Products

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.

Winemaker Description

Eye: Deep dark ruby colour with mauve tints. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2007

Wine Spectator 95 Points | This has gorgeous espresso and roasted mesquite aromatics, followed by dense but velvety-textured plum sauce, blackberry paste and cassis flavors. Best from 2012 through 2025.

Stephen Tanzer 96 Points | Opaque ruby. Boysenberry, blueberry and smoky Indian spices on the expansive, heady nose, with a sexy floral quality that gains strength with air. Deep, sappy and palate-staining dark fruit compote flavors show unlikely energy and become spicier and smokier with air. A strikingly expressive, potent and compellingly fragrant wine that finishes with superb clarity and floral-driven persistence. 

Echo Bay · Marlborough · New Zealand · 2024

Marlborough’s South Island is one of the world’s great Sauvignon Blanc addresses — a place where the interplay of intense sunshine, cool nights, and free-draining soils produces whites of extraordinary aromatic energy and precision. Echo Bay is crafted by Nick Goldschmidt, a native New Zealander with over 40 harvests of experience across four continents, whose philosophy is simple: let the vineyard speak, and get out of the way.

The result is a wine that is pure Marlborough in character. The nose bursts with passionfruit, kiwi, and mango alongside zesty lime and grapefruit, with a thread of gooseberry running through. On the palate it is crisp and vibrant, with a silky mid-palate, refreshing acidity, and a clean, lingering finish that makes it as easy to enjoy on its own as it is at the table.

• Producer: Echo Bay (Goldschmidt Vineyards)
• Winemaker: Nick Goldschmidt
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Passionfruit, kiwi, mango, lime, grapefruit, gooseberry, clean refreshing finish
• Pairings: Grilled fish, shellfish, goat cheese, light salads, aperitif

Tropical, vibrant, and unmistakably New Zealand — a crowd-pleaser with real winemaking pedigree behind it.

Echo de Lynch-Bages — 2nd Label of Château Lynch-Bages, Pauillac 2023

Château Lynch-Bages is one of Pauillac's most beloved estates — a Fifth Growth in classification but a Second Growth in reputation, consistently producing wines of extraordinary depth and character. Echo de Lynch-Bages is the official second label of the estate, drawing from younger vines and select parcels to produce a wine that carries the unmistakable Lynch-Bages DNA: graphite, ripe black fruit, smoked earth, and that signature broad-shouldered Pauillac structure. The 2023 is a blend of 55% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Cabernet Franc, aged 14 months in new and once-used French oak — a ripe yet classic vintage that earned five critic scores of 89–93 points.

The wine pours a deep ruby. The nose is classically Pauillac: lead pencil, graphite, ripe black fruits, cassis, dark berries, cedar, and a compelling smoked earth character. On the palate, it's medium-bodied and beautifully balanced — juicy and fine-grained, with ripe, supple tannins, outstanding length, and a firm, fruit-forward finish. Approachable today but built to age gracefully through 2045.

"Classic Pauillac notes of lead pencil, graphite, and ripe black fruits as well as an almost Graves-like smoked earth character. Medium-bodied and balanced, with ripe, supple tannins and outstanding length." — Jeb Dunnuck, 93 Points

• Producer: Château Lynch-Bages, Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
• Classification: Official 2nd Label of Château Lynch-Bages (5ème Grand Cru Classé)
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Pauillac AOC
• Blend: 55% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc
• Aging: 14 months in new and once-used French oak
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: JS 93 | JD 93 | WA 91 | Vinous 90 | WS 89
• Drink: Now–2045 (best from 2026–2027)
• Tasting Notes: Graphite, lead pencil, cassis, dark berries, smoked earth, cedar, supple tannins
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, duck confit, grilled ribeye, aged hard cheeses, classic Bordelaise cuisine

Five 89–93 point scores and a drink window through 2045 — Lynch-Bages pedigree at second label pricing, in one of Bordeaux's most compelling recent vintages.

