2010 - Present Wine

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

Wine Spectator 92 Points: Juicy and inviting, with tasty raspberry and mulberry notes infused with pine forest, red tea and wet earth accents. Keeps the fleshy, juicy feel through the lightly toasted finish. Drink now through 2028.

Winemaker Description

Lush, layered and complex, this enticing Pinot Noir draws you in with aromas of ripe raspberry and black cherry, alongside notions of pennyroyal, clove and sweet baking spices. On the palate, supple tannins and elegantly balanced acidity frame juicy flavors of blackberry and Bing cherry, with savory hints of nutmeg, leather and breakfast tea emerging on the long, robust finish.

Pairing Suggestions

• Poultry: Roasted duck with cherry reduction or herb-crusted chicken thighs.
• Meat: Lamb chops with rosemary or pork tenderloin with mushroom sauce.
• Cheese: Aged Gruyère, Brie, or a mild washed-rind cheese.

A favorite at 67 Wine Castello di Bossi

Winemaker Description

This Riserva has a luminous ruby red color. Appealing aromas of dark cherries, plums, sweet spice, violets, vanilla, and hints of dark chocolate and menthol emerge on the nose. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied but smooth with an almost creamy mouthfeel. Tannins are well integrated with the alcohol, leading to a subtly sweet, silky finish.

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2021

James Suckling — 94 Points
"Subtle aromas of black cherries, tar, mushrooms, black truffles, and dark earth. Medium-to-full-bodied with refined and linear tannins that give tension and focus to the wine. Delicate finish. From organically grown grapes. Lovely now. Drink or hold."

Vinous — 91 Points
"The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Berardo is a powerful, layered wine. Black cherry, liquorice, cloves, leather, and scorched earth all run through this brooding, imposing Riserva. There’s a lot to like here, especially in the way this opens with time in the glass."

About Castello di Bossi

Castello di Bossi is one of Chianti Classico’s most respected family estates, situated in the Castelnuovo Berardenga subzone — the southernmost and warmest part of the Chianti Classico DOCG, known for producing wines of exceptional richness and structure. The estate has been farmed organically for decades, harnessing the area’s galestro and alberese soils to produce Sangiovese of remarkable depth and complexity. The Berardo Riserva — named for the estate’s founding family — is the flagship wine of Castello di Bossi, aged for an extended period in French and Slavonian oak before release. It consistently ranks among the finest expressions of Chianti Classico Riserva at any price.

Food Pairings

Korean short ribs, ragù sauces, gnocchi with roasted rabbit, beef negimaki, bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar, and aged Pecorino Toscano. Decant 1 hour before serving; cellar through 2033.

Product Details

• Producer: Castello di Bossi
• Appellation: Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
• Subzone: Castelnuovo Berardenga
• Grape: Sangiovese
• Certification: Organic
• Vintage: 2021
• Style: Full-bodied, structured, cellar-worthy Chianti Classico Riserva
• Drink: Now–2033 (decant 1 hour)
• Format: 750ml

Domaine de la Commanderie | Quincy AOC | Sauvignon Blanc | Loire Valley, France | 2025

Quincy is one of the Loire Valley's most distinctive and underappreciated appellations — a small, ancient wine zone situated west of Bourges on the banks of the Cher River, producing 100% Sauvignon Blanc from limestone-rich soils that impart a signature mineral precision and depth. Quincy shares the same grape variety and similar terroir as its more famous neighbor Sancerre, but at a fraction of the price — making it one of the Loire's great value secrets for lovers of mineral-driven French Sauvignon Blanc.

Domaine de la Commanderie is a committed estate producer in Quincy, farming with sustainable and organic principles and crafting wines that express the appellation's distinctive limestone terroir with clarity and elegance.

The 2025 is pale yellow with green reflections. The nose is vibrant and inviting — citrus zest, green apple, and subtle floral hints with herbal complexity. On the palate, crisp and fresh with bright acidity, rich minerality, and a harmonious balance of fruit and stone that carries through to a refreshing, lingering finish.

"Citrus and green apples fill the glass with herbal complexity and detailed minerality. A great alternative to pricier Sancerre and perfect with all types of seafood." — Bart Hopkins, 67Wine

Pair with oysters, grilled fish, shellfish, sushi, light pasta, goat cheese, and fresh salads.

• Producer: Domaine de la Commanderie
• Appellation: Quincy AOC, Loire Valley, France
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
• Vintage: 2025
• Soils: Limestone-rich
• Farming: Sustainable / Organic principles
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Awards & Acclaim

• Gold Medal — Vinari Awards Barcelona Rosé International Bubbles Awards 2025
• 90 Points — James Suckling
• Gold Medal — International Wine Awards 2024
• Gold Medal — Catavinum World Wine & Spirits Competition 2022
• 92 Points — Gourmets Guide 2021 (Best Cavas)

Winemaker Notes

The Canals Canals family crafted this rosé cava from 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Garnatxa (Garnacha), following the Traditional Method — secondary fermentation in bottle with 24+ months aging on lees in their cellars. Certified organic.

Deep red-rose color with fine, persistent bubbles. Fresh and floral on the nose with ripened red fruits and a slightly nutty character. Perfectly balanced and full-bodied on the palate with a long, clean finish.

Tasting & Pairings

Red fruits, floral notes, and a nutty edge. Full-bodied for a sparkling rosé with fine mousse and a clean, lingering finish. Serve cold (6–8°C / 43–46°F).

• Charcuterie or tapas — a natural aperitif pairing with Spanish flair.
• Pasta, rice dishes, or blue fish — the body and acidity handle richer fare.
• Seasoned white meat or red meat stews — this has the structure to stand up to heartier dishes.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2024

James Suckling 89 Points: Bright, citrusy nose with hints of sour cherries and dried flowers. Vivid and fruity, with medium body and juicy acidity, finishing bright and zesty. Pleasant and attractive. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Sustainable.

Winemaker Description

"Rina Russa" means "red sand" in Sicilian dialect — a name that speaks to the ancient terroir from which this wine is born. The Frappato grapes come from estate-grown ancient clones, yielding a beautiful light cherry color with a fresh and vibrant bouquet reminiscent of wild strawberries. The palate is silky and smooth with a real freshness running through it and a surprisingly long finish.

Certifications: Organic  |  Vegan  |  Sustainable

Pairing Suggestions

• Seafood: Grilled branzino, swordfish alla Siciliana, or seafood pasta.
• Meat: Charcuterie, roasted rabbit, or light pork dishes.
• Cheese: Fresh Pecorino Siciliano or mild ricotta salata.

Dönnhoff Estate Riesling — Nahe VDP.Gutswein 2024

Dönnhoff is the Nahe. For decades, Helmut Dönnhoff and now his son Cornelius have set the standard for German Riesling from this compact, geologically extraordinary region between the Mosel and the Rhine. The estate's vineyards sit on steep slopes around Oberhausen in the middle Nahe, where volcanic porphyry, melaphyre, slate, and quartzite converge in soils unlike anywhere else in Germany. It is this geological complexity — ancient, mineral-rich, and deeply expressive — that gives Dönnhoff Rieslings their signature clarity, precision, and finesse.

