$50 - $75 Wine

Winemaker Description

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label is the signature champagne of the House. Dominated by Pinot Noir, it offers the perfect balance of structure and finesse. Golden-yellow in color, with a foaming necklace of tiny bubbles. It is pleasing to the nose; initially reminiscent of yellow and white fruits, then of vanilla and later brioche. Note the fine balance between the fruity aromas coming from the grape varieties and the toasty notes, the result of the three years of bottle aging. The first sip delivers all the freshness and strength so typical of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label with a symphony of fruit following (pear, lemon). It is a true member of the Brut family, well-structured, admirably vinous. 

Expert Reviews 

James Suckling writes:  This has aromas of grapefruit, pomegranates, and biscuits. It’s honeyed and sleek with a medium body and supple bubbles. Soft and creamy finish. Majority pinot noir, with chardonnay and meunier. Around 40% reserve wines.  - James Suckling 91

Julia Sheppard writes:  Tasted in magnum, the nose offers yeasty bready aromas topped with fresh citrus, hints of stone fruit and strawberry tart. A palate of fresh croissants, red berries, green apple and lively lemon citrus, with the larger format lending lovely creaminess to the bright finish. Veuve Clicquot's iconic Yellow Label is a blend of 30% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier and 50% Pinot Noir, which provides the cuvée's signature structure. Up to 45% reserve wines in the blend ensure consistency.  Drinking 2024 to 2030.  - Decanter 91

Alison Napjus writes:  This harmonious Champagne boasts a bright streak of tangerine peel–infused acidity, with flavors of ripe green apple, pastry cream and biscuit, plus accents of crystallized honey and candied ginger, all set on the lacy mousse. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Drink now.  - Wine Spectator 90

Jeb Dunnuck writes:  Comprising 85% of production, the NV Champagne Yellow Label Brut is 40% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and the rest Meunier, with 35-40% reserve wine. Entirely fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, it spends three years on the lees, and the wine sees 9 grams per liter of dosage, but the house does not disclose the disgorgement date. A golden straw hue, it’s ripe with aromas of yeasty bread dough, peaches, and fresh flowers. Medium-bodied on the palate, it’s ripe and juicy with rounded red berried fruit, a supple texture, a pillowy mousse, and a warming finish. Fresh and inviting, this is a solid and consistent aperitif to enjoy over the coming several years.  Drinking 2023 to 2026.  - Jeb Dunnuck 89

Louis Roederer Champagne Collection 246 Brut NV 750ml

Discover the elegance of Louis Roederer Champagne Collection 246 Brut NV, the epitome of luxury in a bottle. This harmonious champagne shows impeccable balance with depth and focus, earning outstanding 93-point ratings from Wine Spectator, Vinous, and James Suckling. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and reflecting the House's 250-year heritage, Collection 246 is positively stellar and absolutely delicious, making it perfect for celebrating special moments or elevating any occasion.

Outstanding Critical Acclaim - 93 Points

Wine Spectator - 93 Points
"A harmonious Champagne that shows impeccable balance, with depth and focus to its flavors of white cherry, Honeycrisp apple, tangerine peel and biscuit, while retaining vibrancy and grace. A chalky underpinning comes to the fore on the creamy finish, joining delicate spice and floral accents. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. Drink now through 2030."

Vinous - 93 Points
"The NV Brut Collection 246 is positively stellar. It's a terrific example of where Roederer is going with this cuvée stylistically. Brisk saline notes cut through a core of orchard fruit, mint, white pepper and slate. There are no hard angles or awkward contours... The 246 is impeccably done and absolutely delicious."

James Suckling - 93 Points
"This has pretty and elegant aromas of pears, apple blossoms, grapefruit and chalk. It's silky, fresh and beautifully balanced on the palate, with very soft bubbles."

Louis Roederer Heritage - 250 Years

Each bottle reflects the House's 250-year heritage and commitment to perfection. Louis Roederer is one of Champagne's most prestigious houses, known for exceptional quality and innovation in champagne production.

Collection 246 - Innovative Blend

The 246 is a terrific example of where Roederer is going with this cuvée stylistically. This innovative approach combines traditional champagne-making with modern techniques to create something truly exceptional.

