Red Wine

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2024

James Suckling 89 Points: Bright, citrusy nose with hints of sour cherries and dried flowers. Vivid and fruity, with medium body and juicy acidity, finishing bright and zesty. Pleasant and attractive. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Sustainable.

Winemaker Description

"Rina Russa" means "red sand" in Sicilian dialect — a name that speaks to the ancient terroir from which this wine is born. The Frappato grapes come from estate-grown ancient clones, yielding a beautiful light cherry color with a fresh and vibrant bouquet reminiscent of wild strawberries. The palate is silky and smooth with a real freshness running through it and a surprisingly long finish.

Certifications: Organic  |  Vegan  |  Sustainable

Pairing Suggestions

• Seafood: Grilled branzino, swordfish alla Siciliana, or seafood pasta.
• Meat: Charcuterie, roasted rabbit, or light pork dishes.
• Cheese: Fresh Pecorino Siciliano or mild ricotta salata.

Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Reserva Vendimia Seleccionada 2020 — Rioja Alta & Rioja Alavesa, Spain

Marqués de Cáceres is one of Rioja’s most celebrated and internationally recognized estates, founded in 1970 by Enrique Forner in partnership with the legendary Bordeaux oenologist Émile Peynaud. The winery pioneered a more elegant, French-influenced style of Rioja — emphasizing freshness, precision, and terroir expression over heavy extraction — and has remained one of the appellation’s benchmark producers for over five decades.

The Vendimia Seleccionada (Selected Harvest) Reserva is a step above the standard Reserva, crafted from a careful selection of 15–25-year-old vines in the premier Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa sub-regions. Aged in oak and bottle in accordance with Reserva regulations, this is a wine of genuine complexity and cellar-worthy structure.

The 2020 shows a deep, brilliant crimson color. The nose is powerful yet delicate — noble wood, lightly spiced, with hints of vanilla and cocoa against a background of dark fruit, touches of licorice, and woodland notes that give the wine personality and elegance. On the palate it is very expressive, full-bodied and refined, with delicious flavors of berries laced with toasty notes and a long, classy finish.

Selected Harvest. 15–25-year-old vines. Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa — Marqués de Cáceres at its most refined.

• Producer: Marqués de Cáceres, Cenicero, Rioja Alta, Spain (est. 1970)
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: DOCa Rioja (Rioja Alta & Rioja Alavesa)
• Classification: Reserva — Vendimia Seleccionada (Selected Harvest)
• Varietal: Tempranillo-based blend
• Vine Age: 15–25 years
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark fruit, vanilla, cocoa, licorice, noble wood, spice, woodland, toasty berries, long elegant finish
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, Ibérico ham, aged Manchego, slow-braised short ribs, mushroom dishes

Classic Rioja Reserva from one of the appellation’s founding estates — Marqués de Cáceres Vendimia Seleccionada is the benchmark.

A favorite at 67 Wine Castello di Bossi

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, leading to a subtly sweet, silky finish.

Critical Acclaim — 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."

About Castello di Bossi

Castello di Bossi is one of Chianti Classico’s most respected family estates, situated in the Castelnuovo Berardenga subzone — the southernmost and warmest part of the Chianti Classico DOCG, known for producing wines of exceptional richness and structure. The estate has been farmed organically for decades, harnessing the area’s galestro and alberese soils to produce Sangiovese of remarkable depth and complexity. The Berardo Riserva — named for the estate’s founding family — is the flagship wine of Castello di Bossi, aged for an extended period in French and Slavonian oak before release. It consistently ranks among the finest expressions of Chianti Classico Riserva at any price.

Food Pairings

Korean short ribs, ragù sauces, gnocchi with roasted rabbit, beef negimaki, bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar, and aged Pecorino Toscano. Decant 1 hour before serving; cellar through 2033.

Product Details

• Producer: Castello di Bossi
• Appellation: Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
• Subzone: Castelnuovo Berardenga
• Grape: Sangiovese
• Certification: Organic
• Vintage: 2021
• Style: Full-bodied, structured, cellar-worthy Chianti Classico Riserva
• Drink: Now–2033 (decant 1 hour)
• Format: 750ml

Wine Enthusiast — 92 Points (Tonya Pitts) | Bold and supple with aromas of red currant, dark strawberry, brown sugar, cinnamon, and toasty oak. The palate mirrors the nose with hibiscus tea, cracked black pepper, silky tannins, and a smooth finish. Pair with a shredded chicken sandwich with Alabama BBQ sauce. (Vintage 2023)

Winemaker's Notes
 
McManis Family Vineyards crafts this Zinfandel as a rich, fruit-forward expression of California's Central Valley. Deep purple in the glass, it is loaded with notes of ripe red currant, strawberry, caramelized sugar, and toasty oak. Savory red fruit on the palate leads to soft, supple tannins and a long, smooth finish.

    •    Winery: McManis Family Vineyards
    •    Appellation: California
    •    Varietal: Zinfandel
    •    Vintage: 2023
    •    Format: 750ml
    •    Style: Bold, fruit-forward, smooth tannins
    •    Pairings: BBQ, grilled meats, burgers, spiced dishes

Au Bon Climat | Santa Barbara County, California | Pinot Noir | 2024

Au Bon Climat has been producing Burgundian-styled Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County since 1982 — well before Sideways put the region on the map. The 2024 is a handcrafted blend from 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 barrels. Forty years of consistent winemaking, and it shows.

