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Pol Roger Brut Réserve — Épernay, Champagne, France NV

Pol Roger is one of Champagne's most storied and beloved houses, founded in Épernay in 1849 and still family-owned today. It is perhaps best known as the preferred Champagne of Sir Winston Churchill — who reportedly consumed 42,000 bottles in his lifetime and kept a standing order at the house until his death. The Brut Réserve is their flagship non-vintage expression: a blend of equal parts Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier drawn from a minimum of three base vintages, aged six months post-disgorgement with a dosage of 8g/L. It is a Champagne of remarkable consistency, elegance, and depth — and one of the great benchmarks of the non-vintage category.

The wine pours a pale gold with a fine, persistent mousse. The nose is richly biscuity and complex — steamed rice, fresh pear, Amalfi lemon, citrus blossom, mandarin oil, honeycomb, elderflower, and fresh bread. On the palate, it's creamy and beautifully balanced: medium-to-full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, with a rich core of red apple, stone fruit, ripe red berries, and grapefruit, lively acidity, and a pillowy mousse that dissolves into a dry, harmonious, honeyed finish. Ready to enjoy now or over the next decade.

"Richly biscuity on the nose with steamed rice, fresh pear, and citrus blossom complexity. Creamy mousse dissolves into red apple peel, lemon, and stone fruits, with a depth of honeyed biscuits." — Decanter, 93 Points

• Producer: Pol Roger, Épernay, Champagne, France
• Style: Non-vintage Brut Champagne
• Blend: Equal parts Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Meunier
• Base Vintages: Minimum 3
• Dosage: 8g/L (Brut)
• Aging: 6 months post-disgorgement
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: Decanter 93 | James Suckling 92 | Wine Advocate 92 | Wine Enthusiast 91 | Jeb Dunnuck 91
• Tasting Notes: Biscuit, pear, lemon, citrus blossom, honeycomb, elderflower, red apple, stone fruit, pillowy mousse
• Best Paired With: Oysters, caviar, smoked salmon, sushi, grilled fish, soft cheeses, light appetizers, or as an aperitif

Churchill's Champagne — five critic scores of 91–93 points, equal-parts blend, and nearly 175 years of Épernay tradition in every glass.

Mumm Napa Brut Prestige — California NV

Mumm Napa is widely considered one of California’s finest producers of méthode champenoise sparkling wine, blending traditional French Champagne techniques with the vibrant, sun-ripened fruit of Napa Valley. The Brut Prestige is the house’s signature expression — a complex assemblage of primarily Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that delivers elegance, freshness, and exceptional value in every glass. Earning 90 points from both Wine Spectator and Decanter, this is the best-value domestic sparkler that consistently punches above its price point.

The nose opens with gorgeous layered white blossom aromas, followed by creamy vanilla, citrus, stone fruit, and melon. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and delicate yet plush — cherry, lemon verbena, green apple, orange blossom, and yeast roll flavors linger on a supple, refreshing finish with excellent mousse and crisp, elegant acidity. Equally at home as an apéritif or at the table.

Wine Spectator 90 — “Delicate in style yet plush, with pretty cherry, lemon verbena and yeast roll flavors that linger on the supple, refreshing finish.”

Decanter 90 — “A snappy sparkling with a seriously fresh nose of green apple, orange blossom, citrus and gingerbread. Medium-bodied, balanced, crisp and complex, with a lengthy finish.”

• Producer: Mumm Napa, Napa Valley, California, USA
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: California
• Blend: Pinot Noir & Chardonnay
• Method: Méthode Champenoise
• Style: Brut Sparkling
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White blossom, vanilla, citrus, stone fruit, cherry, lemon verbena, green apple, orange blossom, excellent mousse
• Best Paired With: Oysters, sushi, truffle popcorn, roast poultry, creamy pasta, spicy Thai; excellent in Mimosas or French 75

French technique, California sunshine, 90 points from two continents — Mumm Napa’s Brut Prestige is the sparkling wine that makes every occasion feel special.

About the Wine

Raeburn Skylight Chardonnay is a lower-alcohol expression of Sonoma County Chardonnay, crafted for modern wine lovers who want full flavor at a lighter level. All the character of Sonoma Chardonnay — without sacrificing flavor or finesse.

Tasting Notes

Fresh apple, pear, and citrus blossom on the nose, followed by subtle stone fruit and a gentle touch of oak. Clean and refreshing on the palate with lively acidity and a smooth, elegant finish.

Pairings & Serving

• Grilled fish or shrimp with lemon — the bright acidity and citrus notes are a natural match.
• Light salads or roasted chicken — the wine’s clean profile complements without overpowering.
• Soft cheeses or light appetizers — an easy-going aperitif or patio sipper.

About Nigori Sake

Nigori — meaning "cloudy" in Japanese — is an unfiltered style of sake with a milky-white appearance and characteristically full, smooth palate. Sho Chiku Bai Nigori Silky Mild is crafted by Takara Sake USA in Berkeley, California using traditional Japanese methods, making it one of the most approachable and food-friendly sakes available.

Tasting Notes

• Fruity aromas of ripe banana, vanilla, melon and strawberry
• Creamy sweet rice custard on the palate
• Full, smooth and milky with a gently sweet finish
• Slightly sweeter than Sho Chiku Bai Nigori Crème de Sake

Serving & Food Pairings

• Serve chilled or over ice as a dessert alternative
• Pairs beautifully with spicy dishes — the sweetness tempers heat
• Excellent with sushi, Thai cuisine, or fresh fruit desserts
• Kosher certified — suitable for a wide range of occasions

Product Details

• Producer: Takara Sake USA
• Style: Nigori (Unfiltered Sake)
• Origin: Berkeley, California, USA
• Format: 750ml
• Kosher: Yes

Expert Review — Vintage 2023

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points | Seamless and supple with vanilla, dark cherry, and a twist of earthy forest. Sourced from several vineyards in San Benito, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara. Long-lasting, fresh, and approachable with full-bodied weight and breadth supported by supple tannins and spiced oak.

Winemaker Notes

Beautifully lush and supple, this Pinot Noir draws you in with inviting aromas of raspberry, dark cherry, dried sage, and sweet tobacco leaf. Soft, supple tannins frame alluring layers of wild strawberry and Bing cherry, with hints of cracked black pepper and spice on a long, satisfying finish.

About Calera

Calera is one of California’s most storied Pinot Noir producers, founded by Josh Jensen in the 1970s after studying under Burgundy legends. Jensen was among the first to champion limestone soils in California for Pinot Noir — the estate’s name means "lime kiln" in Spanish. This Central Coast bottling blends fruit from across the region to deliver Calera’s signature elegance at an accessible price point.

