Red Wine

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 90 Points | Brimming with red fruit aromas, with notes of spices and dried herbs including laurel. Rich and fleshy, but with healthy tannins and an excellent freshness that drives the very harmonious finish. This producer’s biggest wine is a blend of wines from the left and right banks of the Rhone. Roughly 50-50 grenache and syrah. Drink now.

Winemaker Description

An intense wine with blackcurrant and raspberry notes complemented by notes of white pepper. Powerful and fruity on the palate with lovely roasted notes, and silky, delicate tannins.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Vinous 94 Points | The 2022 Côte de Baleau has an expressive nose with clean and precise blackberry, graphite, pressed violet and iris scents. The palate is medium-bodied with a little more flesh than the Poujeaux. It's crisp, focused and mineral-driven, with plenty of energy on the finish derived from the limestone part of the vineyard. This is superb.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points | Made from 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc aged 25% new oak, the 2022 Château Cote De Baleau has a deep ruby/purple hue as well as a brilliant nose of smoky red and black fruits, spring flowers, graphite, and crushed stone. I love its overall purity, and it's medium to full-bodied and has a silky, elegant mouthfeel, gorgeous tannins, and a great finish.

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | This is stylish, with a core of mulled black cherry and black currant fruit that glides through, laced with chestnut, violet and alder hints, all backed by a tug of warm earth on the lengthy finish. Solid. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2027 through 2038. 4,500 cases made.

James Suckling 93 Points | Very elegant with blackberries, black olives, spice and a hint of cedar on both the nose and palate. It's medium-bodied with well-integrated tannins that provide both length and beauty. Hard not to drink now. A blend 90% merlot and 10% cabernet franc. Try after 2028.

Decanter 93 Points | RIpe blackcurrants and soft scents of vanilla and clove on the nose. Juicy and lively with lovely crushed stone, powdery mineral tannins that support the fruit and don't overwhelm. This has a vein of spice running all the way through that gives a nice counter to the fruit and high acidity. It feels well worked with purity and precision. Really easy to enjoy with subtle power and lots of life.

Memo Summary Notes

The Château Côte de Baleau 2022 is a standout Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé that has gained significant traction since its acquisition by the Cuvelier family (who also own the prestigious Clos Fourtet). The 2022 vintage is particularly lauded by critics as a "best value" of the year, offering high-level Bordeaux elegance without the typical triple-digit price tag.

Classic Right Bank pairings work best—think grilled lamb chops with rosemary, beef tenderloin, or earthy mushroom dishes.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 91 Points | Bright raspberries and dark cherries make a great combo in this full-bodied yet lively and well-balanced wine. Mild tannins and good acidity give some lift to the generous fruit flavors, while notes of star anise and cedar add complexity.

Winemaker Description

An undeniably juicy Pinot Noir that bursts with cherries, raspberries and a touch of cassis. Rich flavors of fresh fruit join with soft oak to create a beautifully long, smooth finish filled with sweet vanilla.

This wine goes well with roasted mushrooms, duck breast and dog-earing another page in your favorite book.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Vinous by Eric Guido writes 90 Points | The 2022 Etna Rosso wafts up with a perfumed blend of rosy florals and hints of juniper berry. This is vividly fruit-focused, with a wave of ripe wild berries and sweet spices that flow across a stream of brisk acidity. It leaves a staining of primary concentration and mildly grippy tannins to resonate as violet inner florals slowly fade. While more extroverted than expected, the 2022 is a total pleasure to taste and maintains fantastic balance. 

Winemaker Notes

Benanti Etna Rosso is pale ruby red in color. The bouquet is ethereal and intense, with spicy red fruit aromas. Well balanced and medium-bodied, with a mineral-rich complexity, pleasant acidity and a saline freshness on the long and lively finish.

A versatile wine that can be paired with red meats and cheeses but also with fish or white meats. Very suitable for by-the-glass consumption.

