Red Wine

The Elegance of Sichel House's Maison Sichel Saint-Estephe 2020

Discover the elegance of Maison Sichel Saint-Estephe 2020, a premium Bordeaux wine that exemplifies the rich viticultural heritage of the Saint-Estèphe appellation. The Sichel family are truly expert winemakers, and this Saint-Estèphe is no exception. This exceptional vintage showcases the unique terroir of the northern Médoc, marrying tradition with modern winemaking techniques to create a wine with fine elegance, structure, and balance.

Bordeaux Blend Composition

50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot. This classic Bordeaux blend combines the best characteristics of each varietal, creating a wine with complexity, depth, and aging potential.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep crimson
Aroma: Bramble fruit, blackcurrant, capsicum, cocoa, and cedar. Enticing bouquet of dark fruits and subtle earthy undertones
Palate: Layers of ripe blackberry and plum, complemented by hints of cedar and spice. Blackcurrant, capsicum, cocoa, and cedar. Smooth yet structured tannins. Fine elegance, structure, and balance
Finish: Balanced finish that lingers pleasantly

Aging Potential

Still young, this vintage will develop for many years with flavors of leather and cinnamon, truffle and clove starting to emerge. This remarkable depth and aging potential make it perfect for cellaring or enjoying now with decanting.

Maison Sichel - Six Generations of Excellence

Maison Sichel is a Bordeaux-based, family-owned and run négociant of six generations. The Sichel family have been a significant presence in Bordeaux since 1883 and have continued to expand operations by purchasing several properties in Bordeaux including Château Angludet and Château Argadens.

Château Palmer Partnership

The Sichel family also joined with three other families in 1938 to purchase the now legendary Château Palmer, one of Bordeaux's most prestigious estates. This partnership demonstrates the family's commitment to excellence and their deep roots in Bordeaux winemaking.

Expanded Portfolio

Maison Sichel continued to expand their operations outside of Bordeaux and have several high-quality own-label wines such as the Domaine Peter Sichel, Sichel Sauternes, and the Sichel Margaux. Each wine represents the family's dedication to quality and terroir expression.

Saint-Estèphe Appellation

Saint-Estèphe, located in the northern Médoc, is renowned for producing robust and complex red wines. The appellation's gravelly soils with clay subsoil create ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, resulting in wines with structure, power, and exceptional aging potential.

2020 Vintage Quality

This specific vintage showcases the unique terroir of the area, with exceptional fruit quality translating to remarkable flavor profiles. The 2020 vintage in Bordeaux produced wines of excellent concentration and balance, making this an outstanding example of Saint-Estèphe.

Fine Elegance, Structure & Balance

A wine with fine elegance, structure, and balance. The wine's tannins are smooth yet structured, ensuring a balanced finish that demonstrates the craftsmanship and expertise of the Sichel family's winemaking.

Expert Winemakers

The Sichel family are truly expert winemakers with over 140 years of experience in Bordeaux. In every sip, one can sense the passion and craftsmanship that Maison Sichel embodies, from vineyard management to final bottling.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This vintage stands out not only for its rich flavors but also for its remarkable depth, making it a perfect partner for various dishes:

• Rich stews and braised meats
• Grilled meats and steaks
• Roasted lamb and beef
• Game meats
• Aged cheeses
• Hearty cassoulet
• Mushroom-based dishes

Perfect for Celebratory Occasions

For wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike, this bottle represents an ideal choice for celebratory occasions or a sophisticated addition to any cellar. The wine's elegance and structure make it suitable for special dinners and important moments.

Bordeaux Heritage Since 1883

Maison Sichel has long been synonymous with premium Bordeaux wines, each bottle a testament to the region's rich viticultural heritage. The Sichel family's significant presence in Bordeaux since 1883 ensures authenticity and quality in every bottle.

Northern Médoc Terroir

The unique terroir of the northern Médoc, with its gravelly soils and maritime influence, creates wines with distinctive character. This Saint-Estèphe showcases the power and structure that the appellation is famous for, while maintaining elegance and finesse.

Tradition Meets Modern Winemaking

This wine exemplifies the marriage of tradition with modern winemaking techniques. The Sichel family honors Bordeaux's winemaking heritage while employing contemporary methods to ensure optimal quality and expression of terroir.

Developing Complexity

With flavors of leather and cinnamon, truffle and clove starting to emerge as the wine develops, this Saint-Estèphe offers both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring potential. The wine will continue to evolve and reveal new layers of complexity over the years.

93 Points Jeb Dunnuck: The 2021 Pinot Noir Isabelle comes from a mix of sites and spent two years in new barrels. It has a translucent ruby hue as well as a beautiful nose of mulled cherries, savory raspberries, spicy wood, and dried flowers. It’s balanced, medium-bodied, has an elegant mouthfeel, and outstanding length. This classy, complex, elegant 2021 will drink nicely over the coming decade.

Winemaker Notes

Experience the Richness of Masi Costasera Amarone

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | In the bottle with the black label, the Masi 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Costasera is generous in terms of ripeness, concentration and extract. This blend of 70% Corvina, 15% Rondinella, 10% Oseleta and 5% Molinara shows an inky dark appearance with baked fruit and blackberry preserves. With a 15.5% alcohol content, the wine definitely leaves its mark on all the senses. A hint of mild bitterness comes with the oak tannins. Production is 50,000 bottles 

James Suckling 94 Points | A complex and deep wine. Highlights of dark chocolate and black pepper over black cherries. Refined and condensed tannins with exuberant, racy acidity and full body. Powerful, this has cellaring potential. Drinkable now but best from 2029.

Memo Summary Notes

Primary Varietals - Corvina, Rondinella, Oseleta, Molinara

This Riserva represents Masi's excellence, a benchmark for Amarone. It's a special version of the celebrated Costasera, characterized by extended appassimento (drying) and the use of the unusual Oseleta grape for superior structure.

Introducing Masi Costasera Amarone

Masi Costasera Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico Riserva 2019 is a stunning representation of Italian craftsmanship. This exceptional red wine, made from partially dried grapes, offers a rich and full-bodied taste that's perfect for special occasions. The wine features deep notes of dark fruit, spices, and a hint of chocolate, which together create a complex and layered flavor profile. So, whether you are celebrating a milestone or simply savoring a quiet evening, this wine promises an unforgettable experience.

