90+ Points | Critical Acclaim | Wine & Sparkling Wine

Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta Hinia — Rioja Reserva 2014

Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta is one of Haro's most storied producers, crafting wines in the historic heart of Rioja Alta since 1895. Hinia — named for the fossilized shells found in the vineyard soils, remnants of an ancient sea that once covered the entire region — is a homage to the refined, classic wines that made Haro famous. A traditional Rioja blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, and Mazuelo, it was aged for 36 months in American oak with natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentation, producing a wine of genuine complexity and elegance.

Deep cherry red in the glass with an aromatic nose of ripe black fruit, spiced plums, tobacco leaf, balsamic, and a seductive layer of vanilla, caramel, and chocolate from the extended oak aging. On the palate, it is full-bodied with palate-coating tannins, vibrant citrus zest energy, and a long, persistent finish of ripe cherry and vanilla blossom. Balanced, opulent, and built to last.

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points — Elaine Chukan Brown | "Spiced and ripe plums and cherries gain the energy of citrus zest, and the opulence of vanilla blossom and a drizzle of balsamic. Balanced with great persistence for a pleasurable wine." (Vintage 2014).

• Producer: Bodegas Martinez Lacuesta, Haro, Rioja Alta, Spain
• Founded: 1895
• Vintage: 2014
• Appellation: Rioja DOCa (Rioja Alavesa)
• Varietals: Tempranillo, Graciano & Mazuelo
• Aging: 36 months in American oak
• Classification: Reserva
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe black fruit, spiced plum, cherry, tobacco, balsamic, vanilla, caramel, chocolate, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2030
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, braised short ribs, Manchego, charcuterie, grilled ribeye, mushroom risotto
• Serve: 60–65°F, decant 30 minutes

93 points from Wine Enthusiast — Hinia is classic Rioja at its most refined: a wine that honors a century of winemaking tradition in Haro.

Domaine du Vieux Lazaret · Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge · Southern Rhône · France · 2023

Domaine du Vieux Lazaret has been rooted in the terroir of Châteauneuf-du-Pape since the 18th century — one of the appellation’s most enduring estates, blending traditional methods with a modern sensibility to produce wines of genuine elegance and accessibility. The Rouge is a multi-varietal blend in the classic Châteauneuf tradition — Grenache-led, with Cinsault, Counoise, Syrah, Muscardin, Terret Noir, and Vaccarese — crafted for immediate pleasure while retaining the structure to age gracefully. The 2023 earned 92 points from Wine Spectator and 90 from James Suckling.

The 2023 pours deep ruby with a bouquet rich in aromatic fruit and earthy complexity. High-toned notes of cherry and anise are silky and fluid — a modern Châteauneuf with no rough edges. On the palate, ripe cherry, red berries, black plum, and sweet spices are supported by polished, plush tannins. Rooibos tea and sandalwood smoke add layers of complexity, while the full-bodied, elegantly layered finish showcases real sleekness and length. Serve at 16–18°C.

Expert Reviews

“High-toned notes of cherry and anise are silky and fluid in this modern Châteauneuf. There are no rough edges here. Polished tannins glide through, supporting rooibos tea and sandalwood smoke elements. A pretty, sleek style, with real elegance.”
— Wine Spectator · 92 Points

“A textured, generous and dense red with sweet cherries, red berries and sweet spices on the nose. Full-bodied with plush tannins. Rich core of berries and cherries with a similar finish.”
— James Suckling · 90 Points

• Producer: Domaine du Vieux Lazaret, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhône, France
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
• Blend: Grenache, Cinsault, Counoise, Syrah, Muscardin, Terret Noir, Vaccarese
• Style: Dry red — modern, polished, full-bodied
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherry, anise, red berries, black plum, sweet spice, rooibos tea, sandalwood smoke, polished tannins
• Serve: 16–18°C · Drink now through 2030+
• Pairings: Grilled lamb, roasted meats, wild game, meat dishes in sauce, aged Gruyère or Comté, hearty stews

WS:92 · JS:90 · Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC — 18th-century estate, modern elegance. Silky, polished, and built for the table.

Querciabella Mongrana — Maremma Toscana, Italy 2022

Querciabella is one of Tuscany's most visionary estates — a certified organic and biodynamic producer whose uncompromising commitment to sustainable viticulture and vegan winemaking has set the standard for responsible fine wine production in Italy. The 2022 Mongrana is their Maremma flagship: a structured Sangiovese-dominant blend — 50% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon — crafted from biodynamically farmed estate fruit in the wild, untamed coastal terroir of Maremma. The result is a rich, round, and deeply expressive red that earned 90 Points from Wine Spectator and overdelivers at its price point.

The nose is complex and inviting: black cherry, plum, boysenberry, morello cherry, blackberry, and blueberry, with layered notes of kirsch, eucalyptus, lavender, ivy, pine needles, and a touch of licorice. On the palate, the wine is juicy and fresh with a rich, round mouthfeel, soft tannins, and a long, savory mineral finish that persists. It is vibrant, intense, and deeply satisfying — the kind of Super Tuscan that disappears fast at the table.

"Black cherry and plum fruit signals this rich, round red. Boysenberry, eucalyptus and lavender notes chime in as this remains focused on the long finish. Drink now through 2027." — Wine Spectator, 90 Points. (Vintage 2022). 

• Producer: Querciabella, Maremma, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Toscana IGT — Maremma
• Blend: 50% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Farming: Certified Organic & Biodynamic — vegan winemaking
• Closure: Cork
• Size: 750ml
• Drink: Now through 2027
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, plum, boysenberry, morello cherry, kirsch, eucalyptus, lavender, licorice, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, aged pecorino, lamb chops, charcuterie boards

Tuscany's benchmark organic Super Tuscan at an honest price — Querciabella Mongrana is the standard for what biodynamic, coastal Maremma red can deliver.

Mount Riley Wines | Sauvignon Blanc | Marlborough, New Zealand | 2025

Mount Riley is one of Marlborough's most respected producers, drawing fruit from multiple carefully selected vineyard sites across the region to craft wines that consistently deliver purity, vibrancy, and exceptional value. Their Sauvignon Blanc has become a benchmark for the appellation — expressive, food-friendly, and reliably excellent vintage after vintage.

Marlborough, at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, is the world's most celebrated region for Sauvignon Blanc. Its long, sunny days and cool nights preserve natural acidity and allow the grape to develop intense aromatic complexity, while the free-draining alluvial soils of the Wairau and Awatere Valleys contribute freshness and mineral precision.

The 2025 is a multi-vineyard blend fermented entirely in stainless steel to protect the purity and vibrancy of the fruit. The result is a wine of excellent intensity and focus — aromas of passion fruit, feijoa, kiwifruit, pink grapefruit, and lemon zest, layered with crushed herb, capsicum, and gooseberry. On the palate, fleshy texture and beautifully pitched acidity carry through to a crisp, lingering finish.

A classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc for any occasion. Pair with oysters, grilled fish, sushi, goat cheese, green salads, and light poultry.

• Producer: Mount Riley Wines
• Appellation: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Vintage: 2025
• Vinification: Stainless steel, multi-vineyard blend
• Closure: Screwcap
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2025

• Wine Orbit (Sam Kim) — 93 pts: 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 pts: Ranked highly among the new 2025 releases for its vibrancy and purity.

