Products

Benziger Family Winery | Chardonnay | 2023

A bright, food-friendly Chardonnay sourced primarily from Monterey County — California's premier cool-climate home for Burgundian whites. The Pacific Ocean's maritime fog rolls in to slow ripening, preserving crisp acidity while allowing flavors to fully develop over the long growing season. Limestone-rich Lockwood shale adds a layer of complex minerality that lifts the wine beyond its price point. In the cellar, cold fermentation in neutral French oak followed by six months of sur lie aging in new French oak builds texture and depth, while 75% malolactic fermentation softens the mid-palate without sacrificing freshness. The result: a clean, balanced Chardonnay with a long finish that overdelivers at the table.

• Appellation: Monterey County, California
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml | Screwcap
• Cellaring: Drink now through 2027
• Oak: Cold fermented in neutral French oak; sur lie aged 6 months in new French oak
• MLF: 75%

Tasting Notes

Dry and crisp with medium body and a long finish. Notes of lemon zest, green apple, ripe pear, and apricot, with a subtle mineral thread and a hint of toasted oak on the close.

Winemaker's Notes — 2023 Vintage

Moderate conditions during the growing and ripening seasons produced healthy yields and superb quality. Mild temperatures and extended hang time allowed acidity to remain in balance with full flavor development.

Benziger Family Winery · Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Reserve · 2016

Benziger Family Winery has farmed its Sonoma County estate biodynamically and organically for decades, and this Reserve bottling shows what that commitment brings to the glass. Made with certified organic grapes, fermented with native yeast, and aged in French oak, it's a small-production Pinot Noir that lifts aromas of tilled soil and sweet cherries from the first pour.

This Russian River Valley Pinot Noir opens with black cherry, raspberry, and a hint of sweet tobacco. On the palate it's savory, layered with still-fragrant dried fruit, earthy white pepper, and soft, elegant tannins that carry through a long finish.

Tasting Panel: 93 Points — "Made with certified organic grapes, utilizing native yeast fermentation, and aged in French oak, this special Pinot Noir lifts aromas of tilled soil and sweet cherries out of the glass. It's savory on the palate with sweet tobacco and still-fragrant dried fruit." (2016)

Winemaker Description: This wine was made with certified organically grown grapes. Our organically grown wines are audited annually and certified by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). We believe organic grape growing promotes wines that reflect the authentic flavors, aromas, and character of the vineyard.

• Producer: Benziger Family Winery, Glen Ellen, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2016
• Appellation: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Farming: Certified organic, native yeast fermentation
• Aging: French oak
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, raspberry, sweet tobacco, white pepper, elegant tannins

A small-production Reserve that shows exactly why Benziger's organic farming pays off in the glass.

Bérêche et Fils’ Ambonnay Grand Cru is one of the most coveted single-village expressions in their portfolio — and among the most compelling Blanc de Noirs in all of Champagne. Sourced from a single lieu-dit, “Les Tourets,” in the western part of Ambonnay village, this is Pinot Noir of extraordinary purity and presence. Ambonnay’s signature cashmere-like texture is immediately apparent: open, enveloping, and generous, with a volume and power that never tips into heaviness. Brioche and honey on the attack give way to floral lift and a finish that is invigorating, slightly iodized, and saline — the unmistakable signature of chalk and grand cru terroir. A wine of genuine rarity, with just 2,325 bottles produced.

Critical Review
“A beautiful, enveloping wine; brioche-like on the attack, floral, with notes of honey and ripeness. The finish is invigorating, slightly iodized, and saline.” — Le Rouge et le Blanc

Varietal: Pinot Noir (Blanc de Noirs)
Vintage: 2020
Appellation: Ambonnay Grand Cru, Champagne, France
Lieu-dit: Les Tourets
Style: Extra Brut
Farming: Biodynamic
Production: 2,325 bottles
Bottle Size: 750ml

Bérêche et Fils has been producing Champagne since the mid-19th century, and the estate’s reputation as one of the finest in the entire region has only grown under the stewardship of brothers Raphaël and Vincent Bérêche. Their approach is uncompromising: single-vineyard plots, minimal dosage, no malolactic fermentation, and a deep respect for terroir that allows each site to speak with clarity and precision. The result is a house style that is unmistakably racy, mineral, and built for the long haul.

This Cramant Grand Cru is a singular expression of one of Champagne’s most celebrated Chardonnay terroirs — a finely defined, powdery, and ethereally fresh wine resting upon an incredible bedrock of chalk. The nose is ample and delicate, evoking hawthorn against a backdrop of slightly damp chalk. The palate is unctuous and pure, revealing notes of iodine and extraordinary mineral tension. The finish — soft, chalky, and seemingly endless — gives way to the sheer emotion that only a great Cramant can evoke. A magnificent vintage with excellent aging potential.

Varietal: Chardonnay (Blanc de Blancs)
Vintage: 2020
Appellation: Cramant Grand Cru, Champagne, France
Style: Extra Brut / Zero Dosage
Farming: Biodynamic
Bottle Size: 750ml

Bergström Wines | Cumberland Reserve Pinot Noir | Willamette Valley, Oregon | 2023 | 375ml Half Bottle

Bergström Wines is one of Oregon's most celebrated Pinot Noir producers, founded by John Bergström — a Swedish-born surgeon who pursued the American dream to Portland, Oregon — and now led by his son Josh and daughter-in-law Caroline. From their estate in the Chehalem Mountains, Bergström farms multiple vineyards across the Willamette Valley with a commitment to biodynamic viticulture and minimal intervention winemaking, producing wines of extraordinary purity, complexity, and terroir expression.

The Cumberland Reserve is Bergström's benchmark appellation-level Pinot Noir — a blend from their five estate vineyards plus select purchased fruit, matured for 10 months. It represents the house style at its most accessible and consistently delivers remarkable value for the quality. The 2023 vintage in the Willamette Valley produced wines of exceptional freshness, balance, and aromatic complexity.

The 2023 Cumberland Reserve is bright and seductive. The nose is expressive and multilayered — raspberry liqüeur, fresh cherry, crushed wild berries, violets, lavender, mocha, fresh sage, and a hint of cedary spice. On the palate, medium-bodied and mouthwatering with ripe, detailed tannins, bright acidity, and a long, tense, refreshing finish. A stunning introduction to the vintage and a benchmark for the region. Now available in a convenient 375ml half bottle.

Pair with roast duck, salmon, mushroom risotto, lamb, charcuterie, and Pinot-friendly aged cheeses.

