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Jordan Winery · Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon · 2020

Jordan's 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon pairs the depth of ripe dark fruit with the freshness and acidity that define its balanced style. Black cherry, currant, and boysenberry meet delicate cedar, while blueberry, cranberry, and clove carry across a smooth, French-oak-framed palate.

Full-bodied and polished, with silky tannins and bright acidity, this Alexander Valley Cabernet is enjoyable now and has the structure to age gracefully. The winemaker recommends decanting for 60 minutes or cellaring through 2040.

Expert Reviews · Vintage 2020

James Suckling · 94 Points: A discreet and savory nose of blackcurrants, tobacco leaves, coffee beans, and dried herbs. The palate is full-bodied with silky tannins, bright acidity, and notes of dark cherries, olives, and beets. A well-balanced wine that will age gracefully. Drink or hold.

Wine Enthusiast · 92 Points: The expressive nose gives aromas of black currant, plum, and tobacco with just a whisper of capsicum. The palate displays vibrant cranberry, black cherry, cigar, and black pepper flavors in a medium-bodied frame.

Winemaker Notes

Jordan Winery: Rich notes of ripe black cherry, currant, and boysenberry mingle gracefully with delicate cedar. On the palate, a harmonious balance unfolds with flavors of blueberry, cranberry, and clove, all embraced by smooth tannins from French oak barrels. The dark fruit flavors and subtle acidity leave a lasting impression.

Food Pairings

Beef bourguignon, duck confit, roasted chicken, mushroom risotto, and roasted vegetables.

At a Glance

• Producer: Jordan Winery
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Blend: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec
• Aging: French oak barrels
• Format: 750ml
• Cellaring: Decant 60 minutes or cellar through 2040

A poised Alexander Valley Cabernet with ripe dark fruit, fresh acidity, and room to evolve.

Marqués de Riscal is one of Spain's most iconic and historic wine estates, founded in 1858 and long regarded as a pioneer of quality winemaking on the Iberian Peninsula. While the estate's Rioja reds are legendary, its Rueda Verdejo has become one of the benchmark expressions of the D.O. Rueda — a wine that has helped define the modern identity of Spain's most celebrated white wine appellation. Consistently awarded at the highest levels, it is a wine of genuine character and remarkable consistency vintage after vintage.

The wine is made from 100% Verdejo, the indigenous white grape of the Rueda appellation in Castilla y León. Rueda's high-altitude plateau — sitting at over 700 meters above sea level — combined with its continental climate of hot days and cold nights, produces Verdejo of exceptional aromatic intensity, natural freshness, and the distinctive herbal complexity that sets the variety apart. The 2025 vintage continues the estate's outstanding track record, with the wine earning a Mundus Vini Gold and Premios Ecovino Great Gold.

Vinification is carried out at low temperatures to preserve the full aromatic expression of the Verdejo grape, with careful handling from harvest through to bottling ensuring the wine's characteristic freshness and vibrancy are fully captured.

The 2025 opens with an expressive nose of fennel, white flowers, aniseed, and fresh grass, with a lively citrus undercurrent. On the palate, the wine is generous and fresh, with bright acidity, a lively mouthfeel, and a clean, persistent finish. A benchmark Verdejo — aromatic, precise, and endlessly refreshing. Serve between 8–10°C.

Grape: Verdejo
Region: Rueda, Castilla y León, Spain
Appellation: D.O. Rueda
Vintage: 2025
Awards: Mundus Vini 2025 Gold · Premios Ecovino 2025 Great Gold · Tim Atkin 2025 90pts
Bottle Size: 750ml

Pairing: Fish, shellfish, grilled prawns, Iberian ham, chicken, light pasta, and cold meats. Serve well chilled

Winemaker Notes

Winemaker Description 

The Crémant d’Alsace Brut Zero Rosé from Valentin Zusslin is 100% made with Pinot Noir, raised according to the traditional method for 18 months on slats, without dosage or addition of sulphites. The dress has salmon shades typical of this grape variety and reveals a beautiful fine effervescence, a sign of a neat farm.

On the nose as in the mouth, it delivers net aromas of red fruits – currant, blackcurrant, raspberry – supplemented with sweet spices and gourmet notes of hazelnut or macaroon. The tasting shows it brightly, dry, very digestible and with a controlled aromatic finish.

James Suckling writes | A rosé that for its class is relatively dry and winey, making it an excellent sparkling wine to accompany a meal.

Memo Summary Notes 

The Domaine Valentin Zusslin Crémant d'Alsace Brut Zéro Rosé is a highly regarded, biodynamic sparkling wine from Alsace, France. Known for its purity and lack of added sugar (Non-Dosé), it is a favorite among fans of "natural" and terroir-driven wines.

Paring Suggestions

Aperitif: Excellent on its own to wake up the palate.

94 Points Wine Spectator • 94 Points James Suckling

Named for the celebrated architect behind Hotel Marqués de Riscal, Frank Gehry Selection brings together the estate’s winemaking heritage and a spirit of creative ambition. Carefully selected fruit from estate vines more than 80 years old gives this distinctive Rioja remarkable depth and character.

The 2019 vintage underwent meticulous berry-by-berry sorting before aging for 26 months in French oak barrels. This exacting approach produces a wine that combines concentration and structure with freshness and polished tannins.

