90+ Points | Critical Acclaim | Wine & Sparkling Wine

Producer Notes

Estate director Axel Heinz called 2020 ‘a classic Ornellaia,’ selecting ‘La Proporzione’ (proportion) as the theme to describe its character. The blend — 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot — marks a return to a more typical composition. Raised in 70% new French oak for 18 months, then 12 months in bottle prior to release. Fine-grained and beautifully textured, with finely integrated tannins supporting a concentration of black fruits lightened by red berries. Aromas of black cherry, liquorice, dark chocolate, cedar, and damp earth, with menthol and balsamic streaks imparting freshness. A stony, salty finish. Tight and moreish in its youth — best from 2026 through 2045.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2020

• James Suckling 98 pts | Alluring aromas of lead pencil, currants, crushed stone, and iodine. Full-bodied with tight, focused tannins. Very fresh and energetic with wonderful length and intensity. Better from 2028 onwards.
• Jeb Dunnuck 96 pts | Flush with herbs, menthol, blackberry, and cedar. Full-bodied with luxurious plum, black cherry, and toast. Supple and velvety tannins. Drink 2026–2046.
• Wine Spectator 96 pts | Inviting aromas of blackberry, black currant, anise, cedar, vanilla, and tobacco. Sleek and open on the palate, beautifully balanced. Mineral and spice on the finish with a salty, flinty element. Best from 2026 through 2045. — Bruce Sanderson
• Vinous 96 pts | Gorgeous and elegant. Seamless and wonderfully deep, with terrific freshness and cut. Super-refined from the outset. Precision and understated finesse. Drink 2027–2045. — Antonio Galloni
• Decanter 96 pts | Fine-grained and beautifully textured. Black cherry, liquorice, dark chocolate, cedar, and damp earth. Tight and moreish with ripeness, freshness, and structure. Drink 2023–2050. — James Button
• Robert Parker Wine Advocate 95 pts | Dark fruit, pencil shaving, toasted oak, Spanish cedar, campfire ash, and iron ore. Especially concentrated and oak-driven. Requires more aging. Drink 2026–2045. — Monica Larner
• Jancis Robinson 18/20 | Very sumptuous nose followed by a hedonistic palate that finishes especially fresh. Ripe but not too-ripe fruit. Savoury persistence. Drink 2024–2028.

Food Pairings

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina or prime dry-aged ribeye
• Braised short ribs or slow-roasted lamb
• Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Toscano
• Truffle pasta or wild mushroom risotto

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

Vinous 93 Points | The 2021 Chardonnay Cordillera de los Andes comes from the Talinay vineyard in Limarí. 50% was aged in French barrels, 23% of them new. Yellow with a greenish sheen. The nose offers green apple notes with hints of pear, acacia, hazelnuts and a whiff of praline over a bed of oak. In the mouth it has a saline feel with a slightly creamy flow and pert freshness. A long-lasting wine.

Winemaker Description 

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

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

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

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

Winemaker Notes

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

Vineyard & Provenance

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

Food Pairings

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

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

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

Expert Reviews

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

Tasting Notes

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

Wine Details

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

Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc — Stellenbosch, South Africa 2024

Ken Forrester is widely regarded as the "King of Chenin" — no producer in South Africa has done more to champion the grape or elevate its reputation on the world stage. Founded in 1993 on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain in Stellenbosch, the estate farms old vines on decomposed granite soils with the benefit of cooling maritime influences from False Bay. The Reserve Chenin Blanc is their benchmark expression: textured, layered, and built to age, yet approachable from release. The 2024 vintage was shaped by a warm, dry summer that concentrated the fruit beautifully, with just 2,000 cases imported to the US.

The wine pours a bright, pale straw. The nose is perfumed and generous — ripe pineapple, honeydew melon, baked apple, nectarine, and subtle floral notes with a whisper of hazelnut. On the palate, it's rich, creamy, and silky with vivid acidity, a subtle streak of chalky sapidity, and layers of tropical and yellow fruit. The finish is long and mineral-driven, with refreshing hints of quinine and grapefruit pith. Drink now through 2030.

"A lovely, silky white, with vivid acidity and a subtle streak of chalky sapidity layered with flavors of yellow apple, pear, lemon meringue and chamomile, plus a rich touch of hazelnut." — Wine Enthusiast, 91 Points

• Producer: Ken Forrester Vineyards, Stellenbosch, South Africa
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Stellenbosch WO
• Varietal: Chenin Blanc (Old Vine)
• Terroir: Decomposed granite, Helderberg Mountain slopes
• Production: 10,000 cases made; 2,000 cases imported
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: Wine Enthusiast 91 | James Suckling 91
• Drink: Now through 2030
• Tasting Notes: Pineapple, honeydew, baked apple, nectarine, hazelnut, chalky minerality, quinine finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled prawns, scallops, roast chicken with herbs, butternut squash risotto, aged goat cheese

Dual 91-point old vine Chenin Blanc from South Africa's undisputed King of Chenin — textured, mineral, and built for the table.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

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

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

Memo Notes

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

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

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

  Finish: Long, dry, and exceptionally clean, with a lingering flinty finish.

  Memo Pairing Notes

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

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

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

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

James Suckling 97 Points | Rich, powerful and gorgeous, drenched in fruity, savory, mushroomy flavors on a full body and super-smooth tannins. Deep black cherry, blackcurrant, cedar and pine character that expands on the palate and lingers on the finish. Drink or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | Deeper and more layered, with notes of pine, sage, ripe cherries, fresh leather, and pressed floral perfume. Refined and plush texture with ripe tannins and elegant notes of dark earth. Drink 2025–2040.

Wine Spectator 93 Points | Precise and vibrant, with sleek cherry and raspberry highlighted by stony mineral and black tea accents. Gathers richness toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2034.