Based on 2021 Vintage

Based on 2021, an extremely tricky vintage for Champagne. Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon bumped up the percentage of Chardonnay considerably and focused on Pinots from the Montagne de Reims, demonstrating masterful winemaking in challenging conditions.

Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon - Chef de Caves

Under the direction of Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, Collection 246 represents the pinnacle of Roederer's non-vintage champagne production. His expertise and vision shine through in every aspect of this wine.

Complex Blend Composition

The final blend is 54% Chardonnay (as opposed to the more typical 44%), 35% Pinot Noir and 11% Meunier. This Chardonnay-forward blend creates exceptional elegance and finesse.

Perpetual Reserve System

The 246 is a blend of 55% base 2021 vintage wines, plus 30% perpetual reserve going back to 2012 (mostly from Cumières, Vertus and Verzy) in tank and 10% young-vine juice from Cristal plots aged in cask. This complex reserve system adds depth and consistency.

Cristal Plot Reserve Wines

Includes 10% young-vine juice from Cristal plots aged in cask. These reserve wines from the legendary Cristal vineyard sites add exceptional quality and character to the blend.

Oak & Tank Fermentation

Twenty-four percent of the wines were fermented in oak, the rest in tank. This combination provides complexity from oak while maintaining freshness from tank fermentation.

Partial Malolactic Fermentation

About 30% of the lots underwent malolactic fermentation to soften the edges. This technique adds creaminess and roundness while preserving the wine's vibrant acidity.

7 Grams Per Liter Dosage

Dosage is 7 grams per liter, creating a balanced brut style that enhances the wine's natural flavors without excessive sweetness.

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Brilliant golden color with persistent fine bubbles
Aroma: White cherry, Honeycrisp apple, tangerine peel, biscuit. Pears, apple blossoms, grapefruit and chalk. Orchard fruit, mint, white pepper and slate
Palate: Harmonious with impeccable balance, depth and focus. Brisk saline notes. Silky, fresh and beautifully balanced with very soft bubbles. Vibrant and graceful. Creamy texture
Finish: Chalky underpinning on the creamy finish, joining delicate spice and floral accents

Impeccable Balance

A harmonious Champagne that shows impeccable balance, with depth and focus to its flavors. There are no hard angles or awkward contours - everything is perfectly integrated.

White Cherry, Apple & Tangerine

Flavors of white cherry, Honeycrisp apple, tangerine peel and biscuit create a complex and inviting flavor profile. These bright fruit notes are complemented by toasty, yeasty complexity.

Brisk Saline Notes

Brisk saline notes cut through a core of orchard fruit, mint, white pepper and slate. This minerality adds freshness and food-friendliness to the champagne.

Vibrancy & Grace

While retaining vibrancy and grace throughout. The wine maintains energy and elegance from first sip to finish, never becoming heavy or tired.

Chalky Minerality

A chalky underpinning comes to the fore on the creamy finish. This mineral character reflects the terroir of Champagne's chalk soils and adds complexity.

Very Soft Bubbles

Silky, fresh and beautifully balanced on the palate, with very soft bubbles. The fine mousse creates a luxurious texture that enhances the drinking experience.

Drink Now Through 2030

Drink now through 2030, according to Wine Spectator. While delicious now, this champagne has the structure and complexity to age gracefully for several years.

Montagne de Reims Pinot Noir

Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon focused on Pinots from the Montagne de Reims. This prestigious region produces Pinot Noir of exceptional quality and character.

Reserve Wines from 2012-2017

Reserve wine from a perpetual reserve created in 2012, plus reserve wines kept in oak from 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. This extensive reserve library adds depth and consistency.

Versatile Food Pairing

This champagne pairs beautifully with:

• Seafood and shellfish
• Creamy risottos
• Rich desserts
• Sushi and sashimi
• Soft cheeses
• Light appetizers

Perfect for Celebrations

Ideal for celebrating special moments or simply indulging in a personal treat. Whether hosting a lavish dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, Collection 246 elevates any occasion.

Unmatched Quality & Craftsmanship

The meticulous blending results in a sophisticated flavor that is both complex and harmonious. This champagne is not just a drink; it's a testament to the artistry and dedication found in every bottle.

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2020

James Sucking 94 Points: A discrete and savory nose of blackcurrants, tobacco leaves, coffee beans and dried herbs. The palate is full-bodied with silky tannins, bright acidity and notes of dark cherries, olives and beets. A blend of 83% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot, 6% petit verdot and 1% malbec. A well-balanced wine that will age gracefully. Drink or hold.

