$50 - $75 Wine

Winemaker Description 

Quite dark and earthy spice, a touch of dark chocolate, a touch of ethereal coolness, black pepper, and a hint of truffle spice.

But what a mineral, almost chalky grip and the inviting freshness of acidity. It's pure, precise, unvarnished, with edges and corners, and the acidity is top-notch; you just have to like it.

An incredibly nervy, yet racy style, despite the power. Has the potential to age for a very long time. Wow.

Winemaker Description 

Beit El Or Yakar Cabernet Sauvignon is made from estate-grown grapes in Israel’s central mountain range. Aged for 12 months in new French oak barrels, this wine has a deep purple-black color and concentrated flavors.

Expect tastes of plum and warm blackberries, complemented by pleasant tannins and a long finish. This complex yet approachable Cabernet Sauvignon is both enjoyable now and suitable for aging.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018

James Suckling 93 Points | Aromas of fresh red cherries and some rose-like florals, in an upbeat, fruit-driven style. A very concentrated and ripe array of brambly raspberries and red cherries with smooth tannins, delivering a web of fresh-fruit flavor. Succulent and spicy, oak-tinged finish.

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | Normally a bit darker in fruit tone than the blended bottling, the 2018 Cornish Point Pinot Noir features black cherries and a hint of licorice, plus some vaguely floral notions. It's medium to full-bodied, with supple tannins and just a bit of chocolate on the finish, reflecting the warmth of the vintage. 

The Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | This Pinot, from a low lying vineyard almost completely surrounded by water, is simultaneously the most reductive, floral and fruity of this renowned biodynamic producer's lineup. The reduction gives a salty edge but it doesn't overpower the plump cherry and plum fruit or rose petal aromas. The palate is nicely textured with a solid line of acidity that buoys the plush fruit and flows to a long cocktail bitters finish. While this lacks the vibrancy and elegance of some of FR's other single-site wines, it's nevertheless an appealing drop.

Winemaker Description

The Wine Advocate | The 2011 Hickinbotham Grenache is medium garnet-purple in color with an intensely scented nose of black raspberries, black cherries and violets as well as touches of cinnamon stick and rose hips.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

Michael Alberty of The Wine Enhusiast writes 94 Points | Caffè latte, cranberry and lilac aromas make for a heck of an introduction. Then comes the wave of blackberry, rosemary, tarragon and English breakfast tea flavors—delicious. This wine features the sturdiest tannins this side of a tannery, so be prepared to offer it a little air. Enjoy now until 2034. 

Winemaker Description 

Bright, deep purple-ruby core, lighter at the rim with moderate slightly stained tears on the glass. Robust aromas of boysenberry, black cherry, plums with dried herbs, black pepper, baking spice, leather, camphor and oak.

Full-bodied, with ripe blackberry, pluot, and mixed cherries with cinnamon, black pepper, and tanned leather on the entry. Robustly textured tannins lead to a mid-palate featuring smoked tea leaves and savory meats. The long and balanced finish is dominated by the lasting flavors of dried cranberry, camphor and baking spices. 

Expert Review

Wine Spectator 89 Points | There's a richness here offsetting the firm structure, but the iodine and roasted walnut notes shine on the finish. Caramel, burnt molasses and tobacco round out the flavor spectrum. Drink now. 1,750 cases made.

Winemaker Description 

Mahogany colour with iodine tinged edges. Strong and nutty, with hints of varnish, caramel and vanilla. Very dry, well-rounded structure, with faint hints of saline, a slightly bitter and long- lasting finish.

Winemaker Description 

The 2021 Cuvée brings together a variety of Pinot Noir blocks from the 42-acre Domaine Lumineux vineyard, showcasing the full spectrum of the estate. Heavy rains in the early summer of 2021 impacted pollination in the vineyard and resulted in a very light fruit crop. This was followed by record setting heat and extreme dry conditions throughout the summer, which proved to be beneficial for optimal grape ripening. The combination of low yield and ample warmth produced wines of exceptional balance, intensity, and grace in the Willamette Valley. This ideal harvest yielded outstanding Pinot Noir fruit that came together harmoniously in this blend.

