Products

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

Memo Summary Notes

The Black Eden 1912 Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a small-batch bourbon that is notable for its rich historical tribute and its unique flavor profile.

Producer Description 

In homage of the history and the legends of Idlewild, Michigan, our premium Bourbon Whiskey captures the exquisite taste of a special time. Our bourbon honors a legacy as well as embodying the rich, smokey, vanilla flavors of a classic, premium Bourbon Whiskey.

• At Black Eden 1912®, we take pride in our commitment to quality, reflected in every bottle we create. Meticulously crafted, our bourbon offers a rich and refined taste experience designed to elevate your palate. With bold, complex flavors, it inspires both enjoyment and a deep appreciation for the art of fine bourbon.

• Celebrating Community

  Black Eden 1912® is rooted in community and tradition. Every bottle represents a celebration of life’s special moments while honoring legacy, craftsmanship, and connection. Our mission is to craft exceptional spirits that bring people together, fostering meaningful experiences and lasting memories.

• Honoring a Legacy

  Black Eden 1912® is more than exceptional bourbon—it’s a tribute to the vibrant legacy of Idlewild, Michigan. Once a thriving center of entertainment, community, and celebration, Idlewild’s rich history lives on in every bottle we craft. By choosing our bourbon, you are honoring an enduring spirit of resilience, unity, and tradition.

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

Beautiful salmon-pink in color, the 2024 Arriviste explodes in a festival of aroma with strawberry, blood orange, red apple, honeydew melon, papaya, rose, and tea biscuit. An attack of flavors is dominated by strawberry, sour cherry, and plum, leading to a perfectly balanced mid-palate with delightful acidity. Notes of plum, wet rock, and blood orange linger on the palate, leaving you wanting more.

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The 2024 Dissonance shines with a beautiful, complex bouquet of lemon, lime, acacia flower, dried apricots, and a hint of Pecorino cheese. Pear and peach attack on the palate with good richness up front, impeccable balance, and bright acidity upon first sip. A long finish of pear and grapefruit complete this wine that is beautifully integrated from start to finish.

Winemaker Description 

Blandy's 5-year old Verdelho is a dark golden brown in color with the characteristic aromatic complexity of Madeira wines - raisins, dried apricots, roasted nuts, toffee and a distinctive marine note. Great with many desserts especially fruit based tarts, cakes, cheeses. Also, a great accompaniment to foie gras.

Clear, topaz color, with a golden rim. Complex nose, revealing a fresh bouquet with raisins, dried fruits, wood and spices. 

Verdelho grapes are hand-harvested and fermented off the skins in stainless steel tanks. Neutral grape spirit is added to stop the fermentation at the desired level of sweetness. Then, the wines are aged in American oak casks and heated in the traditional Canteiro system, meaning they are transferred from higher floors in the lodge where it is warm to cooler floors below. The wine is regularly racked before bottling.

The island of Madeira is known for its distinctive varietal wines. Each varietal defines a particular style. Madeira wines are typically made from only one varietal, each made in one of the four Madeira styles: Dry, Medium-Dry, Medium Rich, and Rich. Madeira wines are fortified with grape spirit and have higher alcohol than so-called 'light' wines.

Expert Review

Kara Newman of The Wine Enthusiast writes 90 Points | The producers bill this as “advanced vodka,” distilled from non-GMO French wheat and claiming to be “the only vodka 100% free of impurities.” Overall, the spirit is neutral on the nose and palate, with a tinge of marshmallow sweetness and a crisp, perky finish. 

Producer Description 

Blat Vodka is a premium spirit known for its smooth and crisp taste. This vodka is crafted in the heart of Russia, using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients, resulting in a clean finish with subtle hints of grain.

To fully enjoy Blat Vodka, serve it chilled in a martini or mix it with your favorite cocktail recipe for a refreshing drink. Experiment with different mixers and garnishes to find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds. Whether sipped neat or mixed in a cocktail, Blat Vodka is sure to elevate any drinking experience.

Winemaker Description 

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LFG represents the moment that Josh and Drew decided to take a leap into the world of Oregon Pinot Noir with the beautiful Estate Coulee vineyard as the backbone of their program.