• Producer: Bergström Wines
• Appellation: Willamette Valley AVA, Oregon, USA
• Sub-zone: Yamhill-Carlton
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2023
• Vinification: Blend of 5 estate vineyards + select purchased fruit; 10 months maturation
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023

• Jeb Dunnuck — 94 pts: Raspberry liqüeur, mocha, floral perfume, and fresh sage. Medium-bodied with ripe, detailed tannins and a long finish. A stunning introduction to the vintage and a benchmark for the region.
• James Suckling — 94 pts: Bright and seductive — fresh cherries, crushed wild berries, violets, wet rocks and subtle spices. Racy and mouthwatering with spicy and minerally tension and a lingering finish.
• Wine Advocate — 93 pts: Strawberry, raspberry, forest floor and earthy undertones. Bright, spicy fruit framed by soft, chalky tannins and mouthwatering acidity. Long, bright finish.
• Vinous — 93 pts: Incredibly fresh — dusty dried flowers, lavender, cedary spice and wild blueberries. Ripe wild berry fruits and crisp mineral tones over pure silk. Long, tense, remarkably fresh finish. Amazing value.
• Wine Spectator — 93 pts: Generous yet silky — raspberry and guava accented by fresh violet, orange peel and dusky spice. Gathers richness on the lively 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.

Expert Reviews- Vintage 2021

Tim Fish of the Wine Spectator writes 95 Points |  Supple, richly textured and elegantly complex, this Pinot opens with a burst of fresh raspberry, then unfolds with notes of forest floor and brown baking spices, plus a touch of licorice as it builds tension toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2032. 1,100 cases made.

Clive Pursehouse of Decanter writes 94 Points | Elegance is personified in this 2021 bottling of Bergström's renowned Silice. So-named for the sandy silica soils, the hallmark of the hilly Chehalem Mountain vineyard source. Beautiful bright fruit aromas are further framed by touches of tomato leaf, pine bough and mossy forest floor. The palate is marked by fleshy red raspberries, early season blackberry and fine grain tannin that provides a structure that shows this wine's longevity. (Drink between 2023-2031).

Erin Brooks of The Wine Advocate writes 94 Points |  Medium ruby-purple, the 2021 Pinot Noir Silice Vineyard blossoms slowly to pomegranate, blackberry, watermelon, dried herbs and aniseed. The medium-bodied palate is loaded with wild berry fruit. Combining power and elegance, it's silky and seamless in the mouth, and a flourish of spicy accents across the finish hints it has more to reveal over the next 2-3 years in bottle.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2021 Bergström Silice Pinot Noir is a highly acclaimed, estate-grown wine that gained significant fame after being named the #32 Wine of the Year in the 2023 Wine Spectator Top 100.

Named "Silice" (French for silica) due to the deep, sandy marine soils of the vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains, this wine is known for its ethereal perfume and mineral complexity rather than heavy weight.

Winemaker Description 

The Beringer Founders' Estate Merlot is approachable and delicious. Hints of plum and brown spice on the nose compliment the boysenberry, blackberry and blueberry finish on the palate. It's well-balanced, soft tannins make this wine a perfect accompaniment to a variety of foods, such as grilled meats or hearty vegetable dishes. 

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

There's a California warmth to this Chardonnay that feels effortless — ripe pear, pineapple, and mango layered over crisp Granny Smith apple and a whisper of citrus zest. Ron barrel-fermented 70% of the wine in French and American oak (20% new) for eight months, drawing out notes of vanilla, caramel, and nutmeg, while the remaining 30% aged in stainless steel to keep things fresh and bright. The result is a wine that's both generous and clean — a classically round mouthfeel with enough acidity to keep every sip lively. Great alone, better at the table.

• Grape: Chardonnay
• Region: California, USA
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Aging: 70% French & American oak (20% new, 8 months) / 30% stainless steel

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

Citrus and lemon aromas with slight notes of fresh grass. The mouth is balanced and structured.

The Benchmark of Amarone — Bertani's 2011 Della Valpolicella

Bertani and Amarone are nearly synonymous — the estate's 150+ year history in the Veneto is so intertwined with this iconic appellation that one cannot speak of great Amarone without invoking the Bertani name. Their Amarone is a wine of uncompromising elegance rather than brute power, built for the long haul and rewarding patience with extraordinary complexity. The 2011 vintage, now over a decade in bottle, is drinking magnificently — a rare opportunity to experience a fully mature, world-class Amarone at its peak.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2011

• James Suckling — 97 pts: "Density and dryness that really comes together here, after almost 10 years in bottle. Very deep and vertical on the palate. Very pure and beautiful crushed cherries, dried flowers, carbon and pumice. Wonderful all round. Drink or hold."
• Decanter (Aldo Fiordelli) — 94 pts: "One of the most classic Amarones, which has never changed its elegant rather than powerful style. Bright garnet in the glass, dominated by leather, earthy tones and restrained raspberry fruit. Fresh character with hints of citrus, slightly oxidative flavours and a Modica salted-chocolate finish. Full and firm, with outstanding balance between suppleness and structure. Drinking 2021–2047."
• Wine Spectator (Alison Napjus) — 91 pts: "A poised red, expanding slowly on the palate, with fine, creamy tannins enmeshed with black cherry coulis, black plum reduction, iron, dark chocolate and tobacco notes. Fresh and focused, with a lasting, spiced finish. Drink now through 2031."

Winemaker Notes

Bertani Amarone Della Valpolicella 2011 750ml

Bertani's impact on Veneto winemaking is so considerable that their name and Amarone are nearly inseparable. Their 150+ year history is dotted with groundbreaking initiatives and royal accreditation. While respectful of tradition, Bertani strives toward innovation — using progressive techniques allied with extensive experience and a deeply felt respect for the land to produce wines of uncompromising quality.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grapes: Corvina, Rondinella
• Appellation: Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, Veneto
• Producer: Bertani
• Vintage: 2011
• Drinking Window: Now–2047
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A wine for the grandest occasions — exceptional with braised beef short ribs, osso buco, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, wild boar ragù, truffle dishes, and dark chocolate desserts.

Winemaker Description

The red wine "Trio" by Berthet-Bondet consists of the three common red grapes of the Jura, Trousseau, Poulsard and Pinot Noir. This elegant red wine smells of spices and pepper, a slight wild animal note, typical of the poulsard, can also be perceived. 

