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Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 93 Points | Excellent Mirabelle plum, bergamot and chamomile tea aromas are married to considerable textural depth on the compact, medium-bodied palate. Stony minerality drives the long finish.

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Ripe but nervy, with a unique combination of plump peach, apricot and nectarine notes that are carried by a taut and tangy spine of fennel, quinine and ginger. Shows a bitter orange echo on the finish.

Winemaker Description 

The Classique acts as an annual celebration of their work. It commemorates the efforts and dedication of their growers who take each vintage in stride by receiving each day with vulnerability and leaning into the gifts of Mother Nature. Their Classique is an imprint of their diverse and geologically rich region. For them, it represents the potential of Bone Dry Riesling on southeast Seneca Lake.

Memo Summary Notes

The Forge Cellars Riesling "Classique" 2023 is a benchmark dry Riesling from the Finger Lakes (Seneca Lake), New York. This winery is a collaboration between Louis Barruol (of the iconic Château de Saint Cosme in Gigondas, France) and Rick Rainey, aiming to craft "bone dry" Rieslings that rival the grand crus of Alsace and Germany.

The "Classique" is their flagship blend, representing a "tapestry" of various vineyard sites along the southeast side of Seneca Lake.

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The Wine Enthusiast 94 Points | Dusty slate and earth tones mingle into luscious guava and pink-grapefruit flavors in this decadently fruity kabinett. A sumptuous semi-dry Riesling, it's profoundly ripe and deeply concentrated but zippy and spry, finishing on a long, honeyed streak of lime and lemon acidity. Delicious young but should hold well through 2035.

Carl Loewen · Estate Riesling · Liewener Klostergarten · Mosel · Germany · 2022

Christopher Loewen is one of the Mosel’s most quietly celebrated winemakers — a craftsman who farms organically, ferments with native yeasts in large Fuder casks without temperature control, and lets each wine find its own expression. The Estate Riesling comes entirely from the Liewener Klostergarten, a site with richer soils than Loewen’s steep single-vineyard parcels, formerly bottled as a Kabinett and now declassified to “Estate” to preserve the single-vineyard designation for the estate’s highest-quality expressions. Whole-cluster pressed, fermented spontaneously, and stopped by taste — this is Riesling made with the patience and instinct of a true artisan.

The 2022 is dry-styled, rustic, and deeply approachable — a wine of beautiful complexity and mouth-filling texture born from Fuder aging and spontaneous fermentation. Yellow stone fruit, pear, and spiced citrus are underscored by a pleasingly savory salinity. At once mineral and generous, it is the kind of Riesling that rewards attention and rewards the table equally.

“A dry-styled Riesling that is at once rustic and approachable. Rockstar winemaker Christopher Loewen raises this wine in large Fuder casks, using spontaneous fermentation. This gives the wine a beautiful complexity and mouth-filling texture. A mix of yellow stone fruit, pear, and spiced citrus is underscored by a pleasingly savory salinity.”
— Rand, 67wino.shop

• Producer: Carl Loewen (Christopher Loewen), Mosel, Germany
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Mosel, Germany
• Vineyard: Liewener Klostergarten
• Varietal: 100% Riesling
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Style: Dry — rustic, mineral, textured
• Vinification: Whole-cluster press; native yeast fermentation in Fuder casks and stainless steel; no temperature control; stopped by taste
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Yellow stone fruit, pear, spiced citrus, savory salinity, mineral texture
• Pairings: Grilled trout, roast pork, sushi, Thai cuisine, aged Gouda, charcuterie

Mosel — certified organic, Fuder-aged, spontaneously fermented Riesling from one of the valley’s most instinctive winemakers. Rustic, mineral, and built for the table.

Winemaker Description 

Orange and tangelo, overripe peach and bergamot; juicy and firm, solid yet voluptuous, vaporous and long, plump yet muscular (how many ways can I say it?); a rococo opulent wine yet also seriously devout in its terroir, even as it blushes and giggles. SOS: 2 (8-27 years). 

