2010 - Present Wine

Ponzi Vineyards is one of Oregon's founding wine estates, established in 1970 in the Dundee Hills by Dick and Nancy Ponzi — pioneers who helped define Willamette Valley Pinot Noir before the world was paying attention. Tavola, meaning "table" in Italian, is the estate's approachable, everyday expression of Pinot Noir: a wine built for sharing, for food, and for the kind of effortless pleasure that makes a bottle disappear too quickly. The 2023 is sourced from a blend of estate vineyards (65%) and select purchased fruit, matured for eight months in 25% new French oak to preserve freshness while adding subtle structure and spice.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

92 Wine Advocate: "The 2023 Pinot Noir Tavola has inviting scents of black cherries, blackberries, holiday spices, earth and bitters. The medium-bodied palate is brimming with spicy berry flavors. It's framed by soft, velvety tannins, and fresh acidity highlights floral perfume on the long finish."

92 James Suckling: "A valley-wide blend of grapes that gives a vibrant, fresh and bright sense of red fruit, balanced by raspberries, black cherries and a rich texture on the palate. Light tannins, fresh acidity and a clean, balanced expression."

91 Wine Spectator: "A spry red, with vibrant cherry and guava flavors that take on accents of cinnamon and forest floor as this persists toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2033."

Tasting Notes

Spiced blueberries, plum and cranberry leap from the glass, followed by denser notes of dry forest floor, sagebrush and leather. The mouth holds fresh acidity with flavors of ponderosa pine, citrus and raspberry — bright, lively and in lovely tension. Soft, velvety tannins and a floral perfume carry through the long, clean finish. An easy-drinking Pinot Noir with genuine Dundee Hills character at an exceptional price.

Food Pairing

Versatile at the table — excellent with salmon, roast chicken, duck, mushroom risotto, charcuterie, soft cheeses and lighter pasta dishes.

Specifications

Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
Country: United States
Region: Oregon
Sub-Region: Willamette Valley — Dundee Hills
Vintage: 2023
Blend: 65% estate fruit, 35% purchased fruit
Oak: 25% new French oak, 8 months
Style: Red Wine
ABV: ~13.5%
Bottle Size: 750ml
Producer: Ponzi Vineyards

Winemaker Description

Spontaneous fermentation in concrete tanks on the skins with indigenous yeasts. Seven to ten days of skin contact. Aged in concrete vats for eight months, followed by three months in bottle before release. No additions, no fining, no filtration.

92 Points James Suckling

Tasting Notes

Golden-hued with aromas of ripe apricot, orange peel, chamomile, citrus fruit, and Mediterranean herbs. Saline minerality on the palate with a textured, slightly tannic structure, excellent depth of flavor, bright acidity, and a long, pleasant finish — the hallmark of great skin-contact wine.

Food Pairings

Grilled fish, sushi, mezze, roasted vegetables, aged pecorino, and spiced dishes. Equally stunning as an aperitivo. Serve slightly chilled (55–60°F).

• Producer: Azienda Agricola COS, Vittoria, Sicily
• Appellation: Terre Siciliane IGT, Sicily, Italy
• Grapes: Grecanico, Insolia
• Farming: Certified biodynamic, organic
• Vinification: Skin contact (7–10 days), concrete tanks, indigenous yeasts
• Aging: 8 months concrete + 3 months bottle
• Vintage: 2024
• Style: Orange wine / skin-contact white
• Format: 750ml

Domaine de la Charbonnière Côtes du Rhône — Southern Rhône, France 2024

Domaine de la Charbonnière is one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape's most respected family estates — a producer known for combining the intensity and depth of Southern Rhône fruit with genuine finesse and elegance across their entire range. The 2024 Côtes du Rhône is crafted from estate-owned Grenache and Syrah planted on the plots of "Husson" and "Saint Martin" in Courthézon, harvested by hand, sorted on the estate by vibrating table, and vinified together with a two-week maceration for structure and fruit depth. Aging in stainless steel vats and barrels preserves the purity and freshness of the fruit. The result is a beautifully balanced, fruit-forward red that overdelivers at its price point — a pleasure wine built to share.

The nose is fresh and expressive: bright red cherry, ripe strawberry, fresh red fruit, and subtle floral lift. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with a clean, fruit-driven mouthfeel, gentle tannins, and a pure, lingering finish dominated by the clarity of the fruit. It is approachable, elegant, and deeply satisfying — the kind of estate Côtes du Rhône that disappears fast at the table.

"We produce wonderfully well-balanced wines that combine the intensity and depth of fruit with finesse and elegance. The plots for this Côtes du Rhône are located in the town of Courthézon. It is a pleasure wine to share with friends and family." — Winemaker's Notes, Domaine de la Charbonnière

• Producer: Domaine de la Charbonnière, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhône, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Côtes du Rhône AOC, Southern Rhône, France
• Varietal: Grenache, Syrah
• Aging: Stainless steel vats & barrels — preserving fresh fruit purity and elegance
• Closure: Cork
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh red cherry, ripe strawberry, red fruit, floral lift, clean mouthfeel, pure fruit finish
• Best Paired With: Roasted chicken, lamb chops, hearty stews, charcuterie, soft cheeses

Estate Côtes du Rhône from one of Châteauneuf's finest producers — Domaine de la Charbonnière is the benchmark for what hand-harvested, fruit-pure Southern Rhône red can deliver at an honest price.

High on the hills above the Val di Chiana, the hilltop town of Montepulciano has been shaping Sangiovese — here called Prugnolo Gentile — into something distinctly aristocratic for centuries. Cantine Dei is among its finest custodians. Founded when Alibrando Dei acquired the legendary Bossona vineyard in 1964, the estate reached its full expression under his granddaughter Caterina, who returned to Montepulciano in the early 1990s with a singular conviction: that these wines exist to reveal their land, not obscure it. The first Dei Vino Nobile was released from the exceptional 1985 harvest. Four decades on, the intention hasn't changed.

The 2021 is a luminous ruby with garnet tones, and it opens with an intense bouquet of ripe cherries, plums, violets, and iron-tinged earth. On the palate it walks the line between fruity and savory with real grace — full-bodied yet poised, with velvety tannins, fine acidity, and notes of almond, camphor, and tobacco that build through a long, lively finish. Paolo Caciorgna's winemaking is as restrained as ever: the fruit speaks, and the structure rewards patience. Drink now through 2035.

93 points — Wine Spectator | “Supple and complex, walking a fine line between fruity and savory, youthful and mature. Cherry, plum, almond, iron, earth and tobacco… fades gracefully on the long, lively aftertaste. Drink now through 2035.” (Vintage 2021). 

92 points — James Suckling | “Aromas of forest floor, black cherries, camphor and dried flowers. Forthright structure with crisp acidity, chalky tannins and a tight finish that’s chewy and polished. Drink or hold.” (Vintage 2021).

• Producer: Cantine Dei
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
• Varietal: Prugnolo Gentile (Sangiovese), Canaiolo
• Farming: Sustainable
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe cherry, plum, violet, almond, iron, earth, tobacco, vanilla
• Cellar: Drink now through 2035
• Food Pairings: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, aged Pecorino, braised lamb

Ranked #34 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 of 2023 — one of Tuscany’s most compelling values at this level.

Montepulciano | Conero, Marche / Italy
Vintage: 2022  |  Size: 750ml

Umani Ronchi is one of the Marche’s most storied estates, and San Lorenzo — first produced in 1982 — is their benchmark expression of Rosso Conero. Sourced from the San Lorenzo vineyard in the municipality of Osimo, this 100% Montepulciano is aged in large oak casks in the estate’s historic cave cellar, where time and stone conspire to produce a wine of genuine depth and character.