A completely independent wine, somewhat comparable in structure and fullness to neighboring Burgundy, but not aromatic. A characterful red for friends of the unusual.

In 1985, Chantal and Jean Berthet-Bondet took over a domaine that had not been producing wine for 50 years, and brought it back to life. In 2017, their daughter Hélène succeeded them, helped by her husband and two children. The vineyards spread on 15 hectares, 4.5ha of Savagnin in Château-Chalon and 10.5ha of Chardonnay, Savagnin, Trousseau, Poulsard and Pinot Noir in Côtes-du-Jura appellation. A new plot of Chardonnay was planted in 2022, using for the first time massal selection and young plants from the Bérillon nurseries. The vineyard is off to a magnificient start. Château-Chalon possesses the noblest terroir in the Jura region. A composition of limestone and red and gray marl confers both power and great finesse to these wines. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description 

100% Savagnin. The lieu-dit Savagnier is located in the commune of Lavigny, close to Balanoz. The vines are planted on gravel and marl soil. This cuvée is made in a non-oxidized style and aged on the lees for 10 months in stainless steel tanks.

Aromas of citrus and exotic fruits, lots of minerality on the palate. Drink within 5 years and enjoy as an aperitif or with light fare. 

Winemaker Description

For its 170th anniversary, Maison Besserat de Bellefon gave its cellar master, Cédric Thibault, the freedom to imagine an exceptional cuvée expressing the best of his style. Perfect for special occasions, this extraordinary champagne will pair perfectly with lobster or haddock.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | This limited-edition wine is a blend of grand cru Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Aged for 10 years in bottle, it is a steely, structured wine that brings sophistication to the white fruits and lively acidity. Drink now.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Big Table Farm Pinot Noir — Willamette Valley, Oregon 2023

Big Table Farm is one of Willamette Valley's most beloved small producers — a genuine farm winery run by Brian and Clare Carver, who raise animals, grow vegetables, and make wine with the same hands-on, unhurried philosophy. Their Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is sourced from a network of trusted growers across the valley, blended to capture the region's signature elegance: bright red fruit, floral lift, and the kind of fine-grained structure that makes Oregon Pinot so compelling at the table. The 2023 vintage produced just 2,154 cases.

The wine pours a translucent ruby. The nose is supple and elegantly complex — delicate raspberry, cherry, rose petal, orange peel, and dusky spices. On the palate, it's bright and energetic with crunchy tannins and focused acidity, delivering red apple, blood orange, and raspberry with a lovely balance of fruit and savory undertones. Fine-grained tannins carry it through a long, polished finish. Drink now through 2033.

"Supple and elegantly complex, with delicate raspberry and cherry flavors laced with rose petal, orange peel and dusky spices as this glides toward fine-grained tannins." — Wine Spectator, 93 Points

• Producer: Big Table Farm, Willamette Valley, Oregon
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Willamette Valley AVA
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Production: 2,154 cases
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: Wine Spectator 93 | James Suckling 93
• Drink: Now through 2033
• Tasting Notes: Raspberry, cherry, rose petal, orange peel, blood orange, dusky spices, fine-grained tannins
• Best Paired With: Roasted duck, mushroom risotto, truffled dishes, lean pork or veal, brie, goat cheese

A dual 93-point Willamette Valley Pinot Noir from one of Oregon's most authentic farm wineries — elegant, precise, and built for the table.

Producer Description 

Dark, burnt caramel color. Bright aromas of orange zest, molasses, ginger spice cake.

Warm flavors of bittersweet orange marmalade, mulling spices, and rich caramel with a bitter finish.

Produced by the Bigallet distillery according to the original recipe since 1875, China-China Amer is an incomparably rich and complex, 80 proof, orange-based, bittersweet liqueur peppered with botanical infusions.

The intense orange aroma and flavor in China-China comes from Bigallet's proprietary process of distilling fresh orange peel macerations. This intense orange distillate is blended with earthy and bitter gentian, tart chinchona bark, velvety anise, spicy clove, and a handful of other secret, Alpine herbs and spices. The flavors are married with rich caramel to balance the natural bitterness, and the dark, orange glow of China-China is born.

Memo Summary Notes

Bigallet China-China Amer is a legendary French bittersweet liqueur that has been produced in the French Alps since 1875. Often described as the "French answer to Amaro," it is an essential ingredient for serious home bartenders, primarily because it is the closest widely available substitute for the elusive Amer Picon

Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve — Champagne, France · NV

Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve is a nonvintage Champagne made from wines selected across more than twenty top vineyards in the Marne department. The winemaker describes a blend of 40% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, a composition said to have changed little over nearly fifty years.

Its persistent, fine mousse accompanies a straw-colored profile of ripe pear and cut hay. Tasting notes from critics add dried lemon, grapefruit, salted almonds, Asian pear, star fruit, pastry and honey, with creamy bubbles and mouthwatering acidity.

James Suckling · 92 Points · NV
Dried lemon, grapefruit, croissants and salted almonds here, with a flavorful palate. Creamy bubbles. Layered and delicious NV. 40% pinot meunier, 30% chardonnay and 30% pinot noir. Drink now.

Wine Spectator · 91 Points · historical review
A harmonious Champagne that's satiny in texture, framing flavors of Asian pear, star fruit, pastry and honey with mouthwatering acidity. Offers a fine and creamy finish. Drink now through 2021.

Jeb Dunnuck · 90 Points · 2016-vintage release
The first wine tasted in a short vertical to highlight the evolution of the NV Champagne Brut over the past several years, this release is from the 2016 vintage and is composed of 44% Meunier and 28% each Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with 64% reserve wine, with 4% cask aging. Pouring a rich straw hue, it opens to generous and lightly toasty aromas of ripe red berries, caramel, and honeycomb. Medium to full-bodied, it’s ripe, rounded, expressive, and approachable, although it feels the touch of dosage in its texture as well as the suggestion of sweetness. Its fruit is ripe and long on the palate, with a hint of walnut skin on the long finish. It is certainly the classic, old school style, and compared to the other wines, has a bit broader shoulders. Its toasty touch likely comes from the malolactic fermentation that was permitted as opposed to oak.

Winemaker Description
Fine bubbles which rise slowly, persistent mousse. Straw-colored. A nose of ripe pear with some touches of cut hay. Full fruit, but clean in the mouth. This cuvée contains 40% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay. All wines from the best sites in the department of the Marne, from more than twenty top vineyards in Champagne. The overall composition of this cuvée has not changed much for almost fifty years. Fresh and long tasting, the Brut Réserve may be drunk on all occasions.

