Red Wine

Elouan Pinot Noir — Oregon 2023

Elouan is the Oregon project of Joseph Wagner — the Caymus winemaker who headed north to one of the world’s great Pinot Noir regions with a clear vision: depth of flavor, vibrancy, and suppleness. Sourcing from across Oregon’s diverse appellations, Wagner crafts a Pinot that is fuller-bodied and more expressive than the typical delicate style, layering dark fruit with spice, earth, and a supple, polished structure. The Tasting Panel awarded it 93 points.

The nose is a cornucopia: spiced plums, dark berries, violets, cloves, wildflowers, and exotic herbs. On the palate, it is robust and expansive — dark cherry, black raspberry, coffee, and hibiscus with baking spice and cocoa, carried by vibrant acidity and soft, supple tannins through an exotic finish of cherry bark and red tea.

🇺🇸 Tasting Panel 93 — “Iron and ash form an earthy partnership in this most expressive vintage. Deep and seductive, with notes of coffee, black raspberry, and hibiscus leading to an exotic finish of cherry bark and red tea.”

🇺🇸 67Wine Buyer’s Pick — Bart Hopkins: “A cornucopia of aromas swirl from the glass, unmistakably Oregonian, with enticing layers of spiced plums, dark berries, violets, cloves, wildflowers and exotic herbs. In the mouth, the flavors become robust and expansive with superb depth and definition that follow through into the finish. Smooth tannins compliment the luscious fruit with charming succulence. Delicious!”

• Producer: Elouan (Joseph Wagner / Caymus), Oregon, USA
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Oregon
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Spiced plum, dark cherry, black raspberry, violets, coffee, hibiscus, baking spice, cocoa, cherry bark finish
• Best Paired With: Roasted or smoked meats, duck, mushroom dishes, Brie, Gruyère, prosciutto

Oregon Pinot Noir with California soul — Elouan delivers depth, vibrancy, and suppleness in every glass.

Querciabella Mongrana — Maremma Toscana, Italy 2022

Querciabella is one of Tuscany's most visionary estates — a certified organic and biodynamic producer whose uncompromising commitment to sustainable viticulture and vegan winemaking has set the standard for responsible fine wine production in Italy. The 2022 Mongrana is their Maremma flagship: a structured Sangiovese-dominant blend — 50% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon — crafted from biodynamically farmed estate fruit in the wild, untamed coastal terroir of Maremma. The result is a rich, round, and deeply expressive red that earned 90 Points from Wine Spectator and overdelivers at its price point.

The nose is complex and inviting: black cherry, plum, boysenberry, morello cherry, blackberry, and blueberry, with layered notes of kirsch, eucalyptus, lavender, ivy, pine needles, and a touch of licorice. On the palate, the wine is juicy and fresh with a rich, round mouthfeel, soft tannins, and a long, savory mineral finish that persists. It is vibrant, intense, and deeply satisfying — the kind of Super Tuscan that disappears fast at the table.

"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. Drink now through 2027." — Wine Spectator, 90 Points. (Vintage 2022). 

• Producer: Querciabella, Maremma, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Toscana IGT — Maremma
• Blend: 50% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Farming: Certified Organic & Biodynamic — vegan winemaking
• Closure: Cork
• Size: 750ml
• Drink: Now through 2027
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, plum, boysenberry, morello cherry, kirsch, eucalyptus, lavender, licorice, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, aged pecorino, lamb chops, charcuterie boards

Tuscany's benchmark organic Super Tuscan at an honest price — Querciabella Mongrana is the standard for what biodynamic, coastal Maremma red can deliver.

Castello dei Rampolla · Chianti Classico 2022 · Tuscany, Italy

Castello dei Rampolla Chianti Classico 2022 combines succulent dark red fruit with savory leather, spice and a lively touch of blood orange. A Sangiovese-led blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, it offers a medium-bodied, supple expression of Chianti Classico with fine balance and an inviting fruit core.

Expert Reviews · Vintage 2022

Antonio Galloni, Vinous · 92 Points: The 2022 Chianti Classico is fruity, supple and very easy to drink. Succulent dark red fruit, plum, leather, spice and a kick of blood orange are front and center. Medium in body and forward, with fine balance, the 2022 is full of charm. The warm vintage yielded an especially succulent Chianti Classico that is quite appealing.

Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator · 90 Points: This is rich and exudes cherry and raspberry fruit. Iron, leafy underbrush and spice accents add detail as this winds down alongside a light dusting of tannins. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2035. 3,000 cases made, 525 cases imported.

Winemaker Notes

Castello dei Rampolla: Bright ruby in color. The bouquet on the nose is intense, with rich cherry and red berry aromas and leafy undertones. On the palate it is silky, balanced, with medium body, refined tanning and a long flavorful finish of blackberry and chocolate. 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot.

Tasting Notes

Bright ruby, with cherry, red berries and leafy undertones. A silky, balanced palate carries a medium-bodied fruit core, followed by blackberry and chocolate notes on the long finish.

Food Pairings

Try with tomato-based pasta, grilled beef, roast lamb or aged Pecorino. Mushroom ragù is another pairing to explore with the wine's leafy, earthy and spicy accents.

Wine Details

• Producer: Castello dei Rampolla
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Chianti Classico
• Region: Tuscany, Italy
• Blend: 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Reviews: Vinous 92 points; Wine Spectator 90 points
• Wine Spectator drinking window: 2026–2035

Supple Tuscan fruit and savory detail for a leisurely meal.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2024

Decanter 93 Points: The 30th Anniversary bottling of Mt. Jeff, with fruit from four of the five Cristom estate vineyards. Pure Willamette character on the nose — forest floor, tart cranberries, and mint leaves balanced by a kiss of sea salt. The palate is a mélange of juicy red berries, salty mineral glimpses, and savoury amaro herbals. A classic, after all these years.

Wine Advocate 90–92 Points: Slowly opening aromas of blackberry and black cherry, earth and violets. The medium-bodied palate matches concentrated, floral fruit with well-integrated oak spice, framed by silky tannins and fresh acidity. A nuanced finish.

Winemaker Description

Cristom Mt. Jefferson Cuvée Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2024 750ml

Cristom’s flagship Pinot Noir — known colloquially as “Mt. Jeff” — embodies the hallmark Cristom style, marrying whole-cluster and native yeast fermentations. With the 2024 vintage, this iconic wine debuts for the first time as a fully Estate Pinot Noir, comprised of fruit from the Paul Gerrie, Eileen, Louise, and Jessie Vineyards, marking its 30th Anniversary.

Mt. Jeff captures the diversity of volcanic soils, elevations, and aspects that define Cristom’s Eola-Amity Hills hillside. Coastal winds funneled through the Van Duzer Corridor further shape its structure and complexity. The 2024 opens with pronounced floral aromas of roses and lavender combined with blue fruit and plum, accented by subtle earth. The palate is well-balanced with fresh acidity, tart cherry, and raspberry — a benchmark classic Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and an exceptional value.