The 2022 vintage is darkly hued, lifting from the glass with aromas of spiced blackberry jam, black tea, and roasted rosemary. On the palate, it delivers outstanding flavour impact — rounded, enfolding tannins, warm and generous, with the earthy grip and savory backbone that make Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’s Adriatic cousin so compelling. A wine that expresses the full potential of Conero terroir.

“With its outstanding impact in terms of flavour and the enfolding warmth of its rounded tannins, it is a wine which is intended to express all the potential of the combination between its terroir and the Montepulciano varietal.”
— Umani Ronchi

Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc — Constantia, South Africa 2024

Klein Constantia is one of South Africa's most historic and celebrated estates, situated in the Constantia Valley on the slopes of the Cape Peninsula — a site with a winemaking legacy stretching back to the 17th century and home to the legendary Vin de Constance. Their Sauvignon Blanc is a wine of genuine craft and ambition: sourced from 42 individual vineyard blocks across the estate, each fermented separately to allow the terroir of each parcel to express itself before careful blending. Grapes are harvested at 4am to preserve freshness, and the winemaking is a meticulous balance of wild and inoculated fermentation — 80% wild (some ferments taking up to two months to complete), 20% with Non-Saccharomyces Cerevisiae for complexity and natural microbial protection. Ten percent is aged in neutral 500L oak barrels, and the wine spends six months on gross lees before blending and bottling.

The 2024 pours light and bright. The nose is perfumed and atypically complex for Sauvignon Blanc — grapefruit, lime, kiwi, yellow plum, and hints of mango, with a citrus blossom and umami thread. On the palate, it's moreish and textured with a crisp entry, quince, light walnut, flinty mineral elements, and a fresh salinity that gives it real energy. The finish is long, vibrant, and expressive — fanning out beautifully with aeration. Real texture for the variety.

"Atypical for a Sauvignon Blanc — real texture to this Savvy, which is unusual for the variety, fanning out nicely on the finish." — Neal Martin, Vinous, 91 Points

• Producer: Klein Constantia, Constantia Valley, South Africa
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Constantia WO
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Vineyard: 42 blocks, harvested at 4am
• Fermentation: 80% wild (up to 2 months), 20% Non-Saccharomyces Cerevisiae; 10% neutral 500L oak
• Aging: 6 months on gross lees
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: Vinous 91 (Neal Martin)
• Tasting Notes: Grapefruit, lime, kiwi, yellow plum, mango, citrus blossom, umami, flinty minerality, fresh salinity
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled fish, sushi, goat cheese, asparagus, light herb-driven dishes

A 91-point Constantia Sauvignon Blanc of remarkable craft — 42 blocks, 4am harvest, wild fermentation, and six months on lees from one of South Africa's most historic estates.

PARÈS BALTÀ ROS DE PACS ROSÉ PENÈDES ORGANIC 2025 | 750ML

🇪🇸 Spain — Xarel·lo, Garnatxa | Penèdes, Catalonia

One of the most reliably delicious rosés we carry — year in, year out. A blend of Xarel·lo and Garnatxa, hand-harvested from organically farmed vineyards inside a nature reserve park with more than 200 years of viticultural history. Crisp and enticing, with red fruit on both the nose and palate, refreshingly dry and utterly gulpable. The softer, more aromatic side of Penèdes in a glass.

Parès Baltà is one of Catalonia’s most respected organic producers, farming their vineyards with deep respect for the land and the native varieties that define the region. Ros de Pacs is their signature rosé — fresh, light, and built for pleasure.

“One of my favorite rosé wines to drink all year long… Crisp and enticing on the palate with red fruit quality on the nose and palate. Refreshingly dry and gulpable. Give me more of this rosé!”
— Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67 Wine, Lead Wine Sommelier 

Pairs well with: Tapas, grilled vegetables, seafood, soft cheeses, and casual warm-weather sipping.

Grapes: Xarel·lo, Garnatxa
Region: Penèdes, Catalonia, Spain
Vintage: 2025
Format: 750ml
Viticulture: Certified Organic, Hand Harvested

François & Julien Pinon | Vouvray Blanc Sec — Buvez du Bon Pinon | Loire Valley, France | 2023

François and Julien Pinon are a father-and-son team working exclusively with Chenin Blanc on their 15-hectare estate in the Vallée de Cousse, in the heart of Vouvray. Certified organic by Ecocert since 2003, their work in the vineyard is in complete harmony with nature — a philosophy that translates directly into wines of exceptional purity, energy, and terroir expression.

Vouvray is one of the Loire Valley's most celebrated appellations, producing Chenin Blanc of extraordinary range and longevity. The region's tufa limestone soils and continental climate — tempered by the moderating influence of the Loire River — give Vouvray Chenin Blanc its signature combination of vibrant acidity, mineral precision, and generous aromatic complexity. Chenin Blanc is a grape that flies under the radar, which is baffling given its charming character and remarkable versatility.

The 2023 Buvez du Bon Pinon sports a gorgeous bouquet reminiscent of a walk through an orchard in spring blossom. Aromas of white stone fruits, peach, pear, wildflower honey, and quince emerge from the glass with lively fanfare. On the palate, energetic and effortless with refreshing lift, steely mineral intensity, and beautifully balanced vibrant acidity. The finish is long, tangy, chalky, and utterly delicious. Drink now through 2030.

A wine that adds cheerful accompaniment to roast chicken, grilled seafood, fresh salads, vegetable dishes, goat cheese, and herb-driven cuisine.

• Producer: François & Julien Pinon
• Cuvée: Buvez du Bon Pinon
• Appellation: Vouvray AOC, Loire Valley, France
• Grape: Chenin Blanc
• Style: Dry (Sec)
• Vintage: 2023
• Farming: Certified Organic (Ecocert since 2003)
• Drink: Now through 2030
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023

• Wine Spectator — 90 pts: A steely, mineral-intense style that starts out austere and then fills in with crunchy apple, pear and dried herbs. Chalky feel to the finish, which is racy and pure. Drink now through 2030.

67Wine Buyer's Note

Bart Hopkins, 67Wine — "Energetic and effortless in the mouth with refreshing lift and well-balanced vibrant acidity, with a long and tangy, delicious finish."

Sattlerhof Sauvignon Blanc Organic Austria 2021 750ml

Sattlerhof is one of Südsteiermark’s most dedicated family estates — rooted in Gamlitz, at the southern tip of Styria where the warm Adriatic climate from the south collides with the cool continental air from the Alps to create one of Austria’s most dramatic wine-growing environments. Some 120,000 vines thrust their roots deep into the meagre crystalline quartz and coral-reef subsoils of the Kranachberg slope, farmed organically and biodynamically with painstaking hand-labor: soft pruning, manual shoot removal, leaf thinning, and hand-harvesting. The result is wines of rare precision, mineral intensity, and a deep sense of place.

The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Spätfüllung (late bottling) is aged on the lees until February 2023, giving it exceptional depth and texture for the appellation. Certified organic and biodynamic, it is a serious, precise, and stimulating Sauvignon — flinty and mineral on the nose, lush and grippy on the palate, with a long, saline finish that rewards contemplation. Screwcap sealed for freshness.

"Aged on the lees until February 2023, the 2021 Gamlitz Sauvignon Blanc Spätfüllung is clear and intense on the pure and mineral/flinty and even iodine-scented nose. Lush and intense on the palate, this is a serious, very precise, fresh and elegant, stimulating, saline and grippy Sauvignon with intense and juicy fruit. It’s still young but very promising." — Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, 93 pts. (Vintage 2021). 

