Red Wine

Expert Reviews

Wine Spectator 98 Points | Superb, but I have had an even better bottle of this wine; usually it's worth two points more. Equal in quality to the perfect 1961. Thick and rich, with berry, cherry and tobacco character, it shows layers of ripe fruit and velvety tannins that go on and on at the finish. Exciting wine. --Latour vertical. Drink now.  (8/2000).

Wine Advocate 96 Points Dark garnet with an amber edge, the 1959 Latour reveals a touch of volatile acidity in the nose, along with aromas of melted caramel, tobacco, and jammy red and black fruits. As the wine sat in the glass, notes of minerals, coffee, spice, and underbrush emerged. There is still copious tannin in the finish (I am not sure it will ever be fully resolved), but this sumptuous, complex, fragrant, super-rich Latour cuts a broad swath across the palate. Fully mature, it is best consumed over the next decade.  6/2000) 

Winemaker Description 

95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc Average age of vines is 42-45 years. 30 acres producing 4,000 cases. 

Bottle Photos taken - November 2024 

Winemaker Description 

Our 2020 Heart / Artist series Red wine is a symphonic red blend that combines the best of five grape varieties. This is made from 48% Merlot, 22% Dornfelder, 11% Refosco, 10% Syrah and 9% Petit Verdot.  You can imagine the wine as a dynamic red blend bolstered by aromatic bursts of exotic red-fruited Refosco, fleshed out by briary dark Dornfelder berries, with added verve, freshness and geometry provided by the Petit Verdot and Syrah all balanced together by plump, satisfying, enveloping ripe Merlot.

This is a complex and unique red wine full of deliciousness and life. The texture is plump and beguiling with cleansing acidity, moderate alcohol and a long finish. The aromas and flavors are ripe, deep, savory, pleasure-filled and range in fruit character from red to blue to black fruit and berries. The texture is silken, giving and it can be hard to put the glass down. There is a generosity coupled with raciness in this dry red wine that is quite satisfying and keeps one coming back for more. 

Expert Reviews

Wine Advocate 96 Points | More elegant and refined than the Napa Cab, the 2019 Insignia features restrained cedar and vanilla notes (despite spending two years in 100% new French oak) and delicate herbal shadings accenting cassis and black cherry fruit. Full-bodied, velvety and somewhat open-knit on the palate, it turns plush and long on the finish, adding a touch of warmth. Production this year is approximately 17,000 cases, reflecting the increased volume coming from recently replanted vineyards. It's remarkable what a good job they continue to do with this bottling year after year, without compromising on quality.

Jeb Dunnuck 99 Points | Another beautiful wine from this team, the 2019 Insignia is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon but includes smaller amounts of Merlot and Malbec, brought up all in new barrels, sourced from seven estate vineyards. It has a classic varietal and incredibly complex nose of crème de cassis, freshly sharpened pencils, green tobacco, and damp earth, with a kiss of background sappy spring flowers. Seemingly from a cooler year with its freshness, vibrancy, and herbal, floral character on the nose, it's nevertheless full-bodied and beautifully concentrated on the palate, with ultra-fine tannins, a seamless, layered mouthfeel, and a gorgeous finish. Unquestionably up with the finest vintages of this cuvée, this is legit awesome juice that’s going to offer incredible pleasure over the coming 20-25 years. Hats off to winemaker Ashley Hepworth.

James Suckling 98 Points | A very aromatic Insignia with pencil-shaving and graphite highlights to the dark fruit and blackberries. Full-bodied yet tensioned and vertical with very fine tannins that run deep and layered in the wine. Needs time to come together but fantastic tension and structure. Try after 2027.Vinous 96 points The 2019 Insignia is a bold explosive wine. Sumptuous dark fruit mocha leather sweet spice and tobacco are all amplified in an Insignia endowed with tremendous textural intensity and plenty of soft contours. I imagine the 2019 will age well for years but it will also drink well with minimal cellaring.
  