About the Wine

Cuvée Laurène is the flagship Pinot Noir of Domaine Drouhin Oregon — the Willamette Valley estate founded by Burgundy’s legendary Maison Joseph Drouhin. Named after Véronique Drouhin’s daughter, this 100% estate wine is sourced from the Dundee Hills and Eola-Amity Hills, two of the valley’s most exciting sub-appellations.

The vines are planted at high Burgundian density, forcing competition for nutrients and producing small, intensely concentrated berries. The estate’s famous Jory soil (red volcanic clay) gives the wine its signature red-fruit profile and silky, elegant texture.

Tasting & Pairings

Black cherry, blackcurrant, cedar, pine, sage, mushroom, leather, and dark earth. Full-bodied yet super-smooth with refined tannins and extraordinary length. Decant or cellar through 2040.

• Roasted duck breast with cherry reduction — the wine’s dark fruit and savory depth are a perfect match.
• Wild mushroom risotto or truffle dishes — the mushroomy, earthy character is built for umami.
• Rack of lamb with herbs de Provence — the cedar and pine notes complement herbed meats beautifully.

Expert Review

James Suckling by Andrii Stetsiuk 96 Points |  Joyful and juicy but also concentrated and very precise, this is a stunning cool-climate chardonnay. Brimming with sliced pear, white peach and white flower aromas. The delicate oak is already beautifully integrated on the mouth-filling yet only medium-bodied palate. Then comes a wave of toasted hazelnut flavor in the very long and super-silky finish. Drink from release.

Producer Description 

• 100% Chardonnay
• The Knoll, Lahoma Vineyard
• small sandstone hill
• Umbrella training system – results in more shading
• Cold soak overnight
• Fermented in 3 French oak large format puncheons
• Aged 10 months in the puncheons, stirred regularly
• 13% abv

As a Harvard educated Economist, Kelby made the unusual transition to wine in pursue of his passion. He also brought with him his deep love for music as a way to inspire his winemaking approach. For well over a decade, he patiently perfected his art while working at another winery. Finally in 2023, Kelby and his also-winemaker wife Julia, embarked on the adventure of their dreams and launched Apollo’s Praise. Despite the wait, the musical influence is as strong as it has ever been. Every bottle suggests an unusual pairing. Turn the bottle around to find a recommended song to listen to while enjoying a glass!

Kelby and Julia produce complex, yet approachable wines by carefully merging art and science. Every single one of them is the reflection of vintage variation, site specificity and unique varietal characteristics. Unsurprisingly, critics regard their highly-sought-after Lahoma Vineyard series as some of Finger Lakes’ best wines.

Apollo’s Praise philosophy in Kelby’s and Julia’s words: “The Best Wines are Art. They are an expression of culture and speak to where they come from, when they come from, and who they come from.”

Expert Review — Vintage 2021

Decanter 96 Points (Clive Pursehouse) | "Quite the Chardonnay from Brianne Day and the renowned Eola Springs Vineyard in the best Chardonnay appellation in America." Three different blocks and three different clones: Hyde Wente, Mount Eden, and Dijon 96. Captivating lemon curd aromas and rich, honeyed apricots followed by almond pastry cream — dollops of rich lemon cream, ripe peach fuzz, and rich apricot flesh.

Winemaker Notes

Brianne Day chose three blocks and three clones from the gorgeous Eola Springs Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills to get to know the site intimately. Hyde Wente and Mount Eden (California heritage clones) were picked earlier for structure and acid; Dijon 96 was picked later for stone fruit and riper character.

The result is lively, lithe, and built on a solid mineral structure with a supple, glossy mid-palate. Lemon curd, peaches, river stones, lime zest, sweet orange, honeysuckle, and a hint of pastry all come to mind.

Tasting & Pairings

Lemon curd, honeyed apricot, almond pastry cream, peach fuzz, river stones, lime zest, and honeysuckle. Lively and lithe with mineral structure and a glossy mid-palate. Serve lightly chilled.

• Lobster or crab with drawn butter — the wine’s richness and acidity are a perfect match.
• Roasted chicken with tarragon — a classic pairing for textured, mineral-driven Chardonnay.
• Aged Comté or Gruyère — nutty cheeses complement the pastry cream and stone fruit notes.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

Wine Spectator 96 Points | #13 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2025. Energetic tumble of blackberry, boysenberry and blackcurrant paste injected with bramble and apple wood, supported by a licorice snap accent. Strapping finish laced with violet and iris notes, with a cast iron edge lending bass. Best from 2027 through 2045.   

James Suckling 96 Points | Extremely attractive aromas of blackcurrants and dried flowers with fresh herbs like basil and rosemary. Medium to full body with firm and velvety tannins, tension and focus. Long and chewy finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | "One of the all-time greats from this château." Smoky currants, tobacco leaf, leather, and chocolaty notes. Sensationally textured, concentrated, medium to full-bodied. Plenty of mid-palate depth, ripe building tannins, beautiful balance, and a great finish. Raised in 60% new oak. Three decades of longevity.

About the Wine

Château Talbot is a 4th Growth (Quatrième Cru Classé) estate in Saint-Julien, one of the Haut-Médoc’s most prestigious appellations. Named after the English commander John Talbot, the estate has been producing benchmark Left Bank Bordeaux for centuries. The 2022 vintage is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, aged in 60% new French oak.

With a Wine Spectator Top 100 placement and Dunnuck calling it "one of the all-time greats," the 2022 is a landmark vintage for Talbot.

Tasting & Pairings

Blackcurrant, blackberry, boysenberry, tobacco, leather, chocolate, dried flowers, basil, rosemary, violet, and iris. Medium to full body with firm, velvety tannins and extraordinary length. Decant generously now or cellar through 2045+.