Ruinart Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs NV — Reims, Champagne

Ruinart is the oldest established Champagne house, founded in 1729 by Nicolas Ruinart in Reims. For nearly three centuries, the house has been synonymous with Chardonnay-driven Champagne of exceptional finesse and elegance — and the Blanc de Blancs is their purest expression of that philosophy. Sourced from the Côtes des Blancs, Montagne de Reims, and Sézanne, this 100% Chardonnay cuvée captures the full spectrum of what the grape can achieve in Champagne: vivid, precise, and endlessly refined.

The NV opens with scents of citrus zest, green apple, lemon (fresh and candied), sliced pear, white flowers, and fresh bread. On the palate it is medium to full-bodied, pillowy yet incisive, with a vibrant core of fruit, brisk acidity, and a mouth-filling mousse. Steeped apricot, candied ginger, kumquat, toast point, and salted Marcona almond layer through the mid-palate, with a long, minerally, saline finish that is effortlessly integrated and impossible to stop sipping.

James Suckling 93 — “Lovely balance of juicy fruit and acidity that dances nimbly across the palate. Delicate, silky finish.”
Wine Spectator 93 — “Fresh and racy, yet there’s an effortless quality to the integration that makes this hard to stop sipping.”
Wine Advocate 90 — “Vibrant core of fruit and brisk acids, complemented by a mouth-filling mousse.”

• Producer: Ruinart, Reims, Champagne, France (est. 1729)
• Style: Brut Blanc de Blancs NV
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Sources: Côtes des Blancs, Montagne de Reims, Sézanne
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus zest, green apple, lemon, pear, white flowers, apricot, candied ginger, toast, Marcona almond, saline mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, lobster, Dover sole, sushi, fresh goat cheese, caviar, light canapés

The oldest Champagne house. The purest Chardonnay expression. Ruinart Blanc de Blancs is the benchmark.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2024

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

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

Winemaker Description

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

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

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

Pairing Suggestions

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

Elouan Pinot Noir — Oregon 2023

Elouan is the Oregon project of Joseph Wagner — the Caymus winemaker who headed north to one of the world’s great Pinot Noir regions with a clear vision: depth of flavor, vibrancy, and suppleness. Sourcing from across Oregon’s diverse appellations, Wagner crafts a Pinot that is fuller-bodied and more expressive than the typical delicate style, layering dark fruit with spice, earth, and a supple, polished structure. The Tasting Panel awarded it 93 points.

The nose is a cornucopia: spiced plums, dark berries, violets, cloves, wildflowers, and exotic herbs. On the palate, it is robust and expansive — dark cherry, black raspberry, coffee, and hibiscus with baking spice and cocoa, carried by vibrant acidity and soft, supple tannins through an exotic finish of cherry bark and red tea.

🇺🇸 Tasting Panel 93 — “Iron and ash form an earthy partnership in this most expressive vintage. Deep and seductive, with notes of coffee, black raspberry, and hibiscus leading to an exotic finish of cherry bark and red tea.”

🇺🇸 67Wine Buyer’s Pick — Bart Hopkins: “A cornucopia of aromas swirl from the glass, unmistakably Oregonian, with enticing layers of spiced plums, dark berries, violets, cloves, wildflowers and exotic herbs. In the mouth, the flavors become robust and expansive with superb depth and definition that follow through into the finish. Smooth tannins compliment the luscious fruit with charming succulence. Delicious!”

• Producer: Elouan (Joseph Wagner / Caymus), Oregon, USA
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Oregon
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Spiced plum, dark cherry, black raspberry, violets, coffee, hibiscus, baking spice, cocoa, cherry bark finish
• Best Paired With: Roasted or smoked meats, duck, mushroom dishes, Brie, Gruyère, prosciutto

Oregon Pinot Noir with California soul — Elouan delivers depth, vibrancy, and suppleness in every glass.

Talbott Kali Hart Pinot Noir Monterey 2023

James Suckling 92 Points - "A fresh, fruity, aromatic red with a nose of spices, cinnamon, black cherries, tart cherries and raspberries. The palate shows a medium body, a rather broad mouthfeel, some soft tannin and a ripe character overall."

Tasting Profile

This elegant Pinot Noir showcases vibrant red berry aromas with subtle floral notes. On the palate, expect concentrated flavors of cherry and raspberry balanced with hints of baking spice and toasted oak. Smooth tannins provide a velvety mouthfeel with a harmonious balance of fruitiness and acidity.

Perfect Pairings

Roasted chicken, grilled salmon, creamy pasta dishes, grilled vegetables, and charcuterie boards with assorted cheeses. Serve slightly chilled for optimal enjoyment.

Wine Details

Producer: Talbott Vineyards | Region: Monterey, California | Varietal: Pinot Noir | Vintage: 2023 | Volume: 750ml

Renieri Rosso di Montalcino — Montalcino, Tuscany 2024

Renieri is one of Montalcino's most respected organic estates, and this Rosso di Montalcino is the clearest expression of why. Sourced from certified organic vineyards in the heart of Tuscany and crafted from Sangiovese Grosso — the same noble grape as Brunello di Montalcino — the 2024 delivers uncommon depth and precision for a Rosso. Vinous awarded it 92 points, noting it displays "significantly more depth than expected." 

The wine opens with a mentholated freshness and a classic bouquet of cherries, prunes, and floral aromas that open to more sophisticated notes of slate. On the palate, it is complex and vibrant with cooling acidity, crisp wild berry fruits, violet pastille nuances, and gentle, fine tannins. A touch of tartness is accompanied by a succulent, balanced body and an exciting finish with returning hints of ripe fruit and fantastic length.

"The 2024 Rosso di Montalcino opens with a mentholated freshness and floral aromas. This displays significantly more depth than expected, with cooling acidity and crisp wild berry fruits. Violet pastille nuances swirl over gentle, fine tannins as the 2024 tapers off with fantastic length." — Eric Guido, Vinous, 92 Points (Vintage 2024)

• Producer: Renieri, Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Rosso di Montalcino DOC
• Varietal: Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello clone)
• Style: Medium-to-full-bodied, elegant, mineral-driven Tuscan red
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherries, prunes, wild berries, violet, slate, mentholated freshness, fine tannins
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2030
• Best Paired With: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, roast lamb, wild boar ragù, aged pecorino, truffle pasta

A 92-point organic Rosso di Montalcino at an honest price — Renieri is the benchmark for what Montalcino can deliver before Brunello.

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

Rated 90 Points – Vinous | 90 Points – James Suckling

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

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

Tasting Notes

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

Critical Acclaim

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

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

Tapi is a certified sustainable Marlborough producer crafting vibrant, fruit-driven Sauvignon Blanc from the celebrated Wairau Valley — the heartland of New Zealand's most iconic white wine. The Wairau Valley's free-draining alluvial soils, long sunny days, and cool maritime nights create ideal conditions for Sauvignon Blanc of exceptional aromatic intensity, natural freshness, and the lively tropical character that has made Marlborough famous the world over. The 2025 vintage benefited from excellent growing conditions, producing wines of purity and vibrant expression.

Vinification is focused on preserving the natural aromatics and freshness of the fruit. Careful temperature-controlled fermentation captures the full aromatic spectrum of the Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc — from zesty citrus to ripe tropical fruit — while maintaining the bright, cleansing acidity that defines the style.

The 2025 Tapi opens with an inviting nose of passionfruit, lime, lemon, and blackcurrant. On the palate, the wine is juicy, fresh, and fruit-driven, with ripe tropical fruit, crisp acidity, and a mouthwatering, refreshing finish with a lingering mango aftertaste. Bright, lively, and endlessly thirst-quenching.

