Reds

Salentein · Reserve Malbec · 2024

Malbec · Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina · 750ml

Producer & Terroir

Bodegas Salentein is based in the Uco Valley, in the heart of Mendoza. Its approach combines respect for nature and the local community with traditional European techniques and modern winemaking technology. The existing estate notes describe sandy and loamy soils, dry conditions, hot days and cool nights.

The winery sits at an elevation of approximately 1,200 meters and uses a cross-shaped design to shorten the movement of grapes and wine. Gravity transfer connects its fermentation and storage areas with the underground barrel cellar.

Tasting Notes

The winemaker describes an intense red color with purple hues, fresh red-fruit aromas, roses and violets, and balsamic notes. The palate is fruity and juicy, with good structure and a long finish.

Winemaker Description

Intense red with purple hues. Fresh and complex on the nose, with noticeable aromas of red fruits and flowers, such as roses and violets, and balsamic notes. Fresh, fruity and juicy on the palate with a good structure and a long finish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

Wine Spectator, 92 Points: Elegant and poised, with hints of citrus peel and sage framing the floral blueberry and Santa Rosa plum core, while traces of guava and fresh herbs fold in and drive the finish around fresh acidity. 

Pairing & Serving Suggestions

Try with grilled beef, roast lamb, mushroom empanadas or hearty vegetable dishes. Serve slightly below room temperature to highlight its fresh fruit and floral notes.

Wine Details

• Producer: Bodegas Salentein
• Range: Reserve
• Vintage: 2024
• Grape: Malbec
• Origin: Uco Valley
• Region: Mendoza
• Country: Argentina
• Style: Red wine
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Bodegas Escudero · Serna Imperial Reserva · Rioja Baja, Spain · 2015 · 750ml

The Escudero family started making wine in 1852, and four generations on it's still very much a family business. Of their 150 hectares of vineyards, 120 sit on the southern slopes of the Monte Yerga range in Rioja Baja, where the grapes for Serna Imperial are grown. The vines are around 40 years old and planted between 450 and 800 meters above sea level.

Predominantly Tempranillo, blended with Mazuelo and Garnacha, this Reserva spent 14 months in five-year-old American oak barrels followed by a further 28 months in bottle before release. The result is a mature, harmonious Rioja with real character, now showing the savory complexity that comes with age.

Winemaker Description

Brick red deep covered. Clean, complex and with a good intensity on the nose. Red fruit aromas well conjoined with those of the aging. Balsam, spices (pepper), tobacco and leather. Well structured, tasty, large, soft but with character and a good harmony in its flavors. Complex and retronasal clean.

Bodegas Escudero

Expert Reviews · Vintage 2015

The Escudero family started making wine in 1852 and, four generations on, it is still very much a family business. They own a total of 150ha of vineyards, of which 120ha are located on the southern slopes of the Monte Yerga mountain range, where the grapes for this wine are produced. The vines are grown at between 450m-800m above sea level and are approximately 40 years old. Predominantly made from Tempranillo blended with Mazuelo and Garnacha, this reserva was aged for 14 months in five-year-old American oak barrels followed by a further 28 months in bottle.

Decanter, 95 Points

Supple, juicy, well-balanced, fully rounded. A lovely vintage and a great wine.

Sarah Jane Evans, Decanter

A broad and generous mouthfeel, the tannic grip still persuasive, but acidity is wrapped around the black fruit core with subtle conviction.

Simon Field, Decanter

Liquorice and dark fruit, compact, quite complex, framed by muscular tannins, underlying depth that unfurls in the glass, and really good length. Drinking Window 2020 - 2023

Pierre Mansour, Decanter

Pairings & Serving

Serve at 60–65°F and give it 30 minutes to an hour in a decanter to open up. A classic partner for roast lamb, grilled steak, chorizo, jamón, wild mushrooms and aged Manchego.

Specs

• Producer: Bodegas Escudero
• Wine: Serna Imperial Reserva
• Vintage: 2015
• Appellation: Rioja Baja, Rioja, Spain
• Blend: Predominantly Tempranillo, with Mazuelo and Garnacha
• Vineyards: Southern slopes of Monte Yerga, 450–800m, ~40-year-old vines
• Aging: 14 months in five-year-old American oak, plus 28 months in bottle
• Rating: Decanter 95 points
• Size: 750ml

A 95-point, decade-old Rioja Reserva from a family making wine since 1852.

Winemaker Description 

This new vintage from Camino Romano, is a vintage that has been classified as 'very good' in D.O. Ribera del Duero. Camino Romano has been produced in D.O. Ribera del Duero by Bodegas Dominio Romano.

This wine is a single variety Tinto Fino (100%) grown from a rigorous selection of vines which are between 15 to 30 years old.

As for the production, in order to extract the maximum aromatic potential of the grape, they use "cold soaking", a modern technique that extracts aromas and colour of the wine with little input from the tannins.

Finally, Camino Romano undergoes an aging of 12 months in French and Hungarian oak barrels of 2 and 3 years old.

About the Winemaker — Sandra Bravo

High up in the foothills of the Sierra de Toloño in Rioja Alavesa, Sandra Bravo works some of the oldest, highest-altitude vineyards in Rioja. Trained in engineering and enology, with harvests in Bordeaux, Tuscany, New Zealand, California, and seven years in Priorat, she returned to her native Rioja in 2012 with a singular vision: wines that respect the vineyard, prioritize freshness, and express the mineral soul of the mountain.

"I was in love with this area — calcareous soil, small plots, Mediterranean herbs, and always the North wind at high altitude. It was perfect. Because of all this, my wines are really mineral." — Sandra Bravo

Winemaker Notes

Intense color with purple reflections. Aromas of violets and Mediterranean herbs complement delicate notes of chocolate and toast from subtle aging. Elegant on the palate with fresh notes that combine with round, sweet tannins. In perfect balance with natural acidity — a pleasant and long-lasting finish.

