2010 - Present Wine

Expert Review

James Suckling 90 Points | A delicious blend of grenache topped with some carignan and syrah. It delivers aromas of redcurrants, blueberries, strawberries and mild spices. Medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins. Simple but silky with a fruity, succulent finish. Very drinkable now.

Our Professional Notes

Ramon Canals Reserva Numerada Cava is crafted using a blend of the three traditional grape varieties of the Penedès region: Xarel·lo, Macabeu, and Parellada. Following the initial alcoholic fermentation, the wine undergoes 24 months of aging on its lees before disgorgement. This extended aging process, combined with the secondary fermentation in the bottle, allows the wine to develop a complex array of aromas and flavors unique to sparkling wines that have aged for several years in the bottle.

Winemaker Description

The Canals Canals family elaborated this cava with the traditional grape varieties from Penedès region Xarel.lo, Macabeu and Parellada, following the Traditional Method, secondary fermentation of wines in the bottle and aged on lees for over 24 months in our cellars. Ramon Canals is an “Organic transition wine”.

Medium dry, acidic, yellow plum notes, ripe pear notes, green apple notes, hint of almond.  Nice fizzy bubbles, citrus, lime, pineapple, and brioche.

GOLD MEDAL – INTERNATIONAL WINE AWARDS 2022

GOLD MEDAL – CATAVINUM WORLD WINES & SPIRITS COMPETITION 2022

GOLD MEDAL – INTERNATIONAL WINE AWARDS 2021

GOLD MEDAL – CATAVINUM WORLD WINES & SPIRITS COMPETITION 2021 

90 POINTS – JAMES SUCKLING 

93 POINTS – MI VINO GUIDE – BEST CAVA IN THE GUIDE

GOLD MEDAL – GILBERT & GAILLARD INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE 2018 

GOLD MEDAL – INTERNATIONAL WINE AWARDS 2018 

GOLD MEDAL – 96 POINTS – 50 GREAT CAVAS 2018 

GOLD MEDAL – INTERNATIONAL WINE AWARDS 2017

BRONZE MEDAL – PREMIS VINARI 2017 

SILVER MEDAL – CATAVINUM WORLD AWARDS 2017

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

Wallter Speller writes:  Lustrous mid ruby. An elegant, fragrant raspberry nose, gorgeous supple and juicy cherry and raspberry fruit on the palate, and with gripping, nutty tannins. Very long and succulent and fragrant.  Drinking 2022 to 2028.  - Jancis Robinson 17++

Audrey Frick writes:  The dark ruby 2020 Chianti Classico is ripe with aromas of black raspberry coulis, red flowers, sweet tobacco, and pine. Elegant and medium-bodied, it fills the palate with supple texture, fine tannins, and an even, well-balanced finish. This is a highly approachable wine that I would be fighting to pour by the glass if I were still running a wine program. Pure, classic, and balanced, it’s a gulpable wine will drink great now or over the coming 6-8 years.  Drinking 2024 to 2032.  - Jeb Dunnuck 92+

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2020 Chianti Classico is super-impressive. It's the sort of wine that needs time to come together, though, so readers should be in no rush. The purity of the fruit is really quite compelling. Dark cherry, plum, cedar, incense and licorice build nicely in a mid-weight Chianti Classico that hits all the right notes.  Drinking 2023 to 2032.  - Vinous 91

Monica Larner writes:  The certified organic San Giusto a Rentennano 2020 Chianti Classico is a clever blend of 90% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo from a unique growing site in Gaiole in Chianti. This vintage absolutely stands out thanks to its ample and generous fruit profile, driven by a warm and sunny vintage. This sees steel, cement and oak. The wine travels over the palate with an elegant and velvety texture. This is an entry-level production of 51,872 bottles (and some magnums), and it hits all the right notes.  Drinking 2022 to 2030.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 93

Bruce Sanderson writes:  A dense red, with solid tannins and lively acidity supporting expressive cherry, raspberry, iron and earth flavors. Balanced, long and will benefit from food or another year or two of bottle age. Sangiovese and Canaiolo. Drink now through 2028.  - Wine Spectator 90

Winemaker Description

It is a Chianti with a traditional style, energetic and elegant, expressing beautiful complexity and cleanliness in the nose. It is aged for at least 10 months in oak barrels and barriques plus 6 months in the bottle and expresses aromas of ripe red fruit and spicy notes, for an agile, fresh and soft sip.  

