90 + Points | Critical Acclaim

Côtes du Rhône Syrah from One of the Southern Rhône’s Most Historic Estates

Château de Saint Cosme has been in the hands of the Barruol family since 1490, making it one of the oldest continuously family-owned estates in the Rhône Valley. Under Louis Barruol, who took over in 1992, Saint Cosme has become a benchmark for the appellation. The 2024 Côtes du Rhône — 100% Syrah from the stony Villafranchian terraces of the Gard, with limestone sand, red clay, and pebbles — is fermented with natural yeasts and vinified in concrete vats, delivering a wine of remarkable purity, freshness, and character at an exceptional price.

Expert Review - Vintage 2024 

• Wine Spectator — 90 pts: "A pure core of fresh blackberry, crunchy plum and violet in this vibrant version, with the subtlest brushing of vanilla. Layers of graphite and fine-grained tannins provide a solid framework. Compact, with savory details emerging toward the solid, medium-bodied finish, grounded in salty mineral notes and a waft of alder smoke. Drink now through 2028."

Winemaker Notes

100% Syrah from the stony Villafranchian terraces of the Gard. The vineyards are known for their limestone sand, red clay, and pebbles, which give freshness and intensity to the Syrah grapes. Partially destemmed, fermented with natural yeasts, and vinified in concrete vats. Typical spicy notes of sandalwood, violets, and black pepper.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: 100% Syrah
• Appellation: Côtes du Rhône AOC, Southern Rhône, France
• Producer: Château de Saint Cosme (Barruol family, est. 1490)
• Vintage: 2024
• Vinification: Partially destemmed, natural yeasts, concrete vats
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for Provençal and Mediterranean cuisine — exceptional with grilled beef or venison with black pepper and thyme, roasted duck, pork, mushroom dishes, and Moroccan tagines.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Decanter 92 Points | Pretty forceful, direct acidity here. Classic Chablis style. Will age. Comes from two plots situated on the left bank of the Serein, with one positioned below Montée de Tonnerre. They are fermented and kept separate before blending. Mostly hand-harvested.

Jasper Morris 91 Points | Pretty forceful, direct acidity here. Classic Chablis style. Will age. Comes from two plots situated on the left bank of the Serein, with one positioned below Montée de Tonnerre. They are fermented and kept separate before blending. Mostly hand-harvested.

Memo Notes

The 2022 growing season was warm, which gave this wine more volume and richness than the leaner 2021, but Billaud's signature precision remains intact.

• Aroma: Classic "Kimmeridgian" mineral notes of crushed chalk and seashell, followed by yellow plum, white flowers, and a hint of beeswax.

• Palate: Vibrant and electric. Expect a core of lemon zest, green apple, and white peach. The texture is slightly creamy from the lees aging but is driven by a distinct saline (salty) streak.
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  Finish: Long, dry, and exceptionally clean, with a lingering flinty finish.

  Memo Pairing Notes

• The Gold Standard: Fresh oysters on the half shell or chilled crab claws. 

  • Main Courses: Grilled sea bass with lemon and herbs, or a creamy mushroom risotto.

  • Cheese: Goat cheese (Chèvre) or a light, nutty Comté.

San Felice Chianti Classico — Castelnuovo Berardenga, Tuscany 2022

San Felice is one of Chianti Classico’s most storied and respected estates, farming over 270 hectares in the Castelnuovo Berardenga sub-zone — the southernmost and warmest corner of the appellation, known for producing wines of particular richness, structure, and savory depth. The Chianti Classico is the estate’s benchmark expression: a blend of Sangiovese with the rare indigenous varieties Colorino and Pugnitello, vinified to capture the vibrant, earthy, food-friendly soul of traditional Chianti at an exceptional price point. The 2022 vintage earned 91 points from Wine Enthusiast and 90 from Vinous, and is drinking beautifully now.

The nose is defined by cool earthiness: flint, wild herbs, tart blackberries, mushroom, and balsamic. On the palate, it is vibrant and open-knit — cherries, black cherry, blackberry, crushed flowers, and orange peel are framed by dusty, chewy tannins, notable acidity, and a flinty, iron-inflected finish that anchors the wine with real Chianti character. A textbook food wine of the highest order.

Wine Enthusiast 91 — “Cool earthiness defines the nose, with aromas of flint, wild herbs and tart blackberries, and umami notes of mushroom and balsamic. Dusty, chewy tannins and notable acid emphasize that flinty earthiness.”

Vinous 90 — “Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, spice, new leather and a kick of orange peel. Soft, open-knit. Drink it over the next few years.”

Wine Spectator 89 — “Black cherry and blackberry flavors with accents of violet, earth and iron. Firm tannins infuse the finish. Drink now through 2027.”

• Producer: San Felice, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Chianti Classico DOCG
• Blend: Sangiovese, Colorino, Pugnitello
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Flint, wild herbs, blackberry, mushroom, balsamic, cherry, crushed flowers, orange peel, iron finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2027
• Best Paired With: Pasta Bolognese, lasagna, wood-fired pizza, grilled lamb with rosemary, roast turkey, aged Pecorino, charcuterie

Sangiovese, Colorino, Pugnitello, and 91 points from Wine Enthusiast — San Felice Chianti Classico is the Tuscan food wine that always earns its place at the table.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

The Wine Advocate 95 Points | The San Felice 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Il Grigio (made with 80% Sangiovese and 20% complementary indigenous grapes) stands out due to its velvety richness and expressive flavor profile. The wine delivers measured intensity with bright purple and black fruits, a good sense of energy and drive, and some lingering spiciness on the close. It is rich but not heavy.