Wine Enthusiast 92 points: The expressive nose of this wine gives aromas of black currant, plum and tobacco, with just a whisper of capsicum. The palate displays vibrant cranberry, black cherry, cigar and black pepper flavors in a medium-bodied frame.

Winemaker Notes:

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 95 Points | A youthful wine full of fruit, showing intense fresh roses, black cherries and plums. The generous nose is supported by a lush, supple palate with medium body. Velvety tannins with a chalkier finish and refreshing length. 

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Full of savory, umami flavors, this red evokes earth, leather, sweet spice, cherry, plum and Szechuan peppercorn notes. Firm and dry, with broad tannins and a lingering kernel of cherry. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2027 through 2040. 

Winemaker Description - Vintage 2022 

Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2022 is intensely ruby red in color. Impressive on the nose with intense notes of black cherries, delicate floral hints of violets and rose petals that lead over to notes of vanilla and cocoa powder. Entry on the palate is mouth filling and lively then unfolds with great balance revealing supple vibrant tannins that accompany and sustain a long, sapid and persistent finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

Decanter 93 Points | There is an oomph and intensity to the 2023 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir from Flowers, with ripe fruits and generous forest character. Aromas of gravel dust, pine tar and smashed blue fruits come to the fore with whispers of violet florality. The palate shows a core of red and blue brambles, a nearly feral character to them. The savoury elements are followed by dried herbs, black tea, and a touch of mace. There's an intense saline throughline that crescendos at the finish.

James Suckling 93 Points | It's one of the first 2023 Sonoma pinots to be released and a great reflection of the long, cool growing season. Tangy, fresh and well balanced, with intricate orange zest, cinnamon, red cherry and black tea flavors on a vibrant, acid-driven texture. Medium- to full-bodied.

Winemaker Description

This fine-spun Pinot Noir opens with fresh aromas of coastal evergreens and wildflowers. Hints of early-season cherries follow, macerated in warm spices (anise, cardamom, allspice) and layered over earthy sandalwood. Ripe yet tangy dark berries, wearing a little dust from the patch, star on a lightly textured palate, giving way to savory herbs, delicately tannic red tea, and a pop of salty sea beans. A fascinating play of light fruit and dark spice is finished with a bright squeeze of orange peel.

Expert Ratings  - Vintage 2020

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. This is 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 grown over the years to its current annual production of 170,000 bottles, however it 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. Grilled meat, baked earth and thyme flirt with black plum. The youthful juiciness has the energy to carry this over the next eight or so years. It finishes with its signature bitter liquorice twist.

91 Points Robert Parker | 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. Unlike the Filetta di Lamole (with fruit from Lamole) that is very floral in personality, this expression from Panzano has more structure, girth and general fruit weight

Monica Larner writes:  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. Unlike the Filetta di Lamole (with fruit from Lamole) that is very floral in personality, this expression from Panzano has more structure, girth and general fruit weight.   Drinking 2023 -2030.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 91

Walter Speller writes:  Panzano. 100% Sangiovese. Certified organic. Youthful ruby. Subtle yet enticing nose of sweet red fruit with meaty notes and hints of laurel. Lots of juice on the palate and plenty of grainy but ripe tannins; but they are in perfect harmony with the succulent fruit.  Drinking 2023 - 2032.  - Jancis Robinson 17++

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2020 Chianti Classico offers notable tension to balance the natural richness that is such a signature here. There is plenty of Panzano intensity, but less opulence than has been the norm in the past. A shift towards larger format oak and bottling four months earlier contribute to that feel. Dark red cherry, leather, spice, rose petal, dried herbs and wild flowers all grace this nuanced Chianti Classico. It will be interesting to see the direction this bottling takes. I would not plan on opening this too young.  -  Vinous 92+

Memo Summary Notes

The Fontodi Chianti Classico 2020 is a benchmark expression of Sangiovese from the "Conca d’Oro" (Golden Shell) of Panzano. This vintage is noted for being slightly more reserved and structured than recent opulent years, offering a classic, high-energy profile that rewards decanting or a few more years in the cellar.

