Red Wine

Winemaker Description 

85% Sangiovese, 10% Canaiolo Nero, 3% Malvasia, 2% Trebbiano.

Borghi d'Elsa has intense, fragrant and elegant aromas of blackberries and raspberries, with violet and Florentine iris notes. On the palate, the taste is dry, full, harmonious and slightly tannic, with an elegant aftertaste of toasted almond and fruits of the forest.

Winemaker Description 

Attractive dark ruby-red and brilliant this classic Bordeaux is explosive, intense and complex at the same time. The palate entices due by its ampleness, richness, fullness as well as by the aromatic finish on the palate. Harmonious and long, the ideal accompaniment to a game such as leg of lamb with herbs or goat’s cheeses. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2016

James Suckling 91 Points | A firm, lightly chewy Bdx with currant and wet-earth character. Some walnuts, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with juicy fruit and tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink or hold. (2016). 

The 2020 Apothic Red is our first daringly original blend of California-grown red grapes. Zinfandel leads the blend with silky layers of blackberry, black cherry with a hint of black pepper. Syrah and Merlot deliver undercurrents of ripe blueberry, boysenberry and a soft, plush mouthfeel. Cabernet Sauvignon adds more dimension with notes of black currant while bold tannins deliver a hint of intrigue. The finish is long and smooth with lingering notes of vanilla and mocha from the oak we selected for aging.

This smooth, medium-bodied red blend is best enjoyed with plenty of wine glasses, whether you're enjoying it on its own or in a wine cocktail.

Pair Apothic Red with your favorite foods, like tomato-based pasta dishes or cheeses.

Winemaker Description 

The word "Balade" is French for wandering.  This is a fitting term for our annual exploration of single-vineyard pinot noir blocks on the west coast.  Each vintage, we will bottle only the most compelling and nuanced expression of pinot noir from a single selected vineyard and release it as a limited bottling.

Dark Purple-violet tones with enticing aromas of blackberry and boysenberry notes.  Sophisticated on the palate with flavors of black cherry, wild blackberry and jammy plum.  Balanced and structured, this wine has beautiful acidity that lingers through to a long, mouthwatering finish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022 

Matt Kettmann of the Wine Enthusiast writes 92 Points | Dried cherry, baked plum and a full spice rack of aromas show on the nose of this bottling. Tense, slightly sappy tannins frame the sip, where black plum, stewed cherry and bay leaf flavors lead into a wood smoke-kissed finish.  

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

Winemaker Description 

Deep and dark with lifted seductive aromas of red fruits and spice, powerful ripe red and black fruits wrapped in a structured but lush, elegant frame. Tremendous length and complexity.

Winemaker Description

A top-tier old vine Beaujolais-Villages from a densely planted, early ripening sector. This super value is supple, succulent and very pretty. Winemaker Description.

Expert Rating

James Suckling 92 Points | This has aromas of raspberries, wet clay, red plums and rosemary stems. Lovely clarity of fruit with a creamy texture and silky yet sturdy tannin frame. Serious Beaujolais Villages. Drink now.

Winemaker Description

A big, bold Cabernet Sauvignon. It explodes with black cherry, wild berry fruit and notes of chocolate and oak. The rich texture of this wine lingers long with a bright, fresh finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

Monica Larner writes:  You can't beat this value. The G.D. Vajra 2020 Barolo Albe is buttoned up with fresh primary fruit, and the wine does not have that hint of over-ripeness that is found across this vintage. The fruit is dark and savory, and there is a big mineral component to match, but the bouquet is nicely redolent of dark currant, plum, granite and a raspy dry note that brings crushed shale to mind. The tannins are quite impactful, and they give this wine extra runway for moderate bottle aging.  Drinking 2025 to 2038.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 94

Audrey Frick writes:  A ripe ruby hue, the 2020 Barolo Albe offers a beautiful bouquet of raspberries, fresh flowers, and delicate spice. Medium-bodied, it has a lot of elegance, with ripe and supple tannins and a bit of iron-rich earth. Drink 2024-2037.  - Jeb Dunnuck 93 

