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.

Tasting Notes: A beautifully pale pink, which is pleasing to the eye and draws one in. Palate : Fresh red berry fruit characteristics with floral notes. Ripe and fleshy feel on the palate. Finish : Great concentration. Smooth and round finish.

Expert Review (2024 vintage)

James Suckling 92 Points: A well-rounded, focused and delicious rosé showing dried raspberries, frozen strawberries and mild spices on the nose. Medium-bodied with bright acidity. Balanced and driven, with a lively center palate and a persistent, flavorful finish.

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 

Winemaker Description

This wine starts in Marlborough vineyards, in the region famous for introducing elegant, cool climate New Zealand wines to the world. Marlborough’s warm days and cool nights create an extended growing season allowing the grapes to develop strong, intense varietal characteristics while maintaining a balanced, crisp natural acidity. The result is a distinct white wine that is always crisp, elegant, and refreshing.

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc White Wine is stunningly aromatic with tropical fruits and bright citrus notes, and a refreshingly zesty finish. It pairs perfectly with lighter meals, a variety of fresh Asian flavors, and seafood. Enjoy within a year or two of the vintage. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling writes:  Aromas of sliced lime, guava, star fruit, savory herbs and flowers. Medium-bodied, fresh and crisp with a juicy, mouthwatering nature. Flavorful and bright.  - James Suckling 90

MaryAnn Worobiec writes:  This pear, lime and lemon zest notes are mouthwatering and intense in this white, with a whiff of lemongrass and fresh-cut grass on the crisp finish.  - Wine Spectator

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

Tasting Panel 91 Points | Notes of lime, grapefruit, wet stone, and white flowers permeate both nose and palate. Stunning as ever. 

Winemaker Description 

 Kim Crawford produces one of Marlborough’s benchmark Sauvignon Blancs. Our most recent vintage was named “New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc of the Year” by the New York International Wine Competition. A perennial favorite enjoyed by the glass in restaurants, it has also been named in the “2019 Wine & Spirits Restaurant Top 10” Sauvignon Blanc category. The secret to Kim Crawford’s success is serious attention to detail in the vineyards and winery, with a special focus on sustainable practices, individual vineyard block harvesting, and small lot fermentation.

COLOR:  Very pale yellow

AROMA:  Classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc aromas of lifted citrus, tropical fruit, and crushed herbs.

PALATE:  A fresh, juicy wine with vibrant acidity and plenty of weight and length on the palate. Ripe, tropical fruit flavor with passion fruit, melon, and grapefruit.

APPELLATION:  Marlborough, New Zealand

PAIRINGS:  Pairs brilliantly with fresh oysters, asparagus, lobster, or summer salads.

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.

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 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.

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.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 90 Points |  Plenty of fruit and intensity with sliced lemon and apple character. Medium body. Fresh finish. Light bubble. Dry. 

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | Fresh lemon, lime and citrus blossom frame the nose of this fun and lively wine. The palate pops with the light perlage of the wine and its vibrant citrus flavors. Clean and crisp on the finish.S

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 Review - Vintage 2024

Wine Enthusiast - 91 Points The life of the party, this lucid, bombastic Savvy B offers up heady lime, lemongrass and pink grapefruit aromas, with a whisper of dried herbs below. There's a gently slippery quality to the texture. In rushes the limey acidity to dial it up a notch—or ten.

Winemaker Description

Pale Lemon in color, Whitehaven captures intense notes of grapefruit, passionfruit, lemongrass and white peach in this bold, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. Superbly structured and elegantly balanced, with fresh-snipped greens and citrus characteristics that blend effortlessly with notes of tropical fruit. Each glass boasts the long, clean finish of classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. With its bright character and crisp finish, Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes. A chilled glass of Whitehaven is particularly refreshing alongside fresh seafood, spicy Asian dishes, grilled chicken or summer salads.

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. 

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.

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. 

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins, 67 Wine Buyer, writes: 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.

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.

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.

