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

A young, powerful and fruity red wine. Intense ripe red fruit on the nose. On the palate, sweet fruit such as blueberries mingle with violets, scorched earth, and graphite in a plump, powerful, medium to full-bodied wine.

Gato Negro | Chardonnay | Valle Central, Chile

Gato Negro is one of Chile's most recognized everyday wine brands, produced by Viña San Pedro — one of the country's largest and most established wineries with roots dating back to 1865. The Black Cat label has earned a loyal following worldwide for delivering consistent, fruit-forward wines at an unbeatable price point.

Valle Central is Chile's most productive wine region, stretching through the heart of the country between the Andes and the Coastal Range. The warm, dry climate and fertile soils are ideal for growing Chardonnay that is ripe, generous, and approachable — with the natural freshness that Chilean whites are known for.

Gato Negro Chardonnay is a textbook example of New World Chardonnay done right. Pale gold in the glass with an inviting nose of banana, ripe peach, and pineapple. On the palate, soft and easy-drinking with classic tropical fruit character, light body, and a clean, balanced finish. No heavy oak, no fuss — just a fresh, crowd-pleasing white that works as well at a backyard barbecue as it does at the dinner table.

Pair with grilled chicken, light pasta, seafood, soft cheeses, and fresh salads.

• Producer: Gato Negro / Viña San Pedro
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Region: Valle Central, Chile
• Style: Light to medium-bodied white
• Bottle Size: 750ml

CHÂTEAU LA GARDE PESSAC-LÉOGNAN 2015 | 750ML

🇫🇷 France — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot | Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux

With more than a decade of bottle age, Château La Garde 2015 is entering a beautiful window of maturity. The bouquet opens with violet, blackberry, black currant, and dark cherry, accompanied by crushed stone, cedar, tobacco, graphite, and subtle spice — the classic mineral signature of Pessac-Léognan. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, linear, and precise, with concentrated dark fruit, fresh acidity, and finely integrated tannins. Secondary notes of tobacco, earth, and cedar are becoming increasingly expressive. Decant for 45–90 minutes and serve at 60–65°F.

The estate occupies one of the finest gravel outcrops in the Pessac-Léognan appellation. Dourthe acquired Château La Garde in 1990, recognizing the exceptional potential of its terroir, and has invested significantly in both vineyard and cellar to produce wines of precision, balance, and refined structure. The 2015 blend is 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot.

93 Points — James Suckling
“Violet, dark-berry and stone aromas follow through to a medium to full body. Linear and very fine. Tight and fresh. Precise and beautiful. A serious young red.” (Vintage 2015). 

91 Points — Wine Enthusiast
Firm tannins, fresh acidity, and layered blackberry and black-currant fruit. (Vintage 2015). 

Pairs well with: Grilled or roasted beef, rack of lamb, duck breast, braised short ribs, wild mushrooms, aged cheeses.

Grapes: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot
Region: Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France
Vintage: 2015
Format: 750ml
Scores: 93 pts James Suckling | 91 pts Wine Enthusiast

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

Wine Spectator 93 Points | The 2020 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Aux Malconsorts opens in the glass with notes of plums and wild berries mingled with aromas of orange oil, exotic spices, smoked duck and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, layered and muscular, it's finer-boned and less overtly powerful than its 2019 and 2018 predecessors, even if it's still a serious, structured, concentrated wine.

Barrel Sample: 93-95 Burghound 93 Points | This is the first wine to show any appreciable reduction though the whole cluster vinification does peek through the funk. Once again, the bigger-bodied and much more muscular flavors possess a highly attractive texture thanks to the generous dry extract that partially buffers the prominent tannic spine supporting the robust, powerful and gorgeously complex and persistent finish. This is a classic Malconsorts which is very much built to reward longer-term cellaring.