• Producer: Billecart-Salmon
• Cuvée: Brut Réserve
• Vintage: Nonvintage (NV)
• Appellation: Champagne, France
• Blend (winemaker description): 40% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay
• Style: Brut sparkling wine
• Size: 375ml half bottle
• Serving: Chilled, as an aperitif or with seafood and light dishes

Fine, persistent bubbles and a generous, balanced profile bring classic Champagne character to this half bottle.

The wine itself is Billecart-Salmon’s classic Brut Réserve, presented in the distinctive red-and-black limited-edition label. Billecart-Salmon and (RED) first collaborated nearly a decade ago and have renewed the partnership with a limited release, with a portion of each bottle sold supporting critical healthcare programs in communities most affected by AIDS.

Crafted from the three classic Champagne varieties — Meunier, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir — Brut Réserve is sourced from outstanding sites throughout Champagne. The blend incorporates a significant proportion of reserve wines, giving the cuvée impressive consistency, complexity and depth while retaining the graceful, refined character for which Billecart-Salmon is known.

In the glass, it shows a brilliant straw-gold color and an exceptionally fine stream of persistent bubbles. The bouquet is clean and precise, opening with white stone fruits, fresh orchard fruit and delicate floral notes, followed by subtle hints of biscuit and toast.

The palate is beautifully balanced and silky, with flavors of crisp apple, pear and citrus complemented by gentle roasted and biscuity notes. Fine mousse and vibrant acidity give the wine wonderful energy, while a mineral backbone carries through to a long, fresh and elegant finish.

This is a wonderfully versatile Champagne: sophisticated enough for celebrations, yet balanced and food-friendly enough to enjoy throughout a meal. Serve well chilled as an aperitif or pair with oysters, shellfish, sushi, smoked salmon, light poultry dishes and soft cheeses.

Tasting Notes

Color: Bright straw gold with fine, persistent bubbles
Aromas: White fruits, orchard fruit, flowers and delicate biscuit
Palate: Crisp apple, pear, citrus and subtle toasted notes
Style: Fresh, refined, harmonious and beautifully balanced
Finish: Long, mineral and elegant

Food Pairings

Oysters · Caviar · Sushi · Smoked salmon · Shellfish · Roasted poultry · Soft cheeses

Limited Edition

The distinctive (RED) label is more than special packaging: it represents Billecart-Salmon’s partnership with (RED). The current collaboration contributes $5 from every (BILLECART-SALMON)RED bottle sold to support programs fighting AIDS and expanding access to essential healthcare.

Please note: This is the classic Billecart-Salmon Réserve cuvée in a special limited-edition (RED) presentation; it is not a red or rosé Champagne. 

Billecart-Salmon · Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon Brut Rosé 2013 · Champagne, France

Created as a tribute to Elisabeth Salmon, co-founder of Billecart-Salmon, this prestige rosé combines Pinot Noir’s depth with Chardonnay’s finesse. First created in 1988, the cuvée is represented here by the 2013 vintage in a 750ml bottle.

Character & Style

The supplied notes describe luminous salmon-pink color with copper reflections, berry fruit, floral perfume, blood orange, pastry, and a chalky finish. A delicate, silky texture balances concentration and freshness. The listed blend is 53% Pinot Noir and 47% Chardonnay, with a dosage of 4.4 g/L.

Expert Reviews

Vinous · 97 Points
The 2013 Brut Rosé Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon is much more exuberant than the 2012, even though on the surface, that does not exactly align with the respective vintages. The decision to use a bit more new oak, more still red wine and a touch higher dosage to soften the natural austerity of the year paid off handsomely. Rose petal, blood orange, spice and kirsch confer a decidedly exotic flair. The ample, substantial finish is striking. Dosage is 4.4 grams per liter. Disgorged: January 2024. (AG)

James Suckling · 96 Points
Very fragrant wildflower honey, citrus, sliced apple, nutmeg and pastry aromas. It's beautifully fresh and saline on the palate, with fantastic concentration, but in a delicate, silky way. Long, elegant and chalky finish. 53% pinot noir (Ay, Mareuil-sur-Ay (9%) and Bouzy) and 47% chardonnay (Cramant, Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger). 4.4 g/L dosage. Disgorged January 2024. Drink now or hold. (CN)

Jeb Dunnuck · 96 Points
The 2013 Champagne Elizabeth Salmon Rosé pours a deeper copper/salmon color, but not too dark, with more orange undertones. It offers notes of smoky wet stone, pithy grapefruit, and licorice. It has a long, fruity feel on the palate, with verticality and a fluffy mousse. The focus and backbone of Chardonnay really play into it in this vintage, which I prefer. Drink over the coming 20 years. Made from 53% Pinot Noir from Aÿ (sélection massale) and Bouzy, with red wine from parcels in Mesnil-sur-Aÿ, and 47% Chardonnay from Oger, Cramant, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. It was 5% barrel vinified and 95% stainless steel.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate · 94+ Points
Disgorged in January 2024 with a dosage of 4.4 grams per liter, the 2013 Rosé Elisabeth Salmon emerges from this cool, late-ripening vintage as a rather giving, generous rendition. It unfurls in the glass with aromas of dried apricot, dark cherry and grapefruit mingled with a subtle hint of mocha. On the palate, it is full-bodied, ample and enveloping, offering a sweetly fruited core underpinned by tangy acidity, culminating in a precise, perfumed finish. This is a fleshy, though somewhat old-fashioned Champagne that, at present, does not quite attain the depth of Louis Salmon of the same vintage; however, it would not be surprising to see it improve considerably with additional time on cork following disgorgement. It is composed of an almost equal blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and was vinified almost entirely in stainless steel, with full malolactic fermentation. Rating: 94+

Winemaker Notes

A very luminous visual presence with soft salmony and slightly coppery glints of light. A very seductive blend of stunning brilliance draped in elegant effervescence. A sensual, refreshing expression of red and black berry fruits, sublimated by the floral elegance of peony and violet. An exquisite sensation of aromatic fullness rich in fully ripened fruits (blueberry and cherry pit). Beautifully refined and mature olfactory notes, opening on to the inimitable scent of fragrant roses and salty sea spray. A tactile, wholly delicate, impact of measured yet bewitching power. A harmonious flowering of moreish flavors and pastries (cherry clafoutis, Canada apples and blood orange jelly). A delicate mouth structure, progressing towards a finish on a hint of chalkiness and zest of Corsican clementines.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Serve chilled in a white wine glass to explore the aromatic detail. Consider langoustines, lobster, salmon, fine poultry, or wild mushroom and truffle risotto.

