90+ Points | Critical Acclaim | Wine & Sparkling Wine

Winemaker Descripton 

Whispering Angel is today's worldwide reference for Provence Rosé. Made from Grenache, Cinsault and Rolle (Vermentino), its pale color is pleasing to the eye and draws one in. The rewarding taste profile is full and lush while being bone dry with a smooth finish.

Highly approachable and enjoyable with a broad range of cuisine, Whispering Angel is a premium Rosé that you can drink from mid-day to midnight. 

This rose wine is delicate, clean and minerally. Pale salmon in color. Fresh peach and strawberry on the nose with plenty of red berry fruits. Full bodied and dry, with pink grapefruit and hints of peach on the palate, lively acidity and a long finish.

A beautifully made wine.

Whispering Angel Rose is made by Sacha Lichine and his team at Chateau d'Esclans, in La Motte en Provence, south France. Made from grapes grown from some of the most choice land in the surrounding region of la Motte en Provence, consisting primarily of Grenache, Rolle (Vermentino) and Cinsault.

Expert Review

James Suckling 91 Points | A silky, seductive and saline Côtes de Provence rosé with aromas of small berries, red currants and salt. It’s medium-bodied, succulent, fresh and playful, with a caressing texture and a vivid, saline finish. (2023). 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

James Suckling writes:  Lots of passion fruit, guava and grapefruit on the nose. Bright, tropical and balanced, with medium body and a juicy, fruity finish. Sustainable. Drink now. Screw cap.  - James Suckling 90

Tamlyn Currin writes:  For a wine that is presumably made in vast quantities and in the most technical way possibly, this is surprisingly good. Full of bodacious tropical fruit. Mangoes and oranges with a little bit of grapefruit and sweet fennel. The balance of fruit and acidity is great, and it certainly tastes and feels more full-bodied than 12.5%. It's generous, friendly and appealing. I really can't fault it!   - Jancis Robinson 16

MaryAnn Worobiec writes:  A vibrant version, showing a mix of pineapple, mango and passion fruit flavors that is direct and mouthwatering, with touches of ginger and green tea on the finish. Drink now.  - Wine Spectator

Erin Larkin writes:  The 2023 Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc is a behemoth in the export market, and it delivers a pretty archetypal “Marlborough Sauvy” experience—crunchy, herbal, green, tropical and juicy. All good things in this context. 12.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Roger Jones, Freddy Bulmer, Cat Lomax writes:  Delicate mineral notes with a mixture of passionfruit and meadow grass aromas. Citrus fruit, butterscotch, stone fruit, white peaches and nectarine.  - Decanter

Winemaker Description 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 92 Points:  Walnuts, chocolate, black cherries and tobacco on the nose of this firm and sturdy red. It’s full-bodied, focused and savory, with a solid tannin frame.

Winemaker Description

Villa Antinori 2022 is ruby red in color. The nose is intense and intriguing offering notes of red fruit, especially cherries and currants, together with hints of spices, vanilla and hazelnuts. The palate is mouth filling, pleasantly sapid with lively freshness and is defined by supple tannins. The wine closes with a persistent finish.

Winemaker Description

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label is the signature champagne of the House. Dominated by Pinot Noir, it offers the perfect balance of structure and finesse. Golden-yellow in color, with a foaming necklace of tiny bubbles. It is pleasing to the nose; initially reminiscent of yellow and white fruits, then of vanilla and later brioche. Note the fine balance between the fruity aromas coming from the grape varieties and the toasty notes, the result of the three years of bottle aging. The first sip delivers all the freshness and strength so typical of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label with a symphony of fruit following (pear, lemon). It is a true member of the Brut family, well-structured, admirably vinous. 

Expert Reviews 

James Suckling writes:  This has aromas of grapefruit, pomegranates, and biscuits. It’s honeyed and sleek with a medium body and supple bubbles. Soft and creamy finish. Majority pinot noir, with chardonnay and meunier. Around 40% reserve wines.  - James Suckling 91

Julia Sheppard writes:  Tasted in magnum, the nose offers yeasty bready aromas topped with fresh citrus, hints of stone fruit and strawberry tart. A palate of fresh croissants, red berries, green apple and lively lemon citrus, with the larger format lending lovely creaminess to the bright finish. Veuve Clicquot's iconic Yellow Label is a blend of 30% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier and 50% Pinot Noir, which provides the cuvée's signature structure. Up to 45% reserve wines in the blend ensure consistency.  Drinking 2024 to 2030.  - Decanter 91

Alison Napjus writes:  This harmonious Champagne boasts a bright streak of tangerine peel–infused acidity, with flavors of ripe green apple, pastry cream and biscuit, plus accents of crystallized honey and candied ginger, all set on the lacy mousse. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Drink now.  - Wine Spectator 90

