Products

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

James Suckling 92 Points | White-pepper and apricot aromas dominate, slightly herbal in a positive way. Vibrant on the palate with medium body, weight and silkiness. Crisp, juicy finish.

Winemaker Description 

Pale yellow with green reflexes. Aroma : Fruity bouquet (apples and pears). Taste : Soft and full with a long A nish, elegant body, balanced acidity.

Producer Description 

Angel's Envy Cask Strength Rye, presented in a 750ml bottle, is a premium and meticulously crafted whiskey. Renowned for its exceptional quality, this rye is finished in Caribbean rum casks, adding unique depth and complexity to its profile. The process creates a distinctive blend of traditional rye spiciness with sweet, exotic undertones.

The nose of Angel's Envy Cask Strength Rye is rich and inviting, offering an intriguing mix of rye spiciness and sweet rum. Notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak are beautifully intertwined with hints of tropical fruit and molasses, creating a complex and alluring aroma.

On the palate, this rye whiskey displays an extraordinary balance of flavors. The initial spicy rye character is perfectly complemented by the sweetness imparted from the rum cask finish. Flavors of dark chocolate, candied fruit, and a hint of honey are harmoniously blended with the traditional rye notes of pepper and cinnamon.

The finish is long and satisfying, with a delightful interplay of sweet and spicy elements. The lingering notes of vanilla, caramel, and a touch of tropical fruit leave a memorable impression, making Angel's Envy Cask Strength Rye a truly remarkable and enjoyable whiskey. Its luxurious character and unique rum cask finish set it apart, making it a coveted choice for whiskey connoisseurs and enthusiasts.

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

James Suckling 90 Points | A nice mix of stone, citrus and tropical fruit aromas. Dry, with bright acidity. A solid, lively and refreshing California chardonnay at an affordable price.

 Winemaker Description

Round and fresh with notes of ripe pineapple, kumquat, lemon zest, and touches of Golden Delicious apple, with bright acidity throughout and almond on the finish.

Fresh and zesty. Pairs effortlessly with seafood, fresh pasta and salty potato chips. 

Our Professional Review

Debra 67Wine.com | This wine shows lovely flavors of ripe stone fruits, citrus and orchard apples . Balanced with aromas toasty oak, coconut and vanilla lead into a generous finish. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

James Suckling 90 Points | A nice mix of stone, citrus and tropical fruit aromas. Dry, with bright acidity. A solid, lively and refreshing California chardonnay at an affordable price.

Winemaker Description 

Pair with cheeses, grilled chicken,  broiled fish and salad. Debra, California Chardonnay Buyer 

Fresh notes of Bosc pear, lemon zest, touches of pineapple, and subtle vanilla on the finish. Fresh and spicy.  Pairs effortlessly with fresh fish tacos and mango salsa. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

Vivid notes of black raspberry, fresh pomegranate juice, with wild blueberry, sassafras, subtle licorice, toasted oak an earthy backbone, and grippy tannins. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

90 Points James Suckling | A light and fresh pinot that has real pinot character, with sliced strawberry and citrus notes. Light-bodied, clean and an attractive.
 

The number one choice when you're in the mood for a Manhattan...or an Old Fashioned ...or even a Trinidad Sour.  Or just when you're in the mood...

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | The 2021 ÀN/2 was produced with 65% Callet, 20% Fogoneu and Mantonegro and 15% Syrah. It fermented in 4,000-liter oak vats and concrete and matured in French (60%), American (30%) and Central European (10%) barrels for 12 months. It has a moderate 13% alcohol and a pH of 3.51, with a bright ruby color and a nose with notes of smoky bacon and violets, with less influence from the barrels, which is more evident in the palate but does not overwhelm. It feels fresher than previous years.

Winemaker Description 

ÀN/2 is a perfect introduction to the wines of Mallorca. This unique red is made from old vine Callet, Mantonegre-Fogoneu and Syrah fermented in a combination of stainless steel and concrete—macerated only briefly to retain the freshness and flavors of the fully ripe fruit.