Winemaker Description

Dark ruby color. Light to medium bodied with aromas and flavors of raspberry, tart cherry, spice with a touch of earth. Supple and balanced with a smooth finish. 

The Bacchus label was created by David Gordon, one of New York’s first recognized sommeliers, and the person responsible for the Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning wine list at Manhattan’s famed Tribeca Grill restaurant. The restaurant opened in 1990 by restaurateur Drew Nieporent and actor Robert DeNiro. Gordon, who is self-taught, began learning about wine in the 1980s just as Kevin Zraly was beginning to educate America on the world of wine. At the time, there were very few non-French somms working in the city and the British-born Court of Master Sommeliers was in its infancy.

While he tasted and learned about the best wines on the planet, which included expensive Burgundies and Rhône wines, Gordon always kept the consumer top of mind.“I started the Bacchus line as a fun, cool thing to do,” says Gordon. “There really weren't any wines associated with sommeliers at the time.  Now there are many, but these were definitely among the first. I named the wine after the person I worship- Bacchus.”

Gordon has kept to his original promise that wines with the Bacchus label will always be affordable and delicious. “People want ripe fruit and a clean taste that’s not too oaky or tannic,” he says. The wines are refreshing, they can be drunk as an aperitif before dinner or with a meal."

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

James Suckling 91 Points | A fresh and fruity rosé with aromas of sliced lemons, candied cantaloupe, peaches and a touch of strawberries. Medium- to full-bodied with light phenolics and a crunchy and lightly chewy finish. A blend of mostly grenache with some mouvedre and cinsault.

Winemaker Description 

Gulp Hablo Fresco is an easy drinking, light-bodied wine that’s full of fresh herbs, strawberries, cherries, wet stones, and straight up deliciousness. It straddles the line between rose and red wine and reminds us of adult Kool-Aid in the very best possible way. This is an absolute no-brainer for the warmer months; drink it chilled!

50% Garnacha (Carrascosa de Haro), 15% Syrah (Carrascosa de Haro),  35% Airen – Macabeo – Verdejo (Pasaconsol y Carrascosa de Haro)

Tasting Notes:  Cranberry, Cherry, Raspberry, Spice

Gulp Hablo is the dream of three brothers, Francisco, Javier and Luis Parra. The hope was to celebrate their home of La Mancha by raising organically and biodynamically grown grapes. The winemaker behind Friend and Farmer and Hand Work is the same person making Gulp/Hablo.

This chillable red is a co-fermented blend of 5 organic/biodynamically grown grapes. It is soft, bright, light-bodied, refreshing, and fruit forward. Chill a bottle and sip it by the pool or on tar beach for a enjoyable summer afternoon. It will also pair well with roasted vegetables and grilled seafood.

Winemaker Description - Vintage 2023

This Chardonnay grapes come from a single vineyard in Carneros that is influenced by the cooling effect of the Pacific Ocean allowing for a long growing season. The grapes are fermented in French concrete tanks and aged in barrels 3+ years old. The concrete vessel fermentation enhances the aromatics of the varietal, increases the mineral character and highlights the terroir and vineyard site.

This year, Minuty has chosen Australian artist Elliott Routledge to dress the iconic M cuvée.
With this creation, Minuty offers us an ode to the French Riviera: it embodies the excellence and refinement of the terroirs of Provence. The new design features colors and motifs inspired by the South-East of France, highlighting Minuty's home region and the production of the famous cuvée M.

Winemaker Description 

Notes of red fruit dominate the nose. The palate is greedy and round, with crunchy fruit. A slight sweetness tempers its liveliness. An introduction to the expression of Provence rosé.

