Organic + Biodynamic Wine & Spirits

Domaine de Beaurenard · Rasteau · Grenache, Syrah & Mourvèdre · Rhône Valley · 2022

For eight generations, the Coulon family has farmed the southern Rhône with a reverence for the land that few estates can match. Domaine de Beaurenard has been certified organic and biodynamic since 2011 — across more than 80 acres in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 60 acres in Rasteau, and 25 acres in Côtes du Rhône. Their Rasteau is a benchmark expression of this rising appellation: 100% estate-grown Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, co-harvested and co-fermented from south-facing slopes and terraces of stony limestone-clay soils, yielding just 25–38 hl/ha. 2022 was a warm, dry year with late-season rains that restored balance — the result is a wine of beautiful fruity, bright character with real depth and persistence. JS:92 · JD:91 · WS:90. At $37.99, this is biodynamic Rhône at a price that makes it one of the cellar’s great values.

The 2022 opens with intense aromas of black fruit, blueberries, red berries, dried herbs, rosemary, and grilled meat. On the palate: full-bodied and generous, with a beautiful center-palate of ripe berries, chalky mineral, iron, and cooling river stone. Fine, firm tannins and a lively, persistent finish with herbs, peppercorns, and a smoky incense note. Drink now through 2034.

“Juicy, well-shaped and vivid… full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. In control, with a delicious center-palate of generous berries and a lively finish with herbs and peppercorns.” — James Suckling, 92 Points. (Vintage 2022).

“Beautifully polished, fine tannins and great balance. Drink over the next 10–12 years.” — Jeb Dunnuck, 91 Points. (Vintage 2022). 

“Both firm and vibrant… chalky mineral, iron and cooling river stone notes adding contrast.” — Wine Spectator, 90 Points. (Vintage 2022). 

• Producer: Domaine de Beaurenard (Coulon family, 8 generations)
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Rasteau AOC, Rhône Valley, France
• Blend: Grenache, Syrah & Mourvèdre (co-harvested & co-fermented)
• Soils: Stony limestone-clay · South-facing slopes & terraces · 25–38 hl/ha
• Vinification: Hand-picked & sorted · 18–26 day vatting · 12 months in vats & oak foudres
• Certifications: Certified Organic · Certified Biodynamic (since 2011)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black fruit, blueberry, red berry, dried herbs, rosemary, chalky mineral, iron, river stone, peppercorn, smoky finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2034
• Food Pairings: Lamb, beef stew, duck, wild boar, aged hard cheeses

JS:92 · JD:91 · WS:90 — eight generations of biodynamic farming, Rasteau at its most compelling.

Les Moulins Mahjoub | Lemon & Fig Chutney, Organic — Tunisia

From the sun-drenched groves of the Mahjoub family farm in Tébourba, Tunisia, this Lemon & Fig Chutney is a quiet triumph of North African pantry tradition. Plump organic figs and bright preserved lemon are slow-cooked with aromatic spices until they meld into something deeply satisfying — sweet, tangy, and warmly complex all at once.

Les Moulins Mahjoub has farmed organically for generations, relying on methods passed down through the family rather than shortcuts. The result is a condiment with genuine character: one that elevates a simple cheese board, transforms a roasted leg of lamb, or turns a slice of crusty bread with ricotta into something worth remembering.

Serving suggestions: Aged manchego, brie, or goat cheese · Charcuterie boards · Roasted lamb or duck · Crusty bread with ricotta

• Certified organic | No artificial additives
• Organic figs & preserved lemon slow-cooked with aromatic spices
• Family-farmed in Tébourba, Tunisia for generations
• 7.3 oz | Product of Tunisia

Every winter we repeat the same actions, the very same rituals in our mill in Tebourba. We have been the custodians of this living heritage for more than a century, passing it on from generation to generation.

The extra virgin olive oil from Les Moulins Mahjoub is the product of the slow, rhythmic movement of our granite millstones and the gentle progress of the first cold pressing, which delivers this liquid gold drop by precious drop.

What can I make with their food products?

Because Les Moulins Mahjoub offers so many different types of items, there are a lot of great recipes to try! Cook authentic Tunisian couscous with tomato-based Tibar sauce and fish. Spread their many flavors of fruit jam on breads and other baked goods for a deliciously sweet breakfast. Keep their preserved lemons in your kitchen for flavoring chicken, rice dishes and more.

Winemaker Descripton

Dry, sparkling. Estate grown organic and biodynamic Ellis Bitter and Bramleys Seedling varieties. This third vintage is bright and tannic.

Tasting Notes: grassy, alfalfa, dried pomelo and orange

Pairings: venison, butternut squash ravioli with browned butter

8.1% ABV>

Parés Baltà Brut Nature Cava Organic — Penedès, Spain NV

Parés Baltà is one of Catalónia's most respected organic estates, farming biodynamically in the Penedès with a deep commitment to indigenous varieties and traditional methods. Their Brut Nature Cava is made exclusively from the classic Cava trio — Xarel·lo, Parellada, and Macabeu — with an emphasis on Xarel·lo, the most characterful and site-expressive of the three. Produced via the traditional method with zero dosage, this is a bone-dry, gastronomic sparkling wine of genuine precision and integrity — the kind of Cava that earns its place alongside Champagne at the table.

