90+ Points | Critical Acclaim | Wine & Sparkling Wine

Gosset · Grande Réserve Brut NV · Champagne AOC · France

Gosset is the oldest wine house in Champagne — established in Aÿ in 1584, when Pierre Gosset, alderman and winegrower, founded the house that bears his name. Nearly five centuries of Champagne-making later, Gosset remains one of the region’s most distinctive producers: a house defined by richness, Pinot Noir texture, extended cellaring, and an unwavering commitment to the Grande Réserve style. The NV Grande Réserve is the house’s signature Champagne — a blend of 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, and 10% Meunier from premier villages including Aÿ, Bouzy, Ambonnay, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, aged a minimum of four years in the cellar before disgorgement, then rested a further six months to assimilate the dosage (8 g/L). Rated 94 points by Decanter and 93 by Wine Spectator.

Luminous golden hue with a fine, persistent mousse. The nose opens with fresh lemon meringue pie, yellow apple, Mirabelle plum, and white peach, deepening with warmth into honeyed, toasted notes. On the palate, a spine of chiseled acidity structures a vivid, creamy texture — Asian pear, baked pineapple, lemon curd, toasted brioche, and roasted almond, with a minerally underpinning of smoke, brine, and wet stone. Elegant, long, and absolutely fresh from first bubble to finish.

Expert Reviews

“Elegance, length and absolute freshness are inherent and quietly convincing. Beautifully subtle autolysis on the palate, deepening into notes of creamy apple crumble, Golden Delicious and Mirabelle plum.”
— Decanter · 94 Points

“A spine of chiseled acidity structures this vivid, creamy Champagne, which has a minerally underpinning of smoke and brine and flavors of Asian pear, baked pineapple, lemon curd, toasted brioche and roasted almond.”
— Wine Spectator · 93 Points

“Pure and inviting aromas of white peach, fresh flowers, and wet stone. A fresh pillowy mousse and a delicate saline finish — a wonderful calling card for the freshness of the house style.”
— Jeb Dunnuck · 92 Points

“Lemon tart, spiced apples, almonds and pastries. Fresh, lively and very precise, with fine bubbles and a light, chalky undertone.”
— James Suckling · 92 Points

• Producer: Gosset, Aÿ, Champagne, France (est. 1584 — oldest wine house in Champagne)
• Style: Brut NV Champagne
• Blend: 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, 10% Meunier
• Base Vintage: 2018 | Cellaring: 4+ years minimum
• Dosage: 8 g/L
• Villages: Aÿ, Bouzy, Ambonnay, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Villers-Marmery
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon meringue, Mirabelle plum, Asian pear, brioche, roasted almond, smoke, brine, chiseled acidity
• Pairings: Grilled fish, lobster, oysters, scallops, soft cheeses, aperitif

D:94 · WS:93 · JD:92 · JS:92 · Champagne AOC — the oldest wine house in Champagne, since 1584. Rich, creamy, and built for the long haul.

CrossBarn by Paul Hobbs Sonoma Coast Chardonnay — Sonoma County 2024

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

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

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

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

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

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

James Suckling 91 Points | A fresh and fruity rosé with aromas of sliced lemons, candied cantaloupe, peaches and a touch of strawberries. Medium- to full-bodied with light phenolics and a crunchy and lightly chewy finish. A blend of mostly grenache with some mouvedre and cinsault.

Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon That Takes the Bull by the Horns on Value

Bull by the Horns is a Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon built for those who want serious wine without the serious price tag. Sourced from the sun-drenched vineyards of Paso Robles — one of California's most exciting Cabernet appellations — this is a full-bodied, fruit-forward red with the structure, complexity, and 92-point pedigree to punch well above its price.

Expert Reviews

• Wine Advocate — 92 pts: "Scented of baked red cherry and plum with nuances of graphite, tobacco, tea leaves and aniseed. The full-bodied palate offers generous, perfumed fruit. Supple tannins and just enough juicy acidity to call you in for another sip."

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Paso Robles, California
• Vintage: 2020
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for California-style grilling — exceptional with ribeye steak, BBQ brisket, lamb burgers, aged cheddar, and smoked short ribs.

Feudo Montoni · Rosé di Adele · Nerello Mascalese · Sicilia DOC · 2025

Feudo Montoni is one of Sicily's most storied organic estates, farming ancient vineyards in the rugged interior of the island near Cammarata — far from the coast, at altitude, where volcanic soils and dramatic diurnal shifts produce wines of uncommon depth and tension. Rosé di Adele, named for the estate's matriarch, is their signature rosé: a wine of striking personality, earning 92 points from Wine Enthusiast in both the 2022 and 2025 vintages and standing among the finest expressions of Nerello Mascalese in pink.

The 2025 pours a luminous onion-skin pink with bronze reflections. The nose opens with white flowers and lemon, layered over new leather and a cool umami undercurrent. On the palate, citrus candy and floral freshness give way to a stony, mineral current that adds sophistication and length. The winemaker's notes add pink rose petal, violets, straw, brine, fennel seed, pomegranate, and strawberry — a wine that is at once aromatic and savory, fresh and structured, with a persistent, sapid finish.

"There is a tension between the umami and the floral on the nose, as notes of white flowers and lemon waft above a new leather backbone. On the palate, citrus candy contributes nuance to that floral freshness, while a cool, stony undercurrent emerges suddenly and adds a feeling of sophistication."
— Wine Enthusiast · 92 Points · Vintage 2025

• Producer: Feudo Montoni
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Sicilia DOC, Italy
• Varietal: 100% Nerello Mascalese
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Style: Dry rosé — aromatic, mineral, structured
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White flowers, lemon, citrus candy, pink rose petal, pomegranate, brine, stony mineral finish
• Pairings: Grilled swordfish, burrata with tomatoes, arancini, charcuterie, light pasta with seafood

92 points, Sicilia DOC — certified organic Nerello Mascalese rosé with volcanic soul and Sicilian character.

Leclerc Briant Réserve Extra Brut — Épernay, Champagne, France NV

Leclerc Briant is one of Champagne's most celebrated and pioneering grower-producers — a historic house based in Épernay with roots going back to 1872, and today one of the region's most committed advocates for biodynamic viticulture. Under the stewardship of the Lignac family, Leclerc Briant farms its vineyards according to strict biodynamic principles — certified by Demeter — believing that the health of the soil is the foundation of great Champagne. The estate works with the lunar calendar, uses only natural preparations, and practices minimal intervention in the cellar, allowing the terroir of their Marne Valley and Côte des Blancs vineyards to express itself with clarity and precision. The Réserve Extra Brut is the house's signature non-vintage cuvée — a blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier, and 20% Chardonnay, based on the 2019 harvest, with reserve wines adding depth and complexity. Extra Brut in style, it is drier and more precise than a standard Brut, allowing the terroir and the fruit to speak without the softening effect of dosage.

