$10 - $25 Wine

Columbia Crest Grand Estates | Merlot | 2020 | 750ml | Columbia Valley, Washington State, USA

Rated 90 Points – Vinous | 90 Points – James Suckling

An outstanding value from Washington State's Columbia Valley, Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot delivers dark fruit complexity, soft tannins, and a creamy finish at an everyday price. Vinous calls it "an excellent entry to the value category of Washington State Merlot."

• Winery: Columbia Crest
• Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington State, USA
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Varietal: Merlot
• Vintage: 2020
• Closure: Screw Cap

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Dark plum, herb, blackberries, tobacco, mint chocolate, dark cherries, and a kiss of vanilla
• Palate: Round and juicy with tart wild berry fruits, chewy blueberry skin, mocha, and soft ripe tannins
• Finish: Bold and structured with notes of vanilla, raspberry, and lingering minerality

Critical Acclaim

• 🏆 Vinous – 90 Points: "Darkly floral and earthy with hints of animal musk and crushed blackberries. Juicy acids enliven its tart wild berry fruits. Leaves a mark of minerality along with chewy blueberry skin concentration and hints of mocha."
• 🏆 James Suckling – 90 Points: "Blackberries, tobacco, mint chocolate and dark cherries, with a kiss of vanilla. Medium- to full-bodied with soft, ripe tannins and a creamy finish. Drink now."

Food Pairings: Blue cheese, duck, beef, veal, and dark chocolate.

Les Allées de Cantemerle — Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux 2019

Château Cantemerle is one of Bordeaux's most storied estates — a Fifth Growth of the 1855 Classification, nestled in the southern Haut-Médoc appellation amid one of the most beautiful park settings in all of Bordeaux. Les Allées de Cantemerle is the estate's second wine, crafted primarily from the château's younger vines with a high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged partly in tank and partly in barrel to avoid over-oaking, it captures the generous, fruit-forward character of Cantemerle in a more approachable, earlier-drinking style — a wine that invites sharing and friendliness even in its youth. The 2019 vintage is one of Bordeaux's finest of the decade: a warm, dry year that produced wines of exceptional ripeness, concentration, and balance.

The nose is wonderfully aromatic and expressive — the aromas really just jump out of the glass. Juicy red fruits dominate: strawberries, raspberries, and red cherries, quite bright and a refreshing change from the darker fruit profile of many Haut-Médoc wines. On the palate, it is lively and fun, light-bodied with hints of spice underneath the fruit giving structure and backbone. The finish is spicy and persistent, with the fruit-forwardness and easy-drinking style that makes this wine hard not to like.

🏆 Decanter 90 Points — "Wonderfully aromatic and expressive on the nose — the aromas really just jump out the glass. Juicy red fruits — strawberries, raspberries and red cherries. Lively and fun, light with hints of spice giving structure and backbone. Hard not to like for its fruit-forwardness and easy drinking style."

• Producer: Château Cantemerle, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2019
• Appellation: Haut-Médoc AOC
• Classification: 2nd Wine of Château Cantemerle (1855 Fifth Growth)
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend
• Vinification: Aged partly in tank, partly in barrel
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Strawberry, raspberry, red cherry, spice, lively acidity, persistent finish
• Drink: Now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, duck confit, grilled beef, charcuterie, aged cheeses

The approachable face of a Bordeaux Fifth Growth — Les Allées de Cantemerle 2019 is lively, generous, and built for the table right now.

Our Professional Review 

Rand Sieger 67Wine.com | This is the lemonade of wine.  A super fresh and juicy summer quaffer to have with all your lighter summer foods. The first aromas that come up from the glass are crushed lilies of the valley and white pepper, followed
by citrus and fresh pineapple.  Dry, lean, fresh and juicy on the palate.

Winemaker Description 

A liter of the raciest, most energetic and appealingly mineralische Riesling imaginable. Alc: 12% Residual sugar: 7,5 g/ltr Acidity: 7,6 g/ltr Must weight: 88° Oechsle Harvest on 26th of September 2019, Temperature controlled fermentation in stainless steel. On the fine yeast until bottling in stainless steel tanks (26th of February 2021) Bright yellow colour with green highlights; in the nose aromas of apple, yellow stone fruits and freshness; on the palate very harmonic, totally dry and refreshing.

Deidesheimer Herrgottsacker is a single vineyard site with a size of 121 hectares. 10% of the vineyard site is steep, 20% hilly and 70% are flat. The soil varies between sandy loam and loamy sand, mixed with limestone rocks and red sandstone. The name “Herrgottsacker” is probably derived from the word “Gottesacker” (which is a former word for cementery) andThis interpretation from Kimich, a small, traditional, 8th generation estate, is an absurd value in the liter bottle (33% more wine)! 

Kono Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2024 — Marlborough, New Zealand

Kono is a New Zealand wine brand with deep roots in the Māori community — owned by Wakatu Incorporation, one of New Zealand’s largest Māori-owned businesses, with ancestral connections to the top of the South Island stretching back centuries. Their Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from the sun-drenched Wairau and Awatere valleys, where the combination of intense sunlight, cool nights, and free-draining soils produces the region’s signature style: vivid, aromatic, and unmistakably fresh.

Bart Hopkins of 67 Wine writes | The 2024 is a textbook Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc — and then some. The nose bursts with citrus and tropical fruit: lime, kiwi, passion fruit, guava, and lemon zest. On the palate, luscious fruit flavors are balanced by notes of currant leaf and fresh bell pepper, with zesty acidity, underlying minerality, and a long, dry, persistent finish. Wine Spectator praised its “crisp and vibrant” lemon, pear, and apple flavors with notes of lemon verbena and fresh ginger.

Wine Spectator — “Lemon, pear and apple flavors are crisp and vibrant, with notes of lemon verbena, lemon thyme and fresh ginger.”

