90 + Points | Critical Acclaim

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018

Benujamin Lewin, MW of Decanter writes 95 Points | Great sense of fruit purity on the nose, showing a mélange of black fruits. This shows brilliance on the palate, it’s very flavourful, with almost savoury undertones lingering on a very long finish. A sensation of gunflint shows retronasally. This is a rare combination: the height of elegance combined with depth. Drinking Window: 2032-2052.

La Revue du Vin de France writes 94 Points | As for Le Bourg, it remains faithful to the generously toasted and hedonistic expression of its barrel ageing. A concentrated material, a sensation of sweetness and power accompany the salient tannic framework that the years will soften. 

Winemaker Description 

Clos Rougeard was created in 1664 on the land of Chacé, a village not far from Saumur. Eight generations have succeeded one another at the head of the estate, the most recent being the Foucault brothers. From the 1980s onwards, Charly and Nady adopted a singular philosophy to enhance the terroirs of Saumur and Saumur-Champigny: leave the wine in peace so it can expresses its own identity. No synthetic products are added to the vines, gentle vinifications are thought out like infusions and minimalist approach is claimed. In 2017, the Bouygues family bought the estate and has continued the work begun by their emblematic predecessors with a deep respect for the DNA of the winery and its identity. Today the estate has found its balance thanks to a passionate team who strives to preserve the excellence and uniqueness of the wines whose depth, finesse and precision are unparalleled.

Located in the heart of the village of Chacé, Le Bourg is composed of very old vines and lies on a predominantly limestone terroir on shallow clay loam, typical of the Saumur-Champigny appellation. This wine reveals riper, fleshier fruit and a dense, full-bodied texture. Le Bourg is from vines averaging 80 years old, planted on a thin layer of clay over a deep bed of tuffeau, also in Chacé. The combination of vine age and richer soil makes this the most powerfully structured wine in Clos Rougeard’s array.

Cloudy Bay · Sauvignon Blanc · Marlborough · 2025

In 1985, Cloudy Bay planted vines in Marlborough and changed the world’s understanding of what Sauvignon Blanc could be. Before Cloudy Bay, New Zealand was a footnote in the global wine conversation. After it, Marlborough became a benchmark — a name synonymous with cool-climate precision, electric aromatics, and a style of white wine that no other region on earth replicates quite the same way. Four decades on, the estate remains the standard-bearer: sourcing from across Marlborough’s diverse sub-regions, blending with meticulous care, and bottling under screwcap to preserve every last molecule of freshness. WN:93. At $28.89, this is the iconic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc — and one of the best values at this level of pedigree.

The 2025 is open and expressive from the first pour: peach, elderflower, makrut lime, and gooseberry on the nose, with a herbal lift and sea salt minerality that is unmistakably Marlborough. On the palate: bright lemon, white nectarine, and passionfruit, framed by refreshing acidity and a clean, steel-cut citrus finish with real precision and length. Drink now through 2027.

“Highly aromatic, with elderflower, citrus, and passionfruit. Crisp, textural, and elegant — a benchmark expression of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.”
— Wineanorak, 93 Points. (Vintage 2025). 

"Concentrated and fragrant, with lemongrass, lemon verbena and celery salt notes to complement the pineapple, mango and lemon curd flavors, backed by a touch of orange sherbet. Gains momentum on the long, expressive finish." - The Wine Spectator, 93 Points. (Vintage 2025). 

"The 2025 Sauvignon Blanc is fleshy and intense, as is the style of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, and there is enough savory extract and shape in the wine to elevate it beyond the norm. Here, we have grass clippings and brine, green olive tapenade, passion fruit and pineapple husk. The acidity is saline, and all elements work together toward a common goal. I recall, in context, this wine looking a little sweeter and fleshier than some of its regional peers, and yet here today in isolation, it looks tight, textural and composed. It's very good indeed. Cloudy Bay is a member of the Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW). 13% alcohol." - The Wine Advocate, 94 Points. (Vintage 2025). 

"Vivid, round and juicy, with lemons, limes, fresh herbs and some mild spices on the nose, following through to a medium body with fresh acidity. Lively and succulent, with a delicious finish packed with limes. - James Suckling, 92 Points. (Vintage 2025). 

• Producer: Cloudy Bay (est. 1985)
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Peach, elderflower, makrut lime, gooseberry, white nectarine, passionfruit, sea salt minerality, clean citrus finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2027
• Food Pairings: Oysters, sashimi, steamed mussels, grilled prawns, goat cheese, herb-crusted fish, lemon pasta

WN:93 — the wine that put Marlborough on the map, still setting the standard 40 years on.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

The Wine Spectator 91 Points | "Juicy and intense, with concentration to the passionfruit, pineapple, Key lime and kumquat flavors at the core. Details of toasted green tea, lemon thyme and makrut lime leaf add aromatic intensity, with a touch of crunchy sea salt on the finish. Drink now. 8,259 cases made, 207 cases imported." 

Winemaker's Notes:

Te Koko 2023 is initially reticent on the nose, but with time in the glass opens to reveal notes of just-ripe mango, lemon verbena and juicy sun-warmed lemon. The palate is concentrated and mouthwateringly complex. The sun-warmed impression continues, with notes of meadow hay, preserved citrus, and white nectarine, with layers of salted almond and a gentle smoky minerality leading through to a long and focused finish. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

The Wine Advocate 99 Points | Colgin's 2021 IX Estate is a rich, opulent example, with layers of ripe black cherries and dark chocolate punctuated by hints of sage and bay leaf, plus some vaguely floral notes (violets?). Full-bodied, concentrated, velvety and long, it's another terrific wine that showcases the potential of Pritchard Hill, the investment by the owners and the talent of the winemaking team.