James Suckling 93 Points | This is spiced and racy with dark cherries, currants, savory herbs, walnuts and sandalwood. Medium- to full-bodied with ripe, powdery tannins, juicy acidity and a mineral backbone on the palate. Bright and fruit-forward in the finish. Drink or hold.

Chianti Classico from One of Gaiole's Most Revered Organic Estates

San Giusto a Rentennano is one of Chianti Classico's most celebrated family estates, farming organically in Gaiole in Chianti and producing wines of exceptional purity and elegance. Their 2020 Chianti Classico — a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo, aged 10 months in oak barrels and barriques plus 6 months in bottle — is a benchmark expression of the appellation: energetic, fragrant, and classically structured, with the kind of pure fruit and fine tannins that make it equally compelling now or over the next 6–8 years.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

• Wine Advocate — 93 pts: "The certified organic 2020 Chianti Classico is a clever blend of 90% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo from a unique growing site in Gaiole in Chianti. This vintage stands out thanks to its ample and generous fruit profile. Elegant and velvety texture. Hits all the right notes. Drink 2022–2030."
• Jeb Dunnuck — 92+ pts: "Ripe with aromas of black raspberry coulis, red flowers, sweet tobacco, and pine. Elegant and medium-bodied, with supple texture, fine tannins, and an even, well-balanced finish. Pure, classic, and balanced — a gulpable wine that will drink great now or over the coming 6–8 years. Drink 2024–2032."
• Jancis Robinson — 17++ pts: "Lustrous mid ruby. An elegant, fragrant raspberry nose, gorgeous supple and juicy cherry and raspberry fruit on the palate, with gripping, nutty tannins. Very long and succulent and fragrant. Drink 2022–2028."
• Vinous — 91 pts: "Super-impressive. The purity of the fruit is really quite compelling. Dark cherry, plum, cedar, incense and licorice build nicely in a mid-weight Chianti Classico that hits all the right notes. Drink 2023–2032."
• Wine Spectator — 90 pts: "Dense, with solid tannins and lively acidity supporting expressive cherry, raspberry, iron and earth flavors. Balanced and long. Drink now through 2028."

Winemaker Notes

A Chianti of traditional style — energetic and elegant, with beautiful complexity and cleanliness on the nose. Aromas of ripe red fruit and spicy notes lead to an agile, fresh, and soft palate. Aged at least 10 months in oak barrels and barriques, plus 6 months in bottle.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: 90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo
• Appellation: Chianti Classico DOCG, Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy
• Producer: San Giusto a Rentennano
• Vintage: 2020
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Production: 51,872 bottles
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A classic Tuscan pairing — exceptional with bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, pasta al ragù, aged Pecorino, and grilled lamb chops.

Discover the Richness of Primitivo di Manduria

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

James Suckling - 91 Points | A spiced nose of dark berries, smoked herbs and hints of mushrooms and moist earth. Full-bodied, dense and plush, with firm tannins and rich, almost sweet berry character.

Memo Summary Notes

The San Marzano "Anniversario 62" Primitivo di Manduria Riserva 2019 is an iconic, opulent red from Puglia that serves as a tribute to the winery's founding year. It is widely considered a benchmark for the region, known for its massive concentration, "noble" tannins, and a luxurious, velvety texture.

Why 62? The name commemorates 1962, the year 19 vine growers came together to found Cantine San Marzano. This Riserva is only made from their oldest, lowest-yielding bush vines, which results in much higher flavor concentration than standard Primitivo.

Because of its richness and hint of sweetness, it needs bold flavors to stand up to it:

• Meats: Slow-cooked beef short ribs, venison with a berry reduction, or grilled lamb chops.

• Italian Classics: Orecchiette with a spicy sausage and broccoli rabe ragu.

• Indulgent: Dark chocolate desserts or a platter of extra-aged Pecorino and blue cheeses.

Experience the Taste of Primitivo

San Marzano Anniversario 62 Primitivo di Manduria Riserva 2019 showcases the exceptional quality of Primitivo grapes. This wine is full-bodied, offering rich fruit flavors, including notes of black cherry and plum. It has a smooth texture and balanced acidity, making it an ideal choice for both casual and formal occasions. People appreciate its versatility, as it pairs well with various dishes, from pasta to grilled meats.

Why Choose San Marzano Anniversario 62?

This particular vintage stands out not only for its taste but also for its meticulous production process. San Marzano winery is known for its commitment to quality, and the 2019 Riserva reflects that dedication. The grapes are carefully harvested and fermented, ensuring that the unique characteristics of the Primitivo grape shine through. Therefore, when you choose this wine, you're selecting a product with a rich heritage and a promise of exceptional quality.

An Ideal Wine for Every Occasion

Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or enjoying a quiet evening at home, San Marzano Primitivo di Manduria is the perfect companion. Because of its complexity and rich flavor profile, it can elevate any dining experience. Many wine lovers recommend serving it slightly below room temperature to enhance its aromatic qualities. So, if you’re looking for a memorable wine experience, consider the San Marzano Anniversario 62 Primitivo di Manduria Riserva 2019.