The 2024 Estate Riesling is a VDP.Gutswein — the entry point into the Dönnhoff range, and one of the most overdelivering bottles in German wine. Sourced from a broader selection of sites than usual, including Oberhäuser Felsenberg and Kieselberg, and fermented in a combination of stainless steel tanks and large oak barrels, the wine captures the full character of the 2024 vintage: brilliant fruit, lively acidity, and a cool, precise finish. Bone dry, screw-capped, and built for immediate pleasure.

Luminous pale gold in the glass. The nose is effusive and aromatic — mandarin orange, yellow peach, green apple, citrus zest, and white peach, with a fine saline minerality threading through. On the palate it is svelte and medium-bodied, zesty and ripe, with a sunny, lip-smacking quality and a long, saline, savory finish. Pure Riesling. Vibrant, fresh, and immensely clean — a crystal-clear expression of what Dönnhoff and the Nahe are all about.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

James Suckling — 92 Points
“Brimming with mandarin orange and yellow peach aromas, this is a very attractive entry-level dry Riesling. Barely medium-bodied, but so effusive and elegant. Very zesty finish.”

Vinous — 91 Points
“An absolutely clear-cut, lip-smacking Riesling. The palate is totally strait-laced, zesty and ripe, with a sunny aspect. Svelte and immensely fresh.”

Wine Advocate — 90 Points
“Remarkably intense and aromatic yellow stone fruit intermingled with complex and saline terroir notes of the middle Nahe. Fresh and savory on the palate — pure and fresh with remarkable intensity and sustainability on the finish.”

• Producer: Weingut Dönnhoff, Oberhausen, Nahe, Germany
• Vintage: 2024
• Classification: VDP.Gutswein
• Appellation: Nahe
• Grape: 100% Riesling
• Closure: Screw cap
• Style: Bone-dry, mineral, medium-bodied Nahe Riesling
• Tasting Notes: Mandarin orange, yellow peach, green apple, citrus zest, saline minerality
• Drink Window: Now–2032
• Best Paired With: Spicy Thai or Indian cuisine, fresh trout, Jägerschnitzel, salty cheeses, oysters

Three critics. Three 90+ scores. The Nahe’s finest estate — at its most accessible.

Santa Marina Pinot Grigio — Italy 2024 — 1.5L Magnum

Santa Marina Pinot Grigio is a perennial crowd-pleaser from Italy — fresh, honest, and endlessly versatile. The 2024 vintage arrives in a generous 1.5L Magnum format, making it the perfect pour for al fresco dinners, summer gatherings, and any occasion where one bottle is never quite enough. Two bottles in one, at a price that makes the decision easy.

Delicate gold with hints of straw. The nose opens with ripe pear, citrus zest, and almond blossom — clean, inviting, and classically Italian. On the palate, the wine is light to medium-bodied with soft, clean fruit, bright acidity, and a crisp, dry finish that keeps you coming back for another glass. Chill well and pour freely.

Crisp, dry, and effortlessly food-friendly — Santa Marina Pinot Grigio in a generous 1.5L Magnum. Two bottles, one great price.

• Producer: Santa Marina, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Italy
• Varietal: Pinot Grigio
• Style: White Wine — Dry, Crisp, Light-Bodied
• Format: 1.5L Magnum (equivalent to 2 standard bottles)
• Size: 1.5L
• Tasting Notes: Ripe pear, citrus zest, almond blossom, soft clean fruit, crisp dry finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled seafood, light pasta, bruschetta, fresh mozzarella, antipasto, summer picnics, aperitivo

Two bottles, one honest price — Santa Marina Pinot Grigio Magnum is the benchmark for effortless Italian white wine built for sharing.

Awards & Accolades

Platinum Award & Director's Best Spirits Barrel Aged Wine | 2023 Monterey International Wine & Spirits Competition

Winemaker Description

Cooper and Thief Cellarmaster's Red Wine Blend 2022 750ml

Crafted by Cellarmaster Jeff Kasavan, this California Red Blend is aged three months in bourbon whiskey barrels, imparting a velvety mouthfeel, subtle warmth, and notes of toasty vanilla and classic bourbon spice. Blackberry and jammy dark currants lead to a rich, full-bodied finish. The blend — Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon — draws from prime winegrowing regions across California, unified by the unmistakable character of bourbon barrel aging.

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Roasted lamb, grilled ribeye, or slow-smoked brisket.
• Poultry: Bourbon-glazed chicken, duck confit, or turkey with dark fruit sauce.
• Cheese: Aged cheddar, smoked Gouda, or a bold blue cheese.

Expert Review — Vintage 2024

James Suckling 92 Points | Citrus, white pears and hints of snow peas on the nose of this juicy and crisp white. It’s medium-bodied, bright and cool, with a light peppery twist at the end. From organically grown grapes.

Winemaker Description

This Grüner Veltliner is a blend of wines sourced from different terraced vineyards in the Kamptal. The elevated terraces consist of stonier soils (schisted granite), producing wines with aromatic expression, good acidity, elegant stone fruit and pronounced minerality. The lower terraces of layered fertile loess contribute more body and ripeness. The combination of these two characteristics yields a classic Grüner Veltliner with both finesse and vigor — certified organic.

Food Pairings

• Wiener Schnitzel or roasted veal
• Grilled white fish, scallops, or sushi
• Asparagus, spring vegetables, or herb-forward dishes
• Fresh goat cheese or mild alpine cheeses

Product Details

• Producer: Weingut Bründlmayer
• Grape: Grüner Veltliner
• Appellation: Kamptal, Niederösterreich, Austria
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml

Bogle Vineyards Merlot — California 2023

The Bogle family has been farming the California Delta since the late 1870s, when Captain AJ Bogle traveled west from Tennessee after the Civil War and planted the first roots in the rich delta soil. Five generations later, the family still farms over 2,000 acres of estate vineyards — and their California Merlot remains one of the most consistent and honest values in American red wine. Wine Enthusiast awarded the prior vintage 90 points, calling it a wine of baked plum, coffee bean, and grippy, mouthwatering tannins. Vegan and gluten-free certified.

The nose opens with Bing cherries, sassafras, baked plum, coffee bean, dried bay leaf, and cocoa. On the palate, supple red fruits — dried cranberry, strawberry, and grilled orange rind — give way to touches of cedar and sweet herbs. The tannins are grippy and mouthwatering, with a finish that is approachable, food-friendly, and built to over-deliver for the price.

Wine Enthusiast 90 (Prior Vintage 2022) — "Deep aromas of baked plum, coffee bean, dried bay leaf, cocoa, and dried florals. Flavors of dried cranberry, strawberry, and grilled orange rind, leaving the palate with grippy, mouthwatering tannins." — Tonya Pitts

• Producer: Bogle Vineyards, California Delta, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Merlot
• Style: Red Wine — Approachable, Medium-Bodied
• Certifications: Vegan • Gluten-Free
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Bing cherry, sassafras, baked plum, coffee bean, dried bay leaf, cocoa, cranberry, cedar, sweet herbs
• Best Paired With: Peking duck, roasted chicken, braised short ribs, pork tenderloin, beef stew, mild cheddar, Brie

A 90-point California Merlot at an everyday price — Bogle's five-generation family estate is the benchmark for what honest American red wine can be.