Our Professional Review

This beautifully crafted Super Tuscan will impress everyone at the table with its succulent fruit, plush texture and savory complexity. Aromas of cherries, plums and blackberries on the nose with some lovely spice and floral notes. Full and robust in the mouth with ripe tannins and terrific balance, this delicious red will grace the table with flavor and food friendly panache. - Bart, 67 Wine Buyer

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 91 Points | Aromas of ripe dark berries, plum skin and blueberry jam with hints of blue flowers, dried oranges, spices and cedar. Juicy and tense on the palate, with firm tannins and impressive fruit concentration. Succulent and easy to drink. Drink now or hold.

Vinous Media 90 Points | The 2022 Le Sughere di Frassinello is bold, racy and super-expressive right out of the gate. Black cherry, spice, leather and a kiss of French oak open first. This aromatic, inviting coastal red has so much to offer in its engaging personality. 

Winemaker Description 

Deep ruby color, with a broad bouquet of red fruits. It has great substance in the mouth, with soft and round tannins and a long and enveloping finish.

It pairs well with full-flavored pasta and rice dishes, and game such as deer, wild boar, hare. Also recommended with birds such as wild duck.

Expert Reviews- Vintage 2023

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | For the first time, the 2023 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley from Résonance is made entirely from estate fruit. Matured for 17 months in 30% new French oak, it has pure scents of pomegranate, burnt orange peel, pepper, mossy bark and mushrooms. The medium-bodied palate is elegantly styled with layers of earth-laced fruit and seamless oak integration. It’s framed by velvety tannins and bright acidity and has a long, layered finish.

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | An elegantly structured red, with vibrant cherry and pomegranate flavors laced with black tea and forest floor tones that build tension toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2033. 

James Suckling 92 Points | The French-owned winery’s most widely available pinot noir is fragrant in rose petals, cedar and potpourri, then delicious black and blue fruit flavors on a medium body. Moderate tannins and a cool, balanced texture carry the flavors to a lingering finish.

Memo Summary Notes

The Resonance "Louis Jadot Estates" Pinot Noir 2023 is a landmark wine representing the first venture of the legendary Burgundian house, Maison Louis Jadot, outside of France. It is widely praised for bringing a "Burgundian soul" to Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

Produced by the Résonance team, led by Guillaume Large and the legendary "retired" Jadot winemaker Jacques Lardière.

Pairs exquisitely with pan-seared duck breast with cherry sauce, roasted veal, mushroom risotto, or grilled salmon.

Winemaker Description

The 2023 Acrobat Pinot Noir is an instant classic. Textbook cool-climate Pinot characteristics of bing cherry, raspberry, plum, and damp earth aromas are met with touches of cinnamon and mocha. The juicy palate displays red fruit and fine-grained tannins with a pop of acidity adding balance and freshness.

Pair with veggie pizza, hummus and pita, or stuffed mushrooms.

At Acrobat, winemaking is guided by sustainability and simplicity—values reflected in both our vineyard partnerships and production practices. Every bottle is a testament to the balance between responsible farming, artful blending, and a desire to bring people together through accessibly elegant wine.

Acrobat wines are sourced from a spectrum of Oregon vineyards, spanning the three classic Western AVA’s – Willamette Valley, Umpqua Valley and Rogue Valley. Grower relationships are what make Acrobat wines so deliciously consistent each vintage. We are honored to work with such marquee vineyard sites. Each vineyard and AVA have distinct characteristics and provide their own flavor. This diverse geographical selection was done by design, giving Acrobat wines a balanced flavor profile of the state of Oregon.

Memo Summary Notes

Vintage Note: 2023 was one of the warmest and earliest seasons on record in Oregon. Despite a slow start, rapid growth in late spring led to outstanding fruit quality with balanced acidity.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

James Suckling 92 Points | Dark spices, blackberries, warm stones and hints of black vanilla, walnut and oyster sauce. Tannins are tight and chewy on the medium- to full-bodied palate and need some time to soften. Better in 2025 but already delicious.

