90+ Points | Critical Acclaim | Wine & Sparkling Wine

G.D. Vajra | Barolo Albe 2022 | Piedmont, Italy

Founded in 1972 by Aldo Vajra in the village of Vergne, G.D. Vajra is one of Barolo's most beloved and principled estates — a family winery that has never chased trends, instead letting the Nebbiolo grape and the land speak for themselves. The Barolo Albe marks its 50th consecutive vintage with the 2022 release, a milestone that speaks to the wine's enduring place in the estate's identity. Fruit is sourced from three distinct cru sites — Coste di Vergne, Fossati, and La Volta — blended to create a Barolo of remarkable versatility, accessibility, and value.

The 2022 vintage in Piedmont was warm and generous, producing wines of exceptional ripeness and early approachability without sacrificing the structure that defines great Barolo. This bottling delivers dark berry, pressed flower, and crushed stone on the nose, with a medium-plus palate, silky tannins, and a finish that rewards patience. Drink now or cellar through the decade ahead.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

Jeb Dunnuck — 93 Points:  A medium ruby color, the 2022 Barolo Albe marks the 50th vintage of this cuvée. Aromas of fresh cherries, spice, and ripe orange peel lead into a medium-bodied palate with purity and polish. Already quite appealing, this is a wine I would happily order by the glass, and it should drink beautifully over the coming decade. Drink 2026-2036.26

Kerin O'Keefe — 93 Points: The G.D. Vajra 2022 Barolo Albe has aromas of crushed red berry, lavender and eucalyptus. On the smooth, full-bodied palate, notes of star anise and blood orange accent a core of cherry marinated in spirits. Taut, fine-grained tannins provide polished support.

Technical Details

Variety: Nebbiolo  |  Vineyards: Coste di Vergne, Fossati, La Volta  |  Appellation: Barolo DOCG  |  Region: Piedmont, Italy  |  Vintage: 2022  |  Size: 750ml

Viña Cobos Felino Cabernet Sauvignon — Mendoza, Argentina 2023

Viña Cobos is Paul Hobbs’ celebrated Mendoza project, and Felino is its entry point — a wine that, vintage after vintage, punches way above its price. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from rigorously selected vineyards across Mendoza’s two finest growing areas: 65% from Luján de Cuyo and 35% from Valle de Uco, blending the warmth and richness of lower elevations with the precision and freshness of the high-altitude Uco Valley. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it 94 points. 

The wine opens with rich dark and red fruit, blackcurrants, ripe cherries, and strawberries, with notes of peppercorn and a hint of barrel spice. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied with juicy, supple red fruit at its core, sinewy tannins, and a generous, rich finish with moderate freshness. 7% of the wine is aged in barrel. Tremendously impressive and built to drink now through 2034.

"Another delightful offering from the producer that punches way, way above its price point. Finding the best parts of each area of Mendoza, the warm and the cool, the lower elevation and higher elevation, it’s juicy in supple red fruit and juicy at its core, a tremendously impressive and delicious wine from Paul Hobbs and his team. Drink now through 2034." — Jeb Dunnuck, 94 Points (Vintage 2023)

"Lots of rich dark and red fruit with notes of blackcurrants. The well-balanced palate is medium- to full-bodied with sinewy tannins and a generous, rich finish." — James Suckling, 92 Points (Vintage 2023)

• Producer: Viña Cobos (Paul Hobbs), Mendoza, Argentina
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Mendoza
• Sub-Regions: 65% Luján de Cuyo, 35% Valle de Uco
• Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Style: Medium-to-full-bodied, fruit-forward Mendoza Cabernet Sauvignon
• Vinification: 7% aged in barrel
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackcurrants, ripe cherries, strawberries, peppercorn, barrel spice, juicy finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2034
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, lamb chops, empanadas, aged manchego, hearty stews

A 94-point Mendoza Cabernet Sauvignon at an honest price — Felino is the benchmark for what Paul Hobbs and Viña Cobos can deliver in a glass.

Merry Edwards Sauvignon Blanc — Russian River Valley 2024

Merry Edwards is one of Sonoma County's most celebrated producers, and their Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc has been a benchmark bottling since its debut in 2001. The 2024 vintage is a lush, aromatic expression fermented in French oak barrels with twice-weekly lees stirring — a meticulous protocol that builds the characteristic creamy texture and rich body the wine is known for. Sourced from a specific blend of Shenandoah (Clone 1) and Sauvignon Musqué clones, the wine brims with tropical and floral character with a bright citrus core.

The nose is fragrant and inviting: white pineapple, passionfruit, mango, guava, and plumeria with hints of lemon curd and lime zest. On the palate, apricot, peach, and slate give way to ruby red grapefruit, honeysuckle, and ripe melon, with a silky, rounded texture and a burst of crisp, refreshing acidity on the finish. Vinous gave it 92 points; Jeb Dunnuck matched that score, calling it "charming and well-detailed."

"Bright yellow/silver in color, with aromas of white peach, grapefruit pith, tropical flowers, guava, and elegant spice. Medium-bodied with a silky, rounded texture and ripe fruit filling the palate. Guava and tropical tones linger through a charming, lush finish. Drink 2026–2033." — Jeb Dunnuck, 92 pts. (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Merry Edwards Winery, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc — Shenandoah Clone 1 & Sauvignon Musqué
• Winemaker: Heidi von der Mehden
• Fermentation: French oak barrels, twice-weekly lees stirring
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White pineapple, passionfruit, mango, guava, lemon curd, grapefruit, honeysuckle, creamy finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled halibut, goat cheese, lemon risotto, Thai seafood dishes

One of California's most sought-after Sauvignon Blancs — Merry Edwards delivers tropical richness and creamy texture with a precision that sets it apart from the crowd.

Vavasour Sauvignon Blanc — Awatere Valley, Marlborough 2024

Vavasour is the founding winery of Marlborough’s Awatere Valley — a cooler, more dramatic sub-region that was once considered too extreme for vines. In 1986, Vavasour planted the first vines in this windswept southern pocket, and the gamble paid off spectacularly. Today, with the oldest vines in the valley and an intimate understanding of this unforgiving landscape, Vavasour produces Sauvignon Blanc of extraordinary elegance, perfume, and texture. Decanter awarded the 2024 vintage 91 points.

The nose is serious and expressive: fresh herbs, gooseberry, nettle, tropical fruit, and bright citrus with a rocky, salty mineral edge that speaks unmistakably of Awatere. On the palate, it is concentrated and focused — ripe stone fruit and a distinct minerality that holds up beautifully to rich, spicy foods. Vibrant, varietal, and rooted in place.

🇳🇿 Decanter 91 — “Fruity, vibrant and varietal, but also speaks of Awatere, with a rocky, salty herb quality with gooseberry and nettle notes.”

• Producer: Vavasour, Awatere Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Awatere Valley, Marlborough
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh herbs, gooseberry, nettle, tropical fruit, citrus, ripe stone fruit, rocky mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled fish, herb-crusted chicken, goat cheese, rich spicy dishes

The original Awatere Sauvignon Blanc — Vavasour is the wine that put this dramatic valley on the map.