Aged for just over one year in a combination of 80% French barriques and 20% American oak.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Advocate 91 Points | The white 2022 Quíbia was produced with 60% Premsal and 40% Giró Ros and sold as a generic wine without appellation because of the use of the Giró Ros grape. It matured with lees in stainless steel before being bottled. It has 12.9% alcohol and good freshness. Unfortunately, it feels quite reductive and is difficult to read on the nose, but the palate feels vibrant and fresher. Give it a little bit of time.

Memo Notes

The 2022 is celebrated for blending aromatic fruit with a refreshing, savory quality:

Color: Enticing straw-lemon with greenish highlights.

Aromas: A delightful mix of ripe white peach, pear, jasmine, and the striking note of sea brine or crushed seashells. You may also find subtle hints of Meyer lemon and green mango.

Palate: Crisp, lively, and well-balanced. The wine delivers concentrated flavors of ripe peach,

Anjou pear, and citrus zest. Reviewers often mention a silky, almost olive oil-like texture and a savory note of capers or green almond.

Salinity: A distinct salinity runs through the wine, acting as a complex counterpoint to the fruit, which makes it incredibly versatile with food.

Winemaker Description 

Ànima Negra was founded in 1994 when two self-taught friends — Pere Ignasi Obrador and Miquelàngel Cerdà — decided that the wines of their native Mallorca weren’t reaching full potential.

Taking advantage of some unused milk tanks at the dairy farm owned by Pere’s family, they made two barriques of wine from Callet grapes (a native Mallorcan varietal) they’d purchased from local farmers. The initial results were so encouraging that the friends decided to form a partnership and continue pursuing their newly found passion for wine.

Situated in the southeast of Mallorca, Ànima Negra winery produces its wines on the old country estate of Son Burguera, close to the town of Felanitx. The buildings date back to the 13th century, and contain a traditional winemaking area, which historically was used to supply wine for locals living on and near the estate.

Ànima Negra sources its grapes from more than 135 carefully selected parcels of land that the partners either own or control. Virtually all of these parcels are within a six-mile radius of the winery, and most of the vines are 50 to 85 years old.

Producer Description 

Anne Pichon harvests their Vieilles Vignes Grenache Noir late, giving the wine excellent ripeness and dense concentration. Its powerful black-fruit flavors give way to intricacies of cocoa, sweet chocolate, and licorice.

The grenache vielles vignes is harvested late at an optimal ripeness. This cuvee is very concentrated and powerful with notes of black cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant, cocoa, sweet chocolate and licorice. 

Ecocert Certified Organic.

Memo Summary Notes

The Anne Pichon "Sauvage" Grenache Noir Vieilles Vignes Organic 2023 is a standout red from the Ventoux region of the Southern Rhône. Known as a "Grenache Bomb," it is celebrated for its concentration, which comes from late-harvested old vines (Vieilles Vignes) grown at the base of Mont Ventoux.

Its hedonistic profile makes it a natural partner for rich, savory dishes:

• Lamb Chops: Specifically with harissa or Mediterranean herbs.

• Grilled Meats: Steak with mustard butter or smoked brisket.

• Hearty Stews: Pork and white bean stew or wild mushroom risotto.

Winemaker Description 

Citrusy aromas of lime, grapefruit, and mandarin on the nose and taste. White peach, apricot, and other ripe exotic fruit undertones contribute to an abundant and expressive attack. It has a strong minerality and a surprising level of freshness.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2024 Anne Pichon "Sauvage" Viognier is a beautifully expressive, organic white wine from the Vaucluse region in the Southern Rhône Valley. The 2024 vintage continues the estate's reputation for producing Viognier that avoids the "oaky/heavy" trap, focusing instead on pure fruit and mineral freshness.

Pair with 

• Spicy Cuisine: Excellent with Thai green curry or Moroccan tagine; the fruit notes complement ginger and lemongrass.

• Savory Fruits: Roasted butternut squash or a salad with grilled peaches and burrata.