The Wine Advocate 91 Points | The 2020 de Bel-Air has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and pretty notes of crushed raspberries and blackberries, kirsch and lavender, plus wafts of fallen leaves, wild mushrooms and damp soil. Medium-bodied, the palate is delicately styled with loads of savory characters intertwined with red and black berries layers, framed by soft tannins and just enough freshness, finishing on an earthy note.

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | Another terrific wine in the vintage, the 2020 Château Bel-Air Cuvée Jean & Gabriel checks in as equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc raised in one-third new French oak. Redcurrants, sandalwood, cherries, and leafy herbs all define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied, with a seamless, balanced mouthfeel and outstanding length. It's well worth seeking out and has 8-10 years of prime drinking ahead of it.

Winemaker Description

Cherry mixed with raspberries put together in a medium to full-bodied well made Cotes-du-Rhone. A sweet touch of licorice enhance the beautiful palate. A mouth-filling wine in a pure Rhône style.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2023 Maison Barelle Côtes du Rhône is a quintessential Southern Rhône red that emphasizes fruit-forward "gulpability" and value. This vintage benefits from the region's 2023 conditions, which favored freshness and approachability over heavy extraction.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | The 2023 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills is a terrific base appellation release, with redcurrants, framboise, peppery herbs, and floral nuances on the nose. Medium-bodied, pure, supple, and well-structured on the palate, it has integrated acidity and ripe, polished tannins. Fermented with 40% whole cluster and aged in neutral wood, it’s beautifully done and worth a case purchase.

The Wine Advocate 92+ Points | Tasted just three weeks after its bottling, the 2023 Pinot Noir Estate is already showing beautifully. The nose presents powerful dark fruit and citrus peel aromas with spry energy, notes that are mirrored on the silky, refined palate. It finishes with a lovely balance between saturated fruits and a powdery, subtly drying structure. I look forward to checking back on this after a bit more time in bottle

The Wine Spectator 90 Points | Brisk and fresh, with pine and savory notes peeking out from a core of strawberry and raspberry coulis. The finish is light-bodied but sleek. Drink now through 2027. 6,066 cases made.

Memo Pairing Suggestions

Serving & Pairing

• Food Pairings: Its high acidity and savory notes make it versatile. It pairs well with mushroom risotto, grilled pork chops, or even a tuna poke bowl.

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins of 67Wine.com | Made from organically grown grapes and vegan friendly, this dark, juicy, easy drinking Nero d’Avola is uncomplicated, packed with flavor, and irresistibly delicious. Plump and round in the mouth with blackberry, plum and raspberry fruit at its core with silky tannins and a velvety rich texture. An affordable indulgence for any meal, this is an ideal partner to pasta in tomato sauce and hearty pizza.

Winemaker Description

Deep purple red color. The nose reveals intense fruity notes of blackberry and blueberry compote, together with smoky and spicy notes. On the palate it is extraordinarily round and complete, with a natural and effortless balance of tannin and acidity, structure and length.

Purato’s environmental commitment extends into the winery. Purato uses eco-friendly packaging, made from recycled paper, pure vegetable ink on the labels and 85% recycled glass for the bottle.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

James Suckling 91 Points | Notes of spiced cherries, spices, and dried citrus peel, with fine tannins and a fine finish.

Winemaker Description

Dark ruby in color, its bouquet of leather, earth, herbs, black cherries, licorice and plums is confirmed on the medium to full-bodied palate - round, spicy, elegant, attractively fruity and extremely versatile.

Memo Summary Notes

That is a well-known and consistently excellent value Tuscan red! The Monte Antico Rosso Toscana IGT 2020 is an approachable blend that captures the spirit of the region.

This is a versatile red wine designed for the table. It pairs beautifully with classic Tuscan fare:

• Pasta: Hearty sauces like Ragù (meat sauce) or mushroom pasta.