"Juicy, fresh and fruit-driven, this expresses notes of lemons, papayas and limes, following through to a medium body with crisp acidity. The delicious finish has a mango aftertaste. Sustainable. Drink now."
— James Suckling, 91 Points. (Vintage 2025). 

"A distinctive style, with chive flower, celery salt and toasted herb notes that add a savory element to the core of lemon, grapefruit and lime on a mouthwatering frame."
— Wine Spectator, 89 Points — Best Values. (Vintage 2025). 

Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Vineyard: Wairau Valley
Vintage: 2025
Certification: Certified Sustainable
Closure: Screwcap
Bottle Size: 750ml

Pairing: Grilled prawns, oysters, white fish with lemon, fresh goat cheese, asparagus, and citrus-dressed salads. Serve well chilled.

Lucien Albrecht Rosé Crémant d’Alsace Brut — Alsace NV

Lucien Albrecht was one of the pioneers who helped legally codify the Crémant d’Alsace appellation, and their Rosé is the wine that Wine Advocate's David Schildknecht calls "more intriguing and distinctive" than almost anything else in the category. Made from 100% Pinot Noir using the traditional méthode traditionnelle, it is a pure expression of the grape — saline, meaty, and herbal notes layered beneath vivid strawberry and raspberry fruit, with a lush palate and an invigorating finish. Two 90-point scores from Wine Enthusiast and James Suckling confirm what the glass already tells you: this is serious sparkling rosé at a price that makes no sense.

The nose is pretty and inviting — fresh strawberry, raspberry, orange blossom, and a discreet hint of sweetness. On the palate, the wine is bright and medium-bodied, with lively mousse, juicy red fruit, and a creamy texture. Rye crumb, red apple, and lemon add complexity, while saline and herbal notes give the mid-palate real character. The finish is dry, long, and clean with a touch of invigorating bitterness.

Wine Enthusiast 90 — "A lovely balance of flavors with the freshness and juiciness of ripe apple. Fine bubbles create resonance on the dry finish." • James Suckling 90 — "Pretty nose of fresh strawberry, raspberry and orange blossom. Very bright on the palate, with a nice interplay of lively mousse with juicy fruit." • Wine Advocate — "More intriguing and distinctive… saline, meaty, and herbal notes add interest to both the nose and a lush palate." — David Schildknecht

• Producer: Lucien Albrecht, Alsace, France
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: Crémant d’Alsace AOC
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Style: Brut Rosé Sparkling — Traditional Method
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Strawberry, raspberry, orange blossom, red apple, rye crumb, lemon, saline, herbal notes, creamy texture
• Best Paired With: Smoked salmon, charcuterie, strawberries, soft cheeses, light poultry, aperitivo

Two 90-point scores, one honest price — Lucien Albrecht's Rosé Crémant is the benchmark for what Alsatian sparkling rosé can be.

Willamette Valley Pinot Noir from One of Oregon’s Founding Estates

Adelsheim Vineyard is one of Oregon’s original pioneering estates, founded in 1971 and instrumental in establishing the Willamette Valley as one of America’s great Pinot Noir regions. The 2023 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir — 100% Pinot Noir from a broad array of origins and clones, matured nine months in 19% new French oak — is a hallmark of Adelsheim’s classic, elegant house style: fresh, balanced, and beautifully textured, with the seamlessly integrated tannins and lively acidity that define great Willamette Valley Pinot.

Expert Reviews

• Wine Advocate — 91 pts: "Bursting with scents of bramble fruit preserves, cranberry sauce, holiday spice and earth. The medium-bodied palate is concentrated and spicy with well-integrated oak, soft dusty tannins, refreshing acidity and a long, nuanced finish."
• Jeb Dunnuck — 90 pts: "Refreshing and zesty, with notes of fresh cherries, red flowers, and bright stemmy spices. Medium-bodied with balanced acidity and a light astringency, with a mouthwatering finish. Drink over the coming 6–7 years."

67Wine Staff Pick

Bart Hopkins, 67Wine.com: "A very pretty expression of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Plenty of aromatic complexity with layered fruit and a lovely earthy character. Raspberries, spiced plums and baking spices supported by elegant tannins that linger on the long finish. Drinking perfectly right now."

Winemaker Notes

With its broad array of origins and clones, this 100% Pinot Noir displays aromas of cocoa, pomegranate, and raspberry on the nose and palate, with a light touch of nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice. True to Adelsheim’s house style, it is elegantly textured with seamlessly integrated, silky, polished tannins.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Willamette Valley, Oregon
• Producer: Adelsheim Vineyard (est. 1971)
• Vintage: 2023
• Aging: 9 months, 19% new French oak
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Highly versatile — exceptional with cedar-planked salmon, roasted duck with cherry reduction, herb-roasted chicken, mushroom risotto, and earthy lentil dishes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Diatom Chardonnay — Santa Barbara County 2024

Greg Brewer's Diatom project is built on a single, radical idea: subtraction. No oak barrels. No malolactic fermentation. No extended aging. Just 100% Chardonnay from Santa Barbara County, fermented and aged six months in stainless steel, stripped of everything that typically softens, butters, or blurs the grape. What remains is electric — a wine that tastes like the soil and the sea. The name itself is a clue: diatomaceous earth, the plankton fossil-rich geology beneath Santa Barbara's vineyards, is the terroir this wine is designed to express. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it 94 points and called it "a no-brainer purchase." Wine Spectator followed at 93, James Suckling at 93, Wine Enthusiast at 92, and Wine Advocate at 90. Across the board, the verdict is the same: this is one of California's most precise and honest Chardonnays.

The nose is vivid and pure: exotic citrus, minty herbs, oyster shell, honeydew rind, lime candy, and a whisper of sea spray. On the palate, it is sleek and taut — ripe pear, ginger, pomelo, and brisk lime zest coiled around a mouthwatering thread of acidity. Salinity and minerals run through the finish alongside springtime blossoms and a lingering kick of melon pith. It gains weight and richness with time in the glass without ever losing its electric freshness.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 • Wine Spectator 93 • James Suckling 93 • Wine Enthusiast 92 • Wine Advocate 90 — "A no-brainer purchase for those who love Santa Barbara County Chardonnay."

• Producer: Diatom (Greg Brewer), Santa Barbara County, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Santa Barbara County
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation and aging — no oak, no malolactic fermentation
• Aging: 6 months, stainless steel
• Style: Unoaked, crisp, mineral-driven
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, oyster shell, lime zest, sea spray, pear, ginger, pomelo, saline mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled halibut, ceviche, fresh goat cheese, sushi

A 94-point unoaked Chardonnay at an honest price — Diatom is the benchmark for what Santa Barbara Chardonnay can be when nothing gets in the way.

Château Blaignan — Médoc Cru Bourgeois 2019

With a grape-growing tradition stretching back to the 14th century, Château Blaignan is one of the Médoc’s most storied estates. The 2019 vintage — widely regarded as one of Bordeaux’s finest in a generation — showcases everything this historic property does best: ripe, structured fruit, velvet tannins, and a beautifully balanced finish that rewards both immediate drinking and patient cellaring.

The nose is intensely fruity with pronounced blackcurrant, black cherry, and a hint of spice. On the palate, dark cherry and plum compote lead the way, with tobacco, savory notes, and a pretty iron hint on the focused, fine-grained finish. Full-bodied with structure and elegance in equal measure.

Wine Enthusiast 90 • Wine Spectator 89 — “Drink now through 2029.”