Deep cherry in color and almost opaque, it reveals layered aromas of ripe dark fruit, balsamic nuances and subtle minerality. The palate is rich and enveloping yet lively, with refined tannins and a persistent finish accented by toasted French oak. Its firm structure and bright acidity provide a foundation for further bottle development.

Professional Ratings

94 Points Wine Spectator - May 31, 2025 "Freshly brewed coffee, eucalyptus, black licorice and dried violet notes offer an enticing mesh of aromas on the nose of this rich, layered red. Shows concentration and subtle power in a sleek, well-knit form structured by finely sculpted tannins. There's a pure beam of black currant alongside flavors of fresh, loamy earth, dried mint, olive and dark chocolate."

James Suckling — 94 Points
94 Points James Suckling - July 28, 2025 "A creamy and polished wine with black currant, chocolate and coffee aromas. It's medium- to full-bodied with lovely fruit and tannins and a hint of dried fruit."

Food Pairing: Roast beef, grilled lamb, poultry, gently seasoned casseroles, cured ham and medium-aged cheeses.

Region: Rioja DOCa, Spain
Principal Grape: Tempranillo
Vine Age: More than 80 years
Aging: 26 months in French oak
Alcohol: 15%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Serving Temperature: 61–64°F (16–18°C)

Producer Description 

Paso Robles is the home to many dreamers and self-starters, those who have a spirit and the drive to create their own destiny. Paso Robles entices those individuals to be their best, create the best from the land and all that it produces. This wine is a tribute to those who believe in Paso Robles and all of its greatness, just like our winemakers. 

Our fourth release of AUSTIN Cabernet Sauvignon remains focused on our goal to produce a wine true to ‘Paso Robles’. On the nose savory aromas intertwine with rich dark fruit nuances. On the palate, flavors evolve into layers of juicy blackberry, spicy nutmeg, toasted coffee and fresh vanilla bean. This medium to full bodied wine is finished with refined tannins and a distinguishable zing of acid to balance.

Memo Summary Notes

The Austin Cabernet Sauvignon "Barrel No. 23" is a premium, multi-vintage (non-vintage) release from the Austin Hope family in Paso Robles.

By blending across multiple vintages, the winemakers achieve a consistent, ultra-smooth profile that is ready to drink the moment you pull the cork.

Food Pairings

• Hearty Meals: Classic ribeye steak, BBQ brisket, or a rich beef stew.

• Casual Favorites: It is surprisingly versatile with wood-fired pepperoni pizza or a gourmet blue cheese burger.

• Small Bites: Aged gouda, smoked nuts, or even dark chocolate truffles.

Bollinger Special Cuvée Brut NV — Aÿ, Champagne, France

Bollinger is one of Champagne's most storied and revered houses — a family-owned Grande Marque founded in 1829 in Aÿ, at the heart of the Pinot Noir-dominant Montagne de Reims. Fiercely independent, resolutely traditional, and uncompromising in quality, Bollinger is the only major Champagne house to still ferment a portion of its reserve wines in magnum and to use a significant proportion of oak-aged reserve wines in its blends. The Special Cuvée is the house's flagship non-vintage Brut — a benchmark of the Bollinger style and one of the most consistently celebrated Champagnes in the world. The current release is based on the 2019 vintage (45%), blended with 55% reserve wines, with 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, and 15% Pinot Meunier — approximately 10% vinified in oak barrel, with around 40% reserve wine kept in magnums.

The color is a rich, youthful golden hue. The nose is classic and complex: golden apricot, hazelnut, wet stone, black cherry, dried apple, marzipan, and toasty sourdough — the unmistakable Bollinger signature of depth, richness, and biscuity autolytic character. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet elegant and light on its feet, with a ripe and luxurious feel, racy acidity, and a pillowy, refined mousse. Savoury, biscuity notes carry through to a long, inviting finish with just a hint of warmth. Exceptional now, with plenty of life ahead.

Decanter 95 — "A classic Champagne done well. Notes of marzipan, toastiness and leesy sourdough. Classic for a reason — would only elevate any table it finds itself on."

Jancis Robinson 17/20 — "A particularly stunning rendition of Bollinger. Very fine texture, remarkably fine mousse. Savoury, biscuity notes. Great length — a lovely example."

Jeb Dunnuck 93 — "Classic and ripe with lush, rounded aromas of golden apricot, hazelnut, wet stone and black cherry. Full-bodied yet elegant. One of the best entry wines to the range from this house — a benchmark wine."

James Suckling 93 — "Lovely density and fine-bubble texture. Dried apple and apricot, spice, zest and ginger. Always really well done."

Robert Parker 92 — "Bursting from the glass with honeyed apples, crisp stone fruit, buttery pastry, ripe lemons and fresh walnuts. Charming, characterful — Special Cuvée is firmly back where it belongs."

• Producer: Bollinger, Aÿ, Champagne, France
• Style: Non-Vintage Brut Champagne
• Blend: 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Meunier
• Reserve Wine: 55% (including ~40% aged in magnum)
• Base Vintage: 2019
• Oak: ~10% vinified in barrel
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Golden apricot, hazelnut, wet stone, black cherry, dried apple, marzipan, sourdough, pillowy mousse, long finish
• Drink: Now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Oysters, lobster, grilled fish, roast chicken, aged Comté, charcuterie, aperitivo

James Bond's Champagne of choice — Bollinger Special Cuvée is the benchmark non-vintage Brut, and one of the great Champagnes at any price.