Wine Details

• Producer: Billecart-Salmon
• Cuvée: Elisabeth Salmon
• Vintage: 2013
• Origin: Champagne, France
• Style: Brut Rosé
• Blend: 53% Pinot Noir, 47% Chardonnay
• Vineyards listed: Grand Cru and Premier Cru
• Chardonnay villages listed: Oger, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger
• Pinot Noir villages listed: Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Aÿ, Bouzy
• Oak vinification listed: 5%
• Lees aging listed: 115 months
• Dosage: 4.4 g/L
• Disgorgement cited in the reviews: January 2024
• Bottle size: 750ml

Billecart-Salmon Demi-Sec is a beautifully refined expression of the sweeter side of Champagne, combining richness and generosity with the remarkable finesse for which this historic family-owned house is renowned. Rather than simply emphasizing sweetness, the cuvée achieves an impressive balance between dosage, freshness and acidity, resulting in a Champagne that is lush and expressive while remaining elegant and remarkably easy to drink.

The blend is identical to that of Billecart-Salmon’s celebrated Brut Réserve, but with a higher dosage that gives the wine additional roundness, texture and richness. It is composed of approximately 40% Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, drawing fruit from several of Champagne’s important growing areas, including the Montagne de Reims, Grande Vallée de la Marne, Vallée de la Marne and selected Chardonnay crus throughout the region. A substantial proportion of reserve wines adds depth, consistency and complexity to the final blend.

In the glass, the Champagne displays a luminous pale-gold color with a persistent stream of very fine bubbles. The bouquet is lively and inviting, opening with delicate white flowers before developing richer notes of buttered brioche, pastry and ripe orchard fruit. On the palate, it is generous and creamy, with a fine mousse and an appealing sweetness beautifully counterbalanced by Champagne’s natural acidity. The result is harmonious rather than overtly sugary, with the richness of the fruit and dosage carried by freshness and an elegant, lingering finish.

Billecart-Salmon vinifies the wine primarily in stainless-steel tanks, with partial malolactic fermentation helping preserve freshness while adding suppleness. The current house specifications indicate approximately 50–60% reserve wines, around 30 months of aging on the lees, and a dosage of approximately 40 g/L.

Although Demi-Sec Champagne is traditionally associated with dessert, this cuvée is remarkably versatile at the table. It is particularly delicious with fruit tarts, pastries, brioche, lemon meringue tart and chocolate cake, where its combination of sweetness and acidity can complement rather than overwhelm the dessert. It can also create an intriguing sweet-and-savory pairing with richer foods such as foie gras or toasted brioche.

Serve well chilled at approximately 46°F / 8°C.

Blend

40% Meunier · 30% Pinot Noir · 30% Chardonnay

Tasting Notes

Color: Pale gold with fine, persistent bubbles
Aromas: White flowers, buttered brioche, pastry and ripe fruit
Palate: Rich and full-flavored, with creamy texture, fine bubbles and beautifully balanced sweetness and acidity
Finish: Smooth, elegant and lingering

Food Pairings

Fruit tarts · Lemon meringue tart · Chocolate cake · Pastries · Brioche · Shortbread · Foie gras

Winemaking

Approximately 50–60% reserve wines · Stainless-steel vinification · Partial malolactic fermentation · Approximately 30 months on the lees · 40 g/L dosage.

Billecart-Salmon Demi-Sec is an elegant choice for those who enjoy Champagne with greater richness and sweetness, yet still want the freshness, precision and sophisticated house style that define Billecart-Salmon.

An exceptionally refined expression of Chardonnay, Billecart-Salmon Le Blanc de Blancs is crafted entirely from Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs, one of Champagne’s most celebrated terroirs for Chardonnay.

The cuvée brings together fruit from the prestigious villages of Avize, Chouilly, Cramant and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, producing a Champagne of remarkable purity, precision and mineral intensity. Billecart-Salmon blends wines from two different years, allowing the House to capture both freshness and complexity while maintaining its signature elegant style.

Made from 100% Chardonnay, the wine is vinified in stainless-steel tanks to preserve its delicate fruit and mineral character. Between 20% and 50% reserve wines are incorporated into the blend, adding depth and complexity, while extended aging of approximately 4 to 5 years on the lees creates its refined texture and beautifully integrated mousse.

In the glass, Le Blanc de Blancs displays a luminous golden color with subtle green reflections and an exceptionally fine stream of bubbles. The mousse is delicate yet generous, giving the Champagne an elegant and polished appearance.

The bouquet is precise and mineral-driven, revealing aromas of white flowers, fresh butter and brioche, followed by bright citrus and subtle chalky notes. With time in the glass, the wine develops additional layers while retaining a remarkable sense of finesse and freshness.

On the palate, it is beautifully creamy yet vibrant. Flavors of fresh almond, lemon zest and citrus are carried by a distinctly chalky texture, reflecting the limestone-rich soils of the Côte des Blancs. A delicate meringue-like richness adds softness and depth, while the Champagne’s natural acidity keeps the palate fresh, energetic and beautifully balanced.

The finish is long, smooth and mineral, with a subtle saline note that adds precision and makes the wine particularly compelling at the table. Billecart-Salmon describes the cuvée as combining impressive vinosity with an unexpectedly fresh finish — a style that appeals especially to lovers of elegant, mineral-driven Champagne.

Vineyards

100% Grand Cru Côte des Blancs

Avize · Chouilly · Cramant · Le Mesnil-sur-Oger

Tasting Notes

Color: Luminous gold with delicate green reflections
Aromas: White flowers, brioche, fresh butter and mineral notes
Palate: Lemon zest, citrus, fresh almond, chalk and delicate meringue
Style: Creamy, precise, elegant and mineral-driven
Finish: Long, refined and saline

Winemaking

Vinification: Stainless steel
Reserve Wines: Approximately 20–50%
Lees Aging: Approximately 4–5 years
Recommended Cellaring: 8–10 years for a 750ml bottle
Serving Temperature: Approximately 50°F / 10°C
Bottle Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Oysters · Caviar · Scallops · Langoustines · Seafood carpaccio · Ceviche · Turbot · Sushi

Billecart-Salmon Le Blanc de Blancs is a beautifully precise Grand Cru Champagne, combining creamy Chardonnay richness with brilliant citrus freshness, chalky minerality and the effortless elegance for which the House is renowned.