Calera Chardonnay — Central Coast 2023

In 1975, Josh Jensen founded Calera high in the Gavilan Mountains — naming it after the Spanish word for "lime kiln" — and spent decades proving that California's Central Coast could produce world-class wine. Nearly fifty years on, the Central Coast Chardonnay remains the benchmark of the estate: impeccably balanced, cool-climate in character, and consistently earning 91-point scores from both Wine Enthusiast and Jeb Dunnuck. The 2023 growing season was exceptional — a long wet winter, delayed budbreak, and a mild extended summer gave the fruit an extra month to ripen, achieving rare harmony between acidity and concentration.

The nose shows toasted almond, citrus pith, lemon zest, apricot, and delicate orange blossom. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with a rounded, grainy texture — golden apple, pineapple, and tangerine are framed by bright, focused acidity and a touch of wet stone minerality. The finish is crisp, long, and refreshing, with chaparral herb and dried pear lingering through the close. Drinking beautifully now, with 5–7 more years of potential.

Wine Enthusiast 91 — "Toasted almond, citrus pith and light dairy aromas. Chaparral rock and herb flavors meet with brighter lemon and dried pear elements." — Matt Kettmann • Jeb Dunnuck 91 — "Hugely enjoyable, with a rounded mouthfeel and long-lasting acidity." (Vintage 2023). 

• Producer: Calera, Gavilan Mountains, Central Coast, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Central Coast
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Style: White Wine — Full-Bodied, Cool-Climate
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Toasted almond, citrus pith, lemon zest, apricot, golden apple, pineapple, tangerine, wet stone, chaparral herb
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 5–7 years
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, roasted chicken, wild mushroom ravioli, goat cheese salads, light cream sauces

Two 91-point scores, one honest price — Calera's Central Coast Chardonnay is the benchmark for what California cool-climate white wine can be.

Feudo Montoni Vigna del Core Perricone — Sicilia, Italy 2022

Feudo Montoni is one of Sicily's most important organic estates, farming ancient indigenous varieties in the rugged interior highlands near Cammarata — far from the coast, at elevations that bring cool nights and dramatic diurnal swings. Their Vigna del Core is dedicated to Perricone, one of Sicily's rarest and most historically significant red grapes, nearly extinct until producers like Montoni championed its revival. Grown organically and harvested from old vines, this is a wine of genuine character and place.

The 2022 pours a ruby red with light violet reflections. The nose is earthy and complex — grilled herbs, blackberries, dried flowers, warm spice, and exotic notes of cocoa and licorice. On the palate, it's silky-smooth and deeply textural, with ripe red and black fruit driven by vibrant acidity and a coating of fine, dusty tannins. The finish is long, fresh, and beautifully polished — a total pleasure to taste.

"Silky-smooth and deeply textural, with a rich blend of ripe red and black fruits motivated by vibrant acidity. The 2022 cleans up beautifully, finishing long and staining yet fresh. A total pleasure to taste." — Vinous, 92 Points

• Producer: Feudo Montoni, Cammarata, Sicily, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Sicilia DOC
• Varietal: Perricone
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: Vinous 92 | Wine Spectator 90
• Tasting Notes: Grilled herbs, blackberry, dried flowers, cocoa, licorice, fine dusty tannins
• Best Paired With: Braised lamb, wild boar, aged pecorino, grilled sausages, hearty Sicilian pasta dishes

A 92-point certified organic Perricone from one of Sicily's most committed indigenous variety champions — rare, soulful, and built to age.

Weingut Petri Riesling Kabinett Herxheimer Honigsack Trocken — Pfalz, Germany 2023

The Honigsack vineyard in Herxheim am Berg is one of the Pfalz’s quietly revered single-vineyard sites — a place where Riesling finds its most precise, mineral expression. Weingut Petri has long understood this terroir, farming with care and bottling with restraint to let the vineyard speak for itself. The 2023 Kabinett Trocken is a dry Kabinett that delivers everything the Pfalz does best: crisp, focused fruit, lively acidity, and a stony mineral backbone that carries through to a long, clean finish. “Kabinett” designates the lightest and most delicate ripeness level in German Prädikat wine; “Trocken” means fully dry. The result is a wine of real complexity and precision at a price that makes it an everyday pleasure. Rand Sieger, 67Wine Buyer, calls it “great value and complexity at its price point.” At under $14, he is right.

The nose is fresh and inviting: green apple, citrus zest, and wet stone. On the palate, it is crisp, vibrant, and mineral-driven, with refreshing acidity and a long, clean, precise finish with a delightful apple core character. Just off-dry in feel, it balances fruit and minerality with effortless precision.

Rand Sieger, Wine Buyer, 67Wine — “Just off-dry with delightful green apple aromas and edgy minerality. Ends in a long, delicious apple core finish. Great value and complexity at its price point.”

• Producer: Weingut Petri, Herxheim am Berg, Pfalz, Germany
• Vintage: 2023
• Vineyard: Herxheimer Honigsack — single vineyard, Pfalz
• Classification: Kabinett Trocken (dry)
• Varietal: 100% Riesling
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Green apple, citrus zest, wet stone, mineral-driven, long apple core finish
• Best Paired With: Light seafood, sushi, oysters, fresh goat cheese, Asian cuisine, summer salads

A single-vineyard Pfalz Kabinett Trocken at an honest price — Petri Honigsack is the benchmark for what dry German Riesling can be.

A fantastic Rhone from Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf du Pape 2023 

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023

James Suckling — 95 Points
"An attractive, layered, velvety, and poised Châteauneuf-du-Pape with aromas of cherries, strawberries, dried herbs, tar, and baking spices. Full-bodied with fine tannins. Succulent and well composed. There’s elegance here, yet it has character and structure. Seductive and flavorful with a long finish."

Jeb Dunnuck — 92–94 Points (Barrel Sample)
"The 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape will be beautiful, with a charming, soft, supple, forward style. Ripe red and black fruits, peppery herbs, and lavender notes all define the bouquet, and it hits the palate with medium-to-full-bodied richness, a layered, elegant mouthfeel, and sweet tannins. Based on 75% Grenache, 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, and the rest Cinsault — 50% destemmed and raised entirely in foudre. It’s clearly outstanding and another classic release from this brilliant estate."

About Le Vieux Donjon

Le Vieux Donjon is one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s most celebrated and consistent family estates, owned and farmed by the Michel family for generations. The domaine takes its name from the ancient papal tower — the “old dungeon” — that overlooks their vineyards in the heart of the appellation. Farming organically on the iconic galets roulés — the large rounded stones that retain heat and reflect sunlight onto the vines — Le Vieux Donjon produces Grenache-dominant blends of extraordinary depth, complexity, and age-worthiness. The estate is widely regarded as a benchmark Châteauneuf-du-Pape producer, consistently earning top scores from the world’s leading critics vintage after vintage.

