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Dolin Vermouth de Chambery Rouge — Savoie, France 750ml

Dolin has been crafting vermouth in Chambéry — the only French appellation with a protected designation for vermouth — since 1821. Dolin Rouge is the house’s celebrated sweet red expression, built from a neutral white wine base macerated with up to 54 carefully selected botanicals over several months. Its distinctive coppery color comes not from red wine, but from the particular plants used and the addition of dark, caramelized sugar — a hallmark of the traditional Chambéry style.

Lustrous copper in color, Dolin Rouge opens with a rich bouquet of fruit compote, prunes, and walnuts, layered with grassy notes and spicy aromas of Szechuan pepper. On the palate, almond, citrus, pear, and cinnamon mingle with gingerbread, tobacco, oregano, and hyssop. Balanced sweetness and 16% ABV create a harmonious, sophisticated finish that rewards both sipping and cocktail use.

“Up to 54 botanicals, a coppery hue from caramelized sugar, and centuries of Alpine tradition — Dolin Rouge is French sweet vermouth at its most complex.”

• Producer: Dolin, Chambéry, Savoie, France
• Style: Rouge (Sweet Red) Vermouth
• Appellation: Vermouth de Chambéry — protected French designation since 1932
• Botanicals: Up to 54, including wormwood, hyssop, chamomile, genépi, cinchona bark, rose petals
• ABV: 16%
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fruit compote, prunes, walnuts, Szechuan pepper, almond, citrus, cinnamon, gingerbread, tobacco
• How to Enjoy: Negroni, Manhattan, Boulevardier; chilled on the rocks with an orange twist; neat as an aperitif
• Best Paired With: Charcuterie, aged cheeses, dark chocolate, roasted nuts

A vermouth of extraordinary botanical complexity and Alpine heritage — Dolin Rouge is the French answer to the world’s finest sweet vermouths.

Winemaker Description

Deep garnet red with aromas of black currant, cherry pie filling, cedar, and milk chocolate. A rich and opulent wine offering flavors of dark fruit such as ripe plum, sweet black cherry, and boysenberry with hints of sage and thyme. This wine is bold and well-balanced with supple, refined tannins, and a long satisfying finish.

Basil Hayden's | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey | Clermont, Kentucky | 80 Proof

The story of Basil Hayden's begins in 1796, when Basil Hayden Sr. — a Maryland-born distiller who learned his craft from rye whiskey traditions — led a group of Catholic families from Maryland to Nelson County, Kentucky. When he began distilling in Kentucky, Hayden kept a higher percentage of rye in his mash bill than the other Kentucky distillers of his era, resulting in a smoother, spicier, more distinctive bourbon that was unmistakably his own.

Today, Basil Hayden's is produced by Beam Suntory at the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky — part of the Small Batch Bourbon Collection alongside Knob Creek, Booker's, and Baker's. It remains true to Hayden's original vision: a high-rye mash bill bourbon bottled at a gentler 80 proof (40% ABV), making it one of the most approachable and food-friendly bourbons in the American whiskey landscape.

The nose is inviting and refined — vanilla, light caramel, dried fruit, and a hint of peppery rye spice. On the palate, smooth and mild with a balanced interplay of vanilla, light oak, and warm spice, with a clean, gentle finish. Approachable enough for new whiskey drinkers, nuanced enough for the seasoned connoisseur.

Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Also excellent in a classic Old-Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, or Manhattan.

• Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery / Beam Suntory
• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Mash Bill: High-rye
• Region: Clermont, Kentucky, USA
• Alcohol: 40% ABV (80 Proof)
• Bottle Size: 750ml

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.

Stolichnaya · Vodka · Latvia · 80 Proof · 1.0L

Stoli is a classically styled, exceptionally smooth vodka distilled from wheat and rye. It's proudly produced in Latvia, a NATO member country, and the company is headquartered in Luxembourg. The brand and its owner, Yuri Shefler, were exiled from Russia nearly two decades ago.

Crystal clear and clean, it's a versatile, kosher-certified bottle that's just as good in a martini as it is ice-cold on its own. The full liter keeps the home bar stocked for parties and cocktail nights.

Producer Description

Stoli Vodka is a classically styled, exceptionally smooth vodka. Crystal clear in color with marshmallow, mineral and mild fruit peel aromas, a soft, supple entry leads to a smooth, medium bodied palate with pastry frosting, talc and citrus rind flavors. It finishes with a clean, lightly sweet, sugar dust, wet straw and balanced pepper fade.

