2010 - Present Wine

Winemaker Description 

The Habla la Tierra is a cuvée of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The grapes come from quite young vines planted around 2000 on slate soils. After the harvest, the grapes were cool pre-fermented and then fermented in stainless steel fermenters.

This was followed by ageing in French wood for four to five months.  The Habla de la Tierra presents itself juicy ripe, dark and spicy on the nose. The unusual cuvée of Tempranillo, Cabernet and Syrah alternates between the scent of freshly sliced plums, figs, ripe elderberries, peonies and black pepper as well as anise, earthy pray and black tea. In addition, one thinks one can already perceive a trace of extract sweetness in the fragrance.

The Habla la Tierra 2021 shows itself very juicy on the palate. The dark fruit is ripe and accompanied by earthy aromas and herbal spice. In addition, a cool, fresh vein runs through the wine, while the tannin proves to be ripe and delicate. The red wine is down-to-earth in the most pleasant sense, uncomplicated and easy to drink, and at the same time it has character.

Currently, it should be caraffed. Food recommendations by Christoph Raffelt. Spanish blood sausage - with braised apples and onions with mashed potatoes Braised rabbit with sage and piment d'Espelette. Spelt Salad with Roasted Peppers and Feta.

Frog’s Leap has been making Zinfandel in Napa Valley for decades, and this 2021 is a masterclass in restraint and elegance — a world away from the overripe, high-alcohol style that defined California Zin for so long. Using their signature technique of cold-soaking the Petite Sirah portion of the co-ferment before infusing it into the fermenting Zinfandel ten days later, the winemaking team locks in freshness and accentuates the wine’s natural elegance. A dash of Carignane adds acidity and structure, while aging largely in small concrete tanks preserves the wine’s vibrancy. The result is deeply flavored, beautifully balanced, and genuinely fresh — equally compelling with a slight chill on a summer evening or after a few years in the cellar.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

“Mouthwatering and delicious with crisp acidity and a driving finish, this wine offers a pleasing range of flavors including mixed cherries, cranberries, warming spices and savory accents. Both friendly and beguiling, it has pleasing approachability and depth. Firm while moderate tannins and mouthwatering acidity create a palate-cleansing accompaniment to a wide range of foods.” — 94 pts, Wine Enthusiast

“A medium-bodied, juicy and succulent zinfandel with aromas of dark cherries, plums, wild berries and mixed herbs. Well-rounded with a caressing texture and a satisfying wild berry character toward the finish.” — 90 pts, James Suckling

Varietal: Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane
Vintage: 2021
Region: Napa Valley, California
Farming: Dry Farming 
Bottle Size: 750ml

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Enthusiast by Tonya Pitts 91 Points | This wine is bright and lively, with aromas of dark berries, malted chocolate, crushed florals and notes of toasted vanilla. Structured with gripping tannins the palate opens with flavors of cranberry-strawberry, black raspberry and dried bay leaf, which evolve into red plum and citrus zest.

Winemaker Description 

The 2022 Matchbook Cabernet Sauvignon is a refined yet approachable expression of the Dunnigan Hills AVA, crafted to showcase ripe, sun-soaked fruit and the region’s signature balance.

Deep dark garnet in the glass, it opens with inviting aromas of plum and black cherry layered with subtle notes of mocha, chocolate and mild cigar box. The palate is soft, supple and immediately welcoming, offering rich flavors of blackberry and boysenberry supported by dusty tannins and well-integrated oak that adds both structure and length.

Hints of anise and warm spice elevate the finish, giving the wine lift and nuance.

Awarded 91 points by Wine Enthusiast, this Cabernet maintains varietal integrity while delivering broad appeal—an easy-drinking, food-friendly red that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, hearty pastas or aged cheeses.