On the sun-warmed shores of the Neusiedlersee in Burgenland, Hannes Schuster tends his organically farmed vineyards with quiet conviction. Sankt Laurent — an ancient variety thought to be a crossing related to Pinot Noir, native to this corner of Austria — finds one of its most honest expressions here. The Klassik is exactly what its name promises: focused, unadorned, and deeply satisfying.

The 2022 arrives brimming with red cherry and wild berry fruit, carrying the earthy, mineral-rich signature of the St. Margarethen soils. The palate is barely medium-bodied yet anything but thin — silky tannins, lively acidity, and a delicate spice thread keep each sip animated through to a long, clean finish. At just 11% alcohol, it drinks with effortless elegance.

Fermented with native yeasts and aged one year in used 500-liter Stockinger barrels, this is a wine made without shortcuts. Drink slightly chilled as an aperitif, or alongside mushroom dishes, charcuterie, roast chicken, or duck confit.

Appellation: Neusiedlersee, Burgenland, Austria
Grape: Sankt Laurent
Farming: Organic
Vintage: 2022
Format: 750ml

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2022

91 Points — James Suckling | “Brimming with red-cherry fruit and joyful freshness… Amazing for just 11% alcohol!”

Winemaker Description

Medium to medium-dark ruby-red. Very cool, stately aromas of red cherry, cola, and fresh tobacco leaf. On the palate, medium-full bodied. Flavors of red fruits and blood orange take front and center stage, persisting through the long, smooth finish. Not a wine of bombast but instead, one of elegance, purity, and quiet confidence. Wonderful now, this can be enjoyed through at least 2028.

Expert Ratings

94 Points Wine Spectator | Few Zinfandels show this much nuance and detail, yet there's an elegant power to this red, with cherry and raspberry flavors that mingle with orange peel and fresh sage. Ends with refined tannins.

93 Points Jeb Dunnuck | The 2020 Zinfandel Papera Ranch is ripe with fresh berries, raspberry preserve, and baking spice. Its gushy fruit up front gives way to a note of raspberry seed and refreshing lift on the finish. Drink 2023-2032.

Hirsch · The Bohan-Dillon Pinot Noir · Sonoma Coast 2024

This 2024 Bohan-Dillon is a generous, youthful Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir built for the table. Cherries, ripe strawberries and cassis lead, followed by plum skin, wet stone and a note of redwood forest as the wine opens in the glass. Its juicy, mouthwatering palate makes it an easy companion to roast chicken, salmon or mushroom dishes.

Producer Description

The Bohan-Dillon is an authentic, handmade Pinot Noir that is delicious young and effortlessly food-friendly. The 2024 Bohan-Dillon is a charming, exuberant wine with lots of personality and character. It opens with a bouquet of cherries, ripe strawberries and cassis. With air, notes of plum skin, wet stone and redwood forest emerge. On the palate, it’s juicy and mouthwatering, with an easy, irresistible drinkability. Delicious upon release and effortlessly food-friendly, this wine can be enjoyed young and pair with a wide variety of foods.

Hirsch · Producer Description

Expert Review · 2024 Vintage

Purity and freshness with sliced strawberries, minerals and hints of flint. Some volcanic undertones. There’s an edge this year that gives it energy.

James Suckling · 94 points

About Hirsch

Hirsch describes its vineyard practices as Biodynamic, organic and regenerative. Since 2011, the estate says it has farmed its 72 acres of vines, along with gardens and orchards, using those practices, with work focused on bringing each vine into balance.

At a Glance

• Producer: Hirsch
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast, California, USA
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Size: 750ml

Forstreiter Grüner Veltliner Kogl — Kremstal, Austria 2024

Weingut Forstreiter is one of the Kremstal's most respected family estates — farming some of the most beautiful vineyard sites in this prized Austrian wine region, where the Danube carves through ancient terraced hillsides of loess, primary rock, and crystalline soils. The Kremstal is one of Austria's premier Grüner Veltliner appellations, producing wines of distinctive mineral precision, elegant spice, and vibrant acidity that set them apart from the broader Niederösterreich style. The Kogl is Forstreiter's single-vineyard expression from the estate's finest sites — a wine of genuine character, finesse, and typicity that showcases everything that makes Kremstal Grüner Veltliner so compelling. Farmed sustainably.

The nose is fine and expressive: fresh apple, gooseberry, cassis leaf, and aromatic herbs, with a merest touch of flinty reduction that dissipates on the first sniff to reveal a hint of yeasty concentration beneath. On the palate, it continues with citrus, herbs, and a juicy tone of Mirabelle — finely woven, medium-weight, and distinguished, with a pinch of the white pepper spice that is the hallmark of great Grüner Veltliner. Straightforward, uncomplicated drinking pleasure at its most elegant.

"Fine spice, fresh apple fruit, and typical of the variety on the nose. On the palate, citrus and herbs. Finely woven, distinguished and medium-weight — a drinkable Grüner Veltliner. A juicy tone of Mirabelle arises, making for a wonderful and compelling combination." — Forstreiter, Winemaker

• Producer: Weingut Forstreiter, Kremstal, Niederösterreich, Austria
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Kremstal DAC
• Vineyard: Kogl
• Varietal: 100% Grüner Veltliner
• Farming: Sustainable
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh apple, gooseberry, cassis leaf, citrus, herbs, Mirabelle, flinty mineral, white pepper spice, elegant finish
• Style: Medium-bodied, crisp, mineral, food-friendly
• Drink: Now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Wiener Schnitzel, roasted pork, cold cuts, asparagus, mushroom risotto, goat cheese salads, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, spicy sushi

Kremstal Grüner Veltliner at its most elegant — Forstreiter Kogl 2024 is mineral, precise, and one of Austria's great food wines.

