Red Wine

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Lapilli wines come from the Avellino Province of Campagnia of Southern Italy. The volcanic layers of soil help to create stunning mineral-driven and memorable wines. The indigenous varietals here have had thousands of years of adaption, finding balance in volcanic soils, high altitudes and cooling Mediterranean breezes.

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A full-bodied blend with succulent notes of black fruit, our Grandeur Red Blend is sophistication at its purest. Indulge in aromas of tart blackberry, elderberry, and juicy plum, while warm hints of ripe fig and vanilla bean waft from the glass. Structured tannins bring balance to the sumptuous fruit of the blend and complement the lingering sweetness from French oak. Pour it as you pull dinner off the grill and savor long into the evening.

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Winemaker Description 

This rich and aromatic wine features notes of black fruit, black pepper, dark chocolate, dried flowers, and minerals. It has a compact structure with a velvety texture and a distinct acidic tone Type of soil. 

Grapes are harvested from several vineyards in the Judean mountains, 900 meters above sea level.

Winemaker Description 

An organic wine born in Priorat with its own personality Gratavinum GV5 is born from the Cusine family´s desire to make quality wines in the well reputed region of Priorat, bringing together the special terroir and their passion for wine. Their philosophy is based on respect for the environment, passion for nature and the enjoyment of making this exciting project succeed.

With GV5 we strive to produce a unique wine with personality; a balanced, elegant, fine and fruity wine combined with the minerals and touch of the terroir of Priorat.

Tenuta dell'Ornellaia | Masseto 2017 | Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy

Masseto 2017 is a monument to Merlot — born from a single triangular plot of blue clay soils at the foot of the Tuscan hills, just a breath from the Tyrrhenian Sea. The 2017 vintage, warm and sun-drenched, yielded smaller, more concentrated berries that translate into a wine of extraordinary depth and presence. Fermented in a combination of steel and oak tanks, then aged 24 months in new French barriques and a further 12 months in bottle before release.

The color is near-opaque, a deep inky ruby-black. On the nose, rich layers of concentrated black cherry, blackcurrant, and plum are interlaced with lavender, spice, liquorice, and a whisper of macchia mediterranea. The palate is full-bodied and velvety, with densely knit tannins that carry the wine's considerable weight with remarkable grace. A vibrant thread of acidity runs through the finish, lending freshness and focus to what is ultimately a wine of immense power and elegance. Best from 2025 through 2045+.

"Strength with finesse."

• Grape: 100% Merlot
• Appellation: Bolgheri DOC, Tuscany
• Aging: 24 months new French oak barriques + 12 months bottle
• Alcohol: 15.5%
• Drinking Window: 2025–2045+

Critical Acclaim:

• James Suckling — 98 Points
• Decanter Magazine — 97 Points
• The Wine Advocate — 97 Points
• Jeb Dunnuck — 96 Points
• Wine Spectator — 95 Points

Producer Description 

Our GOTT 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon offers aromas of black cherry, blackberry, black currant, and cocoa, with subtle notes of cedar and sweet tobacco. On the palate, rich dark fruit flavors lead to complex, well-structured tannins on the mid-palate and are balanced by a long, elegant finish with delicate hints of dried herbs.

Memo Summary Notes

• Complex bouquet of dark red and blue fruits (black cherry, black raspberry), floral notes (violets, potpourri), and earthy/mineral undertones.

• Palate: Full-bodied for a Beaujolais, with a seamless texture and a fleshy, concentrated core of fruit. Expect good acidity, subtle spice, and a tactile, mineral-driven finish. It has the structure to age for several years.

From over 50-year-old southwest-facing vines on sandy, granitic soils, La Croix des Rameaux is a rich and elegant Gamay made with close attention paid to managing extraction, so the wine maintains lift and energy.

Pair with

• Roast chicken or turkey (especially with herbs).

• Rich Dishes: Beef bourguignon, a savory mushroom risotto, or a hearty stew.

• Meats: Cured meats, lamb tongue, or any roast white meat.

• Casual: Gourmet pizza or dishes with red sauce.

The Prisoner Pinot Noir | Sonoma Coast | 2022 | 750ml | California, USA

Redefining taste once again, this Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a masterful blend from two of California's most celebrated AVAs — Russian River Valley and Petaluma Gap. Russian River's diverse terroir contributes a wide range of styles, while the cool, foggy climate of the Petaluma Gap lends a distinctive coastal minerality.

