90 + Points | Critical Acclaim

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Expert Reviews

Isabel Ferrando’s reputation for outstanding wines has grown every vintage since her first release in 2003. As a woman owned business and winemaker, Isabel has built a tremendous reputation producing highly acclaimed wines. 

"Proprietress Isabel Ferrando has taken her Saint Prefert estate to France’s highest level, and she’s unquestionably making some of the most profound wines on earth today, including both reds and whites.”   —Wine Critic - Jeb Dunnuck

"Hard work. Subtle tweaks. Responsible farming. An uncompromising dedication to quality. Isabel Ferrando keeps doing things the right way, and her wines are dramatic proof.” —James Molesworth, Wine Spectator.

"one thing that remains constant is the incredible quality that continues to emerge from this talented winemaker.” Jeb Dunuck. 

The Wine Spectator 95 Points | A perfumed, elegant and complex version, with inviting, high-toned notes of red currant and cherry draped with warm licorice. The palate starts out supple, then solid ballasts of graphite and fine tannins firm everything up for a fresh, focused finish that wafts with smoked sandalwood. Brown bread, cinnamon and nutmeg add complexity, with penetrating mineral depth. Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvèdre. 

Winemaker Notes

The 2023 Far Niente Chardonnay enchants with a bouquet of citrus, white floral, and hints of honeydew melon and nectarine. Its silky texture and bright, refreshing palate dance with flavors of lemon/lime zest and lemon verbena, culminating in a long, juicy finish.

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023

Tasting Panel — 97 Points
"The combination of Carneros’ maritime climate and the volcanic soils of Coombsville lends a hand in creating one of the most deluxe Chardonnays our team has had the pleasure of tasting. Augmented by sweet vanilla cream, elderflower, and white cherry, the mouthfeel is exquisitely graceful, and notes of key lime, herbed lemon, and luscious ripe pineapple are opulent to the end. Aged sur lie in French oak barrels."

James Suckling — 93 Points
"Pure aromas of lemon confit, poached Asian pears, pastry and lanolin. The palate is medium-bodied with focused acidity and a creamy texture, giving notes of lime curd, orange blossoms, yellow apples and flint. Very well constructed and polished."

Forbes Magazine (Jeanette Hurt)
"A blend of superlative Napa Valley vineyards located in Coombsville. The 2023 vintage enchants with a bouquet of citrus, white floral, and hints of honeydew melon and nectarine. Its silky texture and bright, refreshing palate dance with flavors of lemon/lime zest and lemon verbena, culminating in a long, juicy finish."

About Far Niente

Far Niente is one of Napa Valley’s most iconic and historic estates, founded in 1885 and restored to its current glory in 1979 by Gil Nickel. The name — Italian for “dolce far niente,” or “the sweetness of doing nothing” — reflects the estate’s philosophy of unhurried, meticulous winemaking. Far Niente’s Estate Chardonnay is sourced from their own vineyards in Coombsville and Carneros, two of Napa’s coolest and most prized white wine growing areas. Aged sur lie in French oak barrels, it is consistently one of California’s benchmark Chardonnays — rich, precise, and built to age.

Food Pairings

Lobster, Dungeness crab, pan-seared halibut, roasted chicken with cream sauce, risotto, soft ripened cheeses, and truffle dishes. A luxurious Chardonnay built for the finest occasions.

Product Details

• Producer: Far Niente
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Vineyards: Coombsville & Carneros
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Aging: Sur lie, French oak barrels
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Rich, precise, age-worthy Napa Chardonnay
• Format: 750ml

Faust Cabernet Sauvignon — Napa Valley 2023

Faust is one of Napa Valley’s most compelling Cabernet estates — a project rooted in the belief that great wine speaks distinctly of place. Named for the legendary scholar who pursued knowledge and excellence above all else, Faust channels that same relentless ambition into every vintage. The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 20 months in 25% new French oak — a restrained approach that preserves the purity and minerality of the fruit rather than masking it with wood. The 2023 vintage was a cool year in Napa, and Faust is a cool-climate estate: the combination produced a wine of real nerve, structure, and approachability, with ample aging potential. As Estate Director Jen Beloz puts it: “There is purity, intensity, and a savory minerality to every vintage.”

The color is a deep, concentrated ruby. The nose is refined and expressive: red and dark fruit, crushed stones, dried herbs, flowers, and a whisper of salt-cured meat — a savory complexity that sets Faust apart from the valley’s more opulent styles. On the palate, it is tightly woven with a silken mouthfeel — earthy red and black fruits, leafy underbrush, tobacco, and chocolate, framed by fine tannins, balanced structure, and a succulent, minerally finish of outstanding length. Medium to full-bodied, structured, and built to age.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling — 96 Points
“Aromas of red and dark fruit, crushed stones, dried herbs, flowers and salt-cured meat. The palate is tightly woven with a silken mouthfeel, fine tannins and a succulent, minerally finish. A wine of real nerve and approachability young, with ample aging potential. A good example of what a cool vintage in a cool appellation can produce.”

Jeb Dunnuck — 91 Points
“Based on 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged 20 months in 25% new French oak, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is solid, offering earthy red and black fruits intermixed with leafy underbrush, tobacco, and chocolate. It’s medium to full-bodied, has a balanced mouthfeel, and shows the more structured style of the vintage with outstanding length.”

• Producer: Faust, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Napa Valley
• Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Aging: 20 months in 25% new French oak
• Style: Precise, mineral-driven, structured Napa Cabernet
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red and dark fruit, crushed stones, dried herbs, salt-cured meat, tobacco, chocolate, minerally finish
• Drink Window: Now–2035+
• Best Paired With: Braised short ribs, roast lamb, duck confit, wild mushroom dishes, aged hard cheeses

Napa Cabernet with purity, nerve, and a savory soul — Faust 2023 is the antidote to over-extracted California Cab.

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James Suckling 92 Points | An elegant wine that’s dry and fruity, with a lovely creamy texture and suppleness on the palate. Fresh and poised, with a medium-long finish. A very good rosé made from 46% cinsault, 37% grenache, 13% syrah and 4% mourvedre.

