90+ Points | Critical Acclaim | Wine & Sparkling Wine

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

James Suckling: 91 Points | Lots of sour red cherries, raspberries, and fennel with camphor and a touch of dried meats. Medium-bodied with refreshing acidity and fine tannins. Juicy and balanced. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.

Winemaker Description 

Intense ruby red color but with excellent transparency. The nose reveals a classic bouquet of cherries and prunes that open to more sophisticated notes of slate. Complex on the palate, a touch of tartness is accompanied by balanced tannins. Vibrant, succulent body. Exciting finish with a richness of flavor and returning hints of ripe fruit.

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

Our Professional Review

Oscar Garcia of 67Wine.com writes | Every release from Vina Ardanza La Rioja Alta is simply beautifully crafted to almost perfection. Reservas at the winery are aged up to maximum craftsmanship and release to the market until the wine team feels its aged consistently.<

Intense cherry red color, marking the garnet on the edge of the glass. Of great aromatic power, first of fruity character (cherry, currant, red plum) giving way then to balsamic and spicy notes (pepper, licorice, clove, vanilla, toasted caramel and nutmeg). Fresh and balanced in the mouth, with fine and silky tannins. Ample aftertaste that combines red fruits and spices with a fresh and long character.

Pair with roast lamb, red meats, barbecues, large game, spicy fish casseroles, smoked and aged cheeses.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2017

James Suckling 95 Points | A more vibrant and fruitier expression of Ardanza this year with strawberries, mussels, warm spices and berries. Round and silky on the palate with lovely spices and a long, nicely saline finish. A nice touch of creaminess works really well here and further extends the finish. 80% tempranillo and 20% garnacha. Drink or hold. (2017).

Robert Parker 94 Points | 2017 was not an easy harvest, but it produced some beautiful and classical wines, like the 2017 Viña Ardanza Reserva, which shows a little more advancement and polish and is ready to drink. It was produced with 80% Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha from their vineyard La Pedriza in Tudelilla. It fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts and matured in American oak barrels, 36 months for the Tempranillo and 30 for the Garnacha (that was harvested 15 days later), with six rackings. It's ripe and aromatic, tertiary, with 14.5% alcohol and mellow acidity, a medium-bodied palate and sleek tannins. It has a pungent note of clove and pepper, some licorice and ink and the cherries in liqueur from the Garnacha. An updated classical Ardanza. (2017).

Wine Spectator 92 Points | Baked cherry, raspberry ganache and warm fig flavors are ripe and expressive, with a pleasing counterpoint and added detail from rich notes of loamy earth and leather, plus accents of bay leaf, vanilla and red licorice. There's a supple generosity on the palate, trimmed nicely by fine-grained tannins and a tang of orange peel acidity. Tempranillo and Garnacha. Drink now through 2032.

Winemaker Description

The wine has a lovely shimmer with a pretty golden color with green reflections. The rich and complex nose is characterized by pleasant and subtle floral and mineral aromas. It has a wonderful structure in the mouth with minerality, and charming chardonnay-typical aromas. It is a harmonious wine that is not only fine and elegant, but also has an excellent aromatic persistence.

Best paired with cold with oysters, shellfish, fish, and/or goats cheese. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

James Sucking 91 Points | This has excellent freshness with notes of sea shells, sliced apples, wet stones and a touch of jasmine. Crisp and brisk, medium-bodied, with a subtle peppery spritz at the end.

Our Professional Review 

Bart Hopkins of 67Wine.com | A very pretty expression of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, this delicious 2022 shows plenty of aromatic complexity with layered fruit with a lovely earthy character. In the mouth, the flavors unfold to reveal raspberries, spiced plums and baking spices supported by elegant tannins that linger delightfully on the long finish. Drinking perfectly right now, this is a perfect accompaniment to salmon, poultry and vegetarian cuisine. - Bart Hopkins, 67 Wine Buyer

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points |  With a youthful transparent red hue, the 2022 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley is perfumed out of the gate with notes of fresh red cherries, sweet herbs, wet stone, and a hint of purple flowers shining through. Approachable and medium-bodied, it has a delicate, savory, juicy feel, with fine tannins and a light, earthy note of beetroot on the finish. This is a very charming wine to drink over the next few years.