The benchmark rosé Champagne. The one every other measures itself against.

Billecart-Salmon Le Rosé has been setting the standard since 1830 — born in the prestigious cellars of Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, crafted with a precision and elegance that is simply unmatched. This is not just Champagne. This is a moment.

In the Glass
A luminous salmon-pink with fine, persistent bubbles. The nose opens with fresh strawberry, wild raspberry, and a whisper of citrus blossom, lifted by a subtle warmth of brioche. On the palate — pliant, creamy, and strikingly expressive. Pomegranate and grapefruit weave into a brisk, finely cut finish. There is a vinous depth here, a sense that behind the Champagne, there is a real wine — effortlessly fresh, impossibly delicate.

The Blend
40% Chardonnay · 30% Pinot Noir · 30% Pinot Meunier (~7% still red wine)
NV base: 2020 · 46% reserve wines dating to 2014 · Dosage: 4.7 g/L

"At any time, it's like a ray of sunlight that transcends the beauty of the moment."
— Pierre Hermé, Legendary Pastry Chef

Expert Reviews

🍷 Antonio Galloni, Vinous — 91 pts | Pliant, creamy and super-expressive. Pomegranate and grapefruit laced into the brisk, finely cut finish. Drinking 2024–2030.

🍷 Tim Hewson, Decanter — 92 pts | Fragrant, crunchy redcurrant, red cherry and orange fruit with an alluring hibiscus-like floral lift. A rosé of immediacy and charm. Drinking 2024–2027.

Expert Reviews 

94 Points Jeb Dunnuck | The NV Champagne Brut Rose is an attractive pale salmon hue, with a fresh perfume of wild strawberry, ripe peach, white and red flowers, a hint of tropical fruit, and grapefruit. The palate is rounded, with fruit up front and through the mid-palate, and it has a silky and fresh lift. There is a wonderful ease and drinkability to this wine, which delivers balance and finesse. Best after 2022.

93 Points James Suckling | Attractive salmon color with aromas of dried strawberries and lemons, as well as hints of flowers. Full-bodied with tight tension from the fine phenolics that run through the palate. Hints of white pepper, peaches and sliced green strawberries with some candied lemons, too. Always an excellent bottle. 40% chardonnay, 30% pinot noir and 30% pinot meunier. Drink now.

91 Points Decanter | Currently based on the 2016 harvest, this is floral and citrussy, showing a lithe, graceful balance. It’s a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Meunier, with about 40% of reserve wine, and red wine accounts for 7% of the blend. Its delicate, subtly expansive flavours of raspberry and strawberry are enlivened by a tangerine-like acidity, and while it feels ripe and full in flavour on the palate, it never loses its sense of refinement and poise, finishing with detailed length and depth.

91 Points Wine Enthusiast | A fine composition of red fruits and taut citrus, this Champagne is poised and fragrant with acidity and light tannins.

90 Points Wine Spectator | Delicate notes of yellow plum, marzipan, verbena and fleur de sel are set in this firm and finely meshed rosé Champagne. Creamy finish. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Drink now.

Persistent mousse, with fine bubbles rising slowly. Pale salmon pink in color, with a shade of gold. A nose of red fruits and fresh pear. Delicate fruit on the palate, elegant, and showing great finesse. Winemaker Description. 

Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve — Champagne NV

Billecart-Salmon’s Brut Réserve is one of Champagne’s most enduring benchmarks — a non-vintage blend whose overall composition has remained virtually unchanged for nearly fifty years. Sourced from more than twenty top vineyards across the Marne, the wine blends 40% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir, and 30% Chardonnay, with over 50% reserve wines spanning up to 15 vintages. Aged 36 months on the lees and finished with just 3 grams per liter dosage, this is a Champagne of exceptional precision, generosity, and effortless elegance — equally at home as an apéritif or at the dinner table.

The nose offers ripe pear, raspberry, gingerbread, toast, and honey with a touch of cut hay. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied with soft, creamy bubbles, bright acidity, and a crystalline texture — tense and precise, yet generous and rounded. Spring flowers, brioche, and lime linger on a long, delicate, ethereal finish.

James Suckling 93 — “Lovely aromas of raspberries, gingerbread, toast and honey. Generosity and concentration of flavor, with soft, creamy bubbles. Delicious now.”
Wine Advocate 91 — “Long, delicate and ethereal Champagne.”
Wine Enthusiast 92 — “A classic. Real richness and depth, structured and open with honeyed aromas and ripe, rounded white fruits.”

• Producer: Billecart-Salmon, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Champagne, France
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Blend: 40% Pinot Meunier, 30% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay
• Reserve Wines: 50%+ across up to 15 vintages
• Aging: 36 months on lees; 6 months post-disgorgement
• Dosage: 3 g/L (Extra Brut style)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe pear, raspberry, gingerbread, brioche, honey, spring flowers, lime, creamy bubbles
• Best Paired With: Oysters, lobster, smoked salmon, soft cheeses, fried chicken, light pasta dishes

Nearly fifty years of consistency, precision, and elegance — Billecart-Salmon’s Brut Réserve is the Champagne house that never needs to shout.

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

Intense ruby red colour. An intense and fruity bouquet. More evident are the accents of mature red fruit, cherries and blackberries. Achille is very round, sweet and soft in the mouth which make is so delicious and easy to drink. The finish is characterized by a persistent flavor, a very inviting wine.

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

Intense ruby red in color. An ample and complex bouquet, with distinct notes of flowers, fresh fruit, and spices. The palate is vigorous and vibrant, a lovely acidic vein fused with a lot of flavors makes it an ample and balanced wine. Elegant and soft tannins. The finish and aftertaste are persistent and lingering. A true and authentic expression of sangiovese.

Binyamina | Chardonnay Reserve | Galilee | Israel | 2023 | Kosher | Mevushal

Binyamina is one of Israel's most established and respected wineries, founded in 1952 in the town of the same name at the foot of Mount Carmel. The Reserve range represents the estate's commitment to producing varietally expressive, terroir-driven wines from Israel's finest growing regions. The 2023 Chardonnay Reserve is sourced from the Galilee — Israel's premier wine region, where the elevated terrain, cool nights and Mediterranean climate create ideal conditions for producing fresh, structured white wines with genuine complexity and aging potential.