Barrel Sample: 93-95 Decanter 96 Points | A dense, almost creamy, concentrated cassis fruit, adorned with notes of smoke, spice and salt. Focused, with plenty of tannin and extract, this is a wonderful wine. 2020 saw tiny yields from Dujac's 1.55ha in Malconsorts - no more than 10-15 hl/ha. The fruit was partially destemmed and fermented slowly prior to ageing. The wine gets the same 16 months in 70% new casks that the grand crus receive. 

Expert Reviews

• Wine Spectator 93 Points | Stylish, complex elements of minerality, floral aromatics and a supple, elegant frame set this wine apart. Offers details of jasmine and white rose, with whiffs of honeycomb and orange blossoms that mingle with a juicy core of lemon curd, orange sherbet and lemon verbena on the long, expressive finish.

Winemaker Notes

Invivo X SJP Sauvignon Blanc has earned more than 50 accolades and 15 Gold medals since its launch in 2019. Bright and expressive aromas of lifted passionfruit, white florals, and kaffir lime lead to a concentrated, vibrant palate with great freshness and a long, zesty finish.

• Grape Source: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Appellation: Marlborough
• Location: New Zealand
• Closure: Screwcap
• Collaboration: Created with Sarah Jessica Parker

Melini Chianti Borghi d'Elsa — Chianti DOCG, Tuscany 2024

Melini is one of Tuscany's oldest and most historic wine estates — founded in 1705 in Gaggiano, in the heart of the Chianti zone, and a pioneer in the development of the fiasco bottle that made Chianti famous around the world. Today, Melini farms select vineyard sites along the south-facing slopes of the Elsa River valley, where well-exposed hillsides reach elevations of over 1,200 feet. These high-altitude sites, with their excellent sun exposure and cooling elevation, are ideal for Sangiovese — producing wines of genuine fragrance, elegance, and typicity. Borghi d'Elsa is the estate's classic Chianti expression: a traditional blend led by Sangiovese, crafted to deliver the authentic character of the appellation at an exceptional everyday price.

The nose is intense, fragrant, and elegant: blackberries and raspberries intertwined with violet and Florentine iris — the hallmark floral lift of high-altitude Tuscan Sangiovese. On the palate, it is dry, full, and harmonious with a slightly tannic structure and an elegant aftertaste of toasted almond and fruits of the forest. Clean, food-friendly, and quintessentially Chianti.

"Intense, fragrant and elegant aromas of blackberries and raspberries, with violet and Florentine iris notes. Dry, full, harmonious and slightly tannic, with an elegant aftertaste of toasted almond and fruits of the forest." — Melini Winemaker

• Producer: Melini, Gaggiano, Chianti, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Chianti DOCG
• Blend: 85% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo Nero, 3% Malvasia, 2% Trebbiano
• Vineyards: South-facing slopes of the Elsa River valley, 1,200+ ft elevation
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, raspberry, violet, Florentine iris, toasted almond, fruits of the forest, slightly tannic finish
• Style: Dry, medium-bodied, food-friendly
• Drink: Now through 2027
• Best Paired With: Grilled meats, poultry, lamb, goat, sheep's milk cheese, pasta with tomato sauce, pizza

Classic Chianti from one of Tuscany's oldest estates — Melini Borghi d'Elsa 2024 is fragrant, food-friendly, and one of the great everyday Italian reds under $10.

Pride Mountain Vineyards sits astride the Napa-Sonoma county line at 2,100 feet elevation on Spring Mountain, farming some of the most coveted mountain fruit in California. Their Merlot is consistently one of the finest expressions of the variety in the state — rich, structured, and built to age, with the tension and complexity that only high-altitude mountain viticulture can deliver.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

James Suckling — 94 Points | Lush aromas of Damson plums, blackcurrants, and dried herbs. The palate is full-bodied with finely integrated tannins and bright acidity, giving notes of mocha, blueberry bush, graphite, and licorice. Well balanced and textural. Drink or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck — 91 Points | Spicy, herbal, black cherry, and leather-like notes all emerge from the 2022 Merlot — medium-bodied, juicy, plump, incredibly satisfying, and delicious, with ripe tannins and integrated acidity.

