Half Bottles

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 90 Points | A prototypical unoaked white Macon that’s simultaneously fresh and creamy on the medium-bodied palate, with plenty of crisp pear and touches of acacia blossoms and fresh pineapple. Very clean and animating finish that pulls you back for more.

Producer Description 

Cointreau has won more than 300 international awards ever since its birth. In the 19th century, Cointreau became the essential ingredient of many classic cocktails, including The Original Margarita, The Cosmopolitan, and The Sidecar. 

Winemaker Description 

Vermouth di Torino is a collective heritage of Piedmont, which sees in the royal Savoy court as first big promoter of a product which, mainly starting from the late XVIII century, generated a flourishing industry which led Piedmont to become the Kingdom of Vermouth. 

Notes of cocoa, rhubarb, dandelion, caramel, and orange peel deliver a rich and refined character.

Producer Description 

Campari is a contemporary and charismatic classic that has remained unchanged throughout the years to the original formula. The creation of Campari was the result of the talent of Gaspare Campari, master drink maker and founder of the company. His experiments in concocting new beverages in Novara, in 1860, resulted in a recipe that still today remains a secret known only to the very few people in charge of the production process. 

Campari is an alcoholic spirit obtained from the infusion of bitter herbs, aromatic plants and fruit in alcohol and water. Many have tried to guess the number of ingredients: some say there are 20 or 60, but others list the ingredients at 80. To this day, alcohol and water are the only known ingredients of its special and secret recipe. Its vibrant red colour, intense aroma and distinctive bitter taste make it extremely versatile, and the perfect base for some of the most famous cocktails around the world. 

Winemaker Description

Inspired by the success of our rosé wines made in the Hamptons and in Mendoza, Summer in a Bottle has taken us to the rosé heart of the world, Côtes de Provence, France. Bringing our distinct, deliberate, and focused approach to making sophisticated, fruit driven, and elegant rosé from the place rosé is most famous.

Perfect pale, light rose in color. Beautiful floral and crushed stone aromas and fine peach and melon notes fill the glass. The mouth-feel is delicate and playful with fantastic ripe fresh fruit and classic minerality. There is an overall sophistication and calmness from the creamy yeast characters but also a lively and food friendly acidity.

The 4 grape varieties have come seamlessly together into a wonderful Rose blend that is lingering very nicely on a long finish. This is one of the most balanced Rose's that is very versatile and can accompany an array of food.

It is the perfect partner to complement seafood, chicken, turkey, veal, pork and even spicy dishes. Charcuterie, cheese and most classically of course, a bouillabaisse. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

The Amarone is considered a top wine in Veneto. Its incredible aromas derive from the strict selection of the grape material of the grape varieties Corvino, Rondinella and Sangiovese. After drying for 4 months on straw mats and fermenting these particularly concentrated grapes, the 30 months are aged in French and Slavonian oak. Only after another year on the bottle does the Amarone leave the Zenato family winery on Lake Garda.

The Amarone della Valpolicella Classico from Zenato is made from grapes from the classical Valpolicella region and is the jewel in the wine production of the Zenato family.

This Italian red wine presents itself dark red, almost black in the glass. It overwhelms in the best way with voluminous elegance, dense, multi-layered aromas and a beautiful balance of fruit and tannin. A phenomenal length makes this Amarone irresistible. An exceptional red wine at an amazingly low price.

Winemaker Description

Plush and seamless, with mouthwateringly deep and concentrated notes of boysenberry and chocolate mint. Black cherry and sandalwood contribute additional nuance to deep flavors of coffee bean on the oh-so-balanced finish.

Expert Ratings

93 Points Tasting Panel: Plush and seamless, with mouthwater- ingly deep and concentrated notes of boysenberry and chocolate mint. Black cherry and sandalwood contribute additional nuance to deep fla- vors of coffee bean on the oh-so-balanced finish.

90 Points Decanter:  Lots of ripe blackberries and black cherries on the nose. Lively fine-grained palate - juicy, crunchy and plush but retains freshness Blend ; 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, 9% Petite Sirah

Winemaker Description

Grgich Hills Estate Fumé Blanc will tantalize your senses with notes of green pepper, snap pea, lime and star fruit. On the front palate, enjoy the fresh fruit flavors of lemon, lime, and green apple supported by an undertone of sea salt.

