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Winemaker Description 

In terms of quality and price, this is arguably the best 'Bordeaux blend' in our portfolio, made by a winemaker who is passionate about the wines of his French cousins but still proudly Argentine. 50% Malbec, 20% Cab Franc, 20% Cab Sauv, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot.

A nose of black fruits, spices, white pepper, clove, cardamon, eucalyptus, thyme and rosemary - complex in other words, with a fantastic finish.

Federico Benegas Lynch was raised at ‘El Trapiche’, a winery established in 1883 by his great, great grandfather, Don Tiburcio Benegas, one of the original pioneers of Argentine wine. The winery was finally sold in the 1970s and in 1998, following a successful business career in Buenos Aires, Federico returned to Mendoza to re-kindle his lifelong passion and professional destiny, wine. He bought Finca La Libertad, an historic 40-hectare vineyard with ‘soils’ of stone on the old Upper Mendoza riverbank in Cruz de Piedra, and the old winery that belonged to his mother’s family which he quickly set about refurbishing. His idea was based on the traditional French Châteaux system, where proprietorship of vineyard and winery are inextricably linked.

Benton Lane Estate Pinot Noir — Willamette Valley, Oregon 2023

Benton Lane is one of Oregon's most respected estate Pinot Noir producers, farming sustainably in the Willamette Valley since 1988. The estate vineyards sit in the foothills of the Coast Range in the southern Willamette Valley, where diverse microclimates, volcanic Jory soils, and a long, cool growing season create ideal conditions for world-class Pinot Noir. Now part of the Huneeus Vintners family — the team behind Quintessa and Flowers — Benton Lane continues to produce estate-grown Pinot Noir of exceptional purity and elegance. The 2023 Estate bottling represents the full expression of the estate's best blocks, delivering benchmark Willamette Valley character at an accessible price.

The nose is pretty and inviting: pure ripe raspberries, fresh floral perfume, wet stones, and pine. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and elegant, floating with fine tannins and a lovely, even finish — a breath of fresh air. Holiday spice, toast, and brown sugar layer over red cherry and forest floor, with concentrated, earthy flavors framed by soft, chalky tannins and vibrant acidity on the long, spicy finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points — "Pretty on opening, with pure notes of ripe raspberries, fresh floral perfume, wet stones, and pine. Medium-bodied, elegant, and floating on the palate, with fine tannins and a lovely, even finish. A highly charming and approachable wine — a breath of fresh air from the Benton-Lane team." (Vintage 2023). 

Wine Advocate 90 Points — "Opens with scents of holiday spice, toast, and brown sugar over red cherry and forest floor aromas. The medium-bodied palate offers concentrated, earthy flavors framed by soft, chalky tannins and vibrant acidity, with a long, spicy finish." (Vintage 2023). 

• Producer: Benton Lane Winery, Southern Willamette Valley, Oregon
• Owner: Huneeus Vintners (Quintessa, Flowers)
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Willamette Valley AVA, Oregon
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Farming: Sustainable, 100% estate-grown
• Soils: Volcanic Jory
• Style: Medium-Bodied, Elegant, Terroir-Driven
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Raspberry, red cherry, forest floor, holiday spice, wet stones, pine, chalky tannins, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2030
• Best Paired With: Roasted duck, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, herb-roasted chicken, soft cheeses, charcuterie
• Serve: Slightly chilled, 58–62°F

91pts Dunnuck, 90pts Wine Advocate — Benton Lane Estate is benchmark Willamette Valley Pinot Noir at under $25. It doesn't get better than this.

Benziger Family Winery | Chardonnay | 2023

A bright, food-friendly Chardonnay sourced primarily from Monterey County — California's premier cool-climate home for Burgundian whites. The Pacific Ocean's maritime fog rolls in to slow ripening, preserving crisp acidity while allowing flavors to fully develop over the long growing season. Limestone-rich Lockwood shale adds a layer of complex minerality that lifts the wine beyond its price point. In the cellar, cold fermentation in neutral French oak followed by six months of sur lie aging in new French oak builds texture and depth, while 75% malolactic fermentation softens the mid-palate without sacrificing freshness. The result: a clean, balanced Chardonnay with a long finish that overdelivers at the table.

• Appellation: Monterey County, California
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml | Screwcap
• Cellaring: Drink now through 2027
• Oak: Cold fermented in neutral French oak; sur lie aged 6 months in new French oak
• MLF: 75%

Tasting Notes

Dry and crisp with medium body and a long finish. Notes of lemon zest, green apple, ripe pear, and apricot, with a subtle mineral thread and a hint of toasted oak on the close.