Winemaker Description

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

Winemaker Description

This nearly garnet-red rosé, like all of Gruet's non-vintage sparkling wines, is aged 24 months en tirage. It has a lovely, bright floral bouquet with hints of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. On the palate, it is rich and fruity in a dry, brut style. The flavor of berries continues on the palate, revealing more strawberry, raspberry, cherry. 

Expert Review

90 Points Tasting Panel | Bright pink color with juicy strawberry nose; dense and fresh with good balance and style. 100% Pinot Noir at 12% ABV.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

James Suckling 90 Points | Notes of ripe pineapple and waxy lemons, with hints of walnuts, honeysuckle and vanilla. Full-bodied, seamless and creamy on the palate, with good fruit concentration and a spiced, slightly nutty undertone. Juicy finish. Drink now.

Winemaker Description 

Balance and proportion best describe the character of their 2020 Russian River Chardonnay; it displays abundant floral/ stone fruit aromas lightly accented by toasty, graham cracker sur-lie qualities. The mouth feel is creamy and full but the natural acidity of the Russian River fruit carries this velvet textured package to a long, clean finish. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Reviews -Vintage 2021

Decanter 95 Points | Lovely purity of fruit with a core of plush, ripe fruits, citrus, apple and some light tropical fruit with savoury Oceanside nuances. Mineral and crunchy.

Wine Spectator 90 Points | A mouthwatering mix of lime, ruby grapefruit and fresh lemongrass flavors mark this version, with hints of thyme and sea salt popping on the long finish.

Winemaker Description

A serious, concentrated and expressive wine, Vavasour Sauvignon Blanc flaunts a powerful bouquet of fresh herbs, tropical fruits and bright citrus.

Ripe stone fruit flavors and a distinct minerality hold up well to rich, spicy foods. 

Our Professional Review

Oscar Garcia Lead Wine Sommelier 67Wine.com | Pale straw yellow, bright reflection on the glass. Light-bodied with flavors of orchard fruit and dried herbs. Very clean mouthfeel with balanced acidity. The perfect white Rioja to serve as aperitif, or to pair with your favorite snacks: deviled eggs, vegetable omelette and Seabass Sashimi.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

Winemaker Description 

Pale yellow color. Medium aromatic intensity on the nose with aromas of spring flowers intertwined with pome fruit, pineapple and banana.A smooth and lively entry on the palate. The mid-palate is marked by the typical acidity of the wine. A fruity and long aftertaste, perfectly balanced, making it an elegant, fine and at the same time cheerful wine.

Pairs perfectly with fish, shellfish and all kinds of appetizers including hamburgers. 

Winemaker Description

Clean, bright, red cherry color ruby rim. On the nose, intense aromas, integrate fresh fruits, and sweet hints due to the barrel ageing. Structured and elegant on the palate. Medium ? long finish, with sweet barrel ageing notes. It matches with any kind of meat and mushrooms rice. Some tasty or oily fish such as tuna or cod. Medium-aged cheese such as emmental or gruyere.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

James Suckling writes 92 Points | A transparent, aromatic red with blackberries, lavender with some violets. Medium to full body, very fine tannins and a beautiful finish with lovely fruit and firmness. It’s racy and fine. Drink or hold.  -

Josh Raynolds of Vinous writes | Limpid ruby. Bright, spice-accented aromas of blackraspberry, cherry and black pepper. Light-bodied and energetic on the palate, offering zesty red and dark berry flavors and a hint of licorice. Finishes clean and brisk, with no obvious tannins and a hint of jamminess.  Drinking 2021 - 2024.  - Vinous Gillian Sciaretta writes:  This red shows lots of freshness, with red berry, orange peel and savory spice notes that are enhanced with leather and leafy underpinnings. The tannins show some grip. Drink now through 2025. 

