90+ Points | Critical Acclaim | Wine & Sparkling Wine

Expert Review

The Wine Enthusiast by Joe Czerwinski writes 92 Points | Dark amber in color, this example of classic Muscat is wonderfully balanced between the freshness of youth and the power and complexity of age. Raisin, malt and Guinness stout-like notes meet vibrant orange-zest and honey characters in a sweet, harmonious whole

Producer Description

Complex & layered

Average age 12 years

We affectionately call this the ‘Goldilocks’ tier—it’s just right! Our Classic Muscat is a perfect blend of fresh and older Muscat parcels, this wine offers the best of both worlds. It showcases vibrant, fresh fruit flavours alongside the deeper, richer complexity that comes with extended time in oak.

With notes of Turkish Delight, raisins, walnuts, and dense fruit cake, this tier has a much greater richness and complexity than the Rutherglen tier, hinting at the mature wood-aged characters that will continue to develop as it ages. It’s the ideal middle ground for those who want a balance of youthful fruit and the beginnings of that beautiful, layered depth Muscat is known for.

Stanton & Killeen acknowledges and deeply respects the Bangerang people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and gather. We honour their Elders—past, present, and emerging—and celebrate the continuation of their cultural, spiritual, and educational practices that have shaped this place for generations.
We are committed to learning, listening, and fostering a future that respects and uplifts all voices.

Memo Pairing Suggestions

The "Classic" Pairings:
    •    Desserts: Sticky date pudding, dark chocolate tart, or pecan pie.
    •    Savory: Strong blue cheeses like Gorgonzola or Roquefort (the salt/sugar contrast is legendary).
    •    Affogato: Pour it directly over high-quality vanilla bean gelato.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

Vinous 93 Points | The pale lemon-gold colored 2019 Coutet is a thrill ride from the get-go, exploding from the glass with fantastically intense scents of tangerine peel, lime blossoms and lemon marmalade over a core of pineapple upside-down cake, candied ginger, ripe apricots and clover honey plus suggestions of chanterelles and musk perfume. The palate is equally electric and exhilarating, prancing around the palate with a whole myriad of candied citrus, stone fruit and citrus flavors, charged by a racy backbone of acidity, finishing beautifully textured and with an epically long firework display of minerals. Apart from all that, it is pretty darn delicious.

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | A soft-edged and forward-styled version, with lemon meringue, warmed peach and fresh pineapple and mango notes all mixing together. Features a pie crust accent that holds sway on the finish. Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. Drink now.

Memo Summary Notes

The Château Coutet 2019 is widely considered one of the standout sweet wines of its vintage in Barsac. Known as the "First Growth of Barsac" (Premier Cru Classé), Coutet is famous for its "knife-like" acidity (the name Coutet is derived from the Gascon word for knife), which provides a refreshing counterpoint to its intense sweetness.

Pair with 

Classic: Foie gras terrine or Roquefort blue cheese. 

Savory: Roast chicken with herbs or spicy Asian cuisine (the sweetness tames the heat).

Dessert: Fruit tarts, particularly those with apricot, peach, or lemon curd.

Expert Reviews 

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | The NV Brut Pinot de Diel is an assemblage of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir, a réserve perpetuelle predominantly harvested in 2021. Aged sur lattes for two years and disgorged with a dosage of four grams per liter in May 2024, the wine opens with deep, bright and fresh, lemony fruit intertwined with delicate brioche, sur lie and also flinty terroir aromas. Round but dry and fresh on the palate, this is a medium to full-bodied Brut with a clear, long and mouth-cleansing finish. It's excellent in structure, complexity and length. 12% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine in Burg Layen in February 2025.

James Suckling 92 Points | This creamy, barely medium-bodied sparkling wine tastes very French, with appealing aromas and flavors of yellow apples, brioche and flint. The lively mousse deftly lifts the long candied-citrus finish. A cuvee based on the 2022 vintage plus some reserve wine, disgorged June 2025. Drink now.

Producer Notes

Variety: Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris (co-planted and co-fermented) • Region: Nahe • Vineyard: Various estate sites • Soil Type: Slate & quartzite • Fermentation & Élevage: Stainless steel fermentation and aging, minimum 20 months en tirage, dosage is sweet Pinot Gris aged in barrique.

Memo Summary Notes

The Schlossgut Diel Pinot de Diel Brut NV is a sophisticated German sparkling wine (Sekt) from the Nahe region. While many German sparkling wines are made from Riesling, this specific cuvée is a "Pinot" blend, modeled after the traditional Champagne style but with a distinct German terroir.

Schlossgut Diel is one of Germany’s most prestigious estates. While they are famous for their Grand Cru Rieslings, Caroline Diel spent time training in Champagne, and that influence is clear here. The "Pinot de Diel" is designed to be their "luncheon" sparkling—elegant enough for a celebration but versatile enough for the table.

Food Pairings

• Classic: Raw oysters, sashimi, or lightly fried calamari.