• Rack of lamb with herbs de Provence — the herbal aromatics and firm tannins are a classic Bordeaux match.
• Dry-aged côte de boeuf — the wine’s concentration and structure demand serious beef.
• Aged Comté or Roquefort — the tobacco and chocolate notes complement rich, complex cheeses.

Critical Acclaim

• James Suckling – 92 Points | “Grapefruit, lemongrass and golden apples on the nose, alongside salted almonds. Medium-bodied, cool and mineral, with zesty and reductive undertones. Made in clay vessels.”

Tasting Notes

A racy, flavoursome Sauvignon Blanc with green pineapple, gooseberries, and quince on the nose, alongside a refreshing salinity of ocean spray and kelp. The palate delivers green citrus, lemongrass, and litchi, with an edgy textural linearity from flint and oyster shells. Cool, mineral, and utterly distinctive.

About the Wine

The Amphora Sauvignon Blanc is part of the Gabriëlskloof Range — a selection of boutique-style wines from this acclaimed Bot River estate that consistently over-deliver on quality and value. True to its name, this wine is fermented and aged in clay amphora vessels, a winemaking technique that preserves freshness and imparts a unique mineral texture without the influence of oak. The result is a Sauvignon Blanc of striking individuality and coastal character.

Food Pairing

A natural match for oysters, grilled linefish, sushi, ceviche, and fresh goat cheese. Serve well chilled.

Product Details

• Appellation: Bot River, Western Cape, South Africa
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Vessel: Clay Amphora
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Producer: Gabriëlskloof

Domaine Sigalas MM I — Mavrotragano & Mandilaria, Cyclades 2022

Domaine Sigalas is the most celebrated winery on Santorini — and one of the most important estates in all of Greece. Founded by Paris Sigalas, a mathematician turned winemaker, the domaine has spent decades proving that Santorini is not just a white wine island. The MM I is their flagship red: a 50/50 blend of Mavrotragano and Mandilaria, two of the Aegean's most ancient and distinctive indigenous red varieties, cultivated on the volcanic soils of Santorini and the Cyclades. Aged for one year in large oak casks, it is a wine of genuine character — punchy, food-driven, and unlike anything else in the world of Greek wine.

Deep crimson in the glass with a refreshing, aromatic nose of red fruit, cherry, and a finely blended bouquet of spice and earth. On the palate, it is vibrant and food-friendly with flavors of cherry, cassis, grilled watermelon, and apple cider, framed by firm, bitter tannins and lively acidity. Best served slightly cooler than a typical red to maximize its freshness and accessibility. A wine built for the table — especially cheese-heavy dishes.

Wine Advocate 91 Points — "Punchy flavors of cherry, cassis, grilled watermelon and apple cider. The tannins are bitter, and it might help to serve this wine one or two degrees cooler than normal to make it more accessible. It is inherently food-friendly, especially with cheese-heavy dishes like lasagna or pizza." (Vintage 2022). 

• Producer: Domaine Sigalas, Santorini, Cyclades, Greece
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Cyclades PGI, Aegean Islands
• Blend: 50% Mavrotragano, 50% Mandilaria
• Aging: 12 months in large oak casks
• Style: Medium-Bodied, Vibrant, Food-Driven
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherry, cassis, grilled watermelon, apple cider, firm tannins, lively acidity
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2029
• Best Paired With: Lasagna, pizza, lamb chops, grilled meats, aged cheeses, moussaka
• Serve: 58–62°F (serve slightly cooler than a typical red)

91 points from Wine Advocate — Domaine Sigalas MM I is Santorini's most exciting red: ancient grapes, volcanic soils, and a flavor profile unlike anything else.

True Myth Cabernet Sauvignon — Paso Robles 2022

True Myth is one of Paso Robles’ most compelling value propositions — a Cabernet Sauvignon that punches well above its price with genuine complexity, critical acclaim, and the unmistakable warmth of California’s Central Coast. The 2022 vintage is rich, polished, and built to age.

The nose opens with blueberry, cherry, and vanilla, layered with aromas of spice, fennel, and thyme. On the palate, dark red fruits, black currant, and hints of pepper, mocha, and caramelized oak unfold with a structure of dense tannins and refreshing acidity. Rich yet smooth, this wine is approachable now and will continue to develop beautifully for years to come.

The Tasting Panel 93 • Wine Enthusiast 89

• Producer: True Myth Winery, Paso Robles, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blueberry, cherry, black currant, pepper, mocha, caramelized oak, fennel
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2028+
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, braised lamb, aged gouda, mushroom risotto

A critically acclaimed Paso Robles Cab at an everyday price — True Myth lives up to its name.

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

The Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | The nose of this wine is herbal and earthy, with notes of oregano and hiding in the background are fruits such as peach and blueberry. Salinity and texture make this wine irresistible, while mouthwatering acidity gives this wine a long finish. Great to pair with food.

Producer Notes

Twenty Rows sources fruit from diverse North Coast vineyards to create complexity and rich structure. Mountain fruit provides velvety tannins with aromas and flavors of cherry and black pepper with a hint of herbs. Valley floor fruit complements with cherry, plum, and dark fruit. The result is a well-made, balanced, and textured North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon — fruit-forward, pleasantly rustic, and worthy of savoring.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

• Wine Enthusiast 91 pts | Robust and rich with dark berry, plum, tarragon, and maple aromas. Supple blackberry, cassis, orange slices, and dried tobacco on the palate. A classic wine.
• The Tasting Panel 91 pts | Perfumed with savory herbs and spices. Fruit-forward yet pleasantly rustic with rhubarb and cigar box lingering with a hint of smoke. A showcase of classic California Cabernet.
• James Suckling 90 pts | Well-made, balanced, and textured with dark berries, sweet spices, and chocolate wafers. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Mellow, seductive, and generous finish.

