90 + Points | Critical Acclaim

Remelluri Reserva — Rioja Alavesa, Spain 2018

Remelluri is one of Rioja's most historic and prestigious single-estate producers — a benchmark for classical, terroir-driven Rioja that has no equal at its price. The estate farms 86 hectares of vineyards in the Sierra Cantabria mountains of Rioja Alavesa at extraordinary altitude: 590 to 805 meters above sea level, on limestone, sandstone, and marl soils that impart the mineral precision and structural elegance that define the Remelluri style. The estate is certified organic and biodynamic, fermented exclusively with natural yeasts in stainless steel and open-top oak vats, and aged 22 to 24 months in oak containers of varying sizes. The 2018 Reserva earned 95 points from both Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and James Suckling — a dual 95 that places it among the finest Rioja Reservas of the decade.

The nose is serious and captivating: dark cherry, blackberry, dried plum, cedar, tobacco, and iron-laced mineral, with a subtle herbal lift from the high-altitude vineyards. On the palate, the wine is beautifully structured and balanced — very fine tannins, a poised mouthfeel, and enough power and concentration to show genuine elegance and nuance. Almost salty on the finish, with a long, classical persistence of dark fruit, spice, and stone. Decant one hour before serving. Will age with ease for 15 years or more.

Wine Advocate 95 (Luis Gutiérrez) — "A very good classical wine, serious and balanced, with very fine tannins, a balanced mouthfeel, and enough power and concentration to show elegance and nuance. Very tasty, almost salty." (Vintage 2018).

James Suckling 95 — "A beautifully structured Rioja Reserva with refined tannins, layered complexity, and a balanced elegance that will age gracefully." (Vintage 2018). 

• Producer: Remelluri, Rioja Alavesa, Spain
• Vintage: 2018
• Appellation: Rioja Reserva DOCa, Rioja Alavesa
• Vineyards: 86 ha, 590–805m altitude, Sierra Cantabria
• Soils: Limestone, sandstone, marl
• Varietal: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and others
• Farming: Certified organic & biodynamic
• Aging: 22–24 months in oak
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, blackberry, cedar, tobacco, mineral, fine tannins, almost salty finish
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, Iberian pork, braised short ribs, aged Manchego, classic Spanish preparations

Dual 95-point Rioja Reserva from one of the appellation’s most celebrated organic estates — Remelluri 2018 is the benchmark for what high-altitude, biodynamic Sierra Cantabria Tempranillo can deliver.

Rémi Leroy | Réserve Blanc de Noirs | Extra Brut | Côte des Bar, Aube, Champagne | 85% 2022 Base | Practicing Organic

Jeb Dunnuck: 92 Points — Concentrated Pinot Noir fruit with bright citrus, a finely textured mousse and a dry, mineral-driven finish. Rated on the current 2022-base release.

Gismondi on Wine: 92 Points — An abundance of fresh raspberry and cherry fruit, supported by vibrant limestone minerality and a precise, energetic finish. Praised for its freshness, clarity and versatility at the table.

Rémi Leroy is one of the Côte des Bar's most compelling young grower-producers. After completing graduate studies in oenology and viticulture in Bordeaux, Leroy returned to his family's vineyards in Meurville in the Aube — the southern reaches of Champagne, where Pinot Noir reigns and the soils bear a striking resemblance to those of nearby Chablis. He farms a selection of carefully chosen parcels across the villages of Meurville, Bergères and Fontaine using practicing-organic methods, with an emphasis on precision, transparency and minimal intervention in the cellar.

The Réserve Blanc de Noirs is made from 100% Pinot Noir sourced from vines approximately 30 years old. What sets these vineyards apart is the soil composition: approximately 60% of the fruit comes from Kimmeridgian clay-limestone — the same ancient seabed geology that defines the finest vineyards of Chablis — while the remaining 40% comes from the rarer Portlandian limestone soils found around Meurville. The interplay between these two soil types gives the wine both generous fruit and a firm, chalky mineral backbone.

The current release blends 85% from the 2022 harvest with 15% from 2021, adding complexity and balance while preserving the freshness and ripe red fruit character of the primary base year. Vinification and maturation take place entirely in stainless steel, preserving the clarity and natural character of the Pinot Noir. Malolactic fermentation is completed in full. The wines are generally bottled without fining or filtration. After secondary fermentation in bottle, the Champagne spends approximately 24 months aging on its lees and is disgorged at an exceptionally low dosage of approximately 1 gram per liter — a near-zero addition that keeps the wine bone dry and allows the fruit and mineral terroir to speak without interference.

The wine opens with aromas of raspberry, wild strawberry, red cherry and crisp red apple, followed by blood orange, citrus peel, dried flowers and fresh bread. Subtle hints of almond, chalk and gentle spice emerge with air. The palate is energetic and finely textured — a lively mousse carries ripe red fruit and citrus freshness, while Pinot Noir provides structure, depth and a lightly savory character. Cranberry, orange peel, toasted grain and green almond lead into a dry, persistent finish marked by limestone minerality and a refreshing saline quality. Immediately expressive, yet with enough concentration and structure to reward short-term cellaring.

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

• Producer: Rémi Leroy
• Cuvée: Réserve Blanc de Noirs
• Style: Extra Brut Blanc de Noirs
• Appellation: Champagne, France
• Region: Côte des Bar, Aube
• Villages: Meurville, Bergères and Fontaine
• Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
• Base Vintage: 85% 2022 harvest, 15% 2021
• Farming: Practicing organic
• Vine Age: ~30 years
• Soils: 60% Kimmeridgian, 40% Portlandian clay-limestone
• Vinification: Stainless steel; unfined and unfiltered
• Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
• Lees Aging: ~24 months
• Dosage: ~1 g/L
• Bottle Size: 750ml

As a multi-vintage Champagne, base vintages, blending proportions, dosage, lees aging period and disgorgement date may vary by release. Critic ratings may apply to different releases or disgorgements of the same cuvée.

Renato Ratti · Barolo Marcenasco · DOCG · Piedmont · Italy · 2020

Renato Ratti is one of Barolo’s most historically significant estates. The late Renato Ratti — winemaker, scholar, and cartographer — was among the first to map the Barolo crus in the 1970s, fundamentally shaping how the world understands the appellation’s terroir. Marcenasco is the estate’s flagship Barolo, sourced from their home vineyard in La Morra — a commune known for producing Barolo of elegance, aromatic complexity, and earlier accessibility relative to the more austere Serralunga style. The 2020 vintage in Piedmont was exceptional: warm and dry, producing wines of deep concentration, ripe tannins, and remarkable longevity. Dual 92 points from both Wine Spectator and Decanter.