Expert Reviews - VIntage 2020

Walter Speller writes:  Just mid ruby. Pretty sour-cherry and damson nose. Elegant, suave, ripe red-fruit palate with beautifully handled polished tannins. Very long and with the tannins clinging to the fruit.  Drinking 2024 to 2030.  - Jancis Robinson 17++

Monica Larner writes:  Coming in hot off some truly excellent past releases, the Oddero 2020 Barolo has a pretty mineral content with pencil shaving, crushed stone and wet soil that meets forest berry and underbrush. The wine hits on all cylinders, and there is good aromatic balance. It delivers a punch of bright fruit and crushed rose that gives way to pulverized stone. For a base Barolo, this is one of your best buying options. Fruit is blended from Bricco Chiesa and Capalot in La Morra and Fiasco in Castiglione Falletto.  Drinking 2026 to 2039.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 94

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2020 Barolo is a pretty powerful wine in this peer group. Accordingly, it is going to need a few years to come into its own. Macerated cherry, licorice, lavender, cedar and sweet pipe tobacco emerge gradually, but only with great reluctance. Hints of rose petal, mint and cinnamon linger.  Drinking 2024 to 2032.  - Vinous 91

James Suckling writes:  Well-rounded, juicy and fruit-forward with notes of sliced strawberries, raspberries, spiced cherries and herbs. Medium to full body with fine, firm tannins. Juicy on the palate with more strawberry character coming through. Lively and in control with a generous and charming finish. Try after 2026.  - James Suckling 93

Expert Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | (Tasting Date November 17, 2023) |  A rich though youthful golden hue, the NV Champagne Special Cuvée Brut is classic and ripe with lush, rounded, and complex aromas of golden apricot, hazelnut, wet stone, and black cherry. Made with 45% of the wine coming from the 2019 vintage, with 55% reserve wine, it’s full-bodied yet elegant and light on its feet, with a ripe and luxurious feel and just a hint of warmth on the finish. The mousse is refined and rounded. Long on the palate, it's inviting now but will have plenty of life ahead of it if stored property. This exceptional cuvée with its distinctive personality continues to be one of the best entry wines to the range from this house and is a benchmark wine for them.

James Suckling 93 Points |  (Reviewed August 7, 2023) Lovely density and a fine-bubble texture. Dried apple and apricot with hints of dried flowers. Medium to full body. with medium-rich fruit. Spice, zest and ginger character. Usually 10% in barrel. 60% pinot noir, 25% chardonnay and 15% pinot meunier. About 40% reserve wine kept in magnums. Always really well done. Drink now.

Decanter 95 Points | If it’s good enough for James Bond, it’s good enough for you. Bollinger Champagne has made a number of cameos in James Bond films over the year. This non-vintage Special Cuvée is an example of a classic Champagne done well. Notes of marzipan on the nose and the palate give toastiness and leesy notes, specifically sourdough. It’s classic for a reason and would only elevate any table it finds itself on. 

Jancis Robinson 17/20 Points (Tasted October 14, 2022) |  Look out for that lot code, as this is a particularly stunning rendition of Bollinger, almost certainly improved with the bottling in magnum. Very fine texture, quite deeply coloured, remarkably fine mousse. Savoury, biscuity notes on the palate. Great length – a lovely example.  - Jancis Robinson 17

Robert Parker 92 Points |  Like its rosé counterpart, the latest release of Bollinger's NV Brut Special Cuvée is showing especially well, bursting from the glass with aromas of honeyed apples, crisp stone fruit, buttery pastry, ripe lemons and fresh walnuts. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and vinous, with a deep core of beautifully ripe fruit, racy acids and a pillowy mousse, it's a charming, characterful wine that proves that Special Cuvée is firmly back where it belongs.  Drinking 2021 - 2025.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

91 Points Wine Enthusiast | This medium-yellow wine has a nose of pineapple and passion fruit. Vibrant acidity and white peach, mango, grapefruit and honeysuckle flavors sail into a floral-scented finish.

