2010 - Present Wine

Winemaker Description

The castle of Verduno is a historic Piedmontese estate located in Verduno, the northernmost commune of Barolo. This is made from the Pelaverga grape and is a complex red wine full of savory spices and a lively tannin. "Basadone" is dialect for the poppy flower but doubles as a meaning for a "little kiss" as the locals believe that Pelaverga is indeed an aphrodisiac.

Charles Curtis MW writes:  A classic Aligoté that expresses the essence of the grape with profuse aromas of gooseberry, fresh tarragon and flint. The wine offers bright acidity, medium body and impressive length. The yield was down by an average of 75% this year, with only three bunches per vine, not the 10-12 that are customary, but this light fruit load ensured the grapes ripened to perfection.  Drinking 2022 - 2030  - Decanter 92

Alan Meadows writes:  A very aligoté nose features notes of bright citrus, green apple and a whiff of quinine character. There is both excellent richness and density to the vibrant middleweight flavors that exude a subtle salinity on the clean and quite dry but not really austere finale. This is a very good example and worth a look.  - Burghound

Winemaker Notes

Winemaker Description 

Pretty aromas of ripe boysenberry, dark cherry and cassis, coupled with scents of sweet oak and herbal spice, introduce plush, deeply concentrated, black fruit flavors bolstered by bright acidity and well-structured tannins. This classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon boasts a long, lovely finish featuring savory fruit, spice and mineral tones.

An excellent companion to beef, rich pork dishes and game.

Winemaker Description

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 89 Points | Aromas from the killer B’s—boysenberries and bone broth—and traces of coriander and salted caramel drift lazily from the glass. Flavors like raspberry yogurt, espresso and black pepper are supported by silky tannins and modest acidity, with a texture creamier than whipped butter. (2021).

Winemaker Description

100 % Zweigelt. Deep cherry red color. Black cherry, strawberry and blue plum on the nose with a slight hint of spice in the background. Fruity and clean on the palate confirming its fine, spicy character. Smooth style and smooth drinker. Long, airy finish.

Perfect accompaniment to veal, all kinds of pizzas, pasta, grilled vegetables with falafel and soft cheeses.

Sunny and moderately warm summers with regular precipitation. The winters are cold but less than in the rest of Austria. That is why Vienna's climate is rather called a moderate maritime climate instead of a pronounced continental climate, even though there is no sea nearby. In autumn it can rain a lot.

Soils with a varying content of lime mixed with loam and sand. The variation in soil also makes it suitable for different grape varieties. Low-lying vineyards around Vienna.

Classic vinification in stainless steel barrels. Temperature controlled. Cool to preserve the fruity and pure character of the grape. No wood aging for the same reason. Young style that can be drunk young.

The grapes for this delicious Riesling come from the prized area of Ürziger Würztgarten, in the middle Mosel above the village of Ürzig. Vinified and aged entirely in stainless steel vats, and intentionally released after a minimum of one year in the bottle, it displays classic Mosel mineral and lime notes throughout with bright, crisp acidity and just enough residual sugar to soften the edges.

Winemaker Description

With a dark garnet-red color, the wine shows distinctive, fine aromas of small fruits, raspberry preserves, roses and violets, with an herbal note. In the mouth, the wine has full, lively tart fruit flavors, elegant tannins and a lingering aftertaste, with traces of prunes and toasty oak. 

Expert Review

Vinous 88 points | The 2021 Rosso Piceno Farnio hardly requires swirling as a blast of seductively ripe blueberries, black raspberries and nuances of sweet sage lift from the glass. It rushes the palate with juicy, textural wild berry fruits that are nicely contrasted by a core of bright acidity. This leaves a staining of ripe dark berries and minerals throughout the mouthwatering finale. The Farnio is an amazing value in its price point.

It's a blend of 60% Montepulciano and 40% Sangiovese.

Winemaker Description

The Chianti Classico Riserva has a ruby red hue with a trace of garnet. The nose is elegant, displaying hints of spice and fruit. This is a well-structured wine with smooth tannins and a long finish.