James Suckling 99 Points | Red currant, lead pencil and terra cotta aromas with some bay leaf and sage. Full-bodied with tight, firm tannins that are polished and very fine. Turns to graphite. Extremely long, refined, polished and exquisite. Best after 2028.

98+ Points Jeb Dunnuck | I’d wager a Napa Valley legend in the making, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon IX Estate comes from the estate vineyard on Pritchard Hill, and if there was ever a classification of terroirs in the valley, this would check in near the top of the list. Deep purple-hued, with awesome aromatics of pure cassis, graphite, crushed stone, and subtle floral hints, this has that rare mix of power and elegance that defines so many great wines. Full-bodied, concentrated, and flawlessly balanced, it has no shortage of structure and is going to need 7-8 years, if not a decade, to hit full maturity, where it will hold for 2-3 decade.

98 Points Vinous | The 2021 IX Estate is such an elegant wine. Sleek, aromatic and refined, the 2021 is one of the most polished young wines I have tasted from this site. Red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal and mint abound. Silky and delineated, the 2021 is exceptionally beautiful and balanced. Clean saline notes and veins of tannin extend the explosive, sublime finish. 

Winemaker Description 

One of the "cult" producers to crop up in the early 1990s, Colgin Cellars' first vintage was in 1992, with fruit purchased from the Herb Lamb Vineyard, located on the lower slopes of Howell Mountain, just low enough not to be part of the Howell Mountain AVA. Colgin would later go on to buy land and develop vineyards at Tychson Hill (westside Saint Helena, purchased 1996) and IX Estate (Pritchard Hill, purchased in 1998). In 2017, Ann Colgin and her husband, Joe Wender, sold a controlling interest in Colgin Cellars to LVMH but remain active in the business.

Today, Colgin owns six acres of vines at Tychson Hill and 20 acres of vines at IX Estate, with 11 more acres there currently being developed. Cariad comes primarily from the Abreu-farmed Madrona Ranch, on the western side of Saint Helena. Director of Winemaking Allison Tauziet has been with Colgin since 2005, when she joined as assistant winemaker, so she is nearing 20 years of experience with these wines.

To put the new-release 2021s in perspective, Colgin, Wender and Tauziet presented three vintages each of the four wines reviewed this issue—2016, 2018 and 2021. I guess it will surprise no one that these are all gorgeous wines, given the positive press and numerous accolades bestowed on previous vintages, but it is encouraging to see that success and age hasn't slowed down the Colgin team's pursuit of excellence. I've included my ratings and reviews of the older vintages so readers can compare my impressions to those of my predecessor. Like many other producers, Colgin bottled no wines in 2020. 

Columbia Crest Grand Estates | Merlot | 2020 | 750ml | Columbia Valley, Washington State, USA

Rated 90 Points – Vinous | 90 Points – James Suckling

An outstanding value from Washington State's Columbia Valley, Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot delivers dark fruit complexity, soft tannins, and a creamy finish at an everyday price. Vinous calls it "an excellent entry to the value category of Washington State Merlot."

• Winery: Columbia Crest
• Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington State, USA
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Varietal: Merlot
• Vintage: 2020
• Closure: Screw Cap

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Dark plum, herb, blackberries, tobacco, mint chocolate, dark cherries, and a kiss of vanilla
• Palate: Round and juicy with tart wild berry fruits, chewy blueberry skin, mocha, and soft ripe tannins
• Finish: Bold and structured with notes of vanilla, raspberry, and lingering minerality

Critical Acclaim

• 🏆 Vinous – 90 Points: "Darkly floral and earthy with hints of animal musk and crushed blackberries. Juicy acids enliven its tart wild berry fruits. Leaves a mark of minerality along with chewy blueberry skin concentration and hints of mocha."
• 🏆 James Suckling – 90 Points: "Blackberries, tobacco, mint chocolate and dark cherries, with a kiss of vanilla. Medium- to full-bodied with soft, ripe tannins and a creamy finish. Drink now."

Food Pairings: Blue cheese, duck, beef, veal, and dark chocolate.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

Audrey Frick of JebDunnuck.com writes 99 Points | The 2021 Barolo Acclivi marks the return of this cuvée after the 2020 crop was destroyed by hail. The nose is layered and complex with notes of clove spice, ripe red raspberry liqueur, blood orange, framboise, peppery spices, and pressed floral notes. The palate has lovely, refined concentration, ripe tannins, haunting notes of strawberries that last long on the finish, and notes of leather. While it has the fruit and freshness to drink now, it certainly has the structure to age. It’s one of the more contemplative wines in the range to enjoy over the coming decades.

Keron O'Keeffe  99 Points | Fragrant and loaded with finesse, the 2021 Acclivi is simply magnificent, starting with its beautiful scents of rose, forest berry, menthol, star anise and whiffs recalling sweetgrass. A blend of selected Nebbiolo from the estate’s best and oldest vineyards in Verduno, in the Monvigliero, Neirane, Rocche dell’Olmo and Boscatto sites, the chiseled, elegantly structured and delicious palate reflects the nose, delivering red cherry, raspberry, licorice and crushed mint accompanied by taut, refined tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it well balanced and fuels even more intensity while a cinnamon note lingers on the finish. This is a captivating, extraordinary wine and the best Acclivi I have had to date.

Monica Larner of The Wine Advocate writes 97 Points | This wine was not produced in 2020. The Comm. G.B. Burlotto 2021 Barolo Acclivi is a blend of old-vine fruit from Monvigliero, Neirane and Rocche dell’Olmo, three MGA sites in the village of Verduno. I tasted this sample at two stages with 24 hours between them, and the change was impressive. The wine goes from feeling tight and almost squeaky to relaxed, fragrant and ethereal with aeration. The bouquet reveals layers of lilac, raspberry tart with custard and finely shaved pencil. Drink 2027-2055.

