. Crushed flowers, sweet, red-toned fruit, orange peel, spice and rose petals are some of the notes that grace this understated, sensual Barbaresco. Soft tannins add to a feeling of approachability. What a pretty and engaging wine this is.

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | Pouring a bright medium ruby hue, the 2022 Barbaresco opens to notes of ripe cranberries, cinnamon, orange peel, and fresh flowers. The palate retains very nice freshness in this hot, dry vintage, with refreshing acidity, ripe tannins, and a clean, medium-bodied feel with a graceful and fruity finish. It's a highly charming offering to drink over the coming 6-8 years.

Memo Summary Notes

Verduno is a small town and the histories of the wineries located there are intertwined.

The Castle of Verduno, constructed in the early 1500s, was under the jurisdiction of the House of Savoy for much of its history until the Burlotto family purchased it in 1909.

The winery's philosophy is to produce wines that speak of place in a classic way and are also sustainable and protect the land. As such, they practice organic farming and are meticulous both in the vineyard and in the cellar. Minimal SO2 and also vinifies with indigenous yeast. Their wines are firmly traditional in style though never rustic; in fact just the opposite, they retain a rare elegance and purity.

Pair with

• Traditional: Tajarin pasta with a butter and sage sauce or a rich meat ragù.

• Savory: Roast pork tenderloin, braised beef short ribs, or a wild mushroom risotto.

Our Professional Review

Giusto Occhipinti of COS is a benchmark producer in the Vittoria appellation of Sicily — and one of the most important, influential winemakers in all of Italy. Founded in 1980 by three friends (Giambattista Cilia, Giusto Occhipinti, and Cirino Strano — whose initials form the winery name), COS has never used synthetic or chemical additives in the vineyard. Certified organic since 2007 and biodynamic since 2000, their Frappato is Sicily’s answer to Cru Beaujolais: joyous, floral, and built on elegance and purity.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

James Suckling — 94 Points (Nov 2025): “Overt and spicy, showing elegant black-pepper aromas with black cherries, leather and earthy notes. Vinous and juicy. Medium-bodied, it shines with lightness, offering a silky texture and fragrant, crunchy tannins well-tamed and sustained by crisp acidity. Delicious. Drink now.”

Decanter — 90 Points (Apr 2026): “Cherry compote, basil and sage meet pepper, thyme and star anise. Bright, dark fruit energy and earthy smoke follow; grainy tannins add structure, and the finish is rustic, meaty and joyful.”

Tasting Notes

Vibrant and aromatic with bright red fruit flavors of cherry and strawberry. Low tannins, fresh acidity, and a silky, light-bodied texture make this an effortlessly drinkable expression of Sicily’s most charming indigenous grape.

Pairings: Charcuterie, grilled fish, roasted vegetables, light pasta dishes, or a slight chill for summer sipping.

Product Details

• Vintage: 2024
• Varietal: Frappato
• Appellation: Terre Siciliane, Sicily
• Region: Sicily, Italy
• Farming: Certified Organic & Biodynamic
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Producer: Azienda Agricola COS (Giusto Occhipinti)

Chianti Classico from One of Gaiole's Most Revered Organic Estates

San Giusto a Rentennano is one of Chianti Classico's most celebrated family estates, farming organically in Gaiole in Chianti and producing wines of exceptional purity and elegance. Their 2020 Chianti Classico — a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo, aged 10 months in oak barrels and barriques plus 6 months in bottle — is a benchmark expression of the appellation: energetic, fragrant, and classically structured, with the kind of pure fruit and fine tannins that make it equally compelling now or over the next 6–8 years.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

