2010 - Present Wine

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2018 

Wine Advocate 93 Points | Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Benchland Select gives up intense cassis, stewed plums and cedar chest notes with hints of licorice and wild sage. Medium to full-bodied in the mouth, the palate has a taut, grainy texture supporting the muscular black fruits, finishing long and mineral tinged.

James Suckling 92 Points | Ripe blueberries, blackcurrants, blackberries, spearmint, cocoa and walnut on the nose. Full-bodied with firm, fine tannins. Supple, flavorful finish. Drink or hold. 

Expert Reviews- Vintage 2013 

Josh Raynolds of Vinous writes 96 Points |  (made with 50 percent whole clusters) Bright purple. A complex, intensely perfumed bouquet of fresh black and blue fruit, candied licorice and Asian spice scents develops a sexy floral note as the wine opens up. Vibrant and appealingly sweet on the palate, offering intense, smoke-tinged black currant, boysenberry, floral pastille and spicecake flavors energized by a refreshing snap of juicy acidity. Blends richness and vivacity with a deft hand and finishes extremely long and gently tannic, leaving a sappy blue fruit note behind. Drinking 2023 - 2032.

James Suckling writes 97 Points | The most brooding nose of the trio of La La's with dark coal smoky aromas and dark stones, graphite and cocoa powder. Fruits are in the very dark plum and blackberry spectrum but flavors are held in a more savory mode with assertive, powerful clean-cut tannins that hold endless length. Truly a masterpiece. Best from 2022 and for two decades or more.

Joe Czerwinski of The Wine Advocate writes 94 Points | The 2013 Cote Rotie La Mouline shows none of the vintage’s sometimes dry tannins. It offers crisp black fruit—plums and blackberries—underscored by hints of pencil shavings, espresso and grilled meat. Suave and long, it should drink well for a couple of decades. Drinking 2020 - 2035. 

James Molesworth of the Wine Spectator writes 96 Points | Very ripe, with layers of fig, boysenberry and plum compote forming the core, inlaid liberally with licorice snap, roasted apple wood and Turkish coffee notes. Shows lots of heft, but everything pulls together on the finish, exhibiting drive and definition. Best from 2020 through 2040. 65 cases imported.

Jeb Dunnuck writes 94+ Points | One of the more restrained and fresh vintages of this cuvée out there, the 2013 Côte Rôtie La Mouline still has a classic Mouline floral, gamey, and spicy bouquet to go with medium to full-bodied richness and depth on the palate. With good concentration, notable complexity, sweet tannin, and plenty of length, it needs 3-4 years of bottle age and will keep for 15+. Drinking 2022 - 2037.

Richard Hemming MW of Jancis Robinson writes 18/20 Points | Hickory smoke, violets, tobacco, black-cherry fruit, pepper and a touch of stemmy herbal character. Super-fine tannins, and quite light body with a finish that isn't as expansive as the palate. Still young, so the length may well develop. Drinking 2019 - 2033 

Winemaker Description

70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. Average age of the vines is 44 years. Replanting of these vines takes place in lots. 222 acres producing 22,000-30,000 cases.

Expert Reviews

Wine Spectator 97 Points | Rather tight, with an alluring whiff of cocoa that lures you in before disappearing into the core of steeped plum, roasted fig and blackberry coulis notes. Sandalwood, black tea and loam elements fill in on the long and expansive finish. This seems to be lying in wait for what could be a very long time in the cellar before unfurling fully. Best from 2018 through 2045. 15,833 cases made.

Wine Enthusiast 100 points | Almost black in color, this stunning wine is gorgeous, rich and dense. It s grand and powerful, with a strong sense of its own importance. The beautiful tannins and the fragrant black currant fruits are palpable. It s a great wine, with huge potential.

Wine Advocate 98 Points | The 2010 Lafite Rothschild, a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot (a 3% difference from the barrel sample shown two years ago), achieved relatively high alcohol of 13.32%, according to administrator Charles Chevalier. The wine is very impressive, not as fleshy, flamboyant and massive as the 2009, but nevertheless, a big, rich, full-throttle Lafite-Rothschild meant to age a half century or more. Deep purple, with notes of white chocolate, mocha, cedar and charcoal as well as hints of vanillin and creme de cassis, the wine is full-bodied yet has that ethereal lightness that makes it a Lafite. Rich, with good acidity, precision and freshness, this is a slightly zestier version of the 2009 as well as more restrained and structured than that particular vintage. It will need at least 10-12 years of cellaring and keep for 50+ years.

98 James Suckling: This has a complex array of blackberries, black cherries, cocoa, dried herbs, slate, tobacco, olives and charred bark. Some dried roses and iodine, too. Medium-to full-bodied with firm yet refined tannins. Powerful, in an understated way. Long. 73% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc and 20% sangiovese.

98 Wine Spectator: Youthful, featuring intense fresh black currant, blackberry and black cherry fruit wrapped in accents of cedar, Mediterranean scrub and toasty oak, with a mineral streak underlining everything. Shows a solid spine of tannins that lend support, while the dark fruit returns on the finish. Delivers terrific balance, vigor and excruciating length, yet this needs time in the bottle. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc.

97 Decanter: Wonderful raspberry and black cherry fragrance on the nose, ripe and sweet and expressive, aromas bursting from the glass. Fleshy and sweet, sticky and full, this is giving a whole load of ripe, plush tannins and powerful fruit but underpinned by bright acidity that keeps things lifted and vibrant. A very serious wine, this is brooding and confident. It's showcasing lots of elements right now - ample, generous, hefty and stylish with flecks of red flowers, white pepper spice, ground coffee, herbs and chocolate.

The 2019 Solaia is fabulous. Deep and exquisitely layered, the 2019 is so expressive right out of the gate. Succulent dark cherry, plum, licorice, incense, pipe tobacco, chocolate, and grilled herbs all take shape. Here, too, the aromatics are alluring. Cabernet Franc is bumped up a bit in teh blend, and that works so well here. Solaia is often a bombastic, intense wine. The 2019 is incredibly refined and ubttoned up. The 2019 Solaia is the sort of wine I would like to spend a whole evening with. Aging was 18 months in 100% new French oak.

Winemaker Description

The 2019 vintage Solaia is deep ruby red in color. The nose offers complex notes of red fruit, apricots and red oranges with hints of rose petals. Distinct aromas of coffee beans, chocolate, licorice and white pepper complete the rich bouquet of this red wine. On the palate, the wine is enveloping and harmonious with excellent balance and structure. Vibrant tannins lead into an exceptionally long finish. 

