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Roederer Estate · Brut NV · Anderson Valley · California

Roederer Estate is the California outpost of Louis Roederer — the legendary Champagne house behind Cristal — and it has long been not only one of California’s biggest sparkling wine producers, but one of its very best. Planted in the cool, fog-influenced Anderson Valley of Mendocino County, the estate grows Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in terroir that produces wines of genuine freshness and elegance. The Brut NV is a blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir, aged two years on the lees, with a significant portion of oak-aged reserve wine adding richness and complexity. Dosage: 7.5 g/L. Rated 94 points by Decanter, 93 by Wine Spectator, and named #2 Wine Spectator Top Ten Value of 2024.

The Estate Brut opens with aromas of baked apple, pie crust, toasted cashews, almonds, and biscuit with flinty touches. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied — rounded and creamy with bright lemony character, seashell minerality, and a long, mineral-driven finish. More herbal and textural than Champagne, with a good Champagne’s freshness and elegance. As the New York Times put it: “It doesn’t taste like Champagne. It’s more herbal, less mineral, but it’s got a good Champagne’s freshness and elegance.”

Expert Reviews

“First overall in the sparkling category. Louis Roederer’s outpost in California’s cool Anderson Valley is a stylistic chip off the old block. Rich, weighty mouthful of creamy bubbles. Lots of baked apple and toasted cashews here.”
— Michaela Morris, Decanter · 94 Points

“Aromas of pie crust with hints of nuts and cooked apple. Some butter cookie. Medium to full body with notes of seashell, cooked apple and lemon rind. A blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir. Two years on the lees.”
— James Suckling · 93 Points

“Scented of sour lemon, almonds and biscuits with flinty touches. The medium-bodied palate is rounded and creamy with bright, lemony character and a long, mineral-driven finish.”
— Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate · 92 Points

• Producer: Roederer Estate (Louis Roederer), Anderson Valley, California
• Style: Brut NV Sparkling
• Appellation: Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, California
• Blend: 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir
• Base Vintage: 2019 | Lees Aging: 2 years
• Dosage: 7.5 g/L
• Accolades: #2 Wine Spectator Top Ten Value of 2024
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Baked apple, pie crust, toasted cashews, almonds, lemon, seashell minerality, creamy mousse
• Pairings: Oysters, sushi, fried chicken, soft cheeses, charcuterie, seafood pasta, aperitivo

D:94 · JS:93 · WA:92 · #2 WS Top Ten Value 2024 — Anderson Valley sparkling from the house of Cristal. Creamy, mineral, and built to over-deliver.

A beautifully textured Chenin Blanc offering sun-kissed fruit, delicate floral notes, and an inviting touch of honey. Sourced from the McCormack Family Vineyard, this vibrant wine balances richness with freshness and a lingering, elegant finish.

Featured by Eric Asimov in The New York Times, this wine showcases the versatility of Chenin Blanc beyond its traditional Loire Valley home. Lean yet generous, it offers expressive floral and honeyed flavors that leave a lasting impression on the palate.

Wine Details

• Grapes: 96% Chenin Blanc, 4% Riesling

• Appellation: Clarksburg AVA, California

• Vineyard: McCormack Family Vineyard

• Farming: Practicing Organic

• Soils: Dense clay and loam

• Winemaking: Aged for five months on the lees, primarily in neutral French oak

• Alcohol: 11.9% ABV

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!”

94 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: The 2021 Beerenauslese Cuvée opens with a clear, fresh and finely honeyed bouquet of dried and stewed apricots and fresh apricot skins, greengage plum and saline notes. Full-bodied, lush and refined on the palate, this is a rich yet elegant and fresh BA based on Chardonnay and Welschriesling. Pineapple aromas populate the finish that pairs fine tannins and a caramelly salinity that is so typical for wines from the Seewinkel. To be released in September this year. 11% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine in May 2024.

93 James Suckling: The aromas of this rich and succulent dessert wine are like a tropical fruit coulis, and they are married to a lovely acidity that lifts the medium- to full-bodied palate. Wonderful textural complexity at the long, elegant finish.

Winemaker Notes

Roelli Cheese Haus · Red Rock Cheddar Blue · Wisconsin

Cheddar-blue cheese | Shullsburg, Wisconsin, USA | Priced per ounce

$2.55 per ounce.