Vineyards: Bien Nacido, North Canyon, Rancho Real, Kick On, Los Alamos
Oak: 8–12 months, François Frères French oak
Alcohol: 13.5% | Acidity: 5.4 g/L
Drink: Now–2031

Tasting Notes

• Red currant, blueberry, and blood orange on the nose
• Bay leaf, white pepper, and wet stone in the background
• Well-balanced palate | Fine tannin and acid | Superb structure | Earthy depth

Pairings: Lamb, duck, lighter meats in youth; salmon and mild red sauce pasta with age. Remarkably versatile — ABC's own words: "the possible food pairings are almost endless."

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 

Awards & Accolades

Platinum Award & Director's Best Spirits Barrel Aged Wine | 2023 Monterey International Wine & Spirits Competition

Winemaker Description

Cooper and Thief Cellarmaster's Red Wine Blend 2022 750ml

Crafted by Cellarmaster Jeff Kasavan, this California Red Blend is aged three months in bourbon whiskey barrels, imparting a velvety mouthfeel, subtle warmth, and notes of toasty vanilla and classic bourbon spice. Blackberry and jammy dark currants lead to a rich, full-bodied finish. The blend — Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon — draws from prime winegrowing regions across California, unified by the unmistakable character of bourbon barrel aging.

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Roasted lamb, grilled ribeye, or slow-smoked brisket.
• Poultry: Bourbon-glazed chicken, duck confit, or turkey with dark fruit sauce.
• Cheese: Aged cheddar, smoked Gouda, or a bold blue cheese.

One of Tuscany's most celebrated organic estates, Fontodi Chianti Classico Organic 2020 is a benchmark expression of 100% Sangiovese from the heart of Panzano's legendary Conca d'Oro — the "Golden Shell" — a privileged south-facing amphitheater of vineyards in the Chianti Classico DOCG. Certified organic, structured, and deeply terroir-driven, this is Chianti Classico at its most authentic and compelling.

Fontodi & the Conca d'Oro

Fontodi has been certified organic for decades, farming 100% Sangiovese with an unwavering commitment to terroir expression and minimal intervention. Situated in Panzano's Conca d'Oro — a sun-drenched bowl of south-facing vineyards considered among the finest sites in all of Chianti Classico — the estate produces wines of remarkable energy, structure, and longevity. The 2020 vintage is slightly more reserved and structured than recent opulent years, offering a classic, high-energy profile that rewards decanting or further cellaring.

Critical Acclaim — 2020 Vintage

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. 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 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. It finishes with its signature bitter liquorice twist."

92+ Points — Vinous (Antonio Galloni): "The 2020 Chianti Classico offers notable tension to balance the natural richness that is such a signature here. Dark red cherry, leather, spice, rose petal, dried herbs and wild flowers all grace this nuanced Chianti Classico. I would not plan on opening this too young."

91 Points — Wine Advocate: "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. Drinking 2023–2030."

17++ — Jancis Robinson: "100% Sangiovese. Certified organic. Lots of juice on the palate and plenty of grainy but ripe tannins in perfect harmony with the succulent fruit. Drinking 2023–2032."

Tasting Profile

Youthful ruby with vibrant clarity. The nose is subtle and enticing — sliced strawberry, dark cherry, rose petal, dried herbs, leather, and a hint of baked earth. On the palate it's medium to full-bodied with succulent, grainy tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long finish with a signature bitter liquorice twist. Classic Sangiovese energy and precision.

Details

2020 | 100% Sangiovese | Panzano, Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany, Italy | Certified Organic | 750ml

Food Pairings & Serving

Decant 30–45 minutes. Serve at 61–64°F. A natural match for bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, roasted lamb, and aged Pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano. Drinking beautifully now through 2032.

The Queen of Teroldego, at Her Finest

Elisabetta Foradori is one of Italy's most visionary winemakers — a pioneer who single-handedly rescued the ancient Teroldego grape from obscurity and elevated it to world-class status. Farming biodynamically in the dramatic foothills of the Dolomites in Trentino, her minimal-intervention approach produces wines of extraordinary purity, character, and sense of place.

This is the estate's flagship red: a wine that is simultaneously wild and precise, generous and structured — a benchmark for what indigenous Italian varieties can achieve in the right hands.

67 Wine Review

"Savory, earthy and slightly wild in style, Elisabetta Foradori sculpts one of Italy's finest natural wines. Luscious dark fruits and violets on the nose pick up some spice and wild herbs on the palate. Medium bodied with good depth of flavor and detailed complexity that winds through the finish with purity and a touch of exotic funk."
— Bart Hopkins, 67Wine.com

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Luscious dark fruits, violets, and wild herbs
• Palate: Savory, earthy, and slightly wild — spice, dark cherry, and a touch of exotic funk
• Structure: Medium-bodied with high acidity, moderate tannins, and excellent depth
• Finish: Long, pure, and complex

Vineyard & Vinification

• Grape: 100% Teroldego
• Farming: Certified Organic & Biodynamic
• Appellation: Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino, Italy
• Producer: Foradori, Campo Rotaliano
• Vintage: 2024
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for Alpine cuisine: speck, Fontina, and rye bread; tagliatelle with wild boar ragù; roasted duck with cherry reduction; herb-crusted pork loin. Also exceptional with mushroom polenta or roasted beets with goat cheese.

Winemaker Description

Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel is grown from some of the oldest vines in California — untamed, gnarled vines that produce full-flavored, concentrated grapes dense with character. The nose opens with aromas of blackberry bramble, juicy plum, and toasted oak. On the palate, this medium-bodied Zinfandel delivers balanced acidity and supple tannins, with a bold, eclectic edge that sets it apart from the crowd.

Pairing Suggestions

• BBQ & Grilled: Rich and tangy BBQ ribs, smoked brisket, or grilled sausages.
• Spiced Dishes: Chili, mini stuffed peppers, or spiced lamb kebabs.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar, smoked Gouda, or aged Monterey Jack.

