$50 - $75 Wine

Winemaker Description

Medium to medium-dark ruby-red. Very cool, stately aromas of red cherry, cola, and fresh tobacco leaf. On the palate, medium-full bodied. Flavors of red fruits and blood orange take front and center stage, persisting through the long, smooth finish. Not a wine of bombast but instead, one of elegance, purity, and quiet confidence. Wonderful now, this can be enjoyed through at least 2028.

Expert Ratings

94 Points Wine Spectator | Few Zinfandels show this much nuance and detail, yet there's an elegant power to this red, with cherry and raspberry flavors that mingle with orange peel and fresh sage. Ends with refined tannins.

93 Points Jeb Dunnuck | The 2020 Zinfandel Papera Ranch is ripe with fresh berries, raspberry preserve, and baking spice. Its gushy fruit up front gives way to a note of raspberry seed and refreshing lift on the finish. Drink 2023-2032.

Expert Reviews

Winemaker Description

Expert Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck writes 93+ Points | The 2021 Geyserville checks in as 76% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, and the rest Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet. It has a pure, expressive bouquet of fresh plums, figs, mulberries, peppery herbs, leather, and vanilla bean, and it takes some air to show at its best, gaining depth and richness with time in the glass. This medium to full-bodied, spicy, elegant red blend has a touch more oak present than I'm accustomed to, but it has a silky, elegant mouthfeel, nicely integrated acidity, and outstanding length. It's going to benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age.  Drinking 2023 - 2027.  

Tim Fish of Wine Spectator writes 93 Points | Tightly focused and briary, this blend offers density without weight. Presents plum and blueberry flavors accented by dill and green peppercorn as this builds tension toward medium-grained tannins. Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet. Drink now through 2032. 

Samantha Cole-Johnson of Jancis Robison writes 16.5 Points |  Medium ruby verging on purple in colour. Spicy red and black plum, cinnamon, clove, anise and a more savoury spice note akin to red chilli. Fresh, high acidity and fine-grained, moderate tannin. Lightly sandy, plummy finish. More savoury than the Lytton Springs bottling.  Drinking 2024 - 2035.  

Antonio Galloni of Vinous writes 94+ Points | The 2021 Geyserville hits the palate with a burst of dark red/purplish fruit, sweet spice, lavender, chocolate, dried herbs and American oak. I would be in no rush to open the 2021, as it is clearly an infant at this stage. The blend is 76% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, 6% Petite Syrah and 2% Alicante Bouschet. The 2021 is a powerhouse, that much is pretty clear.  Drinking 2026 - 2041.  

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points | The 2022 Pinot Noir Les Dijonnais comes from the oldest vines on the property, planted in 1995 with all Dijon clones. Bottled in late January of this year, the wine sports a vibrant ruby hue and shows off notes of wild raspberries, mixed berries, a hint of fresh violets, clove spice, forest herbs, and brambly earth. It’s chiseled in its structure, with coiled tannins and a good deal of youthful tension, and also offers mineral persistence, with wonderful salinity and dark undertones of earth. It demands another few years in cool cellars to soften and expand as it evolves and will drink well over the long haul. Drink 2026-2040. 590 cases were produced.

Winemaker Description 

Planted in 1995, the Dijon block is now in its prime, delivering the complexity and elegance one expects from carefully tended twenty-six-year-old vines. The 2021 “DJ,” as it is known in-house, shows characteristic black raspberry and rose hip notes. Consistent with previous vintages, it displays Asian five spice, briar and even hints of blood orange coupled with a refreshing acidity and persistent finish. It is a superior vintage, one of the best of the decade. While the 2021 Les Dijonnais Pinot Noir is delicious right now, it will reward patience after a few years in a cool cellar.  Winemaker Description.

Winemaker Description

Lightly touched by wood aging, this ripe wine is both crisp and rich. Its briskness brings in a mineral edge while the ripeness produces the rich apple and apricot fruits. This full wine is ready to drink. Matured on fine lees with regular stirring, this wine amazing body and smooth richness that is so important to its balance. 