The color is bright pale yellow with a fine, lively mousse. The nose is complex and inviting: wet asphalt, ripe white peach, fresh redcurrant, pear, verbena, lime, herbs, and a touch of menthol — the signature of biodynamic Champagne. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and approachable with a rounded mid-palate, chalky and pithy texture, and sleek acidity animating flavors of chopped raspberry, nectarine, preserved lemon, and oyster shell. The finish is persistent, lightly spiced, and mouthwatering — clean, energetic, and long.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 — "Wet asphalt, ripe white peach, and fresh redcurrant. Rounded mid-palate, chalky and pithy texture with a lively yet fine mousse. Attractive and balanced with a clean finish."

Wine Spectator 92 — "Lithe and graceful, with sleek acidity animating flavors of chopped raspberry, nectarine, preserved lemon and oyster shell. Fine and satiny in texture, offering a persistent, lightly spiced finish."

Wine Advocate 90 — "Lively, fresh bouquet of pear, verbena, lime tree, herbs and menthol. Vinous and energetic with an incisive mid-palate and a mouthwatering, fresh finish."

• Producer: Leclerc Briant, Épernay, Champagne, France (est. 1872)
• Style: Extra Brut NV
• Blend: 40% Pinot Noir / 40% Pinot Meunier / 20% Chardonnay
• Base Vintage: 2019
• Farming: Certified Biodynamic (Demeter)
• Dosage: Extra Brut (very low dosage)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White peach, redcurrant, raspberry, nectarine, preserved lemon, oyster shell, wet asphalt, chalky texture, persistent spiced finish
• Style: Precise, energetic, terroir-driven
• Best Paired With: Oysters, sushi, grilled fish, lobster, soft cheeses, charcuterie, caviar

Biodynamic Champagne from one of Épernay's most celebrated grower-producers — Leclerc Briant Réserve Extra Brut is precise, energetic, and triple 90+ point rated.

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins, 67Wine.com: Pale ruby red in color with an intriguing bouquet of wild blackberries, Asian spice, wild flowers, and crushed rocks. On the palate, soft and round with layered complexity of dark fruits and detailed minerality. A great example of why the wines of Etna are all the rage — a delicious rendition!

Expert Reviews – Vintage 2022

Vinous 90 Points: Opens with a burst of autumnal spice, dusty rose and crushed black cherries. Juicy and fresh, with ripe wild berry fruits complemented by minty herbs and a core of vibrant acidity. Finishes with zesty tension as the mouth waters for more. A tart blackberry crunch lingers on the close.

Winemaker Description

The Fessina Erse Etna Rosso is a throwback to the traditional way Etna wines were made — blending red Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio with white indigenous varieties to create a more elegant, feminine profile. Light ruby in color with aromas of wild berries, coriander, cloves, pimento, and pink pepper. Soft, round tannins with spicy complexity and a mineral core that speaks to the volcanic soils of Etna. A picture of Fessina’s melting pot vineyard, where tastes and roots meld together.

Pairing Suggestions

• Sicilian Classics: Pasta alla Norma (eggplant and salted ricotta) or grilled swordfish.
• Meats: Grilled pork, roasted poultry, or charcuterie.
• Surprise Pairing: High acidity and mineral edge make it an excellent match for mushroom dishes or seared tuna.

Super-Tuscan Quality at a Remarkably Fair Price

Tenuta Sette Ponti is one of Tuscany’s most respected estates, located in the Valdarno di Sopra between Florence and Arezzo. Crognolo is their flagship Super-Tuscan blend — 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot — crafted from a historic Sangiovese clone unique to the property. Certified organic, it delivers serious Tuscan character with vibrant energy, firm structure, and exceptional aging potential.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

• James Suckling — 94 pts: Fresh strawberries and cherries with orange peel and flowers. Cedar, black olive and violet undertones. Medium-bodied with firm, racy tannins that give energy and focus. Tangy and fresh with slightly bitter citrus on the finish. Drink or hold.
• Wine Advocate (Monica Larner) — 92 pts: A core of blackened fruit with plum and cooked blackberry, plus varietal Sangiovese hints of pressed rose and sweet potting soil. Medium texture with fruity freshness. A selection from a historic clone of Sangiovese found on the estate. 150,000 bottles produced.
• Vinous (Antonio Galloni) — 92 pts: Dark, vibrant and persistent. Dark-fleshed fruit, chocolate, licorice, cloves, menthol. Admirable energy with grippy tannins on the finish.
• Wine Spectator — 91 pts: Black cherry, blackberry, lavender and spice. Dense, tight and compact with plenty of fruit and well-integrated structure. Fine length. Best 2026–2038.

Winemaker Notes

Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo Toscana Organic 2022 750ml

Strawberry, cherry, black olive, cedar, and violet on the nose, with chocolate, licorice, and menthol emerging on the palate. Medium-bodied with firm, racy tannins and vibrant Sangiovese acidity. Decant for 30 minutes or cellar through 2038. Certified Organic.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: 90% Sangiovese, 10% Merlot
• Appellation: Valdarno di Sopra, Toscana IGT, Italy
• Producer: Tenuta Sette Ponti
• Vintage: 2022
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural at the Tuscan table — exceptional with bistecca alla Fiorentina, grilled lamb chops, pappardelle with wild boar ragù, aged Pecorino Toscano, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Pierre Lurton’s Personal Estate — Bordeaux’s Best-Value Rouge

Château Marjosse is the personal estate of Pierre Lurton — Managing Director of the legendary Château Cheval Blanc and Château d’Yquem. Located in the north of Entre-Deux-Mers, Marjosse produces some of the best-value wines in all of Bordeaux, and the 2022 Bordeaux Rouge is a standout: a Merlot-led blend with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec, earning 91 points from both Vinous and James Suckling. The clay-limestone soils preserved remarkable freshness in this hot, dry vintage.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

• Vinous — 91 pts: “A bright, nervy red. Floral notes, orange peel, mint and white pepper lend notable energy throughout. An atypically vibrant wine for the year — a pretty significant shift toward greater freshness.”
• James Suckling — 91 pts: “Pretty and vibrant, showing subtle cream to the red berries, currants and citrus on the nose. Quite firm and juicy on the palate with lightly chewy tannins and a fine, medium-long finish. Drink from 2025.”
• Decanter — 90 pts: “Blue fruit, bell pepper and a touch of spice on the nose. A generous palate with well-managed tannins and darker, more brooding black fruit and violets on the finish.”

Winemaker Notes

Chateau Marjosse Bordeaux Rouge 2022 750ml

A Merlot-based blend with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec from clay-limestone soils in Entre-Deux-Mers. The 2022 vintage delivered exceptional concentration, while Marjosse’s terroir preserved the freshness and vibrancy that defines this estate’s style.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec
• Appellation: Bordeaux AOC, Entre-Deux-Mers, France
• Producer: Château Marjosse (Pierre Lurton)
• Vintage: 2022
• Soils: Clay-limestone
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A versatile Bordeaux — excellent with grilled steak, roast lamb, duck breast, mushroom risotto, and aged Comté.

Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc — Constantia, South Africa 2024

Klein Constantia is one of South Africa's most historic and celebrated estates, situated in the Constantia Valley on the slopes of the Cape Peninsula — a site with a winemaking legacy stretching back to the 17th century and home to the legendary Vin de Constance. Their Sauvignon Blanc is a wine of genuine craft and ambition: sourced from 42 individual vineyard blocks across the estate, each fermented separately to allow the terroir of each parcel to express itself before careful blending. Grapes are harvested at 4am to preserve freshness, and the winemaking is a meticulous balance of wild and inoculated fermentation — 80% wild (some ferments taking up to two months to complete), 20% with Non-Saccharomyces Cerevisiae for complexity and natural microbial protection. Ten percent is aged in neutral 500L oak barrels, and the wine spends six months on gross lees before blending and bottling.

The 2024 pours light and bright. The nose is perfumed and atypically complex for Sauvignon Blanc — grapefruit, lime, kiwi, yellow plum, and hints of mango, with a citrus blossom and umami thread. On the palate, it's moreish and textured with a crisp entry, quince, light walnut, flinty mineral elements, and a fresh salinity that gives it real energy. The finish is long, vibrant, and expressive — fanning out beautifully with aeration. Real texture for the variety.

"Atypical for a Sauvignon Blanc — real texture to this Savvy, which is unusual for the variety, fanning out nicely on the finish." — Neal Martin, Vinous, 91 Points

• Producer: Klein Constantia, Constantia Valley, South Africa
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Constantia WO
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Vineyard: 42 blocks, harvested at 4am
• Fermentation: 80% wild (up to 2 months), 20% Non-Saccharomyces Cerevisiae; 10% neutral 500L oak
• Aging: 6 months on gross lees
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: Vinous 91 (Neal Martin)
• Tasting Notes: Grapefruit, lime, kiwi, yellow plum, mango, citrus blossom, umami, flinty minerality, fresh salinity
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled fish, sushi, goat cheese, asparagus, light herb-driven dishes

A 91-point Constantia Sauvignon Blanc of remarkable craft — 42 blocks, 4am harvest, wild fermentation, and six months on lees from one of South Africa's most historic estates.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

The Wine Enthusiast by Michael Alberty writes 91 Points | For those of you who enjoy a stroll on the creamier side of Chardonnay life, here's a wine to champion. The wine's lemon curd and tangerine aromas are a nice mix of sweet and tang, while a puff of chalkboard dust floats in the background. Gentle acidity caresses flavors of lemon gelato and the caramel-drizzled goodness of a stroopwafel cookie.

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | A pale yellow hue, the 2022 Chardonnay Willamette Valley reveals attractive aromas of green melon, lime blossoms, fresh white flowers, and vanilla. Medium-bodied, it’s an approachable and charming white, with a delicately rounded feel and a powdery finish.

Winemaker Description 

Bodega Colomé · Estate Torrontés · Valle Calchaquí · Salta · Argentina · 2025

Bodega Colomé is one of Argentina’s oldest and most celebrated wineries, farming at extreme elevations in the Calchaquí Valley of Salta — some of the highest vineyards in the world. At altitude, the intense sun, cool nights, and thin mountain air produce Torrontés of extraordinary aromatic precision and freshness: floral, citrus-driven, and refreshingly dry — a world away from the heavy, low-acid expressions that gave the grape an undeserved reputation. The 2025 Estate Torrontés earned 91 points from Vinous as a Best Buy, praised for its fresher, more mineral style. Screwcap.

The 2025 opens with herbal and floral notes of tuberose, rose, soft mint, and gentle lime, with grapefruit citrus and a spicy hint. On the palate, it is dry yet slightly indulgent — lively, fresh, and vibrant, balancing herbal, citrus, and floral characteristics with a long, elegant, mineral finish. A quintessential high-elevation Torrontés, built for the table.

“Opens with herbal and floral notes of tuberose, soft mint and gentle lime. Dry yet slightly indulgent, it offers lively freshness. A fresher style of Torrontés than is typical for the valley, balancing herbal, citrus and floral characteristics. Vibrant and delicious. A best buy.”
— Vinous · 91 Points · Best Buy

• Producer: Bodega Colomé, Valle Calchaquí, Salta, Argentina
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Valle Calchaquí, Salta, Argentina
• Varietal: 100% Torrontés
• Elevation: Among the highest vineyards in the world
• Style: Dry white — aromatic, floral, mineral
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Tuberose, rose, soft mint, lime, grapefruit, spice, lively acidity, mineral finish
• Pairings: Ceviche, grilled shrimp, Thai curry, fresh goat cheese, aromatic Asian cuisine

Vinous:91 Best Buy · Valle Calchaquí — high-altitude Torrontés from one of Argentina’s oldest estates. Aromatic, dry, and built for the table.

James Suckling 93 Points: "Roses, huckleberries, flint, cedar and chalk on the nose. Blue and black fruit, orange peel, Earl Grey tea and cedar on the palate. It’s juicy and dry, with a pleasing balance of energetic fruit and earthiness. Medium-bodied." (Vintage 2024). 

Four Graces 2024 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is a benchmark Oregon red — elegant, expressive, and true to the cool-climate character of the Willamette Valley.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Brilliant ruby with garnet hues
• Nose: Huckleberry, dried cherry, orange peel, clove, cedar and mocha
• Palate: Pomegranate, tart strawberry, blue and black fruit with Earl Grey tea and fine tannins
• Finish: Persistent and balanced with energetic acidity and earthy depth

Production Details

• Winery: The Four Graces
• Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2024 | Format: 750ml
• Body: Medium | Tannins: Fine & structured
  

Sourced from the celebrated Willamette Valley AVA, Four Graces crafts Pinot Noir that balances fruit purity with terroir-driven complexity. Pairs beautifully with pork tenderloin, mushroom risotto, roasted chicken, and salmon.

Mumm Napa Brut Rosé — California NV

Mumm Napa’s Brut Rosé is one of California’s most vibrant and food-friendly sparkling wines — a Pinot Noir-dominant expression that brings the energy and freshness of méthode champenoise winemaking to a beautiful pink-salmon package. Blending 80% Pinot Noir with 20% Chardonnay, the wine is partially fermented in the press to develop its signature soft, fruity directness, while the Chardonnay component adds power and structure. The result earned 91 points from Wine Enthusiast and is one of the most versatile food wines in the sparkling category.

The nose is ripe and inviting: black cherry, wild strawberry, peach, and fresh red fruit. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and succulent — peach, wild strawberry, and plum flavors are framed by lively acidity and fine bubbles, with a clean, refreshing finish. Robust enough to stand up to bold cuisine, yet elegant enough for the apéritif hour.

Wine Enthusiast 91 — “A hearty 80% Pinot Noir dominates in this sparkler. With a pink-salmon hue, it offers peach and wild strawberry aromas followed by similar, medium-bodied flavors, with the addition of succulent plum.”