Expert Reviews 

92 Points Wine Spectator:  A vivacious Champagne, this shows flavors of black cherry, toast point, white peach puree and salted almond set on a finely detailed mousse. Creamy and mouthwatering on the spiced finish. Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Drink now.

92 Points Decanter:  Racy nose of real finesse appeals instantly. A well-hewn palate with bright florals and red fruit notes with delicate flavours of honey. Blend : 20% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Meunier, 50% Pinot Noir

90 Points Wine Enthusiast | The Champagne is balanced between a soft Brut character and crisper lemon flavors. That balance gives a fine wine, open and easy, but with a fine bite of acidity at the end.

90 Points Wine & Spirits | Clean Champagne, green-gold in color with the flavor of peaches just coming into ripeness, this wine’s cool mineral savor brings to mind grapes sautéed in butter, as in sole Véronique, with which this wine would partner well.

90 Points James Suckling | This has attractive aromas of croissants, sourdough, dried lemons, apricots, figs and walnuts. Soft and balanced on the palate, with a medium body, creamy mousse and a dry, rounded finish. Drink now.

Winemaker Description

Lush, layered and complex, this enticing Pinot Noir draws you in with aromas of ripe raspberry and black cherry, as well as 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.

Expert Review

92 Points Wine Spectator | 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 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 that leaves the palate yearning for more.

Expert Rating

Winemaker Description

This is a quintessential Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with pronounced aromas of blackberry, cassis, and vanilla that welcome you into the glass. Flavors of black plums, nutmeg, dark chocolate, and a touch of espresso enhance the wine's complex and full-bodied structure, with a core of elegant acidity from start to finish.
 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

Decanter 95 Points | A pretty and fragranced nose, then a sense of true classicism with bright, shining acidity underpinning crushed-velvet tannins and undertones of cola, liquorice and cool blue fruit. Slightly lean but also with lots of Cabernet characters supporting the frame – good weight and focus, with drive. Quite linear and straight, but this works and makes you come back for more.

James Suckling 95 Points | A refined, classic Pauillac with cassis, pencil shavings, ash and cherries. Juicy and really fine on the palate with silky tannins unwound into a layered, long finish. A refined, elegant interpretation that does not fall short on intensity. Real finesse here.

The Wine Advocate 94 Points | The 2021 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is one of the vintage's successes, wafting from the glass with aromas of cassis and raspberries mingled with notions of violets, rose petals, pencil shavings and cigar wrapper. Medium to full-bodied, with a deep, layered core of pure fruit framed by ripe acids and sweet tannins, its suave, charming profile means that it will offer a broad drinking window. A slightly lower percentage of new oak, with lighter toasts, is reflected in better barrel integration out of the gates.

The Wine Spectator by Antonio Galloni 93 Points | The 2021 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a super-expressive wine. Cabernet Sauvignon drives the blend, and that translates in the wine's flavor profile. Plum, dried herbs, menthol and spice gradually emerge. Although the 2021 is a bit tight today, it comes across as more of a medium-term proposition.

Expert Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Pouring a bright pale yellow hue, the NV Champagne Reserve Brut is from 2019, with 40% each Pinot Noir and Meunier and 20% Chardonnay. It opens to reveal notes of wet asphalt, ripe white peach, and fresh redcurrant. Medium-bodied and approachable, it has a rounded mid-palate, a chalky and pithy texture with a lively yet fine mousse, and a light note of brûléed grapefruit rind on the finish. It’s an attractive and balanced wine with a clean finish. 

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | A lithe and graceful Champagne, with sleek acidity animating flavors of chopped raspberry, nectarine, preserved lemon and oyster shell. Fine and satiny in texture, offering a persistent, lightly spiced finish. Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | A blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier and 20% Chardonnay, the NV Réserve Brut from Champagne Leclerc Briant is showing well today, evoking a lively, fresh bouquet of pear, verbena, lime tree, herbs and menthol. Moderately weighted and tense, it's vinous and energetic with an incisive mid-palate and a mouthwatering, fresh finish. 

Winemaker Description

Exceptionally fruity! Palmer & Co has created a rosé combining exceptional fruitiness and delicate notes of spice. At the heart of the blend lies a unique Solera of Pinot Noir, a perpetual reserve of several decades reflecting the House’s celebrated expertise. The intense nose is dominated by the energising aroma of wild strawberries with tantalising light notes of red and black currants in the background, overlaying very delicate notes of vanilla and cinnamon spice. Fresh and full-bodied on the palate, it is drawn out in finely tannic, succulent bubbles in the same register of fruity elegance. 