Memo Summary Notes

Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Petit  Sirah

The 2022 Matchbook "Red Gravel" Cabernet Sauvignon is a standout value from the Dunnigan Hills AVA in Yolo County, California. Named after the distinct iron-rich, gravelly soils of the estate, this wine is designed to compete with much pricier Napa Cabs by offering a similar "bold and plush" profile at a fraction of the cost.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Jeb Dunnuck 97 points From an estate that is delivering its greatest run of vintages since the superb Post War series that preceded the frosts of 1956, the 2022 Canon is a magical wine that will be worth every effort to track down. Wafting from the glass with aromas of dark berries, wild plums and cherries mingled with hints of bay leaf, spices and violets, it's full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, with huge levels of concentration, vibrant acids and beautifully refined tannins. Concluding with a long, saline finish, this pure, perfumed and ineffably complete Canon is built for the ages, even if its structural polish is such that it will be approachable at a surprisingly early age. 99 Points Wine Advocate, April 28, 2023

Winemaker Description 

Deep and attractive red color with a purple rim. Mountain wine with a powerful terroir expression. Intense red fruit, black currants, lavender, thyme, rosemary and scrubland notes. In the palate shows long, very fresh, wide and savory, with a gentle structure and attractive texture. 

Abadía Retuerta — Pago Negralada Single Vineyard Tempranillo 2018

Appellation: DO Abadía Retuerta, Sardón del Duero, Castilla y León, Spain | Varietal: Tempranillo | Format: 750ml

Few estates in Spain carry the singular distinction of their own Designation of Origin. Abadía Retuerta — built around a historic 12th-century abbey on the banks of the Duero — earned that honor in 2022, cementing its place among the Iberian Peninsula’s most serious fine wine producers. Led by Bordeaux-trained enologist Dr. Ángel Anocibar, the estate combines scientific rigor with a deep respect for terroir, crafting wines of cosmopolitan elegance and genuine depth.

The Pago Negralada is the estate’s single-vineyard Tempranillo — a wine of place, not just variety. The 2018 vintage, from a cooler growing season, delivers a restrained, substantial expression: 60% aged in French oak barrels, the remainder in stainless steel to preserve freshness and precision.

Critical Acclaim

Vinous — Joaquín Hidalgo (September 2023): 93 Points
“Purple in hue. The aromas feature blackberry, blackcurrant, mint and hazelnut in a cedar frame. The palate is dry and plush with reactive tannins and a juicy flow. The 2018 is a restrained, substantial wine.”

Vineyard & Vinification

• Vineyard: Pago Negralada — single vineyard, DO Abadía Retuerta
• Varietal: 100% Tempranillo
• Vintage: 2018 (cooler growing season)
• Aging: 60% French oak barrels; 40% stainless steel vats
• Winemaker: Dr. Ángel Anocibar

Tasting Notes

Mid-to-high color intensity with a fragrant, complex nose of raspberries, redcurrants, and blackberries interwoven with spiced notes of clove, laurel, and black tea. Refreshing on the palate with bold structure, smooth tannins, and a very pleasing, long finish. A great Tempranillo from a cooler vintage in the classic style.

Food Pairings

Roasted lamb, Iberian suckling pig, aged Manchego, wild mushroom dishes, and slow-braised beef. Decant 30–45 minutes before serving.

Winemaker Description

Israel. Very elegant, taking local terroir and making some good work with it - the blend with mostly Zinfandel, and a bit of Syrah and Petit Syrah creating balanced and rich wine. Some plum, black fruits, licorice and hints of red fruits.

Asufa is our winemaker Guy Eshel’s personal playground at Dalton Winery; A series of moments and memories gathered throughout his time in the field, brought to life together here at Dalton. Each wine in this series tells a different story – some of the here and now, others of a time and place elsewhere – but all were made to add color and complexity to your dining experiences. Winemaker Description.

Discover the Heribert Boch Riesling Spätlese Trittenheimer Apotheke 2021

Winemaker Description 

Concentrated yellow berry fruit and apple skin backed by complex earthy aromas of spontaneous fermentation.  The palate has an excellent balance of delicate sweetness and juiciness, featuring clover honey and citrus. 

This makes you want to go back for another sip, and another, and another. 

Memo Summary Notes

Hailing from the world-famous "Apotheke" (Pharmacy) vineyard in Trittenheim, this 2021 Spätlese is a classic Mosel Riesling. The steep, slate-rich slopes of this site produce wines known for their intense minerality and longevity.

Food Pairings

• Spicy Cuisine: The residual sugar makes it a perfect foil for Thai green curry, spicy Sichuan dishes, or buffalo wings.

• Savory & Sweet: Excellent with glazed pork belly, honey-roasted ham, or aged blue cheeses.