Vietti · Langhe Nebbiolo DOC, Piedmont · 2023

Vietti is one of Piedmont's most revered estates, based in Castiglione Falletto at the heart of the Barolo zone. Perbacco — meaning "by Bacchus!" in Italian — is their benchmark Langhe Nebbiolo, sourced in part from the estate's prestigious Barolo vineyards including Roncaglie, Ravera, and Novello. The result is a wine that technically sits below Barolo and Barbaresco in classification but carries unmistakably the DNA of both. Aged approximately 18 months in a mix of barrique and large cask, Perbacco delivers structure, complexity, and refinement that routinely rivals wines at two or three times its price.

The 2023 vintage in Piedmont brought warm, dry conditions with excellent diurnal temperature variation, producing Nebbiolo of vibrant aromatic precision and savory depth. Perbacco 2023 pours a transparent red and opens with delicate aromas of spiced cherries, cranberries, dried herbs, dusty earth, and a gentle mineral richness. Medium-bodied and approachable now, it shows savory complexity through the finish with soft structure built for near-term drinking. Best enjoyed 2026–2032. Decant 30–60 minutes before serving. 85,000 bottles produced.

"The 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo Perbacco pours a transparent red hue and offers delicate aromas of spiced cherries, cranberries, dried herbs, and dusty earth. Medium-bodied, it is approachable now but still shows savory depth and a gentle mineral richness through the finish."
— Jeb Dunnuck, 90 Points (2023 vintage)

• Producer: Vietti, Castiglione Falletto, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Langhe Nebbiolo DOC
• Sub-Region: Langhe, Piedmont
• Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
• Aging: ~18 months, barrique and large cask
• Production: 85,000 bottles
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Spiced cherry, cranberry, dried herbs, dusty earth, mineral finish
• Drink: 2026–2032
• Food Pairings: Braised short rib, roast lamb, aged Parmigiano, truffle risotto, wild boar ragù

Barolo DNA at a Langhe price — Vietti Perbacco is the savviest buy in Piedmont.

Silver Oak built its reputation on a single, deliberate choice: age Cabernet Sauvignon in American oak, not French, and do it at a winery with its own cooperage. That decision — made in 1972 and never abandoned — is what gives Silver Oak its signature: wines that are immediately approachable, generous with fruit, and possessed of a smooth, polished texture that makes them as enjoyable now as they are over a decade in the cellar.

The 2022 Alexander Valley is blended before barrel aging — another Silver Oak hallmark, allowing the components to integrate on the basis of terroir and varietal character before oak influence shapes the final wine. The blend is anchored by 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon with small additions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, aged 24 months in American oak barrels from their own cooperage, The Oak.

The 2022 vintage shows Silver Oak at its most expressive: plum, anise, black cherry, and sweet spice on the nose, with a mid-palate that is juicy and structured without being heavy. Fine-grained tannins and lively acidity carry a flavorful mix of red and black fruit through a long, clean finish. Fresh and drinkable now, with the structure to age elegantly through 2035 and beyond.

• Producer: Silver Oak Cellars
• Appellation: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Blend: 95.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.1% Merlot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, 0.7% Petit Verdot, 0.6% Malbec
• Aging: 24 months in American oak (Silver Oak cooperage)
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 750ml

Expert Review - Vintage 2022:

95 James Suckling — “Pleasing aromas of plums, anise, black cherries and sweet spice box… very fine-grained tannins and juicy acidity, showing the pretty side of cabernet. Fresh and drinkable now but will age elegantly.”

Food Pairings: Prime rib, grilled ribeye, lamb chops, braised short ribs, aged cheddar, and hard cheeses.

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2025

• Wine Spectator – 92 Points | “Vibrant, juicy and wonderfully intense, showing off fleshy notes of passion fruit, mango and citrus, with mouthwatering acidity and a touch of saline and lemongrass on the finish. Drink now.”

Tasting Notes

A veritable fruit basket of tropical proportions — kiwi, pineapple, spearmint, and crunchy apple — with the vibrant, mouthwatering acidity that defines great Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Beautifully balanced and intensely expressive.

About the Wine

Originally Australian, winemaker Anthony ‘Ant’ Moore moved to Marlborough on New Zealand’s South Island in the early 2000s and never looked back. His signature approach — old oak barrels and extended lees aging — tempers the searing acidity and typical greenness of NZ Sauvignon Blanc, resulting in a wine with greater texture, complexity, and tropical fruit depth than most in its class.

Food Pairing

Pairs beautifully with grilled fish, goat cheese, crunchy salads, and light seafood dishes. Perfect for any sunny moment.

Product Details

• Appellation: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Vintage: 2025
• Format: 750ml
• Producer: Ant Moore Wines

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

• Vinous 92 Points | Opens with earthy notes, dark fruit and dark olives, lifted by a subtle floral character. Fresh and approachable on the palate with a clean, uncomplicated finish. Grapes sourced predominantly from Altamira.
• James Suckling 92 Points | Dark fruit, olives, and floral lift. Fresh, approachable, and clean on the finish — a textbook Reserva Malbec from a top Mendoza site.
• Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | Earthy and fruit-driven with dark olive and floral notes. Clean and well-structured finish.
• Wine Spectator 90 Points — Top 100 #33 of 2023 | A charming style showing citrus blossoms, guava, and huckleberry with traces of fresh herbs and cassis. Subtle minerality and fresh acidity nudge the core flavors onto the polished finish.

Winemaker Notes

Bright red with purple shades. Intense floral and fruity notes on the nose — violets, ripe black cherry, and plum — with a toasty, spicy character of black pepper and chocolate. Sweet and juicy on the palate with finesse, delicate tannins, and an elegant finish of black fruits.

• Grape Source: 100% Malbec
• Appellation: Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza
• Location: Argentina
• Grapes: Sourced predominantly from Altamira
• Country of Origin: Argentina

Granbazán Albariño Etiqueta Ámbar — Rías Baixas, Galicia 2024

Granbazán is one of the founding estates of modern Rías Baixas, pioneering the region's reputation for world-class Albariño since the late 1980s. The Etiqueta Ámbar — the Amber Label — is their most celebrated wine, famously served by the glass at El Bulli for many years and the wine that put Granbazán on the international map in the 1990s. Sourced from a blend of estate fruit and grapes from long-established family growers in the Salnés Valley, it receives more active bâtonnage and extended lees aging than most Albariños, adding a richness and textural depth that sets it apart from the category. Winemaker Diego Ríos, who trained in the Mosel Valley working with Riesling, brings a precision and mineral focus that is unmistakably his own.

The nose is classic and inviting: ripe peach, citrus, and white blossom with a signature salty, briny minerality that speaks directly to the Atlantic coast. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and sappy with beautiful lees-derived texture, layered fruit, and a long, tapering finish of saline freshness. A wine with genuine aging potential — and the structure to prove it.

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points — "The most famous of this estate's wines, served by the glass at El Bulli for many years. It has richness and length in the form of medium-bodied peach and salty brine and should do well in the bottle another 5-7 years." (Vintage 2024).