Food Pairings

• Tapas & Charcuterie: Jamón Ibérico, chorizo al vino, Manchego
• Roasted Meats: Herb-crusted lamb chops or rosemary roast chicken
• Spanish Classics: Paella Mixta or skirt steak tacos

• Grape Source: 100% Tempranillo
• Appellation: Rioja Alavesa
• Location: Spain
• Viticulture: Organic, Biodynamic
• Winemaker: Sandra Bravo
• Vinification: Steel, anforas, and old wood

Bodegas CARO · Amancaya Malbec-Cabernet · Mendoza · 2021 · 750ml

The Producer

The partnership between Domaine Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) and the Catena family took root in 1999. The Catenas brought their knowledge of Mendoza's high-altitude terroirs and their passion for fine Malbec; the Rothschilds brought centuries of skill in growing, vinifying and aging great Cabernet Sauvignon, plus their mastery of blending. Together they created CARO, a union of their famous surnames, Catena and Rothschild, celebrating the fusion of opposites and the greatness that synergy can yield.

Bodegas CARO sources grapes from exceptional sites in the Andean foothills: Luján de Cuyo, part of the "First Zone" where Argentina's first Malbecs were planted, and the Uco Valley. The winery itself, built in 1884, is a designated heritage building in the heart of Mendoza. Today the estate is led by Laura Catena and Saskia de Rothschild, two of the most dynamic women in wine, with winemaker Philippe Rolet, crafting expressions of Mendoza's rugged terroir with balance, refinement and freshness.

The Wine

Amancaya is CARO's Malbec-led blend with Cabernet Sauvignon, pairing Argentina's plush, dark-fruited signature grape with the structure and polish of Bordeaux's classic variety.

Expert Review (Earlier Vintage)

"Aromas of currants, sweet tobacco and oyster shell follow through to a medium to full body with firm, creamy tannins and a steely finish. Drink after 2021."
James Suckling, 92 points (earlier vintage)

Pairings & Serving

Grilled steak, lamb, empanadas or aged hard cheeses. Serve around 60–64°F.

Specs

• Producer: Bodegas CARO (Barons de Rothschild Lafite & Catena)
• Wine: Amancaya
• Region: Mendoza, Argentina
• Vintage: 2021
• Varietals: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon
• Size: 750ml

Lafite pedigree meets Mendoza muscle, at a price that makes it an easy yes.

Meiomi Pinot Noir — California 2023

Meiomi is one of California’s most celebrated Pinot Noir producers, built on a singular vision: to capture the best of the California coast in a single, seamlessly blended wine. The name comes from the Coast Miwok and Wappo peoples’ word for “coastline,” and the wine lives up to it — sourced from three of California’s most prized coastal appellations: Sonoma Coast, Santa Barbara County, and Monterey County. Each vineyard is chosen for its ability to express the best of its respective terroir, then carefully blended to achieve balance, complexity, and richness of flavor. The 2023 is aged six months in French oak barrels, adding structure and depth that is seldom seen in a Pinot Noir at this price point.

The color is a luminous, deep ruby with violet hues. The nose is lush and immediately appealing: fresh strawberry, blackberry, and boysenberry, layered with toasted mocha and vanilla from the oak aging. On the palate, it is silky and medium-to-full-bodied — juicy red and dark fruit, a touch of toasty oak, and a smooth, lingering finish that is quintessentially coastal California Pinot Noir. Bolder and richer than a traditional Burgundian Pinot, this is the crowd-pleasing, jammy style that has made Meiomi one of the most recognized Pinot Noirs in the country.

• Producer: Meiomi Wines, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: California — Sonoma Coast, Santa Barbara County, Monterey County
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Aging: 6 months in French oak barrels
• Size: 750ml
• Style: Bold, jammy, fruit-forward coastal California Pinot Noir
• Tasting Notes: Strawberry, blackberry, boysenberry, toasted mocha, vanilla, silky tannins
• Drink Window: Now–2027
• Best Paired With: Grilled salmon, roasted duck, lamb, tomato-based pastas, mushroom dishes, brie

California’s most beloved coastal Pinot Noir — Meiomi 2023 is the bottle that never disappoints.

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.

Conundrum Red · California · 2023

From the Wagner family of wines, Conundrum Red takes a flexible approach to blending California's dark red varieties, including Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The family's blending tradition grew from Charlie Wagner Sr.'s habit of mixing wines at the dinner table to find the right match for a meal. Charlie Wagner now leads Conundrum, carrying that exploratory spirit into the red blend.

The existing producer notes describe lavish fruit, baking chocolate and smooth tannins. A slight chill can bring the fruit forward, making this an easy bottle to open for a relaxed dinner or a cookout.

Winemaker description

A medley of fresh fruits including plum and a hint of nectarine; semi-sweet baking chocolate, damp earth and a backdrop of toasted oak aromas. Flavors of chocolate cake with coconut shavings, crème de cassis, stone fruit, nutmeg and clove, smooth tannins. Dry yet rich, with lavish fruit and a smooth texture. Be daring and drink slightly chilled to reveal an unexpectedly refreshing red wine.

Winemaker description

At the table

Pair with Asian or Indian cuisine; Mexican tacos and fajitas; smoked meats or anything that fits on a grill.

At a glance

• Producer: Conundrum, Wagner family of wines
• Vintage: 2023
• Region: California, United States
• Style: Red blend featuring Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet Sauvignon
• Size: 750ml

A California red blend that is equally at home beside the grill or poured slightly chilled.

Dei · Rosso di Montepulciano · Tuscany 2024

The Dei family made its first wines from its estate in the heart of the historic Montepulciano appellation in 1985. Since 1991, Caterina Dei has led the estate, known for perfumed, fruit-driven wines that express the local Prugnolo clone of Sangiovese. The vineyards span 60 hectares on the slopes below Montepulciano, across the crus of Martiena, Bossona, La Piaggia, La Ciarliana, and Cervognano.