The wine pours a pale gold with fine, persistent bubbles. The nose is fresh and inviting — green apple, citrus fruit, and a subtle brioche note from the lees aging. On the palate, it's medium-bodied with a crisp, enticing mouthfeel, superb fine bubbles, and a clean, refreshing, bone-dry finish. Excellent as an aperitif, and a natural match for crema catalana — the local cousin of crème brûlée — a pairing that showcases the wine's precision beautifully.

"This might have been a classic Cava, if all Cavas were farmed organically and made with as much care. Instead, it stands out — fresh, lively and dry." — Eric Asimov, The New York Times

• Producer: Parés Baltà, Penedès, Cataluña, Spain
• Style: Brut Nature Cava (zero dosage)
• Appellation: Cava DO
• Blend: Xarel·lo, Parellada, Macabeu
• Method: Traditional method, certified organic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Green apple, citrus, brioche, fine bubbles, bone-dry finish
• Best Paired With: Aperitif, oysters, grilled fish, crema catalana, light tapas

Organic, zero-dosage Cava from one of Penedès' most committed estates — NYT-endorsed, traditionally made, and priced for every celebration.

Winemaker Description 

"L'Affreux Jojo" means "the ugly Jojo". In the stronghold of Cabernet Franc in Touraine, Geoffrey de Nouel highlights old terroirs, those of Sainte Maure de Touraine. The result is a wine without artifice, short-aged, full of fruit and with few sulphites: the awful Jojo!

Vinification: 1/3 whole cluster (carbonic maceration), 2/3 destemmed grapes. Maceration of 2-3 weeks. Fermentation is in fiber glass with natural yeasts. The wine ages for 6 months in fiber glass tanks. No filtration, no fining. Grape varieties :100% Cabernet Franc Vineyard age :25-year-old vines Soil Clay, flint, gravel Alcohol :12.5%.

Geoffrey de Noüel is a young vigneron on the rise in Chinon, an AOC located in central Loire, where some of the greatest Cabernet Franc is being produced. He started his winemaking journey in 2011 with a series of internships in Burgundy, then transported the Burgundian idea of cultivating and vinifying a singular grape on different plots (to showcase the terroir of each) to his own project in the Loire. All of Geoffrey's vineyards are certified organic, and his goal is to work as hands off as possible to produce transparent wines that showcase the varied soils of the area. Geoffrey is intent on showcasing the terroir of the different sites that he works with and believes in minimal intervention in the cellar.  

Bassermann-Jordan Riesling Trocken — Pfalz, Germany 2024

Bassermann-Jordan is one of Germany's most historic and prestigious wine estates — a founding member of the VDP, Germany's elite organization of top quality wine producers, and a name synonymous with the finest dry Riesling from the Pfalz. The estate's roots in Deidesheim stretch back to 1718, when Pierre Jordan purchased the family's first vineyards in the Pfalz. Johann-Peter Jordan built the winery in Deidesheim 65 years later, and around the turn of the century, Andreas Jordan elevated quality winemaking in the region by becoming one of the first growers to plant single varieties by vineyard and vinify each vineyard separately — a revolutionary approach that set the standard for precision winemaking in Germany. A marriage between the Bassermann and Jordan families added the Bassermann name in 1883, cementing the estate's place at the pinnacle of Pfalz winemaking. Today, the estate farms organically, bringing the same commitment to quality and terroir expression to every bottle.

The Riesling Trocken is the estate's classic dry Pfalz expression — a wine that shows the style of the house and the typicality of the different soils around the winery. Fine fruit, elegant acidity, and gripping minerality define the palate — dry, focused, and unmistakably Pfalz. Clean and precise on the finish, with the kind of mineral backbone that makes great German Riesling so compelling at the table.

"A dry Palatinate Riesling with fine fruit, elegant acidity and gripping minerality — it shows the style of the house and the typicality of the different soils around the winery." — Bassermann-Jordan, Winemaker

• Producer: Bassermann-Jordan, Deidesheim, Pfalz, Germany
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Pfalz, Germany
• Classification: VDP member estate
• Varietal: 100% Riesling
• Style: Trocken (Dry)
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fine fruit, elegant acidity, gripping minerality, dry and focused, clean mineral finish
• Drink: Now through 2030
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, sushi, oysters, roast pork, Asian cuisine, soft cheeses, aperitivo

VDP Pfalz Riesling from one of Germany's oldest estates — Bassermann-Jordan Trocken 2024 is dry, mineral, and organically farmed.

Winemaker Description 

La Fita - Els Arpiots is a white wine that embodies the essence of its origins –Penedes.

A blend of Macabeu and Xarel.lo, traditional grape varieties of Penedès, creates a fresh and light wine.

It bursts with aromatic intensity, evoking the Mediterranean with scents of white fruit and flowers. Its palate is gentle and straightforward.