Vinous — 91 Points | Packed with blackberry jam, chocolate, licorice, espresso, menthol, and tobacco. Full-bodied and potent — a huge punch from a powerful 2022 vintage.

Wine Advocate — 90 Points | Includes 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. Red and black cherries lead the nose, joined by hints of coffee and chocolate. Full-bodied, plush, and velvety with decent acidity and ample length on the finish.

Winemaker Description

Generous would be an understatement in describing the fruit of the 2022 Pride Mountain Merlot. Blackberries dominate the first impression before unfurling into aromas of black cherry and ripe plum, carefully accented by hints of bay and chocolate with a touch of sage. The juicy, ripe fruit makes for a mouth-watering first sip, kept in check by considerable tension from balanced acidity and supple tannin structure. Long, luxurious finish. Stunning now and will continue to impress for years to come.

• Producer: Pride Mountain Vineyards
• Appellation: Napa Valley / Sonoma County, Spring Mountain, California
• Blend: 85% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot
• Elevation: 2,100 feet, Spring Mountain
• Vintage: 2022
• Style: Rich, structured, mountain Merlot
• Format: 750ml

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

The Villa Wolf Pinot Noir Rosé is made with fruit from vineyards that are farmed expressly for the purpose of producing a true rosé (no saignée or coloring with red wine). Only perfectly ripe, healthy grapes are selected.

Upon harvest, the fruit is given a brief maceration (four to six hours) to extract a lovely pink color from the Pinot Noir grapes.

The wine is delicate and refreshing, with deliciously bright fruit flavors and a clean, zippy finish.

Winemaker Description 

Presents a deep violet hue, hinting at its intensity and depth. The nose is complex and alluring, with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and bramble layered alongside subtle notes of mint, violet, and a touch of cola. Accents of black pepper and cedar from French oak lend warmth and spice.

On the palate, the wine is full bodied with the vibrant acidity and structure that define its cool-climate origins. Plush yet grippy tannins provide firm support, giving way to a long, savory finish that balances dark fruit richness with remarkable freshness.

This bold and elegant red pairs beautifully with braised short ribs, grilled lamb, or roasted root vegetables, and will continue to evolve gracefully with age. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Dr. Konstantin Frank Saperavi 2022 is a landmark wine for the Finger Lakes region. Dr. Frank was a pioneer in bringing this ancient Georgian grape to New York in the 1960s, and it has since become one of the winery's most celebrated red wines, often described as a "cool-climate alternative to Syrah."

This is a robust "food wine" that pairs best with rich, savory dishes:

• Meats: Grilled lamb chops, braised short ribs, or venison.

• Vegetarian: Portobello steaks or a hearty lentil stew.

• Cheese: Hard, aged cheeses like Cheddar or a sharp Gruyère.

  
  

   

Winemaker Description

The 2020 Guado al Tasso is an intense ruby red in color. The nose offers notes of small dark fruit with sweet spice and toasted oak. On the palate, pure flavors and refined tannins lead to a persistent finish. This wine can be enjoyed immediately, but also has great aging potential. 

Expert Reviews

96 Points Robert Parker | The Marchesi Antinori 2020 Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso sees Cabernet Franc at over 30% of the blend in this vintage, with the rest going to Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% to 20% to Merlot. Matarocchio was not produced this year, and this wine benefits from the extra Cabernet Franc as a result. The 2019 and 2021 vintages of Guado al Tasso are quite concentrated and rich, whereas 2020 is leaner in texture, along the lines of the edition we saw made in 2010. There was rain in September. Managing Director Renzo Cotarella says he would not describe 2020 as a hot vintage because the rain did pose challenges at the end of the growing season. In Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast, budbreak is earlier than in other appellations, and the growing season is longer as a result. This is a benefit to the international varieties used here. The wine shows nice richness and intensity. The Cabernet Franc definitely comes through and adds the characteristic vertical lift and linearity that the grape is known for. You get black fruit, spice, white pepper and no signs of bitter stems or bramble. Sweet, almost milky tannins are interlocked with fresh acidity to give this wine good cellaring potential. The new oak was dialed back a bit in this vintage.