• Poultry & Seafood: Roast chicken with herbs de Provence or grilled scallops with a citrus glaze.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018

James Suckling 96 Points | A full-bodied cabernet sauvignon that’s fruity on the nose with notes of crushed raspberries, berries and herbs. Some bark and stones. The palate is fresh with velvety tannins and a generous, savory finish. One for the cellar. Try after 2023.

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Townsend Vineyard has a similar herbal/classic Cabernet nose of red and black currants, green tobacco, bouquet garni, sandalwood, and spring flowers. Also beautiful on the palate, it’s full-bodied and has a concentrated, layered mid-palate, building tannins, and just an all-around classic, age-worthy style. Give bottles 2-4 years in a cold cellar and enjoy over the following 20 years or more. The blend is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc.

Indulge in the refined elegance of Antidote Chocolate Lola: Lemon + Licorice 84%, a sophisticated blend that redefines luxury. Crafted from bright and floral fine aroma Nacional Complex cacao, this bar balances Swedish licorice’s aromatic depth with zesty lemon confit and lemon zest, delivering a culinary experience unlike any other.

Unwrap the bar to reveal a captivating fragrance—a lively citrus bouquet complemented by the warm, sweet notes of licorice root and the rich essence of cacao. Admire the smooth, glossy chocolate that melts effortlessly, offering a velvety texture punctuated by tangy lemon highlights and a gentle licorice infusion.

Every bite offers a bold yet harmonious flavor experience, curbing cravings with its high cacao content and low sugar profile. The smooth 84% cacao delivers all the benefits of premium chocolate—enhanced mood, antioxidants, and nutrients—without bitterness, supporting your body and soul in a truly indulgent way. If you think you don't like licorice, this bar will change your mind!!!

Lola: A woman of the now - a goddess in her own myth. Sophisticated and uncivilized. This Antidote will assist you in turning life's lemons into lemonade with a dash of sweet (licorice).

• 84% Dark Chocolate Bar with Lemon Confit + Licorice

• Weight: 2.3 oz/65g.

• Origin: Ecuador, Manabi Province

• Vegan | Gluten Free | Kosher

Experience chocolate in its purest form with Antidote Chocolate NINA: Naked 84%, a luxurious bar that lets the exquisite aroma and flavor of fine aroma Nacional cacao take center stage. Admire the glossy, deep brown surface of this unadorned dark chocolate—a minimalist masterpiece that highlights the beauty and simplicity of pure cacao.

Unwrap NINA and breathe in the captivating scent of premium cacao—bright floral notes with fruity undertones, layered with remarkable complexity. Feel the silky smooth texture of perfectly tempered chocolate as it melts effortlessly on your tongue, revealing a bold yet nuanced floral profile. Free from bitterness, this bar celebrates the true essence of cacao with every bite.

Packed with antioxidants and rich cacao flavonoids, this Naked Antidote bar elevates your mood, relieve stress, and deeply nourishes you emotionally. High in cacao and low in sugar, it’s the ultimate indulgence with well-being at its core. Always lead-free cacao sourced from prestigious farms, this bar is chocolate that loves you back—a soothing balm for your soul.

Nina: Nina is rock solid and full of flair offering driven vitality and and Antidote to stress and anxiety.

• 84% Dark Chocolate Bar

• Weight: 2.3 oz/65g.

• Origin: Ecuador, Manabi Province

• Vegan | Gluten Free | Kosher

Let this luxurious chocolate bar become your ultimate pick-me-up, a true Antidote that nourishes and revitalizes when you need it. Admire the deep, glossy surface of the dark chocolate, speckled with delicate organic lavender flowers and earthy red alaea salt. As you unwrap it, a soothing aroma fills the air—floral lavender mingling with the bold, fruity notes of premium fine aroma cacao.

Feel the smooth, expertly tempered chocolate punctuated by the gentle texture of mineral-rich red salt. Each bite is a sensory escape: the floral cacao's complexity unfolds alongside the calming essence of lavender, while the salt adds a savory contrast that elevates every flavor.