Expert Review - Vintage 2015

Paul Gregutt from the Wine Enthusiast writes 95 Points | From Draper clone vines planted in 1965, this bright gold-hued wine brings myriad details to its apple, jicama, white peach and nut oil flavors. A whiff of smoke carries throughout, and its sheer complexity strains the vocabulary. Stay with it as more subtle layers unfold. Though seductive now, it should mature well through 2030. — Paul Gregutt 

James Suckling 92 Points | A layered and fresh white with cooked apples, honey and straw. Medium- to full- bodied, creamy and textured wine with fresh and pretty fruit. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.

Winemaker Description 

El Rall Artigas Alella Red, biodynamic wine, 50% Merlot, 20% Garnatxa Negra (Grenache Noir), 20% Syrah, and 10% Sumol from 4 vineyards planted on granitic sand. 

Oriol’s ancient vineyards of native vines are largely based on granite rock, known locally as Sauló, at between 100 and 350 metres elevation.  This results in wines often rich in minerality, conjuring aromas that will take you all the way to the Mediterranean. 

The grapes are destemmed and fermented in stainless steel tank with 3 days on the skins, then transferred to a mix of stainless steel tanks and used barrels to rest for approximately 18 months before blending and bottling with no sulphites. 

El Rall Artigas is natural, hot climate red wine which is bursting with flavour and although 100% pure, there is no real funkiness, just soft fruits and tension from the granite soils. 

Winemaker Description 

Made from 100% Macabeu, this rare dessert wine spent 21 years in barrel before being bottled. The slow oxidation in barrel gives this wine its characteristic amber color, as well as complex notes of fig, date, toasted hazelnut, and caramel. Best served at room temperature, try this on its own after dinner, or alongside cheese, pastry, or chocolate cake. Once opened, the wine can be enjoyed for several months. 

Jean-Hubert Verdaguer and his wife, Brigitte, helm Domaine de Rancy in the Roussillon, one of only a handful of quality wineries still producing exceptional Rivesaltes in the old Ambré style.

This unique type of fortified wine is a Vin Doux Naturel, in which a pure spirit is added during fermentation to stop conversion of sugar into alcohol. These are complex and incredibly versatile dessert wines, typically 16% to 20% alcohol with 85-100 grams of residual sugar, and acidity varying between 6% and 8%.

The grapes – 100% Macabeau – come from organically-farmed vineyards. It is the addition of neutral grape spirits that prevents them from obtaining organic certification on their Vin Doux Naturels.

They are hand-picked late in the season, pressed, fermented, and fortified in tank. Only the best wine is chosen for barrel-aging, and it remains in barrel for up to 60 years. The wines are bottled as needed, unfined and unfiltered, and the wine is best served at room temperature to fully appreciate the intense, complex aromas that develop in the glass.

Domaine Raspail-Ay Gigondas 2023 — Half Bottle (375ml)

Domaine Raspail-Ay is one of the most respected and beloved estates in Gigondas — a benchmark producer in an appellation that is itself one of the Southern Rhône’s finest. The estate has long been a favorite of serious wine lovers for its commitment to traditional winemaking, organic and biodynamic viticulture, and wines of exceptional depth, structure, and longevity. The Wine Advocate calls it “one of my favorite Gigondas estates,” and the 2023 is among the finest vintages in recent memory.

The 2023 Gigondas is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, completely destemmed and raised in old foudres to preserve purity and terroir expression. Medium to full-bodied, with a ripe, layered mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and outstanding length — a classic, well-made Gigondas that will shine right out of the gate yet still have 15+ years of overall longevity. Now available in a 375ml half-bottle.

Full-bodied and fruity, with aromas of raspberries, black cherries, black pepper, licorice, and herbes de Provence. The palate is warm and generous, with ripe tannins, Provençal spice, meaty and peppery nuances, and classic garrigue notes. The wine fills the mouth with layered, complex flavors and a long, structured finish.

Wine Advocate — 94 points

“One of my favorite Gigondas estates, Raspail-Ay has made brilliant wines in both 2023 and 2022. Subtle darker berries, Provençal spice, meaty and peppery nuances, and classic garrigue notes… medium to full-bodied, ripe tannins, and outstanding length. A classic, well-made Gigondas that’s going to shine right out of the gate yet still have 15+ years of overall longevity.” (Vintage 2023). 

Food Pairings

Lamb chops, roasted duck, wild boar, Provençal stews, aged cheeses, and grilled meats with herbs.

Blend: 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre
Appellation: Gigondas AOC, Southern Rhône, France
Vintage: 2023
Farming: Organic & Biodynamic
Aging: Old foudres
Format: 375ml (Half Bottle)
Score: 94 points Wine Advocate

Châteauneuf-du-Pape That Delivers Classic Southern Rhône Power and Elegance

Mas de Boislauzon has long been one of the most respected estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, farming organically and crafting wines that honor the appellation's storied tradition. Their Tradition Cuvée — a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Mourvèdre, fermented and aged in concrete — is a benchmark expression of the southern Rhône: rich, structured, and deeply aromatic, with the kind of complexity that rewards both immediate enjoyment and extended cellaring.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