• German Pairing: Veal schnitzel with a squeeze of lemon.

• Casual: It is famously good with high-quality salty snacks like truffle popcorn or Marcona almonds.

Schloss Lieser | Riesling Niederberg Helden Feinherb 2021 | Mosel, Germany

Thomas Haag's Niederberg Helden is one of the Mosel's most storied steep-slope sites — a south-facing amphitheater of blue Devonian slate just east of the village of Lieser. The slate imparts a signature mineral grip and cool-climate tension that defines this wine's character.

Feinherb is the winemaker's own style: poised between dry and semi-sweet, it is built for the table — the gentle residual sweetness cuts through spice, while the electric acidity stands up to rich, savory dishes.

The 2021 vintage was a cooler, more classic year in the Mosel, producing wines of exceptional energy and precision. This bottling delivers intense wild herb, crisp pear, and white peach on a sleek, compact frame, with a stony mineral undertow and impressive length. Drink now or cellar with confidence.

Tasting Notes - Vintage 2021

James Suckling — 94 Points: The intense wild herb character gives this sleek and compact 2021 Mosel a very striking personality. Lots of crisp pear and white peach fruit fill this picture out neatly. The impressive length suggests this has many years ahead of it. Drink or hold.

Wine Enthusiast — 90 Points (Aleks Zecevic): Well tuned and flowing with grace, this wine delivers notes of understated passion fruit and kumquat. A stony undertow adds to the charm and complexity. Not a blockbuster — for those who value nuance and subtlety.

Technical Details

Variety: Riesling  |  Vineyard: Niederberg Helden  |  Region: Mosel, Germany  |  Soil: Blue Devonian Slate  |  Fermentation: Stainless Steel  |  Size: 750ml

Tenuta di Ceppaiano Toscana — Keith Haring Edition, Tuscany 2017

In 1989, Keith Haring traveled to Pisa to paint his iconic "Tuttomondo" mural — a monumental work that would become one of his last. During that visit, he gifted original artwork to the Castellani family of Tenuta di Ceppaiano, and that artwork now lives on the label of this wine. It is a collector's bottle in the truest sense: a 92-point Tuscan red wrapped in a piece of art history. The wine itself is a Sangiovese-led blend from the Toscana IGT, vinified to express the richness and depth of a warm, generous vintage. James Suckling awarded it 92 points.

The nose is complex and captivating: plums, blackcurrants, dark chocolate, tobacco, balsamic, and cigar box, layered with wild rose, dark cherry, cassis, mint, licorice, roasted coffee, and leather. On the palate, it is medium-to-full-bodied with a creamy, velvety texture, fine round tannins, flavors of black fruit, vanilla, cedar, and a hint of white chocolate, leading to a long, persistent finish of sweet spice and cedar. It is drinking beautifully now and will continue to evolve for years to come.

James Suckling 92 — "Aromas of plums, blackcurrants, dark chocolate, tobacco, balsamic and cigar box. Medium-to full-bodied with fine, round tannins. Creamy, velvety texture. Sweet spices on the flavorful finish. Drink or hold." (Vintage 2017). 

• Producer: Tenuta di Ceppaiano / Castellani Family, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2017
• Appellation: Toscana IGT
• Region: Tuscany, Italy
• Varietal: Sangiovese-led blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot)
• Label Art: Original artwork gifted by Keith Haring to the Castellani family, 1989
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Plum, blackcurrant, dark chocolate, tobacco, wild rose, cassis, vanilla, cedar, sweet spice
• Best Paired With: Pasta with rich meat sauces, spicy Mediterranean dishes, rotisserie chicken with rosemary, aged pecorino

A 92-point Tuscan red with a one-of-a-kind story — Tenuta di Ceppaiano's Keith Haring edition is as compelling on the wall as it is in the glass.

Expert Review -  Vintage 2020

The Wine Enthusiast by Roger Voss writes 92 Points | From a specific parcel in the Haut Selve estate, the wine is rich and dense. Its black chocolate aroma gives a hint of the wine's ripeness. On the palate, this is a a powerful, smoothly textured wine, packed with black fruits and tannins. It is worth aging further, to be drunk from 2026.

Winemaker Description 

– Density: 2250 vines/acre
– Pruning: double guyot
– Sun exposed leaf area up to 3.2 acres
– Organic manure (faba beans and oats) and then scraping of the soils
– Limited yield to 38 hl/ha
– Sustainable agriculture

Vinification

– Prefermented cold maceration of 4 days, to extract aromas
– Alcoholic fermentation controlled between 26 and 28°C
– Total maceration between 3 and 4 weeks
– Malolactic fermentation in oak barrels
–  Ageing: 12 months in French oak barrels
– 1/3 of new barrels (Nadalié, Vicard, Sylvain, Mercier, Seguin Moreau, Marques, Garonnaise)

Tasting notes and Pairing | With beautiful cherry tints and orange reflects, this wine offers an intense nose of jammed morello cherry with elegant woody notes. Supple and structured, the palate is well balanced by ripped tannins.