Pairing Suggestions

• Poultry: Roasted duck breast with cherry reduction, herb-roasted chicken, or turkey with cranberry.
• Meat: Lamb chops with rosemary, pork tenderloin with mushroom sauce, or salmon with pinot beurre blanc.
• Cheese: Aged Gruyère, Brie de Meaux, or a mild washed-rind cheese.

Talbott Kali Hart Pinot Noir Monterey 2023

James Suckling 92 Points - "A fresh, fruity, aromatic red with a nose of spices, cinnamon, black cherries, tart cherries and raspberries. The palate shows a medium body, a rather broad mouthfeel, some soft tannin and a ripe character overall."

Tasting Profile

This elegant Pinot Noir showcases vibrant red berry aromas with subtle floral notes. On the palate, expect concentrated flavors of cherry and raspberry balanced with hints of baking spice and toasted oak. Smooth tannins provide a velvety mouthfeel with a harmonious balance of fruitiness and acidity.

Perfect Pairings

Roasted chicken, grilled salmon, creamy pasta dishes, grilled vegetables, and charcuterie boards with assorted cheeses. Serve slightly chilled for optimal enjoyment.

Wine Details

Producer: Talbott Vineyards | Region: Monterey, California | Varietal: Pinot Noir | Vintage: 2023 | Volume: 750ml

Alta Mora Etna Rosso · Mount Etna · 2023

Alta Mora is the Cusumano family’s project on the slopes of Mount Etna, where Nerello Mascalese, an indigenous Sicilian grape, grows in the mountain’s dark volcanic soils. The variety’s combination of vivid fruit, firm tannins and lively acidity has drawn comparisons to Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir.

Expert Review · 2022 Vintage

Wine Enthusiast 92 points (2022 vintage): The cool, fresh, floral nose swirls with aromas of violets, lilacs, crushed rocks, earth, herbs, and blackberries. Figs lift a sweet, ripe blackberry element on the palate, while an undertone of salted dark chocolate and hints of chili pepper heat keep you on your toes. Tannins provide structure throughout.

Wine Details

• Producer: Alta Mora (Cusumano)
• Appellation: Etna Rosso, Sicily, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Grapes: Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio
• Size: 750ml

Badia a Coltibuono · Chianti Classico DOCG · Estate Organic · 2024 · 750ml

The Producer

Badia a Coltibuono is one of Chianti Classico's most storied estates, with roots in an 11th-century monastery in Gaiole in Chianti, dating back to 1051. For six generations the Stucchi Prinetti family has carried that story forward, farming organically for more than 40 years with a deep respect for their land. Their Estate Chianti Classico is a benchmark expression of Sangiovese: honest, structured and unmistakably Tuscan.

The Wine

Sangiovese-led, with small amounts of Colorino, Ciliegiolo and Canaiolo. Expect a bright ruby color with violet highlights and a layered nose of iris, violet, tobacco, black pepper and marasca cherry. The palate is balanced and tightly knit, with crunchy, powdery tannins, juicy acidity and a clean mineral backbone, finishing warm and persistent.

Expert Review (2024 Vintage)

"Strong fragrances of cherry, flowers and fine spices predict beauty shown in the deep, harmonious and vibrant sip. Its communicative ability is a convivial delight to be shared."
Decanter, 92 points (2024 vintage)

Pairings & Serving

Grilled bistecca, wild boar ragù, aged pecorino or pappardelle with meat sauce. Serve around 60–64°F.

Specs

• Producer: Badia a Coltibuono, Gaiole in Chianti
• Appellation: Chianti Classico DOCG
• Region: Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Varietals: Sangiovese, Colorino, Ciliegiolo, Canaiolo
• Farming: Certified organic
• Size: 750ml

Certified organic Chianti Classico from one of Tuscany's most trusted historic estates. Structured, soulful and built for the table.

Columbia Crest Grand Estates | Merlot | 2020 | 750ml | Columbia Valley, Washington State, USA

Rated 90 Points – Vinous | 90 Points – James Suckling

An outstanding value from Washington State's Columbia Valley, Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot delivers dark fruit complexity, soft tannins, and a creamy finish at an everyday price. Vinous calls it "an excellent entry to the value category of Washington State Merlot."

• Winery: Columbia Crest
• Origin: Columbia Valley, Washington State, USA
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Varietal: Merlot
• Vintage: 2020
• Closure: Screw Cap

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Dark plum, herb, blackberries, tobacco, mint chocolate, dark cherries, and a kiss of vanilla
• Palate: Round and juicy with tart wild berry fruits, chewy blueberry skin, mocha, and soft ripe tannins
• Finish: Bold and structured with notes of vanilla, raspberry, and lingering minerality

Critical Acclaim

• 🏆 Vinous – 90 Points: "Darkly floral and earthy with hints of animal musk and crushed blackberries. Juicy acids enliven its tart wild berry fruits. Leaves a mark of minerality along with chewy blueberry skin concentration and hints of mocha."
• 🏆 James Suckling – 90 Points: "Blackberries, tobacco, mint chocolate and dark cherries, with a kiss of vanilla. Medium- to full-bodied with soft, ripe tannins and a creamy finish. Drink now."

Food Pairings: Blue cheese, duck, beef, veal, and dark chocolate.

McManis Family Vineyards · Cabernet Sauvignon · Lodi AVA 2024

Family-owned McManis farms sustainably in Lodi AVA, sourcing most of this Cabernet’s fruit there and the rest from sustainable Central Valley vineyards. Aged 4–6 months in new and used French and American oak, the wine keeps its fruit-forward character while gaining structure.

Expert Review · 2024

Wine Enthusiast · 90 Points | This wine is concentrated, with lush aromatics of dark blackberries, boysenberries, cinnamon and orange zest on the nose. Supple acidity marks the finish. The palate is supple and rich, but not saturated, with lingering notes of mulberry, cassis and red currant confiture, layered with mocha, cigar and silky tannins. — Tonya Pitts

Winemaker Description

Dark garnet in color with juicy flavors of blueberry, blackberry, and black cherry. Most of the fruit comes from the Lodi AVA, with the remainder sourced from sustainable vineyards throughout the Central Valley. Harvested in late September, the Cabernet Sauvignon undergoes 7–9 days of fermentation on the skins before being pressed and finishing fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged on new and used French and American oak for 4–6 months, adding structure and a subtle layer of complexity to the fruit-forward profile.

Food Pairings

Grilled burgers, barbecue ribs, roasted chicken, pasta with meat sauce, mild cheddar and pizza.

At a Glance

• Producer: McManis Family Vineyards
• Vintage: 2024
• Region: Lodi AVA, California, USA
• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Farming: Sustainable
• Closure: Screwcap
• Aging: 4–6 months in French and American oak
• Size: 750ml

A fruit-forward Lodi Cabernet, rich with dark berry, cassis and mocha notes, balanced by silky tannins and oak.

