$10 - $25 Wine

Benziger Family Winery | Chardonnay | 2023

A bright, food-friendly Chardonnay sourced primarily from Monterey County — California's premier cool-climate home for Burgundian whites. The Pacific Ocean's maritime fog rolls in to slow ripening, preserving crisp acidity while allowing flavors to fully develop over the long growing season. Limestone-rich Lockwood shale adds a layer of complex minerality that lifts the wine beyond its price point. In the cellar, cold fermentation in neutral French oak followed by six months of sur lie aging in new French oak builds texture and depth, while 75% malolactic fermentation softens the mid-palate without sacrificing freshness. The result: a clean, balanced Chardonnay with a long finish that overdelivers at the table.

• Appellation: Monterey County, California
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml | Screwcap
• Cellaring: Drink now through 2027
• Oak: Cold fermented in neutral French oak; sur lie aged 6 months in new French oak
• MLF: 75%

Tasting Notes

Dry and crisp with medium body and a long finish. Notes of lemon zest, green apple, ripe pear, and apricot, with a subtle mineral thread and a hint of toasted oak on the close.

Winemaker's Notes — 2023 Vintage

Moderate conditions during the growing and ripening seasons produced healthy yields and superb quality. Mild temperatures and extended hang time allowed acidity to remain in balance with full flavor development.

Winemaker Description 

Johann Stadlmann is chairman of the regional wine committee and was named "Falstaff Winemaker of the Year" in 1994.

In the nose, the aromas of this special grape variety immediately attract attention: ripe pear (including skin!), peach and apple supplemented with cinnamon and matcha. Already at the first sip, the beautiful balance between the pleasant acidity and the rounder mouthfeel is striking, with the additional aroma of bitter orange. A surprising glass of wine that lingers for a long time, in aftertaste and memory! Wine-food: seared lobster with bisque-based gravy.

Winemaker Description

Intense color with purple reflections. The aromas of violets and Mediterranean herbs complement the delicate notes of chocolate and toast from the subtle aging.

Elegant on the palate, with fresh notes that combine with round and sweet tannins. In perfect balance with natural acidity, it is a pleasant and long-lasting finish.

Memo Summary Notes

The Sierra de Toloño Rioja Tempranillo 2023 is a refreshing departure from the oak-heavy, traditional styles of Rioja. Crafted by Sandra Bravo—one of Spain's most acclaimed young winemakers—this wine is a "mountain Tempranillo" that prioritizes freshness, altitude, and purity of fruit.

Food Pairings

    Tapas & Tacos: Perfect for Arrachera (skirt steak) tacos or chorizo al vino.

    Roasted Meats: Herb-crusted lamb chops or roast chicken with rosemary.

    Spanish Classics: Paella Mixta or a simple plate of Jamón Ibérico and Manchego.

Winemaker Description 

Aroa is a small winery in the Deierri Valley, in Navarra, which has recently been part of the Vintae group. They are specialists in producing organic wines of the highest quality. 

Proof of this is its Aroa Jauna, a Crianza red that perfectly blends four different grape varieties to achieve an extraordinary palate. One of the best wines that have fallen into our hands for its value for money.

Winery Tasting Note: View: Deep, purple and blood tones, very clean, of great intensity and brightness. Nose: clean and crisp of ripe fruit, pear compote and sweet apple and quince. Advancing cocoa, dry leaves and bark, guessing some hides in the background. suggestive. Mouth: Tasty, agile, with well integrated tannins. 

The evolution is favourable, due to the perfect harmony between alcohol and acidity. The finish is well resolved, with a full sensation of freshness and meatiness. Modern, elegant and tempting wine.

Winemaker Description

This wine has dark savory fruit with notes of bay, thyme and leather. Firmer structured and chalky on the palate. In typical Bodegas Ponce fashion, La Casilla manages to express the inherent power and structure of Bobal and it's native Manchuela, but goes so with the sort of grace and style that re-calls Cru Beaujolais 

Sierra de Tolono Rioja Blanco 2024 750ml

Experience the unique essence of the Toloño Mountains in every sip of Sierra de Toloño Rioja Blanco 2024. Sourced from organically farmed vines at over 600 meters elevation, this wine reflects Sandra Bravo's mission to show a lighter, more terroir-driven side of Rioja. No oak, no heaviness—just clean, honest fruit and a cool-climate edge that embodies the vibrant spirit of the Toloño Mountains.

Sandra Bravo - Artisanal Winemaker

High up in the foothills of the Sierra de Toloño, in Rioja Alavesa, Sandra Bravo works in some of the oldest and highest altitude vineyards in Rioja. This young winemaker translates the mountainous landscape into pure and expressive wines in her small winery in Villabuena de Álava, where she works with steel, anforas, and old wood.

International Experience

"I was studying Engineering and Enology in Rioja and then I was working in wineries of Bordeaux, Tuscany, New Zealand and California. When I came back to Spain, I spent 7 years in Priorat. All that experience gave me an open point of view to make different wines here in Rioja (where I come from). I have to say Priorat really influenced me to make artisanal wines, and to understand that the most important is the vineyard, the vineyard with soul."

Rioja Alavesa Terroir

"When I came back to Rioja in 2012, I decided to make wines respecting what the vineyard give and always looking for freshness. I was in love with this area in Rioja Alavesa, calcareous soil, small plots, Mediterranean herbs and always North wind with high altitude (right in the mountain that gives my name's project: Sierra de Toloño)... it was perfect! Because all of this my wines are really mineral."

