90 + Points | Critical Acclaim

Expert Review 

90 Points Wine Spectator | Iodine, dried fig and roasted almond notes leap from the glass in this finely balanced and creamy Marsala, in a dry style. Hints of singed orange peel and ground clove linger on the finish.

Winemaker Description 

Winemaker Description

Opaque, a dark core with a lighter deep red concession on rim. An eruption of fruits. At once lively and expressive, conceding Grange personality yet still not revealing all .... Dark coffee grind, malt and tapenade merge with black earths, almost verging on peat. Mandated V.A and formic notes propel a slurry of dark-skinned berried fruits, flirting with dark liquorice and soy. Oak completely hidden, long since absorbed. Now, back to the glass for a second sniff! Initially the ‘enlivened’ dark fruits of a Christmas pudding or boiled fruitcake mix demand attention. But there’s much more to complement these fruits – impressions of ironstone, graphite, iodine, black ink, and a black pudding viscosity. Formidable, meshed tannins – texturally honeycombed, without the honey! Oak has entwined itself invisible. Yes, every barrel still new, and completion of fermentation off skins in barrel still Grange modus operandi. Integrated, measured ... and clearly more than one sip required to gain an authentic ‘first-impression’. Certainly a wine of its vintage. A Grange of 2015. 

Expert Reviews

100 Point James Suckling | Much anticipated vintage for Grange and it is a powerhouse of concentration and complexity. Aromas of orange and lemon peel to start, then graphite, blackberries, plum paste, black cherries, boundless sweet oak spice, fresh cedar, tar, mahogany, roasted coffee and chocolate - the list goes on. Such complexity. Classic Grange, offering such deep, dark intensity. The palate has immense richness and depth with a super succulent and very long, fleshy, deeply weighted array of dense, velvet-wrapped tannins that run so long. The fruit flavors sit in the blackberry, blood-plum and blueberry zone with succulent, long and assertive structure, carrying through in an utterly seamless mode. The finish is tightly wrenched, in spectacularly powerful style, locking this wine in for a very long haul. Best from 2030.

98 Points Jeb Dunnuck | The flagship 2015 Grange is a monster of wine and one of those rare wines that blends power and elegance perfectly. Revealing a saturated purple color, it’s seemingly more forward and seductive than past great vintages, which I suspect is due to the incredible purity of fruit as well as the wine’s flawless balance than any change in winemaking or stylistic shifts. I also think the acidity is healthy, and the 2015 tips the scales at 14.5% alcohol, which is certainly in the sweet spot, if not tame, for beautifully ripe Syrah these days. A blend of 98% Shiraz and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 20 months in new American oak hogsheads, it offers an extraordinary perfume of sweet crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, camphor, Asian spices, licorice, and wildflowers. This is followed by a full-bodied, powerful yet incredibly seamless and elegant Shiraz that has no hard edges, a big, dense mid-palate, ripe tannins, and a great finish. Coming close to rivaling the 1986, which has always been a benchmark vintage of Grange for me, the 2015 offers a more polished, elegant, approachable style. Vintage comparisons aside, this is a legendary example of Grange in the making. The savvy wine lovers out there will give this 7-8 years of bottle age (I’ll probably be out of bottles by then) and enjoy over the following 2-3 decades.

98+ Points Robert Parker | The nose of the 2015 Grange features the wine's characteristic lifted aromas, joined by pronounced American oak influence and bold blackberry fruit, plus hints of red meat, raspberries, asphalt and vanilla. It's dense and concentrated on the palate, full-bodied yet balanced and firm, with a rich, velvety texture and long, plush finish. Don't expect great complexity at this stage—it's much too young to show much more than the primary fruit and oak elements—but this is a Grange that should easily go three or four decades.

97 Points Wine Spectator | Distinctive and powerful, yet still elegant, showing restraint despite the dense and generous flavors. Precise notes of dark chocolate, maraschino cherry, mahogany and toasted coconut complement the core of wild blackberry and blueberry fruit. The tannins are smooth and polished, delivering some tug on the finish, which persists as subtle hints of dried lavender and white pepper linger. Drink now through 2040.

97 Points Wine Enthusiast | This vintage of the famed wine is perhaps its most approachable to date. The nose is open and expressive, with waves of aromas ranging from licorice, currant and plum to baking spice, furniture polish, freshly picked olive, mushroom and vanilla. The mouthfeel is satiny in texture, awash with fruit and spices of all shapes and sizes, all wound by fine tannins. Drink through 2040.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

The Wine Advocate 93+ Points | The 2023 Bin 51 Riesling leads with an austere, searing nose of grilled lime, bath salts, lemon zest, crushed quartz, preserved citrus and pear skin. In the mouth, the wine is fleshy in its way and light on its feet — poised without being heavy or concentrated, with a cleansing, rounded finish.

Wine Spectator 91 Points | Tangy and bright lemon-lime flavors on a sleek frame, with green apple, white pepper and sea salt minerality, plus lingering grapefruit zest. 660 cases imported.

About Bin 51

Penfolds Bin 51 captures the essence of Eden Valley, South Australia — a high-altitude, cool-climate region with worldwide recognition for producing definitive, world-class Riesling. The region's elevation gives the wines great finesse, elegance, and a capacity for long-term cellaring.

The 2023 vintage shows lifted orange blossom and pink lady apple aromatics. The palate brims with blood orange, passionfruit, and lime, balanced by natural zesty lemon acidity. In youth, these wines possess scented floral and citrus aromas with a mineral edge and marked natural acidity that drives the palate texture.

Tasting & Pairings

Grilled lime, lemon zest, crushed quartz, green apple, white pepper, sea salt minerality, and grapefruit zest. Fleshy yet light on its feet with a cleansing, rounded finish. Serve well chilled.

• Seared scallops with citrus beurre blanc — mirrors the wine's lime and mineral notes.
• Thai green papaya salad — the acidity and fruit stand up to chili and lime dressing.
• Fresh oysters or ceviche — classic pairing for high-acid, mineral-driven Riesling.

Expert Review — Vintage 2024

Wine Advocate — 94 Points | The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc L’Après-Midi contains 6% Sémillon. Matured in around 15% new French oak and bottled the spring after harvest. Continually unfurling scents of flint, white peach, tarragon, lemongrass, graham cracker, chamomile, and honey. The full-bodied palate bursts with layers of flinty stone and citrus fruit, lifted by a silky texture, succulent acidity, and a long, perfumed finish.