From arguably the greatest cooperative on earth, this Langhe Nebbiolo is Produttori del Barbaresco's most accessible expression — essentially a "declassified" Barbaresco made from the same high-quality Nebbiolo grapes, just from younger vines, offering an approachable, early-drinking window into one of Piedmont's most celebrated estates.

The Producer

Produttori del Barbaresco is the benchmark cooperative of the Langhe, renowned worldwide for their single-vineyard Riserva Barbarescos. Sourcing exclusively from members' vineyards in the Barbaresco DOCG, they combine traditional winemaking methods with an unwavering commitment to terroir. This Langhe Nebbiolo is the perfect entry point into their world — serious wine at an approachable price.

The 2024 Vintage

The 2024 growing season began with a mild winter and welcome rainfall in late 2023 and March 2024, partially restoring soil water reserves after nearly two years of severe drought. Mild temperatures brought an early bud break around March 20th in Barbaresco, setting the stage for a fresh, vibrant vintage with bright natural acidity and elegant fruit expression.

Tasting Profile

Classic Nebbiolo character in a more approachable, earlier-drinking style. Expect aromas of red cherry, dried rose petal, tar, and subtle earthiness. On the palate it's medium-bodied with bright acidity, fine tannins, and a clean, mineral-driven finish — all the hallmarks of great Nebbiolo without the decade-long wait.

Perfect Pairings

• Italian Classics: Pizza, pasta with meat ragù, lasagna Bolognese
• Meats & Charcuterie: Roasted chicken, fennel sausage, prosciutto, mild cheeses
• Earthy Dishes: Mushroom risotto, truffle-infused pasta, aged Parmigiano

Serve at 60–65°F. Decant for 30 minutes to open up. At $29.99, this is one of the most compelling values in Italian wine — Barbaresco pedigree at a Langhe price.

Willamette Valley Pinot Noir from One of Oregon’s Founding Estates

Adelsheim Vineyard is one of Oregon’s original pioneering estates, founded in 1971 and instrumental in establishing the Willamette Valley as one of America’s great Pinot Noir regions. The 2023 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir — 100% Pinot Noir from a broad array of origins and clones, matured nine months in 19% new French oak — is a hallmark of Adelsheim’s classic, elegant house style: fresh, balanced, and beautifully textured, with the seamlessly integrated tannins and lively acidity that define great Willamette Valley Pinot.

Expert Reviews

• Wine Advocate — 91 pts: "Bursting with scents of bramble fruit preserves, cranberry sauce, holiday spice and earth. The medium-bodied palate is concentrated and spicy with well-integrated oak, soft dusty tannins, refreshing acidity and a long, nuanced finish."
• Jeb Dunnuck — 90 pts: "Refreshing and zesty, with notes of fresh cherries, red flowers, and bright stemmy spices. Medium-bodied with balanced acidity and a light astringency, with a mouthwatering finish. Drink over the coming 6–7 years."

67Wine Staff Pick

Bart Hopkins, 67Wine.com: "A very pretty expression of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Plenty of aromatic complexity with layered fruit and a lovely earthy character. Raspberries, spiced plums and baking spices supported by elegant tannins that linger on the long finish. Drinking perfectly right now."

Winemaker Notes

With its broad array of origins and clones, this 100% Pinot Noir displays aromas of cocoa, pomegranate, and raspberry on the nose and palate, with a light touch of nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice. True to Adelsheim’s house style, it is elegantly textured with seamlessly integrated, silky, polished tannins.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Willamette Valley, Oregon
• Producer: Adelsheim Vineyard (est. 1971)
• Vintage: 2023
• Aging: 9 months, 19% new French oak
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Highly versatile — exceptional with cedar-planked salmon, roasted duck with cherry reduction, herb-roasted chicken, mushroom risotto, and earthy lentil dishes.

King Estate · Willamette Valley Pinot Noir · 2023

From Oregon’s Willamette Valley, King Estate’s 2023 Pinot Noir brings together layered fruit and the freshness that makes this grape so versatile at the table. Pour a glass alongside roast salmon or mushroom risotto and let its spice and forest-floor notes come forward.

Winemaker Description

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 — 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.

King Estate · Winemaker Description

Expert Review · 2023 Vintage

“Lively and refreshing, this Pinot bursts with bright cherry, grapefruit peel, and delicate floral aromas. The medium-bodied palate is crisp and racy, with crunchy red fruit and a firm mineral backbone. Flavorful finish.”

James Suckling · 91 points

About King Estate

Founded in 1991, King Estate is based in the southern Willamette Valley near Eugene, Oregon. The winery emphasizes organic farming and Pinot Noir with a balance of fruit, acidity and structure.

Pairing & Details

Try it with roasted salmon, duck breast, mushroom risotto, lamb chops, charcuterie or aged Gruyère.

• Producer: King Estate Winery
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Size: 750ml

Renieri Rosso di Montalcino — Montalcino, Tuscany 2024

Renieri is one of Montalcino's most respected organic estates, and this Rosso di Montalcino is the clearest expression of why. Sourced from certified organic vineyards in the heart of Tuscany and crafted from Sangiovese Grosso — the same noble grape as Brunello di Montalcino — the 2024 delivers uncommon depth and precision for a Rosso. Vinous awarded it 92 points, noting it displays "significantly more depth than expected." 

The wine opens with a mentholated freshness and a classic bouquet of cherries, prunes, and floral aromas that open to more sophisticated notes of slate. On the palate, it is complex and vibrant with cooling acidity, crisp wild berry fruits, violet pastille nuances, and gentle, fine tannins. A touch of tartness is accompanied by a succulent, balanced body and an exciting finish with returning hints of ripe fruit and fantastic length.

"The 2024 Rosso di Montalcino opens with a mentholated freshness and floral aromas. This displays significantly more depth than expected, with cooling acidity and crisp wild berry fruits. Violet pastille nuances swirl over gentle, fine tannins as the 2024 tapers off with fantastic length." — Eric Guido, Vinous, 92 Points (Vintage 2024)

• Producer: Renieri, Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Rosso di Montalcino DOC
• Varietal: Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello clone)
• Style: Medium-to-full-bodied, elegant, mineral-driven Tuscan red
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherries, prunes, wild berries, violet, slate, mentholated freshness, fine tannins
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2030
• Best Paired With: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, roast lamb, wild boar ragù, aged pecorino, truffle pasta

A 92-point organic Rosso di Montalcino at an honest price — Renieri is the benchmark for what Montalcino can deliver before Brunello.

Confidences de Prieuré-Lichine · Margaux · 2020

Confidences is the second wine of Château Prieuré-Lichine, a Fourth Growth estate in Margaux. Produced from the estate's younger vines, it is harvested, vinified and aged with the same care as the Grand Vin, offering an accessible introduction to the château's approach to Bordeaux.

This 2020 bottling comes from Margaux in Bordeaux, France. Choose it for a dinner centered on roast meats, mushrooms or aged cheeses, or as an introduction to the second wines of Bordeaux's classified estates.

