90 + Points | Critical Acclaim

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill. The Wine Spectator 90 Points | A creamy, medium-bodied red, with a light sanguine edge enriching notes of crushed black raspberry and mulberry fruit. Shows dried sage and sandalwood accents, with crisp tannins firming the fresh finish. Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca. Drink now. 10,000 cases made, 800 cases imported.

Expert Review

The Wine Advocate 91 Points | My favorite of the three tawnys reviewed in this segment is the 20 Year Old Tawny. It offers an amber color, a spicy, tobacco, cedary, smoky, complex nose, dense, rich flavors that belie the color's aged, feeble look, and an expansive personality. It is a classic example of how delicious and complex a 20 year old tawny port can be. Tawny ports are aged in wood from essentially a solera system for the number of years indicated on the bottle. In most cases I prefer the younger ten or twenty year Tawnys to the ancient forty to fifty year old wines, but it is really a matter of taste. I tend to like more fruit rather than the oxidized and aged characteristics of the very old tawnys. 

Winemaker Description 

Expert Reviews 

James Suckling 98 Points | Made from old vines and blended from casks of Port averaging 40 years of maturity, this is a rare treat with which to finish an evening. The color is tawny brown, with a light orange-amber rim and mahogany center. Fully developed aromas of cinnamon, cedar, nutmeg, vanilla, dried apricots and hazelnuts lead to layered, rich, sweet and creamy flavors and a long, long finish.

Decanter 97 Points | Terrific stature and visceral intensity. Tightly wound acidity, a touch of volatile acidity and Cognac-like spirit drive to the kaleidoscopic palate, unleashing a never-ending panoply of flavors: black cardamom, spicy fruit chutney, salty praline, mocha, dried mango, marmalade and walnut. Ultra-long, well-focused and resonating.

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points | The NV 40 Year Tawny is a blockbuster Tawny! Coming all from the estate vineyard and aged 40 years or more in 640-liter oak barrels, it has a touch of ranico-like character as well as beautiful caramelized fruits, toasted spice, cigar, and walnut/nuttiness. Ripe, heady, full-bodied and beautifully complex, it’s going to be perfect for sipping at the end of a meal over the coming couple of decades.

Wine Spectator 95 Points | This is exotic, with a wide range of baked peach, dried cherry and fig, singed cinnamon, warmed praline, hazelnut and green tea notes all swirling around together. The long finish is rich and  thoroughly comforting.

Producer Description 

Like the rest of Quinta do Noval, the Nacional parcel ripened early in 2020 and was harvested in one day on 17th September. Deepest inky crimson-black colour; sullen and dense on the nose but with underlying opulence; amazing depth and concentration, nothing raw about this despite its youth. Broad, ripe, gravelly tannins, focused with glorious spice and richness. Big and broad on the finish but with remarkable freshness and finesse for a hot year. A ‘wow’ of a wine with a lifetime or more in bottle ahead.

Expert Review

Wine Spectator 99 Points | A bird of a different feather, this shows remarkable purity for the vintage, along with a rippling tension that sets it completely apart. Delivers a mix of cassis, plum sauce and açaí berry compote on the fruit side, along with bramble, salted licorice, cast iron and bittersweet chocolate notes filling in throughout. Massively structured, too, and there's even a flash of violet at the very end—which takes a while to get to. A special wine. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Cão, Sousão and Tinta Roriz. Best from 2040 through 2070.

Decanter 99 Points | Like the rest of Quinta do Noval, the Nacional parcel ripened early in 2020 and was harvested in one day on 17th September. Deepest inky crimson-black colour; sullen and dense on the nose but with underlying opulence; amazing depth and concentration, nothing raw about this despite its youth. Broad, ripe, gravelly tannins, focused with glorious spice and richness. Big and broad on the finish but with remarkable freshness and finesse for a hot year. A ‘wow’ of a wine with a lifetime or more in bottle ahead.

Vinous 99 Points | The 2020 Nacional was picked from 1 to 22 September, a relatively short harvest. It has a magnificent, exquisitely defined bouquet with a purity that bowls you over, perhaps even more intense than the 2019 Nacional tasted alongside. The palate is extraordinarily pure and intense, slightly viscous in texture, with layers of cassis, black cherries, blood orange and a dab of spice. Seamless on the finish. This is a worthy follow-up to the stellar 2019 Nacional. The two will fight between themselves for supremacy. Tasted at the Quinta do Noval tasting at Spring restaurant in London.

Winemaker Description 

Black is a revolutionary new style of port. The bright aromatics, incredible freshness and perfect balance bring it outside the stodgy "vintage-character" category. Enjoy it any time: chilled, before dinner, after, for a seductive edge to cocktails, as an indulgence with chocolate. The custom-designed bottle is distinctive, modern yet timeless, reflecting the uniqueness of Noval Black. It is simply the most beautiful port bottle we've seenn

Expert Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points | I always love this cuvée, which offers tons of character for a great price. Classic Noval notes of spicy red and blue fruits, orange blossom, cigar, tobacco, and candied mint emerge from the NV Black, and It's round, supple, and full-bodied on the palate, with nicely balanced sugar, a layered yet elegant mouthfeel, and a great finish. 

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | 'Black' is a new blend produced from classic varieties that do not make it into the Quinta do Noval vintage. There are ripe blackberries, tar, smoke and orange liqueur on the nose that takes time to open. The palate is medium-bodied, very sleek on the entry, fleshy black fruits, sloe, spice and just a hint of white pepper, leading to a very focused finish.

Winemaker Description

Typical blackcurrant and lavender aromas with traces of fennel, whose fragrance is often carried by the breeze in the vineyards at Vesúvio. On the palate the wine delivers mouth-filling ripe black fruit flavors; opulent and velvety, although with substantial volume and weighty structure. Very polished tannins provide a satisfyingly long, silky finish.

Expert Reviews

Wine Spectator 96 Points | This is really vivid, with a beautiful range of cassis, cherry purée, boysenberry coulis and plum reduction notes unfurling across the palate while succulent licorice, warm fruitcake and enticing red and black tea.

Wine Enthusiast 94 Points | One of the Douro's grandest quintas has produced a powerful, structured wine that shows concentration and density. The aromas and dark fruits speak to the Touriga Nacional in the blend, giving a Port that is destined for long-term aging. Drink from 2030. Cellar Selection.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018 

James Suckling 99 Points writes | This is beautifully polished with firm, dusty tannins to the blue fruit, as well as chocolate and cedar character. Some much earthier character, too, from mushrooms to bark. Forest flowers. Perfumed. It’s full-bodied with round tannins and a soft, creamy finish. Some iron and iodine to this. So attractive at the finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Better after 2023. (2018).