The Unique Aging Process

The aging process of Masi Costasera Amarone plays a vital role in enhancing its flavor. The wine matures in oak barrels for a minimum of 24 months, allowing it to develop its character and complexity. This careful selection of aging materials influences its aroma and taste, resulting in a smooth yet intense finish. Therefore, every sip reflects the rich history and tradition of Valpolicella winemaking, making it a true gem for wine enthusiasts.

Perfect Pairings for Masi Costasera

Masi Costasera Amarone pairs beautifully with hearty dishes. It complements red meats, game, and aged cheeses exceptionally well. Because of its rich flavor profile, it can also stand alone as a perfect after-dinner wine, enhancing your dining experience. So, gather your friends or family, open a bottle, and indulge in the luxurious taste of Masi Costasera Amarone while enjoying a flavorful meal together.

Discover the Globetrotter's Choice: Trotamundos Pinot Noir

Our Professional Review

The Trotamundos wines are the brainchild of two winemaker friends, César Baeza and Miguel Besoain. The term “Trotamundos” translates to “globetrotter,” and their winemaking philosophy centers on creating wines with a global perspective, incorporating what they have learned while traveling throughout the wine world to craft unique expressions.

I recently tasted the Trotamundos Pinot Noir Single Vineyard Leyda Valley 2023 and was extremely pleased with its quality and value. This is a Pinot Noir that delivers exceptional drinkability without compromising quality. Sourced from the cool climate of Chile’s Leyda Valley, it showcases bright aromas and flavors of wild red berries—raspberries and strawberries—with a subtle hint of blue fruit as well.

On the palate, the wine is well structured, with vibrant red berry fruit, well-integrated acidity, and mild tannins that lead to effortless drinkability. A stony minerality adds depth and naturally complements the fruit profile. The finish is clean and refreshing, with bright, palate-cleansing acidity.

This wine is very food-friendly. I suggest pairing it with Latin-inspired dishes, grilled skirt steak, or crab-stuffed cannelloni.

Oscar Garcia Moncada

Winemaker Description 

Light-red color with a slight orange tint. Raspberries and cream on the nose, smooth in the mouth with a burst of juicy mixed berries, blood orange, and a tangy aftertaste.

Memo Summary Notes

The Trotamundos Pinot Noir Single Vineyard 2023 is a cool-climate red from Chile’s Leyda Valley, a region highly regarded for producing elegant, coastal-influenced wines. This particular label is a collaboration between winemakers César Baeza and Miguel Besoaín.

The Leyda Valley is situated just 12km from the Pacific Ocean. The 2023 season benefited from the Humboldt Current, which provides cool sea breezes and morning mists. This ensures a slow ripening process, allowing the Pinot Noir grapes to maintain high natural acidity and develop complex aromatic profiles

This wine’s balance of fruit and earthiness makes it quite versatile:

• Poultry: Roasted chicken with herbs de Provence or duck breast.

• Vegetarian: Mushroom risotto or earthy lentil stews.

• Seafood: Grilled salmon or seared tuna, thanks to its bright acidity.

An Exquisite Pinot Noir Experience

Trotamundos Pinot Noir Single Vineyard DO Leyda Valley 2023 is a true masterpiece for wine enthusiasts and globetrotters alike. With its vibrant ruby color and enticing aromas of red berries, this wine captures the essence of its origin. The Leyda Valley is known for its unique climate, which allows the grapes to thrive, resulting in a wine that is both refreshing and complex. So, if you're looking to indulge your palate, this Pinot Noir should be at the top of your list.

A Perfect Pairing for Every Meal

This elegant red wine is not just for special occasions; it can enhance any meal. Whether you’re enjoying a grilled salmon or a mushroom risotto, Trotamundos Pinot Noir complements a variety of dishes, making it a versatile choice for your dining table. Its well-balanced acidity and smooth finish make it easy to drink and enjoy. Therefore, keep a bottle handy for your future culinary adventures!

Embrace Your Inner Globetrotter

With each sip of Trotamundos Pinot Noir, you journey to the beautiful landscapes of the Leyda Valley. This wine is crafted for those who appreciate quality and seek to explore different flavors. It invites you to embrace your inner globetrotter, allowing you to discover new experiences from the comfort of your home. Because of its rich flavor profile and exceptional quality, this Pinot Noir is sure to impress your friends and family, making every gathering memorable.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

Vinous 93 Points | The 2023 Flycatcher is a blend of 36% Zinfandel, 15% Cinsault, 13% Petite Sirah, 13% Carignane, 10% Tempranillo, 9% Merlot and 4% Syrah. Crushed red berry fruit, blood orange, cinnamon and crushed flowers soar from the glass. This vibrant, exuberant red offers tons of forward fruit buffered by brisk acids that add notable energy. Eminently quaffable, the 2023 also has plenty of complexity to satisfy more intellectually curious wine lovers.

Winemaker Notes

A love letter to California, Flycatcher is our newest wine that celebrates the wonderful and diverse terroirs of our home state — from Lodi to Los Carneros. An ambitious prospect we know, capturing the whole of California in a bottle, but we’ve been guided by some seriously inspiring growers and treasured vineyards that fitted together in a way that felt, and tasted, just right.

Frog’s Leap Flycatcher 2023 is a California red blend crafted to showcase the diversity and vibrancy of the state’s wine country. It’s designed as a fresh, approachable, and food-friendly wine made from a mix of grapes sourced “with intention” from heritage vineyards across California, reflecting different terroirs beyond the winery’s Napa home.

The blend typically features a variety of varietals — including Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Tempranillo, Cinsault, Carignane, and Syrah — that together create a generous, fruit-forward profile with red berry aromatics, savory depth, and balanced structure. The result is a versatile, everyday red that’s vibrant and layered, with flavors of ripe strawberries, blueberries, spice, and herbal notes, making it easy to enjoy on its own or paired with a wide range of foods.