• Producer: Sattlerhof, Gamlitz, Südsteiermark DAC, Styria, Austria
• Appellation: Südsteiermark DAC
• Grape: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Vintage: 2021 — Spätfüllung (late bottling, lees-aged to Feb 2023)
• Farming: Certified Organic & Biodynamic — crystalline quartz & coral-reef subsoils
• Closure: Screwcap
• Tasting Notes: Grapefruit, nectarine, pineapple, green apple, white peach, green herbs, mineral, flint, iodine, saline acidity, long dry finish
• Best Paired With: Asparagus, grilled fish, oysters, goat cheese, sushi, or zesty spring dishes

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate — 93 Points
Aged on the lees until February 2023, the 2021 Gamlitz Sauvignon Blanc Spätfüllung is clear and intense on the pure and mineral/flinty and even iodine-scented nose. Lush and intense on the palate, this is a serious, very precise, fresh and elegant, stimulating, saline and grippy Sauvignon with intense and juicy fruit. It’s still young but very promising.

James Suckling — 90 Points
Fine grapefruit, nectarine and pineapple aromas with just a touch of yellow paprika. Medium-bodied with a striking balance of good ripeness and ample tannins that will need a bit of time to fully integrate. Quite a firm and dry finish, although the acidity is moderate for this grape.

Wine Spectator — 90 Points
An expressive, grassy white powered by a zesty mineral energy that invigorates green apple and white peach flavors. Medium length, with green herbs, smoke and crushed flint echoing through the finish. Bone-dry, with nice concentration.

Organic and biodynamic Styrian Sauvignon Blanc from Austria’s most dramatic wine slope — Sattlerhof 2021 is precision farming in a glass, and it will only get better with time.

de Ladoucette Pouilly-Fumé — Loire Valley, France 2024

Baron Patrick de Ladoucette is the defining name in Pouilly-Fumé — the man who, more than anyone, elevated this Loire Valley appellation to international prominence. His estate, Château du Nozet, has been in the family since the 18th century and remains the benchmark producer for the appellation’s mineral, smoke-kissed style of Sauvignon Blanc. De Ladoucette’s philosophy is uncompromising: no oak, ever. The wine is vinified and aged entirely on its fine lees in glass-tiled stainless steel tanks, preserving every nuance of the flint-rich Kimmeridgian soils and the Sauvignon Blanc grape in its purest expression. The result is Pouilly-Fumé as it should be — precise, mineral, and unmistakably of its place.

The color is pale golden-green, bright and luminous. The nose is delicate yet complex: white flowers (lilac, white blossom), citrus peel (grapefruit, lemon), and exotic fruit (lychee, mango), with the quintessential fumé — that haunting flinty, smoky mineral note that gives the appellation its name. On the palate, the wine is elegant and mineral-driven, with crushed shell, grilled lemon, green Anjou pear, and a beautiful acidity that drives a long, clean, saline finish. Orange blossom, white peach, and dried hay emerge as it opens — a wine that rewards patience in the glass.

“Chilled citrus and white-peach aromas mingle with orange blossom and lilac on the nose. The palate is pleasantly mineral driven, with flavors of crushed shell, grilled lemon, and green Anjou pear. A whiff of dried hay on the finish brings everything together.” — Wine Enthusiast, 92 pts. (Vintage 2024).

• Producer: de Ladoucette, Château du Nozet, Pouilly-sur-Loire, Loire Valley
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Pouilly-Fumé AOC, Loire Valley, France
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Vinification: No oak — aged on fine lees in glass-tiled stainless steel tanks
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White flower, lychee, grapefruit, crushed shell, grilled lemon, green pear, dried hay, saline mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, scallops, grilled sea bass, Crottin de Chavignol, fresh chèvre, asparagus, roast chicken with lemon

The definitive Pouilly-Fumé — de Ladoucette delivers Sauvignon Blanc’s most mineral, precise, and terroir-driven expression from the Loire’s most storied flint-soil estate.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2020

James Suckling 95 Points: Lead pencil and blackcurrant aromas are very impressive. Full-bodied and tannic, but very velvety with fine texture. Lots of pretty fruit. Typical for the appellation. Second wine of Domaine de Chevalier. Try after 2028.

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points: More restrained aromatically, yet has outstanding purity in its red and black fruits as well as notes of dried herbs, tobacco, chocolate, and damp earth. Medium-bodied, elegant, balanced, and certainly delicious — a second wine that will benefit from just a year or two of bottle age and shine for a decade.

Vinous 91 Points: Very perfumed, floral bouquet with pressed iris and peony infusing the blackberry and blueberry fruit. Controlled and classic in style. Medium-bodied with concentrated black fruit laced with white pepper and Provençal herbs. Powerful with a generous finish — a superb Deuxième Vin that should give 12–15 years of drinking pleasure.

Wine Advocate 90 Points: Fleshy and demonstrative, bursting with aromas of sweet berries, plums and petals. Medium to full-bodied, rich and layered, with polished tannins and an expansive finish. Will drink well young.

Winemaker Description

Domaine de Chevalier is renowned for its ability to produce great wines even in unfashionable vintages, thanks to its unique Pessac-Léognan terroir and a draconian selection process in both vineyard and cellar — at times requiring five successive passes through the vines to pick only the ripest possible grapes. L’Esprit de Chevalier, created in 1986 from young vines and vats not destined for the grand vin, is a charming second wine that shares many of the same qualities as Domaine de Chevalier’s flagship — complex, well-balanced, and elegant — with the added advantage of being approachable earlier.

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Roasted lamb rack with herbs, beef tenderloin, or duck confit.
• Classic Bordeaux: Lamb chops with truffle jus, venison, or a classic French cassoulet.
• Cheese: Aged Comté, Ossau-Iraty, or a firm sheep’s milk cheese.

Famiglia Castellani · Toscana · 2020

For more than 150 years, the Castellani family has been crafting classic Tuscan wines that capture the character of the region. This 2020 Sangiovese is a polished, perfumed crowd-pleaser, delivering an impressive balance of ripe fruit, freshness, and value.

Bright red and dark berries lead into hints of hibiscus, sweet spice, cedar, and a fresh mineral edge. Medium-bodied and succulent, with crunchy yet supple tannins, it has the lively acidity to make it a natural match for the table.

James Suckling: 91 points
“Ripe red and dark berries and hints of hibiscus, sweet spices and cedar on the nose. Medium-bodied, succulent and fruity, with crunchy, rather supple tannins. Good concentration and length. Fresh and minerally.”. (Vintage 2020). 

• Producer: Famiglia Castellani
• Varietal: Sangiovese
• Appellation: Toscana
• Region: Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2020
• Tasting notes: Red and dark berries, hibiscus, sweet spice, cedar, and fresh minerality
• Pair with: Pizza, spaghetti Bolognese, lasagna, eggplant Parmigiana, chicken, or grilled pork with rosemary
• Size: 750ml

A fresh, polished Tuscan red with 91-point pedigree and serious pizza-night appeal.

Experience the Excellence of Caroline Bonnefoy Estate's Organic Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau 2018

Our Professional Review

Bart of 67Wine.com writes | A delicious blend of organically grown grapes: 60% Grenache grown on upper south-southwest facing pebble slopes, and 40% Syrah grown in clay. Deeply colored with an enticing bouquet of blackberries, cherries and intense mineral notes. Velvety yet ample and rich in the mouth with supple tannins and an energetic lift on the delightful finish. This is a wine at the peak of its perfection to drink now. A great complement to country cooking and comfort foods. Certified organic.

Expert Review - Vintage 2018

Anna Lee C. Lijjma of the Wine Enthusiast writes | Notes of incense and preserved black plums introduce this smoky, spicy blend of  Grenache and  Syrah. While full in body, it's a briskly composed wine highlighting tart blackberry flavors and a lingering earthen finish. Best now–2026. 