ABOUT COULEE ESTATE (EOLA-AMITY HILLS AVA)

Our new estate vineyard in Eola-Amity Hills is extremely exciting. We were fortunate to be able to acquire this piece of land in 2021 from Mimi Casteel who took such great care of the earth and vines in her inspiring practice of regenerative farming.

The site itself has such a diverse array of aspects, soil types, and clonal selection that
we are ecstatic to get to know the site and make our estate grown, single vineyard
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Chenin Blanc.

Producer Description 

Blood Oath Pact No. 8 represents the epitome of Kentucky straight bourbon, featuring a meticulously crafted blend of three exceptional bourbons carefully selected from the Lux Row Distillery's premium offerings. A true collector's item, this limited-edition masterpiece was produced in only 17,000 cases worldwide and bottled at a robust 98.6 proof. 

The blend includes a 14-year-old rye, an 11-year-old bourbon, and an 8-year-old bourbon that was painstakingly matured in French Calvados brandy casks to add a unique dimension to the flavor profile. Released to a select group of retailers in April 2022, Blood Oath Pact No. 8 boasts an enticing aroma of rich caramel infused with hints of lemon and spices. 

The palate is treated to a complex array of flavors, ranging from warm cinnamon to smoky undertones, complemented by a sweet vanilla-lemon curd finish.

Producer Description 

Blue Quail | Potter Valley Unoaked Chardonnay | Mendocino County | 2025 | Certified Organic

Blue Quail's Potter Valley Chardonnay is a deliberate departure from the California norm — no oak, no malolactic fermentation, no butter. What you get instead is a bright, dry, fruit-forward white that lets the cool-climate character of Potter Valley speak clearly. Sourced from certified organic vineyards in one of Mendocino County's highest-elevation and most temperature-variable sub-appellations, this is Chardonnay built for the table rather than the trophy shelf.

Potter Valley sits at the northeastern edge of Mendocino County, separated from the warmer coastal valleys by the Mayacamas Mountains. The combination of warm days and cool nights preserves natural acidity and extends the growing season, allowing the Chardonnay to develop ripe orchard fruit flavors without losing freshness or structure. Organic farming across the estate reflects a commitment to soil health and clean, expressive fruit.

The wine is fermented in stainless steel and sees no oak contact and no malolactic fermentation — a deliberate choice that keeps the palate crisp, linear and food-friendly. The result is a Chardonnay with genuine verve: fresh and bright on the nose with aromas of ripe pear, green apple, apricot and white peach, accented by wildflowers and a touch of flint. The palate is lively and well balanced, with flavors of young peach, citrus, pineapple and white fig, carried by mouthwatering acidity through a clean, mineral-tinged finish.

Highly versatile at the table. Pairs beautifully with oysters, clams, grilled trout, shrimp, sushi, Thai green curry, General Tso’s chicken, asparagus risotto, roasted root vegetables and fresh cheeses. Equally at home as a standalone aperitif.

• Producer: Blue Quail
• Appellation: Potter Valley, Mendocino County, California
• Grape Variety: Chardonnay (100%)
• Vintage: 2025
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Vinification: Stainless steel; no oak, no malolactic fermentation
• Style: Unoaked, dry white wine
• Closure: Screwcap
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Warehouse stored item - please allow two to five business days to fulfill.

The Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | This Sauvignon Blanc- dominated blend is lively and fresh, with loads of honeysuckle and ripe peach aromas from the Viognier mingling with classic grapefruit and lime elements. The palate is rich, with some Sémillon adding structure and breadth.

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James Suckling 91 Points | A supple, deeply fruity wine that’s generous in blueberry, milk chocolate and black cherry flavors on a full body. Mild tannins keep the texture smooth and easy in this Bordeaux-style red blend that is dominated by cabernet sauvignon.

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Blue Rock Vineyard, owned and operated by Kenny Kahn, is a small artisanal winery in Alexander Valley that produces high quality, hand-crafted, Bordeaux-inspired wines and Pinot Noir from Sonoma County grapes.  Having reviewed these wines over the years, we are gratified to observe notable improvements in the quality of the wines produced by this estate.  They are clearly the result of improvements both in the vineyard and in winemaking.