Winemaker's Notes — 2023 Vintage

Moderate conditions during the growing and ripening seasons produced healthy yields and superb quality. Mild temperatures and extended hang time allowed acidity to remain in balance with full flavor development.

Winemaker Description

In the glass, bright strawberry and cranberry mix with hints of plum and citrus. Fresh fruit flavors are inviting and complex with a touch of spice and earthy notes on the finish. Silky tannins and balanced acids combine seamlessly to produce a luxurious mouthfeel. Aged on French Oak.

Enjoy with dishes such as grilled salmon or roasted pork loin.

Bérêche et Fils’ Ambonnay Grand Cru is one of the most coveted single-village expressions in their portfolio — and among the most compelling Blanc de Noirs in all of Champagne. Sourced from a single lieu-dit, “Les Tourets,” in the western part of Ambonnay village, this is Pinot Noir of extraordinary purity and presence. Ambonnay’s signature cashmere-like texture is immediately apparent: open, enveloping, and generous, with a volume and power that never tips into heaviness. Brioche and honey on the attack give way to floral lift and a finish that is invigorating, slightly iodized, and saline — the unmistakable signature of chalk and grand cru terroir. A wine of genuine rarity, with just 2,325 bottles produced.

Critical Review
“A beautiful, enveloping wine; brioche-like on the attack, floral, with notes of honey and ripeness. The finish is invigorating, slightly iodized, and saline.” — Le Rouge et le Blanc

Varietal: Pinot Noir (Blanc de Noirs)
Vintage: 2020
Appellation: Ambonnay Grand Cru, Champagne, France
Lieu-dit: Les Tourets
Style: Extra Brut
Farming: Biodynamic
Production: 2,325 bottles
Bottle Size: 750ml

Bérêche et Fils has been producing Champagne since the mid-19th century, and the estate’s reputation as one of the finest in the entire region has only grown under the stewardship of brothers Raphaël and Vincent Bérêche. Their approach is uncompromising: single-vineyard plots, minimal dosage, no malolactic fermentation, and a deep respect for terroir that allows each site to speak with clarity and precision. The result is a house style that is unmistakably racy, mineral, and built for the long haul.

This Cramant Grand Cru is a singular expression of one of Champagne’s most celebrated Chardonnay terroirs — a finely defined, powdery, and ethereally fresh wine resting upon an incredible bedrock of chalk. The nose is ample and delicate, evoking hawthorn against a backdrop of slightly damp chalk. The palate is unctuous and pure, revealing notes of iodine and extraordinary mineral tension. The finish — soft, chalky, and seemingly endless — gives way to the sheer emotion that only a great Cramant can evoke. A magnificent vintage with excellent aging potential.

Varietal: Chardonnay (Blanc de Blancs)
Vintage: 2020
Appellation: Cramant Grand Cru, Champagne, France
Style: Extra Brut / Zero Dosage
Farming: Biodynamic
Bottle Size: 750ml

Willamette Valley Pinot Noir That Sets the Benchmark for the Appellation

Bergström Wines has been one of Oregon's most celebrated estates since its founding in 1999, farming biodynamically across five estate vineyards in the Willamette Valley. The Cumberland Reserve Pinot Noir — a blend from Bergström's estate vineyards plus select purchased fruit, matured for 10 months — is the estate's definitive appellation-level expression: aromatic, silky, and layered, with the cool-climate precision and effortless balance that have made Bergström a reference point for Oregon Pinot Noir.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

• Jeb Dunnuck — 94 pts: "Opens with aromas of raspberry liqueur, mocha, floral perfume, and savory notes of fresh sage. Medium-bodied, it offers ripe, detailed tannins, balanced acidity, and a long finish. While this vintage hints at opulence, the wine remains beautifully balanced and refreshing. A stunning introduction to the vintage and a benchmark for the region."
• James Suckling — 94 pts: "Bright and seductive, this pinot offers fresh cherries, crushed wild berries, violets, wet rocks and subtle spices on the nose. Racy and mouthwatering, with spicy and minerally tension, a medium body, a dusty texture to its tannins and a lingering and racy finish."
• Wine Advocate — 93 pts: "Alluring aromas of strawberry, raspberry, forest floor and earthy undertones. The medium-bodied palate is bursting with bright, spicy fruit, framed by soft, chalky tannins and mouthwatering acidity with a long, bright finish. Matured for 10 months from Bergström's five estate vineyards plus some purchased fruit."
• Vinous — 93 pts: "Incredibly fresh, with a bouquet of dusty dried flowers, lavender pastille, nuances of cedary spice and wild blueberries. Ripe wild berry fruits and crisp mineral tones glide across the palate over a layer of pure silk. The finish is long and tense, yet remains remarkably fresh as violet tones resonate over a bed of silken tannins. The Cumberland Reserve represents amazing value."