Expert Review

Josh Raynolds of Vinous writes 94 Points | Shimmering ruby. Smoke- and mineral-accented cherry and black raspberry aromas are complemented by suggestions of botanical herbs, violet, smoked meat and cracked pepper. Lithe and gently chewy in texture, offering appealingly sweet, spice-tinged dark berry, kirsch and floral pastille flavors that are braced by a spine of juicy acidity. The spice carries through an impressively long, penetrating finish that shows fine clarity and slowly emerging tannins.  Drinking 2025 - 2033 

Winemaker Description

This shows plenty of currant character, blueberry compote and tar, as well as savory undertones. Medium-bodied with resolved tannins and a round finish. 

Winemaker Description

This wine comes from plots of bush-trained vines on poor, sandytextured soils in the Rioja Alta area. The vines are an average of morethan 35 years old and smaller yields. They are harvested with great care and transported to the winery in small containers. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainlesssteel tanks at a controlled temperature of 28ºC, with prior bleeding-off and a long maceration of three weeks in contact with theskins. Ageing in French and American oak barrels (90%-10%) over 28 months, followed by subsequent bottle conditioning for at least 4 years until it is leaves the winery.

AWARDS
93 Silver Medal · International Wine Challenge (v. 2011).

90 Puntos · James Suckling (a. 2010).

90 puntos · Guía Repsol (a. 2010).

90 puntos · Wine Spectator (a. 2009).

91 puntos · Wine Enthusiast (a. 2009).

91 puntos · Wine Wine Advocate (a. 2008).

SENSORY EVALUATION

Look: Ruby red with a noticeable rim. Excellent brightness and clarity.

Aroma & palate: On its first contact with oxygen, it appears clean but reticent. Then, sweet notes of oak appear, cinnamon, clove and candied fruits. Infinite nuances that change with the passage of time.

On the palate, it is subtle and pleasant, with great finesse uponentry and through the mid-palate.

The tannins are extremely well polished and it has a serene acidity that maintains a long finish.

SERVING & FOOD PAIRING

White meat, oven-baked fish. Cured meat and dark chocolate desserts. 

93 Silver Medal · International Wine Challenge (v. 2011).

Winemaker Description

Franck Balthazar is yet another tiny domaine in the region whose wines have become highly sought-after over the last decade; worldwide demand now far exceeds production. Predictably, market prices reflect this growth. Balthazar is a fastidious farmer and careful winemaker, which has earned him tremendous respect from his neighbors on the Cornas hill. All whole clusters are used here, no new oak, and as little sulfur as possible. If you ever encounter the unsulfured “Sans Soufre” Cornas bottlings in France, especially at any restaurants in the area, jump on them, as they are amazing but generally don’t hold up to extended shipping journeys. It’s a very strong case for the “drink local” argument. The 2020s have turned out fantastic.

Expert Review

Vinous 97 Points | Dark magenta. Highly perfumed, mineral-accented red and dark berry liqueur, candied violet, smoky bacon and Moroccan spice qualities on the nose, along with olive and black pepper nuances. Offers vibrant, palate-staining and spice-laced cassis, bitter cherry, floral pastille and smoky mineral flavors that show impressive depth and a bracing undercurrent of juicy acidity. Expands steadily with air and finishes wonderfully long and gently chewy, with polished tannins, resonating spice and floral notes.  Drinking 2026 - 2034/

Winemaker Description

Deep and ruby red color. Intense and fruity notes of ripe red fruits and sweet spices. Strong personality, harmonious structure and well-complexed tannins, with a long finish.

This wine pairs well with red meats, seasoned pecorino cheese and steak. 

Winemaker Description

Forest Glen Winery produces full-flavoured, smooth red wines that are aged in small American oak barrels and are ready to be enjoyed without further bottle aging. 

Winemaker Description

Syrah Laide translates loosely to Pretty-Ugly, a French term of endearment to describe something that is unconventionally beautiful, a dogma that is applied to each cuvée. "Hawks Butte adds slightly more density and fruit while still wildly fresh with lithe tannin and Halcon compliments with brooding structure. Violet, camphor, white pepper and cedar" - Jolie-Laide 100% Syrah, grapes were planted on two vineyards (Halcon and Hawkes Butte) both at high elevation. 