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 Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 91 Points This full-bodied, round and buttery chardonnay has notes of baked apples, toast and brown butter. Ripe, soft and generous. 

Winemaker Description

A fresh, youthful and textured Chardonnay with flavors and aromas of pear, floral, white peach, citrus, baking spices and honey.

This versatile wine can be enjoyed as an aperitif with a triple crème or Humboldt Fog goat cheese, or to accompany entrées such as fresh seafood risotto, mussels in white wine sauce, or chicken piccata

Expert Ratings -Vintage 2019 

James Suckling writes:  Blueberry, blackcurrant, and black cherry in the nose with some sweet tobacco and moss. Full-bodied with chewy tannins that are polished and savory. Fruity yet reserved finish. Give this two or three years to open. Try after 2023.  - James Suckling 93

Jane Anson writes:  A Cru Bourgeois Superieur as of the 2018 vintage, giving a good display of understated Médoc charm with its 2019 vintage. Blackberry and black cherry fruits, firm tannins, well measured with an elegant frame. Violet edges to the colour also suggesting bright acidities, a little austere overall at this stage but great potential to develop over the next few years in bottle.  - Decanter 90

James Molesworth writes:  Direct, with a good mix of cassis, bitter plum, savory and tobacco notes. Fresh and focused through the finish, with a lingering hint of chalky minerality. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.  - Wine Spectator

Winemaker Notes

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

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. 

Winemaker Description 

Deep, ruby-red in color, this Chianti Classico offers aromas of ripe cherries and red plums, with subtle notes of toasted vanilla beans and purple flowers. On the palate, the wine displays a superbly structured character with bright acidity and a pleasantly savory finish.

Pair this wine with grilled steak tips and ratatouille. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 93 Points | A very pretty Chianti classico with dried cherries, orange peel, cedar, white truffles, and chalk. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy fruit, and flavorful finish. Hints of orange peel at the end. From organically grown grapes. Drink now and enjoy.

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). 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

James Suckling 93 Points | Very aromatic, with raspberry, orange peel and floral aromas. Nice transparency. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a crisp, crunchy finish.

Danielle Callegari of the Wine Enthusiast writes 93 Points | The nose is fresh and balanced, with aromas of bing cherries, wild strawberries, fresh coffee and number 2 pencil. The palate stays balanced, with more cherries, strawberries and coffee, as well as denser notes of soil and dark chocolate, plus a compelling interplay between chalky tannins and electric acid. Always a great deal.

Wine Spectator 92 Points |  A fresh, expressive red, this also exhibits tension, lending energy to its black currant, cherry, licorice and cedar flavors. Graphite and salty accents add detail on the long, tightly wound finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2033. 15,000 cases imported. - 

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2020 

Roger Voss of the Wine Enthusaist writes 90 Points | A well-balanced wine, this is structured and still young. It has spice and toast as well as juicy black fruits. The wine is on its way, but should not be drunk before 2025. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

James Suckling 92 Points | This Chardonnay entices you with aromas of fresh peach, Asian pear, citrus, and honeycomb. The flavors are just as complex with delightful undertones of red pepper and Madagascar vanilla, followed by fresh lemon, green apple, wildflower honey, stone fruit, and a hint of lavender. The rich, dense texture is balanced by its juicy acidity, leading to great minerality and a long, satisfying finish.

92 Points Wine & Spirits | This Chardonnay entices you with aromas of fresh peach, Asian pear, citrus, and honeycomb. The flavors are just as complex with delightful undertones of red pepper and Madagascar vanilla, followed by fresh lemon, green apple, wildflower honey, stone fruit, and a hint of lavender. The rich, dense texture is balanced by its juicy acidity, leading to great minerality and a long, satisfying finish.

