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Feudo Montoni Grillo della Timpa — Sicilia DOC, Italy 2023

The Sireci family has been farming this land since 1469 — over five centuries of continuity in the highlands of central Sicily. Their “Timpa” cru is not a vineyard for the faint-hearted: a 70% slope so steep that virtually every operation, from pruning to harvest, must be done by hand. The Grillo vines planted here produce something genuinely singular. At altitude, cool nights preserve acidity and aromatic precision that the Sicilian lowlands simply cannot replicate. The 2023 vintage brought lower-than-average rainfall, a dry early summer offset by cool nights, and steady August rains through a harvest that ran from mid-September to late October — conditions that yielded slightly lower quantities than 2022 but exceptional quality. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 92 points; Falstaff 91; Wine Spectator and Vinous both 90. At $24.99, it is one of the most compelling values in Italian white wine.

The color is pale straw with green edges. The nose sparkles with fresh yet savory aromas of lemon, lime, herbs, stone fruit, and a delicate, balancing floral sweetness — with a nutty, mineral undercurrent that signals real terroir. On the palate, it is dense and layered: citrus, apricot, white currant, and florals build toward a tangy, mineral-driven finish that is lively, long, and hard to stop sipping. Drink now through 2027.

Wine Enthusiast 92 • Falstaff 91 • Wine Spectator 90 • Vinous 90 — "Lightly lip-smacking and hard to stop sipping, with a snappy, mineral-driven finish."

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

Wine Enthusiast (Danielle Callegari) — 92 Points
The nose sparkles with fresh yet savory aromas of lemons, limes, herbs and a nutty cheesiness, but also has a delicate, balancing floral sweetness. The palate is dense, as stone fruit joins more citrus and floral notes, before salted nuts usher in a tangy, mineral finish.

Falstaff — 91 Points
Pale straw yellow with light green edges. Grain fruits, thyme and some eucalyptus on the nose. Apricot aroma on the palate, white currant, harmonious with good drinkability.

Wine Spectator — 90 Points
A bright, tangy white, offering a fragrant range of orange and lime blossoms, blood orange and pink grapefruit zest, and poached quince and apricot. Lightly lip-smacking and hard to stop sipping, with a snappy, mineral-driven finish. Drink now through 2027.

Vinous (Eric Guido) — 90 Points
Airy and sweetly scented, wafting up with hints of mint leaf, green melon and confectionery spice. Smooths over the palate with fleshy textures and citrus-tinged white pit fruits as a tropical air of inner florals forms toward the close. Finishes with admirable length and freshness. Drink 2024–2027.

• Producer: Feudo Montoni — Sireci family, est. 1469, central Sicily
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Sicilia DOC
• Varietal: 100% Grillo
• Cru: della Timpa — 70% slope, hand-harvested
• Farming: Organic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon, lime, herbs, stone fruit, apricot, white currant, floral, salted nuts, mineral finish
• Drink Window: Now – 2027
• Best Paired With: Calamari, grilled white fish, pasta con le sarde, arancini, fresh goat cheese, herb-roasted chicken, pizza bianca

Four scores of 90–92 points from the world’s top critics — Feudo Montoni’s Grillo della Timpa is the benchmark for what steep-slope Sicilian white wine can be.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

Burghound 93 Points | (From Les Cruots which is also known as Vignes Blanches). Touches of bitter chocolate and kirsch are present on the spicy aromas of plum, violet and soft wood. The finer if not denser flavors possess a velvety texture while also coating the palate with dry extract on the dusty and chalky finish that is likewise youthfully austere. I very much like the depth and persistence and this beauty should also age gracefully for as long as most anyone would like.

Barrel Sample: 93-96 Decanter 97 Points | A very elegant expression of Echezeaux, with a velvety black plum and rose petal fruit. There is a lovely freshness and so much finesse that the tannin and structure might surprise you at the end. This has the substance to age for decades. Produced from a 0.84ha parcel in Cruots next to Comte Liger-Belair. The vines were planted in 1954 and the destemmed fruit was gently fermented.

Barrel Sample: 97Vinous 92 Points | The 2020 Echézeaux Grand Cru offers mulberry sous-bois and very subtle star anis aromas on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins quite taut and fresh linear at the moment with touches of blood orange and Clementine towards the finish. Give this several years in bottle. (Drink between 2027-2055).

