$25 - $50 Wine

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 93 Points | Extremely floral with grapefruit and lemon blossom aromas. Hints of stones. Medium-bodied with a dense middle palate. Green mango and lime at the end. Intense and vivid.

The Wine Advocate 91 Points | Hints of pencil shavings and crushed stone appear on the nose of the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Dollarhide Estate, 16% of which was barrel-fermented in new French oak (the balance was made in stainless steel). Joined by fig and melon notes, this is a plump, medium-bodied effort, nicely rounded on the mid-palate, while retaining a sense of grapefruity freshness on the finish.

Wine Spectator 91 Points | Fragrant and succulent, with a wonderful creamy texture to the background of white peach, lemon curd, celery seed and tangerine notes, revealing hints of Himalayan salt and serious energy on the finish.

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | Like a bowl full of fresh peaches and green apples, this wine brings together an almost sweet ripeness and balancing, crisp acidity that lends a snappy, appetizing texture. 

Winemaker Description 

Brilliant hues of pale yellow and green present this white wine. Fresh aromas of grapefruit, kiwi, and fennel are intertwined with a vanillin thread, evidence of the element of subtle new French oak. Yellow grapefruit and lime zest flavors follow with the essence of ripe pear, while the toasted oak qualities of the barrel maturation have encouraged a round, rich mouth feel, along with the subtle creaminess of the sur-lie maturation. This is a crisp yet rich flavorful Sauvignon Blanc.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points | A medium-bodied, polished, elegant, satisfying Crozes revealing terrific purity in its red and blue-tinged fruits as well as sappy herb, floral, and peppery nuances. This is classic, lively, old school, yet elegant Syrah all the way.

Producer Description 

Indulge in the captivating Yann Chave Crozes Hermitage Classique Rouge, a treasure from the mythical Hermitage hillside. Lovingly crafted from 40-year-old vines grown in the loess soil of Beaume and Peleat, this elegant wine boasts a deep purple color with a striking purple hue. Its expressive nose reveals luscious black fruit aromas, such as blackcurrant and cassis, with a subtle hint of mint. The rich and generous palate delivers intense black fruit flavors complemented by velvety tannins and a refreshing finish. With gentle vinification and meticulous aging in demi-muids and vats, this wine promises an enchanting experience for both casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike.

The Yann Chave Crozes Hermitage Classique Rouge features a bright color, exuding a purple hue with violet tinges. The discreet nose requires aeration to fully unveil the complex aromas of blackberry jam, liquorice sticks, and a hint of roasting and spice. On the palate, the wine is full and generous, revealing rich ripe fruit flavors and a touch of smokiness. The tannins are dense, intense, and refined, providing an imposing structure and a lingering finish that leaves a lasting impression.

This versatile wine pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Enjoy it with a succulent roasted magret de canard (duck breast) served on a bed of creamy polenta, or savor it alongside a grilled Mezenc ribeye steak accompanied by a delicate truffle-infused purée. For a truly indulgent experience, pair this exquisite wine with creamy Brillat Savarin or Chaource cheese, allowing the flavors to meld and create a symphony of taste.

The Yann Chave Crozes Hermitage Classique Rouge is a wine that can be enjoyed now or cellared for 10 to 15 years, developing even more complexity and depth over time. Decant if drinking immediately and witness the evolution of this extraordinary wine.

 

Producer Description 

Assembly of two thirds of white grape freshly pressed and very mature (Ugny Blanc) with a third of one year Cognac, the whole aged in oak cask during five years.
It is only at the end of this period that we obtain Pineau of the Charente carefully married.

The subtlety lies in fresh notes of fruit, a delicate sugar and a well melted alcohol.
TO DRINK SHILLED WITHOUT ICE CUBES IN APÉRITIF OR AS DESERT WINE.

Characteristic: fresh and fruity with a dash of “rancio".

Producer Description

Traditional 100% organic apéritif made with grape juice and eau-de-vie de cognac from our estate. Fresh and fruity.