Organically Farmed High-Altitude Vineyards

Sourced from organically farmed vines at over 600 meters elevation. The grapes are meticulously harvested from vineyards nestled in the Toloño Mountains, where optimal sunlight and fresh temperatures allow for perfect ripeness. These are some of the oldest and highest altitude vineyards in Rioja.

2024 Vintage Profile

The 2024 vintage delivers vibrant aromas of lemon peel, white peach, and wild herbs, with a palate that's crisp and zesty, underpinned by saline minerality and firm acidity. This vintage showcases the lighter, more terroir-driven side of Rioja that Sandra Bravo champions.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Pale gold with green reflections
Aroma: Vibrant aromas of lemon peel, white peach, and wild herbs. Lively citrus notes with Mediterranean herbs
Palate: Crisp and zesty, underpinned by saline minerality and firm acidity. Clean, honest fruit with cool-climate edge. Balanced acidity with subtle minerality
Finish: Refreshing finish with lingering minerality

No Oak, No Heaviness

No oak, no heaviness—just clean, honest fruit and a cool-climate edge. The winery employs techniques to preserve the natural flavors and aromas of the grapes, ensuring a pure expression of the terroir without oak influence or heavy winemaking intervention.

Calcareous Soil & Minerality

The calcareous soil of Rioja Alavesa creates the distinctive mineral character that defines these wines. "Because all of this my wines are really mineral," Sandra explains. Each sip reveals the influence of the limestone-rich soils and mountainous terroir.

Cool-Climate Freshness

Sandra's mission is to show a lighter, more terroir-driven side of Rioja, always looking for freshness. The high altitude, North wind, and cool climate create wines with vibrant acidity and refreshing character that set them apart from traditional oaked Rioja whites.

Small Plots & Micro-Terroirs

She harvests multiple varieties from micro-terroirs over many small plots that together form a fresh, beautiful image of the area. This approach allows each vineyard site to contribute its unique character to the final blend.

Vineyard with Soul

"I have to say Priorat really influenced me to make artisanal wines, and to understand that the most important is the vineyard, the vineyard with soul." This philosophy guides every decision in the vineyard and winery, creating wines of authenticity and character.

Steel, Anforas & Old Wood

In her small winery in Villabuena de Álava, Sandra works with steel, anforas, and old wood. This combination of traditional and modern vessels allows her to craft wines that honor tradition while expressing contemporary vision.

Mediterranean Herbs & North Wind

The area features Mediterranean herbs and always North wind with high altitude. These elements combine to create a unique microclimate that imparts distinctive aromatic complexity and freshness to the wines.

Pure & Expressive Wines

This young winemaker translates the mountainous landscape into pure and expressive wines. Each bottle captures the essence of the Sierra de Toloño, offering an honest expression of place and vintage.

Food Pairing Suggestions

The Sierra de Toloño Rioja Blanco 2024 is an excellent partner for a wide range of dishes:

• Grilled fish and seafood
• Fresh salads with citrus vinaigrette
• Creamy risottos
• Light pasta dishes
• Goat cheese and soft cheeses
• Tapas and Spanish cuisine
• Shellfish and oysters

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled to unlock its full potential. The crisp acidity and vibrant flavors make it ideal for summer gatherings or quiet evenings at home. Whether you're hosting or enjoying a casual meal, this wine enhances the experience.

Respecting What the Vineyard Gives

"When I came back to Rioja in 2012, I decided to make wines respecting what the vineyard give." This philosophy of minimal intervention and respect for terroir creates wines that are authentic expressions of their origin.

Rioja Reimagined

Sandra Bravo's international experience gave her "an open point of view to make different wines here in Rioja." The result is a fresh, modern interpretation of Rioja Blanco that showcases the region's potential for elegant, terroir-driven white wines.

Perfect for Every Occasion

This wine is not just a wine; it's an invitation to indulge in culinary exploration. Let the refreshing taste of the Toloño Mountains elevate your meals. Discover the magic of pairing with this exceptional white wine, and find yourself enchanted with every sip.

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.

Expert Review

Winemaker Description 

González Byass Alfonso Oloroso Seco is a wine made from Palomino Fino from their own vineyards.

As soon as the grapes arrive at the winery, they are softly pressed to obtain the free-run must (mosto yema), which will be used to make this wine. After fermentation, classification and fortification at 18% vol., the wine enters the "solera", where it will remain for an average of eight years in American oak butts, following the traditional "solera" system. The wine ages in full contact with the air, which allows its complete oxidation. 

Winemaker Description 

While this is a fruit-forward Moroccan red, it is made in an OldWorld style with moderate extraction, excellent balance, and complex aromatics: plenty of ripe purple black fruits and dark confiture, with hints of sandalwood. 

Hess Select Chardonnay Monterey County 2024 — Monterey County, California

Hess Collection is one of California’s most respected family-owned wineries, with estates spanning Napa Valley and beyond. Hess Select is their approachable everyday label — crafted with the same attention to quality as their flagship wines but designed for the table. This Monterey County Chardonnay draws from one of California’s premier cool-climate appellations, where Pacific breezes off Monterey Bay preserve natural acidity and allow grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, producing Chardonnay of genuine character at an honest price.

A thoughtful blend of 70% stainless steel and 30% French oak fermentation keeps the wine fresh and bright while adding a touch of richness. The nose opens with aromas of grilled pineapple, star fruit, and vanilla, leading to a medium-bodied palate of sliced peach and golden apple, with a touch of crème brûlée on the finish — clean, balanced, and crowd-pleasing.

70% stainless, 30% French oak — Monterey freshness with just enough richness to satisfy.