Meiomi Pinot Noir — California 2023

Meiomi is one of California’s most celebrated Pinot Noir producers, built on a singular vision: to capture the best of the California coast in a single, seamlessly blended wine. The name comes from the Coast Miwok and Wappo peoples’ word for “coastline,” and the wine lives up to it — sourced from three of California’s most prized coastal appellations: Sonoma Coast, Santa Barbara County, and Monterey County. Each vineyard is chosen for its ability to express the best of its respective terroir, then carefully blended to achieve balance, complexity, and richness of flavor. The 2023 is aged six months in French oak barrels, adding structure and depth that is seldom seen in a Pinot Noir at this price point.

The color is a luminous, deep ruby with violet hues. The nose is lush and immediately appealing: fresh strawberry, blackberry, and boysenberry, layered with toasted mocha and vanilla from the oak aging. On the palate, it is silky and medium-to-full-bodied — juicy red and dark fruit, a touch of toasty oak, and a smooth, lingering finish that is quintessentially coastal California Pinot Noir. Bolder and richer than a traditional Burgundian Pinot, this is the crowd-pleasing, jammy style that has made Meiomi one of the most recognized Pinot Noirs in the country.

• Producer: Meiomi Wines, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: California — Sonoma Coast, Santa Barbara County, Monterey County
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Aging: 6 months in French oak barrels
• Size: 750ml
• Style: Bold, jammy, fruit-forward coastal California Pinot Noir
• Tasting Notes: Strawberry, blackberry, boysenberry, toasted mocha, vanilla, silky tannins
• Drink Window: Now–2027
• Best Paired With: Grilled salmon, roasted duck, lamb, tomato-based pastas, mushroom dishes, brie

California’s most beloved coastal Pinot Noir — Meiomi 2023 is the bottle that never disappoints.

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

A straw-yellow wine characterised by rich apple and pear notes, which render it instantly recognisable and appreciated. The taste is warm and dry, slightly tannic and displaying a citric aroma.

Grillo is the indigenous white grape variety that has been the subject of the greatest interest in recent times, due to its characteristics of aroma and freshness. Golden yellow color with notes of apple and pear that make it immediately recognizable. The design on the label is a work by Carolina Marengo. 

Stunning Pinot from the cool, high-altitude Colchagua Valley. Grown on volcanic soils and aged in concrete egg and neutral oak. Light, bright color with high aromatic intensity of fresh strawberries and red fruit such as currants and raspberry. On the palate, mineral with high acidity, along with ripe, soft and persistent tannins. 

Very aromatic with bright, structured strawberry and raspberry fruit, wet leaves, and stoney minerality. Sustainably farmed. Winemaker Description.

Girasole Pinot Noir — Mendocino County, California 2023 | Certified Organic

Girasole Vineyards has been farming organically in Mendocino County since 1986 — long before organic viticulture became fashionable. Named for the sunflowers that grow throughout their estate, this family-owned winery is committed to sustainable, chemical-free farming in one of California’s most naturally beautiful wine regions. Mendocino’s cool coastal influence, diverse soils, and clean mountain air make it an ideal home for Pinot Noir, and Girasole has spent four decades learning to express that terroir with honesty and care. Wine Enthusiast awarded the 2023 vintage 91 points. 

The nose is inviting and expressive: strawberry, cherry, boysenberry, violets, and clove. On the palate, it is soft and fruit-forward, with ripe plum, black cherry, and plush tannins, with just a touch of new French oak lending texture and framing the bright red fruit at the wine’s core. The finish is dry, clean, and lingering — approachable, expressive, and genuinely satisfying.

Wine Enthusiast 91 (Tonya Pitts) — “Deep, rich, with aromas of boysenberry, Bing cherry, violets, and notes of toasty oak. Flavors of strawberry-cherry coulis, blood orange peel, dark chocolate shavings, interwoven with clove, and a dry finish.” (Vintage 2023).