96 Points Wine Enthusiast | The nose is rich with notes of blackberries, black cherry and soil, while a white pepper undertone provides pop. On the supple, warm palate, berries continue leading the way, before a salty, chocolaty finish with another kick of pepper. Stoic tannins are balanced by lively, persistent acidity.

95 Points James Suckling | Aromas of black olives, berries, herbs, red beans, sour cherries, and sage follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins and plenty of structure. It’s flavorful and intense. Needs time to come together. Best after 2027.

95 Points Wine Spectator | Packed with exuberant blackberry, black currant and blueberry fruit, this red shows the expressive character of the vintage. Just when you think it's too flamboyant, the solid structure reins it in. Shows excellent balance and length, with a touch of lavender and wild herbs on the lingering finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2025 through 2040.

Expert Reviews- Vintage 2021

Tim Fish of the Wine Spectator writes 95 Points |  Supple, richly textured and elegantly complex, this Pinot opens with a burst of fresh raspberry, then unfolds with notes of forest floor and brown baking spices, plus a touch of licorice as it builds tension toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2032. 1,100 cases made.

Clive Pursehouse of Decanter writes 94 Points | Elegance is personified in this 2021 bottling of Bergström's renowned Silice. So-named for the sandy silica soils, the hallmark of the hilly Chehalem Mountain vineyard source. Beautiful bright fruit aromas are further framed by touches of tomato leaf, pine bough and mossy forest floor. The palate is marked by fleshy red raspberries, early season blackberry and fine grain tannin that provides a structure that shows this wine's longevity. (Drink between 2023-2031).

Erin Brooks of The Wine Advocate writes 94 Points |  Medium ruby-purple, the 2021 Pinot Noir Silice Vineyard blossoms slowly to pomegranate, blackberry, watermelon, dried herbs and aniseed. The medium-bodied palate is loaded with wild berry fruit. Combining power and elegance, it's silky and seamless in the mouth, and a flourish of spicy accents across the finish hints it has more to reveal over the next 2-3 years in bottle.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2021 Bergström Silice Pinot Noir is a highly acclaimed, estate-grown wine that gained significant fame after being named the #32 Wine of the Year in the 2023 Wine Spectator Top 100.

Named "Silice" (French for silica) due to the deep, sandy marine soils of the vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains, this wine is known for its ethereal perfume and mineral complexity rather than heavy weight.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Wine Spectator 88 Points | A taut red laced with cherry and raspberry flavors. Shows vivid acidity, with a light dusting of tannins leaving a crisp finish. (Top Value)

Pinot Noir | Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley / Oregon
Vintage: 2023  |  Size: 750ml
90+ Rated

Bethel Heights is one of the Willamette Valley’s founding estates, farming their Eola-Amity Hills vineyards since 1977. The Estate Pinot Noir is their signature bottling — a blend of nearly all sections of their three estate vineyards, spanning some 214 barrels each vintage. It is, as the winemakers put it, “the best place to start when evaluating their growing season and winemaking intent in any given vintage.”

The 2023 Estate is a standout — deeper and more concentrated than the 2021 or 2022, yet it remains light on its feet. A deeper jeweled magenta in the glass, it is perfumed with cherry liqüeur, black raspberry, violets, candied flowers, and rocky earth. The palate is medium-bodied, ripe, and elegant, with fine chalky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, nuanced finish. Crushed cherries, blackberries, rhubarb, blood orange, lavender, and iron all make appearances — a wine of genuine complexity that will reward patience or benefit from a decanter now.

“A deeper jeweled magenta… perfumed with cherry liqüeur, black raspberry, violets, candied flowers, and rocky earth. Medium-bodied, ripe, and elegant, with fine tannins and more density than the 2021 or 2022 vintages, yet it remains light on its feet.”
— Jeb Dunnuck, 94 Points. (Vintage 2023). 

