Products

Dr. Konstantin Frank Rkatsiteli — Finger Lakes, New York 2024

Dr. Konstantin Frank is the founding father of the American vinifera movement — the visionary who, in 1957, planted the first European vinifera vines in the Eastern United States on the southwestern hills of Keuka Lake and ignited a revolution that forever changed New York wine. Four generations later, the Frank family remains the benchmark for Finger Lakes winemaking — and this Rkatsiteli is their most ancient and extraordinary expression. Rkatsiteli is a Georgian grape variety dating back to 3000 B.C., making it one of the oldest known cultivated grapes in the world. The 2024 is crafted as an amber wine with one month of skin contact — a nod to the ancient Georgian qvevri tradition — resulting in a wine of striking complexity, texture, and depth. 

The nose is arresting and aromatic: toasted orange peel, macerated apricot, orchard blossoms, fresh ginger, and cardamom. On the palate, zesty citrus unfolds with layers of stone fruit, framed by a gentle tannic grip reminiscent of a light red. Full-bodied with subtle warmth, this amber wine balances texture, spice, and freshness in a style that is genuinely unlike anything else in the glass.

• Producer: Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, Keuka Lake, Finger Lakes, New York
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Finger Lakes AVA
• Varietal: Rkatsiteli — Georgian grape, origins c. 3000 B.C.
• Style: Amber wine — one month skin contact
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Toasted orange peel, macerated apricot, orchard blossom, ginger, cardamom, stone fruit, gentle tannins
• Best Paired With: Middle Eastern & Mediterranean cuisine, roasted root vegetables, spiced poultry, aged cheeses, olives, sushi, grilled white meats

A 3,000-year-old Georgian grape grown in the Finger Lakes by America’s vinifera pioneer — Dr. Konstantin Frank Rkatsiteli is the benchmark for what amber wine can be in New York.

Winemaker Description 

Presents a deep violet hue, hinting at its intensity and depth. The nose is complex and alluring, with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and bramble layered alongside subtle notes of mint, violet, and a touch of cola. Accents of black pepper and cedar from French oak lend warmth and spice.

On the palate, the wine is full bodied with the vibrant acidity and structure that define its cool-climate origins. Plush yet grippy tannins provide firm support, giving way to a long, savory finish that balances dark fruit richness with remarkable freshness.

This bold and elegant red pairs beautifully with braised short ribs, grilled lamb, or roasted root vegetables, and will continue to evolve gracefully with age. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Dr. Konstantin Frank Saperavi 2022 is a landmark wine for the Finger Lakes region. Dr. Frank was a pioneer in bringing this ancient Georgian grape to New York in the 1960s, and it has since become one of the winery's most celebrated red wines, often described as a "cool-climate alternative to Syrah."

This is a robust "food wine" that pairs best with rich, savory dishes:

• Meats: Grilled lamb chops, braised short ribs, or venison.

• Vegetarian: Portobello steaks or a hearty lentil stew.

• Cheese: Hard, aged cheeses like Cheddar or a sharp Gruyère.

  
  

   

Expert Reviews

~ Rosé made using the saignée method
~ Zero dosage
~ Natural
~ Very low sulphur content
~ Aromas of red fruits, mandarin orange and white pepper
~ Pinot Noir

Vinification of the Brut Nature Rosé cuvée

~ Rosé made using the saignée method with maceration in vats lasting 3 days
~ Only the juices from first pressing are used
~ Minimal use of sulphur
~ No filtering
~ Use of gravity to avoid oxidation
~ Then total and natural malolactic fermentation
~ Zero dosage
~ 100% of the wines are made in vats to preserve freshness
~ After bottling the cuvée is aged for 2 to 3 years sur lattes (on laths)

GRAPE VARIETY: 100% Pinot Noir

FOOD PAIRINGS: Ideal as an aperitif. Goes perfectly with salmon carpaccio or scallops, sushi, grilled meats. Serve at: 45°F.

TASTING NOTES: On the nose, very evocative of strawberry and raspberry with a floral note of rose petals. The palate recalls red fruits and is augmented by hints of citrus fruit, mandarin orange and a small, very refined touch of white pepper.

The Shed Distillery · Drumshanbo, Ireland · 86 Proof

Deep in the heart of Connacht, in the small lakeside town of Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim, master distiller PJ Rigney set out to create something the world had never tasted. Founded in 2014, The Shed Distillery was the first new distillery in Connacht in over 100 years. Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin is the result of years of patient craft — a slow-distilled gin that blends Eastern-inspired botanicals with the pure spring waters of the Arigna Mountains, creating a spirit as distinctive as the landscape that inspires it.