• Producer: Mumm Napa, Napa Valley, California, USA
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: California
• Blend: 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay
• Method: Méthode Champenoise
• Style: Brut Rosé
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, wild strawberry, peach, plum, fine bubbles, clean refreshing finish
• Best Paired With: Thai cuisine, grilled salmon, charcuterie, soft cheeses, pasta with tomato, Italian dishes

Pink, precise, and endlessly food-friendly — Mumm Napa’s Brut Rosé is California sparkling at its most vibrant.

Rioja Gran Reserva That Rivals Wines Twice the Price

Marques de Vargas is one of Rioja’s most respected estates, distinguished by its commitment to varietal correctness and minimal intervention. Only indigenous yeasts from the vineyard are used for fermentation — a philosophy that prioritizes terroir expression over the homogenizing effects of commercial yeast. Rather than chasing the heavily extracted, over-oaked style common in the appellation, Marques de Vargas produces a Gran Reserva of remarkable freshness, elegance, and longevity.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2017

• Wine Enthusiast — 94 pts: Deep ruby in color with aromas of black cherry, caramel and thyme. Flavors of blackberry, raspberry, licorice, dark chocolate and orange zest wrapped in feathery tannins and a soft sheath of acidity. A nice floral note on the bright finish.
• Wine Advocate — 91 pts: Surprisingly clean and fresh — peppery and spicy with toasty notes. 70% Tempranillo, 17% Garnacha, 13% Mazuelo, matured in 225- and 500-liter French oak barrels for 23 months.
• James Suckling — 91 pts: Delicate creaminess and sweet spices to the blackberries and dark plums. Medium to full body with lots of dusty tannins. Subtle finish with creamy, spiced cherries. Drink or hold.

Winemaker Notes

Marques de Vargas Rioja Gran Reserva 2017 750ml

A blend of 70% Tempranillo, 17% Garnacha, and 13% Mazuelo, aged 23 months in French oak. The 2017 is peppery, spiced, and layered — with black cherry, dark chocolate, and orange zest on the nose, and a long, floral finish. Built for the cellar, but approachable now.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo
• Appellation: Rioja, Spain
• Producer: Marques de Vargas
• Vintage: 2017
• Classification: Gran Reserva
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural at the table — exceptional with roasted lamb, Iberian pork, cochinillo asado, rabo de toro, Jamón Ibérico, aged Manchego, and Idiazábal.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir from Eleven Family-Owned Vineyards

Patz & Hall draws from eleven small, independent family-owned vineyard sites across the Sonoma Coast, unified into a wine of saline freshness, lively red fruit, and structural elegance. The 2021 vintage delivered cool, even growing conditions that preserved natural acidity and exceptional purity.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

• Decanter — 96 pts: "Delightful, extra juicy red and black fruits give graciously and generously with a mouth-filling texture and soft, silky tannins. The coolness of the Sonoma Coast takes the salty sea air and places it squarely on the grapes to give this wine a lovely saline finish. The great structural envelope will protect this wine for the future. It will last and last."
• Wine Spectator — 93 pts: "Fresh and lively, raspberry and mulberry coulis with a mouthwatering savory edge. Textbook vintage and AVA profile. Drink now through 2031."
• Wine Advocate — 90 pts: "Aromas of red and black cherries, mint, forest floor and allspice. Generous, spicy fruit with grainy tannins and juicy acidity."

Winemaker Notes

Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2021 750ml

Complex aromas of Morello cherry and wild strawberry, with cinnamon, clove, anise, and coriander alongside forest floor and pink flowers. Full palate with good purity, refined tannins, and fresh acidity.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast, California
• Vineyard Sources: 11 independent family-owned sites
• Producer: Patz & Hall
• Vintage: 2021
• Drinking Window: Now–2031
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Exceptional with roasted duck, salmon, mushroom risotto, lamb loin, and soft-ripened cheeses.

California's Definitive Old Vine Zinfandel

Turley Wine Cellars is the benchmark producer for old vine Zinfandel in California, farming some of the state's most ancient and storied vineyards. The Old Vines bottling is a masterclass in what age does to a vine — drawing from sites across Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Lodi, Contra Costa, Amador, and Paso Robles, with vines ranging from 50 to 130 years old. Too small or too new to be vineyard-designates, these sites collectively tell the story of California old vine Zinfandel better than any single vineyard can.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

• Wine Advocate — 92 pts: "The nose is considerably deeper, fuller and more polished, opening with aromas of crushed plums, wild berry preserves, tobacco leaves and autumnal accents. The palate is light- to medium-bodied with a subtly dusty tannin structure and bright acidity. Generous layers of fruit, spice and floral notes on the finish."

Winemaker Notes

Turley Zinfandel Old Vines Paso Robles 2023 750ml

Dark brambly fruits — dark berry and fruitcake — dominate the palate. Notes of gingerbread, black pepper, and cinnamon add beautifully spiced complexity, with hints of Herbes de Provence and a slight herbal quality throughout.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Zinfandel
• Vine Age: 50–130 years old
• Sources: Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Lodi, Contra Costa, Amador, Paso Robles
• Producer: Turley Wine Cellars
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Exceptional with BBQ brisket, braised short ribs, lamb burgers, spiced sausages, and aged hard cheeses.

San Marzano is one of Puglia’s most celebrated cooperative wineries, drawing from over 1,200 grower families across the sun-drenched heel of Italy’s boot. This Negroamaro — Puglia’s great indigenous red grape — is a textbook expression of the variety: deeply colored, richly aromatic, full-bodied, and built for the table. At $14.99, it’s one of the finest values in Italian red wine.

Expert Review
“Deep purple-red color with black-violet reflections; intense and persistent aroma, with hints of blackcurrant and wild berries, spicy, with notes of thyme. Full-bodied, velvety and harmonious wine, with a long and savory finish.” — 94 pts, Luca Maroni

Food Pairings: Grilled lamb, braised short ribs, pasta al ragù, aged pecorino, charcuterie, and hearty stews.

Varietal: Negroamaro
Producer: San Marzano
Region: Puglia (Salento), Italy
Vintage: 2023
Bottle Size: 750ml

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Eric Guido writes:  Delicate and understated, the 2022 Pinot Noir Grande Cuvée opens with a peppery citrus tinge and dusty dried strawberries. It's round and softly textured with pure red berry fruits riding a wave of brisk acidity. An herbal tinge comes forward over time as gently grippy tannins tug at the cheeks and hints of licorice fade.  Drinking 2025 to 2030.  - Vinous 91

Audrey Frick writes:  Medium ruby red-hued, the 2022 Pinot Noir Grande Cuvee is expressive and elegant on the nose, with notes of red cherries, candied cranberries, roses, fresh spice and herbs, and lifted piney herbs. Medium-bodied, it has a weightless, linear feel, with fine tannins, even acidity, and a clean, tapered finish with a light herbal note. It’s a very charming wine to drink over the next 5-6 years.  Drinking 2024 to 2030.  - Jeb Dunnuck 91 

James Suckling writes:  Lemon zest, mushrooms, raspberries and sliced strawberries on the nose. Some rose petal, too. It’s bright and fruity, with a medium body and powdery tannins. Chalky, grainy elements at the end. Better in 2024.  - James Suckling 90

Clive Pursehouse writes:  An early released wine blended from estate sites within the McMinnville and Yamhill-Carlton AVAs. Earthen aromatics of sous bois, moss, and turned garden soils are lifted by a note of bright berries. Ripe raspberry, pomegranate and savoury sumac predominate the palate and are buoyed by mint and wild fennel notes.  Drinking 2023 to 2029.  - Decanter 92

Winemaker Description 

The Grande Cuvée Pinot Noir is made from a collection of family-owned vineyards across the Willamette Valley. This wine has a welcoming nose of cedar-spiced mulberries, hints of garden herb, and candied orange rind.