The 2020 Marcenasco opens with a beam of cherry and red currant, revealing flashes of rose and wild herbs with a mineral underpinning — the hallmarks of La Morra Nebbiolo at its finest. On the palate, ripe black and red berry fruit, baked plum, and hints of tea leaf are framed by robust, open, grainy tannins. The finish is long, juicy, and persistent, emphasizing pure fruit with real charm and length. Best from 2026 through 2042.

Expert Reviews

“A beam of cherry and red currant courses through this racy red, revealing flashes of rose and wild herbs, with a mineral underpinning. This is persistent, with a long aftertaste that emphasizes the pure fruit. Best from 2026 through 2042.”
— Wine Spectator · 92 Points

“Ripe black and red berry fruit, baked plum, and hints of tea leaf. Robust and rich, open, grainy tannins frame the fruit, and the finish has nice juice and length. Shows real charm!”
— Decanter · 92 Points

• Producer: Renato Ratti, La Morra, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Barolo DOCG
• Vineyard: Marcenasco, La Morra
• Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
• Style: Dry red — elegant, aromatic, mineral
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherry, red currant, rose, wild herbs, baked plum, tea leaf, mineral underpinning, grainy tannins, long finish
• Pairings: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised short rib, truffle risotto, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, wild boar ragù
• Drink: 2026–2042

WS:92 · D:92 · Barolo DOCG — La Morra Nebbiolo from the estate that mapped the crus. Elegant, mineral, and built for the long haul.

Renieri Rosso di Montalcino — Montalcino, Tuscany 2024

Renieri is one of Montalcino's most respected organic estates, and this Rosso di Montalcino is the clearest expression of why. Sourced from certified organic vineyards in the heart of Tuscany and crafted from Sangiovese Grosso — the same noble grape as Brunello di Montalcino — the 2024 delivers uncommon depth and precision for a Rosso. Vinous awarded it 92 points, noting it displays "significantly more depth than expected." 

The wine opens with a mentholated freshness and a classic bouquet of cherries, prunes, and floral aromas that open to more sophisticated notes of slate. On the palate, it is complex and vibrant with cooling acidity, crisp wild berry fruits, violet pastille nuances, and gentle, fine tannins. A touch of tartness is accompanied by a succulent, balanced body and an exciting finish with returning hints of ripe fruit and fantastic length.

"The 2024 Rosso di Montalcino opens with a mentholated freshness and floral aromas. This displays significantly more depth than expected, with cooling acidity and crisp wild berry fruits. Violet pastille nuances swirl over gentle, fine tannins as the 2024 tapers off with fantastic length." — Eric Guido, Vinous, 92 Points (Vintage 2024)

• Producer: Renieri, Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Rosso di Montalcino DOC
• Varietal: Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello clone)
• Style: Medium-to-full-bodied, elegant, mineral-driven Tuscan red
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherries, prunes, wild berries, violet, slate, mentholated freshness, fine tannins
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2030
• Best Paired With: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, roast lamb, wild boar ragù, aged pecorino, truffle pasta

A 92-point organic Rosso di Montalcino at an honest price — Renieri is the benchmark for what Montalcino can deliver before Brunello.

#3 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2025 | #71 James Suckling Top 100 Wines of the USA 2025

California Zinfandel That Stands Among the Greatest in the World

Ridge Vineyards has been one of California's most celebrated estates since the 1960s, and Lytton Springs — an estate vineyard in Dry Creek Valley purchased in 1972 — is among their most iconic bottlings. The 2023 vintage blends 76% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet, and 1% Mataro, aged in 100% air-dried American oak. A cooler growing season delayed harvest by a month, delivering a wine of remarkable restraint, freshness, and structural elegance — built to drink beautifully now and evolve through 2035 and beyond.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

• Jeb Dunnuck — 98 pts: "Initial chewiness leads to fine tannins, with good heft and underlying acidity. Well-woven oak supports a moderately ripe, medium-bodied frame of structured elegance. Enjoy now through 2033."
• Decanter — 96 pts: "Fresh aromas of herbs from a bouquet garni mix with earthy tones and subtle sweet notes from baking spices. The fruit profile oscillates between ripe red and black berries, with a touch of plums and ripe cherries. Tannins are firm yet polished, with a soft creaminess to the palate. Balanced and enjoyable now, with many years to evolve."
• Wine Spectator — 95 pts: "Deeply structured and full of tension, this polished red displays a distinctive personality, offering bold blackberry flavors accented with savory anise, black pepper, and dark Asian spices. Ends with big but refined tannins. Drink now through 2035."
• James Suckling — 95 pts: "A lovely release with lots of freshness from a cooler vintage. Bright and perfumed aromas of red cherries, raspberry coulis, confit plums, licorice, and spice. Full-bodied with finely tuned tannins and vibrant, crunchy acidity."
• Vinous — 95 pts: "Powerfully aromatic and expressive from the jump. Explodes from the glass with dark blue fruit, lavender, and blood orange peel, framed by mocha-like richness and a wave of exotic spice. The texture is pure silk. Remarkable persistence and poise — clearly built for the long haul."

Winemaker Notes

Nose of raspberry, pepper, licorice, and a hint of vanilla. Black cherry and plum on the palate with supple tannins, minerality, and present acidity. Long, layered finish with notes of garrigue and black tea.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: 76% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet, 1% Mataro
• Vineyard: Lytton Springs Estate, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
• Appellation: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Producer: Ridge Vineyards
• Vintage: 2023
• Aging: 100% air-dried American oak
• Drink: Now through 2035+
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for bold, rustic fare — exceptional with BBQ brisket, lamb chops, wild boar sausage, aged cheddar, and wood-fired pizza.

The 2023 Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon marks the first return of this historic cuvée since 2007 — a blend of Monte Bello estate fruit and neighboring vineyards (Bates Ranch, Fellom Ranch, Vidovich), aged 16 months in 100% American oak. A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot, it is a superb access point to the Ridge house style at a more approachable price.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

Owen Bargreen — 93 Points | Refined and elegant on the tongue, as toasty oak caresses a gorgeous core of dark currants, black cherry compote, and espresso bean notes alongside gravelly soils. Very fresh and vibrant with terrific acidity. Drink 2025–2035.