James Suckling writes 96 Points | A graceful Barolo that shows aromas of smoke, licorice, violets, delicate red currants and strawberries. It’s restrained and elegant on the palate, with a slight sweetness, a medium to full body, refreshing acidity and ripe, chewy tannins. Tight and savory. There is a huge structure that’s well covered by the fruit. Drinkable now, but best from 2026 or 2027.

Antonio Galloni of Vinous Media writes 94 Points | The 2021 Barolo Acclivi is a suave, sensual wine. All of this fruit is from vineyards in Verduno. That is very much evident in the wine's aromatic profile and overall weight. Blood orange, rose petal, mint, chalk and spice give the 2021 very pretty top notes. I admire the overall depth and brilliance here. This is a very serious Barolo. Drink 2026-2041.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 92 Points | A full-flavored, medium-bodied red that offers good, bracing acidity and moderate tannins that lift fresh, delicious raspberry and dark cherry flavors. Hints of earthiness and flint on the nose, then vivid, dark-fruit flavors and a mouthwatering texture. Drink now or hold.

Producer Description

This wine expresses forest floor fruit. Blackberry, blueberry, and raspberry round out the velvet balanced structure and in her finesse. Cooper Mountain is a pioneering winery in Oregon's Willamette Valley, established on the outskirts of Portland in the late 1970's.

In 1978 Dr. Robert Gross and his wife Corrine planted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the slopes of Cooper Mountain, west of Portland. In 1987, the family converted an old horse barn on the property to start their own label, becoming early adopters to organic and Biodynamic farming practices in Oregon winemaking by the early 1990's.

"Our role as stewards of our 200 acres is a vital part of our process. Cooper Mountain has always been a trailblazer in sustainable growing, receiving organic certification from Oregon Tilth in 1995. Our commitment to these practices is an important part of our identity and that's why 100% of our wines are organically grown. We believe in Biodynamic farming practices. We've been farming that way since the early 90's and received our certification from Demeter in 1999. Every bottle of wine we make today is made from Biodynamic grapes."

Expert Reviews 

Wine Spectator 94 Points | A very fresh, floral-laced style, offering a bright beam of cassis and plum gelée laced with flashes of violet, hibiscus and rose petal. Nicely grounded through the finish, with alder and warm earth hints filling in. Approachable, but this has more to show in time. Best from 2023 through 2036. (JM)

Wine Advocate 94 Points | Delicate herbal shadings accent the cassis notes on the nose of Corison's 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon. It's classic Corison, balanced and concentrated without being showy or weighty, silky in feel, with a long, lingering finish and two decades of ageability. (JC)Decanter 94 points Alluring aromas of dark cassis, graphite, cedar and wild herbs. It has a striking depth with layered flavours and texture, and while restrained now it is incredibly well-built and in need of time in the cellar to fully shine. Reveals subtle hints of fresh black and blue berries, currants and dried herbs tinged with red florals. Finishes with polish, energy and poise. (JC)

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Lots of dark, blackcurrants, cassis, darker chocolate, and hints of violets emerge from the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, a medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced St. Helena Napa Cabernet Sauvignon offering nicely integrated acidity, terrific balance, and a great finish. This quintessential Cathy Corison Cabernet shines on all accounts. It's going to evolve for two decades. (JD)

James Suckling 94 Points | A perfumed nose of blackberries, dark cherries, cedar, cocoa and nutmeg. Violets too. Medium body with fine tannins and bright acidity. Fresh and refined with a bright core of wild fruit and a long, flavorful finish. Drink or hold. (JS)

Vinous 93 Points | The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is full of charm. It offers all of the natural intensity of the year, with bright acids that keep the flavors bright. Sweet red cherry, plum, cedar, tobacco and spice all build effortlessly. This open-knit yet classically built Cabernet is likely to offer a wide window of drinkability over the next 15-20 years. As always, Cathy Corison's Napa Valley Cabernet is a blend of three sites in St. Helena. (AG)

Wine & Spirits Magazine 96 Points | The 2019 vintage might be something of an outlier for Cathy Corison, who picked two weeks later than usual, taking advantage of the cool season from summer into fall. This wine is, in fact, an idealized version of her benchland cabernet sauvignon, holding on to the elegance she regularly achieves, while adding a luscious textural beauty that more often comes from bottle age. James Conley of NYC’s Keen’s Chophouse found the aroma suggested a more delicate wine than the density and extract this one carries in its “cabernet grape tannins and intriguing, lifted fruit. If someone said, ‘I love Napa, but show me what I’m missing.’ I’d say, ‘Well, try this.’” Warm and explosive in its energy, this wine carries an imprint of the benchland soils in the play of darkness and light, in the detailed tannins that make you crave another taste. (JG)

Expert Review

98 Points Jeb Dunnuck | The 2020 Cornas Reynard will most likely merit a perfect rating in a decade, and it's a legendary Cornas in the making. Saturated purple-hued, with incredible aromatics of cassis, liquid violets, new leather, and bloody, iron, meaty nuances, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, building tannins, and flawless overall balance. It has an inward, massive, backward style (it reminds me slightly of the 2010) and tastes like the blood of Cornas. It will need 7-8 years (a decade will be better) to hit the early stages of its prime drinking wine and will absolutely blow you away over the following two decades. (2020). 

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

Tim Atkin 97 Points | Picked early because of the pandemic, but not showing any less concentration as a result, this is one of Chile’s finest Bordeaux blends, made with an 80/20 blend of old-vine Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from the Macul estate in Satiago. Concentrated yet not overbearing, it has damson, cassis and potpourri flavours and a frame of toast and vanilla spicy oak. Built to last. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2024

Decanter 93 Points: The 30th Anniversary bottling of Mt. Jeff, with fruit from four of the five Cristom estate vineyards. Pure Willamette character on the nose — forest floor, tart cranberries, and mint leaves balanced by a kiss of sea salt. The palate is a mélange of juicy red berries, salty mineral glimpses, and savoury amaro herbals. A classic, after all these years.