Expert Reviews

Winemaker Description 

The word "Balade" is French for wandering.  This is a fitting term for our annual exploration of single-vineyard pinot noir blocks on the west coast.  Each vintage, we will bottle only the most compelling and nuanced expression of pinot noir from a single selected vineyard and release it as a limited bottling.

Dark Purple-violet tones with enticing aromas of blackberry and boysenberry notes.  Sophisticated on the palate with flavors of black cherry, wild blackberry and jammy plum.  Balanced and structured, this wine has beautiful acidity that lingers through to a long, mouthwatering finish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

Matt Kettmann of the Wine Enthusiast writes 92 Points | Dried cherry, baked plum and a full spice rack of aromas show on the nose of this bottling. Tense, slightly sappy tannins frame the sip, where black plum, stewed cherry and bay leaf flavors lead into a wood smoke-kissed finish.  

Winemaker Description

Bright red in color, this wine represents the vintage well. Aromatically driven by cherry, strawberry, and Herbes de Provence with light green spice. On the palate, this wine is fruit-forward and balanced with acidity and structure. Cardamom and nutmeg spice on the finish. This wine, though youthful, shows great structure; a wet spring and warm harvest created delicate flavors and a powerful lasting finish.

Expert Review

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

Wallter Speller writes:  Lustrous mid ruby. An elegant, fragrant raspberry nose, gorgeous supple and juicy cherry and raspberry fruit on the palate, and with gripping, nutty tannins. Very long and succulent and fragrant.  Drinking 2022 to 2028.  - Jancis Robinson 17++

Audrey Frick writes:  The dark ruby 2020 Chianti Classico is ripe with aromas of black raspberry coulis, red flowers, sweet tobacco, and pine. Elegant and medium-bodied, it fills the palate with supple texture, fine tannins, and an even, well-balanced finish. This is a highly approachable wine that I would be fighting to pour by the glass if I were still running a wine program. Pure, classic, and balanced, it’s a gulpable wine will drink great now or over the coming 6-8 years.  Drinking 2024 to 2032.  - Jeb Dunnuck 92+

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2020 Chianti Classico is super-impressive. It's the sort of wine that needs time to come together, though, so readers should be in no rush. The purity of the fruit is really quite compelling. Dark cherry, plum, cedar, incense and licorice build nicely in a mid-weight Chianti Classico that hits all the right notes.  Drinking 2023 to 2032.  - Vinous 91

Monica Larner writes:  The certified organic San Giusto a Rentennano 2020 Chianti Classico is a clever blend of 90% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo from a unique growing site in Gaiole in Chianti. This vintage absolutely stands out thanks to its ample and generous fruit profile, driven by a warm and sunny vintage. This sees steel, cement and oak. The wine travels over the palate with an elegant and velvety texture. This is an entry-level production of 51,872 bottles (and some magnums), and it hits all the right notes.  Drinking 2022 to 2030.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 93

Bruce Sanderson writes:  A dense red, with solid tannins and lively acidity supporting expressive cherry, raspberry, iron and earth flavors. Balanced, long and will benefit from food or another year or two of bottle age. Sangiovese and Canaiolo. Drink now through 2028.  - Wine Spectator 90

Winemaker Description

It is a Chianti with a traditional style, energetic and elegant, expressing beautiful complexity and cleanliness in the nose. It is aged for at least 10 months in oak barrels and barriques plus 6 months in the bottle and expresses aromas of ripe red fruit and spicy notes, for an agile, fresh and soft sip.  

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

The Wine Advocate 93 Points | The Castello Banfi 2020 Brunello di Montalcino opens to a velvety character that includes the softness and generosity of a warm and dry vintage. The bouquet is redolent of cherry, blackcurrant, grilled herb and sweet rose. This Brunello is open-knit and accessible. It has sweet tannins on the close.