Decanter Georgina Hindle 96 Points writes |   A less traditional style of wine in Napa Valley, this is lifted and charming with poise, powdery tannins and a chalky finish. Richly perfumed and wonderfully evocative on the nose, it’s seductive and inviting with black cherries, raspberries and blueberries alongside savoury notes of dried herbs. The flavours open and evolve on the palate bringing cocoa, tobacco and pencil lead into play underpinned by supple tannins. It’s powerful but on the leaner side, refined and elegant with a good sense of diretion and drive - everything feels well placed and well defined. Tasted twice and both times were highly enjoyable. A blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot, 2% Carmenére and 1% Petit Verdot. Wines are aged for 20 months in oak, 100% French, 62% new. Biodynamically grown and certified organic. Winemaker Rebekah Wineburg and estate director Rodrigo Soto. 

Robert Parker Joe Czerwinski 94+ Points writes | The dense, purple-hued 2018 Proprietary Red Wine seemed just a bit closed at this tasting, with pronounced cedary notes overshadowing the black cherry fruit. It's medium to full-bodied, with a lush mouthfeel, silky-textured tannins and cocoa powder-like nuances on the lingering finish. (2018).

Vinous Antonio Galloni 93 Points writes |  The 2018 Red Wine is a powerful, driving Napa Valley wine. Scorched earth, iron, chocolate, and leather give the red cherry/plum fruit distinctly savory accents. This is an especially tight wine in a vintage that yielded generally more supple, open-knit reds. Quintessa is one of the first Napa Valley estates I visited, many years ago. Since then, the property has undergone several stylistic phases. It will be interesting to see where things go over the next handful of years here. Drinking 2023 - 2038

Jancis Robinson 18.5 Points writes | Youthful purplish crimson. Vibrant nose with a suggestion of a creamy texture. Dense and savoury and beautifully balanced. Lovely and pure with a great future and tannins almost hidden by the fruit. Attractive savoury note. You could drink this now but it would be a pity. (2018).

Jancis Robinson Richard Hemming MW 17.5 Points writes Luxuriously rich and velvety, opulent but with enough herbal contrast to keep freshness on the nose. Lots of oak and dark chocolate on the palate. Such soft tannins! Really ready to drink. The oak is predominant on the finish. For Napa, this is reasonably restrained, and I'm sure it will develop well. (2018).

92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, 2% Carménѐre

Winemaker Notes

The 2018 Quintessa is a wine of perfect harmony, with deep flavors and elegant layers that are apparent even from a young age. Intense aromas of cassis, black cherry, and raspberry intermingle with savory notes of sage and thyme; the 2018 Quintessa continues to unfold as notes of dark chocolate, graphite and fresh tobacco mingle with the fresh fruit. Precise and dense, the wine shows supple tannin that play with flavors of black cherry, dark chocolate, and crushed rocks. The 2018 Quintessa has a perfect balance of fresh acidity followed by bright fruit and minerality at the finish that portends unparalleled aging potential.

Our Professional Review

David of 67Wine.com |  If you are looking for a natural style wine this is fabulous. You may say to yourself this is so different in the tradition of a wine from old world France in the bard yard style. Its power immediately comes at you. If you prefer modern style California Zinfandel, then this wine is not for you. If you are an explorer, with a skydiver personality, I highly recommend this wine.

Expert Rating

92 Points Wine & Spirits | Organically farmed fruit from the Russian River Valley, neutral oak aging and the talents of Eric Sussman and his team at RadioCoteau combine to make this a pretty great zin for the price. It’s bursting with fresh wildblueberry flavor, rustic and harmonious in its barnyard-scented tannins. This is ready to decant for grilled vegetables or meats. (2020). 

Winemaker Description

The 2020 County Line Zinfandel is characterized by powerful fruit and spice aromas balanced by refreshing acidity and herbal complexity. It speaks to both the robust essence of the grape and the nuances of its Sonoma Coast terroir. The wine is vibrant, with scents of nutmeg-spiced blackberry pie and sun-warmed strawberry, elevated by floral earl grey tea. These rich, fruity notes are followed by earthy briar and flint on the palate, with a lively, savory finish. Lingering flavors of cacao nib and rugged leather make for a sophisticated compliment to the voluptuous fruit in the nose. Immediately approachable, this Zinfandel also has depth and layers to entice thoughtful sipping. An ideal pizza pairing, savor a bottle alongside a hearty salsiccia, or a white pizza with roasted zucchini flowers. Winemaker Description. 

Ramey Cellars Chardonnay — Russian River Valley, Sonoma County 2023

David Ramey is one of California's most celebrated winemakers — a Burgundy-trained perfectionist who has spent decades proving that the Russian River Valley can produce Chardonnay of genuine world-class stature. The 2023 Russian River Valley Chardonnay is sourced from seven exceptional cool-climate vineyard sites — Lafranchi, Westside Farms, Sonoma Foothills, Martinelli Laughlin, Kilcullen, Dutton Sebastopol, and Frank Johnson — all planted on low-vigor Goldridge loam soils between 1978 and 2017. Whole-cluster pressed, native-yeast fermented, and aged 12 months on the lees in 10% new French oak, it is a Chardonnay of extraordinary intensity, purity, and precision. Decanter, The Wine Advocate, and Wine Spectator all awarded it 94–95 points. 

The nose is open and inviting: stone fruit, white peach, guava, macerated mango, and apricot, layered with exotic baking spices, toasted brioche, ginger, and honey. On the palate, the fruit is luxuriously ripe yet laser-focused — concentrated and layered, with fireworks of fresh acidity, crushed rock minerality, and a very long, perfumed finish. Drink now through 2039.

Decanter 95 • Wine Advocate 95 • Wine Spectator 94 — "One of the finest, most balanced, and well-structured Chardonnays from the Russian River Valley at this price point."

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

Decanter — 95 Points
Clean and sleek, a beautifully balanced medium-bodied Chardonnay with luxuriously ripe stone and orchard fruit. Exotic baking spices complement layers of guava, white peach, and macerated mango with apricot. What’s most impressive is the intensity and purity of the fruit — so precisely delineated, profoundly spicy, and laser-focused. At $50, this is one of the finest, most balanced, and well-structured Chardonnays from the Russian River Valley at this price point.

The Wine Advocate (Erin Brooks) — 95 Points
Open, inviting aromas of stone fruit and pineapple, panna cotta, ginger, toasted brioche and honey. The palate combines concentrated, layered flavors with fireworks of fresh acidity, and it has a very long, perfumed finish.

Wine Spectator — 94 Points
Leaps out of the glass with intensity, offering vibrant fruit flavors of crisp Meyer lemon, apple and pear. Aromatic details of tangerine, lime sherbet and lemon blossoms add complexity alongside fresh herbal accents of lemon balm and sweetgrass. Crushed rock minerality lingers on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2039.