• Seafood: Pairs well with rich seafood dishes like scallops in cream sauce or lobster.

What Makes This Riesling Unique?

This exceptional Riesling, labeled as Spätlese, showcases the unique terroir of the Trittenheimer Apotheke vineyard. It is characterized by its late harvest, which allows the grapes to ripen longer on the vine. This results in a rich and aromatic wine that captivates the senses. With a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, this Riesling is truly a delight that stands out among others.

Tasting Notes and Food Pairing

The Heribert Boch Riesling Spätlese offers an array of vibrant flavors, including peach, apricot, and honey. These flavors are complemented by lively acidity, creating a refreshing finish. This wine pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, such as spicy Asian cuisine or creamy cheeses. The combination of flavors makes it easy to see why many people appreciate Riesling as a versatile wine choice.

Why Choose Heribert Boch Wines?

Heribert Boch is renowned for crafting high-quality wines that reflect the distinct character of their region. The meticulous attention to detail in the vineyard and winery ensures that only the best grapes are used. Therefore, choosing Heribert Boch means you are investing in a wine that is not only delicious but also represents the essence of German winemaking tradition. This Riesling is no exception, making it a worthwhile addition to your collection.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

James Suckling 98 Points | Power, complexity and brilliance make this a truly remarkable dry riesling, the touch of creaminess from long sur-lie maturation giving this exactly the soft touch it needs to balance the steely minerality that powers it at the imposing yet totally vibrant finish. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold.

 Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 97 Points | A superb and rich chardonnay with driven phenolics that frame the wine, giving it form and intensity. It’s full-bodied but not heavy. Dried apples, nuts, peach pie and hints of salted butter and honey. It’s flavorful and intense. Real Napa chardonnay. 70% Wente clone and the rest Calera. So drinkable now, but will age very well. 

Winemaker Description 

Delicate aromas of Bartlett pear and fresh-sliced pineapple are lifted by notes of jasmine and citrus zest, maturing into subtle warming tones of baking spices, brioche, and vanilla custard. On the palate, the flavors are intensely focused, yet the pleasant round body fills the mouth with a wide, elegant mid-palate. The salinity and minerality of this wine bring a refinement that is gently carried by bright, integrated acidity. 

Benziger Family Winery | Chardonnay | 2023

A bright, food-friendly Chardonnay sourced primarily from Monterey County — California's premier cool-climate home for Burgundian whites. The Pacific Ocean's maritime fog rolls in to slow ripening, preserving crisp acidity while allowing flavors to fully develop over the long growing season. Limestone-rich Lockwood shale adds a layer of complex minerality that lifts the wine beyond its price point. In the cellar, cold fermentation in neutral French oak followed by six months of sur lie aging in new French oak builds texture and depth, while 75% malolactic fermentation softens the mid-palate without sacrificing freshness. The result: a clean, balanced Chardonnay with a long finish that overdelivers at the table.

• Appellation: Monterey County, California
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml | Screwcap
• Cellaring: Drink now through 2027
• Oak: Cold fermented in neutral French oak; sur lie aged 6 months in new French oak
• MLF: 75%

Tasting Notes

Dry and crisp with medium body and a long finish. Notes of lemon zest, green apple, ripe pear, and apricot, with a subtle mineral thread and a hint of toasted oak on the close.

Winemaker's Notes — 2023 Vintage

Moderate conditions during the growing and ripening seasons produced healthy yields and superb quality. Mild temperatures and extended hang time allowed acidity to remain in balance with full flavor development.

Winemaker Description 

Johann Stadlmann is chairman of the regional wine committee and was named "Falstaff Winemaker of the Year" in 1994.

In the nose, the aromas of this special grape variety immediately attract attention: ripe pear (including skin!), peach and apple supplemented with cinnamon and matcha. Already at the first sip, the beautiful balance between the pleasant acidity and the rounder mouthfeel is striking, with the additional aroma of bitter orange. A surprising glass of wine that lingers for a long time, in aftertaste and memory! Wine-food: seared lobster with bisque-based gravy.

Winemaker Description 

Bright straw-yellow. On the nose, fresh orchard and stone fruit commingle with apple skin and faint herbal notes. On the palate, good concentration and weight, with bright fresh fruit and clean acidity. Nicely focused on the finish with a pronounced chalkiness to the mineral cut.