This wine's chiseled texture, linear acidity, and long finish make it the perfect pairing with filet of sole, pork loin and savory goat cheese.

Expert Review

91 Points James Suckling | Aromas of wet stone, sliced peach and fresh flowers. Medium- to full-bodied with citrus acidity and fresh stone fruit. A little phenolic tension here, too, with refreshing tannins at the finish. 

Producer Description 

Monkey 47 is a batch distilled and handcrafted gin from Germany’s Black Forest. In total, 47 handpicked plant ingredients prepared in extremely soft water from the Black Forest lend Monkey 47 unrivaled complexity and quality. Since its launch in 2010, aficionados, bartenders and connoisseurs the world over have come to appreciate the incredible complexity and harmony. Monkey 47 has been part of Pernod Ricard since 2016.

Winemaker Description

J.K. Carriere Vespidae Pinot Noir is garnet in color. The nose is super effusive cherry, hibiscus, grilled meat, tan spice and cracked pepper. The flavors are massive and present as a cherry and peach pie with a one-minute too brown crust. The structure is quietly lurking, but unobtrusive. 

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 92 Points | Aromas of sour cherries, plums, violets, cocoa, incense and baking spices. Medium-bodied with plush tannins and bright acidity. Fresh, textured and juicy with a bitter cocoa character. Flavorful finish with excellent length. Drink or hold.

Vinous 92 Points | Brilliant red. Ripe red fruit, floral and baking spice qualities on the nose, along with hints of sandalwood and musky herbs. Juicy and expansive on the palate, offering subtly sweet cherry cola and raspberry flavors that firm up through the back half. Shows fine clarity and energy on a persistent finish shaped by smooth, even tannins. 20% new French oak. Best after 2022. 

Winemaker Notes

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 91 Points | Candied cherries, sweet cranberries and a touch of stewed herbs. Lightly chewy in terms of tannins, with a fluid center palate and a medium-length finish. A bit overripe, but approachable. A good, simple Chateauneuf that shows early appeal.

Winemaker Description

It is a delicious and supple wine, synonymous with sharing and conviviality, adapting perfectly to meat dishes in sauces or more simply grilled. Its aromas make it a Châteauneuf-du-Pape accessible to many tasters, from beginners to the most experienced.

Winemaker Description 

The Vitallis Pouilly Fuisse has great concentration on the nose, reflecting the old vines. Intense aromas of dried fruits, Acacia, nuts and honey. Very long in the mouth with elegant, but ripe flavors, minerality and spiciness. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | The 2021 Chardonnay Estate Monte Bello Vineyard was aged in 60% American and 40% French oak for 15 months. The nose is spry and lively, with matchstick, lemon curd and white flower aromas. The palate combines a polished richness with refreshing zest, concluding with a clean finish and decent length. This is a floral and vibrant introductory expression of the Monte Bello site.

Winemaker Description 

Tropical fruit aromas of guava and pineapple with hints of toasted marshmallow and lavender. Flavors of pear, white peach and key lime. A weighty entry that is balanced by lively acidity brings complexity and elegance to this lovely wine. Enjoyable upon release and over the next six to seven years. 

Winemaker Description

Bright with a deep ruby core that lightens at the rim of the glass, with moderately thick, slow forming tears. Aromatic with ripe black cherry, red berries and blackcurrant fruit with spice notes of vanilla and cinnamon with fresh sage, subtle dried rose petal, and toasted oak. Nearly full-bodied with red plum, ripe bing cherry, and blackberry on entry with savory dried herbs, baking spice and toasted oak on the midpalate supported with balanced, fine tannins. The complex finish shows sustained ripe fruit and spice mixed with dried flower and camphor elements.

The 2020 Justin Cabernet Sauvignon is remarkably balanced and complex, with a fresh palate that not only invites another sip on its own, but also pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. Try this wine with grilled chicken or burgers at your next cookout or with a classic filet mignon at your favorite steakhouse.