This Chardonnay Vieilles Vignes (old vines) possesses the cardinal qualities of Burgundy’s best white wines. The grapes selected for this wine come from vines on the Cote d’Or that are more than 20 years old. The predominant white flower and citrus nose leads to notes of honey and dried fruit. The palate is very well balanced, skillfully blending vivacity and roundness.

Winemaker Description

From two tiny parcels in Saint-Joseph, this is a slightly fresher, more early-drinking wine than the remarkable Crozes-Hermitage that constitutes the majority of Alain's production.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Lisa Perrotti-Brown of The Wine Independent 92 Points | The 2022 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands is mainly a blend of Rosella's, Garys', and Sierra Mar vineyards with a bit of Pisoni and Sobranes. Medium ruby-purple in color, it shoots from the glass with gregarious notes of black raspberries, mulberries, and Bing cherries leading to touches of lavender oil, spearmint, and wild thyme. The medium to full-bodied palate is packed with vivacious red and black fruits supported by soft tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and berry-laced.

Producer Description 

Our Napa Valley Merlot opens with lively bright red fruits and a soft, lush texture. Delicate floral aromas combine with ripe blackberry, milk chocolate, wet stone and barrel spice. The finish is bright and spreads out on the palate to reveal mineral notes that support the silky tannin structure.

Deep ruby in color, the 2019 Napa Valley Merlot features a tempting nose with hints of violet, ripe cherry and warm baking spices. The palate is supple in texture with luxurious layers of brambly red fruits, cocoa, and dusty tannins. This classic Napa Valley Merlot finishes long and vibrant with lingering notes of graphite.

Winemaker Description 

Made with yeast extracted from the Sanuki olive native to the region, this hyperlocal sake showcases the best of Kagawa in a one-of-a-kind bottling.

Juicy notes of musk melon, white flowers and green pear with hints of starfruit, grass and salinity.

Try with salad with carrot ginger dressing, coconut crab curry or spring pea & mint gazpacho. 

Our Professional Review

A unique expression of sake made with olive yeast.  Beautiful white fruits and floral notes backed by lovely herbal and savory notes.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Nicolas Greinacher writes:  The captivating Grenache-only 2022 Gigondas Le Gour is sexy and layered. Pronounced rose petal, crushed violet, orange blossom, quince and raspberry aromas rise up from the glass. The floral lift is just stunning. Despite its medium to full-body, this athletic 2022 red offers a seamless mouthfeel and is wonderfully light on its feet.  Drinking 2025 to 2032.  - Vinous 93-95

James Suckling writes:  A superb wine made exclusively from grenache from 80-year-old vines, silky and ethereal. The nose is seductive, with crushed wild strawberries, bitter oranges, roses and some peppercorns. Medium-bodied with finely grained tannins. Such finesse of texture, with a silky core of bright, transparent and succulent berries. There is tension and vibrancy with an infused character. Intense while being restrained and always in control. Long finish. Drink or hold.  - James Suckling 97

Expert Review - Vintage 2020 

Allen Meadows of Burghound writes 90-92 Points | Elegant and cool aromas include those of lemon, green fruit, pepper and wisps of iodine. The lush, round and generously proportioned flavors are supported by bright acidity on the saline and citrus-tinged, dry and sneaky long finale. This moderately dry effort could use better depth, but more should develop with time in bottle.

Winemaker Description

Vibrant acidity and refined tannins seep into the fabric of this round red, which is laced with cherry, raspberry and floral aromas and flavors. Mineral and underbrush accents add depth as this plays out on the long, dusty finish. Best from 2026 through 2043.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019 

Vinous 94 Points | The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Ugolforte opens with a minty freshness as flint stone and dusty rose give way to crushed cherries. Silky and pliant, this possesses an elegance not often seen, with violet and lavender tones accentuating its polished red and blue fruits. This tapers off with sweet tannins balanced by an orange hint. A structured yet mouth-watering sensation lingers on. What a beauty this is.