Winemaker Description 

Very bright yellow straw in color. Discreet aromas of hay and herbs, grapefruit, melon and orange zests on the nose. Delicate in the mouth, crisp acidity, light peppery notes, long finish. Perfect for the warmer weather or for holiday dinners!

Memo Summary Notes

The 2022 Nastl Grüner Veltliner Klassik is a quintessential expression of Austria's most famous white grape. Produced by the Nastl family in the Kamptal region—one of the world’s premier spots for Grüner—this "Klassik" bottling is designed to be fresh, vibrant, and approachable.

While many Austrian wines can be complex and austere, the Klassik style focuses on pure fruit and the grape's natural "peppery" charm.

The wine itself is Billecart-Salmon’s classic Brut Réserve, presented in the distinctive red-and-black limited-edition label. Billecart-Salmon and (RED) first collaborated nearly a decade ago and have renewed the partnership with a limited release, with a portion of each bottle sold supporting critical healthcare programs in communities most affected by AIDS.

Crafted from the three classic Champagne varieties — Meunier, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir — Brut Réserve is sourced from outstanding sites throughout Champagne. The blend incorporates a significant proportion of reserve wines, giving the cuvée impressive consistency, complexity and depth while retaining the graceful, refined character for which Billecart-Salmon is known.

In the glass, it shows a brilliant straw-gold color and an exceptionally fine stream of persistent bubbles. The bouquet is clean and precise, opening with white stone fruits, fresh orchard fruit and delicate floral notes, followed by subtle hints of biscuit and toast.

The palate is beautifully balanced and silky, with flavors of crisp apple, pear and citrus complemented by gentle roasted and biscuity notes. Fine mousse and vibrant acidity give the wine wonderful energy, while a mineral backbone carries through to a long, fresh and elegant finish.

This is a wonderfully versatile Champagne: sophisticated enough for celebrations, yet balanced and food-friendly enough to enjoy throughout a meal. Serve well chilled as an aperitif or pair with oysters, shellfish, sushi, smoked salmon, light poultry dishes and soft cheeses.

Tasting Notes

Color: Bright straw gold with fine, persistent bubbles
Aromas: White fruits, orchard fruit, flowers and delicate biscuit
Palate: Crisp apple, pear, citrus and subtle toasted notes
Style: Fresh, refined, harmonious and beautifully balanced
Finish: Long, mineral and elegant

Food Pairings

Oysters · Caviar · Sushi · Smoked salmon · Shellfish · Roasted poultry · Soft cheeses

Limited Edition

The distinctive (RED) label is more than special packaging: it represents Billecart-Salmon’s partnership with (RED). The current collaboration contributes $5 from every (BILLECART-SALMON)RED bottle sold to support programs fighting AIDS and expanding access to essential healthcare.

Please note: This is the classic Billecart-Salmon Réserve cuvée in a special limited-edition (RED) presentation; it is not a red or rosé Champagne. 

95 Points Decanter • 92 Points Vinous

A new chapter in the history of Marqués de Riscal, Barón de Chirel Rioja Blanco 2024 is the winery’s first white wine produced in Rioja. Also known as Viñas Centenarias, it draws its distinctive character from century-old vineyards in Rioja Alavesa, where white grape varieties grow among historic red-wine plantings.

Crafted from Viura, Garnacha Blanca, Malvasía and Maturana Blanca, this expressive white combines the concentration of old vines with freshness and finesse. Fermentation in French oak is followed by approximately eight months of lees aging, adding texture and complexity while preserving the wine’s vibrant character.

Floral aromas and stone-fruit notes meet a mineral edge. The palate is broad and persistent, with a rounded texture balanced by lively acidity and subtle oak influence. An elegant white Rioja with the depth to complement fine cuisine and the structure for further bottle development.

Expert Ratings

Decanter — 95 Points April 21, 2026 : "Fine and assertive, with remarkable poise and focus. Deft use of wood, building a toasty, almondy frame around the fleshy white peach and yellow apple core. Precise and fluid with a pleasantly tense acid line, assertive lemon zest and Conference pear crunch. A wine that delivers a lot without trying too hard. Beautiful, laidback modern classicism. Viura, Garnacha Blanca, Malvasía and Maturana Blanca bunches were pressed whole, without destemming or crushing, and the free-run must transferred to 600L French oak foudres, no more than 10% new, where spontaneous fermentation was followed by about eight months' maturation, with weekly lees stirring via rotation of the barrels."

95 James Suckling - July 28, 2026: "A vibrant and a creamy new white with sliced lemons, honeysuckle and honeycomb on the nose. Light phenolics. Medium-bodied with subtle depth and intensity. Fermented and aged seven month in 600-liter barrels. Viura and a touch of garnachia blanca."