A select blend of our distinct pinot noir clones, the 2021 Cuvée is a multidimensional, harmonious, expression of the Domaine Lumineux Dundee Hills vineyard. This wine exhibits opulent aromas of spice, featuring hints of anise, nutmeg, and earthy forest floor. The savory palate is accompanied by concentrated red fruit notes, intermingled with dried fig. The 2021 Cuvée boasts a complex structure, with intriguing notes of black pepper lending an alluring mouthfeel and a prolonged finish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

Danielle Callegari of the WIne Enthusiast writes 88 Points | Hot chili peppers burst off the nose of this Nero d'Avola, lifted by wood smoke, macerated blackberries and bitter chocolate. Spiciness carries over to the palate, with notes of black pepper and tomato-pepper jam, but also more berries and some tobacco leaf. Tannins are firm but polished.  

Winemaker's Notes

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points | A richer reflective ruby hue, the 2022 Pinot Noir Freedom Hill Vineyard is a savory wine with notes of wet stones, graphite, pine, fresh black cherries, mixed berries, and tea leaf. It is very appealing on the palate early on. with refined tannins and a juicy feel. It’s very attractive now, and it’s not going to slow down any time soon. Drink 2024-2040.

James Suckling 95 Points | Aromas of fresh sour cherries and strawberries with hints of violets, crushed herbs and seashells. Crunchy and savory on the palate, with a medium body and wet stone and mineral character. Structured with refined yet firm tannins. Long finish.

The Wine Advocate 92 Points |  The 2022 Pinot Noir Freedom Hill Vineyard opens with tarry, meaty tones that give way to wild berry fruit, mushrooms, dried herbs and potpourri. The light-bodied palate is delicately styled with understated yet detailed flavors, silky tannins, juicy acidity and a long, spicy finish.

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Briary raspberry and wild strawberry aromas burst from the glass, followed by traces of violets and grilled portobello mushrooms. The wine’s Bing cherry, lemon and white chocolate flavors fill the mouth. A combination of jangly acidity and rippling tannins suggests a long life for this wine.

Wine Spectator 92 Points | Brooding and deeply structured, offering blueberry and cherry flavors laced with black tea and savory spice notes as this builds toward medium-grained tannins. 

Winemaker Description 

Freedom Hill Vineyard is located in the foothills of the Oregon Coast Range, toward the western edge of the Willamette Valley near the Eola-Amity AVA. The grapes from Freedom Hill make their way into the wine portfolios of some of the most esteemed, artistic wineries in the Willamette Valley.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

Lisa Perrotti-Brown of the Wine Advocate writes 92-94+ Points | Opaque purple-black colored, the 2019 Larrivet Haut-Brion charges out of the gate with wonderfully fragrant scents of black raspberries, Morello cherries and wild blueberries with suggestions of blackcurrant pastilles, candied violets, chocolate mint and forest floor. The medium to full-bodied palate is jam-packed with red and black fruit layers, framed by firm, exquisitely ripe, velvety tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and fragrant. Just stunning!.

Winemaker Description 

The 2019 vintage was marked by a dry, mild winter. April showers were followed by cool, rainy May and June. The year was also notable for its exceptionally hot summer, with irregular rainfall. A dry, warm September helped to balance out the slow veraison. Harvesting took place from September 19 to October 12. 

The 2019 vintage is a blend of three grape varieties, composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Franc. This vintage is notable for its brilliant garnet color. The typical nose of this wine is the expression of the Cabernet Sauvignon of our terroir, powerful and deep, releasing notes of black fruit stewed with spices and zan sticks. On the palate, the wine is opulent, sustained by an explosion of black fruits such as blackcurrant and morello cherry. The powerful tannic structure accompanies the gourmand sensation throughout the entire length. 2019 is one of the great Bordeaux vintages of 2018, 2019 and 2020. 