• Pizza: Especially those with meat or robust toppings.

• Meats: Grilled sausages, pork chops, or simple steaks.

Winemaker Description

Cora is an exciting proprietary label made for David Bowler Wine with fruit sourced from vineyards in the Abruzzo region of Italy. These are great value wines that are fresh, fun, and uncomplicated, yet satisfy our exacting standards.

Expert Review

Bart Hopkins 67Wine.com | A lighter, brighter snappier rendition of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo that offers easy, uncomplicated sipping and food friendliness. Brambly aromas of cranberry, strawberry blossoms, red apple skin and rose petals are accented with spicy notes of nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon stick. Crisp and juicy in the mouth with good acidity keeping it lively and agile and moderate tannins that drive it energetically into the finish. A great wine for pizza and pasta, and just about anything else.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 95 Points | A youthful wine full of fruit, showing intense fresh roses, black cherries and plums. The generous nose is supported by a lush, supple palate with medium body. Velvety tannins with a chalkier finish and refreshing length. 

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Full of savory, umami flavors, this red evokes earth, leather, sweet spice, cherry, plum and Szechuan peppercorn notes. Firm and dry, with broad tannins and a lingering kernel of cherry. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2027 through 2040. 

Winemaker Description - Vintage 2022 

Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2022 is intensely ruby red in color. Impressive on the nose with intense notes of black cherries, delicate floral hints of violets and rose petals that lead over to notes of vanilla and cocoa powder. Entry on the palate is mouth filling and lively then unfolds with great balance revealing supple vibrant tannins that accompany and sustain a long, sapid and persistent finish.

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2020

James Sucking 94 Points: A discrete and savory nose of blackcurrants, tobacco leaves, coffee beans and dried herbs. The palate is full-bodied with silky tannins, bright acidity and notes of dark cherries, olives and beets. A blend of 83% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot, 6% petit verdot and 1% malbec. A well-balanced wine that will age gracefully. Drink or hold.

Wine Enthusiast 92 points: The expressive nose of this wine gives aromas of black currant, plum and tobacco, with just a whisper of capsicum. The palate displays vibrant cranberry, black cherry, cigar and black pepper flavors in a medium-bodied frame.

Winemaker Notes:

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

The Wine Advocate 92+ Points | The young and juicy varietal 2024 Garnacha was produced with grapes from different villages—Corella, Cintruénigo, Fitero and Lerga, that last one included since 2020—from a cooler place that adds lower pH, more freshness and complexity to the blend. It was a low-yielding year but with more rain. They did a soft extraction in stainless steel using 10% full clusters and indigenous yeasts, achieving a wine with moderate alcohol (13.38%), good freshness (pH 3.39) and 5.4 grams of acidity. It's very primary and fruit-driven with tons of aromatic herbs, juicy, clean and easy to drink, very pleasant, with an extra spark of freshness. 

VInous 90 Points | The 2024 Garnacha Tinta Viña Zorzal is a blend from multiple villages in Navarra. The intensely fruity, expressive nose presents notes of sour cherry, raspberry and rose alongside sanguine undertones. The texture has grip, with fine, reactive tannins and a lingering reductive note that highlights the fruit. Juicy and savory—this is Garnacha made in a distinctly Navarra style. 

Winemaker Description

100% Garnacha from different plots in the Fitero village. Spontaneous fermentation in tank.

Memo Summary Notes

The Viña Zorzal Garnacha 2024 from Navarra, Spain, is widely celebrated as one of the best "bang-for-your-buck" red wines in the world. Produced by the Sanz brothers, it focuses on old-vine Garnacha (Grenache) and minimal intervention to showcase a pure, crunchy, and vibrant fruit profile.

Pairing: Its high acidity and low tannin make it perfect for tapas (chorizo, olives, manchego), wood-fired pizza, or even grilled salmon.