Château de Manissy Tête de Cuvée — Tavel, Rhône Valley 2024

The Tête de Cuvée has been Château de Manissy’s flagship bottling since the estate’s very first vintage in 1915 — and nothing has changed, including the label. Made from a biodynamic blend of Grenache, Clairette, and Cinsault sourced from the Tavel appellation in the southern Rhône, this is a rosé built for the table rather than the pool. Fermented with indigenous yeasts, aged nine to twelve months in old 25-hectoliter foudres, and bottled with minimal intervention, it is one of the rare rosés with genuine structure and aging potential. Decanter awarded it 92 points. View From The Cellar 92. Organic. This is Tavel as it has always been — serious, complex, and built to last.

The bouquet is beautifully refined: rhubarb, watermelon, blood orange, dried rose petals, gentle savory notes, and a lovely base of soil tones with a touch of orange peel in the upper register. On the palate, the wine is deep, pure, and full-bodied with lovely acids, excellent focus and grip, a succulent core of red currant and cherry, and a long, complex, impeccably balanced finish. Rich and structured — a Tavel that will age impressively and pair with just about anything.

“Deep, pure and full-bodied, with lovely acids, excellent focus and grip, a succulent core and a long, complex and impeccably balanced finish. A Tavel Rosé with lovely structure and it will age impressively.” — John Gilman, View From The Cellar, 92 Points • Matt Walls, Decanter, 92 Points (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Château de Manissy, Tavel, Rhône Valley, France (est. 1915)
• Cuvée: Tête de Cuvée — flagship since first vintage
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Tavel AOC, Southern Rhône
• Blend: Grenache, Clairette, Cinsault
• Vinification: Indigenous yeasts, biodynamic, aged 9–12 months in old foudres
• Certification: Organic • Biodynamic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Rhubarb, watermelon, blood orange, dried rose petals, red currant, cherry, soil tones, long balanced finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled tuna, white meats, barbecue, ceviche, lamb, ratatouille, or aged goat cheese

Two 92-point scores, a century of tradition, and the structure to age — Château de Manissy’s Tête de Cuvée is the benchmark for what serious Tavel Rosé can be.

Winemaker Description

This Rutherford-dominated blend of Cabernet Sauvignon complemented by Bordeaux grape varieties offers aromas of blackberry cobbler, plum, and black currants, followed by warm hints of vanilla and caramelized black fruit. A concentrated, silky wine emphasizing varietal expression, richness and balance from start to finish. 

James Suckling 92 Points | This tank sample of the final blend before bottling shows an abundance of ripe, juicy, almost syrupy fruit flavors, from blueberries to blackberries and cherries. It feels soft and plush, tastes warm and broad and adds chocolate and vanilla accents to all the sweet-tasting fruitiness. Drink or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | Ripe plums, darker berries, spice, and chocolaty, savory herb notes all emerge from the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, a nicely textured, medium-bodied, incredibly satisfying Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that has ripe tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish.

Willamette Valley Pinot Noir That Sets the Benchmark for the Appellation

Bergström Wines has been one of Oregon's most celebrated estates since its founding in 1999, farming biodynamically across five estate vineyards in the Willamette Valley. The Cumberland Reserve Pinot Noir — a blend from Bergström's estate vineyards plus select purchased fruit, matured for 10 months — is the estate's definitive appellation-level expression: aromatic, silky, and layered, with the cool-climate precision and effortless balance that have made Bergström a reference point for Oregon Pinot Noir.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

• Jeb Dunnuck — 94 pts: "Opens with aromas of raspberry liqueur, mocha, floral perfume, and savory notes of fresh sage. Medium-bodied, it offers ripe, detailed tannins, balanced acidity, and a long finish. While this vintage hints at opulence, the wine remains beautifully balanced and refreshing. A stunning introduction to the vintage and a benchmark for the region."
• James Suckling — 94 pts: "Bright and seductive, this pinot offers fresh cherries, crushed wild berries, violets, wet rocks and subtle spices on the nose. Racy and mouthwatering, with spicy and minerally tension, a medium body, a dusty texture to its tannins and a lingering and racy finish."
• Wine Advocate — 93 pts: "Alluring aromas of strawberry, raspberry, forest floor and earthy undertones. The medium-bodied palate is bursting with bright, spicy fruit, framed by soft, chalky tannins and mouthwatering acidity with a long, bright finish. Matured for 10 months from Bergström's five estate vineyards plus some purchased fruit."
• Vinous — 93 pts: "Incredibly fresh, with a bouquet of dusty dried flowers, lavender pastille, nuances of cedary spice and wild blueberries. Ripe wild berry fruits and crisp mineral tones glide across the palate over a layer of pure silk. The finish is long and tense, yet remains remarkably fresh as violet tones resonate over a bed of silken tannins. The Cumberland Reserve represents amazing value."

Winemaker Notes

Bright red in color, aromatically driven by cherry, strawberry, and Herbes de Provence with light green spice. Fruit-forward and balanced with acidity and structure on the palate. Cardamom and nutmeg spice on the finish. A wet spring and warm harvest created delicate flavors and a powerful lasting finish.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Willamette Valley, Oregon
• Producer: Bergström Wines
• Vintage: 2023
• Farming: Biodynamic
• Vinification: Blend of five estate vineyards plus select purchased fruit; matured 10 months
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Exceptional with Pacific Northwest cuisine — roasted salmon, duck breast, mushroom risotto, lamb chops, truffle dishes, and aged Pinot-friendly cheeses.

Lanson Champagne Père & Fils Brut — Champagne NV

Founded in 1760, Lanson is one of Champagne’s most storied and consistent houses — and the Père & Fils Brut is its definitive expression. Crafted by chef de cave Hervé Dantan from 50% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, and 15% Meunier sourced from 100 villages across the region, with 30% reserve wines spanning 10 vintages back to 1995, this is a non-vintage Champagne of remarkable depth, consistency, and integrity. Four years on the lees — well above the minimum — adds richness, complexity, and a fine toasty character that sets it apart from the crowd. Decanter calls it “one of the best and most consistent of the bargain set.” At this price, it is hard to argue.