Wine Spectator, 87 Points: Delivers a compact core of plum and black cherry flavors, which are framed by singed cedar on the direct finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2025. 12,000 cases made. (Vintage 2020). 

Pairing Suggestions

Try with roast lamb, duck confit, mushroom dishes, aged cheeses or classic Bordelaise cooking.

Wine Details

• Producer: Château Prieuré-Lichine
• Wine: Confidences de Prieuré-Lichine
• Designation: Second wine of a Fourth Growth estate
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Margaux
• Region: Bordeaux, France
• Type: Red wine
• Size: 750ml

Les Allées de Cantemerle — Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux 2020

Château Cantemerle is one of Bordeaux's most storied estates — a Fifth Growth of the 1855 Classification, nestled in the southern Haut-Médoc appellation amid one of the most beautiful park settings in all of Bordeaux. Les Allées de Cantemerle is the estate's second wine, crafted primarily from the château's younger vines with a high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged partly in tank and partly in barrel to avoid over-oaking, it captures the generous, fruit-forward character of Cantemerle in a more approachable, earlier-drinking style — a wine that invites sharing and friendliness even in its youth. The 2019 vintage is one of Bordeaux's finest of the decade: a warm, dry year that produced wines of exceptional ripeness, concentration, and balance.

The nose is wonderfully aromatic and expressive — the aromas really just jump out of the glass. Juicy red fruits dominate: strawberries, raspberries, and red cherries, quite bright and a refreshing change from the darker fruit profile of many Haut-Médoc wines. On the palate, it is lively and fun, light-bodied with hints of spice underneath the fruit giving structure and backbone. The finish is spicy and persistent, with the fruit-forwardness and easy-drinking style that makes this wine hard not to like.

• Producer: Château Cantemerle, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Haut-Médoc AOC
• Classification: 2nd Wine of Château Cantemerle (1855 Fifth Growth)
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend
• Vinification: Aged partly in tank, partly in barrel
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Strawberry, raspberry, red cherry, spice, lively acidity, persistent finish
• Drink: Now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, duck confit, grilled beef, charcuterie, aged cheeses

The approachable face of a Bordeaux Fifth Growth — Les Allées de Cantemerle 2019 is lively, generous, and built for the table right now.

James Suckling 95 Points | A juicy and delicious wine with aromas of black cherries, walnuts, flint, graphite and matchsticks. Medium-bodied with creamy and refined tannins and a pretty finish. Inky aftertaste with some iodine. 60% merlot and 40% sangivoese. Drink or hold. 

Winemaker Description

Lucente is the result of a careful selection of the estate’s vineyards particularly suited for the production of a fruity and very pleasant wine. Like Luce, it is made from Sangiovese and Merlot, with Merlot prevailing in the blend.

About Luce della Vite

Luce della Vite — “Light of the Vine” — is one of Tuscany’s most celebrated Super Tuscan estates, born from a visionary partnership between the Frescobaldi family and Robert Mondavi in 1993. Based in Montalcino, the Tenuta Luce estate produces wines that bridge the Old and New World: blending the structure and earthiness of Sangiovese with the richness and suppleness of Merlot. Lucente is the estate’s second wine — sharing the same vineyards and winemaking philosophy as the flagship Luce, but crafted for earlier enjoyment and exceptional everyday value. At under $25, it offers a genuine window into one of Italy’s most prestigious estates.

Food Pairings

Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, wild boar ragù, truffle pasta, roasted lamb, and aged Pecorino Toscano. Decant 30 minutes before serving.

Product Details

• Producer: Luce della Vite (Tenuta Luce — Frescobaldi)
• Appellation: Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy
• Blend: Merlot & Sangiovese (Merlot dominant)
• Vintage: 2022
• Style: Medium-to-full-bodied, fruit-forward Super Tuscan blend
• Drink: Now–2030
• Format: 750ml

Catena Malbec — Mendoza, Argentina 2024

Bodega Catena Zapata has been the defining force in Argentine fine wine for decades — a trailblazer in high-altitude viticulture since the 1990s, farming vineyards up to 5,000 feet in the Andes foothills where cooler temperatures, intense UV radiation, and dramatic diurnal temperature swings produce Malbec of uncommon elegance, depth, and freshness. The Catena Malbec is the house’s benchmark expression: a wine that has introduced generations of drinkers to the world-class potential of Mendoza Malbec, earning 93 points from the Wine Advocate (prior vintage) and consistently delivering far more than its price suggests.

The color is deep ruby-violet with brilliant clarity. The nose is expressive and inviting: dark plum, blackberry, violet, turned earth, and subtle spice. On the palate, it is juicy and precise — vibrant acidity and a savory, sturdy core frame the dark fruit, with a high-toned, lingering finish of earthy depth and freshness. Elegant, fruit-forward, and endlessly food-friendly.

• Producer: Bodega Catena Zapata, Mendoza, Argentina
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Mendoza
• Varietal: 100% Malbec
• Style: High-altitude, elegant & fruit-forward
• Altitude: Up to 5,000 feet in the Andes foothills
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark plum, blackberry, violet, turned earth, subtle spice, vibrant acidity, earthy lingering finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 3–5 years
• Best Paired With: Grilled skirt steak, roasted lamb, beef empanadas, hearty stews, aged cheddar, blue cheese, Manchego

Thirty years of high-altitude mastery, 93 points from the Wine Advocate, and priced for every night of the week — Catena Malbec is the Argentine benchmark that never disappoints.

Château Blaignan — Médoc Cru Bourgeois 2019

With a grape-growing tradition stretching back to the 14th century, Château Blaignan is one of the Médoc’s most storied estates. The 2019 vintage — widely regarded as one of Bordeaux’s finest in a generation — showcases everything this historic property does best: ripe, structured fruit, velvet tannins, and a beautifully balanced finish that rewards both immediate drinking and patient cellaring.

The nose is intensely fruity with pronounced blackcurrant, black cherry, and a hint of spice. On the palate, dark cherry and plum compote lead the way, with tobacco, savory notes, and a pretty iron hint on the focused, fine-grained finish. Full-bodied with structure and elegance in equal measure.

Wine Enthusiast 90 • Wine Spectator 89 — “Drink now through 2029.”

• Producer: Château Blaignan, Médoc, Bordeaux
• Vintage: 2019
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois, Médoc
• Blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc
• Aging: 18 months in vats and oak barrels
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackcurrant, black cherry, plum compote, tobacco, spice, iron finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2029 (3–12 years from harvest)
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, duck, beef bourguignon, aged hard cheeses

Seven centuries of terroir knowledge in every bottle — Château Blaignan is a Médoc classic at a Cru Bourgeois price.

Coppo · Barbera d'Asti DOCG · Camp du Rouss · 2023 · 750ml

The Producer

Founded in 1892 in Canelli, in the heart of Piedmont's Asti hills, Coppo is one of the region's historic family houses, famous for aging its wines in underground cellars carved into the hillside. Camp du Rouss is its signature take on Barbera: generous, polished and built for the table.