• Winery: The Prisoner Wine Company
• Origin: Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2022
• AVAs: Russian River Valley & Petaluma Gap

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Ripe cranberry and dried black cherry with early floral notes and hints of mocha, chai, and leather
• Palate: Luxurious mouthfeel with juicy black cherry and spice at midpalate
• Finish: Lengthy and complex with notes of cardamom and clove

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

Antonio Galloni  of Vinous writes 100 Points |  2021 Solaia is another wine that captures all of the potential I sensed when I tasted it some months ago. More than anything else the 2021 is a fine example of the style Antinori favors these days an approach that favors finesse more than opulence. Dark plum mocha licorice chocolate spice lavender and menthol build effortlessly in the glass. Oak and tannin are impeccably balanced. The 2021 spent 18 months in wood three months in once-used barrels during the malolactic fermentation and then 15 months in 100% new barrels for the rest of its aging.

The Wine Spectator 98 Points | A deep, dense red, drenched with blackberry, pomegranate, plum and sweet spice flavors. Iron, tobacco and wild herb elements peek through as this plays out on the finish under a strong grip of tannins. Shows terrific balance and length now, yet this should only improve after a few more years in the bottle. Superb. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2027 through 2047.

Decanter 97 Points | For me [2021 is] one of the best vintages ever,’ says Renzo Cotarella, Antinori's CEO and head winemaker, of the widely lauded vintage in Tuscany, explaining to me that it shares characteristics with 1997 and 2007, with a cool, frosty start slowing down vegetative growth and helping to extend the growing season, aided by milder temperatures later in the summer which enabled the grapes to build concentration while preserving freshness. Recent vintages of Solaia have benefitted from an increased use of Cabernet Franc, which stands at 9% in 2021. Due to be launched this autumn, Solaia 2021 is still a baby but its potential is immediately apparent. Inky and concentrated, with a dark chocolate barrique signature on the nose, it combines salinity with bountiful and sapid fruits, offering ripe black and red cherries, and dark hedgerow berries alongside herbal freshness, and finely textured tannins. Ferrous, meaty and earthy undertones emerge after some time in the glass, providing a counterpoint to the inherent sweetness of the fruit. Muscular yet wonderfully poised, this will only reveal all its complexities after significant ageing.

The Wine Advocate 97 Points | All said and done, the Marchesi Antinori 2021 Solaia is a monument to perfect winemaking. This coiffed supermodel does not show a single hair follicle out of place. However, it doesn't quite have the same sex appeal of the Tignanello. In my conversations with Estate Manager Renzo Cotarella during this tasting, it was expressed this way: "Tignanello is unexpected. Solaia is expected." Whereas Tignanello is a wine of vertical lift and energy, Solaia is a wine of lasting power. The wine offers generous depth and layering with soft tannins and some of the spicy pink peppercorn you get from the 9% Cabernet Franc (added to 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Sangiovese). The finish is extremely velvety and soft, but I notice that the flavors seem to become sweeter and riper the longer this wine stays in the glass. This newest release will hit the market in September. 

James Suckling 97 Points | This is a beautifully curated Solaia with blackcurrants and raspberries plus lavender and violet undertones. Graphite highlights it all. Just some new wood coming through. It’s full-bodied with fine velvety tannins that run the length of the wine, caressing the palate. Give this three or four years to come around.

Winemaker Description 

The Renvivas bottling is from another very old vineyard of Rufete, planted in 1930. These are also bush vines sitting at six hundred and fifty meters of elevation, with a due south exposition on a base of schist, limestone and sand, with the vines having been farmed without any chemicals for their entire lifetimes.

The wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel and aged in older French casks prior to bottling. The 2018 Renvivas offers up a lovely bouquet of dark berries, chicory, woodsmoke, a hint of tree bark and a fine, complex base of soil.

On the palate the wine is bright, pure and full-bodied, with excellent transparency and core, fine-grained tannins and a long, tangy and complex finish. This is first class juice and impressively light on its feet. 2020-2040+.  

Expert Review - Vintage 2018

93 Points View from the Cellar-John Gilman of The Wine Advocate | The 2018 Renvivas is a 0.5-hectare vineyard planted 80 years ago with Rufete and a little Rufete Blanco in the middle of a chestnut tree forest. The destemmed grapes fermented with some added stems with indigenous yeasts in open-top vats at low temperature, and the wine matured in second and third use Stockinger barrels. There is a little more ripeness here, a mixture of red and black fruit, some herbs and spices and an earthy touch. The palate is medium-bodied, with a soft texture, fine tannins and integrated acidity. Only 850 bottles were filled in August 2019. 