Expert Review · 2024

Vinous · 90 Points | The 2024 Rosso di Montepulciano is deeply satisfying with a burst of crushed raspberries and cherries, autumnal spice and dried roses. Ripe red and blue fruits flow across silken textures. A hint of wild blueberry lingers on the medium-length, gently tannic finish.

Winemaker Description

Fresh and aromatic with aromas and flavors of ripe red cherry, plum, and spice. The palate is medium-bodied with round tannins and a long finish.

Earlier Vintage Review · 2022

Vinous · 91 Points (2022) | The 2022 Rosso di Montepulciano is rosy and floral with a licorice tinge that complements its crushed raspberry fruits. Round and balanced with a pleasant inner sweetness and crisp red berry fruits, this washes easily across the palate, leaving a gentle tug of fine tannin in its wake. Hard candy and sweet sage notes stick around as the 2022 tapers off with fantastic length and youthful poise. Nicely done. Caterina Dei explained that Cantine Dei can’t produce enough of their Rosso to meet demand, and it’s easy to see why.

At a Glance

• Producer: Dei
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Rosso di Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy
• Grape: Sangiovese
• Style: Red wine
• Size: 750ml

A supple, fruit-forward expression of Sangiovese from the historic Montepulciano appellation.

Valtellina Superiore — Italy's Hidden Gem for Nebbiolo Lovers

Nino Negri is the benchmark producer of Valtellina, the dramatic Alpine appellation in Lombardy where Nebbiolo — known locally as Chiavennasca — grows on steep, terraced granite slopes above the Adda River. Quadrio is the estate's entry-level Valtellina Superiore DOCG: a wine that captures the elegance, freshness, and aromatic complexity of mountain Nebbiolo at an exceptional price point, offering a compelling alternative to Barolo and Barbaresco for a fraction of the cost.

Winemaker Notes

Dark garnet-red in color with distinctive, fine aromas of small fruits, raspberry preserves, roses, and violets, with a delicate herbal note. Full and lively on the palate with tart fruit flavors, elegant tannins, and a lingering aftertaste with traces of prunes and toasty oak.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Nebbiolo (Chiavennasca)
• Appellation: Valtellina Superiore DOCG, Lombardy, Italy
• Producer: Nino Negri
• Vintage: 2021
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for Alpine and Northern Italian cuisine — exceptional with braised beef, osso buco, risotto ai funghi, aged Bitto cheese, and charcuterie boards.

Winemaker Description

This wine has dark savory fruit with notes of bay, thyme and leather. Firmer structured and chalky on the palate. In typical Bodegas Ponce fashion, La Casilla manages to express the inherent power and structure of Bobal and it's native Manchuela, but goes so with the sort of grace and style that re-calls Cru Beaujolais 

Sella & Mosca Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva — Sardinia, Italy 2021

Sella & Mosca is Sardinia's most storied and important winery, founded in 1899 near Alghero in the northwest of the island. With over 500 hectares under vine, it is one of Europe's largest single-estate wineries — and its Cannonau di Sardegna Riserva is the benchmark expression of the island's most celebrated indigenous red grape. Cannonau — known on the mainland and in France as Grenache — has been grown in Sardinia for centuries and thrives in the island's sun-drenched, wind-swept terrain. The Riserva designation requires extended aging, adding structure and complexity to the grape's naturally generous fruit character.

The 2021 pours a ruby red with garnet hues, translucent and brilliant. The nose is bright and refined — fresh violet, red berries, plum, blackcurrant, sun-dried tomatoes, and oriental spices with a savory, lightly smoky character. On the palate, it's medium-bodied, solid, and well-structured, with fine tannins, fresh bursts of balsam and medicinal herbs, and a long finish that moves through toasted hints before returning to the spice route. Warm, balanced, and unmistakably Sardinian.

"Red berries, herbs, smoke and sun-dried tomatoes on the nose. Lightly peppery and spicy on the palate, medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a tasty finish." — James Suckling, 92 Points

• Producer: Sella & Mosca, Alghero, Sardinia, Italy
• Vintage: 2021
• Appellation: Cannonau di Sardegna DOC Riserva
• Varietal: Cannonau (Grenache)
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: James Suckling 92
• Tasting Notes: Red berries, violet, plum, sun-dried tomatoes, oriental spices, balsam, fine tannins
• Best Paired With: Roasted lamb, grilled meats, wild boar ragù, aged Pecorino Sardo, hearty pasta dishes

A 92-point Sardinian Riserva from the island's most iconic estate — Cannonau at its most expressive, structured, and authentically Mediterranean.

Villa Antinori Rosso Toscana — Tuscany 2023

First crafted in 1928, Villa Antinori Rosso Toscana is one of Italy’s most enduring and beloved Super Tuscans — a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah that reflects nearly a century of winemaking tradition from the Antinori family, whose history in Florentine winemaking dates back to 1385. Approachable, versatile, and consistently earning critical acclaim, it delivers the character and soul of Tuscany at an everyday price. The 2023 vintage earned 90 points from Wine Spectator and is drinking beautifully now through 2030.

The color is ruby red, intense and captivating. The nose offers dark fruit, tobacco, juniper berries, sweet spices, coffee, and hazelnuts. On the palate, it is mouth-filling and pleasantly sapid — smoky black cherry, black currant, and tobacco are framed by a layer of chalky tannins, lively freshness, and a persistent, fruit-driven finish.

Wine Spectator 90 — “Smoky, with aromas and flavors of sweet spices, black cherry, black currant and tobacco. A layer of chalky tannins lends support. Fresh, with fine length. Drink now through 2030.” (Vintage 2023). 

• Producer: Marchesi Antinori, Tuscany, Italy
• First Vintage: 1928
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Toscana IGT
• Blend: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
• Style: Super Tuscan
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark fruit, tobacco, juniper, sweet spice, coffee, hazelnut, black cherry, black currant, chalky tannins, persistent finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2030
• Best Paired With: Pappardelle with wild boar ragù, grilled lamb chops, Bistecca alla Fiorentina, aged Pecorino Toscano, Parmigiano-Reggiano

Nearly a century of Super Tuscan tradition, 90 points from Wine Spectator, and priced for every night of the week — Villa Antinori is the Tuscan classic that never disappoints.