San Marzano is one of Puglia’s most celebrated cooperative wineries, drawing from over 1,200 grower families across the sun-drenched heel of Italy’s boot. This Negroamaro — Puglia’s great indigenous red grape — is a textbook expression of the variety: deeply colored, richly aromatic, full-bodied, and built for the table. At $14.99, it’s one of the finest values in Italian red wine.

Expert Review
“Deep purple-red color with black-violet reflections; intense and persistent aroma, with hints of blackcurrant and wild berries, spicy, with notes of thyme. Full-bodied, velvety and harmonious wine, with a long and savory finish.” — 94 pts, Luca Maroni

Food Pairings: Grilled lamb, braised short ribs, pasta al ragù, aged pecorino, charcuterie, and hearty stews.

Varietal: Negroamaro
Producer: San Marzano
Region: Puglia (Salento), Italy
Vintage: 2023
Bottle Size: 750ml

Expert Review

Wine Spectator 91 Points | Rich and supple, offering creamy flavors of hazelnut, Christmas pudding and ripe cherry, with cocoa powder notes. Lush and spicy on the long, ripe finish. Drink now. 1,800 cases imported.

Winemaker Description 

Sandeman Porto Tawny 10 Years Old is a vibrant premium aged wine, where the balance of ripe fruit and oak aged intensity, highlight Sandeman´s quality.

The intense red tawny colour with shades of brick, typical of this style of aged yet youthful wine, anticipates the elegant and complex aroma, combining ripe fruit, jam and nuts, with hints of vanilla and raisins. In the mouth, Sandeman Porto Tawny 10 Years Old is a most flavoursome wine, full-bodied and appealing, with a persistent finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points |  The 2020 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Vineyard (20% new French oak) has a touch of chamomile in its perfumed aromatics of golden apple, honeyed toast, spice, and subtle green almonds. Complex and nuanced aromatically, it's medium-bodied on the palate, has high yet nicely integrated acidity, terrific balance, and outstanding length.

91 Wine Spectator | Displays wonderful density, offering nectarine and lemon sorbet notes at the core, with a touch of salted, roasted almond. This white shows a hint of crunchy sea salt, with lemon verbena and lemon blossom aromatics. Firming acidity adds a refreshing punctuation point. Drink now. 331 cases made

Producer Description 

This Sanford & Benedict Chardonnay is bright, beautifully layered, and nuanced. Meyer lemon, candle wax, and cut straw all grace this very savory Chardonnay. Orange marmalade, stone fruits, and chamomile work seamlessly with the rich textures on the palate. This wine is natural with richer dishes and even light game.

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

Santa Julia Natural La Vaquita Clarete is a pale red color with pink reflections. The aromas are fresh and fruity with a soft hint of floral notes. Fresh acidity on the palate - juicy and bold. 

James Suckling 93 Points | Floral on the nose, with watermelon, pepper and bright red fruit. Medium- to full-bodied, voluminous yet fresh, fun and approachable. Made from 80% malbec and 20% torrontes co-fermented over 15 days. Vibrant and enjoyable. No sulfites added.

Santi Santico Amarone della Valpolicella Classico — Veneto 2020

Santi is one of the Valpolicella Classico’s most historic producers, with roots stretching back to 1843 and vineyards in the heart of the original Classico zone — the hillside communes of Fumane, Marano, and Negrar where the finest Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes have been grown for centuries. Amarone is the pinnacle of the Valpolicella tradition: grapes are harvested in late September, then laid on bamboo racks in the estate’s lofts to dry for 90–120 days — a process called appassimento — concentrating sugars, flavors, and structure to extraordinary levels before fermentation. The Santico is Santi’s flagship Amarone — a wine of power, elegance, and remarkable value for the appellation. The 2020 vintage delivered exceptional ripeness and concentration in the Classico zone.

The color is a deep, concentrated dark red. The nose is fragrant and complex: cherry jam, cranberry, plum, dried fig, cocoa, and a whisper of spice — the unmistakable aromatic richness of appassimento. On the palate, it is full-bodied and round, with velvety tannins, a pleasantly tangy backbone of acidity, and a long, alluring finish of red berries and dark fruit. This is Amarone as it should be: powerful yet balanced, concentrated yet elegant, built for the table and the cellar alike.

“Dark red hue; concentrated, fragrant nose with top notes of cherry jam and cranberries, followed by hints of plum, dried fruit and cocoa. Full, round, with velvety tannins — pleasantly tangy with a long finish.” — Santi Winemaker

• Producer: Santi, Valpolicella Classico, Veneto, Italy
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG
• Blend: Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara
• Method: Appassimento — grapes dried 90–120 days before fermentation
• Style: Full-bodied, velvety, concentrated Amarone Classico
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherry jam, cranberry, plum, dried fig, cocoa, spice, velvety tannins, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 10–15 years
• Best Paired With: Braised short ribs, osso buco, roast lamb, game, aged Parmigiano, hard cheeses

Valpolicella Classico Amarone at an honest price — Santi Santico is the benchmark for what this great appellation can deliver.

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

The Wine Advocate 93 Points | A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, the Savage Wines 2023 Savage White is the only wine in the portfolio that sees a little bit (10%) of new oak. The intent is to offer a textural interpretation of these two grapes. The wine shows natural freshness, white flowers, wood spice and a hint of reduction. The 2023 vintage was cooler, like 2017, making for a classical growing season. This wine has a long saline finish with orchard fruit and pear with a mid-weight approach. The wine is left on the lees for as long as possible to augment that impression of salinity and to create longevity.

