90+ Points | Critical Acclaim | Wine & Sparkling Wine

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Vinous 90 Points | The 2023 Barbera d'Asti Ca' di Pian is soft, supple and delicious. A burst of blueberry, black cherry, spice, lavender, menthol and chocolate gives the 2023 tons of immediacy and sheer appeal. This is an especially fine edition of La Spinetta's entry-level Barbera. Best of all, this is a terrific value."

Winemaker Description 

Cà di Pian is a Barbera with an unmistakable character. There are intense aromas of blackberry and morello cherries. This wine is truly captivating, yet it remains fresh and extremely versatile. 

Memo Summary Notes

La Spinetta Barbera d'Asti Superiore "Ca' di Pian" 2023 is a red wine from Piedmont with great character, produced with 100% Barbera grapes from vineyards in Castagnole delle Lanze and Costigliole d'Asti. The 2023 vintage confirms the winery's commitment to organic farming and the unmistakable style of Giorgio Rivetti.

Pairing suggestions: Extremely versatile. It pairs perfectly with appetizers of cured meats and soft cheeses, first courses with meat sauces (such as Piedmontese agnolotti), roast veal, and grilled meats.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 91 Points | Spicy ripe berries, chocolate and hints of walnuts and dry soil. Medium-bodied with vivid, fleshy fruit, framed with firm, dusty tannins. Focused and tense

Winemaker Description

This wine's ripe, dark-skinned fruit, culinary spice and new leather scents lead the way, along with a menthol note. The firmly structured, chewy palate offers dried Morello cherry, raspberry jam, licorice and espresso flavors alongside fine-grained tannins. Pair with pasta and beans, risotto with porcini mushrooms, chicken chasseur. 

Our Professional Review

Why Oscar chose this red Bordeaux -  "Drinks above its price tag! There’s a medley of secondary and even tertiary aromas and flavors in this wine that always fits the bill for a laid-back Sunday Supper."

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Roger Voss of the Wine Enthusiast writes 91 Points : Soft and velvety in texture, this wine is full of ripe fruit. Cushioned by the texture, the tannins are dense enough to promise aging to this wine with potential. Drink from 2024.

James Suckling writes 91 Points :  Aromas of berries and mushrooms with some fresh herbs. Some currants, too. Medium body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. 75% merlot, 23% cabernet franc and 2% malbec. Very drinkable now, but will age beautifully. Best after 2023.  

Neal Martin of Vinous writes:  The 2019 Château de Pitray has an old school bouquet with blackberry and light marine scents, a touch of Japanese nori. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, soft tannins. The acidity is nicely judged and whilst not complex, it is a Pitray that has charm and drinkability.  

Winemaker Notes

Expert Review

James Suckling writes:  Dark cherries, cassis, dry earth and baking spices on the nose follow through to a medium body with creamy tannins and texture. Well-balanced with a creamy core of berries and a delicious finish. Syrah, grenache and carignan. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.  - James Suckling 91

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2022 Guilhem is airy and breezy, with the grace that makes it a real charmer. This pale-colored, beautifully textured Rosé is impeccable in its balance. Pretty floral notes fill out the mid-palate effortlessly. Despite its light color, the 2022 offers plenty of depth and tons of stylish appeal.  - Vinous 90

35% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 30% Carignan

Winemaker Description

The nose of this Chateau Prieure de Beyzac red is complex with aromas of black fruits and woody and spicy notes. On the palate, the expression is harmonious and balanced with ripe fruit and a toasted side. Its silky tannins make it the perfect expression of the spirit of the Crus Bourgeois! 

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2018

Neal Martin of Vinous 92 Points writes:  The 2018 Prieuré de Beyzac has a really lovely bouquet of perfumed red cherries and wild strawberry and well integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, pinpoint acidity and great precision toward the finish. This is one of the outstanding Cru Bourgeois of the vintage. Absolutely superb.  Drinking 2023 - 2035.

James Suckling 91 Points writes:  Aromas of stewed blackberries, dried violets, walnuts and dark chocolate. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, chalky tannins. Chewy and structured. Try from 2023.

Georgina Hindle of Decanter 92 Points writes:  Sweet red cherry and vanilla nose. It's forward and has energy, tannic weight, freshness and very glossy fruit and oak on the palate. Drinking 2023 - 2030. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

Kristen Bieler writes:  Expressive tones of melon, tangerine and jasmine are soft and creamy, with smoky mineral elements wafting through. The finish is cleaned up with salty acidity, so this ends on a refreshing note. Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Drink now.  - Wine Spectator

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 90 Points | A fresh and rather steely white with aromas and flavors of sliced apples, lemons, minerals and flint. Medium-bodied, crisp and vivid, with the steely character coming through at the end. Subtle and delicious throughout. Drink now.

