90+ Points | Critical Acclaim | Wine & Sparkling Wine

Château d'Esclans | Whispering Angel Rosé | Côtes de Provence 2025

There is a reason Whispering Angel became the world's most recognized Provence rosé: it is simply, consistently, beautifully made. Sacha Lichine and his team at Château d'Esclans set the benchmark for pale Provençal rosé, and the 2025 continues that tradition with the effortless elegance the wine is known for.

Pale salmon in the glass, it opens with fresh peach, strawberry, and delicate red berry fruit, with a floral lift that is quintessentially Provence. The palate is full and lush yet bone dry — pink grapefruit and hints of peach, lively acidity, and a smooth, round finish with real concentration. Grenache provides the body, Cinsault the freshness, and Rolle (Vermentino) the aromatic lift that ties it all together.

Drink it from mid-day to midnight. It goes with everything and offends no one.

James Suckling 91 Points | An elegant and scented nose of pink cherry pits, peach skin and cherry blossoms. Medium-bodied with fresh, round acidity and a textured finish. Elegant and pure finish. (Vintage 2025). 

Pair with: Grilled seafood · Summer salads · Charcuterie · Light pasta · Goat cheese

• Appellation: Côtes de Provence AOP
• Grapes: Grenache, Cinsault, Rolle (Vermentino)
• Vintage: 2025
• Style: Dry Rosé
• Size: 750ml

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc — Marlborough, New Zealand 2025

Kim Crawford is New Zealand's most recognized wine brand and one of the defining names in Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc — the style that put New Zealand on the world wine map. Founded in 1996, Kim Crawford pioneered the high-energy, intensely aromatic style of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc that has since become a global benchmark: vibrant, tropical, herbaceous, and irresistibly fresh. Sourced from select Marlborough vineyards and crafted sustainably, the 2025 vintage continues to deliver the intense, high-energy profile that made it a household name worldwide — one of the most consistent and recognizable white wines at any price.

The nose is lifted and expressive: passion fruit, melon, stone fruit, lime, bell pepper, and crushed herbs — classic Marlborough aromatics in full force. On the palate, it is fresh and juicy with ripe tropical flavors, vibrant acidity, and plenty of weight and length. Laid-back and delicious, with a clean, refreshing finish. Serve well chilled.

James Suckling 90 — "Juicy and fruit-driven with notes of limes, bell peppers and herbs on the nose. Medium body with fresh acidity. Laid-back and delicious. Sustainable." * (Vintage 2025). 

• Producer: Kim Crawford Wines, Marlborough, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Farming: Sustainable
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Passion fruit, melon, stone fruit, lime, bell pepper, crushed herbs, vibrant acidity, long finish
• Style: Light-to-medium bodied, crisp, aromatic
• Serve: Well chilled
• Drink: Now
• Best Paired With: Fresh oysters, ceviche, grilled asparagus, summer salads, lobster with lemon butter, shrimp, goat cheese

The benchmark Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc — Kim Crawford 2025 is tropical, crisp, and one of the world's most reliably delicious whites.

Winemaker Description

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label is the signature champagne of the House. Dominated by Pinot Noir, it offers the perfect balance of structure and finesse. Golden-yellow in color, with a foaming necklace of tiny bubbles. It is pleasing to the nose; initially reminiscent of yellow and white fruits, then of vanilla and later brioche. Note the fine balance between the fruity aromas coming from the grape varieties and the toasty notes, the result of the three years of bottle aging. The first sip delivers all the freshness and strength so typical of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label with a symphony of fruit following (pear, lemon). It is a true member of the Brut family, well-structured, admirably vinous.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 91 | This has aromas of grapefruit, pomegranates, and biscuits. It's honeyed and sleek with a medium body and supple bubbles. Soft and creamy finish. Majority Pinot Noir, with Chardonnay and Meunier. Around 40% reserve wines.

Decanter 91 | The nose offers yeasty bready aromas topped with fresh citrus, hints of stone fruit and strawberry tart. A palate of fresh croissants, red berries, green apple and lively lemon citrus, with lovely creaminess to the bright finish. A blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier. Up to 45% reserve wines. Drinking 2024 to 2030.

Wine Spectator 90 | This harmonious Champagne boasts a bright streak of tangerine peel–infused acidity, with flavors of ripe green apple, pastry cream and biscuit, plus accents of crystallized honey and candied ginger, all set on the lacy mousse. Drink now.

Jeb Dunnuck 89 | A golden straw hue, ripe with aromas of yeasty bread dough, peaches, and fresh flowers. Medium-bodied on the palate, ripe and juicy with rounded red berried fruit, a supple texture, a pillowy mousse, and a warming finish. Fresh and inviting. Drinking 2023 to 2026.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: NV (Non-Vintage)
Region: Champagne, France
Appellation: Champagne AOC
Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir (50%), Chardonnay (30%), Pinot Meunier (20%)
Style: Brut Champagne
Aging: 3 years on the lees

Villa Antinori Rosso Toscana — Tuscany 2023

First crafted in 1928, Villa Antinori Rosso Toscana is one of Italy’s most enduring and beloved Super Tuscans — a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah that reflects nearly a century of winemaking tradition from the Antinori family, whose history in Florentine winemaking dates back to 1385. Approachable, versatile, and consistently earning critical acclaim, it delivers the character and soul of Tuscany at an everyday price. The 2023 vintage earned 90 points from Wine Spectator and is drinking beautifully now through 2030.

The color is ruby red, intense and captivating. The nose offers dark fruit, tobacco, juniper berries, sweet spices, coffee, and hazelnuts. On the palate, it is mouth-filling and pleasantly sapid — smoky black cherry, black currant, and tobacco are framed by a layer of chalky tannins, lively freshness, and a persistent, fruit-driven finish.

Wine Spectator 90 — “Smoky, with aromas and flavors of sweet spices, black cherry, black currant and tobacco. A layer of chalky tannins lends support. Fresh, with fine length. Drink now through 2030.” (Vintage 2023). 