“Aromas of red cherries, cranberries, dried herbs and subtle spices. The palate is fresh and layered, with fine tannins and lifted red fruit. Balanced and savory, with a long finish. Drink or hold.”
— James Suckling, 93 Points

“Slowly unfolding scents of rhubarb, blackberry, blood orange, lavender and iron. The medium-bodied palate features concentrated, floral flavors. Framed by fine, chalky tannins and vibrant acidity with a long, nuanced finish. It will benefit from time in a decanter.”
— Wine Advocate, 93 Points. (Vintage 2023). 

“Opens with a vibrant blend of crushed cherries and blackberries, elevated by sweet herbal tones and a nuance of spice. Juicy acidity enlivens depths of crisp wild berry fruit and mineral notes. The finish is pleasantly grippy, tapering off chewy and long with a tinge of licorice.”
— Vinous, 92 Points. (Vintage 2023). 

“Tightly wound and full of tension, with sinewy flavors of blueberry and raspberry framed by stony mineral and dusky spice notes. Finishes with firm tannins. Needs time. Best from 2026 through 2033.”
— Wine Spectator, 91 Points. (Vintage 2023). 

Ponzi Vineyards is one of Oregon's founding wine estates, established in 1970 in the Dundee Hills by Dick and Nancy Ponzi — pioneers who helped define Willamette Valley Pinot Noir before the world was paying attention. Tavola, meaning "table" in Italian, is the estate's approachable, everyday expression of Pinot Noir: a wine built for sharing, for food, and for the kind of effortless pleasure that makes a bottle disappear too quickly. The 2023 is sourced from a blend of estate vineyards (65%) and select purchased fruit, matured for eight months in 25% new French oak to preserve freshness while adding subtle structure and spice.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

92 Wine Advocate: "The 2023 Pinot Noir Tavola has inviting scents of black cherries, blackberries, holiday spices, earth and bitters. The medium-bodied palate is brimming with spicy berry flavors. It's framed by soft, velvety tannins, and fresh acidity highlights floral perfume on the long finish."

92 James Suckling: "A valley-wide blend of grapes that gives a vibrant, fresh and bright sense of red fruit, balanced by raspberries, black cherries and a rich texture on the palate. Light tannins, fresh acidity and a clean, balanced expression."

91 Wine Spectator: "A spry red, with vibrant cherry and guava flavors that take on accents of cinnamon and forest floor as this persists toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2033."

Tasting Notes

Spiced blueberries, plum and cranberry leap from the glass, followed by denser notes of dry forest floor, sagebrush and leather. The mouth holds fresh acidity with flavors of ponderosa pine, citrus and raspberry — bright, lively and in lovely tension. Soft, velvety tannins and a floral perfume carry through the long, clean finish. An easy-drinking Pinot Noir with genuine Dundee Hills character at an exceptional price.

Food Pairing

Versatile at the table — excellent with salmon, roast chicken, duck, mushroom risotto, charcuterie, soft cheeses and lighter pasta dishes.

Specifications

Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
Country: United States
Region: Oregon
Sub-Region: Willamette Valley — Dundee Hills
Vintage: 2023
Blend: 65% estate fruit, 35% purchased fruit
Oak: 25% new French oak, 8 months
Style: Red Wine
ABV: ~13.5%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Producer: Ponzi Vineyards

Kumeu River Village Chardonnay — Kumeu 2025

Kumeu River is New Zealand’s benchmark for Chardonnay — full stop. The Brajkovich family has been producing world-class wine from their 30-hectare estate in Kumeu, west of Auckland, since the pioneering days of the New Zealand wine industry, and their Chardonnays he Village label draws on fruit from Kumeu and Hawkes Bay, capturing the estate’s signature minerality and precision in an approachable, early-drinking style.

