90+ Points | Critical Acclaim | Wine & Sparkling Wine

CrossBarn by Paul Hobbs Sonoma Coast Chardonnay — Sonoma County 2024

CrossBarn is Paul Hobbs’s second label — and one of California’s most compelling values in cool-climate Chardonnay. Drawing on 81% estate fruit from Sonoma Coast vineyards, CrossBarn channels the same winemaking philosophy that has made Paul Hobbs one of Napa and Sonoma’s most celebrated names: minimal intervention, site transparency, and a relentless focus on freshness. The Sonoma Coast appellation is defined by its proximity to the Pacific — cold ocean winds and morning fog that slow ripening and preserve the natural acidity that makes this style so compelling. Partial malolactic conversion in stainless steel adds a subtle creamy texture without sacrificing the wine’s essential brightness and drive. The 2024 vintage is a textbook expression of the appellation.

The color is a luminous pale gold. The nose is fresh, pure, and immediately inviting: green apple, baked apple, ripe pear, lemon peel, and a whisper of bread dough and warm spice. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and easygoing — generous and juicy, with vibrant acidity, a subtle creamy mid-palate from partial malo, and a long, mineral-driven finish. Crisp, refreshing, and built for the table.

James Suckling 93 • Wine Advocate 90 — “Fresh, fruity, juicy, crisp — generous in green apples, baked apples and minerals. Subtle cream and butter from partial malolactic conversion.” (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: CrossBarn by Paul Hobbs, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Estate Fruit: 81%
• Vinification: Partial malolactic conversion, stainless steel maturation
• Style: Bright, fresh, cool-climate Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Green apple, baked apple, pear, lemon peel, bread dough, warm spice, mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 3–5 years
• Best Paired With: Crab Louie, grilled shrimp, oysters, roast chicken, mushroom risotto, creamy pasta

Paul Hobbs’s vision for Sonoma Coast Chardonnay — CrossBarn delivers serious winemaking at an honest price.

Castello di Bossi | Chianti Classico Gran Selezione | Organic | 2020

Gran Selezione is the apex of the Chianti Classico pyramid — a single-vineyard or best-barrel selection aged a minimum of 30 months before release. Castello di Bossi's 2020 version is a textbook example of why this category matters. Sourced from the estate's southern Gaiole in Chianti holdings and certified organic, it spent 24 months in large 40–50HL casks — a deliberate choice that preserves Sangiovese's aromatic lift while building structure without over-oaking. The 2020 vintage delivered warm, even ripening across Tuscany, and Bossi channeled that richness into a wine of explosive intensity and remarkable finesse. Deep ruby with garnet lights, it opens with black cherry, plum, cedar, sweet spice, dark chocolate, and a whisper of saddle leather. The palate is fleshy and dense, yet balanced, with a very pronounced, lingering finish. Drink now with confidence, or cellar through 2034.

• Appellation: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
• Varietal: Sangiovese
• Vintage: 2020
• Format: 750ml
• Aging: 24 months in 40–50HL large casks
• Certification: Certified Organic
• Drink Window: Now – 2034

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2020

Vinous — Antonio Galloni | 92 Points: Gorgeous. Floral, lifted and quite expressive, the 2020 has a lot to offer. It marries the richness of this southern district with lovely aromatic presence and a good bit of brightness. A complete, deeply satisfying wine to drink now and over the next decade or so. Drink 2024–2034.

Pairing Suggestions

• Classic Tuscan: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, or pappardelle with meat sauce.
• Meat: Roasted lamb rack, braised short ribs, or aged beef tagliata.
• Cheese: Aged Pecorino Toscano, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or a firm sheep’s milk cheese.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2020

James Suckling 95 Points: Lead pencil and blackcurrant aromas are very impressive. Full-bodied and tannic, but very velvety with fine texture. Lots of pretty fruit. Typical for the appellation. Second wine of Domaine de Chevalier. Try after 2028.

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points: More restrained aromatically, yet has outstanding purity in its red and black fruits as well as notes of dried herbs, tobacco, chocolate, and damp earth. Medium-bodied, elegant, balanced, and certainly delicious — a second wine that will benefit from just a year or two of bottle age and shine for a decade.

Vinous 91 Points: Very perfumed, floral bouquet with pressed iris and peony infusing the blackberry and blueberry fruit. Controlled and classic in style. Medium-bodied with concentrated black fruit laced with white pepper and Provençal herbs. Powerful with a generous finish — a superb Deuxième Vin that should give 12–15 years of drinking pleasure.

Wine Advocate 90 Points: Fleshy and demonstrative, bursting with aromas of sweet berries, plums and petals. Medium to full-bodied, rich and layered, with polished tannins and an expansive finish. Will drink well young.

Winemaker Description

Domaine de Chevalier is renowned for its ability to produce great wines even in unfashionable vintages, thanks to its unique Pessac-Léognan terroir and a draconian selection process in both vineyard and cellar — at times requiring five successive passes through the vines to pick only the ripest possible grapes. L’Esprit de Chevalier, created in 1986 from young vines and vats not destined for the grand vin, is a charming second wine that shares many of the same qualities as Domaine de Chevalier’s flagship — complex, well-balanced, and elegant — with the added advantage of being approachable earlier.

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Roasted lamb rack with herbs, beef tenderloin, or duck confit.
• Classic Bordeaux: Lamb chops with truffle jus, venison, or a classic French cassoulet.
• Cheese: Aged Comté, Ossau-Iraty, or a firm sheep’s milk cheese.

Bodega Colomé · Estate Torrontés · Valle Calchaquí · Salta · Argentina · 2025

Bodega Colomé is one of Argentina’s oldest and most celebrated wineries, farming at extreme elevations in the Calchaquí Valley of Salta — some of the highest vineyards in the world. At altitude, the intense sun, cool nights, and thin mountain air produce Torrontés of extraordinary aromatic precision and freshness: floral, citrus-driven, and refreshingly dry — a world away from the heavy, low-acid expressions that gave the grape an undeserved reputation. The 2025 Estate Torrontés earned 91 points from Vinous as a Best Buy, praised for its fresher, more mineral style. Screwcap.