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98 Points  James Suckling

Winemaker Notes

Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico — Tuscany 2022

Fèlsina is the benchmark estate of Castelnuovo Berardenga, the sun-drenched southeastern corner of Chianti Classico where the zone spills toward Siena. The 2022 Berardenga is immediate and effusive — a wine that wears its terroir openly: Maritime pine, Mediterranean scrub, wild broom, and ripe strawberry, all framed by the estate's signature rocky minerality. Antonio Galloni called it "an archetype of Castelnuovo Berardenga" and awarded it 91 points. At $29.99, it is one of the most compelling values in Chianti Classico.

The nose is bright and expressive: black cherry, wild berries, leather, warm spice, tobacco, and dried herbs. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with fine tannins, juicy berry fruit, and a lift of spice that carries through to a long, tactile finish. Balanced, vibrant, and built to drink beautifully now through 2033.

Expert Reviews

Vinous 91 — Antonio Galloni writes: "Superb. Rich and deep yet also quite translucent, the 2022 is an archetype of Castelnuovo Berardenga. Black cherry, leather, spice, tobacco, menthol and dried herbs inform this potent, super-classic Chianti Classico. This is beautifully done, especially for the year. Drinking 2024–2037."

James Suckling 92 — "A well-balanced, seductive and lively red with aromas of forest berries, red currants, warm herbs and some crushed peppercorns. It's medium-bodied with fine tannins. Juicy berry character with a lift of spices bringing energy and vitality on the palate and onto the tactile finish. Drink now."

Wine Spectator 90 — Bruce Sanderson writes: "Walking the line between cherry and berry flavors and earth and iron notes, this red is bright and juicy midpalate, firming up on the long finish. Balanced overall, needing a year to knit together. Best from 2026 through 2033."

Decanter 91 — Michaela Morris writes: "At the southeastern end of Chianti Classico, the Fèlsina property spills into the Chianti Colli Senesi zone where, on a clear day you can see all the way to Siena, just 15km away. Harnessing its sunbathed setting, the 2022 is immediate and effusive in its charms. It evokes Maritime pine, scrubby Mediterranean brush and wild yellow broom, building in concentration as it glides fluently across the palate, where rocky minerals meet ripe strawberry. Vibrant, if a bit brisk to finish. Drinking 2024 to 2029."

• Producer: Fèlsina, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Chianti Classico DOCG
• Varietal: 100% Sangiovese
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, wild berries, leather, spice, tobacco, dried herbs, rocky minerals
• Drink Window: Now–2033
• Best Paired With: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, aged Pecorino, pasta al pomodoro, grilled lamb

A 90+ Chianti Classico at an honest price — Fèlsina Berardenga is the benchmark for what Castelnuovo Berardenga Sangiovese can be.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018

James Suckling 93 Points | Aromas of fresh red cherries and some rose-like florals, in an upbeat, fruit-driven style. A very concentrated and ripe array of brambly raspberries and red cherries with smooth tannins, delivering a web of fresh-fruit flavor. Succulent and spicy, oak-tinged finish.

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | Normally a bit darker in fruit tone than the blended bottling, the 2018 Cornish Point Pinot Noir features black cherries and a hint of licorice, plus some vaguely floral notions. It's medium to full-bodied, with supple tannins and just a bit of chocolate on the finish, reflecting the warmth of the vintage. 

The Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | This Pinot, from a low lying vineyard almost completely surrounded by water, is simultaneously the most reductive, floral and fruity of this renowned biodynamic producer's lineup. The reduction gives a salty edge but it doesn't overpower the plump cherry and plum fruit or rose petal aromas. The palate is nicely textured with a solid line of acidity that buoys the plush fruit and flows to a long cocktail bitters finish. While this lacks the vibrancy and elegance of some of FR's other single-site wines, it's nevertheless an appealing drop.

Ferrari-Carano Cabernet Sauvignon — Sonoma County 2022

Ferrari-Carano is one of Sonoma County’s most celebrated family-owned wineries, founded in 1981 by Don and Rhonda Carano on the benchlands of Dry Creek Valley. Over four decades, they have built a reputation for estate-driven wines of exceptional quality and consistency — wines that express the warmth, generosity, and complexity of Sonoma County at its best. The Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is their benchmark red: a bold, structured wine sourced from select Sonoma County vineyards and crafted by Senior Red Winemaker Rebecka Deike. The 2022 is a distinctive blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Syrah — an unconventional but inspired combination that adds plush texture and savory depth to the classic Cabernet framework. James Suckling awarded it 92 points; Wine Enthusiast 91 points.

The color is a deep, concentrated ruby. The nose is rich and layered: damson plums, tobacco leaves, cedar, and licorice, with concentrated aromas of roasted cherry, cocoa powder, and black pepper adding complexity and intrigue. On the palate, it is full-bodied and generous — firmly framed tannins, a plush mouthfeel, and flavors of blackberry, licorice, and toasty barrel spices that linger along a neatly balanced finish. Fruity yet savory, structured yet approachable — very generous and giving for the price.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling — 92 Points
“Aromas of damson plums, tobacco leaves, cedar and licorice. The full-bodied palate has firmly framed tannins and a plush mouthfeel. This is a fruity yet savory blend of 78% cabernet sauvignon and 22% syrah. Very generous and giving for the price. Drink or hold.”

Wine Enthusiast — 91 Points
“Concentrated aromas of roasted cherry, cocoa powder and black pepper dominate the nose of this Cab. The palate is rich and broad, with flavors of blackberry, licorice and toasty barrel spices that linger along the neatly balanced finish.”

• Producer: Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Sonoma County
• Blend: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Syrah
• Size: 750ml
• Style: Bold, plush, fruit-forward Sonoma County Cabernet
• Tasting Notes: Damson plum, roasted cherry, tobacco, cedar, licorice, cocoa, blackberry, toasty spice
• Drink Window: Now–2030
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb chops, BBQ, aged cheddar, dark chocolate

Two critics, two 90+ scores — Ferrari-Carano 2022 is Sonoma County Cabernet at its most generous.

Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay — Sonoma County 2024

Ferrari-Carano has been one of Sonoma County’s most beloved Chardonnay producers for decades, crafting wines of generous richness, depth, and approachability from their estate vineyards across the county’s finest appellations. The 2024 Sonoma County Chardonnay is barrel-fermented to deliver the house’s signature full-bodied, layered style — earning 92 points from James Suckling and representing exceptional value for the quality in the glass. Rich, round, and satisfying, this is California Chardonnay at its most crowd-pleasing.

The nose opens with Meyer lemon, apricot, vanilla, graham cracker, and buttered popcorn — inviting and generous. On the palate, incredible depth and a full mouthfeel deliver layers of ripe peach, pineapple, and caramel, leading to hazelnut and baking spice on the finish. Sweet aromas of vanilla bean and pear blossom add elegance, while a weighty creaminess and flavors of butterscotch and golden apple round out a rich, satisfying finish.

James Suckling 92 — “Sweet aromas of vanilla bean and pear blossoms with a generous mouthfeel, a weighty creaminess and flavors of butterscotch and golden apples. A rich, satisfying, barrel-fermented wine.”

• Producer: Ferrari-Carano, Sonoma County, California, USA
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Sonoma County AVA
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Vinification: Barrel-fermented
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Meyer lemon, apricot, vanilla, peach, pineapple, caramel, butterscotch, hazelnut, baking spice, creamy finish
• Best Paired With: Lobster, grilled prawns, roast chicken, creamy pasta, dishes with citrus, butter, cream, bacon, or toasted nuts

Decades of Sonoma Chardonnay mastery in every bottle — Ferrari-Carano’s Sonoma County is the rich, crowd-pleasing California white that always delivers.

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The Wine Spectator 90 Points | A juicy snap of plum skin acidity animates flavors of plumped cherry, mulberry and dried marjoram, with minerally earth and iron accents. An elegant version, with good expression through the lightly chewy finish.

Feudi di San Gregorio Falanghina del Sannio — Campania, Italy 2023

Feudi di San Gregorio is the standard-bearer for modern Campanian winemaking — a producer that has done more than any other to bring the ancient indigenous grapes of southern Italy to international attention. Their Falanghina del Sannio is sourced from the volcanic soils of the Sannio DOC in Campania's Benevento province, where the Falanghina grape has been cultivated since antiquity. Fermented in stainless steel to preserve freshness and aromatic purity, the 2023 vintage is a textbook expression of this underrated southern Italian white — vibrant, mineral, and effortlessly food-friendly.

The color is a brilliant straw yellow with green reflections. The nose is intense and persistent: jasmine, acacia honey, lemon, lime blossom, a touch of nutmeg, and clean aromas of salt and wet stone. On the palate, lively acidity turns those citrus notes bubbly, contrasting beautifully with a honeyed, mouth-filling texture that is medium-bodied and lightly creamy. The finish is clean, fresh, and mineral-driven. Drink now through 2026.

James Suckling 90 — "Fresh and pretty, showing lemon, lime blossom and a touch of nutmeg. Medium-bodied and lightly creamy in texture." | Wine Enthusiast 90 — "Lively acid turns citrus notes bubbly, contrasting with a honeyed, mouth-filling texture."

• Producer: Feudi di San Gregorio, Sorbo Serpico, Campania, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Falanghina del Sannio DOC
• Varietal: 100% Falanghina
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Jasmine, acacia honey, lemon, lime blossom, wet stone, nutmeg, creamy finish
• Drink: Now through 2026
• Best Paired With: Aperitivo, seafood, grilled fish, vegetable dishes, fresh cheeses, light appetizers

A brilliant ambassador for Campanian white wine — Feudi di San Gregorio's Falanghina is fresh, mineral, and made for the table.

Feudo Montoni · Rosé di Adele · Nerello Mascalese · Sicilia DOC · 2025

Feudo Montoni is one of Sicily's most storied organic estates, farming ancient vineyards in the rugged interior of the island near Cammarata — far from the coast, at altitude, where volcanic soils and dramatic diurnal shifts produce wines of uncommon depth and tension. Rosé di Adele, named for the estate's matriarch, is their signature rosé: a wine of striking personality, earning 92 points from Wine Enthusiast in both the 2022 and 2025 vintages and standing among the finest expressions of Nerello Mascalese in pink.

The 2025 pours a luminous onion-skin pink with bronze reflections. The nose opens with white flowers and lemon, layered over new leather and a cool umami undercurrent. On the palate, citrus candy and floral freshness give way to a stony, mineral current that adds sophistication and length. The winemaker's notes add pink rose petal, violets, straw, brine, fennel seed, pomegranate, and strawberry — a wine that is at once aromatic and savory, fresh and structured, with a persistent, sapid finish.

"There is a tension between the umami and the floral on the nose, as notes of white flowers and lemon waft above a new leather backbone. On the palate, citrus candy contributes nuance to that floral freshness, while a cool, stony undercurrent emerges suddenly and adds a feeling of sophistication."
— Wine Enthusiast · 92 Points · Vintage 2025

• Producer: Feudo Montoni
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Sicilia DOC, Italy
• Varietal: 100% Nerello Mascalese
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Style: Dry rosé — aromatic, mineral, structured
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White flowers, lemon, citrus candy, pink rose petal, pomegranate, brine, stony mineral finish
• Pairings: Grilled swordfish, burrata with tomatoes, arancini, charcuterie, light pasta with seafood

92 points, Sicilia DOC — certified organic Nerello Mascalese rosé with volcanic soul and Sicilian character.