• Producer: Marchesi Antinori, Tuscany, Italy
• First Vintage: 1928
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Toscana IGT
• Blend: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
• Style: Super Tuscan
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark fruit, tobacco, juniper, sweet spice, coffee, hazelnut, black cherry, black currant, chalky tannins, persistent finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2030
• Best Paired With: Pappardelle with wild boar ragù, grilled lamb chops, Bistecca alla Fiorentina, aged Pecorino Toscano, Parmigiano-Reggiano

Nearly a century of Super Tuscan tradition, 90 points from Wine Spectator, and priced for every night of the week — Villa Antinori is the Tuscan classic that never disappoints.

E. Guigal · Côtes du Rhône Rouge · Southern Rhône · France · 2022 · 750ml

E. Guigal is the most celebrated name in the Rhône Valley — a family estate founded in Ampuis in 1946 by Etienne Guigal and now run by his son Marcel, whose obsessive commitment to quality has made Guigal synonymous with the finest expressions of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre from Hermitage to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The Côtes du Rhône Rouge is Guigal’s benchmark entry-level wine: a blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, and 10% Mourvèdre, partially aged in large oak foudres, and crafted to deliver genuine Rhône character at an honest price. The 2022 vintage was the hottest and driest growing season since 1950 — intense heatwaves followed by mid-August rainfall that promoted ripening and yielded concentrated, full-bodied wines of exceptional richness and depth. Jeb Dunnuck called it “smoking good.” At $18.99, this is one of the most compelling values in French red wine.

Deep ruby in the glass with an intensely aromatic nose of blackberry, black plum, pepper, garrigue, and a whisper of cocoa — generous, expressive, and unmistakably southern Rhône. On the palate: full-bodied and round, with lush dark fruit, velvety tannins, and a long, elegant finish that shows real finesse beyond the abundance of fruit. Three critics, three 90+ scores: Jeb Dunnuck 91, Wine Enthusiast 91, Wine Advocate 90. Drink now through 2028. Pair with charcuterie, braised lamb, beef stew, roast chicken, or a simple cheese board.

• Producer: E. Guigal (est. 1946, Ampuis)
• Wine: Côtes du Rhône Rouge AOC
• Vintage: 2022
• Origin: Southern Rhône Valley, France
• Blend: 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre
• Aging: Partially aged in large oak foudres
• Style: Full-bodied, generous southern Rhône red
• Scores: Jeb Dunnuck 91 · Wine Enthusiast 91 · Wine Advocate 90
• Drinking Window: Now–2028
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, black plum, pepper, garrigue, cocoa, velvety tannins, long elegant finish
• Pair With: Charcuterie · Braised lamb · Beef stew · Roast chicken · Cheese board

The Rhône’s most celebrated name, three 90+ scores — southern France’s most reliable everyday red.

Expert Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck — 91 Points
“Smoking good — blackberries, pepper, and garrigue in a round, supple, medium to full-bodied style. Remarkable quality for the appellation.”

Wine Enthusiast — 91 Points
“Black plum and cocoa-dusted aromas bump against raspberry and black tea. Fulsome in body, with red fruit riding all the way to the finish, made more complex by velvety tannins.”

Wine Advocate — 90 Points
“Juicy, round and elegant — remarkably dense for the vintage and represents excellent value.”

La Rioja Alta Viña Alberdi Reserva Selección Especial — Rioja Alta 2021

Viña Alberdi is the entry-level Reserva of La Rioja Alta — and the 2021 vintage is something genuinely extraordinary. This is only the second vintage in the wine’s history to receive the designation “Selección Especial”; the first was the legendary 2001. Sourced from 40-year-old Tempranillo vines in Rodezno and Labastida, harvested manually in boxes with cluster selection in the vineyard, and aged two years in American oak — new barrels the first year, four-year-old barrels the second — with four traditional rackings by candlelight. Wine Advocate awarded it 94 points. Vinous gave it 92. Wine Spectator 91. 

Intense, brilliant garnet with a vivid ruby rim. The nose is high-intensity and expressive: raspberries, wild strawberries, redcurrants, wrapped in balsamic aromas of caramel, vanilla, toffee, and roasted coffee. On the palate, it is long, balanced, and fresh, with fine, silky tannins, terrific energy, and a long finish where red fruit and balsamic notes reappear with remarkable precision. Drink now through 2036.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

Wine Advocate 94 — “Without a doubt, this is the finest Alberdi I can remember… very classical and very clean, showing incipient complexity. It has terrific balance and freshness and pungent, focused and precise flavors.”

Vinous 92 — “Marks only the second Selección Especial since 2001… its vintage quality shows clearly, lending energy and length to a very classical Rioja.”

Wine Spectator 91 — “A harmonious red, round and creamy, with a pure beam of ripe black cherry fruit married to supple tannins and accents of graphite, spice box and dark chocolate.”

Oscar Garcia, Wine Buyer, 67Wine — “One of the most classic and historic producers in all of Rioja. Medium-bodied with chewy tannins and ripe red fruit flavors. Beautiful finish with a lively acidity.”

• Producer: La Rioja Alta, Rioja Alta, Spain
• Vintage: 2021 — Selección Especial (only 2nd since 2001)
• Appellation: Rioja DOCa — Reserva
• Varietal: 100% Tempranillo — avg. 40-year-old vines, Rodezno & Labastida
• Aging: 2 years American oak (new + 4-year-old barrels), 4 rackings by candlelight
• Production: 650,000 bottles
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Raspberry, wild strawberry, redcurrant, caramel, vanilla, toffee, roasted coffee, silky tannins
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2036
• Best Paired With: Charcuterie, barbecue, rice dishes, pasta, stews, grilled meats and fish

A 94-point Rioja Reserva Selección Especial at an honest price — Viña Alberdi 2021 is the benchmark for what classic Rioja Alta can be.