The gin takes its name from Gunpowder tea — a Chinese green tea whose rolled leaves resemble old gunpowder pellets — which is slow-steeped alongside an exotic blend of botanicals including Oriental grapefruit, meadowsweet, and caraway seeds. The result is a gin of remarkable complexity: bold citrus and floral notes on the nose, a bright, spice-forward palate, and a long, warming finish at 86 proof (43% ABV). Exceptional neat, on the rocks, or in a premium G&T.

• Producer: The Shed Distillery
• Origin: Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim, Ireland
• Style: Irish Gin
• ABV: 43% (86 Proof)
• Format: 750ml
• Key Botanicals: Gunpowder tea, Oriental grapefruit, meadowsweet, caraway seeds
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, floral, spice, Gunpowder tea, warm finish
• Serve: Neat, on the rocks, premium G&T with cucumber & lime

One of the world’s most distinctive craft gins — a must-have for any serious spirits collection.

Producer Description

Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Vodka Sausage Tree is crafted at The Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo, County Leitrim, Ireland. Distilled from a blend of botanicals including the exotic Sausage Tree fruit (Kigelia africana), this vodka delivers a uniquely smooth and subtly fruity character. Slow-distilled in small batches with pure Irish water, it reflects the curiosity and craftsmanship that defines The Shed Distillery.

Enjoy neat, over ice, or as the foundation of a premium cocktail.

Producer Description 

A twist on a classic. This ready to enjoy Hibiscus Cosmo features our award winning vodka with Revival Tea's wild berry Hibiscus & a splash of lime. Slightly sweet, a little tart, the classis cocktail makes pink look good on everyone.

Some bottles carry history in them. Dubonnet Rouge has been poured at European tables since 1846 — a fortified aperitif born in Bordeaux, beloved by royalty, and as relevant today as it was in the Belle Époque. Crafted from a proprietary blend of red wine, herbs, spices, and a touch of quinine, it occupies a singular space between wine and spirit, bitter and sweet.

In the glass, it is scarlet red with dark highlights. The nose is warmly herbal — dried fruit, sweet spice, and a hint of orange peel. On the palate, autumnal fruit tones lead to a pleasantly bitter, lingering finish that awakens the appetite exactly as a great aperitif should.

Serve chilled over ice with a slice of orange, top with tonic or soda for a light spritz, or use as the backbone of a classic Dubonnet Cocktail. A staple for any serious home bar.

Origin: Bordeaux, France
Style: Fortified Aperitif Wine
Base: Red wine, herbs, spices, quinine
Format: 1.0 Liter

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

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

Winemaker Description

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

Pairing Suggestions

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

Winemaker Description

Crafted from both mountain and valley floor vineyards, this alluring wine embodies the rich diversity of great Napa Valley Merlot. From its velvety tannins and lively acidity to luxurious layers of plum, candied black cherry, red licorice and sweet baking spices this gracefully structured Merlot glides to a lush, lingering finish. 

Expert Review

James Suckling 93 Points | A well-rounded, velvety and flavorful merlot with dark cherries, grilled bell peppers and some baking spices. Supple with a caressing texture to the medium body and melty tannins. Polished and mellow. (2021).

Varietal Composition: 100% estate fruit - 92% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc

A benchmark for Napa Valley Merlot, Three Palms Vineyard holds a special place in Duckhorn’s history. The 2022 vintage continues that legacy, earning the #82 spot on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2025—a distinguished choice for collectors and anyone who appreciates exceptional Merlot.

Winery Notes

Since our inaugural vintage, Duckhorn Vineyards has cultivated a deep pride in farming and crafting vineyard-designate Merlot from this iconic site. Named for its three distinct palm trees, Three Palms Vineyard has developed Grand Cru status through consistent accolades and acclaim. Each vintage serves as a reflection of the dedication and artistry embedded in our history, advancing the vision of our founders, Margaret and Dan Duckhorn to produce nothing short of exceptional Merlot.

Winemaker Notes

This vintage of our most celebrated Merlot continues the story of a vineyard steeped in history and craftsmanship. It begins with the vibrant allure of Bing cherries interwoven with the delicate fragrance of rose petals. As it unfolds, layers of cocoa and slate emerge. On the palate, the richness of plum and fig take center stage; its lushness framed by Three Palms’ signature dusty tannins and earthy minerality resulting from warm days and rocky well-drained soils.

Duluc de Branaire-Ducru — Saint-Julien, Bordeaux 2020

Château Branaire-Ducru is one of Saint-Julien's most distinguished estates — a Fourth Growth (4ème Cru Classé) of the 1855 Classification, celebrated for wines of legendary finesse, elegance, and longevity. Duluc de Branaire-Ducru is the estate's second wine, designed to offer the same Saint-Julien signature — that hallmark combination of refinement, structure, and aromatic complexity — at a more accessible price point and with an earlier drinking window. The 2020 vintage is one of Bordeaux's greatest of the modern era: a warm, dry year of exceptional concentration and balance that produced wines of remarkable depth across all appellations, and Saint-Julien in particular.