Winemaker Description 

Delicate and nuanced, this autumnal release from Kozaemon sees a period of aging over summer before its release, yielding a sake with subtle maturity and refinement. A natural pairing for all specialties of autumn like squash and slow braised meat.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Ken's Wine Guide | This slightly cloudy midnight purple colored Zinfandel from Once and Future opens with a blackberry and red licorice bouquet with hints of red plum, black cherry, dried sage, and violets. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with integrated medium acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, round, and smooth. The flavor profile is blackberry, stone dust, and cinnamon blend with notes of boysenberry, black plum and nutmeg. We also detected hints of black tea and oak. The finish is dry, and its well-managed moderate tannins are very nicely sustained. The Tasting Panel would then pair this Zin with a nice New York strip steak along with a dark chocolate mousse. Enjoy – 

Vinous 91 Points | The 2022 Zinfandel Green & Red Vineyard is another wine in this range that is pretty closed today. It has plenty of energy, but the mid-palate is not quite as developed as it is in most vintages. Bottled on the early side, this feels a bit like it’s not fully developed. 

Producer Description 

Deep violet in color with glints of ruby. On the nose, it shows intense and highly complex aromas that evolve in the glass, with notes of herbs, fresh red fruits, spices, and a touch of menthol. 

On the palate, it has a great elegant structure and excellent volume and acidity, giving it a long, pleasant finish. This is a special wine that represents the uniqueness of its vineyard with a real sense of place.

Expert Review - 2020 Vintage

Jesica Vargas of The Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | This wine is predominantly Malbec, coming from old vines in Maule Valley. It has a nose of eucalyptus and earthy raspberries. Fine tannins and moderate acidity hold a palate full of cherries, herbs and tobacco. Savory notes shape the aftertaste.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

The Wine Advocate Luis Gutierrez writes 97 Points | From the vines on the mid slope and has a very elegant, fragrant nose with notes of concentrated violet and a solid palate. The slate tannins give a talcum powder texture, and the wine opens up in the mid-palate, making it very expansive. In the long term, it seems like the slate gives a better palate and the granite is more nose.…This has the combination of the cooler year and the resilience of the slate soils, coming through as complex and elegant, powerful and concentrated but with an ethereal side to it too. Bravo!

Producer Description 

The Pizarra vineyards are found on red metamorphic slate soils, which are unique to the village of Cebreros, folded into the mostly granitic mountain range. This slate soil makes Cebreros unlike any other village within the Sierra de Gredos region. Pizarra soil is located above 950 meters, up to 1200 meters, mainly with an eastern orientation. 

The wines from here have a signature expression: they are always fresh, complex, direct, and profound. Pizarra is a limited production wine produced from over 60-year-old, bush-trained garnacha vines, yielding 15hl/ha from the vineyards of Arrebatacapas, La Redonda, La Curva, Fuente Fabian, and Presidente. The farming at Pegaso is organic, and the wines are made with low intervention and minimal sulfur at bottling.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

Luis Gutierrez of the Wine Advocate 96 Points | The 2021 Pegaso Granito has a very clean nose and comes through as very approachable, with an elegant personality. They picked all grapes together (there were some unripe grapes) and fermented it all together. The wine has a medium-bodied palate, the granularity of the tannins is extremely small, and it has a very fine mineral sensation. It has incredible elegance and finesse, with lifted aromatics, high-pitched, acute, fine-boned and with the frontal tannins from the granite soils.

Producer Description 

Cebreros is both the name of the village and the appellation of origin in the southeast of the province of Ávila, within the greater Sierra de Gredos region, the mountainous area located on the continental divide of Spain. The region is unspoiled, wild, rustic, full of energy and light, and as authentic as it gets. It is a transitional zone where northern Spain gives way to southern Spain. The wines from the Sierra de Gredos mountains to the west of Madrid (aka Vinos de Madrid) have finally begun to claim their rightful place alongside other top wine regions focused on producing world-class garnacha. For many insiders, the region is now leading the conversation about this Mediterranean garnacha grape, now understood to be indigenous to Spain. 

Whole clusters are picked by hand in small boxes, with a strict selection made in the vineyard. The clusters are de-stemmed, crushed, and fermented spontaneously with native yeasts in stainless steel tanks and large neutral French oak foudres. The wine is then aged for 18 months in new and used 600L French oak barrels sourced from different forests.

Assai represents the pinnacle of Chianti Classico winemaking — the Gran Selezione designation accounts for just 8–9% of total Chianti Classico production and requires a minimum 30 months of aging including bottle time, approved only through blind tasting by a committee of expert winemakers.