Vinous — 93 Points | Taut and structured, opening with dark fruit, cracked pepper, smoked meat, tobacco leaf, and cedar, all enshrouded in firm, chalky tannins that lead to a long, savory finish. A very fine access point to the Ridge house style. — Billy Norris

Wine Enthusiast — 93 Points + Cellar Selection | Aromas of black plum, clove, and ajwain draw in the nose, while the palate picks up licorice and more black plum alongside a firm structure. — Matt Kettmann

Wine Advocate — 92 Points | A lush nose of sweet black fruits, pine needles, sage, and a gourmand touch of vanilla pod introduces a soft, velvety, and pliable palate, ending with a pure, mouthwatering finish. A solid, accessible, and over-performing example of Santa Cruz Mountain Cabernet. — Matthew Luczy

Wine Spectator — 92 Points | Lively singed mesquite and savory notes up front, with juicy red currant, bitter cherry, and plum coulis held in check by nicely chiseled tannins. Best from 2027 through 2038. — James Molesworth

• Producer: Ridge Vineyards
• Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, California
• Vineyards: Monte Bello Estate + Bates Ranch, Fellom Ranch, Vidovich
• Blend: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot
• Aging: 16 months, 100% American oak
• Farming: Organic
• Vintage: 2023
• Drink: Now through 2038
• Format: 750ml

Riondo | Prosecco DOC | Extra Dry | Veneto, Italy | 187ml Split

Prosecco in its most personal format — a single-serve 187ml split that delivers all the charm of the full bottle without the commitment. Riondo is one of the Veneto’s most reliable Prosecco producers, drawing on Glera grapes from the DOC zone to craft a wine that is effusively fruity, floral, and clean. Extra Dry in Prosecco terms means just a touch of residual sweetness — enough to round out the fruit and soften the bubbles, without tipping into sweet territory. Persistent effervescence, delicate floral notes, and a crystal-clean finish make this the ideal aperitif, celebration pour, or single-glass treat. Perfect for events, gifting, or stocking the fridge for a spontaneous moment worth marking.

• Appellation: Prosecco DOC, Veneto, Italy
• Varietal: Glera
• Style: Extra Dry (lightly off-dry)
• Format: 187ml Split (single serve)
• Method: Charmat (tank method)
• Best For: Aperitivo, events, gifting, single-serve entertaining

Critical Acclaim

Wine Advocate | 90 Points: Effusively fruity, light-bodied offering with terrific floral notes, persistent effervescence, and a clean, delicate finish. Crystal clean and pure — an ideal aperitif. An amazing Prosecco.

Pairing Suggestions

• Aperitivo: Prosciutto, melon, light bruschetta, or fresh fruit.
• Casual: Soft cheeses, smoked salmon blinis, or a simple spritz base.
• Celebration: A festive single-serve pour for toasts, events, or gifting.

Winemaker Description

A medium-bodied Pinot Noir with remarkable floral, cherry and raspberry aromas. In the mouth, bright fruit flavors with a wonderful texture and extraordinary acidity. Smooth and balanced with a long, silky and velvety finish.

Expert Review

92 Points Wine Spectator | A medium-bodied red with aromas of wild raspberries, porcini, dried herbs and smoked meat. Powdery, fine tannins with a chalky feel. Concentrated and taut with a savory, mineral finish. Drink or hold. (2019)

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2020

James Suckling 97 Points | An elegant and stylish wine with fresh violets, roses, wild strawberries, earthy minerals and hints of Sichuan pepper and licorice on the nose. Full-bodied, firm, tense and fresh with a dusty texture, yet tight and well packed. Austere finish.

Wine Spectator 95 Points | A high-toned aroma of rose petal meets earth and savory underbrush notes in this multifaceted red. Flavors of strawberry and cherry hold the middle ground, while bracing acidity and sinewy tannins lend support. Long and elegant, with a lasting aftertaste of ripe cherry.

Winemaker Notes

Pajé is a small 1.83-hectare (4.52-acre) strip of land facing southwest, particularly rich in calcareous marl with a high content of active limestone. The amphitheater of Pajé opens onto the Tanaro river valley, which mitigates cold winters and hot summers, creating a unique microclimate. The vines range from 25 to 50 years of age (averaging over 40), and all new plantings are propagated using the massale selection method — clippings pruned exclusively from the Pajé vineyard itself.

About Roagna

The Roagna Barbaresco Pajé 2020 is a legendary release from one of the most artisanal and traditionalist producers in the Langhe. Luca Roagna is known for "monastic" patience, often aging his wines for five years or more before they leave the cellar.

The 2020 vintage is characterized by a "velvet glove" elegance — more approachable in its youth than the structured 2019s, showing silkier tannins while maintaining the estate's signature power and depth.

Tasting & Pairings

Expect classic Nebbiolo aromatics — dried rose, tar, red cherry, and earthy spice — wrapped in silky, fine-grained tannins with remarkable length. This is a wine built for contemplation but generous enough to enjoy now with proper decanting.

• Braised short ribs or osso buco — the tannin structure and acidity cut through rich, slow-cooked meats.
• Truffle risotto or tajarin pasta — a classic Piedmontese pairing that lets the wine shine.
• Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Castelmagno — hard, nutty cheeses complement Nebbiolo’s complexity.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019 

Antonio Galloni - Vinous Media - 97 Points "The 2019 Barolo Pira is powerful and deep but also very closed. There's so much energy here but readers will have to be patient as this classically austere young Barolo clearly needs time. Hints of pine menthol licorice and dried herbs appear with some reluctance. I would not dream of touching a bottle anytime soon. Superb."

Bruce Sanderson - Wine Spectator - 96 Points "A distinctive white pepper aroma leads off followed by flavors of strawberry sour cherry mint menthol and iron. Despite the lightness and ethereal quality the texture reveals viscosity and intensity. Balanced and complex ending with terrific length. Best from 2027 through 2045."

Luca Roagna's Langhe Rosso is a masterclass in Piedmontese restraint — a Nebbiolo-based blend from the Pajé vineyard in Barbaresco, crafted to be approachable in its youth while carrying the hallmark depth and complexity of the estate. The 2020 vintage delivers a multifaceted, savory expression with vibrant acidity and silky structure.

Regenerative Agriculture. 

• Producer: Roagna
• Region: Langhe, Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: Nebbiolo
• Vintage: 2020
• Format: 750ml

• 94 James Suckling

  A multifaceted wine, super rich and profound, with aromas of embers, dried cherries, wild strawberries, violets and bright blood oranges. Medium-bodied and slightly firm, with dusty tannins coated by fruit. Very tasty, savory, slightly lifted and citrusy.

• 91 Wine Spectator

  This red exudes cherry, rose hip and mineral flavors, with vibrant acidity and pliable tannins. Balanced overall, with staying power on the finish.

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023

Wine Spectator — 94 Points
"Jammy and generous, with bold aromatics, this red is a pleasure to drink, offering polished cherry and blackberry tart flavors accented by briar patch and licorice as this zips along the lively finish. Drink now through 2034."

Wine Enthusiast — 93 Points (Elaine Chukan Brown)
"A Napa classic, the Black Chicken Zinfandel relies on vineyards in cooler parts of the region, here harvested from a cooler vintage as well. The combination delivers complexity, detail and plenty of flavor: juicy mixed berries and plum, citrus peel, incense and savory length complete with refreshing verve and well balanced structure."

Jeb Dunnuck — 90 Points
"Offering brambly red, blue, and black fruits intermixed with peppery herbs, sandalwood, and savory, flowery incense, the 2023 Zinfandel Black Chicken is medium-bodied, nicely balanced, has ripe tannins, and a good finish."

Winemaker Description

The 2023 Black Chicken is the 25th-anniversary release of this iconic Napa Valley wine — and one of the most celebrated vintages in the wine’s history. A remarkably cool and balanced growing season produced a wine of exceptional complexity, detail, and structure.

Showing the influence of the breezy and fog-laced Oak Knoll District, the wine offers rich, plush fruit, delicate acidity, and a structure defined by well-ripened, fine-grained tannins. Vibrant aromas of black cherry, dried herbs, and sandalwood on the nose. Expansive on the palate with notes of blackberry, orange peel, plum, and baking spices, all driven to a long finish by balanced acidity.

The Black Chicken Story

It all started in the 1940s when 14-year-old Aldo Biale helped his mother make ends meet by selling to insider Napans — along with eggs and produce — some of the family’s homemade Zinfandel. Over the old “party line” phone system, the code words “a Black Chicken” signified a jug of bootleg wine, keeping nosy neighbors and the authorities from finding out about Aldo’s underground Zinfandel operation. Legally produced since 1999, Black Chicken Zinfandel pays homage to the industrious patriarch of the Biale family and the prominence of Zinfandel in the history of Napa Valley.

The heart of Black Chicken is sourced from vineyards in the Oak Knoll District — among them the same family vineyard Aldo, Nonna, Bob, and the Biale family have farmed since the 1930s. Black Chicken stands as the quintessential expression of Zinfandel from the Napa Valley.

2023 Vintage Notes

The 2023 season was one of the coolest vintages in more than a decade. Several years of drought were erased in a single season as rains began just after the 2022 harvest and continued through spring 2023. Ample groundwater and cool temperatures delayed budbreak until April, with flowering in mid-May. Moderate temperatures through spring and summer allowed for balanced maturation — picking at the perfect intersection of flavor, sugar, acid, and tannin maturity. Harvesting began with earlier sites in September, with moderate heat in early October accelerating picking through the end of the month.

Food Pairings

Grilled ribeye, BBQ brisket, lamb chops, wild boar, aged cheddar, and hearty pasta with meat sauce. A quintessential Napa Zinfandel built for bold, flavorful food.

Product Details

• Producer: Robert Biale Vineyards
• Appellation: Oak Knoll District AVA, Napa Valley
• Grape: 100% Zinfandel
• Farming: Practicing sustainable, head-trained, dry-farmed vines
• Soils: Ancient marine sediments and rocky alluvial fan
• Harvest: Hand-harvested
• Fermentation: Open-top fermenters, 2–4-day cold soak, 2–3 punch-downs daily
• Aging: 16 months in 100% Burgundy oak barrels (25% new)
• Vintage: 2023 (25th Anniversary Release)
• Production: 6,000 cases
• Drink: Now through 2034
• Format: 750ml

Roberto Henríquez · 'Rivera del Notro' Blanco · Itata Valley · 2024

Roberto Henríquez is one of Chile's most important natural wine voices — a tireless champion of the Itata Valley, a region in the Bio-Bío that was making wine centuries before Maipo or Colchagua ever appeared on a label. His vineyards are planted with the old-vine field blends that Spanish missionaries brought to Chile in the 16th century: Sémillon, Chasselas, and Moscatel de Alejandría, grown on granite soils by small-scale farmers who have tended these vines for generations. The 'Rivera del Notro' Blanco — named for the notro tree that blooms red along the riverbanks of Itata — is his signature white: a modern-day interpretation of ancestral Chilean winemaking, vinified with extended skin contact that unlocks a depth and complexity no stainless-steel Chardonnay can touch. WA:92. At $20.99, it's one of the most exciting natural whites in South America.

The 2024 opens with a heady, complex bouquet of potpourri, resinous herbs, dried flowers, and a hint of saison beer — the unmistakable signature of skin-contact vinification done right. On the palate: svelte and elegantly concentrated, with a broad, refreshing finish that lingers with phenolic grip, a streak of bright acidity, and retronasal floral notes that keep pulling you back. Serve slightly cool — this is a wine for the table, not the cocktail hour. Drink now through 2027.

“A modern-day interpretation of ancestral Itata white wines… svelte, elegantly concentrated mouthfeel. The finish is broad and refreshing, lingering with phenolic grip laced with a streak of acidity and retronasal floral notes.”
— The Wine Advocate, 92 Points

• Producer: Roberto Henríquez
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Itata Valley, Bio-Bío, Chile
• Blend: Sémillon, Chasselas & Moscatel de Alejandría (old vines, granite soils)
• Style: Skin-contact white (orange wine)
• Vinification: Extended skin contact · Ancestral field blend · Natural winemaking
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Potpourri, resinous herbs, dried flowers, saison beer, phenolic grip, bright acidity, lingering floral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2027
• Food Pairings: Grilled fish, roasted chicken, aged goat cheese, charcuterie, spiced Middle Eastern dishes

WA:92 — ancient Itata field blends, granite soils, and skin-contact depth at a price that makes it a no-brainer.

Roc de L’Abbaye Sancerre L’Antique — Saint-Satur, Loire Valley 2024

L’Antique is one of the founding cuvées of Roc de L’Abbaye — created 30 years ago as a tribute to the winemaker’s grandfather and his philosophy of minimal intervention. The grapes come from the best Silex hillsides in the village of Saint-Satur, one of Sancerre’s most prized terroirs, where the flint-rich soils impart the signature stony minerality that defines great Loire Sauvignon Blanc. True to its heritage, L’Antique is made unclarified and lightly filtered, allowing the full elegance of the terroir to express itself without interference. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 93 points. Decanter 92. This is Sancerre as it was meant to be made.

The nose is flowery and complex, drawing you in with muddled green pear and keeping you there with aromas of dried hay and lemon blossom. On the palate, vibrant stony minerality is in perfect sync with Gala apple on a lengthy, precise finish. Flinty, bright, and punchy with citrus and grassy notes — everything that makes Sancerre one of the world’s great white wines.