Grapes are left on stems, crushed by foot and fermented with very light punch downs. The juice is then placed into neutral oak for 10 months. 12-25ppm added SO2 depending on vintage and cuvée. 

Authentic Ribera del Duero Tempranillo

Quinta Milu Ribera del Duero Tempranillo 2024 showcases the pure expression of Spain's celebrated wine region. Crafted from 100% Tempranillo grapes harvested from fifty-year-old vines, this wine captures the essence of traditional Spanish winemaking. Winemaker Germán R. Blanco describes it as "vino de pueblo"—a wine for everyday enjoyment and for everyone—reflecting his commitment to creating approachable yet authentic wines that honor the terroir of Ribera del Duero.

Artisanal Winemaking Process

Every step in creating Quinta Milu reflects dedication to quality and tradition. The grapes are carefully destemmed before aging for a minimum of six months in seasoned French or American oak casks. Staying true to natural winemaking principles, this wine is bottled unfined, unfiltered, and without cold stabilization, preserving its authentic character and allowing the terroir to shine through in every glass.

Germán R. Blanco's operation in the small town of La Aguilera is a "micro winery". He eschews modern winemaking techniques and international varieties working with old Tempranillo vines. He makes "vinos de pueblo", blended wines from different vineyards from villages in the area, as well as vinos de parcela, sourced from single-vineyards, and parcel-specific.

There is no new oak in the winery, Germán uses concrete, amphorae, and old barrels. Quinta Milú is named for Germán's son Lucas whom they lovingly refer to as "Mi Lu" or Milú.

Rich Flavor & Aroma Profile

Experience a wine that delights all the senses. The deep ruby color hints at the complexity within, while the nose reveals an inviting bouquet of dark berries, ripe cherries, and subtle vanilla undertones from oak aging. On the palate, you'll discover layers of dark fruit flavors balanced by smooth tannins and a velvety finish. The interplay of fruit-forward sweetness and gentle spice creates a harmonious drinking experience that lingers pleasantly.

Versatile Wine & Food Pairings

Quinta Milu's balanced profile makes it an exceptional companion to a wide range of dishes. Enjoy it with classic Spanish tapas, grilled chorizo, or paella for an authentic experience. It also pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, beef tenderloin, aged Manchego cheese, or hearty mushroom risotto. Whether you're planning a casual weeknight dinner or an elegant celebration, this versatile wine enhances any meal.

A Wine for Every Occasion

More than just a bottle of wine, Quinta Milu represents the soul of Ribera del Duero and the Fifth Mile philosophy of making exceptional wine accessible. Its approachable nature welcomes newcomers to Spanish wine while offering the depth and complexity that seasoned enthusiasts appreciate. Share it with friends, pair it with your favorite meal, or simply enjoy a glass as you unwind—Quinta Milu is designed for life's everyday moments and special celebrations alike.

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir 1.5L Magnum | Lodi, California

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir is California's benchmark for approachable, fruit-forward red wine. Sourced from Lodi's warm, sun-drenched vineyards — moderated by cool Delta breezes that preserve freshness and aromatic lift — this Pinot Noir is aged in a combination of French and American oak to add gentle spice and roundness. The 1.5L Magnum format is ideal for the table: generous, crowd-pleasing, and built for sharing.

Robert Mondavi founded Woodbridge Winery in Acampo, California with the belief that great winemaking should be accessible to everyone. Drawing on Lodi's long growing season and the region's deep viticultural heritage, Woodbridge has become one of California's most recognized and trusted wine brands, earning multiple Wine Enthusiast Best Buy awards since 2011.

The wine is made from Pinot Noir grapes sourced from select Lodi vineyards, where warm days and cool Delta nights allow the fruit to ripen fully while retaining natural acidity. Fermentation is followed by aging in French and American oak, which contributes notes of spice and toast without overwhelming the wine's bright, fruit-driven character.

Bright strawberry and cherry aromas open the nose, accented by a hint of spice and toast. The palate is ripe and approachable, with flavors of cherry and rich cocoa that carry through to a smooth, velvety finish. The wine is medium-bodied with soft tannins and a clean, lingering close.