Winemaker Description 

Using grapes grown in Mendocino County’s rugged coastal mountains, Edmeades crafts bold, intense Zinfandels of distinctive character and personality. We work side by side with a small group of growers, who year after year produce some of Mendocino County’s most highly-prized grapes. We prefer a delicate touch in our cellar, allowing each vineyard to be fully expressed in the wines we make

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

Vinous 93 Points | The first of the two white wines, the 2024 Versante Nord is a blend of varieties sourced from six different vineyards at varying altitudes from the north side of the valley, which receives more sunlight during the day. This wine offers a wealth of power, with notes of salted pineapples, fresh sage, smoky earth, and saline. It’s bright with acidity, salinity, and a light wild side, though very well-managed. It had been bottled just three weeks earlier, so this tasting was a preview prior to its release. Drink over the coming 8-10 years.

Winemaker Description 

This wine offers a strikingly pure expression of Mt. Etna’s eastern slopes. Grown on volcanic soils at high elevation, this white blend is taut, mineral, and refreshingly saline, with notes of citrus zest, herbs, and crushed rock. A brilliant new bottling from one of Etna’s most exciting voices—available now on pre-sale in limited quantities.

Eric Guido also last year assigned 91 Points to this plot- and said as follows of the 2023 vintage - Crushed rocks, dried flowers, raw almonds and freshly sliced nectarines form a savory bouquet as the 2023 Carricante Versante Est opens in the glass. Nearly salty in character, it washes across the palate with ease, showing tart orchard fruits and hints of lemony custard. The 2023 finishes with medium length, leaving a pleasant chamomile air to linger.

High-altitude, volcanic red that captures the wild beauty of Mt. Etna’s northern slopes. Made primarily from Nerello Mascalese and other native Sicilian varieties, this wine is lifted and aromatic, with notes of red berries, herbs, crushed stone, and spice. Elegant yet energetic, "Quota N" reflects Eduardo’s low-intervention style and deep respect for Etna’s terroir. A pure and soulful expression of Sicilian winemaking.

Eduardo acquired this flat, half-hectare parcel of ungrafted, 80 to 100 year-old, co-planted bush vines. The vines are a a field blend of of red and white grapes. 

It is surrounded by stone walls at the high elevation of 1070 meters in the contrada. The parcel is named Germana for its historical family owner.Eduardo was not allowed to use this name and was also not permiited to use the Nave contrada name, because the site is too high to fall within DOC Etna Rosso rules.

A striking single-vineyard expression from the sandy, mineral-rich soils of Mt. Etna’s northwestern flank. Made primarily from old-vine Nerello Mascalese, it offers fine tannins, bright red fruit, and a savory, stony core. This is one of Eduardo’s most refined and site-specific wines—elegant, earthy, and deeply expressive of Etna’s unique terroir.

Eric Guido said of the 2022 vintage - 94+ Points - The 2022 Nerello Mascalese Arenaria takes its time in the glass. It is darkly floral and spiced with a smoldering blend of blackberries and grilled herbs offset by a tinge of tangerine. This impresses further with its combination of tart wild berries and zesty citrus tones elevated by juicy acidity over a stream of silken textures. Complex yet wildly energetic, the 2022 leaves the palate reeling as licorice comes together with black raspberry and cocoa over a bed of fine-grained tannins. The Arenaria is painfully young today yet full of potential, displaying incredible depth and refinement. In a word, spellbinding."

The 2022 Nerello Mascalese Pirrera is impossible to ignore. It blends crushed blackberries with lavender pastille and hints of candied citrus and spice. This is zesty, with a reverberation of brisk acidity and masses of mineral-doused wild berry fruits. The 2022 finishes with medium length and a chalky concentration, leaving the cheeks puckered with youthful poise as hints of tart blackberry slowly taper off.

Educated Guess Cabernet Sauvignon — Napa Valley 2023

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at this price is a rare find — and Educated Guess makes a compelling case that you don’t have to spend a fortune to drink well from one of the world’s greatest wine regions. The 2023 vintage is bright, structured, and built for the table.