• Producer: Château Blaignan, Médoc, Bordeaux
• Vintage: 2019
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois, Médoc
• Blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc
• Aging: 18 months in vats and oak barrels
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackcurrant, black cherry, plum compote, tobacco, spice, iron finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2029 (3–12 years from harvest)
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, duck, beef bourguignon, aged hard cheeses

Seven centuries of terroir knowledge in every bottle — Château Blaignan is a Médoc classic at a Cru Bourgeois price.

Crisp, Tropical & Effortlessly Refreshing

Frenzy Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough is New Zealand's signature white at its most expressive — vibrant, aromatic, and built for warm-weather sipping. The 2025 vintage delivered ideal growing conditions, yielding wines that are textbook Marlborough: punchy, fruit-forward, and irresistibly fresh.

The nose bursts with pink grapefruit, passionfruit, papaya, kiwi, and a whisper of lemongrass. On the palate, a soft, creamy entry gives way to layers of tropical and citrus fruit, finishing with a mouthwatering, crisp snap that keeps you coming back for another sip.

Crafted from a carefully selected blend of Marlborough's finest Sauvignon Blanc vineyards, Frenzy is fermented at cool temperatures to lock in purity of fruit and the unmistakable essence of the region's terroir.

• Wine Enthusiast: 88 Points — Best Buy
• Wine Spectator: 90 Points
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2025
• Size: 750ml | Screwcap

"Floral and fruity — lime blossom, passionfruit and pink grapefruit — crisp, balanced, easy-to-sip Savvy B for warm weather days." — BEST BUY - Christina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast

Huia Sauvignon Blanc — Marlborough, New Zealand 2025

Huia Vineyards is one of Marlborough’s most respected organic and biodynamic estates — founded in 1994 by Claire and Mike Allan with the conviction that the region’s finest expression comes from small-scale, unhurried winemaking rooted in the land. Today, under owner Tom Pegler and winemaker Josh Lee — whose career spans Greywacke, Dog Point, and biodynamic estates across Europe — that conviction is stronger than ever. Every grape is grown organically on estate vineyards and sourced from trusted Marlborough growers who share Huia’s values. The 2025 earned 92 Points from Wine Enthusiast and 91 Points from Wine Advocate, and overdelivers at its price point vintage after vintage.

The nose is captivating: pink grapefruit, lime blossom, crystallized ginger, cantaloupe, passionfruit, and honeydew melon, with fresh basil-like herbs and something flinty behind. On the palate, the wine is pure and lively — Granny Smith apple, gooseberry, key lime, and a touch of pie crust and hazelnut, carried by bright, tangy acidity and a quietly creamy texture. The finish is refreshing, balanced, and utterly delicious. It is elegant, aromatic, and deeply satisfying — the kind of biodynamic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc that disappears fast.

"There’s a lovely waxy, honey-flecked tropical and citrus fruit to start, with fresh basil-like herbs and something more toasty and flinty behind. The palate shows the variety’s bright, tangy acidity, tempered by a quietly creamy texture. Food friendly and priced for every day drinking." — Christina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast, 92 Points. (Vintage 2025). 

• Producer: Huia Vineyards, Marlborough, New Zealand (est. 1994)
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc (100%)
• Farming: Certified Organic & Biodynamic
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Pink grapefruit, lime blossom, crystallized ginger, cantaloupe, passionfruit, gooseberry, Granny Smith apple, hazelnut, creamy texture, energetic acidity
• Best Paired With: Seafood, sushi, oysters, poultry, salads, spicy stir fry, goat cheese

Marlborough’s benchmark biodynamic Sauvignon Blanc at an honest price — Huia is the standard for what certified organic, small-scale New Zealand winemaking can deliver.

San Felice Chianti Classico — Castelnuovo Berardenga, Tuscany 2022

San Felice is one of Chianti Classico’s most storied and respected estates, farming over 270 hectares in the Castelnuovo Berardenga sub-zone — the southernmost and warmest corner of the appellation, known for producing wines of particular richness, structure, and savory depth. The Chianti Classico is the estate’s benchmark expression: a blend of Sangiovese with the rare indigenous varieties Colorino and Pugnitello, vinified to capture the vibrant, earthy, food-friendly soul of traditional Chianti at an exceptional price point. The 2022 vintage earned 91 points from Wine Enthusiast and 90 from Vinous, and is drinking beautifully now.

The nose is defined by cool earthiness: flint, wild herbs, tart blackberries, mushroom, and balsamic. On the palate, it is vibrant and open-knit — cherries, black cherry, blackberry, crushed flowers, and orange peel are framed by dusty, chewy tannins, notable acidity, and a flinty, iron-inflected finish that anchors the wine with real Chianti character. A textbook food wine of the highest order.

Wine Enthusiast 91 — “Cool earthiness defines the nose, with aromas of flint, wild herbs and tart blackberries, and umami notes of mushroom and balsamic. Dusty, chewy tannins and notable acid emphasize that flinty earthiness.”

Vinous 90 — “Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, spice, new leather and a kick of orange peel. Soft, open-knit. Drink it over the next few years.”

Wine Spectator 89 — “Black cherry and blackberry flavors with accents of violet, earth and iron. Firm tannins infuse the finish. Drink now through 2027.”

• Producer: San Felice, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Chianti Classico DOCG
• Blend: Sangiovese, Colorino, Pugnitello
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Flint, wild herbs, blackberry, mushroom, balsamic, cherry, crushed flowers, orange peel, iron finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2027
• Best Paired With: Pasta Bolognese, lasagna, wood-fired pizza, grilled lamb with rosemary, roast turkey, aged Pecorino, charcuterie

Sangiovese, Colorino, Pugnitello, and 91 points from Wine Enthusiast — San Felice Chianti Classico is the Tuscan food wine that always earns its place at the table.

James Suckling 95 Points | A juicy and delicious wine with aromas of black cherries, walnuts, flint, graphite and matchsticks. Medium-bodied with creamy and refined tannins and a pretty finish. Inky aftertaste with some iodine. 60% merlot and 40% sangivoese. Drink or hold. 

Winemaker Description

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

About Luce della Vite

Luce della Vite — “Light of the Vine” — is one of Tuscany’s most celebrated Super Tuscan estates, born from a visionary partnership between the Frescobaldi family and Robert Mondavi in 1993. Based in Montalcino, the Tenuta Luce estate produces wines that bridge the Old and New World: blending the structure and earthiness of Sangiovese with the richness and suppleness of Merlot. Lucente is the estate’s second wine — sharing the same vineyards and winemaking philosophy as the flagship Luce, but crafted for earlier enjoyment and exceptional everyday value. At under $25, it offers a genuine window into one of Italy’s most prestigious estates.

Food Pairings

Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, wild boar ragù, truffle pasta, roasted lamb, and aged Pecorino Toscano. Decant 30 minutes before serving.

Product Details

• Producer: Luce della Vite (Tenuta Luce — Frescobaldi)
• Appellation: Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy
• Blend: Merlot & Sangiovese (Merlot dominant)
• Vintage: 2022
• Style: Medium-to-full-bodied, fruit-forward Super Tuscan blend
• Drink: Now–2030
• Format: 750ml

Catena Malbec — Mendoza, Argentina 2024

Bodega Catena Zapata has been the defining force in Argentine fine wine for decades — a trailblazer in high-altitude viticulture since the 1990s, farming vineyards up to 5,000 feet in the Andes foothills where cooler temperatures, intense UV radiation, and dramatic diurnal temperature swings produce Malbec of uncommon elegance, depth, and freshness. The Catena Malbec is the house’s benchmark expression: a wine that has introduced generations of drinkers to the world-class potential of Mendoza Malbec, earning 93 points from the Wine Advocate (prior vintage) and consistently delivering far more than its price suggests.