Crafted exclusively from 100% organic Sangiovese sourced from a single 15-year-old estate vineyard in the prestigious U.G.A. Vagliagli, Castelnuovo Berardenga (Siena), this is a masterclass in Tuscan terroir. Aged in French oak barrels, it achieves exceptional balance, depth of flavor, and the unmistakable Sangiovese signature. Only 4,500 bottles produced.

Tasting Notes

Intense ruby color with rich complexity. Fruity and spicy on the nose with balsamic nuances. Smooth, full-bodied, and persistent on the palate with remarkable depth and a long, elegant finish.

Food Pairings

Elaborate meat and game dishes, braised lamb, bistecca alla Fiorentina, and aged cheeses. Decant 1–2 hours before serving. Cellar with confidence through 2035+.

• Producer: Terra di Seta / Assai
• Appellation: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
• U.G.A.: Vagliagli, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena
• Grape: 100% Sangiovese (organic)
• Aging: 30+ months, French oak + bottle aging
• Production: 4,500 bottles
• Certification: Kosher, Organic
• Vintage: 2019
• Format: 750ml

Winemaker Description 

Aged for 10 months in new French oak and neutral barrels, this rich and lush wine displays Notes of lemon custard and honeyed apple blossoms, with a touch of warm vanilla butter cookies. Vibrant and expressive palate, rich, full mouthfeel, with a luxurious finish.

Winemaker Description

While the 2021 vintage is defined by concentration and fine tannins often found in warm, dry vintages, it is nuanced by the freshness and liveliness typical of this cool growing region. The balance of elegant, forward profiles from the Bearman Bend Vineyard with the structured, spice-driven qualities from Monument Tree Vineyard come together to create a compelling snapshot of the Anderson Valley. Aromas of ripe wild strawberry rose and cedar on the nose are complemented by supple tannins and a long, lifted finish.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 93 Points | Nicely deep in black fruit and savory flavors, this well-balanced wine offers excellent focus, depth and length. It’s medium- to full-bodied, moderately tannic and delicious. Stays fresh with good acidity from the first sip to the lingering finish.

Decanter 92 Points | A Pinot Noir blend of grapes from Bearman Bend, the Twomey estate in Anderson Valley, along with Ferrington Vineyard and Monument Tree Vineyard fruit. Lovely, bright, crunchy red fruit, rich cedar spices, dried floral notes, and dusty minerals. Satiny fruit races across the palate, along with plump tannins, electrified by terrific acidity. The fruit concentration is penetrating but never overpowering and is framed by a clove powder and cedarwood dusting on the long finish. Director of Winemaking Justin Hirigoyen has moved the program further away from whole cluster fermentations to avoid too much vintage variation, and readers should expect a consistent fruit-forward, structured style in Twomey's Anderson Valley Pinot Noir.

Expert Ratings

James Suckling 97 Points | This very concentrated and super-elegant riesling Auslese is still tightly-wound. However, it already has a very wide spectrum of subtle yellow fruit and wild flower aromas. Terrific structure behind the rich, but still medium-bodied palate. Incredibly long, slatey finish with staggering freshness that pulls you back for more of this Mosel masterpiece. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.

Decanter 95 Points | Tangs of cut stone and lime zest are peppered with gunpowder and smoke, but there's a powerful core of ripe lemon, lime and yellow cherry flavours too. While light on its feet, it's an unctuous, supple wine with a pert tangerine sweetness. Quite a bit more expressive in youth than the 2022 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese, it's already hedonistic with a brief decant but certainly ageworthy as well. 

Wine Spectator 94 Points | Delivering power and concentration, this is densely packed in a compact frame. Opens up to reveal impressively fresh flavors of dried thyme and apricot. This white's acidity shows a crunchy texture, and a wet slate note brings a cooling feel to the finish. This is one for the cellar. Best from 2026 through 2046.

Vinous 92 Points | The 2022 Riesling Graacher Himmelreich Auslese is rather shy. The palate tingles with tangerine, ripe, rounded, aromatic, and full of tangy, zesty, sweet, ripe citrus. Wonderfully expressive on the mid-palate and with a subtle finish, full of those vivid aromatics. (Sweet).

