90 + Points | Critical Acclaim

Expert Review

Vinous 97 Points Josh Raynolds writes |  Glass-staining ruby. Exotically perfumed black and blue fruit, incense and candied licorice scents, along with mineral, olive and exotic spice overtones. Seamless and expansive on the palate, offering deeply concentrated yet lively blackberry, boysenberry, cherry-cola, salty olive and floral pastille flavors that show outstanding energy and mineral lift. Slow-building tannins grow on a strikingly long, focused finish that strongly echoes the licorice and mineral notes.

Expert Review

Josh Raynolds of Vinous writes 94 Points | Shimmering ruby. Smoke- and mineral-accented cherry and black raspberry aromas are complemented by suggestions of botanical herbs, violet, smoked meat and cracked pepper. Lithe and gently chewy in texture, offering appealingly sweet, spice-tinged dark berry, kirsch and floral pastille flavors that are braced by a spine of juicy acidity. The spice carries through an impressively long, penetrating finish that shows fine clarity and slowly emerging tannins.  Drinking 2025 - 2033 

Winemaker Description

Franck Balthazar is yet another tiny domaine in the region whose wines have become highly sought-after over the last decade; worldwide demand now far exceeds production. Predictably, market prices reflect this growth. Balthazar is a fastidious farmer and careful winemaker, which has earned him tremendous respect from his neighbors on the Cornas hill. All whole clusters are used here, no new oak, and as little sulfur as possible. If you ever encounter the unsulfured “Sans Soufre” Cornas bottlings in France, especially at any restaurants in the area, jump on them, as they are amazing but generally don’t hold up to extended shipping journeys. It’s a very strong case for the “drink local” argument. The 2020s have turned out fantastic.

Expert Review

Vinous 97 Points | Dark magenta. Highly perfumed, mineral-accented red and dark berry liqueur, candied violet, smoky bacon and Moroccan spice qualities on the nose, along with olive and black pepper nuances. Offers vibrant, palate-staining and spice-laced cassis, bitter cherry, floral pastille and smoky mineral flavors that show impressive depth and a bracing undercurrent of juicy acidity. Expands steadily with air and finishes wonderfully long and gently chewy, with polished tannins, resonating spice and floral notes.  Drinking 2026 - 2034/

Warehouse stored item - please allow two to five business days to fulfill.

This biodynamic, sulfur-free Carménère immediately captivated us: immediately very present, enormously aromatic, a true powerhouse! On the nose, green pepper, black pepper, coffee, cloves, and other spices, with grassy, vegetal notes. A very successful blend of fruit and complex vegetal aromas. Initially astringent and fully dry, the palate displays powerful cherry fruit with tobacco, cocoa, and pepper, then becomes increasingly smooth, soft, and supple.

Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2023 — Napa Valley, California

Frank Family Vineyards is one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated estates, with roots tracing back to the historic Larkmead Winery site in Calistoga. Founded by Rich Frank in 1992, the winery has built its reputation on benchmark Napa Cabernet Sauvignon — wines that combine the valley’s signature power and richness with genuine elegance and age-worthiness. The 2023 vintage was a cool, precise year in Napa, producing wines of exceptional freshness and structure.

The 2023 opens with pronounced aromas of blackberry, cassis, and vanilla. On the palate, flavors of black plum, nutmeg, dark chocolate, and a touch of espresso build into a complex, full-bodied structure, anchored by a core of elegant acidity and fine tannins that carry from start to a long, savory finish. James Suckling awarded it 94 points, calling it “a refined and complete example of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon showing all the poise and freshness of the cool vintage.”

James Suckling 94 — “Taut and austere, with a good core of fruit, fine tannins, a textured mouthfeel and balanced acidity, leading to a savory, mouthwatering finish.”

• Producer: Frank Family Vineyards, Calistoga, Napa Valley
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Napa Valley AVA
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, cassis, vanilla, black plum, nutmeg, dark chocolate, espresso, elegant acidity
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, roasted lamb, wild mushroom risotto, aged cheddar, Manchego

A benchmark Napa Cabernet at a price that still makes sense — Frank Family delivers every time.

  Frank Family Vineyards Chardonnay Napa Valley 2024 — Carneros, Napa Valley

Frank Family Vineyards is one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated estates, founded in 1992 by Rich Frank — former president of Disney Studios — with a singular focus on producing benchmark Napa wines. Their Carneros Chardonnay is a perennial critical favorite, sourced from one of Napa Valley’s most prized appellations for the variety. Carneros, situated at the southern end of the valley just north of San Pablo Bay, is defined by cool maritime breezes, morning fog, and clay-rich soils that produce Chardonnay of exceptional balance between richness and acidity.

The 2024 leads with zesty lemon and guava aromas tempered by notes of vanilla and caramel-covered apples. On the palate, delicious layers of nutmeg and crème brûlée seamlessly combine with hints of toasted oak and elegant waves of fresh acidity, leading to a bright, lingering finish. James Suckling awarded it 92 points, calling it “a very generous, luscious and focused Chardonnay — well made, poised and stylish.”

James Suckling 92 — “A very generous, luscious and focused Chardonnay with a good core of fruit and spices, bright acidity and a textural, rounded mouthfeel.”

• Producer: Frank Family Vineyards, Calistoga, Napa Valley (est. 1992)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Napa Valley AVA (Carneros)
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon, guava, vanilla, caramel apple, nutmeg, crème brûlée, toasted oak, bright acidity, lingering finish
• Best Paired With: Roasted chicken, lobster, crab, creamy pasta, brie, light butter and cream sauces

Carneros Chardonnay at its most poised — Frank Family delivers richness, elegance, and Napa Valley terroir in every glass.

Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon — Napa Valley 2022

Freemark Abbey is one of Napa Valley’s most historic estates — a winery with roots stretching back to 1886 and a reputation built on classic, terroir-driven Cabernet Sauvignon. Winemaker Kristy Melton sources from a diverse portfolio of estate vineyards and carefully selected purchased fruit across multiple Napa appellations and elevations — including the legendary Bosché Vineyard, Orchard Vineyard, Red Hen Vineyard, Colline, Henrickson, Carpenter, Red Barn Ranch, Castle Rock, and Atalon — to craft a wine that is classic, balanced, and genuinely complex. The 2022 vintage produced approximately 11,000 cases, with a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, and 1% Merlot, aged 20 months in French oak with 47% new barrels. Harvest ran from August 13th through October 14th, 2022. Alcohol: 14.5%. pH: 3.66.