James Suckling writes:   This is a bright and lively Barolo showing sliced oranges, raspberries, crushed stones and rose petals on the nose. Medium-bodied, with sharp acidity and tight tannins. Lots of energy. Try from 2027.  - James Suckling 93 

Bruce Sanderson writes:  This effusive red displays cherry, raspberry, rose, iron, juniper and hay flavors, underscored by vibrant acidity. Harmonious and supple in texture, with a long aftertaste of red fruit, mineral and floral elements. Best from 2028 through 2049.  - Wine Spectator 94

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2020 Barolo Albe is light-bodied, elegant and gracious. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, spice, new leather and dried herbs are all nicely lifted. Bright acids and nervy tannins give the wine its shape and overall character. The Albe is meant to be an entry-level offering, but I find it often blossoms with a year or two in bottle. The Albe is not terribly complex in 2020, but it is a delight.  Drinking 2024 to 2032.  - Vinous 90

Jancis Robinson writes:  Described as ‘the first post-modernist Barolo’. Great to drink young yet ageworthy, too. Blend of three high vineyards, Fossati, Le Volte and Coste di Vergne in the commune of Barolo, each vinified separately. Maceration is 20–30 days. No more than 18 months in botte for the last 15 years or so. They want to keep freshness and decide on the exact blend for Albe only just before bottling.

Intense, mineral and racy. Edgy and quite modern. But a bit dry on the end.  Drinking 2024 to 2030.  - Jancis Robinson 16

Winemaker Notes

Winemaker Description

A heady seductive nose, rich ripe full fruits on the nose with a gentle and inviting pot pourri nose. Lovely freshness here and seering, mouthwatering cherry juice flavours – acidity is marked but in a really well balanced harmonious way. Just great energy and brightness. No massie complexity but what is delivered is excellent quality fruit that has been well handled. One for earlier drinking to enjoy the pretty, balanced and bright wine. Bordeaux at its most approachable. Drinking Window 2023 – 2033.

Expert Reviews

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2021 Chianti Classico is terrific. Bright and vibrant, with tons of Sangiovese character, the 2021 is everything Chianti Classico should be. Bright red cherry fruit, blood orange, mint, spice and tobacco are all nicely amplified in this juicy, wonderfully inviting Chianti Classico. The 2021 is one of the best edition of this wine I have tasted recently.  Drinking 2023 - 2031.  - Vinous 91

Audrey Frick writes:  A youthful ruby/magenta, the 2021 Chianti Classico is pure, ripe, and inviting with aromas of cherry liqueur, candied roses, and fresh sweet Mediterranean herbs. This wine has wonderful transparency and clarity, with refreshing acidity, snappy lift, and ripe, fine tannins, as well as a stony underpinning and a lovely fresh lift of tomato leaf on the finish. A refreshing and lovely wine, it has much to offer if drinking over the next 6-8 years.  Jeb Dunnuck 91

James Suckling writes:  Notes of cooked strawberries, red licorice, blood orange and cedar. Medium body. Bright and racy with crunchy acidity and a flavorful finish.  - James Suckling 92

Winemaker Description

Ménage à Trois Red Blend brings together three strange bedfellows: Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. To add complexity and retain character, each variety was fermented separately, then blended together prior to bottling. On top you’ve got Zinfandel, a saucy tease that brings blackberry and raspberry jam to the relationship. Merlot, with its generous mouth feel and red fruits, fits perfectly in the middle. The rich flavors and firm tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon make it the ideal candidate for the bottom layer of the trio.

Forward, silky and soft, this delicious dalliance makes the perfect accompaniment for grilled meats and chicken.