The 2025 opens with herbal and floral notes of tuberose, rose, soft mint, and gentle lime, with grapefruit citrus and a spicy hint. On the palate, it is dry yet slightly indulgent — lively, fresh, and vibrant, balancing herbal, citrus, and floral characteristics with a long, elegant, mineral finish. A quintessential high-elevation Torrontés, built for the table.

“Opens with herbal and floral notes of tuberose, soft mint and gentle lime. Dry yet slightly indulgent, it offers lively freshness. A fresher style of Torrontés than is typical for the valley, balancing herbal, citrus and floral characteristics. Vibrant and delicious. A best buy.”
Producer: Bodega Colomé, Valle Calchaquí, Salta, Argentina

• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Valle Calchaquí, Salta, Argentina
• Varietal: 100% Torrontés
• Elevation: Among the highest vineyards in the world
• Style: Dry white — aromatic, floral, mineral
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Tuberose, rose, soft mint, lime, grapefruit, spice, lively acidity, mineral finish
• Pairings: Ceviche, grilled shrimp, Thai curry, fresh goat cheese, aromatic Asian cuisine

Vinous:91 Best Buy · Valle Calchaquí — high-altitude Torrontés from one of Argentina’s oldest estates. Aromatic, dry, and built for the table.

Bordeaux at Its Most Approachable

Château Sénéjac is one of the Haut-Médoc's most reliable Cru Bourgeois estates, consistently delivering wines of genuine character and finesse. The 2020 vintage — widely regarded as one of Bordeaux's finest in a generation — shows beautifully here: ripe, fresh, and impeccably balanced, with the kind of energy that makes it irresistible young yet capable of rewarding patience through 2033.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Heady and seductive — rich ripe dark fruits, a gentle pot pourri lift, and inviting freshness
• Palate: Searing, mouthwatering cherry juice flavors with marked but harmonious acidity; round, polished tannins and a chalky, juicy finish
• Finish: Bright, clean, and persistent — Bordeaux fruit handled with precision

Expert Reviews

• James Suckling — 93 pts: "Blackcurrants and black cherries with cocoa, pine cones, toasted spices. Round and polished tannins with a chalky and crushed stone yet juicy finish."
• Decanter — 91 pts: "Dark fruit nature, great juicy and fresh core. Tannins are firm and supportive. Confident and characterful. Eric Boissenot consultant."
• Jeb Dunnuck — 88–90 pts: "Ample blackberry and dark cherry fruits, sappy, floral core. Pretty, fresh, nicely focused with class."

Blend & Provenance

• Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
• Appellation: Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois
• Vintage: 2020
• Drinking Window: 2023–2033
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Ideal with roast lamb, beef tenderloin, duck confit, aged hard cheeses, and classic Bordelaise preparations.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

James Suckling 94 Points: A driven, balanced, flavorful, textural and lively Crozes-Hermitage, showing aromas of dark cherries, spiced plums, wild herbs and warm spices. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Superb texture and balance with a long, succulent and vivid finish. Drink or hold.

Vinous 91+ Points: Fermented with 100% whole clusters, the 2023 displays ripe red fruit tones, stemmy touches, pencil shaving, licorice and cedar aromas. Medium- to full-bodied and fresh — shaping up to be a delicious red Crozes-Hermitage. A long, defined finish wraps it up.

Winemaker Description

In France’s Northern Rhône Valley, few names are as revered as Graillot. It was in 1985 that the late, legendary Alain Graillot — after working with the venerable Jacques Seysses at Domaine Dujac — returned to his home in Crozes-Hermitage to start his own domaine. With each passing year, his devotion to making hauntingly delicious Syrah from organically farmed, stone-laden vineyards earned him a devoted global following. Alain’s sons Maxime and Antoine have been in charge since 2008, continuing the legacy unchanged: hand-harvesting, organic farming, 100% whole-cluster fermentation, and aging primarily in 1-to-3 year old barrels sourced from top Burgundy estates.

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Grilled lamb chops with herbes de Provence, roasted duck breast, or venison with wild mushrooms.
• Classic Rhône: Daube de bœuf, cassoulet, or a charcuterie board with cured meats.
• Cheese: Aged Comté, Saint-Nectaire, or a firm washed-rind cheese.

Loveblock | Sauvignon Blanc | Marlborough, New Zealand | 2024 | Organic

Loveblock is a certified organic winery founded by Kim and Erica Crawford — yes, that Erica Crawford, co-founder of the iconic Kim Crawford wine brand — on their estate in Marlborough, New Zealand. After selling Kim Crawford Wines, Erica returned to her passion for sustainable, organic viticulture and launched Loveblock as a vehicle for producing wines of genuine terroir expression and environmental integrity. The estate is certified organic, and every decision in the vineyard and winery is guided by a commitment to the land and to producing wines of exceptional quality and character.

Marlborough is New Zealand's most celebrated wine region and the spiritual home of Sauvignon Blanc — a place where the combination of intense sunshine, cool nights, and free-draining stony soils produces wines of extraordinary aromatic intensity, vibrant acidity, and distinctive saline minerality. Loveblock's Sauvignon Blanc draws on fruit from across the region to produce a wine of complexity and elegance that goes well beyond the category norm.

The 2024 is pale straw with a hint of green and gold. The nose is complex and elegant — citrus blossom, wild flowers, crushed ripe herbs, pineapple, lemon, grapefruit zest, and sliced peach. On the palate, medium- to full-bodied and chiseled, with a dense fruit core of juicy melon and peach, vibrant fleshy fruit, toasted herbs, green tea, ginger, lime zest, and a saline, umami-tinged finish. Beautifully rounded with layer upon layer of texture and a long, complex, mineral finish.

