Products

Gomez Cruzado Viña Dorana Reserva — Alto Najerilla, Rioja, Spain 2018

Gomez Cruzado is one of Rioja's most exciting modern producers, based in Haro and dedicated to rescuing the great wines of yesteryear — old bush vines, high-altitude sites, and traditional blends that honor the region's heritage. Viña Dorana is named for a historic brand from 1930 and sourced from old bush vines in the Alto Najerilla, grown at 600–710 meters above sea level in the triangle formed by the villages of Cordovín, Badarán, and Cárdenas. The 2018 vintage — a cool, fresh year — produced a wine of classical harmony and serious structure. Wine Advocate awarded it 94 points; Jeb Dunnuck 92; James Suckling 92. At $35.99, it is one of the most compelling values in serious Rioja Reserva.

The nose is refined and layered: rich red and dark fruit, dried herbs, subtle balsamic, earthy spice, and a whisper of nutty oak. On the palate, the wine is medium- to full-bodied, compact and firm yet round and polished — the freshness of the cool 2018 vintage giving it linear acidity and real tension. Soft, finely grained tannins frame flavors of ripe red fruit, light baking spice, and a textural, earthy depth that builds toward a long, elegant finish. Aged 24 months in French oak, then a minimum of 12 months in bottle. Drink now or cellar with confidence.

Wine Advocate 94 — "Very classical... serious and austere, with the freshness of a cool year... harmonious blend with good ripeness and the freshness from the year. It should improve with time in bottle."

Jeb Dunnuck 92 — "Finessed, long, and supple... linear acidity and soft texture. Classically flavored in rich red fruit and light baking spice."

James Suckling 92 — "Spiced and earthy, showing rich dark fruit, dried herbs and subtle nutty and balsamic undertones... round and polished mouthfeel."

• Producer: Gomez Cruzado, Haro, Rioja, Spain
• Vineyard: Viña Dorana — Alto Najerilla, 600–710m elevation, old bush vines
• Vintage: 2018
• Appellation: Rioja DOCa
• Blend: 60% Tempranillo, 40% Garnacha
• Vinification: 4-day cold pre-fermentation maceration; 24 months in French oak (2nd & 3rd fill); 12+ months in bottle
• Production: 29,482 bottles + 710 magnums
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red fruit, dark fruit, dried herbs, balsamic, baking spice, earthy, finely grained tannins
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 10+ years
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, braised short ribs, Iberian charcuterie, aged Manchego, wild mushroom dishes

A 94-point Rioja Reserva from one of Haro's most principled producers — Viña Dorana is the benchmark for what old-vine Alto Najerilla can achieve.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Advocate 95 Points | One of the best new Garnacha bottlings from Rioja, the 2022 Pancrudo keeps the poise, balance and floral character in a warm and dry year like 2022. It does show a little more ripeness and some dusty tannins, but that's expected after the hurried ripeness. It comes in at 14.5% alcohol, with a pH of 3.42 denoting freshness. It's a triumph over the adverse conditions of the year. This is a neoclassical Garnacha, produced by fermenting the uncrushed grapes with indigenous yeasts and a short-ish macerating and aging the wine in a combination of foudre, concrete egg and used barrique. 8,717 bottles and 250 magnums produced. It was bottled in June 2024. Drinking Window: 2025 - 2035.

Winemaker Description

100% Garnacha from old bush-trained vines planted in Badarán (Upper Najerilla) with north orientation at 650m above the sea level.

Traditional elaboration. Fermented in stainless steel gently plunging the cap to extract the noble compounds from the skins. Malolactic fermentation 65% in new French oak, barriques and foudre, and 35% in egg-shaped cocrete tanks.