Jeb Dunnuck writes:  Comprising 85% of production, the NV Champagne Yellow Label Brut is 40% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and the rest Meunier, with 35-40% reserve wine. Entirely fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, it spends three years on the lees, and the wine sees 9 grams per liter of dosage, but the house does not disclose the disgorgement date. A golden straw hue, it’s ripe with aromas of yeasty bread dough, peaches, and fresh flowers. Medium-bodied on the palate, it’s ripe and juicy with rounded red berried fruit, a supple texture, a pillowy mousse, and a warming finish. Fresh and inviting, this is a solid and consistent aperitif to enjoy over the coming several years.  Drinking 2023 to 2026.  - Jeb Dunnuck 89

Our Professional Review 

One of the most classic and historic producers in all of Rioja. Medium-bodied with chew tannins with ripe red fruit flavors. Beautiful finish with a lively acidity.
- Oscar Garcia, Wine Buyer, 67wine

Winemaker Description - Vintage 2020

Characterized by a long growing cycle and perfect phenolic ripening. It produced wines with great aromatic intensity and fruit concentration, well-balanced between alcohol and acidity, and highly suitable for long aging.
grapes

100% Tempranillo from our own vineyards in Rodezno and Labastoda, with an average vine age of 40 years.

Manual harvesting in boxes, with cluster selection in the vineyards. The grapes are transported refrigerated to the winery to maintain their integrity. After rigorous quality control on optical sorting tables, alcoholic and malolactic fermentation occur naturally. Two years of aging in our own American oak barrels (new the first year and four-year-old barrels the second). We perform four traditional rackings by candlelight, from barrel to barrel. Bottled in June 2023.

Intense and brilliant garnet color with a vivid ruby rim. On the nose, it stands out for its high intensity, with notes of red fruits—raspberries, wild strawberries, and redcurrants— wrapped in a marked balsamic aroma of caramel, vanilla, toffee, and roasted coffee. On the palate, it is long, balanced, and fresh, with fine and silky tannins. A long finish, where the initial balsamic and fresh red fruit aromas characteristic of Viña Alberdi reappear.

Viña Alberdi is characterised by a notable food-pairing versatility. It is an ideal companion to appetisers, snacks and barbecues, perfect with rice, pastas and stews, and great with lightly-grilled meat and fish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

Luis Gutierrez writes:  The younger wine here is the 2020 Viña Alberdi, a versatile version of the Haro reds. It was produced with Tempranillo fermented in stainless steel and matured in American oak barrels for two years (it's sold as Reserva in international markets and Crianza in Spain). It has 14% alcohol with a pH of 3.6 and five grams of acidity. It has a classical nose of ripe fruit, American oak and spices, the subtle notes of forest floor, still young. The palate is velvety and very balanced with polished tannins. Approachable but should also age.  Drinking 2024 to 2029.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 92

Zekun Shuai writes:  A classical, typical Rioja Alta red with elegant notes of vanilla, coconut, smoked spices and strawberries. Refined and suave, with fine tannins and a long, creamy finish. Juicy and elegant. Really approachable now, but give it two more years to get more mushroom complexity.  - James Suckling 93

Winemaker Description 

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc put New Zealand on the map with its captivating flavor. Their signature style is famous for its vibrant nose, mouthwatering palate and long finish. Stone fruit and citrus stand out, while minerality (think rain on river stones) provides balance

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

James Suckling 92 Points | Consistently delicious with sliced-apple, gooseberry and lime character. Some grass too. Medium body, creamy texture and a fresh finish. Fortieth vintage of this wine.

Expert Review

90 Points Wine Enthusiast |  Fresh and vibrant, this classic Prosecco is exactly what we are all looking for: freshness, fun and fruitiness. Ample apple and lemon notes with a touch of white flower define the nose. These lead to a zippy palate that directly translates from the nose with loads of fresh apples and a touch of minerality.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

Jonathan Cristaldi writes:  This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon was aged in 30% new American oak for up to 16 months. A snapshot of California from vintners Joel and Sarah Gott, the grapes are sourced from select sites in the Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Lake County, Mendocino, Lodi, and Central Coast appellations. Sampled in mid-October 2024, the 2021 vintage is a youthful, easy-drinking Cabernet, perfect for weeknight consumption. Alluring blackberry, sandalwood, and ripe blackcurrant notes intermix with dried rose petals and mulling spices. Medium-bodied with intriguing cola spices, blackcurrant jam, a hint of white mocha, and a spine of zippy acidity, bracketed by fine tannins and a chalky mineral finish. It delivers a satisfyingly dry finish with just 1.7 g/L of residual sugar and a pH of 3.73. Joel Gott Wines was founded in 1996 by Joel and Sarah Gott. The '815' Cabernet is their flagship wine, named after their daughter’s birthday (15th August).  Drinking 2024 to 2030.  - Decanter 92