Critic Notes

Jane Anson writes:  Intense, smoky, plenty of black fruit, who doesn't love this 2nd wine of Château Montrose? It's a vintage that is often overlooked, particularly after the run of great years Bordeaux has had recently, but it's at a great moment to open right now, and delivers a ton of St Estèphe and Left Bank typicity, with crayon and graphite. Harvest September 22 to October 16.  - Jane Anson 94

Antonio Galloni writes:  A gorgeous second wine, the 2014 La Dame de Montrose is soft, open-knit and very pretty. Bright floral notes add lift and a measure of elegance to the dark-fleshed fruit. Medium in body, with good depth and fine overall balance, the 2014 is just about as good as it gets for a second wine. I won't be surprised if it is still delicious at age 20, although I think its best drinking will take place earlier than that.  Drinking 2018 - 2029  - Vinous 92+

Jeb Dunnuck writes:  As to the 2014s, these are beautiful wines and certainly a match for the 2015s. The 2014 La Dame de Montrose offers a deep purple color and classic Cabernet Sauvignon notes as well as a touch of violets, spring flowers and leafy herbs. This medium-bodied, elegant, spicy, complex 2014 has loads of charm yet should keep nicely for 15+ years.  Drinking 2018 - 2038  - Jeb Dunnuck 90

Steven Spurrier writes:  An even Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend: lots of spice, deep cassis fruit and incredible freshness. Will show soon and last well.  - Decanter 90

James Molesworth writes:  Offers a brisk, racy feel, with red currant, damson plum and Campari notes coursing through, carried by a bright iron spine through the savory-flecked finish. Very pure and firmly grounded in terroir. Best from 2018 through 2026. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.  - Wine Spectator 90

Neal Martin writes:  The 2014 La Dame de Montrose lagged a long way behind the superlative Grand Vin at primeur, but has since made up some ground. Now in bottle, it has a nicely poised bouquet with red cherries, bilberry and crushed violets. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity, tightly wound and linear, a conservative La Dame de Montrose that I suspect will age better than I originally thought.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 

Test of Endurance: Bordeaux 2014 Ten Years On (Mar 2024)

Neal Martin writes:  The 2014 La Dame de Montrose is more precocious than Lafon-Rochet on the nose, with hints of dried cherries and black olive compote infusing the black fruit, touches of humidor and red brick. The palate is medium-bodied with dusky black fruit, fine tannins and a little austerity towards the finish, though at least it does exude Saint-Estèphe DNA. Give it a year in bottle. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.  - Vinous

Expert Ratings 

94 Points James Suckling | Subtle aromas of sliced strawberries and cherries with some orange peel follow through to a medium body with succulent tannins and a bright and tangy finish. Lovely energy in this one. So good now. From organically grown grapes.

93 Points Wine Spectator | Rich and velvety, laced with black cherry, blackberry, violet and mineral flavors. This is driven by vibrant acidity and backed by well-mannered tannins. Shows excellent balance and length.

92 Points Decanter | This flagship Chianti Classico from the renowned Fontodi estate has grown over the years to its current annual production of 170,000 bottles, however it has not lost its identity, deeply rooted in a sun-drenched stretch of Panzano’s Conca d’Oro. The 2020 version has all the ripe dark fruit and assertive tannins that come so neatly into balance. Grilled meat, baked earth and thyme flirt with black plum. The youthful juiciness has the energy to carry this over the next eight or so years. It finishes with its signature bitter liquorice twist.

91 Points Robert Parker | A certified organic wine, the Fontodi 2020 Chianti Classico shows dark fruit and blackberry with earthy sensations of crushed stone that reflect the schistous soils found in this area of the appellation. Unlike the Filetta di Lamole (with fruit from Lamole) that is very floral in personality, this expression from Panzano has more structure, girth and general fruit weight

Winemaker Description

Clean and bright and cherry red wine with a violet rim. The nose is very expressive, highlighting the primary aromas of Tempranillo and the presence of red fruits. In the mouth it’s a balanced wine, with a smooth passage and a pleasant sensation at the end of the mouth. 