Winemaker Description 

Bethel Heights' Pinot Noir Estate is always the best place to start when evaluating their growing season and winemaking intent in any given vintage. It incorporates nearly all sections of their three estate vineyards in various amounts, and as such provides an honest evaluation of the year.

The 2022 Estate Pinot Noir reflects the multifaceted nature of the vintage: the abundance of fruit, the acidity from a relatively cool growing season, and the effusive fruit from harvesting in the warmest October on record. Blending the Estate is often their most difficult task because it is their largest bottling each vintage, and thus spans nearly 214 barrels. They approach this wine like they do their others, with the singular goal to make the best, most transparent wine they can.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Decanter Magazine 94 Points |A delightful wine that punches so far above its price point. Black tea aromatics are married to freshly churned topsoil, dried lavender and sun-baked blackberries. The palate is distinguished in this well-priced wine. Chinese five spice, black tea and white pepper make room for ripe black bramble fruits and red plum skin. This wine is distinguished and complex, so refreshing to see such deference paid to a wine priced under $40.

Vinous Media 93 Points |More savory than sweet, the 2022 Pinot Noir Estate wafts up from the glass with a blend of shaved cedar, rose, ground cloves and dried black cherries. This is lifted and refined with juicy acidity and crisp red fruits, taking on a crunchy, tart cranberry concentration toward the close. Well-formed tannins frame the finish as violet inner florals resonate throughout. This is not only a spectacular entry point to the Bethel Heights style, it's also a fantastic value.

James Suckling 93 Points | Bright cherries, raspberries, orange peel and rose hips on the nose. Some walnuts. Racy and vibrant on the palate with a medium body and vivid, electrifying acidity. Refreshing, minty undertones at the end. (2022).

Robert Parker 93 Points | The 2022 Pinot Noir Estate is bursting with strawberry, raspberry and orange peel aromas, and with time it reveals touches of cinnamon, bitters and wildflowers. The light-bodied palate is finely astringent and refreshing with complex, bitters-laced flavors and a long, spicy finish.

Wine Spectator 92 Points | Taut and vibrant, with a steely core of acidity and tannins that drives the flavors of raspberry, cranberry and dusky spices toward the firm finish. (2022).

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | What an impressive Pinot Noir value. The wine has a ripe black-cherry aroma to go along with a wisp of loamy soil. The fruit flavors are a mix of dark raspberry, tart and tangy cranberry and orange zest. The wine feels rich and full on the palate, with sturdy tannins. (2022). 

Winemaker Description

The textbook definition of Malbec in a very good vintage. Bright violet in color, this wine is fresh and floral, featuring blackberry, plums and violets on the nose and palate. The wine is soft and round with a noticeable minerality, silky tannins mark a lengthy finish. Low yields, careful vineyard management and low intervention winemaking are the hallmark of this wine. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

The Wine Advocate 91 Points | The textbook definition of Malbec in a very good vintage. Bright violet in color, this wine is fresh and floral, featuring blackberry, plums and violets on the nose and palate. The wine is soft and round with a noticeable minerality while silky tannins mark a lengthy finish. Low yields, careful vineyard management and low intervention winemaking are the hallmark of this and all other Achaval-Ferrer wines.

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins of 67Wine.com | Here’s a bright and lively New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc that stands out from the crowd in flavorful fashion. An enticing mélange of citrus, peach and passion fruit jumps from the glass with energetic intensity and mouthwatering vibrancy. Perfectly balanced and thirst quenching, with cleansing acidity on the highly refreshing finish that makes this a delicious match to easy food pairings. Especially good with spicy cuisine and seafood dishes.