Wine Advocate 90–92 Points: Slowly opening aromas of blackberry and black cherry, earth and violets. The medium-bodied palate matches concentrated, floral fruit with well-integrated oak spice, framed by silky tannins and fresh acidity. A nuanced finish.

Winemaker Description

Cristom Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2024 750ml

Cristom’s flagship Pinot Noir — known colloquially as “Mt. Jeff” — embodies the hallmark Cristom style, marrying whole-cluster and native yeast fermentations. With the 2024 vintage, this iconic wine debuts for the first time as a fully Estate Pinot Noir, comprised of fruit from the Paul Gerrie, Eileen, Louise, and Jessie Vineyards, marking its 30th Anniversary.

Mt. Jeff captures the diversity of volcanic soils, elevations, and aspects that define Cristom’s Eola-Amity Hills hillside. Coastal winds funneled through the Van Duzer Corridor further shape its structure and complexity. The 2024 opens with pronounced floral aromas of roses and lavender combined with blue fruit and plum, accented by subtle earth. The palate is well-balanced with fresh acidity, tart cherry, and raspberry — a benchmark classic Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and an exceptional value.

Pairing Suggestions

• Poultry: Roasted duck breast with cherry reduction, herb-roasted chicken, or turkey with cranberry.
• Meat: Lamb chops with rosemary, pork tenderloin with mushroom sauce, or salmon with pinot beurre blanc.
• Cheese: Aged Gruyère, Brie de Meaux, or a mild washed-rind cheese.

Expert Reviews

The Wine Spectator by James Molesworth writes 92 Points | An alluring hint of singed hazelnut husk leads off, followed by dried cherry and red currant notes, plus a flurry of wood spice. Shows nice zip and length. A textbook version.

Winemaker Description 

With an attractive, tawny color and amber rim, this wine shows full, complex aromas of mellow spices along with walnut, butterscotch and fine oak notes against a background of rich, jammy fruit. On the palate, the wine is silky and round, full of ripe fig flavors.

An excellent choice for the end of a meal or at the end of an evening, this wine can be served slightly chilled on its own or with walnuts or roasted almonds, or nut-based desserts. Made to be enjoyed immediately.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Luis Guitierez of The Wine Advocate writes 93+ Points | They haven't produced this wine since 2019, and there are substantial changes. There's no Treixadura in the 2022 Viño Branco Dos Canotos; they didn't do any skin contact; and it didn't go through malolactic, because it has a low pH (3.0) and high acidity. It matured in chestnut cask with full less until bottling in May 2023, quite early. The wine is dominated by the Albariño (around 40%, the rest, Lado, Caíño Branco and Loureira) in the aromatics, floral and herbal. It has around 11.7% alcohol, a very tasty and vibrant palate with pungent flavors, and very good persistence and length. There are only 910 bottles.

Winemaker Description 

Lovely lemon and peach aromas with hints of honeysuckle and white pepper, super fresh, light-bodied, airy, silky on the palate.

A 94-Point Ethereal Red from the Ancient Vineyards of Galicia

Cume do Avia is one of Ribeiro’s most exciting producers, farming indigenous varieties in the rugged, granite-soiled hills of Galicia. Their 2022 Colleita Nº10 Tinto is a rare and personal wine — only 8,000 bottles produced — built from the ancient Caíño and Sousón grapes that have defined this corner of northwestern Spain for centuries. Ethereal, elegant, and unmistakably Galician.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

• The Wine Advocate — 94 pts: “Pale and bright ruby-colored, more ethereal and elegant with a more perfumed nose than the 2021 vintage. Quite complete and elegant, lighter, with a touch of volatility that lifts it up. Sharp and balanced — tasty, almost salty, a red for food.”

Winemaker Notes

Cume do Avia Colleita Tinto Ribeiro 2022 Colleita No 10 750ml

The wines etched into memory don’t always come with obscene prices or universally acknowledged pedigrees. They are often uniquely personal — evoking something deeper, something rooted in place. This is that wine: a pale, perfumed, food-driven red from one of Spain’s most distinctive and undersung appellations.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: Caíño, Sousón
• Appellation: Ribeiro, Galicia, Spain
• Producer: Cume do Avia
• Vintage: 2022
• Production: ~8,000 bottles
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural food wine — excellent with grilled fish, seafood, roasted chicken, Galician octopus, and light charcuterie.

CUNE Crianza Rioja — Rioja DOCa 2021

CUNE Crianza is the calling card of Bodegas CVNE — and the 2021 vintage is a textbook expression of everything that makes Rioja Crianza so enduringly lovable. Sourced from estate vineyards in Rioja Alta, the wine is aged 12 months in American and French oak before additional bottle aging, preserving the bright fruit character of Tempranillo while adding just enough structure and spice to make a lasting impression. James Suckling awarded it 91 points. At this price, it is one of the most reliable everyday values in all of Spain.

The nose is inviting and expressive: ripe cherry, plum, dried herbs, and a whisper of vanilla from oak. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with well-integrated tannins, refreshing acidity, and a juicy, fruit-forward finish with hints of white pepper and warm spice. It delivers the kind of easy, honest pleasure that only a great Crianza can — and it drinks beautifully right now.

James Suckling 91 — "Spicy rendition of Cune Crianza, but as always this is fruity, with lots of cherries, plums and a touch of white pepper. Juicy and bright, with some restrained fruit sweetness. Very fine-grained, juicy and consistent." (Vintage 2021). 

Oscar Garcia, Wine Buyer, 67Wine — "A text-book Crianza from Bodegas CVNE. Aromas of red fruits and dried herbs. Medium-bodied with well integrated tannins and just enough grip to make a good impression. One of my personal go-to crianzas for every day enjoyment."