Vinous — 92 Points: April 6, 2026 "The 2024 Blanco Baron de Chirel (Viura and other white varieties from Rioja Alavesa) was fermented in foudre and aged in barrel. Sourced from old vines, it opens with pear and field herbs, with evident oak shaping the profile. Broad and enveloping on the palate, chalky tension tightens the structure, leading to a flavorful finish marked by cream and caramel. Frank and distinctly Viura."

Food Pairing: Poultry, rice dishes, gently seasoned stews and Japanese cuisine.

Region: Rioja Alavesa, Rioja DOCa, Spain
Grapes: Viura, Garnacha Blanca, Malvasía and Maturana Blanca
Vineyards: Century-old plantings
Aging: Approximately eight months on the lees in French oak
Alcohol: 12.5%
Bottle Size: 750ml

Johanneshof Reinisch St. Laurent 2020 750ml

Johanneshof Reinisch is one of Austria's most respected family estates, based in Tattendorf in the Thermenregion south of Vienna. The estate is a benchmark producer of St. Laurent — Austria's indigenous red grape that shares DNA with Pinot Noir but delivers a richer, darker, more generous style. The warm, dry gravel soils of Tattendorf are ideally suited to this heat-loving variety.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby in color with an intense bouquet of ripe dark cherry, plum, and a hint of raw, earthy depth. The palate is textured and juicy — round, generous, and almost creamy — with fine tannins, vibrant fruit, and a long, aromatic finish. Supple and charming with excellent fruit ripeness. Aged in large oak casks. 12.5% ABV.

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2020

• Wine Advocate: 90 — "Mouth-filling and charming red with fine tannins and an aromatic fruit-intense finish. Perfect fruit ripeness."

Domaine

• Producer: Johanneshof Reinisch, Tattendorf, Thermenregion, Austria
• Appellation: Thermenregion DAC
• Grape: 100% St. Laurent
• Vintage: 2020
• Aging: Large oak casks
• Style: Medium-full bodied, fruit-driven Austrian red — screw cap

95 Points Wine Enthusiast • 93 Points Vinous • 91 Points Wine Spectator

Originally created to celebrate the winery’s 150th anniversary, this distinguished Gran Reserva honors the winemaking traditions of Rioja Alavesa. Produced only in excellent vintages, it draws its character from old vineyard plots with vines more than 80 years old, delivering impressive concentration, complexity and elegance.

Crafted in the winery’s restored 1883 cellar, the 2017 vintage was aged for 32 months in French oak barrels, followed by a further three years in bottle. This extended maturation refines its substantial tannins, creating a wine that balances power with a polished, rounded texture.

Deep, dark cherry in color, it offers complex aromas of toasted oak, balsamic notes, black pepper and cinnamon. The palate is rich and structured, with generous depth and concentrated tannins that carry through to a long, silky finish. A distinctive Rioja for special dinners, thoughtful gifts and the cellar.

Professional Ratings

Wine Enthusiast — 95 Points
Deep garnet in color, this wine has a nose of black currant and caramel. Black cherry, cassis, mocha, butterscotch, violet and anisette flavors are wrapped in a sheath of opulent tannins that peel away to reveal a eucalyptus-infused finish.

Vinous — 93 Points
A Rioja with a Bordeaux influence, the 2017 Gran Reserva 150 Aniversario is a blend of 80% Tempranillo and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from Rioja Alavesa and aged in oak barrels. Displaying a garnet color, the nose reveals herbs and oak with hints of pepper, blackberry and mocha. Dry, juicy and taut, the substantial, concentrated palate lingers with a black fruit core. This is a tasty red crafted with care in a crowd-pleasing style.

Wine Spectator — 91 Points
A skein of sweet tobacco, vanilla and red licorice winds through the baked cherry and black plum fruit, leather, dark chocolate and spice notes offered in this elegant red. Underlying tannins are supple and well-integrated, and the rich, lasting profile is brightened by a subtle tang of mandarin orange peel acidity. Drink now through 2030.

Additional Accolades: 99 Points Guía Vinos Gourmets 2024 • 98 Points Guía Vivir el Vino 2024 • 97 Points Guía Peñín 2024.

Food Pairing: Roast lamb, grilled beef, game casseroles, cured ham and mature cheeses.

Region: Rioja Alavesa, Rioja DOCa, Spain
Blend: 80% Tempranillo, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Aging: 32 months in French oak, followed by three years in bottle
Alcohol: 15%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Serving Temperature: 61–64°F (16–18°C)

Kistler Vineyards · Pinot Noir · Russian River Valley · 2024

Since 1978, Kistler Vineyards has set the benchmark for Burgundian-inspired winemaking in California. Their Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is sourced from vineyards along the Gravenstein Ridge — red, gravelly soils from the Sebastopol series that deliver the kind of cool-climate tension and mineral precision rarely found outside Burgundy itself. The vines are planted to Kistler's proprietary heritage clones, descended from Grand Cru Burgundy selections refined over 25 years of meticulous field work, prized for their low yields, small berries, and extraordinary site expression. At $85.99, this is one of California's most sought-after Pinot Noirs — and one of the most fairly priced at this level of pedigree.

The 2024 is harvested by hand at night to preserve freshness, 100% destemmed, and fermented in open-top tanks with native yeasts — only free-run juice collected, no pressing. Ten months in French oak (38% new, hand-stacked cooperage air-dried in St. Romain), then bottled unfined and unfiltered. The result: a complex bouquet of red currant, smoked earth, and exotic florals, leading to a seamless, medium-bodied palate with silky tannins and a long, mineral-driven finish. Drink now through 2032+.