Winemaker Description

This delicious, versatile wine begins with aromas of blackberry, rose hip, dried cranberries and hints of boysenberry followed by notes of violets and crushed spices.

On the palate, the wine begins with a soft, dense, lush, tannin structure supported by flavors of red berry fruit, subtle acidity and a long flavorful, vanilla finish. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

94 Points James Suckling | Very enticing nose with a wide spectrum of citrus aromas, plus a fresh yellow peach note developing with some aeration, then fresh mint. Very elegant with a wonderful minty coolness that makes this light-bodied off-dry Riesling feel as if it is floating like a cloud. Moderate acidity for this category, but the wine is still extremely vibrant. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | The 2022 Karthäuserhofberg Riesling Kabinett opens with a deep, intense and complex, floral bouquet of weathered slate, ripe citrus and stone fruit aromas intermingled with saline notes. Round, refined and sweet but also mineral, with the lovely stimulating slate expression of the unique Karthäuserhofberg, this is a generous, almost rich but refined and filigreed Kabinett with lingering and salivating salinity and grip.

Vinous 90 Points | The 2022 Riesling Karthäuserhofberg Kabinett has subtle peach and lemon on the nose. The lithe palate is dreamy, bright with lemon, gently sweet, and very tender. A subtle vein of lemon zestiness leaves this to finish in a refreshing, off-dry fashion at roughly 30g/L of residual sweetness. (Off-dry)

Winemaker Description 

The spicy spontaneous nose still dominates, but then the first fruity notes (juicy peach, grapefruit, white currant) and the slate literally pushes itself out of the glass. Very juicy and densely woven on the palate, a lot of melting, sweetness well integrated and countered by the invigorating acidity. A cabinet that will continue to reveal new facets over the next two decades.

Winemaker Description

Villapanes is a rich mahogany color and boasts seductive, toasty aromas of almonds, caramel, fig and a hint of floral perfume. On the palate it is dry, generous and full-bodied, with persistent and lasting flavors.

Pair with roast poultry, red meat or salty, aged cheeses. 

Expert Reviews 

93 Points Wine Spectator | A shade darker than its peers, relying more on black walnut, Brazil nut and singed orange peel notes, while dried persimmon and quince flavors add a succulent side. Light rye and green tea hints echo through the razor-sharp finish, where sweet details peek in.

91 Points Robert Parker | The NV Villapanes Oloroso wears a dark amber-brown robe and has a very intense nose, showing some marmalade, dark tobacco and brandy notes. The palate is textbook Oloroso, round, ample, warm, a little spirity, ending with dry walnut flavors. It manages to balance power and elegance quite well.

91 Points Wine & Spirits | Dominated by notes of salted almonds, this Oloroso has its fair share of sweetness to balance that saline side, making it more readily accessible to a wider range of palates and fitting perfectly with smoked pork.

95 Points Wine Enthusiast | If you love ripe blackberries, you will fall head over heels for the way this wine smells. The berries are joined by aromas of cherry blossoms, wet stones and a touch of seared steak. There’s balance here, with silky tannins and snappy acidity backing flavors like blackcap raspberries, orange zest and cedarwood.

94 Points Vinous Media | The 2021 Pinot Noir Momtazi Vineyard shows the dark nature of the variety, mixing depths of crushed blackberry with hints of pine, rosemary and dusty earth. This is a model of elegance on the palate, velvety in texture yet lifted in feel, with silken wild berry fruits and minty herb tones neatly balanced by cool-toned acidity. Notes of blood orange emerge toward the close as the Momtazi finishes tannic and crunchy in feel, leaving the mouth watering for more.

91 Points Jeb Dunnuck |The 2021 Pinot Noir Momtazi Vineyard comes from a site located in the McMinnville AVA and biodynamically farmed and owned by Maysara. It pours a touch brighter but similar shade of red to the Temperance Hill and offers more lifted notes of dried cranberries, brighter spice, orange peel, and cocoa nib. It’s medium-bodied, with a more floating and linear feel, an approachable texture, fine tannins, and a pleasing fruity and floral feel, with a light spice lasting through the finish. It’s an elegant wine to drink now or over the coming 7-8 years. It saw 16 months in 20% new French oak barrels, and 1071 cases were produced.