2025 was an outstanding vintage: a dry, warm growing season with steady temperatures and moderate yields produced fruit of exceptional richness and aromatic intensity. The nose is lively and expressive — lime, lemon, fig, and white peach with a flinty, mineral edge. On the palate, it is weighty and textural, with peachy ripeness and a crisp, cleansing acidity that gives the wine its signature refreshing quality. Delightful as an aperitif; even better with the table.

• Producer: Kumeu River Wines, Kumeu, Auckland, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Kumeu, New Zealand
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lime, lemon, fig, white peach, flinty minerality, weighty mid-palate, crisp finish
• Best Paired With: Fish, shellfish, roasted chicken, soft cheeses, aperitif

The global benchmark for New Zealand Chardonnay — Kumeu River Village is precision, minerality, and terroir in every glass.

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)

Winemaker Description

Franck Balthazar is yet another tiny domaine in the region whose wines have become highly sought-after over the last decade; worldwide demand now far exceeds production. Predictably, market prices reflect this growth. Balthazar is a fastidious farmer and careful winemaker, which has earned him tremendous respect from his neighbors on the Cornas hill. All whole clusters are used here, no new oak, and as little sulfur as possible. If you ever encounter the unsulfured “Sans Soufre” Cornas bottlings in France, especially at any restaurants in the area, jump on them, as they are amazing but generally don’t hold up to extended shipping journeys. It’s a very strong case for the “drink local” argument. The 2020s have turned out fantastic.

Expert Review

Vinous 97 Points | Dark magenta. Highly perfumed, mineral-accented red and dark berry liqueur, candied violet, smoky bacon and Moroccan spice qualities on the nose, along with olive and black pepper nuances. Offers vibrant, palate-staining and spice-laced cassis, bitter cherry, floral pastille and smoky mineral flavors that show impressive depth and a bracing undercurrent of juicy acidity. Expands steadily with air and finishes wonderfully long and gently chewy, with polished tannins, resonating spice and floral notes.  Drinking 2026 - 2034/

Orin Swift MERCURY HEAD Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 750ml

Explore the excellence of Orin Swift MERCURY HEAD Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, a captivating red wine that expertly balances boldness and finesse. This super-concentrated, trim and age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon is structured and deep, showcasing the exceptional winemaking that has made Orin Swift one of California's most celebrated producers. With an impressive 96-point score from James Suckling, this vintage reveals an intricate tapestry of flavors that both novice and seasoned wine lovers will appreciate.

Outstanding Critical Acclaim - 96 Points - Vintage 2023

James Suckling - 96 Points
"A super-concentrated, trim and age-worthy red that's structured and deep, with black cherry flavors on an elegant texture. Very focused, showing supple tannins and slightly restrained fruit, graphite, cocoa, black olive and tobacco leaf flavors. Full-bodied but still balanced."

Orin Swift - California Wine Excellence

Orin Swift is one of California's most celebrated wine producers, known for creating bold, distinctive wines with exceptional quality and character. Founded by winemaker Dave Phinney, Orin Swift has earned a reputation for producing wines that push boundaries while maintaining balance and elegance. The MERCURY HEAD Cabernet Sauvignon represents the pinnacle of their Cabernet production.

Super-Concentrated & Age-Worthy

As James Suckling notes, this is "a super-concentrated, trim and age-worthy red that's structured and deep." The wine's concentration and structure provide the foundation for exceptional aging potential, making it both enjoyable now and worthy of cellaring for years to come.

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Deep, concentrated color
Aroma: Black cherry, graphite, cocoa, black olive, and tobacco leaf. Dark fruits like blackberry and plum with hints of chocolate, tobacco, and spices
Palate: Very focused with supple tannins and slightly restrained fruit. Black cherry flavors on an elegant texture. Graphite, cocoa, black olive and tobacco leaf flavors. Full-bodied but still balanced. Smooth mouthfeel characteristic of high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon
Finish: Structured and deep with lingering complexity

Napa Valley Terroir

The careful crafting of this wine allows it to reflect the unique terroir of the Napa Valley, ensuring a full-bodied experience. Napa Valley's ideal climate and soil conditions create the perfect environment for producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon with depth, concentration, and elegance.