Winemaker Description 

Aroa is a small winery in the Deierri Valley, in Navarra, which has recently been part of the Vintae group. They are specialists in producing organic wines of the highest quality. 

Proof of this is its Aroa Jauna, a Crianza red that perfectly blends four different grape varieties to achieve an extraordinary palate. One of the best wines that have fallen into our hands for its value for money.

Winery Tasting Note: View: Deep, purple and blood tones, very clean, of great intensity and brightness. Nose: clean and crisp of ripe fruit, pear compote and sweet apple and quince. Advancing cocoa, dry leaves and bark, guessing some hides in the background. suggestive. Mouth: Tasty, agile, with well integrated tannins. 

The evolution is favourable, due to the perfect harmony between alcohol and acidity. The finish is well resolved, with a full sensation of freshness and meatiness. Modern, elegant and tempting wine.

Winemaker Description

This wine has dark savory fruit with notes of bay, thyme and leather. Firmer structured and chalky on the palate. In typical Bodegas Ponce fashion, La Casilla manages to express the inherent power and structure of Bobal and it's native Manchuela, but goes so with the sort of grace and style that re-calls Cru Beaujolais 

Winemaker Description 

Straka's Mash skin-fermented white is a blend of Straka's specialty, Welschriesling, with a bit of Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay. It spends 20 days on the skins followed by 10 months in large, neutral oak. The result is a wine that is both aromatic and tertiary, lending intriguing savory notes making it a perfect accompaniment to food.

Straka, which means Magpie, is a small family estate located in the Eisenberg district of Burgenland, Austria. It has been run by Tom Straka since 2008. Tom farms organically and practices minimal intervention in the cellar. Located on the last foothill of the Alps, in Rechnitz, his primary focus is Welschriesling, the main indigenous grape of the area. His best vineyard site is Pratner (he farms all but 4 rows of it) which is very densely planted old vines dating from 1932.

Since taking over the family winery, Tom has slowly expanded their vineyard holdings from 3-7 hectares and converted to organic farming. The estate was established by his family in the 18th century when they moved to the area from Bohemia. In the 1950s they were the first family in the area to start a Heuriger or Buschenschank (wine tavern) so that people could come and eat while sampling their wines. It proved a very successful model for them and today, their Buschenschank remains a staple of the area while most others have closed. It remains a great way for many people to try their wines.

Tom is huge advocate of Welschriesling which he says can pair with anything if grown properly. Welschriesling is an old indigenous grape perfectly suited to the geography of this rare geological area. Rechnitz sits 360 m above sea level on the slopes of the Geschriebenstein, the highest mountain in the Burgenland. The vineyards climb as high as 500m and are known for their unique geological soils -- a combination of crystalline schist and magmatic deposits that can only be found in 3 other places in the world. It is a very windy and dry area which cools off considerably at night. This results in very few pests, no need for herbicide or any other treatments and crisp clear mineral-driven wines. The parentage of Welschriesling is not known (it is not related to Rhine Riesling) and is thought to be a most closely related to Elbling, originating in Northern Italy and Croatia along the Danube and typically shows good acidity and fruit with notes of lemon, salt and green apple.

For one and a half decades Thomas Straka has been working with organic waste and cattle manure, but very little compost. "I apply some phosphor from time to time as fertilizer, and also a little chalk, because without it the vines would suffer malnutrition. But all in all I don't have to interfere much in the vineyards." Green cover like vetch between the rows contribute nitrogen to the soil. He lets them grow rather high. "Because we do little work with tractors and most by hand, our soils are nearly uncompressed and rich in humus. And as our soils are meagre and constantly wind-blown, we have almost no problems with fungal diseases." The biggest threat in Rechnitz is and always has been drought. "Today the only things I do in the cellar are a clarification with bentonite and addition of neutral yeasts if necessary."

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

The Wine Enthusiast by Christina Pickard writes 92 Points | 2020 was a stellar vintage across New York State, despite the challenges of picking in a pandemic year. This charmingly demonstrates Long Island's prowess with Merlot. A fragrant fruit salad perfume of summer berries with subtle purple flower, vanilla and baking spice tucked beneath. It's supple, structured and harmonious, with firm, sappy tannins and a crunch of acidity.  