The nose is spiced and cedary, with dark cherry, ripe plum, hints of cigar box, and a whisper of wet earth. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and chewy with a lightly austere, bitter-spice character balanced by juicy, fruit-forward depth. Petite Sirah contributes beautiful color and spice, while splashes of Petit Verdot and Malbec round out the mouthwatering finish.

“Full-bodied and chewy with juicy fruit underneath.” — James Suckling, 90 Points

• Producer: Educated Guess, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Malbec
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, plum, cedar, cigar box, wet earth, bitter spice
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, lamb chops, aged cheddar, braised short ribs

A crowd-pleasing Napa Cab with genuine structure and complexity — an educated choice for any occasion.

Effie's Homemade Oatcakes — Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Effie's Oatcakes are one of the great undiscovered pleasures of the cheese board — crisp, buttery, and subtly sweet tea biscuits made from a fourth-generation family recipe rooted in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Baked in the Scottish Maritime tradition that defines the region's culinary heritage, they are made with oats, real butter, and just a whisper of sweetness. Simple, honest, and deeply satisfying at $11.49.

The texture is the first thing you notice: a clean, satisfying snap, then a crumble that is rich without being heavy. The flavor is quietly complex — toasted oat, warm butter, a hint of salt, and a gentle sweetness that makes them equally at home with a sharp aged cheddar, a creamy triple cream, a spoonful of jam, or simply on their own with a cup of tea. The perfect cracker for a cheese board that wants something with real character.

• Producer: Effie's Homemade, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada
• Type: Oatcake / Tea Biscuit
• Recipe: Fourth-generation family recipe
• Key Ingredients: Oats, butter, a hint of sweetness
• Best For: Cheese boards, afternoon tea, snacking, gifting
• Best Paired With: Aged cheddar, triple cream, brie, jam, honey, smoked salmon, pâté

The cheese board cracker that outshines everything else on the table — Effie's Oatcakes are a fourth-generation Nova Scotian tradition worth keeping.

Effie’s Homemade Ginger Biscuits — Bold, Zesty & Perfectly Crisp

The first bite of an Effie’s biscuit is a moment of pure delight. More refined than a cookie, more dynamic than a cracker, Effie’s Ginger Biscuits deliver a bold, zesty ginger flavor balanced by a hint of sweetness and a crisp, buttery texture. Rooted in a rich farmhouse tradition, every batch honors the spirit of simple pleasures, shared generously.

Real ginger provides the kick — bright, warming, and unmistakable — while a light touch of salt on the finish keeps things lively. Whether savored on their own or paired with something special, these biscuits are endlessly versatile and utterly addictive.

Serving Suggestions

Exceptional with citrus curd, creamy mascarpone, or a mild soft cheese. A natural companion for tea, coffee, or lemonade. Equally at home on a cheese board or enjoyed as an indulgent solo snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

What gives these biscuits their kick?
Real ginger delivers bold, warming flavor balanced by a touch of sweetness and a bright salt finish.

How should I serve Ginger Biscuits?
Great with citrus curd, soft cheese, mascarpone, or a hot cup of tea. Also excellent on a cheese board alongside mild chèvre or brie.

Product Details

• Producer: Effie’s Homemade
• Style: Artisan ginger biscuit
• Flavor Profile: Bold ginger, lightly sweet, crisp and buttery
• Best Paired With: Cheese, citrus curd, tea, coffee

Egly-Ouriet | Les Crayères VV | Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut | Ambonnay, Montagne de Reims, Champagne | Practicing Organic

Egly-Ouriet is one of Champagne's most revered grower-producers, based in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay on the Montagne de Reims. Francis Egly farms his parcels with meticulous care — practicing organic viticulture, harvesting by hand, and working exclusively with indigenous yeasts — producing Champagnes of uncommon depth, vinous texture, and site-driven precision that have earned the domaine a cult following among collectors and sommeliers worldwide.