• Wine Advocate — 93 pts: "The certified organic 2020 Chianti Classico is a clever blend of 90% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo from a unique growing site in Gaiole in Chianti. This vintage stands out thanks to its ample and generous fruit profile. Elegant and velvety texture. Hits all the right notes. Drink 2022–2030."
• Jeb Dunnuck — 92+ pts: "Ripe with aromas of black raspberry coulis, red flowers, sweet tobacco, and pine. Elegant and medium-bodied, with supple texture, fine tannins, and an even, well-balanced finish. Pure, classic, and balanced — a gulpable wine that will drink great now or over the coming 6–8 years. Drink 2024–2032."
• Jancis Robinson — 17++ pts: "Lustrous mid ruby. An elegant, fragrant raspberry nose, gorgeous supple and juicy cherry and raspberry fruit on the palate, with gripping, nutty tannins. Very long and succulent and fragrant. Drink 2022–2028."
• Vinous — 91 pts: "Super-impressive. The purity of the fruit is really quite compelling. Dark cherry, plum, cedar, incense and licorice build nicely in a mid-weight Chianti Classico that hits all the right notes. Drink 2023–2032."
• Wine Spectator — 90 pts: "Dense, with solid tannins and lively acidity supporting expressive cherry, raspberry, iron and earth flavors. Balanced and long. Drink now through 2028."

Winemaker Notes

A Chianti of traditional style — energetic and elegant, with beautiful complexity and cleanliness on the nose. Aromas of ripe red fruit and spicy notes lead to an agile, fresh, and soft palate. Aged at least 10 months in oak barrels and barriques, plus 6 months in bottle.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: 90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo
• Appellation: Chianti Classico DOCG, Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy
• Producer: San Giusto a Rentennano
• Vintage: 2020
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Production: 51,872 bottles
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A classic Tuscan pairing — exceptional with bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, pasta al ragù, aged Pecorino, and grilled lamb chops.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

The Tasting Panel 92 Points | Quintessential aromas of ripe berries and plum are joined by vanilla and peppercorn in this textbook Zin grown on the most southerly estate vineyard in Paso Robles 14 miles from the Pacific. The result is a red of effusive energy and real charm that's fruit-forward enough to sip on its own yet has sufficient spice and structure to stand up to grilled meats.

The Wine Spectator 89 Points | Snappy and briary, with user-friendly raspberry and green peppercorn flavors that end with zesty tannins. Drink now through 2030. 4,008 cases made.

Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut NV — Half Bottle (375ml)

Moët & Chandon is the world’s most celebrated Champagne house, founded in 1743 and today the benchmark by which all non-vintage Brut Champagne is measured. Impérial is the house’s signature expression — a wine of extraordinary consistency and elegance, crafted from a blend of roughly equal parts Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier with a slightly smaller proportion of Chardonnay, aged a minimum of 24 months on the lees. It is the Champagne of celebrations, of milestones, of moments that deserve to be marked with something exceptional. Now available in a 375ml half-bottle — perfect for a solo celebration, a romantic dinner, or a beautifully considered gift.

Elegant golden straw yellow with amber highlights. The nose is radiant and complex — bright yellow-fleshed fruits (apple, pear, yellow peach), honey, lime blossom, brioche, and fresh nuts. The palate is seductive and richly flavored, combining generosity and subtlety, fullness and vigor, with a delicately fresh crispiness and the magical balance that defines great Champagne.

The Somm Journal — 93 points

“When it comes to finesse, this classic doesn’t miss. Biscuit and almond aromas, ripe golden apple on the nose turns to green on the palate, where citrus cycles through high-flying acidity even as luscious pear adds weight and chalk conveys elegance through the finish.”

Wine Spectator — 92 points

“An elegant version, fine and creamy in texture and backed by lively, orange peel acidity. A streak of smoke-tinged minerality underscores flavors of almond madeleine, poached pear, anise and preserved lemon.”

James Suckling — 91 points

“Aromas of apricots, grapefruit, pears and short crust. Medium-bodied, with soft bubbles and tasty nut and pie crust notes at the end. 24 months on the lees.”