Winemaker Description 

Certainly! The Herederos De Argueso Jerez-Xeres-Sherry Amontillado is a dry and nutty white wine from Andalucia, Spain. It has sharp peanutty aromas and a tawny color with hints of orange. On the palate, it offers sour citrus fruit flavors, burnt nuts, and cocoa, finishing dry and chalky. You can find it in a 375ml half bottle for around $25. It’s a delightful choice for those who appreciate intense, tangy flavors. 🍷🥜🍊

Argeso Amontillado is an exquisite fortified wine of subtlety and grace. On the nose, it unfurls a spectrum of delicate scents reminiscent of hazelnuts and aromatic herbs, with a distinctive hint of dark tobacco.

Upon tasting, its lightness astonishes, yet it retains a marked dryness and a complexity that unfolds gently. This Amontillado exemplifies the artful dance between simplicity and intricacy, presenting a sophisticated and approachable taste experience. 

Winemaker Description

Its bouquet is intense, pure, pleasant and refined, reminiscent of sweet violet, tobacco, chocolate and pleasant hints of wild berries and vanilla. Its flavor fully confirms the above in a well-balanced, full-bodied wine with good tannins and a solid structure. 

Expert Reviews 

Decanter 95 Points | Altesino counts approximately 50 hectares throughout Montalcino’s northern and southern stretches. A compilation of diverse sites, the estate Brunello is among the denomination’s best values. If the Montosoli bottling is more solemn in tone, this 2019 is joyful and bright. Heady red currant and cherry mingle with plum and anise. The sumptuously fruited, plush palate is mouth filling yet agile. Sandy textured tannins envelop and caress while citrusy acidity lifts the whole. Already accessible, it has sufficient depth, concentration and backbone for a solid decade of enjoyment. (2019). 

Robert Parker 95 Points | The Altesino 2019 Brunello di Montalcino boasts a rich and savory side that this wine wears very well. There is a beautiful level of dark fruit that folds into the wine's velvety texture. Blackberry and plum envelop the palate, adding elegant full-bodied volume and fine tannins along the way. The wine is aged in traditional Slavonian casks, and production reaches 110,000 bottles annually (which is very ambitious considering this level of quality). (2019). 

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | Pouring a rich ruby color, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino offers an attractive nose of cherry candies, sweet herbs, polished leather, and orange oils. It moves seamlessly to the palate with equally harmonious structure and a great, long finish. Medium to full-bodied, it lasts for ages. This is one of those wines that’s going to have a very wide drinking window and is exceptional already. Drink 2026-2046. (2019). 

Wine Spectator 95 Points | This is packed with ripe cherry, plum and raspberry fruit, with floral, mineral, juniper and wild herb accents adding depth and complexity. There's plenty of energy and structure as well, providing excellent balance, with a long aftertaste. (2019).

James Suckling 94 Points | A dark ruby color in the glass, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino opens with a beguiling blend of dusty earth, crushed rocks, savory herbs and dried roses. This is racy and sleek, with vividly ripe wild berry fruits elevated by orange and sage, all guided by vibrant acidity. Grippy tannins take control through the finish, yet the mouth is left watering for more as a bitter licorice tinge and dark chocolate adds a crunchy sensation. (2019). 

Winemaker Description

Caymus has a signature style that is dark in color, with rich fruit and ripe tannins – as approachable in youth as in maturity. Since its founding in 1972, Caymus has become renowned as a consistent leader in the production of Napa Valley Cabernet. 

Grapes for this wine are farmed in 8 of Napa’s 16 sub-appellations, with diversification enabling us to make the best possible wine in a given year. Their Cabernet offers layered, lush aromas and flavors, including cocoa, cassis and ripe berries. 

Winemaker Description

Vinified in stainless steel, with just a hint of residual sugar, this wine vividly represents all that Mosel wine should be—fruity with vibrant acidity, clarity, and precision; all highlighted by intense slate-driven minerality. As an introduction to what one can glean from great Mosel wine, Selbach’s ‘Incline’ is incredible. 

Expert Reviews

Lettie Teague writes:  Champagne Pommery Brut Royal  - Although I’m generally not big on glossy Champagne boxes, the groovy Pommery package with its paisley design was pretty eye-catching; happily, the wine inside was good too. A lithesome, compulsively drinkable dry sparkler with notes of citrus and pear and a long minerally finish, the non-vintage wine is a blend of three main Champagne grapes—Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier—in equal amounts.  Corporate-owned Pommery Champagne claims to have introduced the first successful dry “Brut” style Champagne to the world in 1874—it’s certainly a style they do well. A terrific aperitif.  - Wall St. Journal, Dec. 16-17, 2023.