Joel Gott Blend No. 815 Cabernet Sauvignon — California 2022

Joel Gott is one of California’s most beloved winemakers — a third-generation vintner who built his reputation on the simple idea that great wine should be approachable, consistent, and honestly priced. Blend No. 815 is his signature Cabernet Sauvignon — the number refers to the specific blend Joel crafts each vintage from select vineyards across California, always chasing the same benchmark of ripe fruit, velvety texture, and reliable quality. It has become one of the most recognized everyday Cabernets in the country, and for good reason: vintage after vintage, it delivers. The 2022 earned 90 points from Wine Enthusiast.

The color is a deep, concentrated ruby. The nose is layered and expressive: raspberries, blackberries, plum, and mocha, with savory notes of damp soil, charcoal, and a whisper of tar that steadily open with air into something genuinely complex. On the palate, red fruit leads into an asphalt minerality, dried plum, dark spice, and espresso bean — velvety tannins carrying through the mid-palate to a long, textured finish of black pepper and cedar. Familiar, satisfying, and built for the table.

Wine Enthusiast — 90 Points (Matt Kettmann) — “Savory, slightly reductive aromas of damp soil, charcoal, and tar meet with dark berry on the nose, steadily opening up with air. The palate’s asphalt minerality gives way to dried plum, dark spice, and espresso bean, making for a familiar experience.” (Vintage 2022). 

• Producer: Joel Gott Wines, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Blend: No. 815
• Style: Approachable, velvety, fruit-forward California Cabernet
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Raspberry, blackberry, plum, mocha, espresso, dark spice, black pepper, velvety tannins
• Drink Window: Now–2027
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, burgers, BBQ, lamb chops, pasta with meat sauce, aged cheddar

California’s most reliable everyday Cabernet — Joel Gott 815 is the bottle you reach for when you want something great without thinking twice.

Château Hyot Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux — Bordeaux, France 2019

Château Hyot is situated on the slopes just west of Castillon, in the Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux appellation — one of Bordeaux's most exciting value regions, where Merlot-dominant wines of genuine character are produced at a fraction of the price of their Saint-Émilion neighbors across the border. The estate's sandy-gravelly soils act as a natural flavor enhancer, contributing a distinctive minerality and freshness that elevates the wine beyond its price point. The 2019 vintage — one of Bordeaux's finest of the last decade — delivered exceptional ripeness and concentration across the Right Bank.

The wine pours an intense ruby with shiny reflections. The nose is expressive and layered — blackberry, blackcurrant, blueberry, mulberry, dark plum, dried herbs, and a touch of cigar box and toasted oak. On the palate, it's medium-bodied and Merlot-driven, with powdery tannins, juicy acidity, and a savory, earthy, flavorful finish that reflects the authenticity of the terroir. Drink now or hold through 2026.

"Mulberries, dark plums, dried herbs, burdock and cigar box on the nose. Medium body with powdery tannins. Fruity, with fresh acidity and a flavorful, earthy finish." — James Suckling, 90 Points

• Producer: Château Hyot, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2019
• Appellation: Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux AOC
• Varietal: Merlot-dominant
• Terroir: Sandy-gravelly slopes west of Castillon
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: James Suckling 90 | Wine Enthusiast 90
• Drink: Now through 2026
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, blackcurrant, dark plum, dried herbs, cigar box, powdery tannins, earthy finish
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, grilled beef, duck, mushroom dishes, aged cheeses

Dual 90-point Right Bank Bordeaux at an exceptional price — Castillon terroir, 2019 vintage, and Merlot-driven generosity in every glass.

Matua Sauvignon Blanc — Marlborough 2024

Matua pioneered Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc back in 1974, and fifty years on, the region's most iconic grape variety still finds one of its most honest expressions here. The 2024 vintage is everything Marlborough promises — vivid aromatics, electric acidity, and a palate that is both refreshing and precise. Ken's Wine Guide awarded it 89.5 points, calling it crisp, zesty, and mouthwatering. With classic structure and a dry, lingering finish, this is the bottle you reach for when the occasion calls for something bright, honest, and undeniably delicious.

The nose opens with white grapefruit and guava, layered with hints of white peach and limestone. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with bright, mouthwatering acidity — crisp, round, and zesty. Flavors of white grapefruit and lime are accented by tonic water, yellow bell pepper, and a touch of chalky minerality. The finish is dry and lingering, with classic Marlborough length and precision.

Ken's Wine Guide 89.5 (Vintage 2024) • Wine Enthusiast 93 (Prior Vintage 2023) — "Dried herbs and lemongrass, with passionfruit sorbet, open this lovely, balanced Sauvignon. It's textural, long and persistent, with a salted pink grapefruit finish." — Christina Pickard

• Producer: Matua, Marlborough, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Marlborough
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Style: White Wine — Dry, Crisp & Aromatic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White grapefruit, guava, white peach, limestone, lime, tonic water, yellow bell pepper, chalky minerality
• Best Paired With: Fresh oysters, grilled fish, sushi, poke bowls, goat cheese, green salads, herb-driven dishes

At an honest price — Matua's benchmark bottling is the quintessential expression of New Zealand's most celebrated white wine region.

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.

CUNE Crianza Rioja — Rioja DOCa 2021

CUNE Crianza is the calling card of Bodegas CVNE — and the 2021 vintage is a textbook expression of everything that makes Rioja Crianza so enduringly lovable. Sourced from estate vineyards in Rioja Alta, the wine is aged 12 months in American and French oak before additional bottle aging, preserving the bright fruit character of Tempranillo while adding just enough structure and spice to make a lasting impression. James Suckling awarded it 91 points. At this price, it is one of the most reliable everyday values in all of Spain.