The color is a deep, concentrated ruby. The nose is classic and inviting: dark chocolate, black forest fruits, oak spices, leather, and cedar, with bright aromas of ripe cherries and sunny strawberries adding lift and freshness. On the palate, it is full-bodied and soft — blueberry compote, espresso, olive, dried herbs, and black pepper, with fresh red currants and light baking spices woven through a velvety, well-structured mid-palate. The tannins are integrated and approachable, making it enjoyable now while remaining capable of cellaring well for years to come.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Decanter — 92 Points (Jonathan Cristaldi, Jul 2025)

James Suckling — 92 Points
“Bright aromas, ripe flavors, a full body but rather light tannins give this wine an easy drinkability. Red cherries and sunny strawberries on the nose, then a palate of good acidity with fresh red currants and light baking spices. Drink or hold.”

Wine Advocate — 90 Points
“Cedar and mocha shadings accent ripe cherries on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is soft and velvety. Forward and probably not meant for the cellar, this is still a tasty wine, with just a hint of dried fruit on the finish.”

• Producer: Freemark Abbey, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Napa Valley
• Vineyards: Bosché, Orchard, Red Hen, Colline, Henrickson, Carpenter, Red Barn Ranch, Castle Rock, Atalon
• Blend: 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Merlot
• Aging: 20 months in French oak, 47% new
• Alcohol: 14.5% | pH: 3.66
• Production: ~11,000 cases
• Style: Classic, balanced, multi-vineyard Napa Cabernet
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark chocolate, black forest fruit, cedar, blueberry compote, espresso, red currant, integrated tannins
• Drink Window: Now–2032+
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, roast lamb, wild mushrooms, aged hard cheeses

One of Napa’s most storied addresses — Freemark Abbey 2022 is classic, balanced, and built for the table.

Crisp, Tropical & Effortlessly Refreshing

Frenzy Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough is New Zealand's signature white at its most expressive — vibrant, aromatic, and built for warm-weather sipping. The 2025 vintage delivered ideal growing conditions, yielding wines that are textbook Marlborough: punchy, fruit-forward, and irresistibly fresh.

The nose bursts with pink grapefruit, passionfruit, papaya, kiwi, and a whisper of lemongrass. On the palate, a soft, creamy entry gives way to layers of tropical and citrus fruit, finishing with a mouthwatering, crisp snap that keeps you coming back for another sip.

Crafted from a carefully selected blend of Marlborough's finest Sauvignon Blanc vineyards, Frenzy is fermented at cool temperatures to lock in purity of fruit and the unmistakable essence of the region's terroir.

• Wine Enthusiast: 88 Points — Best Buy
• Wine Spectator: 90 Points
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2025
• Size: 750ml | Screwcap

"Floral and fruity — lime blossom, passionfruit and pink grapefruit — crisp, balanced, easy-to-sip Savvy B for warm weather days." — BEST BUY - Christina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast

Winemaker Description

The wine is medium bodied and moderate in tannin, with some beautiful suppleness to the mid-palate that reflects the moderate summer, accompanied by a touch of extra richness from the hot autumn weather. 100% Certified organic and dry farmed.

Expert Review

James Suckling 91 Points | Aromas of crushed herbs, sliced plums, blackcurrants and violets. Full-bodied with powdery tannins. Bright acidity pairs nicely with the fresh red fruit on the palate. Could use another year to come together. Best after 2023. (2020).

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

Vinous 93 Points | The 2023 Flycatcher is a blend of 36% Zinfandel, 15% Cinsault, 13% Petite Sirah, 13% Carignane, 10% Tempranillo, 9% Merlot and 4% Syrah. Crushed red berry fruit, blood orange, cinnamon and crushed flowers soar from the glass. This vibrant, exuberant red offers tons of forward fruit buffered by brisk acids that add notable energy. Eminently quaffable, the 2023 also has plenty of complexity to satisfy more intellectually curious wine lovers.

Winemaker Notes

A love letter to California, Flycatcher is our newest wine that celebrates the wonderful and diverse terroirs of our home state — from Lodi to Los Carneros. An ambitious prospect we know, capturing the whole of California in a bottle, but we’ve been guided by some seriously inspiring growers and treasured vineyards that fitted together in a way that felt, and tasted, just right.

Frog’s Leap Flycatcher 2023 is a California red blend crafted to showcase the diversity and vibrancy of the state’s wine country. It’s designed as a fresh, approachable, and food-friendly wine made from a mix of grapes sourced “with intention” from heritage vineyards across California, reflecting different terroirs beyond the winery’s Napa home.

The blend typically features a variety of varietals — including Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Tempranillo, Cinsault, Carignane, and Syrah — that together create a generous, fruit-forward profile with red berry aromatics, savory depth, and balanced structure. The result is a versatile, everyday red that’s vibrant and layered, with flavors of ripe strawberries, blueberries, spice, and herbal notes, making it easy to enjoy on its own or paired with a wide range of foods.

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

The 2024 Frog's Leap Sauvignon Blanc is a highly-regarded, organic, and dry-farmed Napa Valley white, noted for its bright citrus (lemon/lime), stone fruit, and mineral-driven profile. It is crisp, medium-bodied, and fermented in stainless steel for a refreshing finish, often showing, notes of white peach, sage, and tomato leaf.

Frog’s Leap has long been one of Napa Valley’s most thoughtful producers, and this Sauvignon Blanc from their Rutherford estate is a compelling argument for California’s ability to craft world-class whites. Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc sourced from organically grown, dry-farmed vineyards, it is vinified primarily in stainless steel to preserve the grape’s natural freshness and clarity. The 2024 vintage delivers stone fruit and white flower aromatics layered with crisp citrus, mineral, and herbaceous notes — medium-bodied, elegant, and refreshingly precise, with a clean finish that speaks clearly of Rutherford’s distinctive terroir.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

“The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc offers up scents of lemon confit, slate, white pepper, mint and dried herbs, all framed by a gentle kiss of French oak. Lees-stirring builds the mid-palate beautifully. A dollop of Musqué clone adds aromatic lift and presence through to the finish.” — 93 pts, Vinous

“Crisp, well balanced and medium-bodied, this herb- and citrus-scented wine tastes refreshing and clean. Good acidity supports bright lemon and lime flavors, with grass, mineral and dried herb accents.” — 92 pts, James Suckling

Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2024
Region: Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
Farming: Dry-Farmed
Bottle Size: 750ml