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2020

Mike DeSimone of the Wine Enthusiast writes 93 Points | Dark garnet in the glass, this wine offers aromas of cherry cola, vanilla and Mediterranean herbs. The first flavors to hit the palate are pomegranate and Valencia orange, joined by notes of chocolate-covered caramel, fennel pollen and lavender. The interplay of plush tannins and striking acidity remains on the post-palate long after the last sip. — Mike DeSimone 

93 Points Robert Parker | This deep ruby-colored wine has a nose of raspberry jam, cocoa butter, and herbs de Provence. It is bright at first sip, with raspberry, red currant, toffee, milk chocolate, and aniseed flavors. Vivid acidity and luxurious tannins stroll hand in hand to a satisfying finish.

91 Points James Suckling | Fine, plush oak spices with dark chocolate, licorice and bay leaves with fresh blackberries, blueberries and mineral. Structured and tannic on the palate with a full body and a spicy medium-long finish.

Expert Reviews 

Amy Wislocki of Decanter writes | South Africa's first female black winemaker (her first vintage was 2014), Ntsiki Biyela named her Aslina label after her grandmother. Biyela grew up in KwaZulu-Natal and spent a year as a domestic worker before being offered a scholarship to study winemaking in 1999. She has worked harvests in Bordeaux and Tuscany, and her winemaking philosophy draws on this experience. This accomplished Cabernet contains 15% Petit Verdot, and underwent fermentation in stainless steel before ageing in used oak barrels for 14 months. It's a charming, harmonious wine, with fresh, fragrant black fruits, well-integrated oak and a hint of menthol. Super enjoyable now but will also develop over the next five or so years.  —  Amy Wislocki

Jancis Robinson 16.5 Points | Made by South Africa’s first female Black winemaker, Ntsiki Biyela, who started her Aslina label, named after her inspirational grandmother, with the 2014 vintage. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot, harvested March 2020. Fermentation in stainless-steel tank and aged 14 months in used oak barrels. RS 3.5 g/l, TA 3.81 g/l, pH 3.6.

Julia Harding MW | Deep crimson. Pure, intense, minty, very slightly leafy, and blackcurrant. Benchmark South African Cabernet. Polished but true Cabernet tannins, deep but not heavy. Highly drinkable and finishes clean and fresh.

Winemaker Description

Château Blaignan’s vineyard is planted of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc. The wine matures for 18 months in vats and in oak barrels. The wine is of an intense colour. The nose is fruity with pronounced notes of blackcurrant, black cherries and a hint of spice. Full bodied, Château Blaignan shows structure and velvet tannins on the palate, that make it a wine to drink young or to keep a few years in cellar (to be kept between 3 to 12 years). 

Expert Ratings

James Suckling 90 Points | Ripe cherries, stewed strawberries and berry jam on the nose with some chocolate. It’s medium-bodied with soft, sleek tannins. Fruity. Drink after 2022. (2018).

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Wine Enthusiast 96 Points |  Barrel Sample. This wine is poised between great ripeness and a mineral, textured character, while also showing a robust tannic structure. Its richness is tempered by the freshness of the vintage. There is plenty of long-term aging potential in this wine that continues the great improvements at the estate. (2019).

James Suckling 95 Points | Wonderful aromas of dried orange, blackcurrant and crushed stone follow through to a full body with beautifully polished tannins that are composed and fine. Lots of subtle and complex character on the finish. Extremely well done here. Drink after 2025. (2019) 

Vinous 95 Points | The 2019 Prieuré-Lichine is impeccable. Creamy, layered and resonant in the glass, the 2019 hits all the right notes. Sweet red cherry/plum, lavender, rose petal, spice, mint and blood orange all build effortlessly. Over the last handful of years Prieuré-Lichine has been the single most under the radar wine in Margaux. The 2019 is another fine edition. Class, polish and sensuality make Prieuré-Lichine absolutely irresistible. (2019). 

Decanter 93 Points | Minerality on the nose, wet stone, graphite and liquorice. This is tasty, with a creaminess to the fruit that some of the others don't have. It feels round with fine but grippy tannins that see the wine through. It's clearly powerful and concentrated but wrapped up well delivering freshness and intensity. Cool blue fruit flavours and menthol notes dominate. Will be absolutely delicious in time. (2019). 