Tasting & Pairings

Dark cherry, raspberry, wild strawberry, dried sage, sweet tobacco, black pepper, and spiced oak. Full-bodied yet supple with soft tannins and a long finish.

• Roasted duck or quail — the dark fruit and sage notes are a natural match for game birds.
• Grilled salmon with herbs — California Pinot and Pacific salmon, always a winner.
• Mushroom risotto or truffle pasta — the earthy forest character complements umami-rich dishes.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

James Suckling 97 Points | Rich, powerful and gorgeous, drenched in fruity, savory, mushroomy flavors on a full body and super-smooth tannins. Deep black cherry, blackcurrant, cedar and pine character that expands on the palate and lingers on the finish. Drink or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | Deeper and more layered, with notes of pine, sage, ripe cherries, fresh leather, and pressed floral perfume. Refined and plush texture with ripe tannins and elegant notes of dark earth. Drink 2025–2040.

Wine Spectator 93 Points | Precise and vibrant, with sleek cherry and raspberry highlighted by stony mineral and black tea accents. Gathers richness toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2034.

About the Wine

Cuvée Laurène is the flagship Pinot Noir of Domaine Drouhin Oregon — the Willamette Valley estate founded by Burgundy’s legendary Maison Joseph Drouhin. Named after Véronique Drouhin’s daughter, this 100% estate wine is sourced from the Dundee Hills and Eola-Amity Hills, two of the valley’s most exciting sub-appellations.

The vines are planted at high Burgundian density, forcing competition for nutrients and producing small, intensely concentrated berries. The estate’s famous Jory soil (red volcanic clay) gives the wine its signature red-fruit profile and silky, elegant texture.

Tasting & Pairings

Black cherry, blackcurrant, cedar, pine, sage, mushroom, leather, and dark earth. Full-bodied yet super-smooth with refined tannins and extraordinary length. Decant or cellar through 2040.

• Roasted duck breast with cherry reduction — the wine’s dark fruit and savory depth are a perfect match.
• Wild mushroom risotto or truffle dishes — the mushroomy, earthy character is built for umami.
• Rack of lamb with herbs de Provence — the cedar and pine notes complement herbed meats beautifully.

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc — Marlborough, New Zealand 2025

Oyster Bay is the wine that put Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc on the world map — the original expression that won Best Sauvignon Blanc in the World and introduced a generation of wine lovers to the electric, aromatic style that only New Zealand's most famous wine region can produce. Sourced from Marlborough's sun-drenched Wairau and Awatere Valleys, where warm days and cool nights create an extended growing season, the grapes develop intense varietal character while maintaining the crisp, natural acidity that is Oyster Bay's signature. Uniquely Marlborough. Undeniably Oyster Bay.

The nose is stunningly aromatic: tropical fruits — passionfruit, guava, and white peach — leap from the glass alongside bright citrus notes of grapefruit and lime zest. On the palate, it is brilliantly clear and refreshingly zesty, with extraordinary aromatic intensity, a lively, mouthwatering acidity, and a clean, lingering finish. Elegant, crisp, and always refreshing — this is Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc at its most iconic.

"The wine that started it all — Best Sauvignon Blanc in the World. Stunningly aromatic, brilliantly clear, and refreshingly zesty." — Oyster Bay Winemaker

• Producer: Oyster Bay Wines, Marlborough, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Passionfruit, guava, white peach, grapefruit, lime zest, zesty finish
• Style: Light-bodied, vibrant acidity, intensely aromatic
• Drink: Now through 2027
• Best Paired With: Fresh seafood, sushi, ceviche, goat cheese salad, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, light appetizers

The wine that started it all — Oyster Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is the benchmark New Zealand white, and the 2025 vintage is as brilliant as ever.

Alamos Malbec Mendoza 2024 — Mendoza, Argentina

Alamos is the approachable, everyday label from Catena Zapata — Argentina’s most celebrated wine family and the producer widely credited with putting Mendoza Malbec on the world map. While Catena’s flagship wines command serious prices, Alamos was created to deliver the same Andean terroir and winemaking philosophy at an accessible price point. Sourced from high-altitude Mendoza vineyards where the combination of intense sunlight, cool nights, and mineral-rich soils produces Malbec of exceptional depth and character.

The 2024 shows a deep ruby color with violet hues. The nose offers layers of dark cherry, blackberry, violet, and vanilla spice. On the palate, the wine is velvety and expansive, with balanced tannins and a long, smooth, lingering finish — complex and approachable in equal measure.

Catena Zapata’s everyday Malbec — Andean terroir, honest price, zero compromise.

• Producer: Alamos (Catena Zapata), Mendoza, Argentina
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Mendoza, Argentina
• Varietal: Malbec
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, blackberry, violet, vanilla spice, velvety tannins, long smooth finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, skirt steak, Argentine asado, lamb chops, braised short ribs, hard cheeses, empanadas

Mendoza Malbec from the house that defined it — Alamos is the benchmark for everyday Argentine red.

Hugel Gentil — Alsace, France 2024

Hugel is one of Alsace's most storied and respected family estates, based in Riquewihr and producing wine since 1639 — nearly four centuries of unbroken winemaking in one of France's most distinctive wine regions. Gentil is their signature multi-varietal blend and one of the great value wines of Alsace: a kaleidoscope of grapiness produced exclusively from hand-harvested grapes grown in predominantly clay and limestone vineyards across a dozen of the most favored localities in and around Riquewihr. The 2024 is a blend of 30% Riesling, 20% Gewurztraminer, 15% Pinot Gris, 15% Pinot Blanc, 15% Sylvaner, and 5% Muscat — each variety contributing its own character to the whole.

The 2024 pours a pale, luminous gold. The nose is aromatic and inviting — citrus is the keynote, with a subtle overtone of rose and the gentle grapiness that only Muscat can bring. On the palate, it's slender and almost delicate, with lemon setting the tone and a live-wire acidity that makes it shine. Bone-dry, superbly refreshing, and straight as an arrow — the Riesling's finesse, the Gewurztraminer's spice, the Pinot Gris's body, and the Muscat's aromatic lift all in perfect balance.