Winemaker Description 

This wine is clean and lively with a flowery bouquet and lovely honey, apples and nutty flavors on the palate.

Pair with grilled fish, seafood, and Comté cheese. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

The Tasting Panel 94 Points | Spending eight months in (25% new) French oak, this startlingly focused Chardonnay tastes of luscious pear crème, honeysuckle, and toasted brioche. Lemon meringue suits up on mid-palate, with ripe pineapple and a pinch of salty stone on the finish." - Meridith May, September 2024

James Suckling 93 Points | Pure and precise aromas of lemon zest, flint and orange blossoms. The palate is medium-bodied with tightly wound acidity supported by a creamy texture, giving notes of lime curd, almond meal and grapefruit. Citrus driven with a nicely integrated, underlying power." - January 2025

The Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | White melon, crisp nectarine and apple slice aromas are cut by sea salt on the cohesive nose of this bottling. There’s a sharper, crystalline focus to the palate, where citrus edges cut into the warmer cantaloupe and tropical touches, with lively acidity throughout.- Matt Kettmann, December, 2024

Vinous 90 Points | The 2023 Chardonnay Highland is ample and lively, opening with an uncomplicated nose of golden apple, nectarine and savory herbs. A nicely measured inner sweetness makes this approachable and easy to like. The 25% new oak is skillfully integrated, adding a spicy kick through the focused finish. Well done.” – Billy Norris, August 2024

Winemaker Description 

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

Winemaker Description 

In 1927, the inaugural Riserva Ducale vintage was crafted as a homage to the wine-loving Duke of Aosta. Two decades later, in 1947, Ruffino commemorated the exceptional vintage by introducing the inaugural Riserva Ducale Oro, heralding the concept of Gran Selezione ahead of its time. Its potential for decades of aging is matched only by its historical significance. 

One out of every three bottles of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione opened in the world is Riserva Ducale Oro.

Tasting Notes: Ruby red with garnet hues. The wine expresses a distinctive Tuscan bouquet of violet, cherry, and plum, with aromas of chocolate and spice. Intense aromas of violet, blackberry, cherry, and ripe plum with intriguing notes of cinnamon and clove. Classic elegance and structure in which the fruit, tannins, and spices form a tightly woven balance, with a lingering finish of chocolate and coffee.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

Roger Voss of the Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | A tradition of grape growing at this estate goes back to the 14th century. This 2019 vintage is now gently textured and full of ripe, smoky fruits. With a balanced character, fruit and acidity bring freshness at the end. Drink the wine now.  

Wine Spectator 89 Points | Presents dark cherry and plum compote flavors that lead the way, with tobacco and savory hints filling in. The focused, fine-grained finish has a pretty iron hint. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2029. 40,000 cases made, 5,000 cases imported.

Winemaker Description

Château Blaignan’s vineyard is planted of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc. The wine matures for 18 months in vats and in oak barrels. The wine is of an intense colour. The nose is fruity with pronounced notes of blackcurrant, black cherries and a hint of spice. Full bodied, Château Blaignan shows structure and velvet tannins on the palate, that make it a wine to drink young or to keep a few years in cellar (to be kept between 3 to 12 years). 

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 92 Points | This shows aromas of red and dark berries, chocolate, dried flowers and spices, following through to a medium body with crunchy, powdery tannins and juicy acidity. Tense and flavorful with good concentration

Winemaker Description 

The color is bright ruby, the nose unveils layers of iris, violet, tobacco, black pepper and marasca cherry. The taste is well balanced, tightly knit with supple tannins, mineral notes, a mouth cleansing fresh acidity. Warm and persistent.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Enthusiast 91 Points by Tonya Pitts | This old vine Zinfandel is rich with aromas of spiced raspberry, strawberry, orange pekoe black tea, clove and vanilla on the nose. The mouthfeel is sumptuous with juicy tannins, aromas from the nose repeat on the palate as the delicious flavors in this wine. The finish is long and dry.

Winemaker Description

A core of Zinfandel from 60-80-year-old head-trained vines, carefully handpicked.

Flavors of cranberries and raspberries, leading to notes of red fruits, marionberry pie, and baking spices.