James Suckling writes:  Blackcurrants, black and green olives, rosemary and some crushed walnuts on the nose. Fresh and refined, with a medium to full body and fine-grained tannins. Drink or hold.  - James Suckling 90

James Molesworth writes: Ripe, fresh and polished, this delivers unencumbered red and black cherry fruit notes laced with a tickle of tobacco, all backed by a just firm enough finish to keep this balanced and engaging. Drink now through 2025.  - Wine Spectator

Winemaker Description 

The 2021 Joel Gott Blend No. 815 Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of raspberries, blackberries, plum, and mocha with notes of cinnamon and cedar. The wine opens with red fruit flavors, followed by velvety tannins on the mid palate and notes of black pepper on the long, textured finish.

Winemaker Description

Deep and dark red. Shiny. Aromas of fresh fruits with red berries and spices. Full, round and racy. Rounded and smooth tannins. A full-bodied, rich and intensely aromatic wine. Full with a long finish and plenty of elegance and finesse due to the well balanced tannins and fruit.

Pair with cold meats, meat, game bird and cheese.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

James Suckling writes:  A juicy, fruity red with aromas of dark cherries, red berries and mild spices. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Bright fruit character on the palate with a playful finish and a touch of spices. Drink now.  - James Suckling 90

Kristen Bieler writes:  Ripe and winey for the vintage, with alluring notes of licorice and steeped cherry on a bedrock of solid crushed iron. Apple wood and incense smoke elements add detail. Cool stone minerality washes through, while a kick of white pepper brings refreshment to the very solid finish. Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah. Drink now.  - Wine Spectator

Jeb Dunnuck writes:  The 2021 Côtes Du Rhône has to be considered a success in this challenging vintage, and it's well worth drinking. Ripe red and black fruits, violets, and peppery notes emerge on the nose, and it's medium-bodied, with a supple, elegant mouthfeel and a good finish.  - Jeb Dunnuck 

Nicolas Greinmacher writes: The 2021 Côtes-du-Rhône is a remarkable result given the challenging vintage conditions throughout the Rhône. Ripe red fruits rise up from the glass. Leafy and spicy undertones add more layers. This is a perfectly balanced 2021 red with absolutely no rough edges.  Drinking 2023 to 2027.  - Vinous

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Christina Pickard of WIne Enthusiast writes 93 Points | Dried herbs and lemongrass, with passionfruit sorbet, open this lovely, balanced Sauvignon. It's textural, long and persistent, with a salted pink grapefruit finish.  

Winemaker Description

The lively nose shows tropical and citrus fruits with subtle herbaceous characters. Its crisp fresh palate offers classic Marlborough acidity, structure and length.

Winemaker Notes

100% Chardonnay.  This wine shows floral, apple and citrus aromas with fresh, clean flavors and mineral notes.  Clean and vibrant unoaked Chardonnay.  Produced in the Mâconnais region of Burgundy, Mâcon-Villages is vinified with no oak contact to retain the elegant aromas and clean, fresh character that this region is prized for. The vineyard soils have a high percentage of chalk and limestone which impart nuanced minerality.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Neal Martin writes:  The 2023 Chablis Sainte Claire has a delightful peachy bouquet that opens nicely in the glass. The palate is ripe and (again), a little honeyed on the entry–smooth in texture. Lightly spiced with a simple finish. Fine.  Drinking 2024 to 2029.  - Vinous

Allen Meadows’ writes:  Moderate reduction overshadows the fruit so a quick aeration should be beneficial if you're going to open a bottle young. Otherwise the old vines are in evidence as there is both solid density and richness to the medium-bodied flavors that possess a seductive mouthfeel, all wrapped in a lingering finale. While this could also be enjoyed young, it could use better depth so a few years of keeping should prove helpful. Worth checking out provided you intend to cellar it over the next 2 to 4 years.  - Allen Meadows’ Burghound 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

Jeb Dunnuck writes 92 Points | Based on equal parts Syrah and Grenache brought up in used oak, the 2022 Côtes du Rhône Mon Coeur is a little gem of a wine offering loads of sweet kirsch and darker berry fruits as well as some peppery Provençal herb and spice-driven aromas and flavors. It's medium to full-bodied, has wonderful purity, and a great finish. It's perfect for drinking over the coming 4-6 years.  Drinking 2024 to 2030.

Kristen Bieler of the Wine Spectator writes 90 Points | Lush and generous, with a lot of intensity and a floral lift to the notes of raspberry coulis and crushed cherry, this turns firm and structured on the palate, with grippy tannins and iron minerality driving the long finish. A hedonist's red, with a lot of warmth, weight and power. Syrah and Grenache. Drink now through 2028. 