The nose leads with plum, fig, and boysenberry fruit, accented by mulled spice and cedar. On the palate, it is lively and spicy with well-balanced, fresh red and black fruit — restrained and subtle in the true Saint-Julien style. The finish is silky, long, and polished — a second wine that drinks with the poise of a Grand Vin.

"Plum, fig and boysenberry fruit with mulled spice and cedar accents. Lively and spicy on the palate with well balanced, fresh red and black fruit. Restrained and subtle. Silky finish." — Winemaker, Château Branaire-Ducru

• Producer: Château Branaire-Ducru, Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Saint-Julien AOC
• Classification: 2nd Wine of Château Branaire-Ducru (1855 Fourth Growth)
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon dominant Bordeaux blend
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Plum, fig, boysenberry, mulled spice, cedar, fresh red and black fruit, silky finish
• Drink: Now through 2030
• Best Paired With: Grilled lamb cutlets, beef fillet, duck confit, mushroom stroganoff, Mimolette, aged Cheddar

The Saint-Julien signature at an accessible price — Duluc de Branaire-Ducru 2020 is restrained, silky, and built for the table.

DuMOL · Wester Reach Pinot Noir 2024 · Russian River Valley · 750ml

DuMOL’s Wester Reach Pinot Noir brings together valley vineyards and cooler western ridges in a layered expression of the Russian River Valley. The 2024 combines cherry and raspberry fruit with floral perfume, dried herbs, and spice, balancing depth of texture with a bright, lingering finish.

Character & Style

Winemaker Andy Smith describes a medium-bodied wine with rose petal, hibiscus, black cherry, and dark raspberry. The supplied critics highlight refined texture, red-toned fruit, mineral detail, and refreshing acidity.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

James Suckling · 95 Points
A pleasing mix of wild berries and red and black cherries with hints of cola and spices. Medium-bodied, plush and refined, showing orange black tea and a little anise in the finish.

Jeb Dunnuck · 94 Points
The 2024 Pinot Noir Wester Reach is a youthful rub -red hue and is more red-fruited, minty, and floral in profile, with the highest percentage of estate fruit to date. Medium-bodied, with spicy pomegranate fruit, refreshing acidity, and excellent structure.

Vinous · 91 Points
The 2024 Pinot Noir Wester Reach is a very pretty, elegant wine. Crushed flowers, bright red-toned fruit, chalk, mint and crushed rocks are finely drawn in this nervy, taut Pinot Noir. The 2024 is a wine of detail and nuance. Give it a year or two to soften a bit.

Winemaker Description

Andy Smith · Viticulturist, Winemaker & Partner
Our “Wester Reach” Pinot Noir is a multi-layered interpretation of this classic region where we live and farm vines. It includes some of the finest sites in the appellation - vineyards that we have planted, farmed or harvested for thirty years. Comprising three of our region’s unique sub-districts, the wine blends fruit from the valley with vineyards further west, stretching out to the coolest ‘reaches’ of the appellation’s high elevation coastal ridges. Each district contributes something unique, be it valley-floor texture and volume, ridgeline fruit intensity or bright coastal acidity.

The 2024 season saw a wet winter, a mild spring, and a hot July. Fortunately, harvest temperatures were gentle and mild, allowing steady progression to perfect maturity. Irrigation was not required, but we needed to crop thin to bring the vines into balance. Harvest took place over a stress-free three-week period. Berry size was moderate, so the wines have obvious concentration with an intense fruit core and fresh balancing acidity.

Aromas and flavors akin to rose petal, hibiscus, black cherry and dark raspberry. An edge of dried herb and Asian spice. Medium-bodied with deep layers of texture and lovely fruit purity. Turns sleek and succulent on the bright lingering finish. Drink between 2026 and 2034.

Vineyards & Winemaking

• 33% Flax Estate Vineyard
• 26% Dr. Galante Estate Vineyard
• 21% Dutton-Jentoft Vineyard
• 20% Occidental Road Vineyard
• Harvest dates listed: August 21–September 12
• Fermentation: Native yeasts, 25% whole clusters
• Aging: 11 months in 228L French oak barrels, 30% new, followed by 3 months in tank
• Bottled unfiltered
• Production listed: 4,500 cases of 750ml

Additional Press Mention

The supplied producer material also lists 94 points from Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Independent. No accompanying review text was supplied.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Serve slightly cool and allow time in the glass. Try with roast duck, salmon, mushroom dishes, or herb-roasted chicken. The winemaker’s suggested drinking window is 2026–2034; Vinous recommends allowing a year or two for the wine to soften.