Pair with oysters, seafood, spaghetti alle vongole, grilled fish, goat cheese, and chicken.

• Producer: Loveblock (Erica Crawford)
• Appellation: Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
• Vintage: 2024
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Closure: Screwcap
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2024

• James Suckling — 93 pts: Lemon, grapefruit zest and sliced peach aromas. Medium- to full-bodied and chiseled, with vibrant, fleshy fruit and a saline touch in the finish.
• Wine Spectator — 91 pts: Intense and juicy — toasted herbs, green tea and crunchy sea salt mingling with ginger, lime zest and fleshy notes of ripe melon that linger on the long finish.

Gosset · Grande Réserve Brut NV · Champagne AOC · France

Gosset is the oldest wine house in Champagne — established in Aÿ in 1584, when Pierre Gosset, alderman and winegrower, founded the house that bears his name. Nearly five centuries of Champagne-making later, Gosset remains one of the region’s most distinctive producers: a house defined by richness, Pinot Noir texture, extended cellaring, and an unwavering commitment to the Grande Réserve style. The NV Grande Réserve is the house’s signature Champagne — a blend of 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, and 10% Meunier from premier villages including Aÿ, Bouzy, Ambonnay, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, aged a minimum of four years in the cellar before disgorgement, then rested a further six months to assimilate the dosage (8 g/L). Rated 94 points by Decanter and 93 by Wine Spectator.

Luminous golden hue with a fine, persistent mousse. The nose opens with fresh lemon meringue pie, yellow apple, Mirabelle plum, and white peach, deepening with warmth into honeyed, toasted notes. On the palate, a spine of chiseled acidity structures a vivid, creamy texture — Asian pear, baked pineapple, lemon curd, toasted brioche, and roasted almond, with a minerally underpinning of smoke, brine, and wet stone. Elegant, long, and absolutely fresh from first bubble to finish.

Expert Reviews

“Elegance, length and absolute freshness are inherent and quietly convincing. Beautifully subtle autolysis on the palate, deepening into notes of creamy apple crumble, Golden Delicious and Mirabelle plum.”
— Decanter · 94 Points

“A spine of chiseled acidity structures this vivid, creamy Champagne, which has a minerally underpinning of smoke and brine and flavors of Asian pear, baked pineapple, lemon curd, toasted brioche and roasted almond.”
— Wine Spectator · 93 Points

“Pure and inviting aromas of white peach, fresh flowers, and wet stone. A fresh pillowy mousse and a delicate saline finish — a wonderful calling card for the freshness of the house style.”
— Jeb Dunnuck · 92 Points

“Lemon tart, spiced apples, almonds and pastries. Fresh, lively and very precise, with fine bubbles and a light, chalky undertone.”
— James Suckling · 92 Points

• Producer: Gosset, Aÿ, Champagne, France (est. 1584 — oldest wine house in Champagne)
• Style: Brut NV Champagne
• Blend: 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, 10% Meunier
• Base Vintage: 2018 | Cellaring: 4+ years minimum
• Dosage: 8 g/L
• Villages: Aÿ, Bouzy, Ambonnay, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Villers-Marmery
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon meringue, Mirabelle plum, Asian pear, brioche, roasted almond, smoke, brine, chiseled acidity
• Pairings: Grilled fish, lobster, oysters, scallops, soft cheeses, aperitif

D:94 · WS:93 · JD:92 · JS:92 · Champagne AOC — the oldest wine house in Champagne, since 1584. Rich, creamy, and built for the long haul.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2024

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

Leclerc Briant Réserve Extra Brut — Épernay, Champagne, France NV

Leclerc Briant is one of Champagne's most celebrated and pioneering grower-producers — a historic house based in Épernay with roots going back to 1872, and today one of the region's most committed advocates for biodynamic viticulture. Under the stewardship of the Lignac family, Leclerc Briant farms its vineyards according to strict biodynamic principles — certified by Demeter — believing that the health of the soil is the foundation of great Champagne. The estate works with the lunar calendar, uses only natural preparations, and practices minimal intervention in the cellar, allowing the terroir of their Marne Valley and Côte des Blancs vineyards to express itself with clarity and precision. The Réserve Extra Brut is the house's signature non-vintage cuvée — a blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier, and 20% Chardonnay, based on the 2019 harvest, with reserve wines adding depth and complexity. Extra Brut in style, it is drier and more precise than a standard Brut, allowing the terroir and the fruit to speak without the softening effect of dosage.

The color is bright pale yellow with a fine, lively mousse. The nose is complex and inviting: wet asphalt, ripe white peach, fresh redcurrant, pear, verbena, lime, herbs, and a touch of menthol — the signature of biodynamic Champagne. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and approachable with a rounded mid-palate, chalky and pithy texture, and sleek acidity animating flavors of chopped raspberry, nectarine, preserved lemon, and oyster shell. The finish is persistent, lightly spiced, and mouthwatering — clean, energetic, and long.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 — "Wet asphalt, ripe white peach, and fresh redcurrant. Rounded mid-palate, chalky and pithy texture with a lively yet fine mousse. Attractive and balanced with a clean finish."

Wine Spectator 92 — "Lithe and graceful, with sleek acidity animating flavors of chopped raspberry, nectarine, preserved lemon and oyster shell. Fine and satiny in texture, offering a persistent, lightly spiced finish."

Wine Advocate 90 — "Lively, fresh bouquet of pear, verbena, lime tree, herbs and menthol. Vinous and energetic with an incisive mid-palate and a mouthwatering, fresh finish."

• Producer: Leclerc Briant, Épernay, Champagne, France (est. 1872)
• Style: Extra Brut NV
• Blend: 40% Pinot Noir / 40% Pinot Meunier / 20% Chardonnay
• Base Vintage: 2019
• Farming: Certified Biodynamic (Demeter)
• Dosage: Extra Brut (very low dosage)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White peach, redcurrant, raspberry, nectarine, preserved lemon, oyster shell, wet asphalt, chalky texture, persistent spiced finish
• Style: Precise, energetic, terroir-driven
• Best Paired With: Oysters, sushi, grilled fish, lobster, soft cheeses, charcuterie, caviar

Biodynamic Champagne from one of Épernay's most celebrated grower-producers — Leclerc Briant Réserve Extra Brut is precise, energetic, and triple 90+ point rated.