The color is deep ruby-violet with brilliant clarity. The nose is expressive and inviting: dark plum, blackberry, violet, turned earth, and subtle spice. On the palate, it is juicy and precise — vibrant acidity and a savory, sturdy core frame the dark fruit, with a high-toned, lingering finish of earthy depth and freshness. Elegant, fruit-forward, and endlessly food-friendly.

Wine Advocate 93 — (Prior Vintage 2023). High-altitude, elegant Mendoza Malbec from one of Argentina’s most celebrated estates. Dark plum, blackberry, violet and earthy depth with vibrant acidity and a savory, lingering finish.

• Producer: Bodega Catena Zapata, Mendoza, Argentina
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Mendoza
• Varietal: 100% Malbec
• Style: High-altitude, elegant & fruit-forward
• Altitude: Up to 5,000 feet in the Andes foothills
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark plum, blackberry, violet, turned earth, subtle spice, vibrant acidity, earthy lingering finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 3–5 years
• Best Paired With: Grilled skirt steak, roasted lamb, beef empanadas, hearty stews, aged cheddar, blue cheese, Manchego

Thirty years of high-altitude mastery, 93 points from the Wine Advocate, and priced for every night of the week — Catena Malbec is the Argentine benchmark that never disappoints.

Aveleda · Minho · Vinho Verde DOC · Minho · Portugal · 2024

Aveleda is one of Portugal’s most celebrated wine estates — a historic quinta in the Minho region that has been producing Vinho Verde for generations. The Minho is Aveleda’s flagship expression of the appellation: a proprietary white blend crafted to capture everything that makes Vinho Verde irresistible — pale, slightly fizzy, vibrantly fresh, and built for the moment. At $12.99, it is one of the great value whites in the world. Vegan. Screwcap. 90 points from James Suckling.

Clear pale yellow in the glass, the 2024 opens with an elegant, crisp bouquet of green apple, lime, lemon, and peach with a whisper of seashell minerality. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and refreshing — slightly fizzy, saline, and vibrant, with a clean citrus finish that makes every sip feel like the first. Versatile and effortless, it is perfect for the simplest moments in life.

“This saline white has aromas of lemons, peaches and seashells. It’s medium-bodied and simple but refreshing. Vegan.”
— James Suckling · 90 Points. (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Aveleda, Quinta de Aveleda, Minho, Portugal
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Vinho Verde DOC, Minho, Portugal
• Blend: Proprietary white blend
• Style: Dry white — slightly fizzy, saline, citrus-fresh
• Closure: Screwcap
• Vegan: Yes
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Green apple, lime, lemon, peach, seashell minerality, slight spritz, saline finish
• Pairings: Cod fish cakes, marinated olives, empanadas, grilled fish and vegetables, seafood, aperitif

JS:90 · Vinho Verde DOC — saline, slightly fizzy, and endlessly refreshing from one of Portugal’s great historic estates. One of the world’s best value whites.

Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro — Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, Tuscany 2021

Ruffino is one of Tuscany’s most storied and historic estates — a winery whose Riserva Ducale Oro holds a singular place in Italian wine history. 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 an exceptional vintage by introducing the Riserva Ducale Oro — heralding the concept of Gran Selezione ahead of its time and creating what would become the world’s most recognized Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. Today, one out of every three bottles of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione opened in the world is a Riserva Ducale Oro. The 2021 earned 95 Points from James Suckling and 90 Points from Wine Enthusiast, and is matched only by its potential for decades of aging.

The nose is complex and distinctive: red cherries, violet, blackberry, plum, eucalyptus, licorice, and balsamic nuances, with old leather, wild herbs, pepper, and intriguing notes of cinnamon, clove, chocolate, and coffee. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and lush with dense, velvety tannins, gleaming flavors of blackberry, bergamot, and wild mint, crisp yet integrated acidity, and a long, peppery, savory finish. It is elegant, precise, and deeply satisfying — a Gran Selezione built for the cellar but impossible to resist now.

"An elegant and forthright Gallo Nero with a precise nose of red cherries, eucalyptus and licorice with balsamic nuances. A lush and supple palate with a full body and dense, velvety tannins that are precise and spicy. Crisp yet integrated acidity in the finish. Savory aftertaste. Drink or hold." — James Suckling, 95 Points. (Vintage 2021). 

"The nose opens savory, with aromas of old leather, hot tar, wild herbs and pepper, then adds the sweetness of dark berries and cherries. Gleaming flavors of blackberries, bergamot and wild mint define the palate, before that bitter citrus element ignites into a peppery heat on the finish." — Danielle Callegari, Wine Enthusiast, 90 Points. (Vintage 2021). 

• Producer: Ruffino, Pontassieve, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
• Blend: Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
• Aging: Extended barrel & bottle aging — violet, cherry, chocolate & spice complexity
• Closure: Cork
• Size: 750ml
• Drink: Now or cellar for decades
• Tasting Notes: Red cherry, violet, blackberry, plum, eucalyptus, licorice, bergamot, wild mint, chocolate, coffee, peppery finish
• Best Paired With: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, aged Parmigiano, braised lamb, truffle risotto

Tuscany’s most iconic Gran Selezione at an honest price — Ruffino Riserva Ducale Oro is the benchmark for what historic, cellar-worthy Chianti Classico can deliver.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon — Columbia Valley 2022

Chateau Ste. Michelle is Washington State’s founding winery — and the 2022 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a masterclass in what makes this high-desert wine region so compelling. Sourced from vineyards east of the Cascades, where extreme diurnal temperature swings and volcanic soils concentrate flavor while preserving freshness, the wine is crafted to highlight Washington’s signature dark fruit in an accessible, food-friendly style. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 91 points. At under $15, it is one of the most exciting values in all of American wine.

The nose is inviting and layered: a salty ocean breeze, driftwood, blackberries, olive oil, and a trace of bacon fat. On the palate, it is smooth and viscous, with dark plum and bittersweet chocolate-covered cherries coating the palate, framed by silky tannins and a long, fruit-forward finish. It delivers the kind of concentrated, structured pleasure that only great Columbia Valley Cabernet can — and it drinks beautifully right now.

Wine Enthusiast 91 — “This superb value strikes first with a marine-themed nose of a salty ocean breeze, a driftwood beach fire, blackberries, olive oil, and a trace of bacon fat. Smooth and viscous, with dark plum and bittersweet chocolate-covered cherries coating the palate.” (Vintage 2022).

• Producer: Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington State, USA
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Columbia Valley AVA
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, dark plum, bittersweet chocolate, olive, bacon, ocean breeze
• Best Paired With: Beef tenderloin, grilled ribeye, lamb chops, pasta with meat sauce, aged cheddar, BBQ

A 91-point Washington Cabernet at an honest price — Chateau Ste. Michelle is the benchmark for what Columbia Valley Cab can be.

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023 (Barrel Samples)

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) — 90–92 Points
"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. Medium body, fine tannins, and an attractive finish. Polished and friendly. 59% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot."

Jeb Dunnuck — 89–91 Points
"A terrific Haut-Médoc with a juicy, medium-bodied, elegant style and the pure, ripe red and almost blue fruit character of the vintage. Spice, spring flowers, and hints of charcoal define the aromatics, with beautiful tannins and balance."