James Suckling 93 Points | Youthful profile here with almost vinous character. Abundant violets and roses on the nose, together with cherries and pomegranates. Fruity again on the medium- to full-bodied palate with firm, velvety tannins, a lot of freshness and good length. Plenty of substance and alcohol. It will need time to integrate. Best after 2026.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | The 2020 Brunello Di Montalcino is a bright red/ruby color and is pretty on the nose with aromas of baked strawberries, sweet spices, dusty earth, and hints of lavender. Medium-bodied and weightless on the palate, with fine, dusty tannins, an elegantly fruity feel, it's a charming, approachable Brunello that retains good freshness and finesse.

Wine Spectator 92 Points | Aromas and flavors of graphite, cherry, blackberry, pomegranate and wet earth highlight this energetic, powerful red. Vibrant and focused, with a long aftertaste embedded in its muscular tannins. Best from 2029 through 2045.

Winemaker Description 

A rich and elegant Brunello, both in structure and in olfactory expression. Brilliant ruby red with garnet-colored reflections, on the nose the aroma is sweet and fruity, the hints of fresh red fruit stand out, which combine perfectly with the more complex notes of licorice and pipe tobacco. The structure is powerful, and the palate is pleasantly enveloped by a consistent tannic texture, well balanced by a pleasant acidity. Extremely persistent with excellent aging potential.

It pairs particularly well with rich and tasty dishes. Perfect as a meditation wine.

Winemaker Description

This fresh and vibrant Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is brimming with aromas of blackberry, mulberry, cassis, and violet. On the palate, bright flavors of cranberry, red plum, cherry, and lavender are intertwined with supple tannins, balanced acidity, and a long, smooth finish. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 92 Points | Fresh and nicely framed aromas of red currants, stone and sweet tobacco. Medium-bodied with open-grained tannins and a creamy finish. Crunchy fruit. A blend of 77% cabernet sauvignon, 12% merlot, 5% malbec, 4% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. Very drinkable now, but can improve with age.

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | A mix of black fruits spun through with stimulating and flavorful spices fill the mouth with juicy and savory flavors. These are carried by a balance of acidity and fine-grained tannins into a mouthwatering and lengthy finish.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | One of the more realistically priced Napa Cabs out there, Clos du Val's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 5% Malbec, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Scents of black and red cherries, hints of violets and vanilla mark the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is silky and fresh, streamlined and classic in style. 
 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Neal Martin of Vinous writes 94+ Points | The 2022 Gloria was picked from 12-26 September and matured in 40% new oak, slightly less than the Saint-Pierre. It has a perfumed, floral nose with crushed violet infusing the black cherry and blueberry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with sumptuous tannins that belie the structure underneath. With pure fruit and well-judged acidity, this 2022 is sensual with a persistent and lightly spiced finish. Superb.

Jeb Dunnuck 94-96 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com: "A gem in the vintage is going to be the 2022 Château Gloria, which comes from 50 hectares of vines and is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. Harvested between September 14 and 26, with yields of 34 hectoliters per hectare, it offers an inky purple hue to go with medium to full-bodied aromas and flavors of crème de cassis, ripe black cherries, spicy oak, and graphite. Hitting 13.8% alcohol and aging in 60% new French oak, it's a pure, layered, elegant yet concentrated Saint-Julien that readers will love. Tasted twice." 5/23
James Suckling
94-95 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "A linear and very fine wine with blackberry, blueberry and currant character. Hints of cedar and stone. Medium to full body. Linear and fine finish. Very well done." 04/23

Producer Description 

This is poised and elegant with notes of bitter chocolate, crushed walnuts, black peppercorns, blackberries and blackcurrants. It’s medium-bodied with silky tannins and layers of fresh black fruit. Classy. Try from 2026.

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins 67Wine.com | A rich, savory Brunello di Montalcino that is already drinking perfectly. Powerful yet elegant with maraschino cherry and ripe black fruit flavors accented with roasted herbs, wild rose petals, leather sandalwood and earthy spice. The tannins are ripe and supple , with good depth of flavor and a robust finish.
Bart Hopkins.

Expert Review

94 Points Wine Enthusiast | The nose is primarily savory, with aromas of coffee, herbs and soil, but also has the fresh gleam of wild cherries. On the palate, an emergent orange-peel element bolsters the cherry note, at least until a bitter finish of dark chocolate and espresso. Spice blazes behind dense, grippy tannins. (2018).