Among the rarest and most celebrated wines in the Egly-Ouriet portfolio, Les Crayères VV is a single-vineyard Blanc de Noirs made entirely from old-vine Pinot Noir. VV stands for Vieilles Vignes — old vines. The fruit comes exclusively from the legendary Les Crayères parcel, located just east of Ambonnay, planted largely in 1946 and 1947. The vineyard occupies a prized south-facing site with only a thin layer of topsoil above a deep bed of pure chalk — the name Les Crayères itself refers to this intensely chalky terroir. Very old vines, naturally low yields, and chalk-rich soils produce Pinot Noir of extraordinary concentration, minerality, and freshness.

Harvested by hand and fermented with indigenous yeasts in French oak barrels (small proportion of new oak), with malolactic fermentation blocked to preserve energy and acidity. The wine spends approximately six years aging on its lees before disgorgement, and is finished with an exceptionally low dosage — bottled unfined and unfiltered, preserving its depth, texture, and individual vineyard character.

Deep golden in the glass. Aromas of ripe pear, dried apple, red berries, and bitter orange unfold alongside toasted brioche, roasted nuts, honey, cocoa, and warm baking spices. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated — fine, persistent mousse, layers of red fruit, ginger, cardamom, and toasted pastry, balanced by mouthwatering acidity, pronounced chalky structure, and a long, saline mineral finish. Although immediately impressive, this is a Champagne built to develop gracefully in the cellar.

An exceptional Champagne for the table — pairs beautifully with smoked salmon, lobster, roasted poultry, duck, charcuterie, wild mushrooms, richly flavored fish, aged Comté, Parmesan, and other firm, mature cheeses.

• Producer: Egly-Ouriet
• Cuvée: Les Crayères VV (Vieilles Vignes)
• Classification: Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut
• Appellation: Ambonnay, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
• Vineyard: Les Crayères single parcel, Ambonnay
• Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vine Age: Planted 1946 & 1947
• Farming: Practicing organic
• Soils: Pure chalk with thin topsoil
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts; French oak barrels (small % new)
• Malolactic Fermentation: Blocked
• Lees Aging: ~6 years
• Dosage: Exceptionally low
• Bottling: Unfined and unfiltered
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Base vintages, dosage, and disgorgement dates may vary by release.

Egly-Ouriet | VP (Vieillissement Prolongé) | Grand Cru Extra Brut | Ambonnay, Montagne de Reims, Champagne | Practicing Organic

Egly-Ouriet is one of Champagne's most revered grower-producers, based in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay on the Montagne de Reims. Francis Egly farms his parcels with meticulous care — practicing organic viticulture, harvesting by hand, and working exclusively with indigenous yeasts — producing Champagnes of uncommon depth, vinous texture, and site-driven precision that have earned the domaine a cult following among collectors and sommeliers worldwide.

One of the most distinguished cuvées in the Egly-Ouriet portfolio, VP stands for Vieillissement Prolongé — extended aging. This exceptional Champagne spends more than seven years resting on its fine lees before disgorgement, considerably longer than most non-vintage Champagnes and even many vintage bottlings. The extended maturation creates remarkable depth, complexity, and a beautifully integrated texture that sets VP apart as one of the great prestige cuvées of the grower Champagne world.

The blend is approximately 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, drawn from Grand Cru vineyards in Ambonnay, Bouzy, and Verzenay. Harvested by hand and fermented with indigenous yeasts in French oak barrels, with malolactic fermentation blocked to preserve natural acidity and tension. A very low dosage preserves the wine's energy, precision, and distinctly chalky character — bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Rich and vinous yet exceptionally focused: aromas of red apple, spiced pear, yellow peach, and blood orange, followed by toasted brioche, roasted nuts, baking spices, and subtle floral notes. The palate is full and layered — fine, creamy mousse, vibrant citrus acidity, and pronounced mineral tension, with ginger, orchard fruit, toasted bread, and crushed chalk carrying through an exceptionally long, saline finish. Impressive upon release, yet built to develop beautifully with additional bottle age.