Memo Summary Notes

Tasting Notes

    •    Appearance: Dark garnet red.

    •    Nose: Complex aromas of red and black fruits, spicy and mentholated notes, and subtle empyreumatic (smoky/toasted) woodiness.

    •    Palate: Velvety and dense with fresh fruit flavors; floral notes and violet appear on a long, structured finish with well-coated tannins.

    •    Drinking Window: Best enjoyed from 2024, reaching its peak between 2028 and 2030.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Decanter 92 Points | Attractive harmony of ripe fruit aromas with some raisin notes, touches of blackcurrant and strawberry. Ripe and juicy, very fresh.

Memo Summary Notes

The Elvi Siblings by Mesorah 2022 is a refined, kosher-certified red blend from the Montsant region of Spain. This specific bottling is a collaboration within the Cohen family (the founders of Elvi Wines), designed by siblings David and Leah Cohen to be a more accessible, "approachable" version of their flagship Clos Mesorah estate wine.

This wine is a blend of 80% Grenache & 20% Carignan.
 
 

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Antonio Galloni of Vinous writes 95 Points | The 2022 Echezeaux Grand Cru is absolutely exquisite, not to mention a significant step up in the range. Impossibly silky tannins and deep, penetrating aromatics give the Echezeaux its seductive personality. Medium in body and polished, with phenomenal balance, the Echezeaux shows how compelling the vintage is. There is no heaviness at all, nor any sign of a growing season marked by severe heat and drought.

Winemaker Description 

With a more textured and intense character than Échezeaux, Grands-Échezeaux presents a rich, almost rustic profile. The wine offers a concentrated palate of dark fruits, with gamey nuances and bramble hints, wrapped in a structured yet velvety texture. It's a wine of depth and character, often described as having a "monastic" quality. It is “Grands” before being Échézeaux. It is a country gentleman, aristocrat and dreamer. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Stuart Pigott of JamesSuckling.com 95 Points | This astonishing white Burgundy squares the circle of excellent ripeness and concentration with great freshness and vitality. Lovely aromas of bergamot and candied lime peel with a creaminess that’s deftly wrapped around the firm mineral core. Very long, focused and polished finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Unfiltered. Drink or hold. 

Bill Nanson of Burgundy Report | Also an airy, modestly floral super-attractive aromatic. Hmm, not a fat or generous wine but one with wonderful airy fruit quality. That’s a gorgeous wine – bravo. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Domaine Boris Champy "Presse Verticale 382" 2022 is a masterclass in high-altitude, biodynamic Burgundy. Boris Champy—former director of legendary estates like Louis Latour and Clos de Lambrays—acquired this estate in 2017 with a mission to prove that the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune is the future of the region due to its cooler climate.

The "382" in the name refers to the 382-meter elevation of the "Montagne de Cras" plot in Nantoux, while "Presse Verticale" highlights his use of a traditional vertical basket press for a gentler extraction.

Pair with

• Seafood: Pan-seared sea bass with fennel, smoked salmon, or lobster risotto.

• Poultry: Roasted farm chicken with tarragon or a classic Gratin Dauphinois.

• Cheese: Pairs beautifully with an 18-month aged Comté or a creamy Brillat-Savarin.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2013

The Wine Advocate 95 Points | The 2013 Valadorna (mostly Merlot with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot) is yet another home run in this blockbuster collection of new releases from Tenuta di Arceno in the southern part of Chianti Classico (Castelnuovo Berardegna). This is a firm and tightly knit expression that is packed tight with black fruit, tobacco, tar and dark chocolate. The wine shows enormous aromatic intensity, but then it slims down just a touch in the mouth to offer an elegantly tapered finish.

Decanter 94 Points | Compared to the older and warmer 2011, which is a bit rustic and jammy, this 2013 is a fairly classic vintage for Merlot. It was harvested in September, marking a return to the usual picking dates. The percentage of the Merlot here reaches 74% of the blend, in order to maximise its fleshy character in a relatively cool year. The nose is evolved yet with an amazing complexity of tobacco, earthy tones, clean leather and balsamic depth. On the palate cassis fruit melds with leather and spices, supported by polymerised tannins and natural refreshing acidity. - Decanter Magazine, February 2021

James Suckling 94 Points | Very intense nose of blackberries, dark chocolate, sandalwood, vanilla, treacle and tar. Full-bodied with plenty of dark fruit, but lots of black-olive undertones and bright acidity keep this fresh, while firm tannins carve out an elegant, polished shape. Drink in 2021.

Memo Summary Notes

The Tenuta di Arceno "Valadorna" 2013 is a powerhouse Super Tuscan that represents the "Right Bank" Bordeaux style of the estate. While the flagship Arcanum focuses on Cabernet Franc, Valadorna is a Merlot-led blend sourced from the coolest, sandiest blocks of the estate in the southern Chianti Classico zone (Castelnuovo Berardegna).