Food Pairings

Oysters, smoked salmon, sushi, soft cheeses, light appetizers, and fried chicken. Perfect as an aperitif or to mark any occasion worth celebrating.

Blend: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay
Appellation: Champagne AOC, France
Style: Brut NV, aged 24+ months on lees
Format: 375ml (Half Bottle)
Scores: 93 pts The Somm Journal | 92 pts Wine Spectator | 91 pts James Suckling

Memo Summary Notes

The Calvados Lelouvier Vintage 1988 is a rare, single-harvest apple brandy from one of Normandy's most respected "négociant-éleveur" houses. Lelouvier is famous for sourcing exceptional small-batch distillations from the Domfrontais and South Normandy regions and aging them to perfection in their own cellars.

Pairing: This is a classic "digestif." It pairs beautifully with aged Camembert or Pont-l'Évêque cheese, or a high-quality dark chocolate tart.

A refined white from Puglia’s Castel del Monte DOC, this wine is a blend of Chardonnay and a touch of Fiano. Bright straw yellow in color, it shows aromas of white orchard fruits, citrus, delicate florals, and subtle hints of vanilla from oak aging. On the palate, it is fresh and balanced, with vibrant acidity, mineral tension, and a harmonious medium body. Partially aged in French oak and partially in stainless steel, it combines elegance with clarity. Pairs well with seafood, shellfish, grilled fish, risotto, white meats, and soft cheeses. Best served chilled at 10–12 °C.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

The Wine Advocate 97 Points |  From a beautiful site that must be seen to be believed, the Altesino 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli is redolent with dark fruit, blackcurrant and crushed slate. The mineral element of Montosoli and its schistic galestro-rich soils comes through beautifully in this vintage to add a linear sense of immediacy and verticality to the bouquet. The mouthfeel is especially elegant, and the wine's acidity is delivered expertly to showcase freshness but more importantly to highlight the quality of the fruit. The effect is very tonic and bright, and you get hints of baked brioche or oven-baked Italian focaccia bread, thanks to careful aging in Slavonian oak. This is a 12,000-bottle release.

Vinous 97 Points | An enticing blend of steeped plums, blood orange, sage and sweet smoke makes the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli a total pleasure on the nose. Elegant and soothing, it flows across the palate with a silken wave of ripe red fruits and spices as saline minerals slowly saturate under an air of violet inner florals.

Decanter 95 Points | Elisabetta Gnudi took over the Altesino estate in 1992 and has continued with the Montosoli bottling, which has been produced since 1975. The 2019, harvested at the very end of September, is introverted to start with but the nose eventually hints at porcini with liquorice root and bark. Sleek cherry and raspberry provide the backdrop on the palate, yet that appealing earthy tone pervades. Racy with smooth, vertical tannins clinging in all the right places, it displays cleverly balanced structure and stuffing.

Winemaker Description 

One of the most sought after wines from Montalcino, Montosoli is consistently a blockbuster red. Its intense ruby red color tends towards elegant garnet with age. On the nose, it shows a complex personality with a delicious blend of black cherry, raspberry, violet, licorice, vanilla and black pepper. Extremely enticing, opulent and elegant on the palate, with a warm, long-lasting finish, Montosoli is a wine for special occasions

Pair this wine with beef bourguignon and stroganoff, lamb shank, and roasted rabbit.

Winemaker Description 

This new vintage from Camino Romano, is a vintage that has been classified as 'very good' in D.O. Ribera del Duero. Camino Romano has been produced in D.O. Ribera del Duero by Bodegas Dominio Romano.

This wine is a single variety Tinto Fino (100%) grown from a rigorous selection of vines which are between 15 to 30 years old.

As for the production, in order to extract the maximum aromatic potential of the grape, they use "cold soaking", a modern technique that extracts aromas and colour of the wine with little input from the tannins.

Finally, Camino Romano undergoes an aging of 12 months in French and Hungarian oak barrels of 2 and 3 years old.