Tasting Notes: The limited-edition Elliott Routledge, in Côtes de Provence appellation, seduces with its delicate pink color and subtle aromas. This rosé offers a palette of fresh flavors, blending fruity notes of peach and red berries with floral notes that will delight every palate. It also has a fine balance between liveliness and deliciousness. Perfect for moments of conviviality, Minuty M is a must-have in Provence.

This cuvée, a collaboration with an artist, is the same as the traditional Cuvée M, only the bottle's packaging is different.

Winemaker Description 

The wine shows floral, apple and citrus aromas and flavors, with mineral notes; a classic expression of Chardonnay from this appellation.

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins of 67Wine.com writes | Chenin Blanc is a grape that generally flies under the radar screen, which to me is baffling given its charming character and pleasant drinkability. Father and son Francois and Julien Pinon work exclusively with Chenin Blanc on their 15 hectare estate in the Vallée de Cousse. Their work in the vineyard is in complete in harmony with natural and they have been certified organic by Ecocert since 2003. 

The 2022 Vouvray Buvez du Bon Pinon sports a gorgeous bouquet reminiscent of a walk through an orchard field during spring blossom. Aromas of white stone fruits, peaches, pears, wildflower honey and quince emerge from the glass with lively fanfare. Energetic and effortless in the mouth with refreshing lift and well balanced vibrant acidity, with a long and tangy delicious finish. 

This is a wine that will add cheerful accompaniment to chicken, seafood, salads and vegetable dishes.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

John Gilman - The View From The Cellar writes 94 Points | The special old vine bottling of Vouvray Sec, “Buvez du Bon Pinon”, made its debut in the 2020 vintage. Readers may remember that Julien Pinon made this wine in hommage to his greatgrandfather, Camille Pinon, and the wine is made from vines planted by Camille in the immediate aftermath of World War II in 1945, in a parcel of Silex Noir soils. The wine is barrel-fermented and raised in the same old casks, which happen to be the oldest that the family still owns. The 2022 follow-up to the brilliant 2020 version is also outstanding, offering up a deep and complex bouquet of apple, quince, beeswax, flinty soil tones, white lilies, iris blossoms and a touch of citrus peel in the upper register. On the palate the wine is bright, full-bodied, young and complex, with a rock solid core of fruit from these ancient vines, great soil signature, zesty acids and superb balance on the long, vibrant and very promising finish. The 2022 version is a touch more reticent out of the blocks than the 2020, which wore its heart on its sleeve upon release, and tucking this beautiful bottle of Vouvray in the cellars for a handful of years before pulling corks would be well rewarded.

Winemaker Description

On the nose, it is straightforward and clean, with intense fruity aromas of blackberry, red currant, and banana. The wine is fresh and lively on the palate, very pleasant and long, leaving intense memories of red fruit.

Loads of strawberry and cherry aromas with soft acidity and a creamy finish thanks to carbonic maceration.

Pairing recommendation: Appetizers, rice, salads, dry pasta,white meats and light cheeses.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Clive Pursehouse writes:  Savoury, dark and brooding, this wine is a blend of vineyard sites with thin top soils over fractured basalt—a fascinating study in variety and terroir. The rocky soils lend the wine structure and ample texture alongside its dark fruited core—Aromatics of Damson plums and Mission figs accented by a touch of spearmint. The palate is rich with baking chocolate, ripe pluots, red apple skin and blood orange.  Drinking 2023 to 2030.  - Decanter 93

James Suckling writes:  Attractively savory nose of mushrooms, sea urchins, cherries, slate and green strawberries. It’s sleek, savory and mineral, with a medium body, fine-grained tannins and a more stony finish. Unfiltered. Drink now or hold.  - James Suckling 92

Tim Fish writes:  Gracefully structured, with a vibrant beam of cherry and raspberry flavors accented by stony minerality and dusky spices. Builds richness toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2030.   - Wine Spectator 93

Winemaker Description 

The Basalte Pinot Noir is our bedrock bottling from the Willamette Valley. It is sourced from vineyards that have fairly thin volcanic clay topsoil over fractured basalt. This type of very rocky soil lends itself to muscular, firmly structured wines, with persistent length. The Basalte captures this expressive character of the soil, with deep red fruit and a fine tannic structure that maintains elegant style.