Château Bernadotte | Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois | Bordeaux, France | 2018

Château Bernadotte is a classic Cru Bourgeois estate situated on the Left Bank of Bordeaux, with vineyards bordering the prestigious Pauillac appellation — lending the wine a touch of that famous Pauillac character: tobacco, cedar, and graphite. Named after the royal family of Sweden, the estate has a storied history and is now producing wines fully worthy of its pedigree.

The 2018 vintage is widely regarded as one of the greatest in Bordeaux history — a year of exceptional ripeness, concentration, and natural balance. Château Bernadotte's 2018 is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot, delivering focused dark fruit, firm structure, and excellent aging potential at a remarkable price point for the appellation.

Deep ruby in the glass. The nose offers blackcurrant, black olive, dried herbs, smoked meat, and charred wood, with inky, jammy dark fruit and notes of mocha and sweet spice. On the palate, medium-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins, focused and flavorful with a lightly chewy finish. Rich, balanced, and built to age — drinking beautifully from 2024 onward.

Pair with classic steak frites, roast leg of lamb with rosemary, hearty beef stew, wild mushroom risotto, aged Comté, or Parmigiano-Reggiano.

• Producer: Château Bernadotte
• Appellation: Haut-Médoc AOC, Cru Bourgeois
• Region: Left Bank, Bordeaux, France
• Blend: 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot
• Vintage: 2018
• Drink: Now through 2030+
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2018

• James Suckling — 91 pts: Blackcurrants, black olives and dried herbs with smoked-meat and charred-wood character. Medium-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins. Focused and flavorful.
• Vinous — 90 pts: A flamboyant, unctuous Haut-Médoc. Inky, jammy dark fruit, mocha and sweet spice — racy, expressive, and delivers the goods.
• Wine Enthusiast — 90 pts: Rich and balanced, offering black fruits dominated by Merlot and bold tannins. A powerful wine that will take time. Drink from 2024.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023

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

67Wine Buyer's Note

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

Mumm Napa Brut Rosé — California NV

Mumm Napa’s Brut Rosé is one of California’s most vibrant and food-friendly sparkling wines — a Pinot Noir-dominant expression that brings the energy and freshness of méthode champenoise winemaking to a beautiful pink-salmon package. Blending 80% Pinot Noir with 20% Chardonnay, the wine is partially fermented in the press to develop its signature soft, fruity directness, while the Chardonnay component adds power and structure. The result earned 91 points from Wine Enthusiast and is one of the most versatile food wines in the sparkling category.

The nose is ripe and inviting: black cherry, wild strawberry, peach, and fresh red fruit. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and succulent — peach, wild strawberry, and plum flavors are framed by lively acidity and fine bubbles, with a clean, refreshing finish. Robust enough to stand up to bold cuisine, yet elegant enough for the apéritif hour.

Wine Enthusiast 91 — “A hearty 80% Pinot Noir dominates in this sparkler. With a pink-salmon hue, it offers peach and wild strawberry aromas followed by similar, medium-bodied flavors, with the addition of succulent plum.”

• Producer: Mumm Napa, Napa Valley, California, USA
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: California
• Blend: 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay
• Method: Méthode Champenoise
• Style: Brut Rosé
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, wild strawberry, peach, plum, fine bubbles, clean refreshing finish
• Best Paired With: Thai cuisine, grilled salmon, charcuterie, soft cheeses, pasta with tomato, Italian dishes

Pink, precise, and endlessly food-friendly — Mumm Napa’s Brut Rosé is California sparkling at its most vibrant.

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins, 67wino.shop: Pale ruby red in color with an intriguing bouquet of wild blackberries, Asian spice, wild flowers, and crushed rocks. On the palate, soft and round with layered complexity of dark fruits and detailed minerality. A great example of why the wines of Etna are all the rage — a delicious rendition!

Expert Reviews – Vintage 2022

Vinous 90 Points: Opens with a burst of autumnal spice, dusty rose and crushed black cherries. Juicy and fresh, with ripe wild berry fruits complemented by minty herbs and a core of vibrant acidity. Finishes with zesty tension as the mouth waters for more. A tart blackberry crunch lingers on the close.

Winemaker Description

The Fessina Erse Etna Rosso is a throwback to the traditional way Etna wines were made — blending red Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio with white indigenous varieties to create a more elegant, feminine profile. Light ruby in color with aromas of wild berries, coriander, cloves, pimento, and pink pepper. Soft, round tannins with spicy complexity and a mineral core that speaks to the volcanic soils of Etna. A picture of Fessina’s melting pot vineyard, where tastes and roots meld together.

Pairing Suggestions

• Sicilian Classics: Pasta alla Norma (eggplant and salted ricotta) or grilled swordfish.
• Meats: Grilled pork, roasted poultry, or charcuterie.
• Surprise Pairing: High acidity and mineral edge make it an excellent match for mushroom dishes or seared tuna.

Château Prieuré-Lichine — Margaux 2020

Château Prieuré-Lichine is a jewel of the Margaux appellation — a 4ème Grand Cru Classé estate whose wines express the quintessence of one of Bordeaux's most celebrated terroirs. Certified High Environmental Value (HVE Level 3) and awarded a Best of Gold Wine Tourism prize in 2019, the estate is as committed to sustainability and hospitality as it is to winemaking excellence. The 2020 vintage is the estate's finest in a generation: seven critics weighed in, led by James Suckling at 96 points and Wine Enthusiast at 95 — a wine of extraordinary elegance, depth, and cellaring potential. Best from 2026, with a drinking window extending to 2036 and beyond.