• Producer: Bodegas CVNE, Rioja, Spain
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: Rioja DOCa
• Varietal: Tempranillo
• Aging: 12 months in American and French oak, plus bottle aging
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherry, plum, dried herbs, vanilla, white pepper, warm spice
• Best Paired With: Grilled lamb chops, roasted chicken, hearty stews, aged Manchego, rich pasta dishes

A 91-point Crianza at an honest price — CUNE is the benchmark for what everyday Rioja can be.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

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

Winemaker Description

The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic expression of Dalla Valle's unique terroir. The iron rich, core stone volcanic site comprised of Andesitic Basalt bring beautiful concentration and elegance to the wines each vintage. The 2020 is comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, always 100% estate blend. Notes of perfumed violet and bergamot on the nose harmonize with aromas of allspice and cassis. On the first sip you will find rich notes of blackberry, cocoa powder and cedar box carried by the undercurrent of plush and elegant tannins. An elongated finish allows you to experience the full complexities of this wine, which will have a long life ahead. 

Expert Reviews

96 Points James Suckling | So much blackberry and lead-pencil shavings. Hints of tar, too. Full-to medium-bodied with extremely well-crafted tannins that run the length of the wine. Hints of oak at the end, but this will come together nicely with bottle age. Slightly chewy now. Some salted caramel. (2020). 

95 Points Robert Parker | Black cherries, dark loam and cassis appear on the nose of Dalla Valle's 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, joined by hints of cedar and vanilla. It's medium to full-bodied, firm, tannic and sturdy but essentially ripe, with a softness to its structure that suggests early accessibility. The long, mocha-tinged finish lingers elegantly, a delicious capstone to a super wine.

94 Points Jeb Dunnuck | The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon is a solid step up, boasting a deep purple color as well as a brilliant bouquet of crème de cassis, graphite, liquid violets, and nicely integrated background oak. A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Cabernet Franc, it hits the palate with medium to full body, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. It's up with the top wines I've tasted in the vintage.

93 Points Wine Spectator | This has showy violet, boysenberry and sweet bay leaf notes that leap to the fore, with good juicy energy tucked inside the core. Offers nice flow on the finish, which picks up a loamy accent while the fruit keeps the upper hand. Drink now through 2035. (2020). 

Dalton Alma Deep Red Rhone Blend Crimson Galilee Kosher 2021 750ml

Winemaker Description

From the sun-drenched hillsides of Galilee, Dalton's Alma Crimson is a bold, structured Rhone-style blend that speaks to the ambition of Israeli fine wine. Dark and full-bodied, it opens with generous aromas of ripe cherries, plums, and sweet dark fruits, leading to a rich, buttery palate layered with vanilla, cloves, and a distinctive whisper of green tea.

Crafted with meticulous attention, the grapes were harvested and fermented in separate batches to preserve the character of each variety. The wine was pressed just before completing fermentation, malolactic fermentation was encouraged, and the wine was then racked into French oak barriques for 12 months of aging. Each parcel was individually assessed before the final blend was assembled and returned to barrel for a further six months of integration.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 94 Points — "We think of this as Israeli Châteauneuf-du-Pape — tasted blind, it will fool you!" Blackberry, cassis, and toasted nut aromas lead the way. A bright thread of pomegranate runs beneath layers of Mission fig, eucalyptus, dark chocolate, orange zest, and caramel. Luxurious tannins and perfectly balanced acidity carry through to a long, satisfying finish.

Wine Details

Producer: Dalton Winery
Wine: Alma Deep Red Crimson — Rhone Blend
Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Appellation: Galilee, Israel
Vintage: 2021
Aging: 18 months in French oak barriques
Size: 750ml
Kosher: Yes — Mevushal

Daou Sauvignon Blanc — Paso Robles 2024

Daou Vineyards has become one of California’s most celebrated estates, and their Paso Robles Sauvignon Blanc is a quintessential expression of what this sun-drenched appellation does with the variety. Sourced from estate vineyards perched on the limestone-rich soils of DAOU Mountain, the 2024 vintage is bright, aromatic, and decisively refreshing — a classily structured, elegantly styled white that punches well above its price point and earned 90 points from Wine Enthusiast.

The nose is tantalizing and complex: grapefruit, pineapple, gooseberry, quince, lemongrass, acacia, and lychee with a touch of wet stone. On the palate, crisp, juicy fruit flavors burst across — lemon chiffon, key lime pie, kiwi, green apple, white nectarine, and pineapple — with a peppery kick at the tip of the sip. The finish is clean and lingering, with notes of dragon fruit, passionfruit, and citrus.

Wine Enthusiast 90 — Matt Kettmann: “Lime blossom, lemon balm, grapefruit peel and red apple aromas make for a pleasantly complex nose. Riper apple, melon and almond flavors emerge on the palate.”

• Producer: Daou Vineyards, Paso Robles, California, USA
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Paso Robles AVA
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Grapefruit, pineapple, lemongrass, lychee, key lime, kiwi, passionfruit, wet stone, clean finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish tacos, ceviche, goat cheese, Thai green curry, summer salads

Bright, aromatic, and irresistibly refreshing — Daou’s Paso Robles Sauvignon Blanc is California sunshine in a glass.

Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2023 — Paso Robles, California

Daou Vineyards is one of Paso Robles’ most ambitious estates, founded by brothers Georges and Daniel Daou on a dramatic hilltop site in the Adelaida District — one of the appellation’s coolest, most limestone-rich growing areas. Since their first vintage, Daou has pursued a singular vision: to produce Cabernet Sauvignon that rivals Napa Valley at a fraction of the price. The 2023 vintage continues that mission with a wine of genuine complexity and cellar-worthy structure.