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Aromatically dense, the 'Chief’ showcases outstanding complexity, with aromas of redcurrant, cigar box and toasty caramel. The palate is mouth-filling rich with a core of black cherry, raspberry and cocoa. The finish is impressive, displaying substantial weight and refined acidity and tannin. 

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Dense aromas of dark cherry, blackberry, and violets mingle on the nose. The palate is lush and offers bold dark fruits, plum, and vanilla that pair with juicy acidity. The balance of the blend creates a complex flavor profile and a generous mouthfeel, extending into the lengthy finish.

A bold and expressive Pinotage from the sun-drenched vineyards of the Western Cape, South Africa. Bob's 2025 vintage delivers the grape's signature smoky depth alongside vibrant red fruit — ripe plum, cherry, and a hint of dark chocolate — with a smooth, full-bodied finish.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby in the glass with aromas of ripe plum, smoked meat, and dark berry. On the palate, flavors of blackberry, mocha, and a touch of vanilla lead to a warm, lingering finish with well-integrated tannins.

Food Pairings

Pairs beautifully with boldly flavored comfort foods. Try with turkey meat loaf and spicy tomato chutney, vegetarian three-bean chili, or pulled pork sandwiches with burnt end baked beans.

• Grape: Pinotage
• Region: Western Cape, South Africa
• Vintage: 2025
• Size: 750ml

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.”
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.

Bodega Numanthia · Termes · Toro DO · 2022 · 750ml

The Producer

Founded in 1998, Bodega Numanthia takes its name from the Numanthinos, an ancient Celtic community of northern Spain known for their resilient spirit. The estate's ancestral vineyards are organically cultivated and dry farmed, rooted in sandy, rocky soils without irrigation, and planted to the rare Tinta de Toro, Toro's local strain of Tempranillo. The result is wines of both finesse and power.

Winemaker Notes

"Termes is the vibrant expression of Toro, a symbol of its youthful spirit. It stands out from what Toro wines used to be, for its vigor, freshness and vivacity. Powerful yet balanced, vibrant yet complex, it is perfect to drink young."
Bodega Numanthia

Pairings & Serving

Built for hearty fare: grilled lamb chops, chorizo, roast pork, steak or aged Manchego. Serve around 60–64°F; a short decant helps it open up.

Specs

• Producer: Bodega Numanthia
• Wine: Termes
• Appellation: Toro DO
• Region: Castilla y León, Spain
• Vintage: 2022
• Varietal: Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo)
• Farming: Organic, dry farmed
• Size: 750ml

Toro's power with a fresh, modern edge, and a serious bottle that doesn't break the bank.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018

Tim Atkin 98 Points | The maiden 2016 vintage has only just been released through the Place de Bordeaux, so it may be a little premature to review this 2018, but make sure you remind yourself to buy a case in two years' time. Produced without Cabernet Sauvignon for the first time, it's the polar opposite of the big, ripe, overwooded styles of Ribera. Nuanced, refined and hauntingly balanced, with perfumed oak, lovely texture and balance, leafy, graphite-like complexity and the length of a world-class wine. 2023-35.

Jane Anson 95 Points | Muscular, slate hewn tannins, this has a rugged quality where nothing is overpowered by oak and yet it hugs the palate, making its presence felt. Serious tannic architecture that softens through the mid palate to show creamy raspberry and red cherry fruits, spiced aniseed, fennel and liqourice root, sinewy tannins, totally moreish. Aged in 25% new oak, 10% amphora, and the rest in neutral barrels. Jean-Claude and Jeff Berrouet consultants, with winemaker Montxo Martinez and owners Marcos and Carlos Yllera. Old vine Tempranillo, including some dating right back to pre-Phylloxera, sat at between 750m and 1000m altitude, from a selection of their own vines, and those of local growers.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2018 Bodega Vivaltus "Vivaltus" is a prestigious, "new wave" Ribera del Duero that has rapidly gained cult status. It is the flagship wine of a project by the Yllera family, who famously enlisted Jean-Claude Berrouet—the legendary former winemaker of Château Pétrus—to help create a wine of "Bordeaux-like" elegance rather than the heavy, over-extracted style common in the region.