The Wachau is one of the world’s great Riesling addresses — a narrow, dramatic corridor of the Danube where terraced granite and gneiss slopes catch the sun, cool rapidly at night, and coax extraordinary precision from the vine. Leo Alzinger’s estate in Unterloiben is among its quietest giants. Farming 11.5 hectares across celebrated sites including Loibenberg and Steinertal, Leo Jr. — who took the reins in 2002 after formative time with the legendary Hans Günter Schwarz at Müller-Catoir — makes wines that are never forceful or assertive. They are, in his own words, “amazingly sanguine and calmly transparent.”

The Ried Loibenberg is one of the warmest, most south-facing sites in the entire Wachau, with stony, shallow, primary rock soils on the upper terraces that push Riesling to physiological ripeness without excess sugar. Harvested later than most neighbors, whole-cluster crushed with a short maceration and 24-hour settling to drop green tannins, the 2021 Smaragd — the Wachau’s designation for its fullest, most age-worthy wines — is a wine of concentrated elegance: white stone fruit, citrus peel, crushed mineral, and a cool, saline thread that carries through to a long, refined finish. Drink now or cellar with confidence through 2035+.

95 points — James Suckling | “Dangerous freshness and enormous depth… very long and refined finish that feels almost weightless. Delightfully refined finish that makes you want to stay here for a long time. Drink or hold.”

• Producer: Alzinger, Unterloiben, Wachau, Austria
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: Wachau DAC — Smaragd
• Vineyard: Ried Loibenberg
• Varietal: Riesling
• Soils: Stony, shallow primary rock (upper terraces); deep loess (lower terraces)
• Vinification: Whole cluster, short maceration, 24-hour settling, natural fermentation
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White stone fruit, citrus peel, crushed mineral, saline thread, long refined finish
• Cellar: Drink now through 2035+
• Food Pairings: Lobster, freshwater fish, Wiener Schnitzel, aged Gruyère, scallops

One of the Wachau’s most elegant voices — Alzinger Loibenberg Smaragd is Riesling made with the confidence of silence.

Winemaker Description

This Riesling is rich in taste with a fresh, fruity delicate flavor.

Serve slightly chilled.

Expert Reviews 

James Suckling 96 Points | Here is a great Mosel Kabinett that needs a bit more time to show what it is really made of. Still very young with a pronounced yeasty character that slowly recedes with aeration, but the white peach and honeysuckle aromas that emerge are stunning. Extremely vibrant and precise, the slatey acidity making this fabulously graceful. As pure as an Alpine stream running with glacier water.

Wine Spectator 92 Points | This elegant version starts off closed before opening to reveal flavors of jasmine, sweet green apple and Asian pear. Shows impressive purity and inner density, with accents of fresh-cut chive and wet slate. Bitter, pithy acidity moves through, making for the shimmering, razor-edge finish, which lingers. Drink now through 2040. 300 cases imported.

Expert Review - Vintage 2016

92 Points Wine Enthusiast | Hints of crushed mineral and fresh herb persist from nose to finish in this intriguingly earthy yet elegant dry wine. The palate is vibrantly citrusy, offering shards of lemon and lime accented by dried-orange peel and spice. Medium bodied but silky in texture, it's freshened by pert lime acidity.

Discover the Heribert Boch Riesling Spätlese Trittenheimer Apotheke 2021

Winemaker Description 

Concentrated yellow berry fruit and apple skin backed by complex earthy aromas of spontaneous fermentation.  The palate has an excellent balance of delicate sweetness and juiciness, featuring clover honey and citrus. 

This makes you want to go back for another sip, and another, and another. 

Memo Summary Notes

Hailing from the world-famous "Apotheke" (Pharmacy) vineyard in Trittenheim, this 2021 Spätlese is a classic Mosel Riesling. The steep, slate-rich slopes of this site produce wines known for their intense minerality and longevity.

Food Pairings

• Spicy Cuisine: The residual sugar makes it a perfect foil for Thai green curry, spicy Sichuan dishes, or buffalo wings.

• Savory & Sweet: Excellent with glazed pork belly, honey-roasted ham, or aged blue cheeses.

• Seafood: Pairs well with rich seafood dishes like scallops in cream sauce or lobster.

What Makes This Riesling Unique?

This exceptional Riesling, labeled as Spätlese, showcases the unique terroir of the Trittenheimer Apotheke vineyard. It is characterized by its late harvest, which allows the grapes to ripen longer on the vine. This results in a rich and aromatic wine that captivates the senses. With a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, this Riesling is truly a delight that stands out among others.