Blend: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Franc

Expert Review

John Gilman 96 Points | This is my first taste of Domaine des Closiers top bottling, les Trezellières, which is made from a parcel of old vines and given fully two years aging in barrel, with somewhere between ten and twenty percent of the casks new. The 2019 les Trezellières is beautifully deep and refined aromatically, delivering scents of black cherries, cassis, Cuban cigar wrapper, a very complex base of soil, a touch of Cheval Blanc-like menthol, a gentle dollop of tree bark, cedar and a topnote of cigar smoke. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, elegant and rock solid at the core, with great focus and complex, superb soil undertow, fine-grained tannins and a very long, pure and classy finish.

The small percentage of new oak gives this wine more refinement than the les Coudraies bottling, but because it is no more than twenty percent new oak, the wood influence is far more subtle out of the blocks than in Clos Rougeard’s Le Bourg bottling, which is the closest comparison I can think of for this brilliant young Saumur Champigny. Give this beautiful wine plenty of time in the cellar to properly resolve its tannins and completely blossom! (2019). 

Expert Reviews 

Wine Spectator 94 Points | A very fresh, floral-laced style, offering a bright beam of cassis and plum gelée laced with flashes of violet, hibiscus and rose petal. Nicely grounded through the finish, with alder and warm earth hints filling in. Approachable, but this has more to show in time. Best from 2023 through 2036. (JM)

Wine Advocate 94 Points | Delicate herbal shadings accent the cassis notes on the nose of Corison's 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon. It's classic Corison, balanced and concentrated without being showy or weighty, silky in feel, with a long, lingering finish and two decades of ageability. (JC)Decanter 94 points Alluring aromas of dark cassis, graphite, cedar and wild herbs. It has a striking depth with layered flavours and texture, and while restrained now it is incredibly well-built and in need of time in the cellar to fully shine. Reveals subtle hints of fresh black and blue berries, currants and dried herbs tinged with red florals. Finishes with polish, energy and poise. (JC)

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Lots of dark, blackcurrants, cassis, darker chocolate, and hints of violets emerge from the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, a medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced St. Helena Napa Cabernet Sauvignon offering nicely integrated acidity, terrific balance, and a great finish. This quintessential Cathy Corison Cabernet shines on all accounts. It's going to evolve for two decades. (JD)

James Suckling 94 Points | A perfumed nose of blackberries, dark cherries, cedar, cocoa and nutmeg. Violets too. Medium body with fine tannins and bright acidity. Fresh and refined with a bright core of wild fruit and a long, flavorful finish. Drink or hold. (JS)

Vinous 93 Points | The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is full of charm. It offers all of the natural intensity of the year, with bright acids that keep the flavors bright. Sweet red cherry, plum, cedar, tobacco and spice all build effortlessly. This open-knit yet classically built Cabernet is likely to offer a wide window of drinkability over the next 15-20 years. As always, Cathy Corison's Napa Valley Cabernet is a blend of three sites in St. Helena. (AG)

Wine & Spirits Magazine 96 Points | The 2019 vintage might be something of an outlier for Cathy Corison, who picked two weeks later than usual, taking advantage of the cool season from summer into fall. This wine is, in fact, an idealized version of her benchland cabernet sauvignon, holding on to the elegance she regularly achieves, while adding a luscious textural beauty that more often comes from bottle age. James Conley of NYC’s Keen’s Chophouse found the aroma suggested a more delicate wine than the density and extract this one carries in its “cabernet grape tannins and intriguing, lifted fruit. If someone said, ‘I love Napa, but show me what I’m missing.’ I’d say, ‘Well, try this.’” Warm and explosive in its energy, this wine carries an imprint of the benchland soils in the play of darkness and light, in the detailed tannins that make you crave another taste. (JG)

Tasting Notes

Alma White is a floral, full-bodied dry white — a kiss from the Galilee. Crafted from an expressive blend of Roussanne, Viognier, Colombard, and Grenache Blanc, it delivers layers of white blossom, stone fruit, and fresh herbs with a lively, food-friendly finish.

About the Wine

The Alma series from Dalton Winery is made for simple pleasures — dinner with friends, a picnic in the park, or snacks at sunset. Sourced from Dalton's Galilee vineyards, this white blend reflects the winery's commitment to expressive, terroir-driven Kosher winemaking at an approachable price point.

Food Pairing

Perfect with mezze spreads, grilled fish, roasted vegetables, and fresh cheeses. Equally enjoyable on its own, well chilled.

Product Details

• Appellation: Galilee, Israel
• Varietals: Roussanne, Viognier, Colombard, Grenache Blanc
• Style: Dry White Blend
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Certification: Kosher, Kosher for Passover
• Dietary: Vegan-Friendly
• Producer: Dalton Winery

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2016

Wine Spectator 95 points | This has a lovely core of creamy anise-infused plum, blackberry and boysenberry flavors that showcase themselves a bit more vividly than many Margaux peers in this vintage do, with substantial but velvety grip and lots of extra violet, graphite and black tea notes adding to the long flow of a finish. Really beautiful feel. Best from 2023 through 2038.Wine Enthusiast 97 points Dark tannins work with the sophisticated structure of this wine. The very fine tannins are an important element of the wine, giving shape to the ripe black fruits and acidity. This wine, rich and structured, is set for a long development. Drink from 2026. Cellar Selection.

Wine Advocate 97 points | Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Rauzan-Ségla drifts effortlessly from the glass with fragrant rose hip tea, candied violets and chocolate box scents over a core of fresh blackcurrants and black cherry compote plus wafts of tobacco and dusty soil. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers a great mid-palate of softly textured black and blue fruits with loads of floral nuances and a refreshing lift on the finish. The blend this year is 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, harvested between September 20th and October 15th at an average yield of 45 hectoliters per hectare. It was aged for 18 months in French oak, 60% new. The alcohol is 13.5%.Decanter 95 points There's an array of flavours and complex aromatics on offer here. It's powerful and brooding, with a lyrical acidity that helps to lift up the relatively foursquare tannins on the attack. After a few minutes in the glass it begins to ripple with menthol, liquorice root, grilled cedar and sweet spices. It needs time to settle, of course, but is extremely classic, and will go the distance and then some. Matured in 60% new oak.

Jeb Dunnuck 98 points | I continue to love the 2016 Rauzan-Ségla, a thrillingly complete, flawlessly balanced, and borderline perfect Margaux that should be snatched up by readers. Notes of cassis, graphite, tobacco leaf, and earth all give way to a full-bodied effort that has building tannins, no hard edges, and a level of purity and elegance that’s just about off the charts. Given its purity and balance, it’s accessible today, but it will be best with 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 3-4 decades.