• Producer: Ramey Cellars, Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Russian River Valley AVA, Sonoma County
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Vineyards: Lafranchi (26%), Westside Farms (18%), Sonoma Foothills (16%), Martinelli Laughlin (15%), Kilcullen (12%), Dutton Sebastopol (9%), Frank Johnson (4%)
• Soils: Goldridge loam, cool-climate, low-vigor sites planted 1978–2017
• Vinification: Whole-cluster press, native-yeast fermentation, full native malolactic, sur lies bâtonnage
• Aging: 12 months in 10% new French oak (Taransaud Beaune, François Frères); fined, bottled unfiltered December 2024
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White peach, guava, mango, apricot, baking spice, brioche, ginger, crushed rock minerality
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2039
• Best Paired With: Lobster, roast halibut, butter-poached scallops, roast chicken, truffle risotto, aged Comté

Three scores of 94–95 points from the world’s top critics — Ramey’s Russian River Valley Chardonnay is the benchmark for what California can do at this price.

Ramey Woolsey Road Vineyard Chardonnay — Russian River Valley, California 2023

Ramey Wine Cellars is one of California's most celebrated addresses for Chardonnay — founded in 1996 by David and Carla Ramey, and now co-led by the second generation, Claire and Alan. David Ramey, hailed as "Professor Chardonnay" by Wine Spectator, pioneered whole-cluster pressing, sur lies aging, malolactic fermentation, and native yeast fermentations in California. Woolsey Road is Ramey's most personal vineyard: planted by the Martinelli family at Ramey's invitation, using Old Wente cuttings sourced directly from Hyde Vineyard, and farmed by the third and fourth generations of the Martinelli family. The result is a laser-focused Chardonnay of extraordinary precision. James Suckling awarded the 2023 vintage 96 points; Wine Advocate 95.

One of the most compelling single-vineyard Chardonnays in Sonoma.

The nose is pretty and perfumed: peach, lime custard, lemongrass, green apple, golden apple, Bosc pear, pie crust, and roasted almond. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, concentrated, and sapid — rich but lively, with baking spices and youthfully flinty flavors framed by racy, citrus-driven acidity that adds real tension. The texture is seamless and long, building toward a very extended, precise finish. Drink now or hold.

James Suckling 96 — "Very pretty, fruity... then more concentrated, structured and tense on the palate. Rich but lively texture. Drink now or hold."

Wine Advocate 95 — "Exotic and perfumed... concentrated and sapid with youthfully flinty flavors. Racy acidity adds tension, and it has a very long finish."

• Producer: Ramey Wine Cellars, Healdsburg, California
• Vineyard: Woolsey Road Vineyard (Martinelli Family), Russian River Valley
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Russian River Valley AVA, Sonoma County
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay (Old Wente clone)
• Vinification: Whole-cluster pressing, native yeast fermentation, sur lies barrel aging, malolactic fermentation, unfiltered
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Peach, lime custard, lemongrass, green apple, Bosc pear, roasted almond, flinty mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or hold
• Best Paired With: Roast halibut, lobster bisque, truffle pasta, roast chicken, aged Comté, scallops

A 96-point single-vineyard Chardonnay from California's most principled Chardonnay house — Ramey Woolsey Road is the benchmark for what Russian River Valley can achieve.

Ramey Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay — Carneros, California 2023

Ramey Wine Cellars is one of California's most celebrated addresses for Chardonnay — founded in 1996 by David and Carla Ramey, and now co-led by the second generation, Claire and Alan. David Ramey, hailed as "Professor Chardonnay" by Wine Spectator, pioneered whole-cluster pressing, sur lies aging, malolactic fermentation, and native yeast fermentations in California — techniques now standard across the state. The Hyde Vineyard in Carneros is one of his most storied sources: a benchmark site that produces Chardonnay of extraordinary elegance, tension, and longevity. James Suckling awarded the 2023 vintage 99 points; Wine Advocate 95; Vinous 95; Wine Spectator 94. At $89.99, it is one of the most compelling single-vineyard Chardonnays in California.

The nose is refined and expressive: quince, white peach, lemon curd, orchard fruit, lemon confit, marzipan, elderflower, white flowers, mint, and a whisper of matchstick and crème brûlée. On the palate, the texture is silky and layered — concentrated and nuanced, with vibrant acidity that adds compelling tension and a sense of total finesse. Citrus, green apple, mango, guava, lemongrass, and lime leaf unfurl slowly toward a very long, elegant, mineral finish. Generous and full-flavored, yet restrained and precise. Drink now or best from 2030.

James Suckling 99 — "So well layered, delicious and vibrant... great balance, minerality and a slight sense of restraint in the vivid acidity. Fresh and compelling."

Wine Advocate 95 — "Elegant and expressive... bursting with concentrated, nuanced flavors delivered in a silky texture. Vibrant acidity adds compelling tension."

Vinous 95 — "Classy, elegant and polished. Soft contours and lifted aromatics convey total finesse... an especially refined rendition of Hyde."

Wine Spectator 94 — "Supple and incredibly juicy... details of green apple, celery salt, lemongrass and lime leaf linger on the fresh, persistent finish."

• Producer: Ramey Wine Cellars, Healdsburg, California
• Vineyard: Hyde Vineyard, Carneros
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Carneros AVA
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Vinification: Whole-cluster pressing, native yeast fermentation, sur lies barrel aging, malolactic fermentation, unfiltered
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Quince, white peach, lemon curd, marzipan, elderflower, lemongrass, lime leaf, mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or best from 2030
• Best Paired With: Roast lobster, halibut, truffle risotto, roast chicken, aged Gruyère, scallops with beurre blanc

A 99-point Chardonnay from California's most principled Chardonnay house — Ramey Hyde Vineyard is the benchmark for what Carneros can achieve.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 91 Points | Spiced plums, dark cherries and a touch of hazelnuts and chocolate. Juicy and fine-grained with medium to full body and a plump, fruity finish showing a hint of vanilla and plenty of strawberries at the end. Vegan. Drink now but can hold for a few years.

Decanter 89 Points | The oak here is well integrated, supporting the wine and bringing balsamic, minty notes. It is classic in style with red fruits on the finish and fresh acidity.

Memo Summary Notes

The Ramon Bilbao Rioja Crianza 2022 is a quintessential expression of modern Rioja. It is widely regarded as a "reliable classic"—a wine that balances the traditional influence of American oak with a vibrant, fruit-forward profile.

Awards & Acclaim

• Gold Medal — Vinari Awards Barcelona Rosé International Bubbles Awards 2025
• 90 Points — James Suckling
• Gold Medal — International Wine Awards 2024
• Gold Medal — Catavinum World Wine & Spirits Competition 2022
• 92 Points — Gourmets Guide 2021 (Best Cavas)

Winemaker Notes

The Canals Canals family crafted this rosé cava from 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Garnatxa (Garnacha), following the Traditional Method — secondary fermentation in bottle with 24+ months aging on lees in their cellars. Certified organic.