Winemaker Description

Hinia takes its name from the fossilized shells found in the soil from a time when the whole region was under the sea. This is a typical, classic, Rioja blend — fresh and smooth with well-balanced acidity and tannins. It has an intense cherry red colour with notes of ripe black fruit, an elegant range of balsamic notes with tobacco leaves, caramel, vanilla and chocolate. Aged for 36 months in American oak, alcoholic and malolactic fermentation took place naturally. A homage to the refined classic wines from Haro.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2012 

96 Points Decanter | Classic and delicious showing tertiary notes of cigar box, incense, old leather, cigar box and tomato leaf. The palate is silky with well-handled oak, a vibrant rail of fresh acidity and mellow, integrated tannins. Complex wine and very representative of classic Rioja.  Gold, Olivia Mason, Decanter World Wine Awards. (2012). 

Tim Atkin 92 Points |  Hinia is a new Reserva brand from the under-rated Martínez Lacuesta operation that’s still impressively fresh and lively for a 2012 red. Partnering Tempranillo with 10% Graciano and 5% Mazuelo, it’s a nice cross over between a modern and traditional style, with balsamic American oak sweetness, bright acidity and good focus and minerality. 2023-29. Tim Atkin’s Rioja Report 2023. (2012). 

Winemaker Description

Lovely dark fruit aromas waft from the glass with notes of spice and eucalyptus. Blackberry, raspberry and boysenberry flavors are accentuated by hints of vanilla, espresso and baker’s chocolate. The finish is round and supple. 

Memo Summary Notes

The 2024 DeLoach Heritage Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is an approachable, fruit-forward red wine from California’s Central Valley and Lodi regions. It is well-regarded as a high-value, sustainable "daily drinker.

Winemaker Description 

Grifi is born from two late-ripening grape varieties, one Italian, the other French. An incredible blend where the freshness of Sangiovese blends perfectly with the backbone of Cabernet Sauvignon. The Sangiovese is sourced from our vineyards in Montepulciano, which produce a spicy, elegant wine, and the Cabernet Sauvignon comes from our plots in Cortona and Montepulciano, lending tannins and structure to the wine. To facilitate the encounter of these two varieties, the grapes are harvested and fermented together.

The blending of two such different personalities as Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon come together to give this wine its unique character. Dark ruby red in color with purple hues. The nose opens with hints of blueberries, blackberries and incense, moving on to graphite and vanilla nuances. In the mouth it is dense, broad and complex with hints of plum and blueberry. It then evolves into a balsamic and spicy explosion supported by good acidity. The lively tannin on the whole palate accompanies the savory and persistent finish.

Certified organic and Biodynamic.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

James Suckling 94 Points | A linear and tight red with very fine, firm and polished tannins. They nicely frame the wine and give a savory and almost salty undertone. Currants and cherries with some orange peel notes. Just a hint of tomato leaves. Medium chewy. 65% cabernet sauvignon and 35% sangiovese. From biodynamically grown grapes.

Vinous 93 Points | The 2021 Grifi is understated and coy, slowly evolving with rose petal, dusty dried strawberry and sweet smoke aromas. This is silken in feel with a peppery tinge and polished red berry fruit notes that swirl beneath an air of violet inner florals. A liquid botanical concentration lingers as the 2021 finishes with crunchy tannins and staining of primary concentration. It tapers off with incredible length yet is also balanced. Lose this youthful beauty in the cellar.

Winemaker Description

This tried-and-true Cabernet has been a dinner table staple for more than 40 years. A rich ruby hue fills the glass along with aromas of fresh vanilla, lush red fruit and herbaceous nuances. On the palate, bright cherry notes mingle with warm cocoa and sweet oak. The finish is unbelievably smooth with soft, gorgeous tannins. 

Memo Summary Notes

That is a great choice! The Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2023 is an extremely popular and dependable wine from the Hope Family Wines portfolio, known for being an excellent value.