• Producer: Kono (Wakatu Incorporation), Marlborough, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Closure: Screwcap
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lime, kiwi, passion fruit, guava, lemon zest, currant leaf, bell pepper, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled fish, goat cheese, Thai cuisine, green salads, sushi

A benchmark Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc at an everyday price — Kono delivers everything you want from New Zealand’s most iconic white.

Talbott Kali Hart Pinot Noir Monterey 2023

James Suckling 92 Points - "A fresh, fruity, aromatic red with a nose of spices, cinnamon, black cherries, tart cherries and raspberries. The palate shows a medium body, a rather broad mouthfeel, some soft tannin and a ripe character overall."

Tasting Profile

This elegant Pinot Noir showcases vibrant red berry aromas with subtle floral notes. On the palate, expect concentrated flavors of cherry and raspberry balanced with hints of baking spice and toasted oak. Smooth tannins provide a velvety mouthfeel with a harmonious balance of fruitiness and acidity.

Perfect Pairings

Roasted chicken, grilled salmon, creamy pasta dishes, grilled vegetables, and charcuterie boards with assorted cheeses. Serve slightly chilled for optimal enjoyment.

Wine Details

Producer: Talbott Vineyards | Region: Monterey, California | Varietal: Pinot Noir | Vintage: 2023 | Volume: 750ml

Bodegas Chaves Castel de Fornos Albariño — Rías Baixas, Galicia 2024

Bodegas Chaves is a family estate rooted in the granite soils of Galicia, on the Atlantic coast of northwestern Spain. Their Castel de Fornos Albariño takes its name from the first vineyard the family ever planted — a stony, dry hillside slope their ancestors called "Castel," long recognized as a prosperous enclave for growing exceptional Albariño. What sets this bottling apart is the age of the vines: 70+ years old, with deep root systems that draw complexity and concentration from the ancient granite and schist soils beneath.

The 2024 pours a pale gold with green highlights. The nose is classically Atlantic — white peach, lemon zest, fresh grapefruit, and a distinctive saline minerality that speaks directly to the ocean influence of Rías Baixas. On the palate, it's vibrant and precise, with bright acidity, a silky texture from the old vines, and a long, mineral-driven finish. This is Albariño at its most expressive and site-specific.

"Named after the first Bodega Chaves vineyard on the slope of Fornos — 70+ year old vines from a stony, dry enclave built for the finest Albariño." — Bodegas Chaves

• Producer: Bodegas Chaves, Galicia, Spain
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Rías Baixas DO
• Varietal: 100% Albariño
• Vine Age: 70+ years
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White peach, lemon zest, grapefruit, saline minerality, long finish
• Best Paired With: Steamed clams, scallops, grilled sea bass, sushi, sashimi, Galician Tetilla or San Simón cheese

A benchmark old-vine Albariño from one of Galicia's most storied family estates — Atlantic, mineral, and built for the table.

Le Sciare Primitivo Rocca Normanna — Puglia, Italy 2024

Cantine Due Palme is one of southern Italy's most celebrated cooperatives, founded in 1989 in Cellino San Marco in the province of Brindisi by Angelo Maci — a third-generation winemaker whose family has farmed the sun-drenched soils of Salento for decades. Le Sciare Primitivo is sourced from old vines planted on the region's distinctive sandy coastal soils, which stress the vines naturally and concentrate flavor to extraordinary levels. The result is a full-bodied, hedonistic Primitivo that delivers unexpected complexity at its price point — a genuine over-achiever from the heel of Italy's boot.

The nose is perfumed and inviting: rich blackberry, juicy black cherry, warm spice, and dark chocolate fill the glass with an exotic, sun-drenched intensity. On the palate, it is full-bodied with a rich, plush texture, soft tannins, and a surprisingly complex, lingering finish. Juicy, generous, and built for the table.

Bart Hopkins, 67Wine.com — "A full bodied, full flavored Primitivo guaranteed to please! Perfumed aromas and flavors of rich blackberry, juicy black cherry, spice and dark chocolate fill the nose and fill the mouth with rich texture and soft tannins on the surprisingly complex finish."

• Producer: Cantine Due Palme, Cellino San Marco, Brindisi, Puglia, Italy
• Founded: 1989
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Puglia IGT (Salento)
• Varietal: 100% Primitivo
• Vines: Old vines on sandy coastal soils
• Style: Full-Bodied, Fruit-Forward, Hedonistic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Rich blackberry, black cherry, warm spice, dark chocolate, plush texture, soft tannins
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2027
• Best Paired With: Grilled lamb, braised short ribs, pizza, pasta with meat ragù, aged pecorino, charcuterie
• Serve: 62–66°F

Old-vine Primitivo from the heart of Salento — Le Sciare is southern Italy's most satisfying everyday red, full of sun, soul, and flavor.

Etz Grüner Veltliner — Kamptal, Austria 2024

The story behind this bottle is one of the great underdog moments in Austrian wine. Franz Etz farms 30 hectares of vineyards in the Kamptal — one of Austria's most celebrated regions for Grüner Veltliner — and produces wines of quiet, consistent excellence. Then came the blind tasting: 14 of the world's top sommeliers, 600 Grüner Veltliners entered, and Franz Etz's wine came out on top. The recognition that followed led him to create a special 1.0L bottling of his fruit specifically for the U.S. market — a generous format designed to share, and priced to make it an easy yes at any table.

The 2024 pours a pale, bright straw. The nose is clean and classically Kamptal — citrus, green apple, white pepper, and a subtle mineral lift from the region's loess and primary rock soils. On the palate, it's refreshing and well-structured with lively acidity, a dry, focused mid-palate, and a crisp, lingering finish. Everything Grüner Veltliner should be: precise, food-friendly, and endlessly drinkable.