As of late 2025, the 2013 vintage is considered a "Classic" and "Elegantly Tapered" expression, currently at its absolute peak drinking window.

• Food: This is a "Meat Wine." It pairs perfectly with Bistecca alla Fiorentina, herb-crusted roast beef, or wild boar ragù.

• Cheese: Aged Pecorino Toscano or a sharp Parmigiano-Reggiano.

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

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

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

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

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

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

Winemaker Description

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

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

Expert Reviews

~ Rosé made using the saignée method
~ Zero dosage
~ Natural
~ Very low sulphur content
~ Aromas of red fruits, mandarin orange and white pepper
~ Pinot Noir

Vinification of the Brut Nature Rosé cuvée

~ Rosé made using the saignée method with maceration in vats lasting 3 days
~ Only the juices from first pressing are used
~ Minimal use of sulphur
~ No filtering
~ Use of gravity to avoid oxidation
~ Then total and natural malolactic fermentation
~ Zero dosage
~ 100% of the wines are made in vats to preserve freshness
~ After bottling the cuvée is aged for 2 to 3 years sur lattes (on laths)

GRAPE VARIETY: 100% Pinot Noir

FOOD PAIRINGS: Ideal as an aperitif. Goes perfectly with salmon carpaccio or scallops, sushi, grilled meats. Serve at: 45°F.

TASTING NOTES: On the nose, very evocative of strawberry and raspberry with a floral note of rose petals. The palate recalls red fruits and is augmented by hints of citrus fruit, mandarin orange and a small, very refined touch of white pepper.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

Wine Advocate 95 Points | The nose of a dry Port — all violets, ripe plums and aromatic herbs, with plenty of spices, toast and smoke from 20 months in French oak (20% new). Needs time to integrate the oak and polish the tannins.

James Suckling 95 Points | Abundant dark fruit with blueberries, delicate violets and graphite. Fleshy and medium- to full-bodied, perfectly balanced by refreshing acidity through a clean, bright finish. Supple tannins. An old field blend of more than 40 varieties. Drink now or hold.

Wine Spectator 94 Points | Bursting with brambly boysenberry and blueberry, fragrant mountain herbs, graphite and woodsy spices. Fresh and focused with concentration and length in a medium-bodied frame. Chalky, integrated tannins with a salty, iron-laced tang. Classy. Drink now through 2035.

About Wine & Soul

Wine & Soul is the joint project of husband and wife Jorge Serôdio Borges and Sandra Tavares da Silva, both qualified oenologists. They bought an old port warehouse in the Vale de Mendiz in the heart of the Pinhão valley in 2003. The estate is 6 hectares with 2.5 ha under vine, averaging over 70 years old and planted with 30+ different varieties. The project is named after their dog Pintas, a Pointer.

Winemaking

Harvested in the second week of September in perfect conditions. All grapes were hand-selected, destemmed, and foot-trodden in traditional stone lagares throughout the full 10-day fermentation. Aging and malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels for 20 months.

Varietals: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Barroca, Rufete

Tasting & Pairings

Violets, ripe plums, boysenberry, blueberry, graphite, dark chocolate, mountain herbs, and woodsy spice. Medium- to full-bodied with chalky tannins, bright acidity, and a salty, iron-laced finish. Decant generously or cellar through 2035.

• Braised beef cheeks or short ribs — the wine’s structure and dark fruit depth are built for slow-cooked meats.
• Grilled lamb chops with rosemary — the herbal and spice notes mirror the wine beautifully.
• Aged Manchego or Serra da Estrela cheese — Iberian cheeses that complement the Douro’s earthy complexity.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Vinous 94 Points | The 2022 Riesling Terrassen Smaragd is from 20- to 60-year-old vines planted on higher parcels at 250-350 meters. The nose has something of an eau de Cologne sense, with its conifer and citrus spice. The palate is super slender, very linear and uncompromisingly fresh, without a suspicion of fat or any opulence. This treads a thin line on perfect tiptoe. There is a weightless quality here. This is brimming with lemon and utterly fresh.

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | With fullness to the lychee, green plum and quince flavors, this delicious, mouthcoating and salty white is laced with baking spice notes. Stays elegant and well-defined despite its plump profile, offering zesty clementine acidity, with dried sage and fresh-cut grass notes bringing a savory dimension. Drink now through 2032.

Winemaker Description 

Wachau Riesling is dry and often defined by high levels of dry extract (due to a lengthy ripening period) and a pleasing freshness (due to dramatic temperature swings between day and night). Soils of primary rock from various terraced sites give this dry Riesling subtle minerality accompanied by aromas and flavors of citrus and stone fruit.

Riesling’s high acidity makes it one of the most versatile wines at the table. Riesling can be used to cut the fattiness of foods such as pork or sausages and can tame a certain amount of saltiness. Conversely, it can highlight foods such as fish or vegetables in the same way a squeeze of lemon or a vinaigrette can.

