Red Half Bottles

E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge — Southern Rhône, France 2022

No name in the Rhône Valley commands more respect than Guigal. From their legendary single-vineyard La Las to this benchmark Côtes du Rhône, Marcel Guigal and his family have spent decades proving that the Southern Rhône can deliver both grandeur and extraordinary value in the same bottle. The 2022 Rouge is a textbook expression of the appellation: a Syrah-led blend with Grenache and Mourvèdre, it is deep, dark, and generously fruited — full-bodied yet polished, with smooth tannins and a long, elegant finish. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 92 points and called it "exceptional value." 

The nose is intensely aromatic: black cherry, dark plum, rose petal, and warm spice. On the palate, the fruit is bright and concentrated, with earthy depth, fine-grained tannins, and a playful, spice-laced finish that lingers well beyond its price point. A touch of aeration opens it up beautifully — decant briefly or simply let it breathe in the glass.

Wine Enthusiast 92 • James Suckling 90 — "Exceptional value. Bright and concentrated black cherries, rose petal and fresh aromatics."

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

Wine Enthusiast — 92 Points
Bright and concentrated black cherries, rose petal and fresh aromatics create a lively nose. On the palate, fruit and earthy notes come into perfect balance with a bit of aeration. A great pairing for meaty dishes, offering exceptional value.

James Suckling — 90 Points
A juicy, fruity red with aromas of dark cherries, red berries and mild spices. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Bright fruit character on the palate with a playful finish and a touch of spices. Drink now.

• Producer: E. Guigal, Ampuis, Rhône Valley, France
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Côtes du Rhône AOC, Southern Rhône
• Blend: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, dark plum, rose petal, warm spice, earthy depth, smooth tannins
• Best Paired With: Grilled lamb, roast chicken, charcuterie, beef stew, hard cheeses

The world's most trusted Rhône producer at its most approachable — Guigal's Côtes du Rhône is the benchmark for what Southern France can deliver at any price.

Cabernet Sauvignon | Paso Robles, California
Vintage: 2021  |  Size: 375ml Half Bottle

Justin Vineyard has been one of Paso Robles’ defining estates since 1981, crafting Cabernet Sauvignon that balances California’s sun-drenched generosity with genuine structure and finesse. This 375ml half bottle delivers the full Justin experience in a perfectly sized pour — ideal for a solo dinner, a gift, or when you want something exceptional without committing to a full bottle.

The 2021 vintage is bright with a deep ruby core, aromatic with ripe black cherry, red berries, blackcurrant, vanilla, cinnamon, and fresh sage. On the palate, it is nearly full-bodied — red plum, bing cherry, and blackberry on entry, with savory dried herbs, baking spice, and toasted oak through the midpalate. Fine, balanced tannins carry the wine to a complex, sustained finish of ripe fruit, dried flower, and camphor.

“Bright with a deep ruby core… 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… balanced, fine tannins. The complex finish shows sustained ripe fruit and spice mixed with dried flower and camphor elements.”
— Justin Vineyard Winemaker

Pairs well with: Grilled ribeye, roasted lamb with rosemary, portobello mushroom with balsamic, aged cheddar or Gouda.

Louis Latour | Bourgogne Pinot Noir AOC | Burgundy, France | 2023 | 375ml Half Bottle

Maison Louis Latour is one of Burgundy's most storied and respected négociants, family-owned and independent since 1797. With the largest holding of Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte d'Or and a winemaking heritage stretching back to the 17th century, Louis Latour has built a global reputation for producing wines that faithfully express the character of Burgundy's diverse terroir — from the grandest Grands Crus to the most approachable regional appellations.

Bourgogne Pinot Noir is Burgundy's regional appellation, drawing fruit from vineyards across the entire region. Pinot Noir is the native red grape of Burgundy — one of the world's most celebrated and terroir-sensitive varieties — and Louis Latour's Bourgogne expression offers a genuine introduction to the elegance and finesse that defines great red Burgundy.