About Madame de Beaucaillou

Madame de Beaucaillou 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. Sourced from the Haut-Médoc appellation rather than Saint-Julien, it offers the winemaking precision and pedigree of Ducru-Beaucaillou at a fraction of the grand vin price — a rare opportunity to access Second Growth DNA under $30.

Food Pairings

Grilled veal chops, roast chicken with herbs, steak frites, roasted root vegetables, savory mushroom tart, Brie de Meaux, and mild Tomme de Savoie.

Product Details

• Producer: Château Ducru-Beaucaillou (Madame de Beaucaillou)
• Appellation: Haut-Médoc AOC, Bordeaux, France
• Blend: 59% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Medium-bodied, aromatic, Merlot-driven Bordeaux
• Drink: Now–2033
• Format: 750ml

Clos Henri · Estate Sauvignon Blanc · Marlborough · New Zealand · 2025

Clos Henri is the Marlborough outpost of the legendary Bourgeois family of Sancerre — and it shows in every glass. Planted at high density on a single estate in the Central Wairau Valley, where Otiran and Waimaungan glacial soils converge into three distinct terroirs — Wither Clay, Broadbridge Clay, and Greywacke Stones — this is organic Sauvignon Blanc with a French soul and a New Zealand heartbeat. The 2025 Estate earned 94 points from James Suckling and 93 from Wine Advocate, cementing its place among Marlborough’s most sophisticated whites.

The 2025 vintage was shaped by a cool, slow ripening season — overcast skies and lower temperatures through February and March — that delivered exceptional density and focus. The wine bursts with bright citrus: mandarin, yuzu blossom, meyer lemon zest, and pineapple, layered over acacia, hay, and a flinty, graphite-driven minerality. The palate is textural and round, with firm acidity, chalky structure, and a bone-dry, lingering mineral finish. Restrained, classy, and built to reward patience.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2025 

“Very elegant, superfloral and perfumed, with some flinty reduction, offering acacia blossoms, hay, fleshy lemons and a touch of elderberries. Medium-bodied with firm acidity giving structure and length. Attractive bitter-lemon note in the finish. Mineral and detailed with real focus. From organically grown grapes.”
— James Suckling · 94 Points

“The 2025 Sauvignon Blanc leads with graphite and cold tea, chalky tannins and dried grasses on the palate. The wine is far more subtle and restrained than many other Sauvignon Blancs tasted for this report, and this does fit with the assessment I hold for this producer over time. These are classy wines. This is a classy wine. Clos Henri is owned by the Bourgeois family of Sancerre (Domaine Henri Bourgeois), and it is clear that the sensibilities of their estate there are continued by their winemaker Damien Yvon here in Marlborough. This is an estate to put on your list. Clos Henri is a member of the Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) group. 13.5% alcohol.”
— Wine Advocate · 93 Points

“Quite restrained with subtle aromas of earth, green olive, green pineapple and a hint of gorse flowers. The palate harbours density and depth under the shell of acidity and phenolics. Gravel, hessian and wet stone complexity rise alongside a touch of dried spice on the bone-dry finish. Accessible and expressive, this mid-weight sauvignon oozes with sophistication.”
— The Real Review · 93 Points · Stephen Wong

• Producer: Clos Henri (Bourgeois Family)
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Sub-Region: Central Wairau Valley (AMW)
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Style: Dry white — mineral, textural, flinty
• Alcohol: 13.5% | Residual Sugar: <1 g/L
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Mandarin, yuzu blossom, pineapple, meyer lemon, acacia, hay, graphite, chalky mineral finish
• Pairings: Line-caught blue cod, ceviche, Thai green curry, goat’s cheese tart, tomato salads
• Cellar: Drink now through 2030

94 JS · 93 WA · 93 TRR · Marlborough — organic Sancerre-inspired Sauvignon Blanc with glacial-soil precision and Bourgeois family pedigree.

Viña Cobos | Felino | Malbec | Mendoza | 2024

Jeb Dunnuck: 94 Points — Juicy in a tantalizing combination of red and blue fruit, the tannins are soft and supple in texture and grip. The fruit is focused and ripe, fully developed, and dark and brooding in color. There’s structure to the tannins and moderate acidity, providing a foundation for the beautifully juicy red fruit and light spice. Drink now and for another 10 years.

James Suckling: 93 Points — Abundant bramble fruit on the nose, layered with espresso and a touch of red berries. The palate is round and medium- to full-bodied, well-constructed with velvety, integrated tannins and a chiseled, flavorful finish. Drink now or hold.

Vinous: 92 Points — Bright red fruit, hints of black fruit and a balsamic spice accent. Grippy, plush and juicy, with improved length compared to previous vintages.

Viña Cobos was founded by Paul Hobbs, one of California's most celebrated winemakers, who recognized Mendoza's extraordinary potential for world-class Malbec long before the region's international rise. The Felino line is the estate's benchmark of accessible excellence — sourced from premium vineyards across Mendoza's two most prestigious appellations, Valle de Uco and Luján de Cuyo, and crafted with the same precision and attention to terroir that defines the Cobos flagship wines.

The 2024 Felino is sourced 65% from Valle de Uco and 35% from Luján de Cuyo, and aged nine months in small French oak barriques with only 8% new oak — a restrained approach that preserves the vibrancy and freshness of the fruit while adding subtle complexity and texture. The result is a Malbec that is immediately expressive yet structured enough to develop further in the bottle over the next decade.

Deep ruby with vibrant purple tones, the wine opens with aromas of black cherry, blueberry, fresh plum and violets, accented by notes of espresso, bramble, balsamic spice and a whisper of graphite. The palate is round, juicy and beautifully balanced — ripe red and blue fruit flavors are supported by soft, supple tannins, moderate acidity and a long, chiseled finish with hints of herbs and dark spice.

Serve at 60–65°F. Pairs beautifully with grilled steak, lamb chops, beef empanadas, roasted meats, rich pasta dishes, BBQ ribs, aged cheddar, Manchego and dark chocolate.

• Producer: Viña Cobos
• Winemaker: Paul Hobbs
• Cuvée: Felino
• Appellation: Mendoza, Argentina
• Sub-regions: 65% Valle de Uco, 35% Luján de Cuyo
• Grape Variety: Malbec (100%)
• Vintage: 2024
• Aging: 9 months in French oak barriques (8% new)
• Style: Dry red wine, medium- to full-bodied
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Lucien Albrecht Crémant d’Alsace Brut Blanc — Alsace NV

Lucien Albrecht is one of Alsace's most storied estates, and their Crémant Brut Blanc is the wine that earned them a place on Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Wines of 2018 — ranked #71 in the world. Made primarily from Pinot Blanc grown in the heart of Alsace and crafted using the traditional méthode traditionnelle, this is Champagne's most elegant and underpriced neighbor. Creamy, structured, and endlessly food-friendly, it is the sparkling wine you reach for when you want something serious without the serious price tag.

Pale yellow with brilliant clarity and fine, delicate bubbles. The nose is expressive and inviting — fresh apple, white peach, apricot, and dried flowers with a touch of caramelized lemon. On the palate, the wine is medium- to full-bodied and creamy, with firm, persistent effervescence and a rich, characterful mid-palate. Ripe fruit and subtle structure carry through to a fresh, clean finish with real length and subtlety.