Frog’s Leap has been making Zinfandel in Napa Valley for decades, and this 2021 is a masterclass in restraint and elegance — a world away from the overripe, high-alcohol style that defined California Zin for so long. Using their signature technique of cold-soaking the Petite Sirah portion of the co-ferment before infusing it into the fermenting Zinfandel ten days later, the winemaking team locks in freshness and accentuates the wine’s natural elegance. A dash of Carignane adds acidity and structure, while aging largely in small concrete tanks preserves the wine’s vibrancy. The result is deeply flavored, beautifully balanced, and genuinely fresh — equally compelling with a slight chill on a summer evening or after a few years in the cellar.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

“Mouthwatering and delicious with crisp acidity and a driving finish, this wine offers a pleasing range of flavors including mixed cherries, cranberries, warming spices and savory accents. Both friendly and beguiling, it has pleasing approachability and depth. Firm while moderate tannins and mouthwatering acidity create a palate-cleansing accompaniment to a wide range of foods.” — 94 pts, Wine Enthusiast

“A medium-bodied, juicy and succulent zinfandel with aromas of dark cherries, plums, wild berries and mixed herbs. Well-rounded with a caressing texture and a satisfying wild berry character toward the finish.” — 90 pts, James Suckling

Varietal: Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignane
Vintage: 2021
Region: Napa Valley, California
Farming: Dry Farming 
Bottle Size: 750ml

Winemaker Description

This wine’s aroma has it all: plums, incense, tobacco leaf, violets, and exotic spices. Zero racking and extended lees contact has given the 2011 FUTO a satisfying balance of creamy richness and superb freshness. Generous and inviting flavors of black-skinned fruits, cappuccino, citrus and cloves work in harmony with the sweet tannin and well integrated oak. While texturally approachable now, the inner density and complexity of this wine will continue to unfold with cellar age.

Expert Reviews

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 97 Points: The 2011 Proprietary Red Estate is a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot and 6% Merlot. It offers sweet blackcurrant and blueberry fruit intermixed with hints of toast and white flowers, beautiful body and a savory personality. A top success for the vintage, it should drink well for 10-12 years.

G.D. Vajra | Barolo Albe 2022 | Piedmont, Italy

Founded in 1972 by Aldo Vajra in the village of Vergne, G.D. Vajra is one of Barolo's most beloved and principled estates — a family winery that has never chased trends, instead letting the Nebbiolo grape and the land speak for themselves. The Barolo Albe marks its 50th consecutive vintage with the 2022 release, a milestone that speaks to the wine's enduring place in the estate's identity. Fruit is sourced from three distinct cru sites — Coste di Vergne, Fossati, and La Volta — blended to create a Barolo of remarkable versatility, accessibility, and value.

The 2022 vintage in Piedmont was warm and generous, producing wines of exceptional ripeness and early approachability without sacrificing the structure that defines great Barolo. This bottling delivers dark berry, pressed flower, and crushed stone on the nose, with a medium-plus palate, silky tannins, and a finish that rewards patience. Drink now or cellar through the decade ahead.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

Jeb Dunnuck — 93 Points:  A medium ruby color, the 2022 Barolo Albe marks the 50th vintage of this cuvée. Aromas of fresh cherries, spice, and ripe orange peel lead into a medium-bodied palate with purity and polish. Already quite appealing, this is a wine I would happily order by the glass, and it should drink beautifully over the coming decade. Drink 2026-2036.26

Kerin O'Keefe — 93 Points: The G.D. Vajra 2022 Barolo Albe has aromas of crushed red berry, lavender and eucalyptus. On the smooth, full-bodied palate, notes of star anise and blood orange accent a core of cherry marinated in spirits. Taut, fine-grained tannins provide polished support.

Technical Details

Variety: Nebbiolo  |  Vineyards: Coste di Vergne, Fossati, La Volta  |  Appellation: Barolo DOCG  |  Region: Piedmont, Italy  |  Vintage: 2022  |  Size: 750ml

Serious Piedmont Dolcetto from One of Barolo’s Most Respected Estates

G.D. Vajra is a family-owned estate founded in 1972 in the heart of the Barolo region, renowned for crafting wines that express the authentic character of Piedmont’s native varieties with precision and minimal intervention. Their Dolcetto d’Alba is a benchmark for the variety — vibrant, structured, and built for the table. The 2025 opens with explosive aromas of blueberry, violets, and damson plums, with a juicy palate of fresh blackberries, licorice, and subtle almond, underpinned by fine tannins and a mouthwatering finish.

Expert Reviews - Prior Vintage 2024

• Wine Enthusiast — 93 pts: Pop rocks meet purple plums in this electric Dolcetto that refuses to sit still. Violets and damson fruits burst from the glass with teenage energy, while the palate crackles with fresh blackberries and bright acidity. It’s the kind of wine that makes you wish all serious things could be this much fun.
• Jeb Dunnuck — 90 pts: Elegant and lifted with notes of grenadine, fresh flowers, bright spice, and wet stone. Medium-bodied, it moves lightly across the palate with refined tannins and a clean finish.

Winemaker Notes

GD Vajra Dolcetto d’Alba 2025 750ml

Hand-harvested from carefully tended vineyards in Alba, fermented in stainless steel to preserve freshness and varietal character. Vibrant ruby-purple in color with youthful brilliance. Blueberry, violet, and damson plum on the nose; fresh blackberry, licorice, and bright acidity on the palate with a generous, mouthwatering finish. Best enjoyed in its youth.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Dolcetto
• Appellation: Dolcetto d’Alba DOC, Piedmont, Italy
• Producer: G.D. Vajra
• Vintage: 2025
• Farming: Sustainable, minimal intervention
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A versatile everyday Italian red — exceptional with antipasti, pizza, pasta with tomato-based sauces, grilled sausages, roasted chicken, and aged Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Critical Acclaim

• James Suckling – 92 Points | “Grapefruit, lemongrass and golden apples on the nose, alongside salted almonds. Medium-bodied, cool and mineral, with zesty and reductive undertones. Made in clay vessels.”

Tasting Notes

A racy, flavoursome Sauvignon Blanc with green pineapple, gooseberries, and quince on the nose, alongside a refreshing salinity of ocean spray and kelp. The palate delivers green citrus, lemongrass, and litchi, with an edgy textural linearity from flint and oyster shells. Cool, mineral, and utterly distinctive.

About the Wine

The Amphora Sauvignon Blanc is part of the Gabriëlskloof Range — a selection of boutique-style wines from this acclaimed Bot River estate that consistently over-deliver on quality and value. True to its name, this wine is fermented and aged in clay amphora vessels, a winemaking technique that preserves freshness and imparts a unique mineral texture without the influence of oak. The result is a Sauvignon Blanc of striking individuality and coastal character.