Deep red-rose color with fine, persistent bubbles. Fresh and floral on the nose with ripened red fruits and a slightly nutty character. Perfectly balanced and full-bodied on the palate with a long, clean finish.

Tasting & Pairings

Red fruits, floral notes, and a nutty edge. Full-bodied for a sparkling rosé with fine mousse and a clean, lingering finish. Serve cold (6–8°C / 43–46°F).

• Charcuterie or tapas — a natural aperitif pairing with Spanish flair.
• Pasta, rice dishes, or blue fish — the body and acidity handle richer fare.
• Seasoned white meat or red meat stews — this has the structure to stand up to heartier dishes.

Expert Review 

Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | This delicately perfumed wine opens to reveal power combined with elegance. The wine has great ripeness—a soft texture on the surface masking the severe tannins at the center.

Winemaker Description 

A fragrant aroma of well ripened fruit; supple and polished tannins give structure and length on the palate, with a rich sweet flavour and crisp mineral freshness. Herbal and dark fruit notes on the aftertaste. Winemaker Description.

Expert Reviews 

Wine Spectator 93 Points | This is alluring, with whiffs of warm date, green tea and walnut backed by juicy fig bread and salted caramel flavors. The racy, focused finish lets a singed juniper note glide through. Drink now.

Wine Enthusiast 94 points | The wonderful old-gold color of this tawny leads into a generous, rich wine that has retained fruits while also showing a woody character that is typical of wines this old. With spice, dried raisins and intense acidity, it is a beautiful wine that deserves to be drunk just by itself.

Wine Advocate 94 Points | The NV RP 30 Year Old Tawny Port comes in with 119 grams per liter of residual sugar and was bottled in 2015. This is the new release. This mingles complexity of flavor with a fresh and surprisingly elegant feel (relative to the category, of course). The finish is very long, complex and persistent, adding new flavors as it lingers. Beautifully constructed and balanced, this is a 30 that starts with a bit of understatement and keeps getting more impressive. It's fun to just smell, but you expect that with long-aged Tawnies. The lift to the fruit and the sunny demeanor aren't always as guaranteed. It has a surprisingly supple and fresh style that I rather appreciated, delivering those old Tawny flavors while also seeming remarkably elegant. Then, it finishes with that big acidity. It was notably better a few days later, no longer seeming quite so understated, particularly in regards to its concentrated flavors and intense aromatics. Note that this comes with a bar top cork. If you're wondering, this is their oldest NV Tawny; Ramos Pinto does not make a 40.

The Ramos-Pinto 30-Year old Tawny is amber colored with orange and garnet tones. The delicate green highlights of the meniscus are characteristic of old cask-aged wines, and illustrate the quality and advanced age of this fine port.

This complex, perfectly balanced port shows rich aromas of dried fruit and vanilla. Agitate the glass and spice aromas of cinnamon and cocoa are liberated. In the mouth, the attack is fresh, fine and delicate. Ripe, dried fruit softly merges with almond and hazelnut, culminating in vanilla flavors which linger gracefully on the palate. Winemaker Description.

 

Expert Reviews - 2022

The Wine Advocate 93 Points | The 2022 De La Finca comes exclusively from their own vineyards, 60% Xarel.lo, 30% Macabeu and 10% Parellada, and has the added complexity and nuance from a longer élevage, no less than 30 months in bottle with lees and closed with a cork after refermenting. It's bone dry, not adjusted, and sold as a brut nature. It has a bright, almost fluorescent yellow color and a very expressive nose with notes of yeasts and Mediterranean herbs, subtler, more complex and with smaller, more integrated bubbles and a vibrant, clean and precise palate, super tasty. It comes from the plots on slopes already classified by Pepe Raventós's grandfather. Here, they have lower yields, accentuated by the vintage, which is more marked in the wine, as it's always from the same plots. The whole clusters are pressed, looking for longer aging potential, and fermentation is in concrete, always thinking about a longer-lived wine. It's a generous wine from a generous year. 55,000 bottles and 1,000 magnums were produced.

James Suckling 92 Points | The nose shows subtle cream, minerals and touches of white almonds, dried herbs and chalk. Almost bone-dry on the palate, with an ample mousse and very good weight and volume. Medium- to full-bodied with a subtle, medium-long finish. Nicely phenolic at the end. From organically grown grapes. Xarel-lo, macabeu and parellada. Nothing earthy here. Drink now or hold.

Winemaker Description 

Situated on the highest terraces of the River Anoia, the Vinya dels Fòssils vineyard has marine soils with a high fossil content. This characterises the structure and the soil composition of this vineyard. The carbonates are the component that provides the main source of typicity to this sparkling wine with a high saline expression. It is a sparkling wine with a unique identity and personality.

Our Professional Review

Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67Wine Buyer, writes: Raventós i Blanc De Nit Rosé is a benchmark rosé sparkling wine. The Raventós family’s commitment to biodynamic agriculture serves as the core philosophy of their winemaking. Fine bubbles with a nose of raspberry, red currants, and wild strawberries. Crisp and enticing finish. Serve chilled as an aperitif.

A Spanish sparkling rosé made with biodynamically grown estate grapes in the style of Cava. This Macabeo-driven blend has a pale light pink hue — matched on the palate with an elegant bouquet of pink grapefruit, rose petals, red berry fruits, and lively acidity.

Expert Reviews

Wine & Spirits Magazine — 94 Points | Pepe Raventós adds depth and a touch of color with fruit from Monastrell vines planted in 1974. That addition lays a smoky note and red-fruit hints over a base of Xarel·lo, Macabeo, and Parellada. Narcissus scents, peach fuzz, and brisk clarity of flavor — its elegance is hard to resist.

Decanter — 91 Points | Simple nose but very pretty red crunchy fruit and mulberries on the palate. Pleasant acidity and excellent length. Very pretty.

• Producer: Raventós i Blanc
• Appellation: Conca del Riu Anoia, Catalonia, Spain
• Grapes: Macabeo, Xarel·lo, Parellada, Monastrell (1974 vines)
• Farming: Certified biodynamic & organic
• Style: Sparkling Rosé, Brut
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml

Ravines Dry Riesling — Finger Lakes, New York 2022

Ravines Wine Cellars is one of the Finger Lakes' most celebrated producers, and their Dry Riesling is the wine that put them on the national map. The 2022 is a blend of fruit from two estate sites — 71% from Limestone Springs Vineyard and 29% from Sixteen Falls Vineyard on the eastern side of Seneca Lake — a vintage shaped by a polar vortex winter that dramatically reduced yields and concentrated the fruit. The result earned a remarkable five 91+ point scores across the major critics and landed at #36 on Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2025.