Food Pairings

• Grilled ribeye or lamb chops
• BBQ brisket or slow-braised short ribs
• Aged cheddar or smoked gouda
• Hearty pasta or wood-fired pizza

Ramey Cellars Chardonnay — Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 2023

David Ramey is one of California's most celebrated winemakers — a Burgundy-trained perfectionist who has spent decades proving that the Russian River Valley can produce Chardonnay of genuine world-class stature. The 2023 Russian River Valley Chardonnay is sourced from seven exceptional cool-climate vineyard sites — Lafranchi, Westside Farms, Sonoma Foothills, Martinelli Laughlin, Kilcullen, Dutton Sebastopol, and Frank Johnson — all planted on low-vigor Goldridge loam soils between 1978 and 2017. Whole-cluster pressed, native-yeast fermented, and aged 12 months on the lees in 10% new French oak, it is a Chardonnay of extraordinary intensity, purity, and precision. Decanter, The Wine Advocate, and Wine Spectator all awarded it 94–95 points. 

The nose is open and inviting: stone fruit, white peach, guava, macerated mango, and apricot, layered with exotic baking spices, toasted brioche, ginger, and honey. On the palate, the fruit is luxuriously ripe yet laser-focused — concentrated and layered, with fireworks of fresh acidity, crushed rock minerality, and a very long, perfumed finish. Drink now through 2039.

Decanter 95 • Wine Advocate 95 • Wine Spectator 94 — "One of the finest, most balanced, and well-structured Chardonnays from the Russian River Valley at this price point."

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

Decanter — 95 Points
Clean and sleek, a beautifully balanced medium-bodied Chardonnay with luxuriously ripe stone and orchard fruit. Exotic baking spices complement layers of guava, white peach, and macerated mango with apricot. What’s most impressive is the intensity and purity of the fruit — so precisely delineated, profoundly spicy, and laser-focused. At $50, this is one of the finest, most balanced, and well-structured Chardonnays from the Russian River Valley at this price point.

The Wine Advocate (Erin Brooks) — 95 Points
Open, inviting aromas of stone fruit and pineapple, panna cotta, ginger, toasted brioche and honey. The palate combines concentrated, layered flavors with fireworks of fresh acidity, and it has a very long, perfumed finish.

Wine Spectator — 94 Points
Leaps out of the glass with intensity, offering vibrant fruit flavors of crisp Meyer lemon, apple and pear. Aromatic details of tangerine, lime sherbet and lemon blossoms add complexity alongside fresh herbal accents of lemon balm and sweetgrass. Crushed rock minerality lingers on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2039.

• Producer: Ramey Cellars, Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Russian River Valley AVA, Sonoma County
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Vineyards: Lafranchi (26%), Westside Farms (18%), Sonoma Foothills (16%), Martinelli Laughlin (15%), Kilcullen (12%), Dutton Sebastopol (9%), Frank Johnson (4%)
• Soils: Goldridge loam, cool-climate, low-vigor sites planted 1978–2017
• Vinification: Whole-cluster press, native-yeast fermentation, full native malolactic, sur lies bâtonnage
• Aging: 12 months in 10% new French oak (Taransaud Beaune, François Frères); fined, bottled unfiltered December 2024
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White peach, guava, mango, apricot, baking spice, brioche, ginger, crushed rock minerality
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2039
• Best Paired With: Lobster, roast halibut, butter-poached scallops, roast chicken, truffle risotto, aged Comté

Three scores of 94–95 points from the world’s top critics — Ramey’s Russian River Valley Chardonnay is the benchmark for what California can do at this price.

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

James Suckling 92 Points | A juicy, vibrant and fruity blend of malbec, bonarda and petit verdot. Aromas of red cherries, berries and touches of citrus and potpourri. Fresh and brambly, with a medium body and small-grained fruit tannins.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points | Spice-laden red and black fruits, leafy tobacco, savory flowers, and new leather notes all shine in the 2022 Château Tour Saint Christophe, another brilliant wine from this team. I love its complexity, and it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with fine tannins, a layered, elegant mouthfeel, beautifully integrated oak, and a great finish. Based on 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.

James Suckling 96 Points | A very good year for Tour Saint Christophe, showing great depth and flavor despite high alcohol. Abundant dark minerals, fresh blackberries, black olives and a hint of cocoa powder. Pretty full-bodied and firm with crunchy, reactive tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Lots of density here.

Decanter 94 Points | Gorgeously scented on the nose, smooth, round and focused with purity and persistence. Tannins are so fine, really sculpting this wine, with a clear bite and almost strict tang to the overall structure giving a sense of tension. I like the terroir aspect, the saltiness but still with juicy richness. Less ample than Bellefonte but more precise. 

The Wine Advocate 93+ Points | This first vintage under the denomination of Grand Cru Classé, the 2022 Tour Saint Christophe is excellent, offering up aromas of spices, cassis, dark wild berries, orange peel and licorice mingled with delicate oaky notes. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and concentrated, it's layered and textured and framed by powdery, velvety tannins enhanced by a racy, pure, fresh finish. It should gain raciness with some time in the cellar.

One of the Douro's most celebrated expressions, Taylor Fladgate's 20 Year Old Tawny Porto is a masterclass in oxidative aging — rich, complex, and hauntingly beautiful. Blended from tawnies averaging two decades in 600-liter oak casks, it delivers the signature amber-mahogany hue, concentrated nutty depth, and lifted fruit that define great aged tawny at its finest.