• Producer: Girasole Vineyards, Mendocino County, California (organic farming since 1986)
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Mendocino County AVA
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir — Certified Organic
• Aging: Touch of new French oak
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Strawberry, cherry, boysenberry, violets, clove, ripe plum, black cherry, dry finish
• Best Paired With: Salmon, roast chicken, duck, mushroom risotto, charcuterie, soft cheeses

A 91-point certified organic Mendocino Pinot Noir at an honest price — Girasole is the benchmark for what California organic Pinot can be.

Gato Negro | Pinot Noir | Valle Central, Chile

Gato Negro is one of Chile's most beloved everyday wine brands, produced by Viña San Pedro — a winery with roots dating back to 1865 and one of the most established names in South American wine. The iconic Black Cat label has built a global following for delivering consistent, fruit-forward wines at exceptional value.

Valle Central is Chile's heartland wine region, stretching between the Andes and the Coastal Range. The warm days and cool nights create ideal conditions for Pinot Noir — preserving natural acidity and allowing the grape to develop its signature bright red fruit character without losing freshness or lift.

Gato Negro Pinot Noir is light ruby in the glass with a fresh, inviting nose of strawberry, raspberry, and red cherry, with subtle floral hints. On the palate, light-bodied and lively with smooth tannins, bright acidity, and a clean, fruit-forward finish. Approachable, versatile, and endlessly easy to enjoy — a great everyday Pinot at an unbeatable price.

Pair with pasta, roast turkey, grilled salmon, soft cheeses, charcuterie, and light vegetable dishes. Serve slightly chilled for best results.

• Producer: Gato Negro / Viña San Pedro
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Region: Valle Central, Chile
• Style: Light-bodied, fresh, fruit-forward red
• Closure: Screwcap
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Winemaker Description 

With plenty of lovely, rich tannins, this Pinot offers up flavors of dark red fruit, subtle oak and nutmeg-clove spice.

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

A straw-yellow wine characterised by rich apple and pear notes, which render it instantly recognisable and appreciated. The taste is warm and dry, slightly tannic and displaying a citric aroma.

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

The 2023 Grayson Pinot Noir exhibits a rich color. The aromas are exotic in raspberry and plum with a mix of cherry, violets, and a hint of sandalwood. Flavorful and silky in the mouth with good body, this wine has good texture and a lingering finish with a hint of toasted

Domaine Christophe Mittnacht Pinot Blanc — Alsace, France 2024

Domaine Mittnacht is one of Alsace's most respected and pioneering family estates — founded in 1958 and today led by Christophe and Yuka Mittnacht from their base in Hunawihr, a village at the heart of the Alsace wine route surrounded by some of the region's finest vineyard sites. Christophe was an early pioneer of the biodynamic movement in Alsace, believing that biologically complex, complete soils are essential for producing elegant, terroir-driven wines. The domaine was officially certified biodynamic in 1999 — one of the very first in all of Alsace — and continues to farm with minimal intervention, using neutral wood and tank to let the soil sing. Their old vine holdings include the Grand Cru Rosacker (where the fabled Clos-St.-Hune is located), as well as excellent sites between Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr. Christophe harvests balanced fruit and deliberately avoids the excesses of alcohol and residual sugar that can mask the freshness and florality that make Alsace so special.

The Pinot Blanc is a richer style, yet still fresh and elegant — a hallmark of Mittnacht's biodynamic approach. Mouthwatering acidity enlivens flavors of citrus, apricot, and lemon zest, leading to a stony and floral finish that is unmistakably Alsatian. Precise, expressive, and beautifully delicate.

"A richer style of Pinot Blanc, yet still fresh and elegant. Mouthwatering acidity enlivens flavors of citrus, apricot and lemon zest, leading to a stony and floral finish." — Domaine Mittnacht, Winemaker

• Producer: Domaine Christophe Mittnacht, Hunawihr, Alsace, France (est. 1958)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Alsace AOC
• Varietal: Pinot Blanc
• Farming: Certified Biodynamic (since 1999)
• Winemaking: Minimal intervention, neutral wood and tank
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, apricot, lemon zest, mouthwatering acidity, stony and floral finish
• Style: Medium-bodied, fresh, elegant, dry
• Drink: Now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, oysters, choucroute garnie, roast chicken, soft cheeses, asparagus, light pasta

Biodynamic Alsace Pinot Blanc from one of the region's pioneering estates — Mittnacht 2024 is fresh, floral, and a benchmark of what organic farming can achieve in Alsace.