The wine pours a vibrant golden hue. The nose is classically Finger Lakes: lemon sorbet, Asian pear, white peach, soft blossom, and a delicate current of flint and minerality. On the palate, it's dry and precise — surprisingly plump and rounded yet with a long, vibrant, linear finish. Finished at just 3 grams per liter of residual sugar, this is Riesling that earns its "dry" designation completely.

"Somehow curvy but linear at the same time — and a total bargain for the quality. Editor's Choice." — Wine Enthusiast, 92 Points

• Producer: Ravines Wine Cellars, Finger Lakes, New York
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Finger Lakes AVA
• Vineyards: Limestone Springs (71%) & Sixteen Falls (29%), Seneca Lake
• Varietal: Riesling
• Style: Dry (3 g/L RS)
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: #36 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2025 | JS 92 | WE 92 | Vinous 91 | WA 91 | WS 91
• Tasting Notes: Lemon sorbet, Asian pear, white peach, flint, minerality, vibrant finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled trout, Thai cuisine, aged goat cheese, roast pork

Five 91+ point scores and a Wine Spectator Top 100 ranking — Ravines Dry Riesling is the definitive argument for Finger Lakes as one of America's great white wine regions.

Expert Reviews 

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | Lastly, this estate fashioned a solid 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Mohrhardt Ridge Vineyard, which comes from the Fort Ross-Seaview appellation, and you don’t see many Bordeaux varieties from this region. This inky-hued beauty offers lots of cassis and blueberry fruit as well as sappy green herbs, tobacco, and subtle cedar-like aromas and flavors. It’s medium-bodied and has ripe, building tannins, good overall balance, and a solid finish. It will benefit from another year or three of bottle age and should drink nicely for a solid decade. (2018). 

James Suckling 93 Points | Aromas of plump red and black fruit. Full-bodied with structured tannins and rich, opulent dark fruit. Chocolate and spice on the palate. Smoke and ash at the finish. Very tasty. Drink now or hold. (2018). 

Vinous 94 Points | The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Mohrhardt Ridge Vineyard is another super-distinctive wine in this range. A Cabernet of tremendous character and nuance, the Mohrhardt speaks with distinction. Rich, red berry fruit, rose petal, mint, spice and cedar infuse the Cabernet with striking inner sweetness and perfume. The 2019 feels unctuous and luxurious in the glass, and yet it has plenty of mountain savoriness. The Cabernet has so much sheer personality.  -- Antonio Galloni  (2018). 

Remelluri Reserva — Rioja Alavesa, Spain 2018

Remelluri is one of Rioja's most historic and prestigious single-estate producers — a benchmark for classical, terroir-driven Rioja that has no equal at its price. The estate farms 86 hectares of vineyards in the Sierra Cantabria mountains of Rioja Alavesa at extraordinary altitude: 590 to 805 meters above sea level, on limestone, sandstone, and marl soils that impart the mineral precision and structural elegance that define the Remelluri style. The estate is certified organic and biodynamic, fermented exclusively with natural yeasts in stainless steel and open-top oak vats, and aged 22 to 24 months in oak containers of varying sizes. The 2018 Reserva earned 95 points from both Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and James Suckling — a dual 95 that places it among the finest Rioja Reservas of the decade.

The nose is serious and captivating: dark cherry, blackberry, dried plum, cedar, tobacco, and iron-laced mineral, with a subtle herbal lift from the high-altitude vineyards. On the palate, the wine is beautifully structured and balanced — very fine tannins, a poised mouthfeel, and enough power and concentration to show genuine elegance and nuance. Almost salty on the finish, with a long, classical persistence of dark fruit, spice, and stone. Decant one hour before serving. Will age with ease for 15 years or more.

Wine Advocate 95 (Luis Gutiérrez) — "A very good classical wine, serious and balanced, with very fine tannins, a balanced mouthfeel, and enough power and concentration to show elegance and nuance. Very tasty, almost salty." (Vintage 2018).

James Suckling 95 — "A beautifully structured Rioja Reserva with refined tannins, layered complexity, and a balanced elegance that will age gracefully." (Vintage 2018). 

• Producer: Remelluri, Rioja Alavesa, Spain
• Vintage: 2018
• Appellation: Rioja Reserva DOCa, Rioja Alavesa
• Vineyards: 86 ha, 590–805m altitude, Sierra Cantabria
• Soils: Limestone, sandstone, marl
• Varietal: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and others
• Farming: Certified organic & biodynamic
• Aging: 22–24 months in oak
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, blackberry, cedar, tobacco, mineral, fine tannins, almost salty finish
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, Iberian pork, braised short ribs, aged Manchego, classic Spanish preparations

Dual 95-point Rioja Reserva from one of the appellation’s most celebrated organic estates — Remelluri 2018 is the benchmark for what high-altitude, biodynamic Sierra Cantabria Tempranillo can deliver.

Renato Ratti · Barolo Marcenasco · DOCG · Piedmont · Italy · 2020

Renato Ratti is one of Barolo’s most historically significant estates. The late Renato Ratti — winemaker, scholar, and cartographer — was among the first to map the Barolo crus in the 1970s, fundamentally shaping how the world understands the appellation’s terroir. Marcenasco is the estate’s flagship Barolo, sourced from their home vineyard in La Morra — a commune known for producing Barolo of elegance, aromatic complexity, and earlier accessibility relative to the more austere Serralunga style. The 2020 vintage in Piedmont was exceptional: warm and dry, producing wines of deep concentration, ripe tannins, and remarkable longevity. Dual 92 points from both Wine Spectator and Decanter.

The 2020 Marcenasco opens with a beam of cherry and red currant, revealing flashes of rose and wild herbs with a mineral underpinning — the hallmarks of La Morra Nebbiolo at its finest. On the palate, ripe black and red berry fruit, baked plum, and hints of tea leaf are framed by robust, open, grainy tannins. The finish is long, juicy, and persistent, emphasizing pure fruit with real charm and length. Best from 2026 through 2042.

Expert Reviews

“A beam of cherry and red currant courses through this racy red, revealing flashes of rose and wild herbs, with a mineral underpinning. This is persistent, with a long aftertaste that emphasizes the pure fruit. Best from 2026 through 2042.”
— Wine Spectator · 92 Points

“Ripe black and red berry fruit, baked plum, and hints of tea leaf. Robust and rich, open, grainy tannins frame the fruit, and the finish has nice juice and length. Shows real charm!”
— Decanter · 92 Points

• Producer: Renato Ratti, La Morra, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Barolo DOCG
• Vineyard: Marcenasco, La Morra
• Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
• Style: Dry red — elegant, aromatic, mineral
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherry, red currant, rose, wild herbs, baked plum, tea leaf, mineral underpinning, grainy tannins, long finish
• Pairings: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised short rib, truffle risotto, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, wild boar ragù
• Drink: 2026–2042

WS:92 · D:92 · Barolo DOCG — La Morra Nebbiolo from the estate that mapped the crus. Elegant, mineral, and built for the long haul.