Blend: 100% Sangiovese

Expert Ratings

James Suckling 94 Points | Attractive aromas of ripe cherries, dried strawberries, dried orange peel, spices and crushed stones, following through to a medium to full body with compact tannins that are firm and finely grained. Smooth and textured with vivid fruit underneath and a lingering finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.(2020). 

Robert Parker 93 Points | In the bottle with the black label, the organic 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva offers ripe fruit with measured intensity that never feels heavy or overdone. Achieving this level of balance is not easy in a hot growing season such as this. This wine is characterized by an especially linear and direct personality that pushes it over the palate with good momentum. (2020).

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | A rich ruby color, the 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is a selection from the best vineyards, aged for two years. The nose opens to ripe and polished aromas of toasted cedar, cherry lozenge, menthol, and spiced orange peel. Medium-bodied, it offers ripe tannins that fold into a more mineral texture, with mouthwatering stony earth and a rather long, clean finish.

Wine Spectator 90 Points | A juicy yet firmly structured red highlighted by bright cherry and blackberry fruit. Reveals dense tannins that inform the finish, where accents of earth and mineral linger. Balanced in a youthful, exuberant way. Best from 2025 through 2039.

93 Points Tasting Panel |  Nice complexity from barrel fermentation and aging. Expressive and layered with lemon, pear, apricot, ginger cream, and a hint of licorice. Quite rich and lovely, not to mention a steal for the price.

Zekun Shuai writes  | A very flinty chardonnay with pure limey fruit and a hint of green apples and fine lees. Oyster shells and subtle cream. Quite a different wine from the past. This is salty and zingy with a textured, medium-bodied palate with a pungent, saline-driven finish. Very mineral. Delicious. Drink now. Screw cap.  - James Suckling 93

Aaron Romano writes |  A clean version, with notes of mineral and vanilla mixed with star fruit and yellow apple flavors, picking up spice details on the finish. Drink now.

All the expressivity of a grape variety that seduces from its extraordinary origins. 100% white Tempranillo which clearly demonstrates it purity, refinement and personality. A unique wine.
The white Tempranillo grape is genetic mutation of the red Tempranillo which appeared for the first time in a Rioja in 1988. At that time, it was not expected to be at the forefront of new era for white Riojas. This is a well-balanced wine that is expressive and persistent which is called upon to be the flagship for a new identity. A surprising wine. 

Expert Review

90 Points Vinous | The 2017 Brut Vouvray Pétillant is a lightly sparkling demi-sec style. This is a round and lightly biscuity expression with very fine delicate bubbles but not fully sparkling - the second fermentation uses some residual natural sugar that is retained from the first fermentation. Left on lees for around three years, it develops a light pastry character alongside floral notes and a salty sensation. The mouth-watering acidity combines with an attractive, textural roundness and weight.  

Winemaker Description

This Rutherford-dominated blend of Cabernet Sauvignon complemented by Bordeaux grape varieties offers aromas of blackberry cobbler, plum, and black currants, followed by warm hints of vanilla and caramelized black fruit. A concentrated, silky wine emphasizing varietal expression, richness and balance from start to finish.

Expert Reviews

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | This velvety, opulent wine is rich in baked cherry and blackberry aromas, with dark chocolate and crème de cassis flavors. Layers of fruit and oak spices fill the palate, shaped gently by fine-grained tannins. Best from 2026–2034. (2021). 

James Suckling 92 Points | Attractive aromas of ripe blackcurrants, dried cherries, walnuts, spiced cedar and licorice. Medium- to full-bodied, ripe and dark-fruited with velvety tannin structure and a spicy finish. Better after 2025. (2021). 

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points | A smoking value, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon has loads of up-front cassis and blackberry fruit to go with a layered, medium to full-bodied, juicy style that's already hard to resist. With some classic chocolate, spice, and leafy herb notes, ripe tannins, and a good finish, it's well worth seeking out. It will evolve for a solid 7-8 years or more. (2021). 