The nose is fresh and inviting: green apple, pear, pie crust, and a touch of toast from extended lees aging. On the palate, it is ripe and well-balanced — Pinot Noir’s weight and red fruit character is lifted by Chardonnay’s precision and fine bubbles, with a crisp, dry finish of real elegance. Already drinking beautifully, with the structure to reward short-term cellaring.

Decanter 92 — “A class act and a resounding statement of talent. One of the best and most consistent of the bargain set.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 — “Back on form, giving a ripe style dominated by Pinot Noir. Fine balance between the fruits and touches of toast from four years on the lees.”
James Suckling 92 — “A fresh, balanced palate with green apples, pie crust and pears. Fine bubbles and a crisp, dry finish.”

• Producer: Lanson, Reims, Champagne, France
• Founded: 1760
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Blend: 50% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, 15% Meunier
• Sources: 100 villages across Champagne
• Reserve Wines: 30% across 10 vintages
• Aging: 4 years on the lees
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Green apple, pear, pie crust, red fruit, toast, fine bubbles, crisp dry finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, smoked salmon, grilled fish, soft cheeses, charcuterie, light appetizers

Founded in 1760, scoring 92 across the board, and priced for every occasion — Lanson Père & Fils is the Champagne house that history and critics agree on.

A Classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from One of the Valley’s Most Iconic Estates

Cakebread Cellars has been crafting benchmark Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon since 1973, and the 2022 is a quintessential expression of the house style — rich, layered, and beautifully balanced. A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Syrah, and 1% Cabernet Franc, it delivers ripe blackberry, plum, and boysenberry with dark chocolate, baking spices, and toasty oak, underpinned by bright acidity and velvety tannins.

Expert Reviews

• James Suckling — 92 pts: Plush and generous aromas of blackcurrants, mulberries and baking spices. Full-bodied with finely integrated tannins and bright acidity, giving flavors of olive tapenade, blackberries and cedar. Approachable for early drinking, but will age nicely. (Vintage 2022). 

Winemaker Notes

Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2022 750ml

Rich layers of ripe blackberry, plum, and boysenberry enhanced by subtle hints of dark chocolate, baking spices, and toasty oak. Bright acidity and velvety tannins deliver a full-bodied yet refined and elegant structure. Approachable now and built to age gracefully.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Syrah, 1% Cabernet Franc
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Producer: Cakebread Cellars
• Vintage: 2022
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural at the table — exceptional with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, roasted lamb rack, rich pork dishes, game, and aged cheddar or Gruyère.

Domaine Delobel Touraine Sauvignon Blanc “Angle Droit” — Loire Valley 2024

Domaine Delobel is one of the Loire Valley’s most exciting organic estates, founded in 2013 by Benjamin Delobel in Ouchamps, on the celebrated Oisly vineyard. Working with 10 hectares of certified-organic Sauvignon Blanc — planted from mass selections to preserve old-vine complexity — Benjamin crafts wines that are, as the name “Angle Droit” (Right Angle) suggests, straight, pure, and technically precise. For fans of Sauvignon Blanc who find New Zealand styles too loud and Sancerre too expensive, this wine hits the perfect middle ground. Manual harvests at dawn, slow pneumatic pressing, stainless steel fermentation, and aging on lees deliver a wine of exceptional freshness and mineral clarity.

The nose is lively and inviting: dried hay, field grass, sliced green apple, and crabapple aromas converge in a satisfying, savory frame. On the palate, the wine washes across wet river stone with tart acidity accented by white blossom — mineral-driven, focused, and refreshingly precise. The finish is clean and lingering.

Wine Enthusiast 90 — Reggie Solomon: “This lively wine refreshes the senses. The mineral-driven palate washes across wet river stone with tart acidity accented by white blossom.”

• Producer: Domaine Delobel, Ouchamps, Touraine, Loire Valley, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Touraine AOC
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Farming: Certified Organic since 2013
• Vinification: Manual harvest, pneumatic press, stainless steel, aged on lees
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dried hay, green apple, crabapple, white blossom, wet river stone, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Goat cheese (Selles-sur-Cher, Crottin de Chavignol), oysters, fish ceviche, grilled sea bass, fresh asparagus

Pure, precise, and organically farmed — Domaine Delobel’s “Angle Droit” is the benchmark for honest, terroir-driven Touraine Sauvignon Blanc.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 92 Points | A full-flavored, medium-bodied red that offers good, bracing acidity and moderate tannins that lift fresh, delicious raspberry and dark cherry flavors. Hints of earthiness and flint on the nose, then vivid, dark-fruit flavors and a mouthwatering texture. Drink now or hold.

Producer Description

This wine expresses forest floor fruit. Blackberry, blueberry, and raspberry round out the velvet balanced structure and in her finesse. Cooper Mountain is a pioneering winery in Oregon's Willamette Valley, established on the outskirts of Portland in the late 1970's.

In 1978 Dr. Robert Gross and his wife Corrine planted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the slopes of Cooper Mountain, west of Portland. In 1987, the family converted an old horse barn on the property to start their own label, becoming early adopters to organic and Biodynamic farming practices in Oregon winemaking by the early 1990's.

"Our role as stewards of our 200 acres is a vital part of our process. Cooper Mountain has always been a trailblazer in sustainable growing, receiving organic certification from Oregon Tilth in 1995. Our commitment to these practices is an important part of our identity and that's why 100% of our wines are organically grown. We believe in Biodynamic farming practices. We've been farming that way since the early 90's and received our certification from Demeter in 1999. Every bottle of wine we make today is made from Biodynamic grapes."

Serious Piedmont Dolcetto from One of Barolo’s Most Respected Estates

G.D. Vajra is a family-owned estate founded in 1972 in the heart of the Barolo region, renowned for crafting wines that express the authentic character of Piedmont’s native varieties with precision and minimal intervention. Their Dolcetto d’Alba is a benchmark for the variety — vibrant, structured, and built for the table. The 2025 opens with explosive aromas of blueberry, violets, and damson plums, with a juicy palate of fresh blackberries, licorice, and subtle almond, underpinned by fine tannins and a mouthwatering finish.

Expert Reviews - Prior Vintage 2024

• Wine Enthusiast — 93 pts: Pop rocks meet purple plums in this electric Dolcetto that refuses to sit still. Violets and damson fruits burst from the glass with teenage energy, while the palate crackles with fresh blackberries and bright acidity. It’s the kind of wine that makes you wish all serious things could be this much fun.
• Jeb Dunnuck — 90 pts: Elegant and lifted with notes of grenadine, fresh flowers, bright spice, and wet stone. Medium-bodied, it moves lightly across the palate with refined tannins and a clean finish.