Food Pairings

Roasted lamb, duck confit, wild boar, herb-crusted beef tenderloin, truffle dishes, aged Comté, and Provençal stews. Decant 1–2 hours before serving; cellar through 2035+.

Product Details

• Producer: Le Vieux Donjon
• Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC, Rhône Valley, France
• Blend: 75% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault
• Aging: Foudre (large oak casks)
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Full-bodied, layered, cellar-worthy Southern Rhône red
• Drink: Now–2035+ (decant 1–2 hours)
• Format: 750ml

Winemaker Description

Firmin Dezat, now in its 18th generation of family winemaking, farms 8 hectares in the prestigious Pouilly-Fumé appellation of the Loire Valley. Naturally farmed with HVE 3 certification (Haute Valeur Environnementale), this Loire Sauvignon Blanc is dominated by aromas and flavors of stone fruit wrapped in vibrant minerality. A beautifully expressive and exceptional value from one of the Loire's most enduring family estates.

Tasting Notes

Bright and aromatic with stone fruit, citrus zest, and the signature flinty, smoky minerality of Pouilly-Fumé. Crisp acidity, a lively mid-palate, and a clean, lingering finish with excellent tension and freshness.

Food Pairings

Classic with goat cheese, oysters, grilled fish, seafood pasta, and light salads. An ideal aperitif or food-friendly white for any occasion.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: 2024
Region: Pouilly-Fumé, Loire Valley, France
Appellation: Pouilly-Fumé AOC
Grape Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Farming: Naturally Farmed, HVE 3 Certified
Style: White Wine, Dry

Producer Notes

The Oddero estate is one of Piedmont’s most storied Barolo producers, with impressive vineyard holdings throughout the entirety of the denomination. The classic Barolo bottling incorporates younger vines from sites in La Morra as well as Bricco Fiasco in Castiglione Falletto, and draws from Bricco Chiesa, Capalot, and Galina. The 2021 vintage is a standout — aromatic, pliant, and wonderfully inviting, with crushed flowers, red and blue-toned fruit, spice, and perfumed notes. Fine, polished tannins and a long, savoury finish. Gorgeously approachable now but will keep evolving.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2021

• Decanter 93 pts | Evocatively scented with wild red berries, vanillin, and spice. Fine tannins increase steadily across the palate alongside richness of raspberry fruit. Hints of tea and citrus lead to a savoury, mouth-cleansing finish. Gorgeously approachable now but will keep evolving. — Michaela Morris
• Vinous 92 pts | Fabulous. Aromatic, pliant, and wonderfully inviting. Crushed flowers, red/blue-toned fruit, spice, and perfumed notes build nicely in the glass. Polished, silky tannins wrap it all together in style. — Antonio Galloni

Food Pairings

• Braised beef short ribs or osso buco
• Truffle pasta or mushroom risotto
• Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Castelmagno
• Roasted lamb or wild boar

Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Reserva Vendimia Seleccionada 2020 — Rioja Alta & Rioja Alavesa, Spain

Marqués de Cáceres is one of Rioja’s most celebrated and internationally recognized estates, founded in 1970 by Enrique Forner in partnership with the legendary Bordeaux oenologist Émile Peynaud. The winery pioneered a more elegant, French-influenced style of Rioja — emphasizing freshness, precision, and terroir expression over heavy extraction — and has remained one of the appellation’s benchmark producers for over five decades.

The Vendimia Seleccionada (Selected Harvest) Reserva is a step above the standard Reserva, crafted from a careful selection of 15–25-year-old vines in the premier Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa sub-regions. Aged in oak and bottle in accordance with Reserva regulations, this is a wine of genuine complexity and cellar-worthy structure.

The 2020 shows a deep, brilliant crimson color. The nose is powerful yet delicate — noble wood, lightly spiced, with hints of vanilla and cocoa against a background of dark fruit, touches of licorice, and woodland notes that give the wine personality and elegance. On the palate it is very expressive, full-bodied and refined, with delicious flavors of berries laced with toasty notes and a long, classy finish.

Selected Harvest. 15–25-year-old vines. Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa — Marqués de Cáceres at its most refined.

• Producer: Marqués de Cáceres, Cenicero, Rioja Alta, Spain (est. 1970)
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: DOCa Rioja (Rioja Alta & Rioja Alavesa)
• Classification: Reserva — Vendimia Seleccionada (Selected Harvest)
• Varietal: Tempranillo-based blend
• Vine Age: 15–25 years
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark fruit, vanilla, cocoa, licorice, noble wood, spice, woodland, toasty berries, long elegant finish
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, Ibérico ham, aged Manchego, slow-braised short ribs, mushroom dishes

Classic Rioja Reserva from one of the appellation’s founding estates — Marqués de Cáceres Vendimia Seleccionada is the benchmark.

ZD Wines Chardonnay — California 2023

ZD Wines has been crafting benchmark California Chardonnay for over 55 years, and the 2023 vintage — the estate’s 55th harvest — is a landmark expression of everything the house does best. Sourced from certified-organic grapes across three premier coastal appellations — Napa Carneros, Sonoma Carneros, and Monterey — the fruit is hand-harvested at night to preserve freshness, then 100% barrel-fermented in ZD’s custom-designed cellar at a cool 48°F. This long, cool fermentation maximizes lees contact for richness and depth while deliberately avoiding malolactic fermentation to preserve the wine’s signature bright coastal acidity. Ten months in 100% American oak adds complexity and the house’s hallmark crème brûlée finish. The 2023 earned 90 points and three Gold Medals in 2025 — Los Angeles Invitational, San Francisco Chronicle, and Pacific Rim International.

The color is pale yellow with a luminous hue. The nose bursts with ripe Asian pear, green apple, honeydew melon, pink grapefruit, and nectarine. On the palate, it is vibrant and richly textured — lemon curd, guava, and white peach are framed by mouthwatering acidity and a long, complex finish of crème brûlée and vanillin. Sunshine in a glass.

90 Points • Gold Medal — Los Angeles Invitational Wine Challenge 2025
Gold Medal — San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2025
Gold Medal — Pacific Rim International Wine Competition 2025

• Producer: ZD Wines, Napa Valley, California, USA
• Vintage: 2023 (55th Harvest)
• Appellation: California
• Sources: Napa Carneros, Sonoma Carneros, Monterey — certified organic
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Harvest: Hand-harvested at night
• Vinification: 100% barrel-fermented at 48°F, no malolactic fermentation, 10 months in 100% American oak
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Asian pear, green apple, honeydew, pink grapefruit, lemon curd, guava, white peach, crème brûlée, vanillin, long finish
• Best Paired With: Lobster, grilled halibut, crab cakes, roast chicken, creamy pasta, soft-ripened cheeses

Fifty-five harvests, three gold medals, and zero malolactic fermentation — ZD’s California Chardonnay is the benchmark that keeps raising the bar.