Explore Beaurenard Estate Chateauneuf-du-Pape Biodynamic 2021

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

The Wine Advocate 94 Points | The 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape is just as tasty as the Boisrenard special cuvée this vintage, with very similar notes of black raspberries, black olives and garrigue. Perhaps a bit lighter-bodied (still medium to full-bodied), it's a touch creamy on the mid-palate, then adds hints of dark chocolate on the supple, lingering finish. The assemblage here is less Grenache-heavy (65%), with 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre and small amounts of other permitted varieties. - 

James Suckling 93 Points | Here’s a very well structured Chateauneuf for the challenging 2021 vintage with complex wild herb and berry aromas. Only medium-bodied for the appellation, but with healthy tannins and a positive mineral acidity that drives the long clean finish. A cuvee of 50% grenache, 30% syrah, 10% mourvedre and 10% cinsault. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | A pure, focused style, with generous raspberry ganache and red licorice flavors that are juicy, inviting and well-framed by finely sculpted tannins and graphite shavings. Full-bodied without being heavy, with black pepper, wild herbs and mesquite playing out on the fresh, structured finish. Grenache. Drink now through 2035.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | A beautiful wine, the 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape has a deeper ruby hue to go with Burgundian aromatics of ripe red and black berries, sappy underbrush, exotic flowers, and an undeniable sense of minerality. It's balanced, medium-bodied, has good mid-palate depth, and gorgeously integrated structure that emerges with time in the glass. It's not a powerhouse, but it has a layered, complete, seamless profile that's going to evolve gracefully over the coming 15 years. The classic Cuvée is 65% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, and the rest a mix of permitted varieties, partially destemmed, and aged in a mix of foudre, tank, and barrels, with a tiny percentage in new oak.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2021 Domaine de Beaurenard Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a benchmark for biodynamic winemaking in the Southern Rhône. Despite a challenging 2021 vintage marked by frost, this estate produced a wine noted for its freshness, elegance, and "linear" style rather than sheer power.

Rich Heritage of Beaurenard Estate

Beaurenard Estate, located in the renowned Chateauneuf-du-Pape region, is celebrated for its commitment to biodynamic farming. The 2021 vintage is not only a testament to this heritage but also reflects the estate's dedication to producing high-quality wines. The biodynamic approach fosters a holistic environment, enhancing the wine's complexity. Therefore, when you enjoy a glass of Beaurenard, you are savoring not just the wine itself, but the rich history and sustainable practices behind it.

A Wonderful Tasting Experience

This biodynamic wine offers vibrant aromas of ripe red fruits complemented by subtle earthy tones. On the palate, it delivers a balanced mix of richness and refreshing acidity. Because of its exceptional structure, Beaurenard Estate Chateauneuf-du-Pape pairs beautifully with hearty dishes, making it an ideal choice for gatherings. Whether you are a seasoned wine enthusiast or casually exploring options, this wine is sure to impress.

Why Choose Biodynamic Wine?

Biodynamic wines like Beaurenard are crafted with careful consideration of the ecosystem. The absence of synthetic chemicals enhances both the purity of the flavor and the health of the vineyard. Additionally, the 2021 vintage stands out because it embodies the core principles of biodiversity and sustainability. As a result, choosing Beaurenard Estate's Chateauneuf-du-Pape is not just a delight for your palate, but also a conscious choice for the environment.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Advocate 95 Points | One of the best new Garnacha bottlings from Rioja, the 2022 Pancrudo keeps the poise, balance and floral character in a warm and dry year like 2022. It does show a little more ripeness and some dusty tannins, but that's expected after the hurried ripeness. It comes in at 14.5% alcohol, with a pH of 3.42 denoting freshness. It's a triumph over the adverse conditions of the year. This is a neoclassical Garnacha, produced by fermenting the uncrushed grapes with indigenous yeasts and a short-ish macerating and aging the wine in a combination of foudre, concrete egg and used barrique. 8,717 bottles and 250 magnums produced. It was bottled in June 2024. Drinking Window: 2025 - 2035.

Winemaker Description

100% Garnacha from old bush-trained vines planted in Badarán (Upper Najerilla) with north orientation at 650m above the sea level.

Traditional elaboration. Fermented in stainless steel gently plunging the cap to extract the noble compounds from the skins. Malolactic fermentation 65% in new French oak, barriques and foudre, and 35% in egg-shaped cocrete tanks.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 91 Points | Spiced plums, dark cherries and a touch of hazelnuts and chocolate. Juicy and fine-grained with medium to full body and a plump, fruity finish showing a hint of vanilla and plenty of strawberries at the end. Vegan. Drink now but can hold for a few years.

Decanter 89 Points | The oak here is well integrated, supporting the wine and bringing balsamic, minty notes. It is classic in style with red fruits on the finish and fresh acidity.

Memo Summary Notes

The Ramon Bilbao Rioja Crianza 2022 is a quintessential expression of modern Rioja. It is widely regarded as a "reliable classic"—a wine that balances the traditional influence of American oak with a vibrant, fruit-forward profile.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Distinctive in a very good way, this chooses savory elegance over power. A refreshing and mineral-driven style, with appealing pepper, spice box and chestnut, all surrounding a core of red currant threaded with a stream of herbs. With warm earth on the seductively textured palate, this shows good energy and harmony through the vibrant finish, marked by iron and smoked meat. Well-done. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault. Drink now through 2032. 2,464 cases imported.

Vinous 92 Points | The 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Télégramme kicks off with crushed violets, ripe raspberry, wild strawberry and a pinch of dried herbs. Leafy gradations add more complexity. Round and elegant, the full-bodied 2022 walks off the stage with persistence on the juicy finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | The only wine produced in the vintage due to the devastating tornado just before the harvest, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Télégramme seems to be a mix of a normal Vieux Télégraphe and a Télégramme. Black raspberries, darker cherries, peppery garrigue, and a Grand Vin sense of salty minerality define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied on the palate, has rock-solid ripeness, plenty of tannins, and outstanding length.

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | A blend of 85% Grenache and the rest of Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvèdre, the 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Télégramme offers up aromas of flowers, dark cherries and dark wild berries, followed by a medium to full-bodied, structured and concentrated palate with velvety tannins and a long, dense finish.

James Suckling 92 Points | An elegant expression of grenache in Chateauneuf, this has a wealth of red berries and summer flowers. The very solid tannins have been expertly crafted, and they build beautifully in the long finish. Considering how the vineyards were hit by hail just before the harvest, this has turned out very well. 

Winemaker Description 

With deep expertise in the world of Pinot Noir, Dan Kosta's admiration for the grape began at an early age, taking sips from his father's glass of Burgundy and listening to stories about wine around the dinner table.

His fascination continued as he became a wine buyer, sommelier, and vintner known for producing highly-renowned, world-class wines. Dan's lifelong passion for Pinot Noir is evident in Admire, the latest creation from his native Sonoma Coast. 