The nose is inviting and expressive: ripe cherry, plum, dried herbs, and a whisper of vanilla from oak. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with well-integrated tannins, refreshing acidity, and a juicy, fruit-forward finish with hints of white pepper and warm spice. It delivers the kind of easy, honest pleasure that only a great Crianza can — and it drinks beautifully right now.

James Suckling 91 — "Spicy rendition of Cune Crianza, but as always this is fruity, with lots of cherries, plums and a touch of white pepper. Juicy and bright, with some restrained fruit sweetness. Very fine-grained, juicy and consistent." (Vintage 2021). 

Oscar Garcia, Wine Buyer, 67Wine — "A text-book Crianza from Bodegas CVNE. Aromas of red fruits and dried herbs. Medium-bodied with well integrated tannins and just enough grip to make a good impression. One of my personal go-to crianzas for every day enjoyment."

• Producer: Bodegas CVNE, Rioja, Spain
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: Rioja DOCa
• Varietal: Tempranillo
• Aging: 12 months in American and French oak, plus bottle aging
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherry, plum, dried herbs, vanilla, white pepper, warm spice
• Best Paired With: Grilled lamb chops, roasted chicken, hearty stews, aged Manchego, rich pasta dishes

A 91-point Crianza at an honest price — CUNE is the benchmark for what everyday Rioja can be.

About This Wine

La Marca is one of Italy's most beloved Prosecco brands — and for good reason. Sourced from the Glera grape in the prestigious Veneto DOC zone, this is a sparkling wine that delivers pure Italian pleasure: bright, festive, and effortlessly drinkable. Whether you're toasting a milestone or simply elevating a Tuesday evening, La Marca is the bottle to reach for.

Pale golden straw in the glass with lively, fine effervescence, it opens with fresh citrus and honeysuckle blossoms. The palate is crisp and clean — green apple, juicy peach, and ripe lemon, framed by a hint of minerality. The finish is light, refreshing, and just off-dry, with a tantalizing touch of sweetness that keeps it endlessly approachable.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale golden straw with fine, lively bubbles
• Nose: Fresh citrus, honeysuckle, green apple, pear
• Palate: Crisp and clean, juicy peach, ripe lemon, green apple, hint of minerality
• Finish: Light, refreshing, off-dry with a touch of sweetness

Serving Notes

Serve chilled between 46–50°F in a sparkling flute or white wine glass. One bottle pours approximately 5–7 glasses. Seal opened bottles with a stopper and keep chilled — best enjoyed within 3–4 hours of opening.

Food Pairings

Seafood, light appetizers, bruschetta, mild cheeses, prosciutto, and fresh fruit. A natural aperitivo, equally at home alongside rich pasta dishes or a celebratory dessert.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Region: Veneto, Italy
Appellation: Prosecco DOC
Grape Variety: Glera
Style: Sparkling Wine, Extra Dry

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2024

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | The nose brings aromas of vanilla bean, freshly brewed coffee, Bing cherry, and wild strawberry. Raspberries join more strawberries and cherries on the palate, but earthy undertones and chalky tannins ground things and create a substantial mouthfeel.

James Suckling 91 Points | A spicy wine with aromas of licorice, dried flowers, bright red cherries, violets, and blood oranges. Light-bodied, soft and extracted, with crisp acidity and a chalky finish.

Winemaker Description

Pèppoli 2024 is a bright ruby red. The nose is vibrant and expressive, offering fresh notes of cherries, raspberry jelly, and pomegranate juice with floral sensations of violets and geraniums. The palate is lively and dynamic: an energetic entry leads to a juicy, flavorful mid-palate followed by a long, savory finish characterized by soft, sweet tannins.

About Antinori & Pèppoli

The Antinori family has been committed to the art of winemaking for over six centuries, since 1385 when Giovanni di Piero Antinori became a member of the Florentine Winemakers’ Guild. The Pèppoli estate, located 5 kilometers northeast of the Tenuta Tignanello estate, spans 100 hectares in the heart of Chianti Classico DOCG. Its vineyards produce a Sangiovese-led blend celebrated for its full fruit expression, characteristic floral aromas, and faithful representation of the Chianti Classico territory.

Food Pairings

A natural companion for pasta with tomato-based sauces, grilled meats, roasted lamb, and aged Italian cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino.

J. Lohr Estates is one of California’s most respected family-owned wineries, farming estate vineyards across Monterey, Paso Robles, and Napa Valley. The Riverstone Chardonnay is sourced from the Arroyo Seco appellation in Monterey County — a cool, wind-swept region ideal for growing Chardonnay with natural freshness and bright acidity. One of California’s best-value Chardonnays, vintage after vintage.

Expert Review — Vintage 2023

James Suckling — 91 Points | “This full-bodied, round and buttery Chardonnay has notes of baked apples, toast, and brown butter. Ripe, soft, and generous.”

Winemaker Description

A fresh, youthful, and textured Chardonnay with flavors and aromas of pear, floral, white peach, citrus, baking spices, and honey. Full-bodied with refreshing acidity and a rich, smooth finish.

Food Pairings

Fresh seafood risotto, mussels in white wine sauce, chicken piccata, grilled chicken, creamy pasta, and triple crème or Humboldt Fog goat cheese. An excellent aperitif.

• Producer: J. Lohr Estates
• Appellation: Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, California
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Style: Full-bodied, buttery, lightly oaked California Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins, 67 Wine Buyer: A juicy, joyous organic blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that’s bright, perky, full of life and begging for food. Aromas of spiced cherries on the nose with a medium body and an earthy note that adds complexity. Balanced acidity and softly tamed tannins lead to a cheerful, food-friendly finish. This is a perfect pizza, pasta, weekday red that satisfies without breaking the bank!

Winemaker Notes

A versatile, young red wine with ruby red color and a bouquet of ripe cherries, blueberries, and sweet spices. Medium-bodied, fruity and smooth with a long, lingering dry finish reminiscent of undergrowth with an underlying hint of menthol. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.