The wine is vinified with careful attention to preserving the natural freshness and aromatic character of the Chardonnay grape, with judicious oak aging adding texture, depth and a subtle creamy richness without overwhelming the fruit. The result is a well-balanced, food-friendly Chardonnay that reflects both the warmth of the Israeli sun and the cooling influence of the Galilee's altitude.

The nose opens with aromas of ripe peach, golden apple, citrus and white flowers, with hints of vanilla, toasted oak and a touch of honey. The palate is medium-bodied and well structured, with flavors of stone fruit, lemon curd and subtle spice, balanced by fresh acidity and a smooth, lingering finish. Kosher and Mevushal, making it suitable for all kosher occasions.

Serve at 48–52°F. Pairs beautifully with roast chicken, veal escalope in lemon sauce, grilled fish, light pasta with cream sauce, fragrant hard cheeses such as Gruyère or Pecorino, and the classic dishes of the Shabbat and holiday table.

• Producer: Binyamina Wine Winery
• Cuvée: Reserve
• Appellation: Galilee, Israel
• Grape Variety: Chardonnay (100%)
• Vintage: 2023
• Kosher Certification: Kosher; Mevushal
• Style: Dry white wine, medium-bodied
• Bottle Size: 750ml

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

On the nose, this wine is fruit forward with a touch of apple, peach and apricot with a slight spice. Fresh and tangy, fine spices, white pepper and round body.

Biokult Grüner Veltliner Biodynamic 2024

Biokult is a collective of passionate organic and biodynamic winegrowers in Austria, united by a shared philosophy: that the vitality of the vineyard is the foundation of great wine. Working in Niederösterreich, the growers focus on biodiversity in flora and fauna, maintaining microorganisms in the soil, using natural fertilizers, and avoiding synthetic interventions — creating what they call a “winegarden” rather than a monotonous monoculture. The result is wines that are bursting with life, honest, and deeply expressive of their origins.

The Grüner Veltliner is biodynamic, vegan, and sealed with a screw cap for freshness — a modern, characterful expression of Austria’s signature white grape that delivers serious quality at a remarkable price. Bracing, mineral, and food-friendly, it’s the kind of wine that makes you reach for a second glass.

Aromatics of crunchy apple, green pear, tarragon, and catnip. On the palate, bracing acidity and lime zest give way to white pepper, tarragon, and scallion, with a chalky, mineral, saline finish that lingers. Classic Grüner character — precise, fresh, and alive.

Food Pairings

Asian fare, sashimi, sushi, spiced Thai dishes, grilled shrimp, crustaceans, oysters on the half shell, white meats, egg dishes, and light cheeses. One of the most food-friendly whites you’ll find at this price.

Varietal: Grüner Veltliner
Appellation: Niederösterreich, Austria
Vintage: 2024
Farming: Biodynamic | Vegan
Closure: Screw cap
Format: 750ml

Expert Reviews

98+ Points Robert Parker | The Biondi-Santi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is initially a reticent wine and one that does not immediately subscribe to the overstated abundance and exuberance of the vintage. Give it time. I wrote this review after several tastings over several days so I could ensure a more accurate account of the wine's elegant reveal. Contemplative and exceedingly nuanced in personality, with wild berry, underbrush, ferrous earth and candied orange peel, this has everything to look forward to in terms of its future evolution in the bottle. It displays a pretty ruby color that borders on garnet and polished copper. A silky, mid-weight palate is accented by beautifully managed and silky tannins (this aspect of the mouthfeel is extraordinary), bright freshness and long-lasting fruit momentum. The alcohol is a bit more powerful in this release (at 14.5%), but the effect is supple and smooth nonetheless. I tasted bottle number 256.

James Suckling 97 Points | Complex yet pure, subtle and refined nose that gently evolves, with mossy red cherries, dried roses, chalk, tar and dried orange peel. There is a lift of clove and eucalyptus that makes it so distinctive. A powerful, medium-to full-bodied Brunello, but seamless and bright, with a fine, transparent mid-palate and restrained, mineral austerity. Understated complexity that will need time to bloom. Hold until 2026.

Vinous 97 Points | The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva pulls you close to the glass with a deep and seductive display of black raspberry preserves complemented by sweet sage, dried roses and pipe tobacco. With further coaxing, it gains in volume and lift, taking on hints of mint and camphor. This greets the palate with undeniable elegance, casting velvety waves of violet-tinged wild berries and sweet spices across a motivating core of juicy acidity, as a subtle coating of round tannins forms toward the close. While structured and incredibly long, energy remains high, as nuances of cherry pits offset by sour citrus and hints of cedar fade. It’s amazing to experience such energy and purity from a young Biondi Santi Riserva. As pretty as the Annata released last year was, I worried that the extended aging for the Riserva might rob the wine of some of its fruit; instead it is the complete opposite, as this contains the depth and complexity of the best wines of the vintage. I can’t wait to see how the 2015 matures over the next several decades. -- Eric Guido 

Wine Enthusiast 97 Points | New leather, pressed rose and mature berry aromas slowly appear in the glass along with whiffs of underbrush and pipe tobacco. On the structured, elegant palate, firm but ultrarefined tannins provide the backbone for juicy Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and cake spice. While it promises decades of evolution, it's already rewarding and almost at the start of its long drinking window. Drink 2025–2045. Kerin O’Keefe 

Wine Spectator 96 Points | Round and fruity, with an accent of white pepper against cherry, raspberry and floral flavors. Elegant and verging on racy, with a firm, well-integrated structure and excellent length on the minerally finish. Best from 2025 through 2048. — B.S.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

Jesica Vargas of the Wine Enthusiast writes 90 Points | The nose of this white wine leans toward tropical, offering aromas of sweet peach and citrus fruit. The palate has texture, lifting acidity and fine tannins. Balanced flavors of chamomile, lemon, green apple and white peach slide through the lingering finish.  

Experience the Naughty Charm of Birichino Zinfandel

Discover Birichino Zinfandel Old Vines from the historic Gimelli Vineyard, a remarkable expression of California Zinfandel crafted from ancient vines. Birichino is renowned for producing distinctive, terroir-driven wines that showcase the unique character of California's heritage vineyards. This 2023 vintage captures the essence of old vine Zinfandel, offering wine enthusiasts a taste of California winemaking tradition combined with modern artisanal craftsmanship.

Expert Reviewed - Vintage 2023 

The Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | This is a big fruit bomb of a Zinfandel from very old vines, offering intense strawberry-boysenberry syrup aromas alongside a touch of red flowers. The palate balances the boisterous red fruit flavors with a fresh acidity, a crushed rock minerality and a dusting of fennel pollen. Altogether, it uses old vines to showcase young flavors. 