Memo Summary Notes

The 2018 Domaine Caroline Bonnefoy Rasteau is a classic expression of a "Cru" Rhone wine—meaning it comes from one of the top-tier villages permitted to put its own name on the label.

Introduction to Caroline Bonnefoy Estate

Caroline Bonnefoy Estate is renowned for producing exceptional organic wines, and the Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau 2018 is no exception. This wine captivates with its vibrant characteristics and is a true representation of the region’s terroir. It’s crafted meticulously from grapes grown in rich, mineral-laden soils, which contribute to its deep complexity. The estate focuses on sustainable practices, ensuring that each bottle reflects their commitment to quality and the environment.

Flavor Profile and Characteristics

The 2018 Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau is characterized by its robust flavor profile. It offers rich notes of dark fruits such as blackberry and plum, complemented by subtle hints of spice and earthy undertones. This complexity makes it a perfect pairing for hearty meals. Its smooth tannins and well-balanced acidity create an enjoyable drinking experience, whether you’re sipping it solo or enjoying it with food.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

This organic wine shines when paired with hearty dishes like grilled meats and rustic stews. Because of its rich flavor profile, it also matches well with aged cheeses and charcuterie. When serving, it’s advisable to decant this wine for at least an hour to allow its flavors to fully develop. Enjoy it at a temperature of around 16-18°C to experience its full potential. So, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening, the Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau 2018 is a great choice.

Winemaker Description

Pazo de La Cuesta Mencía Ribeira Sacra 2022 750ml

A single-varietal expression of 100% Mencía from the historic estate vineyards of Pazo de La Cuesta in San Clodio, Ribas de Sil — the easternmost reaches of Ribeira Sacra. The wine opens with an intense, vivid ruby color and a frank, expressive nose of strawberry and blackcurrant with floral notes and characteristic varietal ripeness. On the palate, the attack is fresh and cool, with excellent roundness and fine balance between alcohol, acidity, and tannin. The finish is long and mineral, reflecting the granite and slate character of this historic hillside plot.

Grapes are hand-harvested and gravity-fed to fermentation tanks. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentations are carried out at controlled temperatures in stainless steel, followed by aging on the lees and 6 months in 300–500L French and Central European oak barrels.

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Roasted lamb, grilled chorizo, or slow-cooked pork shoulder with Galician spices.
• Seafood: Grilled octopus a la gallega, salt cod, or hearty fish stews.
• Cheese: Tetilla, Arzúa-Ulloa, or a mild semi-cured Spanish cheese.

Val de Mer by Patrick Piuze Chablis 2025 is a beautifully focused expression of Chardonnay, bringing together fruit from three distinct parcels in the Chablis region: Des Couverts in the village of Chablis, Préhy near Courgis, and Lignorelles.

Fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel, the wine emphasizes freshness, purity and the naturally mineral character of Chablis. The absence of oak keeps the fruit bright and transparent, allowing the distinctive character of the region to remain firmly at the forefront.

Tasting Notes
Bright and refreshing, with lively citrus, green apple and fresh orchard-fruit character accented by subtle floral and stony notes. The palate is crisp and energetic, showing excellent balance between juicy fruit, vibrant acidity and classic Chablis minerality. A subtle saline quality carries through the clean, persistent finish.

Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Country: France
Region: Burgundy
Subregion: Chablis
Appellation: Chablis
Vintage: 2025
Producer: Val de Mer by Patrick Piuze
Vineyard Sources: Des Couverts, Préhy and Lignorelles
Farming: Sustainable
Harvest: Hand harvested
Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation
Vinification & Aging: Stainless steel
Bottle Size: 750ml

Vineyard Sources
The 2025 Val de Mer Chablis is assembled from three parcels situated in different parts of the Chablis appellation. Des Couverts is located in the village of Chablis, Préhy lies near Courgis, and the third parcel comes from Lignorelles. Bringing these sites together creates a broader expression of Chablis while maintaining the freshness, tension and mineral character associated with the appellation.

About Val de Mer
Val de Mer is Patrick Piuze's second winery, co-owned with Moutard-Diligent and based in Tonnerre near Chablis. Although separate from Patrick Piuze's namesake winery, Val de Mer follows a very similar winemaking philosophy. Grapes are harvested by hand, fermentations begin spontaneously with native yeasts, and the emphasis remains on transparent expressions of Chardonnay and Chablis terroir.

One important distinction is that Val de Mer works with different vineyard sources from Patrick Piuze's namesake wines. While Piuze frequently bottles village-level Chablis from individual terroirs, Val de Mer takes a more traditional approach by blending multiple parcels to create a broader expression of the appellation.

About Patrick Piuze
Patrick Piuze has become one of the most distinctive figures in modern Chablis, known for his meticulous attention to individual vineyard sites and a restrained approach in the cellar. His wines emphasize freshness, precision and terroir rather than overt winemaking influence.

Val de Mer extends this philosophy into a range of wines designed to deliver classic Chablis character with excellent accessibility and value. The village Chablis is fermented and aged in tank, preserving Chardonnay's natural freshness and highlighting the mineral personality of the region.

Food Pairing
An exceptionally versatile white wine for the table. Pair with oysters, clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, crab, sushi and sashimi, grilled or roasted white fish, roast chicken and fresh cheeses. Its bright acidity and mineral character also make it an excellent aperitif.

Why We Like It
This is classic, highly drinkable Chablis with Patrick Piuze's touch: fresh, precise and mineral, without unnecessary oak influence. Sourced from three different Chablis parcels and aged entirely in stainless steel, it offers an excellent introduction to the Val de Mer style and tremendous versatility at the table. 

Domaine Delobel Touraine Sauvignon Blanc “Angle Droit” — Loire Valley 2024

Domaine Delobel is one of the Loire Valley’s most exciting organic estates, founded in 2013 by Benjamin Delobel in Ouchamps, on the celebrated Oisly vineyard. Working with 10 hectares of certified-organic Sauvignon Blanc — planted from mass selections to preserve old-vine complexity — Benjamin crafts wines that are, as the name “Angle Droit” (Right Angle) suggests, straight, pure, and technically precise. For fans of Sauvignon Blanc who find New Zealand styles too loud and Sancerre too expensive, this wine hits the perfect middle ground. Manual harvests at dawn, slow pneumatic pressing, stainless steel fermentation, and aging on lees deliver a wine of exceptional freshness and mineral clarity.

The nose is lively and inviting: dried hay, field grass, sliced green apple, and crabapple aromas converge in a satisfying, savory frame. On the palate, the wine washes across wet river stone with tart acidity accented by white blossom — mineral-driven, focused, and refreshingly precise. The finish is clean and lingering.

Wine Enthusiast 90 — Reggie Solomon: “This lively wine refreshes the senses. The mineral-driven palate washes across wet river stone with tart acidity accented by white blossom.”

• Producer: Domaine Delobel, Ouchamps, Touraine, Loire Valley, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Touraine AOC
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Farming: Certified Organic since 2013
• Vinification: Manual harvest, pneumatic press, stainless steel, aged on lees
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dried hay, green apple, crabapple, white blossom, wet river stone, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Goat cheese (Selles-sur-Cher, Crottin de Chavignol), oysters, fish ceviche, grilled sea bass, fresh asparagus

Pure, precise, and organically farmed — Domaine Delobel’s “Angle Droit” is the benchmark for honest, terroir-driven Touraine Sauvignon Blanc.