About the Wine

The Avignonesi Cantaloro Toscana Rosso 2024 is the estate’s "everyday" super-Tuscan blend and one of the best values for certified biodynamic wine in Italy. Produced under the direction of Virginie Saverys, who steered Avignonesi toward total sustainability, the Cantaloro is designed to be fresh, versatile, and accessible immediately upon release.

Tasting & Pairings

Spiced cherries, blueberries, sweet spice, earth, and menthol. Medium-bodied with balanced acidity and soft tannins. Serve at cellar temperature.

• Pizza, lasagna, or pasta Bolognese — the reason this wine exists.
• Grilled pork chops or Tuscan tagliata — sliced steak with arugula, a classic match.
• Roasted Mediterranean vegetables or lentil stews — the earthy notes complement hearty vegetarian fare.

Decoy by Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon — California 2023

Decoy is the everyday expression of Duckhorn Wine Company — one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated names — and it delivers the Duckhorn philosophy of quality and approachability at an honest price. Sourced from premium California vineyards, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon benefits from one of the state’s most exceptional recent vintages. The season began with abundant winter rains that revitalized drought-stressed soils, followed by a cool spring that delayed ripening and extended hang time. Harvest ran from September 7th through November 9th — a long, carefully managed campaign with alternating heat waves and cooling trends that built exceptional depth, texture, and rich color in the fruit. The result is a Cabernet of remarkable quality for the price.

The color is a deep, alluring ruby. The nose is immediately inviting: black cherry, blackberry, mocha, savory blueberry, and sweet baking spices that draw you in from the first pour. On the palate, silky tannins and a supple, rounded texture frame voluptuous dark berry flavors, with barrel spice adding nuance and complexity to a long, lush, and satisfying finish. This is California Cabernet done right — rich, balanced, and built for the table.

The Wine Enthusiast 93 | Dark berry and plum aromas on the nose of this bottling are cut by nutmeg, cola and bittersweet cocoa touches. The palate is quite dry with flavors of dark-chocolate flake and oregano, as dark berry fills in the fruit tones. A very classic California Cab. (Vintage 2023). 

“Aromas of black cherry, blackberry, mocha, savory blueberry, and sweet baking spices. Silky tannins and a supple, rounded texture — a long, lush finish.” — Duckhorn Winemaker

• Producer: Decoy by Duckhorn Wine Company, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Style: Rich, supple, approachable California Cabernet
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, blackberry, mocha, blueberry, baking spice, barrel spice, silky tannins, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 3–5 years
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb chops, burgers, aged cheddar, BBQ

Duckhorn quality at an everyday price — Decoy 2023 is the California Cabernet you’ll reach for again and again.

Expert Review - Vintage 2024 James Suckling

90/100 points

Pinot Grigio is one of the most cultivated grape varieties in Alto Adige and finds ideal conditions in Kurtatsch. Our Pinot Grigio Selection consists only of grapes from selected hillsides and steep slopes.

Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc — Marlborough, New Zealand 2025 750ml

Whitehaven is one of Marlborough’s most consistent and celebrated producers — a benchmark for the region’s signature style. Crafted from 100% Marlborough-sourced Sauvignon Blanc grapes, the 2025 vintage is a triumph of precision and purity: piercing, electrifying, and unmistakably New Zealand. The Wine Advocate awarded it 93 points, calling it “excellent” — and it is easy to see why. This is Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc at its most vivid and expressive.

Brilliant pale straw in color. The nose is intense and aromatic with juicy lemon, green apple, lemongrass, passion fruit, and a bracing saline minerality. On the palate, it is pure and pristine — focused and fruit-forward with pineapple husk, crushed chalk, and a crisp herbaceous edge. The acidity is electric, the finish long and clean. Balanced, seductive, and built to refresh.

Wine Advocate 93 — "Piercing and intense… pure and pristine, focused and saline. The acidity is like a bell tolling on a cold morning. It’s excellent." • James Suckling 90 — "Very pretty and balanced… flavorful and seductive." (Vintage 2025). 

• Producer: Whitehaven, Marlborough, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Marlborough
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Style: Crisp, Aromatic White
• Farming: Sustainable
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon, green apple, lemongrass, passion fruit, pineapple, saline minerality, clean finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled fish, goat cheese, green salads, Thai cuisine

93 points, Marlborough’s finest expression, and an honest price — Whitehaven is the Sauvignon Blanc you reach for first.

Antinori Il Bruciato Tenuta Guado al Tasso — Bolgheri 2024

The Antinori family has been making wine in Tuscany for over 600 years, and Tenuta Guado al Tasso is their crown jewel on the Bolgheri coast — situated near the birthplace of the Super Tuscan movement, where the moderating influence of the Tyrrhenian Sea produces wines of remarkable freshness, structure, and Mediterranean character. Il Bruciato is the estate’s second wine: a Cabernet Sauvignon-led Bordeaux blend that delivers the elegance and complexity of the appellation at an approachable price point. One of Italy’s most consistent and beloved Super Tuscans, and an outstanding value from one of Tuscany’s greatest estates.

The 2024 vintage shows an intense, deep ruby color. The nose is expressive and detailed: ripe blackberry, dark cherry, cassis, wildflowers, thyme, sweet spice, and a lifted hint of liquorice. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with polished tannins, a rounded chocolate-tinged texture, fresh coastal acidity, and a long, savory, fruit-driven finish with umami depth. Approachable now, with the structure to develop further over 3–5 years.

Jeb Dunnuck 91 — “Expressive and detailed, with aromas of wildflowers, thyme, ripe cherry, and subtle gamey earthiness. Rounded, chocolate-tinged texture balanced by refreshing acidity. Polished and approachable.”

Wine Advocate 90 — “Ripe, chewy darkness with thick flavors of plummy fruit, blackberry and a savory note reminiscent of tomatoes on the vine. Soft in texture with a medium- to full-bodied mouthfeel and a gentle dustiness from fully-integrated tannins.”