Wine Details

• Producer: DuMOL
• Cuvée: Wester Reach
• Vintage: 2024
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Russian River Valley
• Origin: California, United States
• Bottle size: 750ml

Produce Description 

Duncan Taylor was originally based out of Glasgow where they were merchants and brokers of Scotch whisky casks. They have been laying down casks from distilleries all over Scotland for decades and now have one of the largest privately-held collections of rare and vintage Scotch Whisky.

Islay is a great place to make whisky if you were living in the 1800s. Remote but great water and barley. In 1815 Laphroaig was founded by brothers Alexander and Donald Johnston. Donald tragically died in 1847 after falling into a vat of hot pot ale at the distillery. It became famous in the early 1900s as it became released as a single malt. It has always been known to produce a heavily peated style.

TASTE
It is extremely rare to find Laphroaig in independent bottlers and what a great whisky this must be if from Duncan Taylor! 

Winemaker Description

This signature wine contains only fruit farmed on Howell Mountain. The wine comes in a distinctive bottle that is hand dipped in red wax. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. aged 32 months in 100% new French oak.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2017

Vinous Antonio Galloni 97 Points | The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is sure to make Dunn fans happy. Powerful and ample, it marries the natural intensity of the year with the savoriness that makes Howell Mountain Cabernets so distinctive. Dark blue/purplish fruit, graphite, spice, leather, dried herbs and lavender imbue the 2017 with striking intensity and character. I can't wait to see how it ages. The 2017 is a positively stunning edition of the Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.  Drinking 2027 - 2047.

Robert Parker Joe Czerwinski 96 Points | Already more open than the 2018 Howell Mountain, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain boasts slightly piney, resinous herb notes—thyme and rosemary—along with classic cassis and blueberry fruit. Yes, there's a cedary coat of oak, but the fruit comes through loud and clear, adding a rich, velvety textural component and mouthwatering berry flavors on the lingering finish.  Drinking 2025 - 2040  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 96+

Wine Spectator James Molesworth 95 Points | Fresh ripe cassis, blackberry and plum fruit flavors course through, carried by tar and apple wood notes that are well-embedded, giving this a muscular but sleek feel. Features a great tug of dark earth and licorice snap on the palate-staining finish. Best from 2023 through 2038. 

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

James Suckling 92 Points | This is a youthful and fresh red with raspberries, lemons, clay and wild herbs on the nose. It’s medium-bodied, clean and mineral, with tight grained tannins and a fine and focused finish.

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

Golden yellow color. Intense aroma dominated by the fruit, highlighting the peach and grapefruit. It has an easily noticeable acidity, involved in the volume and body of the wine. These taste sensations, together with the retro nasal aroma, give it personality and a long final persistence.

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

Citrine yellow color. Intense and exuberant aroma, dominated by citrus fruits, where floral aromas are also noted. The acidity well present and involved in the volume of the wine that together with the retronasais aromas, give it a fresh and persistent finish.

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

Foraged botanicals from the Dyfi UNESCO Biosphere are used for this small production Gin to showcase the brightness of wildflower meadows, the freshness of the estuary, and the richness of forest. Fresh bontanical aromas that follow on the palate with a hint of citrus that lingers on the finish. Great for a Gin and Tonic.

Winemaker Description

La Landonne displays red/black color with deep dark tints with aromas of black fruits, licorice and roasted notes and oriental spices. Powerful and intense aromas. Powerful attack with important tannic structure. Rich and concentrated. Fully expressive of the terroir. Great ageing potential, structured and concentrated with a rare intensity of flavor and color.

Côte-Rôtie La Landonne completes this famous trilogy. An immense and pure wine with intense flavours and deep colour, this is the perfect wine for ageing.

The treasures are born in the very heart of the most legendary of the illustrious plots of the Maison Guigal. These precious bottles are as coveted as they are rare and have benefited from extreme care at every stage of the process, from the vine to the cellars. They are the sole incarnation of the inspiration and inheritance of centuries of viticulture in an exceptional terroir.

Expert Reviews- Vintage 2011 

Wine Spectator 98 Points | This delivers wave after wave of sensational raspberry pâte de fruit, plum reduction and boysenberry coulis flavors, backed by mouthwatering anise and blackberry cobbler hints. A massive bolt of iron and charcoal is deeply embedded in the fruit and lurks through the long, authoritative finish, keeping all the elements riveted together. Best from 2018 through 2030. 600 cases made. — JM.

Wine Advocate 99 Points | A step up over the other two single vineyard releases, the 2011 Cote Rotie la Landonne is an incredible wine that knocks it out of the park in the vintage. Its inky purple/ruby color is followed by to-die-for notes of cassis, black olives, truffles, graphite and crushed rock. Full-bodied, massively concentrated, thick and unctuous, it has the vintage’s flamboyant fruit profile, yet backs it up with a stacked mid-palate, serious amounts of tannin and a finish that just won’t quite. It’s relatively approachable now due to its glycerin and fat, yet needs a decade of cellaring and will knock your socks off over the following two decades or more. 