Rudi Pichler is among the elite growers of the Wachau producing wines of precision, power, and longevity. Grüner Veltliner and Riesling make up 95% of the production with the remaining 5% shared between Weißburgunder and Roter Veltliner. Rudi Pichler belongs to the prestigious Vinea Wachau and vinifies under the strict parameters of their codex.

Yields are kept low between 30 and 35 hectoliters per hectare with botrytis carefully removed by hand.  Grapes are crushed by foot and receive between three and 36 hours of maceration on the skins. Vinification is entirely in stainless-steel tanks and malolactic fermentation is avoided.

Weingut Rudi Pichler consists of 37 acres spread between Wösendorf, Joching, and Weißenkirchen where south-facing terraces look down at the Danube River. Terrassen indicates it is a cuvée from multiple terraced sites. Smaragd is a term used by Vinea Wachau members indicating a dry wine with a minimum alcohol of 12.5%.

Expert Reviews - VIntage 2022 

A deep ruby/magenta color, the 2022 Il Pino Di Biserno starts to show more mineral-inflected notes of graphite, preserved strawberries, blackberries, cocoa, and sweet herbs. Full-bodied, the palate expands with ripe tannins, even acidity, and darker mineral undercurrents, as well as a hint of gamey richness and notes of tea leaf through the mid-palate and rather long finish. Hold this one another couple of years and drink 2027-2040.: Audrey Frick - Jeb Dunnuck - 94 Points

A cedary twist to the typical notes of black olives, tobacco, paprika and black fruit. Medium- to full-bodied with prominent, fine-grained tannins and fruit. Long, demure and tight. Needs at least one more year to soften and open up. Drink from 2026."  Zekun Shuai - James-Suckling - 94 Points

The Tenuta di Biserno 2022 Il Pino di Biserno delivers a ripe fruit profile with blackberry confit and sweet cherry pie. Those warm vintage tones are followed by an ample use of oak that adds baking spice and toasted nutmeg. There is a hint of campfire ash or something blackened or toasted at the core of this full-bodied Tuscan blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Verdot. I pick up a note of dryness on the otherwise velvety tannins. Monica Larner - The Wine Advocate - 92 Points

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Advocate 91 Points | The white 2022 Quíbia was produced with 60% Premsal and 40% Giró Ros and sold as a generic wine without appellation because of the use of the Giró Ros grape. It matured with lees in stainless steel before being bottled. It has 12.9% alcohol and good freshness. Unfortunately, it feels quite reductive and is difficult to read on the nose, but the palate feels vibrant and fresher. Give it a little bit of time.

Memo Notes

The 2022 is celebrated for blending aromatic fruit with a refreshing, savory quality:

Color: Enticing straw-lemon with greenish highlights.

Aromas: A delightful mix of ripe white peach, pear, jasmine, and the striking note of sea brine or crushed seashells. You may also find subtle hints of Meyer lemon and green mango.

Palate: Crisp, lively, and well-balanced. The wine delivers concentrated flavors of ripe peach,

Anjou pear, and citrus zest. Reviewers often mention a silky, almost olive oil-like texture and a savory note of capers or green almond.

Salinity: A distinct salinity runs through the wine, acting as a complex counterpoint to the fruit, which makes it incredibly versatile with food.

Winemaker Description 

Ànima Negra was founded in 1994 when two self-taught friends — Pere Ignasi Obrador and Miquelàngel Cerdà — decided that the wines of their native Mallorca weren’t reaching full potential.

Taking advantage of some unused milk tanks at the dairy farm owned by Pere’s family, they made two barriques of wine from Callet grapes (a native Mallorcan varietal) they’d purchased from local farmers. The initial results were so encouraging that the friends decided to form a partnership and continue pursuing their newly found passion for wine.

Situated in the southeast of Mallorca, Ànima Negra winery produces its wines on the old country estate of Son Burguera, close to the town of Felanitx. The buildings date back to the 13th century, and contain a traditional winemaking area, which historically was used to supply wine for locals living on and near the estate.

Ànima Negra sources its grapes from more than 135 carefully selected parcels of land that the partners either own or control. Virtually all of these parcels are within a six-mile radius of the winery, and most of the vines are 50 to 85 years old.

Winemaker Description 

"Locos por el Vino” is a new project from Bodegas Alto Moncayo, aiming to expand their range with high-quality, modern and casual wines produced from the winery’s youngest vineyards, guaranteeing the continuity of the Alto Moncayo project for future generations to come. A local term used in the village of Borja, "Zismero" refers to one who is provocative, jovial, and mirthful, with a complexity and uniqueness that makes its audience think deeply from the pointed jocularity.