Vera Vinho Verde Branco 2025 750ml

Discover the delight of Vera Vinho Verde Branco, a refreshing and vibrant Portuguese white wine that tantalizes the taste buds with its unique flavor profile. This wine is characterized by its bright acidity and delightful notes of citrus and green apple, with clean, lively flavors of lime, ripe pink and yellow grapefruit. The slight effervescence adds a refreshing sparkle, making it a perfect choice for warm summer days and a favorite at gatherings.

Winemaker's Description

Arinto brings bright acidity and aging potential, Azal is citric and fresh and Loureiro is aromatic and delicate.

Three Grape Blend

This Vinho Verde is a blend of three classic Portuguese grape varieties: Arinto, Azal, and Loureiro. Each grape contributes unique characteristics that create a harmonious and complex wine.

Arinto - Bright Acidity & Aging Potential

Arinto brings bright acidity and aging potential to the blend. This grape provides the wine's crisp backbone and ensures freshness, making it both enjoyable now and capable of short-term aging.

Azal - Citric & Fresh

Azal is citric and fresh, contributing vibrant citrus character to the wine. This grape adds lively, zesty flavors that make the wine incredibly refreshing.

Loureiro - Aromatic & Delicate

Loureiro is aromatic and delicate, bringing floral and aromatic complexity to the blend. This grape adds elegance and perfume to the wine's bouquet.

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Pale yellow hue with slight effervescence
Aroma: Citrus, green apple, floral notes, aromatic and delicate character
Palate: Clean, lively flavors of lime, ripe pink and yellow grapefruit. Bright acidity with light body and crisp finish. Subtle hints of mineral undertones
Finish: Crisp, refreshing finish with slight effervescence

Clean, Lively Flavors

Clean, lively flavors of lime, ripe pink and yellow grapefruit define this refreshing wine. The purity of fruit expression is characteristic of quality Vinho Verde.

Lime, Pink & Yellow Grapefruit

Flavors of lime, ripe pink and yellow grapefruit create a vibrant citrus profile. These bright fruit notes make the wine incredibly food-friendly and refreshing.

Slight Effervescence

Slight effervescence adds a refreshing sparkle and liveliness to the wine. This gentle fizz is a hallmark of traditional Vinho Verde and enhances the wine's refreshing character.

Bright Acidity

Characterized by its bright acidity that provides structure and freshness. The acidity makes this wine perfect for pairing with food and ensures it's thirst-quenching.

Citrus & Green Apple Notes

Delightful notes of citrus and green apple create an inviting flavor profile. These classic Vinho Verde characteristics make the wine approachable and enjoyable.

Mineral Undertones

The subtle hints of mineral undertones add depth to the wine, enhancing its overall experience. This minerality reflects the terroir of Portugal's Vinho Verde region.

Light Body & Crisp Finish

Light body and crisp finish make it incredibly enjoyable and easy to drink. The wine's refreshing nature makes it perfect for warm weather and casual occasions.

2024 Vintage Quality

This 2024 vintage of Vera Vinho Verde Branco showcases the freshness and vibrancy that defines great Vinho Verde. The wine is meant to be enjoyed young to capture its lively character.

Portuguese Vinho Verde Region

From Portugal's Vinho Verde region, known for producing refreshing, slightly effervescent white wines. This region in northwest Portugal has a cool, maritime climate ideal for these grape varieties.

Versatile Food Pairing

This wine pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes:

• Light salads
• Grilled fish and seafood
• Spicy Asian cuisine
• Sushi and sashimi
• Shellfish
• Fresh oysters
• Light appetizers
• Goat cheese

Perfect for Summer Days

A perfect choice for those warm summer days, making it a favorite at summer picnics, beach parties, and garden gatherings. The refreshing characteristics make it ideal for outdoor entertaining.

Ideal for Gatherings

Imagine relaxing on a sunny afternoon, sipping on this delightful wine while sharing meals with friends and family. Whether it's a casual barbecue or a formal dinner, Vera Vinho Verde Branco is the ideal companion.

Serve Chilled

Served chilled, this wine elevates any occasion, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. Serve at 45-50°F for optimal enjoyment.

Pale Yellow Hue

As you pour it into your glass, the pale yellow hue captivates your senses. The wine's appearance signals its freshness and quality.

Enticing Aromas

The moment the cork pops, the enticing aromas fill the air, inviting you to take the first sip. The aromatic complexity from Loureiro creates an inviting bouquet.

Adds Elegance & Joy

Whether you are celebrating a special milestone or simply unwinding after a long day, Vera Vinho Verde Branco adds a touch of elegance and joy to your lifestyle. This wine impresses wine lovers and casual drinkers alike.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2020

James Suckling 94 Points | Attractive aromas of ripe cherries, dried strawberries, dried orange peel, spices and crushed stones. Medium to full body with compact, firm, finely grained tannins. Smooth and textured with vivid fruit underneath and a lingering finish. Drink or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Rich ruby color. A selection from the best vineyards, aged for two years. Toasted cedar, cherry lozenge, menthol, and spiced orange peel. Medium-bodied with ripe tannins folding into a mineral texture, mouthwatering stony earth, and a long, clean finish.

Robert Parker | Wine Advocate 93 Points | Ripe fruit with measured intensity that never feels heavy or overdone — achieving this level of balance is not easy in a hot growing season. Characterized by an especially linear and direct personality that pushes over the palate with good momentum.

Wine Spectator 90 Points | Juicy yet firmly structured with bright cherry and blackberry fruit. Dense tannins inform the finish with accents of earth and mineral. Balanced in a youthful, exuberant way. Best 2025–2039.

Winemaker Notes

Ruby red with a trace of garnet. Elegant nose displaying hints of spice and fruit. Well-structured with smooth tannins and a long finish. Certified organic Sangiovese from one of Chianti Classico’s most historic and beautiful estates.

Tasting & Pairings

Ripe cherry, dried strawberry, orange peel, crushed stones, cedar, menthol, and spice. Medium to full body with firm, finely grained tannins and a mineral finish. Decant or cellar through 2039.

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina or grilled lamb — the classic Tuscan pairing for a Riserva of this caliber.
• Wild boar ragù or pappardelle with meat sauce — the tannin structure and earthy notes complement rich, slow-cooked sauces.
• Aged Pecorino Toscano — a regional cheese that mirrors the wine’s earthy, mineral character.

Catena Malbec — Mendoza, Argentina 2024

Bodega Catena Zapata has been the defining force in Argentine fine wine for decades — a trailblazer in high-altitude viticulture since the 1990s, farming vineyards up to 5,000 feet in the Andes foothills where cooler temperatures, intense UV radiation, and dramatic diurnal temperature swings produce Malbec of uncommon elegance, depth, and freshness. The Catena Malbec is the house’s benchmark expression: a wine that has introduced generations of drinkers to the world-class potential of Mendoza Malbec, earning 93 points from the Wine Advocate (prior vintage) and consistently delivering far more than its price suggests.

The color is deep ruby-violet with brilliant clarity. The nose is expressive and inviting: dark plum, blackberry, violet, turned earth, and subtle spice. On the palate, it is juicy and precise — vibrant acidity and a savory, sturdy core frame the dark fruit, with a high-toned, lingering finish of earthy depth and freshness. Elegant, fruit-forward, and endlessly food-friendly.