Crafted with 84% fine aroma cacao from prestigious farms in Manabí, this bar is high in cacao and low in sugar, delivering a pure chocolate experience that supports relaxation, vitality, and well-being. Always lead-free, Panakeia is more than a treat—it’s chocolate that loves you back, designed to nourish your body and delight your soul.

Panakeia: Greek goddess of universal remedy. The Antidote to anything that pains your heart.

• 84% Dark Chocolate Bar with Lavender & Red Salt

• Weight: 2.3 oz/65g.

• Origin: Ecuador, Manabi Province

• Vegan | Gluten Free | Kosher

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

The Wine Enthusiast by Jesica Vargas writes 90 Points | This Malbec reveals an earthy character, with a bouquet of delicate hints of herbs and black fruit. The palate unfolds leafy flavors, supported by soft tannins and enough freshness. Enjoy it with beef empanadas.

Winemaker Description

 Antigal UNO Malbec offers delicious plum, strawberry, and blackberry flavors with enticing hints of violets, vanilla, and milk chocolate. Brightened by carefully protected natural acidity, this violet-red wine has a silky texture and provides an agreeably persistent finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

Antonio Galloni  of Vinous writes 100 Points |  2021 Solaia is another wine that captures all of the potential I sensed when I tasted it some months ago. More than anything else the 2021 is a fine example of the style Antinori favors these days an approach that favors finesse more than opulence. Dark plum mocha licorice chocolate spice lavender and menthol build effortlessly in the glass. Oak and tannin are impeccably balanced. The 2021 spent 18 months in wood three months in once-used barrels during the malolactic fermentation and then 15 months in 100% new barrels for the rest of its aging.

The Wine Spectator 98 Points | A deep, dense red, drenched with blackberry, pomegranate, plum and sweet spice flavors. Iron, tobacco and wild herb elements peek through as this plays out on the finish under a strong grip of tannins. Shows terrific balance and length now, yet this should only improve after a few more years in the bottle. Superb. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2027 through 2047.

Decanter 97 Points | For me [2021 is] one of the best vintages ever,’ says Renzo Cotarella, Antinori's CEO and head winemaker, of the widely lauded vintage in Tuscany, explaining to me that it shares characteristics with 1997 and 2007, with a cool, frosty start slowing down vegetative growth and helping to extend the growing season, aided by milder temperatures later in the summer which enabled the grapes to build concentration while preserving freshness. Recent vintages of Solaia have benefitted from an increased use of Cabernet Franc, which stands at 9% in 2021. Due to be launched this autumn, Solaia 2021 is still a baby but its potential is immediately apparent. Inky and concentrated, with a dark chocolate barrique signature on the nose, it combines salinity with bountiful and sapid fruits, offering ripe black and red cherries, and dark hedgerow berries alongside herbal freshness, and finely textured tannins. Ferrous, meaty and earthy undertones emerge after some time in the glass, providing a counterpoint to the inherent sweetness of the fruit. Muscular yet wonderfully poised, this will only reveal all its complexities after significant ageing.

The Wine Advocate 97 Points | All said and done, the Marchesi Antinori 2021 Solaia is a monument to perfect winemaking. This coiffed supermodel does not show a single hair follicle out of place. However, it doesn't quite have the same sex appeal of the Tignanello. In my conversations with Estate Manager Renzo Cotarella during this tasting, it was expressed this way: "Tignanello is unexpected. Solaia is expected." Whereas Tignanello is a wine of vertical lift and energy, Solaia is a wine of lasting power. The wine offers generous depth and layering with soft tannins and some of the spicy pink peppercorn you get from the 9% Cabernet Franc (added to 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Sangiovese). The finish is extremely velvety and soft, but I notice that the flavors seem to become sweeter and riper the longer this wine stays in the glass. This newest release will hit the market in September. 

James Suckling 97 Points | This is a beautifully curated Solaia with blackcurrants and raspberries plus lavender and violet undertones. Graphite highlights it all. Just some new wood coming through. It’s full-bodied with fine velvety tannins that run the length of the wine, caressing the palate. Give this three or four years to come around.