A true benchmark of Italian white wine — and one of the most extraordinary Gewürztraminer ever produced. The 2017 Epokale from Cantina Tramin is the first Italian wine outside Tuscany or Piedmont to receive a perfect 100-point score from The Wine Advocate, and the 2017 vintage continues this legacy with near-perfect praise from Falstaff and Forbes Magazine.

Tasting Notes

Aromas of lychee, rose petals, and exotic spices lead to a palate that is silky, richly textured, and beautifully balanced. A radiant sweet core blends seamlessly with a savory, creamy finish, offering enormous length and sophistication. The interplay of sunny Mediterranean days and cool mountain nights develops the aromatics and maintains vibrant acidity throughout.

Wine Production

After fermenting and aging in steel tanks on the lees for 8 months, the bottled wine is transported to the Ridanna Monteneve mine — over 2,000 meters in altitude — where it ages in the dark for nearly 6 years, 4km deep in the mine. The environment maintains constant 90% humidity, 11°C temperature, and air pressure equal to outdoors. There is no other wine aged quite like this.

About Cantina Tramin

Founded in 1889 by Christian Schrott, Cantina Tramin is one of the oldest cooperatives in Alto Adige. Wines are crafted from grapes grown by over 300 local growers, each bottle reflecting a philosophy of rigor, dedication, and creativity.

Food Pairing

Pairs beautifully with spicy dishes, seafood, grilled fish, and white meats. Exceptional with game with pear and cranberry jam, smear-ripened cheeses, and desserts that are not overly sweet. A luxurious gift, especially presented in the three-bottle pine gift box.

• Producer: Cantina Tramin (Kellerei Tramin)
• Appellation: Alto Adige DOC, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
• Grape: Gewürztraminer
• Style: Spätlese (off-dry/sweet)
• Aging: 8 months on lees in steel + 6 years in Ridanna Monteneve mine
• Vintage: 2017
• Format: 750ml

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 98 Points | The iodine, blackberry and rose-stem character comes through clearly. Plenty of fruit and depth. Medium-bodied with fine tannins that caress the palate and provide endless flavors of Indian spices, flint, nutmeg and light crust. Such refinement and integrity. Drinkable now, but better in three or four years.

The Wine Advocate 93 Points | The 2023 Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches (Domaine) is showing nicely, bursting with aromas of sweet berries, spices, orange zest and new oak. Medium to full-bodied, succulent and lively, with chalky grip on the finish, it will offer a broad drinking window.

Decanter 93 Points | Lovely cherry fruit with hints of lavender and rosemary. The texture is silky and dense, almost fat. There is more clay here, and less limestone than in Les Cras, and the tannic structure is not as firm. The grapes are from Drouhin's massive 6.75ha here, not far from Pommard; they are partially destemmed and fermented on native yeasts before ageing in cask (25% new) for 14–18 months.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

The Tasting Panel 92 Points | Quintessential aromas of ripe berries and plum are joined by vanilla and peppercorn in this textbook Zin grown on the most southerly estate vineyard in Paso Robles 14 miles from the Pacific. The result is a red of effusive energy and real charm that's fruit-forward enough to sip on its own yet has sufficient spice and structure to stand up to grilled meats.

The Wine Spectator 89 Points | Snappy and briary, with user-friendly raspberry and green peppercorn flavors that end with zesty tannins. Drink now through 2030. 4,008 cases made.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

The Wine Enthusiast 90 Points by Elaine Chukan Brown | Juicy, fresh and mouthwatering, this flavorful and friendly red delivers flavors of red plum, mixed berries, fennel, and a touch of sweet vanilla. 

Winemaker Description 

Alta Alella is the closest winery to Barcelona, located 2 kilometres from the Mediterranean between the towns of Alella and Tiana. It is a family-run project that began in 1991 with Josep Maria Pujol-Busquets and his wife Cristina Guillen. Now the estate is headed up by their daughter, Mireia.

Alella is one of the smallest appellations in Spain yet it possesses a fascinating terroirs that the Alta Alella team have harnessed in their journey to being recognised as the premier estate in the region. All the vines are planted on slopes and terraces overlooking the Mediterranean, between 100 and 250m above sea level. One of the key elements is the Sauló soil found throughout the vineyard.

Particular to this region, Sauló is an acidic and sandy soil with a low limestone content, low organic matter and good natural water drainage – ideal for the production of clean wines with a mineral edge.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

JamesSuckling.com by Stuart Pigott writes 94 Points | With its aromas of nutty, old-fashioned apple varieties and ripe quince, this striking dry riesling is an unspectacular beauty. It’s medium-bodied with a wonderful harmony of silky acidity, a hauntingly subtle minerality and a very long, stony finish that somehow manages to be very gentle. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. 