Robert Parker 90 Points | While Sequoia Grove's regular Cabernet Sauvignon may rarely win awards, it's been a consistent, reliable performer over the years, and it nearly always represents a good value. The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon features hints of maple syrup, then bold black cherries and cassis. It's full-bodied and supple, easygoing but with enough concentration and structure to be more than just a quaffer. You could do a lot worse with a grilled ribeye, whether at home or at your local steakhouse. (2021). 

Producer Description 

Lirondo from their “Las Escuclillas” vineyard. Grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed, and macerated 12 hours before gentle pressing. The wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel tank, spending 8 months on fine lees before bottling in June 2018 without any fining, filtration or added SO2.

Apple, pear, pineapple, minerals on nose followed by orange peel, honey, lemon on palate. Crisp, dry citrus finish.

Winemaker Description 

Falanghina is the signature grape of the Sannio DOC. This indigenous grape is known for its fresh, mineral, perfume-y and fruit-forward flavor profile, though it can be made in many different styles, including sparkling and passito. The name probably comes from the Latin falangae, referring to poles that were traditionally used to support the vine’s canopy.

Pale lemon-green. Aromas of ripe pineapple, citrus fruits and white flowers. Notes of honeysuckle and toasted almond on the palate are lifted by lively acidity.

Pair with rich seafood dishes, anchovy-based sauces or flavorful, raw ceviche.

Critic Notes

Alison Napjus writes:  Light-bodied and chewy, this easy-drinking red features an earthy overtone, with notes of dried black cherry, tobacco and vanilla. Tempranillo and Garnacha. Drink now.   - Wine Spectator 

James Suckling writes:  Some vanilla spices and mocha to the plums and vibrant red cherry characters. Juicy and medium-bodied with crisp berry fruit. Elegant and easy to drink, even if it is a bit tart in the middle. Drink now.  - James Suckling

Winery

The personalities of Tempranillo and Garnacha come together in Montecillo Crianza to create a lively, fresh, and expressive wine. A Crianza that was aged for 18 months in American oak barrels and six months in the bottle, giving it the finesse and elegance of an authentic Rioja wine. The result of more than 150 years of experience and know-how. A versatile and infallible partner to red meat and Iberian pork roasts or stews and mature cheeses.

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Hailed as the star red variety in Spain’s most celebrated wine region, Tempranillo from Rioja, or simply labeled, “Rioja,” produces elegant wines with complex notes of red and black fruit, crushed rock, leather, toast and tobacco, whose best examples are fully capable of decades of improvement in the cellar.

Rioja wines are typically a blend of fruit from its three sub-regions: Rioja Alta, Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Oriental, although specific sub-region (zonas), village (municipios) and vineyard (viñedo singular) wines can now be labeled. Rioja Alta and Alavesa, at the highest elevations, are considered to be the source of the brightest, most elegant fruit, while grapes from the warmer and drier, Rioja Oriental, produce wines with deep color, great body and richness.

Winemaker Description

Bright and pale gold colored wine. Savory nose of blossom, of exotic fruits and white fleshed fruits. The first impression in the mouth comes from the round and rich palate. Then the citrus brings some freshness which make a quite unique balance.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | A ripe wine, this has tropical fruits freshened with kiwi. It is smooth and spicy, with plenty of perfumed richness at the end. (2022). 

Producer Description 

Our Pinot Gris style falls between the lighter Italian Pinot Grigio and the richer, rounder Pinot Gris from Alsace. The Chateau Ste. Michelle Pinot Gris offers fresh flavors of juicy pear, melon and a hint of spice. 

Critic Notes

Alistair Cooper MW of Jancis Robinson writes 16.5 Points | Tasted blind. Pure strawberry fruit on the nose, rosemary and thyme. Sweet and supple mid palate with a lovely savoury meaty note behind. Excellent energy drives this wine, juicy, fresh and really appealing!   Drinking 2024 to 2030.

Matt Walls of Decanter writes 91 Points | Fine and pretty, precise red berry fruits. Brisk, balanced, and drinkable. Enjoyable zingy acidity. Small but perfectly formed for a 2021 Gigondas. Mostly destemmed, natural yeasts, no acidification.  Drinking 2023 to 2028.