Wine Advocate 93 — (Prior Vintage 2023). High-altitude, elegant Mendoza Malbec from one of Argentina’s most celebrated estates. Dark plum, blackberry, violet and earthy depth with vibrant acidity and a savory, lingering finish.

• Producer: Bodega Catena Zapata, Mendoza, Argentina
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Mendoza
• Varietal: 100% Malbec
• Style: High-altitude, elegant & fruit-forward
• Altitude: Up to 5,000 feet in the Andes foothills
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark plum, blackberry, violet, turned earth, subtle spice, vibrant acidity, earthy lingering finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 3–5 years
• Best Paired With: Grilled skirt steak, roasted lamb, beef empanadas, hearty stews, aged cheddar, blue cheese, Manchego

Thirty years of high-altitude mastery, 93 points from the Wine Advocate, and priced for every night of the week — Catena Malbec is the Argentine benchmark that never disappoints.

La Vieille Ferme Ventôux Rosé — Rhône Valley 2025 | 1.5L Magnum

La Vieille Ferme is the beloved everyday label of Famille Perrin — the same dynasty behind Château de Beaucastel — and the 2025 Ventôux Rosé is everything the iconic “Chicken Wine” has always promised: fresh, generous, and endlessly drinkable. Blending Cinsault, Grenache, and Syrah from vineyards in the Ventôux appellation, this magnum format is the ultimate warm-weather bottle — made for long tables, summer evenings, and good company. At under $18 for a 1.5L, it is one of the most exciting values in all of French rosé.

The color is a beautiful bright powder-pink with silver highlights. The nose is fresh and inviting: rose petals, red fruit, and a delicate tangy lift. On the palate, it is lively and balanced, with juicy notes of strawberry and peach framed by a saline, mineral finish that lingers with elegance and finesse. It drinks beautifully right now — and the magnum keeps it fresher, longer.

• Producer: La Vieille Ferme (Famille Perrin), Rhône Valley, France
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Ventôux AOC
• Blend: Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah
• Format: 1.5L Magnum
• Tasting Notes: Rose petal, strawberry, peach, red fruit, saline mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled chicken, salmon, summer salads, charcuterie, goat cheese, light pasta

A Beaucastel-pedigree rosé in magnum at an honest price — La Vieille Ferme is the benchmark for what everyday French rosé can be.

André Montessuy — Bourgogne Rouge 2023

André Montessuy is a négociant-éleveur based in Burgundy, producing approachable, terroir-honest wines from across the region. The Bourgogne Rouge is their entry-level Pinot Noir — sourced from limestone soils mixed with clay and marl, the classic subsoil of the Côte d’Or — and vinified with care: sorted by hand, cold pre-fermentation maceration for three days, then 12 days of alcoholic fermentation with twice-daily pump-overs and punch-downs to extract color and structure without aggression. Aged 10 to 12 months before bottling.

The 2023 is a textbook village-level Burgundy at a regional price. Dominant fruitiness on the nose — blackcurrant, cherry, blackberry — with a small spicy note. The palate is supple and round, with melted tannins, good length, and a lot of finesse. This is the bottle you reach for when you want honest Pinot Noir without the Burgundy premium.

• Producer: André Montessuy, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Bourgogne Rouge AOC
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Terroir: Limestone, clay, and marl soils
• Vinification: Hand-sorted, 3-day cold maceration, 12-day fermentation, pump-overs & punch-downs
• Aging: 10–12 months
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackcurrant, cherry, blackberry, spice, supple tannins, long finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled or roasted red meats, cold cuts, pot-au-feu, veal, poultry tarts, Gouda

Honest Burgundy at $24 — André Montessuy's Bourgogne Rouge is the everyday Pinot Noir that punches well above its appellation.

Domaine Christophe Mittnacht Pinot Blanc — Alsace, France 2024

Domaine Mittnacht is one of Alsace's most respected and pioneering family estates — founded in 1958 and today led by Christophe and Yuka Mittnacht from their base in Hunawihr, a village at the heart of the Alsace wine route surrounded by some of the region's finest vineyard sites. Christophe was an early pioneer of the biodynamic movement in Alsace, believing that biologically complex, complete soils are essential for producing elegant, terroir-driven wines. The domaine was officially certified biodynamic in 1999 — one of the very first in all of Alsace — and continues to farm with minimal intervention, using neutral wood and tank to let the soil sing. Their old vine holdings include the Grand Cru Rosacker (where the fabled Clos-St.-Hune is located), as well as excellent sites between Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr. Christophe harvests balanced fruit and deliberately avoids the excesses of alcohol and residual sugar that can mask the freshness and florality that make Alsace so special.

The Pinot Blanc is a richer style, yet still fresh and elegant — a hallmark of Mittnacht's biodynamic approach. Mouthwatering acidity enlivens flavors of citrus, apricot, and lemon zest, leading to a stony and floral finish that is unmistakably Alsatian. Precise, expressive, and beautifully delicate.

"A richer style of Pinot Blanc, yet still fresh and elegant. Mouthwatering acidity enlivens flavors of citrus, apricot and lemon zest, leading to a stony and floral finish." — Domaine Mittnacht, Winemaker

• Producer: Domaine Christophe Mittnacht, Hunawihr, Alsace, France (est. 1958)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Alsace AOC
• Varietal: Pinot Blanc
• Farming: Certified Biodynamic (since 1999)
• Winemaking: Minimal intervention, neutral wood and tank
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, apricot, lemon zest, mouthwatering acidity, stony and floral finish
• Style: Medium-bodied, fresh, elegant, dry
• Drink: Now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, oysters, choucroute garnie, roast chicken, soft cheeses, asparagus, light pasta

Biodynamic Alsace Pinot Blanc from one of the region's pioneering estates — Mittnacht 2024 is fresh, floral, and a benchmark of what organic farming can achieve in Alsace.

RouteStock | Pinot Noir | Sonoma Coast AVA | California | 2023

RouteStock is a California label built around the idea that great wine should be accessible — that world-class terroir doesn’t have to come with a world-class price tag. Their Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir draws from one of California’s most celebrated cool-climate appellations, where Pacific fog and coastal winds push grapes to their expressive limits. The 2023 is a textbook example of what makes this region so compelling: complexity, tension, and a savory depth that punches well above its price.

The nose is brooding and aromatic — dried herbs, toasted hazelnuts, blood orange peel, and a whisper of lavender. On the palate, bright red-cherry acidity and crunchy minerality frame an appealing umami core, with flavors of shiitake mushroom, bay laurel, brambly berries, and cooked red and blackberries woven through with woodsy spice. Rich and complex, yet bright and inviting — a Sonoma Coast Pinot that delivers far beyond its price point.

• Producer: RouteStock
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast AVA, California
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 750ml
• Pairings: Roast duck, grilled salmon, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, mushroom risotto, charcuterie with prosciutto and mild cheeses

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2023 

• The Tasting Panel — 92 pts: Punches way above its price. Savory tilled earth and loam, red-cherry acidity, crunchy minerality, and an umami core with brambly berries and woodsy spice.