Expert Review — Vintage 2022

Winemaker's Notes

The 2022 vintage in Napa Valley is defined by exceptional structure, deep ruby color, and luxurious, velvety tannins. Unique weather events throughout the growing season coaxed the full spectrum of flavors Napa Valley is celebrated for — from crisp and vibrant to dense and powerful.

On the palate, Scattered Peaks delivers a rich tapestry of ripe black cherry, plum, and wild berry, layered with subtle notes of cassis, violet, and dark cocoa. The finish is long, indulgent, and impeccably balanced — a testament to the terroir and craft behind every bottle.

• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 750ml
• Tannins: Soft & velvety
• Drinking Window: Drink now through 2030

Scharffenberger Brut Excellence | Méthode Traditionnelle | Mendocino County, California

A benchmark California sparkling wine crafted in the traditional méthode champenoise, bottle-fermented and aged a minimum of 24 months on the lees. The blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir draws from Scharffenberger's own 120-acre Anderson Valley vineyards and select long-term Mendocino County contracts — a pedigree that shows in every pour.

The nose opens with toasted brioche, crème caramel, Asian pear, and honeysuckle, layered with hazelnut and candied citrus. On the palate, a creamy, fine-bubbled mousse gives way to bright orchard fruit — yellow apple, white fig, apricot — framed by lip-smacking acidity and a long, nutty finish. 100% malolactic fermentation adds a round, full-bodied texture that punches well above its price point.

• Appellation: Mendocino County, California
• Blend: 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir
• Method: Méthode Traditionnelle (Champenoise)
• Aging: Minimum 24 months on the lees
• Dosage: ~8 g/L
• Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim

• Jeb Dunnuck — 93 pts: Impressive depth of texture and balanced richness; lovely notes of crème caramel and brioche.
• The Tasting Panel — 93 pts: Remarkable value with the poise and presence of wines twice the price; lilting, lip-smacking acidity and a creamy tang.
• Decanter — 92 pts: Riveting aromatics of brioche, crème brûlée, and candied citrus; broad and mouth-filling with a crisp, layered finish.
• James Suckling — 92 pts: Solid core of fruit with apple, strawberry, and hints of iron and salt; tensioned and full of flavor.

Schloss Lieser | Riesling Niederberg Helden Feinherb 2021 | Mosel, Germany

Thomas Haag's Niederberg Helden is one of the Mosel's most storied steep-slope sites — a south-facing amphitheater of blue Devonian slate just east of the village of Lieser. The slate imparts a signature mineral grip and cool-climate tension that defines this wine's character.

Feinherb is the winemaker's own style: poised between dry and semi-sweet, it is built for the table — the gentle residual sweetness cuts through spice, while the electric acidity stands up to rich, savory dishes.

The 2021 vintage was a cooler, more classic year in the Mosel, producing wines of exceptional energy and precision. This bottling delivers intense wild herb, crisp pear, and white peach on a sleek, compact frame, with a stony mineral undertow and impressive length. Drink now or cellar with confidence.

Tasting Notes - Vintage 2021

James Suckling — 94 Points: The intense wild herb character gives this sleek and compact 2021 Mosel a very striking personality. Lots of crisp pear and white peach fruit fill this picture out neatly. The impressive length suggests this has many years ahead of it. Drink or hold.

Wine Enthusiast — 90 Points (Aleks Zecevic): Well tuned and flowing with grace, this wine delivers notes of understated passion fruit and kumquat. A stony undertow adds to the charm and complexity. Not a blockbuster — for those who value nuance and subtlety.

Technical Details

Variety: Riesling  |  Vineyard: Niederberg Helden  |  Region: Mosel, Germany  |  Soil: Blue Devonian Slate  |  Fermentation: Stainless Steel  |  Size: 750ml

Expert Reviews 

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

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

Producer Notes

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

Memo Summary Notes

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

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

Food Pairings

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

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

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

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Vinous 92 Points Eric Guido | More savory than sweet and wonderfully complex, the 2019 Brut Rosé North Coast bursts from the glass with toasty notes of fresh baguette and almonds, giving way to crushed apples and gingery spice. This rushes the palate with an elegant bead of silken bubbles. It is creamy yet energetic, and mineral-tinged orchard fruits add further tension. The 2019 leaves the senses wonderfully refreshed through the long, crunchy finale, as white strawberry and spice cookie notes fade. The Brut Rosé is a pleasure bomb, yet it’s wonderfully balanced throughout.  Drinking 2023 to 2027.    

Wine Spectator 92 Points | A delicate, graceful rosé, with refined strawberry, fresh ginger and yeast roll tones that glide on the supple finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drink now.  

Expert Review - Vintage 

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | This wine is dense, complex, with aromas of black currant, black cherry, black plum, pink grapefruit, dried potpourri, cardamom on the nose. The palate is red plum, strawberry, pomegranate, mulled spice, mandarin orange, wafting into cracked black pepper, clove, bittersweet chocolate, and sweet cigar.

Winemaker Description 

Dark briary fruit of mulberry, white pepper, cigar box, ripe strawberry, grilled steak, spicey, cherry tobacco, sage, and plum lead to an extractive fleshy structure with firm tannin and a balanced long lingering finish.