67 Wine — “Il Bruciato is the benchmark entry into the world of Bolgheri — the elegance and complexity of a great Super Tuscan estate at a price that makes it an everyday pleasure.”

• Producer: Marchesi Antinori, Tenuta Guado al Tasso, Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Bolgheri DOC
• Blend: 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 18% Merlot, 8% Syrah, 7% Petit Verdot
• Style: Super Tuscan
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, dark cherry, cassis, wildflowers, thyme, sweet spice, liquorice, chocolate, savory umami finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 3–5 years
• Serve: 64–68°F
• Best Paired With: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, lamb chops, wild boar ragù, aged Pecorino, hearty pasta

Six centuries of Antinori mastery, one exceptional Bolgheri estate — Il Bruciato is the Super Tuscan that belongs on every table.

Château La Vaisinerie — Puisseguin Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux 2019

Puisseguin Saint-Émilion is one of Bordeaux's four Saint-Émilion satellites — appellations that share the Saint-Émilion name and its clay-limestone terroir, but offer wines of genuine character at a fraction of the price of their more famous neighbor. Château La Vaisinerie is a standout estate in the appellation, producing a Merlot-dominant blend (90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc) that earned four separate critic endorsements in the 2019 vintage — one of Bordeaux's finest of the last decade. The result is a wine of real refinement and balance that consistently punches above its price point.

The 2019 pours a deep ruby. The nose is expressive and layered — blue fruits, blackberry, black cherry, candied violets, sweet tobacco, crushed stones, and floral notes with a mineral undertow. On the palate, it's medium-bodied, pure, and impeccably balanced: supple tannins, fine acidity, a pretty core of fruit, and a sensual, velvety-smooth finish. Already drinking beautifully with a carafe; will continue to develop through 2029.

"Blue fruits and cola cubes on the nose. Linear and direct, powerful but restrained, with a core of dark, juicy fruits and a mineral undertow giving freshness and a velvety-smooth texture to the tannins. One I want another glass of." — Georgina Hindle, Decanter, 90 Points

• Producer: Château La Vaisinerie, Puisseguin Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2019
• Appellation: Puisseguin Saint-Émilion AOC
• Blend: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: Decanter 90 | James Suckling 90 | Jeb Dunnuck | Vinous (Neal Martin)
• Drink: Now–2029 (decant if opening today)
• Tasting Notes: Blue fruits, blackberry, black cherry, candied violets, sweet tobacco, crushed stone, supple tannins, sensual finish
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, duck confit, grilled ribeye, mushroom dishes, aged cheeses

Four-critic Right Bank Bordeaux at a satellite appellation price — Saint-Émilion terroir, 2019 vintage, and Merlot-driven elegance in every glass.

Clos des Lunes Lune d’Argent — Bordeaux Blanc 2023

Clos des Lunes is one of Bordeaux’s most compelling white wine stories — an estate in the heart of the Sauternes appellation that has dedicated itself entirely to producing world-class dry white wine from legendary sweet wine terroir. Lune d’Argent (“Silver Moon”) is the estate’s flagship cuvée, blending the density and richness of Sémillon with the refinement and precision of Sauvignon Blanc, aged with a touch of French oak to add complexity without obscuring the magic of the terroir.

The 2023 vintage was harvested in multiple passes from August 28 through September 21, allowing optimal ripeness across the blend. The result is a vibrant, medium-bodied white with vivid acidity, a chalky mineral finish, and outstanding depth — floral, orchard fruit, honeyed grapefruit, golden apple, and a lovely umami complexity from the Sémillon. Four critics, four outstanding scores.

James Suckling 93 • Vinous 92 • Jeb Dunnuck 92 • Decanter 91 — “A top value pick!”

• Producer: Clos des Lunes, Sauternes, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Bordeaux Blanc
• Blend: 70% Sémillon, 30% Sauvignon Blanc
• Aging: Touch of French oak
• Harvest: Multiple passes, Aug 28 – Sep 21
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Orchard fruit, honeyed grapefruit, golden apple, citrus, chalky minerality, umami complexity
• Best Paired With: Grilled lobster, pan-seared scallops, roast chicken, soft-ripened cheeses, foie gras

Sauternes terroir, dry white ambition, four 91+ scores — Lune d’Argent is one of the great white wine values in Bordeaux.

Château de Ribebon Bordeaux Supérieur — Bordeaux, France 2020

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

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

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

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

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

Nino Franco Rustico — Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG NV

Nino Franco has been making Prosecco in Valdobbiadene since 1919, and Rustico is the wine that put them on the map. Named in honor of an old tradition of bottle-fermented Prosecco, it remains one of the world's most celebrated values in high-quality sparkling wine — earning 94 points from Wine Enthusiast and a place on their Top 100 Wines of 2019. Non-vintage by design, Rustico is blended each year to maintain a consistent house style: bright, aromatic, and effortlessly drinkable. Primo Franco recommends serving it in a wine glass rather than a flute — the wider bowl lets the aromatics fully open up.

The nose opens with white spring flowers, Bartlett pear, green apple, and honeysuckle. On the palate it is light-bodied and creamy, with soft, persistent effervescence and ripe orchard fruit accented by a whisper of fennel seed. The finish is clean and refreshing, with just a touch of quinine bitterness that keeps you coming back for another sip.

Wine Enthusiast 94 — Top 100 Wines of 2019 • Vinous 91 • James Suckling 91

• Producer: Nino Franco, Valdobbiadene, Veneto, Italy
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG
• Varietal: 100% Glera
• Style: Extra Dry Sparkling
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White spring flowers, Bartlett pear, green apple, honeysuckle, citrus, fennel seed, quinine finish
• Serve: 44–48°F in a wine glass (not a flute)
• Best Paired With: Oysters, prosciutto, light seafood, risotto, fresh salads, aperitivo spreads

A 94-point Prosecco Superiore DOCG at an honest price — Nino Franco's Rustico is the benchmark for what Valdobbiadene sparkling wine can be.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2024

Wine Enthusiast — 91 Points
"The nose opens umami, sanguine and earthy, with damp soil, pepper and mixed wild herbs, then presents sweet, tiny wild berries crushed underfoot. The palate first leans into the fruit, with sweet, ripe blackberries and blueberries, before finishing off with earth and pepper."
Best Buy

Winemaker Description

Hints of ripe fruit, cinnamon, and licorice and an intense and harmonious taste allow for a fresher wine, with delicate tannins and easy to drink style.