Feudo Montoni Grillo della Timpa — Sicilia DOC, Italy 2023

The Sireci family has been farming this land since 1469 — over five centuries of continuity in the highlands of central Sicily. Their “Timpa” cru is not a vineyard for the faint-hearted: a 70% slope so steep that virtually every operation, from pruning to harvest, must be done by hand. The Grillo vines planted here produce something genuinely singular. At altitude, cool nights preserve acidity and aromatic precision that the Sicilian lowlands simply cannot replicate. The 2023 vintage brought lower-than-average rainfall, a dry early summer offset by cool nights, and steady August rains through a harvest that ran from mid-September to late October — conditions that yielded slightly lower quantities than 2022 but exceptional quality. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 92 points; Falstaff 91; Wine Spectator and Vinous both 90. At $24.99, it is one of the most compelling values in Italian white wine.

The color is pale straw with green edges. The nose sparkles with fresh yet savory aromas of lemon, lime, herbs, stone fruit, and a delicate, balancing floral sweetness — with a nutty, mineral undercurrent that signals real terroir. On the palate, it is dense and layered: citrus, apricot, white currant, and florals build toward a tangy, mineral-driven finish that is lively, long, and hard to stop sipping. Drink now through 2027.

Wine Enthusiast 92 • Falstaff 91 • Wine Spectator 90 • Vinous 90 — "Lightly lip-smacking and hard to stop sipping, with a snappy, mineral-driven finish."

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

Wine Enthusiast (Danielle Callegari) — 92 Points
The nose sparkles with fresh yet savory aromas of lemons, limes, herbs and a nutty cheesiness, but also has a delicate, balancing floral sweetness. The palate is dense, as stone fruit joins more citrus and floral notes, before salted nuts usher in a tangy, mineral finish.

Falstaff — 91 Points
Pale straw yellow with light green edges. Grain fruits, thyme and some eucalyptus on the nose. Apricot aroma on the palate, white currant, harmonious with good drinkability.

Wine Spectator — 90 Points
A bright, tangy white, offering a fragrant range of orange and lime blossoms, blood orange and pink grapefruit zest, and poached quince and apricot. Lightly lip-smacking and hard to stop sipping, with a snappy, mineral-driven finish. Drink now through 2027.

Vinous (Eric Guido) — 90 Points
Airy and sweetly scented, wafting up with hints of mint leaf, green melon and confectionery spice. Smooths over the palate with fleshy textures and citrus-tinged white pit fruits as a tropical air of inner florals forms toward the close. Finishes with admirable length and freshness. Drink 2024–2027.

• Producer: Feudo Montoni — Sireci family, est. 1469, central Sicily
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Sicilia DOC
• Varietal: 100% Grillo
• Cru: della Timpa — 70% slope, hand-harvested
• Farming: Organic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon, lime, herbs, stone fruit, apricot, white currant, floral, salted nuts, mineral finish
• Drink Window: Now – 2027
• Best Paired With: Calamari, grilled white fish, pasta con le sarde, arancini, fresh goat cheese, herb-roasted chicken, pizza bianca

Four scores of 90–92 points from the world’s top critics — Feudo Montoni’s Grillo della Timpa is the benchmark for what steep-slope Sicilian white wine can be.

Feudo Montoni Vigna del Core Perricone — Sicilia, Italy 2022

Feudo Montoni is one of Sicily's most important organic estates, farming ancient indigenous varieties in the rugged interior highlands near Cammarata — far from the coast, at elevations that bring cool nights and dramatic diurnal swings. Their Vigna del Core is dedicated to Perricone, one of Sicily's rarest and most historically significant red grapes, nearly extinct until producers like Montoni championed its revival. Grown organically and harvested from old vines, this is a wine of genuine character and place.

The 2022 pours a ruby red with light violet reflections. The nose is earthy and complex — grilled herbs, blackberries, dried flowers, warm spice, and exotic notes of cocoa and licorice. On the palate, it's silky-smooth and deeply textural, with ripe red and black fruit driven by vibrant acidity and a coating of fine, dusty tannins. The finish is long, fresh, and beautifully polished — a total pleasure to taste.

"Silky-smooth and deeply textural, with a rich blend of ripe red and black fruits motivated by vibrant acidity. The 2022 cleans up beautifully, finishing long and staining yet fresh. A total pleasure to taste." — Vinous, 92 Points

• Producer: Feudo Montoni, Cammarata, Sicily, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Sicilia DOC
• Varietal: Perricone
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: Vinous 92 | Wine Spectator 90
• Tasting Notes: Grilled herbs, blackberry, dried flowers, cocoa, licorice, fine dusty tannins
• Best Paired With: Braised lamb, wild boar, aged pecorino, grilled sausages, hearty Sicilian pasta dishes

A 92-point certified organic Perricone from one of Sicily's most committed indigenous variety champions — rare, soulful, and built to age.

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International Wine Report - 95 points - The IV Montem Soils series is a special bottling of 7 different wines chosen from the 12 acres of the Fidelitas Estate to showcase the highest quality wines of the vintage. A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petit Verdot, 20% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc makes up the 2021 IV Montem Soils Red Wine from Fidelitas. Pouring a brooding deep purple core with a fluorescent purple rim, this tight-young wine has a ton of promise in the glass. Bountiful notes of black plums, black and red currants, tobacco leaf, cassis, sweet tangerine zest, dried mountain sage, eucalyptus, and sweet clove. Acidity falls in the moderate plus range, alongside tight tannins and a full-bodied mouthfeel. Give this one another 2 years before you open it up for best results.

Expert Reviews

Vinous Josh Raynolds 92+ Points | Dark purple. Complex, highly perfumed bouquet of red berries, cherry pit, incense and dried flowers. Spicy raspberry and cherry flavors show a refreshingly bitter quality and are given depth by a note of licorice. Packs a serious punch but there's a surprisingly lithe quality to this wine too. The finish clings with impressive tenacity and repeats the cherry and floral notes. I'd let this wine rest for at least another three years or so. By the way, the 2007 Calvario has put on weight in the last year but also possesses superb energy; I rated it 94 in August. - Vinous 92+

Wine Advocate Neal Martin writes 90 Points | The 2008 Calvario is a blend of 90% Tempranillo, 9% Garnacha and 2% Graciano aged for 18 months in new French Allier oak. The nose offers broody blackberry and briary at first, leisurely unwinding to reveal black olive and violet aromas, with the oak well-knitted into the fruit profile. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, sturdy tannins complemented by the fleshy black fruit laced with just a pinch of white pepper towards the much more elegant finish. It deserves a couple of years in bottle. (2008).