Umani Ronchi | Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore DOC, Marche, Italy | Organic | 2024

Created in the 1980s from a single selection of the finest grapes in the Montecarotto vineyard, Casal di Serra has grown into one of Italy's benchmark expressions of Verdicchio — the great indigenous white grape of the Marche. Now certified organic, the wine is fermented and aged on its own natural yeasts, a process that builds richness and personality while preserving the variety's signature balance and elegance. The result is a white of genuine depth: velvety, saline, and persistently fruity.

Grape: Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi
Farming: Certified organic
Fermentation: Native yeasts
Drink: Now–2029

Tasting Notes

• Wild flowers, peach, apricot, and golden apple on the nose
• Rich and velvety palate with bright freshness and sapidity
• Dry, persistent finish | Intensely fruity | Fine mineral balance

Pairings: Grilled sea bass, roasted turbot, seafood brodetto, roast chicken, fresh pecorino, pasta with pesto

Clos La Coutale Cahors — Southwest France 2023

Clos La Coutale is one of Cahors’ most beloved and historic estates — a domaine whose 100 hectares of vines sit in the heart of the meanders of the Lot River, on alluvial soils of gravel and clay-limestone silica with a southwest exposure that protects against extreme cold. Cahors itself is one of France’s most ancient wine regions, established in Quercy by the Romans, who developed its production with such success that in 92 A.D. Emperor Domitian ordered half the vineyards torn out to protect Italian wine production — a decree the locals famously disobeyed. The 2023 Malbec is crafted in a hearty, rustic style that is simultaneously ready for immediate enjoyment and built to age — a savvy wine drinker’s benchmark for French Malbec at a value price.

The nose is warm and expressive: dark fruit, wild berries, earth, and a slightly wild streak that sets this apart from Argentine Malbec and signals the terroir of the Lot. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with excellent structure, supple tannins, and a long, satisfying finish. It holds its own alongside celebrated appellations and brings real presence to the table — the kind of Southwest French red that disappears fast.

"A hearty, rustic red from France’s southwest — this Cahors has everything a savvy wine drinker wants: ready for immediate consumption, excellent structure to age, and comes in at a value price. The 2023 vintage has a slightly wild streak, which goes perfectly with a medium-rare ribeye and roast rosemary potatoes." — Tom Wolf

• Producer: Clos La Coutale, Cahors, Southwest France
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Cahors AOC, Southwest France
• Varietal: Malbec
• Terroir: Alluvial gravel & clay-limestone silica on the Lot River meanders
• Closure: Cork
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark fruit, wild berries, earth, rustic character, supple tannins, long structured finish
• Best Paired With: Ribeye steak, cassoulet, roast lamb, duck confit, vegetable stew, quesadillas

France’s benchmark Cahors Malbec at an honest price — Clos La Coutale is the standard for what structured, terroir-driven Southwest French Malbec can deliver.

Domaine Jean Foillard Beaujolais Villages Organic 2024

Jean Foillard is at the pinnacle of Beaujolais winemakers. Serve chilled to 64°F — about 20 minutes in the fridge!

Jean Foillard is one of the Gang of Four — the legendary quartet of Beaujolais producers who, alongside Marcel Lapierre, Guy Breton, and Jean-Paul Thévenet, helped define the natural wine movement in the 1980s. His Beaujolais Villages is sourced from Gamay parcels across Villié-Morgon, Lancié, Saint-Amour, and Saint-Étienne-la-Varenne, farmed organically and vinified with minimal intervention. The 2024 is everything you want from Foillard: sensuous red fruit, mouthwatering acidity, low alcohol, and a silky, dreamy finish that makes you reach for another glass.

• Producer: Domaine Jean Foillard
• Grape: Gamay
• Region: Beaujolais Villages, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Size: 750ml
• Farming: Certified Organic, Natural Winemaking

Pairs beautifully with charcuterie, roast chicken, grilled salmon, or a classic Lyonnaise bouchon spread. Serve slightly chilled.

Our Professional Review

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

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir from Eleven Family-Owned Vineyards

Patz & Hall draws from eleven small, independent family-owned vineyard sites across the Sonoma Coast, unified into a wine of saline freshness, lively red fruit, and structural elegance. The 2021 vintage delivered cool, even growing conditions that preserved natural acidity and exceptional purity.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

• Decanter — 96 pts: "Delightful, extra juicy red and black fruits give graciously and generously with a mouth-filling texture and soft, silky tannins. The coolness of the Sonoma Coast takes the salty sea air and places it squarely on the grapes to give this wine a lovely saline finish. The great structural envelope will protect this wine for the future. It will last and last."
• Wine Spectator — 93 pts: "Fresh and lively, raspberry and mulberry coulis with a mouthwatering savory edge. Textbook vintage and AVA profile. Drink now through 2031."
• Wine Advocate — 90 pts: "Aromas of red and black cherries, mint, forest floor and allspice. Generous, spicy fruit with grainy tannins and juicy acidity."

Winemaker Notes

Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2021 750ml

Complex aromas of Morello cherry and wild strawberry, with cinnamon, clove, anise, and coriander alongside forest floor and pink flowers. Full palate with good purity, refined tannins, and fresh acidity.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast, California
• Vineyard Sources: 11 independent family-owned sites
• Producer: Patz & Hall
• Vintage: 2021
• Drinking Window: Now–2031
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Exceptional with roasted duck, salmon, mushroom risotto, lamb loin, and soft-ripened cheeses.

Echo de Lynch-Bages — 2nd Label of Château Lynch-Bages, Pauillac 2023

Château Lynch-Bages is one of Pauillac's most beloved estates — a Fifth Growth in classification but a Second Growth in reputation, consistently producing wines of extraordinary depth and character. Echo de Lynch-Bages is the official second label of the estate, drawing from younger vines and select parcels to produce a wine that carries the unmistakable Lynch-Bages DNA: graphite, ripe black fruit, smoked earth, and that signature broad-shouldered Pauillac structure. The 2023 is a blend of 55% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc, aged 14 months in new and once-used French oak — a ripe yet classic vintage that earned five critic scores of 89–93 points.

The wine pours a deep ruby. The nose is classically Pauillac: lead pencil, graphite, ripe black fruits, cassis, dark berries, cedar, and a compelling smoked earth character. On the palate, it's medium-bodied and beautifully balanced — juicy and fine-grained, with ripe, supple tannins, outstanding length, and a firm, fruit-forward finish. Approachable today but built to age gracefully through 2045.

"Classic Pauillac notes of lead pencil, graphite, and ripe black fruits as well as an almost Graves-like smoked earth character. Medium-bodied and balanced, with ripe, supple tannins and outstanding length." — Jeb Dunnuck, 93 Points

• Producer: Château Lynch-Bages, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
• Classification: Official 2nd Label of Château Lynch-Bages (5ème Grand Cru Classé)
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Pauillac AOC
• Blend: 55% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc
• Aging: 14 months in new and once-used French oak
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: JS 93 | JD 93 | WA 91 | Vinous 90 | WS 89
• Drink: Now–2045 (best from 2026–2027)
• Tasting Notes: Graphite, lead pencil, cassis, dark berries, smoked earth, cedar, supple tannins
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, duck confit, grilled ribeye, aged hard cheeses, classic Bordelaise cuisine

Five 89–93 point scores and a drink window through 2045 — Lynch-Bages pedigree at second label pricing, in one of Bordeaux's most compelling recent vintages.

Loveblock | Sauvignon Blanc | Marlborough, New Zealand | 2024 | Organic

Loveblock is a certified organic winery founded by Kim and Erica Crawford — yes, that Erica Crawford, co-founder of the iconic Kim Crawford wine brand — on their estate in Marlborough, New Zealand. After selling Kim Crawford Wines, Erica returned to her passion for sustainable, organic viticulture and launched Loveblock as a vehicle for producing wines of genuine terroir expression and environmental integrity. The estate is certified organic, and every decision in the vineyard and winery is guided by a commitment to the land and to producing wines of exceptional quality and character.