The 2023 opens with heady aromas of black plum, Zante currant, frankincense, and sage, followed by trailing scents of blackberry, cardamom, and espresso bean with accents of vanilla, saddle leather, and cinnamon toast. On the palate, fine-grained tannins provide structure for rich flavors of black cherry, raspberry, and mulberry, with secondary layers of black olive, sandalwood, and dark chocolate. The finish is velvety and long, with lingering impressions of chocolate-covered cherry, dried herbs, and toasty oak. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 91 points, noting “clean lines of cherry, toasted wood, red flower and a pinch of thyme.”

Wine Enthusiast 91 — “The palate pairs familiar blackberry flavors with mocha spice. A satisfying, widely available bottling.”

• Producer: Daou Vineyards, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Paso Robles AVA
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black plum, Zante currant, blackberry, cardamom, espresso, vanilla, dark chocolate, saddle leather, velvety finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, rich pasta, aged cheddar, hearty roasts — serve at 60–65°F

Paso Robles Cabernet at its most compelling — Daou punches well above its price.

From one of the pioneering wineries of the Russian River Valley, Davis Bynum River West Vineyard Chardonnay 2023 captures the richness and elegance that have made this region one of California's premier homes for Chardonnay. Sourced from the acclaimed River West Vineyard, this beautifully balanced wine combines vibrant fruit, refreshing acidity, and refined texture. 

The nose opens with expressive aromas of Gala apple, ripe nectarine, lemon peel, and toasted hazelnut, accented by delicate hints of citrus blossom and vanilla. On the palate, layers of orchard fruit and bright citrus unfold across a rich, textured mouthfeel. Fresh acidity provides lift and energy, while subtle oak influence adds complexity without overwhelming the wine's natural fruit character. The finish is long and polished, with lingering notes of salted lemon, pineapple, and baking spice.

A versatile and food-friendly Chardonnay, this Russian River Valley bottling pairs beautifully with roast chicken, grilled salmon, lobster, crab cakes, creamy pasta dishes, and aged cheeses.

Wine Enthusiast – 92 Points
"Aromas of Gala apple, nectarine, toasted hazelnut and lemon peel drive the nose of this acid-forward Chardonnay. The palate gives rich, pithy texture and sunny flavors of tart pineapple and citrus blossom, with salty lemon lingering on the finish." — Tom R. Capo

Tasting Notes

• Aromas: Gala apple, nectarine, lemon peel, toasted hazelnut
• Palate: Tart pineapple, citrus blossom, orchard fruit, subtle vanilla
• Body: Medium to full-bodied
• Style: Rich, vibrant, and beautifully balanced
• Finish: Long, fresh, and mineral-driven with lingering citrus notes

An elegant Russian River Valley Chardonnay that delivers both richness and precision, showcasing the distinctive character of one of California's most celebrated wine regions.

Expert Review — Vintage 2021

Decanter 96 Points (Clive Pursehouse) | "Quite the Chardonnay from Brianne Day and the renowned Eola Springs Vineyard in the best Chardonnay appellation in America." Three different blocks and three different clones: Hyde Wente, Mount Eden, and Dijon 96. Captivating lemon curd aromas and rich, honeyed apricots followed by almond pastry cream — dollops of rich lemon cream, ripe peach fuzz, and rich apricot flesh.

Winemaker Notes

Brianne Day chose three blocks and three clones from the gorgeous Eola Springs Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills to get to know the site intimately. Hyde Wente and Mount Eden (California heritage clones) were picked earlier for structure and acid; Dijon 96 was picked later for stone fruit and riper character.

The result is lively, lithe, and built on a solid mineral structure with a supple, glossy mid-palate. Lemon curd, peaches, river stones, lime zest, sweet orange, honeysuckle, and a hint of pastry all come to mind.

Tasting & Pairings

Lemon curd, honeyed apricot, almond pastry cream, peach fuzz, river stones, lime zest, and honeysuckle. Lively and lithe with mineral structure and a glossy mid-palate. Serve lightly chilled.

• Lobster or crab with drawn butter — the wine’s richness and acidity are a perfect match.
• Roasted chicken with tarragon — a classic pairing for textured, mineral-driven Chardonnay.
• Aged Comté or Gruyère — nutty cheeses complement the pastry cream and stone fruit notes.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Soft and supple, with appealing raspberry and cherry flavors highlighted by roasted sage and spice notes. Finishes with polished tannins. Drink now through 2032. 428 cases made.

Winemaker Description 

With experience making Zinfandel dating back to the 1990’s, Ehren Jordan is a true vigneron, with decades of experience in cellars and vineyards all over the world. His obsessive hands-on farming practices and minimalist hands-off winemaking approach come through in every bottle- allowing site, variety and vintage to shine through. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Day Zinfandel Sonoma County 2022 is the latest release from the "Day" project by Ehren Jordan, the legendary winemaker behind iconic labels like Turley, Failla, and Neyers. After decades of making high-octane Zinfandels at Turley, Jordan launched Day to focus on a more restrained, "vigneron" style that emphasizes acidity and elegance over sheer power.

The 2022 vintage is a blend of top-tier, organically farmed sites in the Dry Creek Valley, including the El Diablo, Grist, and Lumberyard vineyards.

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

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | Opening with a citrus and mineral-driven nose, the 2023 Bon Vallon Chardonnay displays notions of wet concrete and petrichor before aromas of lemon oil sway out of the glass. Medium-bodied, the palate displays fresh notions of citrus blossom with spiced white tea while delivering vibrant acidity with a balanced structure possessing freshness and finesse. Only 48,000 bottles were produced after the wine rested on the lees for between 80 and 120 days.

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

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | Under screw cap, the De Wetshof Estate 2024 Robertson Limestone Hill Chardonnay offers a simple delivery of citrus, pomelo and wild sage. The wine focuses on brightness and is extremely drinkable, but perhaps it's a little less complex compared to all the other very different Chardonnays in this portfolio. You get a pretty note of latex or natural rubber, which I really like. This wine is unoaked, and that's what sets it apart.