93 Points Decanter | Civilised apple, lemon and dried fruit nose. There's a nice lift in the mouth with citric balance and real poise. Full of character.

92 Points James Suckling | Peach, lemon, grapefruit, biscuit and some honey on the nose. Creamy and round with a juicy, peachy and lightly off-dry palate. Sleek bubbles. One third each of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier. Base vintage 2018. 9-10g/L dosage.

90 Points Wine Enthusiast | An equal blend of the three major Champagne grape varieties, this cuvée is a reference in the region. It has a fine balance and is rich but with good touches of minerality as well as crisp white fruits. The finish with its bite of citrus is attractively refreshing. Drink the bottling now.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

91 Points James Suckling | A tangy and fresh Gavi full of sliced apples, lemon zest and stones. Medium-bodied and textured on the palate with fresh, vibrant acidity and a pure, pithy finish. Drink now. 

Winemaker Description 

Bright yellow color, delicate bouquet of dried pineapple and peach. Full and rich in flavor, yet mineral and refreshing. Fine aromatic flavor to the end. 

Winemaker Description

This, Klinker Brick's flagship zinfandel, is made from vineyard blocks up to 120 years old. Delta Breezes and the associated fog allow us to retain above average acidity for the region, providing notes of dark cherry and spices. Barrel fermentation brings additional structure to thin skin varietal. The extremely low yields of century old vineyards bring notes of rhubarb and cranberry, with a hint of black pepper. The result is a balanced and complex Zinfandel perfect for both Summer barbecues and Fall fire pits.

Winemaker Description

The 2020 J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon is dense and dark at the core. Ripe fruit aromas of black cherry and currant are accented by notes of toasted pastry, hazelnut, and vanilla from our extensive barrel aging program. Big, juicy red-fruit flavors infuse the palate while softly textured tannins lead to a long, gratifying finish.

Expert Reviews

92 Tasting Panel | Thanks to their certified sustainable properties in five of Paso Robles' 11 sub-AVAs, the folks at J. Lohr are able to produce a super high-quality Cab at this price point. With 9% Petite Sirah plus some Cab Franc and Petit Verdot, it has a deep purple hue that enhances the immediate rush of blueberry in a stream of silky tannins. Spiced black tea takes heather, fennel, hazelnut, and vanilla bean on a long ride toward the finish. (2020).

91 Wine Enthusiast | For about a million cases, this is a reliable stud of a wine. Deep, dark blackberry and light wood aromas on the nose lead into berry jam, wood spice and caramel flavors, with amplified tannins promising at least a few years of freshness.  Editors' Choice (2020). 

Winemaker Description

Winemaker Description 

Aromas of ripe green and golden apple, accented by fresh white peach and light oak notes. Across the palate, this golden wine is silken in texture with flavors of apple, citrus and pear balanced by refreshing acidity. The long finish is clean, with underlying hints of minerality, vanilla and lemon.

Winemaker Description

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

James Suckling 93 Points | This has a toasty character with hints of cardamom, cloves and crushed walnuts with ripe red fruit, plum skins and red flowers in the background. It’s full-bodied with firm, chalky tannins and steady acidity to give it freshness. A little bit of toasted oak at the end. Lengthy and spiced with a crunchy finish. Better after 2025.

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points |  The medium red 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale is inviting with aromas of poppy red cherry, dusty earth, roses, and orange peel. Medium-bodied and juicy all the way through, this is an easygoing quaffer with a kiss of sweet tannins that are fine-grained all the way through the finish. It keeps good freshness for this hot vintage and has some warmth on the finish. It’s a versatile wine for pizza night or drinking on its own over the next few years. 

Winemaker Description 

Intense ruby red. Aroma: This complex wine is characterized by cherry and violet notes with delicate hints of tobacco, white pepper, and a touch of flint. Tasting profile: Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico Riserva is well balanced on the palate, with velvety tannins, firm acidity, and a lingering finish of rosemary. Its structure will allow it to age for two to five years, if not longer.