Winemaker Description 

This Chardonnay entices you with aromas of fresh peach, Asian pear, citrus, and honeycomb. The flavors are just as complex with delightful undertones of red pepper and Madagascar vanilla, followed by fresh lemon, green apple, wildflower honey, stone fruit, and a hint of lavender. The rich, dense texture is balanced by its juicy acidity, leading to great minerality and a long, satisfying finish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 91 Points | This has quite an aromatic complexity, with spicy, floral and nutty notes. Charming and medium-bodied with a very satisfying balance of juiciness and citrusy freshness that lights up the long finish. A cuvee of 30% gewurztraminer, 23.5% pinot gris, 18.7% riesling, 18% sylvaner, 6% pinot blanc and 3.8% muscat.

Winemaker Description 

A kaleidoscope of grapiness, produced exclusively from hand harvested grapes in predominantly clay and limestone vineyards, from a dozen of the most favored localities in and around Riquewihr. Gentil Hugel allies the suave, spicy flavor of Gewurztraminer, the body of Pinot Gris, the finesse of Riesling, the grapiness of Muscat and the refreshing character of both Pinot Blanc and Sylvaner. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Audrey Frick of Jeb Dunnuck.com writes 91 Points | Bottled under screwcap, the 2022 Pinot Noir Red Cap is a rich but reflective ripe ruby red. On the nose, it’s pure and inviting, with ripe aromas of candied cherries, sweet spice, pressed roses, and forest floor. Medium-framed and ripe, it maintains good freshness and an approachable chalky texture, with fine-grained tannins and a clean finish. It’s a charming wine to drink over the next few years. 

Vinous 90 Points | Vivid red. Spice-accented red fruit and floral scents. Weighty yet quite lively for the vintage, offering bitter cherry and red currant flavors that deepen slowly as the wine opens up. Finishes with solid grip, subtle tannins and spicy cut, leaving a suggestion of cherry pit behind.

Winemaker Description 

Initial aromas of red currant, glacé cherry and tomato lead into notes of freshly tilled earth, tobacco and pencil shavings. The entry on the palate is soft and approachable, with a surprising density that contrasts a distinct acidity. Flavors of marionberry, black raspberry and cocoa powder mingle with beautifully integrated tannins. A medium finish brings a touch of salinity to the back palate.

The 2022 growing season was dominated by a series of signicant weather events, that would directly impact the quality of the vintage. Towards the end of March and into early April, warmer weather brought new life to the vines and encouraged bud break from certain varieties, such as Chardonnay; but then, on April 11, freezing temperatures, snow and frost arrived in the Willa-
mette Valley.

Both Montinore Estate and Tidalstar Vineyard were modestly aected, pushing forth lower-yielding, secondary buds. A stunning Fall period with temperatures up to 80 degrees until mid-October, allowed more than enough time to have
safely picked nearly all of our intake. Reasonable volumes of very high-quality fruit have resulted in vibrant, interesting, and focused wines. We look forward to sharing them with you in the forthcoming years!

A beautiful vintage and a commitment to thoughtful winemaking are well reected in this release of Red Cap Pinot Noir. A carefully constructed blend of Pinot Noir from Montinore’sestate vineyard in the Tualatin Hills AVA and Tidalstar VineyardLin the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, both of which practice regenerative farming practices and carry Biodynamic® Demeter certication.

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2022

Antonio Galloni writes:  "Superb. Rich and deep yet also quite translucent, the 2022 is an archetype of Castelnuovo Berardenga. Black cherry, leather, spice, tobacco, menthol and dried herbs inform this potent, super-classic Chianti Classico. This is beautifully done, especially for the year."  - Vinous 91

Wine Enthusiast writes:  "Aromas of black cherry, pomegranate, fresh figs and top soil create a nose that's tangy, but with depth. Blackberries headline the palate, while undertones of dark chocolate and more earth provide balance. Tannins are firm yet flexible, and acid is vibrant."  - Wine Enthusiast 91

Winemaker Notes

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Jeb Dunnuck writes:  The 2022 Clos Des Lunes Lune D'Argent Blanc is a pure, balanced, medium to full-bodied white with clean citrus and floral aromatics, a good spine of acidity, and a clean, lengthy finish. It's a classy Bordeaux Blanc based largely on Sémillon.  - Jeb Dunnuck 90-92