"Franz Etz bested 600 other Grüner Veltliners in a blind tasting competition judged by 14 of the world's top sommeliers — then created this special 1.0L bottling for the U.S. market." — Etz Estate

• Producer: Weingut Etz, Kamptal, Austria
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Kamptal DAC
• Varietal: Grüner Veltliner
• Vineyard: 30 hectares, Kamptal
• Size: 1.0L (special U.S. market bottling)
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, green apple, white pepper, mineral, crisp dry finish
• Best Paired With: Wiener Schnitzel, grilled fish, sushi, asparagus, Thai cuisine, fresh goat cheese

The Kamptal Grüner that beat 600 rivals in a blind tasting — now in a generous 1.0L format made for the American table.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

James Suckling 92 Points | A complex and fascinating Rioja with aromas of wet earth, dried meat, tea leaf, and dark fruit that follow through to a medium-bodied palate with firm, silky tannins and a flavorful finish. A blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, and Mazuelo.

About Cerro Añón Crianza

Bodegas Olarra is one of Rioja's most storied producers, and Cerro Añón is their flagship label — named after the iconic hill that overlooks their estate in Logroño. The Crianza is aged a minimum of 12 months in American and French oak barrels, followed by additional bottle aging, delivering the classic earthy complexity and structured elegance that defines traditional Rioja.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby in color with aromas of dark cherry, dried herbs, wet earth, and subtle oak spice. The palate is medium-bodied with flavors of red and black fruit, leather, and tea leaf, supported by firm yet silky tannins. The finish is long, savory, and satisfying.

Food Pairings

A classic match for roasted lamb, grilled chorizo, Manchego cheese, slow-cooked beef stew, and hearty Spanish tapas. A versatile and food-friendly Rioja Crianza.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: 2021
Region: Rioja, Spain
Appellation: DOCa Rioja
Classification: Crianza
Grape Varieties: Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo
Producer: Bodegas Olarra
Style: Red Wine, Dry, Medium-Bodied
Aging: 12+ months in American & French oak

Winemaker Description

Dark garnet in color with juicy flavors of blueberry, blackberry, and black cherry. Most of the fruit comes from the Lodi AVA, with the remainder sourced from sustainable vineyards throughout the Central Valley. Harvested in late September, the Cabernet Sauvignon undergoes 7–9 days of fermentation on the skins before being pressed and finishing fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged on new and used French and American oak for 4–6 months, adding structure and a subtle layer of complexity to the fruit-forward profile.

About McManis Family Vineyards

McManis Family Vineyards is a family-owned estate based in Ripon, California, farming sustainably in the Lodi AVA — one of California’s most celebrated regions for value-driven, fruit-forward reds. Founded by Ron and Jamie McManis, the winery has built a reputation for producing approachable, well-crafted California Cabernet Sauvignon at an exceptional price point. Their commitment to sustainable farming, careful vineyard management, and thoughtful winemaking consistently delivers wines that punch well above their price — making McManis one of the most trusted names in everyday California wine.

Food Pairings

Grilled burgers, BBQ ribs, roasted chicken, pasta with meat sauce, mild cheddar, and pizza. An ideal everyday red for casual dinners and entertaining.

Product Details

• Producer: McManis Family Vineyards
• Region: Lodi AVA, California, USA
• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Aging: 4–6 months, French & American oak
• Closure: Screwcap
• Vintage: 2024
• Style: Medium-bodied, fruit-forward California Cabernet
• Format: 750ml

James Suckling 95 Points | A juicy and delicious wine with aromas of black cherries, walnuts, flint, graphite and matchsticks. Medium-bodied with creamy and refined tannins and a pretty finish. Inky aftertaste with some iodine. 60% merlot and 40% sangivoese. Drink or hold. 

Winemaker Description

Lucente is the result of a careful selection of the estate’s vineyards particularly suited for the production of a fruity and very pleasant wine. Like Luce, it is made from Sangiovese and Merlot, with Merlot prevailing in the blend.

About Luce della Vite

Luce della Vite — “Light of the Vine” — is one of Tuscany’s most celebrated Super Tuscan estates, born from a visionary partnership between the Frescobaldi family and Robert Mondavi in 1993. Based in Montalcino, the Tenuta Luce estate produces wines that bridge the Old and New World: blending the structure and earthiness of Sangiovese with the richness and suppleness of Merlot. Lucente is the estate’s second wine — sharing the same vineyards and winemaking philosophy as the flagship Luce, but crafted for earlier enjoyment and exceptional everyday value. At under $25, it offers a genuine window into one of Italy’s most prestigious estates.

Food Pairings

Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, wild boar ragù, truffle pasta, roasted lamb, and aged Pecorino Toscano. Decant 30 minutes before serving.

Product Details

• Producer: Luce della Vite (Tenuta Luce — Frescobaldi)
• Appellation: Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy
• Blend: Merlot & Sangiovese (Merlot dominant)
• Vintage: 2022
• Style: Medium-to-full-bodied, fruit-forward Super Tuscan blend
• Drink: Now–2030
• Format: 750ml

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Wine Spectator 88 Points | Lemon meringue, peach preserves and grilled pineapple mingle with spice, toasted brioche and marmalade notes on a plump and smooth frame.

Winemaker Notes

Crafted from two exceptional vineyard sources in Sonoma’s renowned Russian River Valley — Wood Vineyard on River Road and River Vineyard on East Side Road — this Chardonnay showcases the region’s signature cool-climate character with California sunshine warmth. The floral, mineral, and lime character of River Vineyard complements the lush peach and apricot notes from Wood Vineyard, creating exceptional balance and complexity. Sur-lie aging adds toasty graham cracker and brioche notes with a creamy, velvet-textured mouthfeel.

Tasting Notes

Abundant floral and stone fruit aromas on the nose. The palate is plush and smooth with flavors of lemon meringue, peach preserves, grilled pineapple, and subtle spice. Toasty brioche and graham cracker notes from sur-lie aging add richness, while natural acidity keeps the wine fresh and lively. The finish is long and clean with marmalade and spice accents.

About Buehler Vineyards

A family-owned estate established in 1978, Buehler Vineyards has built a reputation for crafting exceptional wines that offer outstanding quality and value. Their Russian River Valley Chardonnay is a standout expression of cool-climate winemaking — elegant, balanced, and consistently impressive vintage after vintage.