Producer Description 

Estate owned vineyards located about 45 miles west of Barcelona in the River Anoia valley. The family owns a total of 150 hectares planted mostly to traditional varieties. This area is particularly suitable for the production of base cava wines of great quality, because the vines have naturally low yields and the grapes are high in acidity. The cava is based on the indigenous grapes Xarel-lo, Macabeo and Parellada.

Tasting Notes:  Pale yellow colour. Constant and small bubble. Foam of great persistence. Very fruity aromas, especially of white fruit (acid apple and pear) on shades of peel of citrics and white flowers. In the background, some spicy notes owed to ageing (cinnamon) and cookies. It is a well-structured "cava" in the mouth. Well picked up over its acidity that tenses it overall from beginning to end. The bubble lends a creamy feeling, and it gives volume and softness to the structure that returns acidity and widens the aromas of white fruits and spices that are repeated in the mouth. Its balanced end harmonizes its acidity, and leaves a memory of freshness and volume owing to its light sugar content. 

Expert Review

Wine Advocate 90 points | My favorite of the two sparkling Cavas is the non-vintage Brut Reserva Cava. Made from a classic blend (for this area) of Xarel-lo, Macabeo and Parellada planted in limestone and clay soils, the wine spends 24 months on its lees before disgorgement. It is an excellent value for consumers looking for alternatives to French Champagne. Lemon/lime, crushed rock and white currant notes are present in this crisp, elegant, refreshing, zesty, dry sparkler. Hints of wheat thins and brioche add complexity. Enjoy this medium-bodied offering over the next 1-2 years. 

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2019

Wine Spectator 93 points | A solid, slightly burly version, featuring streaks of tar and bay leaf mixed with dark plum and black currant preserve flavors. The finish is underscored by a warm paving stone note, which adds cut, drive and a hint of old school. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2024. (2019). 

Wine Enthusiast 95 Points |  From a reliable estate, this wine is firm in feel. It also has open black fruits that pair alongside the generous tannins. It is good long-term aging. Barrel Sample: 93-95Wine Advocate 92 points Deep purple-black in color, the 2019 Meyney strides confidently out of the glass with classic notes of cassis, warm plums and baked blackberries plus hints of cedar chest, bay leaves, pencil lead and clove oil plus a waft of underbrush. The medium to full-bodied palate has a generous core of ripe black fruits with a slight touch of oak poking through and a firm backbone of ripe, grainy tannins, finishing with impressive length. (2019).

Decanter 93 points | One of the wines I use as a marker of how good the vintage is in St Estèphe, because it isn't classified but is in a brilliant location right next door to Montrose. And this is good, extremely concentrated, pure cassis and bilberry flavours, tons of tannins, clear austerity and fairly high acidity as I am getting in a lot of these 2019s. Not the same luscious character as 2018, but in many ways that makes it more typical of the appellation, and the alcohol seems less over the top than in 2018. Lots to enjoy here, not quite up to 2016 standard but not far. Tasted two weeks apart, and if anything its expression had deepened second time around.  Barrel Sample: 93Jeb Dunnuck 94 points This estate has been on a roll of late, and the 2019 Château Meyney is a terrific wine. Beautiful notes of crème de cassis, spicy oak, dried flowers, and dried tobacco all emerge from the glass, and this beauty is medium to full-bodied, with a seamless texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. Count me impressed. Not a powerhouse, it should drink nicely right out of the gate yet also evolve for 20 years or more. Range: 92-94 Points. (2019).

James Suckling 92 Points |  Aromas of ripe berries, licorice and chocolate with a touch of mushroom and some dustiness. Silky, polished texture with medium body and firm tannins. Holds long and even, with a lingering sensation of crushed stones. Hold for a couple of years. Second wine of Meyney. Best after 2023.

Vinous 95 points The 2019 Meyney has a divine bouquet, so pure and winsome with floral red berry scents, beautifully integrated new oak and superb precision. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fleshy to the point where you can almost overlook the backbone of this Saint-Estèphe. It could have been blowsy, yet it retains superb balance and feels luxuriant and long on the finish. This is a stellar showing easily eclipsing its performances either in barrel or just after bottling. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.  —  Neal Martin. (2019).

Quick Expert Summary - Vintage 2020

Decanter World Wine Awards 92 Points A very strong rating for a basic Bordeaux AOC.

Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider 90 Points Noted for prominent flavors of chocolate, plums, cherries, licorice, and smoke. Praised for being medium-bodied, round, and soft-textured, ready to enjoy now.

