1969 - Older Wine

Winemaker Description 

Presents a deep violet hue, hinting at its intensity and depth. The nose is complex and alluring, with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and bramble layered alongside subtle notes of mint, violet, and a touch of cola. Accents of black pepper and cedar from French oak lend warmth and spice.

On the palate, the wine is full bodied with the vibrant acidity and structure that define its cool-climate origins. Plush yet grippy tannins provide firm support, giving way to a long, savory finish that balances dark fruit richness with remarkable freshness.

This bold and elegant red pairs beautifully with braised short ribs, grilled lamb, or roasted root vegetables, and will continue to evolve gracefully with age. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Dr. Konstantin Frank Saperavi 2022 is a landmark wine for the Finger Lakes region. Dr. Frank was a pioneer in bringing this ancient Georgian grape to New York in the 1960s, and it has since become one of the winery's most celebrated red wines, often described as a "cool-climate alternative to Syrah."

This is a robust "food wine" that pairs best with rich, savory dishes:

• Meats: Grilled lamb chops, braised short ribs, or venison.

• Vegetarian: Portobello steaks or a hearty lentil stew.

• Cheese: Hard, aged cheeses like Cheddar or a sharp Gruyère.

  
  

   

Memo Summary Description 

The Gruet Brut Rosé is widely considered one of the best sparkling wine values in America. While the winery is based in New Mexico, it was founded by a French Champagne family, and this wine is made using the traditional méthode champenoise—including a full 24 months of aging on the lees (en tirage).

Our non-vintage wines are meticulously crafted to deliver exceptional quality and value in every bottle. Aged sur lie for a minimum of 18 months, these sparkling wines are perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply elevating everyday moments.

This wine is distinct for its deep, nearly garnet-pink color, which is much darker than most salmon-colored rosés.

Aroma: A bright floral bouquet featuring wild strawberry, raspberry, and rose petals. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Bodega Dos Familias "1861" Malbec 2024 is a budget-friendly, entry-level Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina. The "1861" on the label refers to the historical founding of the winery, which is one of the oldest in the region.

The 2024 vintage is a very fresh release, designed for immediate consumption. It is known for its "honest" expression of the grape, often fermented in concrete vats to emphasize fruit purity over heavy oak influence.

    •    Aroma: A "strong nose of earth" mixed with crushed blackberries, fresh plums, and a hint of violet.
    •    Palate: It is described as "juicy" and "smooth." Expect bright flavors of black raspberry, fig, and a touch of red cranberry. Because it sees very little oak, the fruit flavors are primary and unmasked.
    •    Finish: Clean and savory, though some tasters find it a bit "thin" compared to high-altitude Malbecs—making it a perfect "pizza and burger" pairing. 

    •    In 1861, the main building in the winery was built (currently the winery´s museum), which worked as a wheat mill. The water stream that runs across the property allowed for the installment of a hydroelectric wheel which generated energy for cereal grinding. Back then, the property was owned by the Solanilla-Estrella family (who came from Aragon to Mendoza following the "Virgen de la Carrodilla") and was therefore known as the Solanilla-Estrella mill.
By the end of the 19th century, in the year 1894, Mendoza shifted its production to the wine making industry, transforming the wheat mill into a wine-press. This was how the Winery came to be. In that period, the property was owned by Domingo Mauricio. It was then that the winery reached its greatest splendor, producing more than 2 million liters of wine.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

    •    Halliday Wine Companion (Philip Rich): 96 Points – "An absolute cracker... aromas of gently grilled nuts, confit lemon, and a touch of struck match."

    •    The Wine Advocate 94 Points - "The 2024 Circle of Fifths Chardonnay comprises a blend of all five single vineyards. The wine shows a little of all, and in so doing, some of none. There is the austerity of acidity and cavalcade of crushed, salted and pasted nuts, lemon zest, citrus oil and green leaves, coupled finally with the floral and tea-like notes evident in all five cuvées. It's an interesting composition, perhaps a little frenetic, like some of John Coltrane's work (Circle of Fifths is named after the jazz arrangement toward the circle of fifths root movement, whereas Coltrane's proclivity is in thirds, which is unusual. Giant Steps was named after Coltrane's studio album), but pleasurable in just the same way. In its way, this wine endorses and emphasizes the singularity of the single-vineyard wines, but it offers immense satisfaction of its own accord as well. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap."