Winemaker Notes

GD Vajra Dolcetto d’Alba 2025 750ml

Hand-harvested from carefully tended vineyards in Alba, fermented in stainless steel to preserve freshness and varietal character. Vibrant ruby-purple in color with youthful brilliance. Blueberry, violet, and damson plum on the nose; fresh blackberry, licorice, and bright acidity on the palate with a generous, mouthwatering finish. Best enjoyed in its youth.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Dolcetto
• Appellation: Dolcetto d’Alba DOC, Piedmont, Italy
• Producer: G.D. Vajra
• Vintage: 2025
• Farming: Sustainable, minimal intervention
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A versatile everyday Italian red — exceptional with antipasti, pizza, pasta with tomato-based sauces, grilled sausages, roasted chicken, and aged Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

The Wine Enthusiast 96 Points | A fabulous vintage of Filius, and a total bargain for this level of quality. Layered aromas appear from first sniff: plump currants and plums, dark chocolate, savory herbs and florals, graphite and a mineral, iodine-like nuance. In the mouth, there's bright fruit and silky texture, with savory, fine tannins and a long, elegant finish. Made to drink now or to age for several more years. A wonderful intro to this distinctive Aussie style.

Beronia Wineries: Experience the Excellence of Rioja GRAN Reserva 2018

Our Professional Review 

Oscar Garcia 67Wine.com | Beronia Gran Reserva is one of my favorite Gran Reservas. Every vintage seems to get better and better. The long-term aging Gran Reserva gives the wine time to develop a great arrange of flavors and nuances, not found in younger wines. Aromas of toasty oak, cassis, dark plum and cedar. Medium to full-bodied. Great length and integration. Serious but approachable.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018

James Suckling 92 Points | Attractive nose with a hint of walnut husk and dark earth to the black cherries and sweet tobacco. A hint of truffle and sous-bois, too. Medium-bodied on the palate with firm, dusty tannins that grow and extend in a long, succulent finish. Tempranillo, graciano and mazuelo.

The Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Deep violet to the eye, this wine has a nose of black plum, dark chocolate and dried hillside herbs. Bold red berry flavors are joined by plush tannins and deeper notes of mocha, truffle and thyme. As flavors and textures wind down on the palate, a note of orange zest remains.

The Wine Spectator 90 Points | A classy red, fresh and fragrant, with notes of bay leaf, pepper and tar-tinged mineral accenting crushed cherry and blackberry fruit flavors. Shows good focus, with lightly chalky tannins in a medium-bodied frame. Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano. Drink now through 2026. 50,000 cases made, 3,500 cases imported.

Memo Summary Notes

The Bodegas Beronia Rioja Gran Reserva 2018 represents the pinnacle of Beronia’s classic lineup. While the Mi Villa you looked at earlier is fresh and unoaked, this Gran Reserva is the complete opposite: a wine defined by patience, extensive aging, and complex secondary flavors.

A wine of this stature needs "heavy lifters" to match its intensity:

• • Game: Roasted duck or wild boar ragu.

  • Mature Cheeses: Aged Manchego, Roncal, or even a salty Blue cheese.

  • Umami Dishes: Anything involving truffles or wild forest mushrooms.

    Red Meats: Slow-roasted lamb shanks, prime rib, or venison. 

The Making of Rioja GRAN Reserva

The 2018 vintage of Rioja GRAN Reserva is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. Grapes are handpicked at optimal ripeness, then aged for an impressive 24 months in oak barrels, which adds layers of flavor and structure. This careful aging process ensures that the wine develops a wonderful balance of fruity and spicy notes. Because of this attention to detail, you can trust that every sip delivers a rich, sophisticated experience that complements many meals or stands alone as a delightful choice.

An Overview of Beronia Wineries

Beronia Wineries is a renowned name in the world of Spanish wine, particularly noted for its exceptional Rioja creations. Founded in 1973, the winery embraces traditional methods combined with modern innovation. The iconic Rioja GRAN Reserva 2018 showcases the rich heritage and quality that Beronia represents. Using Tempranillo grapes, this wine reflects the unique terroir of Rioja, bringing depth and complexity to every bottle, making it a sought-after choice for wine enthusiasts.

Pairing Suggestions and Serving Tips

When serving the Beronia Rioja Gran Reserva 2018, consider decanting it for about an hour before enjoying. This allows the wine to breathe and enhances its flavors. It pairs beautifully with dishes such as grilled lamb, gourmet cheeses, and hearty stews. This wine is perfect for special occasions or cozy evenings at home, making it a versatile addition to your wine collection.

Jumilla's Benchmark Monastrell — Old Vines, Organic, Exceptional Value

The Juan Gil Silver Label (Etiqueta Plata) is the flagship wine of the Gil family and one of the most celebrated value reds in the world — consistently delivering the concentration and complexity of a wine twice its price. Sourced from 40+ year old vines planted in high-altitude, limestone-rich soils in Jumilla, southeastern Spain, and farmed organically and veganic, the 2023 vintage is a benchmark expression of what Monastrell can achieve in this sun-drenched appellation.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

• Vinous — 91 pts: "Bitter orange, herbs, mint and white pepper. Dry, with a slightly plush, concentrated texture and a satisfying finish."

Winemaker Notes

Juan Gil 12 Meses Silver Label Monastrell Jumilla 2023 Organic 750ml

The 2023 vintage is particularly noted for its precision — optical sorting technology ensures only the cleanest, most expressive organic grapes make it into the vat. Aged 12 months (12 meses) for added depth and structure, with the estate's signature dark fruit intensity balanced by fresh acidity and mineral lift.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: 100% Monastrell
• Farming: Certified Organic & Vegan
• Vine Age: 40+ years
• Soils: High-altitude limestone
• Appellation: Jumilla DO, Murcia, Spain
• Aging: 12 months (12 Meses)
• Producer: Bodegas Juan Gil
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for lamb chops, grilled chorizo, beef stew, roasted peppers, and aged Manchego. Also excellent with hearty vegetarian dishes.

Chateau Mont Redon Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Rouge 2023 375ml HALF BOTTLE

Producer Description

Enchanting and complex on the nose with red fruit, tobacco leaf, licorice, and delicate spices. Super-sensual on the palate — rich and refined, with stunning interplay of ripe fruit, raw-meat, and smoked-bacon character. Very long, silky finish. Sustainable. Drink or hold.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

James Suckling 97 Points — Brimming with youthful Amarena cherry fruit, this has excellent concentration but also a compact tannic core. Really needs some time to open up. Very long and intense finish with stacks of licorice.

Vinous 92 Points — Vinified from fully destemmed grapes, the deep ruby-colored 2023 develops with red and black plum, licorice, fresh violets, and leafy elements. Full-bodied and polished, with a juicy core of fruit and good freshness on the bright resolution.

Wine Advocate 91 Points — A blend of 60% Grenache Noir, 31% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre, and other permitted varieties. Somewhat introverted and oak-driven, opening with aromas of toast, spices, and licorice. Medium- to full-bodied, enveloping and creamy, with a fleshy core of fruit framed by assertive oak tannins. Well-balanced and competently executed.