Vinified traditionally in open vats and aged 10 to 12 months in stainless steel to preserve freshness and fruit purity. The 2023 shows a deep, bright ruby hue. The nose is elegant — red fruits, blackcurrant bud, and licorice, lifted by a hint of spice. On the palate, round and well-balanced with freshness and a supple texture, expressing notes of cherry, blackcurrant, and licorice that linger through a harmonious finish. A classic, food-friendly Burgundy red in a convenient 375ml half bottle.

Pair with grilled meats, roast duck, charcuterie, mushroom dishes, and mature cheeses.

• Producer: Maison Louis Latour
• Appellation: Bourgogne Pinot Noir AOC, Burgundy, France
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2023
• Vinification: Traditional open vat fermentation; 10–12 months in stainless steel
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle

Altesino's Brunello di Montalcino is a benchmark expression of Sangiovese Grosso from one of Tuscany's most storied estates. Brilliant ruby tending toward garnet with age, it opens with an intense, refined bouquet of sweet violet, tobacco, chocolate, wild berries, and vanilla. On the palate, it is full-bodied and well-structured, with firm yet balanced tannins and exceptional aging potential.

The first wine to receive Italy's DOCG appellation, Brunello di Montalcino is the ultimate ambassador of Italian fine wine. This 375ml half bottle is ideal for an intimate pairing or a first look at a cellar-worthy vintage.

Pairs beautifully with braised meats, wild boar, aged pecorino, truffles, and hearty Tuscan cuisine.

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

James Suckling 95 Points | A fine-tuned, elegant Barolo with aromas of dried cherries, dried roses, licorice and mint. Full-bodied, it shows smoothness, density, weight and soft tannins despite the structure, with refreshing acidity and a long, vibrant finish full of savory flavors. Drinkable now, but best from 2026.

Bergström Wines | Cumberland Reserve Pinot Noir | Willamette Valley, Oregon | 2023 | 375ml Half Bottle

Bergström Wines is one of Oregon's most celebrated Pinot Noir producers, founded by John Bergström — a Swedish-born surgeon who pursued the American dream to Portland, Oregon — and now led by his son Josh and daughter-in-law Caroline. From their estate in the Chehalem Mountains, Bergström farms multiple vineyards across the Willamette Valley with a commitment to biodynamic viticulture and minimal intervention winemaking, producing wines of extraordinary purity, complexity, and terroir expression.

The Cumberland Reserve is Bergström's benchmark appellation-level Pinot Noir — a blend from their five estate vineyards plus select purchased fruit, matured for 10 months. It represents the house style at its most accessible and consistently delivers remarkable value for the quality. The 2023 vintage in the Willamette Valley produced wines of exceptional freshness, balance, and aromatic complexity.

The 2023 Cumberland Reserve is bright and seductive. The nose is expressive and multilayered — raspberry liqüeur, fresh cherry, crushed wild berries, violets, lavender, mocha, fresh sage, and a hint of cedary spice. On the palate, medium-bodied and mouthwatering with ripe, detailed tannins, bright acidity, and a long, tense, refreshing finish. A stunning introduction to the vintage and a benchmark for the region. Now available in a convenient 375ml half bottle.

Pair with roast duck, salmon, mushroom risotto, lamb, charcuterie, and Pinot-friendly aged cheeses.

• Producer: Bergström Wines
• Appellation: Willamette Valley AVA, Oregon, USA
• Sub-zone: Yamhill-Carlton
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2023
• Vinification: Blend of 5 estate vineyards + select purchased fruit; 10 months maturation
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023

• Jeb Dunnuck — 94 pts: Raspberry liqüeur, mocha, floral perfume, and fresh sage. Medium-bodied with ripe, detailed tannins and a long finish. A stunning introduction to the vintage and a benchmark for the region.
• James Suckling — 94 pts: Bright and seductive — fresh cherries, crushed wild berries, violets, wet rocks and subtle spices. Racy and mouthwatering with spicy and minerally tension and a lingering finish.
• Wine Advocate — 93 pts: Strawberry, raspberry, forest floor and earthy undertones. Bright, spicy fruit framed by soft, chalky tannins and mouthwatering acidity. Long, bright finish.
• Vinous — 93 pts: Incredibly fresh — dusty dried flowers, lavender, cedary spice and wild blueberries. Ripe wild berry fruits and crisp mineral tones over pure silk. Long, tense, remarkably fresh finish. Amazing value.
• Wine Spectator — 93 pts: Generous yet silky — raspberry and guava accented by fresh violet, orange peel and dusky spice. Gathers richness on the lively finish.