Expert Notes

Stuart Pigott writes:  Nose of wild berries, smoke and earth. A rich and mellow, full-bodied example of this appellation, the healthy, moderately dry tannins wrapped in velvet. Long finish that's much brighter than the first impression suggests. A cuvee of 80% grenache and 20% syrah from two parcels close to the border with Gigondas. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.  - James Suckling 93

Alistair Cooper MW writes:  Plenty of pure fruit on the nose – light red fruits, as well as a slight garrigue note. A compact palate, with peppery spice and fine, firm, bright tannins – moderate weight. Bright, sleek and attractive red fruit on the layered finish. Bright, engaging and relatively light.  Drinking 2025 to 2032.  - Jancis Robinson 16.5

 

Winemaker Description 

The Vacqueyras Les Aubes has substantial fruit and earthy notes mixed with notes of pepper and licorice. A great match for roasted vegetables, and gouda cheese - 

The estate was created in 1874 and since then, six generations of the Gras family have succeeded one another, each making their own contribution to its development. Benjamin has worked hand in hand with his father, Yves, since 2017. After obtaining a degree in oenology at the University of Burgundy in Dijon, his experience was enriched by periods spent in prestigious wine estates such as Domaine de Romanée-Conti and Bodega Vega-Sicilia. He maintains organic farming , converted the entire estate to biodynamic methods in 2016, and is redesigning the wine range to emphasize local terroirs. Just like his father, he favors as little intervention as possible in winemaking and respect for what nature offers.

Vacqueyras Les Aubes is a blend of Grenache (80%) and Syrah (20%) coming from plots located exclusively in places called Les Aubes and La Ponche in Vacqueyras, over 1.5 hectares. The harvest is manual with sorting in the vineyard, followed by a second on a sorting table and partial destemming. Fermentation lasts 20 to 30 days in stainless steel vats under controlled temperatures with two long daily pumping overs. Malolactic fermentation occurs in vats. The wine is aged for 18 months in 36-hectoliter Stockinger oak barrels and 8-hectoliter terracotta jars .

Winemaker Description 

100% Pineau d’Aunis. Rouge Gorge (“red throat” is named in honor of the robins which inhabit the vineyards. The Pineau d’Aunis vines are scattered amongst many Bellivière parcels and range in age from 25 to 45 years old.

The soils are generally flinty clay over tuffeau (soft limestone); the vines are kept to a maximum yield of 25 hl/ha. The Nicolas family farms biodynamically and harvests by hand. The grapes are destemmed, crushed and fermented spontaneously with native yeasts in old barrels.

Macerations lasts up to a month, with occasional punchdowns and with each parcel vinified separately. The wines are aged in used barrel for 12 to 18 months, before blending and bottling without fining or filtering.

Winemaker Description 

Mellow tannins, along with a touch of bright acidity, guide this delicious little bistro-style red to a tasty, enduring finish. Enjoy an assortment of roasted or grilled vegetables, grilled chicken thighs marinated in Moroccan spices or pork chops slathered in homemade barbecue sauce.

L’Ile Quatre Sous comes from a single vineyard in Parnay with a high proportion of sandy soil which yields a softer “bistrot style” red wine to be enjoyed right away. The name means "Four Penny Island", and refers to an actual sandy bank located in the middle of the Loire River near Parnay (though no vines are actually planted there).

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Luis Gutierrez of the Wine Advocate 93 Points | The 2022 release is aromatic, extroverted, open and immediate, floral, perfumed and expressive, with a juicy and round palate. It's fleshy and round and very approachable.

Winemaker Description

Discover Envínate's 'Lousas Viña de Aldea' Mencia Ribeira Sacra, the "village wine" of Gallego. Made from native vines grown on steep slopes of slate between 400-600 meters elevation, this cuvee is composed of 90-95% Mencía with other co-planted varietals. Savor the unique flavors of this ancient vineyard. Pair with grilled spicy sausage and sweet peppers.

Winemaker Description 

This 100% Garnacha wine boasts a big, bold, and funky flavor with a touch of freshness. Its dense, fruity palate is complemented by a prolonged finish and ample acidity, preventing it from feeling too heavy.

The producer purposefully maintains some of the CO2 for a spritzy texture, giving it a slightly effervescent quality. For the full expression, allow it to aerate. The vineyards of Alfredo Maestro Tejero are nestled within the Ribera del Duero. These natural wines are produced without the addition of sulphur in either the vineyard or winery. All grapes are carefully hand-harvested.

Winemaker Description 

Cassis and raspberries aromas. On the palate, first sweetness and freshness and then round and soft tannins.

FOOD PAIRING  Great with pork products, white meat, fish, and cheese.

Expert Review - Vintage 2013

Luis Gutierrez of the Wine Advocate writes 93+ Points | The 2013 Viña Bosconia Reserva even in a cooler and rainier year, like 2013, has a rounder body and still 13.5% alcohol. They also insisted that "remember that we can use 15% of wine from another vintage, and perhaps we topped this one up with wine from 2015. We want consistency year after year." This matured in barrels for five years and was bottled unfiltered but fined with egg whites. It's expressive, elegant and subtle, clean and complex, with polished tannins and very good acidity (pH 3.3 and 6.7 grams of tartaric acid per liter of wine). 70,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2021.