Winemaker Notes

The 2023 Far Niente Chardonnay enchants with a bouquet of citrus, white floral, and hints of honeydew melon and nectarine. Its silky texture and bright, refreshing palate dance with flavors of lemon/lime zest and lemon verbena, culminating in a long, juicy finish.

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023

Tasting Panel — 97 Points
"The combination of Carneros’ maritime climate and the volcanic soils of Coombsville lends a hand in creating one of the most deluxe Chardonnays our team has had the pleasure of tasting. Augmented by sweet vanilla cream, elderflower, and white cherry, the mouthfeel is exquisitely graceful, and notes of key lime, herbed lemon, and luscious ripe pineapple are opulent to the end. Aged sur lie in French oak barrels."

James Suckling — 93 Points
"Pure aromas of lemon confit, poached Asian pears, pastry and lanolin. The palate is medium-bodied with focused acidity and a creamy texture, giving notes of lime curd, orange blossoms, yellow apples and flint. Very well constructed and polished."

Forbes Magazine (Jeanette Hurt)
"A blend of superlative Napa Valley vineyards located in Coombsville. The 2023 vintage enchants with a bouquet of citrus, white floral, and hints of honeydew melon and nectarine. Its silky texture and bright, refreshing palate dance with flavors of lemon/lime zest and lemon verbena, culminating in a long, juicy finish."

About Far Niente

Far Niente is one of Napa Valley’s most iconic and historic estates, founded in 1885 and restored to its current glory in 1979 by Gil Nickel. The name — Italian for “dolce far niente,” or “the sweetness of doing nothing” — reflects the estate’s philosophy of unhurried, meticulous winemaking. Far Niente’s Estate Chardonnay is sourced from their own vineyards in Coombsville and Carneros, two of Napa’s coolest and most prized white wine growing areas. Aged sur lie in French oak barrels, it is consistently one of California’s benchmark Chardonnays — rich, precise, and built to age.

Food Pairings

Lobster, Dungeness crab, pan-seared halibut, roasted chicken with cream sauce, risotto, soft ripened cheeses, and truffle dishes. A luxurious Chardonnay built for the finest occasions.

Product Details

• Producer: Far Niente
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Vineyards: Coombsville & Carneros
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Aging: Sur lie, French oak barrels
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Rich, precise, age-worthy Napa Chardonnay
• Format: 750ml

One of Tuscany's most celebrated organic estates, Fontodi Chianti Classico Organic 2020 is a benchmark expression of 100% Sangiovese from the heart of Panzano's legendary Conca d'Oro — the "Golden Shell" — a privileged south-facing amphitheater of vineyards in the Chianti Classico DOCG. Certified organic, structured, and deeply terroir-driven, this is Chianti Classico at its most authentic and compelling.

Fontodi & the Conca d'Oro

Fontodi has been certified organic for decades, farming 100% Sangiovese with an unwavering commitment to terroir expression and minimal intervention. Situated in Panzano's Conca d'Oro — a sun-drenched bowl of south-facing vineyards considered among the finest sites in all of Chianti Classico — the estate produces wines of remarkable energy, structure, and longevity. The 2020 vintage is slightly more reserved and structured than recent opulent years, offering a classic, high-energy profile that rewards decanting or further cellaring.

Critical Acclaim — 2020 Vintage

94 Points — James Suckling: "Subtle aromas of sliced strawberries and cherries with some orange peel follow through to a medium body with succulent tannins and a bright and tangy finish. Lovely energy in this one. So good now. From organically grown grapes."

93 Points — Wine Spectator: "Rich and velvety, laced with black cherry, blackberry, violet and mineral flavors. Driven by vibrant acidity and backed by well-mannered tannins. Shows excellent balance and length."

92 Points — Decanter: "This flagship Chianti Classico from the renowned Fontodi estate has not lost its identity, deeply rooted in a sun-drenched stretch of Panzano's Conca d'Oro. The 2020 version has all the ripe dark fruit and assertive tannins that come so neatly into balance. It finishes with its signature bitter liquorice twist."

92+ Points — Vinous (Antonio Galloni): "The 2020 Chianti Classico offers notable tension to balance the natural richness that is such a signature here. Dark red cherry, leather, spice, rose petal, dried herbs and wild flowers all grace this nuanced Chianti Classico. I would not plan on opening this too young."

91 Points — Wine Advocate: "A certified organic wine, the Fontodi 2020 Chianti Classico shows dark fruit and blackberry with earthy sensations of crushed stone that reflect the schistous soils found in this area of the appellation. Drinking 2023–2030."

17++ — Jancis Robinson: "100% Sangiovese. Certified organic. Lots of juice on the palate and plenty of grainy but ripe tannins in perfect harmony with the succulent fruit. Drinking 2023–2032."

Tasting Profile

Youthful ruby with vibrant clarity. The nose is subtle and enticing — sliced strawberry, dark cherry, rose petal, dried herbs, leather, and a hint of baked earth. On the palate it's medium to full-bodied with succulent, grainy tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long finish with a signature bitter liquorice twist. Classic Sangiovese energy and precision.

Details

2020 | 100% Sangiovese | Panzano, Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany, Italy | Certified Organic | 750ml

Food Pairings & Serving

Decant 30–45 minutes. Serve at 61–64°F. A natural match for bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, roasted lamb, and aged Pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano. Drinking beautifully now through 2032.

Mora & Memo "Tino" Vermentino di Sardegna — Sardinia, Italy 2024

Mora & Memo is the project of Elisabetta Pala, one of Sardinia's most celebrated winemakers, working from her family estate in Serdiana in the southeastern corner of the island. The winery is instantly recognizable by its iconic "Bandida" label — a stylized woman in traditional Sardinian dress — a symbol of the estate's balance between deep-rooted heritage and contemporary winemaking vision. Their Vermentino di Sardegna is a striking, modern expression of Sardinia's signature white grape: aromatic, textured, and mineral, with the kind of island freshness that makes it one of the most compelling Italian whites at any price. James Suckling awarded it 94 points.

The nose is clean and intensely aromatic: sliced lemon, green apple, white flowers, rosemary, thyme, and sage, with a delicate mineral underpinning from the island's ancient soils. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and beautifully textured — juicy acidity, a warm, full mouthfeel, and a long, mineral-laced finish with persistent vegetal and herbal notes. It is everything a great Sardinian Vermentino should be: vibrant, complex, and deeply satisfying.

James Suckling 94 — "A clean floral nose of sliced lemons, apples and white flowers with mineral nuances. The medium-bodied palate is textured and nicely framed, with juicy acidity and a mineral-laced finish."

• Producer: Mora & Memo (Elisabetta Pala), Serdiana, Sardinia, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Vermentino di Sardegna DOC
• Region: Sardinia, Italy
• Varietal: 100% Vermentino
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon, green apple, white flowers, rosemary, thyme, sage, mineral, juicy acidity, long herbal finish
• Best Paired With: Fritto misto, grilled sea bass, pasta with clams and bottarga, pesto, herb-heavy dishes, creamy vegetable soups

A 94-point Sardinian Vermentino from one of the island's most distinctive estates — Mora & Memo is the benchmark for what modern, terroir-driven Vermentino di Sardegna can deliver.