Food Pairings

Pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, lobster with butter, grilled halibut, creamy pasta, and soft-ripened cheeses. Versatile enough for both elegant dinners and casual gatherings.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: 2022
Region: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
Appellation: Russian River Valley AVA
Grape Variety: Chardonnay
Producer: Buehler Vineyards
Style: White Wine, Dry, Full-Bodied
Aging: Sur-lie

Matchbook Wine Company | Chardonnay Estate Bottled | Dunnigan Hills | 2023

Dunnigan Hills is one of California's best-kept secrets — a warm, inland appellation in Yolo County where Matchbook has farmed estate vineyards for decades. The combination of hot days, cool nights, and well-drained soils produces Chardonnay with a distinctive personality: tropical fruit richness balanced by genuine freshness. This estate-bottled 2023 is a signature expression of that terroir, blended with a small addition of Verdejo that lifts the wine with a bright thread of minerality. In the cellar, 60% malolactic fermentation adds a creamy, supple texture and a whisper of butterscotch, while careful oak aging layers in vanilla without overwhelming the fruit. The result is a plump, satisfying Chardonnay with a crisp, lingering finish — classic California golden straw in the glass, and a mouthful of pineapple, mango, and melon on the palate.

• Appellation: Dunnigan Hills, Yolo County, California
• Varietal: Chardonnay with a touch of Verdejo
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• MLF: 60% malolactic fermentation
• Style: Tropical, creamy, fruit-forward with a crisp finish

Critical Acclaim

Wine Enthusiast — Tonya Pitts | 89 Points: Lush, with aromas of white peach, nectarine, Golden Delicious apple, pineapple, creamy vanilla, and clove, and supple mineral notes on the finish.

Tasting Notes

Pineapple, mango, melon, white peach, and nectarine on the nose. Creamy mid-palate with butterscotch and vanilla from oak aging, brightened by a lift of minerality from the Verdejo. Plump mouthfeel with a crisp, fresh fruit finish.

Pairing Suggestions

• Poultry: Roast chicken with herb butter, turkey, or creamy pasta dishes.
• Seafood: Grilled lobster, shrimp scampi, or pan-seared halibut.
• Cheese: Brie, Gruyère, or a mild aged cheddar.

DeLoach Heritage Reserve Chardonnay — California 2024 750ml

DeLoach Vineyards has been crafting expressive California wines since 1975, with a philosophy rooted in sustainable farming and a commitment to letting the fruit speak. The Heritage Reserve Chardonnay is part of DeLoach’s California Series — a bright, fruit-forward expression that bucks the trend of heavy, oak-driven California whites. Instead, the 2024 focuses on freshness, balance, and approachability, making it an ideal everyday white for a wide range of occasions and cuisines.

The 2024 opens with nicely integrated notes of orange blossom and creamy honeydew melon. On the palate, tropical flavors of pineapple, papaya, and mango take center stage, delightfully balanced with bright acidity and a long, clean finish that makes this wine as versatile at the table as it is enjoyable on its own.

“Nicely integrated notes of orange blossom and creamy honeydew melon. Tropical flavors of pineapple, papaya and mango — delightfully balanced with bright acidity and a long finish.” — DeLoach Winemaker

• Producer: DeLoach Vineyards, California, USA (est. 1975)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Style: Bright, fruit-forward, lightly oaked
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Orange blossom, honeydew melon, pineapple, papaya, mango, bright acidity, long clean finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, shrimp, chicken, light pasta, soft cheeses, Asian-inspired dishes, summer salads

Fresh, tropical, and beautifully balanced — DeLoach Heritage Reserve Chardonnay 2024 is California sunshine in a glass at an exceptional price.

Château Blaignan — Médoc Cru Bourgeois 2019

With a grape-growing tradition stretching back to the 14th century, Château Blaignan is one of the Médoc’s most storied estates. The 2019 vintage — widely regarded as one of Bordeaux’s finest in a generation — showcases everything this historic property does best: ripe, structured fruit, velvet tannins, and a beautifully balanced finish that rewards both immediate drinking and patient cellaring.

The nose is intensely fruity with pronounced blackcurrant, black cherry, and a hint of spice. On the palate, dark cherry and plum compote lead the way, with tobacco, savory notes, and a pretty iron hint on the focused, fine-grained finish. Full-bodied with structure and elegance in equal measure.

Wine Enthusiast 90 • Wine Spectator 89 — “Drink now through 2029.”

• Producer: Château Blaignan, Médoc, Bordeaux
• Vintage: 2019
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois, Médoc
• Blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc
• Aging: 18 months in vats and oak barrels
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackcurrant, black cherry, plum compote, tobacco, spice, iron finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2029 (3–12 years from harvest)
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, duck, beef bourguignon, aged hard cheeses

Seven centuries of terroir knowledge in every bottle — Château Blaignan is a Médoc classic at a Cru Bourgeois price.

Our Professional Review

The family operation began in 1971 when textiles entrepreneur Arnaldo Caprai purchased 12.5 acres in Montefalco. In 1988, ownership passed on to Arnaldo’s son, Marco. (Winery Note)

Today, the winery is the leading producer of top quality. Arnaldo Caprai is recognized for its dedication to environmental, economic and social sustainability, as well as being champions for the wines of Umbria.

This Umbrian white from Arnaldo Caprai captures a true expression of Grechetto from this lesser known Italian region.

Appealing aromatics of white peach, melon. lemon zest, hints of chamomile and honey characteristics, all  tantalize the palate. This Grechetto is light-medium bodied, pure. fresh, savory and finely balanced. 