James Suckling 98 points | The aromas of blackcurrants, sweet tobacco and sandalwood are tantalizing. Then it turns to subtle, dried fruit. Full-bodied with dense and powerful tannins, yet ending with finesse and vertical nature. Very deep. Power with finesse. Try after 2025. 

Stunning Pinot from the cool, high-altitude Colchagua Valley. Grown on volcanic soils and aged in concrete egg and neutral oak. Light, bright color with high aromatic intensity of fresh strawberries and red fruit such as currants and raspberry. On the palate, mineral with high acidity, along with ripe, soft and persistent tannins. 

Very aromatic with bright, structured strawberry and raspberry fruit, wet leaves, and stoney minerality. Sustainably farmed. Winemaker Description.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019 

Joe Czerwinski writes:  Whitehall Lane's 2019 Merlot Napa Valley actually contains 87% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. Slightly candied cherry notes mark the nose, framed by vanilla and touches of dried tobacco, while the medium to full-bodied palate is succulent and juicy, textured without being overly rich or tannic.  Drinking 2022 to 2030.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 90

James Suckling writes:  Vibrant, fruity nose of ripe plums, raspberries, mulberries, licorice and nutmeg. Some chocolate orange, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with creamy tannins. Plush, round and succulent. Drink or hold.  - Wine Spectator 91

Tim Fish writes:  Refined and structured, with expressive red currant, toasty mocha and tomato leaf tones that gather tension and polish toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2029.  - Wine Spectator 91

Winemaker Description 

This Merlot offers notes of raspberry croissant, red currants, cocoa powder, and layers of graphite. The palate showcases fine, firm tannins alongside chocolate cherry lollipop, red plums, dried goji berries, and toasted brioche. It is supple in texture and shows attractive depth on the finish. Winemaker Description. 

Clos Cibonne Cuvée Tradition — Côtes de Provence Rosé 2024

Clos Cibonne’s Cuvée Tradition is unlike any other rosé in the world. One of only 18 Crus Classés of Côtes de Provence, this legendary estate sits at Le Pradet in the foothills of the Maures mountains, overlooking Toulon’s harbor. The proximity of the Mediterranean brings cool ocean air through the summer; the east-west ventilation from the mountains ensures perfect vine health. The result is a terroir of rare distinction — and a rosé that has captivated serious French wine collectors for decades.

Made exclusively from estate-grown, organic Tibouren — the rare indigenous grape that defines Clos Cibonne — with a touch of Grenache to meet appellation blending guidelines. After an early morning manual harvest, grapes are destemmed and direct-pressed. The must ferments with native yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel, then the wine is racked into 120+ year-old foudres where it ages biologically for one full year sous-voile, under a thin veil of fleurette. The result is a rosé of extraordinary texture, substance, and complexity — salmon-orange in color, enchanting and warm on the nose with smooth spicy aromas, and winy, mellow, and surprisingly mineral on the palate.

“Rich and full… texturally very pure and integrated, with a beguiling mix of sea salt–coated pink grapefruit, rose petal and tangerine notes. Notes of chamomile tea and a green herbal thread add complexity through the succulent, penetrating finish.” — Wine Spectator, 91 Points (Prior 2023 vintage)

• Producer: Clos Cibonne, Côtes de Provence, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Classification: Cru Classé de Provence
• Site: Le Pradet, 50m elevation
• Blend: 90% Tibouren, 10% Grenache
• Vine Age: 30+ years, goblet trained
• Soil: Calcareous clay
• Farming: Organic
• Vinification: Direct press, native yeast fermentation in stainless steel
• Aging: 12 months sous-voile in 120+ year-old foudres
• Size: 750ml
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2034+
• Best Paired With: Bouillabaisse, grilled sea bass, lobster, Provence-style lamb, aged goat cheese

A rosé that ages like a great white Burgundy — Clos Cibonne Tradition is the benchmark for what Provence rosé can truly be.

Winemaker Description

This fresh, fruity, semi-sweet wine displays aromas and flavors of ripe, juicy berries with dark chocolate undertones.

The perfect balance between sweetness and acidity makes for a refreshing approachability. It is a versatile food wine, best served slightly chilled. 

Memo Summary Notes

The 2023 Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz is the ultimate "guilty pleasure" wine for those who prefer their reds without the bite of heavy tannins or dryness. Hailing from South Africa’s Western Cape, this wine specifically targets the gap in the market for high-quality, non-sparkling sweet reds. 

Jam Jar was created by acclaimed winemaker Bruwer Raats with the belief that "sweet wine lovers deserve a well-crafted option." Unlike many budget sweet reds, this uses high-quality Shiraz grapes (some from 14-18 year old vines) and avoids artificial flavors or colorings. It’s a popular choice for sangria bases or for those transitioning from sweet cocktails to red wine.

Winemaker Description

The 2019 Bernardot is dark and austere with wonderful nuances of ripe red fruit. Tannins are very silky and delicate in this 2019, showing a lot of finesse, typical from the Barbaresco area. It’s an elegant and very expressive Barbaresco. One of the favorite vineyards of winemaker Alessandro Ceretto.

Expert Reviews

Wine Advocate Monica Larner 95 Points writes | The organic Ceretto 2019 Barbaresco Bernadot shows a broader character and a more open-knit personality compared to the Asili. There is a lot of dark fruit, spice, truffle and earth to frame the medium-build of this elegant wine.  (2019).

Wine Spectator 94 Points | A bright red, delivering a core of cherry and raspberry fruit supported by earth, mineral and wild herbs. Intense, complex and dense, this is solidly built and persists with an aftertaste of dark fruit, mineral and spice. Best from 2025. (2019).

Winemaker Description

The wine is medium bodied and moderate in tannin, with some beautiful suppleness to the mid-palate that reflects the moderate summer, accompanied by a touch of extra richness from the hot autumn weather. 100% Certified organic and dry farmed.

Expert Review

James Suckling 91 Points | Aromas of crushed herbs, sliced plums, blackcurrants and violets. Full-bodied with powdery tannins. Bright acidity pairs nicely with the fresh red fruit on the palate. Could use another year to come together. Best after 2023. (2020).

Winemaker Description 

The delicate and complex olfactory expression opens on aromas which remind of white flower, exotic fruits. There is a very beautiful complexity for a vintage where the end-of-season’s sun brought a lot to the aromas. Excellent complexity that translates into great and elegant richness. Nice attack, straight and bright, it takes place with elegance on fruity notes associated with a dense structure and a beautiful acidity which brings a great length in the end of the mouth. There are aromas of exotic fruits (litchi, mango).