Critical Acclaim

• 95 Points - James Suckling: "Saturated with burnt orange peel, caramel, candied fruit and hints of honey-coated nuts...extremely creamy, long and flavorful. Delicious all the way."
• 93 Points - Wine Spectator: "Rich, with a spicy nose...complex and elegant, delivering concentrated crème brûlée and tropical fruit notes that linger on the vibrant and buttery finish."
• 93 Points - Wine Advocate: "Simply filling the mouth on first taste...succulent and inviting, it finishes with waves of concentrated flavors. The best intersection of quality and price."

Winemaking & Aging

• Sourced from select vineyards in the Cima Corgo and Douro Superior
• Produced using Taylor Fladgate's pioneering piston fermenter (Port Toes) technique, extracting greater flavor and aroma than conventional methods
• Fermentation halted with grape spirits to preserve natural sweetness
• Aged in 600-liter oak casks, losing 3% annually to evaporation (the "Angels' Share")
• Blended from tawnies with an average of 20 years of aging
• Gains its distinctive tawny hue and nutty complexity through slow oxidative maturation

Tasting Profile

Deep amber-mahogany with a luminous rim. The nose is intoxicating — burnt orange peel, caramel, candied fig, dried apricot, mango, and honey-coated nuts. On the palate it's full-bodied and luscious: sultanas, chocolate, coffee, crème brûlée, and tropical fruit unfold with remarkable concentration and elegance. The finish is long, creamy, and vibrant with waves of layered flavor. Best served slightly chilled.

Perfect Pairings

Serve slightly chilled (55–60°F) alongside crème brûlée, pecan tart, blue cheese, foie gras, or dark chocolate. An exceptional digestif on its own, and a stunning finale to any dinner. Also makes a luxurious gift for any occasion.

A 94-Point Ethereal Red from the Ancient Vineyards of Galicia

Cume do Avia is one of Ribeiro’s most exciting producers, farming indigenous varieties in the rugged, granite-soiled hills of Galicia. Their 2022 Colleita Nº10 Tinto is a rare and personal wine — only 8,000 bottles produced — built from the ancient Caíño and Sousón grapes that have defined this corner of northwestern Spain for centuries. Ethereal, elegant, and unmistakably Galician.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

• The Wine Advocate — 94 pts: “Pale and bright ruby-colored, more ethereal and elegant with a more perfumed nose than the 2021 vintage. Quite complete and elegant, lighter, with a touch of volatility that lifts it up. Sharp and balanced — tasty, almost salty, a red for food.”

Winemaker Notes

Cume do Avia Colleita Tinto Ribeiro 2022 Colleita No 10 750ml

The wines etched into memory don’t always come with obscene prices or universally acknowledged pedigrees. They are often uniquely personal — evoking something deeper, something rooted in place. This is that wine: a pale, perfumed, food-driven red from one of Spain’s most distinctive and undersung appellations.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: Caíño, Sousón
• Appellation: Ribeiro, Galicia, Spain
• Producer: Cume do Avia
• Vintage: 2022
• Production: ~8,000 bottles
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural food wine — excellent with grilled fish, seafood, roasted chicken, Galician octopus, and light charcuterie.

Expert Review - Vintage 2018

Wine Spectator 91 Points | Distinctive and well-done, with a pronounced earthiness sharing the stage with notes of warm apple, quince and candied ginger in this late-release wine. Time has softened the acidity on a supple, savory palate, layering toasted brioche, brine and dried flower petal details. A hint of honey water graces the elegant, well-meshed finish. Drink now through 2028. 19,500 cases made, 3,000 cases imported.

Winemaker Description 

This Pinot-Gris shows some ripe fruits such as ripe pears and yellow peaches with a touch of smokiness, it is very pure and focused which makes it an ideal wine for the gastronomy. Impeccable, solar 2018 vintage with ripe and focused acidity - a dry Pinot Gris. A top seller in Alsace, ideal for all cuisines of the world.

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Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Michael Alberty of the Wine Enthusiast writes 93 Points | Every year I marvel at how such a marvelous Riesling can be $20. The Poet's Leap opens with an aromatic ode to lychee fruit, honeysuckle, almond butter and a wisp of petrol. Lemony acidity curls itself around flavors like green honeydew melon, rose water and the sweetness of a slice of peach pie. The 2023 is as good as any in recent memory. Mercy.

Vinous 90 Points | The 2023 Riesling Poet's Leap is delicate and understated, with notes of shaved lemon zest, green melon, mint and hints of petrol. It mixes ripe orchard fruits and salty mineral tones with a core of brilliant acidity. This finishes with medium length and remarkable lift, leaving a suggestion of citrus sorbet on the finish.

Winery Notes

The 2023 Poet's Leap Riesling is a beautiful, vibrant wine showcasing aromas of white blossoms and ripe orchard fruits, complemented by subtle flinty notes. Exuding freshness and brightness on the palate, the wine unveils layers of flavor, notably white peach, green apple and a distinct minerality. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a balanced impression of lively acidity and a subtle touch of sweetness.

Discover Hedges Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Discover the bold character of Washington State's acclaimed Red Mountain AVA with Hedges Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2022. Crafted by the renowned Hedges Family Estate using sustainable farming practices, this exceptional Cabernet showcases the unique microclimate and terroir that make Red Mountain one of the premier wine regions in the Pacific Northwest. Each 750ml bottle delivers a rich, structured wine with remarkable depth and aging potential.

Tasting Profile

This Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon presents a deep, rich color and offers enticing aromas of blackberry, cassis, black plums, anise, fig, and cedar, complemented by notes of cardamom, fresh leather, graphite, dried herbs, dusty cocoa, and cinnamon. The palate is lush, rich, and round, featuring layers of black cherry, plum, and dark fruit coated in firm, sandy tannins. Bitter chocolate and char accents add complexity, while balanced acidity provides structure. The wine finishes long and tense with lingering graphite and cocoa notes.