Food Pairing

A natural match for oysters, grilled linefish, sushi, ceviche, and fresh goat cheese. Serve well chilled.

Product Details

• Appellation: Bot River, Western Cape, South Africa
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Vessel: Clay Amphora
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Producer: Gabriëlskloof

Winemaker Description

Located in Piedmont in northwestern Italy, the Gaja winery is widely considered to be one of the greatest estates in the world, producing coveted and collectible labels. Barbaresco is one of the greatest Italian wines, produced by each generation of the Gaja family since 1859. It is the flagship wine for the Family. 

The nose of the 2021 Barbaresco  is dominated by fruit, but also citrus and floral hints emerge. On the palate it’s juicy and the floral notes persist alongside scents of licorice. Subtle hints of cherry and strawberry create a harmonious blend of floral elegance and vibrant fruit flavors.

Expert Reviews

97 Points Jeb Dunnuck | AA brightly jeweled ruby hue, the 2021 Barbaresco is super-expressive, with loads of wild raspberries that leap from the glass along with notes of strawberries, pressed roses, fresh orange, and violet. As it opens, it evens picks up some spice box, cigar incense, and cherry notes. Crystalline in nature and ripe, this next-level red delivers ripe, sweet tannins, great tension, and fresh, vibrant acidity, without any austerity. A luxury racecar, it’s fantastic and possibly the wine of the year. Drink 2025-2055.

96 Points Robert Parker | This was an epic vintage, and the entire Gaja family is ready to sing its praises. The 2021 Barbaresco sets the tone with sweet cherry flavors framed by spice, earthy notes and elegantly sweet tannins. Giovanni Gaja says the 2021 growing season had two phases: the first six months of the year saw rain and cool temperatures with some frost and soggy conditions until May; however, from June forward, the season saw sunny days without excessive heat spikes. In line with the character of the vintage, this wine shows succulent fruit that is balanced and not too ripe. There is depth and volume here.

94 Points Wine Enthusiast | Blended across 14 vineyards, this wine shows the class, beauty and vitality of the noble Nebbiolo grown in the soils of Barbaresco. The wine opens with aromas of ripe cherries, warmed strawberries in sweet spices, fresh herbs and mixed flowers. The palate is lifted and vibrant with a verve that electrifies the palate as flavors of boysenberry, dried blood orange and black tea saunter about alongside well-intergrated tannins, making this wine drinkable now but ready for the cellar. (2020).

95 Points Wine Spectator | A pretty red, elegant and expressive, offering strawberry, cherry, rose and mineral flavors. Refined tannins and vibrant acidity provide the right amount of support, giving an overall sense of harmony. This firms up nicely, turning more austere, with red fruit and savory notes on the long aftertaste.

95 Points James Suckling | The aromas of licorice, minerals, light tar and dark berries such as raspberry are so attractive. It’s medium-bodied with a tight and integrated palate of fine tannins that are seamless and unseen. It’s long and lively.

95 Points Wine Enthusiast | A pure embodiment of Nebbiolo’s elegance, this opens with enticing aromas of ripe red berries, violet petals and earthy undertones. The palate leaps forward with flavors of juicy cherries, plums and a touch of spice. A chalky minerality sits at the core, with fine-grained tannins that create a structure that’s perfectly balanced. Each part of the wine is precise and effortlessly flows into the next.

Gamet La Vallée Suspendue Extra Brut Réserve Perpétuelle — Champagne NV

Gamet is a small grower estate in the Marne Valley, and La Vallée Suspendue is their most distinctive cuvée — a Meunier-dominant blend of 80% Pinot Meunier, 15% Pinot Noir, and 5% Chardonnay, built on a 2016 base with 50% reserve wines drawn from a perpetual reserve that stretches back to 1999. That solera-style reserve is the wine's defining feature: it adds extraordinary depth, complexity, and a sense of continuity that no single vintage could achieve alone. Dosed at just 4 g/L, the Extra Brut designation keeps the wine focused, dry, and expressive. Awarded 93 points by both Jeb Dunnuck and Vinous.

The nose leaps from the glass with lemon curd, meringue, pastry dough, marzipan, and red berries, evolving toward dried pear, tangerine oil, spice, and exotic yellow flowers with air. On the palate, the wine is rich and resonant — savory, salty, and brothy in the best sense — with a fluffy mousse and a chalky, textured finish of real length and character. Vinous calls it "incredibly distinctive," and it is: a Champagne of rare personality with the structure to evolve over the next decade.

Jeb Dunnuck 93 • Vinous 93 — "Rich, resonant… incredibly distinctive. Those elements combine in a Champagne I admire most for its overall balance." — Vinous

• Producer: Gamet, Marne Valley, Champagne, France
• Appellation: Champagne
• Blend: 80% Pinot Meunier, 15% Pinot Noir, 5% Chardonnay
• Base Vintage: 2016
• Reserve Wine: 50% from a perpetual reserve dating to 1999
• Style: Extra Brut
• Dosage: 4 g/L
• Disgorged: June 2023
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon curd, meringue, pastry dough, marzipan, red berries, dried pear, tangerine oil, spice, yellow flowers, chalky finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled fish, roast poultry, aged cheeses, charcuterie, mushroom dishes

93 points from Jeb Dunnuck and Vinous. A perpetual reserve dating to 1999. Gamet's La Vallée Suspendue is Marne Valley grower Champagne at its most complex and compelling.

Winemaker's Description

Our Russian River Selection bottlings are quintessential Russian River Valley wines blended from some of the region’s top vineyards, taking advantage of varied climates and unique site characteristics. The 2022 Russian River Selection Pinot Noir has seductive aromas of Luxardo cherries intertwined with rose petals, fresh fennel, dark berry preserves, and a hint of savory earth. The youthful yet complex palate offers juicy flavors of sour cherries, blood orange, wild raspberries and with a dollop of tangy tamarind. Fine-grained tannins are balanced by firm acidity, creating a full-bodied texture, lending to an incredibly long, spicy finish.

Expert Review 

James Suckling - 92 Points: Bright aromas of dried strawberries, wild raspberries, dried herbs and Jolly Ranchers candy. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins and acidity, giving fresh flavors of cherry confit, toffee apples and rhubarb.