• Wine Spectator — 94 pts: "Plum sauce and cassis reveal earthy, leafy dimension that brings savory freshness to this full-throttle red, which is formidable in structure and frame, with bolts of iron, black tea and persistent yet refined tannins taking this over the finish line. Long and powerful, with smokiness weaving through. Drink now through 2035."
• Jeb Dunnuck — 93 pts: "One of the riper, broader, sexier wines in the vintage. Blackberries, roasted herbs, cured meats, chocolate, and Provençal garrigue all define the aromatics, and it's full-bodied on the palate, with a powerful yet balanced style. Classic cuvées don't get much better than this in 2020. Drink 2022–2037."
• Vinous — 92 pts: "Soars from the glass with fragrant aromas of crushed violets, raspberry, wild strawberry, blueberry, licorice and mint. Full-bodied and layered, it's polished and refined, with a juicy core of fruit and good persistence on the bright finish. Drink 2024–2038."
• James Suckling — 92 pts: "Wild berries, tar, dried herbs and cloves on the nose follow through to a medium to full body with firm tannins. Structured and focused with a crisp core of berries leading to the chewy and salivating finish. From organically grown grapes. Unfiltered."
• Decanter — 92 pts: "Broad and full on the palate. Concentrated but not heavy. Lush and generous, with destemmed fruit fermented and aged in concrete. Drink 2024–2030."

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: 70% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre
• Appellation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône Valley, France
• Producer: Mas de Boislauzon
• Vintage: 2020
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Vinification: Destemmed, fermented and aged in concrete. Unfiltered.
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for hearty Provençal cuisine — exceptional with braised lamb, roasted duck, wild boar, beef daube, aged cheeses, and mushroom-based dishes.

Producer Description

Traditional 100% organic apéritif made with grape juice and eau-de-vie de cognac from our estate. Fresh and fruity.

Laherte Frères Ultradition Brut NV — Champagne

Laherte Frères is a benchmark grower-producer in Chavot, farming biodynamically and organically across 10 hectares in the Côte des Blancs and Vallée de la Marne. The Ultradition is their signature cuvée — a multi-vintage blend anchored by old-vine Pinot Meunier, built to express terroir transparency and minimal intervention. Wine Spectator awarded it 92 points, calling it “vivid” and “clean-cut and minerally on the finish.” John Gilman added 92+ points, praising its “superb soil signature, refined mousse, and a very long, complex, dancing finish.” At this price, it is one of the most compelling values in grower Champagne.

The nose opens with white peach, spring flowers, chalky soil tones, gentle smokiness, and a dollop of brioche. On the palate it is full-bodied and extremely elegant — pure, with a fine core, refined mousse, and a long, dancing finish of citrus and mineral. Pinot Meunier at its most expressive.

Wine Spectator 92 • Vinous 92 • John Gilman 92+ — “Pure, full-bodied, and extremely elegant, with a very long, complex and dancing finish.”

• Producer: Laherte Frères, Chavot, Champagne, France
• Style: Brut NV
• Blend: 60% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Champagne AOC
• Dosage: 6–8 g/L
• Farming: Biodynamic, Organic
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White peach, spring flowers, chalk, brioche, citrus, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, lobster, sushi, aged Comté, roast chicken, caviar

A 92-point biodynamic grower Champagne at an honest price — Laherte Frères’ Ultradition is the benchmark for what Pinot Meunier-driven Champagne can be.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

JamesSuckling.com by Stuart Pigott writes 94 Points | With its aromas of nutty, old-fashioned apple varieties and ripe quince, this striking dry riesling is an unspectacular beauty. It’s medium-bodied with a wonderful harmony of silky acidity, a hauntingly subtle minerality and a very long, stony finish that somehow manages to be very gentle. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. 

Winemaker Description 

The nose here is just a shade riper, with tart citrus flirting with barely ripe apricot, heading toward the peach register though highlighted by lemon curd and lemon zest, pretty citrus elements to brighten it up, even the riper twang of a lime. This has more density, for sure, more richness, though it has plenty of definition. Thinking of these wines in the context of the Rheingau is just crazy; my teeth are aching. The whole collection has acids – I should get the numbers here, if Eva hasn’t already sent them [note to reader: I never got any numbers on the acids b/c I'm just too buried in work right now]. There is a limey quality to this, sticky but fresh, gripping, that I really like. These are very damn good. 

Hans-Josef Becker’s grandfather (J.B.) founded this winery in 1893, and it is home to some truly astounding wines. The Spätlese Trocken is somehow both very serious and firmly structured, yet remains bright and affable. The old vines show incredible concentration - this wine is just a baby and could be cellared for decades. On the other hand, the 2022 vintage displays plenty of juicy, expressive fruit with crushing acidity and a bold mouthfeel. These wines have achieved cult-status for good reason.

Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Biodynamic — Napa Valley 2022 Half Bottle

Grgich Hills Estate is one of Napa Valley's most storied wineries, founded by Miljenko "Mike" Grgich — the Croatian-born winemaker whose 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay famously defeated the French at the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Today, the estate farms entirely biodynamically and organically, producing wines of remarkable purity and terroir expression. This 375ml half bottle of their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect introduction to one of Napa's great estates — or an ideal companion for an intimate dinner.

The 2022 growing season was defined by drought and patience. Rainfall came early — in October and December of 2021 — leaving a dry spring and summer. An intense heat wave in early September pushed sugar levels dramatically, but the Grgich team waited for cooler temperatures and balanced ripeness before harvesting. The result is a wine of concentration and elegance in equal measure.