Winemaker Description

The Grapes of Roth is Winemaker Roman Roth's private label, and a true testament to his classic, yet adventerous, wine-making style. Wonderful dark cherry fruit with well integrated oak, classic graphite and great minerality is complimented by a very savory and elegant finish.

Dark red brick in color. Elegant aromas of cassis and fine toasted sandalwood fill the glass. The mouth-feel is rich and concentrated, yet balanced with wonderful fruit of plumbs, prunes and amazing minerality. The finish has layers of ripe tannins and nicely toasted oak with fine classic earthiness, leather and iodine notes. The fruit and alcohol provide great length and make this a very special Merlot that possesses great aging potential and is the perfect partner with food.

This is a wine to be aged. It has a huge maturation curve ahead and will gain many more nuances and facets. Serve just at room temperature. Pair this Merlot with dishes you might think of for big, bold wines: steak, cassoulet, duck and decadent dark chocolate desserts. 

Memo Summary Notes

The 2020 Wölffer Estate "The Grapes of Roth" Merlot is widely considered a benchmark for Long Island winemaking. It is the personal label of Wölffer’s longtime winemaker, Roman Roth, who uses it to showcase a more robust, "Right Bank" Bordeaux style that proves Merlot can be both powerful and sophisticated.

The 2020 vintage was particularly stellar for New York, recently earning the #100 spot on the Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Wines of 2025.

Winemaker Description

The soils are of marine origin from the Tertiary era, characterized by bluish marl (at a depth ranging from 1 to 3 meters), calcareous, compact structure. The stratification is dense and varied, rich in mineral salts and natural springs.

Barbaresco Rio Sordo receives careful grape selection in the vineyard – 100% Nebbiolo. The immediately noticeable characteristics are the considerable complexity and depth, accompanied by elegance and finesse.

Expert Review

Robert Parker Wine Advocate 94+ Monica Larner | A release of about 3,000 bottles, the 2018 Barbaresco Rio Sordo shows the finesse and delicate fruit that is so well expressed by this estate. The bouquet is redolent of rose hip and crushed flowers, and you get cassis, wild cherry and dried pomegranate as well. There is a giant layer of minty herb, and then the wine finally relaxes with polished tones of crushed stone and white licorice. Cascina delle Rose makes a fine bottle of Barbaresco. 

Winemaker Description

A dark, rich purple in color, this wine is from vines grown in ancient Cambrian earth, formed from Cambrian rocks that are over 500 million years old. A limited edition Shiraz dedicated to the first born children of the founders, this wine boasts aromas of cassis and blackberry. The palate is full-bodied yet refined with perfect integration of French oak and decadent notes of dark fruits, tobacco, and mocha. The finish is long with black pepper overtones, red chili and soft tannins, which give this wine a finish that lingers long after it's been enjoyed. 

Pair with a roast leg of lamb, barbecue, and aged hard cheese.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2021

Wine Advocate 94 Points: Pretty aromas of honey, allspice and roasted almonds complement a core of peach and quince fruit. The medium-bodied palate is satiny and expansive with a dynamic interplay of textural breadth and energetic acidity, offering layered flavors on the finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points: Refined and elegant, with notes of pure white flowers, lemon curd, and white peach. Medium to full-bodied with a silky mouthfeel driven by citrus — tangerine, orange sherbet — with great texture and a long, decadent finish.

Wine Spectator 91 Points: Polished and sleekly layered, with honeydew, pear and spice flavors that build structure toward the handsome finish. Drink now through 2026. 220 cases made.

Winemaker Description

Brick House Chardonnay Cascadia Organic Biodynamic 2021 750ml

Brick House’s “Cascadia” is the winery’s reserve-level Chardonnay — a highly regarded, estate-grown wine from Oregon’s Ribbon Ridge AVA. Hand-crafted on a 40-acre farm that has been at the forefront of sustainable viticulture for decades, it is made with an Old World sensibility: organic and biodynamic farming, minimal intervention, and an unwavering focus on terroir expression. One of Oregon’s benchmark Chardonnays.

Pairing Suggestions

• Rich Seafood: Scallops in brown butter, roasted salmon, or halibut with lemon-cream sauce.
• Poultry: Roast chicken with herbes de Provence or pheasant.
• Earthy Dishes: Mushroom risotto, truffle pasta, or roasted root vegetables.