The Wine

Ripe, dark-skinned fruit, culinary spice and new leather lead the way, with a lift of menthol. The palate is firmly structured and chewy, offering dried Morello cherry, raspberry jam, licorice and espresso over fine-grained tannins, with Barbera's trademark fresh acidity keeping it lively.

Expert Review (2023 Vintage)

"Round and supple in texture, this fluid red boasts cherry, blackberry and plum flavors, with flashes of floral and chocolate notes. Warm spice accents inform the finish. Drink now through 2030."
Wine Spectator, 90 points

Pairings & Serving

Pasta and beans, risotto with porcini mushrooms, or chicken chasseur. Serve slightly cool, around 60–62°F.

Specs

• Producer: Coppo
• Wine: Camp du Rouss
• Appellation: Barbera d'Asti DOCG
• Region: Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Varietal: 100% Barbera
• Size: 750ml

An easy weeknight hero with enough depth for the dinner party. Drink now through 2030.

Bonanza Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 9 — California

Bonanza is the passion project of Chuck Wagner — the legendary winemaker behind Caymus Vineyards, one of Napa Valley’s most iconic estates. The concept is deeply personal: Chuck recalls fondly how his family gathered around the dinner table each night to share his father’s homemade wine, and Bonanza is his answer to that memory. His vision is simple and democratic — delicious Cabernet Sauvignon should be accessible to everyone, not just collectors. Lot 9 is sourced from premium California vineyards across the state, blended with the same meticulous attention to quality that has defined Caymus for decades. This is the bonanza of California — a discovery of land where great Cabernet can be farmed and shared at the everyday table.

The color is a medium ruby-red with depth and clarity. The nose is inviting and expressive: currants, dried roses, ripe blackberry, black currant, grape pomace, and fresh-tilled soil, with hints of vanilla and warm spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and rich — velvety texture, silky tannins, and an easy, generous drinkability that makes it impossible to put down. This is Chuck Wagner’s gift to the everyday wine drinker: Caymus-level care at a fraction of the price.

“Delicious Cabernet should be accessible to a broad group of people. I want everyone to have the chance to enjoy good wine as a simple pleasure of everyday life.” — Chuck Wagner

• Producer: Bonanza Wine by Chuck Wagner (Caymus Vineyards), California
• Lot: Lot 9
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Style: Full-bodied, velvety, approachable California Cabernet
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Currants, dried roses, blackberry, black currant, vanilla, spice, silky tannins
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 3–5 years
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, burgers, BBQ ribs, lamb chops, aged cheddar, casual entertaining

Caymus craftsmanship at an everyday price — Bonanza Lot 9 is Chuck Wagner’s most democratic wine, and one of California’s best values.

Château Peyrabon Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois — Bordeaux 2016

The 2016 Bordeaux vintage is widely regarded as one of the greatest of the modern era — a year of perfect balance between power and elegance, with a growing season that delivered concentration, freshness, and structure in equal measure. Château Peyrabon, situated just west of the prestigious Pauillac appellation in the Haut-Médoc, is one of the appellation's most consistent Cru Bourgeois overachievers. High in Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2016 is now in its prime drinking window and has earned 91 points from both Wine Enthusiast and Vinous, and 90 points from Decanter — a Best Buy by any measure at this price.

The nose is finely detailed and captivating: blackberry, raspberry, pressed flower, blackcurrant, and mineral aromas that exude class. On the palate, the wine is well-balanced and medium-to-full-bodied with fine-grain tannins, ripe generous black-currant fruit, a distinctive saline quality with touches of oyster shell and spice, and a poised, edgy finish of cedar and dark fruit. It is drinking beautifully now and will continue to evolve through 2038.

Wine Enthusiast 91 Best Buy — "With its high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine has a good structure and ripe, generous black-currant flavors. Its fresh character gives juiciness that contrasts with the rich fruits. Drink from 2023." (Vintage 2016).
Vinous 91 — "Finely detailed bouquet with blackberry, raspberry, pressed flower and mineral aromas. This exudes class. Fine grain tannin, one of the more saline Cru Bourgeois with touches of oyster shell and spice. Very fine." (Vintage 2016). 
Decanter 90 — "Rich, ripe black fruit with plenty of structural support from grippy and energetic tannins, well balanced by bright acidity. Drinking Window 2023–2038." (Vintage 2016). 

• Producer: Château Peyrabon, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2016
• Appellation: Haut-Médoc AOC, Cru Bourgeois
• Region: Bordeaux, France
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend (Merlot)
• Drinking Window: Now – 2038
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, raspberry, blackcurrant, pressed flower, oyster shell, cedar, dark spice, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Rack of lamb, pan-seared duck breast, prime rib, wild mushroom sauté, aged Comté

A 91-point Cru Bourgeois from a legendary Bordeaux vintage at an honest price — Château Peyrabon 2016 is the benchmark for what Haut-Médoc Cabernet can deliver under $25.

Winemaker Description

The Grounded by Josh Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon California 2024 is a practicing sustainable California Cab from the Phelps family — crafted with the same attention to detail that defines their storied winemaking heritage. Sourced from premium vineyards across California’s North and Central Coast interior valleys, this blend of 85.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.2% Merlot, 4.5% Petit Verdot, and 4.8% Petite Sirah is harvested at optimal ripeness, carefully fermented for balanced tannins, and aged in oak to preserve varietal integrity. 14% ABV.

The nose leads with heady aromas of black cherry, cassis, and licorice. On the palate, ripe blackberry, dusty cocoa, and sweet oak complement the silky texture throughout a long, aromatic finish.

Pairing Suggestions

• Classic: Grilled ribeye, lamb chops, or a slow-braised short rib.
• Casual: Burgers, BBQ brisket, or a hearty pasta Bolognese.
• Cheese: Aged cheddar, Gouda, or a sharp Manchego.

Winemaker Description

The Saintsbury Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2023 is the most complete wine in the portfolio — a masterful blend of 7 single-vineyard ferments spanning 5 Sub-AVAs and 8 clones across the breadth of Sonoma Coast. From Jim Pratt's Sebastopol Hills Vineyard to the Sangiacomo Family's Roberts Road Vineyard in the Petaluma Gap, these sites represent decades of relationships and a deep understanding of Sonoma Pinot Noir's remarkable diversity. Together, they yield a richer, more harmonious canvas than any single vineyard could provide alone. Expect aromas of cranberry, spruce, and violets, with Goldridge soils, volcanic clay, and marine fog lending structure and freshness throughout.

Appellation: Sonoma Coast  |  Sub-AVAs: 5  |  Vineyards: 7  |  Clones: 8  |  Production: 1,083 Cases

Fermentation & Élevage: 15% whole cluster fermentation, 11 months in 10% new French Oak.

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Blood sausage with apples on toast or leg of lamb with Dijon & rosemary.
• Vegetables: Braised fennel alla Romana with shallot, garlic, lemon & herbs.
• Cheese: Aged Comté, Époisses, or a mild washed-rind cheese.