"Straight as an arrow, slender, almost delicate, but with a live-wire acidity that makes it shine. Superbly refreshing. Bone-dry." — Vinous, 89 Points

• Producer: Hugel & Fils, Riquewihr, Alsace, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Alsace AOC
• Blend: 30% Riesling, 20% Gewurztraminer, 15% Pinot Gris, 15% Pinot Blanc, 15% Sylvaner, 5% Muscat
• Farming: Hand-harvested, clay and limestone vineyards
• Style: Bone-dry, aromatic
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: Vinous 89
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, rose, lemon, grapiness, live-wire acidity, bone-dry, refreshing finish
• Best Paired With: Alsatian tarte flambée, grilled fish, sushi, Thai cuisine, soft cheeses, charcuterie

Nearly four centuries of Alsatian winemaking in a glass — six varieties, hand-harvested, bone-dry, and one of the great everyday whites of France.

Zardetto Z Brut Prosecco — Veneto DOC NV

Zardetto is one of the Veneto’s most respected Prosecco producers, crafting wines of consistent freshness, vibrancy, and approachability from the heart of the appellation. The Z Brut is the house’s signature expression — a fun, lively, and impeccably clean Prosecco that earned 90 points from both James Suckling and Wine Enthusiast. Dry, light-bubbled, and endlessly versatile, it is the Prosecco that belongs at every table, every aperitivo hour, and every celebration — at a price that makes it an everyday pleasure.

The nose is fresh and inviting: lemon, apple, citrus blossom, and lime. On the palate, it pops with light perlage and vibrant citrus flavors — plenty of fruit and intensity, medium body, and a clean, crisp finish that refreshes and invites another glass. The definition of easy, elegant drinking.

James Suckling 90 — “Plenty of fruit and intensity with sliced lemon and apple character. Medium body. Fresh finish. Light bubble. Dry.”

Wine Enthusiast 90 — “Fresh lemon, lime and citrus blossom frame the nose of this fun and lively wine. The palate pops with the light perlage and vibrant citrus flavors. Clean and crisp on the finish.”

• Producer: Zardetto, Veneto, Italy
• Vintage: Non-Vintage
• Appellation: Prosecco Veneto DOC
• Varietal: Glera
• Style: Brut, dry
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon, apple, lime, citrus blossom, light perlage, vibrant acidity, clean crisp finish
• Serve: Well-chilled as an apéritif or in a Spritz
• Best Paired With: Oysters, light appetizers, charcuterie, soft cheeses, sushi; perfect in a Aperol Spritz or Bellini

Ninety points from two critics, priced for every occasion — Zardetto Z Brut is the Prosecco that makes every moment feel like aperitivo hour.

Hess Select Chardonnay Monterey County 2024 — Monterey County, California

Hess Collection is one of California’s most respected family-owned wineries, with estates spanning Napa Valley and beyond. Hess Select is their approachable everyday label — crafted with the same attention to quality as their flagship wines but designed for the table. This Monterey County Chardonnay draws from one of California’s premier cool-climate appellations, where Pacific breezes off Monterey Bay preserve natural acidity and allow grapes to ripen slowly and evenly, producing Chardonnay of genuine character at an honest price.

A thoughtful blend of 70% stainless steel and 30% French oak fermentation keeps the wine fresh and bright while adding a touch of richness. The nose opens with aromas of grilled pineapple, star fruit, and vanilla, leading to a medium-bodied palate of sliced peach and golden apple, with a touch of crème brûlée on the finish — clean, balanced, and crowd-pleasing.

70% stainless, 30% French oak — Monterey freshness with just enough richness to satisfy.

• Producer: Hess Collection (Hess Select), Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Monterey County
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Fermentation: 70% stainless steel, 30% French oak
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Grilled pineapple, star fruit, vanilla, sliced peach, golden apple, crème brûlée finish
• Best Paired With: Roast chicken, grilled halibut, lobster mac and cheese, creamy pasta, Brie, aged cheddar, goat cheese

Consistent, crowd-pleasing, and genuinely well-made — Hess Select Chardonnay is the benchmark for everyday California white.

Winemaker Description

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label is the signature champagne of the House. Dominated by Pinot Noir, it offers the perfect balance of structure and finesse. Golden-yellow in color, with a foaming necklace of tiny bubbles. It is pleasing to the nose; initially reminiscent of yellow and white fruits, then of vanilla and later brioche. Note the fine balance between the fruity aromas coming from the grape varieties and the toasty notes, the result of the three years of bottle aging. The first sip delivers all the freshness and strength so typical of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label with a symphony of fruit following (pear, lemon). It is a true member of the Brut family, well-structured, admirably vinous.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 91 | This has aromas of grapefruit, pomegranates, and biscuits. It's honeyed and sleek with a medium body and supple bubbles. Soft and creamy finish. Majority Pinot Noir, with Chardonnay and Meunier. Around 40% reserve wines.

Decanter 91 | The nose offers yeasty bready aromas topped with fresh citrus, hints of stone fruit and strawberry tart. A palate of fresh croissants, red berries, green apple and lively lemon citrus, with lovely creaminess to the bright finish. A blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier. Up to 45% reserve wines. Drinking 2024 to 2030.

Wine Spectator 90 | This harmonious Champagne boasts a bright streak of tangerine peel–infused acidity, with flavors of ripe green apple, pastry cream and biscuit, plus accents of crystallized honey and candied ginger, all set on the lacy mousse. Drink now.

Jeb Dunnuck 89 | A golden straw hue, ripe with aromas of yeasty bread dough, peaches, and fresh flowers. Medium-bodied on the palate, ripe and juicy with rounded red berried fruit, a supple texture, a pillowy mousse, and a warming finish. Fresh and inviting. Drinking 2023 to 2026.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: NV (Non-Vintage)
Region: Champagne, France
Appellation: Champagne AOC
Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir (50%), Chardonnay (30%), Pinot Meunier (20%)
Style: Brut Champagne
Aging: 3 years on the lees

Talbott Kali Hart Chardonnay — Monterey County, California 2024

Named after founder Robb Talbott's daughter, Kali Hart is the estate's most approachable and fruit-forward expression — and one of the most consistent overachievers in California Chardonnay. Grown on Talbott's certified sustainable estate vineyards in Monterey County, where morning fog rolls in off the Pacific and the Santa Lucia Highlands channel cool maritime air through the vines, the 2024 vintage delivers the kind of lush, balanced Chardonnay that earns 90-point scores and Best Buy recognition from Wine Enthusiast year after year. The estate uses 100% recycled irrigation water, solar-offset vineyard power, and a 2:1 industry-leading water-to-wine ratio — sustainability built into every bottle.