Gomez Cruzado El Predilecto — Rioja, Spain 2023

Bodegas Gomez Cruzado is one of Rioja's most exciting modern producers — a historic estate in Haro, the heart of Rioja Alta, that has undergone a remarkable transformation under the direction of winemaker Amanda Klemp, who has brought a precision-focused, terroir-driven approach to the cellar while honoring the estate's deep roots in the region. El Predilecto — "The Favorite" — is a total departure from the Rioja norm: a blend of old vine Garnacha and Tempranillo sourced from two distinct mountain landscapes, united in concrete and crafted to express the full complexity of Rioja's diverse terroir. The Garnacha (65%) comes from Alto Najerilla, in the triangle formed by the towns of Badarán, Cordovín, and Cárdenas in the Sierra Demanda mountains. The Tempranillo (35%) comes from the highest area of Samaniego, near the Sierra Cantabria mountains. Old vines at the foot of both mountain ranges provide greater fruit character and concentration. Fermented separately with native yeast, 100% destemmed without crushing, cold fermented with short maceration, then blended and refined in concrete for approximately five months — a winemaking approach that preserves freshness, precision, and the distinct personality of each site.

The nose bridges two landscapes: red and black fruit intertwine, with cherry and blackberry layered with licorice, a faint balsamic nuance, and an intensity of spice. On the palate, it is juicy and poised — generous, full-bodied warmth with tannins sitting between chalky and plush, freshness carrying the wine forward through a lengthy, supple finish. Precise, modern Rioja that shows two mountain landscapes in one gesture. Age 12–15 years.

Jeb Dunnuck 95 — "A total departure from the norm — intensity of spice and a generous mouthfeel of full-bodied warmth while remaining elegant through the lengthy, supple finish. Age 12-15 years."

Vinous 93 — "Bridges two origins. Cherry and blackberry layered with licorice and a faint balsamic nuance. Juicy and poised — a precise, modern Rioja that shows two landscapes in one gesture."

• Producer: Bodegas Gomez Cruzado, Haro, Rioja Alta, Spain
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Rioja DOCa
• Blend: 65% Garnacha (Alto Najerilla, Sierra Demanda) / 35% Tempranillo (Samaniego, Sierra Cantabria)
• Vines: Old vines at the foot of two mountain ranges
• Winemaking: Native yeast, 100% destemmed, cold fermentation, short maceration, 5 months in concrete
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherry, blackberry, licorice, balsamic, spice, chalky-plush tannins, long supple finish
• Style: Full-bodied, precise, modern Rioja
• Drink: Now–2038 (best 2028+)
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, braised short rib, aged Manchego, wild mushroom dishes

Two mountain landscapes, one extraordinary wine — Gomez Cruzado El Predilecto 2023 is modern Rioja at its most compelling.

Our Professional Review

Rand of 67Wine.com writes | This is is a light, peppery, floral wine with flavors of wild, ripe bramble fruit.  Tannins are soft and pleasant.

Expert Review

Winemaker Description 

González Byass Alfonso Oloroso Seco is a wine made from Palomino Fino from their own vineyards.

As soon as the grapes arrive at the winery, they are softly pressed to obtain the free-run must (mosto yema), which will be used to make this wine. After fermentation, classification and fortification at 18% vol., the wine enters the "solera", where it will remain for an average of eight years in American oak butts, following the traditional "solera" system. The wine ages in full contact with the air, which allows its complete oxidation. 

Winemaker Description 

Leonor is a 12 year old Palo Cortado Sherry and described as the wild child of Jerez. It shows a light mahogany color with golden tones and a slight orange rim. On the nose intense and complex with notes of hazlenut perfectly balanced with aromas of bitter orange and mature oak. On the palate powerful and intense with toasted notes yet smooth and silky. Due to its power and structure this wine is perfect with mature cheeses and stong meats such as venison. Serve chilled.

Expert Reviews 

93 Points James Suckling | A very elegant example of this rare type of Sherry, which combines the best of Fino freshness with Oloroso richness. Long finish with delicate dried-fruit and toasted-nut character. Drink now. Aged for 12 years in cask. Drink now.

92 Points Wine Spectator | Bright, with fennel seed, Brazil nut, green tea, ginger and hazelnut husk notes that are racy and dry from start to finish. Dried green fig accents add a subtle seduction on the finish.

91 Points Decanter | Aromas of caramel and curry spices. Milk chocolate on the palate with a soft texture and delicate body. A very harmonious wine with a long and spicy finish.

91 Points Wine & Spirits | Elegant and refined, with soft touches of candied cherries, walnuts and almonds, this is a textbook Palo Cortado. Aged 12 years in botas, it falls halfway between Amontillado and Oloroso in flavor, but much closer to the former. It needs only smoked trout.