Producer & Story

Made by Roelli Cheese in Shullsburg, Wisconsin, Red Rock brings cheddar character and blue-cheese bite together in one distinctive cheese. Its story began in 2011, when Chris Roelli added an extra dose of annatto coloring and blue mold spores to a batch of orange cheddar. The experiment became a colorful, loaf-shaped cheddar-blue.

Flavor & Texture

Red Rock combines the sharpness associated with English cheddar with the bite and creaminess of French blue. Open-air cellar aging enhances its rich flavor, balancing a lively edge with a creamy texture. It is an inviting choice for a cheese board when you want the familiarity of cheddar with a little extra personality.

Pairing & Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread or plain crackers, apple or pear slices, and a handful of walnuts. A little honey offers a sweet contrast to the cheese's sharp, blue character. For a drink pairing, try an off-dry Riesling, a fruity red or a malty ale.

Cheese Details

• Producer: Roelli Cheese Haus
• Cheese: Red Rock
• Origin: Shullsburg, Wisconsin, USA
• Style: Cheddar-blue
• Character: Sharp cheddar flavor, blue-cheese bite and creamy texture
• Aging: Open-air cellar aged
• Coloring: Annatto
• Format: Loaf-shaped cheese
• Pricing: $2.55 per ounce, not per whole loaf

Cheddar familiarity meets blue-cheese character in a Wisconsin original.

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

Deep red with purple tones in the beginning, changing to garnet red throughout its aging process. The bouquet brings out notes of berries, marmalade, violets, vanilla, fig and almonds, with slight smoky hues. Dry, elegant, harmonious and full-bodied with typical acidic notes during its juvenile stage. Becomes more round and complex over the years obtaining a soft finish.

Giffard · Roussillon Apricot Liqueur · France · 25% ABV · 750ml

Giffard Roussillon Apricot Liqueur captures ripe stone-fruit character with rich sweetness and a lively tart edge. Made with Rouge du Roussillon apricots, it brings a distinctive fruit note to a cocktail or a small pour over ice.

Producer & Fruit

Giffard & Cie produces this liqueur in Avrillé, near Angers in France’s Loire Valley. The Rouge du Roussillon apricot variety is prized for its delicate, juicy flesh and aromatic character. After harvest, the fruit’s flesh and skin are macerated to capture their flavor and color.

Tasting Notes

Ripe apricot aromas open into fresh green notes and hints of sweet spice, vanilla and caramel. Baked apricot and caramelized fruit lead on the palate, with subtle almond and honeyed tones. A tart, apricot-compote-like edge balances the sweetness, while the medium-length finish carries honey, dried apricot and gentle citrus acidity.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Enjoy a small pour neat or over ice, or use it to add stone-fruit flavor and body to cocktails. Try a Charlie Chaplin with apricot liqueur, sloe gin and lime juice, or combine with sparkling wine and a touch of lemon for a lighter serve.

Suggested pairings include almond tart, fresh goat cheese and dark chocolate. Vanilla and caramel desserts also complement its fruit-forward character.

Details

• Producer: Giffard & Cie
• Style: Apricot liqueur
• Production location: Avrillé, near Angers, Loire Valley, France
• Fruit variety: Rouge du Roussillon apricot
• Method: Maceration of apricot flesh and skin
• Alcohol: 25% ABV / 50 proof
• Bottle size: 750ml

Expressive apricot flavor for a versatile cocktail shelf.

Château de Ribebon Bordeaux Supérieur — Bordeaux, France 2020

Château de Ribebon has one of the more remarkable backstories in Bordeaux — the estate was formerly a hunting lodge for King Louis XVI, and today it is part of the distinguished Aubert family portfolio, one of the most respected names in the region. Farmed from 40-year-old vines and crafted in the classic Petit Château tradition, Ribebon represents exactly what Bordeaux Supérieur does best: honest, terroir-driven wine at an accessible price, made with the same care and philosophy as estates that cost far more. The 2020 vintage is widely regarded as one of Bordeaux's finest of the last decade.

The wine pours a deep ruby. The nose is inviting and well-defined — juicy black fruits, blackcurrant, plum, spice, and a touch of toast from careful oak aging. On the palate, it's structured and well-balanced with a savory, slightly earthy character, medium-to-full body, and a smooth mouthfeel. Still young and developing, it rewards patience — best from 2025 onward, but approachable now with decanting.