The nose opens with vanilla, brioche, ripe Bosc pear, pineapple, tangerine, and melon — generous and inviting, with a cool-climate freshness underneath. On the palate, the wine is smooth and full-bodied with lush tropical fruit, soft texture, and a clean finish with a hint of minerality. It is the kind of Chardonnay that works equally well on a Tuesday night or at a dinner party — effortless, crowd-pleasing, and genuinely delicious.

Wine Enthusiast Best Buy — "Kali Hart delivers ripe tropical fruit, vanilla, and brioche with a smooth, balanced finish. Estate-grown Monterey Chardonnay at its most approachable." (Prior Vintage 2023). 

• Producer: Talbott Vineyards, Monterey County, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Monterey County AVA
• Region: Central Coast, California
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Certification: Certified California Sustainable (CSWA)
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Vanilla, brioche, Bosc pear, pineapple, tangerine, melon, soft minerality
• Best Paired With: Fish tacos with pineapple salsa, Dungeness crab, seared scallops, roast chicken, Brie

A Best Buy Chardonnay at an honest price — Talbott's Kali Hart is the benchmark for what sustainable, estate-grown Monterey Chardonnay can deliver.

Château Greysac Cru Bourgeois Supérieur — Médoc, Bordeaux 2019

Château Greysac has a remarkable story. Built in the 1700s in the Médoc hamlet of Begadan, north of St. Estèphe, the estate was purchased in 2012 by Jean Guyon — a tastemaker, designer, and visionary who moved in the circles of fine art and couture fashion. Guyon arrived with a clear objective: to craft wines with the same care and attention to detail as a Cru Classé, but at far more approachable prices. He modernized the winery, overhauled vineyard practices with sustainability in mind, and by 2018 the estate was classified as Cru Bourgeois Supérieur. As the largest landowner in the Médoc, Guyon controls quality and consistency that few Bordelaise châteaux can claim — which is why, since 2015, Greysac has been the persistent #1 Médoc over $20 in the United States.

The 2019 — widely regarded as one of Bordeaux's finest vintages of the last decade — is a seamless, beautifully structured expression of the estate. The nose is plush and enticing: blackcurrant, blackberry, dark cherry, cedar, graphite, and a hint of spice. On the palate, it's medium-to-full-bodied with sappy black fruit, fine depth, smooth structured tannins, and a pure, caressing finish that belies its backbone. Aged 12 months in 50% one-year-old French oak and 50% tank, with malolactic fermentation in oak and three months of lees stirring.

"Seamless nose with plush black fruits and a hint of spice. Fabulous fruit on the palate with great balancing acidity and fine-grained tannins. Persistent finish." — Decanter, 96 Points

• Producer: Château Greysac, Begadan, Médoc, Bordeaux, France
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois Supérieur
• Vintage: 2019
• Appellation: Médoc AOC
• Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
• Vineyard: 68 ha on clay-gravel hilltop; avg. 35-year-old vines; sustainably farmed
• Aging: 12 months, 50% one-year-old French oak / 50% tank; MLF in oak; 3 months lees stirring
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: Decanter 96 | Vinous 91 | Jeb Dunnuck 90
• Tasting Notes: Blackcurrant, blackberry, dark cherry, cedar, graphite, smooth tannins, persistent finish
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, duck confit, aged hard cheeses, classic Bordelaise cuisine

The #1 Médoc over $20 in the US — Cru Bourgeois Supérieur quality at an approachable price, in one of Bordeaux's greatest recent vintages.

Clos des Lunes Lune d’Argent — Bordeaux Blanc 2023

Clos des Lunes is one of Bordeaux’s most compelling white wine stories — an estate in the heart of the Sauternes appellation that has dedicated itself entirely to producing world-class dry white wine from legendary sweet wine terroir. Lune d’Argent (“Silver Moon”) is the estate’s flagship cuvée, blending the density and richness of Sémillon with the refinement and precision of Sauvignon Blanc, aged with a touch of French oak to add complexity without obscuring the magic of the terroir.

The 2023 vintage was harvested in multiple passes from August 28 through September 21, allowing optimal ripeness across the blend. The result is a vibrant, medium-bodied white with vivid acidity, a chalky mineral finish, and outstanding depth — floral, orchard fruit, honeyed grapefruit, golden apple, and a lovely umami complexity from the Sémillon. Four critics, four outstanding scores.

James Suckling 93 • Vinous 92 • Jeb Dunnuck 92 • Decanter 91 — “A top value pick!”

• Producer: Clos des Lunes, Sauternes, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Bordeaux Blanc
• Blend: 70% Sémillon, 30% Sauvignon Blanc
• Aging: Touch of French oak
• Harvest: Multiple passes, Aug 28 – Sep 21
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Orchard fruit, honeyed grapefruit, golden apple, citrus, chalky minerality, umami complexity
• Best Paired With: Grilled lobster, pan-seared scallops, roast chicken, soft-ripened cheeses, foie gras

Sauternes terroir, dry white ambition, four 91+ scores — Lune d’Argent is one of the great white wine values in Bordeaux.

Winemaker Description

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon displays great complexity and structure from Washington State's renowned Columbia Valley. Bold and expressive, with slight pepper, a round body, dried cherry, silky vanilla, and a concentrated, long velvet finish.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby in color with aromas of dark cherry, blackcurrant, and a hint of cedar. The palate is full-bodied and well-structured with flavors of dried cherry, plum, vanilla, and subtle pepper spice. Silky tannins lead to a long, velvety finish.

Food Pairings

Pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted beef, veal, duck, blue cheese, and dark chocolate. An excellent everyday Cabernet Sauvignon from one of Washington's most celebrated producers.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: 2020
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington State, USA
Appellation: Columbia Valley AVA
Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Producer: Columbia Crest
Style: Red Wine, Dry, Full-Bodied

DeLoach Heritage Reserve Chardonnay — California 2024 750ml

DeLoach Vineyards has been crafting expressive California wines since 1975, with a philosophy rooted in sustainable farming and a commitment to letting the fruit speak. The Heritage Reserve Chardonnay is part of DeLoach’s California Series — a bright, fruit-forward expression that bucks the trend of heavy, oak-driven California whites. Instead, the 2024 focuses on freshness, balance, and approachability, making it an ideal everyday white for a wide range of occasions and cuisines.

The 2024 opens with nicely integrated notes of orange blossom and creamy honeydew melon. On the palate, tropical flavors of pineapple, papaya, and mango take center stage, delightfully balanced with bright acidity and a long, clean finish that makes this wine as versatile at the table as it is enjoyable on its own.