About This Wine — A Rare Expression of Nebbiolo

Rose delle Casasse is widely considered the only Barbaresco produced entirely from Nebbiolo Rosé — a grape that, while related to Nebbiolo, has been proven genetically distinct. As noted by ampelographer Ian d’Agata in his landmark book Native Wine Grapes of Italy, Nebbiolo Rosé is not simply a clone but its own variety, making this Riserva a genuinely singular wine in the Barbaresco appellation.

Cascina Baricchi is a small husband-and-wife estate in Neive, farming with deep respect for the land and producing wines of remarkable character and authenticity. The Rose delle Casasse vineyard gives a wine of uncommon delicacy and complexity — more aromatic and fine-boned than classic Nebbiolo, yet no less age-worthy.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2016

Vinous — 94 Points
"The 2016 Barbaresco Riserva Rose delle Casasse is a fine follow-up to the stellar 2015. A bit more austere than its older sibling, the 2016 presents a distinctly savory profile redolent of crushed flowers, herbs, mint, spice, leather and tobacco, while the fruit is pushed into the background. This is such a gorgeous wine."

Jeb Dunnuck — 93 Points
"Made entirely from the Rosé clone of Nebbiolo, this is fresh with wild raspberry, pine, and dark earth. Medium body and good concentration, with fine tannins and a good finish of peppery spice and red cherry. Refreshing and cleanses the palate nicely."

Food Pairings

A natural match for salumi, aged hard cheeses, roasted lamb, braised Piedmontese beef, and truffle-based dishes. Decant for at least 45 minutes; will continue to develop beautifully with additional cellaring.

Product Details

• Producer: Cascina Baricchi
• Region: Barbaresco DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: Nebbiolo Rosé (100%)
• Classification: Barbaresco Riserva
• Vineyard: Rose delle Casasse
• Vintage: 2016
• Format: 750ml

Winemaker Description

Ruby red. Aromas of cherries, plums, raspberries, and black pepper. Refined, light tannins and bright acidity make this a lifting, fruity wine.

Pair with salumi, tomato and meat-based sauces and pizza Margherita.

Memo Summary Notes

Vibrant, volcanic red wine that serves as a historic benchmark for the Campania region. Produced by the legendary Mastroberardino family—who famously saved many of southern Italy's indigenous grapes from extinction—this wine is made from 100% Piedirosso grapes grown in the mineral-rich ash of Mount Vesuvius.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

Burghound 93 Points | (From Les Cruots which is also known as Vignes Blanches). Touches of bitter chocolate and kirsch are present on the spicy aromas of plum, violet and soft wood. The finer if not denser flavors possess a velvety texture while also coating the palate with dry extract on the dusty and chalky finish that is likewise youthfully austere. I very much like the depth and persistence and this beauty should also age gracefully for as long as most anyone would like.

Barrel Sample: 93-96 Decanter 97 Points | A very elegant expression of Echezeaux, with a velvety black plum and rose petal fruit. There is a lovely freshness and so much finesse that the tannin and structure might surprise you at the end. This has the substance to age for decades. Produced from a 0.84ha parcel in Cruots next to Comte Liger-Belair. The vines were planted in 1954 and the destemmed fruit was gently fermented.

Barrel Sample: 97Vinous 92 Points | The 2020 Echézeaux Grand Cru offers mulberry sous-bois and very subtle star anis aromas on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins quite taut and fresh linear at the moment with touches of blood orange and Clementine towards the finish. Give this several years in bottle. (Drink between 2027-2055).

 Winemaker Description 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2017

Expert Reviews

98+ Points Robert Parker | The Biondi-Santi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is initially a reticent wine and one that does not immediately subscribe to the overstated abundance and exuberance of the vintage. Give it time. I wrote this review after several tastings over several days so I could ensure a more accurate account of the wine's elegant reveal. Contemplative and exceedingly nuanced in personality, with wild berry, underbrush, ferrous earth and candied orange peel, this has everything to look forward to in terms of its future evolution in the bottle. It displays a pretty ruby color that borders on garnet and polished copper. A silky, mid-weight palate is accented by beautifully managed and silky tannins (this aspect of the mouthfeel is extraordinary), bright freshness and long-lasting fruit momentum. The alcohol is a bit more powerful in this release (at 14.5%), but the effect is supple and smooth nonetheless. I tasted bottle number 256.