Winemaker Description 

Branded under the Bordeaux appellation, Ronan by Clinet is a vision of a new Bordeaux genre. This 100% merlot wine is crafted by the team from CLINET in our new, state-of-the art winery located in the heart of Pomerol.

Terroir-driven, Ronan by Clinet wines are sourced carefully from selected properties situated close to our Pomerol chais in appellations that include Côtes de Castillon, Côtes de Bourg, Lussac St-Emilion and Bordeaux.

Ronan by Clinet is bright ruby in colour, delicately spiced and fruit-forward with aromas of cherry, raspberry and blackcurrant. It is a soft and fresh wine with a balanced texture and a persistent, flavoursome finish.

Winemaker Description 

The 2023 DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon is a powerful, complex and layered wine with heady aromas of black plum, Zante currant, frankincense and sage. Trailing scents of blackberry, cardamom and espresso bean reveal accents of vanilla, saddle leather and cinnamon toast. On the palate, fine-grained tannins provide structure and support for rich flavors of black cherry, raspberry and mulberry, while secondary layers offer black olive, sandalwood and dark chocolate. A velvety texture finishes with lingering impressions of chocolate-covered cherry, dried herbs and toasty oak.

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points:

Clean lines of cherry, toasted wood, red flower and a pinch of thyme make for a satisfying nose on this widely available bottling. The palate pairs familiar blackberry flavors with mocha spice.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

Vinous by Antonio Galloni writes 90-92 Points | The 2023 Madame de Beaucaillou is a very pretty, aromatic wine. Crushed red berry fruit, cinnamon, dried herbs and a kiss of French oak are all nicely delineated. This juicy, perfumed, Merlot-based Haut-Médoc is a fine choice for drinking over the next decade or so. The 2023 is absolutely delicious.

James Suckling 91-92 Points | A crunchy red with blackcurrant and lead-pencil character. It has a medium body, fine tannins and an attractive finish. Polished and friendly. 59% merlot, 37% cabernet sauvignon and 4% petit verdot.

Jeb Dunnuck 89-91 Points | The 2023 Madame De Beaucaillou is a terrific Haut-Médoc, with a juicy, medium-bodied, elegant style as well as the pure, ripe, red and almost blue fruit character of the vintage. Spice, spring flowers, and hints of charcoal all define the aromatics, and it has beautiful tannins as well as balance.

Memo Summary Notes

Varietals - Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc

Madame de Beaucaillou 2023 is a relatively new and highly regarded addition to the portfolio of Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, the legendary Second Growth estate in Saint-Julien. First released in 2019 to celebrate the estate's 300th harvest, this cuvée is a tribute to Madame Eugène-Borie, the long-standing matriarch of the owning family.

Pair with

• Meats: Grilled veal chops, roast chicken with herbs, or a simple steak frites.

• Vegetarian: Roasted root vegetables or a savory mushroom tart.

• Cheese: Brie de Meaux or a mild Tomme de Savoie.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 94 Points | This is round and creamy, offering ripe blackberries, blueberries and hints of chocolate and cedar. Medium- to full-bodied with succulent fruit and fine tannins. Compact and focused, with good length and balance overall. 

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | This is a mid-tier blend of Merlot and Sangiovese. The Tenuta Luce 2022 Lucente opens to an inky black appearance. The wine shows oak-driven aromas of cedar and pinewood. But the effect is quite soft and hydrated. You get barbecued flavors and a hint of hickory meat. All the elements are there to underline an international-minded red blend.

Winemaker Description 

Lucente is the result of a careful selection of the estate’s vineyards that are particularly suited for the production of a fruity and very pleasant wine. Like Luce, it is made from Sangiovese and Merlot, which prevails in the blend.

Quick Expert Summaries - Vintage 2025 

Sam Kim, Wine Orbit 93 Points (5 Stars) Praised for "excellent fruit intensity" backed by fleshy texture and beautifully pitched acidity. Aromas of feijoa, kiwifruit, crunchy apple, and lemon zest.

The Real Review 92.8 Points Ranked highly among the new 2025 releases for its vibrancy and purity.

Winemaker Description

The 2025 Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc is a blend from multiple vineyard sites throughout Marlborough and was fermented in stainless steel. Complex with overt aromas of passion fruit, pink grapefruit, citrus and greener components of crushed herb, capsicum and gooseberries. A fresh, vibrant wine with a crisp, lingering finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Meridith May of The Tasting Panel writes 95 Points | Aromas of pineapple, guava, and gardenia. Lemon curd, pink grapefruit, and tangerine blossom form a delicate, creamy wave across the palate. Tropical flowers such as gardenia and plumeria play alongside honeyed pears, dotted with a salty, crisp seashell finish.