Winemaker Description

High Haven captures the essence of California's highest and coolest growing region, and the humble, nostalgic —slightly eccentric — charm of Anderson Valley. This rustic enclave, in the shadow of the giant redwoods, produces world-class Pinot that is deeply aromatic, balancing concentrated fruit with beautiful acidity.

Expert Reviews

91 Points Wine Enthusiast |Find bright aromas and flavors of cranberry, raspberry and strawberry along with earthy notes of river-rock minerality, roses, violets, hints of fennel and tarragon and just a touch of wood. Elevated fruit concentration yields pleasantly plush tannic texture along with an energetic acidity that points to a long, lingering finish.

91 Points Wine & Spirits | Clean, fresh, bright and tangy, this pinot is touched by notes of orange and vanilla, lasting on a cherry-leaf scent. It’s fruit-forward with tannins that melt into the background, leaving the cool feel of Anderson Valley pinot.

91 Wine Spectator | Alluring, with a nice swath of mulled raspberry and blood orange inlaid with pine forest and savory hints. Caressing finish.

Winemaker Description

The 2023 Brewer-Clifton Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir displays enticing aromas of pomegranate, white tea, and raspberry. Lively and energetic on the palate with flavors of dried fig, white truffle, and ripe cherry fruit. Savory in texture, with notes of wild herbs and peppery spice lingering on the finish.

Pairing Suggestions

• Poultry: Roasted duck with cherry glaze, herb-roasted chicken, or quail with mushroom sauce.
• Meat: Lamb chops with wild herbs, pork tenderloin with fig reduction.
• Cheese: Aged Gruyère, Brie de Meaux, or a mild washed-rind cheese.

The Pinot Project · Pinot Noir · California Coastal · 2024 · 375ml Half Bottle

The Pinot Project was built on a simple premise: make genuinely good Pinot Noir from California’s best coastal growing regions, without the price tag that usually comes with it. The 2024 draws from a trio of complementary AVAs — Monterey and San Benito on the Central Coast, and Suisun Valley in the north — each contributing its own character to the blend. The diversity of soils and cool-climate conditions across these regions is what gives this wine its remarkable balance and depth. Grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness and destemmed to preserve bright fruit and freshness. At $9.99 for a 375ml half bottle (compare at $11.99), this is California coastal Pinot Noir that punches well above its price.

Garnet in the glass with a nose of dark cherry, blackberry, pomegranate, and a hint of cacao. On the palate: medium-bodied and smooth, with fine-grained tannins, flavors of ripe strawberry, dark cherry, and cranberry, and a clean, lingering finish. Drink now through 2026.

• Producer: The Pinot Project
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: California (Monterey · San Benito · Suisun Valley)
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle
• Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, blackberry, pomegranate, cacao, ripe strawberry, cranberry, fine-grained tannins, smooth finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2026
• Food Pairings: Salmon, roast chicken, mushroom pasta, charcuterie, soft-ripened cheese

Three California coastal AVAs, one beautifully balanced Pinot — the half bottle that earns a permanent spot in the fridge door.

Gruet Brut Gold Label — New Mexico, USA

The story of Gruet is one of the great surprises in American wine. In 1984, the Gruet family of Champagne, France — already celebrated producers in the heart of the world’s most famous sparkling wine region — planted vineyards at 4,300 feet elevation in the New Mexico desert. What they discovered was a high-altitude terroir of remarkable character: cool nights, intense sun, and volcanic soils that produce grapes of exceptional natural acidity and finesse. The Gold Label Brut is their flagship cuvée: a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay blend crafted in the traditional méthode champenoise, with fine persistent bubbles, elegant brioche notes, and a crisp, refreshing finish that rivals sparkling wines at twice the price. Decanter awarded it 90 points. At $16.99, it is one of the most exciting values in American sparkling wine.

The nose is elegant and inviting: meringue, hints of lavender, and a whisper of molten candle wax. On the palate, fresh-cut apple flesh, wild honey, and quince come forward with brisk, satisfying acidity and a clean, persistent finish. Fine bubbles carry the wine from start to finish with real Champagne-house precision.