“Nicely integrated notes of orange blossom and creamy honeydew melon. Tropical flavors of pineapple, papaya and mango — delightfully balanced with bright acidity and a long finish.” — DeLoach Winemaker

• Producer: DeLoach Vineyards, California, USA (est. 1975)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Style: Bright, fruit-forward, lightly oaked
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Orange blossom, honeydew melon, pineapple, papaya, mango, bright acidity, long clean finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, shrimp, chicken, light pasta, soft cheeses, Asian-inspired dishes, summer salads

Fresh, tropical, and beautifully balanced — DeLoach Heritage Reserve Chardonnay 2024 is California sunshine in a glass at an exceptional price.

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."

Ravines Dry Riesling — Finger Lakes, New York 2022

Ravines Wine Cellars is one of the Finger Lakes' most celebrated producers, and their Dry Riesling is the wine that put them on the national map. The 2022 is a blend of fruit from two estate sites — 71% from Limestone Springs Vineyard and 29% from Sixteen Falls Vineyard on the eastern side of Seneca Lake — a vintage shaped by a polar vortex winter that dramatically reduced yields and concentrated the fruit. The result earned a remarkable five 91+ point scores across the major critics and landed at #36 on Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2025.

The wine pours a vibrant golden hue. The nose is classically Finger Lakes: lemon sorbet, Asian pear, white peach, soft blossom, and a delicate current of flint and minerality. On the palate, it's dry and precise — surprisingly plump and rounded yet with a long, vibrant, linear finish. Finished at just 3 grams per liter of residual sugar, this is Riesling that earns its "dry" designation completely.

"Somehow curvy but linear at the same time — and a total bargain for the quality. Editor's Choice." — Wine Enthusiast, 92 Points

• Producer: Ravines Wine Cellars, Finger Lakes, New York
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Finger Lakes AVA
• Vineyards: Limestone Springs (71%) & Sixteen Falls (29%), Seneca Lake
• Varietal: Riesling
• Style: Dry (3 g/L RS)
• Size: 750ml
• Accolades: #36 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2025 | JS 92 | WE 92 | Vinous 91 | WA 91 | WS 91
• Tasting Notes: Lemon sorbet, Asian pear, white peach, flint, minerality, vibrant finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled trout, Thai cuisine, aged goat cheese, roast pork

Five 91+ point scores and a Wine Spectator Top 100 ranking — Ravines Dry Riesling is the definitive argument for Finger Lakes as one of America's great white wine regions.

Diatom Chardonnay — Santa Barbara County 2024

Greg Brewer's Diatom project is built on a single, radical idea: subtraction. No oak barrels. No malolactic fermentation. No extended aging. Just 100% Chardonnay from Santa Barbara County, fermented and aged six months in stainless steel, stripped of everything that typically softens, butters, or blurs the grape. What remains is electric — a wine that tastes like the soil and the sea. The name itself is a clue: diatomaceous earth, the plankton fossil-rich geology beneath Santa Barbara's vineyards, is the terroir this wine is designed to express. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it 94 points and called it "a no-brainer purchase." Wine Spectator followed at 93, James Suckling at 93, Wine Enthusiast at 92, and Wine Advocate at 90. Across the board, the verdict is the same: this is one of California's most precise and honest Chardonnays.

The nose is vivid and pure: exotic citrus, minty herbs, oyster shell, honeydew rind, lime candy, and a whisper of sea spray. On the palate, it is sleek and taut — ripe pear, ginger, pomelo, and brisk lime zest coiled around a mouthwatering thread of acidity. Salinity and minerals run through the finish alongside springtime blossoms and a lingering kick of melon pith. It gains weight and richness with time in the glass without ever losing its electric freshness.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 • Wine Spectator 93 • James Suckling 93 • Wine Enthusiast 92 • Wine Advocate 90 — "A no-brainer purchase for those who love Santa Barbara County Chardonnay."

• Producer: Diatom (Greg Brewer), Santa Barbara County, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Santa Barbara County
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation and aging — no oak, no malolactic fermentation
• Aging: 6 months, stainless steel
• Style: Unoaked, crisp, mineral-driven
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, oyster shell, lime zest, sea spray, pear, ginger, pomelo, saline mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled halibut, ceviche, fresh goat cheese, sushi

A 94-point unoaked Chardonnay at an honest price — Diatom is the benchmark for what Santa Barbara Chardonnay can be when nothing gets in the way.

CrossBarn by Paul Hobbs Sonoma Coast Chardonnay — Sonoma County 2024

CrossBarn is Paul Hobbs’s second label — and one of California’s most compelling values in cool-climate Chardonnay. Drawing on 81% estate fruit from Sonoma Coast vineyards, CrossBarn channels the same winemaking philosophy that has made Paul Hobbs one of Napa and Sonoma’s most celebrated names: minimal intervention, site transparency, and a relentless focus on freshness. The Sonoma Coast appellation is defined by its proximity to the Pacific — cold ocean winds and morning fog that slow ripening and preserve the natural acidity that makes this style so compelling. Partial malolactic conversion in stainless steel adds a subtle creamy texture without sacrificing the wine’s essential brightness and drive. The 2024 vintage is a textbook expression of the appellation.

The color is a luminous pale gold. The nose is fresh, pure, and immediately inviting: green apple, baked apple, ripe pear, lemon peel, and a whisper of bread dough and warm spice. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and easygoing — generous and juicy, with vibrant acidity, a subtle creamy mid-palate from partial malo, and a long, mineral-driven finish. Crisp, refreshing, and built for the table.

James Suckling 93 • Wine Advocate 90 — “Fresh, fruity, juicy, crisp — generous in green apples, baked apples and minerals. Subtle cream and butter from partial malolactic conversion.” (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: CrossBarn by Paul Hobbs, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Estate Fruit: 81%
• Vinification: Partial malolactic conversion, stainless steel maturation
• Style: Bright, fresh, cool-climate Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Green apple, baked apple, pear, lemon peel, bread dough, warm spice, mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 3–5 years
• Best Paired With: Crab Louie, grilled shrimp, oysters, roast chicken, mushroom risotto, creamy pasta

Paul Hobbs’s vision for Sonoma Coast Chardonnay — CrossBarn delivers serious winemaking at an honest price.