90 Points Wine Enthusiast | This dry Sherry is a touch hot, with alcohol swirling around the glass, but there’s also complex, welcoming aromas of almond, apricot and toffee. The palate is appropriately rich, with flavors of caramel, toasted nuts and buttered toast. A finish with walnut, truffle and mushroom flavors urges contemplation.

Critical Acclaim

• Decanter 95 Points | Elegant and inviting, with layers of dark bitter chocolate, burnt orange and barley sugar leading on to a lush, rich palate of toffee, caramel and espresso.
• Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | A smooth nose deals typical P.X. aromas of chocolate, fig and raisin. Rich flavors of café mocha and chocolate finish long, sweet and satisfying.
• Wine Spectator 93 Points | Thick and oily in feel, with buckwheat honey, toasted sesame, prune and date flavors forming the core. A Christmas pudding note pervades the exotic finish.

Winemaker Description

Nectar is a young Pedro Ximénez showing rich aromas of fresh fruit — raisins and hints of honey, syrup and fruit preserve. On the palate it is velvety and smooth with good acidity that alleviates the sweetness. Perfect with desserts such as vanilla ice cream, dark chocolate and cheesecake.

Food Pairings

• Vanilla ice cream or affogato
• Dark chocolate and chocolate desserts
• Cheesecake, crème brülée, or sticky toffee pudding
• Blue cheese or aged Manchego

Product Details

• Producer: González Byass
• Style: Pedro Ximénez Dulce (Sweet Sherry)
• Appellation: Jerez-Xérès-Sherry, Andalucía, Spain
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle

González Byass Noé Pedro Ximénez VORS — 30 Years, Jerez

Noé is one of the rarest and most extraordinary sherries in existence. Produced by González Byass — the historic house behind Tio Pepe — from sun-dried Pedro Ximénez grapes with a final average age of over 30 years, this VORS (“Very Old Rare Sherry”) is a wine of almost incomprehensible concentration and complexity.

With a sugar level of 400 grams per liter, Noé pours like liquid velvet: deep mahogany, viscous, and intensely aromatic. The nose layers buckwheat honey, Black Forest cake, dried fig, raisin, chocolate, cinnamon, and a haunting balsamic depth. On the palate, the sweetness is perfectly balanced by a bright, racy acidity that is utterly uncommon for wines of this richness — finishing long, fiery, and unforgettable.

James Suckling 95 • Wine Spectator 94 • Wine Enthusiast 94 • Wine Advocate 91

• Producer: González Byass, Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
• Style: Pedro Ximénez VORS Sherry
• Average Age: 30+ Years
• Size: 375ml (Half Bottle)
• ABV: 15.5%
• Residual Sugar: 400 g/L
• Tasting Notes: Buckwheat honey, Black Forest cake, dried fig, raisin, dark chocolate, cinnamon, balsamic
• Best Served: Slightly chilled over vanilla ice cream, with aged cheeses, or as a contemplative digestif

A once-in-a-lifetime sherry experience in a half bottle — perfect for gifting or savoring over an evening. One of the greatest sweet wines in the world.

Winemaker Description 

González Byass Solera 1847 is a sweet Cream with aromas of figs and raisins and touches of wood and vanilla. The palate is velvety, with notes of caramel and well-integrated wood. 

Experience the elegance of Gonzalez Byass Vermouth La Copa Extra Seco, a premium Spanish dry vermouth from the legendary sherry house established in 1835. This exceptional 750ml bottle showcases a unique approach to vermouth-making, using a Fino Sherry base instead of traditional wine. Crafted in Jerez de la Frontera, the heart of Sherry country, this vermouth combines centuries of expertise with innovative botanical blending to create a distinctively Spanish extra dry vermouth.

Fino Sherry Foundation

La Copa Extra Seco is based on a Fino Sherry with the addition of seven carefully selected botanicals: wormwood, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange peel, savory, and red fruits. This innovative use of Fino Sherry as the base creates a clean, elegant, and intense character that clearly maintains its Fino origin. The unique Sherry triangle microclimate, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and local rivers, combined with Palomino grapes grown in white Albariza soil and aged using the traditional Solera system, provides the perfect foundation for this exceptional vermouth.