Tim Atkin 93 Points — "A classic, salty, lip-smacking Val do Salnés Albariño. Sappy, layered and refreshing, it has some texture from lees-ageing and a tapering finish. 2025–29." (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Granbazán, Salnés Valley, Rías Baixas, Galicia, Spain
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Rías Baixas DO (Val do Salnés)
• Varietal: 100% Albariño
• Sourcing: Estate fruit + long-established family growers, Cambados & Meaño
• Vinification: De-stemmed, cold maceration, free-run juice only; fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel; 8 months on lees with active bâtonnage
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe peach, citrus, white blossom, salty brine, lees richness, long saline finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2031
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled turbot, seafood rice, roasted artichokes, goat cheese, ceviche
• Serve: Well chilled, 45–50°F

93 points from both Jeb Dunnuck and Tim Atkin — Granbazán Ámbar is the Albariño that made Rías Baixas famous, and it has never been better.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

93 Points Wine Spectator: "This packs in some serious plum compote and cassis flavors, liberally wrapped in dark licorice and finishing with a swath of sweet toast and tobacco on the broad finish. Nice mineral underpinning keeps it honest. Fairly accessible despite its heft."

Winemaker Description

The Cabernet opens with fresh fruit, aromas of black currant, ripe raspberry, wild sage, graphite, crushed rose petals, and fennel seed. The palate is elegant, complex, rich, and refreshing with a long finish that is supported by supple tannin and beautifully integrated French Oak.

Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot

About the Producer

Since first working in her family's Mendocino vineyards, Kathryn Hall dreamed of a place to showcase fine wines alongside expressive art and masterful architecture. Now, Kathryn and Craig Hall have created an unrivalled destination in the Napa Valley — where more than 30 years of winemaking excellence and innovation meets contemporary design to celebrate life and inspire the senses.

The Halls acquired the historic St. Helena Bergfeld Winery in 2003 and re-opened as HALL St. Helena in July of that year. With a rich history spanning 150 years, HALL St. Helena was once the home of the Napa Valley Co-Op, producing 40% of Napa Valley's wines. In 2013, the Hall family completed the restoration of the 1885 Bergfeld Winery — California's first LEED® Gold Certified winery — alongside a stunning Visitor Center and state-of-the-art gravity flow winemaking facility.

HALL's estate vineyards encompass more than 500 acres of classic Bordeaux varietals. As winegrowers, the Halls have a strong respect for the environment and a commitment to cutting-edge vineyard technology. Under the artisanship of winemaker Megan Gunderson, HALL Wines continue to set new heights in Napa Valley winemaking.

Few names carry more weight in Tuscan wine than Antinori. With over six centuries of winemaking history, the family has shaped the identity of Chianti Classico as much as any single producer — and the Villa Antinori Riserva is their benchmark expression of the appellation: a wine that balances tradition with refinement, vintage after vintage.

The Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2022 is ruby red in the glass, with a nose that opens on fresh pomegranate, cherry, and orange peel, layered with ginger spice, lavender, rose petals, and delicate balsamic notes of white musk. On the palate, the entry is vertical and precise, building to a savory, full-flavored structure supported by supple tannins and a long, warm finish of cocoa and dark fruit. The 2022 vintage brings exceptional balance — ripe, elegant, and built to age.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Kerin O'Keefe — 95 Points: "Elegantly structured and loaded with finesse, the 2022 Chianti Classico Riserva from Antinori pushes all the right buttons, starting with its enticing aromas of ripe black-skinned fruit, violet, exotic dark spice and a whiff of Mediterranean scrub. On the delicious palate, notes of licorice, vanilla and crushed mint accent a ripe black cherry core while velvety tannins provide seamless support and plenty of finesse. It's well balanced, with fresh acidity. Drink through 2030." (05/25)

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Pomegranate, cherry, orange peel, ginger, lavender, rose petals, white musk
• Palate: Savory and full-flavored with supple tannins, black cherry, licorice, and crushed mint
• Finish: Long, warm, and expansive with cocoa notes

Wine Details

• Sangiovese-based blend
• Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2022 | Drink through 2030
• 750ml

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

Wine Spectator 92 Points: Juicy and inviting, with tasty raspberry and mulberry notes infused with pine forest, red tea and wet earth accents. Keeps the fleshy, juicy feel through the lightly toasted finish. Drink now through 2028.

Winemaker Description

Lush, layered and complex, this enticing Pinot Noir draws you in with aromas of ripe raspberry and black cherry, alongside notions of pennyroyal, clove and sweet baking spices. On the palate, supple tannins and elegantly balanced acidity frame juicy flavors of blackberry and Bing cherry, with savory hints of nutmeg, leather and breakfast tea emerging on the long, robust finish.

Pairing Suggestions

• Poultry: Roasted duck with cherry reduction or herb-crusted chicken thighs.
• Meat: Lamb chops with rosemary or pork tenderloin with mushroom sauce.
• Cheese: Aged Gruyère, Brie, or a mild washed-rind cheese.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2020

James Suckling 94 Points | Attractive aromas of ripe cherries, dried strawberries, dried orange peel, spices and crushed stones. Medium to full body with compact, firm, finely grained tannins. Smooth and textured with vivid fruit underneath and a lingering finish. Drink or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Rich ruby color. A selection from the best vineyards, aged for two years. Toasted cedar, cherry lozenge, menthol, and spiced orange peel. Medium-bodied with ripe tannins folding into a mineral texture, mouthwatering stony earth, and a long, clean finish.

Robert Parker | Wine Advocate 93 Points | Ripe fruit with measured intensity that never feels heavy or overdone — achieving this level of balance is not easy in a hot growing season. Characterized by an especially linear and direct personality that pushes over the palate with good momentum.

Wine Spectator 90 Points | Juicy yet firmly structured with bright cherry and blackberry fruit. Dense tannins inform the finish with accents of earth and mineral. Balanced in a youthful, exuberant way. Best 2025–2039.

Winemaker Notes

Ruby red with a trace of garnet. Elegant nose displaying hints of spice and fruit. Well-structured with smooth tannins and a long finish. Certified organic Sangiovese from one of Chianti Classico’s most historic and beautiful estates.

Tasting & Pairings

Ripe cherry, dried strawberry, orange peel, crushed stones, cedar, menthol, and spice. Medium to full body with firm, finely grained tannins and a mineral finish. Decant or cellar through 2039.

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina or grilled lamb — the classic Tuscan pairing for a Riserva of this caliber.
• Wild boar ragù or pappardelle with meat sauce — the tannin structure and earthy notes complement rich, slow-cooked sauces.
• Aged Pecorino Toscano — a regional cheese that mirrors the wine’s earthy, mineral character.

Mora & Memo "Tino" Vermentino di Sardegna — Sardinia, Italy 2024

Mora & Memo is the project of Elisabetta Pala, one of Sardinia's most celebrated winemakers, working from her family estate in Serdiana in the southeastern corner of the island. The winery is instantly recognizable by its iconic "Bandida" label — a stylized woman in traditional Sardinian dress — a symbol of the estate's balance between deep-rooted heritage and contemporary winemaking vision. Their Vermentino di Sardegna is a striking, modern expression of Sardinia's signature white grape: aromatic, textured, and mineral, with the kind of island freshness that makes it one of the most compelling Italian whites at any price. James Suckling awarded it 94 points.

The nose is clean and intensely aromatic: sliced lemon, green apple, white flowers, rosemary, thyme, and sage, with a delicate mineral underpinning from the island's ancient soils. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and beautifully textured — juicy acidity, a warm, full mouthfeel, and a long, mineral-laced finish with persistent vegetal and herbal notes. It is everything a great Sardinian Vermentino should be: vibrant, complex, and deeply satisfying.