Ridge Three Valleys Sonoma County Zinfandel Red Blend 2023

Ridge Vineyards is one of California’s most iconic and respected wineries — a benchmark producer whose Monte Bello Cabernet has competed with the world’s greatest wines, and whose commitment to traditional winemaking is unmatched. Three Valleys, made since 2001, is Ridge’s Sonoma County field blend: a multi-vineyard, multi-appellation wine sourced from Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma Valley, and Russian River Valley, crafted in the exact same way as all of Ridge’s wines — open-top tanks, native fermentations, and real oak. It’s meant to represent a vintage more than a location, and the 2023 is one of the finest in recent memory.

The 2023 blend is 71% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, 9% Petite Sirah, 2% Mataro, and 2% Alicante Bouschet, aged 12 months in 19% new air-dried American oak. Floral, complex, and less rustic than usual — the vintage showing classic charm and elegance. A popular by-the-glass pour at restaurants across the country. Order it when you see it.

Aromas of confit cherries, licorice, blackberry, baking spices, wild berries, Italian plums, and lavender. The palate is full-bodied yet light on its feet — expressive raspberry and blueberry, licorice, pepper, and chargrilled herbs — with chalky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, spicy, generous finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

Jeb Dunnuck — 93 Points

“Floral, complex and less rustic than usual, the vintage showing classic charm and elegance… A popular by-the-glass pour, order it when you see it.”

Wine Spectator — 93 Points

“Generous and robust yet retains a sense of polish, with expressive raspberry and blueberry flavors highlighted by licorice and pepper. Drink now through 2034.”

James Suckling — 93 Points

“Aromas of confit cherries, licorice, blackberry bush, baking spices and violets. Full-bodied with a rounded mouthfeel and firmly framed tannins that end in a lush and generous finish.”

Wine Advocate — 91 Points

“Layered aromas of wild berries, Italian plums, chargrilled meats, resinous herbs and lavender. Full-bodied with highly concentrated flavors, chalky tannins and vibrant acidity. Long, spicy finish.”

Track Record

Three Valleys has scored 92 points or above for five consecutive vintages: 94 pts Decanter (2022) | 92 pts WS (2021) | 93 pts WS (2020) | 93 pts WS (2019).

Food Pairings

Grilled lamb, BBQ ribs, braised short rib, aged cheddar, and hearty pasta with meat sauce.

Blend: 71% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane, 9% Petite Sirah, 2% Mataro, 2% Alicante Bouschet
Appellation: Sonoma County, California
Vintage: 2023
Aging: 12 months, 19% new air-dried American oak
Format: 750ml
Scores: 93 pts JD | 93 pts WS | 93 pts JS | 91 pts WA

#3 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2025 | #71 James Suckling Top 100 Wines of the USA 2025

California Zinfandel That Stands Among the Greatest in the World

Ridge Vineyards has been one of California's most celebrated estates since the 1960s, and Lytton Springs — an estate vineyard in Dry Creek Valley purchased in 1972 — is among their most iconic bottlings. The 2023 vintage blends 76% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet, and 1% Mataro, aged in 100% air-dried American oak. A cooler growing season delayed harvest by a month, delivering a wine of remarkable restraint, freshness, and structural elegance — built to drink beautifully now and evolve through 2035 and beyond.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

• Jeb Dunnuck — 98 pts: "Initial chewiness leads to fine tannins, with good heft and underlying acidity. Well-woven oak supports a moderately ripe, medium-bodied frame of structured elegance. Enjoy now through 2033."
• Decanter — 96 pts: "Fresh aromas of herbs from a bouquet garni mix with earthy tones and subtle sweet notes from baking spices. The fruit profile oscillates between ripe red and black berries, with a touch of plums and ripe cherries. Tannins are firm yet polished, with a soft creaminess to the palate. Balanced and enjoyable now, with many years to evolve."
• Wine Spectator — 95 pts: "Deeply structured and full of tension, this polished red displays a distinctive personality, offering bold blackberry flavors accented with savory anise, black pepper, and dark Asian spices. Ends with big but refined tannins. Drink now through 2035."
• James Suckling — 95 pts: "A lovely release with lots of freshness from a cooler vintage. Bright and perfumed aromas of red cherries, raspberry coulis, confit plums, licorice, and spice. Full-bodied with finely tuned tannins and vibrant, crunchy acidity."
• Vinous — 95 pts: "Powerfully aromatic and expressive from the jump. Explodes from the glass with dark blue fruit, lavender, and blood orange peel, framed by mocha-like richness and a wave of exotic spice. The texture is pure silk. Remarkable persistence and poise — clearly built for the long haul."

Winemaker Notes

Nose of raspberry, pepper, licorice, and a hint of vanilla. Black cherry and plum on the palate with supple tannins, minerality, and present acidity. Long, layered finish with notes of garrigue and black tea.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: 76% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet, 1% Mataro
• Vineyard: Lytton Springs Estate, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
• Appellation: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Producer: Ridge Vineyards
• Vintage: 2023
• Aging: 100% air-dried American oak
• Drink: Now through 2035+
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for bold, rustic fare — exceptional with BBQ brisket, lamb chops, wild boar sausage, aged cheddar, and wood-fired pizza.

The 2023 Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon marks the first return of this historic cuvée since 2007 — a blend of Monte Bello estate fruit and neighboring vineyards (Bates Ranch, Fellom Ranch, Vidovich), aged 16 months in 100% American oak. A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot, it is a superb access point to the Ridge house style at a more approachable price.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

Owen Bargreen — 93 Points | Refined and elegant on the tongue, as toasty oak caresses a gorgeous core of dark currants, black cherry compote, and espresso bean notes alongside gravelly soils. Very fresh and vibrant with terrific acidity. Drink 2025–2035.