Château de Pitray | Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux | 2019

Right Bank Bordeaux that punches well above its price. The 2019 Château de Pitray is a blend of 75% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Malbec — a classic Castillon formula that delivers old-world charm with immediate drinkability. Expect a bouquet of blackberry, currant, and dried herbs with a subtle marine note and a whisper of Japanese nori. On the palate, the texture is soft and velvety, with supple tannins, nicely judged acidity, and a fresh, clean finish. Dense enough to reward a few more years in the cellar, yet approachable right now — the kind of bottle that earns its place at a Sunday supper without a second thought.

• Appellation: Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, France
• Blend: 75% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec
• Vintage: 2019
• Format: 750ml
• Drink Window: Now – 2030+

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2019

Wine Enthusiast — Roger Voss | 91 Points: Soft and velvety in texture, this wine is full of ripe fruit. Cushioned by the texture, the tannins are dense enough to promise aging to this wine with potential. Drink from 2024.

James Suckling | 91 Points: Aromas of berries and mushrooms with some fresh herbs. Some currants, too. Medium body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. Very drinkable now, but will age beautifully. Best after 2023.

Neal Martin, Vinous: Old school bouquet with blackberry and light marine scents, a touch of Japanese nori. Medium-bodied with supple, soft tannins. Nicely judged acidity — a Pitray that has charm and drinkability.

67 Wine Picks

"Drinks above its price tag! There's a medley of secondary and even tertiary aromas and flavors in this wine that always fits the bill for a laid-back Sunday Supper." — Oscar

Le Volte dell’Ornellaia — Toscana IGT 2023

Le Volte dell’Ornellaia is the approachable entry point into the world of Tenuta dell’Ornellaia — one of Tuscany’s most celebrated estates and a cornerstone of the Bolgheri appellation — and the 2023 vintage is its most joyful and expressive release in years. A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, raised in used Ornellaia barriques and concrete for around 10 months, this wine captures the estate’s signature elegance and precision in a bottle built for early enjoyment without sacrificing depth or character. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it 93 points, calling it “very elegant with a joyful ease.”

The nose is fruity and fresh: candied flowers, crushed raspberries, red apples, dark cherry compote, and a waft of balsamic herbs with fresh stony earth. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied — silky, crunchy, and vibrant, with a bright streak of raspberry coulis brought together by fresh acidity and a breezy, polished finish. Classy, aromatic, and built to drink beautifully from 2025 through 2035.

Jeb Dunnuck 93 • Decanter 91 • Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 90 — “A total delight. Fresh, aromatic and vibrant — Ornellaia’s blend delivers the goods in an affordable package.”

• Producer: Tenuta dell’Ornellaia, Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Toscana IGT
• Blend: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot
• Vinification: Aged ~10 months in used Ornellaia barriques and concrete
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Candied flowers, raspberry, red apple, dark cherry, balsamic herbs, stony earth, silky finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar through 2035
• Best Paired With: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, roasted duck, truffle pizza, aged Pecorino, Parmigiano-Reggiano

Elegant, vibrant, and unmistakably Ornellaia — Le Volte is the benchmark for what a Super Tuscan entry point can be.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2021

Jeb Dunnuck 98+ Points | "Incredibly elegant yet concentrated 2021 that does everything right." Purple-hued, with ample cassis, wild sage, graphite, and darker chocolate aromatics. Picks up a Graves-like gravelly earth character with air. Full-bodied with ripe, polished tannins, beautiful balance, and a great finish. Needs 4–5 years of bottle age but will drink well for 30 years.

James Suckling 98 Points | Intense aromas of iodine, blackcurrants, cedar, sandalwood and mint. Medium to full body with silky tannins that spread across the palate and expand in a balanced, harmonized way. Hints of chocolate and tar. Better in a few years — try 2027 and beyond.

Wine Spectator 95 Points | Packed with dark, winey flavors of blackcurrant and blackberry paste underscored with alder, sweet tobacco, warm paving stone and black licorice. Violet accent fills the background. Polished finish makes it accessible now, with plenty of life ahead. Drink now through 2042. — Wine Spectator’s #2 Wine of the Year 2024.

Winemaker Notes

A truly remarkable vintage of BV’s iconic flagship. The bouquet is intense with wild sage, blackcurrant, cedar, and fresh mint. The palate is expansive and full-bodied with layers of ripe blackberry, redcurrant, and red rose petal alongside graphite, licorice root, gravelly stone, and dark chocolate. French oak aging adds sandalwood, clove, and Ceylon cinnamon. The signature "Rutherford Dust" tannins are silky, polished, and fine-grained, finishing long with a cocoa powder texture.

Slightly reserved upon release but incredibly drinkable — significant presence, depth, and concentration foreshadowing cellar-worthy potential across the next few decades.

Tasting & Pairings

Cassis, wild sage, graphite, dark chocolate, blackberry, cedar, sandalwood, and Rutherford Dust. Full-bodied with polished, fine-grained tannins and extraordinary length. Decant generously now or cellar through 2042+.

• Prime rib or dry-aged ribeye — the wine’s concentration and tannin structure demand equally serious beef.
• Braised lamb shank with herbs — the sage and cedar notes mirror herbed, slow-cooked meats.
• Dark chocolate truffles — the cocoa powder finish and chocolate aromatics are a decadent match.

Kendall Jackson Chardonnay Vintner's Reserve California 2023 750ml

One of California's most beloved Chardonnays, the Kendall Jackson Vintner's Reserve delivers a rich, fruit-forward profile that has made it a perennial favorite. Sourced from select coastal vineyards across California, this 2023 vintage is balanced, approachable, and endlessly food-friendly.

Aromas of pineapple, mango, and papaya lead into a palate of ripe peach and citrus, layered with hints of vanilla, honey, and toasted oak. The finish is long, creamy, and satisfying — a hallmark of the Vintner's Reserve style.

Food Pairings

• Grilled salmon, lobster, and shrimp scampi
• Roast chicken, turkey, and creamy pasta dishes
• Corn on the cob, fish tacos, and buttery sauces

Wine Details

• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Region: California
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 750ml
• Producer: Kendall Jackson

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

Jeb Dunnuck 100 Points | "A unicorn wine." The acids naturally occurring with ease in this cool, long, extended growing season, producing wines of tremendous elegance and balance. Sourced entirely from Monte Bello Estate. Minerality is off the charts after barrel fermentation of 9 months on the lees in 85% American and 15% French oak (15% new). Gorgeously lengthy and bright.

Owen Bargreen 95 Points | Decanter 94 Points (Clive Pursehouse) | Wine Advocate 94 Points (Matthew Luczy) | Wine Spectator 93 Points (MaryAnn Worobiec)

Winemaker Notes

100% Chardonnay, organically grown on the Monte Bello Estate in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Apple fruit, brioche, and vanilla on the nose. Focused citrus, pear, bright acidity, and a clean finish on the palate. Barrel fermented for 9 months on lees in American and French oak.

About Ridge

Ridge Vineyards is one of California’s most iconic and historically significant wineries, founded in 1962 on Monte Bello Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Known for their Monte Bello Cabernet, Ridge’s estate Chardonnay is crafted with the same uncompromising philosophy: organic farming, natural fermentation, and minimal intervention. The 2023 vintage represents a landmark release — a perfect score from Dunnuck confirms this as one of the greatest California Chardonnays ever produced.

Tasting & Pairings

Apple, brioche, vanilla, citrus, pear, and extraordinary minerality. Bright, lengthy, and elegant with focused acidity and a clean finish. Serve lightly chilled.

• Lobster or Dungeness crab with drawn butter — a wine of this caliber deserves equally luxurious shellfish.
• Roasted halibut or turbot with herbs — the minerality and acidity complement noble white fish.
• Aged Comté or triple-crème Brie — the brioche and oak notes pair beautifully with rich cheeses.

One of Rioja's most reliable and beloved Crianzas — Marqués de Cáceres delivers classic Tempranillo character with the polish and consistency that has made this estate a benchmark producer in the appellation for decades. Hand-harvested from old vines in Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa, aged 12 months in French and American oak, and built for everyday enjoyment at an exceptional price.

Sommelier's Pick

Oscar Garcia, Lead Wine Sommelier, 67Wine.com: "One of Rioja's benchmark Crianzas. A well-rounded red that delivers a solid drinking experience. Aromas of plum compote, cassis and notes of cinnamon and cloves. Medium-bodied with polished and pleasant tannins. Consistent and satisfying finish."

Vineyard & Winemaking

• DOCa Rioja — Tempranillo and other traditional varieties
• Hand-harvested from small, low-yield old vine plots in Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa
• Clayey-limestone soils with ferrous subsoil in Rioja Alta; more limestone in Rioja Alavesa
• 12 months in French (60%) and American (40%) oak barrels
• Oak distribution: 25% new, 25% second-use, 50% third- to fourth-use — for balance and integration
• Vegan-friendly

The 2021 Vintage

An excellent growing season with 30% more rainfall than average, well-distributed across the year. A warm February brought consistent bud break, while a warm and slightly humid May supported healthy early growth. A 10-week period of showers with ideal temperatures through summer ensured slow, even ripening — resulting in fresh, well-structured fruit with natural acidity and balance.

Tasting Profile

Deep ruby with a garnet rim. The nose offers inviting aromas of plum compote, cassis, cinnamon, and cloves with a subtle vanilla oak lift. On the palate it's medium-bodied with polished, approachable tannins, bright acidity, and a consistent, satisfying finish. Classic Rioja Crianza — honest, food-friendly, and endlessly drinkable.

Perfect Pairings

Serve at 62–65°F with beef stew, lamb chops, roasted chicken, paella, shrimp fried rice, or a simple charcuterie board. A versatile everyday red that punches well above its price point.

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 Les Gravettes — Bordeaux Supérieur 2019

Bordeaux Supérieur is the appellation that over-delivers — and Château Les Gravettes is a textbook example of why. The 2019 vintage, one of Bordeaux’s most celebrated in recent memory, brings explosive intensity and classic structure at a price that makes it an instant cellar staple.

The wine pours a deep, brilliant dark ruby. The nose is complex and inviting — blackberries, blueberries, baking spices, and walnuts. On the palate, it is medium-to-full-bodied with chewy tannins, juicy fruit, and a chalky texture that carries through to a flavorful, aromatic finish. Harmonious and long, with the balance to drink now or hold for several more years.

“Juicy with a chalky texture and a flavorful finish.” — James Suckling, 91 Points

• Producer: Château Les Gravettes, Bordeaux, France
• Vintage: 2019
• Appellation: Bordeaux Supérieur
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, blueberry, baking spices, walnuts, chalky texture, aromatic finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or hold through 2027+
• Best Paired With: Leg of lamb with herbs, game, goat’s cheese, roast duck

A 91-point Bordeaux at a rock-bottom price — Château Les Gravettes is the kind of find that makes wine lovers smile.

67Wine Buyer's Review

Debra, Italy White Wine Buyer — 67Wine.com
Montenidoli is a mountain above the appellation of San Gimignano — and this is a noble, elegant expression of Vernaccia from this historic estate. Certified organic, aged in stainless steel, and macerated on the skins for about 7 days, it has lovely complexity: light-medium bodied, energetic, and vibrant with a beautiful texture. Fresh and pure, with flavors of stone fruits, orange zest, and blanched almonds, and a long, lingering finish. Pair with seafood, pasta, vegetables, or simply with cheese.

Winemaker Description

Golden straw yellow in color, with herbal and almond aromas. Rich and dry on the palate, with a long, clean finish. A classic expression of Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG at its most traditional.

Food Pairings

Pairs beautifully with Mediterranean cuisine based on olive oil, fried or raw fish, sushi, oysters, and shellfish. Also excellent with pasta, vegetables, and soft cheeses.

Product Details

• Producer: Montenidoli
• Region: Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
• Grape: Vernaccia di San Gimignano
• Farming: Certified organic
• Vinification: Stainless steel, 7-day skin maceration
• Vintage: 2024
• Format: 750ml

About Castello di Volpaia

Volpaia is one of the most stunning estates in Italy, located in a fortified medieval village in Radda in Chianti. Because the vineyards are among the highest in the Chianti Classico zone — up to 600 meters — the wines have a cool-climate elegance that sets them apart from the heavier, more muscular Chiantis found in the valleys.

Winemaker Description

The Chianti Classico has a vivid ruby color and a strong nose of fresh red fruit with hints of cherry. A well-structured wine with a fruity finish. The vintage began with a warm winter with little rain. May and June were cold with heavy rains that caused several problems with downy mildew throughout Italy. In July temperatures rose significantly, and the hot, dry summer was followed by late August rains that allowed the grapes to complete ripening beautifully.

Expert Reviews

Decanter — 91 Points (Michaela Morris)
"A very pretty, classy wine that captures the essence of Radda in its bright, lifted personality. Crushed flowers, chalk, mint, white pepper and cranberry all grace this perfumed, lithe Chianti Classico."

Tony Wood Italian Wine — 95 Points
"Bright ruby red with purple undertones. Amazing aroma of spring flowers, violet, petal, sweet red fruits, liquorice, cedar, dry forest floor, spice. Creamy, elegant, fantastic length and balance. A total winner!"