• Producer: Hess Collection (Hess Select), Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Monterey County
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Fermentation: 70% stainless steel, 30% French oak
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Grilled pineapple, star fruit, vanilla, sliced peach, golden apple, crème brûlée finish
• Best Paired With: Roast chicken, grilled halibut, lobster mac and cheese, creamy pasta, Brie, aged cheddar, goat cheese

Consistent, crowd-pleasing, and genuinely well-made — Hess Select Chardonnay is the benchmark for everyday California white.

Gallo Family Red Moscato — California NV — 1.5L Magnum

The Gallo family has been making wine in California since 1933, and their Best Taste Promise® — a commitment from Ernest and Julio Gallo to every customer — has made them one of America's most trusted wine producers. The Red Moscato is their most playful and crowd-pleasing expression: sweet, fruity, and refreshingly easy to enjoy. In a generous 1.5L Magnum format, it is the bottle you reach for when you want something fun, approachable, and built for sharing at any occasion.

Medium-bodied and vibrant, with sweet citrus and ripe peach on the nose and a bright red berry finish that is refreshing and lively. Chill it well and pour freely — this is a wine that needs no introduction and no occasion to justify it.

"Every bottle of wine Ernest and Julio made was a promise — a promise from our family to yours that you'll always get the best tasting wine." — Gallo Family Vineyards Best Taste Promise®

• Producer: Gallo Family Vineyards, California
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Red Moscato
• Style: Sweet Red Wine — Medium-Bodied, Fruity & Refreshing
• Format: 1.5L Magnum (equivalent to 2 standard bottles)
• Tasting Notes: Sweet citrus, ripe peach, bright red berry finish
• Best Paired With: Light cheeses, spicy cuisine, desserts, fruit tarts, casual entertaining

Two bottles, one great price — Gallo Family Red Moscato Magnum is the benchmark for fun, approachable California sweet wine built for sharing.

Domaine de Villargeau Coteaux du Giennois Sauvignon Blanc 2023

Domaine de Villargeau is a family estate with a story rooted in determination and a deep respect for the land. In 1991, brothers Fernand and Jean-François Thibault cleared hillsides in the Coteaux du Giennois that had lain abandoned since the phylloxera crisis, planting vines on south-southwest-facing slopes that enjoy exceptional sun exposure. The next generation followed: Marc returned to the estate in 2000 armed with formal training in viticulture and oenology, and Yves joined shortly after, bringing with him a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. That commitment culminated in 2019 when the domaine launched its full conversion to organic agriculture — a milestone that reflects the family’s long-term vision for the land.

The Coteaux du Giennois is a small, often overlooked Loire appellation situated just north of Sancerre, sharing the same chalky, flint-rich soils that give the region’s Sauvignon Blancs their signature mineral precision. Villargeau’s south-facing hillside sites amplify that character, producing wines of remarkable freshness, finesse, and aromatic complexity at an exceptional price point.

The 2023 is pale yellow with silvery glints. The nose opens with bright aromas of tangerine, grapefruit, and lemon on a floral background, with subtle notes of lily of the valley and elderberry. With aeration, the wine gains complexity, revealing mineral and spicy nuances alongside lime blossom and bergamot. The palate is fresh and lively from the first sip — consistent with the nose, with the same citrus precision — and finishes on lovely, lingering mineral notes. A wine of finesse, intensity, and outstanding value.

Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Appellation: Coteaux du Giennois AOC, Loire Valley, France
Vintage: 2023
Format: 750ml
Farming: Organic (certified 2019)

CHÂTEAU FAGE GRAVES DE VAYRES RED 2022 | 750ML

🇫🇷 France — Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot | Graves de Vayres, Bordeaux

A juicy, vibrant Bordeaux red from the ultra-confidential Graves de Vayres appellation. Deep dark cherries, blackberries, toasted spices, and walnuts on the nose, with a lifted character and nicely integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied and fresh, with pliant tannins, well-judged acidity, and a smooth, chocolaty finish with gentle grip. A well-crafted wine that drinks beautifully now or rewards short-term cellaring.

Château Fage is an authentic family vineyard estate nestled in the heart of Graves de Vayres — a property where terroir and tradition are taken seriously, and where every vintage reflects the character of this quietly exceptional corner of Bordeaux.

90 Points — James Suckling
“A juicy and vibrant red that goes deep on dark cherries, blackberries, toasted spices and walnuts. Medium-bodied with polished tannins and vivid acidity. The finish is smooth, with a chocolaty character. Drink or hold.” (Vintage 2022). 

90 Points — Vinous Media
“Lifted nose with nicely integrated oak and redcurrant, boysenberry and light violet scents. The palate is medium-bodied and quite fresh, with pliant tannins, well-judged acidity and gentle grip on the finish. A well-crafted Graves de Vayres that comes recommended.” (Vintage 2022). 

Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot
Region: Graves de Vayres, Bordeaux, France
Vintage: 2022
Format: 750ml
Scores: 90 pts James Suckling | 90 pts Vinous Media

MONTES ALPHA MALBEC VALLE DE COLCHAGUA 2023 | 750ML

🇨🇱 Chile — Malbec | Valle de Colchagua

Deep ruby red with an intense violet hue. The nose focuses around pronounced aromas of ripe sour cherries, violets, and wildflowers, while a touch of crème de cassis, jam, and anise round out the aromatic profile. The generous palate has tremendous volume, and perfectly round tannins lend structure to a long, lingering finish.

“We always seek to go further — this time, we wanted to go higher, to go beyond wisdom. It is challenging, and you need two wings to fly.”

A creative flight of two generations: our founder Aurelio Montes and his son of the same name, Aurelio Montes, embark on this creative journey that brings a unique Carménère to life.