Winemaker Notes

Bright red in color, aromatically driven by cherry, strawberry, and Herbes de Provence with light green spice. Fruit-forward and balanced with acidity and structure on the palate. Cardamom and nutmeg spice on the finish. A wet spring and warm harvest created delicate flavors and a powerful lasting finish.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Willamette Valley, Oregon
• Producer: Bergström Wines
• Vintage: 2023
• Farming: Biodynamic
• Vinification: Blend of five estate vineyards plus select purchased fruit; matured 10 months
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Exceptional with Pacific Northwest cuisine — roasted salmon, duck breast, mushroom risotto, lamb chops, truffle dishes, and aged Pinot-friendly cheeses.

Expert Reviews- Vintage 2021

Tim Fish of the Wine Spectator writes 95 Points |  Supple, richly textured and elegantly complex, this Pinot opens with a burst of fresh raspberry, then unfolds with notes of forest floor and brown baking spices, plus a touch of licorice as it builds tension toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2032. 1,100 cases made.

Clive Pursehouse of Decanter writes 94 Points | Elegance is personified in this 2021 bottling of Bergström's renowned Silice. So-named for the sandy silica soils, the hallmark of the hilly Chehalem Mountain vineyard source. Beautiful bright fruit aromas are further framed by touches of tomato leaf, pine bough and mossy forest floor. The palate is marked by fleshy red raspberries, early season blackberry and fine grain tannin that provides a structure that shows this wine's longevity. (Drink between 2023-2031).

Erin Brooks of The Wine Advocate writes 94 Points |  Medium ruby-purple, the 2021 Pinot Noir Silice Vineyard blossoms slowly to pomegranate, blackberry, watermelon, dried herbs and aniseed. The medium-bodied palate is loaded with wild berry fruit. Combining power and elegance, it's silky and seamless in the mouth, and a flourish of spicy accents across the finish hints it has more to reveal over the next 2-3 years in bottle.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2021 Bergström Silice Pinot Noir is a highly acclaimed, estate-grown wine that gained significant fame after being named the #32 Wine of the Year in the 2023 Wine Spectator Top 100.

Named "Silice" (French for silica) due to the deep, sandy marine soils of the vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains, this wine is known for its ethereal perfume and mineral complexity rather than heavy weight.

Winemaker Description 

The Beringer Founders' Estate Merlot is approachable and delicious. Hints of plum and brown spice on the nose compliment the boysenberry, blackberry and blueberry finish on the palate. It's well-balanced, soft tannins make this wine a perfect accompaniment to a variety of foods, such as grilled meats or hearty vegetable dishes. 

About This Wine

Beringer's Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has long been one of California's benchmark expressions of the variety — a wine that bridges Napa's richness with Sonoma's elegance. Sourced from the volcanic soils of Knights Valley, just east of the Mayacamas Mountains, the 2022 vintage delivers everything this appellation is known for: depth, structure, and a sense of place.

The 2022 growing season brought warmth and richness, yielding bold layers of blackcurrant, plum, and boysenberry, accented by dark chocolate, sage, and hints of tobacco and cedar. Extended maceration extracted maximum color and flavor, while 14 months in French oak (30% new) added spice and texture without overwhelming the fruit. Fine-grained tannins and bright acidity give this wine both immediate appeal and genuine aging potential.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep plum with ruby highlights
• Nose: Blackcurrant, boysenberry, cassis, dark chocolate, sage, cedar, wild lavender
• Palate: Medium-to-full body, plush sandy tannins, vibrant acidity, baking spice, crushed stone
• Finish: Long, elegant, savory — structured and mouthwatering

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 93 | Perfumed aromas of red currants, lavender, fresh thyme and graphite. Medium-bodied with plush tannins and balanced acidity, giving flavors of raspberry coulis, red licorice and baking spices. Very soft and delicate, with a nicely constructed backbone. Drink or hold.