Winemaker Description 

The nose here is just a shade riper, with tart citrus flirting with barely ripe apricot, heading toward the peach register though highlighted by lemon curd and lemon zest, pretty citrus elements to brighten it up, even the riper twang of a lime. This has more density, for sure, more richness, though it has plenty of definition. Thinking of these wines in the context of the Rheingau is just crazy; my teeth are aching. The whole collection has acids – I should get the numbers here, if Eva hasn’t already sent them [note to reader: I never got any numbers on the acids b/c I'm just too buried in work right now]. There is a limey quality to this, sticky but fresh, gripping, that I really like. These are very damn good. 

Hans-Josef Becker’s grandfather (J.B.) founded this winery in 1893, and it is home to some truly astounding wines. The Spätlese Trocken is somehow both very serious and firmly structured, yet remains bright and affable. The old vines show incredible concentration - this wine is just a baby and could be cellared for decades. On the other hand, the 2022 vintage displays plenty of juicy, expressive fruit with crushing acidity and a bold mouthfeel. These wines have achieved cult-status for good reason.

Pre-Arrival - Expected date for delivery and/or pick up Thursday February 12, 2026

Expert Reviews

Isabel Ferrando’s reputation for outstanding wines has grown every vintage since her first release in 2003. As a woman owned business and winemaker, Isabel has built a tremendous reputation producing highly acclaimed wines. 

"Proprietress Isabel Ferrando has taken her Saint Prefert estate to France’s highest level, and she’s unquestionably making some of the most profound wines on earth today, including both reds and whites.”   —Wine Critic - Jeb Dunnuck

"Hard work. Subtle tweaks. Responsible farming. An uncompromising dedication to quality. Isabel Ferrando keeps doing things the right way, and her wines are dramatic proof.” —James Molesworth, Wine Spectator.

"one thing that remains constant is the incredible quality that continues to emerge from this talented winemaker.” Jeb Dunuck. 

The Wine Spectator 95 Points | A perfumed, elegant and complex version, with inviting, high-toned notes of red currant and cherry draped with warm licorice. The palate starts out supple, then solid ballasts of graphite and fine tannins firm everything up for a fresh, focused finish that wafts with smoked sandalwood. Brown bread, cinnamon and nutmeg add complexity, with penetrating mineral depth. Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvèdre. 

Pre-Arrival - Expected date for delivery and/or pick up Thursday February 12, 2026

Expert Comments

Isabel Ferrando’s reputation for outstanding wines has grown every vintage since her first release in 2003. As a woman owned business and winemaker, Isabel has built a tremendous reputation producing highly acclaimed wines. 

"Proprietress Isabel Ferrando has taken her Saint Prefert estate to France’s highest level, and she’s unquestionably making some of the most profound wines on earth today, including both reds and whites.”   —Wine Critic - Jeb Dunnuck

"Hard work. Subtle tweaks. Responsible farming. An uncompromising dedication to quality. Isabel Ferrando keeps doing things the right way, and her wines are dramatic proof.” —James Molesworth,

Wine Spectator one thing that remains constant is the incredible quality that continues to emerge from this talented winemaker.” Jeb Dunuck.

THE WINE SPECTATOR 95 POINTS : One thing that remains constant is the incredible quality that continues to emerge from this talented winemaker.” Jeb Dunu Expressive, perfumed and ripe, with a glossy stream of bitter cherry and steeped plum anchored by bolts of iron. Warm spice, licorice, sanguine and grilled anise notes merge in, with a vivid flash of alpine herbs and singed alder smoke. A weighty, well-structured red that’s still unwinding yet is impressively approachable

JAMES SUCKLING 98 POINTS: Enormously deep and concentrated, but this is so subtle and defies easy description. The superfine tannins give this an incredibly fine texture, the richness building in the finish without adding anything to the impression of weight. From three old-vine grenache vineyards that have limestone, sand and galet soils. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

JEB DUNNUCK 97 POINTS: Black raspberries, ground pepper, white pepper, and sappy floral notes all make an appearance in the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Colombis, another remarkable wine from this family. With medium to full-bodied richness, it's incredibly well-balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. As with the estate’s other cuvées, it reminds me of their 2020. As usual, this cuvée is 100% Grenache that’s from a mix of three parcels (Rayas, Les Roues, and Colombis). It was not destemmed and was brought up in a mix of concrete, foudre, and clay jars.

VINOUS 96 POINTS: The 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Colombis is magnificent, bursting from the glass with prominent rose petal, crushed violets, strawberry compote, spicy licorice, dried herbs and minty shadings. Enveloped in velvety tannins, the perfumed 2023 is shaping up to be a wildly alluring Colombis, closing with a subtle phenolic kick on the focused finish. I can’t wait to taste it from bottle.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 94 POINTS: A pure Grenache Noir planted in the north part of the appellation and vinified with 30% whole bunches, the 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Colombis has turned out beautifully. Evoking aromas of rose, dark cherries, spices and dark berries, it’s medium- to full-bodied, seamless and satiny with a beautifully ethereal finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Vinous 100 Points | The 2022 Romanée St. Vivant Grand Cru is a real head-turner. What a wine! As is so often the case, Romanée St. Vivant is not an obvious wine, rather it is a Burgundy of detail, of understatement, of total class. The aromatics alone are mesmerizing. Silky tannins wrap around a core of red-toned fruit, mint, white pepper, blood orange and exotic spice.