Vinous 95 Points | (raised in new oak for 42 months): Glass-staining ruby. Powerful, expansive aromas of black and blue fruit liqueur, smoky Indian spices, sandalwood and olive, and an exotic floral nuance that gains strength with air. Deeply concentrated but surprisingly lively, offering palate-staining dark fruit and violet pastille flavors and a strong, building spicy quality. Velvety tannins add grip to a strikingly long, sappy and penetrating finish, which clings with noteworthy tenacity. Drinking 2020 - 2030. -- Josh Raynolds

Winemaker Description

Red black with deep dark tints. Small black fruits, liquorice and roasted notes and oriental spices. Powerful and intense aromas. Powerful attack with important tannic structure. Rich and concentrated. Fully expressive of the terroir. Great ageing potential, structured and concentrated with a rare intensity of flavour and colour.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2012 

Wine Spectator 92 Points | Intense, with a serious iron spine that drives from start to finish, while the core of dark currant, bitter plum and black cherry fruit is held in reserve. The grippy and mineral-driven finish sports loads of tobacco, warm iron and dark earth notes, while displaying terrific cut and drive. A formidable wine. Best from 2020 through 2040. 1,000 cases made.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2013 

Wine Spectator 98 Points | A thunderhead of dark ganache and espresso notes slowly rolls through, while fig paste, melted licorice, warm plum and blackberry compote flavors follow. A massive beam of graphite drives the finish to a crescendo, with the fruit echoing. 

Wine Advocate 95+ Points | La Landonne is never destemmed and is always the last of the single-vineyard wines to be picked. Philippe Guigal calls it “the most Pauillac of the Cote Roties,” and the 2013 Cote Rotie La Landonne bears that out. It’s slightly austere and firmly tannic, with attractive floral aromas and layers of dark fruit that will require time to fully emerge.

James Suckling 97 Points | The most brooding nose of the trio of La La's with dark coal smoky aromas and dark stones, graphite and cocoa powder. Fruits are in the very dark plum and blackberry spectrum but flavors are held in a more savory mode with assertive, powerful clean-cut tannins that hold endless length. Truly a masterpiece. Best from 2022 and for two decades or more.  

Winemaker Description

Deep ruby red with dark tints. Small red fruit, blackberry, morello cherry Intensely aromatic, powerful and elegant. Supple attack with a balanced supple structure, concentration and elegant tannins. Fully expressive of the terroir. With all the virility of the Cote Brune, La Turque also has all the subtlety and femininity of the Cote Blonde.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2013 

Wine Spectator 98 Points | A stunning, modern-styled version, with scintillating raspberry puree, plum confiture and blackberry reduction flavors gliding over velvety but copious tannins. Alluring warm ganache and fruitcake accents gild the finish, which sails on and on. Best from 2020 through 2045.

Wine Advocate 98 Points | A stunning, modern-styled version, with scintillating raspberry purée, plum confiture and blackberry reduction flavors gliding over velvety but copious tannins. Alluring warm ganache and fruitcake accents gild the finish, which sails on and on. Best from 2020 through 2045.

Decanter 95 Points | Tasted after the spicy, ethereal La Mouline 2013, this is more earthbound - deeper, darker and fruitier, with more bass notes, as you might expect from a wine sourced from 25 year old vines on schist soils with limestone and clay (versus the gneiss of La Mouline). It too spent 42 months in new oak barrels. This has a pretty, cedar-flecked red berry fruit nose, tightly swaddled in oak. Full-bodied and mouth-coating, it shows great purity and salinity on the palate - it is fresh, piercing and powerful, but balanced and light on its feet, with deep veins of oak spice running through it. Drinkable and fresh.  Drinking Window 2018 - 2035 — Tasted by Matt Walls(at E.Guigal portfolio tasting, London, 12 Jun 2017)

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | A step up over the La Mouline, the 2013 Côte Rôtie La Turque is concentrated, full-bodied, and structured, with lots of minerality, chocolate, and pepper nuances in its darker berry fruits, cassis and bacon fat aromas and flavors. With a great mid-palate, building tannin, and the more tight, austere style of the vintage, give bottles another 4-5 years and enjoy over the following two decades.  Drinking 2022 - 2042

James Suckling 96 Points | An air of deep-set complexity. Plenty of baking spices and toastiness with blackberry, pepper, wet stones and concrete. Extremely complex and fragrant. The palate delivers a supple, plush and luxuriant texture with masses of sweet spices and succulent blackberry fruit. Dark chocolate finish that's elegant and concentrated. Drink now and for two decades at least.