Stolichnaya

Serving Suggestions

Serve well chilled, neat or on the rocks, or mix it into a classic martini, Moscow mule, vodka soda or Bloody Mary. It's also great with caviar, smoked salmon and pickled bites.

Specs

• Brand: Stolichnaya (Stoli)
• Type: Vodka
• Base: Wheat & rye
• Origin: Latvia
• Proof: 80 (40% ABV)
• Certification: Kosher
• Closure: Screw cap
• Size: 1.0L

Smooth, clean and made in Latvia, an easy go-to for any bar.

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.

Mount Riley Wines | Sauvignon Blanc | Marlborough, New Zealand | 2025

Mount Riley is one of Marlborough's most respected producers, drawing fruit from multiple carefully selected vineyard sites across the region to craft wines that consistently deliver purity, vibrancy, and exceptional value. Their Sauvignon Blanc has become a benchmark for the appellation — expressive, food-friendly, and reliably excellent vintage after vintage.

Marlborough, at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, is the world's most celebrated region for Sauvignon Blanc. Its long, sunny days and cool nights preserve natural acidity and allow the grape to develop intense aromatic complexity, while the free-draining alluvial soils of the Wairau and Awatere Valleys contribute freshness and mineral precision.

The 2025 is a multi-vineyard blend fermented entirely in stainless steel to protect the purity and vibrancy of the fruit. The result is a wine of excellent intensity and focus — aromas of passion fruit, feijoa, kiwifruit, pink grapefruit, and lemon zest, layered with crushed herb, capsicum, and gooseberry. On the palate, fleshy texture and beautifully pitched acidity carry through to a crisp, lingering finish.

A classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc for any occasion. Pair with oysters, grilled fish, sushi, goat cheese, green salads, and light poultry.

• Producer: Mount Riley Wines
• Appellation: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Vintage: 2025
• Vinification: Stainless steel, multi-vineyard blend
• Closure: Screwcap
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2025

• Wine Orbit (Sam Kim) — 93 pts: Excellent fruit intensity backed by fleshy texture and beautifully pitched acidity. Aromas of feijoa, kiwifruit, crunchy apple, and lemon zest.
• The Real Review — 92.8 pts: Ranked highly among the new 2025 releases for its vibrancy and purity.

Winemaker Description 

Straka's Mash skin-fermented white is a blend of Straka's specialty, Welschriesling, with a bit of Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay. It spends 20 days on the skins followed by 10 months in large, neutral oak. The result is a wine that is both aromatic and tertiary, lending intriguing savory notes making it a perfect accompaniment to food.

Straka, which means Magpie, is a small family estate located in the Eisenberg district of Burgenland, Austria. It has been run by Tom Straka since 2008. Tom farms organically and practices minimal intervention in the cellar. Located on the last foothill of the Alps, in Rechnitz, his primary focus is Welschriesling, the main indigenous grape of the area. His best vineyard site is Pratner (he farms all but 4 rows of it) which is very densely planted old vines dating from 1932.

Since taking over the family winery, Tom has slowly expanded their vineyard holdings from 3-7 hectares and converted to organic farming. The estate was established by his family in the 18th century when they moved to the area from Bohemia. In the 1950s they were the first family in the area to start a Heuriger or Buschenschank (wine tavern) so that people could come and eat while sampling their wines. It proved a very successful model for them and today, their Buschenschank remains a staple of the area while most others have closed. It remains a great way for many people to try their wines.

Tom is huge advocate of Welschriesling which he says can pair with anything if grown properly. Welschriesling is an old indigenous grape perfectly suited to the geography of this rare geological area. Rechnitz sits 360 m above sea level on the slopes of the Geschriebenstein, the highest mountain in the Burgenland. The vineyards climb as high as 500m and are known for their unique geological soils -- a combination of crystalline schist and magmatic deposits that can only be found in 3 other places in the world. It is a very windy and dry area which cools off considerably at night. This results in very few pests, no need for herbicide or any other treatments and crisp clear mineral-driven wines. The parentage of Welschriesling is not known (it is not related to Rhine Riesling) and is thought to be a most closely related to Elbling, originating in Northern Italy and Croatia along the Danube and typically shows good acidity and fruit with notes of lemon, salt and green apple.