Benton Lane Estate Pinot Noir — Willamette Valley, Oregon 2023

Benton Lane is one of Oregon's most respected estate Pinot Noir producers, farming sustainably in the Willamette Valley since 1988. The estate vineyards sit in the foothills of the Coast Range in the southern Willamette Valley, where diverse microclimates, volcanic Jory soils, and a long, cool growing season create ideal conditions for world-class Pinot Noir. Now part of the Huneeus Vintners family — the team behind Quintessa and Flowers — Benton Lane continues to produce estate-grown Pinot Noir of exceptional purity and elegance. The 2023 Estate bottling represents the full expression of the estate's best blocks, delivering benchmark Willamette Valley character at an accessible price.

The nose is pretty and inviting: pure ripe raspberries, fresh floral perfume, wet stones, and pine. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and elegant, floating with fine tannins and a lovely, even finish — a breath of fresh air. Holiday spice, toast, and brown sugar layer over red cherry and forest floor, with concentrated, earthy flavors framed by soft, chalky tannins and vibrant acidity on the long, spicy finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points — "Pretty on opening, with pure notes of ripe raspberries, fresh floral perfume, wet stones, and pine. Medium-bodied, elegant, and floating on the palate, with fine tannins and a lovely, even finish. A highly charming and approachable wine — a breath of fresh air from the Benton-Lane team." (Vintage 2023). 

Wine Advocate 90 Points — "Opens with scents of holiday spice, toast, and brown sugar over red cherry and forest floor aromas. The medium-bodied palate offers concentrated, earthy flavors framed by soft, chalky tannins and vibrant acidity, with a long, spicy finish." (Vintage 2023). 

• Producer: Benton Lane Winery, Southern Willamette Valley, Oregon
• Owner: Huneeus Vintners (Quintessa, Flowers)
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Willamette Valley AVA, Oregon
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Farming: Sustainable, 100% estate-grown
• Soils: Volcanic Jory
• Style: Medium-Bodied, Elegant, Terroir-Driven
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Raspberry, red cherry, forest floor, holiday spice, wet stones, pine, chalky tannins, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2030
• Best Paired With: Roasted duck, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, herb-roasted chicken, soft cheeses, charcuterie
• Serve: Slightly chilled, 58–62°F

91pts Dunnuck, 90pts Wine Advocate — Benton Lane Estate is benchmark Willamette Valley Pinot Noir at under $25. It doesn't get better than this.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon — Columbia Valley 2022

Chateau Ste. Michelle is Washington State’s founding winery — and the 2022 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a masterclass in what makes this high-desert wine region so compelling. Sourced from vineyards east of the Cascades, where extreme diurnal temperature swings and volcanic soils concentrate flavor while preserving freshness, the wine is crafted to highlight Washington’s signature dark fruit in an accessible, food-friendly style. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 91 points. At under $15, it is one of the most exciting values in all of American wine.

The nose is inviting and layered: a salty ocean breeze, driftwood, blackberries, olive oil, and a trace of bacon fat. On the palate, it is smooth and viscous, with dark plum and bittersweet chocolate-covered cherries coating the palate, framed by silky tannins and a long, fruit-forward finish. It delivers the kind of concentrated, structured pleasure that only great Columbia Valley Cabernet can — and it drinks beautifully right now.

Wine Enthusiast 91 — “This superb value strikes first with a marine-themed nose of a salty ocean breeze, a driftwood beach fire, blackberries, olive oil, and a trace of bacon fat. Smooth and viscous, with dark plum and bittersweet chocolate-covered cherries coating the palate.” (Vintage 2022).

• Producer: Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington State, USA
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Columbia Valley AVA
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, dark plum, bittersweet chocolate, olive, bacon, ocean breeze
• Best Paired With: Beef tenderloin, grilled ribeye, lamb chops, pasta with meat sauce, aged cheddar, BBQ

A 91-point Washington Cabernet at an honest price — Chateau Ste. Michelle is the benchmark for what Columbia Valley Cab can be.

Viña Cobos | Felino | Malbec | Mendoza | 2024

Jeb Dunnuck: 94 Points — Juicy in a tantalizing combination of red and blue fruit, the tannins are soft and supple in texture and grip. The fruit is focused and ripe, fully developed, and dark and brooding in color. There’s structure to the tannins and moderate acidity, providing a foundation for the beautifully juicy red fruit and light spice. Drink now and for another 10 years.

James Suckling: 93 Points — Abundant bramble fruit on the nose, layered with espresso and a touch of red berries. The palate is round and medium- to full-bodied, well-constructed with velvety, integrated tannins and a chiseled, flavorful finish. Drink now or hold.

Vinous: 92 Points — Bright red fruit, hints of black fruit and a balsamic spice accent. Grippy, plush and juicy, with improved length compared to previous vintages.

Viña Cobos was founded by Paul Hobbs, one of California's most celebrated winemakers, who recognized Mendoza's extraordinary potential for world-class Malbec long before the region's international rise. The Felino line is the estate's benchmark of accessible excellence — sourced from premium vineyards across Mendoza's two most prestigious appellations, Valle de Uco and Luján de Cuyo, and crafted with the same precision and attention to terroir that defines the Cobos flagship wines.

The 2024 Felino is sourced 65% from Valle de Uco and 35% from Luján de Cuyo, and aged nine months in small French oak barriques with only 8% new oak — a restrained approach that preserves the vibrancy and freshness of the fruit while adding subtle complexity and texture. The result is a Malbec that is immediately expressive yet structured enough to develop further in the bottle over the next decade.

Deep ruby with vibrant purple tones, the wine opens with aromas of black cherry, blueberry, fresh plum and violets, accented by notes of espresso, bramble, balsamic spice and a whisper of graphite. The palate is round, juicy and beautifully balanced — ripe red and blue fruit flavors are supported by soft, supple tannins, moderate acidity and a long, chiseled finish with hints of herbs and dark spice.

Serve at 60–65°F. Pairs beautifully with grilled steak, lamb chops, beef empanadas, roasted meats, rich pasta dishes, BBQ ribs, aged cheddar, Manchego and dark chocolate.

• Producer: Viña Cobos
• Winemaker: Paul Hobbs
• Cuvée: Felino
• Appellation: Mendoza, Argentina
• Sub-regions: 65% Valle de Uco, 35% Luján de Cuyo
• Grape Variety: Malbec (100%)
• Vintage: 2024
• Aging: 9 months in French oak barriques (8% new)
• Style: Dry red wine, medium- to full-bodied
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Winemaker Description

A wonderfully food-friendly Barbera from one of our favorite producers in Piedmont. Ruby red and medium-bodied with light cherry fruit and great acidity. Lovingly made from organically grown grapes.

Tabaren (from the French “tabarin”) was a venue used for theatre plays, art, and dancing. We are all better dancers after a couple of glasses of wine.