Winemaker Description

L’Après-Midi (The Afternoon) was named in honor of the pleasures of a slow and lazy afternoon — which, according to Sir Peter, is a good time to start enjoying this wine. One of two estate-grown Sauvignon Blanc/Sémillon blends, the grapes are grown alongside the red Bordeaux varietals within Les Pavots Vineyard, benefiting from steep slopes, excellent drainage, and cool air at altitude.

Whole-cluster-pressed and naturally fermented in barrel, forgoing malolactic fermentation to preserve the fruity and zesty character of the Sauvignon Blanc. Predominantly Sauvignon Blanc with just a touch of Sémillon.

• Producer: Peter Michael Winery
• Appellation: Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Blend: 94% Sauvignon Blanc, 6% Sémillon
• Vineyard: Les Pavots Estate
• Aging: 15% new French oak, no malolactic fermentation
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml

Expert Review — Vintage 2017

James Suckling 96 Points | Released after seven years in bottle. Delicate yet complex aromas of finger limes, grapefruit, kerosene, sage oil, preserved lemons, gun smoke and salted nuts. The palate is high tension, with an intense concentration of flavors coiled around a textural palate and striking acidity. Made from vines planted in 1965 — this has years of life ahead. Excellent. Drink or hold.

About The Contours Museum Reserve

Pewsey Vale’s The Contours is their flagship museum-release Riesling, sourced from the coolest south-facing slope of the estate in the high-altitude Eden Valley, South Australia. The vines were planted in 1965, making them among the oldest Riesling plantings in the region.

What makes this wine special: Pewsey Vale holds it in their cellars for five to seven years before release, so you receive a bottle that has already begun its transformation into a complex, aged masterpiece — no patience required on your end.

Tasting & Pairings

Finger lime, grapefruit, kerosene, sage oil, preserved lemon, gun smoke, and salted nuts. High-tension acidity with intense concentration and a textural, coiled palate. Serve well chilled.

• Kingfish crudo or oysters with lime mignonette — classic pairing for aged Riesling.
• Five-spice duck breast or tofu Pad Thai — the acidity balances spice and oil beautifully.

Expert Reviews

Decanter 94 Points | A distinctly red-berry nose – all red currants and small forest fruit. Red Delicious apple has such a telltale Pinot scent. The palate has pure, bright apple fruit, a lemony verve, and a very delicate mousse backed by gently salty autolysis. Vanilla oak comes through, like the custard on an apple crumble, carrying freshness and flavour until the lingering finish.

The Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | The nonvintage cuvée from this producer, based on the southern slopes of the Montagne de Reims, is beautifully judged. It is rich while also showing great freshness from citrus fruit flavors.

James Suckling 93 Points | Complex and smoky nose with orange blossom, green apple, licorice, chalky minerality and toasted bread. Refined palate with pinprick mousse, crisp acidity and a tight, tense and clean aftertaste. 65% pinot noir, 32% chardonnay and 3% pinot meunier.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | The NV Champagne Reserve Perpetuelle Brut is a bright straw color and is from the 2021 base vintage. Beginning with this release, they have changed the name of this cuvée to better reflect the method of production, which utilizes their perpetual reserve as a key component in the blend, although it’s the same as it’s always been. Made from 66% Pinot Noir, 32% Chardonnay, and the rest Meunier, the nose is inviting and pure, with gorgeous red fruits that shine brightly in this release, and while it has intensity, it’s approachable and pretty, with notes of almond, peaches, red berries, and fresh bread. The mousse is elegant and integrates nicely into the wine.

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | A baseline of chalky minerality supports juicy pear and white cherry fruit, lemon peel and pickled ginger alongside rich accents of crystallized honey and biscuit in this sleek and creamy Champagne. Harmonious and finely knit, with good length through the lightly spiced finish. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | Comprising 44% wine from the 2021 vintage and 56% reserve wines held in perpetual reserve, Philipponnat’s NV Réserve Perpétuelle Brut—formerly known as Brut Royale Réserve—opens with an inviting bouquet of ripe peach, red berries, pear and pastry. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, broad-shouldered and textural, delivering a generous, enveloping style energized by racy acidity. While the base vintage is vinified primarily in stainless steel, the reserve wines are stored in oak, and the wine undergoes partial malolactic fermentation. This bottling was disgorged in December 2024 with a dosage of eight grams per liter.

Memo Summary Notes

The Philipponnat Réserve Perpétuelle Brut NV represents a significant rebranding of the house's flagship "Royale Réserve." The new name reflects the "perpetual reserve" (solera) system started in 1946, where older wines are refreshed with younger ones to ensure a consistent, complex house style.

Based primarily on the 2021 vintage (with over 50% reserve wines), this Champagne is a Pinot Noir-heavy powerhouse that emphasizes the "vinous" (wine-like) character typical of the Mareuil-sur-Ay terroir.

This is a "gastronomic" Champagne, meaning it has enough body to handle a full meal:

• Seafood: Scallops in butter sauce, lobster, or even grilled oily fish like mackerel.

• Meats: Excellent with white meats such as roasted poultry or premium charcuterie (Prosciutto di Parma).

• Japanese Cuisine: Its acidity and minerality pair exceptionally well with high-quality sushi and sashimi.

  
  

   

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2019

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points |  The 2019 Rosso Di Montalcino is ripe but energetic, with pure red cherry, rose petal, orange peel, and white pepper. It is medium-bodied, with elegant ripe raspberry with a graceful feel. Seamless, with fine tannins, it is supple and soft in its texture and raises the bar in a big way for the category. 6,700 bottles were produced. 

Vinous 93 Points |  An unbelievably pretty blend of dusty rose, cherry and sage wafts up from the 2019 Rosso di Montalcino. It’s strikingly beautiful and graceful within, silky yet cool-toned, mixing saline-tinged minerals with ripe red fruits and floral nuances that resonate throughout. The 2019 finishes structured yet potent and long, leaving lingering dried cherry and licorice notes. Cellaring will be required, but with that said, this is a Rosso of astonishing depth and complexity.

Winemaker Description

The Pian dell Orino estate is adjacent to the Biondi Santi property. This area has a long history of being particularly suited for growing grapes for high quality wines. Husband and wife team Caroline and Jan's love for Tuscany and passion for viticulture binds them particularly to this land, their vines and the resulting wines. 

The wines are produced from four different vineyards that have a total area of 6 hectares. From the beginning they studied the soil and the structure of each vineyard in order to fully understand its characteristics. Fossils, petrified shells and chalk sediment all testify to the earth’s evolutions and recount marine flooding and periods of drought in the area. 