Product Details

• Producer: Tenuta Rapitalà
• Region: Terre Siciliane IGT, Sicily, Italy
• Grape: Nero d’Avola
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Medium-bodied, fresh, high-altitude Sicilian red
• Format: 750ml

The Pinot Project Pinot Noir — California 2022

The Pinot Project was born from a simple conviction: that great Pinot Noir doesn't have to cost a fortune. Handcrafted from premium vineyards across California's most celebrated coastal regions — Monterey and San Benito on the Central Coast, and Suisun Valley in the north — the wine draws on a diversity of soils and climates to achieve remarkable balance and depth. Grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness and carefully destemmed to express bright, pure fruit while maintaining the freshness that defines the variety. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 91 points.

The nose opens with vibrant aromas of Bing cherry, dark plum, cinnamon, potpourri, and Tahitian vanilla bean. On the palate, fresh strawberry, dried cranberry, raspberry cream, white grapefruit zest, and dried bay leaf unfold with medium body, fine-grained integrated tannins, and a dry, mouthwatering finish. This is coastal California Pinot Noir at its most honest and approachable.

Wine Enthusiast 91 — "Vibrant, bright, and beautifully balanced."

Expert Reviews – Vintage 2022

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | Vibrant aromas of Bing cherry and dark plum, enhanced by cinnamon, potpourri, and Tahitian vanilla bean. Fresh strawberry, dried cranberry, raspberry cream, white grapefruit zest, and dried bay leaf on the palate. Medium-bodied with fine-grained, integrated tannins and a dry, mouthwatering finish.

• Producer: The Pinot Project, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: California (Monterey, San Benito, Suisun Valley)
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vinification: Destemmed, harvested at optimal ripeness
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Bing cherry, dark plum, cinnamon, vanilla, strawberry, cranberry, raspberry, grapefruit zest, bay leaf
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2026
• Best Paired With: Roast chicken, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, aged cheeses

91 points from Wine Enthusiast — The Pinot Project delivers coastal California Pinot Noir with genuine character at an unbeatable price.

About Castello di Volpaia

Volpaia is one of the most stunning estates in Italy, located in a fortified medieval village in Radda in Chianti. Because the vineyards are among the highest in the Chianti Classico zone — up to 600 meters — the wines have a cool-climate elegance that sets them apart from the heavier, more muscular Chiantis found in the valleys.

Winemaker Description

The Chianti Classico has a vivid ruby color and a strong nose of fresh red fruit with hints of cherry. A well-structured wine with a fruity finish. The vintage began with a warm winter with little rain. May and June were cold with heavy rains that caused several problems with downy mildew throughout Italy. In July temperatures rose significantly, and the hot, dry summer was followed by late August rains that allowed the grapes to complete ripening beautifully.

Expert Reviews

Decanter — 91 Points (Michaela Morris)
"A very pretty, classy wine that captures the essence of Radda in its bright, lifted personality. Crushed flowers, chalk, mint, white pepper and cranberry all grace this perfumed, lithe Chianti Classico."

Tony Wood Italian Wine — 95 Points
"Bright ruby red with purple undertones. Amazing aroma of spring flowers, violet, petal, sweet red fruits, liquorice, cedar, dry forest floor, spice. Creamy, elegant, fantastic length and balance. A total winner!"

Product Details

• Producer: Castello di Volpaia
• Region: Chianti Classico DOCG, Radda in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy
• Grape: Sangiovese
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Altitude: Up to 600 meters
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 750ml

Winemaker Description

The deep ruby color indicates a luxe complexity, while aromas of black cherry, cassis, and rich earth are abundant in this classic Cabernet Sauvignon. On entry, currants and black plums generously lead to a plush mouthfeel, with ample tannins carrying the fruit to a long, lingering finish. Aged 12 months in 1-year-old American oak barrels, developing notes of baking spices, nutmeg, and hints of caramel.

Expert Review —  Current Vintage 2023, Prior Vintage 2022

Wine Enthusiast - 90 Points - (Tonya Pitts) (Vintage 2023) Pronounced nose, with a focused fruit core, notes of Black plum, black licorice, molasses, vanilla bean, and violets. Fresh youthful blackberries on the palate, dried herbs, bittersweet chocolate, espresso, and grippy tannins to finish. Aerate and enjoy mid-week.  —

Wine Enthusiast — 90 Points (Vintage 2022)
"For $11, this California Cab packs bags of flavor. Find notes of black cherry, plum and currant, cinnamon, nutmeg, fennel, crushed violets and toasted wood alongside mouthcoating tannins and modest acidity."

Food Pairings

Pairs well with rib-eye steak with blue cheese butter, roasted eggplant with provolone, and dark chocolate mousse with fresh berries.

Product Details

• Producer: Bogle Vineyards
• Region: California, USA
• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Aging: 12 months in American oak
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Full-bodied, plush, fruit-forward California Cabernet
• Format: 750ml

Henri Bourgeois | Petit Bourgeois Sauvignon Blanc | Val de Loire IGP | Loire Valley, France | 2024

Henri Bourgeois is one of the Loire Valley's most storied estates, with roots in Sancerre stretching back generations. The Petit Bourgeois is their entry into the broader Val de Loire appellation — a wine that delivers the house's signature precision and aromatic lift at an exceptional price point. Sourced from carefully selected Loire vineyards, it captures everything that makes the region's Sauvignon Blanc so compelling.