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. 
Oscar Garcia, Wine Buyer, 67wine

Winemaker Description

Intense color, ruby reflections, shiny. Nose of black fruit, blackberry, blackcurrant, blueberry with toasted notes. Authenticity of the terroir through the tannic structure and fruitiness of the wine. The nature of the sandy-gravelly soil acts as a flavor enhancer and is found in the minerality of this wine.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019 

James Suckling 90 Points | Mulberries, dark plums, dried herbs, burdock and cigar box on the nose. Medium body with powdery tannins. Fruity, with fresh acidity and a flavorful, earthy finish. Drink or hold. 

90 Points Wine Enthusiast | From the slopes just west of Castillon, this is a ripe Merlot-dominated wine. A core of tannins and juicy acidity have combined into a savory wine that will be ready from 2023.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Tasting Panel 92 Points | Salty minerality leads the way in this lean, clean white. Lemon blossom and delicate, lacy notes of sugared green apple, marzipan, and pineapple are delectable.

James Suckling 90 Points | A crisp and easy-drinking white with pleasant citrus and mineral aromas and flavors, a medium body and a tight, flavorful finish. Super-clean and tidy.

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | This wine’s nose is a total showoff, wafting out of the glass like it’s on a mission to impress. It’s a graceful blend of orchard fruits with a flirty citrus blossom wink. The palate plays it safe, solid but not quite ready to party. Green apple skin and a salty kick on the finish.

Winemaker Description 

Pale yellow in color with brilliant greenish reflections, enticing aromas of acacia flowers, citrus, tangerine, and hints of apricots and almonds. KRIS Pinot Grigio is lean and refreshing on the palate with hints of blossom and honey. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

Mike DeSimone of the Wine Enthusiast writes 92 Points | The scent of purple plum, lavender and dried thyme wafts from the glass. Satiny tannins coat the mouth and bring black currant, Simka plum, olive tapenade, baking spice and cocoa powder flavors. The smooth finish is noted for a light burst of mint. 

Winemaker Notes

Intense black-cherry color with good depth of color and hardly any signs of evolution. Very expressive aromas on the nose with notes of licorice, cinnamon and black pepper, with just a subtle hint of the long cask-ageing, thanks to its great complexity and ripe, concentrated fruit. Fresh and easy to drink on the palate, good backbone and lovely, polished tannins. The long, persistent finish leaves gentle balsamic reminders of the finest quality.

This wine goes well with ham, mild cheeses, casseroles which are not highly spiced, bean and pulse dishes, poultry, red meat, grills and roasts.

Winemaker Notes

This vintage is of a beautiful presence, both in its rather sustained red color, as in its aromatic expression of red fruits and undergrowth with nuances of caramel and spices. On the palate, we find very ripe fruit with a nice freshness, the palate is charming. Round and warm, it benefits from good wood support and ends with a long and suave finish. Balanced, Château Loirac has a marked personalit

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2016

James Suckling writes 90 Points | The blueberry and orange-peel aromas are all here. Medium body, fresh acidity and an attractive aftertaste. A little lean, but should soften by 2021. A blend of 60 per cent cabernet sauvignon and 40 per cent merlot.  - 

Neal Martin of Vinous writes |   The 2016 Loirac has a simple but pleasurable bouquet with wild strawberry and briary aromas. It just lacks a little complexity. The palate is medium-bodied with just a touch of greenness on the entry, classic and slightly leafy in style. Pleasant but probably early drinking only. Tasted at the Cru Bourgeois tasting in London.  Vinous

Julia Harding of Jancis Robinson writes 15.5/20 Points |  Deep crimson. Vanilla coating over the blackcurrant fruit. Dry-textured and slightly lacking in flesh but the tannins and freshness are good and this should be fine with a good dose of protein. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot.  Drinking 2020 - 2025.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

Audrey Frick writes:  A deep purple/magenta color, the 2023 Barbera D'Alba offers loads of fresh lavender, fresh blackberries, red plum, and delicate, fresh herbs, and spice. (I love the nose on this vintage.) On the palate, the wine has a fantastically refreshing feel and a clean finish, with a lot of charm and versality. Drink 2024-2030.  - Jeb Dunnuck 92

Winemaker Notes

G.D. Vajra Barbera d'Alba comes from a wonderful range of estate vineyards. It is fermented for an average of 20 days and ages no less than twelve months, in respect of the rhythm of nature. This is a fine blend, a charming wine, rich yet forward.

Our Barbera d’Alba is a joyous wine, graced by the complexity that arises from blending different terroirs. The long and gentle maceration is followed by a delicate aging so as to express the varietal fragrance and perfumes. The 2023 Barbera exhibits a brilliant purple hue. On the nose, this wine is a celebration of freshness, bursting with aromas of red berry juice, roses, and fresh plums, each wave adding to its vibrant energy. The palate is both crisp and juicy, offering a delightful drinking experience. It layers flavors of sweet red and black cherries, spices, and fresh dark berries, culminating in a melange of aromatics that defines the 2023 vintage.