Expert Reviews 

93 Points Decanter  | Quince and melon with restrained citrus notes and flinty tones. Lovely intensity with lifting oak and a sprinkle of stone fruit. Lovely intensity on the palate. The fruit shows a nice concentration with a supple texture. Very classic in style with great typicity. Juicy acidity with a long finish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

Wine Spectator 93 Points | This distinctive white features a lively, mouthwatering and energetic mix of pomelo, yuzu and lemon sherbet flavors, with hints of sweetgrass, apple blossoms and lime zest. There's also an appealing grip on the finish.

Winemaker Description 

Delicate aromas of white flower and coastal minerality frame a beautiful nose on this Chardonnay. Hints of Kaffir lime leaf, fresh herbs, and elements of citrus amplify the bright savory character. The firs sip offers a flourish of fresh fruit, which knits into artful integration with focused acidity and lovely chalky textures. As the wine opens in the glass, faint notes of almond skin balance gentle citrus and pear, lingering on a minerals rich finish.

Winemaker Description

Hinia takes its name from the fossilized shells found in the soil from a time when the whole region was under the sea. This is a typical, classic, Rioja blend — fresh and smooth with well-balanced acidity and tannins. It has an intense cherry red colour with notes of ripe black fruit, an elegant range of balsamic notes with tobacco leaves, caramel, vanilla and chocolate. Aged for 36 months in American oak, alcoholic and malolactic fermentation took place naturally. A homage to the refined classic wines from Haro.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2012 

96 Points Decanter | Classic and delicious showing tertiary notes of cigar box, incense, old leather, cigar box and tomato leaf. The palate is silky with well-handled oak, a vibrant rail of fresh acidity and mellow, integrated tannins. Complex wine and very representative of classic Rioja.  Gold, Olivia Mason, Decanter World Wine Awards. (2012). 

Tim Atkin 92 Points |  Hinia is a new Reserva brand from the under-rated Martínez Lacuesta operation that’s still impressively fresh and lively for a 2012 red. Partnering Tempranillo with 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo, it’s a nice cross over between a modern and traditional style, with balsamic American oak sweetness, bright acidity and good focus and minerality. 2023-29. Tim Atkin’s Rioja Report 2023. (2012). 

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2019

Tasting Panel 96 Points: Since its founding in 1972, Jordan Vineyard & Winery has produced just one red wine in every single vintage: a Cabernet Sauvignon. Thanks to meticulous craftsmanship, the 2019 embodies the standard set for this world-class red. Its sleek mouth- feel is dotted with white-peppered black raspberry, balsamic, and Italian herbs as well as illustrious, glossy tannins.

Wine Enthusiast 93 points: Excellent concentration and a classic flavor profile of black cherries, black olives and toasted oak give good reasons to buy and enjoy this Sonoma County icon. Firmly structured with fine-grained tannis and equally generous in black fruits, the wine is well-balanced and trim in body.

Winemaker Notes:

The 2019 vintage hits all the right notes. The palate is inviting and well-balanced, exuding flavors of blueberries, cassis and blackberry, making this a vintage that will age for years to come. A fitting release to commemorate Maggie’s first vintage as head winemaker. Intense aromas of ripe black cherry, graphite and blackberry interlace with a lovely violet floral note. The palate is inviting and well-balanced, exuding flavors of blueberries, cassis and boysenberry that are all beautifully interwoven with silky tannins from the French oak barrels. The dark fruit flavors and delicate acidity evolve beautifully in the glass and linger on the palate.

The dark fruit flavors, silky palate and beautiful structure make it a decadent
wine for food pairing. This wine’s elegance, acidity and spice notes complement
grilled or roasted dishes, such as coq au vin, lamb ragu or roasted salmon with
miso. The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon’s earthiness even complements vegetarian
dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mushroom risotto and ratatouille.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

James Suckling 91 Points | Notes of spiced cherries, spices, and dried citrus peel, with fine tannins and a fine finish.

Winemaker Description

Dark ruby in color, its bouquet of leather, earth, herbs, black cherries, licorice and plums is confirmed on the medium to full-bodied palate - round, spicy, elegant, attractively fruity and extremely versatile.