Sea Smoke Cellars Pinot Noir TEN | Santa Rita Hills | 2023 | 750ml | Santa Barbara County, California, USA

Rated 97 Points – Wine Enthusiast (Matt Kettmann)

A brooding and intense Pinot Noir from Sea Smoke's estate vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills. TEN is named for the ten Pinot Noir clones planted on the property, delivering extraordinary complexity and ageability from one of California's most celebrated cool-climate appellations.

• Winery: Sea Smoke Cellars
• Origin: Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, California, USA
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2023
• Source: Estate Vineyard
• Drink: Now – 2040

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Blueberry, cassis, lavender, exotic spices, hazelnut, thyme, and licorice
• Palate: Firm, mature tannins with cherry compote, citrus rind, strawberry cream, and raspberry
• Finish: Long, velvety finish with lingering violet and cranberry

Critical Acclaim

• 🏆 Wine Enthusiast – 97 Points (Matt Kettmann): "Expert levels of integration... subtle yet persistent aromas of raspberry, cranberry, potpourri and light sagebrush. The palate's firm texture elevates the cherry compote, citrus rind and strawberry cream flavors, with a lingering sense of violet painting the corners. This will be exciting to watch for years. Drink now–2040."

Expert Review -Vintage 2020

Falstaff 92 Points | Bright, radiant ruby red. Elegant nose, reminiscent of cut flowers, raspberry and some paprika powder. Delicate, youthful on the palate, with a pleasant acidity. The finish is long and mineral. Clean mouthfeel. 

Sella & Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva — Sardinia, Italy 2021

Sella & Mosca is Sardinia's most storied and important winery, founded in 1899 near Alghero in the northwest of the island. With over 500 hectares under vine, it is one of Europe's largest single-estate wineries — and its Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva is the benchmark expression of the island's most celebrated indigenous red grape. Cannonau — known on the mainland and in France as Grenache — has been grown in Sardinia for centuries and thrives in the island's sun-drenched, wind-swept terrain. The Riserva designation requires extended aging, adding structure and complexity to the grape's naturally generous fruit character.

The 2021 pours a ruby red with garnet hues, translucent and brilliant. The nose is bright and refined — fresh violet, red berries, plum, blackcurrant, sun-dried tomatoes, and oriental spices with a savory, lightly smoky character. On the palate, it's medium-bodied, solid, and well-structured, with fine tannins, fresh bursts of balsam and medicinal herbs, and a long finish that moves through toasted hints before returning to the spice route. Warm, balanced, and unmistakably Sardinian.

"Red berries, herbs, smoke and sun-dried tomatoes on the nose. Lightly peppery and spicy on the palate, medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a tasty finish." — James Suckling, 92 Points

• Producer: Sella & Mosca, Alghero, Sardinia, Italy
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: Cannonau di Sardegna DOC Riserva
• Varietal: Cannonau (Grenache)
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: James Suckling 92
• Tasting Notes: Red berries, violet, plum, sun-dried tomatoes, oriental spices, balsam, fine tannins
• Best Paired With: Roasted lamb, grilled meats, wild boar ragù, aged Pecorino Sardo, hearty pasta dishes

A 92-point Sardinian Riserva from the island's most iconic estate — Cannonau at its most expressive, structured, and authentically Mediterranean.

Sella & Mosca | Vermentino di Sardegna DOC | La Cala | Sardinia, Italy | 2025

Sella & Mosca is one of Italy's most celebrated estate wineries, farming 650 hectares of vineyards and Mediterranean scrub on the sun-drenched plains of Alghero in northwestern Sardinia — one of the largest single wine estates in all of Europe. Founded in 1899, the estate has become synonymous with the authentic character of Sardinian wine, producing expressions that are shaped by the island's intense sun, sea breezes, and mineral-rich soils.

La Cala is Sella & Mosca's benchmark Vermentino — a wine that captures the essence of Sardinia in every glass. Vermentino is the island's most celebrated white grape, thriving in the warm, dry Mediterranean climate where the surrounding scrubland, sea air, and rocky soils impart a distinctive aromatic complexity and mineral freshness that is impossible to replicate elsewhere.

The 2025 La Cala is pale straw in the glass with a luminous green tint. The nose is fresh and inviting — citrus blossom, white peach, tropical fruit, and white flowers, accented by a mineral note and a subtle hint of Mediterranean herbs and scrub. On the palate, firm acidity with a soft, balanced texture and a lingering, saline finish. Bright, elegant, and utterly refreshing.

A versatile match for a wide array of dishes. Exceptional with shellfish, grilled seafood, sushi, light pasta, risotto, and fresh cheeses. Perfect as an aperitivo. Serve well chilled.

• Producer: Sella & Mosca
• Cuvée: La Cala
• Appellation: Vermentino di Sardegna DOC
• Region: Alghero, Sardinia, Italy
• Grape: Vermentino
• Vintage: 2025
• Closure: Screwcap
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim - Prior Vintage 2024

• Wine Enthusiast — 90 pts: A benchmark Sardinian Vermentino — fresh citrus, tropical fruit, and white flowers with a mineral note and a lingering, balanced finish.