Antonio Galloni of Vinous writes 91 Points | The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc (Russian River Valley) is classy and polished to the core. Citrus peel, marzipan, white flowers and light tropical inflections all grace this aromatic, beautifully perfumed Sauvignon Blanc from Merry Edwards.

Winemaker Description

We began making our Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc in 2001, and we have lovingly reproduced this delicious wine each vintage since. Winemaker Heidi von der Mehden follows specific protocols, including fermentation in French oak barrels and twice-weekly lees stirring, to craft this aromatic, lush bottling.

The nose of the 2023 vintage features fragrant tropical aromas of white pineapple, passionfruit, mango and guava, with subtle hints of plumeria, lemon curd and lime zest. The palate is clean and bright, with accents of ruby red grapefruit, honeysuckle and ripe melon followed by a burst of crisp, refreshing acidity.

The special care they take to bring out the very best in this variety shows in their results. They use a specific mix of clones – two-thirds Shenandoah (Clone 1) and one-third Sauvignon Musqué – that results in a wine brimming with floral and tropical fruit aromatics with a citrusy, juicy core. Barrel fermentation and twice weekly lees stirring help us create the characteristic creamy texture and rich body that you’ve come to know and share with your friends and family. 

Expert Reviews

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | In this wine, a subtle palate of rye crumb, red apple and lemon follows a subued nose. A lovely balance of flavors shows on the slender palate, with the freshness and juiciness of ripe apple. Fine bubbles create resonance on the dry finish Foley Family Wines.

James Suckling 90 Points | Pretty nose of fresh strawberry, raspberry and orange blossom. Very bright on the medium-bodied palate, with a nice interplay of lively mousse with juicy fruit. Long, clean finish.

David Schildknecht of the Wine Advocate writes | While Albrecht's Pinot Blanc Cremant d'Alsace (a genre Lucien Albrecht was prominent in legally codifying) is delicious, it is a bit simple to count as a top value at $24, whereas their non-vintage Cremant d'Alsace Brut Rose - a pure Pinot Noir - is more intriguing and distinctive. Along with strawberry and red raspberry fruit suggestions that are enhanced by the wine's discreet hint of sweetness, there are saline, meaty, and herbal notes to add interest to both the nose and a lush palate, and the hints of salinity and bitterness in the finish make for an invigorating complement to the wine's prominent fruit. This comes in a light-sensitive clear bottle, and I could identify no lot number, so make sure that whoever sells you a bottle will take responsibility for freshness and proper storage. 

Winemaker Description

The flavors display nice strawberry and wild cherry fruit, with a touch of richness on the mid palate. It is balanced with dry, crisp acidity and complimented with a creamy texture and long finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

Tasting Panel 92 Points | Aged sur lie for nine months in (25% new) small French oak barrels, this classically styled Chardonnay shows a salty mineral character with melon, MacIntosh apple, marzipan, and lemon oil. Nice mouth feel, with body weight, and accented with crisp acidity. Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | A tantalizing, toasty top note draws you into this mouth-coating, richly flavorful and full-bodied wine. Spicy oak notes, light butter accents and poached pear flavors bring a lot of satisfaction on the sip.

James Suckling 91 Points | This shows note of ripe peaches and pineapple with hints of toffee, honeysuckle and lemon custard. Medium- to full-bodied, creamy and weighty yet with fresh, juicy acidity coming through. Mellow and textural on the finish.

Winemaker Description 

Chardonnay grapes grown primarily in Schug's Estate and Ricci vineyards, with additional barrels from the Wildcat Mountain and Sangiacomo vineyards, underwent traditional European winemaking practices. Each lot was fermented separately and aged on the lees ("sur-lie") in small French oak barrels, introducing judicious new oak. The result is an elegant and powerful wine that is refreshing and mouth-watering on the finish. It has intense aromatics of citrus, white flowers, and peach. This wine offers layers of tropical and stone fruit and light minerality on the palate.

Well-balanced acidity gives it a crisp, clean finish, making it an excellent wine with food. Try it with cream soups, rich seafood, fowl, veal, and pasta dishes.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

James Suckling 93 Points |  Perfumed aromas of dried roses, red berry fruit and licorice pull you in. Darker mocha notes, too. Medium-bodied yet deep, with dark minerals and spices accompanying the fresh berry fruit. Fine and tight tannins. From biodynamically grown grapes with Respekt certification. Drink or hold.