This wine is 100% Pinot Noir, sourced entirely from the Sonoma Coast appellation. Harvested in early September, this Pinot Noir was aged in 100% French Oak, 30% new for 9 months. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Admire by Dan Kosta Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2023 is a standout choice for those who love high-end Pinot Noir but want to stay in a more approachable price bracket. Dan Kosta (co-founder of the legendary Kosta Browne) launched this label to capture the elegance of the Sonoma Coast with more immediate accessibility.

Food: Its bright acidity makes it perfect for herbed chevre (goat cheese), roasted duck, or mushroom risotto.

Critical Acclaim

• James Suckling – 94 Points | “Very pretty blackberries and blackcurrants with a hint of lead pencil. Medium-bodied with creamy, refined tannins and a polished finish. Shows precision and focus, especially in this hot vintage.” Drink after 2027.
• Jeb Dunnuck – 92 Points | “Ripe black cherries, redcurrants, spicy oak, and flowery incense. Medium to full-bodied with plenty of mid-palate depth, ripe polished tannins, and a great finish. Beautifully done — will evolve gracefully over the coming two decades.”
• Vinous – 92 Points | “Elegant, mid-weight Margaux. Dark-toned fruit, cloves, new leather and sweet spice, nicely lifted throughout. Attractive floral overtones extend the finish. Will drink well with minimal cellaring.”

Tasting Notes

Aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, red cherry, and lead pencil with floral incense and spicy oak. On the palate, creamy, refined tannins frame flavors of dark fruit, cloves, and sweet spice with attractive floral overtones on the finish. Precise, polished, and classically Margaux in character.

About the Wine

Château Rauzan-Gassies is a Second Growth (Deuxième Cru Classé) from the Margaux appellation, one of Bordeaux’s most prestigious classifications dating to 1855. The 2022 is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Merlot, raised in 57% new oak barrels. The 2022 vintage in Bordeaux is widely regarded as exceptional — and this wine delivers the precision and elegance that defines great Margaux. Now available in bottle as of early 2026.

Cellaring

Drink from 2027 through 2040+. Decant 45–60 minutes if opening now.

Food Pairing

Classic with roasted lamb, beef tenderloin, duck confit, and aged hard cheeses.

Product Details

• Appellation: Margaux, Médoc, Bordeaux, France
• Classification: 2nd Growth Grand Cru Classé (1855)
• Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 750ml
• Producer: Château Rauzan-Gassies

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2019

Wine Enthusiast 95 Points — Editors' Choice (Kerin O’Keefe) | Delicate aromas of blue flower, red berry and a hint of underbrush. Elegant and firmly structured, the savory palate offers crushed raspberry, ripe cherry and baking spice alongside taut tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Drink 2027–2039.

Vinous 94 Points (Antonio Galloni) | Sweet red cherry, kirsch, rose petal, mint, spice, earthiness, crushed rocks and pipe tobacco — all beautifully lifted. Medium in body with compelling inner sweetness and tons of finesse. Positively stellar, and unusually for a Rabajà, it will drink well with minimal cellaring.

Decanter 92 Points | Great complexity of pot pourri, wild strawberry, cherry and licorice. Tannins are firm yet fine, bold and fleshy with energy and pep. Austere yet precise finish.

About the Wine

The Castello di Verduno Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà 2019 is a masterpiece of traditional winemaking from one of the most famous and powerful crus in Barbaresco. The Riserva is only produced in exceptional years, and the 2019 vintage in Piedmont is widely considered classic and high-structured — making this a true collector’s item with decades of life ahead.

Tasting & Pairings

Blue flower, crushed raspberry, ripe cherry, kirsch, rose petal, baking spice, earthiness, and pipe tobacco. Firmly structured with taut, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. Decant generously or cellar through 2039.

• Braised lamb shank or veal osso buco — the firm tannins and acidity are built for rich, slow-cooked meats.
• Handmade tajarin with butter and sage — a classic Piedmontese pairing that lets the wine’s complexity shine.
• Aged Castelmagno or Toma Piemontese — regional cheeses that complement Nebbiolo’s earthy depth.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2020

James Suckling 97 Points | An elegant and stylish wine with fresh violets, roses, wild strawberries, earthy minerals and hints of Sichuan pepper and licorice on the nose. Full-bodied, firm, tense and fresh with a dusty texture, yet tight and well packed. Austere finish.

Wine Spectator 95 Points | A high-toned aroma of rose petal meets earth and savory underbrush notes in this multifaceted red. Flavors of strawberry and cherry hold the middle ground, while bracing acidity and sinewy tannins lend support. Long and elegant, with a lasting aftertaste of ripe cherry.

Winemaker Notes

Pajé is a small 1.83-hectare (4.52-acre) strip of land facing southwest, particularly rich in calcareous marl with a high content of active limestone. The amphitheater of Pajé opens onto the Tanaro river valley, which mitigates cold winters and hot summers, creating a unique microclimate. The vines range from 25 to 50 years of age (averaging over 40), and all new plantings are propagated using the massale selection method — clippings pruned exclusively from the Pajé vineyard itself.

About Roagna

The Roagna Barbaresco Pajé 2020 is a legendary release from one of the most artisanal and traditionalist producers in the Langhe. Luca Roagna is known for "monastic" patience, often aging his wines for five years or more before they leave the cellar.

The 2020 vintage is characterized by a "velvet glove" elegance — more approachable in its youth than the structured 2019s, showing silkier tannins while maintaining the estate's signature power and depth.

Tasting & Pairings

Expect classic Nebbiolo aromatics — dried rose, tar, red cherry, and earthy spice — wrapped in silky, fine-grained tannins with remarkable length. This is a wine built for contemplation but generous enough to enjoy now with proper decanting.

• Braised short ribs or osso buco — the tannin structure and acidity cut through rich, slow-cooked meats.
• Truffle risotto or tajarin pasta — a classic Piedmontese pairing that lets the wine shine.
• Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Castelmagno — hard, nutty cheeses complement Nebbiolo’s complexity.

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

Winemaker Description

Owned and operated by the highly-acclaimed Château Peybonhomme-Les Tours. This is an entirely biodynamic estate and the winemaking is very low intervention. This bottling is 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet-Franc, and 5% Malbec.

Memo Summary Notes

Château La Grolet 2022 is a standout "natural" Bordeaux from the Côtes de Bourg (located on the Right Bank, across the river from Margaux). Owned by the Hubert family (who also own Château Peybonhomme-Les Tours), this estate is a pioneer in sustainable viticulture, having been certified biodynamic for over 20 years.