Renato Ratti · Barbera d’Asti · 2025

Named after the heroic Piedmontese regiments of the 18th century, the Battaglione is Renato Ratti’s flagship Barbera d’Asti — and one of the most reliably compelling values in all of Piedmont. Sourced from estate vineyards in the Asti hills and crafted to showcase Barbera at its most expressive, this is a wine that earns its reputation vintage after vintage: ripe, generous, and immediately seductive, yet with the structure and bright acidity that makes it endlessly food-friendly.

The 2025 opens with an intense, inviting nose of ripe red and dark fruits, wild berries, and a delicate spice thread that adds intrigue without weight. On the palate it is full-flavored and lush, with a long, persistent finish that lingers well beyond its price point. Pair with anything from a weeknight pasta to a Sunday bracíole — Barbera was made for the table, and Ratti’s Battaglione is the benchmark.

93 points — Wine Enthusiast | “Mixed berries lounge in a hammock, showing exactly why Barbera earned its reputation as comfort wine with class.” (Prior Vintage)

• Producer: Renato Ratti, La Morra, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Barbera d’Asti DOC
• Varietal: 100% Barbera
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation, oak aging
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe red and dark fruits, wild berries, spice, lush texture, bright acidity, long persistent finish
• Food Pairings: Pasta al ragù, braised meats, pizza, risotto, rustic Italian fare

A 93-point Barbera d’Asti at an honest price — the benchmark for what Piedmont’s most food-friendly grape can be.

Frontera · Central Valley, Chile · NV

Frontera is CONCHA Y TORO's beloved everyday wine brand, crafted from Pinot Noir grown across Chile's sun-drenched Central Valley — a region where warm days, cool Pacific-influenced nights, and the natural irrigation of the Andes produce grapes of consistent ripeness and expressive varietal character. Frontera has built its reputation on delivering approachable, fruit-forward wines that overdeliver at every price point, making quality Chilean wine accessible to everyone.

This Pinot Noir pours a bright ruby red, offering inviting aromas of deep dark-red fruits — ripe cherry, blackberry, and a touch of plum. On the palate, it's soft, round, and richly textured with smooth tannins and a clean, easy finish. Light-bodied and versatile, it's equally at home at a party or a quiet night in. A go-anywhere, pour-anytime Chilean red.

• Producer: Frontera by Concha y Toro
• Appellation: Central Valley, Chile
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Closure: Screw Cap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe cherry, blackberry, plum, soft tannins, smooth finish
• Food Pairings: Grilled chicken, pasta with tomato sauce, charcuterie boards, pizza

Chile's most approachable Pinot Noir — soft, fruit-forward, and ready to enjoy right now.

Expert Reviews - 2022 Release 

James Suckling writes 99 Points | Sweet-berry, walnut, licorice and violet aromas that follow through to a full body with round, chewy tannins that are polished and beautiful. Notes of iron, too. The tannins are broad and mouth filling, giving a caressing and exciting texture on the palate. If you give this a year to two to soften, it will deliver even greater richness and flavor. A blend of 2008, 2010 and 2011. Great after 2023.

Luis Gutiérrez of the The Wine Advocate writes 98 Points | The NV Único Reserva Especial 2022 Release is a blend of wines from 2008, 2010 and 2011, mostly Tinto Fino with some Cabernet Sauvignon mixing lots from the Único wines from those years. In the past, the blend was older vintages, but now it's wines that are around the same age as the Único. It has the complexity of mixing terroirs, vintages and grapes with parameters very similar to Único, 14.5% alcohol and good balance with a pH of 3.83 and 5.4 grams of acidity (measured in tartaric acid per liter). In the blend, they look for keeping the style of past blends, combining the more aged notes of the older wines and the freshness of the younger ones. I was very pleasantly surprised by the performance of this Reserva Especial, which seems to be going back to the character of the blends from yesteryear, with more finesse, elegance and nuance. This is perfumed, elegant, harmonious and balanced. It has very fine, already polished tannins and integrated acidity. 2008 and 2010 are cooler years, and they seem to give the blend this freshness and elegance. It has all the components, and especially the balance between all of them, to age nicely in bottle. 16,961 bottles and 201 magnums were filled in June 2018.