The Wine Enthusiast by Aleks Zecevic writes 91 Points | A layer of chalk and cocoa coats the blueberry, cassis and violet flavors in this lovely, medium-bodied red. It is silky and complex, with great purity and a long loam-tinged finish. 

Winemaker Notes

The Blaufränkisch grapes come from vineyards characterised by limestone and slate in and around Jois am Leithagebirge. The grapes were harvested from mid to late September. After manual harvesting and sorting, the Blaufränkisch was fermented spontaneously in wooden fermentation racks and, after slow pressing in a basket press, aged in used Tonneaux.

On the palate, the wine appears juicy with lots of fresh cherry and pomegranate juice, with plums and lightly roasted herbs. At the same time, this is a Blaufränkisch with a mineral fresh and cool side, a lively acidity and a remarkable inner tension. Here, too, you find the slightly earthy and tart with a fine tannin. This is intense, transparent, clear and fresh wine that quickly builds up drinkability. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Decanter 93 Points | A wine of pure pleasure, From wine maker, Josh Phelps. Mixed berry, fruit and cherry compote lift out of the glass with hints of candied violets and brown baking spices. Medium bodied with all the same aromatics making appearances on the palate, framed by crisp tannins with velvet edges, finishing with cool graphite minerality and a hint of graham cracker and vanilla with crushed cocoa nibs nuances. Like I said, pure pleasure.

Winemaker Description

Black cherry and cassis framed by cocoa, cedar, and a streak of graphite. Supple fruit and steady tannins meet in balance—Cabernet that speaks with ease and quiet depth. 

Expert Reviews

Wine Advocate 90 Points:  The latest rendition of Ruinart's NV Blanc de Blancs unwinds in the glass with scents of citrus zest, green apple, white flowers and fresh bread. Medium to full-bodied, pillowy and incisive, with a vibrant core of fruit and brisk acids, complemented by a mouth-filling mousse, it concludes with a saline finish.

James Suckling 93 Points:  A vibrant and refreshing Champagne with a bright, enticing nose of lemon (fresh and candied) and sliced pear, as well as some floral and passion-fruit notes. Lovely balance of juicy fruit and acidity that dances nimbly across the palate. A biscuit note from lees lies in the background. Delicate, silky and finish. A blend of wines from Côtes des Blanc, Montagne de Reims and Sézanne. Drink or hold.

Wine Spectator 93 Points: Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator: "Steeped apricot and candied ginger flavors are an aromatic entry for this graceful Champagne, backed by finely cut acidity and layered with accents of kumquat, toast point and salted Marcona almond. It's fresh and racy, yet there's an effortless quality to the integration that makes this hard to stop sipping. Long, minerally finish. Drink now through 2027.

Winemaker Notes

Bright and deep red color with purple tones. Aromas of black fruit reminiscent of fresh plum mixed with blueberries and a hint of flowers. On the palate the wine is balanced, medium-bodied with a good fresh acidity.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 92 Points | Lemon pith, honeysuckle, lanolin, grapefruit and wet river stones. The midweight palate has a generous, textural mouthfeel and bright acidity, leading into a fruit-driven, powerful finish with finesse. A lovely chardonnay with instant gratification. Drink or hold.

Winemaker Description 

The 2023 Pouilly-Fuissé has a brilliant pale yellow color. Its floral nose evokes scents of acacia and honeysuckle. Round and ample on the palate, it reveals aromas of yellow fruits.

Winemaker Description

This bright, zesty Sauvignon Blanc delivers great aromatic complexity by opening with aromas of fresh lime, lemon verbena and gooseberry. On the palate are flavors of lime, tangy star fruit and a hint of green mango. The long chiseled finish exhibits a wonderful slate minerality followed by juicy fresh citrus notes.

Expert Review- Vintage 2022

Winemaker Description

The 2016 Peyrabon has a finely detailed bouquet with blackberry, raspberry, pressed flower and mineral aromas. This exudes class. The palate is well balanced with fine grain tannin, one of the more saline Cru Bourgeois with touches of oyster shell and spice towards the poised, edgy finish. Very fine. Tasted at the Cru Bourgeois tasting in London.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2016

91 Points Wine Enthusiast | With its high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine has a good structure and ripe, generous black-currant flavors. Its fresh character gives juiciness that contrasts with the rich fruits. It's a wine with tannins and aging potential. Drink from 2023. (Best Buy).