Tasting Notes and Food Pairing

The Heribert Boch Riesling Spätlese offers an array of vibrant flavors, including peach, apricot, and honey. These flavors are complemented by lively acidity, creating a refreshing finish. This wine pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, such as spicy Asian cuisine or creamy cheeses. The combination of flavors makes it easy to see why many people appreciate Riesling as a versatile wine choice.

Why Choose Heribert Boch Wines?

Heribert Boch is renowned for crafting high-quality wines that reflect the distinct character of their region. The meticulous attention to detail in the vineyard and winery ensures that only the best grapes are used. Therefore, choosing Heribert Boch means you are investing in a wine that is not only delicious but also represents the essence of German winemaking tradition. This Riesling is no exception, making it a worthwhile addition to your collection.

Cool-Climate Riesling from Chile's Southern Frontier

Trotamundos — Spanish for "globetrotter" — is a fitting name for a wine that defies expectations. Sourced from a single vineyard in the Bío Bío Valley, one of Chile's southernmost and coolest wine regions, this 100% Riesling captures the crisp, aromatic character that cool-climate viticulture delivers best.

Grown organically and vinified with minimal intervention, this is a wine of precision and freshness — a rare find from a region still largely undiscovered by mainstream wine drinkers.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Bright yellow with luminous green nuances
• Nose: Intense aromas of white peach, honey, and fresh lemon zest
• Palate: Semi-sweet with vibrant, well-balanced acidity and a clean, pleasant finish

Pairing Suggestions

A natural partner for spicy Asian cuisine, fresh seafood, soft cheeses, and fruit-forward desserts. Also exceptional on its own as an aperitif.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: 100% Riesling
• Appellation: Bío Bío Valley, Chile
• Vintage: 2022
• ABV: 12%
• Size: 750ml
• Farming: Organic / Biodynamic

Winemaker Description 

The grapes of our Volcanic Riesling grow in the Valley of Tears in the northern Golan Heights which is the coldest and highest viticultural area in Israel. The fermentation was at 15.0-18.0 degrees C to achieve a delicate extraction of colors, aromas and flavors.

The wine has a golden straw with hint of green hue, with scents of Jasmin, pear and lime. Through the palate light medium bodied wine, that have flavors of green apples and lime. With nice and well balanced acidity, as well as a crisp and mineral texture.

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The Alfasi family founded Odem Mountain Winery, Israel’s northernmost winery. At 1,100 meters above sea level, it is tucked away in the heart of an enchanting, secluded oak forest, overlooked by Mount Hermon, where snowfall happens each winter. With wine of uncompromised quality, Odem Mountian tells the story of a loving family creating wine in a rugged, yet beautiful place. The Volcanic Riesling has a bouquet of blossoms and citrus and expresses the unique terroir of the high-elevation vineyards and volcanic soil of the northern Golan Heights.

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The Riesling offers an elegant and classical scent with notes of tropical fruits such as pineapple and melon, complemented by green apples and citrus. It boasts an excellent balance of sweetness and acidity, making it versatile for any occasion—from an aperitif to after-dinner, and well-suited for spicy food, daily meals, or simply enjoying.

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Only great, terroir-driven wines offer salinity on the palate. This is a fantastic element of freshness which is not acidity. Breakneck Creek shows this in an obvious, stylish manner.

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Hugel Gentil — Alsace, France 2024

Hugel is one of Alsace's most storied and respected family estates, based in Riquewihr and producing wine since 1639 — nearly four centuries of unbroken winemaking in one of France's most distinctive wine regions. Gentil is their signature multi-varietal blend and one of the great value wines of Alsace: a kaleidoscope of grapiness produced exclusively from hand-harvested grapes grown in predominantly clay and limestone vineyards across a dozen of the most favored localities in and around Riquewihr. The 2024 is a blend of 30% Riesling, 20% Gewurztraminer, 15% Pinot Gris, 15% Pinot Blanc, 15% Sylvaner, and 5% Muscat — each variety contributing its own character to the whole.