Food Pairings

Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb chops, aged cheddar, and mushroom risotto. A natural at the dinner table, equally at home with a casual weeknight meal or a celebratory feast.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: 2022
Region: Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California
Appellation: Knights Valley AVA
Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot
Oak Aging: 14 months, French oak (30% new)
Style: Full-bodied Red Wine

Winemaker Description 

To impart highlights of vanilla, caramel and nutmeg, Ron barrel fermented and aged 70 percent of the Chardonnay in French and American oak barrels (20 percent new) for eight months. Fermenting the remainder in stainless steel maintained a bright, fresh fruit balance. The resulting wine has ripe pear and pineapple, and mango flavors highlighted by citrus, Granny Smith apple and hints of baking spices.

The Beringer Founders' Estate Chardonnay is the perfect combination of pear, apple and ripe tropical fruit flavors, with a hint of citrus and a classically round mouthfeel. 

Winemaker Description 

Flavors of pear, apple, and ripe tropical fruit. Well-balanced with vanilla and oak notes. Pair with grilled chicken or fish.

Beringer is known for establishing many 'firsts' as leaders in the wine industry. We were one of the first gravity fed facilities and among the first to operate using hand-dug caves and cellars. We were the first to give public tours in 1934, starting a Napa Valley hospitality tradition. We are the first and only winery to have both a red and a white wine named #1 Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator Magazine.

Winemaker Description

The Beringer Founders’ Estate Cabernet Sauvignon boasts flavors of black cherry, raspberry, vanilla, and cinnamon spice. It has a round mouthfeel, supple tannins, and a long, lingering finish. A food-friendly wine that pairs beautifully with grilled rib-eye steak, roasted vegetables, or aged cheddar.

About Founders’ Estate

Beringer Vineyards is one of California’s most historic wineries, founded in 1876 in St. Helena, Napa Valley. The Founders’ Estate label draws on fruit from California’s finest growing regions, crafted to deliver consistent, approachable quality at an everyday price point.

Food Pairings

Grilled rib-eye steak, roasted vegetables, burgers, BBQ, and aged cheddar.

Product Details

• Producer: Beringer Vineyards
• Region: California, USA
• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Medium-to-full bodied, fruit-forward California Cabernet
• Format: 750ml

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

Citrus and lemon aromas with slight notes of fresh grass. The mouth is balanced and structured.

The Benchmark of Amarone — Bertani's 2011 Della Valpolicella

Bertani and Amarone are nearly synonymous — the estate's 150+ year history in the Veneto is so intertwined with this iconic appellation that one cannot speak of great Amarone without invoking the Bertani name. Their Amarone is a wine of uncompromising elegance rather than brute power, built for the long haul and rewarding patience with extraordinary complexity. The 2011 vintage, now over a decade in bottle, is drinking magnificently — a rare opportunity to experience a fully mature, world-class Amarone at its peak.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2011

• James Suckling — 97 pts: "Density and dryness that really comes together here, after almost 10 years in bottle. Very deep and vertical on the palate. Very pure and beautiful crushed cherries, dried flowers, carbon and pumice. Wonderful all round. Drink or hold."
• Decanter (Aldo Fiordelli) — 94 pts: "One of the most classic Amarones, which has never changed its elegant rather than powerful style. Bright garnet in the glass, dominated by leather, earthy tones and restrained raspberry fruit. Fresh character with hints of citrus, slightly oxidative flavours and a Modica salted-chocolate finish. Full and firm, with outstanding balance between suppleness and structure. Drinking 2021–2047."
• Wine Spectator (Alison Napjus) — 91 pts: "A poised red, expanding slowly on the palate, with fine, creamy tannins enmeshed with black cherry coulis, black plum reduction, iron, dark chocolate and tobacco notes. Fresh and focused, with a lasting, spiced finish. Drink now through 2031."

Winemaker Notes

Bertani Amarone Della Valpolicella 2011 750ml

Bertani's impact on Veneto winemaking is so considerable that their name and Amarone are nearly inseparable. Their 150+ year history is dotted with groundbreaking initiatives and royal accreditation. While respectful of tradition, Bertani strives toward innovation — using progressive techniques allied with extensive experience and a deeply felt respect for the land to produce wines of uncompromising quality.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grapes: Corvina, Rondinella
• Appellation: Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, Veneto
• Producer: Bertani
• Vintage: 2011
• Drinking Window: Now–2047
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A wine for the grandest occasions — exceptional with braised beef short ribs, osso buco, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, wild boar ragù, truffle dishes, and dark chocolate desserts.

Winemaker Description

The red wine "Trio" by Berthet-Bondet consists of the three common red grapes of the Jura, Trousseau, Poulsard and Pinot Noir. This elegant red wine smells of spices and pepper, a slight wild animal note, typical of the poulsard, can also be perceived. 