91 Points Vinous | The 2016 Peyrabon has a finely detailed bouquet with blackberry, raspberry, pressed flower and mineral aromas. This exudes class. The palate is well balanced with fine grain tannin, one of the more saline Cru Bourgeois with touches of oyster shell and spice towards the poised, edgy finish. Very fine. Tasted at the Cru Bourgeois tasting in London Decanter 90 points Built on some serious Cabernet Sauvignon, this blend runs full throttle into rich, ripe black fruit motifs with plenty of structural support from grippy and energetic tannins that are well balanced by bright acidity, engaging textures, and a lingering finish. Drinking Window 2023 - 2038.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 93 Points
 | Aromas of flint, wet stones, Meyer lemons and lime zest with subtle white flowers. The palate is focused and textural, with loads of minerals and citrus oil in the finish.”The Somm Journal | July 2025 94 Points, Best Aromatic Whites
“Intense up front flavors with white-peppered lemon drop, sleek and lively. Crisp acidity brightens notes of elderflower, McIntosh apple, and hazelnut. The mineral tone is crystal clean and clear on the finish.

Winemaker Description 

The 2023 Jordan Russian River Chardonnay captures the region’s signature vibrancy with bright acidity, layered fruit and notes of white peach, citrus zest and subtle minerality. A cool, steady growing season allowed for extended hang time, resulting in a beautifully balanced wine that reflects both finesse and complexity.

Aromas of white peach, subtle acidity and delicate floral blossom immediately captivate the senses. On the palate, zesty lime, orange peel and crisp red Bosc pear mingle seamlessly, all elevated by refreshing acidity. A hint of French oak enhances the fruit’s elegance while preserving its brightness.

Due to its crispness and citrus elements, Jordan Chardonnay can be enjoyed as an aperitif and is also a versatile food pairing wine. Unlike many fuller-bodied Chardonnays, Jordan Chardonnay will not overpower salads or raw bar favorites, and it also creates a nice contrast of flavors with richer seafood, such as salmon or ahi tuna. The wine’s acidity and oak nuances can complement grilled chicken or roasted vegetable dishes and creamy pastas.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

Kristin Bieler of the Wine Spectator 91 Points |  Shows good concentration for the 2021 vintage, with red plum and licorice on a foundation of graphite. A thread of singed herbs weaves through the pleasantly just-chewy palate. Savory, smoky and long, with toasty cedar adding warmth to the savory, smoky, long finish, which brings a firming feel. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2035.

Winemaker Description 

The old vines of Domaine Grand Romane are located on the highest part of the family vineyard, 400 m above sea level. Facing northwest, these hillsides dominated by upper Cretaceous sandstone limestone and sandy marl, offer power and concentration. 

On the nose there are aromas of black fruit (blackcurrant and black cherry) and red fruits (raspberry and redcurrant) stewed with a hint of vanilla which meet savory notes of thyme, laurel and black olives on the palate. Powerful tannins fill the mouth with notes of spicy licorice and pepper for a long and satisfying finish. An astonishing balance of complexity, power and elegance. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2024.  

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points | Based on 100% Chardonnay and aged six months in stainless steel vats, the 2024 Chardonnay has a medium to light gold hue and offers exotic citrus, minty herbs, and subtle tropical flower notes that all define this clean, crisp, remarkably pure Chardonnay. It puts on weight and richness with time in the glass and is a terrific mix of both richness and freshness. This is a no-brainer purchase for those who love Santa Barbara County Chardonnay, and I love its purity. 

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | This white’s sleek mix of ripe pear, ginger and pomelo flavors show striking restraint, coiled around a mouthwatering thread of acidity. Details of lime zest, white peppercorn and dried tarragon linger, along with a whiff of sea spray. 

James Suckling 93 Points | This has a succulent texture, remaining pure and long throughout. Salinity, minerals and springtime blossoms stay taut alongside lemons and crunchy orchard fruit with a lingering kick of tactile melon pith.

The Wine Enthusiast by Matt Kettmann writes 92 Points | Oyster shell, honeydew rind, lime candy and grass aromas make for a complex, zesty nose on this bottling. The palate is zippy and grassy as well, almost like a Sauv Blanc, showing brisk lime zest flavors.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | The 2024 Chardonnay opens with a textbook bouquet of green orchard fruits, sea spray and spice-driven undertones, accompanied by a honeyed backdrop. The palate is supple, polished and lifted by a high-toned, cleansing quality that carries through the straightforward, saline-tinged finish.

Winemaker Description 

The Diatom Santa Barbara Chardonnay offers aromas of lemon, citrus blossom and wet sand with flavors of saline and white peach on the palate. A precise, balanced wine. 