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | Readers looking for a complex, nuanced Margaux should check out the 2019 Château Prieuré-Lichine. Giving up a beautiful floral bouquet that includes red and blue fruits, sappy herbs, and flowery incense, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, plenty of mid-palate depth and sweet tannins, and a great finish. This complex, layered Margaux needs just 2-4 years of bottle age and should see its 20th birthday in fine form. (2019). 

Robert Parker 93 Points | The 2019 Prieuré-Lichine is supple and generous, bursting with aromas of blackberries, currants, licorice, spices and creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, broad and fleshy, it's round and enveloping, with ripe acids and a rich, seamless profile. This is showing well out of the gates. This heavily morcellated estate (amounting to some 125 different parcels) is clearly benefitting from a more rigorous selection and better attention to detail regarding harvest dates. (2019). 

Wine Spectator 92 Points | Presents lush plum and blackberry preserve flavors that gush through, flanked by a twinge of singed sandalwood to give it form. The finish is dotted by dark licorice, ganache and earth accents. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2034. 18,000 cases made. (2019). 

Expert Ratings

Wine Spectator 93 points | A solid, slightly burly version, featuring streaks of tar and bay leaf mixed with dark plum and black currant preserve flavors. The finish is underscored by a warm paving stone note, which adds cut, drive and a hint of old school. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2024. (2019). 

Wine Enthusiast 95 Points |  From a reliable estate, this wine is firm in feel. It also has open black fruits that pair alongside the generous tannins. It is good long-term aging. Barrel Sample: 93-95Wine Advocate 92 points Deep purple-black in color, the 2019 Meyney strides confidently out of the glass with classic notes of cassis, warm plums and baked blackberries plus hints of cedar chest, bay leaves, pencil lead and clove oil plus a waft of underbrush. The medium to full-bodied palate has a generous core of ripe black fruits with a slight touch of oak poking through and a firm backbone of ripe, grainy tannins, finishing with impressive length. (2019).

Decanter 93 points | One of the wines I use as a marker of how good the vintage is in St Estèphe, because it isn't classified but is in a brilliant location right next door to Montrose. And this is good, extremely concentrated, pure cassis and bilberry flavours, tons of tannins, clear austerity and fairly high acidity as I am getting in a lot of these 2019s. Not the same luscious character as 2018, but in many ways that makes it more typical of the appellation, and the alcohol seems less over the top than in 2018. Lots to enjoy here, not quite up to 2016 standard but not far. Tasted two weeks apart, and if anything its expression had deepened second time around.  Barrel Sample: 93Jeb Dunnuck 94 points This estate has been on a roll of late, and the 2019 Château Meyney is a terrific wine. Beautiful notes of crème de cassis, spicy oak, dried flowers, and dried tobacco all emerge from the glass, and this beauty is medium to full-bodied, with a seamless texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. Count me impressed. Not a powerhouse, it should drink nicely right out of the gate yet also evolve for 20 years or more. Range: 92-94 Points. (2019).

James Suckling 92 Points |  Aromas of ripe berries, licorice and chocolate with a touch of mushroom and some dustiness. Silky, polished texture with medium body and firm tannins. Holds long and even, with a lingering sensation of crushed stones. Hold for a couple of years. Second wine of Meyney. Best after 2023.Vinous 95 points The 2019 Meyney has a divine bouquet, so pure and winsome with floral red berry scents, beautifully integrated new oak and superb precision. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fleshy to the point where you can almost overlook the backbone of this Saint-Estèphe. It could have been blowsy, yet it retains superb balance and feels luxuriant and long on the finish. This is a stellar showing easily eclipsing its performances either in barrel or just after bottling. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.  —  Neal Martin. (2019).

Winemaker Description

Mevushal. Elegant and full bodied with rich notes of black stone fruit, boysenberry, nutmeg and a kiss of oak bring distinction to Baron Herzog Cabernet Sauvignon.