Winemaker Description 

Unico Reserva Especial bears witness to the past, it pays homage to the history of Spanish wine and their traditions. A non-vintage wine combining the balance between the best vintages and harvests, it faithfully reflects the magic of a legendary land. Unico Reserva Especial 2022 is a blend of the 2008, 2010, and 2011 vintages and a blend of 95 % Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) and 5 % Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is suitable for drinking now, but it can be aged for up to 40-60 years, if stored in the ideal conditions. It offers an infinite complexity that is gradually revealed, in every sip, the palate immensely silky and elegant. A true work of art!

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Moving to a darker expression, the 2019 Bootleg Red Blend pours an inky black hue and offers up aromas of pencil shaving, boysenberry preserve, and sweet tobacco. Full-bodied, with full, ripe tannins, it reveals notes of preserved black plum, crushed purple flowers, and turned soil. 

Winemaker Description 

Moving to a darker expression, the 2019 Bootleg Red Blend pours an inky black hue and offers up aromas of pencil shaving, boysenberry preserve, and sweet tobacco. Fullbodied, with full, ripe tannins, it reveals notes of preserved black plum, crushed purple flowers, and turned soil.

Orin Swift Abstract Blend Grenache, Petite Sirah & Syrah 2023 750ml

Orin Swift is the creation of Dave Phinney — one of California’s most visionary winemakers, who built his reputation making bold, label-forward wines that punch far above their price point. Abstract is his signature red blend: a proprietary mix of Petite Sirah, Grenache, Syrah, and Zinfandel sourced from premier California vineyards and aged seven months in 30% new oak. The label — a swirling abstract painting — is a nod to Phinney’s belief that great wine, like great art, should provoke a reaction. Abstract reliably does exactly that.

The 2023 is a bold, expressive, and deeply satisfying California red — explosive blue fruit aromatics, crystalline acidity, and firm tannins that give it real structure and aging potential. A wine that is equally at home at a dinner party or opened on a Tuesday when only something serious will do.

"Bursts with explosive blue fruit aromatics, layered with violets and sweet baking spice. Medium- to full-bodied, the palate is packed with pure blue fruit, blackberry, and black cherry, all structured around a crystalline acid backbone and firm tannins. The juicy fruit finish lingers, accented by white pepper and pressed floral aromatics — a bold yet balanced expression of Orin Swift’s signature style." — Decanter, 94 pts

• Producer: Orin Swift (Dave Phinney), St. Helena, Napa Valley, California
• Appellation: California
• Blend: Petite Sirah, Grenache, Syrah, Zinfandel
• Vintage: 2023
• Aging: 7 months in 30% new oak
• Tasting Notes: Blue fruit, blackberry, black cherry, violets, baking spice, white pepper, floral aromatics, crystalline acidity, firm tannins, lingering finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, lamb chops, braised short rib, hard aged cheeses, or dark chocolate
• Decanter: 94 | James Suckling: 93

Expert Reviews

Decanter — 94 Points
A proprietary red blend of Petite Sirah, Grenache, Syrah, and Zinfandel, aged seven months in 30% new oak. This blend bursts with explosive blue fruit aromatics, layered with violets and sweet baking spice. Medium- to full-bodied, the palate is packed with pure blue fruit, blackberry, and black cherry, all structured around a crystalline acid backbone and firm tannins. The juicy fruit finish lingers, accented by white pepper and pressed floral aromatics — a bold yet balanced expression of Orin Swift’s signature style.

James Suckling — 93 Points
A deep and full-bodied red that’s powerful in black fruit and laced with fine-grained tannins. Blackberry, dried blueberry, black licorice and black pepper flavors backed by sturdy tannins for a grippy texture. A blend of primarily petite sirah with syrah and grenache. Drink or hold.

Dave Phinney’s most expressive California blend — Abstract 2023 is bold, beautiful, and built to turn heads at any table.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Jeb Dunnuck writes 97-100 Points |  I was blown away by the 2022 Château Léoville Poyferré, which is a classic blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and 4% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Harvest spanned from the 8th to the 28th of September, the vinification is in tronconique tanks (parcel by parcel), and the élevage will span 18-20 months in 80% new barrels. This inky hued beauty offers that rare mix of power and elegance and offers ample cassis and assorted blue fruits, full-bodied richness, an opulent, concentrated, yet flawlessly balanced mouthfeel, velvety tannins, and plenty of classic Saint-Julien violets, espresso roast, and crushed stone-like minerality. Despite its incredible concentration and depth, it stays beautifully balanced. In a region that seems to only talk about finesse and elegance, it's a relief to still have producers such as this producing powerful, intense, singular wines. Hats off to the Cuvelier family and their team.