Bodegas Ondarre · Millennium Cava · Brut NV · Traditional Method · Spain · 750ml

Bodegas Ondarre’s Millennium Cava is a traditional method sparkling wine crafted in the classic Cava style — secondary fermentation in the bottle, extended lees aging, and the kind of creamy, biscuity complexity that sets Cava apart from simpler sparkling wines. Made from Macabeu, it delivers exceptional value at this price point: 92 points from Wine Enthusiast for a wine that is simultaneously full and creamy, dry and fresh, with a well-balanced acidity and an elegant, fruity finish. Sustainable.

Very pale brilliant yellow with regular, fine lines of bubbles rising to form a crown. The nose is very pleasant — light, fresh aromas of Seckel pear, vanilla bean, and nutmeg, with secondary notes redolent of bottle aging and floral shades. On the palate, lightly effervescent and beautifully textured — peach, green apple, vanilla, and brioche coalesce in a vivid, elegant, and long finish with an agreeable, well-balanced aftertaste.

“A soft column of bubbles releases a bouquet of Seckel pear, vanilla bean and nutmeg. Lightly effervescent on the palate, this wine offers flavors of peach, green apple, vanilla and brioche that coalesce in a vivid finish.”
— Wine Enthusiast · 92 Points

• Producer: Bodegas Ondarre, Spain
• Style: Cava Brut NV · Traditional Method (Méthode Traditionnelle)
• Varietal: Macabeu
• Farming: Sustainable
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Seckel pear, vanilla bean, nutmeg, peach, green apple, brioche, fine bubbles, elegant finish
• Pairings: Oysters, light appetizers, seafood, soft cheeses, charcuterie, aperitif

WE:92 · Cava Brut NV — traditional method, sustainable, and exceptional value. Creamy, fresh, and built for the celebration.

Winemaker Description 

"Locos por el Vino” is a new project from Bodegas Alto Moncayo, aiming to expand their range with high-quality, modern and casual wines produced from the winery’s youngest vineyards, guaranteeing the continuity of the Alto Moncayo project for future generations to come. A local term used in the village of Borja, "Zismero" refers to one who is provocative, jovial, and mirthful, with a complexity and uniqueness that makes its audience think deeply from the pointed jocularity.

Bodegas Antídoto Ribera del Duero 2024 | Tempranillo | Soria, Spain | 750ml

Antídoto comes from the far eastern reaches of Ribera del Duero — the Soria province, a wilder, less-traveled corner of the appellation where the rules are looser and the vineyards are older. Bertrand Sourdais and David Hernando work with up to 400 different parcels of old, ungrafted Tempranillo (Tinto Fino) vines rooted in a patchwork of limestone, decomposed granite, and clay. The project is biodynamic and organic in spirit, with spontaneous fermentation, no fining, no filtering, and minimal intervention throughout.

The 2024 vintage is a more delicate, fine-boned expression than prior years — fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts, then aged nine months in 600-liter French oak barrels (25% new). The result is juicy and full-bodied but balanced: black cherry, plum skins, dried herbs, and a kiss of vanilla spice, with firm, chewy tannins and a pristine finish. Very primary now — worth a year or two of patience, but already compelling.

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2024:

• Wine Advocate: 91–92 pts — "Juicy and full-bodied but balanced... soft vinification... fine-boned. Very primary, with some toasted notes that suggest waiting a bit more."
• James Suckling: 91 pts — "Fresh and pure... full of black cherries, plum skins and some dried herbs. Tannins are firm and nicely chewy with medium to full body and a pristine finish."
• Tim Atkin: 91 pts — "A comparatively forward, easy-drinking style with some subtle reduction, plum, raspberry and black cherry fruit and a kiss of vanilla spice."