The 2024 pours a pale, luminous gold. The nose is aromatic and inviting — citrus is the keynote, with a subtle overtone of rose and the gentle grapiness that only Muscat can bring. On the palate, it's slender and almost delicate, with lemon setting the tone and a live-wire acidity that makes it shine. Bone-dry, superbly refreshing, and straight as an arrow — the Riesling's finesse, the Gewurztraminer's spice, the Pinot Gris's body, and the Muscat's aromatic lift all in perfect balance.

"Straight as an arrow, slender, almost delicate, but with a live-wire acidity that makes it shine. Superbly refreshing. Bone-dry." — Vinous, 89 Points

• Producer: Hugel & Fils, Riquewihr, Alsace, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Alsace AOC
• Blend: 30% Riesling, 20% Gewurztraminer, 15% Pinot Gris, 15% Pinot Blanc, 15% Sylvaner, 5% Muscat
• Farming: Hand-harvested, clay and limestone vineyards
• Style: Bone-dry, aromatic
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: Vinous 89
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, rose, lemon, grapiness, live-wire acidity, bone-dry, refreshing finish
• Best Paired With: Alsatian tarte flambée, grilled fish, sushi, Thai cuisine, soft cheeses, charcuterie

Nearly four centuries of Alsatian winemaking in a glass — six varieties, hand-harvested, bone-dry, and one of the great everyday whites of France.

Winemaker Description 

The scent has tangerine and peppery slate notes, still very young. In the mouth the wine has tension, crisp acidity, juiciness, a slim concentration, a dense, substantial core makes the finish compact and taut. Middle Rhine minerals with Rheingau finesse. 

Winemaker Description 

Dry Riesling produced from grapes from a single block, delicate with tropical fruits and a crisp finish.

Awards & Ratings:

93 points, Wine Silver 2023 – International Wine and Spirits Competition (2018 vintage)

93 points / Silver Medal – Decanter World Wine Awards 2020. 

90 points / “Best Buy” – Wine Enthusiast 2020. 

90 points – Tim Atkin MW

89 points – JamesSuckling.com

Producer Description 

Van Winkle's magnum opus. A rye whiskey that masquerades as a bourbon, and one of the most awe-inspiring whiskeys to ever come out of Kentucky. Enigmatic and highly sought-after, expect a sumptuously smooth mouthfeel, rolling with outstanding and captivating flavors that blur the lines between rye and bourbon and leave you wondering and wanting more. 

On the nose, classic notes of vanilla, caramel, cinnamon and spice prevail, before a silky, alkaline mouthfeel comes to the fore with rye spice, cinnamon, ground black pepper and smooth caramel notes, before a buttery finish that brings subtle spice, toffee and oak. While it may not hold the same stature as its "Pappy" counterparts, the 13 Year Old Family Reserve Rye from van Winkle is perhaps the most important whiskey in their portfolio. 

Tasting Notes

Canaan White is an easy-drinking, semi-dry white wine with rich floral and fruity tones and well-balanced acidity. Approachable and refreshing, it's crafted for immediate enjoyment — a crowd-pleasing Kosher white that works beautifully at any table.

About the Wine

Part of Dalton Winery's approachable Canaan series, this semi-dry white blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling was designed with the Israeli climate and Mediterranean cuisine in mind. Vegan-friendly and food-versatile, it's a go-to for Shabbat, holidays, and everyday occasions alike.

Food Pairing

Pairs beautifully with grilled fish, light pasta, salads, and soft cheeses. Serve well chilled.

Product Details

• Appellation: Galilee, Israel
• Varietals: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling
• Style: Semi-Dry
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml
• Certification: Kosher
• Dietary: Vegan-Friendly
• Producer: Dalton Winery

Redwood Empire Emerald Giant Rye Whiskey | 90 Proof | 750ml | Sonoma County, California, USA

Rated 97 Points – The Tasting Panel | 92 Points – Wine Advocate

Named after the fastest-growing Redwood in the world — an ancient giant standing 359 feet tall and estimated to be 1,180 years old — this whiskey embodies boldness and resilience. Crafted with a robust high-rye mash bill, it delivers bold spice while maintaining a surprisingly soft mouthfeel.