Expert Review -Vintage 2020

Jeb Dunnuck writes:  Moving to the reds, the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape is one of the riper, broader, sexier wines in the vintage. Blackberries, roasted herbs, cured meats, chocolate, and Provençal garrigue all define the aromatics, and it’s full-bodied on the palate, with a powerful yet balanced style. Classic cuvées don’t get much better than this in 2020. It will keep for 10-15 years. The blend is 70% Grenache and 30% Mourvedre, brought up all in concrete.  Drinking 2022 to 2037.  - Jeb Dunnuck 93

Kristen Bieler writes:  Plum sauce and cassis reveal earthy, leafy dimension that brings savory freshness to this full-throttle red, which is formidable in structure and frame, with bolts of iron, black tea and persistent yet refined tannins taking this over the finish line. Long and powerful, with smokiness weaving through. Grenache and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2035.   - Wine Spectator 94

Nicolas Greinacher writes:  A delicious blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Mourvèdre composes the 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It soars from the glass with fragrant aromas of crushed violets, raspberry, wild strawberry, blueberry, licorice and mint. Full-bodied and layered, it's polished and refined, with a juicy core of fruit and good persistence on the bright finish.  Drinking 2024 to 2038.  - Vinous 92

James Suckling writes:  Wild berries, tar, dried herbs and cloves on the nose follow through to a medium to full body with firm tannins. Structured and focused with a crisp core of berries leading to the chewy and salivating finish. From organically grown grapes. Unfiltered. Drink or hold.  - James Suckling 92

Matt Walls writes:  Broad and full on the palate. Concentrated but not heavy, the alcohol slightly warming. It suits the traditional style, however, and this wine provides plenty of bang for buck in a traditional style. It’s lush and generous. Produced with destemmed fruit, and fermented and aged in concrete.  Drinking 2024 to 2030.  - Decanter 92

Expert Ratings

Matthew Luczy writes:  Sourced from the limestone soils of Talinay Vineyard, the 2023 Cordillera Chardonnay is a lovely example of the transparent vibrancy possible in Chardonnay from the coastal sections of Limarí. Opening with a medley of orchard fruits, citrus and floral accents, the palate is clean and precise, with a touch of waxy breadth that provides additional staying power through the mouthwatering finish.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 92

Producer Description 

Fresh, fruity aroma dominated by peach, white plum, and grapefruit notes, with touches of toasted hazelnut. Mineral on the palate, with plenty of volume, elegant acidity and lasting rich fruity aromas, ending with a fresh, pleasant aftertaste.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Neal Martin of Vinous writes 94+ Points | The 2022 Gloria was picked from 12-26 September and matured in 40% new oak, slightly less than the Saint-Pierre. It has a perfumed, floral nose with crushed violet infusing the black cherry and blueberry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with sumptuous tannins that belie the structure underneath. With pure fruit and well-judged acidity, this 2022 is sensual with a persistent and lightly spiced finish. Superb.

Jeb Dunnuck 94-96 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com: "A gem in the vintage is going to be the 2022 Château Gloria, which comes from 50 hectares of vines and is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. Harvested between September 14 and 26, with yields of 34 hectoliters per hectare, it offers an inky purple hue to go with medium to full-bodied aromas and flavors of crème de cassis, ripe black cherries, spicy oak, and graphite. Hitting 13.8% alcohol and aging in 60% new French oak, it's a pure, layered, elegant yet concentrated Saint-Julien that readers will love. Tasted twice." 5/23
James Suckling
94-95 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "A linear and very fine wine with blackberry, blueberry and currant character. Hints of cedar and stone. Medium to full body. Linear and fine finish. Very well done." 04/23

Producer Description 

This is poised and elegant with notes of bitter chocolate, crushed walnuts, black peppercorns, blackberries and blackcurrants. It’s medium-bodied with silky tannins and layers of fresh black fruit. Classy. Try from 2026.