G.D. Vajra Barolo Coste di Rose — Piedmont 2022

G.D. Vajra is one of Barolo’s most beloved family estates — a domaine defined by roots, continuity, and an almost philosophical commitment to the land. Founded by Aldo Vajra in Vergne, on the western slopes of the Barolo DOCG, the estate is today run by his children Giuseppe, Francesca, and Isidoro, who share a single conviction: that great wine is an act of identification with place and people. Coste di Rose is the estate’s single-vineyard Barolo from the Coste di Rose MGA in Vergne — a site known for its floral, elegant expression of Nebbiolo, with chalky soils that produce silky tannins and remarkable finesse. The 2022 vintage earned 96 points from James Suckling and 94 from Jeb Dunnuck.

The nose is quintessentially Vajra: floral and lifted, with rose petals, crunchy red fruit, fresh raspberries, and a minty, bright energy. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with a blanket of delicate, tender fruit, chalky and precise yet silky tannins, and refreshing acidity that gives the wine wonderful clarity and immediacy. Dark blue fruits, spice, leather, and incense add depth through the finish. Drinkable now with proper aeration, but will reward patience.

James Suckling 96 — "Floral, as is typical of this estate, with crunchy red fruit and rose petals. Medium-bodied, with a blanket of delicate, tender fruit defined by chalky, precise yet silky tannins. Drinkable now with proper aeration, but will improve with some bottle age." (Vintage 2022). 

Jeb Dunnuck 94 — "Fresh and minty with aromas of ripe raspberries and pressed roses. Well-defined ripe tannins, refreshing acidity, and an immediacy that retains great clarity." (Vintage 2022).

• Producer: G.D. Vajra, Vergne, Barolo, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Barolo DOCG
• MGA (Single Vineyard): Coste di Rose, Vergne
• Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Rose petal, raspberry, red fruit, mint, dark blue fruit, spice, leather, silky tannins
• Cellar Potential: Drink now (with aeration) or cellar 10–15+ years
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, braised short ribs, truffle risotto, aged Parmigiano, wild mushroom pasta

A 96-point single-vineyard Barolo from one of Piedmont’s most soulful family estates — floral, precise, and built to age.

Gérard Bertrand Esprit de Côte des Roses Sparkling Rosé — Languedoc, France NV

Gérard Bertrand harvested his first grapes in 1975 in the vines of Château de Villemajou in the heart of the Corbières, discovering a passion for wine that would define his life. After twelve years apprenticing alongside his father Georges, he took over the family estate following his father’s accidental death in 1987 — and channeled the values of performance and excellence he had learned on the rugby field into building one of the South of France’s most celebrated wine estates. The Esprit de Côte des Roses Sparkling Rosé is a tribute to the Mediterranean lifestyle: a unique blend of Pinot Noir, Grenache Noir, and Chardonnay, presented in the house’s iconic sculpted bottle with a rose-shaped finish. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 92 points.

Pale pink in color, clear and crystalline, with a fine mousse of tiny bubbles. The nose is elegant and inviting — fresh red berries, white flowers, sharp lime, and chalk. On the palate, the wine is lively and tasty, with a delicate, creamy mousse and an ideal balance between freshness and roundness. The finish is silky and slightly toasted, with real length and sophistication. The base wines are blended with reserve rosé wines aged in barrel, then undergo a second fermentation and aging on lees for added complexity and texture.

Wine Enthusiast 92 — "A fine mousse of tiny bubbles… pops of sharp lime and chalk on the nose. The palate is clean, easy and soft, proving quite comforting rather than aggressive in acidity." — Matt Kettmann

• Producer: Gérard Bertrand, Languedoc, France
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: Côte des Roses, Languedoc
• Blend: 55% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, 15% Grenache Noir
• Method: Traditional method — second fermentation + aging on lees, reserve wines aged in barrel
• Style: Brut Sparkling Rosé
• Bottle: Iconic sculpted bottle with rose-shaped finish
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh red berries, white flowers, lime, chalk, creamy mousse, silky toasted finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled fish, charcuterie, soft cheeses, strawberries, aperitivo, summer entertaining

A 92-point sparkling rosé in an iconic bottle — Gérard Bertrand’s Esprit de Côte des Roses is the benchmark for what Mediterranean sparkling rosé can be.

Gérard Boulay | Sancerre AOC, Loire Valley, France | Rosé | Organic | 2025

Made from 35–40 year old Pinot Noir vines on the steep clay hillsides of Chavignol — the village many consider the finest terroir in all of Sancerre — Boulay's Sibylle Rosé is one of the Loire's most sought-after small-production pours. Only 200 cases are made annually. Gérard harvests his Pinot specifically for rosé by direct press into tank, adds no commercial yeast, and uses minimal SO2, letting the vintage and the land speak for themselves. What makes the rosé one year could make red another — a true expression of place and season.

"One of our favorite recommendations for the past three years. Balanced between juiciness and acidity, with obvious red berry notes — certain to make your mouth water." — Bart Hopkins, 67 Wine Buyer

Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
Vines: 35–40 years, Chavignol
Soils: Steep clay hillside
Farming: Organic (practicing)
Vinification: Direct press, tank fermented, no added yeast, minimal SO2
Production: ~200 cases annually
Drink: Now–2027

Tasting Notes

• Fresh red berries, strawberry, and subtle floral notes
• Juicy, mouth-watering palate with bright Sancerre acidity
• Crisp, clean finish | Mineral backbone | Elegant and precise

Pairings: Grilled salmon, goat cheese, charcuterie, light summer dishes, oysters

Winemaker Description 

A superb and age-worthy Barolo by Giacomo Conterno, from the Francia vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba. 100% Nebbiolo. Fermented with native yeasts and aged in large oak casks. Red fruits, roses, tar, licorice and spices notes. Powerful and complex. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018 

Expert Reviews 97 Points Wine Advocate | Of the three Barolo samples I tasted from barrel (including Arione and Cerretta, which are also from Serralunga d'Alba), the Giacomo Conterno 2018 Barolo Francia was the furthest behind and the hardest to pin down at this stage in its infancy. I have opened my range of scores accordingly to compensate for the magical unknowns that are likely to occur as the wine moves toward greater harmony and integration before its commercial release. The wine is linear and pointedly focused, lacking the width and volume it will gain when given more time to flesh out and relax. The aromas are also quite primary and simple at this point, with dark cherry and even a hint of ripe strawberry ceding gradually to grilled herb, blue flower and baked brick. This vintage of Barolo Francia will require patience. (2018).

95 Points Wine Spectator | Delivers depth and power, with menthol and wild herbs shading cherry and plum flavors. The balance tips toward the tannins in the end, yet this doesn't feel overly astringent, just more structured than many '18s. Picks up a mineral element as this lingers on the finish. Be patient. (2018).

