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Experience the Elegance of Pineau des Charentes

Amber with gold glint Nose: complex and elegant - notes of honey, tilleul, fleur de vigne mixed with fresh fruits like peach, prune, fig and dry almond, pate de coing, with a hint of vanilla. Mouth: very fresh at the beginning, nice balance between the sweetness and the acidity of the pineau. The aromas are persisting with fruity notes.

Producer Maison Ferrand is the result of the encounter in 1989 between Alexandre Gabriel and one of the oldest winegrowing families in the Cognac region. Alexandre Gabriel’s intention was to breathe new life into the Ferrand cognacs and make it the world’s best cognac.

He wanted to maintain age-old, craft-based production methods which were worlds apart from mass production techniques, and sought to bring back to market the true expression of Grande Champagne’s - known as Cognac’s finest region - great terroir. It is around these core values of authenticity and character that Maison Ferrand built up its business, first with cognac, then with other distinctive fine spirits such as gin whose particular character is based on a unique production method, and our rums which are matured using a very special technique.

Nowadays, Maison Ferrand is a highly regarded company that distributes its fine spirits in more than 40 countries, in some of the world’s most prestigious outlets. Maison Ferrand draws on a dynamic team of people who nurture a passionate interest in what they do. In France The Company’s head office and production facility is located amid the vineyards of Charente, in the 18th century Chateau de Bonbonnet in Ars. Maison Ferrand has made considerable investments to meet its exacting quality requirements and support its expansion: its production facility is one of the most efficient in the region and includes an ultramodern blending hall which was unveiled in 2004. Maison Ferrand also co-owns Logis d’Angeac, a 100-hectare (247-acre) vineyard in the heart of Grande Champagne, which features a distillery that dates back to 1776. In addition to its head office in Ars,Maison Ferrand also has an office in Viroflay, in the Paris region. 

What is Pineau des Charentes?

Pineau des Charentes is a delightful French aperitif that originates from the Charente region. This unique blend is crafted from a combination of freshly pressed grape juice and Cognac, offering a complex flavor profile that is both refreshing and sweet. The exquisite balance of fruitiness and alcohol makes it a perfect drink for any occasion, whether served as an aperitif or enjoyed alongside dessert. The allure of Pineau des Charentes lies not only in its taste but also in its rich traditions, making it a beloved choice in France and beyond.

Tasting Notes and Flavor Profile

The Pierre Ferrand Pineau des Charentes presents an exquisite palate experience. You will find floral aromas combined with notes of ripe fruits such as apricot, pear, and citrus. The sweetness from the grape juice complements the depth of the Cognac, creating an indulgent yet balanced finish. As you sip, observe the smooth texture and slight acidity that invigorates the senses, making this Pineau des Charentes a captivating drink that is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

How to Enjoy Pineau des Charentes

Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply unwinding after a long day, Pierre Ferrand Pineau des Charentes offers versatile serving options. It can be enjoyed chilled as a sipping treat, poured over ice, or mixed creatively into cocktails. Pair it with fresh cheeses, charcuterie, or light desserts for an elevated dining experience. Its adaptability makes it a fantastic addition to any bar cart, pleasing a variety of tastes and preferences among wine enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.

Expert Reviews 

98 Points Vinous | The 2020 Pape Clément is outrageously beautiful. Dark, virile and imposing, the 2020 is a rare vintage of Pape Clément that is vertical and statuesque in feel. Dark fruit, chocolate, new leather, licorice and cloves infuse the palate with tremendous depth. In a word: magnificent. - Antonio Galloni

98 Points James Suckling | Lots of blackberry, iodine and crushed stone here. Some black pepper and graphite, too. Full body and medium, fine tannins that have a powdery texture and open in the mouth. So much going on. Iodine and iron undertones with some raw mushroom bring you back for more. Muscular. This is for the cellar. Drink after 2027.

97+ Points Jeb Dunnuck | I loved the 2020 Château Pape Clément, and this beauty is up there with the top wines in Pessac. Checking in as equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, aged 18 months in 90% barrels and 10% in foudre, it offers a deep purple hue to go with a powerful, concentrated profile displaying both red and black fruits, lots of spicy, chocolate, flowery incense nuances, full-bodied richness, and an almost salty, bloody character on the finish. This beauty shows the concentrated yet utterly classic, focused, elegant style of the vintage and has so much to love.

96 Points Wine Enthusiast | This ancient estate, an oasis in the suburbs of Bordeaux city, offers a wine that is packed with promising tannins. The important and rich black fruits reveal concentration, density and the potential of the development of a fine balance and structure as it matures.