— Aurelio Montes

Grape: Malbec
Region: Valle de Colchagua, Chile
Vintage: 2023
Format: 750ml

CHÂTEAU FAGE GRAVES DE VAYRES WHITE 2023 | 750ML

🇫🇷 France — Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc | Graves de Vayres, Bordeaux

A beautiful bouquet nuanced between the citrus freshness of Sauvignon Blanc and the expressive richness of Sémillon. Bright aromas of lemon zest, green apple, and fresh herbs lead to a crisp, well-balanced palate with tropical fruit, smooth texture, and a subtle mineral undertone. The finish is clean, refreshing, and inviting — a wine built for the table and ready to drink now.

Crafted from 60% Sémillon and 40% Sauvignon Blanc, Château Fage captures the charm of Bordeaux’s Graves de Vayres appellation with genuine food-friendly finesse.

88 Points — Wine Enthusiast
“This is a creamy style of wine. Its tropical aromas and smooth fruit are lifted by a crisper, youthful acidity. It is likely to be ready from later this year.” — Roger Voss, (Vintage 2023). 

88 Points — James Suckling
“A simple wine with aromas of lemon zest, stones and apple peel. Light and fresh, with crisp fruit and an easy finish. Drink now.” (Vintage 2023). 

Pairs well with: Seafood, light salads, goat cheese, and aperitif.

Grapes: 60% Sémillon, 40% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Graves de Vayres, Bordeaux, France
Vintage: 2023
Format: 750ml
Scores: 88 pts Wine Enthusiast | 88 pts James Suckling

MONTES ALPHA CHARDONNAY ACONCAGUA COSTA 2023 | 750ML

🇨🇱 Chile — Chardonnay | Aconcagua Costa

Brilliant, light golden-yellow in color. The perfumed nose offers notes of cherimoya, ripe pineapple, pear, and banana, with a mineral undercurrent that speaks to the terroir. On the palate, crisp acidity complements a voluptuous structure and body, with flavors of grilled pineapple, spice-poached pear, and toasted hazelnut. The finish is long, elegant, and vibrant, with a lingering note of lemon peel.

Grown in the Aconcagua Costa region, where proximity to the Pacific Ocean and pronounced sea breezes allow Chardonnay to ripen slowly and completely. Soils range from sandy to clay-loam, lending enormous complexity and cold-climate typicity. Aged 35% in French oak barrels for 12 months.

Pairs well with: White meat, fish, and pasta.

92 Points — Wine Spectator
“Bright verbena and citrus blossom notes lead in this moderately rich style, with grilled pineapple and spice-poached pear flavors that are sleek in feel and linger, adding toasted hazelnut and lemon peel on the vibrant finish.” (Vintage 2023). 
— Aaron Romano

90 Points — Wine Enthusiast
“Hints of salt emerge on the nose of this medium-bodied Chardonnay. The creamy palate shows notes of citrus, spices, and herbs. Moderate freshness brings balance and drives the flavors through a lasting finish.” — Jesica Vargas. (Vintage 2023). 

Grape: Chardonnay
Region: Aconcagua Costa, Chile
Vintage: 2023
Format: 750ml
Scores: 92 pts Wine Spectator | 90 pts Wine Enthusiast

Director's Cut by Francis Ford Coppola Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County 2023

Just as a director's cut represents a filmmaker's purest creative vision, Director's Cut wines from Francis Ford Coppola Winery are crafted to reflect the winemaker's own interpretation of quintessential Sonoma character. Free from compromise, these wines are an unfiltered expression of place and varietal — bold, honest, and true to the land.

Sonoma County's remarkable climatic diversity is the backbone of this Cabernet Sauvignon. One of only a handful of appellations in the world where both cool-climate and warm-weather varietals thrive side by side, Sonoma offers the ideal conditions for Cabernet to develop depth and structure while retaining freshness and complexity.

Deep ruby in the glass, the 2023 opens with inviting aromas of blackberry jam, mocha, and baking spices, with hints of toffee and dark chocolate. The palate is rich and full-bodied, with ripe fruit flavors, a velvety texture, and a long, warming finish. An expressive, food-friendly Cabernet that punches well above its price.

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Sonoma County, California
Vintage: 2023
Format: 750ml

DOMAINE NERANTZI ASSYRTIKO P.G.I. SERRES ORGANIC 2025 | 750ML

🇬🇷 Greece — Assyrtiko | Serres, Macedonia

Assyrtiko is one of Greece’s great white grapes — and here, grown organically in the continental climate of Serres in northern Macedonia, it shows a different face from its volcanic Santorini counterpart: still crisp and mineral-driven, but with a rounder texture and bright fruit to match. Light, clean, and refreshing, with zippy citrus acidity, saline minerality, and a lingering, energetic finish.

Domaine Nerantzi was founded in 1988 as a passionate expression of the family’s love for wine and their desire to revive the winemaking traditions passed down through generations — reinterpreted for a modern palate. Today the estate produces wines of distinction that reach markets around the world, with organic farming at the heart of their approach.

We are a family owned winery situated in northern Greece (P.G.I. Serres). Our vineyards cover a surface of 10,8ha in a total of 20ha of family owned property. Our cultivation and vinification is organic certified since our first vintage in 2007.

We respect nature and its balance, focusing a lot in keeping our ecosystem alive. We are using just sulphur and cooper without any herbicides or pesticides (not even organic)  in our vineyards. We were blessed with a place that allows as to do so, and it is not by chance that we get high quality of fruits.

Our region has a long history in winemaking, it is the land where Dionysos was described to have lived and all the greek myths around wine referred to. With cold snowy winters and cool summer nights we have the ability to produce naturally, high quality fruit which we believe is the start of a good wine.