James Suckling 94 — "A clean floral nose of sliced lemons, apples and white flowers with mineral nuances. The medium-bodied palate is textured and nicely framed, with juicy acidity and a mineral-laced finish."

• Producer: Mora & Memo (Elisabetta Pala), Serdiana, Sardinia, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Vermentino di Sardegna DOC
• Region: Sardinia, Italy
• Varietal: 100% Vermentino
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon, green apple, white flowers, rosemary, thyme, sage, mineral, juicy acidity, long herbal finish
• Best Paired With: Fritto misto, grilled sea bass, pasta with clams and bottarga, pesto, herb-heavy dishes, creamy vegetable soups

A 94-point Sardinian Vermentino from one of the island's most distinctive estates — Mora & Memo is the benchmark for what modern, terroir-driven Vermentino di Sardegna can deliver.

Tasca d’Almerita Regaleali Nero d’Avola — Sicily, Italy 2021

Tasca d’Almerita is one of Sicily’s most storied and respected family estates — a winery whose Regaleali holdings in the heart of the island represent some of southern Italy’s most important indigenous viticulture. The flagship grape is Nero d’Avola — a black variety also known as Calabrese, whose roots trace back to the ancient Calabrese family originating in the Modica-Avola area of southeastern Sicily. The 2021 Regaleali Nero d’Avola is crafted from estate-grown fruit that expresses the warm Mediterranean terroir with exceptional clarity: ripe fruit, harmonious spice, and a pleasantly tannic structure that has made this bottling a perennial value benchmark. It earned 90 Points from James Suckling and overdelivers at its price point.

The nose is warm and expressive: brambly dark fruit, fresh figs, cherries, and white pepper, with harmonious fruity notes well blended with typical Mediterranean spices. On the palate, the wine is round and fresh with an intense flavor of ripe fruit, creamy tannins, and a simple, fruit-forward finish. It is approachable, food-friendly, and deeply satisfying — the kind of Sicilian red that disappears fast at the table.

"Rich brambly fruit with some fresh figs, cherries and white pepper. Round and fresh on the palate with creamy tannins and a simple, fruit-forward finish." — James Suckling, 90 Points

• Producer: Tasca d’Almerita, Regaleali Estate, Sicily, Italy
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: Sicilia DOC, Sicily, Italy
• Varietal: Nero d’Avola (100%)
• Aging: Estate-crafted for ripe fruit, Mediterranean spice & creamy tannin structure
• Closure: Cork
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Brambly dark fruit, fresh figs, cherries, white pepper, Mediterranean spice, creamy tannins, fruit-forward finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled lamb, pasta alla Norma, eggplant caponata, aged pecorino, wood-fired pizza

Sicily’s benchmark estate Nero d’Avola at an honest price — Tasca d’Almerita Regaleali is the standard for what indigenous, sun-drenched Sicilian red can deliver.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux) 91 Points | Crisp citrus, white pear, a ton of peach juice, slate, cloves, this is unfussy, easy drinking, and great value. Pierre Lurton home estate.

James Suckling 91 Points | Light, crispy stone fruit with gooseberries and guava. Dry, this has light to medium body and good acidity. Medium finish.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni/Neal Martin) 90 Points | Just bottled, the 2024 Marjosse is pretty hard to beat for its quality and price. Brisk, dry and inviting... White flowers, citrus peel, mint and almond linger."

Awards & Acclaim

• Gold Medal — Vinari Awards Barcelona Rosé International Bubbles Awards 2025
• 90 Points — James Suckling
• Gold Medal — International Wine Awards 2024
• Gold Medal — Catavinum World Wine & Spirits Competition 2022
• 92 Points — Gourmets Guide 2021 (Best Cavas)

Winemaker Notes

The Canals Canals family crafted this rosé cava from 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Garnatxa (Garnacha), following the Traditional Method — secondary fermentation in bottle with 24+ months aging on lees in their cellars. Certified organic.

Deep red-rose color with fine, persistent bubbles. Fresh and floral on the nose with ripened red fruits and a slightly nutty character. Perfectly balanced and full-bodied on the palate with a long, clean finish.

Tasting & Pairings

Red fruits, floral notes, and a nutty edge. Full-bodied for a sparkling rosé with fine mousse and a clean, lingering finish. Serve cold (6–8°C / 43–46°F).

• Charcuterie or tapas — a natural aperitif pairing with Spanish flair.
• Pasta, rice dishes, or blue fish — the body and acidity handle richer fare.
• Seasoned white meat or red meat stews — this has the structure to stand up to heartier dishes.

Expert Review — Vintage 2024

James Suckling 92 Points | Citrus, white pears and hints of snow peas on the nose of this juicy and crisp white. It’s medium-bodied, bright and cool, with a light peppery twist at the end. From organically grown grapes.

Winemaker Description

This Grüner Veltliner is a blend of wines sourced from different terraced vineyards in the Kamptal. The elevated terraces consist of stonier soils (schisted granite), producing wines with aromatic expression, good acidity, elegant stone fruit and pronounced minerality. The lower terraces of layered fertile loess contribute more body and ripeness. The combination of these two characteristics yields a classic Grüner Veltliner with both finesse and vigor — certified organic.

Food Pairings

• Wiener Schnitzel or roasted veal
• Grilled white fish, scallops, or sushi
• Asparagus, spring vegetables, or herb-forward dishes
• Fresh goat cheese or mild alpine cheeses

Product Details

• Producer: Weingut Bründlmayer
• Grape: Grüner Veltliner
• Appellation: Kamptal, Niederösterreich, Austria
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml

Château d’Esclans · Whispering Angel Rosé · Côtes de Provence · France · 2025 · Half Bottle 375ml

Whispering Angel is the wine that redefined Provence rosé for the world — and Château d’Esclans, under the stewardship of Sacha Lichine and winemaker Patrick Léon, is the estate that made it happen. Sourced from old Grenache, Rolle, Cinsault, Syrah, and Mourvèdre vines across the Côtes de Provence, Whispering Angel is the benchmark for the pale, dry, elegant Provence style that has captivated the world. Now available in a 375ml half bottle — the perfect format for a solo glass, a picnic, or a gift that travels beautifully.

The 2025 pours a strikingly pale pink — the signature Whispering Angel hue. The nose is fresh and fruity: dried raspberries, frozen strawberries, mild spice, and a whisper of saline minerality. On the palate, it is bone dry, medium-bodied, and beautifully balanced — bright acidity, a lively center palate, and a persistent, flavorful finish that is as elegant as the name suggests.

“A well-rounded, focused and delicious rosé showing dried raspberries, frozen strawberries and mild spices on the nose. Medium-bodied with bright acidity. Balanced and driven, with a lively center palate and a persistent, flavorful finish.”
— James Suckling · 92 Points · Prior Vintage 2024

• Producer: Château d’Esclans (Sacha Lichine), Provence, France
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Côtes de Provence AOC
• Blend: Grenache, Rolle, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvèdre
• Style: Dry rosé — pale, fresh, elegant
• Format: Half Bottle — 375ml
• Tasting Notes: Dried raspberry, frozen strawberry, mild spice, saline minerality, bone dry, bright acidity
• Pairings: Grilled fish, shrimp, light salads, goat cheese, charcuterie, summer aperitivo

JS:92 · Côtes de Provence — the world’s most iconic Provence rosé, now in a 375ml half bottle. Pale, dry, and endlessly elegant.