James Suckling 96-97 Points | A very solid LP with black berry, blackcurrant, crushed stone and lavender character. Full and really well structured with a linear length to it. Focused and so polished. Thoughtful. 58% cabernet sauvignon, 34% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot.

Neal Martin of Vinous 95-97 Points | The 2022 Léoville Poyferré was picked 8 to 28 September at 33.4hL/ha and matured in 80% new oak. It has a high IPT of 93 and 14.4% alcohol (half a degree less than the 2018). It is quintessentially LP on the nose, with those extravagant and sensual black and blueberry fruit, intermingling with crushed violet and iris. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, very harmonious and focused, perhaps more linear than expected with a velvety-smooth finish. This is a very classy, sophisticated Saint-Julien that may well rest at the top of my banded score once in bottle.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points | The 2022 Château Fleur Cardinale is a blend of 78% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, vinified with a cold pre-fermentation maceration and raised for 12-14 months in 72% new French oak, 18% one-year-old barrels, 7% large foudres, and 3% amphora. It's a full-bodied, layered Saint-Émilion exhibiting dark berries, graphite, crushed stone, and truffly earth-like nuances on the nose. This ripe, yet flawlessly balanced Saint-Emilion has moderate acidity, silky tannins, and a seamless, polished texture. A slightly modern-styled expression, it’s nevertheless lush, opulent, and utterly compelling, showing both depth and finesse.

James Suckling 95 Points | Spiced cherries, cedar, white pepper and dark mushrooms on the nose. Almost full-bodied on the palate, with ripe, dusty, caressing tannins that are evenly packed. Juicy, long and complete. Really well balanced and already appealing, but better after 2026.

Vinous 95 Points | The 2022 Fleur Cardinale is pure and total sensuality. Silky and nicely layered, this medium-bodied Saint-Émilion is a delight. Elegant tannins complement a core of dark-toned fruit. Lavender, espresso, licorice, dried herbs and menthol lead into the long, sustained finish.

Memo Summary Notes

The Chateau Fleur Cardinale 2022 is widely considered by critics to be one of the estate's most successful vintages to date. It captures the extreme intensity of the 2022 Bordeaux growing season while maintaining a surprising level of freshness and elegance.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | The 2021 ÀN/2 was produced with 65% Callet, 20% Fogoneu and Mantonegro and 15% Syrah. It fermented in 4,000-liter oak vats and concrete and matured in French (60%), American (30%) and Central European (10%) barrels for 12 months. It has a moderate 13% alcohol and a pH of 3.51, with a bright ruby color and a nose with notes of smoky bacon and violets, with less influence from the barrels, which is more evident in the palate but does not overwhelm. It feels fresher than previous years.

Winemaker Description 

ÀN/2 is a perfect introduction to the wines of Mallorca. This unique red is made from old vine Callet, Mantonegre-Fogoneu and Syrah fermented in a combination of stainless steel and concrete—macerated only briefly to retain the freshness and flavors of the fully ripe fruit.

Aged for just over one year in a combination of 80% French barriques and 20% American oak.

Winemaker Description 

La Comarcal Viticultores Ambulantes DelMoro Tinto 2023 is a red wine with a surprising Mediterranean profile. On the nose, it boasts aromas of red fruits such as strawberries and cherries. On the palate, it is juicy and flavorful, with a velvety texture and a dry, lingering finish. Easy to drink and suitable for all consumers, wine lovers or not. Its quality-price ratio is excellent, offering a fluid and balanced profile.

Tinto is a Mediterranean red with great freshness and balance, and afruit- driven, approachable palate perfect for just about any food pairing.

Winemaker Description 

Andalucía has a long tradition of producing non-fortified wines—reds and whites made from the same grapes used for fortified wines (Sherry). In Andalucia these still wines are known as Vinos del Marco de Jerez or Vinos de Pasto. It is important to highlight that these wines do not belong to the Jerez-Xeres-Sherry DO. In recent years, producers like Willy Pérez, Ramiro Ibanez and others have led a movement to bring these wines back into the spotlight, aiming to place them on tables around the world.

During a recent in-store tasting with Nacho Monclús, Spanish & South American Portfolio Manager at T. Edwards Wine & Spirits, he introduced me to a producer from Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Andalucía: Juan Jurado of Agricola Calcarea.

Mr. Jurado represents a new generation of winemakers who have spent years working abroad, gaining experience in vineyards as well as in both front- and back-of-house roles in the restaurant industry. These experiences have enriched their perspective, and upon returning home, many have sought to revive the long-standing traditions of their ancestors. Mr. Jurado is one such story.