Winemaker Description

This Rutherford-dominated blend of Cabernet Sauvignon complemented by Bordeaux grape varieties offers aromas of blackberry cobbler, plum, and black currants, followed by warm hints of vanilla and caramelized black fruit. A concentrated, silky wine emphasizing varietal expression, richness and balance from start to finish. 

James Suckling 92 Points | This tank sample of the final blend before bottling shows an abundance of ripe, juicy, almost syrupy fruit flavors, from blueberries to blackberries and cherries. It feels soft and plush, tastes warm and broad and adds chocolate and vanilla accents to all the sweet-tasting fruitiness. Drink or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | Ripe plums, darker berries, spice, and chocolaty, savory herb notes all emerge from the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, a nicely textured, medium-bodied, incredibly satisfying Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that has ripe tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish.

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James Suckling 90 Points | Ripe black cherries, dark plums, mocha and a hint of toasted almonds on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied and quite tight, yet smooth in texture. Polished finish with hints of cocoa and subtle spice.

Winemaker Description

The 2022 Red Shoulder Ranch is a refreshing, vibrant Chardonnay characterized by its lush, glass-filling aromas of white flowers, lemon zest, and exotic fruit. On the palate it offers a graceful balance of energy and richness, with flavors of white melon, apricot, ripe pineapple, flint, honey, and Crème Brûlée. With its pure, Chablis-like acidity this vintage offers effortless structure and elegant balance with a long, delightful finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Wine Enthusiast 97 Points | All elegance and silk, this beautifully balanced wine offers a lively texture, with subtle lemon, toast and kiwi flavors on a full body. The mouthfeel is graceful and mouthwatering, backed by acidity that perfectly meets the generous fruit flavors. Making a wine of this caliber in thousands of cases is quite an accomplishment.

James Suckling 96 Points | A vibrant, agile and poised Chardonnay with aromas of pears, apples, sweet spices, jasmine and hints of stones. It’s medium- to full-bodied with precise definition on the palate. Fresh acidity and crunchy fruity at the center and a velvety touch to the edge, bringing volume and a voluptuous character throughout. Lively and long finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | I love the 2022 Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch. It's a richer, broad, yet still fresh and lively Chardonnay with ripe citrus and pineapple fruits, medium to full body, a layered mouthfeel, and terrific toast, brioche, honeysuckle, and lemon oil aromatics. It will keep for 4-6 years, if not longer, but I love it today.

Winemaker Description

2019 embodies classic Hillside Select richness, vibrancy, and balance. The aromas push out of the glass, offering black cherry, cedar, cassis, and juicy red summer berries with lifted floral tones. Even at this youthful age, the complexity of the vintage is striking, merging dark fruit with tobacco, espresso, black olive, red plum, and black tea. The expansive mid-palate is complemented by ripe integrated tannins that add depth and structure, culminating in a long, profound finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019 

98+ Points Jeb Dunnuck | The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is another magical vintage for this cuvée. All Cabernet Sauvignon from hillside vineyards on the eastern side of Stags Leap, it offers a vivid purple hue as well as extraordinary notes of cassis, black raspberries, violets, camphor, and spring flowers, with perfectly integrated background oak. Full-bodied but not massive, it’s flawlessly balanced on the palate and has ultra-fine tannins, a seamless, elegant mouthfeel, and a great, great finish. It’s another 30- to 40-year wine from this incredible team that readers will absolutely love. (2019).

98+ Points Robert Parker | Sourced from specific blocks of estate-grown fruit, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is another highly successful vintage. All Cabernet Sauvignon aged 32 months in 100% new French oak, it boasts intense aromas of pencil shavings, dark loam, cassis and plum on the nose, while the palate is full-bodied, super-ripe, rich, dense and concentrated—a truly impressive California vin de garde. Tannic but ripe, it finishes long and firm on the finish, adding a hint of mocha. To be released in September 2023, it's a strong showing and hopefully an indication that quality will remain high under the new ownership. (2019).

98 Points James Suckling | A beautiful nose of pitted cherries, redcurrants, fresh herbs and violets. Full-bodied with fine, structured tannins. More gravelly, mineral and dark than the nose lets on. Savory almost. Terrific depth and concentration that keeps the palate flavorful through the generous finish. Chocolate, sage, rosemary, bark and moss. Layered. Superb wine. Needs time to come together. Best after 2024 and onward. (2019).

98 Points Vinous | The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is one of the most elegant wines I have tasted at Shafer. Effusive aromatics and silky tannins are immediately captivating. Crushed red/purplish berry fruit, mint, spice, lavender and licorice are all finely knit. We will see, but the 2019 may very well represent a new direction for Hillside Select, one of Napa Valley's most iconic Cabernets. (2019).

97 Points Wine Enthusiast | This broad, rich and mouthfilling wine is Shafer’s most elite and collectible. Aged for 32 months in all-new French oak barrels, it boasts extra-ripe blackberries and blueberries, accents of mint, cedar and graphite, and a big structure of polished tannins. (2019).

94 Points Wine Spectator| A ripe, exuberant style, with generous plum cake, blackberry compote and açaí berry notes mixed with melted black licorice and a nicely polished, singed mesquite–accented finish. Hard to resist now (if you like the power style), but also has the energy to take some cellaring. (2019).

Winemaker Description 

The Estate Pinot Noir is sourced from throughout Shea Vineyard, one of the most iconic vineyards in Oregon. Careful vineyard practices and restrained winemaking allow each vintage to reveal its uniqueness. The 2022 vintage finished warm and dry, allowing the fruit to achieve full ripeness and the Estate to reflect the big, concentrated style Shea Vineyard is known for.