The wines are produced from four different vineyards that have a total area of 6 hectares. From the beginning they studied the soil and the structure of each vineyard in order to fully understand its characteristics. Fossils, petrified shells and chalk sediment all testify to the earth’s evolutions and recount marine flooding and periods of drought in the area. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Audrey Frick of Jeb Dunnuck writes 100 Points | The 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino Vigneti Del Versante is also a jeweled ruby color and is aromatic of kirsch, fresh flowers, sweet herbs, and toasted rosemary. It's full-bodied on the palate, with a compact and concentrated feel, well-defined tannins, and an extraordinarily long finish. As it opens, it continuously evolves in the glass, with pristine notes of licorice shining through, and becomes even more focused and pristine over time. In my book, this wine flirts with perfection and is more than deserving of top marks. Drink over the coming 2-3 decades..." 01/25

Eric Guido of Vinous writes 97 Points | Nuances of dusty florals, rosemary, sage, clove and leather give way to dried strawberry aromas as the radiant 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigneti del Versante blossoms in the glass. It's silky-smooth and deep, displaying extraordinary elegance. Soothingly soft textures, ripe red and blue fruit notes and a kick of vibrant acidity provide fantastic energy. Sweet, crunchy tannins steadily build toward the violet-tinged finale, tapering off with hints of blood orange and spice. In a word, spellbinding… I've been tasting the 2019 Brunellos at Pian dell'Orino over the past two years as they've slowly evolved in bottle. Last year, I mused over the Vigneti di Versante's classy profile and potential, as well as the Bassolino di Sopra's flirtations with perfection. The former may find its way there in time. Collectors will want to snatch up both of these upon release in 2025.

Winemaker Description

The Pian dell Orino estate is adjacent to the Biondi Santi property. This area has a long history of being particularly suited for growing grapes for high quality wines. Husband and wife team Caroline and Jan's love for Tuscany and passion for viticulture binds them particularly to this land, their vines and the resulting wines. 

The wines are produced from four different vineyards that have a total area of 6 hectares. From the beginning they studied the soil and the structure of each vineyard in order to fully understand its characteristics. Fossils, petrified shells and chalk sediment all testify to the earth’s evolutions and recount marine flooding and periods of drought in the area. 

The wines are produced from four different vineyards that have a total area of 6 hectares. From the beginning they studied the soil and the structure of each vineyard in order to fully understand its characteristics. Fossils, petrified shells and chalk sediment all testify to the earth’s evolutions and recount marine flooding and periods of drought in the area. 

A masterwork of Côte des Blancs terroir, the 2016 Special Club Grands Terroirs de Chardonnay represents Pierre Gimonnet's most prestigious cuvée—a blanc de blancs of extraordinary depth and complexity from one of Champagne's most revered grower estates.

Critical Acclaim

• 96 Points - James Suckling: "Fantastic aromatic complexity...creamy, sleek and layered. Very soft and fine bubbles."
• 95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck: "Rounded and attractive...elegant mousse, soft texture of citrus oil, and clean, chalky finish."
• 93 Points - Wine Advocate: "Full-bodied and concentrated...admirably consistent and age-worthy cuvée."
• 93 Points - Wine Spectator: "Compact and well-integrated...racy acidity and intensity. Drink now through 2036."
• 92 Points - Vinous: "Bright and focused, with terrific depth...an absolute delight."

Vineyard & Winemaking

• 100% Chardonnay from Grand Cru and Premier Cru parcels
• 58% Cramant Grand Cru (Buissons, Bateau, Gros Mont, Champ du Prévôt)
• 27% Chouilly Grand Cru (Mont Aigu)
• 15% Cuis Premier Cru (Roualles, Croix-Blanche)
• Includes fruit from vines planted in 1911 and 1913, worked with horses
• Pure chalk terroir expressing classic Côte des Blancs minerality
• Malolactic fermentation completed
• Fermented and aged in stainless steel to preserve purity
• Aged 60+ months on the lees
• Disgorged 2023-2024 | Dosage: 4-5g/L (Extra Brut)

Tasting Profile

Shimmering golden hue with persistent, fine bubbles. The nose reveals extraordinary aromatic complexity: walnut, quince, dried apricot, white cocoa, fresh-baked croissant, citrus zest, white flowers, and hazelnut. On the palate, it's creamy yet vibrant—layers of honeyed green apple, lemon oil, juicy peach and pear, blanched almond, and tangerine unfold with elegant mousse and soft texture. The finish is long, caressing, and mineral-driven with racy acidity and chalky precision. This is a Champagne of remarkable balance: approachable now yet built for extended aging through 2036 and beyond.

Perfect Pairings

Serve chilled (45-50°F) with grilled scallops, lobster risotto, Dover sole meunière, roasted chicken with herbs, creamy aged cheeses (Comté, aged Gruyère), or simply on its own as an aperitif. This is Champagne for connoisseurs—a wine that rewards contemplation and elevates any celebration.

Special Club is an elite designation reserved for Champagne's finest grower-producers, representing the pinnacle of their craft. Only 250 cases imported to the US.

Expert Review

The Wine Advocate by Kristaps Karklins 92 Points | Paillard’s NV Bouzy Grand Cru Les Parcelles XX hails from the 2020 vintage and, in keeping with the tradition, incorporates 20% reserve wines. It embodies the signature blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, sourced exclusively from the sun-drenched, south-facing slopes of Bouzy. The bouquet is expressive, unfolding with aromas of pear, ripe citrus and warm spices, mingling with nuances of toasted bread and orange zest. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, showcasing a livelier, more luminous fruit profile than its predecessor, driven by racy acidity and finishing with a pronounced saline finish. True to the estate’s approach, maturation take place in 350-liter oak barrels, with the final cuvée composed from a mosaic of approximately 25 distinct parcels across Bouzy. The dosage is set at two grams per liter. 

Winemaker Description 

Les Parcelles is a precise expression of Bouzy terroir vinified by the Paillard brothers; the powerful Pinot Noir from south-facing slopes is balanced by the finesse of the chalky subsoil. Produced mainly from the 2020 harvest, with 20% reserve wines, this cuvée is composed of 80% pinot noir and 20% chardonnay. Fermented in oak, it is cellared for three years on lees before disgorgement. Dosage: 2 gr/l. 

Expert Reviews

Decanter Magazine by Simon Field MW writes 93 Points |  Made up, half and half, of base wine from the sunny 2018 harvest, and reserve wine from Rodolphe’s Perpetual Reserve which goes back to 1988, this is one of the most consistently excellent NV wines on the market. Its current iteration is especially impressive, floral, chalky, upstanding, and very complex; the palate sharing notes of dried apricot, plum and lemon pith with more developed intimations of sour honey and patisserie. An exemplary wine with real purity and precision on the finish. 