Winemaker Description

Complex on the nose with aromas of black fruits, woody and spicy notes. On the palate, the expression is harmonious and balanced with ripe fruit and a toasted character. Silky tannins make this a perfect expression of the spirit of the Crus Bourgeois.

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2018

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

Decanter (Georgina Hindle) — 92 Points
"Sweet red cherry and vanilla nose. Forward and energetic, with tannic weight, freshness, and very glossy fruit and oak on the palate. Drinking 2023–2030."

James Suckling — 91 Points
"Aromas of stewed blackberries, dried violets, walnuts, and dark chocolate. Medium-to-full-bodied with firm, chalky tannins. Chewy and structured. Try from 2023."

About Château Prieuré de Beyzac

Château Prieuré de Beyzac is a Cru Bourgeois estate in the Haut-Médoc appellation of Bordeaux, producing structured, terroir-driven reds from the classic Bordeaux varieties — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. The 2018 vintage is widely regarded as one of the greatest in recent Bordeaux history, combining exceptional ripeness with natural freshness and structure. At under $25, Prieuré de Beyzac represents outstanding value for a wine earning 92-point scores from both Vinous and Decanter — and named one of the outstanding Cru Bourgeois of the vintage by Neal Martin.

Food Pairings

Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, duck confit, braised short ribs, mushroom-based dishes, and aged hard cheeses. Decant 30–60 minutes before serving; will continue to develop through 2035.

Product Details

• Producer: Château Prieuré de Beyzac
• Appellation: Haut-Médoc AOC, Bordeaux, France
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois
• Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
• Vintage: 2018
• Style: Medium-to-full-bodied, precise, cellar-worthy Bordeaux
• Drink: Now–2035 (decant 30–60 min)
• Format: 750ml

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

Expert Review — Vintage 2024

Jeb Dunnuck — 90 Points
"A bright ruby/magenta color, the 2024 Barbera d’Alba is spicy and lifted on the nose with notes of pepper, fresh herbs, and bright red fruit. The palate is zesty and lively, with electric energy, refreshing focused acidity, and a compact linear feel. This is not a Barbera for volume of richness — it’s about the crunchy, bright fruit, and it will be best enjoyed while it retains its lively nerve. Drink over the next several years."

Winemaker Notes

G.D. Vajra’s Barbera d’Alba comes from a wonderful range of estate vineyards in Piedmont. Fermented for an average of 20 days and aged no less than twelve months in respect of the rhythm of nature, it is a fine blend — charming, rich yet forward.

The 2024 vintage exhibits a brilliant purple hue. On the nose, a celebration of freshness: red berry juice, roses, and fresh plums. The palate is crisp and juicy, layering sweet red and black cherries, spices, and fresh dark berries into a vibrant, aromatic finish that defines the vintage.

Food Pairings

A natural companion for pasta with tomato-based sauces, wood-fired pizza, grilled sausages, roasted chicken, mushroom risotto, and aged Parmigiano-Reggiano. Serve slightly chilled (60–65°F) to enhance its refreshing character.

Product Details

• Producer: G.D. Vajra
• Region: Barbera d’Alba DOC, Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: Barbera
• Vintage: 2024
• Style: Bright, zesty, fruit-forward Piedmont red
• Format: 750ml

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.

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

Montepulciano | Conero, Marche / Italy
Vintage: 2022  |  Size: 750ml

Umani Ronchi is one of the Marche’s most storied estates, and San Lorenzo — first produced in 1982 — is their benchmark expression of Rosso Conero. Sourced from the San Lorenzo vineyard in the municipality of Osimo, this 100% Montepulciano is aged in large oak casks in the estate’s historic cave cellar, where time and stone conspire to produce a wine of genuine depth and character.

The 2022 vintage is darkly hued, lifting from the glass with aromas of spiced blackberry jam, black tea, and roasted rosemary. On the palate, it delivers outstanding flavour impact — rounded, enfolding tannins, warm and generous, with the earthy grip and savory backbone that make Montepulciano d’Abruzzo’s Adriatic cousin so compelling. A wine that expresses the full potential of Conero terroir.

“With its outstanding impact in terms of flavour and the enfolding warmth of its rounded tannins, it is a wine which is intended to express all the potential of the combination between its terroir and the Montepulciano varietal.”
— Umani Ronchi

Domaine Stéphane Ogier Le Temps Est Venu Côtes du Rhône 2024

From the celebrated Ogier family of Ampuis, Le Temps Est Venu is a polished, expressive Côtes du Rhône with the generous fruit and savory spice that make the southern Rhône so compelling. The nose opens with ripe cherry and warm spice, followed by a medium-bodied palate shaped by lively acidity and silky tannins.

Made from 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah, this is a bright, beautifully balanced red that brings Rhône character to the table without feeling heavy. Enjoy it with roast chicken, grilled lamb, sausages, ratatouille, or a board of aged cheeses.

About Domaine Stéphane Ogier

The Ogier family has been rooted in Ampuis for seven generations. Stéphane joined the family domaine in 1997 after completing his oenological studies in Beaune, carrying forward a deep commitment to the vineyards of the northern Rhône while crafting wines such as Le Temps Est Venu from the wider Côtes du Rhône appellation.

• Varietals: 50% Grenache, 50% Syrah
• Appellation: Côtes-du-Rhône
• Region: Rhône Valley, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Size: 750ml

A silky, spicy Rhône red with ripe cherry fruit, lively freshness, and easy food-pairing appeal.