Expert Reviews

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Year’s Best US Chardonnay - Wine & Spirits Magazine

James Suckling 94 Points | Grilled pineapple, apricot, hawthorn, burnt lime and flint on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with bright acidity and a sleek, creamy texture. Balanced, fresh and long. Beautiful expression. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink now or hold. 

Winemaker Description 

The 2019 'Dundee Hills Chardonnay' is a regional blend showcasing the best of the Dundee Hills AVA. Refined aromas of nectarines, honeysuckle, and bee pollen ascend from the glass, coalescing with notes of citrus peel. Layers upon layers of richness extend across the palate and crescendo to a seamless, persistent finish with lingering notes of lemon drop candy. 

This wine has the energy and drive to drink young or over the next decade. This wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered showing our commitment to minimal intervention winemaking. Winemaker Description. 

Our Professional Review

Dinner tonight was at a friend's house out of the City.  We had Salad, great dressing (Salt, Pepper, Sugar, Olive Oil, lemon, Sherry Vinegar), which amazed us because everyone was tempted to drink it 😀, sirloin steak, and creamy roasted small potatoes.  The first sips of the Malartic were just wonderful.  Fresh fruit flavors enveloped our mouths, pure and delicious. 

This is a wine so well made it felt uncomplicated because of the impact of pure fruit, of course that is the art, complicated made to taste uncomplicated.  Over dinner the Malartic developed into a richly complex and layered wine; flavors began to appear: herbs, spices, and background oak and tobacco, yet always fruit driven.  If you want to have something really special we recommend this with 10 glasses! 

-Dorothy & Bernie, Follow the Drinker®

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

The Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | This is a beautifully structured and textured wine, with rich black fruits that exude style. It is an impressive wine from an estate that is at the top of its form. Drink from 2027.

James Suckling 94 Points | A bright, vibrant nose full of minerals and fresh red cherries, olives and a hint of pencil shavings. The silky tannins are fresh and tidy, with spot-on succulence, finesse and linearity. Svelte and long. The tannin quality deserves recognition.

Decanter 93 Points | Sleek and pristine and nice crystalline element to this, it's light and lean, certainly driven from start to finish in one line but this has a sense of finesse and not trying too hard. I love the salty finish, a touch of black tea and some liquorice elements. Good weight and balance, lots of great drinkability here with a lovely lift on the finish that many do not have. Fun, friendly and really sustains. A great effort.

Vinous by Neal Martin writes 92 Points | The 2021 Malartic Lagravière, which has a little more Cabernet Sauvignon than usual, has an attractive bouquet—not amazingly intense, yet delineated with predominantly black fruit, black olive and light estuarine scents. It feels focused, though without the frills. The palate is medium-bodied with a touch of orange rind on the entry. Finely integrated oak here lends this Pessac-Léognan an appealing silky texture, and it fans out gracefully toward the finish. This feels like it has evolved nicely during its barrel maturation, and it should drink well for 20 to 25 years.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Black raspberries, redcurrants, tobacco, and floral/violet notes all emerge from the 2021 Château Malartic-Lagravière, a medium-bodied, supple, incredibly elegant 2021 with fine tannins. This layered, elegant Péssac-Léognan will surprise in the cellar due to its overall balance. The 2021 is 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, and it saw a slightly shorter maceration than normal (21 days) and was brought up in 65% new oak.

The Wine Advocate 90+ Points | A blend of fully 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, the 2021 Malartic Lagravière offers up aromas of sweet berries, plums, burning embers and warm spices, followed by a medium to full-bodied, ample and powdery palate that's impressively concentrated, refined and elegant. It's a fine effort from an estate on the rise.

Memo Summary Notes

• Red Meats: Grilled ribeye with a bordelaise sauce or herb-crusted lamb.

• Game: Venison or roasted duck with a cherry reduction.

• Earthy Sides: Wild mushroom risotto or truffled mashed potatoes.

Winemaker Description

Mevushal. The Carte d'Or cuvée is the very expression of the Drappier style. With its very high proportion of Pinot Noir, one is almost tasting a Blanc de Noirs. Champagne with a fine aromatic richness, it opens with aromas of stoned fruits such as white vineyard peach. A spicy hint announces a powerful complex palate. A vinous Champagne of lovely complexity with a characteristic note of quince jelly. 

Ideal as an apertif. At the table, it goes with white meats, rolled fish fillets, Chaource cheese. 