Purchased by the Comte Lafond, an ancestor of the current owner, Baron Patrick de Ladoucette, Château du Nozet and its surrounding vineyards have a reputation for producing the finest Pouilly-Fumé. The vineyards are in Pouilly-Fumé Contrôlée, which includes Pouilly-sur-Loire, Saint-Andelain and Tracy-sur-Loire at the eastern end of the Loire Valley (including the vineyard of the Château du Nozet estate).

Both clay and limestone influence the delicate characteristics in Ladoucette Baron de L Pouilly-Fumé. This Grande Cuvée of Pouilly Fumé is produced exclusively in the best years and from the first pressing of the estate’s grapes. Winemaker Description. 

Defaix Frères Rully 1er Cru Les Cloux — Burgundy 2022

Defaix Frères is a family domaine with deep roots in the Côte Chalonnaise, farming 11 acres of Rully Premier Cru holdings that have been in the family for generations. Les Cloux is one of Rully’s most prized Premier Cru vineyards — a south-facing site that captures the full warmth of the Burgundian sun while retaining the limestone-driven minerality that defines the appellation. The 2022 vintage was a gift: a warm, dry growing season that produced Chardonnay of exceptional ripeness and concentration, with the structure to age gracefully for a decade or more. At this price, it is one of the most compelling Premier Cru values in all of Burgundy.

The color is a luminous golden straw. The nose is refined and expressive: ripe citrus, green apple, white peach, and delicate white flowers, layered with warm spice and a signature note of roasted hazelnut from judicious oak élevage. On the palate, it is fresh and beautifully balanced — crisp acidity framing a subtle creamy texture, with flavors of lemon zest, orchard fruit, and gentle limestone minerality leading to a long, clean, and elegant finish.

“Delicious, open, and friendly — ripe, crisp apples and pears with an undercurrent of warm spices and roasted hazelnut. A judicious use of oak.”

• Producer: Defaix Frères, Rully, Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Rully 1er Cru Les Cloux AOC
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Holdings: 11 acres of Rully Premier Cru
• Style: Refined, expressive, mineral-driven white Burgundy
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, green apple, white peach, white flowers, roasted hazelnut, warm spice, limestone minerality
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 8–10 years
• Best Paired With: Roast chicken, lobster, seafood, creamy pastas, egg dishes, patés, soft cheeses

Premier Cru Burgundy at an honest price — Defaix Frères Les Cloux is the Côte Chalonnaise at its most compelling.

Vinous 90 Points: The 2023 Chardonnay Central Coast opens with a honeyed bouquet of wild flowers, ginger shavings and freshly sliced nectarines. This sweeps across the palate with ease, clean and bright, with vivid green apple fruit. It leaves the senses pleasantly refreshed as nuances of chamomile fade.

Crafted in a bright, fruit-driven style that showcases the best of California Chardonnay, Justin Winery Chardonnay Sonoma County 2023 offers remarkable balance, freshness, and approachability. Sourced from select vineyard sites, this expressive white wine opens with inviting aromas of ripe pear, golden apple, honeydew melon, and citrus blossom, complemented by subtle notes of vanilla, baking spice, and toasted brioche.

On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and beautifully textured, delivering layers of juicy orchard fruit, lemon curd, and stone fruit flavors supported by lively acidity and a gentle touch of oak. The finish is clean, refreshing, and persistent, making it an exceptionally versatile Chardonnay for both casual enjoyment and food pairing.

Elegant yet accessible, this Sonoma County Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled seafood, creamy pasta dishes, crab cakes, lobster, and mild cheeses.

Tasting Notes

• Aromas: Pear, golden apple, citrus blossom, melon, vanilla
• Palate: Apple, peach, lemon curd, baking spice, subtle oak
• Body: Medium-bodied
• Style: Fresh, balanced, fruit-forward Chardonnay
• Finish: Clean, bright, and lingering

A polished and crowd-pleasing California Chardonnay that delivers exceptional value and everyday drinkability.

Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur Meursault Les Corbins — Côte de Beaune 2023

Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur is one of Meursault’s most respected family estates, known for wines of precision, tension, and genuine terroir expression. Les Corbins is a southeast-facing lieu-dit located north of the village of Meursault on the road to Volnay, sitting just beneath the premier cru Les Plures — a position that speaks to the quality of the site. François Bitouzet farms a hectare and a half of Chardonnay here, planted between 1974 and 1987 in a particularly deep and rocky clay-limestone soil that imparts the wine’s signature intense minerality and acid-driven tension. Aged 16 months in 20% new barrels, this is a textbook Meursault of excellent weight and complexity — a village wine that drinks with the authority of a premier cru.

The nose is enchanting: intense minerality, subtle buttercream, spice, and a lifted touch of mint. On the palate, it is weighty and precise — the Bitouzet house style of acid-driven tension is fully on display, with the deep clay-limestone soils delivering concentration and structure alongside the classic Meursault richness. A wine of real distinction that will reward cellaring.

67 Wine — “Les Corbins sits just beneath the premier cru Les Plures, and it shows. Intense minerality, buttercream, spice and mint — with the acid-driven tension that defines the Bitouzet-Prieur house style. A village Meursault that drinks like a premier cru.”

• Producer: Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur, Meursault, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Meursault AOC
• Lieu-Dit: Les Corbins (SE-facing, north of Meursault village, below premier cru Les Plures)
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Vine Age: Planted 1974–1987
• Soil: Deep, rocky clay-limestone
• Aging: 16 months, 20% new oak barrels
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Intense minerality, buttercream, spice, mint, excellent weight, acid-driven tension, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink 2025–2035+
• Best Paired With: Lobster, roast turbot, scallops, roast chicken with cream sauce, aged Comté

Southeast-facing, clay-limestone, vines from 1974 — Bitouzet-Prieur’s Les Corbins is the village Meursault that earns its place among the greats.

Antinori Santa Cristina Toscana Rosso — Tuscany 2023 750ml

Santa Cristina is the everyday Tuscan red from Marchesi Antinori — one of Italy’s oldest and most storied wine dynasties, with over 600 years of winemaking history in Florence. Blended from Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, it is crafted to deliver the warmth, generosity, and food-friendliness of Tuscany in an approachable, everyday format. The 2023 vintage is vibrant and expressive — a wine that overdelivers at its price and earns its place on any Italian table.

Ruby red with violet hues. The nose is fruity and inviting: fresh cherry, blueberry, and currant meet delicate hints of vanilla and cocoa. On the palate, it is enveloping and supple — medium-bodied with flavors of red cherry, mint, blueberry, and black pepper, a light oak touch, and a smooth, fruit-forward finish that lingers pleasantly.