Winemaker Description

This wine opens with enticing aromas of Meyer lemon, grapefruit, guava, and mango. The palate offers lush layers of lemon cream, peach, and papaya, elevated by notes of crisp lime zest. The cool, stainless steel tank fermentation delivers a beautiful freshness to the wine, while the subtle oak character from neutral French oak barrels adds body, complexity and depth.

Fumé Blanc pairs well with simple seafood and poultry dishes, and also holds up nicely with veal and pork. This wine has lively flavors that go well with spicy and ethnic cuisines such as Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, Korean, Mexican and Southwestern dishes.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

James Suckling 92 Points | A bright and crisp white with sliced lemon, lime and hints of grass on the nose and palate. Flowers too. Medium-bodied, fresh and vivid. Hints of green papaya. Firm phenolics frame it. Drink now. 

Winemaker Description

Saint Cosme Côtes-du-Rhône is produced from 100% Syrah and is from the the stony Villafranchian terraces of the Gard. The vineyards are known for their limestone sand, red clay, and pebbles, which give a freshness and intensity to the Syrah grapes. The wine is partially destemmed, fermented with natural yeasts, and vinified in concrete vats.

This Syrah grows in ideal terroirs of the southern Rhône and shows the varietal’s typical spicy notes of sandalwood, violets, and black pepper.

Syrah, with its deep flavors and firm tannins, is a natural match for grilled or smoked meat and dishes featuring herbs, roasted mushrooms, and onions.  Seared venison or beef with black pepper and thyme or a Moroccan tagine of pigeon or chicken are complimented by the spicy characteristic of Syrah.

Our Professional Review 

Rand Sieger, 67Wine: Saint Cosme Côtes-du-Rhône is produced from 100% Syrah and is from the the stony Villafranchian terraces of the Gard. The vineyards are known for their limestone sand, red clay, and pebbles, which give a freshness and intensity to the Syrah grapes. The wine is partially destemmed, fermented with natural yeasts, and vinified in concrete vats.

This Syrah grows in ideal terroirs of the southern Rhône and shows the varietal’s typical spicy notes of sandalwood, violets, and black pepper.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Kristen Bieler of The Wine Spectator 90 Points | There's a pure core of fresh blackberry, crunchy plum and violet in this vibrant version, with the subtlest brushing of vanilla. Layers of graphite and fine-grained tannins provide a solid framework. Compact, with savory details emerging toward the solid, medium-bodied finish, which is grounded in salty mineral notes and a waft of alder smoke.

Jeb Dunnuck writes 89 Points | As always, the 2023 Côtes du Rhône leads with its Syrah component and has juicy blackberry fruit as well as ample peppery, violet-like nuances. It's nicely balanced, medium-bodied, and concentrated, with lots to love. -

Producer Description 

The delicate La Marca Prosecco has a pale, golden straw color and sparkles with lively effervescence. Opening with aromas of fresh-picked citrus and honeysuckle blossoms, the crisp, clean palate brings fruity flavors of green apple, juicy peach and ripe lemon, framed by hints of minerality. 

The finish is light and refreshing with a tantalizing hint of sweetness.
Always serve La Marca Prosecco chilled between 46-50°F. 

A versatile Italian Sparkling wine, La Marca Prosecco can be served in sparkling flutes or white wine glasses. A full bottle serves approximately 5-7 glasses. After pouring the first round, seal the opened bottle with a bottle stopper to keep remaining wine fresh and effervescent and keep the wine chilled to 46-50°F. An opened bottle should last about 3-4 hours with the bottle closure.

La Marca Prosecco has the charm to stand alone as an aperitif, but it also has the body and the acidity to pair well with a range of foods, from seafood and mild cheeses to rich pasta dishes and decadent desserts. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Danielle Callegar of the Wine Enthusiast writes 90 Points | An earthy, savory nose is defined by aromas of damp soil, fresh coffee, dark chocolate, blackberries and pepper. On the palate, flavors of black cherry and mocha bring out the sweetness of the blackberries for a lush feel, but taut, textured tannins provide contrast. 

Winemaker Description

Nero d’Avola gives this wine a red passion color, hints of ripe fruit and an intense and harmonious taste. Immediate and direct but not trivial, it differs in the altitude at which its grapes are grown, which allows for a fresher wine, with delicate tannins and easy to drink style.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2011

Wine Advocate 91 points | The dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by loads of cassis and cherry jam notes intermixed with hints of licorice, incense, roasted herbs and underbrush. Full, fleshy and already irresistible, this 2011 should drink well for a decade. One of the finest Simards made in many years, this estate has gotten serious now that proprietor Alain Vauthier is overseeing the winemaking. From a well-placed vineyard planted in decomposed limestone below Pavie, this sleeper of the vintage is a St.-Emilion fruit bomb. Robert M. Parker, Jr.