Warehouse stored item - please allow three to five business days to fulfill.

Full-bodied, even robust, with a capacity to age but with such supple smoothness that it can be eminently drinkable even when young.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

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 Réserve is a more serious effort than the estate’s regular Côtes-du-Rhône bottling, showcasing Janasse’s ability to marry richness with finesse. Moderately tannic and endowed with a beautiful structure, it develops generous notes of fresh fruit — crushed strawberry and blackberry — on a crunchy, vibrant core, supported by a hint of licorice on the finish.

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Roasted lamb with herbes de Provence, grilled duck breast, or beef daube.
• Classic French: Cassoulet, tapenade crostini, or a charcuterie board.
• Cheese: Aged Comté, Manchego, or a firm sheep’s milk cheese.

RouteStock | Pinot Noir | Sonoma Coast AVA | California | 2023

RouteStock is a California label built around the idea that great wine should be accessible — that world-class terroir doesn’t have to come with a world-class price tag. Their Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir draws from one of California’s most celebrated cool-climate appellations, where Pacific fog and coastal winds push grapes to their expressive limits. The 2023 is a textbook example of what makes this region so compelling: complexity, tension, and a savory depth that punches well above its price.

The nose is brooding and aromatic — dried herbs, toasted hazelnuts, blood orange peel, and a whisper of lavender. On the palate, bright red-cherry acidity and crunchy minerality frame an appealing umami core, with flavors of shiitake mushroom, bay laurel, brambly berries, and cooked red and blackberries woven through with woodsy spice. Rich and complex, yet bright and inviting — a Sonoma Coast Pinot that delivers far beyond its price point.

• Producer: RouteStock
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast AVA, California
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 750ml
• Pairings: Roast duck, grilled salmon, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, mushroom risotto, charcuterie with prosciutto and mild cheeses

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2023 

• The Tasting Panel — 92 pts: Punches way above its price. Savory tilled earth and loam, red-cherry acidity, crunchy minerality, and an umami core with brambly berries and woodsy spice.

Winemaker Description

Columbia Crest H3 Red Blend is focused and generous, open-textured and inviting. Sourced from Horse Heaven Hills — one of Washington State's most celebrated AVAs — this approachable yet complex red blend delivers cherry, currant, red plum, and raspberry jam flavors with a smooth, well-rounded finish.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby in color with aromas of ripe dark cherry, blackcurrant, and a hint of toasted oak. The palate is plush and fruit-forward with flavors of red plum, raspberry jam, and subtle spice. Medium-bodied with soft tannins and a smooth, lingering finish.

Food Pairings

Pairs beautifully with grilled burgers, BBQ ribs, roasted chicken, pasta with meat sauce, and aged cheddar. A versatile everyday red from one of Washington's most trusted producers.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: 2021
Region: Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Washington State, USA
Appellation: Horse Heaven Hills AVA
Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
Producer: Columbia Crest
Style: Red Blend, Dry, Medium-Bodied

Faust Cabernet Sauvignon — Napa Valley 2023

Faust is one of Napa Valley’s most compelling Cabernet estates — a project rooted in the belief that great wine speaks distinctly of place. Named for the legendary scholar who pursued knowledge and excellence above all else, Faust channels that same relentless ambition into every vintage. The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 20 months in 25% new French oak — a restrained approach that preserves the purity and minerality of the fruit rather than masking it with wood. The 2023 vintage was a cool year in Napa, and Faust is a cool-climate estate: the combination produced a wine of real nerve, structure, and approachability, with ample aging potential. As Estate Director Jen Beloz puts it: “There is purity, intensity, and a savory minerality to every vintage.”

The color is a deep, concentrated ruby. The nose is refined and expressive: red and dark fruit, crushed stones, dried herbs, flowers, and a whisper of salt-cured meat — a savory complexity that sets Faust apart from the valley’s more opulent styles. On the palate, it is tightly woven with a silken mouthfeel — earthy red and black fruits, leafy underbrush, tobacco, and chocolate, framed by fine tannins, balanced structure, and a succulent, minerally finish of outstanding length. Medium to full-bodied, structured, and built to age.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling — 96 Points
“Aromas of red and dark fruit, crushed stones, dried herbs, flowers and salt-cured meat. The palate is tightly woven with a silken mouthfeel, fine tannins and a succulent, minerally finish. A wine of real nerve and approachability young, with ample aging potential. A good example of what a cool vintage in a cool appellation can produce.”

Jeb Dunnuck — 91 Points
“Based on 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged 20 months in 25% new French oak, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is solid, offering earthy red and black fruits intermixed with leafy underbrush, tobacco, and chocolate. It’s medium to full-bodied, has a balanced mouthfeel, and shows the more structured style of the vintage with outstanding length.”

• Producer: Faust, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Napa Valley
• Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Aging: 20 months in 25% new French oak
• Style: Precise, mineral-driven, structured Napa Cabernet
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red and dark fruit, crushed stones, dried herbs, salt-cured meat, tobacco, chocolate, minerally finish
• Drink Window: Now–2035+
• Best Paired With: Braised short ribs, roast lamb, duck confit, wild mushroom dishes, aged hard cheeses

Napa Cabernet with purity, nerve, and a savory soul — Faust 2023 is the antidote to over-extracted California Cab.

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.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep ruby with purple hues
• Nose: Black cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate and dried culinary herbs
• Palate: Black currant, mocha and vanilla with smooth, well-integrated tannins
• Finish: Elegant and velvety with lingering fruit and spice

Production Details

• Winery: Kendall-Jackson
• Region: California (Sonoma County)
• Classification: Vintner's Reserve
• Blend: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec
• Vintage: 2023 | Format: 750ml

Kendall-Jackson's Vintner's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from premier California wine regions, delivering consistent quality and approachable elegance vintage after vintage. Pairs beautifully with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, aged cheddar, and hearty pasta dishes.

Feudo Montoni Vigna del Core Perricone — Sicilia, Italy 2022

Feudo Montoni is one of Sicily's most important organic estates, farming ancient indigenous varieties in the rugged interior highlands near Cammarata — far from the coast, at elevations that bring cool nights and dramatic diurnal swings. Their Vigna del Core is dedicated to Perricone, one of Sicily's rarest and most historically significant red grapes, nearly extinct until producers like Montoni championed its revival. Grown organically and harvested from old vines, this is a wine of genuine character and place.

The 2022 pours a ruby red with light violet reflections. The nose is earthy and complex — grilled herbs, blackberries, dried flowers, warm spice, and exotic notes of cocoa and licorice. On the palate, it's silky-smooth and deeply textural, with ripe red and black fruit driven by vibrant acidity and a coating of fine, dusty tannins. The finish is long, fresh, and beautifully polished — a total pleasure to taste.

"Silky-smooth and deeply textural, with a rich blend of ripe red and black fruits motivated by vibrant acidity. The 2022 cleans up beautifully, finishing long and staining yet fresh. A total pleasure to taste." — Vinous, 92 Points

• Producer: Feudo Montoni, Cammarata, Sicily, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Sicilia DOC
• Varietal: Perricone
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: Vinous 92 | Wine Spectator 90
• Tasting Notes: Grilled herbs, blackberry, dried flowers, cocoa, licorice, fine dusty tannins
• Best Paired With: Braised lamb, wild boar, aged pecorino, grilled sausages, hearty Sicilian pasta dishes

A 92-point certified organic Perricone from one of Sicily's most committed indigenous variety champions — rare, soulful, and built to age.

Expert Reviews — 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. Will evolve nicely over the coming 8–10 years.

Winemaker Description

Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Saint Joseph OFFERUS 2023 750ml

The Offerus is produced by Chave Sélection, the négociant arm of the legendary Chave family — one of the Northern Rhône’s most revered dynasties. While the Domaine’s own Saint-Joseph commands upwards of $130, the Offerus delivers a similar pedigree and granite-driven terroir character at a fraction of the price. Pure Syrah sourced from the granitic hillsides of Saint-Joseph, it is a benchmark insider value in the appellation and a testament to the Chave family’s uncompromising standards across every tier of their portfolio.

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Grilled lamb chops with herbes de Provence, roasted duck breast, or beef daube.
• Classic French: Hearty cassoulet, charcuterie board, or braised short ribs with olives.
• Cheese: Aged Comté, Saint-Nectaire, or a firm washed-rind cheese.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2024

Vinous (Eric Guido) 91 Points: Entices with a cascade of violets and lavender before giving way to wild blueberries and hints of wet stone. Round and juicy in style with standout minerality, as crisp wildberry fruits settle on the senses. A slight citrus twang and blue inner florals remain as a bump of juicy acidity maintains fantastic freshness. Just 11.8% abv.

Wine Spectator (Alison Napjus) 90 Points: A pure beam of wild strawberry and cherry fruit flavors accented by pretty violet, sweet tobacco, anise and mineral notes. Light- to medium-bodied yet offers focus and length. Drink now through 2030.

Winemaker Description

Speri Valpolicella Classico Organic 2024 750ml

A young, vibrant expression of Valpolicella Classico from the Speri family — one of the Veneto’s most respected organic producers, certified since 2015. Ruby red with purplish highlights, the wine opens with an intense bouquet of violets and cherries. Medium-bodied and fruity with a lively, mineral-driven character, it is made to be enjoyed young and pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes. At just 11.8% abv, it is as versatile as it is elegant.

Pairing Suggestions

• Antipasti & Starters: Charcuterie, bruschetta, or prosciutto e melone.
• Pasta & Risotto: Tagliatelle al ragù, pasta e fagioli, or mushroom risotto.
• Cheese: Fresh mozzarella, mild Asiago, or a young Pecorino.

Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2023 — Napa Valley, California

Frank Family Vineyards is one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated estates, with roots tracing back to the historic Larkmead Winery site in Calistoga. Founded by Rich Frank in 1992, the winery has built its reputation on benchmark Napa Cabernet Sauvignon — wines that combine the valley’s signature power and richness with genuine elegance and age-worthiness. The 2023 vintage was a cool, precise year in Napa, producing wines of exceptional freshness and structure.

The 2023 opens with pronounced aromas of blackberry, cassis, and vanilla. On the palate, flavors of black plum, nutmeg, dark chocolate, and a touch of espresso build into a complex, full-bodied structure, anchored by a core of elegant acidity and fine tannins that carry from start to a long, savory finish. James Suckling awarded it 94 points, calling it “a refined and complete example of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon showing all the poise and freshness of the cool vintage.”

James Suckling 94 — “Taut and austere, with a good core of fruit, fine tannins, a textured mouthfeel and balanced acidity, leading to a savory, mouthwatering finish.”

• Producer: Frank Family Vineyards, Calistoga, Napa Valley
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Napa Valley AVA
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, cassis, vanilla, black plum, nutmeg, dark chocolate, espresso, elegant acidity
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, roasted lamb, wild mushroom risotto, aged cheddar, Manchego

A benchmark Napa Cabernet at a price that still makes sense — Frank Family delivers every time.

Winemaker Description

The 2023 Brewer-Clifton Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir displays enticing aromas of pomegranate, white tea, and raspberry. Lively and energetic on the palate with flavors of dried fig, white truffle, and ripe cherry fruit. Savory in texture, with notes of wild herbs and peppery spice lingering on the finish.

Pairing Suggestions

• Poultry: Roasted duck with cherry glaze, herb-roasted chicken, or quail with mushroom sauce.
• Meat: Lamb chops with wild herbs, pork tenderloin with fig reduction.
• Cheese: Aged Gruyère, Brie de Meaux, or a mild washed-rind cheese.

Elegant, generous, and unmistakably Right Bank, the Chateau Chatain Lalande-de-Pomerol 2020 is a beautifully crafted Merlot-dominant Bordeaux from one of the appellation's most consistent estates. Rich with ripe black fruit, cocoa, and classic earthy character, this is a wine that delivers genuine Pomerol-adjacent pleasure at a remarkable price point.

Chateau Chatain & Lalande-de-Pomerol

Lalande-de-Pomerol sits just north of the celebrated Pomerol appellation on Bordeaux's Right Bank, sharing the same clay-rich soils and Merlot-dominant tradition that defines the region's most sought-after wines. Chateau Chatain is a well-regarded estate within the appellation, producing wines of genuine elegance and depth that consistently overperform at their price. The 2020 vintage — one of Bordeaux's finest in recent memory — brings exceptional ripeness and concentration to this already expressive terroir.

Expert Review

92 Points — Wine Enthusiast (Roger Voss): "This smoky, ripe wine is full of black tannins and has a complex structure that balances black fruits and solid tannins. Drink this Merlot-dominant wine from 2022."

Tasting Profile

Brilliant ruby with deep garnet hues. The nose is expressive and inviting — ripe black cherry, plum, and blackberry layered with cocoa powder, cedar, and subtle baking spice. Hints of earth and graphite add classic Right Bank character. On the palate it's fresh, elegant, and full-bodied with a round, velvety texture, well-integrated tannins, and a long, fruit-forward finish.

Details

2020 | Merlot-dominant blend | Lalande-de-Pomerol, Bordeaux, France | AOC Lalande-de-Pomerol | 750ml

Cellaring & Pairings

Drinking beautifully now and through 2030. Serve at 61–64°F with roast lamb, duck confit, beef bourguignon, mushroom risotto, or aged hard cheeses. Decant 30–45 minutes for best expression.

Álvaro Palacios | Camins del Priorat | Priorat DOQ | Catalonia, Spain | 2024

Álvaro Palacios is one of Spain's most celebrated winemakers, the visionary who put Priorat on the world map with his legendary L'Ermita and Finca Dofí. Camins del Priorat — "paths of Priorat" — is his entry into the appellation, but make no mistake: this is a serious wine crafted with the same philosophy and terroir access that defines the estate. The 2024 vintage, a cooler year, yielded a particularly elegant and balsamic expression.

The blend leans into Garnacha (40%) and Cariñena (20%), with Syrah (20%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), Merlot (5%), and a small addition of white grapes — Garnacha Blanca, Picapoll Blanc, and Pedro Ximénez (5%) — adding aromatic lift. Fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel, oak, and concrete, with 28 days of maceration and four months in barriques and oak vats.

Deep purple in the glass, the nose is balsamic and minty with resin, violets, and dark berry. On the palate, warm mulberry, plum, and lingonberry are framed by cinnamon, dried lavender, sage, and sweet paprika, with graphite and cocoa powder accents. Fine, chalky tannins and bright acidity give it a stylish, palate-cleansing finish with excellent length. Juicy, velvety, and built to drink now through 2036.

• Producer: Álvaro Palacios
• Appellation: Priorat DOQ, Catalonia, Spain
• Blend: 40% Garnacha, 20% Cariñena, 20% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 5% white grapes
• Vintage: 2024
• Aging: 4 months in barriques and oak vats
• Drink: Now through 2036
• Production: ~175,000 bottles
• Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2024 

• Wine Spectator — 93 pts: Warm mulberry, plum and lingonberry with cinnamon, dried lavender, graphite and cocoa. Fine, chalky tannins and bright acidity. Stylish and appealing with good length. Drink now through 2036.
• Wine Advocate (Luis Gutiérrez) — 92 pts: Juicy and velvety with finesse and drinkability. Very balsamic and minty nose with hints of resin and violets. Textured and fruit-driven.

André Montessuy — Bourgogne Rouge 2023

André Montessuy is a négociant-éleveur based in Burgundy, producing approachable, terroir-honest wines from across the region. The Bourgogne Rouge is their entry-level Pinot Noir — sourced from limestone soils mixed with clay and marl, the classic subsoil of the Côte d’Or — and vinified with care: sorted by hand, cold pre-fermentation maceration for three days, then 12 days of alcoholic fermentation with twice-daily pump-overs and punch-downs to extract color and structure without aggression. Aged 10 to 12 months before bottling.

The 2023 is a textbook village-level Burgundy at a regional price. Dominant fruitiness on the nose — blackcurrant, cherry, blackberry — with a small spicy note. The palate is supple and round, with melted tannins, good length, and a lot of finesse. This is the bottle you reach for when you want honest Pinot Noir without the Burgundy premium.

• Producer: André Montessuy, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Bourgogne Rouge AOC
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Terroir: Limestone, clay, and marl soils
• Vinification: Hand-sorted, 3-day cold maceration, 12-day fermentation, pump-overs & punch-downs
• Aging: 10–12 months
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackcurrant, cherry, blackberry, spice, supple tannins, long finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled or roasted red meats, cold cuts, pot-au-feu, veal, poultry tarts, Gouda

Honest Burgundy at $24 — André Montessuy's Bourgogne Rouge is the everyday Pinot Noir that punches well above its appellation.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2020

James Suckling 94 Points | Attractive aromas of ripe cherries, dried strawberries, dried orange peel, spices and crushed stones. Medium to full body with compact, firm, finely grained tannins. Smooth and textured with vivid fruit underneath and a lingering finish. Drink or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Rich ruby color. A selection from the best vineyards, aged for two years. Toasted cedar, cherry lozenge, menthol, and spiced orange peel. Medium-bodied with ripe tannins folding into a mineral texture, mouthwatering stony earth, and a long, clean finish.

Robert Parker | Wine Advocate 93 Points | Ripe fruit with measured intensity that never feels heavy or overdone — achieving this level of balance is not easy in a hot growing season. Characterized by an especially linear and direct personality that pushes over the palate with good momentum.

Wine Spectator 90 Points | Juicy yet firmly structured with bright cherry and blackberry fruit. Dense tannins inform the finish with accents of earth and mineral. Balanced in a youthful, exuberant way. Best 2025–2039.

Winemaker Notes

Ruby red with a trace of garnet. Elegant nose displaying hints of spice and fruit. Well-structured with smooth tannins and a long finish. Certified organic Sangiovese from one of Chianti Classico’s most historic and beautiful estates.

Tasting & Pairings

Ripe cherry, dried strawberry, orange peel, crushed stones, cedar, menthol, and spice. Medium to full body with firm, finely grained tannins and a mineral finish. Decant or cellar through 2039.

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina or grilled lamb — the classic Tuscan pairing for a Riserva of this caliber.
• Wild boar ragù or pappardelle with meat sauce — the tannin structure and earthy notes complement rich, slow-cooked sauces.
• Aged Pecorino Toscano — a regional cheese that mirrors the wine’s earthy, mineral character.

Château Lilian Ladouys — Saint-Estèphe Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel 2020

Château Lilian Ladouys is one of Saint-Estèphe’s most exciting estates — and the 2020 vintage may be its finest hour. Owned by the Lorenzetti family and now classified as Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel (the top tier of the new classification), Lilian Ladouys consistently punches well above its weight, delivering Classified Growth quality at a fraction of the price. The 2020 vintage — one of Bordeaux’s greatest in a generation — is big, bold, and built for the long haul.

Dark fruits, damp earth, truffle, cassis, licorice, and a deft touch of creamy oak define the nose. On the palate, powerful yet polished tannins frame a concentrated, medium-to-full-bodied wine with exceptional length and a racy, structured finish. Already showing complexity, it will evolve gracefully for 10–15 years and beyond.

Wine Enthusiast 93–95 • Decanter 93 • Jeb Dunnuck 92 • James Suckling 92 • Robert Parker 91+

• Producer: Château Lilian Ladouys, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux
• Vintage: 2020
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel
• Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cassis, dark fruit, truffle, damp earth, licorice, creamy oak, powdery tannins
• Cellar Potential: Best after 2025–2027; will evolve through 2035+
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, beef tenderloin, duck confit, truffle dishes, aged hard cheeses

One of the clear leaders of the Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel category — Lilian Ladouys 2020 is a Saint-Estèphe benchmark at a remarkable price.

Winemaker Description

Lindeman's Bold Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 45 2025 750ml

One of Australia’s most trusted Cabernet Sauvignons, Lindeman’s Bin 45 delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing character vintage after vintage. Medium-to-full bodied, it combines dark berry fruit and cassis with hints of chocolate and mint — approachable, well-structured, and ideal for everyday enjoyment. The Bin 45 has earned its place as a go-to bottle for those who want reliable Australian Cabernet at an exceptional value.

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Grilled ribeye, lamb burgers, or slow-roasted beef brisket.
• BBQ: Smoky BBQ ribs, pulled pork, or grilled sausages.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar, aged Gouda, or a bold blue cheese.

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 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.

Wine Advocate 93 — (Prior Vintage 2023). High-altitude, elegant Mendoza Malbec from one of Argentina’s most celebrated estates. Dark plum, blackberry, violet and earthy depth with vibrant acidity and a savory, lingering finish.

• 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.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2021

Decanter 94 Points (Clive Pursehouse) | From the Demeter-certified biodynamic Johan Vineyard in the Willamette Valley. Rich umami-driven aromas of turned earth, smoky violets, and ripe stewed strawberries, lifted by evergreen tips and mint. Fresh red and black bramble fruits, savory chicory root, and a finish of black tea and wild anise.

Wine Enthusiast 93 Points (Michael Alberty) | Beautiful perfume of dried rose petals, jasmine, lavender and boysenberries. Firm tannins and electric-fence acidity corral flavors of tart cherries, blood orange segments and balsa wood. Enjoy now through 2036.

James Suckling 93 Points | Crisp and bright with stacks of sour cherry fruit and a touch of half-ripe strawberries. Restrained, moderately dry tannins and lively acidity keep it light on its feet. Long, positively grainy finish.

Vinous 90 Points | Nuanced and delicate — dried black cherries, sage and dusty rose. Cool-toned and racy with sleek textures, ripe red berry fruits, and a savory finish of saline minerals and brown spice.

Winemaker Notes

Johan Vineyard is an 85-acre, Demeter-certified biodynamic site in the Willamette Valley, south of McMinnville and west of Salem. Almost always the last Pinot pick of harvest — despite its low elevation, the Van Duzer Corridor funnels Pacific Ocean winds through the vineyard every summer afternoon, delaying ripening and building complexity. The soils are primarily marine sediment, and the benefit of biodynamic farming is immediately apparent standing in this healthy, alive place.

Day’s Johan Pinot Noir displays a deep red berry core allied to a beguiling spice component — classic southern Willamette. Around 40% whole-cluster fermentation adds savory, stemmy complexity. The tannins and acids are typically strident in youth, indicating a long and fulfilling life in the cellar.

Tasting & Pairings

Dried rose, boysenberry, sour cherry, blood orange, sage, turned earth, smoky violets, and black tea. Medium-bodied with firm tannins, electric acidity, and a long grainy finish. Decant or cellar through 2036.

• Duck breast with cherry reduction — mirrors the wine’s dark fruit and savory depth.
• Wild mushroom risotto — the earthy, umami character is a natural pairing.
• Grilled salmon with herbs — Oregon Pinot and Pacific salmon, a regional classic.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2020

James Suckling 95 Points: 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: 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. Medium-bodied, elegant, balanced, and certainly delicious — a second wine that will benefit from just a year or two of bottle age and shine for a decade.

Vinous 91 Points: Very perfumed, floral bouquet with pressed iris and peony infusing the blackberry and blueberry fruit. Controlled and classic in style. Medium-bodied with concentrated black fruit laced with white pepper and Provençal herbs. Powerful with a generous finish — a superb Deuxième Vin that should give 12–15 years of drinking pleasure.

Wine Advocate 90 Points: Fleshy and demonstrative, bursting with aromas of sweet berries, plums and petals. Medium to full-bodied, rich and layered, with polished tannins and an expansive finish. 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 Pessac-Léognan terroir and a draconian selection process in both vineyard and cellar — at times requiring five successive passes through the vines to pick only the ripest possible grapes. L’Esprit de Chevalier, created in 1986 from young vines and vats not destined for the grand vin, is a charming second wine that shares many of the same qualities as Domaine de Chevalier’s flagship — complex, well-balanced, and elegant — with the added advantage of being approachable earlier.

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Roasted lamb rack with herbs, beef tenderloin, or duck confit.
• Classic Bordeaux: Lamb chops with truffle jus, venison, or a classic French cassoulet.
• Cheese: Aged Comté, Ossau-Iraty, or a firm sheep’s milk cheese.

Castello di Bossi | Chianti Classico Gran Selezione | Organic | 2020

Gran Selezione is the apex of the Chianti Classico pyramid — a single-vineyard or best-barrel selection aged a minimum of 30 months before release. Castello di Bossi's 2020 version is a textbook example of why this category matters. Sourced from the estate's southern Gaiole in Chianti holdings and certified organic, it spent 24 months in large 40–50HL casks — a deliberate choice that preserves Sangiovese's aromatic lift while building structure without over-oaking. The 2020 vintage delivered warm, even ripening across Tuscany, and Bossi channeled that richness into a wine of explosive intensity and remarkable finesse. Deep ruby with garnet lights, it opens with black cherry, plum, cedar, sweet spice, dark chocolate, and a whisper of saddle leather. The palate is fleshy and dense, yet balanced, with a very pronounced, lingering finish. Drink now with confidence, or cellar through 2034.

• Appellation: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
• Varietal: Sangiovese
• Vintage: 2020
• Format: 750ml
• Aging: 24 months in 40–50HL large casks
• Certification: Certified Organic
• Drink Window: Now – 2034

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2020

Vinous — Antonio Galloni | 92 Points: Gorgeous. Floral, lifted and quite expressive, the 2020 has a lot to offer. It marries the richness of this southern district with lovely aromatic presence and a good bit of brightness. A complete, deeply satisfying wine to drink now and over the next decade or so. Drink 2024–2034.

Pairing Suggestions

• Classic Tuscan: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, or pappardelle with meat sauce.
• Meat: Roasted lamb rack, braised short ribs, or aged beef tagliata.
• Cheese: Aged Pecorino Toscano, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or a firm sheep’s milk cheese.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2019

Vinous (Neal Martin) 97 Points: Beguiling bouquet with red berry fruit, truffle and light Provençal herb scents, beautifully defined. Medium-bodied with pliant tannins — exquisite in terms of balance, silky smooth, building gradually with a harmonious and quite effortless finish. Divine. A stellar showing.

Decanter (Georgina Hindle) 97 Points: Rich, full and heady nose. Ripe blackcurrant, red cherries, raspberries and strawberries with mint, black pepper and truffle. Excellent precision and density with a seductive dark chocolate edge. Powerful, muscular and confident, yet with suppleness — density and grace with a cooling finish of liquorice, mint and soft salinity. A great wine.

James Suckling 95 Points: Perfumed nose of mulberries, plums, chocolate orange and cloves. Medium-to-full bodied with firm, ripe tannins. Caressing, velvety and rich core of dark fruit. So supple and polished. 88.5% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.5% Cabernet Franc. Drink after 2024.

Wine Advocate (William Kelley) 94 Points: Fleshy and dramatic, wafting from the glass with aromas of ripe berry fruit mingled with subtle hints of truffle and violets, new oak already entirely integrated. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and seamless, broad and textural with lively acids, powdery tannins and fine length on the finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points: Elegant, solid Pomerol delivering spicy red and black cherry fruits, notes of cedary herbs and flowers, medium-bodied richness, silky yet building tannins, and a great finish. Will benefit from 3–5 years of bottle age and keep for 15–20 years.

Winemaker Description

Château Gazin is one of Pomerol’s most storied estates, neighboring the legendary Pétrus on the plateau’s finest clay soils. The 2019 is a benchmark expression — a blend of 88.5% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4.5% Cabernet Franc — that showcases the appellation’s signature combination of opulence and precision. Silky, seamless, and built for the long haul, it is a wine of remarkable harmony and effortless grace.