Very Focused & Elegant Texture

The wine is "very focused, showing supple tannins and slightly restrained fruit" according to James Suckling. This focus and elegance demonstrate the precision winemaking that defines Orin Swift's approach, creating a wine that is powerful yet refined.

Full-Bodied but Still Balanced

Despite its super-concentration and full-bodied character, this Cabernet Sauvignon maintains exceptional balance. This harmony between power and elegance makes it approachable while showcasing the complexity that defines great Cabernet Sauvignon.

Remarkable Aging Potential

One of the standout features of the Orin Swift MERCURY HEAD Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 is its remarkable aging potential. Crafted with careful attention to detail, this wine benefits from extended cellaring, allowing the flavors to deepen and evolve over time. It can be enjoyed fresh, revealing its vibrant fruit characters, or aged for several years to develop complex nuances that enhance its profile. Wine enthusiasts will find that this Cabernet evolves gracefully in the bottle.

2023 Vintage Excellence

The 2023 vintage showcases the exceptional quality and character that defines MERCURY HEAD. This vintage reveals an intricate tapestry of flavors, encompassing dark fruits, graphite, cocoa, black olive, and tobacco leaf, making it perfect for both casual and formal occasions.

Food Pairing Suggestions

To fully appreciate the richness of Orin Swift MERCURY HEAD Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, consider pairing it with hearty dishes that match its robust character:

• Grilled meats - ribeye steaks and lamb chops
• Rich pasta dishes
• Aged cheeses
• Charcuterie board with salami and aged cheeses
• Dark chocolate
• Braised short ribs
• Roasted game meats

Perfect for Special Occasions

The wine's bold profile complements the flavors of hearty dishes, creating a harmonious dining experience. Each sip offers a smooth mouthfeel, making it perfect for both casual and formal occasions, whether you're celebrating a special moment or enjoying an elevated dinner at home.

Excellent Addition to Any Collection

This age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon makes an excellent addition to any wine collection or a thoughtful gift for wine aficionados. The combination of super-concentration, structure, and aging potential ensures this wine will develop beautifully over time.

Graphite, Cocoa & Black Olive Complexity

The complex flavor profile featuring graphite, cocoa, black olive, and tobacco leaf creates layers of interest that reveal themselves with each sip. This complexity, combined with the elegant texture and supple tannins, demonstrates the artistry of Orin Swift's winemaking.

Structured & Deep Character

The structured and deep character of this wine provides both immediate enjoyment and long-term aging potential. The careful balance between concentration and elegance ensures that MERCURY HEAD Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a memorable experience whether enjoyed young or after years of cellaring.

In a valley that has made its name on Cabernet Sauvignon, Frog’s Leap has always done things a little differently. Since 1981, they have farmed their Rutherford estate organically and dry-farmed — no irrigation, no shortcuts, no apology for it — producing wines that taste unmistakably of where they come from. Their Sauvignon Blanc is proof that Napa can make world-class whites when a producer commits to restraint and terroir over sheer extraction.

The 2024 is sourced from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, vinified primarily in stainless steel to preserve freshness and precision, with lees-stirring to build mid-palate texture and a small addition of Muscat clone for aromatic lift. The result is a white of genuine elegance: stone fruit and white flower on the nose, layered with crisp citrus, mineral, slate, and a clean herbaceous thread that speaks clearly of Rutherford’s distinctive soil and climate.

On the palate it is medium-bodied and refreshingly precise — bright lemon and lime flavors supported by lively acidity, with dried herb and mineral accents that carry through to a clean, focused finish. This is California Sauvignon Blanc at its most thoughtful.

• Producer: Frog’s Leap
• Appellation: Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Farming: Dry-Farmed
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024:

93 Vinous — “Lemon confit, slate, white pepper, mint and dried herbs… lees-stirring builds the mid-palate beautifully.”

92 James Suckling — “Crisp, well balanced and medium-bodied… refreshing and clean. Good acidity supports bright lemon and lime flavors.”