Our Professional Review

Debra of 67Wine.com | Cantine Colosi's Grillo is certified vegan and shows fresh floral aromas , stone fruits and  herbs.  This Southern Italian white is bright, with lively acidity, orange zest, grapefruit, white peaches and savoriness on the palate.  

Wonderfully balanced offering a generous crisp, refreshing finish. Pair with lemon pasta and cream sauce,  chicken,  seafood and goat cheese.  Debra, Italy White Wine Buyer.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

90 Points James Suckling | A fruity, mellow and refreshing wine with notes of red currants, cranberries and apricots. Medium-bodied with a supple character throughout. Fruity and playful. (2023).

Producer Description 

A hypnotizing pale pink color with notes of citrus, wild berries, and white peach. Refreshingly crisp and dry with a mineral finish. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2018

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points | From the team of Nicolas Glumineau at Pichon Comtesse de Lalande, the 2018 Château De Pez is a gorgeous 2018 that should be on every Bordeaux lover's radar (and should be a great value as well). Notes of blackcurrants, blueberries, candied violets, and graphite define the bouquet, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, rockingly polished tannins, terrific purity, and a great finish. It's terrific and is going to have 15-20 years or more of longevity. The blend is 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.

Wine Enthusiast 94 Points | Under the same Rouzaud family ownership as Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande in Pauillac, this estate has produced a structured wine. It offers dense and solid tannins, rich with a firm texture and black currant fruits. The wine has weight and density that need aging. Drink from 2026.

James Suckling 93 Points | Spices and dark berries with some nutmeg and cedar. Medium to full body, really polished tannins and a refined and pretty finish. So fine. Tight yet balanced. Give it three or four years to open. Try after 2023.

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | A blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2018 de Pez leaps from the glass with vibrant black cherries, ripe blackberries and blackcurrant pastilles notes, giving way to nuances of black olives, lavender and forest floor. The medium-bodied palate offers nicely rounded tannins and a lively backbone to counter the bold fruit, finishing savory.

Decanter 92 Points | Always an extremely classy St-Estèphe, and this is an excellent wine that has restraint but punch, and plenty of cassis and blackberry fruits, with a governing hand of tannins that are never overdone.

Wine Spectator 92 Points |  Fresh red currant and bitter cherry notes are laced with floral and chalk notes. Piercing in feel through the finish, with the fruit and minerality in lockstep as a touch of cedar appears, leaving a mouthwatering edge. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2032.

Expert Reviews 

Allison Napjus of the Wine Spectator writes |  A balanced bubbly with a lively mousse, this presents juicy flavors of black cherry and pineapple backed by a buoyant spine of acidity. Reveals hints of candied ginger and tangerine peel on the finish. Xarel-lo, Macabeo and Parellada. Drink now.

90 Points Tasting Panel |  Blending 50% Xarel·lo, 30% Macabeo, and 20% Parellada from 25-plus-year-old high-elevation vines makes for an extroverted sparkler. A nose of croissant and lemon oil leads to flavors of lemon pudding, candle wax, and white flowers. Lively and focused.

Winemaker Description 

The color is straw yellow that contains brilliant green reflections. The perfume is intense and persistent with sensations of delicate white flowers and fruit. The taste offers freshness and balance, with a clean finish.

Ideal as an aperitif, it can also accompany various types of appetizers, plates of simple fish and vegetables as well as fresh cheeses.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 90 Points | A fresh and pretty falanghina showing lemon, lime blossom and a touch of nutmeg on the nose. It’s medium-bodied and lightly creamy in texture.

Winemaker Description

Pomegranate, cranberry and plum waft as the wine opens up. Those same pomegranate and damson plum characters continue on the palate and are enhanced by a slightly herbaceous edge. The Shiraz component gives width and generosity to the finer savoury Grenache tannins.