Memo Summary Notes 

Crafted by Greg Brewer. Diatom is a project defined by "subtraction." He removes everything that usually masks Chardonnay—oak barrels, malolactic fermentation (the buttery stuff), and aging—leaving only the pure, electric soul of the grape.

The "Diatom" Name: It refers to diatomaceous earth, the plankton fossil-rich soil found in Santa Barbara. The wine is designed to taste like the soil and the sea.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

The Wine Enthusiast by Tom R. Capo writes 91 Points | The nose of this Chard is loaded with floral aromas, swirling with chalky minerality, pithy lemon, and pineapple. The palate is driven by lively acid, with flavors of fresh pear, tropical citrus, white flowers, and ginger that ebb and flow through the finale. There's great value here. 

Winemaker Description 

This bright and balanced wine perfectly reflects the cool-climate Russian River Valley vineyards where it was grown. Brilliant medium-gold color, with honey, pear, apple, pineapple, lemon oil, and white flowers aromas, and a judicious framing of vanillin oak. The wine opens with crisp pineapple and mango fruit flavors that turn into apple pastry on the full-bodied mid-palate.

A finely-textured, invigorating mouthfeel, with medium acidity, turns into saline minerality on the lively and bouncy finish of this delicious Chardonnay. Pairs perfectly with oyster po' boys with fennel, apple, and celery root slaw and chunky corn, bacon, and cauliflower chowder.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2024 Bravium Russian River Valley Chardonnay is a textbook example of cool-climate Sonoma winemaking that balances California richness with crisp, coastal acidity.

This vintage is particularly notable for its "lush yet structured" profile, sourced primarily from the Plumis Vineyard near Forestville, where the morning fog helps preserve the grape's natural brightness.

This is a "gastronomic" Chardonnay, meaning it has the weight to stand up to substantial dishes:

• Seafood: Grilled salmon with lemon butter or Dungeness crab cakes.

• Creamy Dishes: Mushroom risotto or fettuccine Alfredo.

• Cheese: Aged Gouda or a creamy Brie.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 95 Points | Lots of fresh flowers, limes, sliced apples and honeysuckle on the nose with candied lemon and heather notes. Full-bodied with a light phenolic tension, rich with lots of citrus peel and minerals in the finish. Concentration with freshness. Pinot bianco, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. Drink or hold.

Wine Enthusiast 94 Points | An Alto Adige staple, this wine consistently offers exceptional value in Italian whites. Aromas of jasmine and honeysuckle lead to hints of peeled pears and white peach. The palate is harmoniously voluminous, showcasing pristine fruits and a burst of candied lemon zest. The finish, lifted with a mineral edge, seals the experience. Enjoy from now until 2040.

Wine Spectator 92 Points | This fresh, minerally white offers both expression and restraint, with fine interplay between the well-cut acidity and flavors of yellow peach, glazed tangerine, pink grapefruit, green almond, jasmine and milled white pepper. Long and mouthwatering, with a salty tang cleaning the fragrant finish. Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Sauvignon. Drink now through 2033. 

Winemaker Notes

Green apple and white peach combine with fine nuances of lemon balm and mint to create the typical aromas of the classic Terlano. Pronounced notes of peach on the palate, lending the wine its lively character. The multifaceted, well structured flavor derives from an interplay of freshness and minerality and also has a wonderfully long, persistent finish. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

Decanter 93 Points | There is an oomph and intensity to the 2023 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir from Flowers, with ripe fruits and generous forest character. Aromas of gravel dust, pine tar and smashed blue fruits come to the fore with whispers of violet florality. The palate shows a core of red and blue brambles, a nearly feral character to them. The savoury elements are followed by dried herbs, black tea, and a touch of mace. There's an intense saline throughline that crescendos at the finish.

James Suckling 93 Points | It's one of the first 2023 Sonoma pinots to be released and a great reflection of the long, cool growing season. Tangy, fresh and well balanced, with intricate orange zest, cinnamon, red cherry and black tea flavors on a vibrant, acid-driven texture. Medium- to full-bodied.

Winemaker Description

This fine-spun Pinot Noir opens with fresh aromas of coastal evergreens and wildflowers. Hints of early-season cherries follow, macerated in warm spices (anise, cardamom, allspice) and layered over earthy sandalwood. Ripe yet tangy dark berries, wearing a little dust from the patch, star on a lightly textured palate, giving way to savory herbs, delicately tannic red tea, and a pop of salty sea beans. A fascinating play of light fruit and dark spice is finished with a bright squeeze of orange peel.