The Wine Spectator by Alison Napjus writes 91 Points | Sleek and mouthwatering, with a fine, satiny mousse and a fresh panoply of crunchy pear, grapefruit sorbet, pickled ginger and spring blossom notes. Bright and finely knit, with rich hints of toast and mineral echoing on the finish. Disgorged November 2019. Drink now through 2025.

Winemaker Descriptions

Discover the elegance and purity of Pierre Peters Cuvée de Réserve Blanc de Blancs, a non-vintage Champagne crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes. This refined Champagne offers delicate aromas of citrus, white flowers, and brioche, with a crisp acidity and a long, elegant finish.

Memo Summary Notes

Produced by Rodolphe Péters, this wine is celebrated for its precision, chalky minerality, and the unique use of a "perpetual reserve" system that dates back to 1988.

Its high acidity and saline finish make it a perfect match for raw oysters, sushi, or creamy risotto.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

95 points, Wine Spectator. This bursts with bramble, licorice snap, blackberry and mulberry aromas and flavors that are energetic and juicy through the finish, where a flash of iris kicks in. A graphite spine to keep this honest. For fans of the exuberant style. Drink now through 2040.

#27 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2025

One of California's most iconic white blends, Pine Ridge's Chenin Blanc-Viognier (CBV) has been captivating wine lovers for over 30 years. The 2024 vintage is crisp, bright, and vivacious — opening with vibrant aromas of kiwi, fresh-cut melon, key lime zest, and white flowers. Hints of honeysuckle, jasmine, white peach, and nectarine add layered depth, while the Viognier contributes a luscious mouthfeel with exotic notes of lychee and orange blossom. The palate is clean and refreshing, balancing bright acidity with gentle sweetness for a harmonious finish.

Perfect on its own or paired with light seafood, Asian cuisine, soft cheeses, or summer salads.

• Blend: 80% Chenin Blanc, 20% Viognier
• Appellation: Clarksburg, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

The Somm Journal 92 Points : "Brisk and salty notes of vanilla meringue and key lime appear alongside macadamia and a hint of spice."

James Suckling 91 Points: "Aromas of sliced pears, yellow apples, nectarines and white flowers. Bright acidity and a salty, crunchy finish."

The Wine Spectator 90 Points: "Lovely mix of ripe peach, apricot and orange blossom notes — effusive, juicy and decidedly drinkable."

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

James Suckling 90 Points | Aromas of sliced lemons, white pepper, Asian pears and yellow apples. The palate is medium-bodied with bright acidity and a saline edge, giving flavors of passion fruit, cut grass and melon. Nicely balanced with a phenolic edge.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

James Suckling 92 Points | Ripe dark berries, grilled herbs, licorice, ground cloves and walnuts on the nose. Full-bodied, dense and creamy, with velvety tannins and a fruit-forward, seductive aftertaste. Succulent and concentrated. Drink or hold.

Expert Review - Vintage 2008

97 Points Wine Spectator:  Like a stallion out of the gate, this shows an initial explosion of power, in the form of mouthwatering flavors and fine texture, before quickly settling into an elegant gait. The racy acidity is seamlessly knit, buoying the lacy mousse and flavors of cassis, toasted brioche and tangerine, with accents of candied ginger, hazelnut and fleur de sel lingering on the long, creamy finish. Drink now through 2035.

96 Points Wine Enthusiast:  The new release of this producer's prestige cuvée comes in its usual beautifully sculpted bottle. The Champagne, from a great vintage in the region, is just approaching maturity still showing minerality from the high amount of Chardonnay in the blend. Nutty flavors are creeping in, keeping the great texture adding complexity. Drink this very fine wine now although it will also age further.

96 Points Decanter: Rare Champagne boasts an illustrious past, with its first vintage having been presented to Marie Antoinette in 1785. The wine is produced in very limited quantities and is restricted to exceptional years, with only 11 vintages being declared over the past four decades of production. 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir from selected grand cru vineyards. Simon Field MW: Gentle bead, lovely evolved notes of hazelnut, even a hint of praline, enrobed and ennobled by firm acidity and a persuasive finish. Alan Bednarski: Great, pure wine with still-fresh zesty flavours, delicate palate and sweet yeast notes, with a long flavourful finish of ripe melon. Tim Hall: A challenging, pressing start, wanting to overwhelm with shimmering and sharp attack, but shows intensity on the palate to match. Lovely lemon-apple notes and tempered texture.

96 Points Jeb Dunnuck: The 2008 Champagne Rare is luxurious with aromas of graham cracker, honeysuckle, quince, and orange zest. It is round and opulent, with a fine and pillowy mousse, and retains freshness throughout, with apricot and yellow flowers. It is impressive and long, and fully luxurious. Drinking well now, it is sure to hold its own for years to come. Drink 2022-2044.

93 Points Wine Advocate:  The newly released 2008 Brut Cuvée Rare is very promising, unwinding in the glass with a youthfully reserved nose of citrus oil, crisp green apple, freshly baked bread, iodine and oyster shell, as well as some rather herbaceous characteristics that depress my score a little, even if I suspect that they will resolve with a bit more bottle age. Medium to full-bodied, incisive and tightly wound, if the 2006 vintage was gourmand and demonstrative, the 2008 is slower to show all its cards. Built around racy acids and complemented by a pillowy mousse, this rendition of Cuvée Rare will reward a few years more on cork.

Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut — Champagne NV

Piper-Heidsieck is one of Champagne’s most iconic and storied houses, founded in 1785 and long favored by royalty and Hollywood alike. The Cuvée Brut is the house’s flagship non-vintage expression — a Pinot-dominant blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier, and 20% Chardonnay that delivers the house’s signature vivacity, richness, and precision. Consistently earning scores of 90–92 points across the world’s most respected publications, this is a Champagne of genuine pedigree at an exceptional price.

The nose is complex and inviting: black cherry, white peach purée, croissant, sourdough, dried lemon, apricot, and salted almond, with bright florals and a racy finesse. On the palate, it is creamy and mouthwatering — soft Brut character balanced by a crisp bite of acidity, a finely detailed mousse, and a spiced, rounded finish of honey, red fruit, and toasted brioche.