• Appellation: Ribera del Duero, Soria, Spain
• Grape: 100% Tempranillo (Tinto Fino)
• Vintage: 2024
• Farming: Biodynamic & organic
• Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation, no fining, no filtering
• Aging: 9 months in 600L French oak (25% new)
• Best With: Roast lamb, Ibérico, aged Manchego, grilled mushrooms, braised short rib

La Planta offers a fresher, more youthful expression of Ribera del Duero. Made from Tinto Fino, the wine is vibrant and fruit-driven, with aromas of ripe cherries, blackberries, violets, and subtle notes of spice. The palate is juicy and energetic, with supple tannins and a fresh finish. This is an incredibly versatile wine at the table—pair it with grilled pork, roasted chicken, charcuterie, or a classic Spanish tortilla. - Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67 Wine Buyer

Winemaker Description 

The wine has been crafted from grapes cultivated at La Planta estate, owned by Arzuaga Navarro’s family in Quintanilla de Onésimo, the heart of Ribera del Duero. The soil is clay-calcareous and the subsoil is pure limestone at one meter under the surface. The vineyard altitude is 911 meters above sea level. These specific conditions provide distinct features of the wine.

The wine boasts a deep violet red color. Clean and bright with a range of red fruits (raspberry and cherry) that dominate with a high aromatic intensity, joined by balsamic, cacao, coffee, and roasted tones. Fresh, elegant, easy, and balanced in the mouth with a lightly sweet, toasted, and pleasant aftertaste.

Expert Reviews- Vintage 2020 

The Wine Enthusiast by Mike DeSimone 94 Points | This deep garnet-colored wine has a nose of black currant, sage leaf and cherry pipe tobacco. It is smooth at first sip and then bold tannins settle in and coat the tongue and gums. Blackberry, raspberry, cocoa powder, crème brûlée and orange zest flavors are accompanied by a note of butterscotch that endures on the palate.

James Suckling 92 Points | Spicy oak to the fresh blackberries with some vanilla, smoke, walnut and dried orange peel. Chewy and pretty tannic with juicy fruit on the tight, medium- to full-bodied palate. Long and grippy finish. Needs at least two years to come around. Better from 2025.

Bodegas Caro · Aruma Malbec · Mendoza · 2023 · 750ml

The Producer

Bodegas Caro is a partnership between two of the wine world's great families: Domaine Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) from France and the Catena family from Argentina. The name Aruma means "night" in the native Quechua language, a nod to the cool mountain nights of the Andes that keep the fruit fresh and bright.

The Wine

The robe is deep red with hints of violet, and the nose opens with plum and red fruit. The palate is fresh and elegant, with remarkable balance between tannins, acidity and alcohol, leading to a long, delicate finish. Overall, a very convivial, attractive wine.

Expert Reviews (2023 Vintage)

"The 2023 Malbec Aruma is sourced from El Peral and Los Chacayes in the Uco Valley. This warm 2023 vintage was balanced by an early harvest, resulting in a subtly lighter palate. After spending a winter on the fine lees, this vibrant Malbec showcases intense purple hues, with pristine notes of fresh herbs, violet, cherry and plum. Juicy and expressive, it features fine tannins and lively fruit flavors, making it an energetic and primary wine."
Vinous, 91 points

"An honest and fruit-driven malbec that shows plump fruit and violet character. Fine-grained tannins on the fruity palate, with a fleshy core of ripe, concentrated purple fruit in the middle. Still fresh and pristine in finish full of fruit."
James Suckling, 91 points

"The 2023 Aruma is a beautiful overview of Argentine Malbec, leading with a dark-fruited nose of mixed berries, turned earth and floral accents that gain intensity with aeration. The palate is elegantly plush and vibrant, transitioning to a rich yet lifted finish with admirable delicacy and nuance."
The Wine Advocate, 90 points

"A nose of wild berries introduces a smooth palate, featuring enough dark fruit and freshness to make it enjoyable. A dash of herbs marks the close."
Wine Enthusiast (Jesica Vargas), 90 points

Pairings & Serving

The perfect bistro wine. Pairs beautifully with grilled skirt steak (carne asada), lamb sliders or a hearty charcuterie board, and its bright acidity makes it a great match for tomato-based pastas and empanadas. Serve around 60–64°F.