Pair with 

Classic: Grilled lamb chops with rosemary or a traditional beef stew (Bœuf Bourguignon).

Rustic: Hearty lentil stews, tourtière (meat pie), or roasted root vegetables.

Cheese: Pairs exceptionally well with Comté or aged Cheddar.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling - 94 Points: "Abundant black-fruit aromas supported by spices, cedar, crushed stones and violets. The medium-bodied palate has a creamy texture and finely tuned, generous tannins with so much purity of fruit. Grown further away from the ocean with a more continental feel. Delicious and early-drinking yet serious. Drink or hold. Screw cap."

Wine Enthusiast - 92 Points: "An excellent intro to this famed Western Australian Cab style, this vintage is, compared to the previous two, on the richer, denser side. Supple dark berry fruit with salt-flecked herbs, seaweed savoriness and a dark chocolate underbelly are woven with powdery, chiseled tannins and tangy blackcurrant acidity. Drink now with plenty of protein or age for several more years."

Wine Spectator - 91 Points: "A generous mix of kirsch, cassis and blackberry flavors is dense and dark, accented by notes of palo santo, tobacco and cardamom. The tannins are dense, and a grace note of malty Assam black tea lingers on the finish, with plenty of harmony and firming tannins. Drink now through 2032."  - MaryAnn Worobiec,

Winemaker Notes

'Son of' the Vasse Felix Cabernet Sauvignon. It carries the structure, power and tannins of classic Cabernet in an earlier drinking, more forward style from fruit sourced from each of the Vasse Felix vineyards.

A remarkably ripe and soft wine. A deep perfume with blackcurrant, blueberry and coffee mocha complexities. Notes of dusty earth and woody perennial herbs mingle with hints of nori, dried forest leaves and wild mushrooms to create an inviting aroma. A light fragrant entrance with blackcurrant, raspberry and potpourri builds to earthy complexities and fine dry dusty tannins which serve to frame the fruit. A comfortable, soft, juicy body and tannin profile finishes the wine fresh and long.

Winemaker Description

Intense ruby red. The nose displays typical freshness of Vajra Barolo, with a weave of roses and ripe cherries, fresh mountain herbs and orange zest. In the mouth, bitter sweet and persistent flavors. Beautiful as a digestive or paired with dark chocolate. 18% alcohol.

Memo Summary Notes

The G.D. Vajra Barolo Chinato is a sophisticated, fortified "digestif" from Piedmont, Italy. Unlike standard Barolo, this is an aromatized wine (similar to a premium vermouth) made by infusing Barolo DOCG wine with a secret blend of nearly 30 herbs, roots, and spices.

Critical Acclaim

• Tim Atkin – 95 Points | “Impressive finesse in a hot growing season, succulent tannins, flavours of blackberry, red cherry and ginger spice and a violet top note.”
• Vinous – 94–95 Points | “Violets, fresh plum and a delicate touch of oak open on the nose. Fine-grained reactive tannins define the texture. A red with charming nuances and evolving character.”
• Wine Advocate – 93–94 Points | “Pretty, juicy, ripe and approachable — really balanced and integrated with good purity. An approachable vintage of Flor.”

Tasting Notes

Aromas of blackberry, red cherry, violet, and ginger spice with a delicate touch of oak. On the palate, fine-grained, succulent tannins frame flavors of fresh plum and dark fruit with charming nuances and evolving character. Beautifully balanced and integrated, with impressive finesse for the vintage.

About the Wine

Flor de Pingus is the celebrated second wine of Dominio de Pingus, the legendary Ribera del Duero estate founded by Danish oenologist Peter Sisseck — widely regarded as one of Spain’s greatest winemakers and the visionary behind the cult flagship Pingus. Far more than a second label, Flor consistently ranks among Spain’s finest wines in its own right. The 2023 is sourced from five parcels — Barroso, El Castillo, El Pino, Fuentenarro, and Fuentes — totalling 49 hectares of 35+ year old Tinta del País and Garnacha vines farmed biodynamically. Aged in 10–15% new oak with a portion matured in 2,000-liter oak vats for added freshness and texture. Approximately 92,000 bottles produced.

Food Pairing

Pairs magnificently with roasted lamb, Wagyu beef, Iberian charcuterie, and complex mushroom dishes. A regional classic combination.

Product Details

• Appellation: Ribera del Duero, Castilla y León, Spain
• Varietal: Tinta del País (Tempranillo) & Garnacha
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Farming: Biodynamic
• Producer: Dominio de Pingus (Peter Sisseck)

Expert Reviews - Vingage 2023

The Wine Enthusiast by Tonya Pitts writes 92 Points | There are so many gems coming out of the 2023 vintage in California. Flavors of fresh-picked red berries, plums, pomegranates, mint sprigs, a kiss of earth and sunshine tell the story of a short but almost perfect growing season. Pick this one up and give it a whirl on the dinner table. 

The Tasting Panel 91 Points | This bright and shining red is a floral beauty packed with peony, violets, orange blossom, and red tea. Cherry pie arises on the midpalate.

Winemaker Description 

Production:
• Regeneratively farmed
• Certified sustainable per “Lodi Rules”
• Aged 12 mos. in seasoned French oak
• Vegan-friendly

Composition: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon • 25% Nero d'Avola

Eye: Deep garnet core, translucent ruby rim.

Nose: Gardenia, lilac, lavender, violet, black cherry, dried rose petals, spicy cedar, cigar box, and sweet vanilla.

Palate: Ripe blue & black fruits with subtle citrus, eucalyptus & brown sugar. Structured yet lush and creamy with soft, supple tannins that lead to an endlessly
delightful finish.

Pairing inspirations: Grilled portobello mushroom with balsamic garlic glaze, Moroccan spiced lamb, spaghetti Bolognese, vegetable lasagne, wild mushroom risotto, Margherita pizza.

House of Brown is a second-generation wine label under the BROWN Napa Valley umbrella, which also includes Chaos Theory and is anchored by flagship Brown Estate.

The Brown family have been in Napa since 1980. Siblings Deneen, Coral, and David began making wine in 1996. Raised by two medical professionals in a “Blue-Zone” household in Southern California, they all pitched in at their parents’ medical clinic. There, they adopted what would become a guiding principle in their wine business: Do no harm.