The Pinot Project · Pinot Noir · California Coastal · 2024 · 375ml Half Bottle

The Pinot Project was built on a simple premise: make genuinely good Pinot Noir from California’s best coastal growing regions, without the price tag that usually comes with it. The 2024 draws from a trio of complementary AVAs — Monterey and San Benito on the Central Coast, and Suisun Valley in the north — each contributing its own character to the blend. The diversity of soils and cool-climate conditions across these regions is what gives this wine its remarkable balance and depth. Grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness and destemmed to preserve bright fruit and freshness. At $9.99 for a 375ml half bottle (compare at $11.99), this is California coastal Pinot Noir that punches well above its price.

Garnet in the glass with a nose of dark cherry, blackberry, pomegranate, and a hint of cacao. On the palate: medium-bodied and smooth, with fine-grained tannins, flavors of ripe strawberry, dark cherry, and cranberry, and a clean, lingering finish. Drink now through 2026.

• Producer: The Pinot Project
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: California (Monterey · San Benito · Suisun Valley)
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle
• Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, blackberry, pomegranate, cacao, ripe strawberry, cranberry, fine-grained tannins, smooth finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2026
• Food Pairings: Salmon, roast chicken, mushroom pasta, charcuterie, soft-ripened cheese

Three California coastal AVAs, one beautifully balanced Pinot — the half bottle that earns a permanent spot in the fridge door.

Bodegas Muga Rioja Reserva — Rioja DOCa 2022 — 375ml Half Bottle

Bodegas Muga was founded in 1932 by Isaac Muga and Aurora Caño in the emblematic Station District of Haro — the historic heart of Rioja. Nearly a century on, the family still crafts wine the way it has always been done: hand-harvested grapes, fermentation in oak vats with indigenous yeasts, 22 months of aging in barrels made in their own cooperage (90% French, 10% American oak), traditional clarification with fresh egg whites, and a minimum of 9 months of bottle rest before release. The 2022 vintage earned 93 points from Wine Advocate and landed at #51 on Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2024. Now available in a 375ml half bottle — the perfect format for a serious weeknight red or an intimate dinner for two.

The nose shows great aromatic intensity — ripe red and black fruit, cedary spice, leather, violet, and delicate hints of undergrowth. On the palate, the wine is medium- to full-bodied, concentrated but sleek and polished, with fine-grained, silky tannins and very supple flavors. The aging is beautifully integrated, enhancing freshness and complexity. The finish is long and chalky, with perfectly balanced acidity. Drink now or cellar for several more years.

Wine Advocate 93 — "Medium- to full-bodied, concentrated but sleek and polished, with fine-grained tannins, very supple flavors and a chalky finish." (Vintage 2022). 

• Producer: Bodegas Muga, Haro, Rioja, Spain
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Rioja DOCa
• Blend: Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinta, Mazuelo, Graciano
• Style: Red Wine — Reserva, Unfiltered
• Aging: 22 months in French & American oak (own cooperage) + 9 months bottle rest
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle
• Production: 945,000 bottles
• Tasting Notes: Red and black fruit, cedar, leather, violet, undergrowth, fine-grained tannins, chalky finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar several years
• Best Paired With: Beef steak, lamb, sausages, stews, aged cheeses

A 93-point, Top 100 Rioja Reserva in a perfect half bottle — Bodegas Muga is the benchmark for what classic, family-crafted Spanish red wine can be.

Hearst Ranch Bunkhouse Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2021 375ml Half Bottle

Discover the rich flavors of Hearst Ranch Bunkhouse Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2021, a remarkable representation of the unique terroir of Paso Robles. This artisanal wine is crafted from grapes grown in the sun-drenched vineyards of Hearst Ranch, where the climate and soil conditions are ideal for producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. With its 375ml half-bottle format, it's perfect for those who appreciate great wine in manageable portions without compromising on flavor.