Old Vine Heritage

The Gimelli Vineyard is home to old Zinfandel vines that have been producing exceptional fruit for decades. Old vines, typically 50+ years old, naturally produce lower yields of more concentrated, intensely flavored grapes. These ancient vines have deep root systems that access unique soil minerals and water sources, resulting in wines with greater complexity, depth, and character. The old vine designation represents a commitment to preserving California's viticultural heritage.

Gimelli Vineyard Terroir

The Gimelli Vineyard is a historic California vineyard known for producing exceptional Zinfandel. The unique terroir, including soil composition, microclimate, and vine age, contributes to the distinctive character of this wine. Single-vineyard wines like this offer a pure expression of place, showcasing the specific characteristics that make each vineyard unique.

Birichino Winemaking Philosophy

Birichino (Italian for "rascal" or "scamp") is dedicated to producing wines that are both playful and serious, combining traditional winemaking techniques with a modern sensibility. The winery focuses on working with heritage vineyards and lesser-known grape varieties, creating wines with personality, balance, and food-friendliness. Birichino's approach emphasizes minimal intervention, allowing the vineyard's character to shine through.

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Deep ruby to garnet color with vibrant clarity
Aroma: Ripe blackberry, raspberry, black cherry, dried herbs, black pepper, subtle spice, and hints of bramble
Palate: Medium to full-bodied with concentrated dark fruit flavors. Layers of blackberry, plum, and cherry complemented by notes of vanilla, baking spices, and earthy undertones. Balanced acidity with well-integrated tannins
Finish: Long, persistent finish with lingering fruit and spice notes

2023 Vintage Character

The 2023 vintage showcases the exceptional quality of the growing season, offering wine enthusiasts a fresh expression of old vine Zinfandel. This vintage captures the balance between ripe fruit character and the structure that defines great California Zinfandel.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This versatile Zinfandel pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled and barbecued meats (ribs, brisket, burgers)
• Italian cuisine (pasta with meat sauce, pizza, lasagna)
• Roasted lamb and game meats
• Spicy dishes (Mexican, Cajun, Indian)
• Aged cheddar and hard cheeses
• Charcuterie boards
• Hearty stews and braised dishes
• Smoked meats and sausages

Serving Suggestions

Serve slightly below room temperature at 60-65°F (15-18°C) to appreciate the wine's complexity and balance. Decanting for 30-60 minutes before serving will allow the wine to open up and reveal its full aromatic potential. Use large Bordeaux-style glasses to enhance the tasting experience.

Perfect for Wine Enthusiasts

Birichino Zinfandel Old Vines Gimelli Vineyard is ideal for:

• Zinfandel lovers seeking authentic old vine character
• Wine enthusiasts exploring California heritage vineyards
• Dinner parties and casual gatherings
• Barbecues and outdoor entertaining
• Collectors of artisanal California wines
• Gift giving for wine aficionados

California Zinfandel Tradition

Zinfandel is California's heritage grape variety, with a winemaking tradition dating back to the Gold Rush era. Old vine Zinfandel represents the pinnacle of this tradition, offering wines with depth, complexity, and authentic California character. Birichino's commitment to working with historic vineyards like Gimelli ensures that this winemaking heritage continues for future generations.

Artisanal Craftsmanship

This wine represents the intersection of California's viticultural heritage and modern artisanal winemaking. From the ancient vines of Gimelli Vineyard to Birichino's careful, minimal-intervention approach, every aspect of this wine reflects a dedication to quality, authenticity, and terroir expression. The result is a Zinfandel with personality, balance, and the distinctive character that makes California wine special.

A Historical Vineyard

The Birichino Zinfandel Old Vines Gimelli Vineyard 2023 is sourced from a vineyard with rich history. Known for its well-maintained old vines, Gimelli has been producing top-quality grapes for years. These ancient vines not only add complexity to the wine but also contribute to its unique character. The vines thrive in a diverse ecosystem that allows the grapes to soak up various minerals from the soil, resulting in a rich flavor profile that wine enthusiasts find irresistible. When you indulge in this Zinfandel, you are tasting a piece of history that has been cherished over multiple generations.

Tasting Notes

This vintage of Birichino Zinfandel is truly a reflection of its terroir, embodying a delightful blend of flavors that make it a compelling choice for any occasion. The primary keyword, naughty, aptly describes its bold and vibrant fruit-forward persona. Expect to experience layers of ripe raspberry, cherry, and hints of spice on the palate. The balance of acidity and tannins gives it a smooth finish, making it enjoyable whether you are sipping it alone or pairing it with a nice meal. It's the kind of wine that brings a touch of playful indulgence to your evening.

Pairing the Birichino Zinfandel Old Vines with the right dishes can elevate your dining experience. Given its fruity profile and light spiciness, it's great with grilled meats, particularly barbecue ribs or burgers. The wine also complements spicy dishes, like Mexican or Caribbean cuisine. For a delightful contrast, consider pairing it with dark chocolate desserts that will enhance the naughty flavors in the Zinfandel. This versatility allows you to enjoy it in numerous settings, from casual gatherings to sophisticated dinners.

Black Dirt · New York Straight Bourbon · 4 Years

Black Dirt takes its name from the dark, fertile soil left by an ancient glacial lake in New York. Suited to growing corn, this distinctive agricultural landscape provides the story behind a bourbon rooted in the region. Black Dirt Distilling was formed in 2012, with its spirits originally born at Warwick Valley Winery & Distillery.

Character & Style

Aged for four years in new American oak barrels, this straight bourbon is made from a mash of 80% blue corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye. The existing producer description highlights a rich, nutty flavor and a surprisingly smooth finish at 50% ABV.

Producer Description

Black Dirt
Aged for 4 years, in new American oak barrels. The mash of 80% blue corn, 12% malted barley, 8% rye has a rich nutty flavor, with a surprisingly smooth finish at 50% ABV.

Serving Suggestions

Try it neat to explore its nutty character, or add a little water to find your preferred balance. For a classic cocktail, consider an Old Fashioned.

Details

• Producer: Black Dirt Distilling
• Origin: New York, USA
• Style: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Age: 4 years
• Mash bill: 80% blue corn, 12% malted barley, 8% rye
• Aging: New American oak barrels
• Alcohol: 50% ABV / 100 proof
• Bottle size: 750ml