Winemaker's Notes

Momtazi Vineyard is located in the McMinnville AVA, 7 miles west of McMinnville, Oregon. The grapes for this wine come from four blocks at the top of the vineyard on steep, exposed and windblown hillsides. The vineyard is certified biodynamic by Demeter.

Momtazi is our most textural, umami, wine. Lovely aromas of spice, smoky earth, and dried black fruit. Quite elegant on the mid palate with the finish blossoming to more floral notes with hints of cocoa powder. Will pair beautifully with winter stews and roasted vegetables. Great with cassoulet and mushroom dishes.

Winemaker Description

This single-vineyard Bordeaux blend presents intense aromas of both black and red currants, classic peonies, and earth with subtle hints of graphite and mint. Flavors of mocha, nutmeg, and thyme are featured prominently on the elegantly structured frame. The palate is adorned with baking spices, wild berries, and fine-grained tannins that carry through to a robust and perfectly balanced finish. 

Expert Reviews

94 Points James Suckling | Blackberry, black pepper, mulberry and leather on the nose. Full-bodied with fine tannins. On the palate, it’s fresher and more red-fruited than the nose let on. Balanced acidity and good depth. A little toasted and well spiced. This will age nicely. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot, 10% malbec and 5% cabernet franc. Sustainable. Best after 2024. (2019).

93 Points Vinous | Dusty and floral in the glass, the 2019 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard shows masses of black berry fruits, earth, sawdust and tobacco. This is cool-toned and silky in feel, yet quickly gains in tension, as tactile wild berry and minerals saturate the palate. The 2019 finishes structured yet with a mentholated freshness to balance, as hints of mocha and exotic spice slowly fade. This is a vintage for the cellar. The Apogee is a compelling blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Malbec and 5% Cabernet Franc that’s refined for 22 months in 40% French oak. Rating: 93+

92 Points Wine Spectator | Broad-shouldered yet refined, with currant, stony mineral and licorice flavors that take on structure and tension toward medium-grained tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2030. 1,030 cases made. (2019). 

100% Semillon grapes from the El Kosh Vineyard in the Western Upper Galilee of Israel.
Vermouth is a spirit that many drinkers have at home, but some aren't quite sure how to use.

The Dalton Vermouth has a bright amber color.

This is a fortified wine, that is very complex and can be used as a standalone beverage served with an ice cube or as a cocktail ingredient.

Kosher for Passover. 

Winemaker Description

Harvest is done by hand to select the best fruit. Only the most mature berries are chosen, it is followed by a secondary selection to avoid any compromise on quality. Wild yeasts (pied de cuve) that are naturally present on the skins of the berries are used to obtain exceptional wines that really reflect the terroir with complex flavors and texture. After resting with the skins for 30 days, the juice is fermented in Troncais barrels of French oak barrels for 12-15 days with frequent pump overs. The wine then ages 18 months in Slavonian oak barrels and at least an additional 6 months in the bottle.

The end result is a wine with garnet color with red fruit and cassis aromas
with licorice, smoke and caramel notes with silky tannins.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Vinous 93 Points by Joaquín Hidalgo writes 93 Points | The 2023 Clio is composed of 70% Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from Jumilla. It was aged for 23 months in French and American oak barrels. Recently bottled, the oak is at the forefront but will integrate. The wine opens with plum, soft herbal notes and blackberry. Intense with fruit complexity, the palate is creamy, flavorful and delicate in tannins, finishing with a touch of oak that will meld with time.

Winemaker Description 

The wine exhibits a glass-coating opaque purple color. The nose is expressive with pain grille, underbrush, brier, minerality, blueberry and blackberry fruit. On the palate is a plush, opulent wine with great density, savory flavors, and a lengthy finish.

The Bodegas El Nido winery is located in the Valle de La Aragona, inside the Murcia district of Jumilla. The vineyards are 76.8 acres of very old Monastrell vines (also known as Matar or Mourvdre) all vaso trained and oriented northeast, and 28.8 acres of 30-year old Cabernet Sauvignon vines on north facing hills. The vineyards have a foot deep layer of chalky stones over substrata of sandy soil. The Bodegas El Nido is a collaboration of the Gil Family and winemaker Chris Ringland, one of the best Australian enologists.