• Producer: Kistler Vineyards
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Sub-Region: Gravenstein Ridge
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir (heritage Kistler clones)
• Vinification: Hand harvested at night · 100% destemmed · Native yeast · Open-top fermenters · Free-run juice only · 10 months French oak (38% new) · Unfined & unfiltered
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red currant, smoked earth, exotic florals, silky tannins, mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2032+
• Food Pairings: Duck confit, mushroom risotto, lamb chops, aged Comté

Heritage Burgundy clones, Gravenstein Ridge terroir, and 45+ years of Kistler precision — Russian River Pinot Noir at its most compelling.

A landmark Rioja with old-vine depth and modern elegance. First produced in 1986, Barón de Chirel helped establish a new direction for premium Rioja, combining Marqués de Riscal’s heritage with Bordeaux-inspired winemaking. The 2020 vintage delivers a compelling combination of concentrated fruit, complex aromatics and substantial structure.

Sourced from low-yielding vineyards around Elciego, with vines approximately 80–110 years old, this wine captures the intensity of exceptional old-vine fruit. Individual parcels are fermented separately in French Allier oak vats, followed by 16 months in French oak barrels and a further 20 months of bottle maturation before release.

Tasting Notes

Expressive aromas of dark berries, violets and graphite unfold with subtle leather and integrated oak. The palate is rich and concentrated, with layers of dark fruit supported by ripe, energetic tannins. Its combination of depth, structure and aromatic complexity makes this a distinctive choice for collectors and lovers of powerful Rioja.

Ratings & Critical Acclaim

100 Points — Guía Proensa
The producer lists a perfect 100-point score for the 2020 vintage.

97 Points — Guía Peñín 2026
A standout score for the 2020 vintage, confirmed by Marqués de Riscal.

96 Points — Jeb Dunnuck: From century-old bush vines, the 2020 Baron de Chirel blends Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon aged entirely in French oak. It’s made in a modern style, powerful, intensely concentrated, and undeniably herbal and earthy. It can only be made in certain vintages because the two varieties ripen so differently – Tempranillo early and Cabernet late – so getting them to hit around the same time has been challenging over the years; sadly, climate change may be changing that, with Cabernet ripening sooner than it often used to. Currant, tobacco leaf, and dark cherry exude from a full-bodied core of supple tannin and lovely violet aromatics, a true testament to how well these grapes work together in the right hands.

93 James Suckling: Iodine, mussels and some dark chocolate with blackberries and dark plums. Pretty opulent and a little more generous than the 2021 and 2019. More muscular, too, with fine-grained tannins and a long, creamy finish.

93 Points — Wine Enthusiast: Commanding intensity and palate coating tannins lead the charge with this full-bodied Tempranillo. Aromatics of crushed fennel seed, wet tobacco, and cocoa linger through flavors of dark fruits robed in spiced chocolate. A kiss of balsamic appears through the finish. Lavish, structured, and delicious..

Food Pairings

Pair with roasted lamb, grilled steak, venison or slow-cooked game. It also complements cured ham and mature cheeses, making it an excellent centerpiece for a Spanish-inspired dinner.

Wine Details

Producer: Marqués de Riscal
Wine: Barón de Chirel
Vintage: 2020
Appellation: Rioja DOCa, Spain
Style: Full-bodied red wine
Principal Grape: Tempranillo
Aging: 16 months in French Allier oak barrels, followed by 20 months in bottle before release
Alcohol: 15.5% ABV
Bottle Size: 750ml
Serving Temperature: 16–18°C / 61–64°F

The benchmark rosé Champagne. The one every other measures itself against.

Billecart-Salmon Le Rosé has been setting the standard since 1830 — born in the prestigious cellars of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, crafted with a precision and elegance that is simply unmatched. This is not just Champagne. This is a moment.

In the Glass
A luminous salmon-pink with fine, persistent bubbles. The nose opens with fresh strawberry, wild raspberry, and a whisper of citrus blossom, lifted by a subtle warmth of brioche. On the palate — pliant, creamy, and strikingly expressive. Pomegranate and grapefruit weave into a brisk, finely cut finish. There is a vinous depth here, a sense that behind the Champagne, there is a real wine — effortlessly fresh, impossibly delicate.

The Blend
40% Chardonnay · 30% Pinot Noir · 30% Pinot Meunier (~7% still red wine)
NV base: 2020 · 46% reserve wines dating to 2014 · Dosage: 4.7 g/L

"At any time, it's like a ray of sunlight that transcends the beauty of the moment."
— Pierre Hermé, Legendary Pastry Chef

Expert Reviews

🍷 Antonio Galloni, Vinous — 91 pts | Pliant, creamy and super-expressive. Pomegranate and grapefruit laced into the brisk, finely cut finish. Drinking 2024–2030.

🍷 Tim Hewson, Decanter — 92 pts | Fragrant, crunchy redcurrant, red cherry and orange fruit with an alluring hibiscus-like floral lift. A rosé of immediacy and charm. Drinking 2024–2027.