Product Details

• Producer: Castello di Volpaia
• Region: Chianti Classico DOCG, Radda in Chianti, Tuscany, Italy
• Grape: Sangiovese
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Altitude: Up to 600 meters
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 750ml

Expert Review — Vintage 2024

James Suckling 93 Points | A ripe but balanced wine with plenty of golden apple and Bartlett pear flavors on a smooth, buttery texture. Some green apple acidity brightens up the ripeness, lifting vanilla bean, toast, and butterscotch nuances. Full-bodied.

Winemaker Description

Decoy Limited represents the elevated tier of the Decoy lineup — where the standard Decoy Chardonnay draws from across California, the Limited label focuses strictly on the cooler maritime vineyards of the Sonoma Coast, delivering more precision, depth, and structural complexity. The 2024 growing season brought a cool, wet winter and moderate spring, with harvest beginning mid-September. Strategic leafing and crop adjustments yielded white wines with fresh aromatics and lively acidity.

Food Pairings

Dungeness crab with drawn butter, lobster rolls, seared scallops, roasted chicken with cream-and-mushroom sauce, Fettuccine Alfredo, roasted squash with sage butter, and truffle mushroom risotto.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2022

Wine Spectator 96 Points | #13 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2025. Energetic tumble of blackberry, boysenberry and blackcurrant paste injected with bramble and apple wood, supported by a licorice snap accent. Strapping finish laced with violet and iris notes, with a cast iron edge lending bass. Best from 2027 through 2045.   

James Suckling 96 Points | Extremely attractive aromas of blackcurrants and dried flowers with fresh herbs like basil and rosemary. Medium to full body with firm and velvety tannins, tension and focus. Long and chewy finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | "One of the all-time greats from this château." Smoky currants, tobacco leaf, leather, and chocolaty notes. Sensationally textured, concentrated, medium to full-bodied. Plenty of mid-palate depth, ripe building tannins, beautiful balance, and a great finish. Raised in 60% new oak. Three decades of longevity.

About the Wine

Château Talbot is a 4th Growth (Quatrième Cru Classé) estate in Saint-Julien, one of the Haut-Médoc’s most prestigious appellations. Named after the English commander John Talbot, the estate has been producing benchmark Left Bank Bordeaux for centuries. The 2022 vintage is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, aged in 60% new French oak.

With a Wine Spectator Top 100 placement and Dunnuck calling it "one of the all-time greats," the 2022 is a landmark vintage for Talbot.

Tasting & Pairings

Blackcurrant, blackberry, boysenberry, tobacco, leather, chocolate, dried flowers, basil, rosemary, violet, and iris. Medium to full body with firm, velvety tannins and extraordinary length. Decant generously now or cellar through 2045+.

• Rack of lamb with herbs de Provence — the herbal aromatics and firm tannins are a classic Bordeaux match.
• Dry-aged côte de boeuf — the wine’s concentration and structure demand serious beef.
• Aged Comté or Roquefort — the tobacco and chocolate notes complement rich, complex cheeses.

Rock Angel by Château d’Esclans — Côtes de Provence Rosé 2025

Château d’Esclans is the estate that transformed Provence rosé into a global luxury benchmark. Since Sacha Lichine acquired and revitalized the property in 2006, the estate has redefined what rosé can be — and Rock Angel sits at the heart of that story. Crafted primarily from estate-grown grapes in the Esclans Valley, complemented by select parcels from the surrounding Côtes de Provence, Rock Angel is stylistically positioned between the iconic Whispering Angel and the estate’s prestige cuvées (Château, Les Clans, and Garrus) — offering greater depth, structure, and gastronomic versatility while retaining the signature elegance that defines Esclans. Gentle oak aging and lees-derived creaminess add dimension and polish that set it apart from any other rosé at this price. James Suckling awarded it 92 points.

The nose opens with an expressive and refined bouquet of delicate red berries, wild garrigue herbs, and a subtle floral lift — quintessentially Provençal. On the palate, vibrant peach and juicy pomegranate take center stage, supported by a beautifully textured creaminess, medium-plus acidity that is perfectly integrated, and a long, layered, luxurious finish of remarkable length and refinement. The oak nuances are subtle, sublime, and fully integrated — a rosé with both power and finesse.

James Suckling 92 — "Layered and luxurious, a true big brother to Whispering Angel. The oak nuances are subtle, sublime, and fully integrated into the fruit. A genuinely great Rock Angel." (Vintage 2025). 

Matthew Jukes 2025 — "This is a first! You can open a bottle today, secure in the knowledge that it is already up to ramming speed. It has moved closer to the estate wines than ever before. This is a genuinely great Rock Angel." (Vintage 2025). 

• Producer: Château d’Esclans (Sacha Lichine), Esclans Valley, Provence, France
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Côtes de Provence AOC
• Region: Provence, France
• Varietal: Grenache, Rolle (Vermentino)
• Style: Medium-to-full-bodied, lees-aged, oak-influenced Provençal rosé
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red berries, wild garrigue, peach, pomegranate, creamy texture, integrated oak, long layered finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, salmon tartare, avocado & shrimp, lightly spiced Asian cuisine, summer entertaining

A 92-point Provençal rosé from the estate that redefined luxury rosé — Rock Angel is the benchmark for what lees-aged, oak-influenced Côtes de Provence can deliver between Whispering Angel and the prestige cuvées.

95 Jeb Dunnuck: From one site, the 2015 Finca Iscorta De Pecina Gran Reserva has more density, more alcohol, more color, and more black fruit on the palate and should age outstandingly. Finca Iscorta is the winery’s oldest vineyard, which it treats as a grand cru, only making the wine in worthy years. The next won’t be until 2019. Strong and powerful in tannin and full-bodied weight, it could go another 20-30 years, so intensely concentrated, spiced, and textured, from both a powerful year and a powerful site. It spent four years in used American oak.

94  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: A more modern Gran Reserva from a single vineyard, the 2015 Finca Iscorta de Peciña Gran Reserva was produced with the grapes from a 50-year-old vineyard, fermented with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel with a moderate extraction and short-ish maceration. It matured in used American oak barrels for four years and was racked every six months. It's a little darker, the color and the fruit profile, and it's intensely balsamic, with notes of camphor and abundant spicy notes. It's solid and seamless and fills your mouth; it's powerful with 15% alcohol and 6.2 grams of acidity, ripe but balanced.

Winemaker Notes