A blend of 70% Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Aged 24 months French & American oak.

Memo Summary Notes

The Bodegas El Nido "Clio" 2023 is a powerhouse red from the Jumilla region of Spain. Created through a collaboration between the Gil family and legendary Australian winemaker Chris Ringland, it is famous for its "maximalist" style—intense, high-alcohol, and deeply oaked.

This wine will overwhelm delicate dishes. Pair it with heavy-hitters like venison, pepper-crusted ribeye, or wild boar stew.

Winemaker Description 

This saca de Junio comes from a Fino solera that has aged in a bodega in El Puerto de Santa Maria. It has spent the entirety of its time aging beneath a veil of flor. Typically used for blending purposes, this remarkable solera has never previously been bottled on its own. 

Nicolas Palazzi was raised surrounded by his family’s vineyards in Bordeaux and introduced to spirits, Cognac and Cognac cellars through a dear friend of Nicolas’ grandfather. This gentleman will be referred to as “Mr. X”.

Established somewhere in the Cognac region of France, Mr. X’s family started distilling at over a century ago. Recognizing in Nicolas a fledgling passion for Cognac, this mysterious man shared his knowledge and connections within the small and commonly impenetrable world of artisan Cognac. This gave rise to PM Spirits, as Nicolas began sourcing, collecting, aging and blending these rare casks and subsequently releasing limited series bottling in the USA.

PM Spirit’s passion for artisan spirits has slowly broadened its focus over the years to include within its portfolio other small-scale hand-crafted distillates such as Sicilian Grappas, French Eau-de-vies & Liqueurs, Rum, Tequilas, Mezcals.

Expert Reviews

Dillon Mafit writes:  The chinato tasted like the nectar of the gods, like the most perfectly ripe apricot drizzled in honey, dropped into a glass of 1967 Château Rieussec Sauterne, and dosed with some sort of bitter aphrodisiac.  - thrillist.com

In Mauro Vergano's words (courtesy of LDM website): "I must say that producing a Chinato from Moscato wine was my first big challenge. First produced in 2003, it was the first product of its kind present on the market. The wine I use is a Moscato d’Asti with a higher alcohol content (more than 10%) compared to the ones that are commonly available. As is well-known, the Moscato I use comes from the prestigious winery of Vittorio Bera & Figli. I have to admit that when I was first looking for a Moscato for the first attempts I used wine from various producers, then I was lucky enough to meet Gianluigi Bera and his Moscato and I haven’t left them since. His Moscato’s fragrance and its full-bodiedness meld perfectly with the aromatic extract composed of citrus zest, cinnamon and vanilla. These fresh and sweet aromas are balanced by the bitter flavour of the China (Calisaya and Succirubra) which give it a persistent taste that is absolutely unique. A brief description of the production cycle which all the products share: The first step is the preparation of the extract or “concia”. This is done by leaving a mixture of chopped herbs and spices in alcohol for about 20/30 days. Then the extract is filtered and left to age for a few months. The second step is the actual preparation of the product. To make the product I mix the extract, sugar and alcohol. The last step is clarification followed by filtering which produces a clear product with long-term stability."

Winemaker Description 

Leads with deep red cherry, mid-palate of bright red fruit, balanced acidity, earth tones and minerality, complemented by earthy spices of clove and black pepper notes. Long finish of pepper with rich mouth feel. Gorgeous wine with long life ahead!

Winemaker Description 

With plenty of lovely, rich tannins, this Pinot offers up flavors of dark red fruit, subtle oak and nutmeg-clove spice.

Winemaker Description

The blend is dominated by the Estate Vineyard, yet the significant percentage of Walker—Kanzler's Green Valley vineyard—bends the wine in an exciting red-note direction: hibiscus, rhubarb and red licorice. The aromatics deliver fresh berries, cola, white pepper and pine sap. Fig notes emerge on the palate with a spicy, black tea finish. Modest whole cluster and slightly more new oak make the wine soft and approachable, while bright acid keeps it fresh, juicy, and well-knit.