Exceptional Critical Acclaim - 2021 Vintage

Wine Enthusiast - 93 Points
"Dried cherry, cola and baking-spice aromas make for a clean and well integrated nose on this bottling. Ample tannins frame the ripe fruit, dried meat and graphite flavors, as acidity lingers into the finish."

Vinous - 92 Points
"Violets, lavender and rum-soaked black cherries form an inviting bouquet as the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Bunkhouse opens in the glass. Round and creamy in feel, yet lifted throughout, this impresses further with its sleek red and black fruits, as fine tannins build toward the close. This leaves a peppery flourish to linger through the structured finale, as hints of tart raspberry linger."

James Suckling - 90 Points
"A well-balanced and fruity cabernet sauvignon with cherries, raspberries and cassis on the nose. Medium-bodied with creamy tannins. Mellow and well-rounded, with a pleasant core of berries at the center and some spices in the delicious finish."

Grape Blend

Composition: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc
This classic Bordeaux-style blend showcases Cabernet Sauvignon's structure and complexity, enhanced by complementary varietals that add depth and roundness.

Tasting Profile

Aroma: Inviting bouquet of violets, lavender, rum-soaked black cherries, dried cherry, cola, and baking spices. Cherries, raspberries, and cassis. Clean and well-integrated nose
Palate: Round and creamy in feel, yet lifted throughout. Medium-bodied with sleek red and black fruits. Elegant profile rich and complex with dark fruits like blackberry and plum, complemented by subtle notes of vanilla and spice from oak aging. Ripe fruit, dried meat, and graphite flavors. Creamy tannins. Mellow and well-rounded with pleasant core of berries
Finish: Structured finale with peppery flourish. Hints of tart raspberry linger. Ample tannins frame the finish as acidity lingers. Delicious finish with spices

Paso Robles Terroir

Crafted from grapes grown in the sun-drenched vineyards of Hearst Ranch in Paso Robles, where the climate and soil conditions are ideal for producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. The unique terroir of Paso Robles, with its warm days and cool nights, creates optimal conditions for developing concentrated flavors and balanced acidity.

The Hearst Ranch Legacy

Hearst Ranch is not just known for its exquisite wines; it's also celebrated for its commitment to sustainable practices and preserving the natural landscape. The vineyard employs traditional farming methods that respect the environment while providing an exceptional product. Each bottle reflects the dedication and passion of the Hearst family in crafting wines that honor their heritage. By choosing Hearst Ranch Bunkhouse Cabernet Sauvignon, you are tasting a legacy that spans generations and encapsulates the essence of Paso Robles.

Perfect Half Bottle Format

The 375ml half bottle is perfect for those who appreciate great wine in manageable portions without compromising on flavor. This convenient format offers several advantages:

• Perfect portion for one or two people
• Ideal for intimate dinners and small gatherings
• No leftover wine to worry about
• Great for trying new wines
• Convenient for picnics and outdoor dining
• Elegant presentation for gifting
• Perfect for weeknight enjoyment

2021 Vintage Excellence

The 2021 vintage showcases exceptional quality with multiple 90+ point scores from respected critics. This vintage represents the ideal growing conditions and expert winemaking that define Hearst Ranch's commitment to excellence.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pairing Hearst Ranch Bunkhouse Cabernet Sauvignon with food enhances its rich flavors and brings out the best in each component. This wine complements:

• Grilled lamb and hearty beef stews
• Aged cheeses
• Classic Italian pasta dishes
• Dark chocolate desserts
• Robust dishes and red meats
• Barbecue and grilled meats

Versatile for Any Occasion

Its adaptability ensures it shines whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home. Perfect for both connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike, this wine delivers an experience that is both satisfying and memorable.

Sustainable Winemaking

Hearst Ranch's commitment to sustainable practices and traditional farming methods that respect the environment ensures that each bottle represents not only exceptional quality but also environmental stewardship. The vineyard's dedication to preserving the natural landscape reflects in every glass.

Artisanal California Cabernet

Hearst Ranch Bunkhouse Cabernet Sauvignon represents artisanal California winemaking at its finest. With well-structured tannins providing a balanced mouthfeel that lingers on the palate, this wine showcases the quality and character that has earned it critical acclaim and made it a favorite among wine enthusiasts.