Winemaker Description 

Villa Antinori Bianco is straw yellow with greenish hues. The nose is intense and refined with notes of orange blossoms that lead over to fruity aromas of pineapples, Golden apples, and bananas. The palate is fresh, pleasantly tense, defined by mouth filling flavors and a mineral finish.

The 2023 growing season will be remembered for wet weather beginning as early as bud break. Lower temperatures were recorded in the month of April that delayed vine growth. A significant number of rainy days affected the area in May and June resulting in a 5-to-10-day delay in flowering, depending on the grape variety and vineyard parcel. Hot and dry weather arrived in July and August reversing the initial delay and speeding up the growth cycle.

The vines also benefitted from good groundwater reserves that ensured optimal cluster
development. Timing of the grape harvest was similar to last year, the first variety to be picked was Pinot Grigio the final week of August, followed by Pinot Bianco and Riesling Renano around September 20th and was completed.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

The Wine Spectator by Bruce Sanderson writes 86 Points | A fresh, juicy white, revealing apple and lemon flavors. This balanced version leaves a mouthwatering finish. Trebbiano, Malvasia, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Riesling.

Winemaker Description

The 2020 Guado al Tasso is an intense ruby red in color. The nose offers notes of small dark fruit with sweet spice and toasted oak. On the palate, pure flavors and refined tannins lead to a persistent finish. This wine can be enjoyed immediately, but also has great aging potential. 

Expert Reviews

96 Points Robert Parker | The Marchesi Antinori 2020 Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso sees Cabernet Franc at over 30% of the blend in this vintage, with the rest going to Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% to 20% to Merlot. Matarocchio was not produced this year, and this wine benefits from the extra Cabernet Franc as a result. The 2019 and 2021 vintages of Guado al Tasso are quite concentrated and rich, whereas 2020 is leaner in texture, along the lines of the edition we saw made in 2010. There was rain in September. Managing Director Renzo Cotarella says he would not describe 2020 as a hot vintage because the rain did pose challenges at the end of the growing season. In Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast, budbreak is earlier than in other appellations, and the growing season is longer as a result. This is a benefit to the international varieties used here. The wine shows nice richness and intensity. The Cabernet Franc definitely comes through and adds the characteristic vertical lift and linearity that the grape is known for. You get black fruit, spice, white pepper and no signs of bitter stems or bramble. Sweet, almost milky tannins are interlocked with fresh acidity to give this wine good cellaring potential. The new oak was dialed back a bit in this vintage.

96 Points Wine Enthusiast | The nose is rich with notes of blackberries, black cherry and soil, while a white pepper undertone provides pop. On the supple, warm palate, berries continue leading the way, before a salty, chocolaty finish with another kick of pepper. Stoic tannins are balanced by lively, persistent acidity.

95 Points James Suckling | Aromas of black olives, berries, herbs, red beans, sour cherries, and sage follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins and plenty of structure. It’s flavorful and intense. Needs time to come together. Best after 2027.

95 Points Wine Spectator | Packed with exuberant blackberry, black currant and blueberry fruit, this red shows the expressive character of the vintage. Just when you think it's too flamboyant, the solid structure reins it in. Shows excellent balance and length, with a touch of lavender and wild herbs on the lingering finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2025 through 2040.

Winemaker Description 

The 2024 Il Bruciato shows an intense ruby red color. The nose presents the notes of red and black berry fruit which are characteristic of this vintage and capable of giving the wine an excellent concentration. Sweet spices and a hint of liquorice complete the bouquet. The palate is well structured, persistent, and highly pleasurable in its fruity finish and aftertaste.

The 2024 vintage, harvested after a growing season with mixed weather offers a fresh and fruit-forward expression.

• Color: Bright ruby red with vibrant purple highlights.

• Aroma: Intense and pleasant nose dominated by red fruit—specifically cherries, blueberries, and black currants. 