After more than a decade away, he returned to Andalucía and founded Agrícola Calcárea, producing wines in a small-scale, garage-style setting. His wines quickly gained national recognition, attracting the attention of the press. Now, his work has reached New York City, where wine lovers can experience his unique expressions firsthand.

When Nacho presented the wines to me, I was immediately drawn to their beautifully designed labels. The three wines I tasted featured indigenous Andalusian grape varieties, including Palomino (also known as Listán Blanco) and Tintilla Rota. All three expressions stood out, but my palate that day had a particular affinity to Agrícola Calcárea Porfía Tinto 2023 — an electric, vibrant red made from Tintilla Rota.

Porfia Tinto 2023 is unlike any other Spanish red currently available in the NYC market, this wine is a testament to the energy and innovation defining the new wave of Andalusian winemaking.

Porfia Tinto 2023 opens open with an alluring nose of sun-kissed black fruit: black cherries, black berries with undertones of dried Mediterranean herbs. On the palate this red is harmonious walking a tight rope of tannins, acidity and flavor: Suave tannins, crisp acidity and just perfect fruit quality.

Pair this red with Pan-Roasted Quail lightly dressed in thyme butter sauce.

Oscar Garcia Moncada

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

Danielle Callegari of the WIne Enthusiast writes 88 Points | Hot chili peppers burst off the nose of this Nero d'Avola, lifted by wood smoke, macerated blackberries and bitter chocolate. Spiciness carries over to the palate, with notes of black pepper and tomato-pepper jam, but also more berries and some tobacco leaf. Tannins are firm but polished.  

Château Picard — Saint-Estèphe Cru Bourgeois 2020

Situated in the heart of the village of Saint-Estèphe, Château Picard is one of the appellation’s most respected Cru Bourgeois estates — classified as such since 1932. Acquired by the prestigious négociant house Mähler-Besse in 1997, the 8-hectare estate has been meticulously renovated, with gravity-fed harvest entry and Napoleon III-style cellars restored to their former glory.

The terroir is quintessential Saint-Estèphe: clay-dominant soils loaded with calcified cockle and sea urchin remains, delivering wines of structure, depth, and distinctive mineral character. The 2020 vintage — one of Bordeaux’s most celebrated in recent memory — shows deep ruby color with a dark, rich nose of intense berry and Indian spices. Full-bodied on the palate with a solid core of fruit, silky tannins, and a beautifully balanced, polished finish.

• Producer: Château Picard / Mähler-Besse, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux
• Vintage: 2020
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois
• Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark berry, Indian spices, mineral, silky tannins, polished finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink 2024–2035+
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, duck confit, aged hard cheeses, beef tenderloin

A serious Saint-Estèphe from a landmark Bordeaux vintage — structured, elegant, and built to age gracefully.

Winemaker's Notes

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 95 Points | A very pretty red with blackberry, black-cherry, flint and crushed-stone aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with a firm, focused tannin structure under the poised fruit. Long and caressing. Complex and crunchy. Drink or hold.

The Wine Advocate 91 Points | The 2023 Cabernet Franc Magdalena Vineyard boasts slightly darker-hued fruit than the regular bottling, with the aromas tending toward black raspberries and black cherries. At the same time, it's perhaps a bit less leafy but still reasonably floral. In the mouth, the wine is medium- to full-bodied and silky-textured, with soft tannins that linger on the finish.

Winemaker Description 

Our single-vineyard iteration of our pillar red variety, Cabernet Franc, with more weight and structure than our traditional version. This fruit hails from a two-and-a-half-acre block within our Magdalena Vineyard- a warmer site which produces fruit that is amongst our ripest picks in each vintage. This additional development yields bold tannins up front which advance into red fruit transitioning to purple; black cherries, red plums, holiday seasoned cranberries. Texture, depth, and freshness are found in green flavors and garden soil earthiness, thanks to the rain of the earlier part of the '23 vintage. A drier and hotter fall is to thank for the counterbalancing fruit and composition.

Upon release, this Cab Franc has youthful muscularity to it, and has been destined to cellar beautifully. Drink now through 2038.

Perfect for pairing with rosemary roasted Parsnips and Lollipop Lamb Chops or Maple Roasted Butternut Squash with Pomegranate Seeds and Pepitas.