James Suckling 97 Points | Complex yet pure, subtle and refined nose that gently evolves, with mossy red cherries, dried roses, chalk, tar and dried orange peel. There is a lift of clove and eucalyptus that makes it so distinctive. A powerful, medium-to full-bodied Brunello, but seamless and bright, with a fine, transparent mid-palate and restrained, mineral austerity. Understated complexity that will need time to bloom. Hold until 2026.

Vinous 97 Points | The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva pulls you close to the glass with a deep and seductive display of black raspberry preserves complemented by sweet sage, dried roses and pipe tobacco. With further coaxing, it gains in volume and lift, taking on hints of mint and camphor. This greets the palate with undeniable elegance, casting velvety waves of violet-tinged wild berries and sweet spices across a motivating core of juicy acidity, as a subtle coating of round tannins forms toward the close. While structured and incredibly long, energy remains high, as nuances of cherry pits offset by sour citrus and hints of cedar fade. It’s amazing to experience such energy and purity from a young Biondi Santi Riserva. As pretty as the Annata released last year was, I worried that the extended aging for the Riserva might rob the wine of some of its fruit; instead it is the complete opposite, as this contains the depth and complexity of the best wines of the vintage. I can’t wait to see how the 2015 matures over the next several decades. -- Eric Guido 

Wine Enthusiast 97 Points | New leather, pressed rose and mature berry aromas slowly appear in the glass along with whiffs of underbrush and pipe tobacco. On the structured, elegant palate, firm but ultrarefined tannins provide the backbone for juicy Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and cake spice. While it promises decades of evolution, it's already rewarding and almost at the start of its long drinking window. Drink 2025–2045. Kerin O’Keefe 

Wine Spectator 96 Points | Round and fruity, with an accent of white pepper against cherry, raspberry and floral flavors. Elegant and verging on racy, with a firm, well-integrated structure and excellent length on the minerally finish. Best from 2025 through 2048. — B.S.

Winemaker Description

Intense ruby red color. Generous nose with aromas of ripe red berry fruit with spicy overtones. Intense on the palate, quite rich though very elegant and well-balanced. The tannins are present, but very well integrated in the fruit structure of the wine. Long aftertaste with good freshness. A wine with extraordinary finesse and balance. Pair with red meats, roasts, and wild game.

Expert Reviews

Vinous 98 Points | The 2019 Barolo Cerequio is a worthy follow up to the stellar 2018. Aromatic and deeply pitched, the 2019 races across the palate with remarkable depth and intensity. Crushed red berry fruit, rose petal, mint and cinnamon all open in the glass, but it is the wine's silkiness and suppleness that impresses most. A kick of acids and tannins puts an exclamation point on the finish. This is a gorgeous Cerequio that takes all the finesse this site offers, and then turns up the volume. What a wine.

Robert Parker 97+ Points | Vietti was able to buy a 9,000-square meter piece of Cerequio from Michele Chiarlo, arguably the king of this celebrated cru. And because this is a new addition to the portfolio, the Vietti team is still learning the ropes. For example, there is a fresh minty tone that pops up from the bouquet of the 2019 Barolo Cerequio. "That minty note was a mystery to us," Luca Currado tells me. "But then we understood that its part of Cerequio." This wine shows a firm grip on the palate that does extend out to include some textural softness, but it ultimately remains quite structured. Among the grand cru sites of La Morra, Luca Currado tells me that "Cerequio is the brother and Brunate is the sister." His wife Elena Penna adds, "We've never had two sites so close to one another show such a great difference between them.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points | Coming from La Morra, a more fruit-forward tone can be found in the licorice spice and depth of the 2019 Barolo Cerequio, which offers slightly darker fruit, ripe berries, and peppercorn. This was the second vintage produced and is more approachable now for the vintage. It is a joyful wine though it still has ripe structure.

Winemaker Description 

Le Berceau de Fees" by Domaine Aux Moines is a lovely and juicy Chenin Blanc from young vineyards of famous Roche-aux-Moines grand cru. It opens on the nose to clean and straight aromas of fruit, flowers and aromatic herbs, surrounded by sharp saltiness. The sip is fresh and direct, animated by great acid shoulder and long mineral persistence. 