95 Points Decanter | Tannic heft from the get-go, though this does have a lovely fresh, clean and precise core with a narrow, focused frame so the elements come across as quite tight and severe right now but well worked. It has class, no doubt, on the high-toned scale, potent and upfront but there's gorgeous detail and precision to the fruit, acidity and tannins. Slick and classy with lots of glamour that plays to the strengths of the vintage.

95 Points Wine Spectator | This is snazzed up with flashy toast, but there's ample mulberry, cassis and plum compote fruit to soak it up, while notes of licorice and sweet spice fill in the background. A late tug of warm earth keeps this grounded. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

94 Points Robert Parker | Aromas of rich cherries, cassis, burning embers, violets and dark chocolate introduce the 2020 Pape Clément, a medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy wine that's ripe, layered and generously extracted but also a touch deeper and more reserved than the flashy 2019. While it would be an exaggeration to say that this estate's red wines are making much of a shift in the direction of restraint, the style is certainly less aspirational than it was a decade ago.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

Wine Advocate 94 Points | The 2021 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett is deep and flinty but bright and clear on the refined and elegant nose with beautiful crushed slate aromas. On the palate, this is a rich, round and generous, incredibly lush and supple but crystalline and even pure Sonnenuhr with a highly stimulating, mouth-watering finish. This 2021 shows the great terroir of the cru, in particular in cool vintages due to its exposition that collects the sun's rays in the morning. 

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | This shows very little sweetness, but is harmonious and well integrated despite the firm acidity that fuels it. Stone- and orchard-fruit notes are flecked by chrysanthemum and cardamom to create the full-spectrum. The finish is long and persistent.

Winemaker Description 

Cassis and lime zest aromas with tart, salty and slate notes.

Try with yellow curry or spring rolls.

Tasting Notes

Gato Negro Merlot is a bright ruby Chilean red, medium-bodied and packed with jammy fruit. Approachable and smooth, it’s an easy-drinking crowd-pleaser — now in a generous 1.5L Magnum perfect for entertaining.

• Producer: Gato Negro
• Country: Chile
• Varietal: Merlot
• Format: 1.5L Magnum
• Style: Medium-bodied, jammy, smooth
• Tasting Notes: Jammy red fruit, bright ruby color, soft finish
• Best For: Red meats, cheeses, parties, casual entertaining

Hermann J. Wiemer · Semi-Dry Riesling · Seneca Lake, Finger Lakes · 2024

Hermann J. Wiemer is the founding father of Finger Lakes Riesling. A German-born viticulturist who trained in the Mosel before planting vines on the western shore of Seneca Lake in 1979, Wiemer proved that New York could produce world-class Riesling — and the estate he built continues to set the standard decades later. Their Semi-Dry Riesling is the wine that converts skeptics: sourced from early picks in vineyard blocks surrounding Seneca Lake, it carries residual sugar with the grace and balance that only great Riesling terroir can deliver. Certified Sustainable. JS:92. At $24.99, it’s one of the most versatile and crowd-pleasing bottles in the Finger Lakes canon — the wine you bring when you’re not sure what everyone drinks, and it always wins.

The 2024 opens with aromas of wildflower honey, ripe Bosch pear, peach, apricot, and sweet florals. On the palate: succulent and fruit-forward with a refreshing lightness — the residual sugar is perfectly balanced by bright acidity, finishing juicy and barely dry with fantastic vitality. Drink now through 2029.

“Rippling with peach, apricot and sweet floral aromas… succulent but also very fresh in the juicy, barely dry finish. Fantastic balance and vitality at the end. Sustainable.”
— James Suckling, 92 Points (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard (est. 1979)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Seneca Lake, Finger Lakes, New York
• Varietal: 100% Riesling
• Style: Semi-Dry (off-dry)
• Certification: Certified Sustainable
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Wildflower honey, Bosch pear, peach, apricot, sweet florals, bright acidity, juicy barely-dry finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2029
• Food Pairings: Spicy Thai, Vietnamese pho, sushi, soft-ripened cheese, fruit tarts, light charcuterie

JS:92 · Certified Sustainable — Finger Lakes Riesling from the man who started it all.

Winemaker Description

Bright, ruby-red color. The nose is very expressive with notes of wild strawberry, cherry and Mediterranean herbs.

On the palate, the wine is beautifully supple. Tannins are silky and the tasty finish reveals notes of black pepper, red fruits and a hint of eucalyptus.

Winemaker Description 

The quality and character of Florio embodied by our first Marsala wine. A Superiore aged in oak barrels for at least 24 months under the centuries-old vaulted ceilings of the Florio Wine Cellars, the perfect accompaniment for any occasion. 