Pairs well with: Seafood, grilled fish, Greek salad, feta, light pasta, and casual warm-weather sipping.

Grape: Assyrtiko
Region: Serres, Macedonia, Greece
Appellation: P.G.I. Serres
Vintage: 2025
Format: 750ml
Viticulture: Certified Organic

MAN Family Wines "Padstal" Chardonnay is a fresh, fruit-driven expression of South African Chardonnay, crafted to highlight purity, balance, and exceptional drinkability. Named after the traditional roadside farm stalls, or padstals, found throughout South Africa, this wine celebrates local hospitality and simple pleasures.

Bright aromas of ripe peach, Golden Delicious apple, citrus blossom, and pineapple lead into a smooth palate layered with juicy stone fruit, lemon zest, and hints of tropical fruit. Gentle oak aging adds subtle notes of vanilla and toasted almond without overshadowing the wine's vibrant fruit character. Crisp acidity keeps the finish fresh, clean, and beautifully balanced.

Food Pairing

An excellent match for grilled shrimp, lobster, roast chicken, creamy pasta dishes, seafood risotto, salmon, pork tenderloin, and mild cheeses. It also makes an ideal aperitif.

Serving Temperature

Serve chilled at 48–52°F (9–11°C).

Approachable, versatile, and consistently overdelivering for the price, MAN Family Wines "Padstal" Chardonnay is a superb everyday Chardonnay that offers outstanding quality and value from South Africa's renowned Western Cape.

Country: South Africa
Region: Western Cape (Cape Coast)
Wine Type: White Wine
Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Vintage: 2025

Bright, lively, and effortlessly refreshing, House Wine Rosé Bubbles is a cheerful sparkling rosé made for celebrations both big and small. It opens with inviting aromas of ripe strawberry, juicy watermelon, and fresh red berries, followed by subtle citrus notes that bring lift and freshness to every sip.

Fine bubbles and crisp acidity give the wine an energetic, clean character, while its fruit-forward style keeps it smooth, approachable, and easy to enjoy. The finish is bright and refreshing, with lingering notes of berry and citrus.

Serve well chilled as an aperitif or pair it with brunch dishes, fresh salads, seafood, sushi, soft cheeses, charcuterie, or lightly spicy foods. It is also an excellent choice for picnics, parties, casual gatherings, and festive toasts.

The Human Rights edition combines the wine’s vibrant personality with bold, message-driven packaging, making it a distinctive bottle for sharing, gifting, or adding to any celebration.

Santi's Solane Valpolicella Ripasso is a rich, elegant expression of one of Veneto's most celebrated wines. Produced using the traditional ripasso method—where young Valpolicella wine is refermented on the dried grape skins from Amarone—this wine gains added depth, richness, and complexity.

The 2021 vintage opens with inviting aromas of ripe black cherry, plum, dried cranberry, sweet spice, and violet, accented by hints of cocoa, tobacco, and vanilla. The palate is silky and full-bodied, offering layers of dark berry fruit, baking spices, and subtle chocolate wrapped around refined tannins. Fresh acidity keeps the wine balanced, leading to a long, smooth finish with lingering notes of spice and dried fruit.

Food Pairing

An excellent companion to grilled steaks, roasted meats, braised short ribs, mushroom risotto, hearty pasta dishes, aged cheeses, and traditional Italian cuisine.

Serving Temperature

Serve at 60–65°F (16–18°C). Decanting for 30–45 minutes before serving will further enhance its aromas and complexity.

About the Producer

Founded in 1843, Santi is one of the historic names of the Veneto, renowned for producing wines that faithfully express the character of Valpolicella. The Solane Ripasso showcases the winery's commitment to tradition, combining the freshness of classic Valpolicella with the richness and elegance achieved through the Ripasso method.

A beautifully balanced Ripasso that delivers the richness of Amarone-inspired winemaking with exceptional value, making it a perfect choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Country: Italy
Region: Veneto
Appellation: Valpolicella Ripasso DOC
Vintage: 2021
Wine Type: Red Wine
Grape Varieties: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella

Hacienda Araucano Humo Blanco Organic Sauvignon Blanc — Colchagua Valley 2024

François Lurton and his brother Jacques have been producing Chilean wines since 1992, but it was not until 2000 that they found their ideal terroir: 200 hectares in the Lolol area of the Colchagua Valley, where vines had never been cultivated before. The cool, stable climate and disease-free conditions of this high-altitude site — now certified organic by Ecocert — are a paradise for Sauvignon Blanc, producing fruit of exceptional purity and precision. The Humo Blanco is the estate’s flagship white, and the 2024 vintage is a textbook expression of what cool-climate Chilean Sauvignon Blanc can achieve.

The nose is fresh and bright with good intensity: lime, peeled green apple, gooseberry, and wet stones. On the palate it is acid-driven and pure, with a crisp, zingy finish that lingers with mineral clarity. Serve well-chilled alongside oysters, grilled fish, goat cheese, or a simple green salad — or as the ideal aperitif on a warm evening. At this price, it is one of the most compelling organic Sauvignon Blancs in the shop.

🇨🇱 “A fresh and bright sauvignon blanc showing good intensity. Still acid-driven and limey with peeled green apples, some gooseberries and wet stones. Pure, crisp and zingy in the finish. From organically grown grapes with Ecocert certification.” — James Suckling, 91 Points

• Producer: Hacienda Araucano (François & Jacques Lurton)
• Appellation: Lolol, Colchagua Valley, Chile
• Vintage: 2024
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Farming: Organic (Ecocert certified)
• Size: 750ml
• Best Served: Well-chilled, 45–48°F
• Pairs With: Oysters, grilled fish, goat cheese, green salads, ceviche

A benchmark organic Sauvignon Blanc — pure, precise, and built for the table.