Cacique Maravilla Pipéno 100% País 2025 Secano Interior de Yumbel 1.0L

The United States was founded in 1776 — the same year Manuel Moraga Gutiérrez’s ancestors planted País and native grapes on volcanic soil in Yumbel, deep in Chile’s Bío-Bío Valley. Manuel is the seventh-generation steward of what became the 33rd registered winery in all of Chile, tending some 16 hectares of ancient vines — the oldest pre-phylloxera, over 250 years old — on trumao soil: volcanic sands redeposited over a lava river. This is one of the most singular wine addresses on earth.

Everything at Cacique Maravilla is done by hand and by tradition: dry-farmed with no irrigation, minimal pruning, horses treading the volcanic soil, hand-harvesting only, fermentation on indigenous yeasts in open-top vats of Raulí (native Chilean pink oak), free-run juice aged in Raulí pipas on the fine lees, and bottled unfined, unfiltered, and without any added sulfur. The result is a Pipéno — Chile’s ancient, lightly sparkling young red wine style — of extraordinary purity, freshness, and terroir transparency.

"For us, the cellar has its own magic and gives us options that sometimes we would not imagine." — Manuel Moraga Gutiérrez, Cacique Maravilla

• Producer: Manuel Moraga Gutiérrez, Cacique Maravilla, Yumbel, Bío-Bío Valley, Chile
• Appellation: Secano Interior de Yumbel, Bío-Bío Valley
• Grape: 100% País
• Vintage: 2025
• Vines: Pre-phylloxera, up to 250+ years old — dry-farmed volcanic trumao soil
• Format: 1.0 Liter
• Farming: Certified Organic & Biodynamic — no irrigation, no chemical intervention, horses used for soil work
• Winemaking: Hand-harvested, destemmed on traditional zaranda (bamboo screen), indigenous yeast fermentation in open Raulí vats, aged in Raulí pipas on fine lees — unfined, unfiltered, no added SO2
• Style: Pipéno — Chile’s ancient fresh red wine tradition — light, vibrant, and joyfully drinkable
• Tasting Notes: Fresh red fruit, cranberry, pomegranate, earthy volcanic mineral notes, light tannins, vivid acidity, clean finish
• Best Paired With: Charcuterie, grilled chicken, roast pork, aged cow’s milk cheese, or simply chilled and enjoyed on its own

Ancient vines, volcanic soil, and 250 years of family tradition in a 1.0L — Cacique Maravilla Pipéno is the most alive red wine on the shelf at any price.

Bonterra Vineyards · Mendocino County · 2023

Bonterra believes great wine begins with healthy, living soil. The vineyards are farmed organically and sustainably, with native flowers, beneficial insects, songbirds, chickens, and sheep all part of a thoughtful approach to working the land. Sourced from Mendocino County vineyards with varied microclimates and soils, this Pinot Noir is bright, complex, and fruit-forward.

Hand-harvested fruit is gently de-stemmed and cold-soaked for three days before fermentation, then aged for ten months in 100% French oak. Strawberry, raspberry, and Bing cherry meet vanilla, oak spice, crushed herbs, earth, and mineral, while soft tannins carry the wine into a long, graceful finish.

Wine Enthusiast: 90 points — Tonya Pitts
“Warm, simmering spices permeate the aromas of Bing cherry preserve, dark strawberry, and crushed herbs on the nose. Flavors on the palate bring together orange segments, raspberry-rhubarb, sagebrush, earth, and mineral on the finish.” (Vintage 2023). 

• Producer: Bonterra Vineyards
• Farming: Certified organic and sustainably farmed
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Region: Mendocino County, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Winemaking: Hand-harvested, three-day cold soak, aged ten months in 100% French oak
• Tasting notes: Strawberry, raspberry, Bing cherry, vanilla, oak spice, crushed herbs, earth, and mineral
• Pair with: Roasted salmon, duck breast, mushroom risotto, earthy pasta, roast chicken, soft cheeses, or charcuterie
• Size: 750ml

A bright, organic California Pinot Noir with 90-point pedigree, silky texture, and savory Mendocino character.

Winemaker Description

Intense ruby red colour with violet hints, very clear. Very intense, with vegetable and spicy hints, light liquorice nuance. Dry and smooth to the palate, enjoyably fresh, well balanced and harmonious, good nose-palate persistence.

Matching and service – Lean starters, dry and liquid soups even with savoury sauces, grilled and pan cooked meat, goat and sheep medium seasoned cheeses.
There are no studies on the Monica vine capable of identifying its exact origin. What is certain is that it was brought to Sardinia and planted in 1400 by the Camaldolese monks around their monasteries. 

From here, grapes of the monks, grapes of monks and then Monica … many theories, many memories of other vines that the character of Sardinia has transformed and adapted. Today Monica is a perfectly integrated son of Sardinia, the south-eastern part is his land of choice… and therefore at home in the Pala family.

Oltreluna has the spirit and character of Sardinia where the vine lives and breathes, but retains a small and intriguing memory of its mysterious origin. Kind like its name, but extraordinarily complex like the land that hosts it. It is the moon that is reflected on a silver sea in the blue of the night, it is a journey that has begun and is always evolving… it is thinking about the character of wild Sardinia with an extraordinary and elegant versatility.

Grapes – Monica 100%. 

Winemaker Description 

Our 2020 Heart / Artist series Red wine is a symphonic red blend that combines the best of five grape varieties. This is made from 48% Merlot, 22% Dornfelder, 11% Refosco, 10% Syrah and 9% Petit Verdot.  You can imagine the wine as a dynamic red blend bolstered by aromatic bursts of exotic red-fruited Refosco, fleshed out by briary dark Dornfelder berries, with added verve, freshness and geometry provided by the Petit Verdot and Syrah all balanced together by plump, satisfying, enveloping ripe Merlot.

This is a complex and unique red wine full of deliciousness and life. The texture is plump and beguiling with cleansing acidity, moderate alcohol and a long finish. The aromas and flavors are ripe, deep, savory, pleasure-filled and range in fruit character from red to blue to black fruit and berries. The texture is silken, giving and it can be hard to put the glass down. There is a generosity coupled with raciness in this dry red wine that is quite satisfying and keeps one coming back for more. 