Flavors of stone fruits, lemon-lime, blanched almonds, and stonines shine thru on the palate,  ending with zesty acidity and a bone dry finish. " - Debra, Italy White Wine Buyer

Cheese pairing : Essex Street / G. Cravero ‘Parmigiano Reggiano’ 2 yrs -available at 67Gourmet

All too often in America, we think of Parmigiano Reggiano as a topping for pasta, but truly great iterations of this cheese are wonderful eaten on its own or with a superb Italian wine.  The Cravero family has been aging Reggiano since 1851, and their cheese is unique among all other Parmigiano.  It has distinct tropical fruit and pineapple overtones in the middle of the palate which turn the salty finish into a harmonious counterpoint.  One taste of this and you'll see why Reggiano is widely considered the king of all cheese. - Martin Johnson, 67Gourmet Cheesemonger

Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 9 — California

Bonanza is the passion project of Chuck Wagner — the legendary winemaker behind Caymus Vineyards, one of Napa Valley’s most iconic estates. The concept is deeply personal: Chuck recalls fondly how his family gathered around the dinner table each night to share his father’s homemade wine, and Bonanza is his answer to that memory. His vision is simple and democratic — delicious Cabernet Sauvignon should be accessible to everyone, not just collectors. Lot 9 is sourced from premium California vineyards across the state, blended with the same meticulous attention to quality that has defined Caymus for decades. This is the bonanza of California — a discovery of land where great Cabernet can be farmed and shared at the everyday table.

The color is a medium ruby-red with depth and clarity. The nose is inviting and expressive: currants, dried roses, ripe blackberry, black currant, grape pomace, and fresh-tilled soil, with hints of vanilla and warm spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and rich — velvety texture, silky tannins, and an easy, generous drinkability that makes it impossible to put down. This is Chuck Wagner’s gift to the everyday wine drinker: Caymus-level care at a fraction of the price.

“Delicious Cabernet should be accessible to a broad group of people. I want everyone to have the chance to enjoy good wine as a simple pleasure of everyday life.” — Chuck Wagner

• Producer: Bonanza Wine by Chuck Wagner (Caymus Vineyards), California
• Lot: Lot 9
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Style: Full-bodied, velvety, approachable California Cabernet
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Currants, dried roses, blackberry, black currant, vanilla, spice, silky tannins
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 3–5 years
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, burgers, BBQ ribs, lamb chops, aged cheddar, casual entertaining

Caymus craftsmanship at an everyday price — Bonanza Lot 9 is Chuck Wagner’s most democratic wine, and one of California’s best values.

Joel Gott | California | Unoaked Chardonnay | 2023

Joel Gott's answer to the heavy, buttery California Chardonnay: 100% stainless steel fermentation that preserves every bit of the grape's natural brightness and tropical acidity. No oak, no malolactic softening — just clean, vivid fruit and crisp minerality from start to finish. The 2023 is the go-to for Chardonnay lovers who want freshness over richness, and for those who've been burned by over-oaked whites before.

Fermentation: 100% stainless steel, unoaked
Closure: Screwcap
Drink: Now–2026

Tasting Notes

• Pear, sweet-tart apple, and mango on the nose
• Citrus and honeysuckle aromatics
• Bright fruit entry | Crisp minerality on the mid-palate | Long, clean finish

Pairings: Grilled fish, shrimp, light salads, goat cheese, sushi

Critical Acclaim – Vintage Reference (2021)

• Wine Enthusiast – 91 Points | “A layer of chalk and cocoa coats the blueberry, cassis and violet flavors. Silky and complex, with great purity and a long loam-tinged finish.”

Critical Acclaim – Previous Vintage Reference (2020)

• James Suckling – 93 Points | “Perfumed aromas of dried roses, red berry fruit and licorice. Darker mocha notes too. Medium-bodied yet deep, with dark minerals and spices accompanying fresh berry fruit. Fine and tight tannins. From biodynamically grown grapes with Respekt certification.”

Tasting Notes

Juicy and vibrant with aromas of fresh cherry, pomegranate, plum, and lightly roasted herbs, alongside dried roses and violet. The palate is mineral-fresh and cool, with lively acidity, a remarkable inner tension, and fine, earthy tannins. Transparent, clear, and intensely drinkable — a Blaufränkisch of real precision and character.

About the Wine

Nittnaus is one of Burgenland’s most respected biodynamic producers, farming with Respekt certification — Austria’s most rigorous biodynamic standard. The Kalk und Schiefer (“Limestone and Slate”) Blaufränkisch is sourced from vineyards in and around Jois am Leithagebirge, where the distinctive limestone and slate soils impart a cool minerality and inner tension to the wine. After manual harvesting and sorting, the grapes are fermented spontaneously in wooden vats and aged in used Tonneaux after slow basket pressing.

Food Pairing

Excellent with roasted duck, venison, lamb chops, mushroom risotto, and aged hard cheeses. Serve slightly cool at 16–17°C.

Product Details

• Appellation: Burgenland, Austria
• Varietal: Blaufränkisch 100%
• Farming: Biodynamic – Respekt Certified
• Soils: Limestone & Slate (Kalk und Schiefer)
• Aging: Used Tonneaux
• Vintage: 2021
• Format: 750ml
• Producer: Nittnaus

Diatom Chardonnay — Santa Barbara County 2024

Greg Brewer's Diatom project is built on a single, radical idea: subtraction. No oak barrels. No malolactic fermentation. No extended aging. Just 100% Chardonnay from Santa Barbara County, fermented and aged six months in stainless steel, stripped of everything that typically softens, butters, or blurs the grape. What remains is electric — a wine that tastes like the soil and the sea. The name itself is a clue: diatomaceous earth, the plankton fossil-rich geology beneath Santa Barbara's vineyards, is the terroir this wine is designed to express. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it 94 points and called it "a no-brainer purchase." Wine Spectator followed at 93, James Suckling at 93, Wine Enthusiast at 92, and Wine Advocate at 90. Across the board, the verdict is the same: this is one of California's most precise and honest Chardonnays.