The creation of House of Brown was inspired by an extraordinary community of wine consumers who for over two decades had been finding themselves at home with Brown Estate, and in 2017 began assembling at the family’s then newly opened Brown Downtown Napa tasting room. This period marked an evolution in wine consumer demographics, with the industry at large seeing an influx of young and culturally diverse enthusiasts coming to the fore — dynamics that have been manifest at Brown for decades.

House of Brown was established in 2018 to expand access to the Brown wine experience, then nearly 25 years strong. The label designs are an homage to the brand’s Feel Seen ethos, and to the sense of welcome and belonging that are hallmarks at Brown. Produced with the same commitment to purity and balance that is foundational to Brown Estate, House of Brown wines are regeneratively farmed, certified sustainable, and vegan-friendly.

House of Brown is 100% family-owned + 100% Black-owned, and the brand is women-led.

Memo Summary Notes

The House of Brown Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 is a relatively new addition to the "next-generation" lineup from the legendary Brown Estate—Napa Valley's first Black-owned estate winery. This Lodi bottling is designed to be inclusive, sustainable, and highly aromatic.

Highly versatile. It pairs excellently with Margherita pizza, grilled portobello mushrooms with balsamic glaze, Moroccan spiced lamb, or wild mushroom risotto.

Winemaker Description 

Bright soft-hued ruby. Delicately fruity on the nose reminiscent of cherry and toasted almonds, juicy on the palate, extremely “quaffable” and elegant on the
finish.

Memo Summary Notes

The Manincor "der Keil" Lago di Caldaro 2023 is a benchmark example of Schiava (also known as Vernatsch) from South Tyrol (Alto Adige), Italy. Produced by the Manincor estate—a leader in biodynamic and organic viticulture—this wine is sourced from the historical "der Keil" vineyard (a monopole), where old vines overlook the Lake of Kaltern.

It is often described as the perfect "bridge" wine for those who enjoy the elegance of Pinot Noir but want the crunchy, spicy character of northern Italy.

• Traditional Pairing: South Tyrolean Speck (cured ham) and local cheeses.

• Modern Pairing: It is one of the few reds that pairs beautifully with fried fish, tomato-based pasta, or even Cantonese cuisine.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

The 2023 vintage is receiving high praise for its focus and "crunchy" fruit:

• Decanter: 92 Points – "A lightly edgy nose of nutmeg-dusted red fruit... fleshy, balanced palate with juicy raspberry."

• Wine Enthusiast: 91 Points – "Tart cranberries, pomegranate, and red apple skin... delivers a fresh, lively wine with a peppery edge."

Winemaker Description 

GRAPES: Cinsault (100%). 

Cinsault has been farmed in the Bekaa Valley since the mid-19th century before ceding the way to new imported varieties. In 2014, Domaine des Tourelles decided to revive this grape by searching out very old Cinsault vines, over 50 years of age, and fermenting the wines in concrete tanks using wild yeasts and nothing else to offer the purest expression of that grape. The result is a supple wine that beautifully reflects the terroir of the Bekaa Valley, with an aging potential of several years.

Published by Jancis Robinson

There is not much I can say about Bekaa-born Faouzi Issa co-owner and winemaker of Domaine des Tourelles in the Bekaa Valley, that has not already been said by Jancis and Tam but in a week in which Lebanon has again been in the news because of death and destruction, I wanted to celebrate the life that continues to be created every year at Domaine des Tourelles in the most challenging circumstances imaginable. (See Michael Karam’s Lessons in wine-region survival.)

Issa told me on Wednesday that the nearest pager explosion to them was 1 km away from the winery.

In 2018, the year Domaine des Tourelles celebrated its 150th anniversary, Jancis’s articles Lebanon and the new Serge Hochar? and Lebanon’s oldest winery told of Issa’s journey into wine, via Bordeaux’s Château Margaux and René Rostaing in the Rhône, as well as giving a brief history of Domaine des Tourelles, Lebanese wine more generally and the arrival of Cinsault in the country in the 19th century along with Carignan and Grenache.

Tam continued the story in 2022 in more personal terms in Old-vine wines – part 1 Lebanon, describing Issa as ‘that mesmeric combination of scientist, engineer and romantic’, at the same time highlighting Issa’s commitment to old vines.

The first vintage of this wine was 2014, which was when Issa realised that the old vines offered something special and deserved to be bottled separately (they now have four wines in their Old Vine Collection). He explains, ‘Cinsault has been farmed in the Bekaa Valley since the mid 19th century before ceding the way to new imported varieties.’ For many a year, it was the most widely planted variety in the country but it is now much less popular than it once was.

Memo Serving Suggestions

Food Pairings: The perfect match for Levantine and Mediterranean cuisine. It pairs excellently with lamb chops, beef tagine, grilled vegetables (ratatouille), or a classic Mezze platter.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Vinous 92 Points | The 2023 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands) is a good bit lighter and brighter than last year, unsurprising given the conditions of this long, cool growing season. Layers of rose petal, sweet black cherry, asphalt, crushed rocks and blood orange unfurl in a nicely focused, elegant wine with sweet tannins and a sexy finish.

James Suckling 92 Points | A racy beam of acidity runs through raspberries, cranberries and red cherries. That mouthwatering fruit is wrapped up in anise, grilled sage and tilled earth. Balanced, rich and full of life. Drink or hold.

Winemaker Description 

Siituated just below premier cru Aux Argillas on the slope in northern Nuits-Saint-Georges, Les Bousselots provides an impressive showcase for the vigorous minerality typical of this village. Drag farms a half-hectare parcel of Bousselots that abuts the well-regarded premier cru Les Chaignots to its immediate north, and this bottling possesses a murmuring stony intensity which contrasts the often-floral character of its immediate neighbors. Notes of bright red fruits, warm leather, and dark dust orbit a core of iron-like mineral enormity, and its sinewy, densely concentrated palate promises plenty of positive evolution.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

James Suckling writes 93 Points | Hardcore Nuits-Saint-Georges! This has a massive tannin structure, but also good concentration on the full-bodied palate. This has been made for the long term, but the spicy complexity is already exciting, a touch of charcoal character at the long, roasted-meat finish. Best after 2026.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | The young, creamy and juicy 2019 Petra is pure Garnacha that fermented in concrete with indigenous yeasts and matured in well-seasoned, neutral oak barrels for 15 months, including malolactic. There is a lactic touch and some notes of cereals here that interferes a bit with the purity of Garnacha. It's medium-bodied and has moderate ripeness at 13.5% alcohol, revealing good freshness and acidity and a pH of 3.6.

The Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Deep garnet in color, this single-varietal Garnacha has a nose of black cherry, caramel and nutmeg. Bright fruit and soft baking spice flavors wrapped in silky tannins enliven the palate and drift into a cranberry and orange-zest finish.

Vinous 92 Points | The 2019 Petra de Valpiedra is 100% Garnacha sourced from a single vineyard next to the Ebro River, in the Cenicero area of Rioja Alta. Aged for 1nine months in American and French oak barrels, it displays a garnet hue and presents aromas reminiscent of liqueur, with hints of herbs and ash overlaying a fruit layer. On the palate, it is dry and edgy, with tannins that are fairly searing, leaving a lingering impression of balsamic notes.

James Suckling 92 Points | Aromas of baked raspberries and strawberries with spicy and earthy touches. Medium- to full-bodied with powdery tannins and a soft texture. Firm finish. Drink or hold.

Memo Summary Notes

The Finca Valpiedra Rioja Garnacha Petra de Valpiedra 2019 is a highly praised, single-varietal Garnacha (Grenache) from the Rioja Alta sub-region. It is part of a premium, limited-edition line from the respected Finca Valpiedra winery.

The 2019 vintage is noted for combining the power of Garnacha with great freshness and elegance, making it an excellent example of modern, high-quality Rioja.

The wine's silky texture and savory complexity make it versatile:

• Meat: Grilled lamb, roast duck, or white meats such as turkey and pheasant.

• Spanish Classics: Aged Manchego cheese.

• Other: Fish stews (like tuna marmitako), rice dishes, and mushroom risotto.

The Finca Valpiedra Rioja Garnacha Petra de Valpiedra 2019 is an outstanding example of premium, single-vineyard Garnacha from Rioja, praised for its elegance, freshness, and complexity.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

James Suckling 92 Points | Restrained and ambitiously structured, showing some roasted coffee beans, pine cones and sweet spices to the rich blackberries and cherries. Juicy and chewy on the palate with fine-grained tannins and a tight, lengthy finish. Drink from 2025.

Decanter 91 Points | Plummy fruit on the nose, with smoky bacon fat nuances and jammy fruit notes. Powerful and textural, long and pleasant.

Expert Reviews - VIntage 2022 

A deep ruby/magenta color, the 2022 Il Pino Di Biserno starts to show more mineral-inflected notes of graphite, preserved strawberries, blackberries, cocoa, and sweet herbs. Full-bodied, the palate expands with ripe tannins, even acidity, and darker mineral undercurrents, as well as a hint of gamey richness and notes of tea leaf through the mid-palate and rather long finish. Hold this one another couple of years and drink 2027-2040.: Audrey Frick - Jeb Dunnuck - 94 Points

A cedary twist to the typical notes of black olives, tobacco, paprika and black fruit. Medium- to full-bodied with prominent, fine-grained tannins and fruit. Long, demure and tight. Needs at least one more year to soften and open up. Drink from 2026."  Zekun Shuai - James-Suckling - 94 Points

The Tenuta di Biserno 2022 Il Pino di Biserno delivers a ripe fruit profile with blackberry confit and sweet cherry pie. Those warm vintage tones are followed by an ample use of oak that adds baking spice and toasted nutmeg. There is a hint of campfire ash or something blackened or toasted at the core of this full-bodied Tuscan blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Verdot. I pick up a note of dryness on the otherwise velvety tannins. Monica Larner - The Wine Advocate - 92 Points

Jezreel Valley Winery Alfa — Lower Galilee, Israel 2024

The Alfa is Jezreel Valley Winery's bold statement from the fertile Jezreel Valley in Lower Galilee — one of Israel's most talked-about boutique producers, based on Kibbutz Hanaton. A blend of Syrah, Argaman, and Cabernet Sauvignon, the Alfa is built for intensity and depth while remaining true to the Mediterranean terroir that defines this region. Jezreel has earned strong scores from critics including James Suckling and Decanter, and has become a fixture in top restaurants both domestically and internationally. At $24.99, it delivers excellent quality for the price. Kosher.

Bruised blackberry and cassis open on the nose alongside tangy red cherry and strawberry. On the palate, red fruit shines with velvety, persistent tannins that lay the groundwork for a long, satisfying finish. Rich, structured, and unmistakably Mediterranean — this is a wine that craves the table.

“Bruised blackberry and cassis aromas open on the nose along with tangy red cherry and strawberry. Red fruit shines on the palate while velvety, persistent tannins lay the groundwork for the long finish.” — Reggie Solomon, The Wine Enthusiast 91 Points (Prior Vintage - 2021).

• Producer: Jezreel Valley Winery, Kibbutz Hanaton, Lower Galilee, Israel
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Galilee, Israel
• Blend: Syrah, Argaman, Cabernet Sauvignon
• Certification: Kosher
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, cassis, red cherry, strawberry, velvety tannins, long finish
• Best Paired With: Steak, grilled meats, roasted mushrooms, lamb, hearty Mediterranean dishes

Bold, structured, and exceptional value — Jezreel's Alfa is the benchmark for what ambitious Kosher Israeli red wine can be.

Expert Reviews – Vintage 2021

Vinous 94 Points (Audrey Frick): Opens with rosemary, Mediterranean herbs, ripe cherries, and forest earth. Medium to full-bodied and classic in style, with well-defined tannins, bright acidity, and a long finish that keeps it fresh and balanced. Showing very well today and should drink beautifully over the next 15 years or more. Drink 2026–2041.

Winemaker Description

Le Ragnaie is perched at high elevation just south of the hill of Montalcino, led by Ricardo and Jennifer Campinoti. The estate produces some of the most compelling single-vineyard expressions of Brunello, with clarity, focus, and distinction between each cru. This 2021 is sourced from a selection of top vineyard sites, fermented in concrete with 35 days of skin contact, then aged three years in large Slavonian oak casks. Lifted aromas of dark cherry, ripe plum, and subtle spice, with a graceful, structured palate, fine-grained tannins, and a long, elegant finish.

Previous vintage (2020) earned 95pts Wine Advocate, 94pts Jeb Dunnuck, 93pts James Suckling & Vinous.