Decanter Sarah Jane Evans MW writes 93 Points |  A wine that smells of luxury and plenty of attention, showing the right balance between oak and fruit and a balancing acidity; expressive and charming, solidly built. Impressive, with tightly crafted tannins, and it should improve over time. Drinking 2019 -2023.

Finca Valpiedra is one of Rioja's most distinctive single-estate wineries, situated on a meander of the Ebro River in the Cenicero area of Rioja Alta. The estate takes its name from the pebble stones and limestone that define its soils — valpiedra meaning "valley of stones" — and it is these soils that give the wines their signature freshness, minerality, and cool-climate precision.

The Finca Valpiedra Cantos de Valpiedra Rioja 2020 750ml is 100% Tempranillo sourced from a single vineyard on the Ebro riverbank, harvested in mid-September and fermented in stainless steel with a 16-day maceration before aging 12 months in French and American oak. Intense purple with violet glints, it opens with black fruit, ripe sloe, and minerality, layered with vanilla, spice, and tobacco from the barrel. On the palate it is oily, rich, and intense with great finesse — velvety, fruit-driven, and juicy, with a long, cool, mineral finish and the characteristic Valpiedra freshness. Drink now through 2030.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

• Vinous — 92 Points: "Aromas of sour cherry, sweet cherry and fresh plums over an herbal bed. Dry and taut with a granular, reactive texture. Pure in flavors — will settle and evolve with time."
• Wine Advocate — 91 Points: "Aromatic, fruit-driven and juicy. Velvety, clean and modern with a balanced and tasty palate, contained ripeness and good freshness. Develops an acute note of licorice with time."
• James Suckling — 91 Points: "Vibrant spiced cherries, red plums and stones. Succulent and firm, with fresh and fine-boned tannins and a juicy, exuberant finish. Very well made."

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Black fruit, ripe sloe, minerality, vanilla, spice, and tobacco
• Palate: Oily, rich, and velvety with cherry, licorice, and great finesse
• Finish: Long, cool, and mineral with characteristic Valpiedra freshness

Wine Details

• 100% Tempranillo — single vineyard, Ebro riverbank
• Rioja Alta DOCa, Cenicero, Spain
• 16-day maceration; aged 12 months in French & American oak
• Vintage: 2020 | Drink now–2030 | 750ml

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | The young, creamy and juicy 2019 Petra is pure Garnacha that fermented in concrete with indigenous yeasts and matured in well-seasoned, neutral oak barrels for 15 months, including malolactic. There is a lactic touch and some notes of cereals here that interferes a bit with the purity of Garnacha. It's medium-bodied and has moderate ripeness at 13.5% alcohol, revealing good freshness and acidity and a pH of 3.6.

The Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Deep garnet in color, this single-varietal Garnacha has a nose of black cherry, caramel and nutmeg. Bright fruit and soft baking spice flavors wrapped in silky tannins enliven the palate and drift into a cranberry and orange-zest finish.

Vinous 92 Points | The 2019 Petra de Valpiedra is 100% Garnacha sourced from a single vineyard next to the Ebro River, in the Cenicero area of Rioja Alta. Aged for 1nine months in American and French oak barrels, it displays a garnet hue and presents aromas reminiscent of liqueur, with hints of herbs and ash overlaying a fruit layer. On the palate, it is dry and edgy, with tannins that are fairly searing, leaving a lingering impression of balsamic notes.

James Suckling 92 Points | Aromas of baked raspberries and strawberries with spicy and earthy touches. Medium- to full-bodied with powdery tannins and a soft texture. Firm finish. Drink or hold.

Memo Summary Notes

The Finca Valpiedra Rioja Garnacha Petra de Valpiedra 2019 is a highly praised, single-varietal Garnacha (Grenache) from the Rioja Alta sub-region. It is part of a premium, limited-edition line from the respected Finca Valpiedra winery.

The 2019 vintage is noted for combining the power of Garnacha with great freshness and elegance, making it an excellent example of modern, high-quality Rioja.

The wine's silky texture and savory complexity make it versatile:

• Meat: Grilled lamb, roast duck, or white meats such as turkey and pheasant.

• Spanish Classics: Aged Manchego cheese.

• Other: Fish stews (like tuna marmitako), rice dishes, and mushroom risotto.

The Finca Valpiedra Rioja Garnacha Petra de Valpiedra 2019 is an outstanding example of premium, single-vineyard Garnacha from Rioja, praised for its elegance, freshness, and complexity.

Winemaker Description

Purple with ruby highlights, this wine shows up-front aromas of raspberries and black cherries with undertones of leather and spice. On the palate, it is expansive and rich.

Pair with lamb and apricot tajines, prime rib, tomato stews, or green lentil-based dishes.

Expert Ratings

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points  | This deep-hued wine has a bouquet of brambly fruits of the wood, coffee bean and dried sage. It opens with notes of mint and clove accompanied by sturdy tannins and ripe summer cherry, Mission fig, cocoa powder and dried thyme flavors. The lengthy finish is marked with menthol and pomegranate. (2015). 

Robert Parker 92 Points |  There is some more development in the 2015 Finca Valpiedra Reserva, which also feels a little riper, showing the dry, warm and ripe character of the year but keeping a low pH of 3.47 and 6.2 grams of acidity. This is medium-bodied, although some will call them thin—and certainly, they are not full-bodied and round wines, they are sharper. This is a blend of 92% Tempranillo and 4% each Graciano and Maturana Tinta that matured in French oak barrels for 22 months. These wines are feeling a little more traditional than in the past.

James Suckling 92 Points | This shows notes of incense and smoke on the nose, together with spiced plums, blackberries, dark chocolate, licorice and a hint of tar. Medium-to full-bodied with firm tannins and bright acidity. Ripe, yet juicy and succulent, with a rich finish. Drink or hold.