Feudo Montoni Vigna del Core Perricone — Sicilia, Italy 2022

Feudo Montoni is one of Sicily's most important organic estates, farming ancient indigenous varieties in the rugged interior highlands near Cammarata — far from the coast, at elevations that bring cool nights and dramatic diurnal swings. Their Vigna del Core is dedicated to Perricone, one of Sicily's rarest and most historically significant red grapes, nearly extinct until producers like Montoni championed its revival. Grown organically and harvested from old vines, this is a wine of genuine character and place.

The 2022 pours a ruby red with light violet reflections. The nose is earthy and complex — grilled herbs, blackberries, dried flowers, warm spice, and exotic notes of cocoa and licorice. On the palate, it's silky-smooth and deeply textural, with ripe red and black fruit driven by vibrant acidity and a coating of fine, dusty tannins. The finish is long, fresh, and beautifully polished — a total pleasure to taste.

"Silky-smooth and deeply textural, with a rich blend of ripe red and black fruits motivated by vibrant acidity. The 2022 cleans up beautifully, finishing long and staining yet fresh. A total pleasure to taste." — Vinous, 92 Points

• Producer: Feudo Montoni, Cammarata, Sicily, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Sicilia DOC
• Varietal: Perricone
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: Vinous 92 | Wine Spectator 90
• Tasting Notes: Grilled herbs, blackberry, dried flowers, cocoa, licorice, fine dusty tannins
• Best Paired With: Braised lamb, wild boar, aged pecorino, grilled sausages, hearty Sicilian pasta dishes

A 92-point certified organic Perricone from one of Sicily's most committed indigenous variety champions — rare, soulful, and built to age.

McManis Family Vineyards · Lodi, California · 2023

McManis Family Vineyards has been farming the rich alluvial soils of California's Central Valley for three generations. Rooted in Lodi — one of California's most celebrated Zinfandel-producing regions — the family grows fruit with an exceptional depth of flavor, benefiting from warm days, cool Delta breezes, and old vine complexity. Their Zinfandel consistently over-delivers for the price, earning fans from casual drinkers to serious collectors alike.

The 2023 Zinfandel is bold and supple, opening with inviting aromas of red currant, dark strawberry, brown sugar, cinnamon, and toasty oak. On the palate, hibiscus tea and cracked black pepper unfold alongside silky tannins and a long, smooth finish. Rich, expressive, and supremely food-friendly.

92 Points — Wine Enthusiast (Tonya Pitts)
"Bold and supple with aromas of red currant, dark strawberry, brown sugar, cinnamon, and toasty oak. The palate mirrors the nose with hibiscus tea, cracked black pepper, silky tannins, and a smooth finish." (Vintage 2023). 

• Producer: McManis Family Vineyards
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Lodi, California
• Grape Variety: Zinfandel
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red currant, dark strawberry, brown sugar, cinnamon, toasty oak, silky tannins
• Food Pairings: BBQ, shredded chicken, grilled meats, burgers, spiced dishes

A crowd-pleasing California Zinfandel at a remarkable price — drink now through 2027.

Calera Chardonnay — Central Coast 2023

In 1975, Josh Jensen founded Calera high in the Gavilan Mountains — naming it after the Spanish word for "lime kiln" — and spent decades proving that California's Central Coast could produce world-class wine. Nearly fifty years on, the Central Coast Chardonnay remains the benchmark of the estate: impeccably balanced, cool-climate in character, and consistently earning 91-point scores from both Wine Enthusiast and Jeb Dunnuck. The 2023 growing season was exceptional — a long wet winter, delayed budbreak, and a mild extended summer gave the fruit an extra month to ripen, achieving rare harmony between acidity and concentration.

The nose shows toasted almond, citrus pith, lemon zest, apricot, and delicate orange blossom. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with a rounded, grainy texture — golden apple, pineapple, and tangerine are framed by bright, focused acidity and a touch of wet stone minerality. The finish is crisp, long, and refreshing, with chaparral herb and dried pear lingering through the close. Drinking beautifully now, with 5–7 more years of potential.

Wine Enthusiast 91 — "Toasted almond, citrus pith and light dairy aromas. Chaparral rock and herb flavors meet with brighter lemon and dried pear elements." — Matt Kettmann • Jeb Dunnuck 91 — "Hugely enjoyable, with a rounded mouthfeel and long-lasting acidity." (Vintage 2023). 

• Producer: Calera, Gavilan Mountains, Central Coast, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Central Coast
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Style: White Wine — Full-Bodied, Cool-Climate
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Toasted almond, citrus pith, lemon zest, apricot, golden apple, pineapple, tangerine, wet stone, chaparral herb
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 5–7 years
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, roasted chicken, wild mushroom ravioli, goat cheese salads, light cream sauces

Two 91-point scores, one honest price — Calera's Central Coast Chardonnay is the benchmark for what California cool-climate white wine can be.

Château Lilian Ladouys — Saint-Estèphe Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel 2020

Château Lilian Ladouys is one of Saint-Estèphe’s most exciting estates — and the 2020 vintage may be its finest hour. Owned by the Lorenzetti family and now classified as Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel (the top tier of the new classification), Lilian Ladouys consistently punches well above its weight, delivering Classified Growth quality at a fraction of the price. The 2020 vintage — one of Bordeaux’s greatest in a generation — is big, bold, and built for the long haul.

Dark fruits, damp earth, truffle, cassis, licorice, and a deft touch of creamy oak define the nose. On the palate, powerful yet polished tannins frame a concentrated, medium-to-full-bodied wine with exceptional length and a racy, structured finish. Already showing complexity, it will evolve gracefully for 10–15 years and beyond.

Wine Enthusiast 93–95 • Decanter 93 • Jeb Dunnuck 92 • James Suckling 92 • Robert Parker 91+

• Producer: Château Lilian Ladouys, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux
• Vintage: 2020
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel
• Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cassis, dark fruit, truffle, damp earth, licorice, creamy oak, powdery tannins
• Cellar Potential: Best after 2025–2027; will evolve through 2035+
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, beef tenderloin, duck confit, truffle dishes, aged hard cheeses

One of the clear leaders of the Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel category — Lilian Ladouys 2020 is a Saint-Estèphe benchmark at a remarkable price.

A fantastic Rhone from Le Vieux Donjon Chateauneuf du Pape 2023 

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023

James Suckling — 95 Points
"An attractive, layered, velvety, and poised Châteauneuf-du-Pape with aromas of cherries, strawberries, dried herbs, tar, and baking spices. Full-bodied with fine tannins. Succulent and well composed. There’s elegance here, yet it has character and structure. Seductive and flavorful with a long finish."

Jeb Dunnuck — 92–94 Points (Barrel Sample)
"The 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape will be beautiful, with a charming, soft, supple, forward style. Ripe red and black fruits, peppery herbs, and lavender notes all define the bouquet, and it hits the palate with medium-to-full-bodied richness, a layered, elegant mouthfeel, and sweet tannins. Based on 75% Grenache, 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, and the rest Cinsault — 50% destemmed and raised entirely in foudre. It’s clearly outstanding and another classic release from this brilliant estate."