Washington State's Hidden Gem — Powers Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley

Powers Winery has been quietly crafting some of Washington State's most compelling value-driven Cabernets from the Columbia Valley appellation — a vast, sun-drenched plateau east of the Cascades that produces Cabernet Sauvignon of remarkable depth and structure. The 2018 Columbia Valley Cabernet is a textbook expression of the appellation: savory, complex, and built with the kind of balanced tannins and mineral backbone that make Washington Cab such a compelling alternative to Napa at a fraction of the price.

Winemaker Notes

Powers Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 2018 750ml

Savory notes of fennel and sage are backed by deep aromas of mountain blackberry, black raspberry, and cassis. Woven into this complex profile are notes of wet limestone and gravel. On the palate: black raspberry and black currant, balanced by sage and anise notes. The dark fruit finish is complemented by balanced tannins, minerals, and a touch of cedar.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Columbia Valley, Washington State
• Producer: Powers Winery
• Vintage: 2018
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Built for the table — exceptional with grilled ribeye, lamb chops, smoked brisket, aged cheddar, mushroom ragù, and hearty pasta with meat sauce.

Viña Cobos Felino Cabernet Sauvignon — Mendoza, Argentina 2023

Viña Cobos is Paul Hobbs’ celebrated Mendoza project, and Felino is its entry point — a wine that, vintage after vintage, punches way above its price. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from rigorously selected vineyards across Mendoza’s two finest growing areas: 65% from Luján de Cuyo and 35% from Valle de Uco, blending the warmth and richness of lower elevations with the precision and freshness of the high-altitude Uco Valley. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it 94 points. 

The wine opens with rich dark and red fruit, blackcurrants, ripe cherries, and strawberries, with notes of peppercorn and a hint of barrel spice. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied with juicy, supple red fruit at its core, sinewy tannins, and a generous, rich finish with moderate freshness. 7% of the wine is aged in barrel. Tremendously impressive and built to drink now through 2034.

"Another delightful offering from the producer that punches way, way above its price point. Finding the best parts of each area of Mendoza, the warm and the cool, the lower elevation and higher elevation, it’s juicy in supple red fruit and juicy at its core, a tremendously impressive and delicious wine from Paul Hobbs and his team. Drink now through 2034." — Jeb Dunnuck, 94 Points (Vintage 2023)

"Lots of rich dark and red fruit with notes of blackcurrants. The well-balanced palate is medium- to full-bodied with sinewy tannins and a generous, rich finish." — James Suckling, 92 Points (Vintage 2023)

• Producer: Viña Cobos (Paul Hobbs), Mendoza, Argentina
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Mendoza
• Sub-Regions: 65% Luján de Cuyo, 35% Valle de Uco
• Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Style: Medium-to-full-bodied, fruit-forward Mendoza Cabernet Sauvignon
• Vinification: 7% aged in barrel
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackcurrants, ripe cherries, strawberries, peppercorn, barrel spice, juicy finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2034
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, lamb chops, empanadas, aged manchego, hearty stews

A 94-point Mendoza Cabernet Sauvignon at an honest price — Felino is the benchmark for what Paul Hobbs and Viña Cobos can deliver in a glass.

Producer Notes

Villa di Capezzana’s Barco Reale di Carmignano is often called the ‘little brother’ to the estate’s prestigious Carmignano DOCG — offering a more accessible, youthful entry into one of Tuscany’s most historic and unique wine regions. A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Canaiolo. the 2023 is dusty and floral with autumnal spices, cedar shavings, Tuscan dust, and dried strawberries. Soft-textured and supple on the palate with mineral-tinged red berry fruits and a web of fine tannins. Finishes with hints of orange citrus and a tart cherry twang.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

• Wine Enthusiast 92pts | A primarily herbaceous, earthy nose has warm Bing cherry undertones to provide balance. Cherries grow into themselves on the palate, above a latent bitterness of coffee and bergamot. Acidity is fierce, and tannins clear the mouth, but dynamism doesn't come at the expense of coherence. 
• Vinous Media 91 pts | The 2023 Barco Reale is a total pleasure to the senses, as crushed cherries and wild berries mix with sweet sage and spice. It possesses a pretty inner sweetness offset by crisp mineral tones and a steely sensation. Tart blackberries mix with a sour citrus twang as it finishes long and staining yet remarkably fresh. The 2023 Barco Reale is a total pleasure to taste.

Food Pairings

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina or wild boar ragù pasta
• Wood-fired pizza or herb-roasted chicken
• Grilled lamb or pork chops
• Charcuterie with salty Pecorino

Winemaker Description

Forest Glen Winery produces full-flavoured, smooth red wines that are aged in small American oak barrels and are ready to be enjoyed without further bottle aging. 

E. Guigal · Côtes du Rhône Rouge · Southern Rhône · France · 2022 · 750ml

E. Guigal is the most celebrated name in the Rhône Valley — a family estate founded in Ampuis in 1946 by Etienne Guigal and now run by his son Marcel, whose obsessive commitment to quality has made Guigal synonymous with the finest expressions of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre from Hermitage to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The Côtes du Rhône Rouge is Guigal’s benchmark entry-level wine: a blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, and 10% Mourvèdre, partially aged in large oak foudres, and crafted to deliver genuine Rhône character at an honest price. The 2022 vintage was the hottest and driest growing season since 1950 — intense heatwaves followed by mid-August rainfall that promoted ripening and yielded concentrated, full-bodied wines of exceptional richness and depth. Jeb Dunnuck called it “smoking good.” At $18.99, this is one of the most compelling values in French red wine.