Kendall-Jackson | Santa Barbara County, California | Chardonnay | 2023

Santa Barbara County's unique east-west mountain orientation channels cold Pacific breezes deep into the estate vineyards of the Santa Maria and Los Alamos Valleys — a geological quirk that produces grapes of exceptional intensity and natural acidity. Aged in partly new French oak, the Grand Reserve Chardonnay delivers a creamy, layered texture grounded by bright minerality from the region's calcareous soils. This is KJ at its most refined: lush, structured, and built for the table.

Clones: Dijon and Rued
Oak: Partly new French oak
Drink: Now–2028

Tasting Notes

• Lush tropical fruit, citrus, and floral notes on the nose
• Vanilla, spice, and calciferous minerality on the palate
• Creamy mouthfeel | Bright acidity | Long, rich finish

Pairings: Crab cakes, scallops, roast chicken, soft cheeses, creamy pasta

Wente Vineyards Riva Ranch Chardonnay — Arroyo Seco, Monterey 2023

Wente Vineyards planted Riva Ranch in 1961, long before Arroyo Seco had a reputation to speak of. Karl L. Wente saw what others missed: a cool, wind-driven corridor carved by the Santa Lucia Range, with gravelly loam soils and a microclimate that forces vines to work for every degree of ripeness. Over sixty years later, Riva Ranch remains the heart of the Wente estate — and the 2023 vintage is a compelling argument for why this vineyard matters.

The nose is warm and precise: ripe golden apple, caramelized pineapple, toasted brioche, and a lift of white flower. On the palate, the wine is lush and slightly viscous, with a creamy mid-palate of crème brûlée, roasted hazelnut, and buttery oak. Bright, carefully integrated acidity keeps the wine honest and the finish long. This is a Chardonnay that earns its richness — shaped by place, not formula.

Tasting Panel 93 • James Suckling 91 • Wine Enthusiast 90 — "Fresh and vibrant, with butterscotch adhering to a stony frame. Creamy oak, fine acid structure, and pleasing mango and banana."

• Producer: Wente Vineyards, Livermore Valley, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Arroyo Seco, Monterey, California
• Vineyard: Riva Ranch Estate
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Golden apple, caramelized pineapple, toasted brioche, crème brûlée, roasted hazelnut, buttery oak
• Best Paired With: Roast chicken, lobster bisque, grilled halibut, aged Gruyère, creamy pasta

A 93-point California Chardonnay at an honest price — Wente's Riva Ranch is the benchmark for what Arroyo Seco can be.

From one of the pioneering wineries of the Russian River Valley, Davis Bynum River West Vineyard Chardonnay 2023 captures the richness and elegance that have made this region one of California's premier homes for Chardonnay. Sourced from the acclaimed River West Vineyard, this beautifully balanced wine combines vibrant fruit, refreshing acidity, and refined texture. 

The nose opens with expressive aromas of Gala apple, ripe nectarine, lemon peel, and toasted hazelnut, accented by delicate hints of citrus blossom and vanilla. On the palate, layers of orchard fruit and bright citrus unfold across a rich, textured mouthfeel. Fresh acidity provides lift and energy, while subtle oak influence adds complexity without overwhelming the wine's natural fruit character. The finish is long and polished, with lingering notes of salted lemon, pineapple, and baking spice.

A versatile and food-friendly Chardonnay, this Russian River Valley bottling pairs beautifully with roast chicken, grilled salmon, lobster, crab cakes, creamy pasta dishes, and aged cheeses.

Wine Enthusiast – 92 Points
"Aromas of Gala apple, nectarine, toasted hazelnut and lemon peel drive the nose of this acid-forward Chardonnay. The palate gives rich, pithy texture and sunny flavors of tart pineapple and citrus blossom, with salty lemon lingering on the finish." — Tom R. Capo

Tasting Notes

• Aromas: Gala apple, nectarine, lemon peel, toasted hazelnut
• Palate: Tart pineapple, citrus blossom, orchard fruit, subtle vanilla
• Body: Medium to full-bodied
• Style: Rich, vibrant, and beautifully balanced
• Finish: Long, fresh, and mineral-driven with lingering citrus notes

An elegant Russian River Valley Chardonnay that delivers both richness and precision, showcasing the distinctive character of one of California's most celebrated wine regions.

James Suckling 92 Points | Bright aromas of flowers, angelica and apricots with an undertone of sulphur smoke. Silky attack,light to medium body and graceful, refreshing acidity. 

Vinous 90 Points |  The 2024 Soave Classico Vin Soave is sweetly scented, mixing mint, chamomile and lime zest with green melon. soft-textured yet energetic, it washes across the palate with ripe orchard fruits and crisp mineral tones, leaving a lovely saline tinge. (EG)

JR
Jancis Robinson
Review Date: 05/2025
The wine is bright and lively and the lime-and-grapefruit mid palate has both zip and a little roundness. A little grassy in a way that makes it the most perfect wine for baby broad bean, pea, edamame or asparagus dishes. Textbook. (TC) 

San Felice — Rosso Toscana IGT 2023

San Felice is one of Chianti Classico's most storied estates — a historic borgo in Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the southern reaches of the zone, with vineyards that have been producing wine for centuries. The estate is also home to one of Italy's most important ampelographic collections, preserving rare and ancient Tuscan grape varieties. The Rosso Toscana is their everyday expression: a wine built for the table, not the cellar, blending Sangiovese with complementary indigenous varieties to deliver the kind of honest, food-friendly red that Tuscany does better than anywhere.