Food Pairings: Oysters, grilled halibut, goat cheese salad, roasted asparagus, herb-crusted chicken, or a simple summer lunch that deserves a great white.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 96 Points | The density and balance are so attractive here, with sliced apples, white pineapple and crushed stones. Hints of dried flowers, too, such as white roses and lilacs, as well as almonds. Medium-bodied with focus and subtle strength. Seemingly endless, with a bitter-lemon edge and nice reduction in the aftertaste of gun metal. Drink and enjoy.

Decanter 94 Points | Drouhin's Clos des Mouches 2023 exemplifies the vintage's potential for delicious whites. The wine has lush, forward aromas of Mirabelle plums and quince with hints of marzipan, butter and a suggestion of stylishly smoky reduction. The texture is supple and dense, but the richness is kept in balance and the extract carries the wine to a lingering finish. Parts of the 7ha vineyard have been replanted; the old vines that produce this bottling have delivered a wine of great character.

The Wine Advocate 93-94 Points | The 2023 Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches Blanc (Domaine) is another strong performance, delivering aromas of sweet pear, peach and mandarin mingled with buttered toast and mint. Full-bodied, rich and ample, it's layered and unctuous, with a seamless, satiny, textural profile and a long, lusty finish.

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Stylish and graceful, this white evokes lemon, apple, white flower and honey aromas and flavors. Almost seamless in its texture and balance, with finely meshed acidity providing lift and freshness. Excellent length.

Winemaker Notes

An outstanding wine. Pale yellow color. Complex floral nose of white lilac and white rose. Once open, fruity aromas come to the fore, evolving towards grilled hazelnut and almond. When the wine is more mature, the nose is surprisingly strong and fifteen minutes of aeration produce wonderful notes of white truffle, citron (cedrat), honey and nutmeg, elegantly meshed together. Very lively on the palate. Its rich texture is in evidence, but also its structure and minerality. It is round, but never heavy. Harmonious fullness in the aftertaste. This wine allies remarkably the complexity and elegance of a Bâtard-Montrachet with the power of a Corton-Charlemagne.

Groth · Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon · 2022

Groth’s roots in Oakville reach back to 1981, when Dennis and Judy Groth chose a 121-acre property to pursue their dream of growing Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley. The 2022 bottling is an Oakville red with dark fruit, cedar and a polished structure, suited to a lingering dinner or time in the cellar.

Winemaker Description · 2022 Vintage

The 2022 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon is an elegant wine that presents a deep, purple-ruby hue. It offers an elegant bouquet on the nose, with layers, of toffee, blueberry pie, and raspberry compote, complemented by delicate vanilla bean, macerated cranberry, and shortcrust pastry. Herbal notes of bay leaf and tarragon add complexity, enhancing the wine’s refined character. On the palate, vibrant flavors of cherry reduction sauce, tart red plum, wild cherry, and fresh strawberry come to the forefront, while hints of dried herbs, tobacco leaf, and fresh pomegranate juice bring depth and intrigue. The wine finishes with fine, grippy tannins, offering structure and a lively, energetic experience.

Director of Winegrowing Ted Henry

Expert Reviews · 2022 Vintage

An impressive value for an Oakville AVA Cabernet, Groth's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is a bit reticent and slow out of the chute, but aeration brings out nice aromas of black cherries and subtle cedar notes. A blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, it's medium- to full-bodied but streamlined and silky, showing impressive length and elegance for the vintage. The new-oak component comes in at 45%, imparting just enough structure to ensure a decade's worth of drinkability.

The Wine Advocate · 92 points

This young wine is impressively concentrated, tannic and tight at this stage of its development, but it carries the proper amount of dark fruit, dark chocolate and heady oak spices to gain complexity with age.

James Suckling · 92 points

At a Glance

• Producer: Groth
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Oakville, Napa Valley, California
• Blend: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, per The Wine Advocate
• Size: 750ml