Vinous 95 Points | (made with 50 percent whole clusters) Inky ruby. Bright, intensely perfumed aromas of red and blue fruits, Indian spices and potpourri are energized by a smoky mineral quality. Juicy, focused and pure, displaying deeply concentrated but lively boysenberry and cherry liqueur flavors, along with hints of candied flowers and five-spice powder. Echoes the floral and spicy notes on the strikingly long, penetrating finish, which features harmonious tannins and a hint of bitter chocolate.  Drinking 2023 - 2032 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2011 

Wine Spectator 96 Points | Very dense, dark and brooding in feel, with a thick coating of Turkish coffee and bittersweet ganache over the copious blackberry and fig flavors. The long finish is studded with charcoal and smoldering tobacco hints. Patience is required. Best from 2018 through 2030. From France.

Wine Advocate 98 Points | Starting out the single vineyards and bottled in February (after over four years in new oak barrels), the 2011 Cote Rotie la Mouline is as slutty, sexy and seamless as they come. Full-bodied, thrillingly concentrated and unctuous, it offers classic Mouline notes of cured meats, violets, black raspberries, espresso and hints of vanilla bean. Philippe Guigal commented that the worst thing about 2011 was the it came after 2010, and while the previous two vintages will get all of the attention, this 2011 will deliver almost as much pleasure, and do it right from the start as well. It needs 3-4 years of cellaring and will drink sensationally through 2041.

Vinous 96 Points | (aged in new oak barriques for 42 months): Deep ruby. Sexy mineral- and spice-laced black raspberry, cherry compote and floral pastille aromas are complemented by notes of Asian spices, cola and smoky oak. Spicy and precise on the palate, offering vibrant, spice-accented red and dark berry and cola flavors and an undercurrent of smoky minerality. Fine-grained tannins sneak in very slowly and meld seamlessly with the energetic fruit. Clings with fantastic tenacity and focus, leaving behind vibrant spice, berry liqueur and mineral notes.

Critical Acclaim

• Wine Advocate – 97 Points | “Upfront, incredibly perfumed nose of spring flowers, cured meats, roasted herbs, olives and sweet cassis fruit. Full-bodied, beautifully textured, mouth-filling and already impossible to resist — it expands on the palate and I guarantee this beauty will put a smile on your face anytime over the coming two decades.” Drinking 2016–2036.
• Wine Spectator – 96 Points | “Brooding, with layers of warm tobacco leaf, roasted alder and juniper, and sweet tapenade, backed by a dense core of macerated plum, black currant and raspberry fruit. The long, smoldering finish shows terrific latent grip.” Best from 2018–2030.
• James Suckling – 95 Points | “Super peppery, very concentrated and immaculately fragrant. Entrancing brown-spice aromas across red plums and darker black fruits. Layered, smooth and supple, pitching concentrated flavors against precise, dense and very powerful tannin. Exceptional wine.” Drink 2020–2030.
• Decanter – 95 Points | “Porcini mushroom and a touch of graphite on the finish. The acidity is well balanced, the tannins a little dry and leathery.” Drinking 2021–2033.
• Vinous – 94 Points | “Heady, intensely perfumed aromas of red fruit preserves, incense, smoky minerals and lavender. Stains the palate with sweet, seamless raspberry liquéur, spicecake and floral pastille flavors. Strikingly long and precise finish with resonating mineral and floral notes.” Drinking 2021–2030.

Tasting Notes

Red fruits, blackberry, and floral aromas of violet define the nose of La Mouline. On the palate, the wine is silky, velvety, and voluptuous with intense aromatics, seamless texture, and a finish of extraordinary length and precision. A wine of rare beauty and complexity.

About the Wine

La Mouline is one of Guigal’s legendary “La La” wines — among the most celebrated and collectible bottles in the entire Rhône Valley. Sourced from a single steep vineyard on the Côte Blonde in Côte-Rôtie, La Mouline is predominantly Syrah with a small percentage of Viognier co-fermented, lending its signature floral perfume and silky texture. The wine spends 42 months in new oak before bottling — a hallmark of Guigal’s uncompromising approach to quality.

Food Pairing

Outstanding with game birds, roasted lamb, truffle dishes, and aged hard cheeses. Also exceptional on its own as a contemplative collector’s wine.

Product Details

• Appellation: Côte-Rôtie, Northern Rhône, France
• Varietal: Syrah with Viognier (co-fermented)
• Vintage: 2012
• Format: 750ml
• Drinking Window: Now–2036
• Producer: E. Guigal

Expert Reviews- Vintage 2013 

Josh Raynolds of Vinous writes 96 Points |  (made with 50 percent whole clusters) Bright purple. A complex, intensely perfumed bouquet of fresh black and blue fruit, candied licorice and Asian spice scents develops a sexy floral note as the wine opens up. Vibrant and appealingly sweet on the palate, offering intense, smoke-tinged black currant, boysenberry, floral pastille and spicecake flavors energized by a refreshing snap of juicy acidity. Blends richness and vivacity with a deft hand and finishes extremely long and gently tannic, leaving a sappy blue fruit note behind. Drinking 2023 - 2032.