About Icardi

Icardi is a family-run estate based in Castagnole Monferrato in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, farming organically across their vineyards in the Barbera d’Asti and Monferrato appellations. The Icardi family has long been committed to sustainable, organic viticulture — allowing the Barbera grape to express its natural vibrancy, bright acidity, and cherry-driven fruit without synthetic intervention. Their Tabaren bottling is a perennial favorite among sommeliers and wine lovers for its effortless drinkability, food versatility, and honest expression of Piedmontese Barbera at an accessible price.

Food Pairings

Pizza, pasta with tomato or meat sauce, grilled chicken, antipasto, salumi, mild cheeses, and vegetable dishes. One of the most versatile food wines in the cellar — equally at home with a weeknight dinner or a long Italian lunch.

Product Details

• Producer: Icardi
• Appellation: Barbera d’Asti DOC, Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: Barbera 100%
• Certification: Organic
• Vintage: 2024
• Style: Medium-bodied, bright, food-friendly Piedmont red
• Format: 750ml

Our Professional Review 

Starts out with sweet, slightly stewed red plum and cherry fruit on the nose and on entry, then opens up to baking spice, medicinal herbs, and crushed flowers.  Medium bodied, and very satisfying on the palate with finely etched but assertive tannins.   

Rand Sieger, 67 Wine Buyer

Memo Summary Notes

The 2019 Château La Bastienne comes from Montagne-Saint-Émilion, one of the "satellite" appellations of Saint-Émilion. The 2019 vintage in Bordeaux is widely considered exceptional, characterized by a perfect balance of concentration, freshness, and elegance.

Critical Acclaim – Vintage Reference (2021)

• Wine Enthusiast – 91 Points | “A layer of chalk and cocoa coats the blueberry, cassis and violet flavors. Silky and complex, with great purity and a long loam-tinged finish.”

Critical Acclaim – Previous Vintage Reference (2020)

• James Suckling – 93 Points | “Perfumed aromas of dried roses, red berry fruit and licorice. Darker mocha notes too. Medium-bodied yet deep, with dark minerals and spices accompanying fresh berry fruit. Fine and tight tannins. From biodynamically grown grapes with Respekt certification.”

Tasting Notes

Juicy and vibrant with aromas of fresh cherry, pomegranate, plum, and lightly roasted herbs, alongside dried roses and violet. The palate is mineral-fresh and cool, with lively acidity, a remarkable inner tension, and fine, earthy tannins. Transparent, clear, and intensely drinkable — a Blaufränkisch of real precision and character.

About the Wine

Nittnaus is one of Burgenland’s most respected biodynamic producers, farming with Respekt certification — Austria’s most rigorous biodynamic standard. The Kalk und Schiefer (“Limestone and Slate”) Blaufränkisch is sourced from vineyards in and around Jois am Leithagebirge, where the distinctive limestone and slate soils impart a cool minerality and inner tension to the wine. After manual harvesting and sorting, the grapes are fermented spontaneously in wooden vats and aged in used Tonneaux after slow basket pressing.

Food Pairing

Excellent with roasted duck, venison, lamb chops, mushroom risotto, and aged hard cheeses. Serve slightly cool at 16–17°C.

Product Details

• Appellation: Burgenland, Austria
• Varietal: Blaufränkisch 100%
• Farming: Biodynamic – Respekt Certified
• Soils: Limestone & Slate (Kalk und Schiefer)
• Aging: Used Tonneaux
• Vintage: 2021
• Format: 750ml
• Producer: Nittnaus

Podere Castorani · Cadetto · Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC · Abruzzo · Italy · 2022

Podere Castorani is one of Abruzzo’s most compelling estates — a historic family winery in Alanno co-owned by former Formula One driver Jarno Trulli, who brought a racing driver’s obsession with precision and detail to his family’s winemaking heritage. The estate farms organically, without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, letting the terroir of Abruzzo speak clearly in every bottle. Cadetto — meaning “Cadet” — is the estate’s entry-level expression of Montepulciano: pure fruit, freshness, and organic integrity at an exceptional price point.

The 2022 pours a deep ruby with violet notes. The nose is intense and inviting — red fruit, dark cherry, plum, and light hints of spice and chocolate. On the palate, it is full-bodied with mature, smooth tannins, refreshing acidity, and a finish that lingers with spice and cocoa. Approachable now and versatile at the table.

• Producer: Podere Castorani (Jarno Trulli), Alanno, Abruzzo, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC
• Varietal: 100% Montepulciano
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Style: Dry red — full-bodied, fruit-forward, smooth tannins
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, red plum, spice, chocolate, mature tannins, refreshing acidity
• Pairings: Grilled chicken, light beef dishes, veal, pasta with tomato or meat sauce, pizza

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC — certified organic, estate-bottled, and co-owned by an F1 champion. Pure Abruzzo character at an unbeatable price.

Pinot Noir | Santa Barbara County, California
Vintage: 2024  |  Size: 750ml

Au Bon Climat has been crafting Burgundian-styled Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County since 1982 — well before Sideways put the region on the map. Founded by the legendary Jim Clendenen, ABC remains one of California’s most consistent and intellectually honest producers, committed to restraint, terroir, and the long game.

The 2024 is a handcrafted blend from five premier vineyards across the county: Bien Nacido, North Canyon, and Rancho Real in the Santa Maria Valley, with a small percentage from Kick On and Los Alamos. Hand harvested, fermented in small lots with daily manual punch downs, and aged 8–12 months in François Frères French oak. The result is a wine of superb structure and earthy depth — red currant, blueberry, and blood orange on the nose, with bay leaf, white pepper, and wet stone in the background. Fine tannins, lively acidity, and a finish that rewards patience. Drink now through 2031.

“The possible food pairings are almost endless.”
— Au Bon Climat

Vineyards: Bien Nacido, North Canyon, Rancho Real, Kick On, Los Alamos
Oak: 8–12 months, François Frères French oak  |  Alcohol: 13.5%
Pairs with: Lamb, duck, salmon, mild red sauce pasta

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

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

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

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

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

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

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

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

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

Winemaker Description

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

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

About Ménage à Trois

Ménage à Trois is produced by Folie à Deux Winery in California’s Napa Valley. The brand was born from a simple but inspired idea: that the best wines are often the result of unexpected partnerships. By blending Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon — three varieties rarely combined — winemaker Glen Salva created a wine that is greater than the sum of its parts. Rich, approachable, and unapologetically fun, Ménage à Trois has become one of California’s most beloved red blends, consistently delivering crowd-pleasing fruit and silky texture at an everyday price.

Food Pairings

Grilled burgers, BBQ ribs, roasted chicken, pizza, pasta with meat sauce, mild cheddar, and charcuterie. A crowd-pleasing red that works at any table, any night of the week.