Nicolas Greinacher of VInous writes 91 Points | The 2021 Gigondas Cuvée Tradition 1871 checks in at a moderate 13.7% alcohol. Cropped at 26hL/Ha, it offers shy red fruit aromatics but really comes alive on the palate. Solid flavor concentration flawlessly matches the energizing acidity, all tucked into a corset of gently sculpted tannins. The finish of this 2021 red is distinctively elegant. This spent one year in a combination of concrete tanks and foudres.  Drinking 2024 to 2031. 

Winemaker Description

Intense red with purple hues. Fresh and complex on the nose, with noticeable aromas of red fruits and flowers, such as roses and violets, and balsamic notes. Fresh, fruity and juicy on the palate with a good structure and a long finish. 

Expert Review

90 Points James Suckling | Blackcurrants, raspberries, bark and balsamic on the nose. I like the fleshy texture, with ripe tannins and a medium body. Fresh herbal finish. Drink now.

Winemaker Description

Raeburn Chardonnay shows an array of complex fruit tones ranging from pear and Gravenstein apple to nectarine. The fruit is beautifully complemented with toasted oak, vanilla and hints of Crème Brûlée with a balanced and elegant finish.

Expert Reviews

Tasting Panel 93 Points | We've long been fans of this 100% barrel-fermented wine aged in sur lie for nine months in French and Hungarian oak, but this vintage displays a surge of aromatics and flavors that is truly impressive. Ripe pear and lemon blossom perfume the air as the luxe mouthfeel of honeyed melon caresses the tongue. Intermingling notes of wet stone, charred caramel and yellow apple connect to an arch of bright acidity. The finish is juicy, with a twist of tangerine. Anthony Dias Blue

James Suckling 90 Points | This is creamy offering notes of glazed peaches, dried mangoes and caramel. Full-bodied, dense and viscous yet with vivid acidity coming through. Ripe and tropical in the finish.

Winemaker Notes

The Côtes-du-Rhône Reserve is more serious effort than the regular Côtes-du-Rhône bottling that showcases the estate’s ability to marry richness with finesse. Moderately tannic and endowed with a beautiful structure, this Côtes-du-Rhône develops greedy notes of fresh fruit (crushed strawberry, blackberry) on their crunchiness, supported by a hint of licorice.

Critic Notes

Jeb Dunnuck writes:  Leading off the reds and mostly Grenache, with small amounts of Mourvèdre, Syrah, Carignan, and Cinsault, the 2020 Côtes du Rhône has outstanding aromatics of darker berry fruits, violets, and peppery herbs. It’s balanced, has silky tannins, and is going to represent a great value.  Jeb Dunnuck 90

Joe Czerwiński writes:  A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault, the 2020 Cotes du Rhone features slightly floral, rose-like scents, plus hints of garrigue and black cherries. Medium to full-bodied, it's silky and approachable, a charming, fruit-forward wine to drink over the next 5 years or so.  Drinking 2021 to 2026.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 

James Suckling writes:  The floral side of the grenache grape gives this generous but very nicely balanced Cotes-du-Rhone a lot of charm, and when it leaps onto your palate it steadily gains in depth, thanks to the gentle tannins that build nicely. Wet-earth and warm terra-cotta notes add interest at the polished finish. Drink now.  - James Suckling 91

Kristen Bieler writes:  Ripe and rich, with up-front blackberry and warm plum paste interwoven with singed alder, cured meat and a spicy kick of anise and pepper to close things out. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Syrah and Cinsault. Drink now through 2025.  - Wine Spectator 

Winemaker Descripton

Sophisticated Pinot from a classic California name who is devoted to crafting wine with a bold new world flair while using original rootstock from Burgundy. Always sourced from an exemplary single plot in the cooler regions of Russian River Valley and matured in an abundance of new oak for 12+ months.