James Suckling 90 — "Ripe, slightly candied character with caramelized lemons and dried flowers. Creamy and weighty on the palate with firm bubbles and a rich, characterful mid-palate." • Wine Enthusiast — #71 Top 100 Wines of 2018

• Producer: Lucien Albrecht, Alsace, France
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: Crémant d’Alsace AOC
• Varietal: Pinot Blanc (dominant blend)
• Style: Brut Sparkling — Traditional Method
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh apple, white peach, apricot, dried flowers, caramelized lemon, creamy texture, firm bubbles
• Best Paired With: Oysters, smoked salmon, charcuterie, soft cheeses, light poultry, aperitivo

A Top 100 Crémant d’Alsace at an honest price — Lucien Albrecht is the benchmark for what Alsatian sparkling wine can be.

Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc — Marlborough 2025

Allan Scott Family Winemakers is one of Marlborough’s pioneering estates, and their Sauvignon Blanc has long been a benchmark for the region. The 2025 vintage is a textbook expression of what makes this corner of New Zealand so compelling — bright, fruit-driven, and unmistakably fresh, with enough texture and minerality to keep things interesting. James Suckling awarded it 91 points; Wine Spectator followed with 90, calling it “sleek and juicy.”

The nose is lively and aromatic: white berries, currant leaves, white roses, and hints of crushed stone with a spicy green edge. On the palate, it is light to medium-bodied — crunchy, fresh, and juicy, with tropical fruit and zesty passionfruit balanced by a tense, minerally finish. Clean, dry, and built for the table.

🇳🇿 James Suckling 91 • Wine Spectator 90 — “An elegant style, with lime sorbet, quince, Fuji apple and lemon zest, all on a sleek and juicy frame that lingers.” (Vintage 2025). 

• Producer: Allan Scott Family Winemakers, Marlborough, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Marlborough
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Closure: Screw cap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White berries, currant leaf, white rose, lime sorbet, passionfruit, crushed stone, minerally finish
• Best Paired With: Fresh oysters, grilled white fish, shrimp scampi, goat cheese salads, fresh herb dishes

Crisp, vibrant, and true to its terroir — Allan Scott’s Sauvignon Blanc is the benchmark for what Marlborough does best.

Moët & Chandon | Impérial Brut | Champagne, France — Gift Box (750ml)

Moët & Chandon Impérial is the world's most celebrated Champagne — a house icon crafted since 1869 and the benchmark by which all non-vintage Champagne is measured. Blended from over 100 crus across the Champagne region, it combines Pinot Noir for structure and body, Pinot Meunier for fruitiness and roundness, and Chardonnay for freshness and elegance. This gift box presentation makes it the ultimate ready-to-give luxury for any occasion.

The wine opens with a radiant golden straw color and an aromatic profile of bright yellow-fleshed fruits — apple, pear, yellow peach — layered with honey, lime blossom, brioche, and fresh nuts. On the palate it is seductive and smooth, balancing generosity with vigor, and finishing with a delicately fresh crispiness that is the hallmark of great Champagne.

Expert Reviews 

The Somm Journal — 93 Points: Comme il faut from the unending bead onward. Biscuit and almond aromas, ripe golden apple on the nose turning to green on the palate, where citrus — lime, grapefruit, mandarin orange — cycles through high-flying acidity, with luscious pear adding weight and chalk conveying elegance through the finish.

Wine Spectator — 92 Points: Elegant, fine and creamy in texture, backed by lively orange peel acidity. A streak of smoke-tinged minerality underscores flavors of almond madeleine, poached pear, anise, and preserved lemon. Drink now.

James Suckling — 91 Points: Aromas of apricots, grapefruit, pears, and short crust. Medium-bodied with soft bubbles and tasty nut and pie crust notes at the end. 24 months on the lees.

Technical Details

Blend: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay  |  Region: Champagne, France  |  Style: Non-Vintage Brut  |  Lees Aging: 24 months  |  Presentation: Gift Box  |  Size: 750ml

Nigl Grüner Veltliner Freiheit — Kremstal, Austria 2025

Martin Nigl is one of Austria's most respected winemakers, farming steep hillside vineyards above the city of Krems in the Kremstal — a region celebrated for Grüner Veltliner and Riesling of exceptional precision and mineral character. The Freiheit — German for "freedom" — takes its name from a remarkable piece of history: this land is believed to be among the first privately owned vineyard land in the valley not controlled by the Church or a feudal estate. It is, quite literally, a wine of liberation. Sourced from four different vineyards in the hills above Krems, the soils are primarily löss, and the steep elevation moderates temperature to preserve freshness and aromatic lift. Fermentation and élevage occur entirely in stainless steel, and in a detail that speaks to Martin's obsessive attention to freshness, the wine is bottled at night — when the cellars are at their coolest.

The 2025 pours a pale, luminous straw. The nose is clean and expressive — citrus, green apple, white pepper, and a subtle mineral lift from the löss soils. On the palate, it's precise and refreshing with lively acidity, a focused mid-palate, and a crisp, dry, lingering finish. Everything Kremstal Grüner should be: pure, food-friendly, and built with care.

"Freiheit — freedom — believed to be some of the first privately owned vineyard land in the valley not controlled by the Church or a feudal estate. Bottled at night when the cellars are at their coolest." — Martin Nigl

• Producer: Weingut Nigl, Kremstal, Austria
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Kremstal DAC
• Varietal: Grüner Veltliner
• Vineyard: Four sites above Krems; löss soils; steep elevation
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation and élevage; night bottling
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, green apple, white pepper, löss minerality, crisp dry finish
• Best Paired With: Wiener Schnitzel, grilled fish, sushi, asparagus, Thai cuisine, fresh goat cheese

A wine of freedom — Kremstal Grüner Veltliner from Austria's most historically significant privately owned vineyard land, bottled at night for maximum freshness.

CrossBarn by Paul Hobbs Sonoma Coast Chardonnay — Sonoma County 2024

CrossBarn is Paul Hobbs’s second label — and one of California’s most compelling values in cool-climate Chardonnay. Drawing on 81% estate fruit from Sonoma Coast vineyards, CrossBarn channels the same winemaking philosophy that has made Paul Hobbs one of Napa and Sonoma’s most celebrated names: minimal intervention, site transparency, and a relentless focus on freshness. The Sonoma Coast appellation is defined by its proximity to the Pacific — cold ocean winds and morning fog that slow ripening and preserve the natural acidity that makes this style so compelling. Partial malolactic conversion in stainless steel adds a subtle creamy texture without sacrificing the wine’s essential brightness and drive. The 2024 vintage is a textbook expression of the appellation.

The color is a luminous pale gold. The nose is fresh, pure, and immediately inviting: green apple, baked apple, ripe pear, lemon peel, and a whisper of bread dough and warm spice. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and easygoing — generous and juicy, with vibrant acidity, a subtle creamy mid-palate from partial malo, and a long, mineral-driven finish. Crisp, refreshing, and built for the table.

James Suckling 93 • Wine Advocate 90 — “Fresh, fruity, juicy, crisp — generous in green apples, baked apples and minerals. Subtle cream and butter from partial malolactic conversion.” (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: CrossBarn by Paul Hobbs, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Estate Fruit: 81%
• Vinification: Partial malolactic conversion, stainless steel maturation
• Style: Bright, fresh, cool-climate Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Green apple, baked apple, pear, lemon peel, bread dough, warm spice, mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 3–5 years
• Best Paired With: Crab Louie, grilled shrimp, oysters, roast chicken, mushroom risotto, creamy pasta

Paul Hobbs’s vision for Sonoma Coast Chardonnay — CrossBarn delivers serious winemaking at an honest price.