89-91 Points James Suckling | A wine with plum, berry and cherry character. Medium body with integrated tannins and a fresh finish. Better after 2015.

Vinous | Bright ruby-red. Sappy, pure aromas of plum syrup, black cherry, graphite and botanical herbs, lifted by a strong floral topnote. Dense, sweet and suave, with intensely flavored, slightly candied red fruit and floral elements. Finishes with rich, spreading tannins and vibrant red berry flavors. When I observed that this is denser and more refined than the very good Simard, I saw Pauline Vauthier's eyes light up: "It's so true: but there's nothing one can do," she said. "The high-density plantings at Haut-Simard [10,000 vines per hectare vs. Simard's 6,000] make all the difference." I would add that in a year like 2011, Haut-Simard's soil, which features more clay and less sand, also place it at an advantage.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

Clive Purshouse writes:  It is a departure for Ridge, as it's not a single vineyard wine but instead a blend of 10 different sites from throughout Sonoma County. Bright and delightful with savoury herbs, tart early-season blackberries, and muddled mint leaves, all vie for attention in this wine's generous aromatic show. A melange of wild mountain berries, mouthfuls of dried savoury garrigue and lavender, dashes of white pepper and an incredible lift to the finish which lingers for an eternity. Concentrated and refined.  Drinking 2024 to 2034.  - Decanter 94

Tim Fish writes:  A broad-shouldered red, with a potent structure but expressive blackberry, savory dill and white pepper flavors that speed toward medium-grained tannins. Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Alicante Bouschet. Drink now through 2033.  - Wine Spectator 92 

Billy Norris writes:  A blend of 65% Zinfandel, 16% Carignane and 14% Petite Sirah, the 2022 Three Valleys is super-welcoming and disarming from the get-go. A superb introduction to the Ridge house style, it balances the savory and the fruity—tobacco, cedar, dark berry fruit and loads of spice, all hemmed in by fresh acidity and insistent but yielding tannins. It’s hard to go wrong here.  Drinking 2024 to 2034.  - Vinous 91

Winemaker Description 

Our Professional Review

Dinner, November 2nd, 2024:  This is the second time we have had this wine this week, both times our notes were consistent. Tonight we went vegetarian and had wild rice, tofu, sautéed onions and mushrooms with a small touch of Bragg’s Liquid Amino, a kind of soy sauce alternative that we love.  

The Pitray’s medium-bodied, very clean,  fruit-forward blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc was just about perfect.  This wine is no doubt one of the absolute best (under $20) Bordeaux values out there.  

Two nights before we had the Pitray with our version of lightly breaded chicken paillard served with a mild hot and sweet vinegar pepper sauce for dipping, smashed potatoes, and broccoli.  Again, the medium-body and beautifully clean incisiveness of this chateau came through to both clean and refresh our palates.  The balance of juicy frui, and balanced acidity makes this a four star pick of the under $20 Bordeaux.  -  Dorothy and Bernie, Follow the Drinker®

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018

Lisa Perrotti-Brown of the Wine Advocate writes 90-92 Points | Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Pitray features bright, expressive wild blueberries, black raspberries and warm plums scents with hints of spice cake and potpourri. Full-bodied, the palate is laden with juicy blue and black fruits, framed by plush tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with beautiful purity. 

James Suckling writes 90 Points |  A juicy, flavorful red that is delicious now, offering plum, chocolate and berry aromas and flavors. Medium body, firm tannins and a savory finish. Nice acidity, too. Drink or hold. 

Jane Anson of Decanter writes 91 Points | Well textured, velvety fruits sit on a firm and fresh palate. This is good quality, stretching out in the mouth with tannins that are fully supportive of the project, not getting in the way but cheerleading as the fruit takes its first steps. There is so much to enjoy in the smaller appellations this year.  Drinking 2021 - 2031.