Product Details

• Producer: Folie à Deux Winery
• Region: California, USA
• Blend: Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Forward, silky, fruit-driven California red blend
• Format: 750ml

Torrebruna · Sangiovese · IGT Toscana · Tuscany · Italy · 2020

Torrebruna is one of Tuscany’s most reliable over-achievers at the value end of the spectrum — a Sangiovese-based IGT Toscana that consistently punches well above its price point. Where many wines in this tier can be thin or overly acidic, Torrebruna delivers a riper, more robust profile: opaque in the glass, generous on the nose, and built with the kind of fruit-forward character that appeals equally to traditional Italian wine lovers and those who enjoy a more California-influenced style. The 2020 Tuscan vintage was exceptional — warm and dry, producing wines of deep concentration and ripe tannins.

The 2020 pours opaque with a red berry rim. The nose opens with cherry, dark fruits, and vanilla. On the palate, silky tannins frame flavors of dried strawberry, plum, violet, and red cherry — robust and balanced, with a finish that lingers with warmth and fruit. A weeknight Tuscan red that over-delivers at every pour.

• Producer: Torrebruna
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: IGT Toscana, Tuscany, Italy
• Varietal: Sangiovese
• Style: Dry red — robust, fruit-forward, silky tannins
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cherry, dark fruit, vanilla, dried strawberry, plum, violet, red cherry, silky tannins
• Pairings: Bolognese, lasagna, wood-fired pizza with spicy salami, flat-iron steak, herb-marinated lamb, aged Pecorino Toscano, sharp Provolone

IGT Toscana — robust, ripe Sangiovese that punches well above its price. The perfect weeknight Tuscan red.

Our Professional Review

Oscar Garcia, 67Wine Buyer: This legendary Bodega produces some of the most classic and sought-after Riojas. The entry-level Reserva is my go-to wine to enjoy with any of my weekend favorite meals. Lovely nose of dark fruit, cedar, and herbs. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and a structured finish.

Marqués de Murrieta didn’t just make one of the first Rioja wines — they essentially invented the category. Founded in 1852 by Don Luciano Murrieta, the estate has spent over 170 years refining a house style built on elegance, consistency, and the singular personality of the Finca Ygay estate. The 2022 Reserva is a classic expression: raspberry, blueberry, and cherry on the nose, lifted by thyme, rosemary, and sandalwood, with a juicy, precise palate shaped by fine tannins and a fresh, pleasant finish. Medium-bodied, structured, and thoroughly satisfying.

Blend: Tempranillo, Mazuelo, Graciano, Garnacha
Appellation: Rioja, Spain
Estate: Finca Ygay, Castillo de Ygay
Vintage: 2022
Format: 750ml

The Castillo de Ygay — declared a museum in 2019 — sits at the heart of a self-contained estate of over 300 hectares. Led since 1983 by the Cebrián-Sagarriga family, Marqués de Murrieta completed a landmark renovation in 2021, adding 25,000 m² of state-of-the-art production facilities while leaving the estate’s identity untouched. Every variety in the blend — Tempranillo for structure, Mazuelo for acidity, Graciano for freshness, Garnacha for roundness — is grown on-estate and contributes its own personality to a wine that has been made the same way for generations.

“A palpable example of the elegance, consistency and regularity that characterize Marqués de Murrieta. This wine shows the incredible personality of the Ygay Estate.” — Winemaker’s Notes

Zuccardi Q · Valle de Uco, Mendoza · 2024

Zuccardi Q Malbec 2024 captures the Uco Valley through black fruit, wild herbs and a dry, chalky texture. Sourced from Gualtallary, Los Chacayes and Altamira, it combines expressive fruit with freshness, precision and a mineral-driven finish.

Producer & Terroir

Zuccardi Valle de Uco brings together three generations of a family dedicated to wines that express their place of origin. In 1963, engineer Alberto “Tito” Zuccardi planted the family’s first vineyard in Mendoza to demonstrate a new irrigation system he had invented to meet the challenges of the desert. The project sparked a lasting passion for viticulture. His son José Alberto took the helm in 1985, carrying forward that innovative spirit and becoming an enthusiastic ambassador for Argentine wine.

In 1999, Sebastián Zuccardi, José Alberto’s son and Tito’s grandson, began a sparkling-wine project with friends in the Uco Valley. He later joined the family winery and led its development in the high mountain region. The family planted its first vineyards in Canal Uco, Paraje Altamira, in 2007, followed by Piedra Infinita and Los Membrillos in Paraje Altamira, Las Cuchillas in San Pablo, and Las Cerrilladas and Agua de La Jarilla in Gualtallary. Sebastián and his team continue to explore the personality of Argentine wines.

Sebastián Zuccardi
“I enjoy opening a bottle of wine and being able to travel to its place of origin. That’s why our wines tell the story of the place, our vision, and our interpretation of the terroir and the year of the harvest.”

In 2022, Zuccardi became the only winery in Argentina with three wines awarded 100 points by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, bringing further recognition to Paraje Altamira. That year, Wine Enthusiast named Zuccardi Valle de Uco “New World Winery of the Year.” The World’s Best Vineyards named it Best Vineyard in the World in 2019, 2020 and 2021, welcoming it into its Hall of Fame in 2022. These distinctions recognize the producer, not scores for this bottle.

Tasting Notes

Blackberry, plum and wild herbs meet savory and floral notes. The palate is dry and chalky, balancing refined richness with freshness and textural depth. A mineral-driven finish gives the fruit a focused, expressive close.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

James Suckling, 93 Points · 2024
This shows blackberries, tar and black ink on the nose. The palate is full-bodied with focused tannins, incisive acidity and a thin thread of fruit woven tightly with the structure, texture and freshness. This comes from grapes grown in Los Chacayes at 1,000 meters. Drink now or hold.

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, 91 Points · 2024
As ever, the 2024 Q Malbec offers as solid an overview as one could want of both the modern Uco Valley and the unwavering clarity that defines the Zuccardi portfolio. Equal parts herbal, savory and floral on the nose, the mouthfeel delivers svelte precision and textural depth that transcend its price point, with a well-defined, mineral-driven finish.

Vinous, 91 Points · 2024
The 2024 Malbec Q, sourced from Gualtallary, Los Chacayes and Altamira, presents a modern profile from the Uco Valley. It delivers black fruit, blackberry and core plum aromas, along with wild herbs and aromatic clarity. This is dry and chalky on the palate, with refined richness. It flows with athletic precision and expressive character. The 2024 is juicy and full of flavor.

Wine Enthusiast, 91 Points · 2024
A fruit-driven nose with hints of peppery spices introduces this well-crafted Malbec. The bright palate brings together expressive flavors of ripe strawberries and dark cherries that extend into the finish.

Pairing Suggestions

Try with grilled steak, roasted mushrooms or hearty lentil dishes to complement the wine’s dark fruit and savory character.

Details

• Producer: Zuccardi
• Wine: Q Malbec
• Vintage: 2024
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Country: Argentina
• Region: Mendoza
• Appellation: Valle de Uco
• Grape: Malbec
• Type: Red wine
• Style: Dry
• Farming attribute: Sustainable