A completely independent wine, somewhat comparable in structure and fullness to neighboring Burgundy, but not aromatic. A characterful red for friends of the unusual.

In 1985, Chantal and Jean Berthet-Bondet took over a domaine that had not been producing wine for 50 years, and brought it back to life. In 2017, their daughter Hélène succeeded them, helped by her husband and two children. The vineyards spread on 15 hectares, 4.5ha of Savagnin in Château-Chalon and 10.5ha of Chardonnay, Savagnin, Trousseau, Poulsard and Pinot Noir in Côtes-du-Jura appellation. A new plot of Chardonnay was planted in 2022, using for the first time massal selection and young plants from the Bérillon nurseries. The vineyard is off to a magnificient start. Château-Chalon possesses the noblest terroir in the Jura region. A composition of limestone and red and gray marl confers both power and great finesse to these wines. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description 

100% Savagnin. The lieu-dit Savagnier is located in the commune of Lavigny, close to Balanoz. The vines are planted on gravel and marl soil. This cuvée is made in a non-oxidized style and aged on the lees for 10 months in stainless steel tanks.

Aromas of citrus and exotic fruits, lots of minerality on the palate. Drink within 5 years and enjoy as an aperitif or with light fare. 

Winemaker Description

For its 170th anniversary, Maison Besserat de Bellefon gave its cellar master, Cédric Thibault, the freedom to imagine an exceptional cuvée expressing the best of his style. Perfect for special occasions, this extraordinary champagne will pair perfectly with lobster or haddock.

Expert Review

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | This limited-edition wine is a blend of grand cru Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Aged for 10 years in bottle, it is a steely, structured wine that brings sophistication to the white fruits and lively acidity. Drink now.  

Our Professional Review 

Bart of 67Wine.com writes | Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon is one of Napa Valley’s shining stars, but it’s always a ‘special occasion’ wine that’s priced beyond the reach of ordinary quaffing. The good news is Cakebread is now producing an affordable top notch Cabernet from Paso Robles that drinks deliciously. 

Winemaker Description 

Our Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles is bold and generous, with intriguing depth and loads of California charisma. Layers of sun-kissed wild blackberries alternate with boysenberry jam, dried bay leaf, and dark chocolate. This California Cab makes friends wherever it goes.

We source our Paso Robles Cabernet from two sites at opposite ends of the appellation, so we can combine the best of both: great tannin structure and acidity, as well as plush, generous fruit with a classic herbal edge.”
— JANE DUNKLEY, WINEMAKER
 

Winemaker Description 

The 2024 growing season for the San Luis Obispo Coast was marked by higher-than-average rainfall and a notably cooler spring. The wet winter and early spring precipitation replenished water reserves, providing a strong foundation for vine growth. The cooler temperatures in spring delayed bud break, pushing the season back slightly compared to typical years. As temperatures gradually warmed in late spring and early summer, the vines caught up, and overall growth was robust, however the cool spring inhibited the vines production and yields were slightly lower than average. The summer months experienced moderate heat, which helped in developing the grapes’ flavors while maintaining good acidity.

Flavors of vibrant raspberry and the subtle herbaceousness of dried oregano with delicate notes of oak that give a hint of toasted marshmallow.

Drawing on our 50+ years of experience at Cakebread Cellars, we craft Central Coast wines as complex and charismatic as the people who share them. Who says your everyday glass can’t be extraordinary, too?

In jewelry making, a bezel is the grooved setting that secures a gem or watchface in place. The name speaks to the craftsmanship behind every bottle of Bezel wine – the skill, precision and experience we’ve honed through 50 years of winemaking at Cakebread, and brought to the Central Coast.

Our winemaking mission is simple, though the resulting wines complex: Seek the best grapes from the West Coast’s finest vineyards and let that region’s personality shine through in each wine. Winemaker Jane Dunkley chased her passion for world-class winemaking all the way from her native Australia to Portugal, Italy and finally, the Central Coast of California.

Today she lives, works and breathes in the same spectacular spots as the grapes she crushes for Bezel. Jane’s on-the-ground knowledge of Paso Robles and the SLO Coast builds on the Cakebread team’s deep expertise to make Bezel wines the dynamic, distinctive individuals they are.

Our Pinot Noir from California’s San Luis Obispo Coast is deep and thoughtful, with layers that are well worth getting to know. Ripe plum, black cherry, and raspberry reach out first, with a whisper of cedar and a wink of baking spice. This California Pinot pairs well with others – especially the ones you love.