Winemaker Description 

Vina Bosconia comes from the 15ha El Bosque vineyard on the banks of the river Ebro at an altitude of 465m, one km away from the Haro winery. The vines here are planted on the south-facing foothills of the Sierra Cantabria. The soil is a mixture of clay and limestone, with an average vine age of 40 years. The blend is Tempranillo (80%), Garnacha (15%) with Mazuelo (aka Carignan) and Graciano making up the balance. The wine aged in barrel for 5 years, being racked twice a year.

Viña Bosconia Reserva 2013 unveils an aromatic palette where ripe red fruits such as cherries and plums are prominent, interwoven with hints of vanilla and spices. On the palate, its elegance is manifested in a smooth and rounded texture, with fine tannins that lead to a long and lingering finish. Its complexity is gradually unveiled with each sip, displaying a delightful evolution from the initial encounter to the final reverberation on the palate.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

James Suckling 94 Points | A very expressive Gigondas with great Mediterranean herb character plus black olives. Powerful and structured, but with brightness and salty minerality lifting the bold palate. Made from grapes bought from three vineyards. A cuvee dominated by grenache, syrah and mourvedre with cinsault and clairette rose. 65% matured in concentrate tanks and 35% in oak barriques. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

Producer Description 

The vineyard is cultivated with the greatest respect for nature and people. The grapes come from terroirs located on the southern slope of the Dentelles de Montmirail.

A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault. Aromas of a mix of black fruits along with red fruits join savory flavors of garrigue and black olives in the mouth. Supple tannins blend into a long finish. Serve with Leg of suckling lamb with thyme flower, ratatouille, Provençal tomatoes, and lamb tagine.

Producer Description 

With dark berry aromas, subtle earthiness and spice, balanced tannins, round texture, and a lingering finish, this Pinot Noir is the result of sustainable farming and artisanal winemaking. Winemaker Description. 

93 Points Wine Enthusiast Editors' Choice | Tart and fresh aromas of red plum, strawberry and lightly toasted sage and marjoram draw the nose into this zesty, widely available bottling. The palate lands with pleasantly brisk cran-pom-raspberry flavors, as lavender and rose petal qualities add nuance.

90 Points Jeb Dunnuck | Ripe strawberries, framboise, spring flowers, and spicy underbrush notes all emerge from the 2021 Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard, a beautifully textured, medium-bodied, elegant Pinot Noir. It's already hard to resist, and I see no need to delay gratification.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

James Suckling 92 Points | An energetic pinot with bright sliced strawberry and citrus character. Some mineral. Medium body. Vivid and focused.

Winemaker Description 

Our 2017 Chardonnay is stunning. The color is a beautiful light yellow, verging on gold. In the glass, the wine presents a full and complex aroma with distinct hints of honeysuckle, caramel, pear, pineapple, and vanilla. The mouthfeel is generous, bright and smooth, displaying balanced acidity and just a hint of oak. A long finish encourages another taste.

Winemaker Description 

With an equal presence of Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes, our Campeador Reserva highlights the very best of both, creating a range of rich nuances that is bound to please.

Winemaker Description 

Revealing the character of high-altitude, ancient vines spanning from 35 to 100 years old, this red Rioja is both powerful and structured, yet approachable, offering notes of wild bramble, herbs, and spice that culminate in a prolonged and intense finish.

In restaurants throughout the Basque Country, a weekend meal begins with a ceremonial vermouth service. Decanters of vermouth are presented on a tray with ice, sparkling water, olives, wedges of cut citrus, and two small bitters bottles: one full of Campari and the other filled with London Dry Gin. Each guest dictates their preferred garnish and ingredients, which the waiter then serves tableside. Acha’s classically Basque vermouth syncs beautifully with the broader vermouth tradition in Spain, heavily represented in Madrid, Barcelona, and the Basque Country. The botanicals are macerated in aguardiente – produced in a 130 year-old copper pot still – and blended into a neutral Airén wine base.Tasting Notes: This is not your standard dry vermouth; it has powerful herbaceous qualities that make it almost equal parts a dry vermouth and an alpine herbal liqueur like génépi. Intense notes of marjoram, thyme, wormwood, and rosemary, along with the natural vinous quality of the vermouth, make this a powerful cocktail ingredient. Pairing Notes: Acha Dry is the perfect vermouth for a rich, savory martini (pair with BCN gin and orange bitters for a serious Spanish sipper), but is potent enough to stand up to heavy hitters like Cynar, absinthe, aquavit, cherry tomatoes, honey, orange liqueur, and olive bitters.