This is a very versatile wine that pairs well with classic American comfort foods:

• Grilled Steaks and Burgers

• Red Sauce Pasta Dishes

• Lamb

• Hard Cheeses

Our Notes

"One of my favorite great value reds! Velvety textured with delicious flavors of blackberry, plum and strawberry with savory spice and aromatic herbs. Medium to full bodied with supple tannins that provide lift and structure.  Great for pizza, pasta and any midweek excursion."
Bart Hopkins

Winery Notes

Intense, dark ruby red. On the nose, notes of black fruit, strawberries, flowers and herbs. Dry and full-bodied on the palate.

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins of 67Wine.com writes | Blended with a small amount of Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah, and Petite Sirah, Oberon Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is darkly colored with aromas and flavors of lush blackberries, black cherries, mocha, dark chocolate and baking spices. Silky sweet tannins lead to a long and delicious finish.

Winemaker Description 

To create this Cabernet Sauvignon, Oberon sourced grapes from throughout Napa's finest winegrowing regions, including Oakville, Oak Knoll, Yountville, Suscol Ridge, Chiles Valley, Pope Valley and Capell Valley.

By layering fruit from Napa's sparse volcanic soils and the deeper alluvial soils of the valley floor, Oberon accomplished their goal of marrying many different expressions into one outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon that boasts a beautifully seamless mouthfeel and rich, complex texture and flavors.

Memo Summary Notes

The Oberon Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 is a classic Napa Valley staple from the Michael Mondavi family. Winemaker Tony Coltrin sources fruit from premium Napa sub-regions—including Oakville, Oak Knoll, and Yountville—to create a "seamless" style that balances the structure of volcanic soils with the lush fruit of the valley floor.

The 2023 vintage in Napa was characterized by an exceptionally long, cool growing season, which resulted in highly concentrated fruit and a more "elegant" balance than the hotter preceding years.

Grilled Meats: A classic partner for ribeye steak, lamb chops, or duck breast with a berry reduction. 

Grilled Meats: A classic partner for ribeye steak, lamb chops, or duck breast with a berry reduction. 

Grilled Meats: A classic partner for ribeye steak, lamb chops, or duck breast with a berry reduction.

Winemaker Description 

Apothic Red was aged on different types of oak to encourage notes of vanilla, mocha and toffee in this unique blend.

Apothic Red reveals intense fruit aromas and flavors of rhubarb and black cherry, complemented by hints of mocha, chocolate, brown spice and vanilla. The plush, velvety mouthfeel and the smooth finish round out this intriguing, full-bodied red blend.

Winemaker Description

Broad, ripe black fruit and spice aromas, with notes of pepper, toasty vanilla and Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, the wine has a robust, concentrated character, a firm structure, and small black fruit and licorice notes on the aftertaste.

“Piluna” translates into “pot of clay” or an ancient container used to store water or wine.

Terroir: This 100% Primitivo is grown from vineyards surrounding the ancient Castello Monaci estate. Soils are a blend of dry clay, volcanic gravel and limestone. Vines are forced deep in search of water, leading to low yields and rich, fragrant wines.

Vinification: Harvest is done by hand prior to dawn to preserve sugar levels and avoid the hot sunlight. The grapes are vinified in small stainless steel tanks prior to 6 months of aging in 75% stainless steel and 25% 2nd and 3rd use French oak. 300,000 bottles produced. 

Expert Rating - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 90 Points | Sour cherries, sultanas, dried oranges and sweet spices on the nose, followed by a medium- to full-bodied, jammy and lightly sweet-sour palate. Ripe tannins. 

Winemaker Description

19 Crimes The Uprising is a red wine from Australia that has been aged for 30 days in rum barrels. It is made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and has a dark color with jammy berry flavors and a smoky finish. It has notes of mocha, caramel, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Intensely rich with a jammy finish.

The 19 crimes turned convicts into colonists. Upon conviction, British rogues guilty of one of the 19 crimes were sentenced to live in Australia, over penalty of death. For those rough-hewn prisoners who survived the treacherous journey at seas, they forged a new country and life as pioneers in a new frontier. Today 19 Crimes celebrates nonconformists and those rule breakers who challenge the status quo.