About La Grande Dame Jacquemus Artist Series

La Grande Dame 2018 Artist Series by Jacquemus is a stunning collaboration between two icons of French elegance — Veuve Clicquot and the celebrated fashion house Jacquemus. This limited-edition bottle features exclusive artwork by Jacquemus, making it as visually striking as it is exceptional in the glass. La Grande Dame has been Veuve Clicquot's prestige cuvée since its inauguration in 1972, crafted only in the finest vintages from eight Grands Crus of Champagne.

Tasting Notes

The 2018 vintage delivers a beautifully balanced expression of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Expect aromas of ripe stone fruit, brioche, and toasted hazelnuts, with a creamy, full-bodied palate of peach, citrus zest, and subtle minerality. Elegant and long-finishing with exceptional structure and aging potential.

Food Pairings

Perfect with lobster, scallops, foie gras, aged Comté, and fine charcuterie. An exceptional celebratory Champagne for milestone occasions.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: 2018
Region: Champagne, France
Appellation: Champagne AOC
Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Style: Brut Vintage Champagne
Edition: Artist Series — Jacquemus Limited Edition

A distinguished single-vineyard Brunello Riserva combining concentrated dark fruit, vibrant freshness and finely structured Tuscan elegance.

Wine Description

Frescobaldi CastelGiocondo Ripe al Convento Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2020 is a limited-production expression of Sangiovese from one of the estate’s most treasured vineyard sites. The wine takes its name from a historic vineyard situated beside an ancient monastery on the CastelGiocondo estate in southwestern Montalcino.

Located in the highest part of the estate at approximately 450 meters above sea level, the Ripe al Convento vineyard benefits from excellent sun exposure, cooling Mediterranean winds and mineral-rich marly soils. The vineyard extends across two sides of a ridge: its southern exposure contributes richness and power, while the southeast-facing vines bring freshness, tension and aromatic precision.

The 2020 Riserva presents a deep and layered bouquet of blackberry, blackcurrant, blueberry and Morello cherry, accompanied by rose, violet and subtle balsamic notes. With time in the glass, aromas of autumn spice, cocoa, tobacco, dried herbs and earth begin to emerge.

Generous and velvety on the palate, the wine balances concentrated dark fruit with lively acidity and an appealing crunchy-cherry character. Fine-grained yet confident tannins provide structure and definition, carrying the wine toward a long, savory and beautifully composed finish.

Winemaking and Aging

The Sangiovese grapes are carefully selected from the single Ripe al Convento vineyard and undergo an additional selection upon arrival at the winery. Fermentation takes place under controlled temperatures to preserve the character and aromatic detail of the fruit.

The wine is matured for 36 months in oak casks before further refinement in bottle. This extended aging gives the Riserva greater structure, complexity and longevity while allowing the fruit, tannins and savory elements to develop exceptional harmony.

Only approximately 18,000 bottles of the 2020 vintage were produced.

About Ripe al Convento

Ripe al Convento represents one of the most structured and age-worthy expressions produced at Tenuta CastelGiocondo. Its name refers both to the exceptional ripeness achieved by the Sangiovese grapes and to the vineyard’s location beside the estate’s historic monastery.

The combination of high elevation, favorable exposures and distinctive soils produces a Brunello Riserva of depth and power, balanced by the freshness, elegance and mineral character that distinguish the finest wines of Montalcino.

Expert Ratings

95  Wine Spectator: There’s plenty of black cherry and blackberry fruit in this red, along with mineral and black pepper notes, plus a touch of forest floor. Dense and even muscular for the vintage, with a vibrant feel and well-endowed, dusty tannins. Needs time to harmonize. Best from 2029 through 2045.

94 Decanter: The Ripe al Convento vineyard expands over two sides of a single ridge. Vines with a southern exposure give muscle to the blend while those facing southeast lend tension. The 2020 bottling demonstrates both facets within the gracious context of the vintage. Still restrained in aromas, it hints at smoke, thyme, mint and cocoa. Generous in girth, this oozes blackberry and blue plum with a velvety mouthfeel and carob accents. Confident tannins sport a fine grain and supply a satisfying bite. Lively acidity accentuates the salty tang. By no means austere but will be more expressive after another year in bottle.

94 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: In the bottle with the dark blue label, the Frescobaldi 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva CastelGiocondo Ripe al Convento shows dark fruit and blackberry at its core, followed by balanced freshness and an attractive crunchy cherry fruit character. This vintage is marked by lively fruit and slightly greater accessibility in terms of tannic impact. The wine can be enjoyed happily in the near or medium term. With 36 months of aging in oak casks, this is a release of 18,000 bottles. Ripe al Convento is sourced from a single vineyard adjacent to the historic monastery on the estate, and the Riserva bottling reflects both extended aging and a more structured interpretation of the vintage.

Food Pairing

An excellent partner for braised beef, roasted lamb, venison, wild boar, osso buco and bistecca alla Fiorentina. Its earthy, savory character also complements porcini mushrooms, truffle dishes, aged Pecorino Toscano and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Serving Suggestions

Serve at approximately 60–65°F in a large red-wine glass. Decanting for one to two hours is recommended when enjoying the wine in its youth. Although already approachable, its concentration, acidity and structured tannins will allow it to develop additional complexity with further bottle aging.