The 1.5L Magnum delivers the same expressive, easy-drinking character as the standard bottle, with the added benefit of slower, more even aging in a larger format. Versatile, reliable, and endlessly crowd-pleasing

Food Pairing

A versatile everyday red for salmon, roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, pasta with red sauce, and charcuterie. Its soft tannins and bright fruit also make it an easy match for pizza, grilled vegetables, and mild cheeses. Serve slightly chilled at 55–60°F for best results.

Wine Details

• Producer: Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi
• Country: United States
• Region: California
• Appellation: Lodi
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Vessel: French and American oak
• Style: Medium-bodied, fruit-forward
• Bottle Size: 1.5L Magnum
• Serve: 55–60°F

Winemaker Description 

The Beringer Founders' Estate Merlot is approachable and delicious. Hints of plum and brown spice on the nose compliment the boysenberry, blackberry and blueberry finish on the palate. It's well-balanced, soft tannins make this wine a perfect accompaniment to a variety of foods, such as grilled meats or hearty vegetable dishes. 

Winemaker Description

2017 Timeless Napa Valley is a harmonious wine that deftly balances elegant integration of both high acidity and supple fruit to create a wine with ageworthy structure and character. Notes of pomegranate and cherry on the nose are met by subtle aromas of wisteria, licorice and mint. Carried by essences of rose, plum and tart red fruit, a mouthwatering ripple of bright acidity meets delicate tannins and balancing, savory flavors of minty balsam, cozy mulling spices and stewed black fruits on the palate. 

Winemaker Description

Ruby-red color. The nose is complex and elegant. Notes of dry flowers, hay and rose petal, accompanied by a hint of chamomile. It is fresh, balanced, silky, enveloping and full-bodied on the palate. The tannins are prominent yet well-integrated. The finish is long and persistent. We recommend decanting a few hours before serving.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

Jeb Dunnuck 98 Points | A medium red hue, the 2020 Barolo Rocche Di Castiglione offers more complexity and is more nuanced in the glass, with notes of dried raspberries, tangerine, roses, dried herbs, and cedar. Medium-bodied, it is crunchy with an elegant feel but has balanced structure and retains a somewhat more chiseled feel that’s true to the vintage. It has a lot to enjoy now and also has a wide drinking window. Drink 2025-2050.

The Wine Advocate 96 Points | The Vietti 2020 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is a very delineated wine with sharp ferrous notes, cherry cola, redcurrant and chalky mineral. It is extremely precise in terms of its aromas. The effect is direct and layered, showing different sides and increasing complexity as it opens in the glass. Dried floral notes, purple flower and iris also appear delicately. The chalky tannins feel abrupt at this young stage, but this wine is built to last nonetheless. Only 3,512 bottles were created.

Vinous 96 Points | The 2020 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is a magical wine from a magical site. It marries finesse and volume to a degree that is not found in most of the other wines in this range. Castiglione Falletto is the center of the Barolo production zone, literally and figuratively, the place where many different soil types meet. As a result, the wines often possess mind-blowing balance, which is very much the case here.

Winemaker Notes

Expert Review

Expert Review

Vinous 97 Points Josh Raynolds writes |  Glass-staining ruby. Exotically perfumed black and blue fruit, incense and candied licorice scents, along with mineral, olive and exotic spice overtones. Seamless and expansive on the palate, offering deeply concentrated yet lively blackberry, boysenberry, cherry-cola, salty olive and floral pastille flavors that show outstanding energy and mineral lift. Slow-building tannins grow on a strikingly long, focused finish that strongly echoes the licorice and mineral notes.

Winemaker Description

Don Miguel Vineyard. Named after the late patriarch of the Torres family, this organic vineyard is located in the Green Valley- the coolest, foggiest region of the Russian River, only ten miles from the Pacific. Displays vibrant, luscious fruit reminiscent of blackberries and dark cherries.

This is a wine of precision, finesse and balance, rich and opulent on the palate, with supple tannins. It will continue to develop and gain complexity with age, at least for another 10 years. 