Vinous — 93 Points | Taut and structured, opening with dark fruit, cracked pepper, smoked meat, tobacco leaf, and cedar, all enshrouded in firm, chalky tannins that lead to a long, savory finish. A very fine access point to the Ridge house style. — Billy Norris

Wine Enthusiast — 93 Points + Cellar Selection | Aromas of black plum, clove, and ajwain draw in the nose, while the palate picks up licorice and more black plum alongside a firm structure. — Matt Kettmann

Wine Advocate — 92 Points | A lush nose of sweet black fruits, pine needles, sage, and a gourmand touch of vanilla pod introduces a soft, velvety, and pliable palate, ending with a pure, mouthwatering finish. A solid, accessible, and over-performing example of Santa Cruz Mountain Cabernet. — Matthew Luczy

Wine Spectator — 92 Points | Lively singed mesquite and savory notes up front, with juicy red currant, bitter cherry, and plum coulis held in check by nicely chiseled tannins. Best from 2027 through 2038. — James Molesworth

• Producer: Ridge Vineyards
• Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, California
• Vineyards: Monte Bello Estate + Bates Ranch, Fellom Ranch, Vidovich
• Blend: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot
• Aging: 16 months, 100% American oak
• Farming: Organic
• Vintage: 2023
• Drink: Now through 2038
• Format: 750ml

Riondo | Prosecco DOC | Extra Dry | Veneto, Italy | 187ml Split

Prosecco in its most personal format — a single-serve 187ml split that delivers all the charm of the full bottle without the commitment. Riondo is one of the Veneto’s most reliable Prosecco producers, drawing on Glera grapes from the DOC zone to craft a wine that is effusively fruity, floral, and clean. Extra Dry in Prosecco terms means just a touch of residual sweetness — enough to round out the fruit and soften the bubbles, without tipping into sweet territory. Persistent effervescence, delicate floral notes, and a crystal-clean finish make this the ideal aperitif, celebration pour, or single-glass treat. Perfect for events, gifting, or stocking the fridge for a spontaneous moment worth marking.

• Appellation: Prosecco DOC, Veneto, Italy
• Varietal: Glera
• Style: Extra Dry (lightly off-dry)
• Format: 187ml Split (single serve)
• Method: Charmat (tank method)
• Best For: Aperitivo, events, gifting, single-serve entertaining

Critical Acclaim

Wine Advocate | 90 Points: Effusively fruity, light-bodied offering with terrific floral notes, persistent effervescence, and a clean, delicate finish. Crystal clean and pure — an ideal aperitif. An amazing Prosecco.

Pairing Suggestions

• Aperitivo: Prosciutto, melon, light bruschetta, or fresh fruit.
• Casual: Soft cheeses, smoked salmon blinis, or a simple spritz base.
• Celebration: A festive single-serve pour for toasts, events, or gifting.

Winemaker Description

A medium-bodied Pinot Noir with remarkable floral, cherry and raspberry aromas. In the mouth, bright fruit flavors with a wonderful texture and extraordinary acidity. Smooth and balanced with a long, silky and velvety finish.

Expert Review

92 Points Wine Spectator | A medium-bodied red with aromas of wild raspberries, porcini, dried herbs and smoked meat. Powdery, fine tannins with a chalky feel. Concentrated and taut with a savory, mineral finish. Drink or hold. (2019)

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2020

James Suckling 97 Points | An elegant and stylish wine with fresh violets, roses, wild strawberries, earthy minerals and hints of Sichuan pepper and licorice on the nose. Full-bodied, firm, tense and fresh with a dusty texture, yet tight and well packed. Austere finish.

Wine Spectator 95 Points | A high-toned aroma of rose petal meets earth and savory underbrush notes in this multifaceted red. Flavors of strawberry and cherry hold the middle ground, while bracing acidity and sinewy tannins lend support. Long and elegant, with a lasting aftertaste of ripe cherry.

Winemaker Notes

Pajé is a small 1.83-hectare (4.52-acre) strip of land facing southwest, particularly rich in calcareous marl with a high content of active limestone. The amphitheater of Pajé opens onto the Tanaro river valley, which mitigates cold winters and hot summers, creating a unique microclimate. The vines range from 25 to 50 years of age (averaging over 40), and all new plantings are propagated using the massale selection method — clippings pruned exclusively from the Pajé vineyard itself.

About Roagna

The Roagna Barbaresco Pajé 2020 is a legendary release from one of the most artisanal and traditionalist producers in the Langhe. Luca Roagna is known for "monastic" patience, often aging his wines for five years or more before they leave the cellar.

The 2020 vintage is characterized by a "velvet glove" elegance — more approachable in its youth than the structured 2019s, showing silkier tannins while maintaining the estate's signature power and depth.

Tasting & Pairings

Expect classic Nebbiolo aromatics — dried rose, tar, red cherry, and earthy spice — wrapped in silky, fine-grained tannins with remarkable length. This is a wine built for contemplation but generous enough to enjoy now with proper decanting.

• Braised short ribs or osso buco — the tannin structure and acidity cut through rich, slow-cooked meats.
• Truffle risotto or tajarin pasta — a classic Piedmontese pairing that lets the wine shine.
• Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Castelmagno — hard, nutty cheeses complement Nebbiolo’s complexity.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019 

Antonio Galloni - Vinous Media - 97 Points "The 2019 Barolo Pira is powerful and deep but also very closed. There's so much energy here but readers will have to be patient as this classically austere young Barolo clearly needs time. Hints of pine menthol licorice and dried herbs appear with some reluctance. I would not dream of touching a bottle anytime soon. Superb."

Bruce Sanderson - Wine Spectator - 96 Points "A distinctive white pepper aroma leads off followed by flavors of strawberry sour cherry mint menthol and iron. Despite the lightness and ethereal quality the texture reveals viscosity and intensity. Balanced and complex ending with terrific length. Best from 2027 through 2045."

Luca Roagna's Langhe Rosso is a masterclass in Piedmontese restraint — a Nebbiolo-based blend from the Pajé vineyard in Barbaresco, crafted to be approachable in its youth while carrying the hallmark depth and complexity of the estate. The 2020 vintage delivers a multifaceted, savory expression with vibrant acidity and silky structure.

Regenerative Agriculture. 

• Producer: Roagna
• Region: Langhe, Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: Nebbiolo
• Vintage: 2020
• Format: 750ml

• 94 James Suckling

  A multifaceted wine, super rich and profound, with aromas of embers, dried cherries, wild strawberries, violets and bright blood oranges. Medium-bodied and slightly firm, with dusty tannins coated by fruit. Very tasty, savory, slightly lifted and citrusy.

• 91 Wine Spectator

  This red exudes cherry, rose hip and mineral flavors, with vibrant acidity and pliable tannins. Balanced overall, with staying power on the finish.

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023

Wine Spectator — 94 Points
"Jammy and generous, with bold aromatics, this red is a pleasure to drink, offering polished cherry and blackberry tart flavors accented by briar patch and licorice as this zips along the lively finish. Drink now through 2034."

Wine Enthusiast — 93 Points (Elaine Chukan Brown)
"A Napa classic, the Black Chicken Zinfandel relies on vineyards in cooler parts of the region, here harvested from a cooler vintage as well. The combination delivers complexity, detail and plenty of flavor: juicy mixed berries and plum, citrus peel, incense and savory length complete with refreshing verve and well balanced structure."

Jeb Dunnuck — 90 Points
"Offering brambly red, blue, and black fruits intermixed with peppery herbs, sandalwood, and savory, flowery incense, the 2023 Zinfandel Black Chicken is medium-bodied, nicely balanced, has ripe tannins, and a good finish."