The 2022 comes from a cooler Russian River site and offers a complex bouquet of red currants, smoked earth, ground pepper, and exotic floral and rose hip notes. Rich, medium-bodied, and seamless on the palate, its incredibly classy as well as perfectly balanced.

Pair with: baked salmon, roasted pork loin, duck with figs

Winemaker Description

Pure and vibrant with layers of passionfruit, tropical fruit and ripe citrus. Juicy fruit flavors and soft acidity combine to deliver a mouth-watering finish. Capturing all the trademark sub-regional flavors of Marlborough, this Sauvignon Blanc is sure to impress.

Expert Ratings

90 Points Wine Spectator | Shows tropical notes of guava and passion fruit that mingle with plump, juicy flavors of apple, citrus and peach, with details of fresh herbs and honeycomb on the finish. Drink now. 21,000 cases imported.

89 Points James Suckling | A fruity and tropical white with aromas of cut grass, melon, passion fruit and white grapefruit. Medium-bodied, fleshy and fruity with a slight off-dry feel.

Winemaker Description

Its bouquet is intense, pure, pleasant and refined, reminiscent of sweet violet, tobacco, chocolate and pleasant hints of wild berries and vanilla. Its flavor fully confirms the above in a well-balanced, full-bodied wine with good tannins and a solid structure. 

Expert Reviews 

Decanter 95 Points | Altesino counts approximately 50 hectares throughout Montalcino’s northern and southern stretches. A compilation of diverse sites, the estate Brunello is among the denomination’s best values. If the Montosoli bottling is more solemn in tone, this 2019 is joyful and bright. Heady red currant and cherry mingle with plum and anise. The sumptuously fruited, plush palate is mouth filling yet agile. Sandy textured tannins envelop and caress while citrusy acidity lifts the whole. Already accessible, it has sufficient depth, concentration and backbone for a solid decade of enjoyment. (2019). 

Robert Parker 95 Points | The Altesino 2019 Brunello di Montalcino boasts a rich and savory side that this wine wears very well. There is a beautiful level of dark fruit that folds into the wine's velvety texture. Blackberry and plum envelop the palate, adding elegant full-bodied volume and fine tannins along the way. The wine is aged in traditional Slavonian casks, and production reaches 110,000 bottles annually (which is very ambitious considering this level of quality). (2019). 

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | Pouring a rich ruby color, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino offers an attractive nose of cherry candies, sweet herbs, polished leather, and orange oils. It moves seamlessly to the palate with equally harmonious structure and a great, long finish. Medium to full-bodied, it lasts for ages. This is one of those wines that’s going to have a very wide drinking window and is exceptional already. Drink 2026-2046. (2019). 

Wine Spectator 95 Points | This is packed with ripe cherry, plum and raspberry fruit, with floral, mineral, juniper and wild herb accents adding depth and complexity. There's plenty of energy and structure as well, providing excellent balance, with a long aftertaste. (2019).

James Suckling 94 Points | A dark ruby color in the glass, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino opens with a beguiling blend of dusty earth, crushed rocks, savory herbs and dried roses. This is racy and sleek, with vividly ripe wild berry fruits elevated by orange and sage, all guided by vibrant acidity. Grippy tannins take control through the finish, yet the mouth is left watering for more as a bitter licorice tinge and dark chocolate adds a crunchy sensation. (2019). 

Winemaker Notes

Aromas of black fruit. Opens with notes of black cherry and boysenberry. The mid palate is layered with notes of black tea, herb and spice. Balanced and concentrated wine with a smooth and lasting finish. 

Critic Notes

91 Points James Suckling | A fruit-forward, berry-soaked character with dried flowers, cedar and spices. Medium- to full-bodied, bright and succulent with supple tannins. Firm and velvety finish. (2020). 

Winemaker Description

Gamay grown across four hectares of fifty-year-old estate vines mid-slope in Chiroubles. The vineyards face east and are in prime position to soak up the warmth of the morning sun lending ripeness to the vines. Combine this with the cool freshness of altitude and the minerality of poor soils and you have an irresistible combination. Bright red fruits, velvety tannins, and light on the palate. A dream to drink.