The 2023 shows a young, rich ruby in the glass. The nose is refreshing and inviting — raspberry, cherry, and lavender — with a harmonious, easy-drinking palate that is fruit-forward without being simple. This is the bottle you open on a Tuesday, pour freely, and finish without regret. Serve it slightly cool alongside pasta, light meats, fish soups, or a simple charcuterie spread.

• Producer: San Felice, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Rosso Toscana IGT
• Varietal: Sangiovese-based blend
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Raspberry, cherry, lavender, fresh and harmonious
• Serve: Slightly cool, 14–16°C
• Best Paired With: Pasta, light meats, fish soups, charcuterie, pizza

Honest Tuscan red at an honest price — San Felice's Rosso is the everyday bottle that over-delivers every time.

Gravel-rooted and ungrafted — pure Carmenere from the ancient riverbed soils of Maipo.

The De Martino brothers have spent decades quietly assembling something rare: a collection of ungrafted vines in two of Chile's most historically significant wine regions. This Carmenere comes from the Isla de Maipo — a natural island formed where the Maipo River splits and rejoins — where deep gravel deposits left by the old riverbed create the ideal terroir for Bordeaux varieties to thrive without irrigation or intervention.

Vines averaging 25–30 years old are farmed sustainably and harvested by hand. Fermentation is spontaneous with wild yeast in stainless steel, followed by malolactic fermentation, then aging for approximately 8 months in a combination of older French oak and concrete vats. No makeup. No shortcuts. Just the place.

In the glass, expect ripe red and blue fruit — plum, blackberry, dried cherry — layered with warm spice, cocoa, and a whisper of graphite from the gravel soils. The palate is generous but structured, with a freshness that keeps everything in balance. This is Carmenere as it was always meant to be: varietal, terroir-driven, and deeply Chilean.

Winery: De Martino Ungrafted | Grape: 100% Carmenere | Vintage: 2024 | Region: Maipo Valley, Chile | Size: 750ml

• Vineyard: Santa Inés, Isla de Maipo — east/west orientation, deep gravel soils over old Maipo riverbed
• Viticulture: Sustainable farming, hand harvest, ungrafted vines (avg. 25–30 years)
• Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation with wild yeast in stainless steel; malolactic fermentation in stainless steel
• Aging: ~8 months in older French oak barrels and concrete vats
• Production: Boutique, single-vineyard, estate-grown

Scala Cirò Rosé — Calabria, Italy 2025 750ml

The Scala family has farmed the sun-scorched hills of Calabria for over 200 years — and their Cirò Rosé is one of southern Italy’s most compelling and underappreciated wines. Founded in 1949 and rebuilt with renewed ambition in 2005, the estate is today led by Luigi Scala, a traditionalist who favors quality over quantity and lets the ancient Gaglioppo grape speak for itself. His son Francesco joined in 2008, bringing modern precision to a winery rooted in centuries of Calabrian heritage. The Cirò DOC, established in 1969, is one of Italy’s oldest appellations — and Scala is among its finest interpreters.

Translucent salmon-orange in color with brilliant clarity. The nose is aromatic and inviting: spicy peach, watermelon, and blood orange mingle with distinct stony, mineral notes. On the palate, it is gorgeously rounded and silky — tangy blood orange, peach, and citrus fruits are underscored by wet slate and a saline mineral tension that is unmistakably Calabrian. The finish is long, fresh, and deeply satisfying.

• Producer: Scala, Cirò, Calabria, Italy
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Cirò DOC
• Varietal: 100% Gaglioppo
• Style: Dry Southern Italian Rosé
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Peach, watermelon, blood orange, citrus, wet slate, saline minerality, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now
• Best Paired With: Grilled swordfish, pasta al pomodoro, burrata, antipasti, Calabrian charcuterie

Ancient grape, ancient appellation, modern precision — Scala’s Cirò Rosé is Calabria’s best-kept secret.

Carpano Classico Vermouth Rosso — Turin, Italy | 16% ABV

Carpano Classico is the everyday expression from the house that invented vermouth — and it delivers the full depth of Turin craftsmanship at an approachable price. Positioned between the Dry and the legendary Antica Formula, Classico is the Carpano for the table: the go-to sweet vermouth for Negronis, Americanos, and Manhattans, built from the same 1786 heritage and the same commitment to botanical precision that defines the entire Carpano range. Rich, aromatic, and endlessly versatile, it is the bottle that earns a permanent spot behind every serious home bar.

The nose is warm and inviting: ripe red fruit, aromatic herbs, and a gentle spice that speaks to the quality of the botanical blend. On the palate, it is smooth and well-rounded — a classic sweet vermouth profile with balanced sweetness, herbal complexity, and a clean, lingering finish. Equally at home in a Negroni, stirred into a Manhattan, or served over ice with a splash of soda as a classic Americano aperitif.

“Carpano Classico brings the 1786 Turin heritage to the everyday pour — the approachable sweet vermouth that belongs in every serious cocktail repertoire.”

• Producer: Carpano Distillery, Turin, Piedmont, Italy (est. 1786)
• Style: Sweet (Red) Vermouth — Rosso Classico
• ABV: 16%
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe red fruit, aromatic herbs, gentle spice, smooth and well-rounded, clean herbal finish
• Best Served: In a Negroni, Manhattan, Americano, or Boulevardier — or over ice with soda as an aperitif
• Food Pairings: Charcuterie, aged cheeses, olives, antipasto, dark chocolate
• Storage: Refrigerate after opening

Approachable, aromatic, and rooted in 235 years of Turin tradition — Carpano Classico is the benchmark for what an everyday sweet vermouth should be.