Deep garnet-purple in color. The nose is complex and captivating — black cherries, blackcurrants, boysenberries, tobacco, cacao, licorice, dried Provence herbs, pencil shavings, and a lingering florality of roses and lavender. On the palate, the wine is medium- to full-bodied with great intensity of pure black and red fruit, framed by firm yet creamy, grainy tannins and a lively backbone. The finish is long, beautifully balanced, and refreshingly herbal — with salty, chalky minerality that gives the wine its signature Margaux elegance and sleek, restrained power.

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2020

James Suckling — 96 Points
Black cherries, blackcurrants, tobacco, cacao and some licorice on the nose. Firm yet creamy, with very fine tannins that spread across the palate. Medium to full body. So long and beautifully balanced. Try from 2026.

Wine Enthusiast — 95 Points
This wine already shows a luscious side with its ripe black fruits and rich tannins. The obverse shows structure and acidity. Both these elements will together give a wine for aging.

Decanter — 94 Points
Ripe and deeply scented on the nose and palate, a lingering florality follows the dark black fruits from start to finish. This has a lovely richness, more textural depth than some with salty, liquorice and wet stone tannins that support the fruit and give the frame. Rich and intense but so sleek. Super glamour on show, but elegant in its presentation. Definitely mineral, a salty coolness on the finish but textured tannins giving an appealing chalkiness too. Bold but restrained and super refreshing. A great wine.

Wine Advocate — 93 Points
Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2020 Prieure-Lichine offers up notes of fresh redcurrants, blackcurrant pastilles, boysenberries and dried Provence herbs, plus wafts of tobacco leaf and pencil shavings. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers a great intensity of pure black and red fruit flavors, framed by grainy tannins and a lively backbone, finishing long with a refreshing herbal lift.

Vinous — 93 Points
The 2020 Prieuré-Lichine is elegant and nuanced, just as it was en primeur. Prieuré-Lichine is still a very good wine with real class.

Wine Spectator — 92 Points
Ripe and focused, with a violet and alder frame that marries well to the core of lightly steeped plum and black currant fruit flavors. The alder edge asserts itself on the finish, though the fruit keeps pace just a half-step behind. This should settle in with some cellaring. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2026 through 2036. 14,000 cases made.

Jeb Dunnuck — 92 Points
The 2020 Château Prieuré-Lichine has a solid perfume of redcurrants, blueberries, smoky oak, and chocolate that shows more and more floral nuances with time in the glass. Nicely textured on the palate, with medium to full-bodied richness, solid mid-palate depth, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It needs a solid 4–6 years of bottle age but is another impressive 2020 with real class.

• Producer: Château Prieuré-Lichine, Margaux, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2020
• Classification: 4ème Grand Cru Classé, Margaux AOC
• Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
• Style: Red Wine — Full-Bodied, Elegant, Built for Aging
• Certification: High Environmental Value (HVE Level 3)
• Production: 14,000 cases
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, blackcurrant, boysenberry, tobacco, cacao, licorice, roses, lavender, pencil shavings, salty mineral, chalky finish
• Cellar Potential: Best from 2026 — drink through 2036+
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, beef tenderloin, duck confit, aged hard cheeses, truffle dishes

Seven critics, one extraordinary vintage — Château Prieuré-Lichine 2020 is the benchmark for what 4ème Grand Cru Classé Margaux can achieve in a legendary year.

Pierre Lurton’s Personal Estate — Bordeaux’s Best-Value Rouge

Château Marjosse is the personal estate of Pierre Lurton — Managing Director of the legendary Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem. Located in the north of Entre-Deux-Mers, Marjosse produces some of the best-value wines in all of Bordeaux, and the 2022 Bordeaux Rouge is a standout: a Merlot-led blend with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec, earning 91 points from both Vinous and James Suckling. The clay-limestone soils preserved remarkable freshness in this hot, dry vintage.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

• Vinous — 91 pts: “A bright, nervy red. Floral notes, orange peel, mint and white pepper lend notable energy throughout. An atypically vibrant wine for the year — a pretty significant shift toward greater freshness.”
• James Suckling — 91 pts: “Pretty and vibrant, showing subtle cream to the red berries, currants and citrus on the nose. Quite firm and juicy on the palate with lightly chewy tannins and a fine, medium-long finish. Drink from 2025.”
• Decanter — 90 pts: “Blue fruit, bell pepper and a touch of spice on the nose. A generous palate with well-managed tannins and darker, more brooding black fruit and violets on the finish.”

Winemaker Notes

Chateau Marjosse Bordeaux Rouge 2022 750ml

A Merlot-based blend with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec from clay-limestone soils in Entre-Deux-Mers. The 2022 vintage delivered exceptional concentration, while Marjosse’s terroir preserved the freshness and vibrancy that defines this estate’s style.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec
• Appellation: Bordeaux AOC, Entre-Deux-Mers, France
• Producer: Château Marjosse (Pierre Lurton)
• Vintage: 2022
• Soils: Clay-limestone
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A versatile Bordeaux — excellent with grilled steak, roast lamb, duck breast, mushroom risotto, and aged Comté.

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

Rated 93 Points – Wine Enthusiast

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

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

Tasting Notes

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

Critical Acclaim

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

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

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

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

Tasting Notes

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

Production Details

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

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

Rioja Gran Reserva That Rivals Wines Twice the Price

Marques de Vargas is one of Rioja’s most respected estates, distinguished by its commitment to varietal correctness and minimal intervention. Only indigenous yeasts from the vineyard are used for fermentation — a philosophy that prioritizes terroir expression over the homogenizing effects of commercial yeast. Rather than chasing the heavily extracted, over-oaked style common in the appellation, Marques de Vargas produces a Gran Reserva of remarkable freshness, elegance, and longevity.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2017

• Wine Enthusiast — 94 pts: Deep ruby in color with aromas of black cherry, caramel and thyme. Flavors of blackberry, raspberry, licorice, dark chocolate and orange zest wrapped in feathery tannins and a soft sheath of acidity. A nice floral note on the bright finish.
• Wine Advocate — 91 pts: Surprisingly clean and fresh — peppery and spicy with toasty notes. 70% Tempranillo, 17% Garnacha, 13% Mazuelo, matured in 225- and 500-liter French oak barrels for 23 months.
• James Suckling — 91 pts: Delicate creaminess and sweet spices to the blackberries and dark plums. Medium to full body with lots of dusty tannins. Subtle finish with creamy, spiced cherries. Drink or hold.