About Le Vieux Donjon

Le Vieux Donjon is one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s most celebrated and consistent family estates, owned and farmed by the Michel family for generations. The domaine takes its name from the ancient papal tower — the “old dungeon” — that overlooks their vineyards in the heart of the appellation. Farming organically on the iconic galets roulés — the large rounded stones that retain heat and reflect sunlight onto the vines — Le Vieux Donjon produces Grenache-dominant blends of extraordinary depth, complexity, and age-worthiness. The estate is widely regarded as a benchmark Châteauneuf-du-Pape producer, consistently earning top scores from the world’s leading critics vintage after vintage.

Food Pairings

Roasted lamb, duck confit, wild boar, herb-crusted beef tenderloin, truffle dishes, aged Comté, and Provençal stews. Decant 1–2 hours before serving; cellar through 2035+.

Product Details

• Producer: Le Vieux Donjon
• Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC, Rhône Valley, France
• Blend: 75% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault
• Aging: Foudre (large oak casks)
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Full-bodied, layered, cellar-worthy Southern Rhône red
• Drink: Now–2035+ (decant 1–2 hours)
• Format: 750ml

Dashwood Sauvignon Blanc 2025 750ml is a classically Marlborough white wine sourced from two of the region's most celebrated sub-regions — the Wairau Valley and the Awatere Valley. Crafted by Chief Winemaker Stu Marfell, it captures the vibrant, aromatic character that has made Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc a benchmark for the style worldwide.

The wine opens with distinct, punchy aromas of guava, gooseberry, and citrus peel, underpinned by delicate floral and herbaceous notes. On the palate, tropical fruits, zesty lime citrus, and minerality come together with a crisp, lively acidity and an elegant, energetic finish. Fermented in stainless steel at cool temperatures to preserve fresh aromatics and fruit purity.

Pairs beautifully with fresh seafood, oysters, goat cheese, green salads, and light herb-driven dishes.

"Tropical and aromatic, with a nose of guavas, dried mangoes and jalapeños. Light- to medium-bodied with fresh acidity. Succulent lemon character at the center, with a mouthwatering finish."
— James Suckling, 90 Points (Vintage 2025)

• Producer: Dashwood
• Appellation: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Grape Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
• Vintage: 2025
• Style: Crisp, aromatic, fruit-forward Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
• Closure: Screwcap
• Format: 750ml
• Country: New Zealand

Álvaro Palacios | Camins del Priorat | Priorat DOQ | Catalonia, Spain | 2024

Álvaro Palacios is one of Spain's most celebrated winemakers, the visionary who put Priorat on the world map with his legendary L'Ermita and Finca Dofí. Camins del Priorat — "paths of Priorat" — is his entry into the appellation, but make no mistake: this is a serious wine crafted with the same philosophy and terroir access that defines the estate. The 2024 vintage, a cooler year, yielded a particularly elegant and balsamic expression.

The blend leans into Garnacha (40%) and Cariñena (20%), with Syrah (20%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), Merlot (5%), and a small addition of white grapes — Garnacha Blanca, Picapoll Blanc, and Pedro Ximénez (5%) — adding aromatic lift. Fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel, oak, and concrete, with 28 days of maceration and four months in barriques and oak vats.

Deep purple in the glass, the nose is balsamic and minty with resin, violets, and dark berry. On the palate, warm mulberry, plum, and lingonberry are framed by cinnamon, dried lavender, sage, and sweet paprika, with graphite and cocoa powder accents. Fine, chalky tannins and bright acidity give it a stylish, palate-cleansing finish with excellent length. Juicy, velvety, and built to drink now through 2036.

• Producer: Álvaro Palacios
• Appellation: Priorat DOQ, Catalonia, Spain
• Blend: 40% Garnacha, 20% Cariñena, 20% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 5% white grapes
• Vintage: 2024
• Aging: 4 months in barriques and oak vats
• Drink: Now through 2036
• Production: ~175,000 bottles
• Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2024 

• Wine Spectator — 93 pts: Warm mulberry, plum and lingonberry with cinnamon, dried lavender, graphite and cocoa. Fine, chalky tannins and bright acidity. Stylish and appealing with good length. Drink now through 2036.
• Wine Advocate (Luis Gutiérrez) — 92 pts: Juicy and velvety with finesse and drinkability. Very balsamic and minty nose with hints of resin and violets. Textured and fruit-driven.

Seghesio Family Vineyards is one of California's most storied Zinfandel producers, with roots in Sonoma County stretching back to 1895 when Edoardo Seghesio planted his first vines in the Alexander Valley. Over more than 125 years, the family has become synonymous with old-vine Zinfandel of exceptional character — wines that honor the grape's Italian heritage while expressing the full power and personality of Sonoma County's diverse terroir. The estate farms sustainably, with a deep commitment to the land and the community that has shaped the Seghesio name for generations.

The Sonoma County Zinfandel is sourced from a blend of estate and grower vineyards across Sonoma County, drawing on the region's varied soils and microclimates to build complexity and depth. Sonoma County's warm days and cool Pacific-influenced nights create ideal conditions for Zinfandel of ripe, concentrated fruit balanced by natural freshness and structure. The wine is produced under certified sustainable farming practices, reflecting Seghesio's long-standing commitment to responsible viticulture.

Vinification follows Seghesio's classic approach: careful fermentation to extract the full depth of the Zinfandel fruit while preserving the variety's characteristic spice and briar character. The wine is aged in oak to develop structure and complexity before blending and bottling.

The 2023 opens with a complex bouquet of blackberry, black currant, plum, cherry, and baking spice, with notes of raspberry, savory anise, and white pepper. On the palate, the wine is lively and full-flavored, with succulent fruit, supple tannins, and a long, gratifying finish with a characteristic snap of briar and pepper. An old-school Zinfandel loaded with zest and personality.

"An old-school Zin that's loaded with zest and briar patch, plus raspberry, savory anise and white pepper flavors that end with snappy tannins."
— Tim Fish, Wine Spectator, 92 Points. (Vintage 2023). 

Grape: Zinfandel
Region: Sonoma County, California
Vintage: 2023
Certification: Certified Sustainable
Bottle Size: 750ml

Pairing: Braised short ribs, pork belly, BBQ, hearty pasta, gnocchi gorgonzola, and aged hard cheeses.

About the Wine

Sanford Winery is one of Santa Barbara County's pioneering estates, with deep roots in the Santa Rita Hills AVA — a cool, wind-swept corridor that produces some of California's most compelling Chardonnay.

The 2023 vintage is crafted under the direction of winemaker Trey Fletcher, whose minimal-intervention philosophy allows the vineyard's natural character to lead.

90 pts — Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Composed primarily of young vines from La Rinconada planted in heavier soils, the 2023 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills is pure, floral and orchard fruit-driven, with a seamless, lifted palate that boasts remarkable textural precision and a chalky, high-toned finish." (Vintage 2023).

90 pts — Vinous: "The 2023 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) is a soft, gentle white that speaks in hushed tones — very elegant and approachable. White flowers, chamomile and pear are some of the notes that emerge with air, all motivated by saline-tinged acids." (Vintage 2023). 