Powerful enough to accompany an entire meal — superb with scallops, lobster, crab, roasted poultry, duck, mushroom risotto, aged Comté, and other firm, nutty cheeses.

• Producer: Egly-Ouriet
• Cuvée: VP (Vieillissement Prolongé)
• Classification: Grand Cru Extra Brut
• Appellation: Ambonnay, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
• Villages: Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzenay
• Grape Varieties: ~70% Pinot Noir, ~30% Chardonnay
• Farming: Practicing organic
• Soils: Chalk-rich
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts; French oak barrels
• Malolactic Fermentation: Blocked
• Lees Aging: 7+ years
• Dosage: Very low
• Bottling: Unfined and unfiltered
• Bottle Size: 750ml

As this is a non-vintage Champagne, base vintages, reserve-wine proportions, dosage, and disgorgement dates may vary by release.

One of the rarest and most sought-after wines produced by Egly-Ouriet, the Cuvée des Grands Côtes Vieilles Vignes is a still red Coteaux Champenois made entirely from Pinot Noir. The fruit comes from a single south-facing vineyard in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay, situated directly below the domaine’s celebrated Les Crayères parcel.

The vineyard’s old vines, more than 60 years of age, are rooted in soils containing a higher proportion of clay than the neighboring chalk-dominant Les Crayères site. This warmer, clay-rich terroir is particularly well suited to producing deeply flavored, structured Pinot Noir. The vineyard is farmed according to practicing-organic principles, with meticulous attention to vine health, ripeness and naturally low yields.

The grapes are harvested by hand and fermented with indigenous yeasts in French oak barrels. The wine is then matured in barrel for approximately 22 months, with around 30% new oak. It is bottled individually by hand directly from barrel, without fining or filtration, preserving the wine’s natural concentration, texture and expression of its Ambonnay terroir.

The 2023 Cuvée des Grands Côtes is an intense yet beautifully refined expression of Pinot Noir. Aromas of ripe raspberry, red cherry and wild strawberry are joined by rose petals, savory spices, crushed stone and subtly toasted oak. The palate combines generous fruit with freshness and mineral precision, framed by finely textured tannins and a long, complex finish.

Although produced within Champagne, this is not a sparkling wine. Coteaux Champenois is the appellation reserved for the region’s rare still wines, and Egly-Ouriet’s Ambonnay Rouge is widely regarded as one of its most distinguished examples. Its depth, structure and ability to develop in the cellar frequently invite comparison with fine red Burgundy.

This exceptionally limited wine may be enjoyed after decanting or cellared for further development. Serve slightly cool with roast duck, game birds, veal, beef tenderloin, wild mushrooms, truffle dishes or aged cheeses.

Grape variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Coteaux Champenois
Village: Ambonnay Grand Cru, Montagne de Reims
Vineyard: Single south-facing parcel below Les Crayères
Vine age: More than 60 years
Farming: Practicing organic
Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts in French oak barrels
Élevage: Approximately 22 months in barrel, including around 30% new oak
Bottling: Bottled by hand directly from barrel; unfined and unfiltered
Wine style: Still red wine
Alcohol: 13% ABV
Bottle size: 750ml

Egly-Ouriet | Les Vignes de Bisseuil | Premier Cru Extra Brut | Bisseuil, Montagne de Reims, Champagne | Biodynamic

Egly-Ouriet is one of Champagne's most revered grower-producers, based in the Grand Cru village of Ambonnay on the Montagne de Reims. The domaine farms its parcels with meticulous care — practicing organic and biodynamic viticulture, harvesting by hand, and working exclusively with indigenous yeasts — producing Champagnes of uncommon depth, vinous texture, and site-driven precision.