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

Marchesi Di Barolo Barolo Tradizione DOCG 2019 375ml HALF BOTTLE

Experience the essence of Barolo with Marchesi Di Barolo. This delightful 2019 vintage has earned 92 points from James Suckling, 91 points from Jeb Dunnuck, 91 points from Wine Spectator, and 90 points from Wine Enthusiast. Barolo, often referred to as the 'king of wines,' holds a revered position in the wine world. Sourced from the sun-drenched vineyards of Piedmont, every sip encapsulates the essence of the Nebbiolo grape, cherished for its elegance and aging potential. The 375ml half bottle makes it a perfect choice for intimate gatherings or solo moments of indulgence.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

James Suckling - 92 Points

A medium-bodied red with plums and cherries as well as spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon. Fine tannins and a fresh finish. Easy to drink for a 2019. Drink now or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck - 91 Points

The brick red-colored 2019 Barolo has an expressive nose woven with notes of dried cherries, menthol, black truffles, and pine. It boasts a good deal of energy on the palate, with ripe concentration, an even spine of acidity, and a sanguine lift of iron on the finish. Offering ripe tannins, a velvety texture, and a good finish, this is a solid entry Barolo to enjoy over the next 5-6 years.

Wine Spectator - 91 Points

A juicy red marked by a mix of cherry and vegetal aromas and flavors, with iron and eucalyptus accents emerging as this builds to the lingering finish. Fresh and firm, with balance and an earthy aftertaste. Best from 2026 through 2040.

Wine Enthusiast - 90 Points

Mixed red and blue - some raspberry, tart blue, amaro herbs, mixed spices. Rounded on palate with balanced tannins that are supple and support the lush fruit, finishing with savory and distinct mineral notes. Drink Now - 2040

Marchesi Di Barolo - Esteemed Winery

Produced by esteemed winery Marchesi Di Barolo, one of the most historic and respected producers in Barolo. The estate has been producing exceptional wines since 1807.

DOCG - Highest Italian Classification

DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) is Italy's highest wine classification. This designation guarantees origin, quality, and adherence to strict production standards.

2019 Vintage

This delightful 2019 vintage showcases the quality of this exceptional year. The 2019 vintage produced wines of excellent balance and aging potential.

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico | Veneto / Italy
Vintage: 2022  |  Size: 375ml Half Bottle  |  90+ Rated

The Zeni family has been producing classic Veronese wines since 1870, farming the hills of Bardolino and Valpolicella with a dedication to terroir that spans five generations. With 60 hectares of vines across two wineries and a world-renowned wine museum that draws over 100,000 visitors a year, Zeni is one of the region’s most storied estates — and their Amarone is the crown jewel of the range.

Amarone della Valpolicella is one of Italy’s most majestic wines: made from partially dried Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella grapes in the ancient appassimento tradition, it is rich, concentrated, and built for the long haul. The 2022 Classico is spicy and fruity, with leafy complexity — raspberries, cherries, bay leaves, and black pepper on the nose. Medium-bodied with lifted acidity, firm tannins, and a chalky finish. This 375ml half bottle is the perfect format for a special dinner for two, or to explore Amarone without committing to a full bottle. Decant 30–60 minutes before serving at 17–19°C.

“Spicy and fruity, with leafy complexity, raspberries, cherries, bay leaves and black pepper. Medium-bodied, with lifted acidity, firm tannins and a chalky finish.”
— James Suckling, 90 Points. (Vintage 2022). 

Style: Amarone della Valpolicella Classico  |  Method: Appassimento (dried grape)
Serve: 17–19°C · Decant 30–60 minutes
Pairs with: Osso buco, braised wild game, venison with fruit reduction, Gorgonzola, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Emilio Moro Ribera del Duero 2021 375ml Half Bottle

Bodegas Emilio Moro is one of Ribera del Duero's most beloved family estates — four generations of the Moro family have dedicated themselves body and soul to winemaking for over 100 years in the heart of Castilla y León. Their flagship Ribera del Duero is a 100% Tempranillo aged in French and American oak, crafted to express the full depth and elegance of this iconic Spanish appellation. This 375ml half bottle delivers the complete Emilio Moro experience in a format perfect for two glasses or a solo indulgence.