Château Lilian Ladouys — Saint-Estèphe Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel 2020

Château Lilian Ladouys is one of Saint-Estèphe’s most exciting estates — and the 2020 vintage may be its finest hour. Owned by the Lorenzetti family and now classified as Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel (the top tier of the new classification), Lilian Ladouys consistently punches well above its weight, delivering Classified Growth quality at a fraction of the price. The 2020 vintage — one of Bordeaux’s greatest in a generation — is big, bold, and built for the long haul.

Dark fruits, damp earth, truffle, cassis, licorice, and a deft touch of creamy oak define the nose. On the palate, powerful yet polished tannins frame a concentrated, medium-to-full-bodied wine with exceptional length and a racy, structured finish. Already showing complexity, it will evolve gracefully for 10–15 years and beyond.

Wine Enthusiast 93–95 • Decanter 93 • Jeb Dunnuck 92 • James Suckling 92 • Robert Parker 91+

• Producer: Château Lilian Ladouys, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux
• Vintage: 2020
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel
• Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cassis, dark fruit, truffle, damp earth, licorice, creamy oak, powdery tannins
• Cellar Potential: Best after 2025–2027; will evolve through 2035+
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, beef tenderloin, duck confit, truffle dishes, aged hard cheeses

One of the clear leaders of the Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel category — Lilian Ladouys 2020 is a Saint-Estèphe benchmark at a remarkable price.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2019

Vinous (Neal Martin) 97 Points: Beguiling bouquet with red berry fruit, truffle and light Provençal herb scents, beautifully defined. Medium-bodied with pliant tannins — exquisite in terms of balance, silky smooth, building gradually with a harmonious and quite effortless finish. Divine. A stellar showing.

Decanter (Georgina Hindle) 97 Points: Rich, full and heady nose. Ripe blackcurrant, red cherries, raspberries and strawberries with mint, black pepper and truffle. Excellent precision and density with a seductive dark chocolate edge. Powerful, muscular and confident, yet with suppleness — density and grace with a cooling finish of liquorice, mint and soft salinity. A great wine.

James Suckling 95 Points: Perfumed nose of mulberries, plums, chocolate orange and cloves. Medium-to-full bodied with firm, ripe tannins. Caressing, velvety and rich core of dark fruit. So supple and polished. 88.5% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.5% Cabernet Franc. Drink after 2024.

Wine Advocate (William Kelley) 94 Points: Fleshy and dramatic, wafting from the glass with aromas of ripe berry fruit mingled with subtle hints of truffle and violets, new oak already entirely integrated. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and seamless, broad and textural with lively acids, powdery tannins and fine length on the finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points: Elegant, solid Pomerol delivering spicy red and black cherry fruits, notes of cedary herbs and flowers, medium-bodied richness, silky yet building tannins, and a great finish. Will benefit from 3–5 years of bottle age and keep for 15–20 years.

Winemaker Description

Château Gazin is one of Pomerol’s most storied estates, neighboring the legendary Pétrus on the plateau’s finest clay soils. The 2019 is a benchmark expression — a blend of 88.5% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4.5% Cabernet Franc — that showcases the appellation’s signature combination of opulence and precision. Silky, seamless, and built for the long haul, it is a wine of remarkable harmony and effortless grace.

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Roasted lamb rack with truffle jus, beef tenderloin, or duck confit with cherry reduction.
• Classic Bordeaux: Venison with wild mushrooms, braised short ribs, or a classic French cassoulet.
• Cheese: Aged Comté, Ossau-Iraty, or a rich washed-rind cheese.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points: Classic granite notes of cassis and darker cherries, graphite, crushed stone, pepper, and violets all emerge from the 2023 Saint Joseph Offerus. Medium-bodied, focused, and beautifully balanced on the palate, with textbook Saint Joseph tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and a crisp, mineral-laced finish. Will evolve nicely over the coming 8–10 years.

Winemaker Description

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Saint Joseph OFFERUS 2023 750ml

The Offerus is produced by Chave Sélection, the négociant arm of the legendary Chave family — one of the Northern Rhône’s most revered dynasties. While the Domaine’s own Saint-Joseph commands upwards of $130, the Offerus delivers a similar pedigree and granite-driven terroir character at a fraction of the price. Pure Syrah sourced from the granitic hillsides of Saint-Joseph, it is a benchmark insider value in the appellation and a testament to the Chave family’s uncompromising standards across every tier of their portfolio.

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Grilled lamb chops with herbes de Provence, roasted duck breast, or beef daube.
• Classic French: Hearty cassoulet, charcuterie board, or braised short ribs with olives.
• Cheese: Aged Comté, Saint-Nectaire, or a firm washed-rind cheese.

The Queen of Teroldego, at Her Finest

Elisabetta Foradori is one of Italy's most visionary winemakers — a pioneer who single-handedly rescued the ancient Teroldego grape from obscurity and elevated it to world-class status. Farming biodynamically in the dramatic foothills of the Dolomites in Trentino, her minimal-intervention approach produces wines of extraordinary purity, character, and sense of place.

This is the estate's flagship red: a wine that is simultaneously wild and precise, generous and structured — a benchmark for what indigenous Italian varieties can achieve in the right hands.

67 Wine Review

"Savory, earthy and slightly wild in style, Elisabetta Foradori sculpts one of Italy's finest natural wines. Luscious dark fruits and violets on the nose pick up some spice and wild herbs on the palate. Medium bodied with good depth of flavor and detailed complexity that winds through the finish with purity and a touch of exotic funk."
— Bart Hopkins, 67Wine.com

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Luscious dark fruits, violets, and wild herbs
• Palate: Savory, earthy, and slightly wild — spice, dark cherry, and a touch of exotic funk
• Structure: Medium-bodied with high acidity, moderate tannins, and excellent depth
• Finish: Long, pure, and complex

Vineyard & Vinification

• Grape: 100% Teroldego
• Farming: Certified Organic & Biodynamic
• Appellation: Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino, Italy
• Producer: Foradori, Campo Rotaliano
• Vintage: 2024
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for Alpine cuisine: speck, Fontina, and rye bread; tagliatelle with wild boar ragù; roasted duck with cherry reduction; herb-crusted pork loin. Also exceptional with mushroom polenta or roasted beets with goat cheese.

Winemaker Description

Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel is grown from some of the oldest vines in California — untamed, gnarled vines that produce full-flavored, concentrated grapes dense with character. The nose opens with aromas of blackberry bramble, juicy plum, and toasted oak. On the palate, this medium-bodied Zinfandel delivers balanced acidity and supple tannins, with a bold, eclectic edge that sets it apart from the crowd.

Pairing Suggestions

• BBQ & Grilled: Rich and tangy BBQ ribs, smoked brisket, or grilled sausages.
• Spiced Dishes: Chili, mini stuffed peppers, or spiced lamb kebabs.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar, smoked Gouda, or aged Monterey Jack.