Les Vignes de Bisseuil is the estate's Chardonnay-led expression, drawn from a 1.5-hectare parcel in the Premier Cru village of Bisseuil, situated directly beside the Grand Cru of Aÿ. South-facing, chalk-rich slopes and vines over 40 years old deliver fruit of concentration, freshness, and crystalline mineral definition — a brighter, more finesse-driven counterpoint to the domaine's powerful Pinot Noir-dominant cuvées.

The current release blends 70% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir, and 15% Pinot Meunier, fermented and matured in French oak barrels with approximately 10% new oak. Malolactic fermentation is blocked to preserve natural acidity and tension. The wine spends approximately 48 months aging on its lees before disgorgement, and is finished with a dosage of approximately 1 gram per liter — bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Bright and expressive on the nose: lemon zest, crisp pear, Mirabelle plum, and white flowers, with notes of fresh bread, toasted nuts, white pepper, and subtle spice. The palate is concentrated yet energetic — refined mousse, vibrant citrus acidity, and a pronounced chalky minerality, with ripe orchard fruit and a gently creamy texture leading to a long, precise, and saline finish.

Exceptional as an aperitif; equally at home alongside oysters, shellfish, smoked salmon, grilled fish, sushi, roast chicken, charcuterie, creamy cheeses, and lightly aged Comté.

• Producer: Egly-Ouriet
• Cuvée: Les Vignes de Bisseuil
• Classification: Premier Cru Extra Brut
• Appellation: Bisseuil, Montagne de Reims, Champagne, France
• Grape Varieties: 70% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier
• Vine Age: 40+ years
• Farming: Practicing organic / biodynamic
• Soils: Chalk-rich
• Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts; French oak barrels (~10% new)
• Malolactic Fermentation: Blocked
• Lees Aging: ~48 months
• Dosage: ~1 g/L
• Bottling: Unfined and unfiltered
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim

• James Suckling — 94 pts: Bright and precise, with lemon zest, pear, and white flowers on the nose. Concentrated yet energetic on the palate — chalky minerality, vibrant acidity, and a long saline finish. A benchmark grower Champagne from Bisseuil.
• Decanter — 93 pts: Refined and mineral-driven, with crisp orchard fruit, toasted nuts, and a creamy mousse. Exceptional freshness and length.
• Wine Advocate — 93 pts: Elegant and focused, with a pronounced chalky character and impressive depth. Unfined and unfiltered — a pure expression of Bisseuil terroir.

Blend proportions, base vintages, lees-aging period, dosage, and disgorgement date may vary by release.

E.H. Taylor, Jr. | Small Batch Bourbon | Bottled-in-Bond | Buffalo Trace Distillery | Frankfort, Kentucky

Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. is widely regarded as one of the founding fathers of the American bourbon industry. A visionary distiller, businessman, and legislator, Taylor fought tirelessly for the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 — landmark legislation that established strict federal standards for American whiskey production, protecting consumers and elevating the craft. He purchased what is now Buffalo Trace Distillery nearly three decades before that, implementing innovations still in use today, including climate-controlled aging warehouses such as the iconic Warehouse C, built by Taylor himself in 1885.

The E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch is produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery and bottled in strict accordance with the Bottled-in-Bond Act: aged a minimum of four years, distilled in a single distilling season by a single distillery, and bottled at exactly 100 proof (50% ABV). The bottle design pays homage to Colonel Taylor's original packaging from over a century ago — a fitting tribute to the man who made American bourbon what it is today.

The Small Batch opens with lightly toasted oak, dried figs, butterscotch, and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, a pleasing sweetness is beautifully balanced by tobacco leaf, dark spices, and a touch of leather. The finish is long, warm, and satisfying — preparing the palate for another sip. A benchmark Bottled-in-Bond bourbon that delivers both history and exceptional quality in every glass.

Best enjoyed neat or with a single large ice cube. Also exceptional in a classic Old-Fashioned or Manhattan.

• Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery
• Expression: E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch
• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Bottled-in-Bond
• Region: Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky, USA
• Aging: Minimum 4 years; climate-controlled warehouses
• Alcohol: 50% ABV (100 Proof)
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Producer Description 

This limited-edition bottled-in-bond bourbon pays tribute to one of the founding fathers of bourbon with a delicious marriage of three 18-year-old mash bills from Buffalo Trace: two rye bourbons and a wheated bourbon.

Producer Description 

Straight Rye Whiskey has experienced a strong resurgence in the American whiskey landscape, yet Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr. was making this style more than 100 years ago. This small batch, Bottled-in-Bond 100 proof straight rye whiskey pays tribute to the former Distillery owner with a unique rye whiskey reminiscent of days long past.

Ekone · Original Smoked Oysters · Pacific Northwest · 3oz

Ekone Original Smoked Oysters bring family-farm raised oysters from the Pacific Northwest to your snack table or next meal. The 3oz selection is easy to work into an appetizer spread, pasta, lentils, or a fresh salad.

Character & Style

A smoked oyster selection with the versatility to enjoy simply or incorporate into a dish. Our cheesemonger Martin Johnson recommends them as a snack or alongside lentils, pasta, and mixed salad greens with marinated tomatoes.

67 Gourmet Staff Note

Martin Johnson · Cheesemonger
Positively scrumptious, these smoked oysters will brighten any setting whether consumed as a snack, or in lentils, pasta or even over mixed salad greens with marinated tomatoes.

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Try with crackers or crusty bread, add to lentils or pasta, or serve over mixed greens with marinated tomatoes as Martin suggests. For a wine pairing, consider a crisp white wine or dry sparkling wine.

Product Details

• Brand: Ekone
• Product: Original Smoked Oysters
• Source described: Family-farm raised, Pacific Northwest
• Size: 3oz
• Contains shellfish: Oysters

Consult the package for the complete ingredient list, allergen information, and storage and preparation instructions.

Winemaker Description 

Made using wines made with 50% Garnacha Blanca and 50% Xarello grapes, El Bandarra Vermut Bianco is infused with more that 40 botanicals to create its complex bittersweet character.

El Coto Crianza — Rioja, Spain 2022

El Coto is Spain's most beloved Rioja — a winery founded on a simple and powerful idea: that exceptional quality and honest value should never be mutually exclusive. The 2022 Crianza is crafted entirely from Tempranillo grown at the estate's Oyón winery, fermented with rigorous temperature control for optimal structure and color extraction, then aged a minimum of 12 months in selected 225-litre American oak barrels and at least 6 months in bottle before release. The result is a smooth, silky, and beautifully balanced Crianza that has earned a Gold Medal at the 2025 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles — and overdelivers at its price point vintage after vintage.

The nose is fresh and inviting: bright raspberry, ripe cherry, vanilla, and emblematic toasted oak aromas with well-integrated spice. On the palate, the wine is silky and persistent with layered fruit, soft tannins, and a smooth, lingering finish with integrated spicy flavors. It is approachable, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly food-friendly — the kind of Rioja Crianza that never fails.

"El Coto Crianza is exceptionally balanced with layers of fresh raspberry, cherry, spice and toasted oak, building to a silky finish. Silky and persistent on the palate, with well-integrated spicy flavors." — Winemaker's Notes, El Coto de Rioja

• Producer: El Coto de Rioja, Oyón, Rioja, Spain
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: DOCa Rioja, Spain
• Varietal: Tempranillo
• Aging: 12+ months American oak + 6+ months bottle — vanilla, toasted oak & spice complexity
• Closure: Cork
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh raspberry, ripe cherry, vanilla, toasted oak, soft tannins, silky finish
• Awards: Gold Medal — Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2025
• Best Paired With: Iberian ham, aged Manchego, roast lamb, grilled chorizo, jamon, cheese boards

Spain's most accessible Rioja Crianza at an honest price — El Coto is the benchmark for what balanced, American oak-aged Tempranillo can deliver for everyone.