Wine Spectator 92 — “A vivacious Champagne. Flavors of black cherry, toast point, white peach purée and salted almond on a finely detailed mousse. Creamy and mouthwatering on the spiced finish.”
Decanter 92 — “Racy nose of real finesse. A well-hewn palate with bright florals, red fruit and delicate flavours of honey.”
Wine Enthusiast 90 • Wine & Spirits 90 • James Suckling 90

• Producer: Piper-Heidsieck, Reims, Champagne, France
• Founded: 1785
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Blend: 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier, 20% Chardonnay
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, white peach, croissant, sourdough, dried lemon, apricot, salted almond, honey, red fruit, creamy mousse
• Best Paired With: Oysters, sole, lobster, smoked salmon, soft cheeses, charcuterie

Founded in 1785, favored by royalty, and scoring 92 points — Piper-Heidsieck’s Cuvée Brut is Champagne history you can drink tonight.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

Vinous 95 Points | The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is rich, racy and super-expressive. Silky and deep, with notable resonance, the 2021 offers up dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol, new leather and licorice. Today, it is a very young wine in need of cellaring, but its potential is evident. Dollops of Petit Verdot and Malbec round out the blend. This should be positively stellar.

Winemaker Description 

The nose of the 2021 PlumpJack Estate Cabernet Sauvignon leads with juicy fruits – black cherry, boysenberry, blackberry jam, and muddled mixed berries. The fruit is layered with fresh mint, sage, and iron filings. These aromas are complemented by warming spices, vanilla, and cocoa nib. The palate has a beautiful, velvety texture with plush tannin and an enduring finish with impressions of espresso and dark chocolate.

Podere Grattamacco's Bolgheri Superiore is one of the coast's most compelling expressions — a Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend with Merlot and Sangiovese, grown on the mineral-rich soils of the Bolgheri DOC. Deeply aromatic and structured, it opens with ripe red fruits, balsamic and Mediterranean herb notes, and a distinctive mineral thread that carries through to a long, persistent finish. Built for the cellar, yet captivating now.

Pairs beautifully with game, wild boar, roasted and braised red meats, and medium-aged cheeses.

Producer Notes

The Oddero estate is one of Piedmont’s most storied Barolo producers, with impressive vineyard holdings throughout the entirety of the denomination. The classic Barolo bottling incorporates younger vines from sites in La Morra as well as Bricco Fiasco in Castiglione Falletto, and draws from Bricco Chiesa, Capalot, and Galina. The 2021 vintage is a standout — aromatic, pliant, and wonderfully inviting, with crushed flowers, red and blue-toned fruit, spice, and perfumed notes. Fine, polished tannins and a long, savoury finish. Gorgeously approachable now but will keep evolving.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2021

• Decanter 93 pts | Evocatively scented with wild red berries, vanillin, and spice. Fine tannins increase steadily across the palate alongside richness of raspberry fruit. Hints of tea and citrus lead to a savoury, mouth-cleansing finish. Gorgeously approachable now but will keep evolving. — Michaela Morris
• Vinous 92 pts | Fabulous. Aromatic, pliant, and wonderfully inviting. Crushed flowers, red/blue-toned fruit, spice, and perfumed notes build nicely in the glass. Polished, silky tannins wrap it all together in style. — Antonio Galloni

Food Pairings

• Braised beef short ribs or osso buco
• Truffle pasta or mushroom risotto
• Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Castelmagno
• Roasted lamb or wild boar

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

James Suckling 94 Points | This exhibits violets and tar, as well as underbrush and a distant bitter-chocolate note. The palate is angular and incisive, well-constructed with a harmonious interplay between the focused acidity, fine grained tannins and delineated, fleshy fruit. Precise. Best ever from here. Better in 2028.

The Wine Spectator by Bruce Sanderson 94 Points | A sleek, elegant red, silky in texture and linear in profile. Rose, macerated cherry, strawberry, mineral and spice flavors abound, while a line of energetic tannins shows up on the long finish. This wine's purity and structure show the potential of the vintage.

Jeb Dunnuck by Audrey Frick 93 Points |  One of the overachievers of the vintage for a regional Barolo and a strong contender for top of the year lists, the 2021 Barolo Ludo pours a reflective brick red color and is attractive on the nose with notes of cinnamon sticks, fresh cherries, mossy earth, and anise. The palate offers a good balance of richness in the structure of its medium-bodied frame, with ripe tannins, lovely clarity of fruit, and refreshing ripe acidity. A gorgeous entry-level Barolo, it’s stunning now and has the potential to age with ease over the next 12-15 years.

Memo Summary Notes

The Poderi Luigi Einaudi Barolo "Ludo" 2021 is a significant release, as 2021 is being hailed as an exceptional, "best-ever" vintage for this specific bottling. Unlike Einaudi’s single-vineyard crus (like Cannubi or Bussia), Ludo is a blend of Nebbiolo from younger vines across those famous sites, designed to be more approachable in its youth.

Why "Ludo"? The name comes from the Latin ludus, meaning "playful."

Pair with Wild mushroom risotto or tajarin pasta with truffles.

Meats: Braised beef short ribs or herb-crusted lamb chops.

Cheese: Aged Grana Padano or Castelmagno.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Michael Alberty of the Wine Enthusiast writes 93 Points | Every year I marvel at how such a marvelous Riesling can be $20. The Poet's Leap opens with an aromatic ode to lychee fruit, honeysuckle, almond butter and a wisp of petrol. Lemony acidity curls itself around flavors like green honeydew melon, rose water and the sweetness of a slice of peach pie. The 2023 is as good as any in recent memory. Mercy.

Vinous 90 Points | The 2023 Riesling Poet's Leap is delicate and understated, with notes of shaved lemon zest, green melon, mint and hints of petrol. It mixes ripe orchard fruits and salty mineral tones with a core of brilliant acidity. This finishes with medium length and remarkable lift, leaving a suggestion of citrus sorbet on the finish.

Winery Notes

The 2023 Poet's Leap Riesling is a beautiful, vibrant wine showcasing aromas of white blossoms and ripe orchard fruits, complemented by subtle flinty notes. Exuding freshness and brightness on the palate, the wine unveils layers of flavor, notably white peach, green apple and a distinct minerality. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a balanced impression of lively acidity and a subtle touch of sweetness.

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

James Suckling 91 Points | This has plum, orange peel and tobacco on the nose, alongside some sun-dried tomato. It’s savory, juicy and fresh on the palate with medium body and sleek tannins. Delicious now.

Pol Roger Brut Réserve — Épernay, Champagne, France NV

Pol Roger is one of Champagne's most storied and beloved houses, founded in Épernay in 1849 and still family-owned today. It is perhaps best known as the preferred Champagne of Sir Winston Churchill — who reportedly consumed 42,000 bottles in his lifetime and kept a standing order at the house until his death. The Brut Réserve is their flagship non-vintage expression: a blend of equal parts Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier drawn from a minimum of three base vintages, aged six months post-disgorgement with a dosage of 8g/L. It is a Champagne of remarkable consistency, elegance, and depth — and one of the great benchmarks of the non-vintage category.