Expert Review

100% Tempranillo. Red berries, plums and vanilla. Medium-bodied with good consistency on the palate. Very pleasant finish. 

- Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67 Wine Buyer

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Spectator 90 Points | Black cherry and plum fruit signals this rich, round red. Boysenberry, eucalyptus and lavender notes chime in as this remains focused on the long finish. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2027. 

Winemaker Description 

The charm of Mongrana does not take long to reveal. Well-defined aromas of ripe fruit, morello cherry, blackberry and blueberry jump out of the glass, anticipating a complex bouquet of kirsch, ivy, and pine needles, enriched by a touch of licorice. On the palate, it offers a juicy, fresh sip with soft tannins. The long finale is savory, with a mineral note that persists in the mouth.

Like the untamed nature of Maremma, Mongrana is vibrant and intense, a charming red wine to drink on its own, or pair easily with a variety of flavors.

Blend: 50% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

The Wine Advocate by Monica Larner writes 95+ Points | This wine gives us our first taste of the epic 2021 vintage from a producer as prolific as Produttori del Barbaresco. Bottled in April 2024, this vintage shows the immense power and complexity that likens it to 2016, another year for collectors. The 2021 Barbaresco offers medium-rich density that is transmitted both to the wine's appearance and its mouthfeel. There is black fruit, spice and a touch of nutmeg. However, the wine maintains its youthful tension and energy throughout. The tannins are chalky, fine and void of any bitterness. This is a classical expression of Nebbiolo that gives us good reason to be excited for the upcoming 2021 Barbaresco Riservas. 

Winemaker Descripption

Classic Barbaresco color with scents of spices, pepper and black cherries. Powerful, firm, elegant and ethereal.

Pair with fresh pasta, meat dishes, particularly lamb and feathered game and mild cheeses.

Expert Rating

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | This cru bourgeois estate has produced a generously rich wine. Dense tannins and balanced acidity come from a texture that offers dusty tannins and ripe blackberry fruits. Drink from 2021

Winemaker Description

Deep red berry aromas underscored by black pepper, crushed herbs, and licorice. Lean and elegant on the palate with lovely red currant flavors. Very fine tannins, but pleasingly chewy and some spice on the finish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points | The 2023 Pinot Noir is seamless and supple in vanilla, dark cherry, and a twist of earthy forest, sourced from several vineyards in San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara. Long lasting, fresh, and approachable, it has full-bodied weight and breadth supported by supple tannins and spiced oak.

Winemaker Description 

This beautifully lush and supple Pinot Noir draws you in with inviting aromas of raspberry, dark cherry, dried sage and sweet tobacco leaf. On the palate, soft, supple tannins frame alluring layers of wild strawberry and Bing cherry, with hints of cracked black pepper and spice emerging on a long, satisfying finish.

Winemaker Description

This is a beautifully complex wine with elegant fruit and structure. Classic Pinot Noir aromas and flavors of dark fruit – black raspberry, marionberry, blueberry and ripe dark cherry – are joined by accents of black tea, clove, vanilla, toast, orange zest and forest floor. Supple tannins and bright acidity on the palate lead to a coating finish with lingering spiciness.

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2023

Memo Summary Notes

The King Estate Pinot Noir 2023 is a benchmark Oregon wine, known for its consistency and "classic" Willamette Valley profile. King Estate is one of the largest organic vineyards in the world, and this flagship bottling reflects that clean, biodynamic approach

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Vinous 90 Points | The 2023 Barbera d'Asti Ca' di Pian is soft, supple and delicious. A burst of blueberry, black cherry, spice, lavender, menthol and chocolate gives the 2023 tons of immediacy and sheer appeal. This is an especially fine edition of La Spinetta's entry-level Barbera. Best of all, this is a terrific value."