The nose is vivid and pure: exotic citrus, minty herbs, oyster shell, honeydew rind, lime candy, and a whisper of sea spray. On the palate, it is sleek and taut — ripe pear, ginger, pomelo, and brisk lime zest coiled around a mouthwatering thread of acidity. Salinity and minerals run through the finish alongside springtime blossoms and a lingering kick of melon pith. It gains weight and richness with time in the glass without ever losing its electric freshness.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 • Wine Spectator 93 • James Suckling 93 • Wine Enthusiast 92 • Wine Advocate 90 — "A no-brainer purchase for those who love Santa Barbara County Chardonnay."

• Producer: Diatom (Greg Brewer), Santa Barbara County, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Santa Barbara County
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation and aging — no oak, no malolactic fermentation
• Aging: 6 months, stainless steel
• Style: Unoaked, crisp, mineral-driven
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, oyster shell, lime zest, sea spray, pear, ginger, pomelo, saline mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled halibut, ceviche, fresh goat cheese, sushi

A 94-point unoaked Chardonnay at an honest price — Diatom is the benchmark for what Santa Barbara Chardonnay can be when nothing gets in the way.

Winemaker Description

The Grounded by Josh Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon California 2024 is a practicing sustainable California Cab from the Phelps family — crafted with the same attention to detail that defines their storied winemaking heritage. Sourced from premium vineyards across California’s North and Central Coast interior valleys, this blend of 85.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.2% Merlot, 4.5% Petit Verdot, and 4.8% Petite Sirah is harvested at optimal ripeness, carefully fermented for balanced tannins, and aged in oak to preserve varietal integrity. 14% ABV.

The nose leads with heady aromas of black cherry, cassis, and licorice. On the palate, ripe blackberry, dusty cocoa, and sweet oak complement the silky texture throughout a long, aromatic finish.

Pairing Suggestions

• Classic: Grilled ribeye, lamb chops, or a slow-braised short rib.
• Casual: Burgers, BBQ brisket, or a hearty pasta Bolognese.
• Cheese: Aged cheddar, Gouda, or a sharp Manchego.

San Felice Chianti Classico — Castelnuovo Berardenga, Tuscany 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winemaker Description 

To impart highlights of vanilla, caramel and nutmeg, Ron barrel fermented and aged 70 percent of the Chardonnay in French and American oak barrels (20 percent new) for eight months. Fermenting the remainder in stainless steel maintained a bright, fresh fruit balance. The resulting wine has ripe pear and pineapple, and mango flavors highlighted by citrus, Granny Smith apple and hints of baking spices.

The Beringer Founders' Estate Chardonnay is the perfect combination of pear, apple and ripe tropical fruit flavors, with a hint of citrus and a classically round mouthfeel. 

Loosen Bros. Dr. L Dry Riesling — Mosel, Germany 2024

Ernst Loosen is one of the Mosel's most passionate and influential winemakers — a tireless ambassador for German Riesling who has spent decades proving that the grape can be both profound and approachable. Dr. L is his entry-level expression and his most widely sold wine, designed specifically to introduce drinkers to the delicate, racy style that defines Riesling grown in the ancient slate-soil vineyards of the Mosel valley. It is, in Ernst's own words, his "ambassador" for the region — and it delivers that mission at a price that makes it an everyday staple.

The 2024 pours a pale, luminous straw. The nose is bright and inviting — fresh citrus, green apple, white peach, and the distinctive mineral lift of Mosel slate. On the palate, it's refreshing and fruit-driven with a juicy mid-palate, lively acidity, and a crisp, clean, drying finish. Light, invigorating, and endlessly food-friendly — this is Riesling at its most honest and enjoyable.

"Ernst Loosen's ambassador for the Mosel region and for the Riesling variety — the delicate and racy style characteristic of slate-soil Mosel vineyards, at an affordable price for every day enjoyment." — Loosen Bros.

• Producer: Loosen Bros. (Ernst Loosen), Mosel, Germany
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Mosel QbA
• Varietal: Riesling
• Style: Dry
• Terroir: Slate-soil vineyards, Mosel Valley
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, green apple, white peach, slate minerality, crisp dry finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, sushi, Thai cuisine, roast chicken, fresh goat cheese, light salads

The Mosel's most beloved everyday Riesling — slate-driven, refreshing, and priced for every night of the week.

Riff is the organic wine project from Alois Lageder, one of Alto Adige’s most respected and pioneering producers. Crafted from certified organic Pinot Grigio grapes grown in the Delle Venezie DOC, this is a crisp, refreshing, and food-friendly white that over-delivers for its price.

Winemaker Description

Brilliant straw-yellow with a green tint. Fine, fruity, forward varietal aromas. Fresh, lively, and precise on the palate — medium-bodied with a mouthwatering, dry, and crisp finish.

Pairs beautifully with starters, poultry, white meats, and pasta.

• Producer: Riff by Alois Lageder
• Appellation: Delle Venezie DOC, Veneto, Italy
• Grape: Pinot Grigio
• Farming: Certified organic
• Closure: Screwcap
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml

Winemaker Description

Frank on the palate with tastes developed in the bottle. Good body. Smooth and silky, the carbonic content keeps it fresh and lively, providing a long finish. 

Expert Review

The Wine Enthusiast 87 Points by Michael Schachner | Clean white-fruit aromas include a note of pastry. This brut is tight and crisp on the palate, with flavors of green apple, lime and green herb that lead to a fresh finish. 

Melini Chianti Borghi d'Elsa — Chianti DOCG, Tuscany 2024

Melini is one of Tuscany's oldest and most historic wine estates — founded in 1705 in Gaggiano, in the heart of the Chianti zone, and a pioneer in the development of the fiasco bottle that made Chianti famous around the world. Today, Melini farms select vineyard sites along the south-facing slopes of the Elsa River valley, where well-exposed hillsides reach elevations of over 1,200 feet. These high-altitude sites, with their excellent sun exposure and cooling elevation, are ideal for Sangiovese — producing wines of genuine fragrance, elegance, and typicity. Borghi d'Elsa is the estate's classic Chianti expression: a traditional blend led by Sangiovese, crafted to deliver the authentic character of the appellation at an exceptional everyday price.

The nose is intense, fragrant, and elegant: blackberries and raspberries intertwined with violet and Florentine iris — the hallmark floral lift of high-altitude Tuscan Sangiovese. On the palate, it is dry, full, and harmonious with a slightly tannic structure and an elegant aftertaste of toasted almond and fruits of the forest. Clean, food-friendly, and quintessentially Chianti.

"Intense, fragrant and elegant aromas of blackberries and raspberries, with violet and Florentine iris notes. Dry, full, harmonious and slightly tannic, with an elegant aftertaste of toasted almond and fruits of the forest." — Melini Winemaker

• Producer: Melini, Gaggiano, Chianti, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Chianti DOCG
• Blend: 85% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo Nero, 3% Malvasia, 2% Trebbiano
• Vineyards: South-facing slopes of the Elsa River valley, 1,200+ ft elevation
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, raspberry, violet, Florentine iris, toasted almond, fruits of the forest, slightly tannic finish
• Style: Dry, medium-bodied, food-friendly
• Drink: Now through 2027
• Best Paired With: Grilled meats, poultry, lamb, goat, sheep's milk cheese, pasta with tomato sauce, pizza

Classic Chianti from one of Tuscany's oldest estates — Melini Borghi d'Elsa 2024 is fragrant, food-friendly, and one of the great everyday Italian reds under $10.

Josh Cellars California Chardonnay — California 2024

Josh Cellars has become one of America's most beloved wine brands — and for good reason. Founded in honor of winemaker Joseph Carr's father Josh, the label is built on a simple philosophy: craft wines that are approachable, delicious, and made with genuine care. The California Chardonnay is their flagship white, sourced from select California vineyards and crafted to strike the perfect balance between bright fruit, subtle oak, and refreshing acidity. No single flavor overpowers another — just a clean, well-made Chardonnay that delivers every time.

The nose exudes aromas of tropical fruits and citrus married with subtle oak notes. On the palate, this is a beautifully balanced wine: bright citrus and honey up front, with hints of juicy peach, lemon oil, and crème brûlée on the mid-palate. Medium-bodied with a smooth, lingering finish — simply delicious and endlessly versatile at the table.

"Crafted with care so that no single flavor overpowers another — this wine is simply delicious." — Josh Cellars Winemaker

• Producer: Josh Cellars, California, USA
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Tropical fruit, citrus, honey, peach, lemon oil, crème brûlée, subtle oak
• Style: Medium-bodied, bright acidity, touch of oak
• Drink: Now through 2027
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, roasted chicken with fresh vegetables, butter and herb dishes, soft cheeses, light pasta

California Chardonnay at its most approachable — Josh Cellars delivers bright, balanced, and genuinely delicious every single time.

Winemaker Description 

With light refreshing flavors of citrus and green apple, it’s no surprise that it comes from the #1 Italian Wine in America.

Winemaker Description

A wonderfully food-friendly Barbera from one of our favorite producers in Piedmont. Ruby red and medium-bodied with light cherry fruit and great acidity. Lovingly made from organically grown grapes.

Tabaren (from the French “tabarin”) was a venue used for theatre plays, art, and dancing. We are all better dancers after a couple of glasses of wine.

About Icardi

Icardi is a family-run estate based in Castagnole Monferrato in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, farming organically across their vineyards in the Barbera d’Asti and Monferrato appellations. The Icardi family has long been committed to sustainable, organic viticulture — allowing the Barbera grape to express its natural vibrancy, bright acidity, and cherry-driven fruit without synthetic intervention. Their Tabaren bottling is a perennial favorite among sommeliers and wine lovers for its effortless drinkability, food versatility, and honest expression of Piedmontese Barbera at an accessible price.

Food Pairings

Pizza, pasta with tomato or meat sauce, grilled chicken, antipasto, salumi, mild cheeses, and vegetable dishes. One of the most versatile food wines in the cellar — equally at home with a weeknight dinner or a long Italian lunch.

Product Details

• Producer: Icardi
• Appellation: Barbera d’Asti DOC, Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: Barbera 100%
• Certification: Organic
• Vintage: 2024
• Style: Medium-bodied, bright, food-friendly Piedmont red
• Format: 750ml

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi is California’s most trusted everyday wine brand, crafted in the tradition of Robert Mondavi’s commitment to quality and approachability. This 1.5L Magnum — equivalent to two standard bottles — is the perfect format for entertaining, parties, and casual gatherings.

Tasting Notes

Opens with aromas of cherries, berries, cedar, brown sugar, and toast. Flavors of berries, toasted marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker follow with a toasty caramel finish. Medium-bodied and approachable.

Food Pairings

Grilled meats, burgers, BBQ, tomato-based pasta dishes, and aged cheddar. A crowd-pleasing everyday Cabernet Sauvignon for any occasion.

• Producer: Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi
• Appellation: California
• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Style: Medium-bodied, approachable California Cabernet
• Format: 1.5L Magnum (equivalent to 2 standard bottles)

Chalk Hill Chardonnay — Sonoma Coast 2024

Since 1972, Chalk Hill has been one of Sonoma County’s most dedicated Chardonnay producers, crafting terroir-driven wines of character, richness, and elegance from the region’s rolling hills. The Sonoma Coast Chardonnay draws from premium cool-climate sites — including Russian River Valley and Carneros — to deliver the house’s signature creamy texture alongside the crispness and energy that coastal California does best. The 2024 vintage earned 93 points from James Suckling and represents outstanding value: fruit-forward, opulent, and crowd-pleasing without sacrificing precision.

The nose is bright and inviting: Fuji apple, lemon curd, honeydew melon, toasty oak, and baking spices, with a touch of flinty minerality and nutmeg. On the palate, it is mouth-filling and full-bodied — juicy acidity lifts flavors of white peach and ripe citrus, while partial malolactic fermentation adds a touch of creaminess and depth. The finish is clean, generous, and satisfying.

James Suckling 93 — “Fruit-forward and opulent, showing juicy acidity and flavors of white peaches. A mouth-filling, weighty, full-bodied wine. Generous and satisfying with a big burst of flavor and a clean finish.” (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Chalk Hill, Sonoma County, California, USA
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast AVA
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Sources: Russian River Valley, Carneros, and Sonoma Coast cool-climate sites
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fuji apple, lemon curd, honeydew melon, white peach, toasty oak, baking spices, flinty minerality, creamy finish
• Best Paired With: Lobster rolls, grilled prawns, sea bass, roast chicken, creamy pasta, Brie, young goat cheese

Fifty years of Sonoma Chardonnay expertise at an honest price — Chalk Hill’s Sonoma Coast is the crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.

Crisp, fresh and effortlessly cool, our CHANDON Brut is your go-to choice bubbly for entertaining, sipping and gifting. A classic expression of our California vineyards, signature green apple, pear and citrus notes precede a soft, dry finish. 2023 Decanter Bronze Medal 91 Points

2022 Decanter Bronze Medal 88 Points

2022 Women's Wine & Spirits Awards DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL winner!

2022 Sommelier’s Choice Award 88 points SILVER medal!

2022 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition SILVER medal!

Hugel Classic Riesling — Alsace, France 2024

Famille Hugel is one of Alsace's most storied and respected wine dynasties — founded in Riquewihr in 1639 and now in its fourteenth generation of family ownership, making it one of the oldest continuously operating wine estates in the world. From their base in the medieval village of Riquewihr at the heart of the Alsace wine route, the Hugel family has been a defining force in establishing Alsace Riesling as one of the world's great white wine styles: dry, mineral, precise, and built for the table. The Classic Riesling is the family's signature expression — sourced from around half estate-grown fruit from Riquewihr, supplemented by select villages to the north and south, and crafted to showcase the finesse, frankness, and electric minerality that define Hugel's house style. It is their most demanding variety, as Riesling is also the latest ripening — expressing itself best on the steepest slopes with the most complex minerality.

The nose is unusually expressive for a Classic: a kiss of crushed fennel seed rises above pear and lemon — aromatic, precise, and inviting. On the palate, it is super slender and vividly bright, almost sylph-like, with exquisite lemony charm and lemon pithiness. Electric, vivid, and bone-dry, with a lip-smacking finish that is a tonic on any occasion. Wonderful balance and elegance — the ideal partner to fish and seafood.

Vinous 89 — "The palate is super slender and vividly bright, almost sylph-like but with exquisite lemony charm and lemon pithiness. This is an electric, vivid little Riesling; the finish is bone-dry and lip-smacking and should be a tonic on a hot day." (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Famille Hugel, Riquewihr, Alsace, France (est. 1639)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Alsace AOC
• Varietal: 100% Riesling
• Style: Bone-dry
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Crushed fennel seed, pear, lemon, lemon pith, electric acidity, mineral, bone-dry lip-smacking finish
• Drink: Now through 2030
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, oysters, sushi, scallops, lobster, Alsatian choucroute, soft cheeses, asparagus

Fourteen generations of Alsace Riesling mastery — Hugel Classic 2024 is electric, bone-dry, and one of France's most reliably brilliant white wine values.

Winemaker Description 

100% Pinot Grigio - With light refreshing flavors of citrus and green apple, it’s no surprise that it comes from the #1 Italian Wine in America.

A wonderful aperitif and equally splendid with pasta in cream sauces, risottos, veal, chicken and fresh seafood dishes.

67Wine Somm Series Cava Gran Reserva Guarda Superior Brut Nature — Penèdes, Catalonia, Spain 2018

The 67Wine Somm Series is a project created by our in-house buyer and sommelier, Oscar Garcia Moncada — a meticulously curated collection of high-quality, value-driven wines selected to represent the best of what the wine world has to offer at an accessible price. Each label in the series features artwork inspired by iconic New York City neighborhoods and landmarks. The Gran Reserva Guarda Superior is Oscar's prestige Cava selection: a 2018 vintage Brut Nature crafted from the three classic white varieties of El Penèdes — Xarel·lo, Macabeo, and Parellada — fermented separately and aged a minimum of 48 months sur lattes in the traditional Champenoise method. Guarda Superior is Cava's highest quality tier, reserved for wines aged at least 18 months — this wine more than doubles that requirement, delivering a level of complexity and autolytic depth that rivals wines at several times the price.

The color is pale straw yellow, brilliant and clear, with a constant release of fine bubbles forming a delicate crown on the surface of the glass. The nose is extremely fine and fresh: the special aroma of extended cellar aging gives it a personality of its own — croissants, almonds, white fruit, salinity, and minerality. On the palate, varietal flavors mingle beautifully with the character of the aging process, achieving a perfect balance of fine acidity and elegance. The bubbles are very small and delicate, the finish long and harmonious. A Cava of genuine distinction.

"A blend of the three white grape varietals traditionally used in El Penèdes. Fermented separately, then aged 48 months sur lattes using the Traditional Method. Extremely fine and fresh — croissants, almonds, white fruit, salinity and minerality. Very elegant." — Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67Wine Somm

• Producer: 67Wine Somm Series, curated by Oscar Garcia Moncada
• Region: Penèdes, Catalonia, Spain
• Vintage: 2018
• Appellation: Cava DO — Guarda Superior (highest quality tier)
• Blend: 70% Xarel·lo, 20% Macabeo, 10% Parellada
• Method: Traditional Method (Mètode Tradicional)
• Aging: 48 months sur lattes
• Style: Brut Nature (zero dosage)
• Serve: 6°C
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Croissant, almond, white fruit, salinity, minerality, fine persistent bubbles, long harmonious finish
• Drink: Now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Oysters, tapas, seafood, grilled fish, soft cheeses, roast chicken, dry desserts

Oscar's prestige Cava pick — 48 months sur lattes, zero dosage, Guarda Superior — the 67Wine Somm Series Gran Reserva 2018 is Cava at its most serious and compelling.