"A well-balanced wine, structured and still young. Spice and toast as well as juicy black fruits. The wine is on its way, but should not be drunk before 2025." — Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, 90 Points

• Producer: Château de Ribebon (Aubert Family), Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Bordeaux Supérieur AOC
• Varietal: Merlot-dominant blend
• Vine Age: 40 years
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: Wine Enthusiast 90 (Roger Voss)
• Drink: Best from 2025; decant if opening now
• Tasting Notes: Blackcurrant, plum, spice, toast, earthy, structured tannins
• Best Paired With: Gourmet burgers, lamb chops with rosemary, duck confit, beef stew, mushroom risotto, aged Comté

A 90-point Bordeaux Supérieur from a former royal hunting lodge — Aubert family quality, 40-year-old vines, and one of Bordeaux's finest recent vintages at a Petit Château price.

Producer Description 

An expertly crafted blend of exceptional, high-rye straight bourbon whiskey with a long, gentle finish.

Blended bourbon with aromas and flavor notes of spice cake, cherry, chocolate, vanilla, apple, banana, and pineapple. Nelson Brothers Bourbon with a long, gentle finish, plus peppercorn, spearmint, lemon peel, and sweet tobacco notes.

The world’s most iconic Provence rosé, now in a certified Kosher expression — Whispering Angel from Château d’Esclans is the benchmark by which all modern rosé is measured. Pale, elegant, and endlessly drinkable, it brings the sun-drenched terroir of the Côtes de Provence to your glass with effortless sophistication.

Critical Acclaim

James Suckling — 91 Points
"A silky, seductive and saline Côtes de Provence rosé with aromas of small berries, red currants and salt. It’s medium-bodied, succulent, fresh and playful, with a caressing texture and a vivid, saline finish."

The Wine

Crafted from a classic Provençal blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Rolle (Vermentino), Whispering Angel is the worldwide reference for Provence rosé. Its signature pale blush color draws you in immediately, while the taste profile delivers everything you want: full and lush, bone dry, with a smooth, lingering finish. Highly approachable and enjoyable from mid-day to midnight.

Kosher Certified

This expression of Whispering Angel is fully Kosher certified, making it an exceptional choice for Passover Seders, Shabbat dinners, and any occasion where Kosher wine is required — without any compromise on quality or the iconic Whispering Angel character.

Tasting Profile

Pale salmon-pink with a luminous clarity. The nose is delicate and inviting — small red berries, red currants, fresh citrus, and a distinctive saline minerality. On the palate it’s silky and medium-bodied with bright acidity, a lush, succulent texture, and a vivid, clean finish with a beautiful saline lift. Classic Whispering Angel.

Food Pairings

Serve well-chilled (46–50°F) with grilled fish, seafood, light salads, mezze, roasted chicken, or soft cheeses. Equally at home at a Passover Seder, a summer lunch, or an elegant dinner party. Versatile, crowd-pleasing, and always impressive.

Product Details

• Producer: Château d’Esclans
• Region: Côtes de Provence AOC, Provence, France
• Blend: Grenache, Cinsault, Rolle (Vermentino)
• Certification: Kosher
• Vintage: 2024
• Style: Pale, bone-dry, medium-bodied Provence rosé
• Serve: Well-chilled, 46–50°F
• Format: 750ml

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

Roundness and generosity! Mariflor Malbec has the complexity, the power and sensuality with deep aromas of black fruits and spices which will insure it the longevity, roundness and generosity make it pleasant to taste “primeur” or young.

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

Expert Reviews 

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | The NV Brut Pinot de Diel is an assemblage of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir, a réserve perpetuelle predominantly harvested in 2021. Aged sur lattes for two years and disgorged with a dosage of four grams per liter in May 2024, the wine opens with deep, bright and fresh, lemony fruit intertwined with delicate brioche, sur lie and also flinty terroir aromas. Round but dry and fresh on the palate, this is a medium to full-bodied Brut with a clear, long and mouth-cleansing finish. It's excellent in structure, complexity and length. 12% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine in Burg Layen in February 2025.