Winemaker Description 

Cà di Pian is a Barbera with an unmistakable character. There are intense aromas of blackberry and morello cherries. This wine is truly captivating, yet it remains fresh and extremely versatile. 

Memo Summary Notes

La Spinetta Barbera d'Asti Superiore "Ca' di Pian" 2023 is a red wine from Piedmont with great character, produced with 100% Barbera grapes from vineyards in Castagnole delle Lanze and Costigliole d'Asti. The 2023 vintage confirms the winery's commitment to organic farming and the unmistakable style of Giorgio Rivetti.

Pairing suggestions: Extremely versatile. It pairs perfectly with appetizers of cured meats and soft cheeses, first courses with meat sauces (such as Piedmontese agnolotti), roast veal, and grilled meats.

Our Professional Review

Why Oscar chose this red Bordeaux -  "Drinks above its price tag! There’s a medley of secondary and even tertiary aromas and flavors in this wine that always fits the bill for a laid-back Sunday Supper."

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Roger Voss of the Wine Enthusiast writes 91 Points : Soft and velvety in texture, this wine is full of ripe fruit. Cushioned by the texture, the tannins are dense enough to promise aging to this wine with potential. Drink from 2024.

James Suckling writes 91 Points :  Aromas of berries and mushrooms with some fresh herbs. Some currants, too. Medium body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. 75% merlot, 23% cabernet franc and 2% malbec. Very drinkable now, but will age beautifully. Best after 2023.  

Neal Martin of Vinous writes:  The 2019 Château de Pitray has an old school bouquet with blackberry and light marine scents, a touch of Japanese nori. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, soft tannins. The acidity is nicely judged and whilst not complex, it is a Pitray that has charm and drinkability.  

Winemaker Notes

Expert Review

James Suckling writes:  Dark cherries, cassis, dry earth and baking spices on the nose follow through to a medium body with creamy tannins and texture. Well-balanced with a creamy core of berries and a delicious finish. Syrah, grenache and carignan. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.  - James Suckling 91

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2022 Guilhem is airy and breezy, with the grace that makes it a real charmer. This pale-colored, beautifully textured Rosé is impeccable in its balance. Pretty floral notes fill out the mid-palate effortlessly. Despite its light color, the 2022 offers plenty of depth and tons of stylish appeal.  - Vinous 90

35% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 30% Carignan

Winemaker Description

The nose of this Chateau Prieure de Beyzac red is complex with aromas of black fruits and woody and spicy notes. On the palate, the expression is harmonious and balanced with ripe fruit and a toasted side. Its silky tannins make it the perfect expression of the spirit of the Crus Bourgeois! 

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2018

Neal Martin of Vinous 92 Points writes:  The 2018 Prieuré de Beyzac has a really lovely bouquet of perfumed red cherries and wild strawberry and well integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, pinpoint acidity and great precision toward the finish. This is one of the outstanding Cru Bourgeois of the vintage. Absolutely superb.  Drinking 2023 - 2035.

James Suckling 91 Points writes:  Aromas of stewed blackberries, dried violets, walnuts and dark chocolate. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, chalky tannins. Chewy and structured. Try from 2023.

Georgina Hindle of Decanter 92 Points writes:  Sweet red cherry and vanilla nose. It's forward and has energy, tannic weight, freshness and very glossy fruit and oak on the palate. Drinking 2023 - 2030. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 91 Points | Spicy ripe berries, chocolate and hints of walnuts and dry soil. Medium-bodied with vivid, fleshy fruit, framed with firm, dusty tannins. Focused and tense

Winemaker Description

This wine's ripe, dark-skinned fruit, culinary spice and new leather scents lead the way, along with a menthol note. The firmly structured, chewy palate offers dried Morello cherry, raspberry jam, licorice and espresso flavors alongside fine-grained tannins. Pair with pasta and beans, risotto with porcini mushrooms, chicken chasseur.