Winemaker Description

The 2023 Black Chicken is the 25th-anniversary release of this iconic Napa Valley wine — and one of the most celebrated vintages in the wine’s history. A remarkably cool and balanced growing season produced a wine of exceptional complexity, detail, and structure.

Showing the influence of the breezy and fog-laced Oak Knoll District, the wine offers rich, plush fruit, delicate acidity, and a structure defined by well-ripened, fine-grained tannins. Vibrant aromas of black cherry, dried herbs, and sandalwood on the nose. Expansive on the palate with notes of blackberry, orange peel, plum, and baking spices, all driven to a long finish by balanced acidity.

The Black Chicken Story

It all started in the 1940s when 14-year-old Aldo Biale helped his mother make ends meet by selling to insider Napans — along with eggs and produce — some of the family’s homemade Zinfandel. Over the old “party line” phone system, the code words “a Black Chicken” signified a jug of bootleg wine, keeping nosy neighbors and the authorities from finding out about Aldo’s underground Zinfandel operation. Legally produced since 1999, Black Chicken Zinfandel pays homage to the industrious patriarch of the Biale family and the prominence of Zinfandel in the history of Napa Valley.

The heart of Black Chicken is sourced from vineyards in the Oak Knoll District — among them the same family vineyard Aldo, Nonna, Bob, and the Biale family have farmed since the 1930s. Black Chicken stands as the quintessential expression of Zinfandel from the Napa Valley.

2023 Vintage Notes

The 2023 season was one of the coolest vintages in more than a decade. Several years of drought were erased in a single season as rains began just after the 2022 harvest and continued through spring 2023. Ample groundwater and cool temperatures delayed budbreak until April, with flowering in mid-May. Moderate temperatures through spring and summer allowed for balanced maturation — picking at the perfect intersection of flavor, sugar, acid, and tannin maturity. Harvesting began with earlier sites in September, with moderate heat in early October accelerating picking through the end of the month.

Food Pairings

Grilled ribeye, BBQ brisket, lamb chops, wild boar, aged cheddar, and hearty pasta with meat sauce. A quintessential Napa Zinfandel built for bold, flavorful food.

Product Details

• Producer: Robert Biale Vineyards
• Appellation: Oak Knoll District AVA, Napa Valley
• Grape: 100% Zinfandel
• Farming: Practicing sustainable, head-trained, dry-farmed vines
• Soils: Ancient marine sediments and rocky alluvial fan
• Harvest: Hand-harvested
• Fermentation: Open-top fermenters, 2–4-day cold soak, 2–3 punch-downs daily
• Aging: 16 months in 100% Burgundy oak barrels (25% new)
• Vintage: 2023 (25th Anniversary Release)
• Production: 6,000 cases
• Drink: Now through 2034
• Format: 750ml

Roberto Henríquez · 'Rivera del Notro' Blanco · Itata Valley · 2024

Roberto Henríquez is one of Chile's most important natural wine voices — a tireless champion of the Itata Valley, a region in the Bio-Bío that was making wine centuries before Maipo or Colchagua ever appeared on a label. His vineyards are planted with the old-vine field blends that Spanish missionaries brought to Chile in the 16th century: Sémillon, Chasselas, and Moscatel de Alejandría, grown on granite soils by small-scale farmers who have tended these vines for generations. The 'Rivera del Notro' Blanco — named for the notro tree that blooms red along the riverbanks of Itata — is his signature white: a modern-day interpretation of ancestral Chilean winemaking, vinified with extended skin contact that unlocks a depth and complexity no stainless-steel Chardonnay can touch. WA:92. At $20.99, it's one of the most exciting natural whites in South America.

The 2024 opens with a heady, complex bouquet of potpourri, resinous herbs, dried flowers, and a hint of saison beer — the unmistakable signature of skin-contact vinification done right. On the palate: svelte and elegantly concentrated, with a broad, refreshing finish that lingers with phenolic grip, a streak of bright acidity, and retronasal floral notes that keep pulling you back. Serve slightly cool — this is a wine for the table, not the cocktail hour. Drink now through 2027.

“A modern-day interpretation of ancestral Itata white wines… svelte, elegantly concentrated mouthfeel. The finish is broad and refreshing, lingering with phenolic grip laced with a streak of acidity and retronasal floral notes.”
— The Wine Advocate, 92 Points

• Producer: Roberto Henríquez
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Itata Valley, Bio-Bío, Chile
• Blend: Sémillon, Chasselas & Moscatel de Alejandría (old vines, granite soils)
• Style: Skin-contact white (orange wine)
• Vinification: Extended skin contact · Ancestral field blend · Natural winemaking
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Potpourri, resinous herbs, dried flowers, saison beer, phenolic grip, bright acidity, lingering floral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2027
• Food Pairings: Grilled fish, roasted chicken, aged goat cheese, charcuterie, spiced Middle Eastern dishes

WA:92 — ancient Itata field blends, granite soils, and skin-contact depth at a price that makes it a no-brainer.

Roc de L’Abbaye Sancerre L’Antique — Saint-Satur, Loire Valley 2024

L’Antique is one of the founding cuvées of Roc de L’Abbaye — created 30 years ago as a tribute to the winemaker’s grandfather and his philosophy of minimal intervention. The grapes come from the best Silex hillsides in the village of Saint-Satur, one of Sancerre’s most prized terroirs, where the flint-rich soils impart the signature stony minerality that defines great Loire Sauvignon Blanc. True to its heritage, L’Antique is made unclarified and lightly filtered, allowing the full elegance of the terroir to express itself without interference. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 93 points. Decanter 92. This is Sancerre as it was meant to be made.

The nose is flowery and complex, drawing you in with muddled green pear and keeping you there with aromas of dried hay and lemon blossom. On the palate, vibrant stony minerality is in perfect sync with Gala apple on a lengthy, precise finish. Flinty, bright, and punchy with citrus and grassy notes — everything that makes Sancerre one of the world’s great white wines.

“This wine has a flowery, complex nose that draws you in with muddled green pear and keeps you there with aromas of dried hay and lemon blossom. The stony palate boasts vibrant minerality that is in sync with Gala apple on the lengthy palate.” — Reggie Solomon, Wine Enthusiast, 93 Points. (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Roc de L’Abbaye, Saint-Satur, Sancerre, Loire Valley, France
• Cuvée: L’Antique
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Sancerre AOC
• Terroir: Silex (flint) hillsides, Saint-Satur
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Vinification: Unclarified, lightly filtered — minimal intervention
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Green pear, dried hay, lemon blossom, Gala apple, stony minerality, flinty citrus, long precise finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, goat cheese, grilled fish, herb-roasted chicken, asparagus, or Le Pico chèvre

A 93-point Sancerre built on Silex terroir and three decades of tradition — Roc de L’Abbaye’s L’Antique is the benchmark for what great Loire Sauvignon Blanc can be.