The nose is rich and captivating: dark black currant, plum, and blackberry take center stage, joined by cedar, clove, and a touch of lavender. On the palate, it is full-bodied with layered dark fruit, firm but polished tannins, and a long, structured finish that speaks to Napa's finest terroir.

Grgich Hills — Certified Biodynamic & Organic — "Farming in harmony with nature since 2000."

• Producer: Grgich Hills Estate, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Napa Valley AVA
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Farming: Certified Biodynamic & Organic
• Size: 375ml (Half Bottle)
• Tasting Notes: Black currant, plum, blackberry, cedar, clove, lavender, structured finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 5–10 years
• Best Paired With: Gorgonzola gnocchi, beef bourguignon, seared steak, ratatouille

Biodynamic Napa Cabernet from one of the valley's founding legends — Grgich Hills in a half bottle, perfect for any occasion.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

Tim Atkin MW 92 Points | Kara-Tara is Stark-Condé winemaker Rudger van Wyk’s own project, entirely focused on Burgundian grapes. This stylish Chardonnay marries grapes from Elgin, the Overberg and Paarl. Poised between citrus and stone fruit flavours, with subtle toast and wet stone undertones. 2022-27′.

Producer Description 

Kara-Tara is a joint-venture between Rüdger van Wyk (2018 Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year) and José Conde of Stark-Condé Wines. Translated from the Khoisan, the language from the first people in Southern Africa, it means “deep dark shadows” and refers to the Karatara river that runs through Rüdger’s home town, near Knysna which is located in South Africa, on the Cape South Coast, facing the Indian Ocean.

This wine has the classic notes of lemon and grapefruit you’d expect from Chardonnay, with hints of almond and a fine mineral finish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Allen Meadows of Burghound writes 91-93 Points | There is an interesting hint of white pepper to the cool and exceptionally pretty aromas of exotic tea, anise, violet and lavender. I very much like the caressing mouthfeel of the medium weight flavors that possess moderate austerity and excellent persistence, Lovely.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Kristen Bieler writes:  For a demi-sec, this leans toward the dry, savory end of the spectrum. There are a lot of layers and substance to this, with a savory thread of green herbs and bitter white tea weaving through elderflower, quince and apple flavors, while gentle tannins provide a solid frame. Cool river stone and pink peppercorn notes line the finish, encased in smoke and salt, with length and a lot of depth. The toasty cedar notes will integrate with more time in bottle. Drink now through 2037. 740 cases made.  - Wine Spectator 93

Stuart Pigott Writes:  This off-dry Vouvray has terrific depth and a lovely creaminess that’s hard to resist, but it’s tightly wound and needs some time for the aromas to unfurl. With some aeration, red apple and honeysuckle notes emerge. Long, very clean finish that’s pretty dry thanks to the bright acidity. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.  - James Suckling 93

Rebecca Gibb MW writes:  The 2023 Vouvray Demi-Sec Le Mont boasts a residual sweetness (20g/l) that brings a sense of tenderness and amplitude to a terroir that's big on precision and tension. The flint component in the soil and the natural freshness of the 2023 vintage provide persistence and momentum. Pure and tender, there’s a distinctive spearmint-like cooling sensation on the long finish.  Drinking 2024 to 2038.  - Vinous 94

D’Ora · Orange Grüner Veltliner · Niederösterreich · Austria · 2024

Gerald Diem is a fifth-generation winemaker whose family has farmed the foot of the Manharts mountain since 1848. He and his wife took over the estate in 2000, converting their 25 hectares to certified organic viticulture — dry farmed, hand harvested, and rooted in sand and clay sediment soils that give D’Ora wines their distinctive texture and character. The Orange Grüner Veltliner is their most expressive bottling: a skin-contact white that is completely dry yet evokes the pleasure of an orange creamsicle, in the best possible way.

The 2024 pours a dusty tangerine with luminous clarity. The nose opens with yellow apple, vanilla wafers, and warm spice — inviting and aromatic. On the palate, layers of sweet apple, orange creamsicle, and gentle tannin from skin contact give way to a clean, refreshing finish. Certified organic, dry farmed, and bottled in a generous 1L format that makes it as practical as it is pleasurable.

• Producer: D’Ora (Gerald Diem, est. 1848)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Niederösterreich (Weinland), Austria
• Varietals: Grüner Veltliner & Traminer
• Style: Orange wine — skin-contact, dry, aromatic
• Farming: Certified Organic, dry farmed, hand harvested
• Size: 1.0 Liter
• Tasting Notes: Yellow apple, vanilla wafers, orange creamsicle, warm spice, clean mineral finish
• Pairings: Charcuterie, aged cheeses, roasted chicken, spiced grain dishes, Thai cuisine

Certified organic · Niederösterreich — fifth-generation Austrian orange wine with creamsicle charm and serious dry-farming credentials. 1L.

Winemaker Description 

An exciting wine! Organically farmed, raised in amphora, 100% Blaufrankisch. Straka is a small family winery embracing a philosophy of pure and natural winemaking at their 84 year old family estate located in the Eisenberg district of Burgenland. 