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2022 Lune d’Argent shows notable richness, very much in the style of the year. Orchard fruit, white flowers, mint and tangerine. Pear, mint and chamomile open effortlessly. In 2022, Lune d’Argent offers quite a bit of presence, making it a terrific choice for the dinner table. Readers should expect a rich, layered Sauvignon Blanc. Pretty floral notes liven up the finish.  Drinking 2025 to 2027.  - Vinous 90-92

Zekun Shuai writes:  Fine reduction with flint and matchstick characters that protect the creamed citrus. Pretty full-bodied and broad at the start with a lightly phenolic middle and a flavorful, saline finish. 70% semillon and 30% sauvignon. Try from 2025.  - James Suckling 92

Georgina Hindle writes:  Cool and crisp, clean and nicely weighted on the palate with some creamy and chalky lemon, pear and apricot. An easy-drinking style with nuance and freshness. Lacks a touch of weight and zing, but there’s appealing bitter lemon rind with apricot and peach flavours. Feels clean.  Drinking 2025 to 2030.  - Decanter 90

James Molesworth writes:  This fresh version offers mirabelle plum, quinine and honeysuckle notes that stay bright and nicely defined through the energetic, salted butter–tinged finish. Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now through 2026.  - Wine Spectator 90 Smart Buys 

Yohan Castaing writes:  With aromas of pear, peach and menthol, the 2022 Lune d'Argent exhibits a lively, refreshing bouquet followed by a juicy, round and fleshy palate, concluding with a bright, lemony finish. It's a blend of 70% Sémillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Winemaker Description 

Lune d’Argent is the heart of Clos des Lunes’ production. They firmly believe in the future of this legendary terroir and its truly original style. With a touch of French oak, the Sémillon is dense and rich, the Sauvignon Blanc refined and precise. This cuvée of dry white wine promises to convey all the magic of Sauternes. 

Winemaker Description

The deep ruby color indicates a luxe complexity, while aromas of black cherry, cassis and rich earth are abundant in this classic Cabernet Sauvignon. On entry, currants and black plums generously lead to a plush mouthfeel. There are ample tannins carrying the fruit to the long lingering finish. Aging for 12 months in 1-year-old American oak barrels created notes of baking spices, nutmeg and hints of caramel.

This versatile wine pairs well with a variety of foods like rib-eye steak with blue cheese butter, roasted eggplant with provolone cheese and dark chocolate mousse with fresh berries.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | For $11, this California Cab packs bags of flavor. Find notes of black cherry, plum and currant, cinnamon, nutmeg, fennel, crushed violets and toasted wood alongside mouthcoating tannins and modest acidity. 

Winemaker Description 

The nose is fruity with aromas of ripe cherries and spices. This wine is medium-bodied with lively acidity and silky tannins.

50% Grenache, 50% Syrah

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

Jeb Dunnuck writes 92 Points | Mostly Grenache and Syrah, the 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Le Temps Est Venu is up-front and loaded with charm, offering lots of black raspberry and redcurrant-like fruit as well as peppery garrigue and spice. It's medium to full-bodied, round, layered, and beautifully balanced. 

Kristen Bieler of the Wine Spectator writes 90 Points | This well-made, characterful Côtes du Rhône brims with juicy cherry and red licorice notes, while mocha, garrigue and grilled mesquite accents linger in the backdrop. Offers a burst of cranberry freshness toward the slightly grippy finish, with iron minerality bringing balance. Very solid. Grenache, Carignan and Syrah. Drink now through 2029.  -

Alistair Cooper MW of Jancis Robinson writes 16/20 Points | Lovely spicy nose – crushed red fruits, juicy and sappy. The palate is rounded and has some firm tannins as well beneath. Textured and spicy and earthy as well with some graphite. Ripe and voluminous. Still needs time.  Drinking 2025 to 2032.