Expert Recognition - Prior Vintage 

James Suckling - 93 Points (2021 Vintage)
"Dense and dark, with aromas of cedar, cinnamon and black plums, then tight on the palate as bitter chocolate and black cherries are coated in firm, sandy tannins. Char and graphite accents build and linger on the finish."

Perfect Pairings

• Grilled steaks and prime rib
• Rich pasta dishes with meat sauces
• Braised short ribs and lamb
• Aged cheeses and charcuterie
• Hearty stews and roasted meats

Red Mountain Excellence

Hedges Family Estate has established a stellar reputation for producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain's distinctive terroir. The region's warm days, cool nights, and well-drained soils create ideal conditions for developing concentrated flavors and balanced structure. This 2022 vintage can be enjoyed now for its vibrant fruit character or cellared for years to develop more nuanced complexity. A smart addition to any wine collection and perfect for both special celebrations and memorable dinners.

Château du Parc is a boutique Saint-Émilion estate crafted by Dr. Alain Raynaud and Damien Landouar — two names with deep roots in the Right Bank. Raynaud, formerly of Château Quinault l'Encélos, brings a philosophy of precision and restraint to this Merlot-dominant blend, producing a wine that punches well above its price point in one of Bordeaux's most celebrated appellations.

The Château du Parc Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 2016 750ml is an 80/20 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc from the exceptional 2016 vintage. It opens with redolent aromas of succulent ripe red fruit, blackberries, heather, graphite, and flinty notes, with cedary oak influence adding complexity. On the palate, lush red fruit and plummy dark cherry are framed by elegant, well-integrated tannins, fresh acidity, and a focused, juicy core with impressive length and balance. Surprisingly fresh and cool for the vintage — very classy and delicious.

Expert Reviews

• Forbes (Tom Mullen) — 95 Points: "Redolent and rich aromas of succulent, ripe red fruit, blackberries and heather. A delight on the nose. Lush red fruit flavors mid-palate, with both delicate and elegant tannins and fresh acidity."
• James Suckling — 94 Points: "Attractive graphite and flinty notes with deeply ripe red and purple fruit, as well as cedary oak influence. Succulent, juicy and focused core with impressive length and balance. Great wine."

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Ripe red fruit, blackberry, heather, graphite, and cedary oak
• Palate: Plush and plummy with dark cherry, elegant tannins, and fresh acidity
• Finish: Long, focused, and impressively balanced

Wine Details

• 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc
• Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2016 | 750ml

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Year’s Best US Chardonnay - Wine & Spirits Magazine

James Suckling 94 Points | Grilled pineapple, apricot, hawthorn, burnt lime and flint on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with bright acidity and a sleek, creamy texture. Balanced, fresh and long. Beautiful expression. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink now or hold. 

Winemaker Description 

The 2019 'Dundee Hills Chardonnay' is a regional blend showcasing the best of the Dundee Hills AVA. Refined aromas of nectarines, honeysuckle, and bee pollen ascend from the glass, coalescing with notes of citrus peel. Layers upon layers of richness extend across the palate and crescendo to a seamless, persistent finish with lingering notes of lemon drop candy. 

This wine has the energy and drive to drink young or over the next decade. This wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered showing our commitment to minimal intervention winemaking. Winemaker Description. 

Ramey Woolsey Road Vineyard Chardonnay — Russian River Valley, California 2023

Ramey Wine Cellars is one of California's most celebrated addresses for Chardonnay — founded in 1996 by David and Carla Ramey, and now co-led by the second generation, Claire and Alan. David Ramey, hailed as "Professor Chardonnay" by Wine Spectator, pioneered whole-cluster pressing, sur lies aging, malolactic fermentation, and native yeast fermentations in California. Woolsey Road is Ramey's most personal vineyard: planted by the Martinelli family at Ramey's invitation, using Old Wente cuttings sourced directly from Hyde Vineyard, and farmed by the third and fourth generations of the Martinelli family. The result is a laser-focused Chardonnay of extraordinary precision. James Suckling awarded the 2023 vintage 96 points; Wine Advocate 95.

One of the most compelling single-vineyard Chardonnays in Sonoma.

The nose is pretty and perfumed: peach, lime custard, lemongrass, green apple, golden apple, Bosc pear, pie crust, and roasted almond. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, concentrated, and sapid — rich but lively, with baking spices and youthfully flinty flavors framed by racy, citrus-driven acidity that adds real tension. The texture is seamless and long, building toward a very extended, precise finish. Drink now or hold.

James Suckling 96 — "Very pretty, fruity... then more concentrated, structured and tense on the palate. Rich but lively texture. Drink now or hold."

Wine Advocate 95 — "Exotic and perfumed... concentrated and sapid with youthfully flinty flavors. Racy acidity adds tension, and it has a very long finish."

• Producer: Ramey Wine Cellars, Healdsburg, California
• Vineyard: Woolsey Road Vineyard (Martinelli Family), Russian River Valley
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Russian River Valley AVA, Sonoma County
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay (Old Wente clone)
• Vinification: Whole-cluster pressing, native yeast fermentation, sur lies barrel aging, malolactic fermentation, unfiltered
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Peach, lime custard, lemongrass, green apple, Bosc pear, roasted almond, flinty mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or hold
• Best Paired With: Roast halibut, lobster bisque, truffle pasta, roast chicken, aged Comté, scallops

A 96-point single-vineyard Chardonnay from California's most principled Chardonnay house — Ramey Woolsey Road is the benchmark for what Russian River Valley can achieve.