Memo Summary Notes

The Hermann J. Wiemer Cabernet Franc "Magdalena Vineyard" 2023 is a standout single-vineyard red from arguably the most prestigious estate in the Finger Lakes. While the winery is world-famous for Riesling, their Magdalena Vineyard—a warmer, 2.5-acre site on the western shores of Seneca Lake—is known for producing the region's most "serious," age-worthy Cabernet Franc.

The 2023 vintage is a significant release, as it was recently highlighted by James Suckling as one of the top-scoring New York reds ever tasted.

Pair with - Meats: Roast pork belly with sweet soy, lollipop lamb chops, or a classic steak with arugula and Parmigiano. 

• Vegetarian: Maple-roasted butternut squash with pomegranate seeds or a hearty lentil soup.

• Service: This is a "serious" red; decant for 30 minutes to let the flinty mineral and tobacco notes emerge from the primary fruit.

Producer Description 

Barbera, along with Nebbiolo and Dolcetto, is widely planted throughout Piemonte. Many Barolo and Barbaresco producers will also make a Barbera mainly because the aging requirement is far shorter allowing them to see a profit from the harvest earlier. In the commune of Nizza, the Barbera grape steps into the spotlight and takes center stage. This is where Barbera reaches its heights of glory.

The wine presents itself with an intense garnet red hue, complemented by alluring purple reflections. Its bouquet is both deep and intricate, revealing a delightful combination of fruity aromas dominated by cherry and plum, while subtle undertones of chocolate add an intriguing layer of complexity. Upon tasting, the wine showcases a full-bodied and harmonious profile, where the luscious flavors of red fruits intertwine seamlessly with almond-like notes. This captivating blend culminates in a pleasantly harmonious and enduring finish, leaving a lasting impression on the palate.

Winemaker Description 

Barbera, along with Nebbiolo and Dolcetto, is widely planted throughout Piemonte. Many Barolo and Barbaresco producers will also make a Barbera mainly because the aging requirement is far shorter allowing them to see a profit from the harvest earlier. In the commune of Nizza, the Barbera grape steps into the spotlight and takes center stage. This is where Barbera reaches its heights of glory.

The Frasca family has 22 hectares of vineyard in Nizza, with vines averaging 30 years of age. Their 2020 Barbera Nizza DOCG opens with an inviting bouquet of dark cherries, blackberries, and plums, intertwined with notes of violet, tobacco, and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, it is full-bodied and rich, showcasing intense flavors of ripe black fruits, licorice, and a touch of dark chocolate, balanced by firm tannins and vibrant acidity. The finish is long and complex, with lingering hints of fruit, spice, and subtle oak nuances.

Yellow Tail | Cabernet Sauvignon | South Eastern Australia | NV

Yellow Tail is one of Australia's most recognized and beloved wine brands, produced by the Casella family in Yenda, New South Wales. Since its launch in 2001, [yellow tail] has become a global phenomenon — a wine that introduced millions of drinkers to the approachable, fruit-forward style of Australian Cabernet Sauvignon. Sourced from vineyards across South Eastern Australia, it is crafted to be consistent, reliable, and endlessly enjoyable at an unbeatable everyday price.

Fragrant and rich, with a classic and velvety character. The nose opens with red fruits, blackcurrants, blackberries, and sweet mocha. On the palate, juicy blackcurrant, sweet mocha, and spice with a smooth, approachable finish. Everything you want in an everyday Cabernet — fruit-forward, soft, and satisfying.

Pair with a Sunday roast, burgers, grilled meats, pasta with tomato sauce, and mild cheddar. A crowd-pleasing red for casual entertaining and weeknight dinners.

• Producer: Casella Family Brands
• Appellation: South Eastern Australia
• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Style: Medium-bodied, fruit-forward Australian Cabernet
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Bosman Family Vineyards · 'Twyfeling' Cinsaut · Wellington · 2024

Just an hour from Cape Town, in the sun-baked valley of Wellington, the Bosman family has been farming the same land for eight generations — one of the Cape Winelands' most enduring stories of heritage, community, and environmental stewardship. Their 'Twyfeling' (“Doubt” in Afrikaans) Cinsaut is their modern take on what Wellington bush vine Cinsaut can be: a wine that questions the assumption that South Africa's most underrated red grape is anything less than world-class. Vegan. Certified Sustainable. Made by a woman winemaker. At $24.99, it’s one of the most compelling and fairly priced Cinsauts coming out of South Africa right now.