Tasting Profile

This extra dry vermouth is clean, elegant, and intense with concentrated citrus aromas perfectly blended with the delicious bitter touches of wormwood and savory. On the palate, discover a sophisticated balance of dryness and sharpness with subtle herbal botanicals, citrus zest, and a hint of floral essence. The finish is persistent and long with a balsamic aftertaste due to the addition of red fruits, creating a complex and refined drinking experience that showcases premium quality.

Perfect for Cocktails & Aperitifs

• Dry Martini - classic cocktail with gin or vodka
• Vermouth & Tonic - refreshing spritz with soda and ice
• Over ice - serve chilled with a twist of lemon or orange
• Aperitif - ideal before meals to stimulate the appetite
• Creative cocktails - versatile base for innovative drinks

Gonzalez Byass Heritage Since 1835

Founded by Manuel Maria Gonzalez in Jerez de la Frontera, Gonzalez Byass remains in family hands today, now in the fifth and sixth generation. The house is renowned for exceptional sherries including Tio Pepe and VORS range enological gems aged over 30 years. La Copa Extra Seco brings this same dedication to quality and tradition to the world of vermouth, creating a distinctively Spanish expression that honors both sherry-making heritage and classic vermouth tradition. A staple for any home bar or professional cocktail setup.

A vermouth unlike any other — Gonzalez Byass La Copa Rojo Sweet is built on a Cream Sherry base rather than traditional wine, drawing on nearly two centuries of sherry-making expertise from Jerez, Spain. Founded in 1835, Gonzalez Byass brings a distinctly Andalusian character to the vermouth category: smooth, velvety, and richly aromatic in a way that standard vermouths simply can’t replicate.

The base is a blend of 75% Palomino and 25% Pedro Ximénez (PX) grapes, infused with six botanicals — wormwood, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, orange peel, and savory. The nose is intensely spiced, with clove and cinnamon at the fore. On the palate it’s lush and velvety, the natural sweetness of the PX balanced by an elegant, lingering bitterness. Exceptional on its own over ice, and a standout in a Negroni or Manhattan.

Producer Description

La Copa Rojo is crafted at the historic Gonzalez Byass bodega in Jerez using Cream Sherry as its base — a uniquely Spanish approach that delivers a smoother, richer texture than wine-based vermouths. The result is a perfectly balanced sweet vermouth with deep sherry heritage and classic botanical complexity.

• Producer: Gonzalez Byass, Jerez, Spain (est. 1835)
• Style: Sweet Red Vermouth (Sherry-Based)
• Base: Cream Sherry — 75% Palomino, 25% Pedro Ximénez
• Botanicals: Wormwood, Clove, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Orange Peel, Savory
• Format: 750ml
• Serve: Chilled over ice with orange slice, Negroni, Manhattan, or Martinez
• Tip: Refrigerate after opening and consume within 4–6 weeks

Gordon’s · London Dry Gin · 80 Proof · Scotland · 1.0L

Gordon’s is the world’s best-selling London Dry Gin — a title it has held for generations, and for good reason. First distilled in 1769 by Alexander Gordon in London, the recipe has remained a closely guarded secret ever since. What is known: a unique blend of juniper berries, citrus peel, and rare herbs and spices, carefully distilled to produce a gin of distinctive crispness, clean aromatics, and the kind of reliable, versatile character that has made it the backbone of countless classic cocktails. Now in a generous 1.0L format — the smart choice for the home bar.

Crisp and clean on the nose with classic juniper at the fore, layered with bright citrus and fragrant herbal notes. On the palate, it is dry and refreshing with a balanced botanical profile — juniper-forward, citrus-bright, and smooth enough to drink on the rocks or in any gin cocktail you care to make.

• Producer: Gordon’s (Diageo), Fife, Scotland
• Style: London Dry Gin
• ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
• Botanicals: Juniper berries, citrus peel, rare herbs & spices (secret recipe since 1769)
• Format: 1.0 Liter
• Tasting Notes: Juniper, citrus peel, fragrant herbs, crisp and clean, dry finish
• Serve: G&T with a slice of lemon · Martini · Negroni · Tom Collins · On the rocks

London Dry Gin — the world’s #1, distilled to the same secret recipe since 1769. Crisp, juniper-forward, and built for every classic gin cocktail. 1.0L.