    •    James Suckling: 95 Points – "Mid-weighted and textural with a strong mineral drive... mouthwatering finish."

    •     
The Wine Front: 95 Points – "Direct, powerful, and potent... it feels like a producer at the top of their game."


 
Winemaker Description  | Blended exclusively from our single vineyard sites, Circle of Fifths captures the strengths of these vineyards in one wine – carefully crafted and fine-tuned over myriad blending sessions. These wines were getting lost in the regional expression, and with the Fifths, these sites come together to tell a new story. 

The 2024 vintage was a more classic Yarra season. A cool start to Spring and ideal flowering conditions led to good fruit set and moderate yields. December was cool and mild, with significant rainfall at New Years and during the first week of January, giving the vines a good drink leading into the heat of February. Mid to late February was drier and warmer than is common in the Yarra, leading to great ripening conditions with no disease pressure and quite a fast vintage. In 2024, all of our Pinot and Chardonnay was ready in quick succession, leading to a compressed harvest - with the whole valley picked in the space of 3 weeks (where it normally spreads across 6 weeks). An exciting ride for our team, but ultimately giving us wines with great flavour, bright acidity and balance.

Memo Summary Notes

The Giant Steps "Circle of Fifths" Chardonnay 2024 is an inaugural, high-profile release from one of Australia's most acclaimed cool-climate producers. Recently named the 2025 Halliday Winery of the Year, Giant Steps created this "Circle of Fifths" series as a premium bridge between their regional blends and their specific single-vineyard bottlings.

The name is a musical reference to John Coltrane’s jazz theories, symbolizing the "harmony" created by blending fruit from all five of their estate single vineyards: Sexton, Tarraford, Applejack, Primavera, and Bastard Hill.

Expert Reviews 

The Tastting Panel 91 Points | Smooth with generous fruit and fine bubbles: fresh, juicy, and clean with a tangy style; a delightful wine and an amazing value. 

The Wine Spectator 91 Points | This sleek sparkler is expressive with its floral apple and toasty cinnamon aromas and crisp, layered flavors of lime and mineral.

Memo Summary Notes

The Gruet Brut Gold Label is a legendary value in the American sparkling wine world. While the winery is located in New Mexico, the Gruet family originally hailed from Champagne, France, and they use the strict Méthode Champenoise (secondary fermentation in the bottle) to produce this wine.

Pair with

• Casual: Salty appetizers like popcorn, potato chips, or fried calamari.

• Sophisticated: Oysters on the half shell or a classic Shrimp Cocktail.

• Main: Fried chicken (the acidity cuts right through the richness).

   

   

Producer Description

This sparkling white wine offers a refreshing and effervescent experience. With its extra dry profile, it is perfect for those who prefer a crisp and light taste. Enjoy the lively bubbles and notes of citrus and green apple in every sip. Ideal for celebrating special moments or simply indulging in a glass of bubbly.

This Friuli-Venezia Giulia based Prosecco wine is a unique collaboration with The Source. Void of all herbicides and pesticides, and grown on limestone and clay mixed with river alluvium, all the grapes are harvested by hand (a rarity with Prosecco DOC wine) and a triage of the free run juice and only the first half of the press juice is reserved for the final bottling.

Primary fermentation takes place naturally while the second fermentation is made with cultured yeast to ensure the right final balance. 

Aged in steel, both wines are racy and straight, with a dosage of 12g/L for the Extra Dry Prosecco and 5g/L for the Brut. Sorgente’s Pinot Grigio sidekick, Tuo is grown in the same vineyards and also hand-harvested with two different pickings to bring greater complexity and range to its profile.

VINEYARD DETAILS | 100% Glera grown 20k south of the Alps and 30km northeast of the Adriatic Sea in Friuli-Venezia Giulia on the western Veneto border. next to a natural spring (sorgente). The vines are planted in 2007-2015 next to a natural spring on alluvial limestone bedrock and topsoil.

CELLAR NOTES | Two-week natural fermentation in steel at 17°C max and a second fermentation started with neutral cultured yeast. 12g/L dosage.
 

This Prosecco is bone-dry and leaning toward a "mineral" profile rather than a fruity/sweet one.
    •    Aroma: Delicate and floral with scents of white peach, acacia flowers, and fresh-cut lime.
    •    Palate: Crisp and vibrant. You’ll find classic notes of green apple and Asian pear, but with an added complexity of chalky minerality and a slightly creamy texture from 60 days of lees aging (bâtonnage). 
    •    Finish: Refreshing and "mouth-watering" with a saline quality that makes it exceptionally food-friendly.


This Friuli-Venezia Giulia based Prosecco wine is a unique collaboration with The Source. Void of all herbicides and pesticides, and grown on limestone and clay mixed with river alluvium, all the grapes are harvested by hand (a rarity with Prosecco DOC wine) and a triage of the free run juice and only the first half of the press juice is reserved for the final bottling. Primary fermentation takes place naturally while the second fermentation is made with cultured yeast to ensure the right final balance. Aged in steel, both wines are racy and straight, with a dosage of 12g/L for the Extra Dry Prosecco and 5g/L for the Brut. Sorgente’s Pinot Grigio sidekick, Tuo is grown in the same vineyards and also hand-harvested with two different pickings to bring greater complexity and range to its profile.

VINEYARD DETAILS | 100% Glera grown 20k south of the Alps and 30km northeast of the Adriatic Sea in Friuli-Venezia Giulia on the western Veneto border. next to a natural spring (sorgente). The vines are planted in 2007-2015 next to a natural spring on alluvial limestone bedrock and topsoil.

CELLAR NOTES | Two-week natural fermentation in steel at 17°C max and a second fermentation started with neutral cultured yeast. 12g/L dosage.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 94 Points | Lush aromas of Damson plums, blackcurrants and dried herbs. The palate is full-bodied with finely integrated tannins and bright acidity, giving notes of mocha, blueberry bush, graphite and licorice. Well balanced and textural. Drink or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points | Spicy, herbal, black cherry, and leather-like notes all emerge from the 2022 Merlot, a medium-bodied, juicy, plump, incredibly satisfying, and delicious Merlot. It has ripe tannins and integrated acidity.

Vinous 91 Points | The 2022 Merlot is packed with blackberry jam, chocolate, licorice, espresso, menthol and tobacco. This full-bodied, potent Merlot packs a huge punch. Then again, this is 2022.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | Pride's 2022 Merlot includes 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Red and black cherries lead the way on the nose, joined by hints of coffee and chocolate. In the mouth, this is full-bodied, plush and velvety yet retains decent acidity and reveals ample length on the finish.

Winemaker Description 

Generous would be an understatement in describing the fruit of the 2022 Pride Mountain Vineyards Merlot. The opulence and finesse of this wine beautifully showcase mountain fruit at its best. Blackberries dominate the first impression before unfurling into attractive aromas of black cherry and ripe plum, carefully accented by hints of bay and chocolate, with a touch of sage.  The juicy, ripe fruit makes for a mouth-watering first sip, but is kept at heel by its considerable tension, owing to the playful interchange of its balanced acidity and supple tannin structure. It is those traits that linger, providing a long, luxurious finish. It is stunning now and will continue to impress for years to come.

Expert Reviews

~ Rosé made using the saignée method
~ Zero dosage
~ Natural
~ Very low sulphur content
~ Aromas of red fruits, mandarin orange and white pepper
~ Pinot Noir

Vinification of the Brut Nature Rosé cuvée

~ Rosé made using the saignée method with maceration in vats lasting 3 days
~ Only the juices from first pressing are used
~ Minimal use of sulphur
~ No filtering
~ Use of gravity to avoid oxidation
~ Then total and natural malolactic fermentation
~ Zero dosage
~ 100% of the wines are made in vats to preserve freshness
~ After bottling the cuvée is aged for 2 to 3 years sur lattes (on laths)

GRAPE VARIETY: 100% Pinot Noir

FOOD PAIRINGS: Ideal as an aperitif. Goes perfectly with salmon carpaccio or scallops, sushi, grilled meats. Serve at: 45°F.

TASTING NOTES: On the nose, very evocative of strawberry and raspberry with a floral note of rose petals. The palate recalls red fruits and is augmented by hints of citrus fruit, mandarin orange and a small, very refined touch of white pepper.

Winemaker Description 

With a straw yellow colour, Yzaguirre Blanco Clasico Vermouth has an intense aroma with herby and spicy notes. Mild balsamic touches give it a pleasant and very unique structure. Fresh and smooth in the mouth and very well balanced, it has notes of vanilla and cinnamon.

Excellent as an everyday aperitif. Serve with 2 anchovy-stuffed olives, 2 or 3 ice cubes and a twist of orange. Serve very chilled.

Memo Summary Notes

The Yzaguirre Blanco Clásico Vermouth is a well-regarded example of the Spanish style of white vermouth, produced by Bodegas Yzaguirre, a house with a long history in the Catalan region (between Reus and Tarragona) dating back to 1884.

Yzaguirre's vermouths are made using traditional, artisanal methods and a blend of over 80 aromatic herbs and spices that are macerated (soaked) in a white wine base.

Cocktails: It works excellently as the Bianco/Blanc component in various cocktails, often where a sweet, less bitter white vermouth is desired:

• White Negroni (often with Gin, and a bitter like Suze or Luxardo Bitter Bianco).

• Martini variations (as a sweeter alternative to Dry Vermouth).

• V&S (Vermouth and Soda): Simple, refreshing, and popular in Spain.

  
  

   

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

James Suckling 90 Points | I love the blue fruit and violet brightness of this amply structured medium- to full-bodied Israeli red. Some bitter chocolate and black licorice character, too. Moderately dry with crisp acidity at the long, straight finish.

Memo Notes

Jezreel Valley Winery is a modern and highly acclaimed boutique winery located on Kibbutz Hanaton in the fertile Jezreel Valley of the Lower Galilee, Israel. It is celebrated for its commitment to creating distinctly Israeli, Mediterranean-style wines and for its pioneering work with local grape varietals.

Truly Israeli Wine: Established in 2011, the winery's core vision is to craft wines that perfectly suit the Israeli climate and palate, moving away from imitation of traditional European styles.

Jezreel is best known for its red blends and its commitment to the indigenous Argaman grape.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Advocate 91 Points | The white 2022 Quíbia was produced with 60% Premsal and 40% Giró Ros and sold as a generic wine without appellation because of the use of the Giró Ros grape. It matured with lees in stainless steel before being bottled. It has 12.9% alcohol and good freshness. Unfortunately, it feels quite reductive and is difficult to read on the nose, but the palate feels vibrant and fresher. Give it a little bit of time.

Memo Notes

The 2022 is celebrated for blending aromatic fruit with a refreshing, savory quality:

Color: Enticing straw-lemon with greenish highlights.

Aromas: A delightful mix of ripe white peach, pear, jasmine, and the striking note of sea brine or crushed seashells. You may also find subtle hints of Meyer lemon and green mango.

Palate: Crisp, lively, and well-balanced. The wine delivers concentrated flavors of ripe peach,

Anjou pear, and citrus zest. Reviewers often mention a silky, almost olive oil-like texture and a savory note of capers or green almond.

Salinity: A distinct salinity runs through the wine, acting as a complex counterpoint to the fruit, which makes it incredibly versatile with food.

Winemaker Description 

Ànima Negra was founded in 1994 when two self-taught friends — Pere Ignasi Obrador and Miquelàngel Cerdà — decided that the wines of their native Mallorca weren’t reaching full potential.

Taking advantage of some unused milk tanks at the dairy farm owned by Pere’s family, they made two barriques of wine from Callet grapes (a native Mallorcan varietal) they’d purchased from local farmers. The initial results were so encouraging that the friends decided to form a partnership and continue pursuing their newly found passion for wine.

Situated in the southeast of Mallorca, Ànima Negra winery produces its wines on the old country estate of Son Burguera, close to the town of Felanitx. The buildings date back to the 13th century, and contain a traditional winemaking area, which historically was used to supply wine for locals living on and near the estate.

Ànima Negra sources its grapes from more than 135 carefully selected parcels of land that the partners either own or control. Virtually all of these parcels are within a six-mile radius of the winery, and most of the vines are 50 to 85 years old.

The 2009 L d’Or delivers a richer, slightly broader expression of this iconic single-vineyard Muscadet while retaining its hallmark finesse and mineral precision. The warmer vintage brings notes of ripe pear, lemon curd, and white peach alongside the classic aromas of crushed granite, oyster shell, and fresh herbs. On the palate, it’s generous yet impeccably balanced, with supple texture lifted by bright acidity and a long, saline, stony finish. A beautifully mature Muscadet that combines depth, freshness, and terroir transparency—released directly from the domaine’s cellar and drinking at a gorgeous point today.

The 2008 L d’Or is a strikingly fresh and finely structured mature Muscadet, drawn from old vines rooted in the estate’s signature granite soils. This vintage shows lifted aromas of citrus oil, green apple skin, crushed stone, and sea breeze, layered with subtle notes of almond and fennel as it opens. On the palate, it’s tense, vibrant, and beautifully chiseled, carrying the classic saline edge that defines great Muscadet. Long, mineral, and impeccably balanced, this is a superb example of how L d’Or evolves with time—precise, elegant, and still remarkably youthful despite its age.

Hailing from the estate’s oldest vineyard, planted in 1968, this Brunello is fermented in concrete with 35 days of skin contact and aged three years in large Slavonian oak casks. It offers a profound expression of Montalcino, with aromas of ripe dark cherry, plum, and subtle spice, complemented by a structured, elegant palate and velvety, integrated tannins. Rich, refined, and age-worthy, it exemplifies the depth and character of Le Ragnaie’s historic vineyards.

2019 vintage: 99 WA, 96 Decanter, 95 Vinous

From the estate’s highest vineyard at 621 meters, this Brunello is fermented in concrete with 35 days of skin contact and aged three years in large Slavonian oak casks. It reveals lifted aromas of dark cherry, plum, and wild herbs, with a vibrant, structured palate, silky tannins, and a long, elegant finish. Powerful yet refined, it beautifully expresses the cool, high-altitude terroir of Le Ragnaie.

2020 vintage: 97 WA, 97 Dunnuck, 93 Vinous, 91 Wine Spectator

Sourced from one of Montalcino’s most prestigious northern crus, this wine is fermented in concrete with 35 days of skin contact and aged for three years in large Slavonian oak. The 2021 Casanovina Montosoli offers concentrated dark fruit, hints of spice, and subtle earthy complexity, all framed by refined, silky tannins and vibrant acidity. Elegant, powerful, and poised for long-term aging, it reflects the estate’s commitment to precision and expression of terroir.

Winemaker Description 

A young, powerful and fruity red wine. Intense ripe red fruit on the nose. On the palate, sweet fruit such as blueberries mingle with violets, scorched earth, and graphite in a plump, powerful, medium to full-bodied wine. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

James Suckling 91 Points | Buttered corn, baked pears, vanilla and white chocolate on the nose, followed by a creamy, full-bodied palate. It’s ripe but shows good freshness. Sweet buttercream notes to close.

Expert Reviews

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | Disgorged in January 2019, the latest release of Gaston Chiquet's NV Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs d'Aÿ is showing beautifully, opening in the glass with scents of crisp yellow orchard fruit, white flowers, blanched almonds and fresh peach. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, bright and charming, with a succulent core of fruit, a delicate pinpoint mousse and a nicely defined finish. Elegant and expressive, this is a beautifully balanced Blanc de Blancs that would make for a perfect aperitif.

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | The base vintage of the NV Champagne Blanc De Blancs D'Ay Grand Cru Brut is from 2019, and it spent 4 years on the lees. A robust style of Blanc de Blancs, it’s assertive with notes of ripe pineapple, preserved lemon, honeycomb, and fresh walnut. Flesh and full-bodied, it has a soft, pillowy mousse, a persistent core of acidity, and a powerful drive through the finish. It will need some age to improve, as its tertiary notes should start to integrate and harmonize, rounding out its muscular personality.

The Wine Spectator 90 Points | Disgorged in January 2019, the latest release of Gaston Chiquet's NV Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs d'Aÿ is showing beautifully, opening in the glass with scents of crisp yellow orchard fruit, white flowers, blanched almonds and fresh peach. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, bright and charming, with a succulent core of fruit, a delicate pinpoint mousse and a nicely defined finish. Elegant and expressive, this is a beautifully balanced Blanc de Blancs that would make for a perfect aperitif.

Winemaker Description 

A vibrant yellow-green in color, the Blancs de Blancs, d'Aÿ Grand Cru offers a delicate and fruity nose of citrus, pineapple, grapefruit with a hint of lemon. Lively on the palate with the finesse of Chardonnay and notes of citrus, white flowers, mandarin, fresh sage, and a long and fresh finish.

• Practicing organic
• 90% Pinot Noir (15% vin rouge), 10% Chardonnay
• 50% 2022, 50% 2021-2020
• From Rilly-la-Montagne 1er Cru and Villers-Allerands 1er Cru
• Clay and limestone
• 35+ year old vines
• No malo
• Fermented and aged in large foudre
• Aged 30+ months on the lees
• Dosage: 8g/L

• The Wine Advocate by William Kelley writes 92 Points |

  Generous and expressive, the latest rendition of Vilmart's NV Brut Premier Cru Cuvée Rubis is showing very well, bursting with aromas of red berries, plums, blood orange and dried flowers. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, with a sapid core of fruit, a pillowy mousse and a lively, delicately phenolic finish, it's already drinking well. This is based on the 2017 vintage, with reserve wines from the 2016 and 2015 vintages, and it was disgorged with nine grams per liter dosage.

• The Wine Spectator 93 Points | Fine and harmonious, this is lightly chalky and refined in texture, showing pinpoint integration of its well-spiced range of pureed raspberry, blood orange granita, lime peel, biscuit and mineral notes and its spine of chiseled acidity. Concentrated yet ethereal. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Disgorged July 2024. Drink now through 2030.
• Allen Meadows Burghound 91 Points | Medium ruby color. The moderately fruity nose is composed of raspberry, cherry, strawberry and lovely yeast, apple and citrus peel whiffs. The delicious and super-yeasty flavors possess fine depth on the clean and relatively dry finish, indeed this is notably drier than what is typical for the genre. Lovely and this is a wine that could be enjoyed now or held for a few years first.
• Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | The NV Cuvée Rubis is vibrant pink, with aromas of wildflowers, wild raspberry, and juicy fruit. The palate is juicy and round, with blood orange, and perfect for relatively near-term drinking over the next 6-8 years.

Expert Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | Medium golden yellow hue, the NV Champagne La Vallée Suspendue Extra Brut is expressive on the nose and leaps from the glass with rounded aromas of lemon curd, merengue, pastry dough, marzipan, and red berries. It has more intensity on the palate, becoming more savory and salty, with a brothy feel, a fluffy mousse, and a chalky, textured finish. This is a solid wine with a lot of character to enjoy over the coming 10 years.

Vinous 93 Points | The NV (2016) Extra Brut La Vallée Suspendue is a blend of 80% Meunier, 15% Pinot Noir and 5% Chardonnay, based on 2016 with 50% reserve wines from a perpetual reserve that goes back to 1999. Those elements combine in a rich, resonant Champagne that is incredibly distinctive. Dried pear, spice, tangerine oil and exotic yellow flowers all build in the glass, but it is the wine's overall balance I admire most. Dosage is 4 grams per liter. Disgorged: June 2023.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024 

The Tasting Panel 94 Points by Michael Franz writes 94 Points | Tavel is the world’s only appellation solely devoted to rosé wines, and Château d’Aqueira is a specialist of a very high order. This wine’s beautiful ruby color displays an unwillingness to tilt toward the wildly popular style of Provence, and it is followed up by wonderfully deep flavors recalling pomegranate and ripe red cherry that remain fresh thanks to a streak of acidity that continues through the finish. Please, let this wine never change.

The Wine Advocate by Yohan Castaing writes 91 Points | Notes of raspberries, wild strawberries, pomegranate and grapefruit preface the 2024 Tavel from Château d’Aquéria, a medium- to full-bodied, round and enveloping wine with a structured mid-palate and a long, spicy and generous finish

James Suckling 91 Points | Dense, fruit-driven and caressing, showing watermelons, crushed berries and mild spices on the nose. Medium-bodied with a delicious, well-rounded and supple development on the palate. Vivid and flavorful.

Winemaker Description 

The intense pink color is characteristic of a great Tavel and shines with bright red glints. Aromas of raspberry and strawberry share the glass with peppery notes. The wine is balanced and flavorful, and the finish is long with caramel notes. It is a gastronomic rosé that pairs with every part of the meal from aperitif through dessert.

Food Pairing | Pair with barbeque, red meat, dessert, or fruit.

Grapes of exceptional quality from a noble terroir allow Château d’Aqueria to craft a quintessential Tavel, widely appreciated as the finest wine of its appellation. Grapes are handpicked from Château d’Aqueria’s own vineyards, which span 163 acres across the sandy slopes of Tavel. The mesoclimate is ideal for cultivating Grenache and crafting crisp, fresh rosé wines. Using its cutting-edge weather station, located in the heart of the vineyards, Château d’Aqueria precisely monitors weather conditions and adjusts vineyard practices accordingly.

The grapes are hand harvested and destemmed, followed by a maceration to extract color. The varieties are blended two by two to enhance aromatic complexity. This is a key step in crafting these Tavel wines as this maceration extracts color, structure, and matter.

The grapes are then pressed before the fermentation undergoing temperature-controlled maceration and fermentation in stainless steel vats for 15 days. This wine sees no malolactic fermentation and no oak contact. A second blend takes place in December before bottling.

This results in a flavorful, vibrant, and food-friendly rosé that can be enjoyed year-round.

Winemaker Description 

This seventh Rendez-Vous is all about the Meunier grape variety from the Venteuil terroir on the right bank of Vallée de la Marne. Its sunny exposure and its predominantly clay soil offer this wine a fine maturity. Made on the base of the 2018 vintage, it benefits from a long ageing on lees for 63 months. Meticulous selection, focusing on the purity of the fruit and the balance of flavours, always with a low dosage. 

Generous, delicious flavours, borne upon infused fruits (cherries in syrup, fresh pear, pomegranate), developing towards a vibrant finish with tart saline inflexions. 

Discover the Rich Flavors of Jacquesson Champagne

Discover the exceptional quality of Jacquesson Champagne Cuvée 748 NV, an exquisite example of the artistry and dedication that defines this prestigious Champagne house. This unique cuvée reflects the terroir of the Champagne region, showcasing a blend of traditional and modern winemaking techniques. A truly gastronomic champagne, 76% base wine from the 2020 vintage was blended with house reserves and aged for nearly four years on the lees, creating a complex and harmonious flavor profile perfect for any special occasion.

Expert Recognition

James Suckling - 94 Points
"Aromas of wild berries, brioche, grapefruit, salted nuts and hints of ginger from this delightfully complex Champagne. It's dry and well structured on the palate, with bright acidity and tight bubbles. Spicy at the end. Based on 2020. 2 g/L dosage."

Chardonnay-Focused Blend

Chardonnay takes the spotlight in this masterful blend, unfolding with bright minerality and layered nuance. The Cuvée 748 NV is crafted with exceptional care, using select vintages to achieve a perfect balance of freshness and depth. As a non-vintage champagne, it distinctly captures the character of the 2020 base vintage while maintaining Jacquesson's signature style. Winemakers emphasize the importance of each grape's contribution, working harmoniously to ensure that every sip is both intriguing and pleasurable.

Tasting Profile

Delightfully complex with aromas of wild berries, brioche, grapefruit, salted nuts, and hints of ginger. The palate reveals layers of citrus, apple, and subtle brioche with bright minerality and layered nuance. Dry and well-structured with bright acidity and tight, fine bubbles that create a refreshing effervescence. The finish is smooth, velvety, and spicy, with a sophisticated elegance that lingers. Nearly four years of aging on the lees adds depth and complexity to this gastronomic champagne.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This truly gastronomic champagne pairs beautifully with:

• Fresh oysters and shellfish
• Grilled or poached fish
• Roasted poultry and white meats
• Rich, creamy cheeses
• Light desserts and fruit tarts
• Sushi and sashimi

Jacquesson House Excellence

Jacquesson is celebrated for its meticulous blending process and commitment to quality and excellence. The house's dedication to crafting world-class sparkling wines is evident in every bottle of Cuvée 748. With its refreshing acidity, fine bubbles, and sophisticated complexity, this champagne makes for an exhilarating tasting experience. Whether raising a toast at grand celebrations, enjoying intimate dinners, or savoring a quiet evening, Jacquesson Champagne Cuvée 748 delivers unparalleled luxury and elegance in each glass, making it a sought-after choice for enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

The 2022 Nerello Mascalese Pirrera is impossible to ignore. It blends crushed blackberries with lavender pastille and hints of candied citrus and spice. This is zesty, with a reverberation of brisk acidity and masses of mineral-doused wild berry fruits. The 2022 finishes with medium length and a chalky concentration, leaving the cheeks puckered with youthful poise as hints of tart blackberry slowly taper off.

Expert Review

The Wine Advocate by Kristaps Karklins 92 Points | Paillard’s NV Bouzy Grand Cru Les Parcelles XX hails from the 2020 vintage and, in keeping with the tradition, incorporates 20% reserve wines. It embodies the signature blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, sourced exclusively from the sun-drenched, south-facing slopes of Bouzy. The bouquet is expressive, unfolding with aromas of pear, ripe citrus and warm spices, mingling with nuances of toasted bread and orange zest. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, showcasing a livelier, more luminous fruit profile than its predecessor, driven by racy acidity and finishing with a pronounced saline finish. True to the estate’s approach, maturation take place in 350-liter oak barrels, with the final cuvée composed from a mosaic of approximately 25 distinct parcels across Bouzy. The dosage is set at two grams per liter. 

Winemaker Description 

Les Parcelles is a precise expression of Bouzy terroir vinified by the Paillard brothers; the powerful Pinot Noir from south-facing slopes is balanced by the finesse of the chalky subsoil. Produced mainly from the 2020 harvest, with 20% reserve wines, this cuvée is composed of 80% pinot noir and 20% chardonnay. Fermented in oak, it is cellared for three years on lees before disgorgement. Dosage: 2 gr/l. 

Expert Review 

The Wine Enthusiast by Kara Newman 91 Points | This Sardinian vermouth has a straw hue and bold tropical fruit aromas. The palate opens and closes with toasted coconut and vanilla sweetness, plus a pineapple hint midpalate. 

Producer Description 

Crafted on the island of Sardinia, Silvio Carta’s “Servito” Vermouth Bianco is a fragrant, Mediterranean expression of the classic aperitif. This 750ml bottling is infused with local botanicals such as myrtle, sage, and citrus peels, layered over a base of Vernaccia wine. It’s elegantly floral and herbaceous, with a subtle sweetness and vibrant, coastal freshness. Enjoy it chilled, over ice with a lemon twist, or as a base for a distinctly Sardinian spritz.

Brewery: Sakata Shuzo • Prefecture: Yamagata • Rice: Oyama Nishiki milled to 55% • Yeast: Jokigen House Yeast • Water: Sakata Soft Water • Sake Meter Value: +1 • Acidity: 1.5 • ABV: 16%

• A classically fruity Junmai Ginjo with a slight savory quality to balance.
• Aromas of pear, move into a medium bodied sake with , notes of stewed black cherries, orange zest and a savory finish.
• Pair with richer dishes like grilled duck breast, miso marinated black cod or maguro sashimi.

The Jokigen is a model Junmai Ginjo, with bold notes of cherry and apple balanced by savory undertones. Classic Yamagata style with its subtle layers of fruit and light sweetness. Made from specially grown Oyama Nishiki developed by a group of Toyama rice farmers looking to develop the ultimate sake rice. They chose Sakata Shuzo as a brewery that could bring out the full potential of the rice.

Winemaker Description 

If you've ever encountered a "warm sake" skeptic, heat up a bottle of this Kenbishi "Kuromatsu" and prove to them that warm sake can be one of life's greatest pleasures. With the right amount of heat (around 104°F), hints of cashews, rice, caramel emerge. This 180ml bottle is designed especially for the microwave – remove the cap and heat for 20 seconds.

One cup sakes were first introduced during the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and are perfect for taking on a picnic, a game, or alongside takeout.

Producer Description 

Bright straw with light green reflections. On the nose, ripe Meyer lemon, pears, stone fruit, as well as hints of freshly baked sourdough bread. Light to medium-bodied, off dry, with an almost creamy texture. Nice, focused bubbles, vibrant, with slightly sweet pear, honeydew, white peach, medium-plus acidity as well as pleasant yeasty notes and sweet lemon on the refreshing finish.

Importer Description 

This Pinot Blanc is a masterful display of subtlety and refinement. Honeysuckle, peaches, and stone don’t shout at, but whisper seductively to your nose and palate." - Kermit Lynch.

Coming from vines located mainly at the bottom of hillsides and on granite soil, this Pinot Blanc borders on insolence in its elegance and deliciousness. It is very far from the classic style that is often found in Alsatian Pinot Blancs, which is quite simple. Here, Jean Boxler has done a real job in the vineyards as well as in the winemaking where we feel a much finer and more mineral side.

On the palate, the attack is precise, there is, as with his Sylvaner, a beautiful maturity that brings a real delicacy. The wine has a sensual texture, very silky, no aggressiveness emerges.

This is really not just a simple Pinot Blanc, it is extraordinarily long, precise and delicious.