Decanter 90 — "Meringue, hints of lavender with notes of molten candle wax on the nose. The palate brings out the fruitiness of fresh cut apple flesh, wild honey, and quince. Brisk and satisfying."

• Producer: Gruet Winery, New Mexico, USA
• Style: Brut Sparkling Wine
• Blend: Pinot Noir & Chardonnay
• Method: Traditional Méthode Champenoise
• Elevation: 4,300 feet
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Meringue, lavender, apple, wild honey, quince, brioche, fine persistent bubbles
• Best Paired With: Oysters, shrimp cocktail, sushi, soft cheeses, charcuterie, fried chicken, smoked salmon, brunch

A Champagne family’s New Mexico masterpiece — Gruet’s Gold Label Brut is the benchmark for what American sparkling wine can be at this price.

Winemaker Description

Located in Piedmont in northwestern Italy, the Gaja winery is widely considered to be one of the greatest estates in the world, producing coveted and collectible labels. Barbaresco is one of the greatest Italian wines, produced by each generation of the Gaja family since 1859. It is the flagship wine for the Family. 

The nose of the 2021 Barbaresco  is dominated by fruit, but also citrus and floral hints emerge. On the palate it’s juicy and the floral notes persist alongside scents of licorice. Subtle hints of cherry and strawberry create a harmonious blend of floral elegance and vibrant fruit flavors.

Expert Reviews

97 Points Jeb Dunnuck | AA brightly jeweled ruby hue, the 2021 Barbaresco is super-expressive, with loads of wild raspberries that leap from the glass along with notes of strawberries, pressed roses, fresh orange, and violet. As it opens, it evens picks up some spice box, cigar incense, and cherry notes. Crystalline in nature and ripe, this next-level red delivers ripe, sweet tannins, great tension, and fresh, vibrant acidity, without any austerity. A luxury racecar, it’s fantastic and possibly the wine of the year. Drink 2025-2055.

96 Points Robert Parker | This was an epic vintage, and the entire Gaja family is ready to sing its praises. The 2021 Barbaresco sets the tone with sweet cherry flavors framed by spice, earthy notes and elegantly sweet tannins. Giovanni Gaja says the 2021 growing season had two phases: the first six months of the year saw rain and cool temperatures with some frost and soggy conditions until May; however, from June forward, the season saw sunny days without excessive heat spikes. In line with the character of the vintage, this wine shows succulent fruit that is balanced and not too ripe. There is depth and volume here.

94 Points Wine Enthusiast | Blended across 14 vineyards, this wine shows the class, beauty and vitality of the noble Nebbiolo grown in the soils of Barbaresco. The wine opens with aromas of ripe cherries, warmed strawberries in sweet spices, fresh herbs and mixed flowers. The palate is lifted and vibrant with a verve that electrifies the palate as flavors of boysenberry, dried blood orange and black tea saunter about alongside well-intergrated tannins, making this wine drinkable now but ready for the cellar. (2020).

95 Points Wine Spectator | A pretty red, elegant and expressive, offering strawberry, cherry, rose and mineral flavors. Refined tannins and vibrant acidity provide the right amount of support, giving an overall sense of harmony. This firms up nicely, turning more austere, with red fruit and savory notes on the long aftertaste.

95 Points James Suckling | The aromas of licorice, minerals, light tar and dark berries such as raspberry are so attractive. It’s medium-bodied with a tight and integrated palate of fine tannins that are seamless and unseen. It’s long and lively.

95 Points Wine Enthusiast | A pure embodiment of Nebbiolo’s elegance, this opens with enticing aromas of ripe red berries, violet petals and earthy undertones. The palate leaps forward with flavors of juicy cherries, plums and a touch of spice. A chalky minerality sits at the core, with fine-grained tannins that create a structure that’s perfectly balanced. Each part of the wine is precise and effortlessly flows into the next.

The Prisoner Pinot Noir | Sonoma Coast | 2022 | 750ml | California, USA

Redefining taste once again, this Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a masterful blend from two of California's most celebrated AVAs — Russian River Valley and Petaluma Gap. Russian River's diverse terroir contributes a wide range of styles, while the cool, foggy climate of the Petaluma Gap lends a distinctive coastal minerality.