Big Table Farm Pinot Noir — Willamette Valley, Oregon 2023

Big Table Farm is one of Willamette Valley's most beloved small producers — a genuine farm winery run by Brian and Clare Carver, who raise animals, grow vegetables, and make wine with the same hands-on, unhurried philosophy. Their Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is sourced from a network of trusted growers across the valley, blended to capture the region's signature elegance: bright red fruit, floral lift, and the kind of fine-grained structure that makes Oregon Pinot so compelling at the table. The 2023 vintage produced just 2,154 cases.

The wine pours a translucent ruby. The nose is supple and elegantly complex — delicate raspberry, cherry, rose petal, orange peel, and dusky spices. On the palate, it's bright and energetic with crunchy tannins and focused acidity, delivering red apple, blood orange, and raspberry with a lovely balance of fruit and savory undertones. Fine-grained tannins carry it through a long, polished finish. Drink now through 2033.

"Supple and elegantly complex, with delicate raspberry and cherry flavors laced with rose petal, orange peel and dusky spices as this glides toward fine-grained tannins." — Wine Spectator, 93 Points

• Producer: Big Table Farm, Willamette Valley, Oregon
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Willamette Valley AVA
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Production: 2,154 cases
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: Wine Spectator 93 | James Suckling 93
• Drink: Now through 2033
• Tasting Notes: Raspberry, cherry, rose petal, orange peel, blood orange, dusky spices, fine-grained tannins
• Best Paired With: Roasted duck, mushroom risotto, truffled dishes, lean pork or veal, brie, goat cheese

A dual 93-point Willamette Valley Pinot Noir from one of Oregon's most authentic farm wineries — elegant, precise, and built for the table.

Producer Description 

Dark, burnt caramel color. Bright aromas of orange zest, molasses, ginger spice cake.

Warm flavors of bittersweet orange marmalade, mulling spices, and rich caramel with a bitter finish.

Produced by the Bigallet distillery according to the original recipe since 1875, China-China Amer is an incomparably rich and complex, 80 proof, orange-based, bittersweet liqueur peppered with botanical infusions.

The intense orange aroma and flavor in China-China comes from Bigallet's proprietary process of distilling fresh orange peel macerations. This intense orange distillate is blended with earthy and bitter gentian, tart chinchona bark, velvety anise, spicy clove, and a handful of other secret, Alpine herbs and spices. The flavors are married with rich caramel to balance the natural bitterness, and the dark, orange glow of China-China is born.

Memo Summary Notes

Bigallet China-China Amer is a legendary French bittersweet liqueur that has been produced in the French Alps since 1875. Often described as the "French answer to Amaro," it is an essential ingredient for serious home bartenders, primarily because it is the closest widely available substitute for the elusive Amer Picon

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

Intense ruby red colour. An intense and fruity bouquet. More evident are the accents of mature red fruit, cherries and blackberries. Achille is very round, sweet and soft in the mouth which make is so delicious and easy to drink. The finish is characterized by a persistent flavor, a very inviting wine.

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

Intense ruby red in color. An ample and complex bouquet, with distinct notes of flowers, fresh fruit, and spices. The palate is vigorous and vibrant, a lovely acidic vein fused with a lot of flavors makes it an ample and balanced wine. Elegant and soft tannins. The finish and aftertaste are persistent and lingering. A true and authentic expression of sangiovese.

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

On the nose, this wine is fruit forward with a touch of apple, peach and apricot with a slight spice. Fresh and tangy, fine spices, white pepper and round body.

Our Professional Review

Rand Sieger of 67Wine.com | Deep ruby color. Earthy crushed raspberry and pencil shaving aromas follow through on a soft, satiny entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with a delicate touch of spice and crabapple. Finishes in lingering spiced poached apple, mineral, and wet cedar fade with lightly pithy tannins.

Winemaker Description

Zippy raspberries lead the palate, minerality becomes present after. It finishes with smooth tannins that coat your tongue so softly you barely notice them. Light to medium bodied.

Nose of black fruit and spices and wood. Little tannin, light-med delicate body, lots of cheery and raspberry and finishes spicy and woody with a bit of acid that matches perfectly with the fatty carnitas.

Memo Food Pairing Suggestion

Food Pairings

• Casual: Ideal for picnics, pizza nights, or a hearty tuna salad.

  • Main Course: Pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mushroom-based dishes, or grilled poultry.

  • Specialty: Since it's from Austria, it is a classic match for Wiener Schnitzel or mild German sausages.