Gordon’s · London Dry Gin · 80 Proof · Scotland · 1.75L Magnum

Gordon’s is the world’s best-selling London Dry Gin — a title it has held for generations. First distilled in 1769 by Alexander Gordon in London, the recipe has remained a closely guarded secret ever since. What is known: a unique blend of juniper berries, citrus peel, and rare herbs and spices, carefully distilled to produce a gin of distinctive crispness, clean aromatics, and the kind of reliable, versatile character that has made it the backbone of countless classic cocktails. Now in a generous 1.75L magnum — the smart choice for parties, gatherings, and the well-stocked home bar.

Crisp and clean on the nose with classic juniper at the fore, layered with bright citrus and fragrant herbal notes. On the palate, dry and refreshing with a balanced botanical profile — juniper-forward, citrus-bright, and smooth enough to drink on the rocks or in any gin cocktail you care to make. Uncomplicated, consistent, and built for sharing.

• Producer: Gordon’s (Diageo), Fife, Scotland
• Style: London Dry Gin
• ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
• Botanicals: Juniper berries, citrus peel, rare herbs & spices (secret recipe since 1769)
• Format: 1.75L Magnum
• Tasting Notes: Juniper, citrus peel, fragrant herbs, crisp and clean, dry finish
• Serve: G&T with a slice of lemon · Martini · Negroni · Tom Collins · On the rocks

London Dry Gin — the world’s #1, distilled to the same secret recipe since 1769. Crisp, juniper-forward, and built for every classic gin cocktail. 1.75L Magnum.

Producer Description 

Make the exceptionally smooth choice with Gordon's Exceptional Blend. Perfect on its own or in a mixed drink, Gordon's Exceptional Blend perfectly complements your favorite cocktails. For a refreshing tasting drink, serve over ice with soda water and your choice of garnish.

Gosset · Grande Réserve Brut NV · Champagne AOC · France

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

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

Expert Reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

Expert Reviews 

Alison Napjus of the Wine Spectator writes 92 Points | The fine and creamy bead of this elegant rosé carries an attractive mix of white cherry, peach, blood orange granita and biscuit flavors, enlivened by a firm frame of mouthwatering acidity.

Audrey Frick of Jeb Dunnuck writes 90 Points | The NV Champagne Grand Brut Rosé pours a medium salmon hue and is equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (8% of which is red wine). It is juicy with ripe raspberry, crushed flowers, and sweet citrus. The palate is ripe with apricot, sweet tangerine, and a soft texture. It is ready to drink now or over the next 6-8 years.

Winemaker Description 

This Grand Rosé has a high percentage of Chardonnay, which creates freshness and precision, complemented by Pinot Noir with delivers very fine and crunchy fruit. With 4 years minimum ageing in the cellars, this Rosé balances between freshness and fruit without masking the wine’s character and purity. The nose reveals aromas of citrus and strawberries with subtle notes of red berries and spice. The palate is well-built with a constant balance between the tension of the acidity and the smoothness of the fruit, while the finish shows a nice roundness and lovely minerality.

Producer Description 

Our GOTT 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon offers aromas of black cherry, blackberry, black currant, and cocoa, with subtle notes of cedar and sweet tobacco. On the palate, rich dark fruit flavors lead to complex, well-structured tannins on the mid-palate and are balanced by a long, elegant finish with delicate hints of dried herbs.

Raclette, one of the most popular Swiss national dishes, is a real treat for the palate. Whether as a table cheese, under the Raclette oven, on the fire, on the grill, or as an ingredient on gratins - it delights all gourmands. Especially the fine cheese from the Kleinstein Mountain Dairy. The Gourmino Mountain Raclette captivates with its fine taste and its velvety texture.

Le Gruyere AOP, aged for a minimum of 18 month. This Gruyere is the Reserve version of the Surchoix Gruyere, which got the World Cheese Award in November of 2022. Essentially, it is Surchoix aged for extra 6 month.