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

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

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

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

James Suckling — 91 Points

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

Food Pairings

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

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

The Secret Ingredient Is Dirt — Brendel’s Multi-Vineyard Napa Cabernet

Brendel sources from some of Napa Valley’s most coveted sites — the eastern side of Rutherford, the highest elevations of Howell Mountain, two diverse plots in St. Helena, and a steep parcel in Oak Knoll. Their philosophy is simple: great wine starts with great dirt. The 2021 Cooper’s Reed Cabernet Sauvignon is a fresh, vibrant expression of Napa’s famed grape — harvested under moonlight, fermented cool, and aged 9 months in upright oak casks to preserve bright red and black fruit character.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | Made by the Heitz team led by winemaker Brittany Sherwood, Brendel's 2021 Cooper's Reed Cabernet Sauvignon now includes a sufficient amount of Sonoma fruit to carry a North Coast AVA on the label—this vintage is approximately two-thirds Napa and one-third Sonoma, and the blend includes 5% Petite Sirah and 1% Merlot. Still made in old oak vats to avoid overt wood influence and just medium-bodied, it's something of a throwback stylistically. Although the fruit is quite obvious upfront, combining black cherries and blackberries, the wine is streamlined and somewhat restrained on the palate, finishing with ample length, hints of star anise and a silky texture. (Vintage 2021). 

As Featured In

San Francisco Chronicle — “Their range of wines are made from some of the best sites in Napa’s most renowned regions. Each vineyard is chosen for its quality and unique aptitude, with soil types ranging from volcanic to clay to bring out the best in each grape. It’s, as they put it, good dirt.”

Winemaker Notes

Brendel Cabernet Sauvignon Cooper’s Reed Napa Valley 2021 750ml

Harvested under moonlight and crushed at cool temperatures, this Cab is thoughtfully monitored throughout fermentation. After 7–10 days, it’s gently pressed to upright oak casks for 9 months of maturation. Fruit sourced from prized Napa and Sonoma vineyards delivers mouthwatering structure with bright red and black fruit throughout.

— Brittany Sherwood, Director of Winemaking

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Key Sites: Rutherford, Howell Mountain, St. Helena, Oak Knoll
• Producer: Brendel
• Vintage: 2021
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural Napa Cab pairing — excellent with grilled ribeye, roasted lamb, mushroom risotto, aged gouda, and hearty pasta.

Paltrinieri | Solco | Lambrusco dell'Emilia | Emilia-Romagna, Italy | 2024 | 750ml

Paltrinieri is one of the benchmark producers of serious Lambrusco — the kind that has nothing to do with the sweet, mass-market versions that defined the grape's reputation for decades. Based in Sorbara, in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, the estate farms its vines with care and bottles wines that are dry, vivid, and deeply tied to the region's food culture.

The Solco is their entry point and one of the most satisfying bottles at its price. Deep purple-ruby in the glass, it opens with sweet cream, raspberry, and spice before revealing tantalizing acidity and tart wild berry fruit. The finish is long and intense, closing with violet and lavender florals. This is Lambrusco as it should be: wickedly fresh, perfumed, and built for the table.

Serve it chilled (10–12°C) — it works as an aperitif, alongside a charcuterie spread, or as the ideal foil to the rich, fatty classics of Emilian cuisine: tortellini in brodo, mortadella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, tigelle.

91 Points — Vinous (Eric Guido): "Wickedly fresh and perfumed with tantalizing acidity and tart wild berry fruit notes. Long and intense, closes with violet and lavender inner florals."

• Appellation: Lambrusco dell'Emilia IGT, Emilia-Romagna
• Grape: Lambrusco
• Style: Dry, sparkling red
• Serve: Chilled, 10–12°C
• Pairs with: Mortadella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, tortellini, charcuterie, pizza, tomato-based pasta

Expert Review — Vintage 2022

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

Winemaker Description

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

Food Pairings

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

Hartford Court Pinot Noir — Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 2023

Hartford Court is one of the Russian River Valley’s most celebrated Pinot Noir producers, farming estate vineyards across the appellation’s most prized sub-zones — including Green Valley and the Sebastopol Hills — where the deepest fog penetration and coolest temperatures in all of Sonoma County produce Pinot Noir of extraordinary perfume, precision, and elegance. The 2023 Russian River Valley is a barrel selection blending fruit from these premier estate sites, matured for nine months in 28% new French oak. It earned 94 points from Jeb Dunnuck, 93 from James Suckling, and 92 from The Wine Advocate — a triple-score performance that confirms Hartford Court’s place among California’s elite Pinot Noir producers.

The nose is seductive and captivating: fresh leather, ripe cherries, red roses, baking spices, cranberry, pomegranate, tobacco, tea leaves, and forest earth — the classic perfumed character of the Russian River Valley at its most expressive. On the palate, the wine is medium-to-full-bodied with a focused, bright feel — refreshing mouthwatering acidity, ripe grainy tannins, concentrated spicy flavors, and a long, flavorful finish of spice, bitter orange rind, and forest floor. Drink now through 2040.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 — "Seductive perfume with notes of fresh leather, ripe cherries, sweet spices, and forest earth. Focused and bright, with refreshing acidity, ripe tannins, and a gently tapering, spiced finish. Drink 2026–2040." (Vintage 2023). 

James Suckling 93 — "Lush and pleasurable with aromas of red roses and baking spices. Full-bodied with silky tannins, a rich and satisfying finish, and pleasant bitter orange rind at the end." (Vintage 2023). 

Wine Advocate 92 — "Layered aromas of cranberry, pomegranate, graham cracker, tobacco, tea leaves and forest floor. Concentrated, spicy flavors framed by grainy tannins and juicy acidity, with a long, flavorful finish." (Vintage 2023). 