95+ Points Vinous | The 2018 Barolo Francia is powerful, deep and also a touch austere. It shows the edginess of all the 2018s, but also has a feeling of textural creaminess that adds tons of character. Spice, menthol, leather and a whole range of balsamic overtones build into the deep, imposing finish. Roberto Conterno decided to forego his Barolo Monfortino in 2018, opting instead to blend all the casks into his Francia bottling. When that happens, Francia often surprises down the road. That could very well turn out to be the case here. (2018).

Monica Larner writes:  The Giacomo Conterno 2018 Barolo Francia has opened beautifully since I last tasted this wine at the winery two years ago. It was closed back then (no surprise since I tasted it as an unfinished sample), but with the distance of time, the wine has blossomed to show blackcurrant, cassis, aniseed, blue flower and pencil shaving. The Francia is known for its magical combination of power and nuance, both delivered with seamless intensity. This vintage offers a savory component with hints of toasted spice or spent ember. The tannins are fine and polished.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 95

Expert Reviews

94 Points Vinous | The 2020 Nebbiolo d'Alba Arione is bright, focused and tightly wound. There is a feeling of classic austerity (in a good way) that really drive the balance here. Bright red toned fruit, blood orange, chalk, mint, dried herbs and white pepper all race across the palate. This is Barolo in all but name. Time in the glass brings out the wine's inner sweetness and perfume. What a knock out. The Nebbiolo d'Alba is made from a small piece of Arione that lists just outside the Barolo production zone. Drink 2027-2040. (2020). 

93 Points James Suckling  | Juicy and sweet fruit with some flowers and peaches to plums and cherries. Medium body. Bright and flavorful. Yet refined. Drink now. (2020). 

Audrey Frick writes:  The first vintage of the Nebbiolo D'Alba Arione was produced in 2019 and comes from a single vineyard of Anione outside the delimited region. Another barrel sample, the 2020 is fresh with wild strawberry and a gentle, red-fruited tone. Vibrant through the palate, with wild red berries, pomegranate, orange peel, and red flowers, this elegant and approachable wine delivers fine tannins, a long mineral/stony texture, and a tinge of iron-rich minerals on the finish.  - Jeb Dunnuck 93

Jeb Dunnuck 91-93 Points | The first vintage of the 2020 Nebbiolo D'Alba one was produced in 2019 and comes from a single vineyard of Anione outside the delimited region. Another barrel sample, the 2020 is fresh with wild strawberry and a gentle, red-fruited tone. Vibrant through the palate, with wild red berries, pomegranate, orange peel, and red flowers, this elegant and approachable wine delivers fine tannins, a long mineral/stony texture, and a tinge of iron-rich minerals on the finish. (2020). 

Girasole Pinot Noir — Mendocino County, California 2023 | Certified Organic

Girasole Vineyards has been farming organically in Mendocino County since 1986 — long before organic viticulture became fashionable. Named for the sunflowers that grow throughout their estate, this family-owned winery is committed to sustainable, chemical-free farming in one of California’s most naturally beautiful wine regions. Mendocino’s cool coastal influence, diverse soils, and clean mountain air make it an ideal home for Pinot Noir, and Girasole has spent four decades learning to express that terroir with honesty and care. Wine Enthusiast awarded the 2023 vintage 91 points. 

The nose is inviting and expressive: strawberry, cherry, boysenberry, violets, and clove. On the palate, it is soft and fruit-forward, with ripe plum, black cherry, and plush tannins, with just a touch of new French oak lending texture and framing the bright red fruit at the wine’s core. The finish is dry, clean, and lingering — approachable, expressive, and genuinely satisfying.

Wine Enthusiast 91 (Tonya Pitts) — “Deep, rich, with aromas of boysenberry, Bing cherry, violets, and notes of toasty oak. Flavors of strawberry-cherry coulis, blood orange peel, dark chocolate shavings, interwoven with clove, and a dry finish.” (Vintage 2023).

• Producer: Girasole Vineyards, Mendocino County, California (organic farming since 1986)
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Mendocino County AVA
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir — Certified Organic
• Aging: Touch of new French oak
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Strawberry, cherry, boysenberry, violets, clove, ripe plum, black cherry, dry finish
• Best Paired With: Salmon, roast chicken, duck, mushroom risotto, charcuterie, soft cheeses

A 91-point certified organic Mendocino Pinot Noir at an honest price — Girasole is the benchmark for what California organic Pinot can be.

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2019

Wine Spectator — 97 Points
"This pure and stylish Barolo features rose, strawberry, cherry, mineral and underbrush aromas and flavors. Though silky in texture, this is well-structured, with integrated tannins and harmony. This is all about finesse and texture, with excellent length and a mineral aftertaste."

About Monprivato

Monprivato is one of the most celebrated single-vineyard crus in all of Barolo — and Giuseppe Mascarello’s exclusive domain. Located in Castiglione Falletto, the vineyard sits on a south-southwest facing slope of Helvetian soils: compact Tortonian marl and limestone that impart the signature minerality, structure, and aromatic complexity for which Monprivato is legendary. The Mascarello family has farmed Monprivato since 1904 and today owns virtually the entire cru — a rarity in Barolo, where vineyard fragmentation is the norm. The result is a wine of singular identity: unmistakably Monprivato, unmistakably Mascarello.

About Giuseppe e Figlio Mascarello

Founded in 1881 in Monchiero and later relocated to Castiglione Falletto, Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio is one of Piedmont’s most revered and traditional producers. Under the stewardship of Mauro Mascarello — and now his son Giuseppe — the estate has remained steadfastly committed to traditional Barolo winemaking: long macerations, large Slavonian oak casks, and extended aging. No shortcuts, no modernization for its own sake. The Mascarello Barolo Monprivato is consistently ranked among the greatest wines of Italy and among the finest Nebbiolos produced anywhere in the world.

2019 Vintage Notes

The 2019 vintage in Piedmont is widely regarded as one of the greatest in a generation — a warm, dry year that produced wines of exceptional concentration, structure, and longevity. For Barolo, 2019 delivered the ideal combination of ripeness and natural acidity, resulting in wines that are approachable young yet built to age for decades. Monprivato 2019 is considered a benchmark release: powerful, precise, and destined for a long cellar life.

Food Pairings

White truffle dishes, braised Piedmontese beef (brasato al Barolo), wild boar, roasted lamb, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, and tajarin with meat ragù. A wine built for the Piedmontese table — and for the most special occasions.