James Suckling 92 Points | This creamy, barely medium-bodied sparkling wine tastes very French, with appealing aromas and flavors of yellow apples, brioche and flint. The lively mousse deftly lifts the long candied-citrus finish. A cuvee based on the 2022 vintage plus some reserve wine, disgorged June 2025. Drink now.

Producer Notes

Variety: Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris (co-planted and co-fermented) • Region: Nahe • Vineyard: Various estate sites • Soil Type: Slate & quartzite • Fermentation & Élevage: Stainless steel fermentation and aging, minimum 20 months en tirage, dosage is sweet Pinot Gris aged in barrique.

Memo Summary Notes

The Schlossgut Diel Pinot de Diel Brut NV is a sophisticated German sparkling wine (Sekt) from the Nahe region. While many German sparkling wines are made from Riesling, this specific cuvée is a "Pinot" blend, modeled after the traditional Champagne style but with a distinct German terroir.

Schlossgut Diel is one of Germany’s most prestigious estates. While they are famous for their Grand Cru Rieslings, Caroline Diel spent time training in Champagne, and that influence is clear here. The "Pinot de Diel" is designed to be their "luncheon" sparkling—elegant enough for a celebration but versatile enough for the table.

Food Pairings

• Classic: Raw oysters, sashimi, or lightly fried calamari.

• German Pairing: Veal schnitzel with a squeeze of lemon.

• Casual: It is famously good with high-quality salty snacks like truffle popcorn or Marcona almonds.

Gilles Baumann has been coaxing something genuinely special out of Gascony for decades, and this 100% Gros Manseng is a quiet proof of it. The Réserve Sélection is a step up from the estate's classic blend — a single-varietal bottling that lets Gros Manseng do what it does best: spiced citrus, brioche, a thread of salty minerality, and a finish that's dry yet somehow feels lush. Vines averaging 30 years old, grown on the sun-baked slopes of the Côtes de Gascogne, give the fruit real concentration for the price. Crisp, textured, and versatile at the table — this is the kind of bottle that disappears fast.

• Grape: 100% Gros Manseng
• Region: Côtes de Gascogne, Southwest France
• Vintage: 2025
• Format: 750ml
• Vines: ~30 years average
• Closure: Screw cap

Food Pairing

Seafood, grilled fish, tarts, salty or sweet cakes, and fresh cheeses. Excellent as an aperitif. Serve well chilled.

Pfeffingen Dry Scheurebe 2023 750ml

Explore the unique flavors of Pfeffingen Dry Scheurebe, a remarkable white wine that embodies the essence of German viticulture. This 2023 vintage is known for its crisp brightness and vibrant fruit flavors. The Scheurebe grape, a hybrid of Silvaner and Riesling, brings forth a unique profile with wonderful aromatic qualities and a distinctive style. Connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike will appreciate its structured palate and refreshing finish.

Expert Recognition - 2023 Vintage

Wine Spectator - 89 Points
"A distinctive style, with an expressive profile of cool mint and wild green herbs infusing a base of dried apricot, yuzu, tangerine cream and fleshy mango. Rich yet dry on the palate, with quinine bitterness. Drink now through 2028. 150 cases imported."

Scheurebe Grape Variety

The Scheurebe grape is a hybrid of Silvaner and Riesling, creating a unique German white wine variety with wonderful aromatic qualities. This crossing combines the best characteristics of both parent grapes, resulting in a wine with exceptional complexity and distinctive character that sets it apart from traditional German white wines.

Tasting Profile

Aroma: Expressive profile of cool mint and wild green herbs, ripe peach, citrus, dried apricot, yuzu, tangerine cream, fleshy mango, and hints of floral undertones
Palate: Rich yet dry with balanced sweetness and acidity. Structured palate with quinine bitterness adding complexity. Crisp brightness and vibrant fruit flavors
Finish: Refreshing finish with distinctive character
Drink Window: Now through 2028

Traditional Winemaking Excellence

The production of Pfeffingen Dry Scheurebe is rooted in traditional winemaking practices combined with modern techniques. The grapes are meticulously harvested at optimal ripeness to ensure the best flavor concentration. After a gentle pressing, the juice undergoes fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks, preserving the fresh aroma profiles. This careful attention to the winemaking process enables the wine to achieve its signature vibrant character while respecting the unique qualities of the Scheurebe grape.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Best enjoyed chilled, this wine pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Its refreshing taste complements flavors without overwhelming them:

• Seafood and shellfish
• Asian cuisine (Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese)
• Light salads with citrus vinaigrette
• Sushi and sashimi
• Grilled fish
• Spicy dishes (the wine's structure balances heat)
• Fresh goat cheese

Limited Production

With only 150 cases imported, this distinctive German white wine represents a rare opportunity to experience the unique Scheurebe grape variety. The limited availability makes it a special addition to any wine collection.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you are hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening, this wine enhances any occasion with its rich heritage and character. The dedication to quality ensures that each bottle delivers a consistent and enjoyable experience, making it an ideal choice for diverse gastronomic experiences. This refreshing white wine with its aromatic complexity and structured palate is perfect for wine enthusiasts seeking something distinctive and memorable.

Champagne Gamet | Rive Droite | Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut | Vallée de la Marne, Champagne | NV (60% 2021 Base) | Practicing Organic

Champagne Gamet is a grower-producer based along the right bank of the Marne River — a stretch of Champagne defined by its sunny exposures, sandy clay soils over limestone, and a distinctly saline, mineral character. The estate farms with purpose: practicing-organic viticulture, old vines averaging 40 to 50 years, and a winemaking philosophy that prizes precision and terroir transparency over power. Rive Droite is the house’s signature Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut, drawing fruit from the villages of Fleury-la-Rivière and Damery — two contrasting sites whose combination of ripe fruit character and firm mineral backbone defines the wine’s identity.

The blend is 85% Pinot Meunier and 15% Pinot Noir. Approximately 60% comes from the 2021 harvest, with 40% reserve wines dating back to 2014 — a depth of material that adds complexity and consistency without sacrificing freshness. Vinification is primarily in stainless steel, with roughly 10% fermented and matured in oak for texture and nuance. Malolactic fermentation is carried out in full. After secondary fermentation in bottle, the wine ages approximately 18 months on its lees before disgorgement at a low dosage of approximately 4 grams per liter, placing it firmly within the Extra Brut category and emphasizing its freshness, precision and mineral character.

The wine pours pale straw with a fine, persistent mousse. The nose opens with dried pear, white cherry, raspberry and delicate strawberry, layered with apple blossom, dried flowers and a whisper of spice. With air, blood orange peel, grapefruit, almond, brioche and crushed stone emerge. On the palate, the wine is fresh, supple and finely textured — Pinot Meunier brings roundness and generosity, while Pinot Noir adds structure and savory depth. Bright acidity and a clean saline thread carry the wine through a mouthwatering, gently nutty finish.

Serve as an aperitif or throughout the meal. Pairs beautifully with oysters, smoked salmon, sushi, shellfish, roast chicken, pork, charcuterie, mushroom dishes and soft or moderately aged cheeses. Serve well chilled at 46–50°F in a white wine or tulip-shaped Champagne glass.

Wine Spectator: 92 Points — Sleek and finely textured, with flavors of dried white cherry, raspberry, blood orange peel, almond blossom and chopped nuts. A refreshing saline note carries through the mouthwatering finish.

Vinous: 91 Points — Bright, expressive and full of character, offering notes of dried pear, cherry, cinnamon, dried flowers and nuts. Silky and understated, with additional harmony emerging as the Champagne opens in the glass.

Jeb Dunnuck: 90 Points — Savory aromas of wet stone lead to delicate strawberry, light spice and grapefruit. Medium-bodied and subtly textured, with increasing richness on the palate and a salty, mineral-driven finish.

• Producer: Champagne Gamet
• Cuvée: Rive Droite
• Style: Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut
• Appellation: Champagne, France
• Region: Vallée de la Marne
• Villages: Fleury-la-Rivière and Damery
• Grape Varieties: 85% Pinot Meunier, 15% Pinot Noir
• Base Vintage: 60% 2021 harvest
• Reserve Wines: 40%, dating back to 2014
• Farming: Practicing organic
• Vine Age: ~40–50 years
• Soils: Sand, clay, limestone and marl
• Vinification: ~90% stainless steel, ~10% oak
• Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
• Lees Aging: ~18 months
• Dosage: ~4 g/L
• Bottle Size: 750ml

As a non-vintage Champagne, base vintage proportions, reserve wine composition, aging period, dosage and disgorgement date may vary by release.