Wine Details

Frescobaldi CastelGiocondo Ripe al Convento Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2020

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Tuscany, Italy | 750ml

At Marqués de Riscal, there used to be “winemaker’s wines” among its historic reservas, like the Reserva Medoc and the XR, which never became commercial names. In the tradition of the cellarmasters from Bordeaux that have long been part of Riscal’s story, the winemaker marked some of the barrels in chalk with the letters XR (Extra Reserva) as a consequence of having found special characteristics which were not present in other wines. These wines were never sold but served as a reference point for the winemaker. This custom lasted almost a century, between the harvests of 1869 and 1964. In 2015, Marqués de Risca released a wine named XR, paying tribute to all the master winemakers who have helped to forge a part of the greatest history of Spanish wine in Marqués de Riscal.

Expert Reviews

94 Points James Suckling - July 17, 2025 "Dark mushrooms, spices and leather with cedar and black plums. Ripe yet juicy with plenty of blackberries and a twist of citrus and vanilla. Medium- to full-bodied with dusty tannins and a very lengthy finish. Pretty traditional and linear, this Rioja is excellent to drink now but will benefit from extra time in bottle."

93  Points Wine Enthusiast - May 1, 2026 "Classic and focused with dark, layered flavors, this XR Reserva captures a deeper tone of Tempranillo with a body of black fruits, wet tobacco, spiced cocoa, and a drop of pine resin. Flavor fills the mouth while the wine maintains restraint with a medium body and plenty of length. Melting tannins bring persistence and the potential to enjoy after several more years in cellar."

93 Jeb Dunnuck - November 16, 2025 "An ode to blending, the 2021 XR by Marques de Riscal Reserva is Tempranillo and Graciano made in a fruity, modern style, with sweet tannins and 25 months of American oak aging. Dark cherry, vanilla, and a rich dusting of cocoa powder give it a lustiness across layers of full-bodied concentration and decadence. Ready to enjoy, it will remain enjoyable another 10-12 years."

92 Points Wine Spectator - November 3, 2025 "A structured version, with sculpted tannins wrapped in a fleshy range of coulised black cherry and black raspberry fruit, plus accents of candied violet, fennel seed, milled pepper and cured tobacco. Harmonious, this expands nicely on the palate and through the spiced finish."

VINEYARD

Marques de Riscal’s important vineyards holdings and long term contracts are focused around a specific quality approach. For their Reservas they work exclusively with old vines, from before the 1970s, as they firmly believe that these are critical for the delicate Tempranillo grape to achieve appropriate concentration. They work in the coolest area of Rioja (Rioja Alavesa), at elevation, on soils that accentuate freshness and detail, and with a touch of Graciano; these factors bring forward the winery’s trademark vibrancy, refinement, and aging potential. The XR selection is always a barrel selection but in general can be said to come from vines that have lower natural yields and produce more concentrated fruit.

WINEMAKING

Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature and is not over-extended, in order to bring delineation to the beautiful old vine concentration. The wine spends just over two years in American Oak Barrels with a small percentage in French oak. The beautiful concentration and irresistible fruit are kept at the forefront of the gentle handling process.

VINTAGE

The 2021 season in Rioja Alavesa was defined by a cool, wet spring and a warm, even summer, ensuring steady ripening and excellent balance. Harvest began later than average, with yields slightly reduced but fruit quality exceptional. The wines show Rioja Alavesa’s hallmark tension: vibrant red fruit purity, fine-grained tannins, and lifted freshness. Precision in vineyard work and restrained cellar craft deliver wines of clarity and length that highlight the region’s leadership in expressive, age-worthy Tempranillo.

TASTING NOTE

Expressive aromas of fruit intermingle with a multitude of spices and pepper. The ripe, concentrated fruit shows beautiful complexity.

FOOD PAIRING

Ham, mild cheeses, rich pastas, poultry, grilled red meats or roasts

96 Points Wine Enthusiast • 95 Points James Suckling • 93 Points Club Oenologique

Crafted from grapes grown on vines more than 80 years old, this Tempranillo-led Gran Reserva combines depth, elegance and the character of mature Rioja. Fruit comes from Marqués de Riscal’s own vineyards and longstanding grower partners. The 2018 vintage spent 28 months in French oak, developing a rounded texture and beautifully integrated oak character.

Deep cherry in color with violet highlights, it offers layered aromas of dark fruit, balsamic notes and delicate oak toast. The palate is generous and polished, with concentrated, rounded tannins and a lingering finish. A refined Rioja with the structure for further cellaring and the complexity to complement a memorable meal.

Professional Reviews

Wine Enthusiast — 96 Points | Cellar Selection
Blackberry, savory olive and dried herbs introduce a layered palate of plum and raspberry, with floral accents, cocoa and sage. Velvety tannins carry the fruit into a persistent finish. Recommended drinking through 2038.
Review summary — Mike DeSimone, October 2024.

James Suckling — 95 Points
Praised for its depth and complexity, this wine combines berry fruit with subtle vanilla, dried citrus, pepper and earthy mushroom nuances. The palate delivers intensity and generous fruit, balanced by fine spice and a particularly long finish. Suitable for drinking now or further cellaring.
Review summary — Zekun Shuai, JamesSuckling.com.

Club Oenologique — 93 Points
Awarded in The Rioja Report 2024, as confirmed by the winery’s vintage technical sheet.

Food Pairing: Roasted lamb, grilled beef, game dishes, cured ham and aged Manchego.

Region: Rioja DOCa, Spain
Grapes: Tempranillo-led blend
Aging: 28 months in French oak
Alcohol: 14.5%
Serving Temperature: 61–64°F (16–18°C)