Winemaker Description 

Dark purple hue with a garnet rim. Complex aromas of black fruit, espresso, pine tar, molasses, olives and peppercorn. The elegant palate shows both fresh and dried blackberries, olallieberry and marionberry and a hint of eucalyptus.

Beautifully integrated and fresh on the palate; the finish is long and structured, the black tea-like tannins supported by lively acidity. Velvety soft. A suberb demonstration that Barossa Shiraz can have genuine finesse.

Producer Description 

 

Our Professional Review

Debra of 67Wine.com | Fresh berry fruits, currants, really pleasant and enjoyable with many foods.

Winemaker Description 

Located one-hundred kilometers south of Porto in northern Portugal, Bairrada was once relegated to supplying grapes for Port wine when demand was high in England. The region is now in the midst of establishing its own wine making identity and young producers like Luis Patrao are using indigenous varieties in that pursuit.

Baga is the main red grape of the region and displays a firm and assertive character. In Vadio (slang for idler, dreamer), the vineyards are farmed organically and the fermentation derived from naturally occurring yeasts. This creates an atmosphere conducive for the variety to fully display its sinewy red fruits, cedary side notes and high-energy acid lift. A wholesaler's need to make room for the next vintage led to a fortuitous purchase and the following deal for you! 

Winemaker Description 

Cinsault- and Carignan-based, this is the lightest and juiciest of Didier’s three rouge cuvées, with a velvety-soft mouthfeel. The soil in Faugères is all schist, favoring silky tannins.

50% Carignan, 30% Grenache, 20% Cinsault

Winemaker Description 

Color: Yellowish green. Nose: Thick bouquet of yellow fruit, gooseberry, elderflower and ripe currant. Taste: Crisp acidity, soft fullness and elegant fullness.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 92 Points | Spiced white fruit, elegant gooseberries and sea salt. Delicious and lightly saline, with a medium body and a tactile, mealy finish. A pure, excellent Alto Adige sauvignon blanc to enjoy now.

Winemaker Description 

Purple colour. The nose is spicy and slightly smoky, with notes of tobacco evolving with airing into aromas of red fruits. The attack is silky, and the mid-palate is fleshy. The wine has a good balance and a tasty and aromatic finish.

Winemaker Description 

This gentle Yuzushu from Kochi Prefecture offers a splendid nose of lemon peel, honey, fresh lemonade, elderflower, and sugar aromas, capturing an elegant and refined essence.

Producer Descrption 

This Junmai Ginjo is made from Dewasansan rice, a descendant of the iconic Omachi heirloom strain. This rice is exclusively grown in Yamagata prefecture and helped to pave the way for Yamagata to receive the first geographical indication (GI), or appellation, in all of Japan.

Grassy, floral aromas with green apple and melon. The finish is soft and smooth.

An excellent pairing with teriyaki salmon, sauteed snow pea shoots or maple glazed ham.

Producer Description 

This sake is a reflection of the brewery's director Masahiko Touda, who dubs himself a fungi maniac. His goal was to brew a sake that would pair with mushrooms. Notes of dried apricot, orange rind, and sweet miso enhances the earthy, deep flavors in the Kinoko Parcel.

We enjoy this sake at room temperature in a wine glass to enjoy its fruitier aromas, and warm in a guinomi to take in the more savory flavors. Touda-san hunts for mushrooms all year, exclaiming, “In Japan, mushrooms can be found throughout the year and are part of our nature and life. May the Fungi be with you!" 

Producer Description 

In the bouquet, ripe aromas, dense, powerful, elegant spice, great play of warm, ripe and cool mineral aromas, opens up more and more with air and has a great arc of tension. Complex aromas, green sugar snap peas, sweet and fully ripe citrus fruits, overripe bananas, dried apricots, candied ginger. We always hand-pick the Tabor vineyard at the end of our harvest. Extremely ripe grapes without botrytis. A monumental and complex Grüner Veltliner that inspires with its concentration, complex aroma, clarity and youthfulness.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Whiff of sage honey on the nose gives you the wrong impression, as the palate introduces freshness with kumquat and lemon oil which mingle with ripe notes of apple and pear. It is silky in texture with a slight crunch towards the mouthwatering finish.

Decanter 91 Points | The Forstreiters claim that their Tabor vineyard, which overlooks the Danube, is planted on its own roots and is the oldest in Austria. In any event, it always produces an imposing wine. The nose has swagger with rich pear aromas. The wine is weighty, full-bodied and concentrated, with a long, tangy saline finish. Not much is produced but it's worth looking out for.