Deep ruby in the glass with an intensely aromatic nose of blackberry, black plum, pepper, garrigue, and a whisper of cocoa — generous, expressive, and unmistakably southern Rhône. On the palate: full-bodied and round, with lush dark fruit, velvety tannins, and a long, elegant finish that shows real finesse beyond the abundance of fruit. Three critics, three 90+ scores: Jeb Dunnuck 91, Wine Enthusiast 91, Wine Advocate 90. Drink now through 2028. Pair with charcuterie, braised lamb, beef stew, roast chicken, or a simple cheese board.

• Producer: E. Guigal (est. 1946, Ampuis)
• Wine: Côtes du Rhône Rouge AOC
• Vintage: 2022
• Origin: Southern Rhône Valley, France
• Blend: 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre
• Aging: Partially aged in large oak foudres
• Style: Full-bodied, generous southern Rhône red
• Scores: Jeb Dunnuck 91 · Wine Enthusiast 91 · Wine Advocate 90
• Drinking Window: Now–2028
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, black plum, pepper, garrigue, cocoa, velvety tannins, long elegant finish
• Pair With: Charcuterie · Braised lamb · Beef stew · Roast chicken · Cheese board

The Rhône’s most celebrated name, three 90+ scores — southern France’s most reliable everyday red.

Expert Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck — 91 Points
“Smoking good — blackberries, pepper, and garrigue in a round, supple, medium to full-bodied style. Remarkable quality for the appellation.”

Wine Enthusiast — 91 Points
“Black plum and cocoa-dusted aromas bump against raspberry and black tea. Fulsome in body, with red fruit riding all the way to the finish, made more complex by velvety tannins.”

Wine Advocate — 90 Points
“Juicy, round and elegant — remarkably dense for the vintage and represents excellent value.”

Josh Raynolds writes: Opaque ruby. Ripe dark berries, cherry pit and licorice on the spice-accented nose. Lush and appealingly sweet, offering juicy blackberry and cherry flavors that take on a smoky nuance with air. Closes spicy and long, with a hint of licorice and round, even tannins. Drinking 2022 - 2028. - Vinous 90 

James Suckling writes: Aromas of ripe blackberries, dark cherries, dried herbs and spice box. It’s medium-to full-bodied with fine, supple tannins and tangy acidity. Juicy and nicely spiced. Try after 2023. - James Suckling 92

"A bright and approachable expression of Tinto Fino that showcases the grape’s youthful side. Aromas of fresh red cherries, raspberries, and blackberries mingle with subtle floral and spice notes. The palate is juicy and vibrant, with fresh acidity, soft tannins, and a clean finish. Serve it slightly chilled alongside tapas, grilled chorizo, roasted chicken, burgers, or an assortment of Spanish cheeses." - Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67 Wine Buyer

Winemaker Description

Roter Multschak from Meinklang is an exciting red wine. Made from two Austrian indigenous grape varieties, it surprises you with its fun character. On the palate is fruity, tiny bit fizzy with cherry and pomegranate flavours.

The low amount of tannins allows you to drink it chilled.

Authentic Ribera del Duero Tempranillo

Quinta Milu Ribera del Duero Tempranillo 2024 showcases the pure expression of Spain's celebrated wine region. Crafted from 100% Tempranillo grapes harvested from fifty-year-old vines, this wine captures the essence of traditional Spanish winemaking. Winemaker Germán R. Blanco describes it as "vino de pueblo"—a wine for everyday enjoyment and for everyone—reflecting his commitment to creating approachable yet authentic wines that honor the terroir of Ribera del Duero.

Artisanal Winemaking Process

Every step in creating Quinta Milu reflects dedication to quality and tradition. The grapes are carefully destemmed before aging for a minimum of six months in seasoned French or American oak casks. Staying true to natural winemaking principles, this wine is bottled unfined, unfiltered, and without cold stabilization, preserving its authentic character and allowing the terroir to shine through in every glass.

Germán R. Blanco's operation in the small town of La Aguilera is a "micro winery". He eschews modern winemaking techniques and international varieties working with old Tempranillo vines. He makes "vinos de pueblo", blended wines from different vineyards from villages in the area, as well as vinos de parcela, sourced from single-vineyards, and parcel-specific.

There is no new oak in the winery, Germán uses concrete, amphorae, and old barrels. Quinta Milú is named for Germán's son Lucas whom they lovingly refer to as "Mi Lu" or Milú.

Rich Flavor & Aroma Profile

Experience a wine that delights all the senses. The deep ruby color hints at the complexity within, while the nose reveals an inviting bouquet of dark berries, ripe cherries, and subtle vanilla undertones from oak aging. On the palate, you'll discover layers of dark fruit flavors balanced by smooth tannins and a velvety finish. The interplay of fruit-forward sweetness and gentle spice creates a harmonious drinking experience that lingers pleasantly.

Versatile Wine & Food Pairings

Quinta Milu's balanced profile makes it an exceptional companion to a wide range of dishes. Enjoy it with classic Spanish tapas, grilled chorizo, or paella for an authentic experience. It also pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, beef tenderloin, aged Manchego cheese, or hearty mushroom risotto. Whether you're planning a casual weeknight dinner or an elegant celebration, this versatile wine enhances any meal.

A Wine for Every Occasion

More than just a bottle of wine, Quinta Milu represents the soul of Ribera del Duero and the Fifth Mile philosophy of making exceptional wine accessible. Its approachable nature welcomes newcomers to Spanish wine while offering the depth and complexity that seasoned enthusiasts appreciate. Share it with friends, pair it with your favorite meal, or simply enjoy a glass as you unwind—Quinta Milu is designed for life's everyday moments and special celebrations alike.

Luberri Orlegi · Rioja Alavesa · 2024

In Elciego, Florentino Martínez Monje and María José founded Bodegas Luberri in 1991 to make wines that speak of Rioja Alavesa and invite a second glass. Florentino helped champion the region's traditional carbonic maceration style; today, daughters Miren and Laura help carry the vineyard and cellar work forward.

Orlegi is Luberri's youthful red, made in the carbonic maceration tradition. The existing producer description highlights ripe red and purple forest fruit, violets and licorice, followed by an agile, fresh palate and a green almond finish. It is an inviting Rioja for a lively dinner table.