The 2024 is remarkably aromatic: floral and fresh on the nose with citrus blossom, green apple, gooseberry, and a whisper of passion fruit. On the palate, bright acidity and a clean, vivid texture carry flavors of lemon zest, crisp apple, and fresh herbs to a lively, refreshing finish. Pure, precise, and an outstanding value.

• Producer: Henri Bourgeois
• Appellation: Val de Loire IGP, Loire Valley, France
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Vintage: 2024
• Closure: Screwcap
• Serve: 46–50°F
• Pairings: Halibut in lemon butter, grilled white fish, seafood, goat cheese, vegetable dishes
• Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2024

• Vinatis — 18/20 (~93 pts): Excellent value. Floral, soft, and fruity — ideal for aperitifs, cheese, and seafood.

Louis Roederer · Collection 246 · Brut NV · Champagne · France

Louis Roederer is among the last great family-owned Champagne houses, and Collection 246 is its non-vintage flagship — a wine of uncommon ambition and transparency. Based on the 2021 base vintage, Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon made a bold call: bumping Chardonnay to 54% (vs. the typical 44%) to navigate a challenging year, blending in 35% Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and 11% Meunier. The blend draws on 55% base 2021 wines, 30% perpetual reserve stretching back to 2012, and 10% young-vine juice from Cristal plots aged in cask — a Cristal pedigree at a fraction of the price. Triple 93 points from Wine Spectator, Vinous, and James Suckling.

The Collection 246 opens with white cherry, Honeycrisp apple, tangerine peel, and biscuit — precise and inviting. On the palate, brisk saline notes cut through a core of orchard fruit, mint, white pepper, and slate. The mousse is silky and soft, the finish creamy and chalky with delicate spice and floral accents. Harmonious, impeccably balanced, and built to drink beautifully now through 2030.

Expert Reviews

“A harmonious Champagne with impeccable balance, depth and focus. White cherry, Honeycrisp apple, tangerine peel and biscuit, retaining vibrancy and grace. Chalky underpinning on the creamy finish with delicate spice and floral accents. Drink now through 2030.”
— Wine Spectator · 93 Points

“Positively stellar. Brisk saline notes cut through a core of orchard fruit, mint, white pepper and slate. No hard angles or awkward contours — impeccably done and absolutely delicious.”
— Vinous · 93 Points

“Pretty and elegant aromas of pears, apple blossoms, grapefruit and chalk. Silky, fresh and beautifully balanced with very soft bubbles.”
— James Suckling · 93 Points

• Producer: Louis Roederer, Reims, Champagne, France
• Cuvée: Collection 246 (base vintage 2021)
• Blend: 54% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 11% Meunier
• Reserve: 30% perpetual reserve (back to 2012) + 10% Cristal-plot cask-aged juice
• Vinification: 24% fermented in oak; ~30% malolactic fermentation
• Dosage: 7 g/L Brut
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White cherry, Honeycrisp apple, tangerine peel, biscuit, orchard fruit, mint, white pepper, slate, chalky finish
• Pairings: Oysters, sushi, lobster, creamy risotto, Brie, Chaource
• Drink: Now through 2030

WS:93 · V:93 · JS:93 · Champagne — Cristal reserve wines, Chardonnay-forward precision, and triple 93-point acclaim from one of the great family houses.

Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay — Sonoma County 2024

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

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

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

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

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

J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon — Paso Robles 2022

J. Lohr is one of California’s most respected family-owned wineries, with estate vineyards across Paso Robles, Monterey, and Napa Valley. Seven Oaks is their flagship Paso Robles Cabernet — named for the majestic valley oaks that shade the estate — and it has become one of the most decorated value Cabernets in California, consistently earning 90+ point scores from the country’s top critics. Paso Robles delivers the warm days and cool nights that produce Cabernet of exceptional ripeness and natural balance, and the 2022 vintage was no exception. Ripe fruit aromas of black cherry and currant are accented by notes of toasted pastry, hazelnut, and vanilla from J. Lohr’s authentic barrel aging program — a winemaking approach that has defined Seven Oaks for decades.

The color is a deep, concentrated ruby. The nose is rich and inviting: black cherry, currants, roasted plums, sage, cloves, and damp earth, with a spicy, toasty complexity that punches well above its price point. On the palate, it is full-bodied and plush — big, juicy red fruit, creamy black cherry, vanilla, purple plum, and black currant, with wet clay, cocoa, mint, and mace adding impressive depth. The tannins are softly textured and velvety, leading to a long, gratifying finish. Three critics, three 90+ scores. At this price, it is one of the great values in California Cabernet.

Expert Reviews

The Tasting Panel — 92 Points
“Streamlined, with velvety tannins, this balanced red surpasses expectations for its price point. Creamy notes of black cherry, vanilla, and purple plum bathe the mouth, giving way to a delectable finish of spiced black currant.”

James Suckling — 90 Points
“Currants, sage, roasted plums and cloves on the nose of this rich and spicy red. Full-bodied, plush and toasty, with ripe tannins.”

Wine Enthusiast — 90 Points
“Damp earth aromas lead quickly into sharp yet ripe cherry aromas. Likable flavors of black cherry greet the palate, as wet clay, cocoa, mint and mace flavors add impressive complexity at this price point.”

• Producer: J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, Paso Robles, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Paso Robles
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Size: 750ml
• Style: Full-bodied, plush, value-driven Paso Robles Cabernet
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, currants, roasted plum, vanilla, hazelnut, cocoa, mint, velvety tannins
• Drink Window: Now–2028
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, New York strip, lamb, mushroom risotto, aged cheddar, BBQ

Three critics, three 90+ scores — J. Lohr Seven Oaks 2022 is Paso Robles Cabernet at its most generous.

Feudo Montoni Grillo della Timpa — Sicilia DOC, Italy 2023

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

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

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

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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