For one and a half decades Thomas Straka has been working with organic waste and cattle manure, but very little compost. "I apply some phosphor from time to time as fertilizer, and also a little chalk, because without it the vines would suffer malnutrition. But all in all I don't have to interfere much in the vineyards." Green cover like vetch between the rows contribute nitrogen to the soil. He lets them grow rather high. "Because we do little work with tractors and most by hand, our soils are nearly uncompressed and rich in humus. And as our soils are meagre and constantly wind-blown, we have almost no problems with fungal diseases." The biggest threat in Rechnitz is and always has been drought. "Today the only things I do in the cellar are a clarification with bentonite and addition of neutral yeasts if necessary."

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

One of the most coveted limited releases in American whiskey, the Colonel E.H. Taylor Four Grain Bourbon is a masterclass in grain complexity and barrel craft. Produced at the legendary Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, this exceptional bourbon uses a rare mash bill of four grains — corn, rye, wheat, and malted barley — to create a whiskey of remarkable depth, balance, and character. A true collector's bottle.

The E.H. Taylor Legacy

Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr. is one of the founding fathers of the American bourbon industry. A visionary distiller and legislator, Taylor was instrumental in passing the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, which established the first federal quality standards for American whiskey. The E.H. Taylor line from Buffalo Trace honors his legacy with small-batch, meticulously crafted releases that represent the pinnacle of Kentucky bourbon.

Tasting Profile

Opens with an inviting, complex aroma of rich caramel, sweet vanilla, and caramel corn. The palate delivers remarkable depth — layers of grain complexity, subtle smokiness, and well-integrated oak tannins. The four grains interact beautifully with the charred oak barrel, maintaining a smooth, even balance throughout. The finish is long, warm, and deeply satisfying. Unique, refined, and unmistakably Taylor.

Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky

Mash Bill

Corn, Rye, Wheat, Malted Barley

Region

Kentucky, USA

Format

750ml

Bottling

Bottled-in-Bond, 100 Proof

Why Four Grain?

Most bourbons use a three-grain mash bill. The addition of a fourth grain — wheat alongside the traditional corn, rye, and malted barley — adds a layer of softness and complexity that sets this release apart. It's a rare expression that showcases Buffalo Trace's mastery of grain selection and barrel aging, and one of the most sought-after limited releases in the Taylor lineup.

Collector's Notes

The Colonel E.H. Taylor Four Grain is a limited annual release with extremely restricted allocation. Bottles are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Best enjoyed neat or with a single large ice cube to allow the full complexity to unfold.

Grooner is a collaboration between importer Monika Caha & Toni Silver of Monika Caha Selections and Meinhard Forstreiter of Weingut Forstreiter — one of Austria's most respected family estates. The Forstreiter family has been making wine in Krems-Hollenburg in the Kremstal since 1868, farming 69 acres of vineyards along the banks of the Danube River, directly across from the Wachau. The estate was named Top 100 Wineries of the Year by Wine & Spirits Magazine, and Meinhard Forstreiter has brought the property to a new level of quality through a combination of advanced modern technology and sound, sustainable viticulture.

The Grooner Grüner Veltliner is sourced from Forstreiter's vineyards on south- and east-facing terraces above the Danube, planted on the distinctive Hollenburger Konglomerat — a unique soil formation of compressed Ice Age gravel from the Danube riverbanks, layered with loess, clay, and sandy soils. This exceptional terroir, combined with the Kremstal's continental microclimate, produces Grüner Veltliner of natural freshness, mineral depth, and the characteristic white pepper spice the variety is celebrated for.

Vinification follows Forstreiter's meticulous approach: careful temperature-controlled fermentation to preserve the grape's aromatic vibrancy and varietal character. The result is a Qualitätswein (appellation-controlled) wine of genuine quality — fun and approachable in style, but crafted with the same artisanal care as all Forstreiter wines.

The 2024 Grooner is crisp, refreshing, and peppery, with inviting aromas and flavors of citrus, green apple, and cool stone fruit. On the palate, the wine is balanced and lively, with bright acidity, a clean mineral thread, and a fresh, clean finish. The quintessential food-friendly Austrian white.

Grape: Grüner Veltliner
Region: Kremstal, Niederösterreich, Austria
Appellation: Qualitätswein Niederösterreich
Vintage: 2024
Closure: Screwcap
Bottle Size: 750ml

Pairing: Oysters, sushi, fried chicken, light meats, spicy cuisines, tofu, vegetables, and snacks. An exceptionally versatile food wine — serve well chilled.

Producer Description 

The Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey 2023 release is a continuation of a revered tradition in the world of fine spirits. As a part of the esteemed Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, this whiskey pays homage to Thomas H. Handy, an influential figure in New Orleans' cocktail history, known for popularizing the Sazerac cocktail. 