An uncompromising quality strategy is the basis for the affinage of long-ripened raw-milk cheeses – that is Gourmino's specialty. Traditional handcraft, generations of experience, careful, local processing of fresh raw milk, rich flowering pastures, and milk from happy cows are the basis for the perfect quality of the cheese – these are the values and traditions Gourmino wants to maintain and promote.

Gourmino belongs to the cheesemakers. Our skills lie in the affinage of long ripened cheeses made from raw milk. We use only the best quality cheeses selected from our own dairies. Our dairies are family businesses that use fresh milk supplied daily by local farmers. The cheese makers not only care passionately about their craft, they also have the necessary experience spanning years of excellent work and life in cheese. The sale of our products provides an inspiration for the future of our cheese makers and their families. All our work together embodies the highest representation of Swiss cheesemaking.

About the Cheese

Hornbacher is a raw milk washed-rind cheese handcrafted at Käserei Fritzenhaus in the Emmental region of Switzerland. Aged and selected by Gourmino — one of Switzerland's premier affineurs — this is a cheese of remarkable depth and character, made from the rich fresh milk of local cows and brought to peak maturity by 4-time World Cheese Champion Michael Spycher.

Price is per ounce. Please specify your desired quantity at checkout.

Tasting Notes

• Rind: Washed, rustic — aromas of baked potato and earthy cellar
• Paste: Supple, semi-firm, ivory to golden
• Flavor: Roasted nuts, umami, caramel, and sweet onion — complex and deeply satisfying
• Finish: Long, savory, and warming

The Cheesemaker

“I learned the art of cheesemaking as a very young man. Through further training I became a master cheesemaker. However, I am convinced that there are many things that cannot be learned to become a world champion. Personally, I often rely on my gut feeling and experience.”

— Michael Spycher, 4-time World Cheese Champion, Käserei Fritzenhaus

Serving Suggestions

• Serve at room temperature on a cheese board with crusty bread and cornichons
• Pair with Alsatian Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, or a malty amber ale
• Melt over roasted vegetables, potatoes, or a croque monsieur
• Excellent alongside cured meats, walnuts, and quince paste

Product Details

• Producer: Käserei Fritzenhaus / Gourmino
• Affineur: Michael Spycher
• Cheese Type: Washed-Rind, Raw Cow’s Milk
• Origin: Emmental, Switzerland
• Pricing: Per ounce

Winemaker Description

The 2018 Blank has a beautifully layered dark nose of black cherry, aromatic black tea, blackberry bramble, rose oil, black licorice, and violet candies. The silky entry opens to flavors of black fruit, culinary bay, and bakers’ chocolate seamlessly underpinned by velvety tannins and lovely texture through to the finish. This wine will age effortlessly for at least 20+ years. 

Expert Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck 95 points | I was able to taste two wines from Grace Family both made by the incredibly talented Helen Keplinger who has been at this estate since 2014. The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Blank offers a beautifully pure elegant style in its darker currant and blueberry fruits as well as notes of iron minty herbs tobacco and lead pencil. Soft supple medium to full-bodied and as seamless as they come drink this singular beauty any time over the coming 20 years. I love its mid-palate as well as its tannins.

James Suckling 98 points | So much graphite and dark fruit here with some iron and spice. Lead pencil, roses and light mint, too. Full-bodied and wonderfully seamless with dusty tannins and a lightly balsamic finish. Drinkable now, but better after 2025. 

Wine Spectator 93 | A nice burst of mulberry and loganberry fruit leads the way, with licorice, black tea and violet notes playing supporting roles. Sleek and refined through the finish, with sneaky depth. Drink now through 2033

Winemaker Description 

The 2018 Grace Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon exudes gorgeous dark red fruit, black cherry, black currant, accented by notes of bittersweet cocoa, black licorice, cigar box, resin, pink peppercorn, rose, and a hint of mint which offers freshness and lift.

The palate is broad and plush with layers of vibrant dark red fruit and spice seamlessly underpinned by soft, fine tannins and an extremely long palate. Drinking beautifully now, this wine will age at a glacial pace for years to come.