• Palate: Smooth, supple, and well-balanced. It is medium-bodied with a fresh, concise fruit acidity and soft, ripe tannins that lead to a clean, fruity finish.

• Maturation: The wine is aged primarily in stainless steel vats for about four months, which helps preserve the fresh, vibrant fruit flavors rather than imparting heavy oak influence.

Winemaker Description

The 2019 vintage Solaia is deep ruby red in color. The nose offers complex notes of red fruit, apricots and red oranges with hints of rose petals. Distinct aromas of coffee beans, chocolate, licorice and white pepper complete the rich bouquet of this red wine. On the palate, the wine is enveloping and harmonious with excellent balance and structure. Vibrant tannins lead into an exceptionally long finish. 

Blend: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Franc

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

James Suckling 98 Points | Subtle and beautiful on the nose with currants, flowers and light sage aromas that follow through to a full body with ultra-fine tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Extremely polished and poised.

The Wine Spectator 97 Points | Dripping with black currant, blackberry, black cherry, iron and toasty oak flavors, this red is suave and polished. Features flashes of tobacco and wild herbs that add even more detail as this builds to a long, kaleidoscopic finish. Presents civilized tannins that are well-integrated and provide structure. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc.

The Wine Advocate 96 Points | Inky dark in appearance, the 2020 Solaia is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller percentages of Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese. This vintage unfolds to exuberant richness and thick layers of blackberry and plum. The tannins are sweet and expertly crafted, adding both depth and fruit weight. The 2020 vintage is quite bold, and it plays its best cards in terms of texture and mouthfeel. It’s a bigger, more accessible wine compared to the last two vintages on the market. Spice, toasted coffee bean and more dark fruit color this full-bodied Tuscan red.

Winemaker Notes

Producer Description

Its orange is unmistakable, a vibrant color that lights up your toasts and adds extra joy to the moment. Everything else is brought to the table by the inner lighthearted spirit of Aperol Spritz: the same spirit that spontaneously gather people together and sparks nothing but good vibes.

This spirit is also contagious: it's difficult to hold back from enjoying a toast with friends, one orange sip at the time. Perfect matches with food. Your aperitif moment just turns into perfection when enjoying your Aperol Spritz with some snacks and appetizers that effortlessly match.

The aperifit ritual born in Veneto sees the Aperol Spritz served with some traditional snacks called ''cicchetti'', small dishes that usually include tiny sandwiches, plates of olives and tiny portions of local dishes. Although, throughout the years Aperol Spritz became a versatile drink suitable to different type of food and moments, from a quick toast after a long day to those relaxed brunches we'd all love to have on a Sunday morning.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points |  Among the canon of Italian spirits, Aperol and the Aperol Spritz cocktail are classics, available at a growing range of America's best bars. The lurid red hue is recognizable from across the room. It's light on every count-in terms of alcohol content, sweetness level and texture. The gentle sweet-bitter profile goes down easy-especially when lightened with bubbles.

Producer Description

Its orange is unmistakable, a vibrant color that lights up your toasts and adds extra joy to the moment. Everything else is brought to the table by the inner lighthearted spirit of Aperol Spritz: the same spirit that spontaneously gather people together and sparks nothing but good vibes.

This spirit is also contagious: it's difficult to hold back from enjoying a toast with friends, one orange sip at the time. Perfect matches with food. Your aperitif moment just turns into perfection when enjoying your Aperol Spritz with some snacks and appetizers that effortlessly match.

The aperifit ritual born in Veneto sees the Aperol Spritz served with some traditional snacks called ''cicchetti'', small dishes that usually include tiny sandwiches, plates of olives and tiny portions of local dishes. Although, throughout the years Aperol Spritz became a versatile drink suitable to different type of food and moments, from a quick toast after a long day to those relaxed brunches we'd all love to have on a Sunday morning.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points |  Among the canon of Italian spirits, Aperol and the Aperol Spritz cocktail are classics, available at a growing range of America's best bars. The lurid red hue is recognizable from across the room. It's light on every count-in terms of alcohol content, sweetness level and texture. The gentle sweet-bitter profile goes down easy-especially when lightened with bubbles.