The 2021 vintage is serious and elegant — deep garnet in color, with a nose that opens slowly and builds in intensity and aromatic complexity. On the palate it is well-structured with ripe, silky tannins and a persistent, satisfying finish that rewards patience in the glass.

"This 100% Tempranillo aged in French and American oak exudes seductive aromas of violets, fresh blueberry, vanilla, and oak that merge with a satin-lined rush of berries and chocolate. A juicy stream of vanilla latte unfurls within the exquisite mouthfeel before violets bloom on the finish, seasoned with cigar leaf and tilled soil." — Tasting Panel, 93 pts

• Producer: Bodegas Emilio Moro, Pesquera de Duero, Ribera del Duero, Spain
• Appellation: Ribera del Duero DO
• Grape: 100% Tempranillo
• Vintage: 2021
• Aging: French and American oak
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle
• Tasting Notes: Violets, blueberry, cherry, plum, vanilla, chocolate, cigar leaf, silky tannins, persistent finish
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, Iberian pork, grilled ribeye, aged Manchego, or charcuterie

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

Tasting Panel — 93 Points
This 100% Tempranillo aged in French and American oak exudes seductive aromas of violets, fresh blueberry, vanilla, and oak that merge with a satin-lined rush of berries and chocolate. A juicy stream of vanilla latte unfurls within the exquisite mouthfeel before violets bloom on the finish, seasoned with cigar leaf and tilled soil.

James Suckling — 91 Points
Nicely expressive, with plenty of cherries, plums and spiced blue fruit. Medium-bodied with chalky tannins and a juicy. Firm and pretty long.

One of Spain’s most celebrated Tempranillos in a perfect half-bottle format — Emilio Moro delivers Ribera del Duero at its most expressive and satisfying.

Lucien Crochet Croix du Roy — Sancerre Rouge 2019

Lucien Crochet is one of Sancerre’s most revered domaines, and the Croix du Roy is their prestige red — a single-vineyard Pinot Noir from the estate’s finest parcel, vinified with the seriousness of a grand cru. While Sancerre is celebrated worldwide for its Sauvignon Blanc, the appellation’s Pinot Noir — grown on the same Kimmeridgian limestone and flint soils — is one of the Loire Valley’s best-kept secrets. The 2019 vintage was exceptional across the Loire: warm, dry, and generous, producing wines of remarkable depth and concentration.

Deep red with purple hues, the nose opens with dark chocolate and tobacco, then unfolds with raspberry, blackberry, and a hint of pepper as it breathes. On the palate, it is rich and complex — stewed red fruit and spices with a velvety texture from soft, deep tannins. The finish is warm and savory, balanced by notes of pralin and black pepper. Powerful, layered, and unmistakably Sancerre.

• Producer: Domaine Lucien Crochet, Bué, Sancerre, Loire Valley, France
• Vintage: 2019
• Appellation: Sancerre Rouge AOC
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Vineyard: Croix du Roy (single vineyard)
• Size: 375ml (Half Bottle)
• Tasting Notes: Dark chocolate, tobacco, raspberry, blackberry, pepper, stewed red fruit, pralin, velvety tannins
• Best Paired With: Duck confit, roasted lamb, mushroom risotto, aged goat cheese, charcuterie

Sancerre Rouge at its most serious — Lucien Crochet’s Croix du Roy is the Loire’s answer to great Burgundy, in a perfectly portioned half bottle.

Winemaker Description

This Cabernet Sauvignon is a deep and intense ruby red. On the nose are notes of plum, currants and cherries with toasted notes from oak ageing. On the palate this wine is elegant and soft with a fresh and persistant finish. 

Winemaker Description 

Cherry, pomegranate, and floral notes of lavender and violets. Dried cranberry, black raspberry, cocoa, vanilla, and black pepper spice.

Intense, vibrant red fruit—black cherry, cranberry, pomegranate—mixed with darker flavors of currant, plum, and hints of chocolate and vanilla. Nice acidity, making the wine balanced and sweet, but not at all cloying—an ideal dessert wine.