Winemaker Description

Lightly touched by wood aging, this ripe Mercurey Blanc is both crisp and rich. Its briskness brings a mineral edge while the ripeness produces generous apple and apricot fruit. Matured on fine lees with regular stirring, the wine possesses remarkable body and smooth richness that are central to its balance. Ready to drink now.

About Philippe Le Hardi

Philippe Le Hardi is one of Burgundy’s most respected négociant-éleveurs, based in Santenay on the southern Côte de Beaune and specializing in wines from the Côte Chalonnaise and Côte d’Or. With deep roots in the region and a commitment to expressing the character of each appellation, Philippe Le Hardi produces wines that balance Burgundian tradition with approachability. Their kosher range — certified Kosher for Passover and Mevushal — is crafted to the same standards as their full portfolio, bringing authentic Burgundy to the kosher table. The Mercurey Blanc is sourced from the Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy’s most underrated appellation for white wine, where Chardonnay on limestone and clay soils produces wines of real depth and mineral character at outstanding value.

Food Pairings

Grilled fish, roasted chicken, veal in cream sauce, soft ripened cheeses, mushroom risotto, and light pasta dishes. A natural match for Shabbat dinners, Passover seders, and holiday tables. A versatile, food-friendly white Burgundy.

Product Details

• Producer: Philippe Le Hardi
• Appellation: Mercurey Blanc AOC, Côte Chalonnaise, Burgundy, France
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Aging: Lightly oaked, matured on fine lees with regular stirring
• Certification: Kosher for Passover, Mevushal
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Crisp, rich, mineral white Burgundy
• Format: 750ml

Winemaker Description

The 2020 Guado al Tasso is an intense ruby red in color. The nose offers notes of small dark fruit with sweet spice and toasted oak. On the palate, pure flavors and refined tannins lead to a persistent finish. This wine can be enjoyed immediately, but also has great aging potential. 

Expert Reviews

96 Points Robert Parker | The Marchesi Antinori 2020 Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso sees Cabernet Franc at over 30% of the blend in this vintage, with the rest going to Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% to 20% to Merlot. Matarocchio was not produced this year, and this wine benefits from the extra Cabernet Franc as a result. The 2019 and 2021 vintages of Guado al Tasso are quite concentrated and rich, whereas 2020 is leaner in texture, along the lines of the edition we saw made in 2010. There was rain in September. Managing Director Renzo Cotarella says he would not describe 2020 as a hot vintage because the rain did pose challenges at the end of the growing season. In Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast, budbreak is earlier than in other appellations, and the growing season is longer as a result. This is a benefit to the international varieties used here. The wine shows nice richness and intensity. The Cabernet Franc definitely comes through and adds the characteristic vertical lift and linearity that the grape is known for. You get black fruit, spice, white pepper and no signs of bitter stems or bramble. Sweet, almost milky tannins are interlocked with fresh acidity to give this wine good cellaring potential. The new oak was dialed back a bit in this vintage.

96 Points Wine Enthusiast | The nose is rich with notes of blackberries, black cherry and soil, while a white pepper undertone provides pop. On the supple, warm palate, berries continue leading the way, before a salty, chocolaty finish with another kick of pepper. Stoic tannins are balanced by lively, persistent acidity.

95 Points James Suckling | Aromas of black olives, berries, herbs, red beans, sour cherries, and sage follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins and plenty of structure. It’s flavorful and intense. Needs time to come together. Best after 2027.

95 Points Wine Spectator | Packed with exuberant blackberry, black currant and blueberry fruit, this red shows the expressive character of the vintage. Just when you think it's too flamboyant, the solid structure reins it in. Shows excellent balance and length, with a touch of lavender and wild herbs on the lingering finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2025 through 2040.

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2019

Wine Spectator — 97 Points
"This pure and stylish Barolo features rose, strawberry, cherry, mineral and underbrush aromas and flavors. Though silky in texture, this is well-structured, with integrated tannins and harmony. This is all about finesse and texture, with excellent length and a mineral aftertaste."

About Monprivato

Monprivato is one of the most celebrated single-vineyard crus in all of Barolo — and Giuseppe Mascarello’s exclusive domain. Located in Castiglione Falletto, the vineyard sits on a south-southwest facing slope of Helvetian soils: compact Tortonian marl and limestone that impart the signature minerality, structure, and aromatic complexity for which Monprivato is legendary. The Mascarello family has farmed Monprivato since 1904 and today owns virtually the entire cru — a rarity in Barolo, where vineyard fragmentation is the norm. The result is a wine of singular identity: unmistakably Monprivato, unmistakably Mascarello.