“This wine has a flowery, complex nose that draws you in with muddled green pear and keeps you there with aromas of dried hay and lemon blossom. The stony palate boasts vibrant minerality that is in sync with Gala apple on the lengthy palate.” — Reggie Solomon, Wine Enthusiast, 93 Points. (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Roc de L’Abbaye, Saint-Satur, Sancerre, Loire Valley, France
• Cuvée: L’Antique
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Sancerre AOC
• Terroir: Silex (flint) hillsides, Saint-Satur
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Vinification: Unclarified, lightly filtered — minimal intervention
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Green pear, dried hay, lemon blossom, Gala apple, stony minerality, flinty citrus, long precise finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, goat cheese, grilled fish, herb-roasted chicken, asparagus, or Le Pico chèvre

A 93-point Sancerre built on Silex terroir and three decades of tradition — Roc de L’Abbaye’s L’Antique is the benchmark for what great Loire Sauvignon Blanc can be.

Expert Review - Vintage 2018

James Suckling 92 Points | A rich, fruity red with plum, chocolate and walnut character. It’s full-bodied with lots of round tannins and a savory finish.

Monica Larner writes;  The 2018 Maremma Toscana Ornello is a blend of Sangioveto (Sangiovese), Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from the design winery of Rocca di Frassinello on the Tuscan Coast. This wine pays homage to the "butteri," or cowboys, that roam this remote and hilly terrain with their sturdy horses and leather hats. This wine shows a dark and meaty character, no doubt added by the Syrah, with some burnt ember and exotic spice. The bouquet is infused with dark fruit, dried plum and blackberry preserves. This is a full-bodied Tuscan red to pair with cowboy meals of steak and beans.  Drinking 2020 to 2028.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 92

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2018 Rocca di Frassinello is a bold, exotic wine. Ripe red cherry, kirsch, cinnamon and rose petal are all kicked up in this flamboyant Maremma red. Plush fruit and silky tannins add to its considerable appeal. Hints of sweet pipe tobacco, cedar and mint appear over time, adding striking inner perfume and sweetness. The 2018 is a decidedly racy Rocca di Frassinello.  Drinking 2020 to 2033.  - Vinous 94

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Advocate 94 Points | The 2022 Chardonnay Estate has open, inviting aromas of candied peaches, manuka honey, white pepper and tropical flowers. The satiny, medium-bodied palate pairs concentrated flavors and textural breadth with tangy acidity, and it has a long, flavorful finish.

Winemaker Description 

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | This ripe and generous wine smells like a cherry pie and tastes like warm raspberries and cherries dusted with cinnamon and ground cloves. It’s a welcoming, almost-sweet Pinot that is comfy in texture and alluring in flavor.

Wine Spectator 91 Points | Juicy and elegant, with a savory edge to the mix of gently mulled raspberry and cherry fruit flavors, revealing a sous-bois accent as they move through the finish. Drink now through 2027. 342 cases made.

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | Pouring a deep youthful red hue, the 2021 Pinot Noir Reserve is ripe and expressive on opening, offering loads of black cherries, sweet herbs, forest floor, and cola. Medium-bodied, it retains good levity on the palate while keeping a ripe feel, with ripe tannins and a clean finish.

Winemaker Description 

Ripe cherry and plum aromas open to a complex mix of rhubarb, forest floor, creamy oak and exotic dark floral tones. The fruit flavors continue a smooth, full bodied palate with forest floor, vinous and dark cherry flavors, finishing with supple volume and balance acidity.

Enjoy this wine now with sweet and spicy Moroccan roasted carrots, truffle risotto or cellar for enjoyment over the next few years.

Roederer Estate L’Ermitage Anderson Valley Brut 2019

When Louis Roederer — one of Champagne’s most prestigious houses — looked to California, they bypassed Napa and Sonoma entirely, heading north to the cool, fog-laced Anderson Valley in Mendocino County. The cooler climate, longer growing season, and distinctive soils of this remote appellation offered something rare: the conditions to make world-class sparkling wine with genuine terroir expression. Roederer Estate has been doing exactly that since 1982, and L’Ermitage is the pinnacle of their work — a tête de cuvée produced only in exceptional years, using the same philosophy that guides Cristal in Champagne.

The 2019 L’Ermitage marks a historic milestone: it is the first vintage of this wine to undergo malolactic fermentation, resulting in a rounder, more immediately expressive style with lower dosage (6 g/L) and an earlier drinking window than previous releases. The blend is 52% Chardonnay and 48% Pinot Noir, all estate-grown, with 3.9% Chardonnay reserve wine from 2016. Approximately 4.9% was fermented in oak cask with gentle bâtonnage for eight weeks. The wine rested on its lees for four years before disgorgement, followed by an additional seven months of cork aging prior to release.

Liquid gold in the glass, the wine opens with beguiling aromas of quince, fresh stone fruit, citrus blossoms, salt, herbs, and pine forest, with hints of river-rock minerality, sliced pear, and vanilla. The mousse is creamy and light, the palate textured and layered — baked red apple, blood orange zest, white grapefruit, brioche, clove, and sticky caramel — with a mouthwatering, chalky finish of extraordinary length. Drink now through 2035+.

Wine Enthusiast — 100 pts / Cellar Selection

“If sunshine could be bottled it would be this. Aromas of fresh succulent stone fruit, a hint of yeast, citrus blossoms and notes of quince on the nose. The mousse is creamy and light with baked red apples, blood orange zest, white grapefruit, sticky caramel and layered salinity with a mouthwatering finish. It will bring a smile to your lips.” — Tonya Pitts

James Suckling — 97 pts

“Pretty, delicate aromas of salt, herbs and pine forest. A compelling wine that really speaks of place, with fine bubbles that coat the palate before resolving in a finish of citrus oil and resinous herbs. Very fresh, layered, vibrant and medium- to full-bodied, with some wonderful chalkiness at the end.” — Courtney Humiston

Vinous — 96 pts

“A young, potent wine, the 2019 Brut L’Ermitage is shaping up to be the greatest wine ever made at Roederer Estate. Superb.” — Antonio Galloni

Jeb Dunnuck — 95 pts

“A complete, well-integrated, medium-bodied sparkling wine with a balance of fruit and savory notes. Textured and creamy in style, with a lingering brightness on the finish. Should age well over the next 10–15 years.” — Virginie Boone

Karen MacNeil — 95 pts

“Perhaps the most graceful sparkling wine made in California. Beautifully complex as well as refined. Layers of creamy notes are interspersed with a taut crispness. Purity and energy are woven together… a wine of great finesse.”

Wine Spectator — 94 pts

“Dynamic yet elegantly structured, with alluring flavors of Asian pear, baked apple, brioche, clove and nutmeg that build richness on the graceful finish.” — Tim Fish

VinePair — 93 pts

“River-rock minerality on the nose, with hints of sliced pear and vanilla bean. The palate is liquid gold with notes of roasted pear and cream and an elegant mouthfeel.” — Keith Beavers

Blend: 52% Chardonnay, 48% Pinot Noir (+ 3.9% 2016 reserve Chardonnay)
Appellation: Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, California
Vintage: 2019
Format: 750ml | Dosage: 6 g/L
Aging: 4 years on lees + 7 months post-disgorgement
Scores: 100 WE | 97 JS | 96 Vinous | 95 JD | 95 KM | 94 WS | 93 VP

Roederer Estate · Brut NV · Anderson Valley · California

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

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

Expert Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

Roederer Estate Brut Rosé NV Anderson Valley

When Louis Roederer — the Champagne house behind Cristal — established Roederer Estate in California's Anderson Valley in 1982, they chose the region for a reason: its cool, fog-driven climate, elevated acidity, and distinctive soils offered the conditions to make world-class sparkling wine with genuine Old World character. The Brut Rosé is the estate’s most expressive non-vintage bottling — a wine that consistently overdelivers at its price point and has earned a devoted following among sparkling wine lovers.

The multi-vintage blend is 56% Pinot Noir and 44% Chardonnay, with 10–15% oak-aged reserve wines from the estate’s cellars adding depth and complexity. Disgorged in May 2023 with a dosage of 8 g/L. The result is a wine of delightful precision: fully balanced between red fruit and acidity, with a rounded mid-palate, enduring finesse to the mousse, and the structure to age through 2035 and beyond.

Gorgeous salmon-pink in the glass, the wine opens with aromas of yeasty brioche, fresh raspberry, strawberry, white tea, and spiced orange zest. The palate is firm and focused, with dried raspberry, orange blossom, cranberry, dried rose petal, and mint, gliding into supple orange cream and white grapefruit on a dry, refreshing finish. Graceful, dynamic, and endlessly versatile.

Jeb Dunnuck — 94 pts

“Gorgeously pretty in a salmon hue… delightfully precise in nature, fully balanced between red fruit and acidity, with a rounded mid-palate and enduring finesse to the mousse. The acidity and structure are solidly impressive and should give the wine plenty of time to age through 2035, if not beyond.” — Virginie Boone

Wine Enthusiast — 93 pts

“Pale-pink salmon-hued with aromas of yeasty brioche, fresh raspberry, youthful strawberry, white tea and spiced orange zest. The midpalate is firm mousse, dried raspberry, orange blossom, gliding into supple orange cream and white grapefruit with a dry finish. Pair with life.” — Tonya Pitts

James Suckling — 93 pts

“This wine has gone on my ‘wines that always deliver’ list. Delicious and excellent value.”

Wine Spectator — 92 pts

“Graceful yet dynamic, with pretty strawberry and citrus flavors that take on fresh violet, orange peel and spice accents as this builds vibrancy toward the bright finish.” — Tim Fish

Vinous — 91 pts

“A serious but also very versatile Rosé. Cranberry, spice, dried rose petal and mint grace this understated, resonant Rosé. Fleshes out beautifully with a bit of time in the glass.” — Antonio Galloni

Blend: 56% Pinot Noir, 44% Chardonnay (+ 10–15% oak-aged reserve wines)
Appellation: Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, California
Style: Brut Rosé NV | Dosage: 8 g/L
Format: 750ml
Scores: 94 JD | 93 WE | 93 JS | 92 WS | 91 Vinous

Expert Review

Wine Spectator 89 Points | There's a richness here offsetting the firm structure, but the iodine and roasted walnut notes shine on the finish. Caramel, burnt molasses and tobacco round out the flavor spectrum. Drink now. 1,750 cases made.

Winemaker Description 

Mahogany colour with iodine tinged edges. Strong and nutty, with hints of varnish, caramel and vanilla. Very dry, well-rounded structure, with faint hints of saline, a slightly bitter and long- lasting finish.

Founded in 1980 by Koerner and Joan Rombauer — whose great-aunt Irma Rombauer wrote the legendary Joy of Cooking — Rombauer Vineyards has spent four decades building one of Napa Valley's most beloved wine brands. Drawing on Koerner's German Rheingau heritage and a deep love of food and wine, the family established a winery known for its fruit-driven, generous style and exceptional hospitality. Today, Rombauer sources from mountain and valley vineyards across Napa, Sonoma, the Sierra Foothills, and the Santa Lucia Highlands.

The Rombauer Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2022 750ml is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc, sourced from both mountain and valley estate vineyards. A labor-intensive 30% of the fruit is barrel-fermented — a technique that deepens color and layers fruit and oak nuances with remarkable complexity. Almost entirely estate-grown and optically sorted, it opens with mixed red and black cherries, dried sage, and bay leaf on the nose. On the palate it is plush, full-bodied, and easy to drink, with a comfortable, juicy character and moderately firm tannins. The quintessential Napa Cab for immediate pleasure.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

• James Suckling — 93 Points: "A plush, fresh and juicy red that's so comfortable and easy. A large 30% of the fruit is barrel fermented, a labor intensive practice that helps deepen the color and improve the layering of fruit and oak nuances. Full-bodied and moderately tannic."
• Wine Advocate — 90 Points: "Almost entirely estate grown and optically sorted. Mixed red and black cherries dominate the nose, accented by hints of dried sage and bay leaf. Full-bodied, plush and easy to drink."

Wine Details

• 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc
• Napa Valley, California — mountain & valley estate vineyards
• 30% barrel-fermented | Optically sorted
• Vintage: 2022 | 750ml
• Pairs with: grilled ribeye, lamb chops, aged cheddar, hearty pasta

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Jonathan Cristaldi of Decanter Magazine writes 93 Points | This wine impresses with its richness, creamy vanilla, and buttery brioche notes on the nose—never over the top—building into a fleshy, layered palate balanced by excellent acidity, with a pH of around 3.4 and 6.2 TA. Candied ginger peel, rich citrus, and tangerine peel lead into baked pineapple notes on a very long, saline-mineral finish—a true crowd-pleaser, perfect with roast chicken and potatoes or roast pork. The fruit for this Chardonnay comes from Napa and Sonoma Carneros. Barrel-fermented and aged for nine months in a mix of American and French oak, one-third of which is new. Oklahoma-born and raised, Andrew Holloway began his winemaking journey as an intern at Rombauer in 2010. His talent and dedication saw him rise to assistant winemaker in 2014, and in 2023, he was named winemaker.

Jim Gordon of JamesSuckling.com writes 91 Points | This is a lush, ripe, relaxed classic with generous poached pear and peach pie flavors. Full-bodied, rich in fruit and spice flavors, with butter and caramel accents. All barrel fermented, with hand-stirred lees and full malolactic. Reasonable acidity and a super-relaxed texture.

Winemaker Description 

The iconic California Chardonnay! This wine will delight with its ripe fruit intensity, hints of vanilla oak, a creamy midpalate, and a buttery finish, all supported by bright acidity tying it all together. Bring this wine to a party or open on a quiet night at home- you'll never be disappointed! 

Aromas of ripe peach and melon are found on the nose, interspersed with bright citrus notes. These continue to the palate where they are met by flavors of creamy vanilla and buttery nuances on the long finish. Rombauer’s signature bright acidity is evident throughout each sip, balancing the softness of the midpalate.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Vinous 92 Points | The 2023 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands) is a good bit lighter and brighter than last year, unsurprising given the conditions of this long, cool growing season. Layers of rose petal, sweet black cherry, asphalt, crushed rocks and blood orange unfurl in a nicely focused, elegant wine with sweet tannins and a sexy finish.

James Suckling 92 Points | A racy beam of acidity runs through raspberries, cranberries and red cherries. That mouthwatering fruit is wrapped up in anise, grilled sage and tilled earth. Balanced, rich and full of life. Drink or hold.

Rombauer Vineyards · Sauvignon Blanc · Napa & Sonoma Counties · California · 2025

Rombauer Vineyards has long been synonymous with California’s most hedonistic whites — and their Sauvignon Blanc, affectionately known as “California Sunshine in a Glass,” is no exception. Sourced from two estate vineyards in Sonoma prized for freshness and vibrancy, blended with select warmer sites in Napa County, the wine is farmed sustainably with NDVI aerial imaging to optimize each block individually. Whole-cluster pressed, fermented primarily in stainless steel with a portion in French oak and concrete for texture, and bottled under screwcap to lock in every bit of its aromatic intensity. 91 points from James Suckling.

The 2025 was shaped by a long, cool growing season — heavy winter rains replenishing the water table, followed by slow, even ripening through a cool spring and summer — yielding a wine of exceptional freshness and aromatic precision. Pale lemon-green in the glass, it bursts with key lime, freshly cut grass, grapefruit, stone fruit, and lychee. The palate is mid-weighted with brilliant acidity, a textured mouthfeel, and a linear, bright, mouthwatering finish that keeps you reaching for the next sip.

“Generous, fresh and vibrant, with white pepper, stone fruit, lychee and sliced lemon. The palate is mid-weighted with balanced acidity and textured mouthfeel with a linear, bright finish and freshness.”
— James Suckling · 91 Points (Vintage 2025). 

• Producer: Rombauer Vineyards, St. Helena, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Napa & Sonoma Counties, California
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Farming: Sustainable; NDVI precision viticulture; night harvest
• Vinification: Whole-cluster press; stainless steel + French oak + concrete tank fermentation
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Key lime, freshly cut grass, grapefruit, stone fruit, lychee, white pepper, bright acidity, textured finish
• Pairings: Persian herbed omelet, green curry, fried fish tacos, grilled seafood, goat cheese, light salads

JS:91 · Napa & Sonoma — California’s most aromatic Sauvignon Blanc. Sustainably farmed, screwcap fresh, and built for sunshine.

Rombauer Vineyards has been one of Napa Valley's most beloved family estates since 1980, celebrated for wines of generosity, precision, and genuine pleasure. While their Chardonnay is iconic, their Zinfandel is a quiet revelation — drawing on old-vine fruit from both Napa and the Sierra Foothills, where 120–130-year-old vines in Plymouth, California add extraordinary depth and concentration.

The Rombauer Zinfandel Napa 2023 750ml is a standout vintage. Aged 14 months in a combination of American and French oak (10% new), it bursts with bright cherry, red plum, and raspberry jam on the nose, layered with vanilla, holiday spices, lavender, and mocha. The 2023 growing season was cool and consistent, with warm September spells that extended hang time and delivered exceptional fruit intensity. On the palate, the wine is soft and creamy at mid-palate, with fine tannins, a zesty thread of acidity, and a long, lush finish. Sustainably farmed, block by block, with NDVI aerial imaging guiding every decision.

Expert Reviews

• Decanter — 92 Points: "Beautifully lifted and red-fruited, showing strawberry and cranberry alongside sweet clove, vanilla, and gentle baking spices. There's wonderful mid-palate concentration, with a freshness factor in 2023 that's off the charts. Just spectacular."
• Wine Enthusiast — 91 Points: "Lush red berries, cassis, sarsaparilla, cocoa, supple vanilla on the nose; the palate is balanced with youthful blackberry, blueberry, cardamom, orange zest, and mouth-watering acidity to finish."

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Cherry, red plum, raspberry jam, vanilla, lavender, and holiday spices
• Palate: Soft and creamy with mocha, clove, white pepper, and fine tannins
• Finish: Long, lush, and lifted with zesty acidity

Wine Details

• Zinfandel — Napa Valley & Sierra Foothills (120–130-year-old vines)
• Aged 14 months in American & French oak (10% new)
• Sustainably farmed | Vintage: 2023
• 750ml

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2018

About the Producer

The Ronchi di Cialla winery sits within its own valley like something out of a fairy tale — roads curving through rows of vines planted between outcroppings of forest, with the family home and cellar perched at the top of a hill overlooking vineyards in all directions. Ivan Rapuzzi runs the winery with his mother and brother, following the same traditional methods as their father before them.

The Rapuzzi family saved Schioppettino from extinction, building a library of wines spanning decades that proves just how magnificently this variety matures. Today, Schioppettino has its own subzone within Friuli Colli Orientali — Schioppettino di Prepotto — while Ronchi di Cialla enjoys its own unique terroir within the Cialla Valley.

• Producer: Ronchi di Cialla
• Appellation: Colli Orientali del Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
• Varietal: Schioppettino
• Vintage: 2018
• Format: 750ml
• Style: Full-bodied, floral, spiced red
• Tasting Notes: Rose petals, violets, blackberry, blood orange, white pepper
• Aging Potential: Excellent — cellar worthy
• Pairings: Braised meats, game, aged cheeses, mushroom dishes

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 97 Points | So pretty, charming and elegant, with floral aromas, light tannins and quiet vibrancy. Fresh raspberries, sour cherries, red cherries, rose petals and minerals give it complexity and appeal. Finesse, nerve and great balance. Drink now or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points | A bright red color, the 2023 Pinot Noir Roserock Zephirine offers focused and expressive notes of wild raspberries, framboise, rosy perfume, and sweet herbs. Medium-bodied, it has ripe tannins and an approachable feel, with its underlying mineral focus shining through the midpalate and finish. It’s delicious now but will only improve over the next 6-7 years and drink well over the coming 15 years.

Vinous 93 Points | The 2023 Pinot Noir Zéphirine wafts up with an understated blend of dried flowers, spiced citrus and wild strawberries. A stern mineral core and brisk acidity enliven the tart wild berry fruits. Youthful tension pinches at the cheeks, leaving angular tannins and admirable freshness.

RouteStock | Pinot Noir | Sonoma Coast AVA | California | 2023

RouteStock is a California label built around the idea that great wine should be accessible — that world-class terroir doesn’t have to come with a world-class price tag. Their Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir draws from one of California’s most celebrated cool-climate appellations, where Pacific fog and coastal winds push grapes to their expressive limits. The 2023 is a textbook example of what makes this region so compelling: complexity, tension, and a savory depth that punches well above its price.

The nose is brooding and aromatic — dried herbs, toasted hazelnuts, blood orange peel, and a whisper of lavender. On the palate, bright red-cherry acidity and crunchy minerality frame an appealing umami core, with flavors of shiitake mushroom, bay laurel, brambly berries, and cooked red and blackberries woven through with woodsy spice. Rich and complex, yet bright and inviting — a Sonoma Coast Pinot that delivers far beyond its price point.

• Producer: RouteStock
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast AVA, California
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 750ml
• Pairings: Roast duck, grilled salmon, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, mushroom risotto, charcuterie with prosciutto and mild cheeses

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2023 

• The Tasting Panel — 92 pts: Punches way above its price. Savory tilled earth and loam, red-cherry acidity, crunchy minerality, and an umami core with brambly berries and woodsy spice.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Vinous 94 Points | The 2022 Riesling Terrassen Smaragd is from 20- to 60-year-old vines planted on higher parcels at 250-350 meters. The nose has something of an eau de Cologne sense, with its conifer and citrus spice. The palate is super slender, very linear and uncompromisingly fresh, without a suspicion of fat or any opulence. This treads a thin line on perfect tiptoe. There is a weightless quality here. This is brimming with lemon and utterly fresh.

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | With fullness to the lychee, green plum and quince flavors, this delicious, mouthcoating and salty white is laced with baking spice notes. Stays elegant and well-defined despite its plump profile, offering zesty clementine acidity, with dried sage and fresh-cut grass notes bringing a savory dimension. Drink now through 2032.

Winemaker Description 

Wachau Riesling is dry and often defined by high levels of dry extract (due to a lengthy ripening period) and a pleasing freshness (due to dramatic temperature swings between day and night). Soils of primary rock from various terraced sites give this dry Riesling subtle minerality accompanied by aromas and flavors of citrus and stone fruit.

Riesling’s high acidity makes it one of the most versatile wines at the table. Riesling can be used to cut the fattiness of foods such as pork or sausages and can tame a certain amount of saltiness. Conversely, it can highlight foods such as fish or vegetables in the same way a squeeze of lemon or a vinaigrette can.

Rudi Pichler is among the elite growers of the Wachau producing wines of precision, power, and longevity. Grüner Veltliner and Riesling make up 95% of the production with the remaining 5% shared between Weißburgunder and Roter Veltliner. Rudi Pichler belongs to the prestigious Vinea Wachau and vinifies under the strict parameters of their codex.

Yields are kept low between 30 and 35 hectoliters per hectare with botrytis carefully removed by hand.  Grapes are crushed by foot and receive between three and 36 hours of maceration on the skins. Vinification is entirely in stainless-steel tanks and malolactic fermentation is avoided.

Weingut Rudi Pichler consists of 37 acres spread between Wösendorf, Joching, and Weißenkirchen where south-facing terraces look down at the Danube River. Terrassen indicates it is a cuvée from multiple terraced sites. Smaragd is a term used by Vinea Wachau members indicating a dry wine with a minimum alcohol of 12.5%.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

James Suckling 94 Points | Aromas of crushed stones, dark berries, and blueberries follow through to a medium to full body with creamy tannins and a medium-chewy finish. Chocolate at the end. Two or three years of bottle age will bring this around nicely. Drink after 2024.

Winemaker Description

A standard-setting Super Tuscan red blend renowned for its intense and intriguing character. Ruffino Modus opens with aromas of mature red and black cherries, plums, and small blackberries. A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot — each variety contributing structure, depth, and fruit complexity in equal measure.

About Ruffino

Founded in 1877, Ruffino is one of Tuscany’s most storied wine estates. Modus — Latin for “method” or “measure” — was created to showcase the potential of blending international varieties with Sangiovese in the Toscana IGT classification, free from the constraints of traditional appellation rules. The result is a wine of remarkable consistency and age-worthiness at an accessible price point.

Food Pairings

Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, wild boar ragù, aged Pecorino, and classic Tuscan dishes. Equally rewarding with 2–3 years of additional cellaring.

Ruggeri Argeo | Prosecco Treviso Brut Rosé Millesimato | 2023 | 750ml | Valdobbiadene, Italy

Rated 93 Points – Wine Enthusiast

For five generations, the name Ruggeri has been synonymous with the finest Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG. Founded by Eliseo Bisol and his son Luigi — among the first modern winemakers in the region — Ruggeri stands today among the top wineries of Valdobbiadene, pioneering quality and vision since the 1950s. Now part of the Rotkäppchen-Mumm Group, Ruggeri continues to be recognized worldwide for its commitment to excellence.

• Winery: Ruggeri
• Origin: Valdobbiadene, Treviso, Italy
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Style: Brut Rosé Millesimato (Vintage)
• Varietal: Glera with Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Prosecco DOC Treviso

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Soft pink hue reminiscent of peach flowers with abundant foam and lively, fine perlage
• Nose: Glera aromatics enriched with red currants, raspberries, white flowers, and a balsamic note of fresh rosemary
• Palate: Succulent cherry, wild strawberry, pomegranate, and full-bodied structure from Pinot Noir
• Finish: Long, elegant, crisp, and harmonious — perfectly matching the aromas

Critical Acclaim

• 🏆 Wine Enthusiast – 93 Points: "With its soft pink hue and inviting berry-scented bouquet, this Prosecco rosé is a charmer. The palate is awash with succulent cherry, wild strawberry and a subtle hint of pomegranate. The finish is crisp and refreshing, making it an ideal aperitivo or a surprising addition to tacos or burgers."

Serving Suggestions: Ideal as an aperitivo; pairs beautifully with tacos, burgers, light appetizers, and fresh fruit desserts.