Dashe Cellars has made Late Harvest Zinfandels since 1997, and this luscious and balanced dessert wine has always been a favorite. This particular Late Harvest Zinfandel is made from grapes grown on the Louvau Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley. One of the reasons that we love this vineyard is the wonderful acidity of the grapes. The resulting wine is focused and clear—it’s never cloying, and always finishes with a crisp, clean, sweet-spicy note.

We create the conditions for making Late Harvest Zinfandel by allowing the grapes to hang on the vine approximately 3--4 weeks after they normally would be picked for a dry wine. These grapes were picked on October 30th on a beautiful Fall day, and the grapes arrived at the winery at 40° Brix of sugar. We crushed the grapes into a small 1,500-gallon tank and as is our tradition at Dashe Cellars, we fermented the grapes naturally, using the native yeasts that naturally live on the skins of the grapes. We let the grapes macerate to gain color and flavor, and then allowed the tank to warm. The fermentation took off quickly, and then naturally halted when the alcohol had reached about 15.5% and the sugar level was about 9%. We always allow the wine to achieve its balance of sweetness and alcohol naturally, by letting the fermentation finish on its own. The wine was aged in older French oak barrels so as to not overpower the intensity of the fruit. We bottled the wine as soon as possible to maintain its fresh fruit flavors and conserve its sweet concentration and purity. The wine is unfined and received minimal handling to the bottle.

Technical Description 

• Practicing Sustainable
• 100% Zinfandel
• Lily Hill Vineyard (Dry Creek Valley AVA)
• Originally planted in 1915, replanted in 2001
• 800 – 1,000 ft. elevation
• Harvested 3-4 weeks after normal picking for dry wines
• Crushed into stainless steel tanks
• Native yeast fermentation
• Aged in older French barrels
• R.S. 90 g/L or 9% by volume
• 381 cases produced
• 14.5% abv

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019 

The Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | Spicy and structured, this is a classic Saint-Estèphe. Big tannins are boldly paired with the potential of the ripe black currant fruits that are juicy and fresh. The two sides of this wine are not yet together but do promise considerable aging. 

The Wine Advocate 94 Points | This year's blend is 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 de Pez comes tumbling out of the glass with an astonishingly beautiful perfume of lilacs, black cherries and black raspberries over a core of stewed plums, clove oil, dark chocolate and Sichuan pepper. The medium-bodied palate is jam-packed with energetic black fruits, supported by a firm foundation of ripe, grainy tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and perfumed. I love where this once-malingering château is headed—bravo to winemaker Nicolas Glumineau from Pichon Lalande! 

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | Bright and fresh, featuring an upfront display of red and black currant preserve flavors, laced with black tea and backed by a nice iron twinge through the finish. Sneaky long, too. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. 

Decanter 93 Points | Owned by Pichon Comtesse, this is a lovely St Estèphe with polish and poise. Good depth to the berry fruits, with an appealing unfussy confidence. New cellars this year that allows for more precise reflection of the plots in 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 

James Suckling 93 Points | Sweet berries with cedar and sandalwood, as well as flowers, such as lavender. Perfumed. Full-to medium-bodied with very polished and refined tannins that run the length of the wine. Very attractive and balanced. 

Expert Reviews

Wine Spectator 98 Points | Superb, but I have had an even better bottle of this wine; usually it's worth two points more. Equal in quality to the perfect 1961. Thick and rich, with berry, cherry and tobacco character, it shows layers of ripe fruit and velvety tannins that go on and on at the finish. Exciting wine. --Latour vertical. Drink now.  (8/2000).

Wine Advocate 96 Points Dark garnet with an amber edge, the 1959 Latour reveals a touch of volatile acidity in the nose, along with aromas of melted caramel, tobacco, and jammy red and black fruits. As the wine sat in the glass, notes of minerals, coffee, spice, and underbrush emerged. There is still copious tannin in the finish (I am not sure it will ever be fully resolved), but this sumptuous, complex, fragrant, super-rich Latour cuts a broad swath across the palate. Fully mature, it is best consumed over the next decade.  6/2000)