Winemaker Description

This beautifully aromatic wine leaps out of the glass with concentrated notes of red currant, boysenberry, cassis, roasted coffee and dark chocolate, along with savory undertones and notions of sweet oak. On the palate it is rich and mouthcoating, with a seamless texture and supple tannins framing luxurious layers of dark berry fruit, barrel spice and fresh herbs. 

Our Professional Review

We first drank this Cote-du-Rhone at one of our favorite local restaurants Manny’s Bistro where I am addicted to the Magret de Canard (duck breast) and Dorothy loves the mussels Marinieres and Provencal. This medium bodied Rhone is fruit forward without being overwhelmed by the fruit, balanced acidity allows it to work with both the duck and the mussels and more it just is quaffable, happily we stroll home (-:

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

The Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | Very high-toned and stylish aromas of just-ripe dark cherry, licorice, and soft garrigue create a precise and inviting nose. Refreshing acidity keeps the palate lively and delicious, enhancing the salty minerality that adds juiciness to the lavish black fruit. This wine is sure to impress friends—be sure to grab an extra bottle. 

Winemaker Description

This Côtes du Rhône is full of fresh, juicy red fruit and a refreshing floral note. Its smoothness, freshness and delicate characteristics offer immediate pleasure.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

The Wine Advocate by Joe Czerwinsk 89-91 Points | Tasted as a hypothetical blend taken from several foudres, the 2020 Bandol should be about 70% Mourvèdre and 25% Grenache, with the balance a mix of Carignan and Cinsault. At this stage, it comes across as a bit stern and ungenerous, despite ample ripe notes of black cherries and dark chocolate. It's full-bodied, finishing with a hefty dose of dusty tannins. 

Winemaker Description 

Provence, France. Organic. Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsualt, Syrah, Carignan. Gives up classic leather, garrigue, underbrush and sweet black raspberry notes on the nose. Medium-bodied, supple, sexy and with fine tannin, it’s a forward, ready to go beauty to drink over the coming 5-7 years. 

Winemaker Description

A Columbia Valley Cabernet crafted to highlight concentrated Washington red fruit in an accessible style. This is an inviting Cab with plenty of complexity and structure with silky tannins.

It’s also very versatile with food. Enjoy it with beef tenderloin or pasta.

Expert Rating - Vintage 2020 

90 Points Wine & Spirits - Best Buy | Straight-ahead red, this wine is dark and lean, offering scents of caramel, cedar, plum and mint. It’s a steal for the price, with firm, slightly bitter tannins to put up against a smash burger. (2020). 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

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

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

Winery Notes

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

Winemaker Description

Pheasant's Tears is a winery located in the Republic of Georgia that produces a fantastic deep and rich red wine from the Saperavi grape variety. The Pheasant's Tears Saperavi has a bouquet of dark fruit, blackberry, black cherry, and plum, with a hint of spice and a touch of smokiness. 

As you taste it, you'll find that the wine is full-bodied and has a chewy tannin structure that is well balanced by the fruit and acidity, culminating in a long persistent finish. This wine can be enjoyed with various meat dishes and particularly complements hearty stews and roasted lamb. With its exceptional quality, the Pheasant's Tears Saperavi is an unforgettable treat for your senses. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description 

An elevated everyday choice, the 2023 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay arrives right on time by awakening the nose with notes of crisp green apple, and the warm sweetness of honey. First sips bring the strong citrus and unmistakable acid of preserved lemon peel, followed by the comfort of toasted graham cracker crust and a subtle whisper of light oak.

Enjoy on a summer evening alongside a chicken piccata or roasted seasonal squash

Winemaker Description 

Beautifully lush and expressive, this alluring Merlot draws you in with aromas of black currant, black cherry, boysenberry, and sweet baking spices. On the palate, it is plush and polished, with silky tannins carrying the luxurious dark berry, creamy mocha and bittersweet chocolate flavors to a long, supple finish. 