Product Details

• Producer: Giuseppe e Figlio Mascarello
• Vineyard: Monprivato (single vineyard cru)
• Appellation: Barolo DOCG, Castiglione Falletto, Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: 100% Nebbiolo
• Soils: Tortonian marl and limestone (Helvetian)
• Aging: Extended aging in large Slavonian oak casks, traditional method
• Vintage: 2019
• Drink: 2026–2050+
• Style: Elegant, structured, age-worthy traditional Barolo
• Format: 750ml

Gomez Cruzado Viña Dorana Reserva — Alto Najerilla, Rioja, Spain 2018

Gomez Cruzado is one of Rioja's most exciting modern producers, based in Haro and dedicated to rescuing the great wines of yesteryear — old bush vines, high-altitude sites, and traditional blends that honor the region's heritage. Viña Dorana is named for a historic brand from 1930 and sourced from old bush vines in the Alto Najerilla, grown at 600–710 meters above sea level in the triangle formed by the villages of Cordovín, Badarán, and Cárdenas. The 2018 vintage — a cool, fresh year — produced a wine of classical harmony and serious structure. Wine Advocate awarded it 94 points; Jeb Dunnuck 92; James Suckling 92. At $35.99, it is one of the most compelling values in serious Rioja Reserva.

The nose is refined and layered: rich red and dark fruit, dried herbs, subtle balsamic, earthy spice, and a whisper of nutty oak. On the palate, the wine is medium- to full-bodied, compact and firm yet round and polished — the freshness of the cool 2018 vintage giving it linear acidity and real tension. Soft, finely grained tannins frame flavors of ripe red fruit, light baking spice, and a textural, earthy depth that builds toward a long, elegant finish. Aged 24 months in French oak, then a minimum of 12 months in bottle. Drink now or cellar with confidence.

Wine Advocate 94 — "Very classical... serious and austere, with the freshness of a cool year... harmonious blend with good ripeness and the freshness from the year. It should improve with time in bottle."

Jeb Dunnuck 92 — "Finessed, long, and supple... linear acidity and soft texture. Classically flavored in rich red fruit and light baking spice."

James Suckling 92 — "Spiced and earthy, showing rich dark fruit, dried herbs and subtle nutty and balsamic undertones... round and polished mouthfeel."

• Producer: Gomez Cruzado, Haro, Rioja, Spain
• Vineyard: Viña Dorana — Alto Najerilla, 600–710m elevation, old bush vines
• Vintage: 2018
• Appellation: Rioja DOCa
• Blend: 60% Tempranillo, 40% Garnacha
• Vinification: 4-day cold pre-fermentation maceration; 24 months in French oak (2nd & 3rd fill); 12+ months in bottle
• Production: 29,482 bottles + 710 magnums
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red fruit, dark fruit, dried herbs, balsamic, baking spice, earthy, finely grained tannins
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 10+ years
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, braised short ribs, Iberian charcuterie, aged Manchego, wild mushroom dishes

A 94-point Rioja Reserva from one of Haro's most principled producers — Viña Dorana is the benchmark for what old-vine Alto Najerilla can achieve.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Advocate 95 Points | One of the best new Garnacha bottlings from Rioja, the 2022 Pancrudo keeps the poise, balance and floral character in a warm and dry year like 2022. It does show a little more ripeness and some dusty tannins, but that's expected after the hurried ripeness. It comes in at 14.5% alcohol, with a pH of 3.42 denoting freshness. It's a triumph over the adverse conditions of the year. This is a neoclassical Garnacha, produced by fermenting the uncrushed grapes with indigenous yeasts and a short-ish macerating and aging the wine in a combination of foudre, concrete egg and used barrique. 8,717 bottles and 250 magnums produced. It was bottled in June 2024. Drinking Window: 2025 - 2035.

Winemaker Description

100% Garnacha from old bush-trained vines planted in Badarán (Upper Najerilla) with north orientation at 650m above the sea level.

Traditional elaboration. Fermented in stainless steel gently plunging the cap to extract the noble compounds from the skins. Malolactic fermentation 65% in new French oak, barriques and foudre, and 35% in egg-shaped cocrete tanks.

Gomez Cruzado El Predilecto — Rioja, Spain 2023

Bodegas Gomez Cruzado is one of Rioja's most exciting modern producers — a historic estate in Haro, the heart of Rioja Alta, that has undergone a remarkable transformation under the direction of winemaker Amanda Klemp, who has brought a precision-focused, terroir-driven approach to the cellar while honoring the estate's deep roots in the region. El Predilecto — "The Favorite" — is a total departure from the Rioja norm: a blend of old vine Garnacha and Tempranillo sourced from two distinct mountain landscapes, united in concrete and crafted to express the full complexity of Rioja's diverse terroir. The Garnacha (65%) comes from Alto Najerilla, in the triangle formed by the towns of Badarán, Cordovín, and Cárdenas in the Sierra Demanda mountains. The Tempranillo (35%) comes from the highest area of Samaniego, near the Sierra Cantabria mountains. Old vines at the foot of both mountain ranges provide greater fruit character and concentration. Fermented separately with native yeast, 100% destemmed without crushing, cold fermented with short maceration, then blended and refined in concrete for approximately five months — a winemaking approach that preserves freshness, precision, and the distinct personality of each site.

The nose bridges two landscapes: red and black fruit intertwine, with cherry and blackberry layered with licorice, a faint balsamic nuance, and an intensity of spice. On the palate, it is juicy and poised — generous, full-bodied warmth with tannins sitting between chalky and plush, freshness carrying the wine forward through a lengthy, supple finish. Precise, modern Rioja that shows two mountain landscapes in one gesture. Age 12–15 years.

Jeb Dunnuck 95 — "A total departure from the norm — intensity of spice and a generous mouthfeel of full-bodied warmth while remaining elegant through the lengthy, supple finish. Age 12-15 years."

Vinous 93 — "Bridges two origins. Cherry and blackberry layered with licorice and a faint balsamic nuance. Juicy and poised — a precise, modern Rioja that shows two landscapes in one gesture."

• Producer: Bodegas Gomez Cruzado, Haro, Rioja Alta, Spain
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Rioja DOCa
• Blend: 65% Garnacha (Alto Najerilla, Sierra Demanda) / 35% Tempranillo (Samaniego, Sierra Cantabria)
• Vines: Old vines at the foot of two mountain ranges
• Winemaking: Native yeast, 100% destemmed, cold fermentation, short maceration, 5 months in concrete
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherry, blackberry, licorice, balsamic, spice, chalky-plush tannins, long supple finish
• Style: Full-bodied, precise, modern Rioja
• Drink: Now–2038 (best 2028+)
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, braised short rib, aged Manchego, wild mushroom dishes

Two mountain landscapes, one extraordinary wine — Gomez Cruzado El Predilecto 2023 is modern Rioja at its most compelling.