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)

Producer Description 

The 2024 Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey from Buffalo Trace Distillery continues the legacy of unfiltered, barrel-proof rye whiskey. Aged over six years and bottled at a bold 127.2 proof, this release builds on the historic recipe inspired by Thomas H. Handy, the bartender credited with popularizing rye whiskey in the original Sazerac cocktail.

Hand-bottled without dilution, it captures the raw essence of the rye, honoring traditional methods dating back over a century. Last year’s expression earned a prestigious Double Gold at the 2024 Singapore World Spirits Competition, reinforcing its reputation as a world-class rye.

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)

Gary Farrell · Hallberg Vineyard · 2023

Pinot Noir | Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California | 750ml

Producer & Vineyard

Gary Farrell’s Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir brings a single-vineyard expression to the Russian River Valley. Hallberg is a dry-farmed site in the cool Green Valley area, influenced by ocean breezes and cool nights.

Tasting Notes

The reviews below describe a Pinot Noir balancing cherry and cranberry fruit with tea, herbs, earth and citrus. Acidity and textured tannins give the wine definition, while savory notes add complexity at the table.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Wine Enthusiast, 94 Points — Vibrant aromas of black cherry, cranberry, black plum, chopped herbs, and tangerine zest swirl from the glass on the nose of this wine. The palate hits with gorgeous acidity and a satisfying crunch of tannin, revealing flavors of cran- berry compote, Darjeeling, sandalwood, and pithy orange through the finish.

Jeb Dunnuck, 91 Points — The 2023 Pinot Noir Hallberg Vineyard is a medium red color and starts somewhat muted before revealing notes of mushroomy forest earth, ripe cherries, clove, and toast. Medium-bodied, with ripe tannins, savory earth tones, sunbaked fruit, and tea leaf, a second bottle showed notably more freshness, clarity, and acidity through the finish.

From Our Team

David of 67 Wine — “Only 900 six-packs produced—a very limited production. The old vines have roots reaching 30 feet into the earth. No irrigation is used.”

At the Table

Pair with duck breast, roasted pork loin, mushroom risotto or herb-roasted chicken.

Wine Details

• Producer: Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery
• Vintage: 2023
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Vineyard: Hallberg Vineyard
• Appellation: Russian River Valley
• Region: Sonoma County, California, United States
• Size: 750ml

A savory, textured vineyard Pinot Noir, available at an introductory offer.

Winemaker Description & Memo Notes

The Umathum Zweigelt Rotburger Classic 2022 is a standout example of Austria’s most-planted red grape. Produced by Josef "Pepi" Umathum, a pioneer in biodynamic viticulture in the Burgenland region, this wine is celebrated for being "crushable" yet sophisticated.

The name "Rotburger" is used here as a nod to the grape's historical name (Zweigelt is a cross of Blaufränkisch and St. Laurent).

Tasting Notes

•    Appearance: Deep ruby red with a youthful purple rim.   

•    Nose: A "cherry bomb" on the nose—expect intense aromas of sour cherry, blackberry, and raspberry, accented by a distinct black pepper spice and a touch of damp earth or flint. 

•    Palate: Fresh and juicy with medium body. It features vibrant acidity and soft, silky tannins. The palate mirrors the nose with tart red fruit and a savory, spicy finish.

•     Structure: Fermented with natural yeasts and aged for one year in large, neutral Austrian oak barrels (foudres) to preserve the purity of the fruit rather than adding heavy oak flavors. 
        
Pepi Umathum is one of Austria's best known producers. In the Burgenland growing district called Neusiedlersee (Lake Neusiedl), he counts as one of the great champions of the traditional Austrian grape varieties. His main holdings are Rotburger (Zweigelt), St Laurent and Blaufrankisch with a bit of Welschriesling, Roter Traminer, the extremely rare Gelber Traminer, and the unusual ancient Lindenblattriger (Harslevelu in Hungary).

Pepi has embraced the intricacies and harmonies of biodynamic viticulture, and for most of his wines, which are all hand-harvested, he prefers to use large barrels of native Austrian oak, which underscores the clear fruit aromatics of the wines. Some of the high-toned single vineyard bottlings are matured in smaller oak barrels and barriques, and are first released three years after the vintage. 

Memo Summary Notes

Notably, Umathum uses the name "Rotburger" (the original name for Zweigelt) to move away from the controversial historical associations of the grape's namesake, Dr. Zweigelt.