The rich and fruity profile of this Merlot makes it a great match for:

• Grilled ahi tuna steak

• Roasted meats, Prime Rib, Lamb Chops

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Vinous by Joaquín Hidalgo writes 90 Points | The 2023 Terras Gauda, sourced from O Rosal, combines Albariño, Caiño Blanco and Loureiro. It presents green aromas of bay leaf, mint and herbs with notes of white fruit, pear and orange blossom. Vibrant and broad on the palate with malic acidity and a direct herbal finish, this wine delivers character and balance.  

The Wine Spectator by Alison Napjus writes 88 Points | A bright, light-bodied white, with a lightly fleshy and appealing profile of pineapple, blood orange, ginger biscuit and white blossom notes. Albariño, Caiño and Loureiro. 

Winemaker Description 

The 2023 Terras Gauda O Rosal is an exemplary bottling of a truly stellar Spanish white wine. Full-bodied with soft acidity, this wine is lively on the palate, with predominant flavors of ripe peaches, tangerines and orange peel, coupled with delicate earthy notes and floral undertones. A well-rounded Galician white wine, hints of mint and a soft creaminess culminate on the finish, providing a fresh, youthful and vibrant mouth feel. 

At once complex and easy to drink, the estate suggests pairing this wine with seafood, cream-based dishes, dishes with rich sauces including Asian food, and meals with a combination of chicken and rice. 

Winemaker Description 

A bright colour with clear legs that herald what is to come, the aromas rapidly announcing that this is a very charming and almost heady wine. Delicate floral notes of rose and jasmine interact with hints of yellow fruit: peach, Mirabelle and tropical fruit: lychee, mango, dragon fruit. The bouquet is expressive but not overly so; it retains a sense of refinement and nuance, a true Hugel wine. On the palate it is fine and delicate, not too weak; it invites you to travel afar and enjoy it with strong flavoured dishes. The precision of the final note could even lead some of its detractors to become reconciled with this strong-headed grape variety.

Food Pairing

Gewurztraminer is an invitation to accompany a variety of spicy Asian dishes as well as smoked salmon and strong cheeses

Winemaker Description 

Lively fruit and minerality on a zesty palate. Slightly sweet, with a dry finish. Unfined, unfiltered.

Founded in 1891, the Brand winery has been producing wine in the Pfalz for five generations. Their vineyards are located on limestone-rich soils around the village of Bockenheim, in the northern part of the region, along the border of the Rheinhessen. Daniel and Jonas' father, Jürgen, always farmed their vines responsibly, but when his children took over, they immediately transitioned to organic viticulture, gaining certification in 2017. The Brothers Brand also utilize biodynamic treatments, always experimenting to discover which practices work best in their vines. All of their wines are made with little, if any, added sulfites. 

Wonderfully aromatic with lively fruit and minerality and a lovely zest and charge on the palate, perfectly balanced by the residual sugar. The Feinherb Riesling has a slight sweetness on the attack, though the sugar melds perfectly into the body, finishing dry and crisp. No fining or filtration and minimal use of sulfur.

Expert Reviews- Vintage 2022

The Tasting Panel 92 Points | Streamlined, with velvety tannins, this balanced red surpasses expectations for its price point. Creamy notes of black cherry, vanilla, and purple plum bathe the mouth, giving way to a delectable finish of spiced LOHR black currant.

James Suckling by Claire Nesbitt 90 Points | Currants, sage, roasted plums and cloves on the nose of this rich and spicy red. It’s full-bodied, plush and toasty, with ripe tannins.

The Wine Enthusiast by Matt Kettmann 90 Points | Damp earth aromas lead quickly into sharp yet ripe cherry aromas on the nose of this bottling. Likable flavors of black cherry greet the palate, as wet clay, cocoa, mint and mace flavors add impressive complexity at this price point. 

Memo Summary Notes

The half-bottle size is perfect for a solo dinner or a casual weeknight meal:

• Classic Pair: A grilled ribeye or New York strip steak.

• Casual: A gourmet burger with blue cheese and caramelized onions.

• Vegetarian: Portobello mushroom steaks with garlic and balsamic reduction.