James Suckling writes 97 Points | The most brooding nose of the trio of La La's with dark coal smoky aromas and dark stones, graphite and cocoa powder. Fruits are in the very dark plum and blackberry spectrum but flavors are held in a more savory mode with assertive, powerful clean-cut tannins that hold endless length. Truly a masterpiece. Best from 2022 and for two decades or more.

Joe Czerwinski of The Wine Advocate writes 94 Points | The 2013 Cote Rotie La Mouline shows none of the vintage’s sometimes dry tannins. It offers crisp black fruit—plums and blackberries—underscored by hints of pencil shavings, espresso and grilled meat. Suave and long, it should drink well for a couple of decades. Drinking 2020 - 2035. 

James Molesworth of the Wine Spectator writes 96 Points | Very ripe, with layers of fig, boysenberry and plum compote forming the core, inlaid liberally with licorice snap, roasted apple wood and Turkish coffee notes. Shows lots of heft, but everything pulls together on the finish, exhibiting drive and definition. Best from 2020 through 2040. 65 cases imported.

Jeb Dunnuck writes 94+ Points | One of the more restrained and fresh vintages of this cuvée out there, the 2013 Côte Rôtie La Mouline still has a classic Mouline floral, gamey, and spicy bouquet to go with medium to full-bodied richness and depth on the palate. With good concentration, notable complexity, sweet tannin, and plenty of length, it needs 3-4 years of bottle age and will keep for 15+. Drinking 2022 - 2037.

Richard Hemming MW of Jancis Robinson writes 18/20 Points | Hickory smoke, violets, tobacco, black-cherry fruit, pepper and a touch of stemmy herbal character. Super-fine tannins, and quite light body with a finish that isn't as expansive as the palate. Still young, so the length may well develop. Drinking 2019 - 2033 

Expert Review — Vintage 2022

Jeb Dunnuck — 90 Points | Mostly Viognier (55%) but with other permitted white varieties, the 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Blanc has a medium-bodied, vibrant, pure style to go with lovely peach and tangerine-like aromas and flavors. Drink this outstanding, classy white over the coming 2-3 years. I never cease to be amazed at the quality of the Côtes du Rhône white from this team, especially given the quantities produced.

Winemaker Description

Yellow gold, clear and brilliant. Freshness on the nose marked by the distinctive aromas of Viognier — white flowers, apricot, acacia and white peach. On the palate it is fruity with plenty of richness and body. A well-rounded wine with elegance, strength and balance.

• Producer: E. Guigal
• Appellation: Côtes du Rhône AOC, Southern Rhône, France
• Blend: 55% Viognier + other permitted white varieties
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle

Winemaker Description — Vintage 2024

One of the great secrets of the Guigal family is their mastery of white Rhône varieties. While only 8% of Rhône wines are white, a full 25% of Guigal’s production is white — making them the single largest producer of white wines in the region. This seamless blend represents unbelievable value.

Led by 60% Viognier — a grape Guigal helped revive — the wine is rich yet fresh, vibrant and food-friendly. An ideal pairing for seafood, poultry, creamy pasta, soft cheeses, and more.

• Producer: E. Guigal
• Appellation: Côtes du Rhône AOC, Southern Rhône, France
• Blend: 60% Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, Clairette
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml

E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge — Southern Rhône, France 2022

No name in the Rhône Valley commands more respect than Guigal. From their legendary single-vineyard La Las to this benchmark Côtes du Rhône, Marcel Guigal and his family have spent decades proving that the Southern Rhône can deliver both grandeur and extraordinary value in the same bottle. The 2022 Rouge is a textbook expression of the appellation: a Syrah-led blend with Grenache and Mourvèdre, it is deep, dark, and generously fruited — full-bodied yet polished, with smooth tannins and a long, elegant finish. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 92 points and called it "exceptional value." 

The nose is intensely aromatic: black cherry, dark plum, rose petal, and warm spice. On the palate, the fruit is bright and concentrated, with earthy depth, fine-grained tannins, and a playful, spice-laced finish that lingers well beyond its price point. A touch of aeration opens it up beautifully — decant briefly or simply let it breathe in the glass.

Wine Enthusiast 92 • James Suckling 90 — "Exceptional value. Bright and concentrated black cherries, rose petal and fresh aromatics."

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

Wine Enthusiast — 92 Points
Bright and concentrated black cherries, rose petal and fresh aromatics create a lively nose. On the palate, fruit and earthy notes come into perfect balance with a bit of aeration. A great pairing for meaty dishes, offering exceptional value.

James Suckling — 90 Points
A juicy, fruity red with aromas of dark cherries, red berries and mild spices. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Bright fruit character on the palate with a playful finish and a touch of spices. Drink now.