Expert Reviews

91 Points Robert Parker | Disgorged in April 2021, Drappier's new NV Brut Carte d'Or delivers attractive aromas of golden orchard fruit, stone fruit, honeycomb and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, it's charming and elegantly vinous, with a flavorful core of fruit, lively acids and a chalky finish.

91 Points James Suckling | This has aromas of pear tart, pie crust, praline and apricot. Bright, with a creamy mousse and attractive biscuity and nutty layers. Dry feel at the end. 80% pinot noir, 15% chardonnay and 5% pinot meunier. Dosage 5,5 g/L.

91 Points Jeb Dunnuck | The NV Champagne Carte d’Or Brut is 75% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier, and the remainder Chardonnay, with 6.5 grams per liter dosage. There is 80% base wine from the 2019 vintage and the remainder reserve wine. This is their historical style, with the nose offering up aromas of ripe apricot, yellow flowers, and cherry liqueur. The palate is round and a bit more structured, with more stone fruit and kirsch. Best after 2022.

90 Points Wine Spectator | Racy acidity enlivens this crisp and lacy Champagne. Well-knit, with the delicate mix of ripe white cherry, blanched almond, yellow plum and grated ginger flavors.

The Carte d'Or cuvée is the very expression of the Drappier style. With its very high proportion of Pinot Noir, one is almost tasting a Blanc de Noirs. Champagne with a fine aromatic richness, it opens with aromas of stoned fruits such as white vineyard peach. A spicy hint announces a powerful complex palate. A vinous Champagne of lovely complexity with a characteristic note of quince jelly.

Ideal as an apertif. At the table, it goes with white meats, rolled fish fillets, Chaource cheese. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2019 

Antonio Galloni of Vinous writes 94 Points | The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is such a sexy wine. Plush, deep and seductive, the 2019 is an opulent beauty the likes of which I don't think I have ever tasted here. A rush of black plum, tobacco, incense, dried herbs and licorice makes a strong first impression. Time in the glass brings out the wine's compelling aromatic nuances. Silky and plush, with tremendous depth, the 2019 is a huge overachiever. I loved it.

Winemaker Description 

94 pts Antonio Galloni Presents Vinous October 2022
91 pts Wine Enthusiast Magazine Cellar Selection December 2023
90 pts Wine Spectator November 15, 2023
90 pts Wine & Spirits Magazine Winter 2023

2019 was a beautiful year for grape growing in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The winter was generous with moisture and coolness. The spring was stormy in May, but the late-season Bordeaux varieties escaped harm and set a   modest crop. The harvest schedule was more typical and started in late September and into October, which was encouraging.
 
This wine is a composite of our appellation, produced from five distinct vineyards. All of them are a short distance from Domaine Eden, with our staff farming the majority. When we started this in 1999, we wanted to offer a wine reflecting our region, which is unlike any other. A coastal, high elevation, Cabernet-based Bordeaux blend made to the Mount Eden style--structured and terroir-driven--that is also ageable and affordable.
 
All fermentations were indigenous, with no fining or filtration. There are loamy earth scents along with currant, blackberry and cedar. The palate is bright with blue fruit, acidity and balanced tannins. A good cellar choice for the next 7-12 years.
 

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins, 67 Wine Buyer, writes: Good varietal expression in this 2018 Barbaresco, with delicate aromas of spiced plums, rose petals, violets, strawberry blossoms, cinnamon, nutmeg and saddle leather. Medium bodied in the mouth with savory complexity and supple tannins that carry through the finish. A perfect wine for stews and slow roasted wild game, as well as hearty pasta and strong cheese.

Expert Review - 2018 

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points: Penetrating aromas of warmed cherries soaked with cinnamon, clove and anise that develop into dried rose petals, forest floor. The palate has a core of savory spice wrapped around drying wild red berries and Alpine herbs framed by well-placed tannins and electric acidity. A wine worthy of the cellar. Drink now–2040.

Vinous 92 Points: The 2018 Barbaresco from La Ganghija is a bold, pungent Treiso Barbaresco. Wild cherry, spice, leather, tobacco and menthol are front and center in this wild, pleasantly rustic Barbaresco. There is certainly plenty of character here. Readers should expect an austere style, though.

Winemaker Notes