Wine Details

Producer: Château Mont-Redon
Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France
Blend: 60% Grenache Noir, 31% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre
Vintage: 2023
Size: 375ml (Half Bottle)
Farming: Sustainable

About This Wine

Beringer's Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has long been one of California's benchmark expressions of the variety — a wine that bridges Napa's richness with Sonoma's elegance. Sourced from the volcanic soils of Knights Valley, just east of the Mayacamas Mountains, the 2022 vintage delivers everything this appellation is known for: depth, structure, and a sense of place.

The 2022 growing season brought warmth and richness, yielding bold layers of blackcurrant, plum, and boysenberry, accented by dark chocolate, sage, and hints of tobacco and cedar. Extended maceration extracted maximum color and flavor, while 14 months in French oak (30% new) added spice and texture without overwhelming the fruit. Fine-grained tannins and bright acidity give this wine both immediate appeal and genuine aging potential.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep plum with ruby highlights
• Nose: Blackcurrant, boysenberry, cassis, dark chocolate, sage, cedar, wild lavender
• Palate: Medium-to-full body, plush sandy tannins, vibrant acidity, baking spice, crushed stone
• Finish: Long, elegant, savory — structured and mouthwatering

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 93 | Perfumed aromas of red currants, lavender, fresh thyme and graphite. Medium-bodied with plush tannins and balanced acidity, giving flavors of raspberry coulis, red licorice and baking spices. Very soft and delicate, with a nicely constructed backbone. Drink or hold.

Food Pairings

Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb chops, aged cheddar, and mushroom risotto. A natural at the dinner table, equally at home with a casual weeknight meal or a celebratory feast.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: 2022
Region: Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California
Appellation: Knights Valley AVA
Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot
Oak Aging: 14 months, French oak (30% new)
Style: Full-bodied Red Wine

A Limited Single-Vineyard Pinot Noir from Arroyo Seco, Monterey County

“Balade” is French for wandering — a fitting name for Belle Glos’s annual exploration of the most compelling single-vineyard Pinot Noir blocks on the West Coast. Each vintage, only the most nuanced and expressive block is selected for this limited bottling. The 2022 comes from the Arroyo Seco appellation in Monterey County, delivering dark purple-violet tones, enticing blackberry and boysenberry aromas, and a palate of black cherry, wild blackberry, and jammy plum with beautiful acidity and a long, mouthwatering finish.

Expert Reviews

• Wine Enthusiast (Matt Kettmann) — 92 pts: Dried cherry, baked plum and a full spice rack of aromas on the nose. Tense, slightly sappy tannins frame the sip, where black plum, stewed cherry and bay leaf flavors lead into a wood smoke-kissed finish. (Vintage 2022). 

Winemaker Notes

Belle Glos Pinot Noir BALADE Single Survey Arroyo Seco Monterey County 2022 750ml

Dark purple-violet in color with enticing aromas of blackberry and boysenberry. Sophisticated on the palate with flavors of black cherry, wild blackberry, and jammy plum. Balanced and structured with beautiful acidity that lingers through to a long, mouthwatering finish.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, California
• Producer: Belle Glos
• Vintage: 2022
• Bottling: Limited Single-Vineyard Release
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A versatile partner at the table — exceptional with roasted duck, grilled salmon, lamb chops, mushroom risotto, pork tenderloin, and aged cheeses.

Monte Degli Angeli Pinot Noir Monferrato Piedmont 2024

Expert Review — Vintage 2024

James Suckling 91 Points | Raspberries and raw mushrooms on the nose of this medium-bodied red. Earthy and fresh with a medium body and lightly chalky tannins.

Winemaker's Notes

Rich, silky, and velvety with smooth tannins. Expressive fruity notes of cherry, strawberry, raspberry, and ripe tomato, layered with floral hints of rose petal and violet. A wine that delivers elegance and approachability in equal measure — a standout value from Piedmont's Monferrato appellation.

Food Pairings

• Meats: Roast beef, braised lamb, or classic Boeuf Bourguignon.
• Vegetarian: Wild mushroom risotto, truffle-infused pasta, or butternut squash ravioli with sage.
• Cheese: Soft, creamy cheeses like Brie or mild goat cheese.

About the Wine

While Piedmont is celebrated for its bold Nebbiolo-based wines like Barolo, this Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) from Monte Degli Angeli is a rare gem — offering Burgundian-inspired elegance at a remarkable price point. A high-quality, budget-friendly Italian red that punches well above its weight.

Tenuta di Fessina “Erse” Etna Bianco — Mt. Etna, Sicily 2024

Named after Erse, the Greek goddess of morning dew, this wine is a direct expression of the mist-shrouded, high-altitude vineyards that cling to the northern slopes of Mt. Etna. Tenuta di Fessina is one of the pioneering estates of the Etna renaissance — a project born from a deep belief that these ancient volcanic soils, farmed by small growers for generations, could produce wines of world-class distinction. The “Erse” Bianco is their signature white: a pure, mineral-driven Carricante that captures the tension and transparency only Etna can deliver.

The 2024 vintage on Etna was marked by cool nights and excellent diurnal range, preserving the grape’s natural acidity and aromatic precision. The result is a wine of striking vibrancy — toasty minerality and citrus on the nose, with lemon tree, lemon paste, and a whisper of candied fruit. Medium-bodied on the palate, it has real tension and a tight, focused finish that lingers with volcanic energy. James Suckling awarded it 93 points and called it “complex” — high praise for a wine at this price.

James Suckling 93 — “Complex, showing toasty minerality and citrus. Tension and vibrancy with a tight finish.”

• Producer: Tenuta di Fessina, Mt. Etna, Sicily, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Etna Bianco DOC
• Varietal: Carricante
• Size: 750ml
• Color: Pale gold with green highlights
• Nose: Toasty minerality, lemon tree, lemon paste, candied citrus
• Palate: Medium-bodied, tense and vibrant, tight mineral finish
• Drink: Drink now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Grilled branzino, seafood pasta, swordfish alla Siciliana, burrata, fresh cheeses

One of Italy’s most exciting white wine regions — and one of its best values.

Classic Left Bank Bordeaux at an Exceptional Price

Château Potensac is one of the Médoc’s most reliable overachievers — a Cru Bourgeois estate managed by the Delon family of Château Léoville-Las Cases, bringing Grand Cru-level precision to an appellation-level price. The 2021 is a Cabernet-driven blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, delivering classic Left Bank structure: cassis, graphite, cedar, and firm, age-worthy tannins.

Winemaker Notes

Chateau Potensac Médoc 2021 750ml

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot from the northern Médoc, managed by the Delon family of Léoville-Las Cases. The 2021 vintage produced wines of classic structure and freshness across the Left Bank — firm, focused, and built for the cellar. Approachable from 2025 and will evolve through 2035+.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
• Appellation: Médoc, Bordeaux, France
• Producer: Château Potensac
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois
• Vintage: 2021
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A classic Bordeaux table wine — exceptional with roasted lamb, grilled ribeye, duck confit, mushroom-based dishes, aged Comté, and Ossau-Iraty.