• Producer: E. Guigal, Ampuis, Rhône Valley, France
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Côtes du Rhône AOC, Southern Rhône
• Blend: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, dark plum, rose petal, warm spice, earthy depth, smooth tannins
• Best Paired With: Grilled lamb, roast chicken, charcuterie, beef stew, hard cheeses

The world's most trusted Rhône producer at its most approachable — Guigal's Côtes du Rhône is the benchmark for what Southern France can deliver at any price.

E. Guigal · Côtes du Rhône Rouge · Southern Rhône · France · 2022 · 750ml

E. Guigal is the most celebrated name in the Rhône Valley — a family estate founded in Ampuis in 1946 by Etienne Guigal and now run by his son Marcel, whose obsessive commitment to quality has made Guigal synonymous with the finest expressions of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre from Hermitage to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The Côtes du Rhône Rouge is Guigal’s benchmark entry-level wine: a blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, and 10% Mourvèdre, partially aged in large oak foudres, and crafted to deliver genuine Rhône character at an honest price. The 2022 vintage was the hottest and driest growing season since 1950 — intense heatwaves followed by mid-August rainfall that promoted ripening and yielded concentrated, full-bodied wines of exceptional richness and depth. Jeb Dunnuck called it “smoking good.” At $18.99, this is one of the most compelling values in French red wine.

Deep ruby in the glass with an intensely aromatic nose of blackberry, black plum, pepper, garrigue, and a whisper of cocoa — generous, expressive, and unmistakably southern Rhône. On the palate: full-bodied and round, with lush dark fruit, velvety tannins, and a long, elegant finish that shows real finesse beyond the abundance of fruit. Three critics, three 90+ scores: Jeb Dunnuck 91, Wine Enthusiast 91, Wine Advocate 90. Drink now through 2028. Pair with charcuterie, braised lamb, beef stew, roast chicken, or a simple cheese board.

• Producer: E. Guigal (est. 1946, Ampuis)
• Wine: Côtes du Rhône Rouge AOC
• Vintage: 2022
• Origin: Southern Rhône Valley, France
• Blend: 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre
• Aging: Partially aged in large oak foudres
• Style: Full-bodied, generous southern Rhône red
• Scores: Jeb Dunnuck 91 · Wine Enthusiast 91 · Wine Advocate 90
• Drinking Window: Now–2028
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, black plum, pepper, garrigue, cocoa, velvety tannins, long elegant finish
• Pair With: Charcuterie · Braised lamb · Beef stew · Roast chicken · Cheese board

The Rhône’s most celebrated name, three 90+ scores — southern France’s most reliable everyday red.

Expert Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck — 91 Points
“Smoking good — blackberries, pepper, and garrigue in a round, supple, medium to full-bodied style. Remarkable quality for the appellation.”

Wine Enthusiast — 91 Points
“Black plum and cocoa-dusted aromas bump against raspberry and black tea. Fulsome in body, with red fruit riding all the way to the finish, made more complex by velvety tannins.”

Wine Advocate — 90 Points
“Juicy, round and elegant — remarkably dense for the vintage and represents excellent value.”

Winemaker Description

Black fruits, leathers, licorice, aromas of roasting and oriental spices. Notes of eucalyptus. Very powerful aromatic intensity. A lot of richness and structure on the palate. Very strong expression of the terroir which expresses itself by the elegance and the power of its tannins.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2013 

Wine Spectator 97 Points | This is intense, as dense ganache, espresso, roasted juniper and alder notes form an impressive frame around an equally ornate core of steeped fig, blackberry and black currant fruit flavors, all while maintaining terrific cut and drive despite the heft. A mouthwatering iron accent at the very end seals the deal. Best from 2020 through 2040.

Wine Advocate 97 Points | This was another excellent showing for the 2013 Hermitage Ex Voto and this elegant, medium to full-bodied release offers straight-up textbook notes of crème de cassis, vanilla bean, crushed rocks, graphite and spice. It lacks the mid-palate density of the 2009 and 2010, but is impeccably balanced, elegant, and offers considerable charm. Range:94-97

James Suckling 94 Points | A big, bold dark plum, chocolate and roasted coffee nose with dark stones and a swathe of fragrant baking spices. The palate has a succulent and powerful feel. Dark ripe cherry fruits and toasty oak are well matched. Drink now.

Vinous 94 Points | (aged in new oak for 40 months) Glass-staining ruby. Deep-pitched cassis, cherry liqueur, incense and candied violet scents, along with hints of olive paste and Moroccan spices. Sweet, broad and energetic on the palate, offering alluringly sweet black and blue fruit, floral pastille and spicecake flavors underscored by an intense mineral quality. Unfolds very slowly with air and finishes impressively long, featuring youthful tannins and outstanding energy.  Drinking 2023 - 2033. -- Josh Raynolds.