"All Shea wines are 100% estate grown; most are single block/single clone selections. This blends grapes from the entire estate, offering a unique glimpse of the overall terroir. I’ve reviewed wines from this iconic vineyard for over two decades, and followed the estate wines almost since their first vintage. There is a special excellence that carries into Shea designates made by almost any winery. But in wines made by the estate itself there is a focus and specificity that is exceptional. Why this particular piece of land is so special is a question I’ve wondered about for years. The block and clone selections are all complete wines in and of themselves, but this estate blend captures the fullness of the whole site with black fruits, expressive oak (one third new), clean earth, barrel spice and exceptional depth." - 96 points, Paul Gregutt's Northwest Wine Guide

"This wine opens with an alluring bouquet of red and black cherries, Blood orange, walnut shells, and a hint of rosemary. The palate is supple and refined, with a medium body and a lively mouthfeel that keeps it moving and refreshing. As the wine unfolds, a subtle dried herb undertone emerges, adding an extra layer of complexity to the finish." - 94 points, International Wine Report

"Attractive nose with sour cherries, dried orange peel and dried herbs. So delicate and pure, with a medium body and zesty, tangy mouthfeel. It has a fresh, minty undertone at the end." - 93 points, jamessuckling.com

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

The Wine Enthusiast by Michael Alberty writes 91 Points | For those of you who enjoy a stroll on the creamier side of Chardonnay life, here's a wine to champion. The wine's lemon curd and tangerine aromas are a nice mix of sweet and tang, while a puff of chalkboard dust floats in the background. Gentle acidity caresses flavors of lemon gelato and the caramel-drizzled goodness of a stroopwafel cookie.

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | A pale yellow hue, the 2022 Chardonnay Willamette Valley reveals attractive aromas of green melon, lime blossoms, fresh white flowers, and vanilla. Medium-bodied, it’s an approachable and charming white, with a delicately rounded feel and a powdery finish.

Winemaker Description 

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon That Defines the Silver Oak Legacy

Silver Oak has been one of Napa Valley's most iconic Cabernet producers since 1972, celebrated for a house style that balances power with elegance and approachability. The 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon — a blend of 76.61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18.13% Merlot, 2.56% Cabernet Franc, 2.32% Petit Verdot, and 0.38% Malbec, aged in American oak seasoned 24 months and toasted 90 minutes — is a benchmark expression of the estate: structured yet silky, complex yet immediately rewarding, with the depth to cellar through 2047.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019 

• Decanter — 96 pts: "Beautifully compact with complex aromas of Bing cherry, black raspberry, tobacco, currant leaf, and cedarwood laced with dried sage. Focused and linear on the medium to full-bodied palate with expressive dark berry character and exotic oak spices. Fine-grained structured tannins, a crisp, lively, energetic finish. One to cellar. Drink 2024–2038."
• James Suckling — 95 pts: "So elegant, supple and silky, this vintage is a dream to drink now, but should also have plenty of life ahead of it. Aromas of blueberries and dark chocolate meld with lux black fruit, mint and cocoa on the palate. Drink or hold through at least 2030."

Winemaker Notes

Expressive and lively on the nose with black cherry and huckleberry aromas laced with dry floral notes. Integrated oak adds a light note of sweet nutmeg. Ruby in color, with a fruit-forward entry, silky tannins that build across the mid-palate, and a long, balanced finish. Structured while still approachable — true to the signature Silver Oak style. Will continue to improve through 2047 with proper cellaring.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: 76.61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18.13% Merlot, 2.56% Cabernet Franc, 2.32% Petit Verdot, 0.38% Malbec
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Producer: Silver Oak Cellars
• Vintage: 2019
• Oak: American oak, 24-month seasoning, 90-minute toast
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for Napa-style entertaining — exceptional with prime ribeye, lamb rack, braised short ribs, aged cheddar, and mushroom-crusted filet mignon.

Silverado Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown — Napa Valley 2023

Silverado Vineyards is one of Napa Valley’s most storied estates — founded in 1981 by Ron and Diane Miller and her mother, Lillian Disney, on historic vineyard sites in the Stags Leap District that had been planted to Cabernet as far back as the 1960s. For years, the family sold their fruit to neighboring wineries building global reputations for excellence. Then they decided it was time to make their own wines — their own expressions of the Napa Valley they loved. Today, under the ownership of Foley Family Wines and the leadership of Courtney Foley, Silverado continues that legacy with over 300 acres planted across some of Napa’s most celebrated AVAs: Stags Leap District, Yountville, Coombsville, Carneros, and Napa Valley proper. The Estate Grown Cabernet is their benchmark expression — a wine that has earned over 40 scores of 90 points or higher from the world’s top critics. The 2023 earned 93 points from Wine Spectator.

The color is a deep, concentrated ruby. The nose is soft and supple: black currants, dark chocolate, black olives, potpourri, and graphite — classic Stags Leap District aromatics with elegance and precision. On the palate, it is smooth and textural, with firmly framed tannins, bright acidity, and a long, polished finish. The blend is 81% Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of the other four Bordeaux varieties, adding complexity and structure. Drink now or cellar with confidence.