• Distillery: Redwood Empire Whiskey
• Origin: Sonoma County, California, USA
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Style: California Straight Rye Whiskey
• Proof: 90 (45% ABV)
• Mash Bill: High-rye

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Warm brown sugar and cinnamon with salted orange peel and a subtle hint of pepper
• Palate: Bold spice, sea salt, bittersweet chocolate, nutmeg, exotic blue flowers, caraway, tobacco, and malt balls
• Finish: Long and satisfying with stone fruit, vanilla, lemon sorbet, and savory espresso

Critical Acclaim

• 🏆 The Tasting Panel – 97 Points: "Sumptuous scents of salted orange peel give way to an impressive weightiness on the palate, where sea salt and bittersweet chocolate intertwine with nutmeg, exotic blue flowers, and caraway."
• 🏆 Wine Advocate – 92 Points: "A smooth but complex rye with depth and lively flavors... beautifully fragrant and redolent of fresh morning fields. The finish is quite long, with vanilla and lemon sorbet, balanced by savory espresso."

One of Tuscany's most iconic white blends — fresh, mineral, and unchanged since 1931.

Villa Antinori Bianco is not a new idea. Niccolò Antinori first produced it in 1931, and the label has barely changed since. That kind of consistency is rare in wine, and it speaks to something important: this is a wine that has always known exactly what it wants to be. Bright, food-friendly, and unmistakably Tuscan.

The 2024 vintage brings together Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling — a classic Tuscan white blend that balances aromatic lift with crisp acidity. The nose opens with orange blossom, pineapple, golden apple, and citrus zest. On the palate it's fresh and pleasantly tense, with a mouth-filling texture and a clean mineral finish that keeps you coming back for another sip.

Sealed with a screwcap for freshness and convenience — pop it open straight from the fridge and pour freely. This is the white wine for long lunches, seafood dinners, and warm evenings on the terrace.

Winery: Marchesi Antinori | Blend: Trebbiano, Malvasia, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Riesling | Vintage: 2024 | Appellation: Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy | Size: 750ml

• Style: Dry, fresh, medium-bodied white blend
• Flavor Profile: Orange blossom, pineapple, golden apple, citrus, mineral finish
• Closure: Screwcap
• Pairing: Seafood, grilled fish, light pasta, soft cheeses, antipasti
• Serve: 46–50°F | Ready to drink upon release
• History: First produced in 1931 — one of Italy's most enduring white wine labels

Nigl Grüner Veltliner Freiheit — Kremstal, Austria 2025

Martin Nigl is one of Austria's most respected winemakers, farming steep hillside vineyards above the city of Krems in the Kremstal — a region celebrated for Grüner Veltliner and Riesling of exceptional precision and mineral character. The Freiheit — German for "freedom" — takes its name from a remarkable piece of history: this land is believed to be among the first privately owned vineyard land in the valley not controlled by the Church or a feudal estate. It is, quite literally, a wine of liberation. Sourced from four different vineyards in the hills above Krems, the soils are primarily löss, and the steep elevation moderates temperature to preserve freshness and aromatic lift. Fermentation and élevage occur entirely in stainless steel, and in a detail that speaks to Martin's obsessive attention to freshness, the wine is bottled at night — when the cellars are at their coolest.

The 2025 pours a pale, luminous straw. The nose is clean and expressive — citrus, green apple, white pepper, and a subtle mineral lift from the löss soils. On the palate, it's precise and refreshing with lively acidity, a focused mid-palate, and a crisp, dry, lingering finish. Everything Kremstal Grüner should be: pure, food-friendly, and built with care.

"Freiheit — freedom — believed to be some of the first privately owned vineyard land in the valley not controlled by the Church or a feudal estate. Bottled at night when the cellars are at their coolest." — Martin Nigl

• Producer: Weingut Nigl, Kremstal, Austria
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Kremstal DAC
• Varietal: Grüner Veltliner
• Vineyard: Four sites above Krems; löss soils; steep elevation
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation and élevage; night bottling
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, green apple, white pepper, löss minerality, crisp dry finish
• Best Paired With: Wiener Schnitzel, grilled fish, sushi, asparagus, Thai cuisine, fresh goat cheese

A wine of freedom — Kremstal Grüner Veltliner from Austria's most historically significant privately owned vineyard land, bottled at night for maximum freshness.