Woodford Reserve · Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey · 90.4 Proof

Woodford Reserve Rye takes its cue from pre-Prohibition rye whiskeys, with a mash bill containing 53% rye. Spice and tobacco lead a layered mix of fruit, floral and sweet aromatics, bringing sweetness and balance to this Kentucky straight rye whiskey.

Rye spice, black pepper, cedar and cassia bark meet a dusting of marzipan, with pear, apple and almond underneath. The palate brings clove, rye, mint, molasses, sorghum and honey, accented by apple and malt. The finish is long and sweetly spiced.

Producer Description

Woodford Reserve Rye uses a pre-prohibition style ratio of 53% rye in its mash bill to pay homage to history’s original rye whiskeys, making spice and tobacco the dominant note among a sea of fruit, floral, and sweet aromatics, which yields a nice sweetness and overall balance. Our rye whiskey can deliver complex flavors – neat, on ice, or in a cocktail. A balanced rye makes a more balanced cocktail.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy neat, on ice or in a cocktail to explore its balance of rye spice, fruit and sweetness.

Details

• Producer: Woodford Reserve
• Country: United States
• Region: Kentucky
• Location: Versailles
• Type: Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
• Grain: Rye, 53% of the mash bill
• Proof: 90.4
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Winemaker Description 

The aromas that rise from the glass are a complex blend of black cherry, herbs, apricot jam and lavender. The dark fruits and hints of herbs delight the palate as the layers of green bell pepper and vanilla emerge. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Aslina "Umsasane" Red Blend 2022 is the flagship wine from Ntsiki Biyela, South Africa’s first Black female winemaker. The name "Umsasane" refers to the umbrella acacia tree and was the nickname of Ntsiki's grandmother, Aslina, symbolizing her role as the family's "anchor and protector."

Technical Profile & Composition

The 2022 vintage is a classic Bordeaux-style blend from the Stellenbosch region, known for producing world-class Cabernet.

• Winemaking: The wine is aged for approximately 16 months in French oak barrels, with about 15–20% being new oak. This adds structure without overpowering the fruit.

• The "Umsasane" is a bold wine that requires hearty flavors to match its structure:

  • Meats: Roast beef, grilled ribeye, or lamb chops with rosemary.

  • Vegetarian: Portobello mushroom steaks or a rich lentil stew.

  • Cheese: Aged Gouda or sharp Cheddar.

Defaix Frères Rully 1er Cru Les Cloux — Burgundy 2022

Defaix Frères is a family domaine with deep roots in the Côte Chalonnaise, farming 11 acres of Rully Premier Cru holdings that have been in the family for generations. Les Cloux is one of Rully’s most prized Premier Cru vineyards — a south-facing site that captures the full warmth of the Burgundian sun while retaining the limestone-driven minerality that defines the appellation. The 2022 vintage was a gift: a warm, dry growing season that produced Chardonnay of exceptional ripeness and concentration, with the structure to age gracefully for a decade or more. At this price, it is one of the most compelling Premier Cru values in all of Burgundy.

The color is a luminous golden straw. The nose is refined and expressive: ripe citrus, green apple, white peach, and delicate white flowers, layered with warm spice and a signature note of roasted hazelnut from judicious oak élevage. On the palate, it is fresh and beautifully balanced — crisp acidity framing a subtle creamy texture, with flavors of lemon zest, orchard fruit, and gentle limestone minerality leading to a long, clean, and elegant finish.

“Delicious, open, and friendly — ripe, crisp apples and pears with an undercurrent of warm spices and roasted hazelnut. A judicious use of oak.”

• Producer: Defaix Frères, Rully, Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Rully 1er Cru Les Cloux AOC
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Holdings: 11 acres of Rully Premier Cru
• Style: Refined, expressive, mineral-driven white Burgundy
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, green apple, white peach, white flowers, roasted hazelnut, warm spice, limestone minerality
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 8–10 years
• Best Paired With: Roast chicken, lobster, seafood, creamy pastas, egg dishes, patés, soft cheeses

Premier Cru Burgundy at an honest price — Defaix Frères Les Cloux is the Côte Chalonnaise at its most compelling.