• Producer: Marchesi Antinori, Florence, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Toscana IGT
• Blend: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
• Style: Medium-Bodied Red
• ABV: 13%
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherry, blueberry, currant, mint, black pepper, vanilla, cocoa, smooth finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now
• Best Paired With: Roasted meats, cured meats, hard cheeses, Caesar salad, pizza, pasta al pomodoro

Six centuries of Tuscan winemaking in every bottle — Santa Cristina is Antinori’s gift to the everyday table.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

Vinous 93 Points | The 2023 Flycatcher is a blend of 36% Zinfandel, 15% Cinsault, 13% Petite Sirah, 13% Carignane, 10% Tempranillo, 9% Merlot and 4% Syrah. Crushed red berry fruit, blood orange, cinnamon and crushed flowers soar from the glass. This vibrant, exuberant red offers tons of forward fruit buffered by brisk acids that add notable energy. Eminently quaffable, the 2023 also has plenty of complexity to satisfy more intellectually curious wine lovers.

Winemaker Notes

A love letter to California, Flycatcher is our newest wine that celebrates the wonderful and diverse terroirs of our home state — from Lodi to Los Carneros. An ambitious prospect we know, capturing the whole of California in a bottle, but we’ve been guided by some seriously inspiring growers and treasured vineyards that fitted together in a way that felt, and tasted, just right.

Frog’s Leap Flycatcher 2023 is a California red blend crafted to showcase the diversity and vibrancy of the state’s wine country. It’s designed as a fresh, approachable, and food-friendly wine made from a mix of grapes sourced “with intention” from heritage vineyards across California, reflecting different terroirs beyond the winery’s Napa home.

The blend typically features a variety of varietals — including Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Tempranillo, Cinsault, Carignane, and Syrah — that together create a generous, fruit-forward profile with red berry aromatics, savory depth, and balanced structure. The result is a versatile, everyday red that’s vibrant and layered, with flavors of ripe strawberries, blueberries, spice, and herbal notes, making it easy to enjoy on its own or paired with a wide range of foods.

Bérêche et Fils has been producing Champagne since the mid-19th century, and the estate’s reputation as one of the finest in the entire region has only grown under the stewardship of brothers Raphaël and Vincent Bérêche. Their approach is uncompromising: single-vineyard plots, minimal dosage, no malolactic fermentation, and a deep respect for terroir that allows each site to speak with clarity and precision. The result is a house style that is unmistakably racy, mineral, and built for the long haul.

This Cramant Grand Cru is a singular expression of one of Champagne’s most celebrated Chardonnay terroirs — a finely defined, powdery, and ethereally fresh wine resting upon an incredible bedrock of chalk. The nose is ample and delicate, evoking hawthorn against a backdrop of slightly damp chalk. The palate is unctuous and pure, revealing notes of iodine and extraordinary mineral tension. The finish — soft, chalky, and seemingly endless — gives way to the sheer emotion that only a great Cramant can evoke. A magnificent vintage with excellent aging potential.

Varietal: Chardonnay (Blanc de Blancs)
Vintage: 2020
Appellation: Cramant Grand Cru, Champagne, France
Style: Extra Brut / Zero Dosage
Farming: Biodynamic
Bottle Size: 750ml

Expert Review — Vintage 2024

Vinous — 90–92 Points (Neal Martin, June 2025) | The 2024 Chablis Vaudécorse opens with a well-defined bouquet of damp moss and gladed pond, with an earthier personality that sets it apart 

The palate is fresh, taut, and very crisp — malic in style with a dash of white pepper toward the finish. 

Old-school Chablis for those who appreciate a touch of bitterness and mineral tension.

Producer Notes

Domaine Gilbert Picq is one of Chablis' most respected traditional producers. Didier Picq lost around 50% of his 2024 crop but still produced the full range of cuvées, harvesting from September 19. Eschewing any wood contact, the wines are steely and classically structured — built for the cellar, not the moment.

En Vaudécorse is a premier-quality lieu-dit that showcases the stony, Kimmeridgian terroir of Chablis at its most expressive. Give this wine a few years and it will reward patience with remarkable precision and depth.

• Winery: Domaine Gilbert Picq
• Appellation: Chablis, Burgundy, France
• Lieu-dit: En Vaudécorse
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml
• Oak: Unoaked — stainless steel
• Style: Steely, crisp, mineral, traditional
• Drinking Window: 2026–2034

Producer Notes — Vintage 2024

“Cabochard” means stubborn in French — and it’s exactly what Stéphane Sérol’s father called him when he declared he was breaking from regional tradition to make a bone-dry rosé. The name stuck, and so did the wine. Screaming stone fruit and florals with vibrant acidity and freshness, Cabochard stands in proud opposition to the off-dry style typical of the Côte Roannaise.

Made from Gamay Saint-Romain — a rare local variant of Gamay — farmed biodynamically and certified organic, this is a rosé with real character and a great story behind every sip.

Vinification

Direct press → cold settling → indigenous yeast fermentation → malolactic fermentation → 3 months in cement tank → light filtration. Bottled by the Domaine’s team in lightweight glass with a screw-cap closure.

• Producer: Domaine Robert Sérol
• Appellation: Côte Roannaise, Loire Valley, France
• Varietal: Gamay Saint-Romain
• Viticulture: Biodynamic, Organic (FR-Bio-01-Ecocert certified)
• Vintage: 2024
• ABV: 11.5%
• Format: 750ml
• Closure: Screw-cap
• Style: Bone-dry, vibrant, aromatic rosé
• Service: Serve at 11°C; can be cellared up to 2 years
• Pairings: Seafood, salads, goat cheese, light summer dishes

A beautifully classic expression of Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc, the Foucher Lebrun Sancerre “Le Mont” 2025captures the purity, minerality, and freshness that define top-tier Sancerre.

Sourced from carefully selected vineyards across the villages of Sancerre, Chavignol (near the famed Monts Damnés), and d’Amigny, this wine reflects a mosaic of terroirs known for producing wines of precision and character. Vinified and aged entirely in stainless steel, the focus here is on preserving the wine’s natural vibrancy, aromatic lift, and crisp structure.

The nose is immediately expressive, offering elderflower, citrus blossom, and fresh-cut herbs, layered with subtle hints of flint and wet stone. On the palate, it is bright, focused, and mineral-driven, with flavors of lemon zest, green apple, and white peach, all carried by lively acidity and a clean, saline edge.

Elegant yet energetic, this is a benchmark Sancerre—refined, refreshing, and incredibly versatile at the table. Perfect with oysters, shellfish, goat cheese, or simply enjoyed as an aperitif.

Crisp, precise, and unmistakably Sancerre.