The wine pours a pale gold with a fine, persistent mousse. The nose is richly biscuity and complex — steamed rice, fresh pear, Amalfi lemon, citrus blossom, mandarin oil, honeycomb, elderflower, and fresh bread. On the palate, it's creamy and beautifully balanced: medium-to-full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, with a rich core of red apple, stone fruit, ripe red berries, and grapefruit, lively acidity, and a pillowy mousse that dissolves into a dry, harmonious, honeyed finish. Ready to enjoy now or over the next decade.

"Richly biscuity on the nose with steamed rice, fresh pear, and citrus blossom complexity. Creamy mousse dissolves into red apple peel, lemon, and stone fruits, with a depth of honeyed biscuits." — Decanter, 93 Points

• Producer: Pol Roger, Épernay, Champagne, France
• Style: Non-vintage Brut Champagne
• Blend: Equal parts Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Meunier
• Base Vintages: Minimum 3
• Dosage: 8g/L (Brut)
• Aging: 6 months post-disgorgement
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: Decanter 93 | James Suckling 92 | Wine Advocate 92 | Wine Enthusiast 91 | Jeb Dunnuck 91
• Tasting Notes: Biscuit, pear, lemon, citrus blossom, honeycomb, elderflower, red apple, stone fruit, pillowy mousse
• Best Paired With: Oysters, caviar, smoked salmon, sushi, grilled fish, soft cheeses, light appetizers, or as an aperitif

Churchill's Champagne — five critic scores of 91–93 points, equal-parts blend, and nearly 175 years of Épernay tradition in every glass.

Winemaker Description

Since its 175th anniversary, Pol Roger has decided to offer a very limited range of older vintages from its iconic cuvées. After the original disgorgement, these bottles were then returned to the famously deep and cool Pol Roger cellars for additional extended maturation where they have rested undisturbed until their release.

Blanc de Blancs 2002 is a champagne made exclusively from Chardonnay selected from the finest Crus of the Côte des Blancs: Oiry, Chouilly, Cramant, Avize and Oger. Produced in limited quantities, this cuvée has matured for 10 years prior to disgorgement.

This is a thoroughbred, elegant sparkler. With its delicate acidity, apple and grapefruit flavors, and tense, steely texture, it is an extremely well-balanced wine. Although it is ready to drink now, it could certainly age in bottle for many years.

Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | This is a thoroughbred, elegant sparkler. With its delicate acidity, apple and grapefruit flavors, and tense, steely texture, it is an extremely well-balanced wine. Although it is ready to drink now, it could certainly age in bottle for many years.

Wine Spectator 93 Points | Firm, with a toasty base mixing with flavors of quince paste, pastry, dried apricot, raw almond and a hint of lemon curd. There's a clean-cut note of minerally salinity throughout, accompanied by a fine bead and a lingering finish. Drink now through 2022. 100 cases imported.

Bottle Size: 750ml | Region: Champagne, France

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Vinous 90 Points |  This is juicy in style and remarkably pure, with a subtle tinge of minerality and vividly ripe cherry-berry fruit notes that flow across a stream of fresh acidity. It tapers off crisp and only gently tannic yet poised with medium length. This is fantastic for the difficult 2023 vintage and not your typical Poliziano Rosso, with just 50% of production and 100% Sangiovese.

Pommery Brut Royal — Champagne NV

Pommery holds a singular place in Champagne history: in 1874, the house introduced the world’s first successful Brut Champagne — a revolutionary departure from the sweet styles that dominated the era. The Brut Royal is the direct heir to that legacy, a perfectly balanced assemblage of equal thirds Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier that has defined the house style for 150 years. Based on the 2018 vintage with reserve wines blended for consistency and complexity, this is a Champagne of vivacity, elegance, and effortless drinkability — earning 92 points from both James Suckling and Decanter.

The color is pale yellow with light green accents. The nose is vivacious and fresh: citrus, white flowers, small berries, verbena, plum, and summer flowers, with lovely shortbread depth. On the palate, it is elegant and vibrant — round and ample, with peach, lemon, grapefruit, biscuit, and honey, sleek bubbles, and a harmonious, minerally finish that never tires. A lithesome, compulsively drinkable Champagne.

James Suckling 92 — “Peach, lemon, grapefruit, biscuit and some honey on the nose. Creamy and round with a juicy, peachy palate. Sleek bubbles.”

Decanter 92 — “Seductive nose of verbena, plum and summer flowers. Lovely shortbread depth and buttery richness on the palate with impressive finish.”

Wall Street Journal (Lettie Teague) — “A lithesome, compulsively drinkable dry sparkler with notes of citrus and pear and a long minerally finish. A terrific aperitif.”

• Producer: Pommery, Reims, Champagne, France
• Founded: 1836 (first Brut Champagne: 1874)
• Vintage: Non-Vintage (base vintage 2018)
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Blend: ⅓ Chardonnay, ⅓ Pinot Noir, ⅓ Pinot Meunier
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, white flowers, peach, lemon, grapefruit, biscuit, honey, verbena, plum, sleek bubbles, minerally finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, smoked salmon, sushi, soft cheeses, light appetizers; exceptional as an apéritif

The house that invented Brut Champagne in 1874 — Pommery’s Royal is 150 years of perfection in every glass.

Winemaker Description

Created as a tribute to Louise Pommery, Cuvée Louise is an absolutely pure wine which quintessentially conveys the wine-making expertise of the Pommery champagne house. 

The wine has a yellow, slightly golden color with an exceptional brightness and limpidity. The effervescence is fine and delicate.

This 2005 is marked by floral notes in all their complexity. Owing to the long aging, notes of linden, hawthorn and vineyard peach. With its high purity, the bouquet is delicately blended with buttery notes. After aeration, the Pinot Noir expresses itself and the wine gains aromas of roasted hazelnuts and mild tobacco.

This wine is like a caress, its texture is velvety and creamy. The attack is frank, without asperity and imbalance. With incredible harmony and minerality, the heart of the tasting is intensive and structured. The finale, with the gentleness of honey and lemon, comes to punctuate this wine and provides the vintage with signature delicate flavor, noble bitterness and structure.