Jeb Dunnuck writes |  Coming from the eastern edge of Saint-Emilion, in the Côtes Castillon region, the 2018 Château De Pitray offers lots of ripe black fruits, asphalt, and licorice notes to go with a medium-bodied, nicely textured style on the palate. This ripe, fleshy, attractive 2018 opens up nicely with air and has lots to like. Enjoy bottles over the coming 4-6 years or so.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Kristen Bieler writes:  An attractive white, with a lush offering of poached pear and fresh apricot flavors set against dried thyme and spicy lime zest acidity. Flinty mineral hints nicely offset the round, ripe palate on the medium finish, marked by floral and green almond notes. Well-done. Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Grenache Blanc. Drink now.  - Wine Spectator

Nicolas Greinacher writes:  Raised entirely in stainless steel, the 2023 Côtes du Rhône Blanc outperforms the 2022 I tasted last year. Vivid apricot, yellow apple and white peach aromas of moderate intensity rise from the glass. Round and concentrated, the sapid 2023 checks out with notable freshness on the juicy close.   Drinking 2025 to 2027.  - Vinous

Stuart Pigott writes:  An aromatic white Cotes-du-Rhone with lots of floral aromas, including pink roses. Ripe and medium- to full-bodied. Long, creamy finish with a touch of fine tannins balancing this neatly. A Cuvée based on Viognier with small amounts of Grenache blanc and Roussanne. Drink from release.  - James Suckling 90 Points 

Winemaker Description 

Freshness on the nose with the distinctive aromas of Viognier; white flowers, apricot, acacia and white peach. On the palate it is fruity with plenty of richness and body. A well-rounded wine with elegance, strength and balance.

Winemaker Description

This wine is rich and round, opening with aromas of Meyer lemon, apricot, vanilla, graham cracker, and buttered popcorn. The palate shows incredible depth with a full mouthfeel and layers of flavor. Ripe peach, pineapple, and caramel lead to hazelnut and baking spice notes on the finish.

This versatile Chardonnay pairs perfectly with seafood, poultry, white meats and dishes with cream sauces. Try preparations that include citrus, butter, cream, cheese, bacon, nutmeg, thyme, basil or toasted nuts.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

James Suckling writes:  Mineral and sliced cooked apples with lemon zest and hints of vanilla. Medium-bodied with some phenolics and tension and a fruity finish. Drink now. Screw cap.  - James Suckling 91

Audrey Frick writes:  The bright yellow 2022 Chardonnay Sonoma County is forward and ripe in the glass with aromas of ripe melon, tangerine, and sweet oak spices. Full-bodied, generous, and persistent on the palate, it has a rounded feel and a fresh lift on the finish. It’s a charming and ripe style to drink over the next year or two. Bottled under screwcap.  - Jeb Dunnuck 

MaryAnn Worobiec writes:  Generous and round, this shows notes of butterscotch, peach preserves and apple pastry on a ripe, creamy frame, with nutmeg and clove details on the finish. Drink now.   - Wine Spectator

Winemaker Description 

In appearance, it’s a pale yellow, straw color. On the nose there are ripe Sauvignon Blanc aromatics with notes of white stone fruit, passion fruit pulp and kaffir lime. The palate is lively with deep concentration and a salinic acidity.

This wine will pair well with aperitifs, seafood and poultry. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Wine Spectator 94 Points | One of the most impressive Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand is this single-vineyard planting. Unlike the vast majority of Kiwi Sauvignon Blancs, which hail from the Marlborough region at the northern tip of the South Island, Te Muna is located in Martinborough, at the southern tip of the North Island. The region’s cool climate and intense winds have been optimal for producing muscular Pinot Noirs, yet it turns out these conditions are ideal for Sauvignon Blanc as well, with the grapes’ thick, wind-blown skins adding intensity to the wines. Te Muna is divided into two dramatic terraces, with Pinot Noir growing in the decomposing soils of the upper terrace. But the greywacke stones and limestone on the lower terrace make a better match for Sauvignon Blanc. Since Craggy Range was founded by Terry and Mary Peabody in 1998, the quality of its distinctive wines has only become more impressive. A 1,000-year family trust shows how committed they are to the business. 72,000 cases imported.—MaryAnn Worobiec

Decanter Magazine (90 Pts) :  Fresh and precise, with lime, mango and passion fruit notes that are accented by crunchy sea salt, litsea oil, dried chamomile and fresh lemon zest on a mouthwatering, fleshy frame.  - :  Family-owned winery Craggy Range has an excellent reputation, and its entry-level Sauvignon Blanc shows a lovely purity and balance. The Martinborough region, at the southern tip of New Zealand's North Island, is a minor player size wise compared to the juggernaut that is Marlborough, but its wines are often more restrained in style. This elegant expression shows a lovely purity of gooseberry, blackcurrant leaf and lime fruit, with added weight from partial, short ageing in French oak. 

Rebecca Gibb MW of Vinous writes:  The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Te Muna Road probably won't be one for the history books. Modest in concentration and a little fleeting after what was a difficult season, it’s nonetheless attractive, clean and restrained. The 2023 is a less fragrant expression, with modest intensity of apple and pineapple, peach and citrus. Enjoy its dry, acid-driven tension in youth. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

Stuart Pigott of JamesSuckling.com writes 90 Points |  A prototypical Cotes-du-Rhone with plenty of red fruit, candied orange and spicy aromas. Generous fruit on the medium- to full-bodied palate plus a good quantity of supple tannins. Long, moderately dry finish. A cuvee of 80% grenache and 20% syrah. Drink now. 