• Winery: The Prisoner Wine Company
• Origin: Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2022
• AVAs: Russian River Valley & Petaluma Gap

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Ripe cranberry and dried black cherry with early floral notes and hints of mocha, chai, and leather
• Palate: Luxurious mouthfeel with juicy black cherry and spice at midpalate
• Finish: Lengthy and complex with notes of cardamom and clove

Winemaker Description

The Ramsay Pinot Noir California 2023 is a beautiful ruby red that bursts with cherries, raspberries, and a touch of cassis. Medium-bodied with wonderful depth of flavor, fresh fruit joins with soft oak to create a beautifully long and smooth finish that satisfies from first sip to last.

Pairing Suggestions

• Poultry: Roasted duck, grilled salmon, or herb-roasted chicken.
• Casual: Mushroom risotto, charcuterie boards, or a classic burger.
• Cheese: Brie, Gruyère, or a mild aged Gouda.

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2022

94 pts — James Suckling
Bright and overtly fruity, this is full of intoxicating violets, cinnamon, blood oranges and black cherries, expressing mint and balsamic depth. Full-bodied with a soft, smooth attack, dusty yet velvety tannins and brilliant acidity. The chocolaty finish shows licorice and a mouth-coating texture. Delicious and balanced. Drink or hold.

93 pts — Vinous
The 2022 Barbaresco is a pretty rich, heady wine. Dark cherry/plum fruit, cloves, licorice and mocha build as the 2022 shows off its considerable depth. One of the few 2022s that is quite resonant texturally. The inclusion of some juice from Riserva lots is a great help. All things considered, this is a stellar showing.

92 pts — Jeb Dunnuck
Jeweled red color with aromas of ripe raspberry liqueur, fresh cherries, sweet herbs, and pressed flowers. Medium-bodied with ripe tannins and a clean, even finish. Juicy and approachable. Drink 2025–2040.

Winemaker Notes

Classic Barbaresco color with scents of spices, pepper, and black cherries. Powerful, firm, elegant, and ethereal.

About Produttori del Barbaresco

Founded in 1958, Produttori del Barbaresco is one of Italy's most revered wine cooperatives — and the benchmark producer for Barbaresco DOCG. The cooperative unites growers from the finest crus in the Barbaresco commune: Asili, Rabajà, Montefico, Montestefano, Ovello, Pora, and Rio Sordo. Under winemaker Aldo Vacca, Produttori remains committed to traditional Nebbiolo winemaking — long macerations, large Slavonian oak casks, and minimal intervention — producing wines of extraordinary purity, terroir expression, and age-worthiness at prices that consistently over-deliver.

Food Pairings

Fresh pasta with truffles or ragù, braised lamb, roasted game birds, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Barolo-braised short ribs. Cellar through 2040 or decant 2–3 hours before serving now.

Product Details

• Producer: Produttori del Barbaresco
• Appellation: Barbaresco DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: 100% Nebbiolo
• Vintage: 2022
• Aging: Large Slavonian oak casks
• Style: Full-bodied, structured, age-worthy
• Drink: Now–2040 (decant 2–3 hours)
• Format: 750ml

Exceptional Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

Belle Glos Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022 is a stunning expression from one of California's most prestigious wine regions. The vineyard name "Las Alturas" translates to "the heights," reflecting its elevated position on the highest grape-growing benches in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, reaching up to 1,200 feet. This lofty elevation creates a unique microclimate where sunny days meet cool coastal breezes, producing a wine that is robust, expressive, full-bodied, and beautifully balanced by firm acidity.

Expert Reviews & Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2022

Wine Enthusiast - 93 Points: "Deep and dark aromas of black cherry, sandalwood and incense make for a heady nose on this bottling. The palate is big and bold, loaded with ripe black cherry and boysenberry flavors, as peppery, incense-like spices add complexity and the texture stays lusciously creamy."

Artisanal Winemaking Process

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the grapes were harvested in the early morning to preserve vineyard-fresh flavors. After destemming without crushing, the berries underwent a two-week cold soak to soften skins and optimize extraction. Fermentation took place in a combination of closed and open-top stainless steel fermenters, using both punch-downs and pump-overs to extract color, tannins, and maximize flavors. The wine was aged in 100% French oak (60% new) for up to nine months, followed by malolactic fermentation and two rackings before final blending.