Pairing Suggestions

• Red Meat: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised short ribs, or lamb.
• Game: Wild boar, venison, or duck.
• Cheese: Aged Pecorino, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or Taleggio.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 97 Points | So pretty, charming and elegant, with floral aromas, light tannins and quiet vibrancy. Fresh raspberries, sour cherries, red cherries, rose petals and minerals give it complexity and appeal. Finesse, nerve and great balance. Drink now or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points | A bright red color, the 2023 Pinot Noir Roserock Zephirine offers focused and expressive notes of wild raspberries, framboise, rosy perfume, and sweet herbs. Medium-bodied, it has ripe tannins and an approachable feel, with its underlying mineral focus shining through the midpalate and finish. It’s delicious now but will only improve over the next 6-7 years and drink well over the coming 15 years.

Vinous 93 Points | The 2023 Pinot Noir Zéphirine wafts up with an understated blend of dried flowers, spiced citrus and wild strawberries. A stern mineral core and brisk acidity enliven the tart wild berry fruits. Youthful tension pinches at the cheeks, leaving angular tannins and admirable freshness.

Winemaker Description 

Fruit aromas follow into the palate with a fresh acidity balanced by a lot of baking spices and a chalky tannin structure. The finish is long and smoky with a note of black pepper.

Winemaker Description 

The wine has been crafted from grapes cultivated at La Planta estate, owned by Arzuaga Navarro’s family in Quintanilla de Onésimo, the heart of Ribera del Duero. The soil is clay-calcareous and the subsoil is pure limestone at one meter under the surface. The vineyard altitude is 911 meters above sea level. These specific conditions provide distinct features of the wine.

The wine boasts a deep violet red color. Clean and bright with a range of red fruits (raspberry and cherry) that dominate with a high aromatic intensity, joined by balsamic, cacao, coffee, and roasted tones. Fresh, elegant, easy, and balanced in the mouth with a lightly sweet, toasted, and pleasant aftertaste.

Dirk Niepoort Nat Cool Bairrada Tinto — Bairrada, Portugal 2024 | Organic | 1L

Nat Cool is the brainchild of Dirk Niepoort — one of Portugal's most visionary winemakers and the owner of the legendary Niepoort Wines and Ports. Created as a response to a market hungry for fun, easygoing, naturally-made wines for everyday drinking, Nat Cool began in the Bairrada appellation working with Baga, Portugal's indigenous and notoriously tannic red grape. Dirk found a way to coax something entirely different from it: fresh, light, glou-glou Baga with 12% alcohol, minimal sulfur, and zero pretension — bottled in a generous 1-liter format at a cool price.

The 2024 Tinto is organic, vibrant, and built for the table. Expect crunchy red fruit — cherry, cranberry, and wild strawberry — with earthy undertones, bright acidity, and silky, low-extraction tannins. Serve slightly chilled and drink freely.

• Producer: Dirk Niepoort / Nat Cool, Bairrada, Portugal
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Bairrada, Portugal
• Varietal: Baga
• Certification: Organic
• Style: Light-bodied, fresh, low-sulfur natural red
• Format: 1 Liter
• Best Paired With: Charcuterie, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, pizza, casual weeknight meals

The Nat Cool rules: Less is more. Cooler = less extraction. Authentic, cool attitude. One liter bottle. Cool price. The incredible lightness of being.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

Decanter 94 Points | Refined and elegant with dark cherry, raspberry and purple florals overlaid by wild herb and balsamic hints. Sapid, stony and bright with gentle power, fine structure and a quietly unfolding complexity.

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | From loess parcels, the 2021 Pinot Noir TS is from the Tschuppen. The purple-ruby colored wine opens with clear, fresh, well-defined cherry aromas with tart floral notes. Silky, fresh and elegant on the palate, this is a saline, tight and mineral, beautifully refreshing and tart-finishing Pinot Noir with tight but fine tannins and serious mineral acidity. From a remarkable terroir, this is a thirst-quenching Pinot of remarkable character, bone dry but irresistible. 12% stated alcohol. Tasted at the domaine in February 2024.

Importer Memo Notes 

Site: Tschuppen is a site at the top of the hill, loess over loam soils, vines are 12-20 years old.
Fermentation: Spontaneous  in stainless steel
Maceration: 6 Weeks on skins
Whole Cluster: 70% destemmed
Elevage: 2 years in large fuder, bottled without filtration

Winemaker Description

Nuanced, fruity taste with hints of barrels, wild raspberries, plums, nougat, blackberries, cedar, black tea, pepper and bay leaves.

Originally from Cádiz, the restless winemaker Verónica Ortega arrived in Bierzo after training for years with some of the greats, such as Álvaro Palacios and Daphne Glorian in Priorat, and Raúl Pérez in Bierzo.

She also worked at legendary Burgundy wineries, such as Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Domaine Combier in Crôzes-Hermitage. She eventually settled in Valtuille de Abajo, where she founded her own winery in 2010.

Verónica works five hectares of old vines, primarily planted with Mencía grapes using organic methods, with a touch of Palomino, Garnacha Tintorera, Merenzao, and Valenciana. In crafting her wines, Verónica Ortega seeks balance and transparency, aiming to express the most elegant side of Bierzo while preserving the character of the terroir.

Fresh, playful, and aged in clay amphorae, Quite is a light, juicy, and cheerful wine. It has a short aging period of 8 months. 

Wine Advocate 93 Points 2020 vintage.

Pre-Arrival - Expected date for delivery and/or pick up Thursday February 12, 2026

Expert Reviews

Isabel Ferrando’s reputation for outstanding wines has grown every vintage since her first release in 2003. As a woman owned business and winemaker, Isabel has built a tremendous reputation producing highly acclaimed wines. 

"Proprietress Isabel Ferrando has taken her Saint Prefert estate to France’s highest level, and she’s unquestionably making some of the most profound wines on earth today, including both reds and whites.”   —Wine Critic - Jeb Dunnuck

"Hard work. Subtle tweaks. Responsible farming. An uncompromising dedication to quality. Isabel Ferrando keeps doing things the right way, and her wines are dramatic proof.” —James Molesworth, Wine Spectator.

"one thing that remains constant is the incredible quality that continues to emerge from this talented winemaker.” Jeb Dunuck. 

The Wine Spectator 95 Points | A perfumed, elegant and complex version, with inviting, high-toned notes of red currant and cherry draped with warm licorice. The palate starts out supple, then solid ballasts of graphite and fine tannins firm everything up for a fresh, focused finish that wafts with smoked sandalwood. Brown bread, cinnamon and nutmeg add complexity, with penetrating mineral depth. Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvèdre.