Red Wine

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Cherry and blackberry fruit define this linear, fluid red. There’s also a line of sinewy tannins that leaves its mark on the earthy, salty finish. Fine length. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Best from 2027 through 2035.

James Suckling 92 Points: Toasted walnuts, ground spices and hints of chocolate, oranges and dark berries on the nose, leading to a firm and tense medium to full-bodied palate with fine tannins and a velvety core of dark fruit at the center. Lingering and structured. Drink or hold.

Winemaker Description 

Irrosso is the result of the union between Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon (85% Sangiovese & 15% Cabernet Sauvignon): it gives the idea of a young red, significant but with easy drinkability and is linked to the characteristics of its native territory, with an unforgettable Casanova di Neri stamp.

Memo Summary Notes

That is a highly-rated and fantastic "Super Tuscan" style wine from a top Montalcino producer! Casanova di Neri is globally recognized for its incredible Brunellos, and the Irrosso is their excellent, more approachable blend.

Its balance of fruit, structure, and acidity makes it versatile and highly food-friendly:

• Classic Italian: Pasta with rich meat sauces, Lasagna, or Pizza.

• Meats: Grilled meats, roasted poultry, or light game.

• Cheeses: Medium-aged Pecorino or other hard Italian cheeses.

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.

Expert Ratings  - Vintage 2020

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

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

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

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

Monica Larner writes:  A certified organic wine, the Fontodi 2020 Chianti Classico shows dark fruit and blackberry with earthy sensations of crushed stone that reflect the schistous soils found in this area of the appellation. Unlike the Filetta di Lamole (with fruit from Lamole) that is very floral in personality, this expression from Panzano has more structure, girth and general fruit weight.   Drinking 2023 -2030.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 91

Walter Speller writes:  Panzano. 100% Sangiovese. Certified organic. Youthful ruby. Subtle yet enticing nose of sweet red fruit with meaty notes and hints of laurel. Lots of juice on the palate and plenty of grainy but ripe tannins; but they are in perfect harmony with the succulent fruit.  Drinking 2023 - 2032.  - Jancis Robinson 17++

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2020 Chianti Classico offers notable tension to balance the natural richness that is such a signature here. There is plenty of Panzano intensity, but less opulence than has been the norm in the past. A shift towards larger format oak and bottling four months earlier contribute to that feel. Dark red cherry, leather, spice, rose petal, dried herbs and wild flowers all grace this nuanced Chianti Classico. It will be interesting to see the direction this bottling takes. I would not plan on opening this too young.  -  Vinous 92+

Memo Summary Notes

The Fontodi Chianti Classico 2020 is a benchmark expression of Sangiovese from the "Conca d’Oro" (Golden Shell) of Panzano. This vintage is noted for being slightly more reserved and structured than recent opulent years, offering a classic, high-energy profile that rewards decanting or a few more years in the cellar.

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

James Suckling 89 Points | This has a bright, citrusy nose, with hints of sour cherries and dried flowers. Vivid and fruity, with medium body and juicy acidity, finishing bright and zesty. A little one-dimensional, yet pleasant and attractive. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Sustainable. 

Winemaker Description

“Rina Russa” means “red sand” in Sicilian dialect. Rina Russa genuinely has its own unique style, as the Frappato grapes come from ancient clones developed on our own estate. It has a very beautiful light cherry color, with a fresh and vibrant bouquet, reminiscent of wild strawberries and a beautifully balanced palate, with silky smooth fruit, a real freshness running through it and a surprisingly long finish. 

Winemaker Description

Canaan is an easy drinking medium bodied red wine with sweet fruit, with notes of black pepper, cherries and plums, low tannins and soft vanilla tones. This is a wine with very few pretensions and is made for immediate consumption.

The Canaan wines were made with the Israeli climate and cuisine in mind so they particularly suitable for Mediterranean cuisine. Red Canaan is a good accompaniment to pasta, pizza, poultry, and mixed grills, it is also an excellent party wine.

Winemaker Description

This riserva has a luminous ruby red color. Appealing aromas of dark cherries, plums, sweet spice, violets, vanilla and hints of dark chocolate and menthol emerge on the nose. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied but smooth with an almost creamy mouthfeel. Tannins are well integrated with the alcohol, and lead to a subtly sweet, silky finish.

Pair this wine with Korean short ribs, ragù sauces, gnocchi with roasted rabbit, and beef negimaki.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

James Suckling 94 Points | Subtle aromas of black cherries, tar, mushrooms, black truffles and dark earth. Medium- to full-bodied with refined and linear tannins that give tension and focus to the wine. Delicate finish. From organically grown grapes. Lovely now. Drink or hold.

Vinous 91 Points | The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva Berardo is a powerful, layered wine. Black cherry, liquorice, cloves, leather and scorched earth all run through this brooding, imposing Riserva. There's a lot to like here, especially in the way this opens with time in the glass.

Winemaker Description 

Argyle Pinot Noir 2024 is a rich and complex wine that showcases the unique terroir of the Willamette Valley. With its range of flavors from juicy red cherry to blackberry, it evolves with exotic spices like star anise, peppercorn, and black tea. The wine is carefully fermented in small vessels to extract pillowy and refined tannins, while preserving its striking acidity, making it a youthful and age-worthy Pinot Noir.

This Pinot Noir is perfect for those who appreciate the depth and complexity of a well-crafted wine. The Argyle Pinot Noir 2024 is a perfect pairing for a variety of dishes, from grilled salmon to roasted duck or even mushroom risotto.

Wine Spectator - 91 Points - Vintage 2024

Fresh and lilting, with pretty cherry and cranberry flavors marked by toasty spice and orange peel accents that linger on the snappy finish. Drink now through 2034. -Tim Fish, Feb 2026 Wine Spectator - 91 points

Memo Summary Notes 

The Argyle Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2024 is the latest release of Argyle’s "core" Willamette Valley blend, a wine known for its consistency and fruit-forward style.

The 2024 vintage continues Argyle's tradition of showcasing the "purity of fruit" from Oregon’s premier growing region.

Winemaker Description 

Bogle’s “heritage” Petite Sirah is known for its concentration and jammy, luscious flavors. Lush with touches of cacao and roasted coffee bean on the nose. 

Barrel aging this bold Petite Sirah for a year has created an incredibly well structured, yet very approachable, wine of great color and depth. Blue fruits and boysenberry command the senses upon entry, while notes of black pepper and spice linger on the palate. On the finish, ripe textured tannins have been noticeably softened by those 12 months in American oak.

FOOD PAIRINGS
This versatile wine pairs well with a variety of foods like smoked lamb shoulder with rosemary, braised short ribs with blackberry barbecue sauce and smoked gouda cheese.

AGING
12 months in American oak

AWARDS & ACCOLADES
Gold  |  2024 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Gold  |  2024 Los Angeles Wine & Spirits Challenge

Certified by the California Rules for Sustainable Winegrowing, Vegan Frindly & Gluten-Free

Winemaker Description 

Full-bodied red wine from Montepulciano grapes grown in the Abruzzo region. Deep color with raspberry notes, robust flavor, slightly tannic palate balanced with a smooth finish.

Montepulciano D'Abruzzo is a quintessentially food-friendly Italian red, with a pleasantly dry acidity that makes it the perfect pairing for classic Italian dishes, tomato-based pasta dishes, spicy sausages, and everyone's favorite: cheesy, tangy pizza.

Producer Description 

Wild blackberry and brambly forest fruits are underscored by aromas of roasted bell pepper and bold toasty oak. On the palate, the 2023 vintage is bright and structured, offering flavors of just-ripe blackberries, savory dried herbs, and a hint of smoked paprika. Firm age-worthy tannins provide grip and depth, giving this wine a powerful yet balanced finish.

Memo Pairing Suggestions

Because of its weight and oak influence, this wine pairs best with hearty, savory dishes:    •    Smoked Brisket or Grilled Ribeye 
Game meats like venison or lamb
Hard cheeses such as aged Cheddar or Gouda
Rich BBQ (Burgers with caramelized onions)


      
 

Winemaker Description 

Vivid red ruby in the glass, this wine opens with aromas of red fruit, cherry, blackberry and hints of earthiness, delicate toast and vanilla spice. The palate is rich, with refined silky tannins, medium acidity and flavors of cherry, red plums, raspberry and subtle notes of allspice on a long elegant finish.

Memo Summary Notes

A standout choice for fans of California Pinot Noir, the Hahn Estates SLH 2023 hails from the prestigious Santa Lucia Highlands (SLH) in Monterey County. This region is famous for its "wind-gap" effect—cool Pacific breezes and morning fog that allow the grapes to ripen slowly, developing deep flavor while maintaining bright acidity.

The "SLH" bottling is the estate-grown step up from their standard California tier, offering more complexity and a clearer sense of place.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Spectator 89 Points | Round and ripe, with mulled cherry and steeped tea flavors edged in graphite, warm earth and singed alder. Grippy tannins hold firm, keeping the generous finish honest. Incense smoke blows from start to finish. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Syrah and Cinsault. 

Winemaker Description 

The Côtes-du-Rhône Reserve is more serious effort than the regular Côtes-du-Rhône bottling that showcases the estate’s ability to marry richness with finesse. Moderately tannic and endowed with a beautiful structure, this Côtes-du-Rhône develops greedy notes of fresh fruit (crushed strawberry, blackberry) on their crunchiness, supported by a hint of licorice.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

James Suckling 95 Points | The lead pencil and blackcurrant aromas are very impressive. Full-bodied and tannic, but very velvety with fine texture. Lots of pretty fruit. Typical for the appellation. Second wine of Domaine de Chevalier. Try after 2028.

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points | The 2020 L'Esprit De Chevalier is more restrained aromatically, yet has outstanding purity in its red and black fruits as well as notes of dried herbs, tobacco, chocolate, and damp earth. It's a medium-bodied, elegant, balanced, and certainly delicious second wine that will benefit from just a year or two of bottle age and shine for a decade.

Vinous 91 Points | The 2020 Esprit de Chevalier has a very perfumed, floral bouquet with pressed iris and peony infusing the blackberry and blueberry fruit. Very controlled and classic in style. The palate is medium-bodied with quite concentrated black fruit laced with white pepper and a touch of Provençal herbs. Slight viscosity here, powerful with a generous finish, this is a superb Deuxième Vin that should give 12-15 years' drinking pleasure.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | Fleshy and demonstrative, the 2020 L'Esprit de Chevalier bursts with aromas of sweet berries, plums and petals. Medium to full-bodied, rich and layered, with polished tannins and an expansive finish, it will drink well young.

Winemaker Description

Domaine de Chevalier is renowned for its ability to produce great wines even in unfashionable vintages thanks to its unique terroir and a draconian selection in the vineyard and the cellar. In fact, this philosophy at times requires vineyard workers to carry out five waves of picking in order to pick only the ripest possible grapes.

Furthermore, as of 1986, the planting of young vines led to the creation of both a red and white second wine called Esprit de Chevalier. This includes vats that do not have quite the structure and focus of the grand vin as well as wine made from young vines, Vats that go into red Esprit de Chevalier must nevertheless be complex, well-balanced, well-structured and, above all, elegant enough to be in keeping with Chevalier’s image. Esprit de Chevalier is a charming red wine with many of the same qualities as the grand vin and the added advantage that can be enjoyed earlier.

Winemaker Description 

The 2024 vintage here in the Willamette Valley was a winemaker’s dream: well-paced with idyllic conditions for cool climate vineyards.

The growing season started and ended cool and mild, with short heat-spikes in mid-summer. Winter and spring were wetter than average, giving the vines a head start underground. Budbreak in mid-April was followed by steady growth into June, when rains during bloom naturally lowered yields for us, lessening the need for thinning fruit. July and August were punctuated by several heat-spikes. Thankfully, the hottest temperatures occurred during the green phase of fruit maturation, while clusters are sunburn resistant. Toward the end of the growing season, a late August drizzle left our vines clean and refreshed, ripening a moderate quantity of very beautiful fruit. We looked forward to harvest with keen anticipation.

The 2024 harvest had a slower pace than typical. With the exception of some early sparkling wine picks, all fruit came in over the course of 40 days. We brought in our first Pinot the second week of September and harvest continued at a steady beat, allowing us to give each vineyard block and fermentation our optimal attention. After a very mild October with plenty of sunshine and wonderful diurnal swings in temperature, the first cold snap of November brought so much cold air, the cellar required extra heating during our white wine fermentations. The timing of harvest was close to our historic average, but within a longer window contributing to great hang-time.

Expect concentrated, fruit-forward wines with great complexity. We are hopeful that the 2024 will come to be considered a classic Willamette Valley vintage.

Our Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is made with 100% estate grown fruit from all six of our vineyard sites: The Winery Estate, Mount Richmond, Five Mountain, Clay Court, Goodrich and Windhill. These sites are comprised of both Pommard and Dijon plant material, with multiple clones represented.

Because we draw from vineyards representing all three of the major Willamette Valley soil types, we are able to pick and choose for different flavor components to make the best possible blend each year for our Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Some people call this making wine “spice rack” style, we usually just call it delicious. Our goal is the perfect version of what we believe a Willamette Valley Pinot should be: a wine with freshness of fruit, well-integrated alcohol, and great concentration of flavor.

To make our Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, fruit from each vineyard block is fermented separately in small, temperature controlled steel tanks, hand punched down twice daily, and barreled in french oak barrels. After 10 months of aging in French oak, the wine we choose for our Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is carefully blended to produce the most approachable, well-balanced Pinot Noir we make.

Viticultural & Enological Data • Vatting Fermentation in small open top fermentors. 10 months in French oak.

Winemaker Description

A dominant fruitiness (blackcurrant, cherry), blackberries with a small spicy note. A supple and round on the palate with melted tannins and a beautiful length with a lot of finesse.

Perfect with red meats, either grilled or roasted, cold cuts, vegetable salads, meat or poultry tarts, simmered beef and vegetables (pot-au-feu). Veal, cold tabbouleh, or hard cheeses like Gouda.

Winemaker Description

The grapes were de-stemmed and cold soaked for four days to extract their beautiful burgundy color, followed by two weeks of maceration before fermentation. This approach yields softer tannins and layered flavors.

The wine opens with expressive aromas of ripe cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry, accented by hints of rose petal and subtle baking spice. On the palate, vibrant red berry flavors are layered with notes of cranberry and pomegranate, framed by soft tannins and bright acidity. A touch of vanilla adds depth, while a silky texture carries through to the elegant finish.

The grapes for this Pinot Noir are sourced from a single grower partner we have worked with since 2009, ensuring consistency in our winemaking. The vineyards are California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) certified sustainable. Most of the fruit comes from vineyards in the Delta region, where the cooling influence of the Sacramento River helps preserve natural acidity and creates ideal growing conditions for Pinot Noir.

DeLoach Vineyards proudly crafts wines that capture the essence of California. Our Certified Sustainable California wines reflect our belief that responsible farming creates better wines, and a better future.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

Vinous 93 Points | Darkly alluring, the 2020 Nobile di Montepulciano lifts from the glass with rosemary and sage, complicating dried black cherries and hints of dark chocolate. This is pure elegance, soft and enveloping, flaunting its ripe vintage fruit with a core of zesty acidity that maintains fantastic balance. A coating of fine tannins tugs at the palate with youthful poise, and a tart cranberry concentration fades. This tremendous effort from the warm vintage should not be missed. That said, the production of Cantina Dei's Nobile was down by 50% due to the conditions of the year.

The Wine Spectator 91 Points | Supple and fluid, this red exudes cherry, loam, iron and eucalyptus flavors. Dusty tannins creep in as this evolves to the finish, where there's a lingering salty taste. Prugnolo Gentile and Canaiolo. Drink now through 2036. 10,000 cases made, 3,000 cases imported.

Winemaker Description

The Vino Nobile di Montepulciano has a brilliant ruby red color, with garnet tinges as it ages. It has an intense bouquet with aromas of ripe cherries, plums and violets. It represents the perfect combination of structure and elegance: its full body and velvety tannins are balanced by its fine acidity. The wine is decidedly persistent and harmonious.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Classic granite notes of cassis and darker cherries, graphite, crushed stone, pepper, and violets all emerge from the 2023 Saint Joseph Offerus. Medium-bodied, focused, and beautifully balanced on the palate, with textbook Saint Joseph tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and a crisp, mineral-laced finish, it will evolve nicely over the coming 8-10 years. 

This Zinfandel is a bold wine grown from some of the oldest vines in California. Gnarly Head’s untamed vines produce full-flavored grapes, dense with aromas of blackberry bramble, juicy plum, and toasted oak. This medium-bodied wine boasts a balanced acidity and supple tannins for those who like unique, big wines with a little eclectic edge.

Enjoy this wine with chili, mini stuffed peppers or with rich and tangy BBQ. 

Winemaker Description 

Sourced from some of California's finest, sun-drenched vineyards, our Cabernet Sauvignon is rich and full-bodied with characteristics of ripe dark fruit such as blackberry and plum. It has hints of oak and vanilla with a velvety finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider) 88-91 Points | Medium-bodied, fresh, fruity, floral, and soft with polished fruits.

The Wine Independent 91 Points | Sweet berries with spices; creamy and polished tannins; velvety texture.

Vert de Vin 90 Points | Fruity, with pulpy and generous fruit, precise and firm tannins.

Winemaker Description 

Producer Description 

Paso Robles is the home to many dreamers and self-starters, those who have a spirit and the drive to create their own destiny. Paso Robles entices those individuals to be their best, create the best from the land and all that it produces. This wine is a tribute to those who believe in Paso Robles and all of its greatness, just like our winemakers. 

Our fourth release of AUSTIN Cabernet Sauvignon remains focused on our goal to produce a wine true to ‘Paso Robles’. On the nose savory aromas intertwine with rich dark fruit nuances. On the palate, flavors evolve into layers of juicy blackberry, spicy nutmeg, toasted coffee and fresh vanilla bean. This medium to full bodied wine is finished with refined tannins and a distinguishable zing of acid to balance.

Memo Summary Notes

The Austin Cabernet Sauvignon "Barrel No. 23" is a premium, multi-vintage (non-vintage) release from the Austin Hope family in Paso Robles.

By blending across multiple vintages, the winemakers achieve a consistent, ultra-smooth profile that is ready to drink the moment you pull the cork.

Food Pairings

• Hearty Meals: Classic ribeye steak, BBQ brisket, or a rich beef stew.

• Casual Favorites: It is surprisingly versatile with wood-fired pepperoni pizza or a gourmet blue cheese burger.

• Small Bites: Aged gouda, smoked nuts, or even dark chocolate truffles.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

The Tasting Panel 92 Points | This widely available Pinot punches way above the weight its price tag might imply. Savory notes of tilled earth and loam are perked up by a punch of red-cherry acidity and crunchy minerality. An appealing umami core provides the spine around which brambly berries and cherries sing with woodsy spice.

Winemaker Description 

The wine has a beautiful vibrant red color, and a deep brooding aroma reminiscent of dried herbs, toasted hazelnuts, and blood orange peel. The flavors are bright from acidity, and deep from concentration at the same time having flavors of shiitake mushrooms, bay laurel, lavender, and cooked red and blackberries. The wine is amazingly complex, bright, rich, and inviting. Winemaker Description. 

Memo Summary Notes

Pair with

    •    Mains: Roast duck, grilled salmon, or herb-crusted pork tenderloin.
    •    Vegetarian: Mushroom risotto or earthy lentil stews.
    •    Appetizers: Charcuterie boards with prosciutto and mild, nutty cheeses.

Winemaker Description 

Deep and brilliant crimson color. It is a very intense wine with a powerful yet delicate nose. It offers all the characteristics of its incredible complexity: noble wood, lightly spiced, with hints of vanilla and cocoa against a background of dark fruit, touches of licorice and woodland, giving this wine personality and elegance.

Very expressive on the palate, full-bodied and refined, with delicious flavors of berries laced with toasty notes. It's a very classy wine.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2019 Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Reserva (Vendimia Seleccionada) is a standout vintage for this historic estate. This specific "Selected Harvest" (Vendimia Seleccionada) release is crafted from 15–25-year-old vines in the premier Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa sub-regions.

Winemaker Description

Lush, layered and complex, this enticing Pinot Noir draws you in with aromas of ripe raspberry and black cherry, as well as notions of pennyroyal, clove and sweet baking spices. On the palate supple tannins and elegantly balanced acidity frame juicy flavors of blackberry and Bing cherry, with savory hints of nutmeg, leather and breakfast tea emerging on the long, robust finish.

Expert Review

92 Points Wine Spectator | Juicy and inviting, with tasty raspberry and mulberry notes infused with pine forest, red tea and wet earth accents. Keeps the fleshy, juicy feel through the lightly toasted finish. Drink now through 2028.

Winemaker Description

A perfect pairing for food with balanced acidity and flavors of cranberry, currant, and vanilla.

Diamond Collection Cabernet Sauvignon’s complexity is crafted by blending fruit from contrasting soil compositions and climates. The beauty of this wine is that it offers a great deal of dimension while still maintaining supple tannins for immediate drinkability.

Our project Avenida 67 is back after a few years of hiatus.

This time, we’ve teamed up with one of the most iconic Argentine winegrowing families — the Benegas-Lynch family. Fifth-generation producers in Mendoza, Argentina, their legacy is deeply rooted in the cradle of Argentine winemaking.

Avenida 67 was the first label I ever created for 67 Wine, so it carries tremendous sentimental value. Working with Tiburcio Benegas, who currently leads operations at Bodegas Benegas, has been an absolute pleasure. Tiburcio is a man of many talents, and preserving his family’s legacy is among his greatest passions.

Avenida 67 Malbec is crafted from 100% estate-grown grapes sourced from the Benegas-Lynch vineyards in Mendoza.

Technical & Tasting Notes

Variety: 100% Estate-Grown Malbec from three Benegas-Lynch vineyards

Vinification: Grapes undergo cold maceration after crushing to enhance aroma, color depth, and fruit expression

Aging: Following alcoholic and malolactic fermentation, the wine is aged for six months in French oak barrels

Sight: Bright cherry-red color that leaps from the glass.

Aromas: An enticing bouquet of freshly picked red fruits—strawberries and raspberries—with hints of prunes and a subtle floral undertone. Well-integrated notes of vanilla and caramel add depth and complexity to the aromatic profile.

Palate: Medium to full-bodied with silky tannins and lively acidity. Fresh red and black fruits intertwine harmoniously, complemented by a delicate touch of baking spices on the finish.

Finish: Clean, lean, and persistent, showing great gastronomic versatility. This wine highlights refinement and vibrant fruit quality.

Pairings: Ideal with stews, grilled meats, and poultry. This Malbec offers remarkable value and character.

Oscar Garcia Moncada

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

Michaela Morris of Decanter Magazine (93 Points) writes:  Evocatively scented with wild red berries and touches of vanillin and spice. An underlying dark earthiness pervades throughout. Fine tannins increase steadily across the palate, as does a richness of raspberry fruit. But all is in harmony. Hints of tea, then a huge hit of citrus lead to the savoury, mouth-cleansing finish. While rooted in the village of La Morra, the Oddero estate boasts impressive vineyard holdings throughout the entirety of the denomination, making for an impressive range of Barolo. The ‘classic’ bottling incorporates younger vines, mostly from sites in La Morra as well as Bricco Fiasco in Castiglione Falletto. Gorgeously approachable now but will keep evolving. 

Antonio Galloni  of Vinous (92 Points) writes:  The 2021 Barolo is fabulous. Aromatic, pliant and wonderfully inviting. Oddero's Barolo shows just how appealing this vintage is. Crushed flowers, red/blue-toned fruit, spice and perfumed notes build nicely in the glass. Polished, silky tannins wrap it all together in style. Vineyard sources are Bricco Chiesa, Capalot, Bricco Fiasco and a bit of Galina.  

Winemaker Notes

Black cherry, blackberry, and chocolate aromas, complemented by hints of dried culinary herbs, provide a fruit-forward, savory profile. The palate displays balanced flavors of black currant, mocha, and vanilla, leading to an elegant, velvety finish.

Blend: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec

Winemaker Description

The result of a long history, Burgundy and its wines are known worldwide. Pinot Noir is a native grape variety of the area. Bourgogne Pinot Noir is the regional appellation whose wines can come from any part of Burgundy. This wine exhibits the characteristics of the great red Burgundies.

Our Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2021 has a ruby color. Its nose reveals notes of blackcurrant buds. Its round and fresh palate offers notes of cherry for a soft finish.
Food Pairing: Grilled meat - mature cheeses. Winemaker Description.

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2015

Eric Guido writes: Brown spice, crushed fall leaves cherry sauce and a lifting hint of fresh mint form a darkly alluring bouquet as the 2015 Montefalco Sagrantino Memoira opens in the glass. This washes across the palate with a velvety wave of ripe red and black fruits, underscored by saline minerals and a burst of spiced citrus. Long and potent, the 2015 leaves a web of fine tannins that are surprisingly sweet and round, nicely framing the notes of sour wild berries and dark chocolate that linger. - Vinous 92

James Suckling writes: The candied strawberries and caramelized orange peel draw you in on the nose; then you notice hints of ash and red licorice. The full-bodied palate has quite a serious tannin backbone, and vibrant red fruit lies beneath waiting to be drawn out tightly by a fine acid edge. The finish is quite fruit-forward. Drink now. - James Suckling 92

Winemaker Description 

Medium-to-full bodied combining dark berry fruit and cassis flavors with hints of chocolate and mint.

Winemaker Description 

A delicious, well-balanced wine made to exacting standards, our Legacy Red Blend is bursting with rich, dark fruit flavors complemented by hints of toasted wood and fresh cracked pepper.

Founded by Joseph Carr in honor of his father, Josh Cellars makes bold, well-balanced, and delicious wines that are sophisticated yet approachable. Sourced from California’s best growing regions, they are intentionally crafted for sharing with family and friends.
Description

The nose shows aromatic blueberry and plum backed by pepper and vanilla. On the palate, the wine shows good body, with baked plums and dark cherries, with secondary notes of roasted almonds, toasted cedar, and hazelnuts, finishing long with fine, soft tannins.

Pairs well with BBQ ribs, leg of lamb, and grilled skirt steak.

Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah 

Winemaker Description 

This single-varietal wine seeks the typicality and differentiation of the Mencía variety from the easternmost Ribeira Sacra and the great character that the terroir of a historic vineyard gives it.

Intense peck red, medium layer. From a frank nose and very intense varietal aromas to strawberries and blackcurrants with foral notes and a characteristic maturity.
Fassy: The attack is cool, highlights its roundness in the mouth with good balance between alcohol, acidity and tanicity. Long posttaste and a retronasal typical of the mineral character of the plot.

Exceptional selection of the Mencía grapes of the historic vineyard of the Pazo de La Cuesta. Manual harvest, followed by despalillado and discharge by gravity to the fermentation deposits. Alcoholic fermentation is carried out at a controlled temperature 16 - 18oC, after which malolactic fermentation is performed, both in stainless steel tank. It breeds on its lees and subsequent aging of 6 months in French and Central European oak barrels of 300 and 500 liters.

GRAPE VARIETY: 100% MENCÍA
From our own vineyards in San Clodio, Ribas de Sil (Lugo)

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

James Suckling 91 Points | Perfumed nose of cedar, spearmint, morello cherry, vanilla and lemon verbena. Medium-bodied with polished tannins. Spicy character with ambitious new wood. Mocha at the end.

Winemaker Description 

The Castellani Family has been producing classic Tuscan wines for more than 150 years. The wines are true classic expressions of their unique Tuscan terroir. The 2023 Chianti is ruby-garnet in color with intense aromas of morello cherries and strawberries. A lovely balance of bright fruit, mouthwatering acidity and well balanced tannins. Ideal with pasta with meat or tomato sauce, hamburgers, roast or braised veal, and excellent with mushroom inspired dishes.

Memo Summary Notes

The Famiglia Castellani Sangiovese Toscana 2019 is an acclaimed "crowd-pleaser" that has gained a significant following in the U.S. for its high quality-to-price ratio. Unlike the more rustic Torrebruna we looked at, this bottling from the Castellani family—winemakers since 1903—is known for a more polished, "perfumed" style, often receiving high scores from critics like James Suckling for its modern approach to the traditional Sangiovese grape.

Pair with 

Classic: Spaghetti Bolognese, Lasagna, or Eggplant Parmigiana.

• Meats: Chicken Scarpariello or grilled pork chops with rosemary.

• The "Best" Match: This is frequently cited as one of the best "Pizza Reds" on the market because its bright cherry acidity cuts through rich cheese and tomato sauce perfectly.

Producer Description 

This bright, lively wine showcases an abundance of berry flavors and aromas. Red raspberry, wild blackberry, and a touch of cranberry are balanced with spicy notes of anise and cinnamon. This medium-bodied Zinfandel lingers for a long, smooth finish.

Pair with barbecue, blue cheese and cheeseburgers.

Expert Review

Wine Spectator 90 Points | Jammy and generous but not blowsy, this Zin is loaded with blackberry and cherry flavors that are accented with hints of pepper and licorice.