Expert Reviews

97 Points James Suckling | Grilled bread with flowers, pears and apples. Lots of perfumes. Lavender and some herbs and nutmeg. The palate is tight and solid with fine phenolics and a long, intense finish. Pure and extremely linear and lively. Sophisticated and thought-provoking.

92 Points Wine Spectator | A fresh and lacy Champagne, with a pleasing, creamy range of golden apple, blanched almond and lemon pound cake underscored by a streak of minerally saline and brine.

92 Points Wine & Spirits | A ghost of chardonnays past, this tastes like white grapefruit without the acidity, as if a grapefruit could age past its acidity and still remain fresh. From three estate parcels— chardonnay from Avize and Cramant, pinot noir from Aÿ—this is an elegant Champagne at a peak moment of maturity, flinty and airy with a deep leesy savor.

Pommery Champagne Rosé Brut Royal 750ml

Explore the elegance of Pommery Champagne Rosé Brut Royal, a renowned name in the world of luxurious sparkling wines, celebrated for its innovative approach and commitment to quality. Earning 92 points from James Suckling and 90 points from Decanter, this champagne exemplifies Pommery's legacy, offering a delightful balance of elegance and flavor. A festive salmon pink with a subtle tinge of rust, fruity and fleshy, elegantly robust with a perfect balance of freshness. To create Brut Rosé Royal, Pommery selects some thirty crus with Chardonnay grapes predominant, making up over one-third of the blend, then aged in the Pommery cellars for an average of three years.

James Suckling - 92 Points

A strikingly pale rosé Champagne with a color reminiscent of the coolest still Provence rosé wines. Overflowing with strawberry and raspberry aromas, very juicy and bright on the medium-bodied palate, the finish as charming as it is clean, thanks to the lively mousse. A very similar blend to the white Brut Royal, but with a dash of red wine added for color and extra body. Drink now.

Decanter - 90 Points

There is some honest and measured precision to this wine, with fresh and mineral peach, pear and nectarine tones. It has potential through its robust framework; it is showing well now but will get even better.

Wine Spectator

A bright, balanced rosé Champagne, with flavors of baked raspberry, poached apricot, toasted brioche and lemon curd riding a creamy mousse. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Drink now.

Winemaker's Description

A festive salmon pink, with a subtle tinge of rust. Fruity and fleshy, elegantly robust with a perfect balance of freshness. Although delightful by day, soft lighting is the most flattering to it colors, making it the champagne of romantic evenings, par excellence.

Pommery - Renowned Champagne House

Pommery Champagne is a renowned name in the world of luxurious sparkling wines, celebrated for its innovative approach and commitment to quality. The house represents tradition and excellence.

Brut Rosé Royal - Flagship Rosé

The Pommery Champagne Rosé Brut Royal exemplifies this legacy. This flagship rosé showcases Pommery's expertise in crafting exceptional sparkling wines.

Selects Some Thirty Crus

To create Brut Rosé Royal, Pommery selects some thirty crus. This multi-cru approach ensures complexity and depth.

Chardonnay Predominant - Over One-Third

In this delicate composition, Chardonnay grapes are predominant, making up over one-third of the blend. Chardonnay provides elegance and finesse.

Blend: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Pinot Meunier

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier create a harmonious blend. This classic Champagne trio delivers balance and complexity.

Red Wine Added for Color & Body

A handful of Pinot Noir grapes are made into red wine before being blended with the Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier varieties. A dash of red wine added for color and extra body.

Aged Three Years in Pommery Cellars

The Brut Rose Royal is then aged in the Pommery cellars for an average of three years. Extended aging develops complexity and refinement.

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Festive salmon pink with a subtle tinge of rust. Strikingly pale rosé. Distinct pink hue
Aroma: Overflowing with strawberry and raspberry aromas. Delicate aromas. Gracious notes of red berries, cherries, and hints of citrus. Fresh and mineral peach, pear and nectarine tones
Palate: Fruity and fleshy. Elegantly robust. Very juicy and bright on the medium-bodied palate. Flavors of baked raspberry, poached apricot, toasted brioche and lemon curd. Creamy mousse. Fine bubbles. Perfect balance of freshness
Finish: The finish as charming as it is clean, thanks to the lively mousse. Long and sophisticated

Festive Salmon Pink with Subtle Tinge of Rust

A festive salmon pink, with a subtle tinge of rust. The color is visually stunning and inviting.

Strikingly Pale Rosé

A strikingly pale rosé Champagne with a color reminiscent of the coolest still Provence rosé wines. The delicate hue is elegant and refined.

Distinct Pink Hue

With its distinct pink hue, this champagne not only appeals visually but also promises a vibrant taste experience.

Overflowing with Strawberry & Raspberry

Overflowing with strawberry and raspberry aromas. The red berry character is fresh and inviting.

Gracious Notes of Red Berries, Cherries & Citrus

With gracious notes of red berries, cherries, and hints of citrus. Each sip reveals layers of richness.

Fresh & Mineral Peach, Pear & Nectarine

With fresh and mineral peach, pear and nectarine tones. The stone fruit character adds complexity.

Fruity & Fleshy

Fruity and fleshy, showcasing ripe fruit character. The wine has substance and appeal.

Elegantly Robust

Elegantly robust with a perfect balance of freshness. The wine is both powerful and refined.

Very Juicy & Bright

Very juicy and bright on the medium-bodied palate. The fruit expression is vibrant and pure.

Baked Raspberry, Poached Apricot & Toasted Brioche

With flavors of baked raspberry, poached apricot, toasted brioche and lemon curd. The complexity is remarkable.

Creamy Mousse & Fine Bubbles

Riding a creamy mousse. The fine bubbles playfully dance on your palate. The bubble quality is exceptional.

Lively Mousse

Thanks to the lively mousse, the finish is charming and clean. The effervescence is perfectly integrated.

Perfect Balance of Freshness

With a perfect balance of freshness, accentuating the champagne's crispness. The wine is refreshing and invigorating.

Long & Sophisticated Finish

The finish is long and sophisticated. The wine lingers pleasantly on the palate.

Charming & Clean Finish

The finish as charming as it is clean. The conclusion is elegant and satisfying.

Honest & Measured Precision

There is some honest and measured precision to this wine. The craftsmanship is evident in every detail.

Robust Framework with Potential

It has potential through its robust framework; it is showing well now but will get even better. The wine has aging potential.

Bright & Balanced

A bright, balanced rosé Champagne offering harmony and elegance. Every element is in perfect proportion.

Champagne of Romantic Evenings

Although delightful by day, soft lighting is the most flattering to it colors, making it the champagne of romantic evenings, par excellence. Perfect for intimate moments.