Winemaker Description 

Clear, day-bright nectar with aromas of strawberry, pineapple, and a whisper of anise. Full-bodied, balanced, and fruity with a hint of honey. A silky, luscious texture and a long finish. 

Winemaker Description 

Tempier's Blanc, with its delicate florals, subtle note of anise, and stony finish, tastes perfect alongside shellfish or grilled seafood. After a few years in your cellar, pair it with cheeses or serve it alone to appreciate the “honeyed and marine aromas” that develop with age. 

This highly acclaimed vineyard produces classic wine with dark cassis and blackberry notes. It is reminiscent of a fine Bordeaux from Pauillac. Its fine-grained tannins are strong, yet polished, making it wonderful for drinking today or for saving for a special occasion in the future. 

The 2022 Charming Creek Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep mahogany color packed with raspberry and ripe black fruit characters expanding into mint and toasty oak aromas. On the palate Black cherry and plum layers weave seamlessly through the red tobacco and earthy overtones. Full-bodied, well-balanced. Soft mid-palate with velvety tannins. Finishes nicely with espresso bean. Pair with traditional seared filet of beef, Osso Bucco, or lamb lollipops with rosemary demiglaze.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

Wine Advocate 94 Points | The 2021 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett is deep and flinty but bright and clear on the refined and elegant nose with beautiful crushed slate aromas. On the palate, this is a rich, round and generous, incredibly lush and supple but crystalline and even pure Sonnenuhr with a highly stimulating, mouth-watering finish. This 2021 shows the great terroir of the cru, in particular in cool vintages due to its exposition that collects the sun's rays in the morning. 

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | This shows very little sweetness, but is harmonious and well integrated despite the firm acidity that fuels it. Stone- and orchard-fruit notes are flecked by chrysanthemum and cardamom to create the full-spectrum. The finish is long and persistent.

Winemaker Description 

Cassis and lime zest aromas with tart, salty and slate notes.

Try with yellow curry or spring rolls.

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2021 

93 Points Robert Parker | Sourced primarily from Oak Knoll, the 2021 Zinfandel Black Chicken delivers briar-laced bramble-berry fruit, plus a decent dose of vanilla (maturation was in 25% new French oak). Full-bodied, it's creamy, ripe and lush, with a slightly herbal tang on the lingering finish. 

93 Points James Suckling | Dark plums, crushed dark berries, cocoa beans, dried orange and moist bark. Medium-bodied, spiced and racy with sleek tannins and vivid acidity. Flavorful and silky.

92 Points Jeb Dunnuck | Tobacco, cigar, red and black plums, and strawberry notes all emerge from the 2021 Zinfandel Black Chicken, a medium-bodied, elegant, seamless Zinfandel that has light tannins and a great finish. 

92 Points Wine Enthusiast | A touch of maple sweetness tops boisterous, bright fruit flavors in this fullbodied, smooth and lightly tannic wine from one of Napa’s few Zinfandel specialists. Raspberries, strawberries and vanilla taste rich and relaxed as you sip.

Winemaker Description

Showing the influence of the breezy and fog-laced Oak Knoll District, the 2021 vintage offers rich, plush fruit, delicate acidity and a structure defined by well-ripened tannins. Layered notes of black cherry, raspberry, sandalwood, bergamot, cloves, blueberry, and balsam on the nose. Delicate, yet rich with plum compote, violets, and baking spice on the palate. An ideal vintage of the Black Chicken that, with proper cellaring, will continue to improve for the next 5-7 years. Winemaker Description.

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. 

Winemaker Description 

C Blanc du Castel is a white wine made purely of Chardonnay grapes (100%).
Using French oak barrels, the wine is fermented and then set to mature in its residual sugars for about a year, Bourgogne style.

‘C’ Blanc du Castel is known for its rich and buttery bouquet and refreshing acidity; it bears a full round flavor, with a touch of citrus, tropical fruit and roasted almonds.

This is a well-balanced wine with a fine long finish. It reaches its peak about 4 years after its harvest, and the recommended serving temperature is 12-14 degrees Celsius.