Expert Review

Allan Meadows  of Burghound writes 91 Points | Bright red and dark berry fruit aromas are nuanced by notes of spice, earth and plenty of floral nuances, especially violet. The rich, concentrated and palate coating medium weight flavors possess plenty of sappy dry extract that buffers the firm tannins supporting the elegant yet powerful finish. At least some patience is strongly recommended. I would note that this example showed markedly better than one from last year, in fact so much so that I have no explanation.  

Winemaker Description 

Delicate profile, floral with notes of citrus, a hint of pineapple and banana. Fresh taste, pleasantly acidic with a long finish. 

Straw yellow with greenish reflections. Delicate profile, floral with notes of citrus, a hint of pineapple and banana. Fresh taste, pleasantly acidic with a long finish.

This light, refreshing Bianco Toscana is a versatile and very drinkable wine to complement many dishes and to capture the heart.

Ideal as an aperitif or to accompany fish and vegetables.

Black Dirt · New York Straight Bourbon · 4 Years

Black Dirt takes its name from the dark, fertile soil left by an ancient glacial lake in New York. Suited to growing corn, this distinctive agricultural landscape provides the story behind a bourbon rooted in the region. Black Dirt Distilling was formed in 2012, with its spirits originally born at Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery.

Character & Style

Aged for four years in new American oak barrels, this straight bourbon is made from a mash of 80% blue corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye. The existing producer description highlights a rich, nutty flavor and a surprisingly smooth finish at 50% ABV.

Producer Description

Black Dirt
Aged for 4 years, in new American oak barrels. The mash of 80% blue corn, 12% malted barley, 8% rye has a rich nutty flavor, with a surprisingly smooth finish at 50% ABV.

Serving Suggestions

Try it neat to explore its nutty character, or add a little water to find your preferred balance. For a classic cocktail, consider an Old Fashioned.

Details

• Producer: Black Dirt Distilling
• Origin: New York, USA
• Style: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Age: 4 years
• Mash bill: 80% blue corn, 12% malted barley, 8% rye
• Aging: New American oak barrels
• Alcohol: 50% ABV / 100 proof
• Bottle size: 750ml

R. Pouillon & Fils | Les Blanchiens | Premier Cru Brut Nature | Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne | 2017 | Biodynamic | Zero Dosage

R. Pouillon & Fils is one of Champagne's most exciting and principled grower-producers, based in the Premier Cru village of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ in the Vallée de la Marne. Fabrice Pouillon farms his vineyards according to biodynamic principles — a commitment to the land that goes beyond organic certification, working in harmony with natural cycles to produce wines of exceptional purity, vitality, and terroir expression.

Les Blanchiens is considered one of the defining wines of the Pouillon estate — a mono-cru vintage Champagne from a single south-facing parcel in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, farmed biodynamically on clay-limestone soils. An equal blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the two varieties are fermented separately in used neutral barriques and raised for approximately 18 months in neutral oak before bottling — the restrained use of older oak adding texture and complexity without masking the purity of the fruit or the distinctive character of the terroir.

As a Brut Nature Champagne, Les Blanchiens is finished without dosage — zero grams per liter — placing the focus entirely on the quality of the fruit, the structure of the vintage, and the mineral tension of the vineyard. This is a wine that demands and rewards attention.

The bouquet is distinctive and complex — opening with unique aromas of black tea and bitter orange, joined by ripe citrus, orchard fruit, dried flowers, gentle spice, toasted grain, and subtle chalky minerality. On the palate, powerful yet remarkably light on its feet: Pinot Noir provides drive and structure, while Chardonnay contributes brightness, precision, and energy. Finely delineated texture with vibrant acidity and a persistent mousse carrying the wine into an exceptionally long, focused finish. A vinous, gastronomic Champagne that continues to reveal new layers as it opens in the glass.

Pair with oysters, caviar, lobster, grilled fish, scallops, roast poultry, mushroom dishes, aged Comté, and other firm or nutty cheeses.

• Producer: R. Pouillon & Fils
• Cuvée: Les Blanchiens
• Classification: Premier Cru Brut Nature (Zero Dosage)
• Appellation: Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Vallée de la Marne, Champagne, France
• Blend: 50% Pinot Noir, 50% Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2017
• Farming: Biodynamic
• Soils: Clay-limestone; south-facing
• Vinification: Varieties fermented separately in neutral barriques
• Élevage: ~18 months in neutral oak
• Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
• Dosage: Zero (Brut Nature)
• Bottle Size: 750ml