Expert Review

Winemaker Description 

González Byass Alfonso Oloroso Seco is a wine made from Palomino Fino from their own vineyards.

As soon as the grapes arrive at the winery, they are softly pressed to obtain the free-run must (mosto yema), which will be used to make this wine. After fermentation, classification and fortification at 18% vol., the wine enters the "solera", where it will remain for an average of eight years in American oak butts, following the traditional "solera" system. The wine ages in full contact with the air, which allows its complete oxidation. 

Winemaker Description 

Leonor is a 12 year old Palo Cortado Sherry and described as the wild child of Jerez. It shows a light mahogany color with golden tones and a slight orange rim. On the nose intense and complex with notes of hazlenut perfectly balanced with aromas of bitter orange and mature oak. On the palate powerful and intense with toasted notes yet smooth and silky. Due to its power and structure this wine is perfect with mature cheeses and stong meats such as venison. Serve chilled.

Expert Reviews 

93 Points James Suckling | A very elegant example of this rare type of Sherry, which combines the best of Fino freshness with Oloroso richness. Long finish with delicate dried-fruit and toasted-nut character. Drink now. Aged for 12 years in cask. Drink now.

92 Points Wine Spectator | Bright, with fennel seed, Brazil nut, green tea, ginger and hazelnut husk notes that are racy and dry from start to finish. Dried green fig accents add a subtle seduction on the finish.

91 Points Decanter | Aromas of caramel and curry spices. Milk chocolate on the palate with a soft texture and delicate body. A very harmonious wine with a long and spicy finish.

91 Points Wine & Spirits | Elegant and refined, with soft touches of candied cherries, walnuts and almonds, this is a textbook Palo Cortado. Aged 12 years in botas, it falls halfway between Amontillado and Oloroso in flavor, but much closer to the former. It needs only smoked trout.

90 Points Wine Enthusiast | This dry Sherry is a touch hot, with alcohol swirling around the glass, but there’s also complex, welcoming aromas of almond, apricot and toffee. The palate is appropriately rich, with flavors of caramel, toasted nuts and buttered toast. A finish with walnut, truffle and mushroom flavors urges contemplation.

González Byass Noé Pedro Ximénez VORS — 30 Years, Jerez

Noé is one of the rarest and most extraordinary sherries in existence. Produced by González Byass — the historic house behind Tio Pepe — from sun-dried Pedro Ximénez grapes with a final average age of over 30 years, this VORS (“Very Old Rare Sherry”) is a wine of almost incomprehensible concentration and complexity.

With a sugar level of 400 grams per liter, Noé pours like liquid velvet: deep mahogany, viscous, and intensely aromatic. The nose layers buckwheat honey, Black Forest cake, dried fig, raisin, chocolate, cinnamon, and a haunting balsamic depth. On the palate, the sweetness is perfectly balanced by a bright, racy acidity that is utterly uncommon for wines of this richness — finishing long, fiery, and unforgettable.

James Suckling 95 • Wine Spectator 94 • Wine Enthusiast 94 • Wine Advocate 91

• Producer: González Byass, Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
• Style: Pedro Ximénez VORS Sherry
• Average Age: 30+ Years
• Size: 375ml (Half Bottle)
• ABV: 15.5%
• Residual Sugar: 400 g/L
• Tasting Notes: Buckwheat honey, Black Forest cake, dried fig, raisin, dark chocolate, cinnamon, balsamic
• Best Served: Slightly chilled over vanilla ice cream, with aged cheeses, or as a contemplative digestif

A once-in-a-lifetime sherry experience in a half bottle — perfect for gifting or savoring over an evening. One of the greatest sweet wines in the world.

Gosset · Grande Réserve Brut NV · Champagne AOC · France

Gosset is the oldest wine house in Champagne — established in Aÿ in 1584, when Pierre Gosset, alderman and winegrower, founded the house that bears his name. Nearly five centuries of Champagne-making later, Gosset remains one of the region’s most distinctive producers: a house defined by richness, Pinot Noir texture, extended cellaring, and an unwavering commitment to the Grande Réserve style. The NV Grande Réserve is the house’s signature Champagne — a blend of 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, and 10% Meunier from premier villages including Aÿ, Bouzy, Ambonnay, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, aged a minimum of four years in the cellar before disgorgement, then rested a further six months to assimilate the dosage (8 g/L). Rated 94 points by Decanter and 93 by Wine Spectator.

Luminous golden hue with a fine, persistent mousse. The nose opens with fresh lemon meringue pie, yellow apple, Mirabelle plum, and white peach, deepening with warmth into honeyed, toasted notes. On the palate, a spine of chiseled acidity structures a vivid, creamy texture — Asian pear, baked pineapple, lemon curd, toasted brioche, and roasted almond, with a minerally underpinning of smoke, brine, and wet stone. Elegant, long, and absolutely fresh from first bubble to finish.

Expert Reviews

“Elegance, length and absolute freshness are inherent and quietly convincing. Beautifully subtle autolysis on the palate, deepening into notes of creamy apple crumble, Golden Delicious and Mirabelle plum.”
— Decanter · 94 Points

“A spine of chiseled acidity structures this vivid, creamy Champagne, which has a minerally underpinning of smoke and brine and flavors of Asian pear, baked pineapple, lemon curd, toasted brioche and roasted almond.”
— Wine Spectator · 93 Points

“Pure and inviting aromas of white peach, fresh flowers, and wet stone. A fresh pillowy mousse and a delicate saline finish — a wonderful calling card for the freshness of the house style.”
— Jeb Dunnuck · 92 Points

“Lemon tart, spiced apples, almonds and pastries. Fresh, lively and very precise, with fine bubbles and a light, chalky undertone.”
— James Suckling · 92 Points

• Producer: Gosset, Aÿ, Champagne, France (est. 1584 — oldest wine house in Champagne)
• Style: Brut NV Champagne
• Blend: 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, 10% Meunier
• Base Vintage: 2018 | Cellaring: 4+ years minimum
• Dosage: 8 g/L
• Villages: Aÿ, Bouzy, Ambonnay, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Villers-Marmery
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon meringue, Mirabelle plum, Asian pear, brioche, roasted almond, smoke, brine, chiseled acidity
• Pairings: Grilled fish, lobster, oysters, scallops, soft cheeses, aperitif

D:94 · WS:93 · JD:92 · JS:92 · Champagne AOC — the oldest wine house in Champagne, since 1584. Rich, creamy, and built for the long haul.