Winemaker's Description

Our Russian River Selection bottlings are quintessential Russian River Valley wines blended from some of the region’s top vineyards, taking advantage of varied climates and unique site characteristics. The 2022 Russian River Selection Pinot Noir has seductive aromas of Luxardo cherries intertwined with rose petals, fresh fennel, dark berry preserves, and a hint of savory earth. The youthful yet complex palate offers juicy flavors of sour cherries, blood orange, wild raspberries and with a dollop of tangy tamarind. Fine-grained tannins are balanced by firm acidity, creating a full-bodied texture, lending to an incredibly long, spicy finish.

Expert Review 

James Suckling - 92 Points: Bright aromas of dried strawberries, wild raspberries, dried herbs and Jolly Ranchers candy. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins and acidity, giving fresh flavors of cherry confit, toffee apples and rhubarb.

Stone Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon — 1.5L Magnum

Stone Cellars is a reliable, no-fuss California Cabernet Sauvignon built for everyday enjoyment — approachable, smooth, and consistently crowd-pleasing. The 1.5L magnum format, equivalent to two standard bottles, makes it an ideal choice for dinner parties, casual gatherings, or any occasion where a generous pour is in order. Screw cap for easy opening anytime.

Aromas of cocoa and vanilla lead the way, followed by rich flavors of currant, dark ripe fruit, cassis, and cola, with warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. Smooth and medium-bodied, with a soft finish that makes it easy to enjoy on its own or with food.

Food Pairings

• Grilled burgers and steaks
• BBQ ribs and roasted meats
• Pizza and pasta with red sauce
• Aged cheddar and hard cheeses

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: California
Format: 1.5L Magnum (= 2 standard bottles) | Screw cap

Yellow Tail Cabernet Sauvignon — South Eastern Australia (1.5L Magnum)

Yellow Tail is Australia’s most recognized wine brand — and for good reason. Built on the philosophy that great wine should be approachable, affordable, and fun, Yellow Tail has introduced millions of people to Australian Cabernet Sauvignon with a style that is consistently reliable, fruit-forward, and easy to love. The Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from South Eastern Australia’s warm, sun-drenched vineyards, producing grapes of generous ripeness and soft tannin structure. This 1.5L Magnum format is the smart choice for entertaining: more wine, better value, and a bottle that makes a statement on any table.

The nose offers a touch of mint layered over ripe blackberries and vanilla. On the palate, the wine is smooth and approachable, with toasted oak, ripe dark fruit, and soft, velvety tannins that carry through a generous, easy-drinking finish. No fuss, no pretension — just a crowd-pleasing Cabernet that delivers every time.

• Producer: Yellow Tail, South Eastern Australia
• Appellation: South Eastern Australia
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Format: 1.5L Magnum (equivalent to 2 standard bottles)
• Tasting Notes: Mint, blackberry, vanilla, toasted oak, soft velvety tannins
• Best Paired With: Burgers, BBQ, grilled sausages, pizza, casual entertaining

Australia’s most beloved Cabernet in a Magnum — Yellow Tail is the no-brainer choice for parties, picnics, and any occasion that calls for more wine.

Winemaker Description

Wine made with only grapes, well-kept vineyards, and healthy land.” 

This is the mantra of Castellano winegrower Alfredo Maestro, a bright light amongst an abyss of industrially farmed, over-ripe, over-oaked, and over-manipulated wine-scape that is the Ribera del Duero these days.   

Alfredo Maesto is a city man, who has become a farmer as a choice and not because of circumstances. He is guided by passion and love, which we find in each of his bottles. His production is mainly of reds (Tempranillo and Garnacha) which can be drank both young and aged; then there’s the LoveAmor, the albillo (white grapes) pure which surprises even the most demanding of tasters. Alfredo Maestro manages some vineyards near Madrid, but mainly in Castilla y Leon, in Penafel in the Ribera near Valladolid (the Spanish Bolgheri), land which has always celebrated the most famous Spanish reds. To process natural wines in this piece of land is like finding yourself on the frontline in the Caporetto battle and yet, Alfredo Maestro, teacher both in name and facts, acting as a righteous Charon he takes on the task of ferrying heretic sommeliers from vanilla wines with shavings icing towards the right way of pure, real wine. Winemaker Description.