Flowers Vineyard & Winery | Chardonnay | Sonoma Coast AVA | California | 2024

Flowers Vineyard & Winery is a pioneer of the Far Sonoma Coast — one of California's most extreme and celebrated cool-climate wine regions. Perched on rugged coastal ridges just miles from the Pacific Ocean, Flowers has built its reputation on wines of exceptional tension, purity, and precision. Where most of California basks in warmth, the Far Sonoma Coast is defined by cold Pacific fog, relentless ocean winds, and a growing season that pushes Chardonnay to its limits — producing wines of remarkable focus, minerality, and longevity.

The Sonoma Coast Chardonnay captures the signature interplay between cool Pacific influence and bright California sun that defines this remarkable terroir. Energetic and bright, it balances mouthwatering acidity, fresh citrus, and an elegant, finely-woven texture with exceptional purity and precision.

Meyer lemon and just-ripe mandarin orange mingle with pithy herbaceous notes and a fine mist of green citrus oil. On the palate, savory preserved lemon and a hint of spice are supported by a backbone of persistent acidity. Briny ocean spray minerality lifts the tightly-knit texture, which expands across the mouth for a vibrant, lingering finish. Drink now through 2036.

A natural match for fresh oysters, Dungeness crab, grilled halibut, roasted chicken with lemon and thyme, and dishes with bright citrus or herb-driven sauces.

• Producer: Flowers Vineyard & Winery
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast AVA (Far Sonoma Coast), California, USA
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2024
• Style: Dry, crisp & mineral white
• Drink: Now through 2036
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2024

• Wine Enthusiast — 95 pts | Editor's Choice: Zesty lemon, lime, and green herb aromas mingle with citrus blossoms and cinnamon. The palate delivers a surge of vibrant acidity and pithy texture, with flavors of green apple, Meyer lemon, toasted hazelnut, and chopped lemon balm echoing for over a minute.
• Wine Spectator — 93 pts: Lemon sorbet and orange sherbet, plus lemongrass, lemon verbena, and fresh and dried ginger notes, with touches of saline and white tea on the long, detailed finish. Plenty of intensity and sleek, mouthwatering acidity. Drink now through 2036.

Expert Review — Vintage 2022

James Suckling 92 Points | Aromas of black currants, plums, mocha, bay leaves and a touch of cedar. The palate is full-bodied with smooth tannins and fresh acidity, giving dark berries, cocoa and a light, earthy finish. Balanced and easy to enjoy. Drink or hold.

Winemaker Description

Folie à Deux Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a pure expression of its region. Concentrated aromas of graphite, boysenberry, dark cherry, a hint of menthol and black olive sit atop clove and brown sugar notes. Rich, round and robust in structure, showcasing ripe, concentrated flavors of dark fruit complemented by chocolate, molasses, tobacco spice, and a balanced finish.

Food Pairings

• Grilled ribeye or lamb chops
• Braised short ribs or beef stew
• Aged cheddar or gouda
• Dark chocolate desserts

Expert Reviews

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | The NV 10 Year Old Tawny was bottled in 2013 with a bar top cork. It comes in at 106.7 grams per liter of residual sugar. Some Ports emphasize flavor, others emphasize structure. This starts out with perfect focus, elegant but increasingly intense on the tight finish. Early on, it was all about the structure, with a haze of velvet. The flavors were a bit muted initially, but it unfolded into an elegant and graceful whole with a flavorful finish. Its bright, clean feel always remains as it fleshes out and puts on weight. 

The Wine Spectator 90 Points | Refined, with bright flavors of dried berry, plum compote and cherry tart that are long and lush. Very creamy on the finish, which features chocolate mousse.

The Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | In the full Fonseca style, this aged tawny shows both rich fruit and a more serious wood-aged character. Good acidity follows the sweet initial taste, broadening into ripe flavors of nut, plum jelly, and a final crisp acidity.

Winemaker Description 

One of Tuscany's most celebrated organic estates, Fontodi Chianti Classico Organic 2020 is a benchmark expression of 100% Sangiovese from the heart of Panzano's legendary Conca d'Oro — the "Golden Shell" — a privileged south-facing amphitheater of vineyards in the Chianti Classico DOCG. Certified organic, structured, and deeply terroir-driven, this is Chianti Classico at its most authentic and compelling.

Fontodi & the Conca d'Oro

Fontodi has been certified organic for decades, farming 100% Sangiovese with an unwavering commitment to terroir expression and minimal intervention. Situated in Panzano's Conca d'Oro — a sun-drenched bowl of south-facing vineyards considered among the finest sites in all of Chianti Classico — the estate produces wines of remarkable energy, structure, and longevity. The 2020 vintage is slightly more reserved and structured than recent opulent years, offering a classic, high-energy profile that rewards decanting or further cellaring.

Critical Acclaim — 2020 Vintage

94 Points — James Suckling: "Subtle aromas of sliced strawberries and cherries with some orange peel follow through to a medium body with succulent tannins and a bright and tangy finish. Lovely energy in this one. So good now. From organically grown grapes."

93 Points — Wine Spectator: "Rich and velvety, laced with black cherry, blackberry, violet and mineral flavors. Driven by vibrant acidity and backed by well-mannered tannins. Shows excellent balance and length."

92 Points — Decanter: "This flagship Chianti Classico from the renowned Fontodi estate has not lost its identity, deeply rooted in a sun-drenched stretch of Panzano's Conca d'Oro. The 2020 version has all the ripe dark fruit and assertive tannins that come so neatly into balance. It finishes with its signature bitter liquorice twist."

92+ Points — Vinous (Antonio Galloni): "The 2020 Chianti Classico offers notable tension to balance the natural richness that is such a signature here. Dark red cherry, leather, spice, rose petal, dried herbs and wild flowers all grace this nuanced Chianti Classico. I would not plan on opening this too young."

91 Points — Wine Advocate: "A certified organic wine, the Fontodi 2020 Chianti Classico shows dark fruit and blackberry with earthy sensations of crushed stone that reflect the schistous soils found in this area of the appellation. Drinking 2023–2030."

17++ — Jancis Robinson: "100% Sangiovese. Certified organic. Lots of juice on the palate and plenty of grainy but ripe tannins in perfect harmony with the succulent fruit. Drinking 2023–2032."

Tasting Profile

Youthful ruby with vibrant clarity. The nose is subtle and enticing — sliced strawberry, dark cherry, rose petal, dried herbs, leather, and a hint of baked earth. On the palate it's medium to full-bodied with succulent, grainy tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long finish with a signature bitter liquorice twist. Classic Sangiovese energy and precision.

Details

2020 | 100% Sangiovese | Panzano, Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany, Italy | Certified Organic | 750ml

Food Pairings & Serving

Decant 30–45 minutes. Serve at 61–64°F. A natural match for bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, roasted lamb, and aged Pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano. Drinking beautifully now through 2032.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

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

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

Winemaker Description 

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

Memo Summary Notes

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

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

Winemaker Description

Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petite Verdot, 3% Merlot
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is absolutely impeccable. Best of all, it won't require years in the cellar to be enjoyable. In fact, it is quite expressive today. Juicy dark cherry, plum, mocha, spice, leather and cinnamon are some of the many notes that flesh out in the glass. 

Expert Review 

Vinous 96+ Points | The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is silky and elegant, with lovely aromatic presence and impeccable balance. Sweet tobacco, cedar, dried flowers and mint all give this mid-weight Cabernet lovely complexity and nuance. The 2018 has shut down since I tasted it last year, but that is not surprising given the style here. Today, bright acids give the 2018 energy, tension and a good deal of precision. Those qualities should help the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon age well over the coming decades.  Drinking 2028 - 2058.

Weingut Forstreiter | Grüner Veltliner Tabor | Kremstal DAC | Niederösterreich, Austria | 2021

Weingut Forstreiter is one of the Kremstal's most respected family estates, farming sustainably on the steep terraced vineyards above the Danube in Niederösterreich — Lower Austria. The Kremstal DAC is one of Austria's premier appellations for Grüner Veltliner, where the combination of loess and primary rock soils, the moderating influence of the Danube, and the continental climate produce wines of exceptional concentration, mineral precision, and longevity.

The Tabor is Forstreiter's single-vineyard flagship Grüner Veltliner, always hand-harvested at the very end of the harvest season to achieve maximum ripeness without botrytis. The result is a monumental and complex expression of the variety — a wine that inspires with its concentration, aromatic complexity, clarity, and youthfulness.

The 2021 opens with a dense, powerful bouquet that evolves beautifully with air — ripe aromas of green sugar snap peas, sweet citrus, overripe banana, dried apricot, and candied ginger, with a great arc of tension between warm, ripe fruit and cool mineral precision. On the palate, medium-bodied and vibrant with apple, green melon, white chocolate, and lemon fruit, underscored by a crunchy minerality. The finish is long, citrusy, and stony, marked by loads of white pepper — the hallmark of great Grüner Veltliner.

Pair with Wiener Schnitzel, grilled fish, sushi, white asparagus, light pasta, and soft cheeses. Also exceptional as an aperitivo.

• Producer: Weingut Forstreiter
• Vineyard: Tabor
• Appellation: Kremstal DAC, Niederösterreich, Austria
• Grape: Grüner Veltliner
• Vintage: 2021
• Harvest: Hand-picked; end of harvest season
• Farming: Sustainable
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2021

• Wine Enthusiast — 92 pts: Medium-bodied and vibrant — apple, green melon, white chocolate and lemon fruit underscored by a crunchy minerality. Finish is marked by loads of white pepper and a long, citrusy and stony aftertaste. — Aleks Zecevic

James Suckling 93 Points: "Roses, huckleberries, flint, cedar and chalk on the nose. Blue and black fruit, orange peel, Earl Grey tea and cedar on the palate. It’s juicy and dry, with a pleasing balance of energetic fruit and earthiness. Medium-bodied." (Vintage 2024). 

Four Graces 2024 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is a benchmark Oregon red — elegant, expressive, and true to the cool-climate character of the Willamette Valley.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Brilliant ruby with garnet hues
• Nose: Huckleberry, dried cherry, orange peel, clove, cedar and mocha
• Palate: Pomegranate, tart strawberry, blue and black fruit with Earl Grey tea and fine tannins
• Finish: Persistent and balanced with energetic acidity and earthy depth

Production Details

• Winery: The Four Graces
• Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2024 | Format: 750ml
• Body: Medium | Tannins: Fine & structured
  

Sourced from the celebrated Willamette Valley AVA, Four Graces crafts Pinot Noir that balances fruit purity with terroir-driven complexity. Pairs beautifully with pork tenderloin, mushroom risotto, roasted chicken, and salmon.

Winemaker Description

Francesco Rinaldi’s estate was first founded back in 1870, when he inherited a plot of land and vineyard house in the heart of Barolo. Though Francesco’s family wasn’t new to the winemaking game-- his cousin, Giuseppe RInaldi, was also producing great Piemontese reds that were completely shaking up the scene. Today, F. Rinaldi wines are produced only from organic fruit and are some of the best deals coming out of the region’s top growing sites.

Expert Review - Vintage 2016

Wine Advocate 97 Points | The Francesco Rinaldi & Figli 2016 Barolo Riserva Cannubi is a classic beauty with thin, delicate lines that frame a core of profound and very elegant fruit. You can attribute many descriptors to the bouquet, from wild berry, pressed rose, earth, rust, crushed rock and light spice. But no one aroma out-powers the next, and together they work in careful harmony. It's also important to point out the quality of the tannins in this Riserva, which remain elegant and firm. This bottle is a great candidate for long cellar aging. 97+ (ML) (8/2022).