Versatile Food Pairing

Perfect with:

• Aperitif
• Gourmet meals
• Seafood
• Poultry
• Soft cheeses
• Desserts
• Sushi

Versatile Culinary Pairings

Making it a versatile choice for various culinary pairings. Whether enjoyed as an aperitif or alongside a gourmet meal, Pommery Champagne caters to diverse tastes.

Refreshing Delight in Every Glass

While ensuring a refreshing delight in every glass. Each sip is a celebration.

Perfect for Celebrations & Special Occasions

This exquisite Pommery Champagne is perfect for a variety of occasions, elevating any gathering with its sparkling presence. Whether you're hosting a celebration, a romantic dinner, or a festive holiday party.

Ideal for Weddings, Graduations & Promotions

It is particularly loved for milestones such as weddings, graduations, or promotions, offering a fitting way to toast achievements.

Adds Luxurious Touch

The Pommery Champagne Rosé Brut Royal adds a luxurious touch to any occasion. The wine embodies elegance and sophistication.

Excellent for Casual Gatherings

Additionally, its vibrant character makes it an excellent choice for casual gatherings, ensuring everyone enjoys a special moment together.

Celebrating the Joys of Life

Celebrating the joys of life with a glass of this fine champagne. Every moment becomes memorable.

Experience of Indulgence

Sipping on this exquisite bubbly is not just a drink; it's an experience of indulgence that brings people together.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

James Suckling 92 Points | Restrained and ambitiously structured, showing some roasted coffee beans, pine cones and sweet spices to the rich blackberries and cherries. Juicy and chewy on the palate with fine-grained tannins and a tight, lengthy finish. Drink from 2025.

Decanter 91 Points | Plummy fruit on the nose, with smoky bacon fat nuances and jammy fruit notes. Powerful and textural, long and pleasant.

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

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | The 2021 Prazo de Roriz is a lighter red with contained ripeness and 13.5% alcohol, designed to be drunk young, that has aromas of berries and herbs with a touch of beeswax and honey. The palate is medium-bodied, with fine tannins and clean flavors, sleek and polished with good freshness and fruity flavors in the finish.

Pride Mountain Vineyards sits astride the Napa-Sonoma county line at 2,100 feet elevation on Spring Mountain, farming some of the most coveted mountain fruit in California. Their Merlot is consistently one of the finest expressions of the variety in the state — rich, structured, and built to age, with the tension and complexity that only high-altitude mountain viticulture can deliver.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

James Suckling — 94 Points | Lush aromas of Damson plums, blackcurrants, and dried herbs. The palate is full-bodied with finely integrated tannins and bright acidity, giving notes of mocha, blueberry bush, graphite, and licorice. Well balanced and textural. Drink or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck — 91 Points | Spicy, herbal, black cherry, and leather-like notes all emerge from the 2022 Merlot — medium-bodied, juicy, plump, incredibly satisfying, and delicious, with ripe tannins and integrated acidity.

Vinous — 91 Points | Packed with blackberry jam, chocolate, licorice, espresso, menthol, and tobacco. Full-bodied and potent — a huge punch from a powerful 2022 vintage.

Wine Advocate — 90 Points | Includes 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. Red and black cherries lead the nose, joined by hints of coffee and chocolate. Full-bodied, plush, and velvety with decent acidity and ample length on the finish.

Winemaker Description

Generous would be an understatement in describing the fruit of the 2022 Pride Mountain Merlot. Blackberries dominate the first impression before unfurling into aromas of black cherry and ripe plum, carefully accented by hints of bay and chocolate with a touch of sage. The juicy, ripe fruit makes for a mouth-watering first sip, kept in check by considerable tension from balanced acidity and supple tannin structure. Long, luxurious finish. Stunning now and will continue to impress for years to come.

• Producer: Pride Mountain Vineyards
• Appellation: Napa Valley / Sonoma County, Spring Mountain, California
• Blend: 85% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot
• Elevation: 2,100 feet, Spring Mountain
• Vintage: 2022
• Style: Rich, structured, mountain Merlot
• Format: 750ml

Expert Review - Vintage 2016

92 Points Wine Enthusiast | Hints of crushed mineral and fresh herb persist from nose to finish in this intriguingly earthy yet elegant dry wine. The palate is vibrantly citrusy, offering shards of lemon and lime accented by dried-orange peel and spice. Medium bodied but silky in texture, it's freshened by pert lime acidity.

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2022

94 pts — James Suckling
Bright and overtly fruity, this is full of intoxicating violets, cinnamon, blood oranges and black cherries, expressing mint and balsamic depth. Full-bodied with a soft, smooth attack, dusty yet velvety tannins and brilliant acidity. The chocolaty finish shows licorice and a mouth-coating texture. Delicious and balanced. Drink or hold.

93 pts — Vinous
The 2022 Barbaresco is a pretty rich, heady wine. Dark cherry/plum fruit, cloves, licorice and mocha build as the 2022 shows off its considerable depth. One of the few 2022s that is quite resonant texturally. The inclusion of some juice from Riserva lots is a great help. All things considered, this is a stellar showing.

92 pts — Jeb Dunnuck
Jeweled red color with aromas of ripe raspberry liqueur, fresh cherries, sweet herbs, and pressed flowers. Medium-bodied with ripe tannins and a clean, even finish. Juicy and approachable. Drink 2025–2040.

Winemaker Notes

Classic Barbaresco color with scents of spices, pepper, and black cherries. Powerful, firm, elegant, and ethereal.

About Produttori del Barbaresco

Founded in 1958, Produttori del Barbaresco is one of Italy's most revered wine cooperatives — and the benchmark producer for Barbaresco DOCG. The cooperative unites growers from the finest crus in the Barbaresco commune: Asili, Rabajà, Montefico, Montestefano, Ovello, Pora, and Rio Sordo. Under winemaker Aldo Vacca, Produttori remains committed to traditional Nebbiolo winemaking — long macerations, large Slavonian oak casks, and minimal intervention — producing wines of extraordinary purity, terroir expression, and age-worthiness at prices that consistently over-deliver.

Food Pairings

Fresh pasta with truffles or ragù, braised lamb, roasted game birds, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Barolo-braised short ribs. Cellar through 2040 or decant 2–3 hours before serving now.

Product Details

• Producer: Produttori del Barbaresco
• Appellation: Barbaresco DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: 100% Nebbiolo
• Vintage: 2022
• Aging: Large Slavonian oak casks
• Style: Full-bodied, structured, age-worthy
• Drink: Now–2040 (decant 2–3 hours)
• Format: 750ml