Our Professional Description

67Wine.com | Leather, plums, pepper, and some green vegetal notes on the nose. Lighter medium body. Some citrus, blackberries, and prunes on the palate. Very soft and fading tannins. Pair with roasted poultry. Herbed dishes would play well with this subtly green wine. Great for all your Thanksgiving sides or your favorite hearty salads.

Winemaker Description

Camins 2 Dreams is a winery designed by two women with a creative desire to produce natural wines, utilizing the best sustainably and organically farmed grape cultivars available. Business and life partners Tara Goméz and Mireia Taribo work in tandem with SIP Certified growers to create wines of specific terroir with absolute regard for grape typicity and quality.

Winemaker Description

Smoke, tar, and char on the nose along with stewed plums, blackberries, and figs. The palate is softer on the tongue than the nose might suggest. Berries and figs come through with a little black pepper and cinnamon. Woody tannins settle into the sides of the tongues and linger a little with a background of umami. Pair with game meats, bbq, honeyed hams, and dark chocolate.

Winemaker Description 

Charles Woodson’s Intercept Wines has released a one-time, Limited-Edition Hall of Fame Cabernet Sauvignon to commemorate Charles Woodson’s enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

In 2019, Woodson launched the Intercept Wines brand and the team prepared to have the 2018 vintage ready for 2021 should he become a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

“When we found out Charles was eligible to be selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, we were eager to make a commemorative wine to celebrate the occasion,” said Intercept winemaker Amanda Gorter. “We wanted to create something special that truly embodied the sentiment of greatness from grape to glass.”

The 2018 Limited Edition Hall of Fame Cabernet Sauvignon from four premier districts in California’s Paso Robles AVA: Adelaida, Estrella, El Pomar, and Willow Creek. It is a full-bodied winewith bold tannins and exquisite structure, and can be enjoyed today or laid down to age.

The limited production resulted in 6,500 bottles, an homage to his 65 career interceptions. His career accolades are etched onto the bottle, and a note from Woodson lines the inside of the soft-touch matte black gift box.

Woodson explained, “Intercept has created this Hall of Fame Edition Cabernet Sauvignon – very fitting for this special time in my life! I’m sharing this moment with you because when I go in, we all go in!”

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Soft and supple, with appealing raspberry and cherry flavors highlighted by roasted sage and spice notes. Finishes with polished tannins. Drink now through 2032. 428 cases made.

Winemaker Description 

With experience making Zinfandel dating back to the 1990’s, Ehren Jordan is a true vigneron, with decades of experience in cellars and vineyards all over the world. His obsessive hands-on farming practices and minimalist hands-off winemaking approach come through in every bottle- allowing site, variety and vintage to shine through. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Day Zinfandel Sonoma County 2022 is the latest release from the "Day" project by Ehren Jordan, the legendary winemaker behind iconic labels like Turley, Failla, and Neyers. After decades of making high-octane Zinfandels at Turley, Jordan launched Day to focus on a more restrained, "vigneron" style that emphasizes acidity and elegance over sheer power.

The 2022 vintage is a blend of top-tier, organically farmed sites in the Dry Creek Valley, including the El Diablo, Grist, and Lumberyard vineyards.

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 2015

Decanter 96 Points | This is world class with lovely floral, spicy, marmalade, barley sugar, apricot and crme brle aromatics. The palate brings lively acidity and layers of delightful fruity flavors. Incredibly long.

Winemaker Description 

The drought prompted a shorter harvest, which resulted in faster ripening fruit yielding berries with concentrated flavours and well balanced acidity. With the renovated cellar, we could make use of dedicated tanks intended for perfect maceration and fermentation of the Muscat.

Throughout the season we harvested in batches - from the riper berries that have great acidity to the raisins for sugar concentration.

Each batch is kept separate and treated differently. These batches make up the perfect ratio between sugar, alcohol and acidity which allows the wine to stop fermentation naturally and without intervention.

The wine was aged in a combination of 50 % newFrench oak, Hungarian oak and French Acacia. It was left for a period of 3 years in barrel on the gross lees before racking out and blending. It spent a further 6 months in tank before bottling.

Region Constantia, Western Cape.