Grafton Village “Shepsog” — Cave-Aged Cow & Sheep Milk Cheese, Vermont

Grafton Village Cheese Company has been one of Vermont’s most celebrated artisan cheesemakers since 1892, and Shepsog is their most intriguing and complex creation. The name is a portmanteau of “sheep” and “dog” — a nod to the pastoral Vermont tradition — and the cheese itself is equally playful and multifaceted. Made from thermized cow and sheep milk and cave-aged for 5 to 7 months, Shepsog is a firm cheese of remarkable personality: it draws simultaneously on the traditions of Basque sheep cheeses, Alpine styles, aged Cheddars, and aged Goudas, yet all of these influences cohere into something entirely its own — approachable, appealing, and endlessly interesting. Priced per ounce.

The texture is firm and smooth with the density that comes from careful cave aging. The flavor is layered and complex — nutty and slightly sweet from the sheep milk, with the savory depth of Alpine cheese, a hint of Cheddar tang, and the caramel richness of aged Gouda. Multiple personalities, all of them delicious. Pair with a Chenin Blanc, a Hazy IPA, or a glass of something sparkling.

Martin Johnson, 67 Wine — “This Vermont newcomer has multiple personality disorder in the very best way. It has characteristics of Basque sheep cheeses, Alpine cheeses, Cheddars, aged Goudas and several other styles, yet all of this coheres into an approachable, appealing firm cheese.”

• Producer: Grafton Village Cheese Company, Grafton, Vermont, USA
• Founded: 1892
• Milk: Thermized cow & sheep milk
• Aging: Cave-aged 5–7 months
• Texture: Firm
• Style: Basque / Alpine / Cheddar / Aged Gouda influences
• Pricing: Per ounce
• Best Paired With: Chenin Blanc, Hazy IPA, sparkling wine, charcuterie, honey, dried fruit, crusty bread

Five to seven months in the cave, 130 years of Vermont cheesemaking tradition — Grafton’s Shepsog is the cheese with multiple personalities and zero flaws.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

Michael Alberty of The Wine Enhusiast writes 94 Points | Caffè latte, cranberry and lilac aromas make for a heck of an introduction. Then comes the wave of blackberry, rosemary, tarragon and English breakfast tea flavors—delicious. This wine features the sturdiest tannins this side of a tannery, so be prepared to offer it a little air. Enjoy now until 2034. 

Gramona La Cuvée Aliances — Corpinnat, Catalonia 2022

Gramona is the undisputed standard-bearer of Corpinnat — the prestigious new appellation born from a breakaway group of the finest traditional-method sparkling wine producers in the Penèdes, committed to stricter quality standards, longer aging, and a deeper expression of Catalan terroir. Founded in 1881 in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Gramona has farmed biodynamically for decades and is one of Spain's most respected sparkling wine houses, producing wines that rival the finest Champagnes in complexity and longevity. La Cuvée Aliances is their entry into the Corpinnat range: a traditional-method Brut crafted from the classic indigenous varieties — Xarel·lo, Macabeo, and Parellada — grown on certified organic and biodynamic vineyards in the heart of the Penèdes.

The color is pale yellow with steel edges — white gold in the glass. The nose is elegant and medium-intensity: floral notes wrapped in stone fruit — peach and apricot — alongside golden apple, lemon peel, and pineapple. Bakery notes of brioche and almonds add depth, with balsamic hints of fennel and bay leaf giving a distinctive Catalan character. On the palate, it is fresh, precise, and beautifully balanced — fine persistent bubbles, lively acidity, and a clean, mineral-driven finish.

"Pale yellow, steel edges. Elegant floral notes wrapped in stone fruit — peach, apricot, golden apple, lemon peel, pineapple. Notes of bakery, almonds, fennel and bay leaf." — Gramona Winemaker

• Producer: Gramona, Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penèdes, Catalonia, Spain
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Corpinnat
• Method: Mètode Tradicional (Traditional Method)
• Varieties: Xarel·lo, Macabeo, Parellada
• Style: Brut
• Farming: Certified Organic & Biodynamic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Peach, apricot, golden apple, lemon peel, pineapple, brioche, almonds, fennel, bay leaf, mineral finish
• Drink: Now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled seafood, sushi, tapas, Manchego, light appetizers, aperitivo

Spain's answer to great Champagne — Gramona La Cuvée Aliances is biodynamic, precise, and one of Corpinnat's most compelling values.