Marlborough is New Zealand's most celebrated wine region and the spiritual home of Sauvignon Blanc — a place where the combination of intense sunshine, cool nights, and free-draining stony soils produces wines of extraordinary aromatic intensity, vibrant acidity, and distinctive saline minerality. Loveblock's Sauvignon Blanc draws on fruit from across the region to produce a wine of complexity and elegance that goes well beyond the category norm.

The 2024 is pale straw with a hint of green and gold. The nose is complex and elegant — citrus blossom, wild flowers, crushed ripe herbs, pineapple, lemon, grapefruit zest, and sliced peach. On the palate, medium- to full-bodied and chiseled, with a dense fruit core of juicy melon and peach, vibrant fleshy fruit, toasted herbs, green tea, ginger, lime zest, and a saline, umami-tinged finish. Beautifully rounded with layer upon layer of texture and a long, complex, mineral finish.

Pair with oysters, seafood, spaghetti alle vongole, grilled fish, goat cheese, and chicken.

• Producer: Loveblock (Erica Crawford)
• Appellation: Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
• Vintage: 2024
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Closure: Screwcap
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2024

• James Suckling — 93 pts: Lemon, grapefruit zest and sliced peach aromas. Medium- to full-bodied and chiseled, with vibrant, fleshy fruit and a saline touch in the finish.
• Wine Spectator — 91 pts: Intense and juicy — toasted herbs, green tea and crunchy sea salt mingling with ginger, lime zest and fleshy notes of ripe melon that linger on the long finish.

Paso Robles Cabernet That Delivers Napa-Level Richness

Austin Hope has become one of Paso Robles' most celebrated names, crafting wines that showcase the region's unique ability to produce powerful, opulent Cabernet Sauvignon with remarkable depth and approachability. 

The 2024 Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon captures the depth, richness, and generosity that have become synonymous with Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon. Layered with ripe dark fruit, warm spice, cocoa, and polished tannins, this full-bodied vintage is bold yet balanced, delivering a long, expressive finish.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Paso Robles, California
• Producer: Austin Hope Winery
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for bold, rich dishes — exceptional with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb chops, aged cheddar, and hearty pasta with meat sauce.

Super-Tuscan Quality at a Remarkably Fair Price

Tenuta Sette Ponti is one of Tuscany’s most respected estates, located in the Valdarno di Sopra between Florence and Arezzo. Crognolo is their flagship Super-Tuscan blend — 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot — crafted from a historic Sangiovese clone unique to the property. Certified organic, it delivers serious Tuscan character with vibrant energy, firm structure, and exceptional aging potential.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

• James Suckling — 94 pts: Fresh strawberries and cherries with orange peel and flowers. Cedar, black olive and violet undertones. Medium-bodied with firm, racy tannins that give energy and focus. Tangy and fresh with slightly bitter citrus on the finish. Drink or hold.
• Wine Advocate (Monica Larner) — 92 pts: A core of blackened fruit with plum and cooked blackberry, plus varietal Sangiovese hints of pressed rose and sweet potting soil. Medium texture with fruity freshness. A selection from a historic clone of Sangiovese found on the estate. 150,000 bottles produced.
• Vinous (Antonio Galloni) — 92 pts: Dark, vibrant and persistent. Dark-fleshed fruit, chocolate, licorice, cloves, menthol. Admirable energy with grippy tannins on the finish.
• Wine Spectator — 91 pts: Black cherry, blackberry, lavender and spice. Dense, tight and compact with plenty of fruit and well-integrated structure. Fine length. Best 2026–2038.

Winemaker Notes

Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo Toscana Organic 2022 750ml

Strawberry, cherry, black olive, cedar, and violet on the nose, with chocolate, licorice, and menthol emerging on the palate. Medium-bodied with firm, racy tannins and vibrant Sangiovese acidity. Decant for 30 minutes or cellar through 2038. Certified Organic.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: 90% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot
• Appellation: Valdarno di Sopra, Toscana IGT, Italy
• Producer: Tenuta Sette Ponti
• Vintage: 2022
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural at the Tuscan table — exceptional with bistecca alla Fiorentina, grilled lamb chops, pappardelle with wild boar ragù, aged Pecorino Toscano, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Memo Summary Notes

Because of its high acidity and saline minerality, this wine is a gold standard for seafood pairings:

• Shellfish: Fresh oysters, mussels, or langoustines.
• Salads: Crab salad with citrus dressing.
• Cheese: Young goat cheese or creamy Brie.

Winemaker Notes

Chablis Saint Martin has the intense freshness typical of the terroir in combination with ripe white fruit and white blossom aromas. The minerality gives a lingering finish and a distinct character. A nice complexity emerges from this vintage, while keeping a lot of purity.

Founded in 1850, Domaine Laroche is one of the largest owners of Premier and Grand Cru vineyards in Chablis and has led movements to raise the quality of the appellation with the creation of a charter of excellence for the Grand Cru producers. The Domaine Laroche vineyards are undergoing active conversion to organic viticulture.

Saint Martin, the patron saint of Chablis, was a Roman cavalry officer who became a humble monk and was elected Bishop of Tours. Saint Martin's relics were kept for a decade in the Obédiencerie of the ninth-century monastery in the town of Chablis. The Saint Martin cuvée is the flagship wine of Domaine Laroche, a symbol of the Laroche values of sharing and conviviality.

• Grape Source: 100% Chardonnay
• Appellation: Chablis
• Location: Bourgogne
• Cultivation: Sustainable, Vegan
• Viticulture: Undergoing active conversion to organic viticulture
• Soil: Kimmeridgian soil composed of clay and limestone

Alexakis Assyrtiko — Crete, Greece 2025

Alexakis is one of Crete's most respected family wineries, farming indigenous Greek varieties on the sun-drenched soils of the island with a commitment to expressing the unique character of Cretan terroir. Their Assyrtiko — crafted from one of Greece's most celebrated white grapes, best known from Santorini but equally at home on Crete — is a wine of striking freshness, mineral precision, and Mediterranean soul. Bright, aromatic, and endlessly food-friendly, it is the kind of bottle that transports you to a seaside taverna with every sip.

Bright yellow with green hues, the nose is expressive and inviting: passionfruit, mango, and fresh citrus with a characteristic saline minerality that speaks to the island's volcanic and limestone soils. On the palate, it is crisp and balanced with lively acidity, a clean mineral backbone, and a long, lasting finish. Refreshing, precise, and unmistakably Greek.

"Bright yellow color with green hues. The bouquet displays aromas of passion fruit, mango and citrus. Balanced taste with crispy acidity and a characteristic minerality around the palate. Long and lasting finish." — Alexakis Winemaker

• Producer: Alexakis Winery, Crete, Greece
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Crete PGI
• Varietal: 100% Assyrtiko
• Style: Crisp, dry, mineral-driven white
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Passionfruit, mango, citrus, saline minerality, crisp acidity, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Grilled octopus, sardines, white fish with lemon & olive oil, Greek salad with feta, fried calamari, sushi
• Serve: Well chilled, 45–50°F

Greece's most exciting white grape in a bottle made for the Mediterranean table — Alexakis Assyrtiko is summer, minerality, and soul in one.