Winemaker Notes

Marques de Vargas Rioja Gran Reserva 2017 750ml

A blend of 70% Tempranillo, 17% Garnacha, and 13% Mazuelo, aged 23 months in French oak. The 2017 is peppery, spiced, and layered — with black cherry, dark chocolate, and orange zest on the nose, and a long, floral finish. Built for the cellar, but approachable now.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo
• Appellation: Rioja, Spain
• Producer: Marques de Vargas
• Vintage: 2017
• Classification: Gran Reserva
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural at the table — exceptional with roasted lamb, Iberian pork, cochinillo asado, rabo de toro, Jamón Ibérico, aged Manchego, and Idiazábal.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir from Eleven Family-Owned Vineyards

Patz & Hall draws from eleven small, independent family-owned vineyard sites across the Sonoma Coast, unified into a wine of saline freshness, lively red fruit, and structural elegance. The 2021 vintage delivered cool, even growing conditions that preserved natural acidity and exceptional purity.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

• Decanter — 96 pts: "Delightful, extra juicy red and black fruits give graciously and generously with a mouth-filling texture and soft, silky tannins. The coolness of the Sonoma Coast takes the salty sea air and places it squarely on the grapes to give this wine a lovely saline finish. The great structural envelope will protect this wine for the future. It will last and last."
• Wine Spectator — 93 pts: "Fresh and lively, raspberry and mulberry coulis with a mouthwatering savory edge. Textbook vintage and AVA profile. Drink now through 2031."
• Wine Advocate — 90 pts: "Aromas of red and black cherries, mint, forest floor and allspice. Generous, spicy fruit with grainy tannins and juicy acidity."

Winemaker Notes

Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2021 750ml

Complex aromas of Morello cherry and wild strawberry, with cinnamon, clove, anise, and coriander alongside forest floor and pink flowers. Full palate with good purity, refined tannins, and fresh acidity.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast, California
• Vineyard Sources: 11 independent family-owned sites
• Producer: Patz & Hall
• Vintage: 2021
• Drinking Window: Now–2031
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Exceptional with roasted duck, salmon, mushroom risotto, lamb loin, and soft-ripened cheeses.

Super-Tuscan Quality at a Remarkably Fair Price

Tenuta Sette Ponti is one of Tuscany’s most respected estates, located in the Valdarno di Sopra between Florence and Arezzo. Crognolo is their flagship Super-Tuscan blend — 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot — crafted from a historic Sangiovese clone unique to the property. Certified organic, it delivers serious Tuscan character with vibrant energy, firm structure, and exceptional aging potential.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

• James Suckling — 94 pts: Fresh strawberries and cherries with orange peel and flowers. Cedar, black olive and violet undertones. Medium-bodied with firm, racy tannins that give energy and focus. Tangy and fresh with slightly bitter citrus on the finish. Drink or hold.
• Wine Advocate (Monica Larner) — 92 pts: A core of blackened fruit with plum and cooked blackberry, plus varietal Sangiovese hints of pressed rose and sweet potting soil. Medium texture with fruity freshness. A selection from a historic clone of Sangiovese found on the estate. 150,000 bottles produced.
• Vinous (Antonio Galloni) — 92 pts: Dark, vibrant and persistent. Dark-fleshed fruit, chocolate, licorice, cloves, menthol. Admirable energy with grippy tannins on the finish.
• Wine Spectator — 91 pts: Black cherry, blackberry, lavender and spice. Dense, tight and compact with plenty of fruit and well-integrated structure. Fine length. Best 2026–2038.

Winemaker Notes

Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo Toscana Organic 2022 750ml

Strawberry, cherry, black olive, cedar, and violet on the nose, with chocolate, licorice, and menthol emerging on the palate. Medium-bodied with firm, racy tannins and vibrant Sangiovese acidity. Decant for 30 minutes or cellar through 2038. Certified Organic.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: 90% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot
• Appellation: Valdarno di Sopra, Toscana IGT, Italy
• Producer: Tenuta Sette Ponti
• Vintage: 2022
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural at the Tuscan table — exceptional with bistecca alla Fiorentina, grilled lamb chops, pappardelle with wild boar ragù, aged Pecorino Toscano, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 92 Points | A full-flavored, medium-bodied red that offers good, bracing acidity and moderate tannins that lift fresh, delicious raspberry and dark cherry flavors. Hints of earthiness and flint on the nose, then vivid, dark-fruit flavors and a mouthwatering texture. Drink now or hold.

Producer Description

This wine expresses forest floor fruit. Blackberry, blueberry, and raspberry round out the velvet balanced structure and in her finesse. Cooper Mountain is a pioneering winery in Oregon's Willamette Valley, established on the outskirts of Portland in the late 1970's.

In 1978 Dr. Robert Gross and his wife Corrine planted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the slopes of Cooper Mountain, west of Portland. In 1987, the family converted an old horse barn on the property to start their own label, becoming early adopters to organic and Biodynamic farming practices in Oregon winemaking by the early 1990's.

"Our role as stewards of our 200 acres is a vital part of our process. Cooper Mountain has always been a trailblazer in sustainable growing, receiving organic certification from Oregon Tilth in 1995. Our commitment to these practices is an important part of our identity and that's why 100% of our wines are organically grown. We believe in Biodynamic farming practices. We've been farming that way since the early 90's and received our certification from Demeter in 1999. Every bottle of wine we make today is made from Biodynamic grapes."