Tasting Profile & Sensory Experience

This wine displays a rich crimson color that hints at its depth and complexity. The nose opens with fragrant aromas of Bing cherry, dried fig, black cassis, and hints of rich dark chocolate, complemented by sandalwood and incense notes. On the palate, discover bold and elegant flavors of marionberry pie, boysenberry preserves, dark plum, and subtle mocha, with peppery spices adding layers of complexity. The lusciously creamy texture is balanced by beautiful acidity that carries through to a long, mouthwatering finish.

Perfect Food Pairings

Belle Glos Las Alturas Pinot Noir's versatility makes it an exceptional companion to a wide range of dishes. Pair it with roasted duck, grilled salmon, or mushroom risotto for classic combinations. It also complements lamb chops, beef tenderloin, pork loin, wild game, or aged cheeses beautifully. For vegetarian options, try it with truffle pasta, eggplant parmesan, or roasted root vegetables. Whether you're hosting an intimate dinner or a festive celebration, this wine elevates any culinary experience.

Santa Lucia Highlands Terroir

The Las Alturas Vineyard benefits from the exceptional terroir of the Santa Lucia Highlands, where elevation, diverse soil types, and coastal influence combine to create wines of remarkable complexity and depth. The vineyard is meticulously cared for, ensuring only the finest grapes make it into each bottle. This commitment to quality and the unique characteristics of the region result in a Pinot Noir that truly captures the essence of one of California's most celebrated wine-growing areas.

Expert Rating

Vinous Stephen Tanzer writes 93 Points | (from 63-year-old vines in the center of the vineyard; aged in a combination of old barriques and new larger casks) Sweet aromas of redcurrant, cherry, smoke and mint, all lifted by high notes of orange peel, rose petal and minerals. Concentrated, vibrant and gripping, with a silky quality and noteworthy precision to the flavors of red fruits, spices and minerals. Harmonious acidity gives a juicy, sappy quality and real elegance to this densely packed Barbaresco. Here the tannins are considerably finer than those of the normale, and the long, juicy, gripping finish leaves behind a captivating floral perfume. A beauty. 

This is from a massale selection, including a bit of the lighter, floral rose clone of nebbiolo while the rest of the vineyard features five different clones. 

Intensely flavored with a long finish, our Pinot Noir is elegantly balanced and filled with lush fruit flavors, complemented by subtle hints of toasted wood.

Nino Franco Rustico — Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG NV

Nino Franco has been making Prosecco in Valdobbiadene since 1919, and Rustico is the wine that put them on the map. Named in honor of an old tradition of bottle-fermented Prosecco, it remains one of the world's most celebrated values in high-quality sparkling wine — earning 94 points from Wine Enthusiast and a place on their Top 100 Wines of 2019. Non-vintage by design, Rustico is blended each year to maintain a consistent house style: bright, aromatic, and effortlessly drinkable. Primo Franco recommends serving it in a wine glass rather than a flute — the wider bowl lets the aromatics fully open up.

The nose opens with white spring flowers, Bartlett pear, green apple, and honeysuckle. On the palate it is light-bodied and creamy, with soft, persistent effervescence and ripe orchard fruit accented by a whisper of fennel seed. The finish is clean and refreshing, with just a touch of quinine bitterness that keeps you coming back for another sip.

Wine Enthusiast 94 — Top 100 Wines of 2019 • Vinous 91 • James Suckling 91

• Producer: Nino Franco, Valdobbiadene, Veneto, Italy
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
• Varietal: 100% Glera
• Style: Extra Dry Sparkling
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White spring flowers, Bartlett pear, green apple, honeysuckle, citrus, fennel seed, quinine finish
• Serve: 44–48°F in a wine glass (not a flute)
• Best Paired With: Oysters, prosciutto, light seafood, risotto, fresh salads, aperitivo spreads

A 94-point Prosecco Superiore DOCG at an honest price — Nino Franco's Rustico is the benchmark for what Valdobbiadene sparkling wine can be.