Specs

• Producer: Bodegas Caro (Barons de Rothschild Lafite & Catena)
• Wine: Aruma
• Region: Mendoza, Argentina (El Peral & Los Chacayes, Uco Valley)
• Vintage: 2023
• Varietal: Malbec
• Size: 750ml

Rothschild polish meets Andean freshness, and four 90+ scores at an everyday price.

Winemaker Description

Cherry red color with garnet rims. On the nose it is elegant, clean and expressive, with a complexity typical of a wine made with an excellent quality grape and a very careful production process. In the mouth it is sweet, with good body and great balance, presenting a long and pleasant aftertaste.

The alma mater of the winery, a wine with imprint, plant, and lordship. A completely varietal red, mature, with a growing personality and a lot of elegance.

The soils of the Cepa 21 vineyards are the result of the evolution of millions of years. In them grow our vines that define who we are, learning from the passage of time, a deep love for our land, the care with which we work the fields and the history that precedes us. The Strain is much more than a part of our name, it is the basis of all our machinery, what moves us to be better every day, the greatest asset of our wineries, the origin, and the end. 

Bodegas Chaves Castel de Fornos Albariño — Rías Baixas, Galicia 2024

Bodegas Chaves is a family estate rooted in the granite soils of Galicia, on the Atlantic coast of northwestern Spain. Their Castel de Fornos Albariño takes its name from the first vineyard the family ever planted — a stony, dry hillside slope their ancestors called "Castel," long recognized as a prosperous enclave for growing exceptional Albariño. What sets this bottling apart is the age of the vines: 70+ years old, with deep root systems that draw complexity and concentration from the ancient granite and schist soils beneath.

The 2024 pours a pale gold with green highlights. The nose is classically Atlantic — white peach, lemon zest, fresh grapefruit, and a distinctive saline minerality that speaks directly to the ocean influence of Rías Baixas. On the palate, it's vibrant and precise, with bright acidity, a silky texture from the old vines, and a long, mineral-driven finish. This is Albariño at its most expressive and site-specific.

"Named after the first Bodega Chaves vineyard on the slope of Fornos — 70+ year old vines from a stony, dry enclave built for the finest Albariño." — Bodegas Chaves

• Producer: Bodegas Chaves, Galicia, Spain
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Rías Baixas DO
• Varietal: 100% Albariño
• Vine Age: 70+ years
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White peach, lemon zest, grapefruit, saline minerality, long finish
• Best Paired With: Steamed clams, scallops, grilled sea bass, sushi, sashimi, Galician Tetilla or San Simón cheese

A benchmark old-vine Albariño from one of Galicia's most storied family estates — Atlantic, mineral, and built for the table.

Winemaker Description 

A young Manzanilla with four year of biological aging. Thanks to the proximity of the sea, the aging under flor is intense. The wine has complex character, resulting in great elegance, plenty of finesse, with a delicate and saline finish.

Our Notes

A vibrant young Manzanilla with plenty of character. Aromas of green olives, green citrus fruit, and a pungent saline quality bind all the aromas and flavors together. Serve well-chilled in a white wine glass and pair with Marcona almonds, potato crisps, and Jamón de Bellota. But also try it with cold potato and leek soup, sprinkled with crisp bits of pancetta. Manzanillas are my ideal apéritif wine to awaken the palate before a meal.

Oscar garcia Moncada, 67 Wine Buyer

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Vinous 93 Points by Joaquín Hidalgo writes 93 Points | The 2023 Clio is composed of 70% Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from Jumilla. It was aged for 23 months in French and American oak barrels. Recently bottled, the oak is at the forefront but will integrate. The wine opens with plum, soft herbal notes and blackberry. Intense with fruit complexity, the palate is creamy, flavorful and delicate in tannins, finishing with a touch of oak that will meld with time.

Winemaker Description 

The wine exhibits a glass-coating opaque purple color. The nose is expressive with pain grille, underbrush, brier, minerality, blueberry and blackberry fruit. On the palate is a plush, opulent wine with great density, savory flavors, and a lengthy finish.