Wine Spectator — 93 Points — “Soft and supple aromas of black currants, dark chocolate, black olives, potpourri and graphite. The palate is smooth and textural, with firmly framed tannins, bright acidity and a long finish. A lovely blend of 81% cabernet sauvignon with small amounts of the other four Bordeaux varieties. Drink or hold.”

• Producer: Silverado Vineyards, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Napa Valley
• Blend: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, plus Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec
• Designation: Estate Grown, Produced & Bottled
• Size: 750ml
• Style: Elegant, textural, estate-driven Napa Cabernet
• Tasting Notes: Black currant, dark chocolate, black olive, graphite, potpourri, bright acidity, long finish
• Drink Window: Now–2035+
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, roast lamb, duck confit, aged hard cheeses

Four decades of Napa excellence — Silverado Vineyards Estate Grown 2023 is Stags Leap District Cabernet at its most refined.

Expert Review 

The Wine Enthusiast by Kara Newman 91 Points | This Sardinian vermouth has a straw hue and bold tropical fruit aromas. The palate opens and closes with toasted coconut and vanilla sweetness, plus a pineapple hint midpalate. 

Producer Description 

Crafted on the island of Sardinia, Silvio Carta’s “Servito” Vermouth Bianco is a fragrant, Mediterranean expression of the classic aperitif. This 750ml bottling is infused with local botanicals such as myrtle, sage, and citrus peels, layered over a base of Vernaccia wine. It’s elegantly floral and herbaceous, with a subtle sweetness and vibrant, coastal freshness. Enjoy it chilled, over ice with a lemon twist, or as a base for a distinctly Sardinian spritz.

Silvio Grasso Barolo DOCG Piedmont 2022 — Half Bottle (375ml)

The Grasso family has been producing wine in Piedmont since 1927. It was Federico Grasso who began bottling the estate’s production in 1980, and under his stewardship Silvio Grasso became one of the most respected names in Barolo — praised by Robert Parker for producing “a bevy of sensational efforts over recent vintages.” Today the estate is run by Federico’s son Alessio, his wife Marilena, and their sons Paolo and Silvio, across 11 hectares of vineyards in the heart of La Morra.

Grasso’s approach is sophisticated and modern, with a particular focus on preserving the purity and elegance of Nebbiolo. To avoid excessive wood aromas, he prefers large barrels over barriques and uses less than 30% new wood even on his single-vineyard bottlings — a philosophy that results in Barolos of remarkable finesse and accessibility. Now available in a 375ml half-bottle, perfect for a solo dinner, a gift, or a first encounter with this legendary appellation.

Garnet red in the glass, with an intense and elegant nose of dried cherries, pomegranate, dried orange peel, cocoa, and dried herbs. The palate is dry, austere, and warm — savory and balanced, with chalky, angular, integrated tannins that add lift and a long, persistent finish. Harmonious and accessible. Drink now or hold.

James Suckling — 91 Points

“Subtle cherries with pomegranate and dried herbs. Medium- to full-bodied with a savory touch, complemented by chalky, angular, integrated tannins that add lift. Balanced, harmonious and accessible. Drink or hold.” (Vintage 2022). 

Food Pairings

Braised beef, osso buco, roasted lamb, truffle risotto, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Piedmontese classics.

Varietal: Nebbiolo
Appellation: Barolo DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
Vintage: 2022
Format: 375ml (Half Bottle)
Score: 91 points James Suckling

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James Suckling 96 Points | A round and juicy red with berry, cherry, mushroom and wet-earth character on both the nose and palate. It’s full-bodied with integrated tannins that are soft and luscious. Long, flavorful finish. Drinkable now, but better in two or three years.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Eric Guido writes:  Delicate and understated, the 2022 Pinot Noir Grande Cuvée opens with a peppery citrus tinge and dusty dried strawberries. It's round and softly textured with pure red berry fruits riding a wave of brisk acidity. An herbal tinge comes forward over time as gently grippy tannins tug at the cheeks and hints of licorice fade.  Drinking 2025 to 2030.  - Vinous 91

Audrey Frick writes:  Medium ruby red-hued, the 2022 Pinot Noir Grande Cuvee is expressive and elegant on the nose, with notes of red cherries, candied cranberries, roses, fresh spice and herbs, and lifted piney herbs. Medium-bodied, it has a weightless, linear feel, with fine tannins, even acidity, and a clean, tapered finish with a light herbal note. It’s a very charming wine to drink over the next 5-6 years.  Drinking 2024 to 2030.  - Jeb Dunnuck 91 

James Suckling writes:  Lemon zest, mushrooms, raspberries and sliced strawberries on the nose. Some rose petal, too. It’s bright and fruity, with a medium body and powdery tannins. Chalky, grainy elements at the end. Better in 2024.  - James Suckling 90

Clive Pursehouse writes:  An early released wine blended from estate sites within the McMinnville and Yamhill-Carlton AVAs. Earthen aromatics of sous bois, moss, and turned garden soils are lifted by a note of bright berries. Ripe raspberry, pomegranate and savoury sumac predominate the palate and are buoyed by mint and wild fennel notes.  Drinking 2023 to 2029.  - Decanter 92

Winemaker Description 

The Grande Cuvée Pinot Noir is made from a collection of family-owned vineyards across the Willamette Valley. This wine has a welcoming nose of cedar-spiced mulberries, hints of garden herb, and candied orange rind.