Gramona Imperial — Corpinnat, Catalonia 2018

Gramona is the crown jewel of Corpinnat — the prestigious breakaway appellation of the Penèdes committed to the highest standards of traditional-method sparkling wine production in Spain. Founded in 1881 and farming biodynamically for decades, Gramona produces wines of extraordinary depth, precision, and longevity that stand comfortably alongside the finest Champagnes in the world. The Imperial is Gramona's flagship expression: a vintage-dated Brut aged on the lees for a minimum of five years, crafted from a blend of the great indigenous Catalan varieties led by Xarel·lo. The 2018 vintage is particularly notable — a cooler, wetter year that produced a wine of exceptional freshness and fine-boned structure, with the kind of calibrated acidity that will reward further cellaring.

The bouquet is elegant and complex after 60 months on the lees: lime and lemon pie lead, complemented by a delicate array of fine herbs, brioche, and a subtle autolytic creaminess. On the palate, it is dry and creamy with an ethereal, flowing texture enlivened by calibrated acidity. Refreshing and joyful, with a long, mineral-driven finish — this is sparkling wine of genuine distinction.

🏆 Vinous 91 Points — "The bouquet features aromas of lime and lemon pie, complemented by a delicate array of fine herbs. Dry and creamy on the palate, the ethereal flow is enlivened by calibrated acidity. Refreshing and joyful, this sparkling wine is a delight."

• Producer: Gramona, Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, Penèdes, Catalonia, Spain
• Vintage: 2018
• Appellation: Corpinnat
• Method: Mètode Tradicional (Traditional Method)
• Blend: 56% Xarel·lo, 30% Macabeo, 10% Parellada, 4% Chardonnay
• Aging: 60 months on the lees
• Style: Brut
• Size: 750ml
• Vintage Note: Cooler, wetter year — exceptional freshness and fine-boned structure
• Tasting Notes: Lime, lemon pie, fine herbs, brioche, creamy texture, calibrated acidity, mineral finish
• Drink: Now through 2030
• Best Paired With: Grilled monkfish, scallops, lobster, roast poultry, Ibérico ham, mature Manchego, Comté

Five years on the lees, one of Spain's greatest sparkling wine houses — Gramona Imperial 2018 is a Corpinnat benchmark of rare elegance and freshness.

Winemaker Description 

With Arribes Designation of Origin, this wine is made exclusively from Juan García grapes, a unique variety almost impossible to find outside the Arribes del Duero Natural Park. The grapes grow on vines over 100 years old, all of which are harvested and selected by hand. The wine is macerated in truncated conical tanks with temperature control and natural fermentation. It is aged in French oak barrels for 18 months, followed by 3 months of bottle aging.

On the nose, aromas of dried fruit and spices are perceived, along with a subtle hint of vanilla characteristic of the wood used for aging.

On the palate, it has a long, warm, unctuous, and smooth entry. The tannins are very well-rounded, soft, and almost sweet. The finish is very pleasant, elegant, full-bodied, and persistent.

    Country of origin: Spain
    DO: Arribes
    Year: 2019
    Color: Red
    Grape: Juan García
    Alcohol content: 14%
    Bottle size: 750 ml

Memo Summary Notes

The Gran Abadengo represents a much deeper, more structured expression of the rare Juan García grape, sourced from centenarian vines.

Pair with 

• Game: Roast duck, venison, or wild boar stew.

• Spanish Classics: Lechazo (roasted lamb) or Chuletón (aged beef ribeye).

• Cheese: Aged sheep’s milk cheeses like an extra-curado Manchego.

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

The story of Gran Passione is not merely about wine; it is a narrative woven through time, with roots that trace back to the Roman era. The crown jewel of their offerings, the Gran Passione Rosso, is crafted in the revered tradition of “Appassimento.” This technique, akin to the esteemed Amarone wines, involves the meticulous drying and shriveling of grapes before they are crushed, allowing their flavors to concentrate and intensify.

Producer Description 

A sophisticated silver tequila with a perfectly balanced, very complex smoky flavor. Bright, crystalline. Smoked agave, pepper, citrus & spices. Smooth, smoked agave, sweet, cooked agave, citrus & pepper. Long, smoked agave