El Dorado is the flagship rum of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), produced at the legendary Diamond Distillery — the last remaining distillery in Guyana and the sole custodian of the country's extraordinary heritage of wooden pot and column stills. Operating in accordance with the Demerara Rum Geographical Indication, DDL is the guardian of a distilling tradition unlike anywhere else in the world, crafting rums of remarkable depth and character from the rich molasses of the Demerara River region.

The Cask Aged 3 Year White Rum is a blend of two of DDL's most prized marques: Skeldon (SWR) and Blairmont (B), both distilled from molasses in DDL's heritage French Savalle column still. The blend is aged for a minimum of three years in ex-bourbon casks under the tropical heat of Guyana, where accelerated maturation imparts warmth, roundness, and depth far beyond what is typical of the white rum category. The aged spirit is then double filtered through specialized natural charcoal, removing color while preserving the complexity and character developed during barrel aging.

Don't be deceived by its crystalline appearance — this is a white rum with genuine substance. Three years of tropical barrel aging rounds the edges of the spirit and delivers a warmth and depth that sets it apart from the light, neutral expressions that define most white rum. Versatile and robust, it is equally at home in a classic Daiquiri, a Mai Tai, or any cocktail calling for white rum with real character.

The 3 Year opens with inviting aromas of young coconut, buttered popcorn, and banana custard. The palate is oily and generous, echoing the nose with coconut and vanilla bean at the core. The finish is distinctive and lingering, with notes of wood tannin and pandan leaf — a hallmark of Demerara's unique distilling heritage.

Spirit: Demerara White Rum
Producer: Demerara Distillers Limited
Distillery: Diamond Distillery, Guyana
Marques: Skeldon (SWR), Blairmont (B)
Age: Minimum 3 years
Cask: Ex-bourbon barrels, double charcoal filtered
ABV: 40%
Bottle Size: 750ml

Serve: The definitive choice for any cocktail calling for white rum — Daiquiris, Mojitos, Mai Tais, and beyond. Also excellent over ice or neat.

El Dorado is the flagship rum of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), produced at the legendary Diamond Distillery — the last remaining distillery in Guyana and the sole custodian of the country's extraordinary heritage of wooden pot and column stills. Operating in accordance with the Demerara Rum Geographical Indication, DDL is the guardian of a distilling tradition unlike anywhere else in the world, producing rums of remarkable depth, complexity, and character from the rich, dark molasses of the Demerara River region.

The Cask Aged 5 Year is a blend of rums distilled from molasses using two of DDL's most celebrated heritage stills: the French Savalle still and the Enmore wooden Coffey still (EHP). Each still contributes a distinct flavor profile — the Savalle delivering elegance and refinement, the Enmore wooden Coffey adding weight, richness, and the distinctive character that defines classic Demerara rum. The blend is then aged for a minimum of five years in ex-bourbon casks in the tropical heat of Guyana, where the accelerated aging process imparts a maturity well beyond its years.

Five years of tropical aging in the Guyanese climate — where heat and humidity drive exceptional interaction between spirit and wood — produces a rum of remarkable depth and approachability. The result is a spirit that is equally at home sipped neat, over ice, or as the foundation of a serious cocktail program.

The 5 Year opens with inviting aromas of caramel coffee candy, crème brûlée, and birthday cake. On the palate, bold and confectionary notes of toasted coconut, vanilla, and nutmeg take center stage, leading to a warm, lingering finish evocative of frosted cinnamon rolls and hazelnut cream. Rich, indulgent, and beautifully balanced.

Spirit: Demerara Dark Rum
Producer: Demerara Distillers Limited
Distillery: Diamond Distillery, Guyana
Age: Minimum 5 years
Cask: Ex-bourbon barrels
ABV: 40%
Bottle Size: 750ml

Serve: Excellent neat, over ice, or in classic rum cocktails including Old Fashioneds, Daiquiris, and Mai Tais.