E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge — Southern Rhône, France 2022

No name in the Rhône Valley commands more respect than Guigal. From their legendary single-vineyard La Las to this benchmark Côtes du Rhône, Marcel Guigal and his family have spent decades proving that the Southern Rhône can deliver both grandeur and extraordinary value in the same bottle. The 2022 Rouge is a textbook expression of the appellation: a Syrah-led blend with Grenache and Mourvèdre, it is deep, dark, and generously fruited — full-bodied yet polished, with smooth tannins and a long, elegant finish. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 92 points and called it "exceptional value." 

The nose is intensely aromatic: black cherry, dark plum, rose petal, and warm spice. On the palate, the fruit is bright and concentrated, with earthy depth, fine-grained tannins, and a playful, spice-laced finish that lingers well beyond its price point. A touch of aeration opens it up beautifully — decant briefly or simply let it breathe in the glass.

Wine Enthusiast 92 • James Suckling 90 — "Exceptional value. Bright and concentrated black cherries, rose petal and fresh aromatics."

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

Wine Enthusiast — 92 Points
Bright and concentrated black cherries, rose petal and fresh aromatics create a lively nose. On the palate, fruit and earthy notes come into perfect balance with a bit of aeration. A great pairing for meaty dishes, offering exceptional value.

James Suckling — 90 Points
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.

• Producer: E. Guigal, Ampuis, Rhône Valley, France
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Côtes du Rhône AOC, Southern Rhône
• Blend: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, dark plum, rose petal, warm spice, earthy depth, smooth tannins
• Best Paired With: Grilled lamb, roast chicken, charcuterie, beef stew, hard cheeses

The world's most trusted Rhône producer at its most approachable — Guigal's Côtes du Rhône is the benchmark for what Southern France can deliver at any price.

Our Professional Review

Oscar Garcia, 67Wine Buyer: This legendary Bodega produces some of the most classic and sought-after Riojas. The entry-level Reserva is my go-to wine to enjoy with any of my weekend favorite meals. Lovely nose of dark fruit, cedar, and herbs. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and a structured finish.

Marqués de Murrieta didn’t just make one of the first Rioja wines — they essentially invented the category. Founded in 1852 by Don Luciano Murrieta, the estate has spent over 170 years refining a house style built on elegance, consistency, and the singular personality of the Finca Ygay estate. The 2022 Reserva is a classic expression: raspberry, blueberry, and cherry on the nose, lifted by thyme, rosemary, and sandalwood, with a juicy, precise palate shaped by fine tannins and a fresh, pleasant finish. Medium-bodied, structured, and thoroughly satisfying.

Blend: Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Graciano, Garnacha
Appellation: Rioja, Spain
Estate: Finca Ygay, Castillo de Ygay
Vintage: 2022
Format: 750ml

The Castillo de Ygay — declared a museum in 2019 — sits at the heart of a self-contained estate of over 300 hectares. Led since 1983 by the Cebrián-Sagarriga family, Marqués de Murrieta completed a landmark renovation in 2021, adding 25,000 m² of state-of-the-art production facilities while leaving the estate’s identity untouched. Every variety in the blend — Tempranillo for structure, Mazuelo for acidity, Graciano for freshness, Garnacha for roundness — is grown on-estate and contributes its own personality to a wine that has been made the same way for generations.

“A palpable example of the elegance, consistency and regularity that characterize Marqués de Murrieta. This wine shows the incredible personality of the Ygay Estate.” — Winemaker’s Notes

Pinot Noir | Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley / Oregon
Vintage: 2023  |  Size: 750ml
90+ Rated

Bethel Heights is one of the Willamette Valley’s founding estates, farming their Eola-Amity Hills vineyards since 1977. The Estate Pinot Noir is their signature bottling — a blend of nearly all sections of their three estate vineyards, spanning some 214 barrels each vintage. It is, as the winemakers put it, “the best place to start when evaluating their growing season and winemaking intent in any given vintage.”

The 2023 Estate is a standout — deeper and more concentrated than the 2021 or 2022, yet it remains light on its feet. A deeper jeweled magenta in the glass, it is perfumed with cherry liqüeur, black raspberry, violets, candied flowers, and rocky earth. The palate is medium-bodied, ripe, and elegant, with fine chalky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, nuanced finish. Crushed cherries, blackberries, rhubarb, blood orange, lavender, and iron all make appearances — a wine of genuine complexity that will reward patience or benefit from a decanter now.

“A deeper jeweled magenta… perfumed with cherry liqüeur, black raspberry, violets, candied flowers, and rocky earth. Medium-bodied, ripe, and elegant, with fine tannins and more density than the 2021 or 2022 vintages, yet it remains light on its feet.”
— Jeb Dunnuck, 94 Points. (Vintage 2023). 

“Aromas of red cherries, cranberries, dried herbs and subtle spices. The palate is fresh and layered, with fine tannins and lifted red fruit. Balanced and savory, with a long finish. Drink or hold.”
— James Suckling, 93 Points

“Slowly unfolding scents of rhubarb, blackberry, blood orange, lavender and iron. The medium-bodied palate features concentrated, floral flavors. Framed by fine, chalky tannins and vibrant acidity with a long, nuanced finish. It will benefit from time in a decanter.”
— Wine Advocate, 93 Points. (Vintage 2023). 

“Opens with a vibrant blend of crushed cherries and blackberries, elevated by sweet herbal tones and a nuance of spice. Juicy acidity enlivens depths of crisp wild berry fruit and mineral notes. The finish is pleasantly grippy, tapering off chewy and long with a tinge of licorice.”
— Vinous, 92 Points. (Vintage 2023). 

“Tightly wound and full of tension, with sinewy flavors of blueberry and raspberry framed by stony mineral and dusky spice notes. Finishes with firm tannins. Needs time. Best from 2026 through 2033.”
— Wine Spectator, 91 Points. (Vintage 2023). 

Fattoria La Valentina | Pecorino Biologico | Colline Pescaresi IGT | Abruzzo, Italy | 2024

Fattoria La Valentina is one of Abruzzo’s most respected organic estates, farming the sun-drenched hills of Pescara with a commitment to minimal intervention and expressive terroir. Pecorino — an ancient indigenous variety long thought extinct, rediscovered in the Apennine foothills — has found one of its finest homes here. La Valentina’s version is 100% Pecorino from the Colline Pescaresi, with a period of lees aging that adds texture and complexity to the variety’s naturally vivid character.

The nose opens fresh and citrusy with lemon, lime, crushed minerals, and saltwater, then turns floral with white flowers and fresh grass. On the palate, bright citrus and tangy acidity carry through to a finish where salinity swells and lingers — saline, precise, and deeply refreshing. A wine that punches well above its price and rewards those who seek out Italy’s most exciting indigenous whites.

• Producer: Fattoria La Valentina
• Appellation: Colline Pescaresi IGT, Abruzzo, Italy
• Grape: 100% Pecorino (Organic)
• Vintage: 2024
• Aging: Sur lie
• Serve: 46–50°F
• Pairings: Clams, mussels, shellfish, Adriatic fish dishes, seafood pasta, aperitivo
• Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2024

• Wine Enthusiast — 90 pts (Danielle Callegari): Fresh and citrusy with lemon, lime, minerals and saltwater, then floral with white flowers and grass. Tangy and citrus on the palate; salinity swells on the finish on the back of fierce acidity.