Willamette Valley Pinot Noir That Sets the Benchmark for the Appellation

Bergström Wines has been one of Oregon's most celebrated estates since its founding in 1999, farming biodynamically across five estate vineyards in the Willamette Valley. The Cumberland Reserve Pinot Noir — a blend from Bergström's estate vineyards plus select purchased fruit, matured for 10 months — is the estate's definitive appellation-level expression: aromatic, silky, and layered, with the cool-climate precision and effortless balance that have made Bergström a reference point for Oregon Pinot Noir.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

• Jeb Dunnuck — 94 pts: "Opens with aromas of raspberry liqueur, mocha, floral perfume, and savory notes of fresh sage. Medium-bodied, it offers ripe, detailed tannins, balanced acidity, and a long finish. While this vintage hints at opulence, the wine remains beautifully balanced and refreshing. A stunning introduction to the vintage and a benchmark for the region."
• James Suckling — 94 pts: "Bright and seductive, this pinot offers fresh cherries, crushed wild berries, violets, wet rocks and subtle spices on the nose. Racy and mouthwatering, with spicy and minerally tension, a medium body, a dusty texture to its tannins and a lingering and racy finish."
• Wine Advocate — 93 pts: "Alluring aromas of strawberry, raspberry, forest floor and earthy undertones. The medium-bodied palate is bursting with bright, spicy fruit, framed by soft, chalky tannins and mouthwatering acidity with a long, bright finish. Matured for 10 months from Bergström's five estate vineyards plus some purchased fruit."
• Vinous — 93 pts: "Incredibly fresh, with a bouquet of dusty dried flowers, lavender pastille, nuances of cedary spice and wild blueberries. Ripe wild berry fruits and crisp mineral tones glide across the palate over a layer of pure silk. The finish is long and tense, yet remains remarkably fresh as violet tones resonate over a bed of silken tannins. The Cumberland Reserve represents amazing value."

Winemaker Notes

Bright red in color, aromatically driven by cherry, strawberry, and Herbes de Provence with light green spice. Fruit-forward and balanced with acidity and structure on the palate. Cardamom and nutmeg spice on the finish. A wet spring and warm harvest created delicate flavors and a powerful lasting finish.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Willamette Valley, Oregon
• Producer: Bergström Wines
• Vintage: 2023
• Farming: Biodynamic
• Vinification: Blend of five estate vineyards plus select purchased fruit; matured 10 months
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Exceptional with Pacific Northwest cuisine — roasted salmon, duck breast, mushroom risotto, lamb chops, truffle dishes, and aged Pinot-friendly cheeses.

Our Professional Review

Giusto Occhipinti of COS is a benchmark producer in the Vittoria appellation of Sicily — and one of the most important, influential winemakers in all of Italy. Founded in 1980 by three friends (Giambattista Cilia, Giusto Occhipinti, and Cirino Strano — whose initials form the winery name), COS has never used synthetic or chemical additives in the vineyard. Certified organic since 2007 and biodynamic since 2000, their Frappato is Sicily’s answer to Cru Beaujolais: joyous, floral, and built on elegance and purity.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

James Suckling — 94 Points (Nov 2025): “Overt and spicy, showing elegant black-pepper aromas with black cherries, leather and earthy notes. Vinous and juicy. Medium-bodied, it shines with lightness, offering a silky texture and fragrant, crunchy tannins well-tamed and sustained by crisp acidity. Delicious. Drink now.”

Decanter — 90 Points (Apr 2026): “Cherry compote, basil and sage meet pepper, thyme and star anise. Bright, dark fruit energy and earthy smoke follow; grainy tannins add structure, and the finish is rustic, meaty and joyful.”

Tasting Notes

Vibrant and aromatic with bright red fruit flavors of cherry and strawberry. Low tannins, fresh acidity, and a silky, light-bodied texture make this an effortlessly drinkable expression of Sicily’s most charming indigenous grape.

Pairings: Charcuterie, grilled fish, roasted vegetables, light pasta dishes, or a slight chill for summer sipping.

Product Details

• Vintage: 2024
• Varietal: Frappato
• Appellation: Terre Siciliane, Sicily
• Region: Sicily, Italy
• Farming: Certified Organic & Biodynamic
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Producer: Azienda Agricola COS (Giusto Occhipinti)

Altos de Torona | Albaríno | O Rosal, Rías Baixas DO | Galicia, Spain | 2024

Altos de Torona is one of Rías Baixas's most distinctive estates, farming the largest single vineyard in the entire region — 94 hectares of Albaríno vines in the O Rosal subzone, the southernmost and most maritime corner of Galicia. The estate practices sustainable viticulture within a rich biodiversity of over 160 species of flora and fauna, a commitment to the land that translates directly into wines of exceptional purity and terroir expression.

Rías Baixas is Spain's premier white wine appellation, situated on the Atlantic coast of Galicia in northwestern Spain. The O Rosal subzone is particularly prized for its proximity to the sea — the Atlantic influence brings cooling breezes, morning mists, and a natural salinity that gives Albaríno from this area its signature mineral freshness and oceanic character. Albaríno is one of the world's great aromatic white grapes, producing wines of vibrant acidity, generous fruit, and a distinctive saline minerality that makes them among the finest seafood wines on earth.

The 2024 Altos de Torona is straw yellow with greenish hues. The nose is fresh and aromatic — reineta apple, citrus, apricot, and toasted notes from aging on lees. On the palate, voluminous and unctuous with restrained acidity, a saline mineral thread, and a subtle, lingering finish. Silver Medal — International Wine Challenge 2025.

A world-class seafood wine. Pair with grilled scallops, steamed cockles, hake, oysters, sushi, light pasta with seafood, and semi-soft or fresh goat cheeses. Serve well chilled at 45–50°F.

• Producer: Altos de Torona
• Appellation: Rías Baixas DO, O Rosal subzone, Galicia, Spain
• Grape: Albaríno
• Vintage: 2024
• Farming: Sustainable; 94-hectare single vineyard
• Vinification: Aged on lees for added texture and complexity
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2024

• Decanter — 93 pts
• James Suckling — 91 pts
• International Wine Challenge 2025 — Silver Medal

Napa Valley's Most Iconic Cabernet

Since its founding in 1972, Caymus Vineyards has become one of Napa Valley's most recognized and consistently celebrated estates. The Wagner family's signature style — dark, rich, and opulent, with ripe tannins that make the wine as approachable in youth as in maturity — has earned Caymus a devoted following among Cabernet lovers worldwide.

The 2023 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon draws fruit from across Napa's diverse sub-appellations, from Coombsville in the south to Calistoga in the north. Valley floor fruit contributes lushness and generosity; hillside fruit provides structure and backbone. The result is a wine of layered complexity and seamless balance.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Layered aromas of cocoa, cassis, and ripe dark berries
• Palate: Rich and full-bodied with plush, ripe tannins and flavors of blackcurrant, dark chocolate, and vanilla
• Finish: Long, smooth, and satisfying — approachable now, with the structure to age gracefully

Vineyard & Vinification

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Sub-appellations: Coombsville, Rutherford, Oakville, St. Helena, Calistoga
• Producer: Caymus Vineyards, Rutherford, CA
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A classic match for prime rib, dry-aged ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb rack, and aged hard cheeses. Also exceptional alongside rich pasta dishes and hearty stews.

Bodegas Perica · Rioja Alta · Spain · 2012

In Rioja, Gran Reserva is not a marketing term — it is a commitment. A minimum of 28 to 30 months in Bordelaise barriques, followed by at least 36 months of bottle aging before release. Bodegas Perica Viña Olagosa Gran Reserva honors that tradition fully: a family project rooted in Rioja Alta, drawing Tempranillo from the Viña Olagosa estate in San Asensio and Garnacha and Mazuelo from the Zaco estate in Haro, blended with the kind of patience and craft that only a multigenerational producer can sustain.