Enjoy this wine at room temperature with grilled steak, lamb chops or pasta with red sauce.

This wine is Kosher for Passover

Winemaker Description

Dark garnet red in color, the 2021 Grounded Cabernet Sauvignon leads with warm aromas of ripe black cherry, espresso, vanilla, and clove. The well-structured palate displays a round, luxurious mouthfeel and notes of cedar, forest floor, clove, and anise that extend through the generous finish.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling writes 90 Points | Savory and spicy red with a plush, fruit-forward palate. The nose shows ripe red berry, crushed herb and crushed stone notes, following through to a medium body with a chalky texture and mellow fruit character. Drink now.  

Expert Review

Bart Hopkins 67Wine.com | A terrific value in ready-to-drink, flavorful fruit forward Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. On the nose, terrific aromas of earthy dark fruits and juicy cherry with underlying spiced blackberry and plum notes. In the mouth the flavors take on a savory character with subtle oak and spice that carries into the finish. Well balanced and supple textured with smooth velvety tannins.

Winemaker Description

Showcases very fresh, clean, savory style of Oregon Pinot. Scents of ripe cherry, plum, strawberry, raspberry and mushroom. On the palate the wine has a classic profile of earth, cherry, and plum with a hint of smoke and sundried tomato.

Winemaker Description

Bright and aromatic with notes of pomegranate, orange zest, bright cherries, and dried herbs. This wine perfectly emphasizes the essence of the Willamette Valley.

Winemaker Description 

Winemaker Description

Cooper & Thief’s bourbon barrel-aged Red Blend offers notes of warm toasty vanilla, with dark fruit and a gentle hint of classic bourbon spice. Blackberry and jammy dark currants lead to a rich finish, with the elegance of a fine-sipping bourbon.

Cooper and Thief Bourbon Barrel Aged Red Wine Blend is aged in bourbon whiskey barrels for three months, giving it a velvety mouthfeel with subtle heat. Merlot, syrah, zinfandel, petite sirah and cabernet sauvignon collide in one bourbon barrel to create this dark and jammy wine, which features true bourbon flavor. Crafted by Cellarmaster Jeff Kasavan, each taste of this California red wine gives way to aromatic hints of fruit and toasty vanilla.

This dark red wine garners its unique taste thanks to varietals found all across California's prime winegrowing regions. Bring this red blend along on your next picnic and enjoy it on its own, or stack this rich, bold taste up against lamb or poultry. The bourbon barrel aging gives this wine soft tannins that deliver a full-bodied and lingering finish in each sip. For a devilishly good taste, keep this red wine blend stored at room temperature, and chill it before serving. Born from mischief, Cooper and Thief Wine celebrates doing things differently. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Reviews

Dorothy & Bernie of 67Wine.com | We visited the Mendel winery on one of our first visits to Mendoza about 18 years ago.  The winery was introduced to us by our friend Paulo Costa, who was then President of Novartis Pharmaceuticals.  Mendel Winery was started by a well known Buenos Aires pharmaceutical family with Roberto de la Mota, known as one of Argentina’s greatest wine makers. The Mendels began the winery with the intent of making great wines that were more refined than what was found in Mendoza.  We fell in love with their Cabernet which was powerful, yet not overwhelming.  We still find it one of the best, most accessible and harmonious Cabernets made in Mendoza.   Dorothy & Bernie “Follow the Drinker”

James Suckling 94 Points | Notes of ripe blackcurrants, blackberries, vanilla, walnuts and dark chocolate. Medium-to full-bodied with robust, polished tannins and bright acidity. Dense and creamy texture, together with bright, delicious fruit, ending with a spicy edge and notes of crushed stones. Try now, but better after 2023. 

Expert Review

James Suckling 92 Points |  Very bright with plenty of lemony freshness on the nose. Very straight and clean on the medium-bodied palate, with a pronounced chalky minerality. Long, crisp finish in which the lemon and chalk notes are exactly matched. From vines growing on a clay-limestone soil. Bottled unfiltered. (2022).  