Expert Ratings

Georgina Hindle of Decanter 90 Points writes | Blue fruits and cola cubes on the nose. Linear and direct, this is powerful but restrained, with a core of dark, juicy fruits and a mineral undertow giving freshness and a velvety-smooth texture to the tannins. Needs more time to expand and be fully expressive, but this is nice and one I want another glass of. Can be enjoyed today with some time in carafe or hold on for a few more years. Drinking 2022 - 2029.

James Suckling 90 Points | Aromas of blackberries, sweet tobacco and some crushed stones follow through to a medium body with a pretty core of fruit and well-integrated tannins. Give it a year or two to soften. Drink after 2024.

Jeb Dunnuck writes | Black cherries, candied violets, spicy oak, and floral notes all emerge from the 2019 Château La Vaisinerie, a medium-bodied, soft, supple, nicely textured, and impeccably balanced Puisseguin. It's already drinking nicely and should have a solid 8-10 years of prime drinking.   - Jeb Dunncuk

Neal Martin writes | The 2019 La Vaisinerie has thankfully dispensed with the New World ambitions that I found on the nose before, now displaying more refinement and focus. The palate is medium-bodied and pure, with supple tannins, fine acidity and a sensual finish. I am happy to raise my score.  - Vinous

90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins 67Wine.com | A juicy, joyous organic blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that’s bright, perky, full of life and begging for food. Aromas of spiced cherries on the nose with a medium body and an earthy note that adds complexity. A touch of earth and spice adds complexity, with balanced acidity and softly tamed tannins that leads to a cheerful, food friendly finish. This is a perfect pizza, pasta, weekday red that satisfies without breaking the bank!

Expert Review - Vintage 2020 

James Suckling writes 93 Points |   A tight, focused red with currant and cherry character and hints of chocolate and sandalwood. Medium to full body, creamy and refined tannins that are long and flavorful. Very well done. From organic grapes. Drink or hold.

Winemaker Description

A versatile, young red wine with a ruby red color and a bouquet characterized by inviting aromas of ripe cherries, blueberries and sweet spices. The taste is medium-bodied, fruity and smooth with a long lingering, dry finish, reminiscent of undergrowth, with an underlying hint of menthol. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.

Winemaker Description

Deep color. Very expressive and complex nose with red fruits aromas. The mouth is rich with fines tannins and well-structured with cherry, plum and chocolate aromas. The finish is lightly spicy. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

Jeb Dunnuck writes 88-90 Points | The 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Reserve checks in as 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah that's mostly from the limestone soils in Lirac. Blackberries, ripe cherries, peppery herbs, and floral notes all show, and it's medium-bodied, has a balanced, elegant mouthfeel, fine tannins, and a great finish. Readers looking for an impeccably made, high-quality Côtes Du Rhône to drink over the coming 5-6 years or more should grab some.  - Jeb Dunnuck 

Joe Czerwiński of the Wine Advocate writes | The tank-aged 2022 Cotes du Rhone Reserve Mont Redon is mostly from the Gard, with other components from Valreas and Tulette. Blended just before my summer visit last year, it's 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah, with energetic aromas of black olives, black berries and black cherries. Medium to full-bodied in the mouth, it's round, soft and easy to drink. Enjoy it over the next few years. 

Matt Walls of Decanter writes |   Good depth of colour, really quite dark in the glass. Savoury mulberry, blackberry aromas, good sense of freshness. A very classic expression of Côtes du Rhône with good concentration and structure – no hurry to drink this. The tannins are just a little gruff perhaps, but you wouldn't notice with some hearty food. The word Réserve on the label means the wine is made from bought grapes (possibly supplemented by estate fruit). 

Winemaker Description 

The Chianti Classico has a vivid ruby color and a strong nose of fresh red fruit with hints of cherry. This is a well-structured wine with a fruity finish. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 93 Points | A delicious, well-rounded and velvety Chianti Classico with aromas of strawberries, raspberries and mild spices. Medium-bodied with finely grained tannins and texture. Juicy and velvety with elegance and a pure character. Fresh and delicious finish. July 2024

Vinous 91 Points | The 2022 Chianti Classico is a lovely wine from Volpaia. Aromatic, light on its feet and gracious, the Chianti Classico here is a consistently fine example of Radda. Clean mineral notes shape this bright, taut offering. A burst of red fruit, chalk, white pepper and mint lingers on the finish.

Wine Spectator 89 Points | Offering textbook Sangiovese flavors of cherry, bitter almond, iron and earth, with a hint of eucalyptus, this is dry, with a light burr of tannins and adequate acidity for balance. Fine length. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2037. 15,000 cases made, 13,500 cases imported.