Tasting Notes

Bright and aromatic on the nose with grilled lemon, dried flowers, and chamomile. The palate is silky and intensely mineral, with orchard fruit precision and a chalky, high-toned finish. Saline-tinged acidity keeps the wine fresh and lifted throughout.

Food Pairings

A natural match for shellfish, oysters, sushi, light seafood dishes, and fresh appetizers. Also lovely alongside roasted chicken or soft cheeses.

Meet the Winemaker — Trey Fletcher

Trey believes the vineyard and its farming are the cornerstone of wine quality. With eight years at Bien Nacido Vineyards and experience at Littorai Wines and in Napa Valley, he brings a seasoned, terroir-driven approach to every vintage at Sanford.

Wine Details

• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Appellation: Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Style: Elegant, mineral-driven white

Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut — Champagne NV

Piper-Heidsieck is one of Champagne’s most iconic and storied houses, founded in 1785 and long favored by royalty and Hollywood alike. The Cuvée Brut is the house’s flagship non-vintage expression — a Pinot-dominant blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier, and 20% Chardonnay that delivers the house’s signature vivacity, richness, and precision. Consistently earning scores of 90–92 points across the world’s most respected publications, this is a Champagne of genuine pedigree at an exceptional price.

The nose is complex and inviting: black cherry, white peach purée, croissant, sourdough, dried lemon, apricot, and salted almond, with bright florals and a racy finesse. On the palate, it is creamy and mouthwatering — soft Brut character balanced by a crisp bite of acidity, a finely detailed mousse, and a spiced, rounded finish of honey, red fruit, and toasted brioche.

Wine Spectator 92 — “A vivacious Champagne. Flavors of black cherry, toast point, white peach purée and salted almond on a finely detailed mousse. Creamy and mouthwatering on the spiced finish.”
Decanter 92 — “Racy nose of real finesse. A well-hewn palate with bright florals, red fruit and delicate flavours of honey.”
Wine Enthusiast 90 • Wine & Spirits 90 • James Suckling 90

• Producer: Piper-Heidsieck, Reims, Champagne, France
• Founded: 1785
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Blend: 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier, 20% Chardonnay
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, white peach, croissant, sourdough, dried lemon, apricot, salted almond, honey, red fruit, creamy mousse
• Best Paired With: Oysters, sole, lobster, smoked salmon, soft cheeses, charcuterie

Founded in 1785, favored by royalty, and scoring 92 points — Piper-Heidsieck’s Cuvée Brut is Champagne history you can drink tonight.

Explore the Excellence of Henriot Champagne

Winemaker Description 

The Brut Souverain is the most historical cuvée in the region, as it was the first cuvée Apolline Henriot produced in 1808. Apolline aspired to put the light on her vineyards through the expression of a champagne. According to her, one year was not enough to tell the story of the terroirs, so she decided to put wines in reserve each year to incorporate them into a future blend.

Therefore, she founded the House by creating a Champagne that would have blending as its fundamental principle. The House respects this philosophy today and uses every terroir in this multi-cru, multi-vintage cuvée. It was named Brut Souverain by Ernest Henriot, Apolline's grandson, when the House was appointed the official champagne supplier to the Courts of the King of Holland and of the Emperor of Austria-Hungary.

Expert Reviews

Wine Spectator 92 Points | This vivid Champagne is tightly meshed, with a firm spine of acidity married to notes of poached apricot, toast point, preserved lemon and white cherry. Minerally through the creamy, focused finish.

James Suckling 91 Points | This has aromas of chopped apples, biscuits, croissants, walnuts, praline and lemon pie. Dry, tasty and toasty, with a medium body, fine bubbles and bright acidity. All in balance. 48% pinot noir, 42% chardonnay, 10% meunier. Base 2016, with 38% reserve wine.

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | The nonvintage Champagne from this producer is beautifully textured, its white fruits lightly touched by a more steely edge. A fine Champagne to drink now.

Henriot Champagne is a remarkable choice for those seeking an exquisite sparkling wine experience. The Brut Souverain NV, in a 750ml bottle, showcases the distinctive characteristics of this prestigious Champagne house. With over two centuries of winemaking expertise, Henriot creates a blend that reflects the best of the terroir, appealing to both casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike. This iconic wine is renowned for its balance of freshness and complexity, making it an ideal option for celebrations or intimate gatherings.

The Henriot Champagne Brut Souverain NV features a delightful blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, sourced from some of the finest vineyards in the Champagne region. This harmonious combination results in a Champagne that is both lively and refined. The crisp acidity and vibrant citrus notes complement the wine’s sumptuous flavor profile, which includes hints of white fruits and delicate floral aromas. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience that encapsulates the essence of traditional French Champagne.

Perfect for food pairings, Henriot Champagne can elevate any dining occasion. Whether you’re savoring it alongside seafood, poultry, or light pastries, this Champagne enhances the flavors of your meal. Its versatility makes it suitable for a range of events, from weddings and anniversaries to casual dinners and picnics. With each sip, the Brut Souverain NV transports you to the scenic vineyards of Champagne, offering a taste of luxury that is unmatched. Embrace the spirit of celebration with Henriot Champagne.

Producer Notes

The Oddero estate is one of Piedmont’s most storied Barolo producers, with impressive vineyard holdings throughout the entirety of the denomination. The classic Barolo bottling incorporates younger vines from sites in La Morra as well as Bricco Fiasco in Castiglione Falletto, and draws from Bricco Chiesa, Capalot, and Galina. The 2021 vintage is a standout — aromatic, pliant, and wonderfully inviting, with crushed flowers, red and blue-toned fruit, spice, and perfumed notes. Fine, polished tannins and a long, savoury finish. Gorgeously approachable now but will keep evolving.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2021

• Decanter 93 pts | Evocatively scented with wild red berries, vanillin, and spice. Fine tannins increase steadily across the palate alongside richness of raspberry fruit. Hints of tea and citrus lead to a savoury, mouth-cleansing finish. Gorgeously approachable now but will keep evolving. — Michaela Morris
• Vinous 92 pts | Fabulous. Aromatic, pliant, and wonderfully inviting. Crushed flowers, red/blue-toned fruit, spice, and perfumed notes build nicely in the glass. Polished, silky tannins wrap it all together in style. — Antonio Galloni

Food Pairings

• Braised beef short ribs or osso buco
• Truffle pasta or mushroom risotto
• Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Castelmagno
• Roasted lamb or wild boar

Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2023 — Napa Valley, California

Frank Family Vineyards is one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated estates, with roots tracing back to the historic Larkmead Winery site in Calistoga. Founded by Rich Frank in 1992, the winery has built its reputation on benchmark Napa Cabernet Sauvignon — wines that combine the valley’s signature power and richness with genuine elegance and age-worthiness. The 2023 vintage was a cool, precise year in Napa, producing wines of exceptional freshness and structure.

The 2023 opens with pronounced aromas of blackberry, cassis, and vanilla. On the palate, flavors of black plum, nutmeg, dark chocolate, and a touch of espresso build into a complex, full-bodied structure, anchored by a core of elegant acidity and fine tannins that carry from start to a long, savory finish. James Suckling awarded it 94 points, calling it “a refined and complete example of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon showing all the poise and freshness of the cool vintage.”