The nose is intense and complex — vanilla, cedar, tobacco, and leather, the unmistakable signature of long oak aging done well. On the palate it is medium-bodied and beautifully composed, with polished, aged tannins, notes of espresso and dark spice, and an elegant, lingering finish that speaks of both time and terroir.

Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67Wine Buyer | “Ruby color with copper rim; on the nose intense and complex: vanilla, cedar, and tobacco. Medium-bodied with polished aged tannins and espresso and more tobacco notes. Very elegant finish. For sure one of my top Gran Reservas to drink now!”

• Producer: Bodegas Perica
• Vintage: 2012
• Appellation: Rioja Alta, Spain
• Varietals: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo
• Aging: 28–30 months in Bordelaise barriques + 36 months bottle aging
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Vanilla, cedar, tobacco, leather, espresso, dark spice, polished tannins
• Pairings: Roast lamb, braised short ribs, aged Manchego, charcuterie, mushroom dishes

A textbook Rioja Gran Reserva — complex, elegant, and drinking beautifully right now.

About This Wine

Beringer's Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has long been one of California's benchmark expressions of the variety — a wine that bridges Napa's richness with Sonoma's elegance. Sourced from the volcanic soils of Knights Valley, just east of the Mayacamas Mountains, the 2022 vintage delivers everything this appellation is known for: depth, structure, and a sense of place.

The 2022 growing season brought warmth and richness, yielding bold layers of blackcurrant, plum, and boysenberry, accented by dark chocolate, sage, and hints of tobacco and cedar. Extended maceration extracted maximum color and flavor, while 14 months in French oak (30% new) added spice and texture without overwhelming the fruit. Fine-grained tannins and bright acidity give this wine both immediate appeal and genuine aging potential.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep plum with ruby highlights
• Nose: Blackcurrant, boysenberry, cassis, dark chocolate, sage, cedar, wild lavender
• Palate: Medium-to-full body, plush sandy tannins, vibrant acidity, baking spice, crushed stone
• Finish: Long, elegant, savory — structured and mouthwatering

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 93 | Perfumed aromas of red currants, lavender, fresh thyme and graphite. Medium-bodied with plush tannins and balanced acidity, giving flavors of raspberry coulis, red licorice and baking spices. Very soft and delicate, with a nicely constructed backbone. Drink or hold.

Food Pairings

Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb chops, aged cheddar, and mushroom risotto. A natural at the dinner table, equally at home with a casual weeknight meal or a celebratory feast.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: 2022
Region: Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California
Appellation: Knights Valley AVA
Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot
Oak Aging: 14 months, French oak (30% new)
Style: Full-bodied Red Wine

Banshee Pinot Noir Sonoma County 2023 750ml

Banshee is one of Sonoma County's most exciting Pinot Noir producers — a winery built on the belief that the best wines from Sonoma are yet to be made, and determined to produce some of them. Sourcing from a carefully curated network of cool-climate vineyards across the Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley, and Anderson Valley, Banshee pursues Pinot that achieves power without weight — transparent, site-driven, and alive with the flavors of the coast: forest floor, pine, tea, spice, and minerals alongside the fruit.

The 2023 Sonoma County Pinot Noir is generous, layered, and immediately appealing — an excellent food wine that is equally charming on its own. Bright, medium-bodied, and bursting with red and dark fruit, it delivers real complexity for the price and confirms why Banshee has earned such a devoted following.

"Layers of dark cherries, spices, blackberry bush and violets. The palate is medium-bodied with firmly framed tannins and bright acidity, showing dried herbs, graphite and plums. Generous and bold." — James Suckling, 92 pts

• Producer: Banshee Wines, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Appellation: Sonoma County AVA
• Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Medium-bodied, elegant, cool-climate California Pinot Noir
• Tasting Notes: Strawberry, cherry, pomegranate, dark cherry, blackberry, violets, forest floor, five-spice, toasted caramel, graphite, bright acidity
• Best Paired With: Roast duck, salmon, mushroom dishes, grilled lamb chops, or brie

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

James Suckling — 92 Points
Layers of dark cherries, spices, blackberry bush and violets. The palate is medium-bodied with firmly framed tannins and bright acidity, showing dried herbs, graphite and plums. Generous and bold.

Jeb Dunnuck — 90 Points
Pouring a medium ruby color, the 2023 Pinot Noir Sonoma County is forward in the glass, with bright aromas of preserved cranberries, orange zest, cinnamon, and red flowers. The palate has lovely energy within a medium-bodied frame, and it has a refreshing feel, with its spices and chalky texture coming through on the finish.

Wine Spectator — 90 Points
A pretty red, with a steady beam of raspberry and cherry coulis flecked with red tea and savory. The streamlined finish shows a late tug of red licorice.

Site-driven Sonoma Pinot Noir that over-delivers at every price — Banshee is the kind of bottle you open on a Tuesday and finish before dinner is over.

Winemaker Description

Gilgal wines are premium, quality-aged varietal wines from Golan Heights Winery in Israel — fruit-forward and expressive, produced with the same care and attention to quality as the flagship Yarden label. The coin on the label references recent archaeological excavations that tell an exciting and heroic story of the region’s ancient heritage.

Flavors of blackberry, plum, and raspberry, along with notes of black tea and cocoa, with hints of fresh herbs and French oak.

Kosher for Passover.

About Golan Heights Winery

Founded in 1983, Golan Heights Winery is widely credited with transforming the Israeli wine industry. Situated at elevations of 400–1,200 meters above sea level, the Golan Heights benefits from cool nights, volcanic basalt soils, and a long growing season — ideal conditions for producing structured, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery produces wines under the Yarden, Hermon, and Gilgal labels, all under strict kosher supervision.

Food Pairings

Roast lamb, braised brisket, grilled ribeye, herb-roasted chicken, and aged hard cheeses. An excellent choice for Passover Seder and holiday celebrations.

Product Details

• Producer: Golan Heights Winery
• Region: Golan Heights, Israel
• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Certification: Kosher for Passover
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Full-bodied, fruit-forward Israeli Cabernet
• Format: 750ml

In the heart of the Penedès, the Canals family has been crafting Cava with the quiet focus of a house that has nothing to prove. The Reserva Numerada is their flagship expression: a blend of Xarel·lo, Macabeu, and Parellada — the three indigenous varieties that define the appellation — fermented in bottle via traditional method and aged on the lees for a full 24 months. The result is a Cava of genuine complexity, one that bears its accolades without surprise. This is also an organic transition wine, farmed with care in the vineyard before the glass.

The 2021 pours a bright, luminous straw with fine, persistent bubbles. The nose is delicate and layered: citrus fruit — lemon, tangerine, orange peel — opens to orchard notes of green apple and ripe pear, with a whisper of brioche and subtle minerality from the extended lees aging. On the palate it is crisp and dry, with white peach, lime, and a pleasant bready character that adds texture without weight. The finish is refreshing, vibrant, and long. An exceptional value in serious sparkling wine.

93 points — Mi Vino Guide · Best Cava in the Guide
90 points — James Suckling
Gold Medal — International Wine Awards 2022 & 2021
Gold Medal — Catavinum World Wines & Spirits Competition 2022 & 2021

• Producer: Ramon Canals, Penedès, Catalonia, Spain
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: Cava DO, Catalonia
• Blend: Xarel·lo, Macabeu, Parellada
• Method: Mètode Tradicional (Traditional Method), 24 months on lees
• Farming: Organic Transition | Vegan
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon, tangerine, orange peel, green apple, ripe pear, white peach, lime, brioche, mineral
• Food Pairings: Oysters, seafood tapas, jamón ibérico, soft cheeses, paella, aperitivo

Multiple Gold Medals, 93 points, and a price that belongs in a different category — Ramon Canals Reserva Numerada is the Cava the list was made for.