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Roasted lamb rack with truffle jus, beef tenderloin, or duck confit with cherry reduction.
• Classic Bordeaux: Venison with wild mushrooms, braised short ribs, or a classic French cassoulet.
• Cheese: Aged Comté, Ossau-Iraty, or a rich washed-rind cheese.

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir That Punches Well Above Its Price

Martin Ray has been crafting wines from California's finest appellations since 1943, and their Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir consistently delivers the kind of freshness, complexity, and varietal precision that makes this AVA one of America's most exciting Pinot Noir regions. The 2023 vintage shows beautifully — vivid, alive, and layered, with the cool-climate character that defines the Sonoma Coast at its best.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

• James Suckling — 93 pts: "Great, fresh feel, vivid fruit flavors and subtle, complex toast and spice notes. Medium-bodied and slightly tannic, alive and refreshing. Red cherries, sour cherries, raspberries, black tea and spearmint. Aromas of spiced cranberry, cedar, cinnamon, and wildflowers."
• Wine Enthusiast — 91 pts: "Bright acid and a savory character, with flavors of plum skin, spiced cherry, black tea, and roses lingering through the finish."

Winemaker Notes

Martin Ray Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2023 750ml

Layers of fresh raspberry and plum with hints of candied violets and earth. Vivid red notes carry throughout with tart cherry and hibiscus, with an undercurrent of sassafras and vanilla. Bright acidity on the palate, with velvety yet structured tannins on the finish.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast, California
• Producer: Martin Ray Winery
• Vintage: 2023
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Highly versatile at the table — exceptional with roasted duck, grilled chicken, mushroom risotto, truffle dishes, pork loin, and salmon.

Winemaker Description

Pazo de La Cuesta Mencía Ribeira Sacra 2022 750ml

A single-varietal expression of 100% Mencía from the historic estate vineyards of Pazo de La Cuesta in San Clodio, Ribas de Sil — the easternmost reaches of Ribeira Sacra. The wine opens with an intense, vivid ruby color and a frank, expressive nose of strawberry and blackcurrant with floral notes and characteristic varietal ripeness. On the palate, the attack is fresh and cool, with excellent roundness and fine balance between alcohol, acidity, and tannin. The finish is long and mineral, reflecting the granite and slate character of this historic hillside plot.

Grapes are hand-harvested and gravity-fed to fermentation tanks. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentations are carried out at controlled temperatures in stainless steel, followed by aging on the lees and 6 months in 300–500L French and Central European oak barrels.

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Roasted lamb, grilled chorizo, or slow-cooked pork shoulder with Galician spices.
• Seafood: Grilled octopus a la gallega, salt cod, or hearty fish stews.
• Cheese: Tetilla, Arzúa-Ulloa, or a mild semi-cured Spanish cheese.

Bordeaux at Its Most Approachable

Château Sénéjac is one of the Haut-Médoc's most reliable Cru Bourgeois estates, consistently delivering wines of genuine character and finesse. The 2020 vintage — widely regarded as one of Bordeaux's finest in a generation — shows beautifully here: ripe, fresh, and impeccably balanced, with the kind of energy that makes it irresistible young yet capable of rewarding patience through 2033.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Heady and seductive — rich ripe dark fruits, a gentle pot pourri lift, and inviting freshness
• Palate: Searing, mouthwatering cherry juice flavors with marked but harmonious acidity; round, polished tannins and a chalky, juicy finish
• Finish: Bright, clean, and persistent — Bordeaux fruit handled with precision

Expert Reviews

• James Suckling — 93 pts: "Blackcurrants and black cherries with cocoa, pine cones, toasted spices. Round and polished tannins with a chalky and crushed stone yet juicy finish."
• Decanter — 91 pts: "Dark fruit nature, great juicy and fresh core. Tannins are firm and supportive. Confident and characterful. Eric Boissenot consultant."
• Jeb Dunnuck — 88–90 pts: "Ample blackberry and dark cherry fruits, sappy, floral core. Pretty, fresh, nicely focused with class."

Blend & Provenance

• Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
• Appellation: Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois
• Vintage: 2020
• Drinking Window: 2023–2033
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Ideal with roast lamb, beef tenderloin, duck confit, aged hard cheeses, and classic Bordelaise preparations.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

James Suckling 94 Points: A driven, balanced, flavorful, textural and lively Crozes-Hermitage, showing aromas of dark cherries, spiced plums, wild herbs and warm spices. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Superb texture and balance with a long, succulent and vivid finish. Drink or hold.

Vinous 91+ Points: Fermented with 100% whole clusters, the 2023 displays ripe red fruit tones, stemmy touches, pencil shaving, licorice and cedar aromas. Medium- to full-bodied and fresh — shaping up to be a delicious red Crozes-Hermitage. A long, defined finish wraps it up.

Winemaker Description

In France’s Northern Rhône Valley, few names are as revered as Graillot. It was in 1985 that the late, legendary Alain Graillot — after working with the venerable Jacques Seysses at Domaine Dujac — returned to his home in Crozes-Hermitage to start his own domaine. With each passing year, his devotion to making hauntingly delicious Syrah from organically farmed, stone-laden vineyards earned him a devoted global following. Alain’s sons Maxime and Antoine have been in charge since 2008, continuing the legacy unchanged: hand-harvesting, organic farming, 100% whole-cluster fermentation, and aging primarily in 1-to-3 year old barrels sourced from top Burgundy estates.

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Grilled lamb chops with herbes de Provence, roasted duck breast, or venison with wild mushrooms.
• Classic Rhône: Daube de bœuf, cassoulet, or a charcuterie board with cured meats.
• Cheese: Aged Comté, Saint-Nectaire, or a firm washed-rind cheese.