The 2024 is harvested in three components, hand-sorted, de-stemmed, and slightly crushed. Spontaneous fermentation with daily punch-downs and pump-overs, with 10% whole-bunch and 10% stem-contact components adding freshness and complexity. Extended skin contact post-fermentation, followed by 12 months in 225L and 500L French oak barrels. Deep plum in the glass with a purple rim. The nose is fresh and inviting — lively berry, cherry, tobacco, and savoury spice. On the palate: medium-bodied but bold, with an elegant structure, luscious berry and cherry fruit, and a long, refined finish. Drink now through 2029.

• Producer: Bosman Family Vineyards (est. 8 generations · Woman winemaker)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Wellington, Western Cape, South Africa
• Varietal: 100% Cinsaut (bush vines)
• Vinification: Hand sorted · 3-component harvest · 10% whole bunch · 10% stem contact · Spontaneous fermentation · Extended skin contact · 12 months French oak (225L & 500L) · Gently filtered
• Certifications: Vegan · Certified Sustainable
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh berry, cherry, tobacco, savoury spice, medium-bodied, elegant structure, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2029
• Food Pairings: Grilled lamb, roasted duck, charcuterie, mushroom dishes, aged gouda

Eight generations of Wellington heritage, bush vine Cinsaut, and a woman winemaker’s modern vision — South Africa’s most exciting red grape at its finest.

Expert Review - Vintage 

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points | This wine is dense, complex, with aromas of black currant, black cherry, black plum, pink grapefruit, dried potpourri, cardamom on the nose. The palate is red plum, strawberry, pomegranate, mulled spice, mandarin orange, wafting into cracked black pepper, clove, bittersweet chocolate, and sweet cigar.

Winemaker Description 

Dark briary fruit of mulberry, white pepper, cigar box, ripe strawberry, grilled steak, spicey, cherry tobacco, sage, and plum lead to an extractive fleshy structure with firm tannin and a balanced long lingering finish.

Winemaker Description 

A whirlwind of a vintage. The welcome September rains gave their vineyard sites the hang time they needed for slower ripening and intense flavor development. Fruit arrived from their 20+ vineyard partners from September 15th through October 6th in beautiful condition with smaller-than-average yields. Expect intense, fruit forward wines from this vintage.

Memo Pairing Suggestions

Food Pairings

• Classic Match: Cedar-planked salmon or roasted chicken with herbs.

• Savory Dishes: Mushroom risotto or duck confit.

• Casual Fare: Charcuterie boards with soft cheeses (Brie or Camembert) and earthy pâté.

Our Professional Review 

Bart Hopkins of 67Wine.com writes | Made from 50 year old organic and Biodynamically grown Nero d’Avola vines, the 2020 Contrada is a beautifully crafted, totally natural Sicilian red wine. The bouquet is deep and rich with earthy plum and dark berry and licorice aromas that mingle playfully with notes of exotic spices. In the mouth the flavors are seductive and elegant with purity, freshness and detailed complexity. An exceptionally unique expression of Nero d’Avola.
Bart Hopkins

Winemaker Description 

The name derives from Moresco, the previous owner of the parcel in Pajorè vineyard which was purchased in 1979.

Abundant snowfall and low temperatures led to an unusually severe, rainy winter, followed by a dry spring. Temperatures picked up again in mid-March, accelerating the plant life cycle.

Unfortunately, the cold temperatures returned in early April with icy winds that channeled through the valleys and affected the lower vineyards, especially in the Barbaresco area.

Other Barbaresco vineyards affected by frost recorded minimal losses of 5%. Our Barolo vineyards are located at higher altitudes and survived the frost unscathed. The summer rolled out dramatically with a bright and windy start, hot and violent midseason, characterized by frequent thunderstorms, and ended hot and dry.

While both benefited from thunderstorms that cooled the land, powdery mildew became a real threat in Barbaresco in July. A redeeming rainfall came at the end of August, refreshing the Barbaresco and Barolo vineyards.

2021 was a late vintage, tending to be dry but cool, resulting in wines of great volume and richness marked by savoriness and length, generous even on the nose, with intense and complex aromas.

The two varieties ferment and macerate separately for three weeks. After the malolactic fermentation, they are blended and then aged in oak for 12 months.

A beautiful violet color atypical of Nebbiolo but reflective of the 2021 vintage where fullness and richness are even present to the eye. The wine has bold notes of blackberry, cherry, blood orange, and bergamot with a touch of flintiness. Medium-structured with lots of juiciness and harmony on the palate all lead to well-balanced acidity and tannin structure with a long finish.