• Producer: Hartford Court, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Russian River Valley AVA
• Vineyards: Estate sites including Green Valley & Sebastopol Hills
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Aging: 9 months, 28% new French oak
• Drinking Window: Now – 2040
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe cherry, red rose, cranberry, pomegranate, baking spice, tobacco, forest floor, bitter orange rind
• Best Paired With: Roasted duck breast with cherry glaze, grilled salmon, wild mushroom risotto, Brie, Camembert

A triple 90-point Russian River Valley Pinot Noir from one of Sonoma’s most celebrated estate producers — Hartford Court 2023 is the benchmark for what Green Valley and Sebastopol Hills fruit, aged in French oak, can deliver.

Domaine Gilbert Picq | Chablis 1er Cru Vosgros | Chablis, Burgundy, France | 2024

Domaine Gilbert Picq is a 14.3-hectare family estate in Chablis, managed today by brothers Didier and Pascal Picq. The domaine is celebrated for its ultra-pure, uncompromising house style — no wood, no artifice, just the transparent expression of Chablis terroir in its most honest form. The wines are known to age exceptionally well, developing remarkable complexity over time while always retaining the mineral precision and energy that defines great Chablis.

Vosgros is a left-bank Premier Cru vineyard known for its steep, sun-drenched slopes and Kimmeridgian limestone soils — the ancient seabed of fossilized oyster shells that gives Chablis its signature saline minerality. Picq's plots in Vosgros include some of the family's oldest vines, planted in the 1960s and 1980s, which provide deep concentration and complexity.

The 2024 growing season was seriously complicated — constant treatments to fight mildew, and hail that cost approximately 45% of the potential crop. Yields ranged from 25 to 45 hl/ha with an average of 35 hl/ha. Yet the result, in Didier Picq's own words: "2024 is completely classic, even old school but without the sometimes drying acidities of those vintages. I love this vintage as the wines have excellent terroir transparency and they have so much energy that they're already fun to drink."

The 2024 Vosgros shows fine Chablis typicity — apple, citrus confit, and a whiff of quinine on the nose. On the palate, very good mid-palate density with solidly concentrated, medium-weight flavors, a beguiling texture, and evident minerality on the moderately firm, balanced, and youthfully austere finish. A wine of genuine energy and terroir transparency.

The ultimate match for fresh oysters, trout crudo, grilled sea bass with lemon, goat cheese, and herb-roasted chicken.

• Producer: Domaine Gilbert Picq
• Appellation: Chablis 1er Cru Vosgros AOC, Burgundy, France
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2024
• Vinification: No wood; ultra-pure style
• Vines: Planted 1960s & 1980s
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2024

• Burghound (Allen Meadows) — 91 pts | Purple Heart Outstanding Top Value: Fine Chablis typicity — apple, citrus confit and a whiff of quinine. Very good mid-palate density with solidly concentrated middle weight flavors, a beguiling texture and evident minerality on the moderately firm, balanced and youthfully austere finish. The Picq brothers have once again fashioned excellent wines.

Orin Swift EIGHT YEARS In the Desert Zin, Petite Sirah, Syrah Napa Valley 2024 750ml

Winemaker Description

Eight Years in the Desert is the culmination of decades of Orin Swift winemaking — a wine born from an eight-year Zinfandel non-compete agreement entered in 2008 that pushed the team to hone their craft across other varietals, setting the stage for Zinfandel's triumphant return to the lineup.

The 2024 vintage is sourced from vineyards across California, including the historic Monte Rosso vineyard on Sonoma County's Moon Mountain District AVA, as well as Stefani Ranch, Dark Horse, and numerous others. What first catches the eye is the opaque mauve core with a vivid fuchsia rim. The nose opens with aromatics of black plum and boysenberry galette, Tellicherry peppercorn, cedar, and musk. Taut yet supple on entry, the palate delivers wild blackberry, crispy pluot, a hint of fennel, and slate, finishing with soft framing tannins and a close of milk chocolate-covered raspberry.

Expert Review

Wine Advocate 93 Points — Based primarily on Zinfandel (60%, mainly from Sonoma's Dry Creek Valley), with 28% Petite Sirah, 7% Syrah, and 5% other reds. A terrific effort with a perfumed nose of ripe raspberries and hints of stone fruit. Full-bodied (15.4% ABV) and silky-textured, nicely balanced and mouthwatering, with soft tannins on the finish.

Wine Details

Producer: Orin Swift Cellars
Blend: 60% Zinfandel, 28% Petite Sirah, 7% Syrah, 5% other reds
Region: California (Monte Rosso, Dry Creek Valley, and others)
Vintage: 2024
Aging: 8 months in French oak, 32% new
ABV: 15.4%
Size: 750ml

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | I was able to taste the just-bottled 2023 Manoella Branco. This was a very balanced vintage, the growing season was almost perfect, and yields were good. The wine was a little closed for such an expressive year of wines with purity and freshness. It has notes of white flowers and fruit and a balsamic touch with the balance and harmony from the old vines.

Winemaker Description 

Vibrant and fresh wine with intense citric, floral and mineral notes. On the palate shows pure flavors and nice balance.

Varietals - Gouveio, Viosinho, Rabigato and Códega do Larinho.

Established in 2001 by Sandra Tavares da Silva and Jorge Serôdio Borges, both winemakers and couple, that have been investing and acquiring old vineyards and properties at Pinhão Valley. “Our goal is to create wines that express all the characters of the traditional vineyards and varieties from Douro Valley. Balanced wines between concentration, complexity and elegance.

Wine & Soul is one of the most exciting and dynamic producers in Portugal today, consistently earning high praise from international critics for both their still and fortified wines.

The harvest was planned for the first week of September in perfect weather conditions.

All grapes previously selected and de-stemmed were pressed on a pneumatic press and fermented on stainless steel tanks at low temperatures during 4 weeks, after which was aged sur lies during 6 months.