Expert Review

The Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | Aromas of lemon-lime, orange blossom and sliced ginger arise from the glass. Ginger transitions to the palate alongside flavors of passion fruit, mango and a pleasing hint of rose petal that lingers on the taste buds. — Mike DeSimone 

Winemaker Description 

Tempranillo, Syrah

ONNA is a red wine made with the Tempranillo and Syrah variety of old vineyards of organic agriculture of our land, the Penedés. The must has macerated and fermented with the skins over a period of 2 weeks. Subsequently the wine has remained 3 months in French oak barrels of Allier. It is a fresh wine with aromas of red and black fruits with light spicy, pleasant and sweet notes.

• GOLD MEDAL – INTERNATIONAL WINE AWARDS 2022
• GOLD MEDAL – CATAVINUM WORLD WINES & SPIRITS COMPETITION 2022
• GOLD MEDAL – CATAVINUM WORLD WINES & SPIRITS COMPETITION 2021
• GOLD MEDAL – INTERNATIONAL WINE AWARDS 2021

#27 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2025

One of California's most iconic white blends, Pine Ridge's Chenin Blanc-Viognier (CBV) has been captivating wine lovers for over 30 years. The 2024 vintage is crisp, bright, and vivacious — opening with vibrant aromas of kiwi, fresh-cut melon, key lime zest, and white flowers. Hints of honeysuckle, jasmine, white peach, and nectarine add layered depth, while the Viognier contributes a luscious mouthfeel with exotic notes of lychee and orange blossom. The palate is clean and refreshing, balancing bright acidity with gentle sweetness for a harmonious finish.

Perfect on its own or paired with light seafood, Asian cuisine, soft cheeses, or summer salads.

• Blend: 80% Chenin Blanc, 20% Viognier
• Appellation: Clarksburg, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

The Somm Journal 92 Points : "Brisk and salty notes of vanilla meringue and key lime appear alongside macadamia and a hint of spice."

James Suckling 91 Points: "Aromas of sliced pears, yellow apples, nectarines and white flowers. Bright acidity and a salty, crunchy finish."

The Wine Spectator 90 Points: "Lovely mix of ripe peach, apricot and orange blossom notes — effusive, juicy and decidedly drinkable."

The Dalton Alma Rosé is a dry, elegant kosher rosé from Israel's Galilee region, crafted from handpicked Grenache and Pinot Gris. Aged six months, it delivers a refined balance of fresh red fruit, floral notes, and a crisp, lingering finish. Best enjoyed well-chilled alongside grilled fish, spicy cuisine, or Mediterranean mezze.

From the fog-kissed "Deep End" of Anderson Valley, Bravium's 2023 Pinot Noir is a textbook expression of cool-climate California — floral, complex, and hauntingly savory. Sourced from some of Mendocino County's most storied vineyard sites, this is Pinot Noir at its most expressive.

• Nose: Cherry cola, herbal tea, pennyroyal mint, rose petal, damp soil and cinnamon spice
• Palate: Luscious cherry, berry patch and plum with velvet texture, medium acidity and chocolate notes
• Finish: Saline, intriguingly savory and persistently long.

Vineyard & Terroir

• Primary Source: Wiley Vineyard — established 1972, the first vineyard planted in the westernmost "Deep End" of Anderson Valley, just 9 miles from the Pacific Ocean
• Vines: Multiple clones including 40-year-old Pommard vines rooted in sandstone soils
• Additional Sources: Valley Foothills Vineyard (Philo) and Helluva Vineyard (Boonville) contributing floral notes and red fruit complexity

Production Details

• Winery: Bravium
• Region: Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, California, USA
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2023 | Format: 750ml
• Style: Cool-climate, floral & savory
• Allergens: Contains sulfites

Food Pairings

• Roasted duck and game birds
• Salmon and Pacific seafood
• Mushroom risotto and earthy vegetable dishes
• Soft cheeses — Brie, Camembert, Gruyère

Bravium is dedicated to showcasing the singular character of Anderson Valley — one of California's most compelling cool-climate AVAs. Wiley Vineyard, with vines established over 50 years ago, represents truly world-class terroir that rivals the finest Pinot Noir sites anywhere on earth.

The Elegance of Sichel House's Maison Sichel Saint-Estephe 2020

Discover the elegance of Maison Sichel Saint-Estephe 2020, a premium Bordeaux wine that exemplifies the rich viticultural heritage of the Saint-Estèphe appellation. The Sichel family are truly expert winemakers, and this Saint-Estèphe is no exception. This exceptional vintage showcases the unique terroir of the northern Médoc, marrying tradition with modern winemaking techniques to create a wine with fine elegance, structure, and balance.

Bordeaux Blend Composition

50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot. This classic Bordeaux blend combines the best characteristics of each varietal, creating a wine with complexity, depth, and aging potential.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep crimson
Aroma: Bramble fruit, blackcurrant, capsicum, cocoa, and cedar. Enticing bouquet of dark fruits and subtle earthy undertones
Palate: Layers of ripe blackberry and plum, complemented by hints of cedar and spice. Blackcurrant, capsicum, cocoa, and cedar. Smooth yet structured tannins. Fine elegance, structure, and balance
Finish: Balanced finish that lingers pleasantly

Aging Potential

Still young, this vintage will develop for many years with flavors of leather and cinnamon, truffle and clove starting to emerge. This remarkable depth and aging potential make it perfect for cellaring or enjoying now with decanting.

Maison Sichel - Six Generations of Excellence

Maison Sichel is a Bordeaux-based, family-owned and run négociant of six generations. The Sichel family have been a significant presence in Bordeaux since 1883 and have continued to expand operations by purchasing several properties in Bordeaux including Château Angludet and Château Argadens.

Château Palmer Partnership

The Sichel family also joined with three other families in 1938 to purchase the now legendary Château Palmer, one of Bordeaux's most prestigious estates. This partnership demonstrates the family's commitment to excellence and their deep roots in Bordeaux winemaking.

Expanded Portfolio

Maison Sichel continued to expand their operations outside of Bordeaux and have several high-quality own-label wines such as the Domaine Peter Sichel, Sichel Sauternes, and the Sichel Margaux. Each wine represents the family's dedication to quality and terroir expression.

Saint-Estèphe Appellation

Saint-Estèphe, located in the northern Médoc, is renowned for producing robust and complex red wines. The appellation's gravelly soils with clay subsoil create ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, resulting in wines with structure, power, and exceptional aging potential.

2020 Vintage Quality

This specific vintage showcases the unique terroir of the area, with exceptional fruit quality translating to remarkable flavor profiles. The 2020 vintage in Bordeaux produced wines of excellent concentration and balance, making this an outstanding example of Saint-Estèphe.