   

Expert Reviews

98+ Points Robert Parker | The Biondi-Santi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is initially a reticent wine and one that does not immediately subscribe to the overstated abundance and exuberance of the vintage. Give it time. I wrote this review after several tastings over several days so I could ensure a more accurate account of the wine's elegant reveal. Contemplative and exceedingly nuanced in personality, with wild berry, underbrush, ferrous earth and candied orange peel, this has everything to look forward to in terms of its future evolution in the bottle. It displays a pretty ruby color that borders on garnet and polished copper. A silky, mid-weight palate is accented by beautifully managed and silky tannins (this aspect of the mouthfeel is extraordinary), bright freshness and long-lasting fruit momentum. The alcohol is a bit more powerful in this release (at 14.5%), but the effect is supple and smooth nonetheless. I tasted bottle number 256.

James Suckling 97 Points | Complex yet pure, subtle and refined nose that gently evolves, with mossy red cherries, dried roses, chalk, tar and dried orange peel. There is a lift of clove and eucalyptus that makes it so distinctive. A powerful, medium-to full-bodied Brunello, but seamless and bright, with a fine, transparent mid-palate and restrained, mineral austerity. Understated complexity that will need time to bloom. Hold until 2026.

Vinous 97 Points | The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva pulls you close to the glass with a deep and seductive display of black raspberry preserves complemented by sweet sage, dried roses and pipe tobacco. With further coaxing, it gains in volume and lift, taking on hints of mint and camphor. This greets the palate with undeniable elegance, casting velvety waves of violet-tinged wild berries and sweet spices across a motivating core of juicy acidity, as a subtle coating of round tannins forms toward the close. While structured and incredibly long, energy remains high, as nuances of cherry pits offset by sour citrus and hints of cedar fade. It’s amazing to experience such energy and purity from a young Biondi Santi Riserva. As pretty as the Annata released last year was, I worried that the extended aging for the Riserva might rob the wine of some of its fruit; instead it is the complete opposite, as this contains the depth and complexity of the best wines of the vintage. I can’t wait to see how the 2015 matures over the next several decades. -- Eric Guido 

Wine Enthusiast 97 Points | New leather, pressed rose and mature berry aromas slowly appear in the glass along with whiffs of underbrush and pipe tobacco. On the structured, elegant palate, firm but ultrarefined tannins provide the backbone for juicy Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and cake spice. While it promises decades of evolution, it's already rewarding and almost at the start of its long drinking window. Drink 2025–2045. Kerin O’Keefe 

Wine Spectator 96 Points | Round and fruity, with an accent of white pepper against cherry, raspberry and floral flavors. Elegant and verging on racy, with a firm, well-integrated structure and excellent length on the minerally finish. Best from 2025 through 2048. — B.S.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

Jesica Vargas of the Wine Enthusiast writes 90 Points | The nose of this white wine leans toward tropical, offering aromas of sweet peach and citrus fruit. The palate has texture, lifting acidity and fine tannins. Balanced flavors of chamomile, lemon, green apple and white peach slide through the lingering finish.  

Experience the Naughty Charm of Birichino Zinfandel

Discover Birichino Zinfandel Old Vines from the historic Gimelli Vineyard, a remarkable expression of California Zinfandel crafted from ancient vines. Birichino is renowned for producing distinctive, terroir-driven wines that showcase the unique character of California's heritage vineyards. This 2023 vintage captures the essence of old vine Zinfandel, offering wine enthusiasts a taste of California winemaking tradition combined with modern artisanal craftsmanship.

Expert Reviewed - Vintage 2023 

The Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | This is a big fruit bomb of a Zinfandel from very old vines, offering intense strawberry-boysenberry syrup aromas alongside a touch of red flowers. The palate balances the boisterous red fruit flavors with a fresh acidity, a crushed rock minerality and a dusting of fennel pollen. Altogether, it uses old vines to showcase young flavors. 

Old Vine Heritage

The Gimelli Vineyard is home to old Zinfandel vines that have been producing exceptional fruit for decades. Old vines, typically 50+ years old, naturally produce lower yields of more concentrated, intensely flavored grapes. These ancient vines have deep root systems that access unique soil minerals and water sources, resulting in wines with greater complexity, depth, and character. The old vine designation represents a commitment to preserving California's viticultural heritage.

Gimelli Vineyard Terroir

The Gimelli Vineyard is a historic California vineyard known for producing exceptional Zinfandel. The unique terroir, including soil composition, microclimate, and vine age, contributes to the distinctive character of this wine. Single-vineyard wines like this offer a pure expression of place, showcasing the specific characteristics that make each vineyard unique.