BOM DIA BRAZILIAN BUBBLES SPARKLING BRUT NV | 750ML

🇧🇷 Brazil — Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

From vineyards hidden deep in the jungle, this sparkling Brut marries Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes grown in Brazil's beautiful southern wine region, where altitude, cool nights, and volcanic soils conspire to produce wines of genuine finesse.

Fresh, delicate, and classically structured. Pale straw in color with fine, persistent bubbles. The nose opens with green apple, white peach, and a whisper of brioche. On the palate it is crisp and dry, with bright citrus acidity and a clean, refreshing finish that makes it as at home at the table as it is at a celebration.

A testament to Brazil's emerging wine culture — and proof that the southern hemisphere has plenty left to say.

Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Region: Southern Brazil
Format: 750ml
Style: Brut, NV

Pielihueso · 'Primero' Blanco · Los Chacayes, Uco Valley · 2025

"Skin and bones" — that's what Pielihueso means in Spanish, and it captures the philosophy perfectly: nothing added, nothing taken away, just the raw expression of the land. This family project began in 2017 when Alejandro Bartolomé — a lifelong organic farmer — and his daughter Celina planted vines in Los Chacayes and Los Sauces, two high-altitude subregions of the Uco Valley in Tunuyán, Mendoza. The labels were designed by daughter Carmela, drawn from her brother's artwork. Everything here is a family affair. The vines — now 13 years old — grow in sandy, alluvial soils at elevation, farmed organically with no corrections in the cellar: native yeast fermentation, co-fermented in stainless steel, and a minimal sulfur addition only at bottling. The result is exactly what the Bartolomés set out to make: light, bright, clean, and vibrant. At $21.99, it's one of the most honest and charming whites coming out of Argentina right now.

The 2025 'Primero' Blanco is a co-fermented blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, showing a pale straw color with a fresh, aromatic nose of white peach, citrus blossom, and green apple. On the palate: crisp and lively with a clean, mineral-driven finish and just enough texture from the sandy soils to give it presence. Serve well-chilled as an aperitif or alongside light summer dishes. Drink now through 2026.

• Producer: Pielihueso (Bartolomé family, est. 2017)
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Los Chacayes, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
• Blend: Chardonnay & Sauvignon Blanc
• Soils: Sandy, alluvial · High altitude
• Vinification: Organic · Co-fermented in stainless steel · Native yeast · No corrections · Minimal sulfur at bottling
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White peach, citrus blossom, green apple, crisp acidity, clean mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2026
• Food Pairings: Grilled fish, ceviche, fresh goat cheese, summer salads, light pasta

A family-farmed, organically grown Uco Valley white — skin and bones winemaking at its most refreshing.

About This Bundle

Get two of our favorite Marrugat Cavas from Bodegas Pinord at a special bundle price — one bottle of the classic Brut Selección NV and one bottle of the Brut Rosé. Both are made using the traditional method (Méthode Traditionnelle) in the Penedès region of Catalonia, Spain, and offer exceptional value in Spanish sparkling wine.

Producer Notes

Marrugat Cava Brut Selección NV (Xarel·lo, Macabeu, Parellada) — Smooth and silky on the palate with green apple, lime, and a fresh, lively finish. The carbonic content keeps it crisp and refreshing. WE 87 pts.

Marrugat Cava Brut Rosé (Garnacha) — Clear red with pinkish tones and small, persistent bubbles. Gentle raspberry and blackcurrant aromas with tertiary lees notes. Full in the mouth with great elegance and a long finish.

Food Pairings

• Oysters, shrimp cocktail, or seafood tapas
• Jamón ibérico or charcuterie
• Fresh goat cheese or aged Manchego
• Perfect as an aperitif or celebration pour

From the dramatic cliffs of the Pelješac Peninsula on Croatia's Dalmatian Coast comes this expressive Plavac Mali — a grape with deep roots and a fascinating story. One of its parents is Tribidrag, better known to Americans as Zinfandel, and the family resemblance shows in the wine's bold fruit character and rustic charm.

The Skaramuca family farms the largest vineyard in the prestigious Dingač appellation, widely considered the finest Plavac Mali site in all of Croatia. Only a handful of growers produce wine here, making each bottle a rare expression of this extreme, sun-drenched terroir. This 2024 is unoaked, letting the fruit take center stage — youthful, bright, and easygoing while still carrying that unmistakable Dalmatian rusticity.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby
• Nose: Plum, cherry, and floral notes
• Palate: Medium-bodied with mouth-watering acidity, chewy earthy fruitiness, and a lingering finish
• Style: Unoaked, fruit-forward, and approachable

Serving Suggestions

• Serve at 16–18°C
• Pairs beautifully with grilled lamb, peka (Croatian slow-roasted meat), pasta, and aged cheeses
• Enjoy slightly chilled in warmer months

750ml. Plavac Mali. Pelješac Peninsula, Dalmatia, Croatia.

A pure expression of Burgundy Chardonnay grown on clay and limestone soils, offering finesse, balance, and a beautifully structured aromatic profile. Fresh and lively, with subtle orchard fruit and a clean, elegant finish, this is an easy-drinking yet classic “pleasure wine.” 

Food Pairing:
Perfect with soft cheeses, cold cuts, pâté, mixed salads, and light appetizers like gougères or simple poultry dishes.

Our Notes: 

100% Chardonnay from clay and chalk soils of the Cote d'Auxerre.  This is the purest of pure expressions of Chardonnay, offering up enticing aromas of mirabelle plum, and ripe pear.  It is fresh and lively on the palate, making it a perfect companion to soft ripened cheeses, cold cuts,and paté.