Fine Elegance, Structure & Balance

A wine with fine elegance, structure, and balance. The wine's tannins are smooth yet structured, ensuring a balanced finish that demonstrates the craftsmanship and expertise of the Sichel family's winemaking.

Expert Winemakers

The Sichel family are truly expert winemakers with over 140 years of experience in Bordeaux. In every sip, one can sense the passion and craftsmanship that Maison Sichel embodies, from vineyard management to final bottling.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This vintage stands out not only for its rich flavors but also for its remarkable depth, making it a perfect partner for various dishes:

• Rich stews and braised meats
• Grilled meats and steaks
• Roasted lamb and beef
• Game meats
• Aged cheeses
• Hearty cassoulet
• Mushroom-based dishes

Perfect for Celebratory Occasions

For wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike, this bottle represents an ideal choice for celebratory occasions or a sophisticated addition to any cellar. The wine's elegance and structure make it suitable for special dinners and important moments.

Bordeaux Heritage Since 1883

Maison Sichel has long been synonymous with premium Bordeaux wines, each bottle a testament to the region's rich viticultural heritage. The Sichel family's significant presence in Bordeaux since 1883 ensures authenticity and quality in every bottle.

Northern Médoc Terroir

The unique terroir of the northern Médoc, with its gravelly soils and maritime influence, creates wines with distinctive character. This Saint-Estèphe showcases the power and structure that the appellation is famous for, while maintaining elegance and finesse.

Tradition Meets Modern Winemaking

This wine exemplifies the marriage of tradition with modern winemaking techniques. The Sichel family honors Bordeaux's winemaking heritage while employing contemporary methods to ensure optimal quality and expression of terroir.

Developing Complexity

With flavors of leather and cinnamon, truffle and clove starting to emerge as the wine develops, this Saint-Estèphe offers both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring potential. The wine will continue to evolve and reveal new layers of complexity over the years.

Experience the Elegance of J Vineyards Pinot Noir

Discover the vibrant elegance of J Vineyards Pinot Noir from California's renowned Russian River Valley. This exceptional 2022 vintage captures the essence of cool-climate winemaking with its bright, expressive character.

Tasting Notes:

• Bright sliced strawberry and citrus aromas
• Energetic mineral undertones
• Medium-bodied with vivid focus
• Crisp, refreshing finish

Expert Acclaim:
James Suckling 92 Points - "An energetic pinot with bright sliced strawberry and citrus character. Some mineral. Medium body. Vivid and focused."

Perfect Pairings:
This versatile Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with roasted duck, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, or aged cheeses. Its bright acidity and elegant structure make it ideal for both special occasions and everyday enjoyment.

About J Vineyards:
J Vineyards has been crafting premium wines in Sonoma County since 1986, specializing in cool-climate varietals that showcase the unique terroir of Russian River Valley.

Overview of J Vineyards Pinot Noir

The J Vineyards Pinot Noir from the 2022 vintage exemplifies the artistry and dedication that the winemakers at J Vineyards pour into every bottle. Sourced primarily from the Russian River Valley, this wine is known for its lush flavors and rich aroma profile. The cool climate of this region allows the grapes to ripen slowly, leading to a full-bodied wine that maintains the characteristic finesse of Pinot Noir. With its vibrant notes of cherry, raspberry, and subtle hints of earthiness, this wine is perfect for both casual sipping and special occasions.

Tasting Notes and Pairing Suggestions

The tasting notes of J Vineyards Pinot Noir are as captivating as the beautiful bottle it comes in. On the palate, you will experience layers of ripe red fruits complemented by soft tannins and a lingering finish. The wine presents aromas of fresh strawberries and a whiff of roasted coffee beans, making it an aromatic delight. This Pinot Noir pairs wonderfully with a wide range of dishes such as roast chicken, salmon, or a rich mushroom risotto. Additionally, it makes for an excellent companion with gourmet cheeses, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

Why Choose J Vineyards Pinot Noir?

Choosing J Vineyards Pinot Noir means selecting a wine that embodies quality, tradition, and passion. The rigorous selective harvesting process ensures that only the best grapes make it into the bottle, corresponding to the vineyard's commitment to excellence. Moreover, J Vineyards has garnered accolades and awards, making it a trusted name among wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Whether you are celebrating a special milestone, hosting a dinner party, or simply enjoying a night in, this Pinot Noir delivers an exceptional taste profile that will impress. Elevate your wine collection today with J Vineyards Pinot Noir!

Experience the Richness of Masi Costasera Amarone

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | In the bottle with the black label, the Masi 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Costasera is generous in terms of ripeness, concentration and extract. This blend of 70% Corvina, 15% Rondinella, 10% Oseleta and 5% Molinara shows an inky dark appearance with baked fruit and blackberry preserves. With a 15.5% alcohol content, the wine definitely leaves its mark on all the senses. A hint of mild bitterness comes with the oak tannins. Production is 50,000 bottles 

James Suckling 94 Points | A complex and deep wine. Highlights of dark chocolate and black pepper over black cherries. Refined and condensed tannins with exuberant, racy acidity and full body. Powerful, this has cellaring potential. Drinkable now but best from 2029.

Memo Summary Notes

Primary Varietals - Corvina, Rondinella, Oseleta, Molinara

This Riserva represents Masi's excellence, a benchmark for Amarone. It's a special version of the celebrated Costasera, characterized by extended appassimento (drying) and the use of the unusual Oseleta grape for superior structure.

Introducing Masi Costasera Amarone

Masi Costasera Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico Riserva 2019 is a stunning representation of Italian craftsmanship. This exceptional red wine, made from partially dried grapes, offers a rich and full-bodied taste that's perfect for special occasions. The wine features deep notes of dark fruit, spices, and a hint of chocolate, which together create a complex and layered flavor profile. So, whether you are celebrating a milestone or simply savoring a quiet evening, this wine promises an unforgettable experience.

The Unique Aging Process

The aging process of Masi Costasera Amarone plays a vital role in enhancing its flavor. The wine matures in oak barrels for a minimum of 24 months, allowing it to develop its character and complexity. This careful selection of aging materials influences its aroma and taste, resulting in a smooth yet intense finish. Therefore, every sip reflects the rich history and tradition of Valpolicella winemaking, making it a true gem for wine enthusiasts.

Perfect Pairings for Masi Costasera

Masi Costasera Amarone pairs beautifully with hearty dishes. It complements red meats, game, and aged cheeses exceptionally well. Because of its rich flavor profile, it can also stand alone as a perfect after-dinner wine, enhancing your dining experience. So, gather your friends or family, open a bottle, and indulge in the luxurious taste of Masi Costasera Amarone while enjoying a flavorful meal together.