Expert Review

Vinous 97 Points Josh Raynolds writes |  Glass-staining ruby. Exotically perfumed black and blue fruit, incense and candied licorice scents, along with mineral, olive and exotic spice overtones. Seamless and expansive on the palate, offering deeply concentrated yet lively blackberry, boysenberry, cherry-cola, salty olive and floral pastille flavors that show outstanding energy and mineral lift. Slow-building tannins grow on a strikingly long, focused finish that strongly echoes the licorice and mineral notes.

Expert Review

Josh Raynolds of Vinous writes 94 Points | Shimmering ruby. Smoke- and mineral-accented cherry and black raspberry aromas are complemented by suggestions of botanical herbs, violet, smoked meat and cracked pepper. Lithe and gently chewy in texture, offering appealingly sweet, spice-tinged dark berry, kirsch and floral pastille flavors that are braced by a spine of juicy acidity. The spice carries through an impressively long, penetrating finish that shows fine clarity and slowly emerging tannins.  Drinking 2025 - 2033 

Winemaker Description

Franck Balthazar is yet another tiny domaine in the region whose wines have become highly sought-after over the last decade; worldwide demand now far exceeds production. Predictably, market prices reflect this growth. Balthazar is a fastidious farmer and careful winemaker, which has earned him tremendous respect from his neighbors on the Cornas hill. All whole clusters are used here, no new oak, and as little sulfur as possible. If you ever encounter the unsulfured “Sans Soufre” Cornas bottlings in France, especially at any restaurants in the area, jump on them, as they are amazing but generally don’t hold up to extended shipping journeys. It’s a very strong case for the “drink local” argument. The 2020s have turned out fantastic.

Expert Review

Vinous 97 Points | Dark magenta. Highly perfumed, mineral-accented red and dark berry liqueur, candied violet, smoky bacon and Moroccan spice qualities on the nose, along with olive and black pepper nuances. Offers vibrant, palate-staining and spice-laced cassis, bitter cherry, floral pastille and smoky mineral flavors that show impressive depth and a bracing undercurrent of juicy acidity. Expands steadily with air and finishes wonderfully long and gently chewy, with polished tannins, resonating spice and floral notes.  Drinking 2026 - 2034/

François & Julien Pinon | Vouvray Blanc Sec — Buvez du Bon Pinon | Loire Valley, France | 2023

François and Julien Pinon are a father-and-son team working exclusively with Chenin Blanc on their 15-hectare estate in the Vallée de Cousse, in the heart of Vouvray. Certified organic by Ecocert since 2003, their work in the vineyard is in complete harmony with nature — a philosophy that translates directly into wines of exceptional purity, energy, and terroir expression.

Vouvray is one of the Loire Valley's most celebrated appellations, producing Chenin Blanc of extraordinary range and longevity. The region's tufa limestone soils and continental climate — tempered by the moderating influence of the Loire River — give Vouvray Chenin Blanc its signature combination of vibrant acidity, mineral precision, and generous aromatic complexity. Chenin Blanc is a grape that flies under the radar, which is baffling given its charming character and remarkable versatility.

The 2023 Buvez du Bon Pinon sports a gorgeous bouquet reminiscent of a walk through an orchard in spring blossom. Aromas of white stone fruits, peach, pear, wildflower honey, and quince emerge from the glass with lively fanfare. On the palate, energetic and effortless with refreshing lift, steely mineral intensity, and beautifully balanced vibrant acidity. The finish is long, tangy, chalky, and utterly delicious. Drink now through 2030.

A wine that adds cheerful accompaniment to roast chicken, grilled seafood, fresh salads, vegetable dishes, goat cheese, and herb-driven cuisine.

• Producer: François & Julien Pinon
• Cuvée: Buvez du Bon Pinon
• Appellation: Vouvray AOC, Loire Valley, France
• Grape: Chenin Blanc
• Style: Dry (Sec)
• Vintage: 2023
• Farming: Certified Organic (Ecocert since 2003)
• Drink: Now through 2030
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023

• Wine Spectator — 90 pts: A steely, mineral-intense style that starts out austere and then fills in with crunchy apple, pear and dried herbs. Chalky feel to the finish, which is racy and pure. Drink now through 2030.

67Wine Buyer's Note

Bart Hopkins, 67Wine — "Energetic and effortless in the mouth with refreshing lift and well-balanced vibrant acidity, with a long and tangy, delicious finish."

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

This biodynamic, sulfur-free Carménère immediately captivated us: immediately very present, enormously aromatic, a true powerhouse! On the nose, green pepper, black pepper, coffee, cloves, and other spices, with grassy, vegetal notes. A very successful blend of fruit and complex vegetal aromas. Initially astringent and fully dry, the palate displays powerful cherry fruit with tobacco, cocoa, and pepper, then becomes increasingly smooth, soft, and supple.

Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2023 — Napa Valley, California

Frank Family Vineyards is one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated estates, with roots tracing back to the historic Larkmead Winery site in Calistoga. Founded by Rich Frank in 1992, the winery has built its reputation on benchmark Napa Cabernet Sauvignon — wines that combine the valley’s signature power and richness with genuine elegance and age-worthiness. The 2023 vintage was a cool, precise year in Napa, producing wines of exceptional freshness and structure.

The 2023 opens with pronounced aromas of blackberry, cassis, and vanilla. On the palate, flavors of black plum, nutmeg, dark chocolate, and a touch of espresso build into a complex, full-bodied structure, anchored by a core of elegant acidity and fine tannins that carry from start to a long, savory finish. James Suckling awarded it 94 points, calling it “a refined and complete example of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon showing all the poise and freshness of the cool vintage.”

James Suckling 94 — “Taut and austere, with a good core of fruit, fine tannins, a textured mouthfeel and balanced acidity, leading to a savory, mouthwatering finish.”

• Producer: Frank Family Vineyards, Calistoga, Napa Valley
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Napa Valley AVA
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, cassis, vanilla, black plum, nutmeg, dark chocolate, espresso, elegant acidity
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, roasted lamb, wild mushroom risotto, aged cheddar, Manchego

A benchmark Napa Cabernet at a price that still makes sense — Frank Family delivers every time.