Birichino Winemaking Philosophy

Birichino (Italian for "rascal" or "scamp") is dedicated to producing wines that are both playful and serious, combining traditional winemaking techniques with a modern sensibility. The winery focuses on working with heritage vineyards and lesser-known grape varieties, creating wines with personality, balance, and food-friendliness. Birichino's approach emphasizes minimal intervention, allowing the vineyard's character to shine through.

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Deep ruby to garnet color with vibrant clarity
Aroma: Ripe blackberry, raspberry, black cherry, dried herbs, black pepper, subtle spice, and hints of bramble
Palate: Medium to full-bodied with concentrated dark fruit flavors. Layers of blackberry, plum, and cherry complemented by notes of vanilla, baking spices, and earthy undertones. Balanced acidity with well-integrated tannins
Finish: Long, persistent finish with lingering fruit and spice notes

2023 Vintage Character

The 2023 vintage showcases the exceptional quality of the growing season, offering wine enthusiasts a fresh expression of old vine Zinfandel. This vintage captures the balance between ripe fruit character and the structure that defines great California Zinfandel.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This versatile Zinfandel pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled and barbecued meats (ribs, brisket, burgers)
• Italian cuisine (pasta with meat sauce, pizza, lasagna)
• Roasted lamb and game meats
• Spicy dishes (Mexican, Cajun, Indian)
• Aged cheddar and hard cheeses
• Charcuterie boards
• Hearty stews and braised dishes
• Smoked meats and sausages

Serving Suggestions

Serve slightly below room temperature at 60-65°F (15-18°C) to appreciate the wine's complexity and balance. Decanting for 30-60 minutes before serving will allow the wine to open up and reveal its full aromatic potential. Use large Bordeaux-style glasses to enhance the tasting experience.

Perfect for Wine Enthusiasts

Birichino Zinfandel Old Vines Gimelli Vineyard is ideal for:

• Zinfandel lovers seeking authentic old vine character
• Wine enthusiasts exploring California heritage vineyards
• Dinner parties and casual gatherings
• Barbecues and outdoor entertaining
• Collectors of artisanal California wines
• Gift giving for wine aficionados

California Zinfandel Tradition

Zinfandel is California's heritage grape variety, with a winemaking tradition dating back to the Gold Rush era. Old vine Zinfandel represents the pinnacle of this tradition, offering wines with depth, complexity, and authentic California character. Birichino's commitment to working with historic vineyards like Gimelli ensures that this winemaking heritage continues for future generations.

Artisanal Craftsmanship

This wine represents the intersection of California's viticultural heritage and modern artisanal winemaking. From the ancient vines of Gimelli Vineyard to Birichino's careful, minimal-intervention approach, every aspect of this wine reflects a dedication to quality, authenticity, and terroir expression. The result is a Zinfandel with personality, balance, and the distinctive character that makes California wine special.

A Historical Vineyard

The Birichino Zinfandel Old Vines Gimelli Vineyard 2023 is sourced from a vineyard with rich history. Known for its well-maintained old vines, Gimelli has been producing top-quality grapes for years. These ancient vines not only add complexity to the wine but also contribute to its unique character. The vines thrive in a diverse ecosystem that allows the grapes to soak up various minerals from the soil, resulting in a rich flavor profile that wine enthusiasts find irresistible. When you indulge in this Zinfandel, you are tasting a piece of history that has been cherished over multiple generations.

Tasting Notes

This vintage of Birichino Zinfandel is truly a reflection of its terroir, embodying a delightful blend of flavors that make it a compelling choice for any occasion. The primary keyword, naughty, aptly describes its bold and vibrant fruit-forward persona. Expect to experience layers of ripe raspberry, cherry, and hints of spice on the palate. The balance of acidity and tannins gives it a smooth finish, making it enjoyable whether you are sipping it alone or pairing it with a nice meal. It's the kind of wine that brings a touch of playful indulgence to your evening.

Pairing the Birichino Zinfandel Old Vines with the right dishes can elevate your dining experience. Given its fruity profile and light spiciness, it's great with grilled meats, particularly barbecue ribs or burgers. The wine also complements spicy dishes, like Mexican or Caribbean cuisine. For a delightful contrast, consider pairing it with dark chocolate desserts that will enhance the naughty flavors in the Zinfandel. This versatility allows you to enjoy it in numerous settings, from casual gatherings to sophisticated dinners.

Memo Summary Notes

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

Producer Description 

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

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

• Celebrating Community

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

• Honoring a Legacy

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

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

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

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

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