Expert Reviews

90 Points James Suckling | This regional hero of value and consistency has plenty of ripe red-berry and plum aromas with some deeper, darker berries, too. The palate is mid-weight and has a gently grainy texture. So drinkable.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 91 Points | Candied cherries, sweet cranberries and a touch of stewed herbs. Lightly chewy in terms of tannins, with a fluid center palate and a medium-length finish. A bit overripe, but approachable. A good, simple Chateauneuf that shows early appeal.

Winemaker Description

It is a delicious and supple wine, synonymous with sharing and conviviality, adapting perfectly to meat dishes in sauces or more simply grilled. Its aromas make it a Châteauneuf-du-Pape accessible to many tasters, from beginners to the most experienced. 

Winemaker Description

We cultivate 8 hectares of this Premier Cru located on the slopes of the village Milly and on the right backs of the river Serein. We are the biggest owners of this cru.

When some of the plots were planted, we found impressive fossils of Exogyra virgula that had been perfectly preserved. The remarkable stony and sunny soil is captured in this powerful and complex wine. It flourishes with age and expresses mineral aromas reminiscent of gunflint. The Côte de Lechet is indeed one of the Premiers Crus of the Chablisian vineyard with the most exceptional ageing potential. 

To serve with fish or poultry, with white butter or cream sauces.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

Allen Meadows of Burghound writes 91-93 Points | Moderate wood is present on the vaguely exotic nose of white and yellow peach, iodine and algae nuances. There is impressive density and intensity to the utterly delicious and beautifully textured medium-bodied flavors that also exude a subtle minerality on the tangy, succulent and bone-dry finale that is like sucking on an oyster shell. Good stuff and well-worth considering. 

Andy Howard MW of Decanter writes 91 Points |   Rich and concentrated as expected. Plenty of lees activity going on but there is zesty lemon acidity to keep the palate very fresh. Would expect this to be very good once in bottle. Tank sample.  Drinking 2024 to 2028.

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.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

91 Points Wine Enthusiast | Soft strawberry and watermelon aromas are cut by tangerine peel on the nose of this bottling. The palate has earthy tones of wet rocks and chalk, with well-integrated acidity pumping into the finish.

Winemaker Notes

Winemaker Notes

Made from Biodynamically grown certified organic grapes. Pale straw color with a green tinge. On the nose, cantaloupe, tropical fruits, passionfruit, key lime pie, and honeysuckle flowers. Granny Smith apple, gooseberry, pie crust and hazelnuts on the palate. Rich with raw acidity and evolving length. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2024 

The Wine Advocate (91 Points) Erin Larkin writes: The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc is juicy, uncomplicated and tropical, with lashings of fresh fruit flavors underpinned by crunchy acidity. Everything is in place here. This is quite delicious.

Our Professional Review 

Bart Hopkins, 67 Wine Buyer: There are times when a wine, at first sip, captivates me with charm and beauty. The 2024 Huia Sauvignon Blanc is one such wine. A delicate golden shimmer in the glass with scintillating aromas of pink grapefruit, lime blossom, crystallized ginger and honey dew melon. Pure and lively in the mouth with harmonious flavors that dance across the palate with a ballarina-like weightlessness. A refreshing kiss of acidity adds energetic lift and balance to the invigorating finish, and makes it an absolute pleasure to pair with meals. Perfect with seafood, sushi, poultry, salads and spicy stir fry and great for casual sipping as well. Delicious!

Winemaker Description

This bright red bursts with flavor, violets, crisp cherry and ripe berried fruit. The wine has fine tannins that are a sleek frame for the expressive profile, with a long finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 92 Points | Racy red bramble berries with notes of hibiscus, pomegranates, cochineal and cherries. Some chewy tannins add more gravity to the otherwise medium-bodied palate. Juicy, firm and stony in the medium-long finish. Better in 2025.

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.

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. 

Winemaker Description

Bart Hopkins 67Wine.com | The quintessential pizza red wine! Lightly effervescent with a pretty aroma of violets and wild berries on the nose. Fruity, frothy and jovial in the glass, serve it cold  and bring on the pizza!