The Eisenberg is a unique geological area where the foothills of the Alps meet the Pannonian lowlands and is comprised of metamorphic, magmatic rock and cristal schist. One of only 3 places in the world with this soil composition. The deep rooted vines naturally show a distinct mineral character and a compelling purity of fruit. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Charles Curtis, MW of Decanter writes 94 Points | This emblematic premier cru is a lovely introduction to Domaine Leflaive, with hints of passionfruit, pomelo, coconut milk, spice and smoke. The texture is lush with extract, but there is enough acidity to bring everything into balance. Although this 2022 doesn’t show the same intensity or concentration of the other premier cru wines, the combination of ripe fruit and smoky reductive notes make it a tempting wine for mid-term cellaring.

Allen Meadows of Burghound writes 92-94 Points | There is just enough reduction to push the fruit to the background though a whiff of floral character can be discerned. On the palate there is both more volume and concentration to the beautifully textured middleweight flavors that are also appealingly vibrant and particularly so on the complex balanced and impressively long finale. This is notably better than it usually is and a wine that should amply repay a decade or so of keeping. 

Neal Martin of Vinous 91 Points | The 2022 Puligny-Montrachet Clavaillon 1er Cru is much more backward and rocky on the nose; sea spray and crustacea come through with aeration. The palate is fresh and malic with plenty of energy. It is a little spicy towards the finish with a persistent peppery aftertaste. The palate was more expressive on the day that I tasted it though it seemed just a couple of paces behind Leflaive's other Premier Crus. Cellar for two or three years.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

Charles Curtis, MW of Decanter 94 Points | This village-level wine is a reliable benchmark for the commune. It reflects the sunny character of the vintage with its ripe stone fruit and citrus notes, yet offers depth and complexity as well, with saline hints, flint and fresh white flowers. The texture is silky and approachable. It’s drinking now, but with enough substance to hold for five to 10 years.

Vinous 92 Points | The 2022 Puligny-Montrachet Village has a nicely detailed bouquet of green apples. It's a touch spicier than the Bourgogne Blanc with a trace of walnut coming through with aeration. The palate is nicely balanced with a keen line of acidity sour lemon hints and again that spice that lingers on the aftertaste.

Allen Meadows of Burghound 90-92 Points | A markedly more floral-suffused nose features notes of cool Granny Smith apple citrus and a touch of mineral reduction. The caressing delicious and plump but agreeably energetic medium-bodied flavors possess solid depth and persistence on the balanced firm and highly refreshing finale. This is also excellent for its level and a wine that should drink well after only 3 to 4 years of keeping but age gracefully for a decade. Recommended.

Critic Notes

Charles Curtis MW writes:  hint of exotic Asian spice. The palate has a deft balance between density, moderately firm tannins, and a lively freshness that leads to a pleasantly lingering finish—lovely wine. The grapes come from the domaine holding of just under a half-hectare located under Clos de la Roche; they are partially destemmed and carefully fermented before ageing in mainly used casks. Age five years before opening.  Drinking 2028 to 2055.  - Decanter 95

Neal Martin writes:  The 2022 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Millandes 1er Cru has one-third whole bunches. Brambly red fruit, sous-bois and light chalky scents on the nose that feels quite strict at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins. There’s mainly black fruit here, plus cedar and graphite, rather "serious" towards the finish. Fine, but it will require bottle age.  Drinking 2026 to 2042.  - Vinous 90-92

Allen Meadows writes:  A discreet application of wood sets off the softly spicy and earthy aromas of violet, lavender plum and red currant. The powerful and markedly more concentrated broad-shouldered flavors exude a subtle minerality on the succulent yet very firmly structured finale that exhibits excellent length. Patience will be necessary but it should be well-rewarded in time as this is packed with development potential.  Drink 2024+  - Burghound 93

Critic Notes

Charles Curtis MW of Decanter writes 96 Points | The Clos de la Roche from Arlaud is from the lieu-dit Mochamps; the parcel runs from the road up to Domaine Ponsot. 20% of the grapes are fermented as whole clusters, and the wine is ageing now in cask, 20% new. The wine is charmingly aromatic, with a ripe, peony-scented cherry fruit and earthy notes. The texture is silky, round, and velvety; there is more aromatic expression but less depth than the Charmes-Chambertin. The wine should start to open in five years and will continue to improve for a further twenty.

Vinous 95-97 Points | The 2022 Clos-de-la-Roche Grand Cru has all the tropes you expect from this vineyard, with exuberant wild strawberry, raspberry confit and blood orange scents bursting from the glass. The oak is very well-integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins and darker fruit than the Charmes-Chambertin, with impressive precision on the finish. This is extremely promising.

Allen Meadows of Burghound writes 93-96 Points | Note: from a .43 ha parcel in Mochamps; 75% from 25+ year old vines and the remainder are from 40+ year old vines. A discreet application of wood sets off the herbal tea and markedly floral-inflected red currant-scanted nose where a background touch of freshly turned earth lurks. I like the sense of energy and volume to the bigger-bodied and more powerful flavors that manage to be both denser and super-sleek, all wrapped in a moderately austere and very tightly wound finale that delivers simply superb length. This is flat out terrific and a wine that should amply reward extended cellaring, indeed I would suggest not even thinking of opening a bottle before 10 years have passed."
*Burghound Don't Miss!*

Vinous 93 Points | The 2023 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Ruchots 1er Cry offers the most transparency on the nose among Arlaud's Morey Premier Crus, with intense, well-defined blackberry and raspberry fruit and fine mineralite. The medium-bodied palate features pliant tannins and commendable depth, though it may not reach the complexity of the Aux Chesaux or Blanchards on the finish. Give this two or three years in the bottle.