Decanter 97 Points | The Romanée-St-Vivant has developed more complexity since bottling, with a savoury, almost gamey edge to the lush berry fruit aromas and a hint of spice. The grip and freshness of the wine are impressive and seem to carry this wine to a new level of intensity. Although this wine had originally seemed ethereal and silky, the substantial nature of the structure is now evident, aided perhaps by the stricter selection. Bertrand de Villaine confirms that two parcels in this vineyard were pulled up due to issues with the rootstock, leaving them 23,699 bottles in 2022.

The Wine Spectator 97 Points | Shy, suggesting cherry, strawberry and spice flavors. Nonetheless, there is plenty of structure and length.

Expert Review -Vintage 2020

Falstaff 92 Points | Bright, radiant ruby red. Elegant nose, reminiscent of cut flowers, raspberry and some paprika powder. Delicate, youthful on the palate, with a pleasant acidity. The finish is long and mineral. Clean mouthfeel. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

Jasper Morris 93 Points | An attractive mid crimson colour. A fine fresh bouquet, elegant fruit, not too demonstrative, but with a graceful detailed red fruit, alpine strawberry and little raspberry notes. Very nicely put together, all about the fruit more than the structure. Drink from 2030-2037.

Winemaker Description 

Supreme elegance! Beautiful color, with intense and bright reflections. The diversity of the aromas is striking: wild cherry, nutmeg, camphor wood, fine leather... Later on, the wine takes on a subtle aroma of truffle, producing the most varied palette. With its perfect balance between tannin and acidity, the wine has a fleshy, sturdy body. Powerful and long aftertaste. A wealth of harmonious sensations characterizes this great Burgundy.

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The Wine Enthusiast 94 Points | Dusty slate and earth tones mingle into luscious guava and pink-grapefruit flavors in this decadently fruity kabinett. A sumptuous semi-dry Riesling, it's profoundly ripe and deeply concentrated but zippy and spry, finishing on a long, honeyed streak of lime and lemon acidity. Delicious young but should hold well through 2035.

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James Suckling 93 Points | Manzoni bianco is a super fresh grape variety, a valuable resource in view of the rising temperatures in this era of climate change. Aromas of pears, white peaches, lime peel and lemon leaves. It’s soft on the palate, with a silky texture, sharp acidity, peach flavors and a polished finish in spite of its citrus peel aftertaste.

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Decatner 93 Points | Taut and precise, mouthwatering and dry. Lime shot through with light peach and a dab of salt. From the same Red Bank Farm vineyard as the Picnic Riesling, but aged a little longer on the lees. Could take on spicy seafood or raw oysters. Will age well.

Expert Review

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

Winemaker Description 

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

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The Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | Grown from a select plot of old vines, this beautiful expression of Valmur is full bodied and rich, with warm oak spices, ripe citrus, white peach, acacia and honeycomb. Approachable in its youth, the wine will cellar well through 2030.

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The Wine Advocate 93 Points | A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, the Savage Wines 2023 Savage White is the only wine in the portfolio that sees a little bit (10%) of new oak. The intent is to offer a textural interpretation of these two grapes. The wine shows natural freshness, white flowers, wood spice and a hint of reduction. The 2023 vintage was cooler, like 2017, making for a classical growing season. This wine has a long saline finish with orchard fruit and pear with a mid-weight approach. The wine is left on the lees for as long as possible to augment that impression of salinity and to create longevity.

Expert Review 

The Wine Enthusiast by Kara Newman 91 Points | This Sardinian vermouth has a straw hue and bold tropical fruit aromas. The palate opens and closes with toasted coconut and vanilla sweetness, plus a pineapple hint midpalate. 

Producer Description 

Crafted on the island of Sardinia, Silvio Carta’s “Servito” Vermouth Bianco is a fragrant, Mediterranean expression of the classic aperitif. This 750ml bottling is infused with local botanicals such as myrtle, sage, and citrus peels, layered over a base of Vernaccia wine. It’s elegantly floral and herbaceous, with a subtle sweetness and vibrant, coastal freshness. Enjoy it chilled, over ice with a lemon twist, or as a base for a distinctly Sardinian spritz.

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The Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | Fresh and vibrant aromas of stone fruit, kumquat and orange blossoms flicker across the nose. Enticing flavors of pineapple, yellow plums, cinnamon and a kiss of citrus landing midpalate. Enjoy with sunshine and friends.

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James Suckling 95 Points | A great riesling Spatlese that makes it clear why this category has not disappeared in spite of the rise of dry German riesling. Concentrated peachy fruit is married to excellent structure and the balance of the touch of natural grape sweetness with wet stone minerality and crisp acidity is dazzling. Very long and vibrant finish. Drink or hold.