Expert Reviews

Winemaker Description

Mevushal. Suppose you hear Zinfandel and immediately think of sweet pink wine. In that case, you owe it to the wine lover inside you to get a bottle of Baron Herzog Zinfandel, a colossus of red wine from California's iconic kosher winery. 

In the same way, Napa is synonymous with the great California Cabernet Sauvignon. Lodi is known as the perfect site for growing Zinfandel. And that is where Baron Herzog winemaker Joe Hurliman sources his fruit for this bottling, a heady, jammy, spicy masterpiece with gigantic fruit flavors and a silky intensity. With a smoky note that comes through on the finish, this is a hedonist's dream served with smoked brisket.

Baron Herzog Old Vine Zinfandel offers a rich texture and lovely notes of cherry compote, cranberry and black pepper.

Our Professional Review

Rand Sieger from 67Wine.com writes | 'Alte Reben' is German for 'Old Vines.'  This estate grown and bottled Riesling comes from a small family winery in the lower Mosel in the tiny village Thörnich.  Discover the beautiful balance and energy of this dry riesling that drinks way above its price point. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

Decanter 96 Points | Delightful, extra juicy red and black fruits give graciously and generously with a mouth-filling texture and soft, silky tannins. The coolness of the Sonoma Coast takes the salty sea air and places it squarely on the grapes to give this wine a lovely saline finish. The great structural envelope will protect this wine for the future. It will last and last.

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | Fresh and lively, offering a delightful stream of raspberry and mulberry coulis flecked with a mouthwatering savory edge through the pure, pinpoint finish. Textbook vintage and AVA profile. Drink now through 2031.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | The 2021 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast has gregarious aromas of red and black cherries, mint, forest floor and allspice. The medium-bodied palate features generous, spicy fruit structured by grainy tannins and juicy acidity, and it has an easygoing finish.

Winemaker Description 

Eleven small, independent family-owned vineyard sites come together in this gorgeous display of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. This blend displays classic coastal traits of lively fruit graced with. Complex and inviting aromas of red fruits include Morello cherry and wild strawberry. A warm spice mix of cinnamon, clove, anise and coriander accompanies subtle notes of forest floor and pink flowers. The palate is full and finishes with good purity supported by refined tannins and fresh acidity. This 2020 offering is a lovely expression capturing the elegance and purity that are hallmarks of Pinot Noir at its best.

.Eric Asimov writes:  (Reviewed December 27, 2022) Most cooperatives in Champagne make large amounts of routine wines, primarily for supermarkets. Chavost is an anomaly. It’s a small cooperative that produces natural wines, made without commercial yeasts or any additions, even sulfur dioxide, the widely used stabilizer and antioxidant. It’s a risky approach, but the results are excellent. This cuvée is primarily chardonnay, with 20 percent pinot meunier and 3 percent pinot noir. It’s bone-dry and chalky, well-balanced and deliciously refreshing.   - The New York Times

Winemaker Description

At Bonterra, we grow wine organically and sustainably, treating the land with deep respect. We plant native flowers around our grapes to attract beneficial bugs, and welcome songbirds and chickens into our vineyards to eat up pests. We even employ sheep to mow between the vines.

In our vineyards, every living thing is connected and we all work together to create pure, flavorful wine.< sourcing from celebrated Mendocino County vineyards with various microclimates and soil types results in a complex, bright, fruit forward Pinot Noir. After hand harvesting, the fruit was gently de-stemmed and moved to small open-top fermenters for a three-day cold soak. It was then inoculated with select yeast strains for fermentation. The cap was punched down daily to reach the desired color and level of phenols.

After a gentle pressing in a basket press, the wine was settled and transferred to 100% French oak barrels where it underwent malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged in French oak for ten months and then fined with organic egg whites prior to bottling. This Pinot Noir has aromas of strawberry and raspberry, accented with hints of oak spice and vanilla. In the mouth, this wine is rich with nice soft tannins and flavors of berries, vanilla and spice that fade into a lovely long finish.