Decoy by Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon — California 2023

Decoy is the everyday expression of Duckhorn Wine Company — one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated names — and it delivers the Duckhorn philosophy of quality and approachability at an honest price. Sourced from premium California vineyards, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon benefits from one of the state’s most exceptional recent vintages. The season began with abundant winter rains that revitalized drought-stressed soils, followed by a cool spring that delayed ripening and extended hang time. Harvest ran from September 7th through November 9th — a long, carefully managed campaign with alternating heat waves and cooling trends that built exceptional depth, texture, and rich color in the fruit. The result is a Cabernet of remarkable quality for the price.

The color is a deep, alluring ruby. The nose is immediately inviting: black cherry, blackberry, mocha, savory blueberry, and sweet baking spices that draw you in from the first pour. On the palate, silky tannins and a supple, rounded texture frame voluptuous dark berry flavors, with barrel spice adding nuance and complexity to a long, lush, and satisfying finish. This is California Cabernet done right — rich, balanced, and built for the table.

The Wine Enthusiast 93 | Dark berry and plum aromas on the nose of this bottling are cut by nutmeg, cola and bittersweet cocoa touches. The palate is quite dry with flavors of dark-chocolate flake and oregano, as dark berry fills in the fruit tones. A very classic California Cab. (Vintage 2023). 

“Aromas of black cherry, blackberry, mocha, savory blueberry, and sweet baking spices. Silky tannins and a supple, rounded texture — a long, lush finish.” — Duckhorn Winemaker

• Producer: Decoy by Duckhorn Wine Company, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Style: Rich, supple, approachable California Cabernet
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, blackberry, mocha, blueberry, baking spice, barrel spice, silky tannins, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 3–5 years
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb chops, burgers, aged cheddar, BBQ

Duckhorn quality at an everyday price — Decoy 2023 is the California Cabernet you’ll reach for again and again.

Winemaker Notes

Embodying the luxurious beauty of great Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, this alluring wine draws you in with complex aromas of black cherry, ripe plum, blackberry, and sweet baking spices. Supple, round tannins frame juicy layers of dark berries and chocolate, with sophisticated hints of white pepper and toasty oak on a long, resonant finish.

About the Wine

The Decoy Limited series represents a step up from the standard Decoy line — sourced from a single premium appellation rather than a broader California blend. This bottling showcases Alexander Valley, one of Sonoma County’s most celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon regions, known for its warm days, cool nights, and gravelly benchland soils that produce rich, structured reds.

Backed by the Duckhorn Portfolio — one of Napa and Sonoma’s most respected wine families — Decoy Limited delivers serious quality at a fraction of the flagship price.

Tasting & Pairings

Black cherry, ripe plum, blackberry, chocolate, baking spices, white pepper, and toasty oak. Supple and round with juicy dark fruit and a long finish.

• Grilled ribeye or NY strip — the supple tannins and dark fruit are built for steak night.
• Braised short ribs — the chocolate and baking spice notes complement slow-cooked, rich meats.
• Aged cheddar or Gouda — the oak and dark berry character pairs beautifully with firm, nutty cheeses.

Expert Review — Vintage 2024

James Suckling 93 Points | A ripe but balanced wine with plenty of golden apple and Bartlett pear flavors on a smooth, buttery texture. Some green apple acidity brightens up the ripeness, lifting vanilla bean, toast, and butterscotch nuances. Full-bodied.

Winemaker Description

Decoy Limited represents the elevated tier of the Decoy lineup — where the standard Decoy Chardonnay draws from across California, the Limited label focuses strictly on the cooler maritime vineyards of the Sonoma Coast, delivering more precision, depth, and structural complexity. The 2024 growing season brought a cool, wet winter and moderate spring, with harvest beginning mid-September. Strategic leafing and crop adjustments yielded white wines with fresh aromatics and lively acidity.

Food Pairings

Dungeness crab with drawn butter, lobster rolls, seared scallops, roasted chicken with cream-and-mushroom sauce, Fettuccine Alfredo, roasted squash with sage butter, and truffle mushroom risotto.

Our Notes

This is a special wine, coming from a 1 hectare monopole adjacent to the family home in Rully.  Aged in 50% new oak for 18 months, it is still a bit tight, with grippy tannins.  But underneath the structure are layers of beautiful plum and red cherry fruit, crushed red flowers, and subtle earthiness.  This is a wine that will develop beautifully for the next five to ten years. 

Expert Rating

91 Points Jasper Morris: More density to the purple colour and the nose suggests greater structure, and a slightly riper, fuller style of pinot, raspberries taking over from the cherries. Just a little peppery note at the back of the palate which works well to balance the more voluptuous fruit. Very much more complete than the already attractive Préaux. Drink from 2025-2030.
Barrel Sample: 90-91

A beautifully refined Premier Cru Pinot Noir from the Côte Chalonnaise, offering a perfect balance of elegance and depth. Sourced from the prized Clos du Chapitre vineyard, this wine opens with vibrant aromas of red cherry, wild strawberry, and subtle rose petals, layered with hints of spice and gentle earthiness.

On the palate, it is silky and precise, with fine tannins and bright acidity that carry flavors of ripe red berries, light oak, and a touch of minerality. The finish is long, fresh, and quietly complex—classic Burgundy with both charm and structure.

Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
Country: France
Region: Burgundy, Rully 1er Cru

Pair with: Roast chicken, duck breast, mushroom dishes, salmon, or soft-ripened cheeses

Critical Acclaim

• Wine Spectator – 94 Points | “A sleek, smoky, sultry red, with violet high tones gilding a dense, ripe palate of wild berries alongside a woodsy character. Polished tannins give this a solid frame.” Best from 2026–2035.
• Wine Advocate – 94 Points | “A pure, elegant bouquet of flowers, dark berries, and spices with licorice notes. Medium to full-bodied, layered, and refined with velvety tannins, bright acids, and a long, ethereal finish.”
• Jeb Dunnuck – 93+ Points | “Blackberries, cassis, leather, and graphite define this perfumed, complex Hermitage. Medium to full-bodied with tons of sweet fruit, ripe tannins, and a great finish. Give it a few years.”
• James Suckling – 93 Points | “Complex roasted nose with deep red fruit aromas. Fleshy and elegant with restrained tannins. Polished, accessible, yet structured with a stony finish. Drinkable now, best from 2025.”

Tasting Notes

A polished, energy-filled Hermitage with intense aromas of blackberries, cassis, leather, violet, graphite, and roasted spices, accented by licorice and mineral notes. The palate is dense yet lively, with velvety tannins, bright acidity, and a long, ethereal finish. Subtle smoky, woodsy undertones and structured stony notes give it remarkable precision and serious aging potential.

About the Wine

Domaine des Tourettes is the flagship Hermitage of Delas Frères, one of the Northern Rhône’s most respected négociant-éleveurs. The 2022 is sourced from two prized sectors of the legendary Hermitage hill: Les Bessards (7 hectares of granite-rich soils) and Les Grandes Vignes (2 hectares of the highest vines on the hill). Fermented with 80% whole clusters for Les Grandes Vignes, then matured for 15 months in Burgundian oak barrels (25% new). The result is a Hermitage of remarkable elegance, structure, and complexity — approachable now with decanting, but built to shine over the next decade and beyond.

Cellaring

Approachable now with 1 hour decanting; best from 2026 through 2035+.

Food Pairing

Outstanding with roasted lamb, venison, beef short rib, truffle dishes, and aged hard cheeses.

Product Details

• Appellation: Hermitage AOC, Northern Rhône, France
• Varietal: Syrah 100%
• Vineyards: Les Bessards & Les Grandes Vignes
• Aging: 15 months, Burgundian oak (25% new)
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 750ml
• Producer: Delas Frères

Discover Delas Brothers Les Launes Crozes Hermitage Red 2022

Winemaker Description 

Crafted primarily from vineyards in the Chassis sector, with additional fruit from the northern part of the appellation, Les Launes is Delas Frères’ classic expression of Crozes-Hermitage. The 2022 vintage delivers an immediately appealing yet structured Syrah, balancing ripe fruit with savory, Northern Rhône character. Medium-bodied with supple tannins and bright acidity, this wine is approachable now while still offering short-term aging potential. An outstanding value introduction to Northern Rhône Syrah.

Tasting Notes

Savory and expressive, with aromas of singed bacon, black pepper, and lavender layered over ripe red fruit. The palate is creamy yet fresh, driven by tangy acidity and finishing with notes of salt, iron, and subtle alder smoke.

Ratings - Vintage 2022

    •    Wine Spectator – 91 Points
“A singed bacon note reverberates through this sanguine version, filled out with ripe red fruit on a creamy palate… bright and perfumy, edged in salt, iron and alder smoke.”

    •    Jeb Dunnuck – 90 Points
“Charming and upfront, with perfumed red fruit, lavender, bouquet garni, and spicy, floral nuances. Medium-bodied, supple tannins, and a great finish.”
Rich Flavor Profile

Delas Brothers Les Launes Crozes Hermitage Red 2022 offers a remarkable flavor experience. This wine blends grape varieties primarily from Syrah, creating a rich and robust profile. You'll find notes of dark fruits, like blackberries and plums, combined with hints of spices and oak. The balance of acidity and tannins makes it an exciting choice, whether for a quiet evening or a lively gathering.

Pairing Suggestions

This red wine pairs beautifully with various dishes, so you can explore its versatility at your dining table. Consider serving it alongside grilled meats, such as lamb or beef, where the wine’s bold flavor complements the savory notes of the meat. Additionally, it goes well with hearty stews, aged cheeses, or even dark chocolate desserts, enhancing your culinary experience.

Serving and Storage Tips

To fully enjoy the Delas Brothers Les Launes Crozes Hermitage Red 2022, it's essential to serve it at the right temperature. Aim to chill it slightly for optimal enjoyment, as it amplifies the wine's fruity aromas. Store unopened bottles in a cool, dark place, so they age gracefully. This vintage is best enjoyed within a few years of release, but it can mature beautifully with proper care.

Exceptional Quality and Tradition

Delas Brothers has a long-standing reputation for crafting high-quality wines, and their Les Launes Crozes Hermitage Red 2022 is no exception. This wine showcases the rich terroir of Crozes-Hermitage in the Rhône Valley. The winemaking process involves careful harvesting and fermentation, ensuring that all flavors are fully expressed. Delas Brothers combines tradition with modern techniques, which is why this wine stands out with its exceptional quality.

A Complex Flavor Profile

This 2022 vintage offers a harmonious blend of rich fruit flavors, including blackberries and plums, complemented by hints of spices and earthy notes. Because of its well-rounded profile, it pairs beautifully with a range of dishes, from grilled meats to hearty stews. Therefore, whether you are hosting a dinner or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this wine elevates theThis 2022 vintage offers a harmonious blend of rich fruit flavors, including blackberries and plums, complemented by hints of spices and earthy notes. Because of its well-rounded profile, it pairs beautifully with a range of dishes, from grilled meats to hearty stews. Therefore, whether you are hosting a dinner or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this wine elevates the experience. experience.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Delas Brothers Les Launes Crozes Hermitage Red 2022 is a versatile wine that suits various occasions. It's not only ideal for celebrations but also perfect for casual gatherings with friends. Many wine enthusiasts appreciate its smooth finish and moderate tannins, making it enjoyable even for those new to red wines. So, whether you are a connoisseur or just starting your wine journey, this bottle will impress.