James Suckling 94 — “Taut and austere, with a good core of fruit, fine tannins, a textured mouthfeel and balanced acidity, leading to a savory, mouthwatering finish.”

• Producer: Frank Family Vineyards, Calistoga, Napa Valley
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Napa Valley AVA
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, cassis, vanilla, black plum, nutmeg, dark chocolate, espresso, elegant acidity
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, roasted lamb, wild mushroom risotto, aged cheddar, Manchego

A benchmark Napa Cabernet at a price that still makes sense — Frank Family delivers every time.

Mohua · Marlborough · New Zealand · 2024

Named after the mohua — the golden-feathered bird native to New Zealand’s South Island forests — Mohua Sauvignon Blanc is a wine that carries the spirit of its homeland in every glass. Sourced from the Lower Wairau and Southern Valleys of Marlborough, where cool, clean ferments and limited time on lees preserve every last note of aromatic freshness, this is Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc at its most vibrant and expressive.

The nose bursts with bright citrus, snow pea, and pineapple, with apples, pears, peaches, and melon layered beneath. On the palate it is intense and harmonious — a thriving zing of grapefruit acidity balanced by an inviting creamy texture that melts into a long, complex finish.

95 Points – Decanter | Gold Medal – 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards
“Apples, pears, peaches and melons lead the charge with a thriving zing of grapefruit acidity and inviting creamy texture melting into the palate. Long and harmonious.” (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Mohua
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Sub-Regions: Lower Wairau and Southern Valleys
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Alcohol: 12.5%
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, snow pea, pineapple, apple, pear, peach, melon, grapefruit, creamy texture
• Pairings: Fish tacos, oysters, pan-fried snapper, goat cheese tart, spinach salad, aperitif

95 points and a Decanter Gold Medal — one of Marlborough’s most decorated Sauvignon Blancs at any price.

RouteStock | Pinot Noir | Sonoma Coast AVA | California | 2023

RouteStock is a California label built around the idea that great wine should be accessible — that world-class terroir doesn’t have to come with a world-class price tag. Their Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir draws from one of California’s most celebrated cool-climate appellations, where Pacific fog and coastal winds push grapes to their expressive limits. The 2023 is a textbook example of what makes this region so compelling: complexity, tension, and a savory depth that punches well above its price.

The nose is brooding and aromatic — dried herbs, toasted hazelnuts, blood orange peel, and a whisper of lavender. On the palate, bright red-cherry acidity and crunchy minerality frame an appealing umami core, with flavors of shiitake mushroom, bay laurel, brambly berries, and cooked red and blackberries woven through with woodsy spice. Rich and complex, yet bright and inviting — a Sonoma Coast Pinot that delivers far beyond its price point.

• Producer: RouteStock
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast AVA, California
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 750ml
• Pairings: Roast duck, grilled salmon, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, mushroom risotto, charcuterie with prosciutto and mild cheeses

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2023 

• The Tasting Panel — 92 pts: Punches way above its price. Savory tilled earth and loam, red-cherry acidity, crunchy minerality, and an umami core with brambly berries and woodsy spice.

From the dramatic northern slopes of Mount Etna, Alta Mora Etna Bianco is a pure expression of Carricante — Sicily’s indigenous white grape — grown on ancient volcanic soils at altitude. The project was born from the Cusumano family’s passion for this singular terroir, where dry-stone terraces and centuries-old vines yield wines of rare character and precision.

The 2023 vintage pours a luminous golden straw, offering waxy aromas of sweet peach, poached pear, and citrus blossom. On the palate, it delivers medium body with a little extra richness from the warm vintage — sleek, polished, and layered, with juicy acidity and a long, mineral-driven finish. Aged 10 months on fine lees in stainless steel, this is Etna Bianco with more heft and depth than most.

“The Alta Mora 2023 Etna Bianco shows a golden straw color with medium texture and a little extra heft from a hot vintage. It offers waxy aromas of sweet peach and poached pear. There is more richness here compared to your standard Etna Bianco.”
— Wine Advocate, 92 Points

Carricante | Mt. Etna, Sicily / Italy
Vintage: 2023  |  Size: 750ml
90+ Rated

One of Tuscany's most celebrated organic estates, Fontodi Chianti Classico Organic 2020 is a benchmark expression of 100% Sangiovese from the heart of Panzano's legendary Conca d'Oro — the "Golden Shell" — a privileged south-facing amphitheater of vineyards in the Chianti Classico DOCG. Certified organic, structured, and deeply terroir-driven, this is Chianti Classico at its most authentic and compelling.

Fontodi & the Conca d'Oro

Fontodi has been certified organic for decades, farming 100% Sangiovese with an unwavering commitment to terroir expression and minimal intervention. Situated in Panzano's Conca d'Oro — a sun-drenched bowl of south-facing vineyards considered among the finest sites in all of Chianti Classico — the estate produces wines of remarkable energy, structure, and longevity. The 2020 vintage is slightly more reserved and structured than recent opulent years, offering a classic, high-energy profile that rewards decanting or further cellaring.

Critical Acclaim — 2020 Vintage

94 Points — James Suckling: "Subtle aromas of sliced strawberries and cherries with some orange peel follow through to a medium body with succulent tannins and a bright and tangy finish. Lovely energy in this one. So good now. From organically grown grapes."

93 Points — Wine Spectator: "Rich and velvety, laced with black cherry, blackberry, violet and mineral flavors. Driven by vibrant acidity and backed by well-mannered tannins. Shows excellent balance and length."

92 Points — Decanter: "This flagship Chianti Classico from the renowned Fontodi estate has not lost its identity, deeply rooted in a sun-drenched stretch of Panzano's Conca d'Oro. The 2020 version has all the ripe dark fruit and assertive tannins that come so neatly into balance. It finishes with its signature bitter liquorice twist."

92+ Points — Vinous (Antonio Galloni): "The 2020 Chianti Classico offers notable tension to balance the natural richness that is such a signature here. Dark red cherry, leather, spice, rose petal, dried herbs and wild flowers all grace this nuanced Chianti Classico. I would not plan on opening this too young."

91 Points — Wine Advocate: "A certified organic wine, the Fontodi 2020 Chianti Classico shows dark fruit and blackberry with earthy sensations of crushed stone that reflect the schistous soils found in this area of the appellation. Drinking 2023–2030."

17++ — Jancis Robinson: "100% Sangiovese. Certified organic. Lots of juice on the palate and plenty of grainy but ripe tannins in perfect harmony with the succulent fruit. Drinking 2023–2032."

Tasting Profile

Youthful ruby with vibrant clarity. The nose is subtle and enticing — sliced strawberry, dark cherry, rose petal, dried herbs, leather, and a hint of baked earth. On the palate it's medium to full-bodied with succulent, grainy tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long finish with a signature bitter liquorice twist. Classic Sangiovese energy and precision.

Details

2020 | 100% Sangiovese | Panzano, Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany, Italy | Certified Organic | 750ml

Food Pairings & Serving

Decant 30–45 minutes. Serve at 61–64°F. A natural match for bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, roasted lamb, and aged Pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano. Drinking beautifully now through 2032.