Nelson Bros. · Straight Rye Whiskey · 92.5 Proof · 750ml

Nelson Brothers Straight Rye Whiskey brings together nutmeg, dried apricot, mint, leather, cinnamon and cedar in an American whiskey bottled at 92.5 proof. The combination of fruit, spice and herbal notes makes this 750ml bottle a choice for exploring neat or mixing into a rye cocktail.

Producer & Heritage

The Nelson family's whiskey story stretches from Charles Nelson's Nashville grocery business to Nelson's Green Brier Distillery. The producer's historical notes below recount the family business and the Belle Meade label; they are background, not a claim that this rye shares the historic bourbon's recipe or production details.

Producer Description

Nelson Brothers Straight Rye Whiskey is bottled at 92.5 proof. This American whiskey features tasting notes of nutmeg, dried apricot, mint, leather, cinnamon, and cedar.

Seeking an American dream and a fresh start in Nashville, Charles Nelson opened a grocery store that flourished from his three best-selling products: coffee, meat, and whiskey. This eventually led to his focusing only on his whiskey business, the demand for which was far exceeding the supply. He bought the distillery that was making his whiskey in Greenbrier, TN, and a patent for improved distillation. Throughout this success, he began to make a name for Tennessee whiskey and a household name for himself, as well. Belle Meade Bourbon was one of about 30 different labels that Charles Nelson produced in the late 1800's. Unlike most of his other products, it was produced in conjunction with a third party, Nashville's Sperry Wade & Company, who had contracted Nelson's Green Brier Distillery to sell bourbon, rye, corn, and Tennessee whiskies bearing the Belle Meade brand.

Belle Meade Bourbon was the toast of the town when it hit the market in 1878 and became known as a great value and top-quality product. Long after prohibition's end, Charlie and Andy Nelson dedicated their lives to bringing back the family business and resurrecting the once-great Nelson's Green Brier Distillery. This was no small feat for two recent college grads who spent years being told "no" by potential investors, but that didn't stop the tenacious Nelsons.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Try neat, over ice or in a Manhattan or Old Fashioned. For food, consider aged cheese, roasted nuts or a slice of apple tart to complement the whiskey's fruit and spice notes.

Details

• Brand: Nelson Brothers / Nelson Bros.
• Type: Straight Rye Whiskey
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Country: United States
• Region Listed: Tennessee
• Grain Category: Rye
• Strength: 92.5 Proof
• Tasting Notes: Nutmeg, dried apricot, mint, leather, cinnamon and cedar

Domaine Georges Lignier Chambolle-Musigny — Burgundy 2022

Domaine Georges Lignier’s Chambolle-Musigny is one of the quiet gems of the Côte de Nuits — and the 2022 vintage may be its finest expression yet. Sourced from a prime 0.71-hectare parcel of 70-year-old vines straddling the “Les Drazey” and “Les Bussières” vineyards, just below the Premier Cru “Les Sentiers” and adjacent to the Bonnes Mares grand cru, this is village Burgundy that performs well above its appellation. Matured in small oak barrels — none new — to preserve the purity and transparency of the Pinot Noir. James Suckling awarded it 93 points, calling it “a very charming Chambolle-Musigny village wine with a lot of floral finesse.”

The nose is classically Chambolle: red flowers, ripe cherry, wild raspberry, and a whisper of forest floor. On the palate, it is sweet and silky — warm, powdery tannins deftly supporting a long, polished finish with remarkable depth for a village-level wine. The ancient vines and ideal location produce a complexity that elevates this far beyond what one would expect from a Villages bottling.

James Suckling 93 — “Sweet and silky, this is a very charming Chambolle-Musigny village wine with a lot of floral finesse, the warm, powdery tannins deftly supporting the long, polished finish.”

• Producer: Domaine Georges Lignier, Morey-Saint-Denis, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Chambolle-Musigny AOC
• Vineyards: Les Drazey & Les Bussières — 0.71ha, 70-year-old vines, red soil
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vinification: Aged in small oak barrels, no new oak
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red flowers, cherry, wild raspberry, forest floor, silky tannins, long polished finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 8–12 years
• Best Paired With: Roast duck, mushroom risotto, lamb chops, aged Comté, rabbit in mustard sauce

Silky, floral, and unmistakably Chambolle — Domaine Georges Lignier’s village bottling is the benchmark for what old-vine Burgundy can deliver at this level.

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