Exploring Niepoort Douro Twisted Tinto 2022 Biodynamic

Winemaker Description

Wine Advocate 90 Points | Luis Gutiérrez, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The red 2022 Twisted, sold with different brand names and labels in different countries (Diálogo in Portugal), has an expressive nose of wild strawberries and is slightly riper this year but still keeping the freshness. The palate is juicy, and the tannins are a little grainier. It is easy to drink but with some grip that calls for food. This regional Douro blend they make in different wineries comes in at 12.5% alcohol but still shows the riper, slightly more rustic character from 2022. They make 800,000 liters of this wine.

Memo Summary Notes

Varietals - Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz,Tinta Amarela, Tinto Cão and other local grapes.

The 2022 Niepoort "Twisted" Douro Tinto is a fantastic pivot from your previous bottles. While the Justin and Newton wines you asked about are "blockbusters," this is what wine pros call a "glou-glou" wine—it's high-energy, incredibly fresh, and meant for easy drinking.

It is produced by Dirk Niepoort, arguably the most influential winemaker in Portugal today, who is famous for moving away from the heavy, jammy styles of the past toward elegance and "lightness.

Pairings:

• Casual: Wood-fired pizza, burgers, or charcuterie.

• Portuguese Classic: Grilled octopus or Piri-Piri chicken.

• Vegetarian: Roasted beets with goat cheese or mushroom pasta.

A Unique Biodynamic Approach

Niepoort Douro Twisted Tinto 2022 is a remarkable red wine that embodies the principles of biodynamic viticulture. This method not only enhances the quality of the grapes but also contributes to a healthier vineyard ecosystem. As a result, consumers enjoy a wine that is vibrant and full of character. The use of organic farming practices ensures that the wine remains pure and reflective of its terroir, capturing the essence of the Douro Valley.

Tasting Notes and Flavor Profile

The Niepoort Douro Twisted Tinto presents a rich and complex flavor profile. Upon the first sip, you'll notice ripe red berries complemented by hints of spice and earthy undertones. The wine is well-structured, with a smooth finish that lingers on the palate. This balance of fruitiness and subtle earthiness makes it incredibly versatile, pairing well with a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to rich pasta sauces.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're enjoying a casual dinner or celebrating a special occasion, Niepoort Douro Twisted Tinto 2022 fits perfectly into any setting. Its biodynamic origins offer an interesting conversation starter, and its delightful flavors ensure that it will be a hit among your guests. Plus, being a product of sustainable practices means you can feel good about choosing this wine, knowing you're supporting environmentally friendly production.

Castello di Verduno Barolo Massara — Verduno, Piedmont 2020

Castello di Verduno is one of Piedmont's most historic estates, occupying a castle constructed in the early 1500s in Verduno — the northernmost commune of Barolo — and owned by the Burlotto family since 1909. The Massara vineyard sits on chalky clay soils known as Marne di Sant'Agata (30% sand, 55% clay, 15% limestone), farmed organically and hand-harvested in the first or second week of October. The 2020 vintage was vinified in open-top wooden vats with a remarkable 61-day maceration using the traditional submerged cap method, then aged 31 months in large Austrian and Slavonian botti grandi, followed by one month in stainless steel and 18 months in bottle before release. Just 5,940 bottles and 30 magnums were produced. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.

The nose is inviting and open: ripe cherries, raspberry seed, fresh flowers, fresh herbs, and a delightful note of cola that melds seamlessly with mixed red fruits both fresh and preserved. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and elegant with lovely zesty lift, opulent texture, fine tannins, and a kiss of sweet berried fruit through the finish. Juicy, fresh, and structured — highly appealing now with a wide window for enjoyment through 2040.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 — "Elegant and inviting, with fine tannins and a kiss of sweet berried fruit through the finish." | Wine Enthusiast 91 — "Lushness kept in check by fine tannins, ensuring each sip remains structured and elegant. Drink Now–2040."

• Producer: Castello di Verduno, Verduno, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Barolo DOCG
• Vineyard: Massara — Marne di Sant'Agata soils (30% sand, 55% clay, 15% limestone)
• Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
• Viticulture: Practicing organic, hand-harvested
• Vinification: 61-day maceration, open-top wooden vats, submerged cap
• Aging: 31 months in Austrian & Slavonian botti grandi, 1 month stainless steel, 18 months bottle
• Production: 5,940 bottles + 30 magnums
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe cherry, raspberry, cola, fresh flowers, herbs, fine tannins, zesty finish
• Drink: Now through 2040
• Best Paired With: Braised short ribs, roast lamb, truffle risotto, aged Parmigiano, wild boar ragù

A classically structured Verduno Barolo from one of Piedmont's most storied estates — Massara 2020 is patience rewarded and elegance defined.

The 2023 Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon marks the first return of this historic cuvée since 2007 — a blend of Monte Bello estate fruit and neighboring vineyards (Bates Ranch, Fellom Ranch, Vidovich), aged 16 months in 100% American oak. A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot, it is a superb access point to the Ridge house style at a more approachable price.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

Owen Bargreen — 93 Points | Refined and elegant on the tongue, as toasty oak caresses a gorgeous core of dark currants, black cherry compote, and espresso bean notes alongside gravelly soils. Very fresh and vibrant with terrific acidity. Drink 2025–2035.

Vinous — 93 Points | Taut and structured, opening with dark fruit, cracked pepper, smoked meat, tobacco leaf, and cedar, all enshrouded in firm, chalky tannins that lead to a long, savory finish. A very fine access point to the Ridge house style. — Billy Norris

Wine Enthusiast — 93 Points + Cellar Selection | Aromas of black plum, clove, and ajwain draw in the nose, while the palate picks up licorice and more black plum alongside a firm structure. — Matt Kettmann

Wine Advocate — 92 Points | A lush nose of sweet black fruits, pine needles, sage, and a gourmand touch of vanilla pod introduces a soft, velvety, and pliable palate, ending with a pure, mouthwatering finish. A solid, accessible, and over-performing example of Santa Cruz Mountain Cabernet. — Matthew Luczy

Wine Spectator — 92 Points | Lively singed mesquite and savory notes up front, with juicy red currant, bitter cherry, and plum coulis held in check by nicely chiseled tannins. Best from 2027 through 2038. — James Molesworth

• Producer: Ridge Vineyards
• Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, California
• Vineyards: Monte Bello Estate + Bates Ranch, Fellom Ranch, Vidovich
• Blend: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot
• Aging: 16 months, 100% American oak
• Farming: Organic
• Vintage: 2023
• Drink: Now through 2038
• Format: 750ml