About Giuseppe e Figlio Mascarello

Founded in 1881 in Monchiero and later relocated to Castiglione Falletto, Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio is one of Piedmont’s most revered and traditional producers. Under the stewardship of Mauro Mascarello — and now his son Giuseppe — the estate has remained steadfastly committed to traditional Barolo winemaking: long macerations, large Slavonian oak casks, and extended aging. No shortcuts, no modernization for its own sake. The Mascarello Barolo Monprivato is consistently ranked among the greatest wines of Italy and among the finest Nebbiolos produced anywhere in the world.

2019 Vintage Notes

The 2019 vintage in Piedmont is widely regarded as one of the greatest in a generation — a warm, dry year that produced wines of exceptional concentration, structure, and longevity. For Barolo, 2019 delivered the ideal combination of ripeness and natural acidity, resulting in wines that are approachable young yet built to age for decades. Monprivato 2019 is considered a benchmark release: powerful, precise, and destined for a long cellar life.

Food Pairings

White truffle dishes, braised Piedmontese beef (brasato al Barolo), wild boar, roasted lamb, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, and tajarin with meat ragù. A wine built for the Piedmontese table — and for the most special occasions.

Product Details

• Producer: Giuseppe e Figlio Mascarello
• Vineyard: Monprivato (single vineyard cru)
• Appellation: Barolo DOCG, Castiglione Falletto, Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: 100% Nebbiolo
• Soils: Tortonian marl and limestone (Helvetian)
• Aging: Extended aging in large Slavonian oak casks, traditional method
• Vintage: 2019
• Drink: 2026–2050+
• Style: Elegant, structured, age-worthy traditional Barolo
• Format: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2021

Decanter — 92 Points (Charles Curtis)
"This is a wine of true elegance, with a light ruby hue, bright, perfumed cherry fruit, fresh acidity, and tannins that seem slightly astringent. It is light in weight but very expressive. The wine is produced from a drastic shortening of the range: it blends all the grapes that generally make up four bottlings — La Fortune, La Digoine, Mercurey Les Montots, and Santenay PC Passetemps. Six barrels were produced instead of the customary twenty. Each was vinified separately and blended together, an exercise the director Pierre de Benoist hopes never to repeat. Drinking 2023–2033."

Burghound (Allan Meadows)
"An exuberant nose is very Pinot in character with its pretty red berry fruit, black pepper and violet scents. The delicious and vibrant lighter weight flavors possess an appealing mouthfeel before concluding in a firm, youthfully austere and balanced finale. While it’s an atypical Bourgogne given the unusual combination of appellations, it’s nonetheless excellent."

About This Vintage

The 2021 Domaine de Villaine Bourgogne Rouge is a wine born of extraordinary circumstances. The 2021 growing season in Burgundy was devastated by spring frosts, dramatically reducing yields across the region. At Domaine de Villaine, the decision was made to consolidate: rather than produce four separate single-vineyard bottlings — La Fortune, La Digoine, Mercurey Les Montots, and Santenay Premier Cru Passetemps — all the fruit was blended into a single wine. Six barrels were produced instead of the customary twenty. The result is a Bourgogne Rouge unlike any other: a blend of four appellations and multiple terroirs, vinified separately and assembled with care, carrying the DNA of wines that normally sell for two to three times the price.

About Domaine de Villaine

Domaine de Villaine is the personal estate of Aubert de Villaine — the legendary co-director of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, widely regarded as the greatest wine estate in the world. Based in Bouzeron in the Côte Chalonnaise, the domaine was founded by Aubert and his wife Pamela as a separate project from DRC: a place to express the quieter, more rustic character of southern Burgundy with the same philosophical commitment to biodynamic farming and minimal intervention that defines their work at DRC. The domaine is best known for its Bouzeron Aligoté — the benchmark for the appellation — and its village-level Pinot Noirs from La Digoine and La Fortune, which consistently punch far above their appellation status. Today the domaine is directed by Pierre de Benoist, Aubert’s nephew, who continues the family’s commitment to biodynamic viticulture and terroir-driven winemaking.

Food Pairings

Roasted duck, rabbit in mustard sauce, mushroom dishes, charcuterie, aged Epoisses, Comté, and classic Burgundian preparations. A wine of elegance and restraint — drink now through 2033.