Producer Description 

The name says it all: Aperol is the perfect aperitif. Bright orange in color, it has a unique taste, thanks to the secret recipe, which has never been changed, with infusions of selected ingredients including bitter and sweet oranges and many other herbs and roots in perfect proportions. 

Expert Review 

Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | Sophisticated and delightful aromas of tangerine and rhubarb. The palate entry is delightfully citrusy and sweet; the midpalate phase offers just enough herbal bitterness to balance. Ends up refreshing, orangey sweet and delectably herbal. This deserves to become a popular pre-dinner quaff.

Producer 

Since its creation in Padova, Italy in 1919, Aperol is the quintessential aperitif and is the irreplaceable ingredient for the preparation of the original Aperol Spritz. With its brilliant orange glow, delightful bubbles and effortless charm, the Aperol Spritz elevates the daytime drinking occasion.

Expert Review

James Suckling by Andrii Stetsiuk 96 Points |  Joyful and juicy but also concentrated and very precise, this is a stunning cool-climate chardonnay. Brimming with sliced pear, white peach and white flower aromas. The delicate oak is already beautifully integrated on the mouth-filling yet only medium-bodied palate. Then comes a wave of toasted hazelnut flavor in the very long and super-silky finish. Drink from release.

Producer Description 

• 100% Chardonnay
• The Knoll, Lahoma Vineyard
• small sandstone hill
• Umbrella training system – results in more shading
• Cold soak overnight
• Fermented in 3 French oak large format puncheons
• Aged 10 months in the puncheons, stirred regularly
• 13% abv

As a Harvard educated Economist, Kelby made the unusual transition to wine in pursue of his passion. He also brought with him his deep love for music as a way to inspire his winemaking approach. For well over a decade, he patiently perfected his art while working at another winery. Finally in 2023, Kelby and his also-winemaker wife Julia, embarked on the adventure of their dreams and launched Apollo’s Praise. Despite the wait, the musical influence is as strong as it has ever been. Every bottle suggests an unusual pairing. Turn the bottle around to find a recommended song to listen to while enjoying a glass!

Kelby and Julia produce complex, yet approachable wines by carefully merging art and science. Every single one of them is the reflection of vintage variation, site specificity and unique varietal characteristics. Unsurprisingly, critics regard their highly-sought-after Lahoma Vineyard series as some of Finger Lakes’ best wines.

Apollo’s Praise philosophy in Kelby’s and Julia’s words: “The Best Wines are Art. They are an expression of culture and speak to where they come from, when they come from, and who they come from.”

Winemaker Description 

Apothic captures the best of Cabernet Sauvignon, bringing a silky, elegant and delicate dimension to the typically bold characteristics of the variety. This wine showcases Cabernet Sauvignon’s distinctive fruit characteristics of blueberry, blackberry jam and dark plum, supported by soft, fine tannins that add plush richness to the mouthfeel.

A small addition of Zinfandel to the wine adds layers of cherry and dark fruit notes as well as a hint of spice. Subtle suggestions of vanilla linger on the smooth finish, a reflection of the wine’s selective oak aging.

Winemaker Description 

Apothic Red was aged on different types of oak to encourage notes of vanilla, mocha and toffee in this unique blend.

Apothic Red reveals intense fruit aromas and flavors of rhubarb and black cherry, complemented by hints of mocha, chocolate, brown spice and vanilla. The plush, velvety mouthfeel and the smooth finish round out this intriguing, full-bodied red blend.

Winemaker Description 

The true expression of our master blender’s passion and craft. The rare and hand-selected rums have all been aged for a minimum of 12 years in the tropical climate of Jamaica for a smooth and sophisticated expression of aged rum. This superb blend reveals aromas of toasted oak, dried fruit and hazelnut, followed by notes of dark cocoa, delicate molasses, orange peel, rich vanilla and hints of coffee.