Producer description

Luberri is the young wine of the winery, crafted through the traditional carbonic maceration method in Rioja Alavesa, which remarkably enhances the aromas of fresh red and purple forest fruits, perfectly ripe, as well as floral tones of violets and hints of licorice. On the palate, it is an agile and fresh wine, with a vegetal and green almond finish that leaves a persistent memory. It is the pure expression of that brilliant youth that nature and knowledge ensure to renew in each vintage. Tempranillo 95%, Viura 5%.

Producer description from the existing listing; vintage not specified

From our wine buyer Oscar Garcia· Prior 2020 Vintage

At a recent Panel Tasting with fellow wine professionals for Sevenfifty.com I was able to to taste this beautiful and cheerful red from Rioja Alavesa made by winemaker Florentino Martinez Monje. Luberri Orlegi 2020 is a wonderful happy-go-lucky blend of Tempranillo & Viura using only native yeast to kick-start fermentation and carbonic macerated to preserve the youthfulness of the Tempranillo and Viura. Aromas of Blue fruit and purple flowers (violets and lilacs). On the palate the wine is fresh and pretty enticing. Beautiful finish. The perfect red for Thanksgiving with that is sure to bring lots of cheers to your dinner table.

Oscar Garcia Moncada, Wine Buyer · Prior 2020 vintage

At a glance

• Producer: Bodegas Luberri
• Wine: Orlegi
• Vintage: 2024
• Region: Rioja Alavesa, Spain
• Blend in the existing producer description: 95% Tempranillo, 5% Viura
• Style: Young red made with carbonic maceration
• Size: 750ml

A fresh, fruit-led Rioja to share over food and conversation.

Bodegas Olarra Cerro Añón Reserva — Rioja Alta, Spain 2020

Bodegas Olarra is one of Rioja's most storied estates — a winery so architecturally ambitious it has been called the Grand Cathedral of Rioja, its landmark building designed by architect Juan Antonio Ridruejo as one of the first purpose-built wine production facilities in Spain. The 2020 Cerro Añón Reserva is crafted from a Tempranillo-dominant blend — with Graciano and Mazuelo — grown in the prestigious Rioja Alta sub-district, aged in oak in accordance with Reserva regulations to build the classic structure and depth that has defined this bottling for decades. The result is a sophisticated, layered red that overdelivers at its price point and is approachable now but built to hold.

The nose is complex and inviting: dusty dark cherry, blood orange, cedar, dark fruit, fragrant blossom, rosehip, and a sultry seam of cigar box oak. On the palate, the wine is medium-to-full-bodied with finely corded tannins, a smooth mouthfeel, and a savory, lightly earthy finish with sweet tobacco and lingering spice. It is elegant, food-friendly, and deeply satisfying — the kind of Reserva Rioja that disappears fast at the table.

"Deep ruby in the glass. Enticing dark fruit aromas join flavors of cedar and sweet tobacco with a savory, lightly earthy finish. Tannins are finely corded and lengthy, creating a smooth mouthfeel. Sophisticated, layered, and enjoyable with both the approachability to drink now, and the hutzpah to hold years in cellar." — Wine Enthusiast, 94 Points. (Vintage 2020). 

"Thriving with fragrant blossom, rosehip and fresh cranberries and a sultry seam of cigar box oak, and furnished with a broad structure and opulent tannins." — Decanter Magazine, 96 Points. (Vintage 2020). 

• Producer: Bodegas Olarra, Logroño, Rioja Alta, Spain
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: DOCa Rioja — Rioja Alta
• Varietal: Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo
• Aging: Oak-aged Reserva — cedar, tobacco & dark fruit complexity
• Closure: Cork
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, blood orange, cedar, blossom, rosehip, cigar box, sweet tobacco, earthy finish
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, chorizo, aged Manchego, slow-braised short ribs

One of Rioja's most celebrated estates at an honest price — Cerro Añón Reserva is the benchmark for what structured, oak-aged Rioja Alta Tempranillo can deliver.

Château La Vaisinerie — Puisseguin Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux 2019

Puisseguin Saint-Émilion is one of Bordeaux's four Saint-Émilion satellites — appellations that share the Saint-Émilion name and its clay-limestone terroir, but offer wines of genuine character at a fraction of the price of their more famous neighbor. Château La Vaisinerie is a standout estate in the appellation, producing a Merlot-dominant blend (90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc) that earned four separate critic endorsements in the 2019 vintage — one of Bordeaux's finest of the last decade. The result is a wine of real refinement and balance that consistently punches above its price point.

The 2019 pours a deep ruby. The nose is expressive and layered — blue fruits, blackberry, black cherry, candied violets, sweet tobacco, crushed stones, and floral notes with a mineral undertow. On the palate, it's medium-bodied, pure, and impeccably balanced: supple tannins, fine acidity, a pretty core of fruit, and a sensual, velvety-smooth finish. Already drinking beautifully with a carafe; will continue to develop through 2029.

"Blue fruits and cola cubes on the nose. Linear and direct, powerful but restrained, with a core of dark, juicy fruits and a mineral undertow giving freshness and a velvety-smooth texture to the tannins. One I want another glass of." — Georgina Hindle, Decanter, 90 Points

• Producer: Château La Vaisinerie, Puisseguin Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2019
• Appellation: Puisseguin Saint-Émilion AOC
• Blend: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: Decanter 90 | James Suckling 90 | Jeb Dunnuck | Vinous (Neal Martin)
• Drink: Now–2029 (decant if opening today)
• Tasting Notes: Blue fruits, blackberry, black cherry, candied violets, sweet tobacco, crushed stone, supple tannins, sensual finish
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, duck confit, grilled ribeye, mushroom dishes, aged cheeses

Four-critic Right Bank Bordeaux at a satellite appellation price — Saint-Émilion terroir, 2019 vintage, and Merlot-driven elegance in every glass.