"A fine even purple. The bouquet is beautifully, florally, perfumed. This seems to be one of the riper wines but still has the quintessential cool balance of an Arlaud wine. Heady roses, with a ripe raspberry underlay. The acidity is sufficiently present and the tannins refined A long, supple finish. Drink from 2031-2038. Tasted Dec 2024."

Jasper Morris 92-95 Points

Our Professional Review

Rand Sieger, 67 Wine Buyer: A fresh, bright Bordeaux Blanc with aromas of citrus and white stone fruits backed by subtle herbs and bracing minerality. Incredible complexity for an amazing price!

About the Wine Château La Rame is among the oldest and most renowned properties in the Sainte-Croix-du-Mont appellation, situated on a hill overlooking the Garonne River, 25 miles southeast of Bordeaux. While the estate is world-famous for its sweet wines, this "Sec" (dry) bottling is a sommelier favorite for its oyster-shell minerality and electric freshness.

95% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sémillon from hillside clay-limestone soils blessed with an exceptional substratum — a bed of fossilized oysters dating from the Tertiary era. Vines average 25 years old. Manual harvest, fermented in temperature-controlled vats, and aged 6 months on fine lees.

Tasting & Pairings

Citrus, white stone fruit, subtle herbs, and bracing oyster-shell minerality. Crisp, vibrant, and electric with impressive complexity for the price.

• Fresh oysters, mussels, or moules frites — the fossilized oyster terroir meets actual oysters. A perfect match.
• Grilled white fish with lemon and sea salt — the classic Bordeaux Blanc pairing.
• Goat cheese (chèvre) — the acidity and minerality cut through creamy cheese beautifully.

Expert Reviews

Allen Meadows of Burghoud writes 94-96 Points | As with several wines in the range, there is a subtle touch of wood evident on the ripe and ultra-pure floral-inflected nose of violet, lavender, rose petal, exotic tea and red cherry scents. There is impressive concentration to the middleweight plus flavors that brim with dry extract that imparts a seductive mouthfeel as well as buffers the borderline robust tannins shaping the hugely persistent and strikingly powerful finish. This is brilliant but it's also very much built-to-age so buy it and forget it.

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2022

Decanter — 96 Points (Charles Curtis MW)
"The complex blend of exotic Asian spice, forward pomegranate fruit, and savoury, earthy notes make the Chambolle Sentiers an intriguing wine. Some oak is still showing through, but this will integrate with time. There is more density and extract than one might think for a Chambolle at this level, which draws this out to a forceful and long conclusion — charming wine. The grapes come from a parcel of 0.23 hectares that are partially destemmed and aged in a combination of new and used casks. Drinking 2025 to 2050."

Burghound — 92–94 Points (Allen Meadows)
"A slightly more elegant nose combines notes of red cherry and raspberry with discreet touches of earth and discreet wood. The slightly finer and succulent middleweight flavors possess very good verve while exhibiting very fine depth and persistence on the finish, dusty, youthfully austere and built to age. Patience strongly suggested — this should make for a beautiful bottle in time."

Vinous — 91–93 Points (Neal Martin)
"The 2022 Chambolle-Musigny Les Sentiers 1er Cru has a complex bouquet with black cherries, blood orange, sous-bois and an overall pastille-like purity. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit. With a good backbone, this leans towards Morey in style with a grippy, quite deep, almost obdurate finish. It has the substance to age with style. Drinking 2026 to 2046."

About Les Sentiers

Les Sentiers is a Premier Cru vineyard in Chambolle-Musigny situated on the southern border of the appellation, adjacent to Morey-Saint-Denis — which explains the slightly more structured, grippy character that distinguishes it from the more ethereal, perfumed wines of the village’s northern Premier Crus. At Domaine Arlaud, Les Sentiers is farmed as a micro-parcel of just 0.23 hectares — producing a wine of extraordinary concentration and site specificity. Partially destemmed and aged in a combination of new and used casks, it is built for the long haul: a wine to cellar and revisit over decades.

About Domaine Arlaud

Domaine Arlaud is one of the Côte de Nuits’ most exciting and critically acclaimed estates, based in Morey-Saint-Denis and farming vineyards across some of Burgundy’s most prestigious appellations — from Bourgogne Rouge through Chambolle-Musigny, Gevrey-Chambertin, and multiple Grand Crus. Under the direction of Cyprien Arlaud, the domaine has converted entirely to certified organic and biodynamic viticulture, with a winemaking philosophy centered on minimal intervention, whole-cluster fermentation, and the purest possible expression of each terroir. The results have drawn consistent praise from the world’s leading critics, with scores regularly reaching the mid-to-high 90s for their Premier and Grand Cru bottlings.