Jumilla's Benchmark Monastrell — Old Vines, Organic, Exceptional Value

The Juan Gil Silver Label (Etiqueta Plata) is the flagship wine of the Gil family and one of the most celebrated value reds in the world — consistently delivering the concentration and complexity of a wine twice its price. Sourced from 40+ year old vines planted in high-altitude, limestone-rich soils in Jumilla, southeastern Spain, and farmed organically and veganic, the 2023 vintage is a benchmark expression of what Monastrell can achieve in this sun-drenched appellation.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

• Vinous — 91 pts: "Bitter orange, herbs, mint and white pepper. Dry, with a slightly plush, concentrated texture and a satisfying finish."

Winemaker Notes

Juan Gil 12 Meses Silver Label Monastrell Jumilla 2023 Organic 750ml

The 2023 vintage is particularly noted for its precision — optical sorting technology ensures only the cleanest, most expressive organic grapes make it into the vat. Aged 12 months (12 meses) for added depth and structure, with the estate's signature dark fruit intensity balanced by fresh acidity and mineral lift.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: 100% Monastrell
• Farming: Certified Organic & Vegan
• Vine Age: 40+ years
• Soils: High-altitude limestone
• Appellation: Jumilla DO, Murcia, Spain
• Aging: 12 months (12 Meses)
• Producer: Bodegas Juan Gil
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for lamb chops, grilled chorizo, beef stew, roasted peppers, and aged Manchego. Also excellent with hearty vegetarian dishes.

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 

Willamette Valley Pinot Noir That Sets the Benchmark for the Appellation

Bergström Wines has been one of Oregon's most celebrated estates since its founding in 1999, farming biodynamically across five estate vineyards in the Willamette Valley. The Cumberland Reserve Pinot Noir — a blend from Bergström's estate vineyards plus select purchased fruit, matured for 10 months — is the estate's definitive appellation-level expression: aromatic, silky, and layered, with the cool-climate precision and effortless balance that have made Bergström a reference point for Oregon Pinot Noir.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

• Jeb Dunnuck — 94 pts: "Opens with aromas of raspberry liqueur, mocha, floral perfume, and savory notes of fresh sage. Medium-bodied, it offers ripe, detailed tannins, balanced acidity, and a long finish. While this vintage hints at opulence, the wine remains beautifully balanced and refreshing. A stunning introduction to the vintage and a benchmark for the region."
• James Suckling — 94 pts: "Bright and seductive, this pinot offers fresh cherries, crushed wild berries, violets, wet rocks and subtle spices on the nose. Racy and mouthwatering, with spicy and minerally tension, a medium body, a dusty texture to its tannins and a lingering and racy finish."
• Wine Advocate — 93 pts: "Alluring aromas of strawberry, raspberry, forest floor and earthy undertones. The medium-bodied palate is bursting with bright, spicy fruit, framed by soft, chalky tannins and mouthwatering acidity with a long, bright finish. Matured for 10 months from Bergström's five estate vineyards plus some purchased fruit."
• Vinous — 93 pts: "Incredibly fresh, with a bouquet of dusty dried flowers, lavender pastille, nuances of cedary spice and wild blueberries. Ripe wild berry fruits and crisp mineral tones glide across the palate over a layer of pure silk. The finish is long and tense, yet remains remarkably fresh as violet tones resonate over a bed of silken tannins. The Cumberland Reserve represents amazing value."

Winemaker Notes

Bright red in color, aromatically driven by cherry, strawberry, and Herbes de Provence with light green spice. Fruit-forward and balanced with acidity and structure on the palate. Cardamom and nutmeg spice on the finish. A wet spring and warm harvest created delicate flavors and a powerful lasting finish.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Willamette Valley, Oregon
• Producer: Bergström Wines
• Vintage: 2023
• Farming: Biodynamic
• Vinification: Blend of five estate vineyards plus select purchased fruit; matured 10 months
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Exceptional with Pacific Northwest cuisine — roasted salmon, duck breast, mushroom risotto, lamb chops, truffle dishes, and aged Pinot-friendly cheeses.

California's Definitive Old Vine Zinfandel

Turley Wine Cellars is the benchmark producer for old vine Zinfandel in California, farming some of the state's most ancient and storied vineyards. The Old Vines bottling is a masterclass in what age does to a vine — drawing from sites across Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Lodi, Contra Costa, Amador, and Paso Robles, with vines ranging from 50 to 130 years old. Too small or too new to be vineyard-designates, these sites collectively tell the story of California old vine Zinfandel better than any single vineyard can.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

• Wine Advocate — 92 pts: "The nose is considerably deeper, fuller and more polished, opening with aromas of crushed plums, wild berry preserves, tobacco leaves and autumnal accents. The palate is light- to medium-bodied with a subtly dusty tannin structure and bright acidity. Generous layers of fruit, spice and floral notes on the finish."

Winemaker Notes

Turley Zinfandel Old Vines Paso Robles 2023 750ml

Dark brambly fruits — dark berry and fruitcake — dominate the palate. Notes of gingerbread, black pepper, and cinnamon add beautifully spiced complexity, with hints of Herbes de Provence and a slight herbal quality throughout.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Zinfandel
• Vine Age: 50–130 years old
• Sources: Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Lodi, Contra Costa, Amador, Paso Robles
• Producer: Turley Wine Cellars
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Exceptional with BBQ brisket, braised short ribs, lamb burgers, spiced sausages, and aged hard cheeses.

Domaine Delobel Touraine Sauvignon Blanc “Angle Droit” — Loire Valley 2024

Domaine Delobel is one of the Loire Valley’s most exciting organic estates, founded in 2013 by Benjamin Delobel in Ouchamps, on the celebrated Oisly vineyard. Working with 10 hectares of certified-organic Sauvignon Blanc — planted from mass selections to preserve old-vine complexity — Benjamin crafts wines that are, as the name “Angle Droit” (Right Angle) suggests, straight, pure, and technically precise. For fans of Sauvignon Blanc who find New Zealand styles too loud and Sancerre too expensive, this wine hits the perfect middle ground. Manual harvests at dawn, slow pneumatic pressing, stainless steel fermentation, and aging on lees deliver a wine of exceptional freshness and mineral clarity.

The nose is lively and inviting: dried hay, field grass, sliced green apple, and crabapple aromas converge in a satisfying, savory frame. On the palate, the wine washes across wet river stone with tart acidity accented by white blossom — mineral-driven, focused, and refreshingly precise. The finish is clean and lingering.

Wine Enthusiast 90 — Reggie Solomon: “This lively wine refreshes the senses. The mineral-driven palate washes across wet river stone with tart acidity accented by white blossom.”

• Producer: Domaine Delobel, Ouchamps, Touraine, Loire Valley, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Touraine AOC
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Farming: Certified Organic since 2013
• Vinification: Manual harvest, pneumatic press, stainless steel, aged on lees
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dried hay, green apple, crabapple, white blossom, wet river stone, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Goat cheese (Selles-sur-Cher, Crottin de Chavignol), oysters, fish ceviche, grilled sea bass, fresh asparagus

Pure, precise, and organically farmed — Domaine Delobel’s “Angle Droit” is the benchmark for honest, terroir-driven Touraine Sauvignon Blanc.

Serious Piedmont Dolcetto from One of Barolo’s Most Respected Estates

G.D. Vajra is a family-owned estate founded in 1972 in the heart of the Barolo region, renowned for crafting wines that express the authentic character of Piedmont’s native varieties with precision and minimal intervention. Their Dolcetto d’Alba is a benchmark for the variety — vibrant, structured, and built for the table. The 2025 opens with explosive aromas of blueberry, violets, and damson plums, with a juicy palate of fresh blackberries, licorice, and subtle almond, underpinned by fine tannins and a mouthwatering finish.

Expert Reviews - Prior Vintage 2024

• Wine Enthusiast — 93 pts: Pop rocks meet purple plums in this electric Dolcetto that refuses to sit still. Violets and damson fruits burst from the glass with teenage energy, while the palate crackles with fresh blackberries and bright acidity. It’s the kind of wine that makes you wish all serious things could be this much fun.
• Jeb Dunnuck — 90 pts: Elegant and lifted with notes of grenadine, fresh flowers, bright spice, and wet stone. Medium-bodied, it moves lightly across the palate with refined tannins and a clean finish.

Winemaker Notes

GD Vajra Dolcetto d’Alba 2025 750ml

Hand-harvested from carefully tended vineyards in Alba, fermented in stainless steel to preserve freshness and varietal character. Vibrant ruby-purple in color with youthful brilliance. Blueberry, violet, and damson plum on the nose; fresh blackberry, licorice, and bright acidity on the palate with a generous, mouthwatering finish. Best enjoyed in its youth.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Dolcetto
• Appellation: Dolcetto d’Alba DOC, Piedmont, Italy
• Producer: G.D. Vajra
• Vintage: 2025
• Farming: Sustainable, minimal intervention
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A versatile everyday Italian red — exceptional with antipasti, pizza, pasta with tomato-based sauces, grilled sausages, roasted chicken, and aged Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Bramito Della Sala Chardonnay — Castello della Sala, Umbria, Italy 2024

Castello della Sala is one of Italy's most storied white wine estates — a magnificent medieval fortress set in the hills of Umbria, just 18 kilometers from Orvieto, where the Antinori family has spent decades proving that Italy can produce world-class Chardonnay. Bramito Della Sala is the estate's benchmark white: a pure, elegant expression of Chardonnay grown on the estate's high-altitude vineyards, fermented in stainless steel to preserve freshness and precision. Wine Enthusiast awarded the 2024 vintage 93 points, praising its perfect balance between richness and restraint. At $25.99, it is one of the most exciting values in Italian white wine.

The nose is inviting and complex: baked apple, hazelnut brittle, crème fraîche, and wet stones. On the palate, generous fruit meets mineral tension in a seamless, structured mid-palate, leading to a refreshing, tart finish that is clean and long. This is Chardonnay that finds the rare sweet spot between Old World restraint and New World generosity — and it delivers every time.

Wine Enthusiast 93 — "Baked apples and hazelnut brittle weave through notes of crème fraîche and wet stones. The palate delivers substance with style, where generous fruit meets mineral tension and a refreshing tart finish. Here’s Chardonnay finding perfect balance between richness and restraint." (Vintage 2024).

• Producer: Castello della Sala (Antinori), Umbria, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Umbria IGT
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Baked apple, hazelnut, crème fraîche, wet stone, mineral tension, tart finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, lobster, roast chicken, risotto, soft cheeses, pasta with cream sauce

A 93-point Umbrian Chardonnay at an honest price — Bramito Della Sala is the benchmark for what Castello della Sala and Italian white wine can be.

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

Classic Left Bank Bordeaux at an Exceptional Price

Château Potensac is one of the Médoc’s most reliable overachievers — a Cru Bourgeois estate managed by the Delon family of Château Léoville-Las Cases, bringing Grand Cru-level precision to an appellation-level price. The 2021 is a Cabernet-driven blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, delivering classic Left Bank structure: cassis, graphite, cedar, and firm, age-worthy tannins.

Winemaker Notes

Chateau Potensac Médoc 2021 750ml

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot from the northern Médoc, managed by the Delon family of Léoville-Las Cases. The 2021 vintage produced wines of classic structure and freshness across the Left Bank — firm, focused, and built for the cellar. Approachable from 2025 and will evolve through 2035+.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
• Appellation: Médoc, Bordeaux, France
• Producer: Château Potensac
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois
• Vintage: 2021
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A classic Bordeaux table wine — exceptional with roasted lamb, grilled ribeye, duck confit, mushroom-based dishes, aged Comté, and Ossau-Iraty.