The Bodegas El Nido winery is located in the Valle de La Aragona, inside the Murcia district of Jumilla. The vineyards are 76.8 acres of very old Monastrell vines (also known as Matar or Mourvdre) all vaso trained and oriented northeast, and 28.8 acres of 30-year old Cabernet Sauvignon vines on north facing hills. The vineyards have a foot deep layer of chalky stones over substrata of sandy soil. The Bodegas El Nido is a collaboration of the Gil Family and winemaker Chris Ringland, one of the best Australian enologists.

A blend of 70% Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Aged 24 months French & American oak.

Memo Summary Notes

The Bodegas El Nido "Clio" 2023 is a powerhouse red from the Jumilla region of Spain. Created through a collaboration between the Gil family and legendary Australian winemaker Chris Ringland, it is famous for its "maximalist" style—intense, high-alcohol, and deeply oaked.

This wine will overwhelm delicate dishes. Pair it with heavy-hitters like venison, pepper-crusted ribeye, or wild boar stew.

Winemaker Description

A blend of 70% Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged 24 months French & American oak. The wine exhibits a glass-coating opaque purple color.

The nose is expressive with pain grille, underbrush, brier, minerality, blueberry and blackberry fruit. On the palate is a plush, opulent wine with great density, savory flavors, and a lengthy finish.

Bodegas Escudero · Serna Imperial Reserva · Rioja Baja, Spain · 2015 · 750ml

The Escudero family started making wine in 1852, and four generations on it's still very much a family business. Of their 150 hectares of vineyards, 120 sit on the southern slopes of the Monte Yerga range in Rioja Baja, where the grapes for Serna Imperial are grown. The vines are around 40 years old and planted between 450 and 800 meters above sea level.

Predominantly Tempranillo, blended with Mazuelo and Garnacha, this Reserva spent 14 months in five-year-old American oak barrels followed by a further 28 months in bottle before release. The result is a mature, harmonious Rioja with real character, now showing the savory complexity that comes with age.

Winemaker Description

Brick red deep covered. Clean, complex and with a good intensity on the nose. Red fruit aromas well conjoined with those of the aging. Balsam, spices (pepper), tobacco and leather. Well structured, tasty, large, soft but with character and a good harmony in its flavors. Complex and retronasal clean.

Bodegas Escudero

Expert Reviews · Vintage 2015

The Escudero family started making wine in 1852 and, four generations on, it is still very much a family business. They own a total of 150ha of vineyards, of which 120ha are located on the southern slopes of the Monte Yerga mountain range, where the grapes for this wine are produced. The vines are grown at between 450m-800m above sea level and are approximately 40 years old. Predominantly made from Tempranillo blended with Mazuelo and Garnacha, this reserva was aged for 14 months in five-year-old American oak barrels followed by a further 28 months in bottle.

Decanter, 95 Points

Supple, juicy, well-balanced, fully rounded. A lovely vintage and a great wine.

Sarah Jane Evans, Decanter

A broad and generous mouthfeel, the tannic grip still persuasive, but acidity is wrapped around the black fruit core with subtle conviction.

Simon Field, Decanter

Liquorice and dark fruit, compact, quite complex, framed by muscular tannins, underlying depth that unfurls in the glass, and really good length. Drinking Window 2020 - 2023

Pierre Mansour, Decanter

Pairings & Serving

Serve at 60–65°F and give it 30 minutes to an hour in a decanter to open up. A classic partner for roast lamb, grilled steak, chorizo, jamón, wild mushrooms and aged Manchego.

Specs

• Producer: Bodegas Escudero
• Wine: Serna Imperial Reserva
• Vintage: 2015
• Appellation: Rioja Baja, Rioja, Spain
• Blend: Predominantly Tempranillo, with Mazuelo and Garnacha
• Vineyards: Southern slopes of Monte Yerga, 450–800m, ~40-year-old vines
• Aging: 14 months in five-year-old American oak, plus 28 months in bottle
• Rating: Decanter 95 points
• Size: 750ml

A 95-point, decade-old Rioja Reserva from a family making wine since 1852.