Food Pairings

Roasted squab, duck breast with cherry reduction, venison, wild mushroom dishes, aged Epoisses, and classic Burgundian preparations. A Premier Cru built for the finest occasions — drink 2025 through 2050.

Product Details

• Producer: Domaine Arlaud
• Vineyard: Les Sentiers (Premier Cru) — 0.23 hectares
• Appellation: Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru, Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Farming: Certified organic and biodynamic
• Vinification: Partially destemmed, aged in new and used casks
• Vintage: 2022
• Drink: 2025–2050
• Style: Structured, age-worthy Premier Cru Chambolle-Musigny
• Format: 750ml

Assai represents the pinnacle of Chianti Classico winemaking — the Gran Selezione designation accounts for just 8–9% of total Chianti Classico production and requires a minimum 30 months of aging including bottle time, approved only through blind tasting by a committee of expert winemakers.

Crafted exclusively from 100% organic Sangiovese sourced from a single 15-year-old estate vineyard in the prestigious U.G.A. Vagliagli, Castelnuovo Berardenga (Siena), this is a masterclass in Tuscan terroir. Aged in French oak barrels, it achieves exceptional balance, depth of flavor, and the unmistakable Sangiovese signature. Only 4,500 bottles produced.

Tasting Notes

Intense ruby color with rich complexity. Fruity and spicy on the nose with balsamic nuances. Smooth, full-bodied, and persistent on the palate with remarkable depth and a long, elegant finish.

Food Pairings

Elaborate meat and game dishes, braised lamb, bistecca alla Fiorentina, and aged cheeses. Decant 1–2 hours before serving. Cellar with confidence through 2035+.

• Producer: Terra di Seta / Assai
• Appellation: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
• U.G.A.: Vagliagli, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena
• Grape: 100% Sangiovese (organic)
• Aging: 30+ months, French oak + bottle aging
• Production: 4,500 bottles
• Certification: Kosher, Organic
• Vintage: 2019
• Format: 750ml

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Burghoud Allen Meadows 93-96 Points | An expressive, ripe and airy nose features the relatively primary essence of plum liqueur, kirsch, spice and earth notes. The strikingly intense and sleek larger-bodied flavors possess only average concentration yet there is impressive power on the moderately austere and beautifully long finish that tightens up noticeable as it sits on the palate. I suspect that this will flesh out and add richness with time in bottle though like several wines in the range, this is going to require extended patience.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Burghound Allen Meadows | Ripe yet very fresh aromas include those of red and dark pinot fruit along with floral top notes, in particular violet. The vibrant and delicious, if not especially dense, middleweight flavors conclude in a dusty and lingering finish that flirts with rusticity. Solid quality here in a package that should reward mid-term keeping.

Saba is a food dressing obtained from the slow cooking on fire of Emilia’s grape must reduced up to one-fourth, with sweet and delicate taste and scents from the tradition. 

Winemaker Description 

Dark berry and meat flavors carry the day, making it a great match for roasted or braised meat and game. But it also will mesh with and enhance pizza, hearty pasta and most anything made with winter squash.

Domaine Christophe Mittnacht Pinot Blanc — Alsace, France 2024

Domaine Mittnacht is one of Alsace's most respected and pioneering family estates — founded in 1958 and today led by Christophe and Yuka Mittnacht from their base in Hunawihr, a village at the heart of the Alsace wine route surrounded by some of the region's finest vineyard sites. Christophe was an early pioneer of the biodynamic movement in Alsace, believing that biologically complex, complete soils are essential for producing elegant, terroir-driven wines. The domaine was officially certified biodynamic in 1999 — one of the very first in all of Alsace — and continues to farm with minimal intervention, using neutral wood and tank to let the soil sing. Their old vine holdings include the Grand Cru Rosacker (where the fabled Clos-St.-Hune is located), as well as excellent sites between Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr. Christophe harvests balanced fruit and deliberately avoids the excesses of alcohol and residual sugar that can mask the freshness and florality that make Alsace so special.

The Pinot Blanc is a richer style, yet still fresh and elegant — a hallmark of Mittnacht's biodynamic approach. Mouthwatering acidity enlivens flavors of citrus, apricot, and lemon zest, leading to a stony and floral finish that is unmistakably Alsatian. Precise, expressive, and beautifully delicate.

"A richer style of Pinot Blanc, yet still fresh and elegant. Mouthwatering acidity enlivens flavors of citrus, apricot and lemon zest, leading to a stony and floral finish." — Domaine Mittnacht, Winemaker

• Producer: Domaine Christophe Mittnacht, Hunawihr, Alsace, France (est. 1958)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Alsace AOC
• Varietal: Pinot Blanc
• Farming: Certified Biodynamic (since 1999)
• Winemaking: Minimal intervention, neutral wood and tank
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, apricot, lemon zest, mouthwatering acidity, stony and floral finish
• Style: Medium-bodied, fresh, elegant, dry
• Drink: Now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, oysters, choucroute garnie, roast chicken, soft cheeses, asparagus, light pasta

Biodynamic Alsace Pinot Blanc from one of the region's pioneering estates — Mittnacht 2024 is fresh, floral, and a benchmark of what organic farming can achieve in Alsace.