Winemaker Description

Medium ruby-purple, the 2019 Estate Pinot Noir Ama features pure, layered aromas of rhubarb, tart dried red cherries, burnt orange peel, blueberries and violet with tones of conifer and forest floor, continuing to offer new aromatic nuances with each return to the glass. The medium-bodied palate is bright and chalky, with youthfully coiled fruits and a long, spicy finish.

Expert Review

Robert Parker 94 Points | Medium ruby-purple, the 2019 Estate Pinot Noir Ama features pure, layered aromas of rhubarb, tart dried red cherries, burnt orange peel, blueberries and violet with tones of conifer and forest floor, continuing to offer new aromatic nuances with each return to the glass. The medium-bodied palate is bright and chalky, with youthfully coiled fruits and a long, spicy finish. (2019). 

Expert Review - VIntage 2022

Audrey Frick of Jeb Dunnuck writes 93 Points | A vivid but transparent red color, the 2022 Nebbiolo D'Alba Valmaggiore is bright with aromas of candied cranberries, cinnamon, dusty earth, and fresh roses. Coming from a single vineyard in Roero, the wine is medium-bodied and ripe but retains great freshness and vibrancy, with terrific structure and a long, rather notable finish. An impressive entry to the Nebbiolo range, it offers a lot of fresh purity and is surprisingly light on its feet for the vintage. Drink 2024-2034.

Kerin O`Keefe 92 Points | Sandrone’s Valmaggiore is always one of the best young Nebbiolos out there and the 2022 doesn’t disappoint. It offers intense aromas of ripe forest berry, dark spice and blue flower that on the palate transform into juicy red cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and ground clove. Polished tannins lend structure and finesse. Drink through 2027.

Winemaker Description 

This taut white has an oily texture that envelops lemon oil, sweet corn and green apple skin flavors. Firm and balanced, with toasty oak and baking spice accents emerging on the finish. Drink now through 2026. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

Wine Advocate 94+ Points | This was a good year for Barbera, a grape that has a shorter growing season compared to Nebbiolo and that generally likes the heat. The Vietti 2022 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Scarrone offers a deep, rich color, sweet tannins and bold fruit flavors from vines that were planted in 1989. Scarrone fruit always has a point of freshness because these vines are positioned on the east-facing slope, whereas the Vigna Vecchia occupy the south-facing part of the hill. The wine ages in oak for 16 months, with 10 months in barrique and six months in bottle.

Vinous 94 Points | The 2022 Barbera d'Alba Vigna Scarrone is a classy, elegant wine. Today's Scarrone marries finesse and power with notable style. Racy dark red plum, mocha, new leather, licorice and spice are all beautifully delineated. This deep, classy Barbera is lights out.

Winemaker Description

Ruby purple color with intense aromas of ripe red and black cherries. With refreshing acidity, rich tannins, full body, the single vineyard Scarrone has finesse, excellent balance, great complexity, integration and a long lingering finish.

Pair with earty stews, seasoned pasta and poultry with rich sauces, game, roasted red meats and sharp cheese.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018

The Wine Enthusiast 97 Points | This is an incredibly dynamic, complex and yet utterly delicious bottling. Aromas of roasted cherry, iodine, iron, bay leaf, sage and mushroomy meats envelop the nose. The palate is rich in texture and flavors yet fierce with acidity, combining opulent berries, toasted sage and gamy meats into a head-spinning sip.

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points |  One of the darker hued wines in the lineup, the 2018 Pinot Noir Radian Vineyard is tighter and more wound up, with a laser-like sense of precision in its white pepper, crushed stone, and tart stone and black raspberry fruits. The purity of fruit here is top notch, as is the overall balance, and this medium-bodied 2018 is going to benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and cruise for a decade.

Vinous 94 Points | The 2018 Pinot Noir Radian Vineyard is a dense, savory wine that captures the essence of this marginal, cold-climate site. All of the power and energy is directed inward in this decidedly intense, searing wine. Crushed rose petal, bright red/purplish fruit, chalk, dried herbs and floral notes linger. I can't wait to see how this ages.