Allan Meadows writes:  Very pretty, even perfumed, and highly expressive nose freely reveals its aromas of plum, dark gamay and a plenitude of spice elements. The delicious, round and pliant middleweight flavors possess good vibrancy that carries over to the dusty, slightly raspy and ever-so-mildly drying finish where a hint of warmth slowly emerges. This is attractive in its fashion though it would be fair to observe that the balance isn't perfect. Even so, for $19 it still represents fair value.  - Burghound 

Winemaker Notes

Winemaker Description

Vibrant red leading slightly towards amber. Light fresh texture with notes of vanilla and dried berry aromas. Rich, very dry, smooth, developed. Firm tannins and good balance. Blend: 75% Tempranillo, 15% Garnacho, 10% Graciano and Manzuelo.

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2011 

Jeb Dunnuck writes:  The appellation 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is another winner. Ripe red and black fruits, dried flowers, and spice all define the bouquet, and it’s up-front, soft, balanced, and just delicious. Drink bottles over the coming decade.  Drinking 2023 to 2033.  - Jeb Dunnuck 91

Joe Czerwiński writes:  The winery's largest bottling, approximately 38,000 cases, is the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley. Primarily from the Hardester Ranch in Pope Valley, with other major contributions from St. Helena, Soda Canyon and Glass Mountain, it's a medium to full-bodied effort, with bold flavors of cherries, cassis and cedar. It's easy, but not soft, nicely firm, with a long, silky-textured finish.  Drinking 2022 to 2030.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 90

James Molesworth writes:  Leads with a light cedar edge, followed quickly by relatively open-knit red currant and damson plum fruit flavors. Shows a light savory edge on the finish. Drink now through 2030.  - Wine Spectator 90

Winemaker Description

Features a tempting nose with hints of violet, ripe cherry and warm baking spices. The palate is supple in texture with luxurious layers of brambly red fruits, cocoa, and dusty tannins. This classic Napa Valley Merlot finishes long and vibrant with lingering notes of graphite. 

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 - Vintage 2020 

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

Deep ruby in color with garnet lights that hint at the wine's extended barrel aging, Castello di Bossi Gran Selezione is explosive in its intensity and yet the wine manages an astounding complexity and finesse. Aromas of rich black cherry and plum integrate well with cedar, sweet cooking spices, chocolate and saddle leather. On the palate the wine is fleshy and dense. The finish achieves great balance and very pronounced length. This is a wine that will age with grace for many years.

Expert Reviews

Wine Spectator 96 Points | There’s purity to the cherry, strawberry, rose, mineral and herb aromas and flavors in this solidly built red, which shows excellent balance and length. The muscular finish begs for more time for the beautiful fruit to assimilate. 

Wine Advocate 94 Points | You drive through a postcard-perfect panorama of cypress-lined roads and sun-lit farmhouses as you approach the tiny hamlet of Bossi on the southern side of the appellation. The organic Castello di Bossi 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione reveals a dark core of black fruit that is surrounded by flinty mineral, spice and black licorice. This wine should become even silkier and softer with more bottle age. This 20,000-bottle release will hit the market this fall."

James Suckling 94 Points | Lots of blackberry, black-cherry and lavender aromas with some sage. Medium to full body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Linear and polished red.

Vinous 91 Points | The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Bossi is laced with dark red cherry, incense, tobacco, game, spice and licorice. Dense and a bit wild, the 2019 has plenty of personality. This really needs quite a bit of air to emerge, but there is plenty of stuffing there.

The 2018  Montecillo Crianza is the perfect wine to drink as your weekly house wine.  Inviting nose of red fruited character. Medium-bodied with notes of baking spice and red berry jam. Finish is consistent with well-integrated tannins.  Food pairings: BBQ Pork Ribs.

- Oscar Garcia Moncada , 67 Wine Buyer