Product Details

• Producer: Domaine de Villaine
• Director: Pierre de Benoist
• Appellation: Bourgogne Rouge AOC, Burgundy, France
• Fruit Sources: La Fortune, La Digoine, Mercurey Les Montots, Santenay PC Passetemps
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Farming: Certified biodynamic
• Production: 6 barrels (exceptional vintage reduction)
• Vintage: 2021
• Drink: Now through 2033
• Style: Elegant, perfumed, terroir-driven Burgundy Pinot Noir
• Format: 750ml

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2019

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points |  The 2019 Rosso Di Montalcino is ripe but energetic, with pure red cherry, rose petal, orange peel, and white pepper. It is medium-bodied, with elegant ripe raspberry with a graceful feel. Seamless, with fine tannins, it is supple and soft in its texture and raises the bar in a big way for the category. 6,700 bottles were produced. 

Vinous 93 Points |  An unbelievably pretty blend of dusty rose, cherry and sage wafts up from the 2019 Rosso di Montalcino. It’s strikingly beautiful and graceful within, silky yet cool-toned, mixing saline-tinged minerals with ripe red fruits and floral nuances that resonate throughout. The 2019 finishes structured yet potent and long, leaving lingering dried cherry and licorice notes. Cellaring will be required, but with that said, this is a Rosso of astonishing depth and complexity.

Winemaker Description

The Pian dell Orino estate is adjacent to the Biondi Santi property. This area has a long history of being particularly suited for growing grapes for high quality wines. Husband and wife team Caroline and Jan's love for Tuscany and passion for viticulture binds them particularly to this land, their vines and the resulting wines. 

The wines are produced from four different vineyards that have a total area of 6 hectares. From the beginning they studied the soil and the structure of each vineyard in order to fully understand its characteristics. Fossils, petrified shells and chalk sediment all testify to the earth’s evolutions and recount marine flooding and periods of drought in the area. 

The wines are produced from four different vineyards that have a total area of 6 hectares. From the beginning they studied the soil and the structure of each vineyard in order to fully understand its characteristics. Fossils, petrified shells and chalk sediment all testify to the earth’s evolutions and recount marine flooding and periods of drought in the area. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

Vinous 95 Points | The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is rich, racy and super-expressive. Silky and deep, with notable resonance, the 2021 offers up dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol, new leather and licorice. Today, it is a very young wine in need of cellaring, but its potential is evident. Dollops of Petit Verdot and Malbec round out the blend. This should be positively stellar.

Winemaker Description 

The nose of the 2021 PlumpJack Estate Cabernet Sauvignon leads with juicy fruits – black cherry, boysenberry, blackberry jam, and muddled mixed berries. The fruit is layered with fresh mint, sage, and iron filings. These aromas are complemented by warming spices, vanilla, and cocoa nib. The palate has a beautiful, velvety texture with plush tannin and an enduring finish with impressions of espresso and dark chocolate.

Turley Wine Cellars Dusi Vineyard Zinfandel — Paso Robles, California 2023

Turley Wine Cellars is the definitive address for old-vine Zinfandel in California. Founded in 1993 by Larry Turley and guided by winemaker Tegan Passalacqua, the estate farms organically across more than 50 vineyards statewide — many with vines dating to the late 1800s. The Dusi Vineyard in Paso Robles is one of Turley's most storied sources: a historic site that produces Zinfandel of uncommon depth, intensity, and character. Wine Spectator awarded the 2023 vintage 95 points; Vinous 92–94. At $59.99, it is one of the most compelling old-vine Zinfandels in California.

Deep and hedonistic in the glass. The nose opens with plum, black cherry, briar patch, spice, leather, tobacco, and incense — layered and complex from the first pour. On the palate, the wine is mid-weight but intensely flavored: ripe dark fruit, savory pepper, scorched earth, dried flowers, and mocha build toward polished, detailed tannins and a deep, resonant finish. Supple, juicy, and mouthwatering, with a mineral zip that keeps everything in balance. Drink now through 2037.

Wine Spectator 95 — "Loaded with compelling flavors of black cherry, briar patch and savory pepper that build detail and tension toward polished tannins. Drink now through 2037."

Vinous 92–94 — "Laced with plum, spice, leather, tobacco and incense... tons of fruit intensity and character. Scorched earth, dried flowers and mocha build into the deep, resonant finish."

• Producer: Turley Wine Cellars, Napa Valley, California
• Vineyard: Dusi Vineyard, Paso Robles
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Paso Robles AVA
• Varietal: Zinfandel (old vines)
• Farming: Organic
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, plum, briar, pepper, leather, tobacco, mocha, mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2037
• Best Paired With: Braised short ribs, lamb chops, BBQ brisket, aged cheddar, wild boar ragù

A 95-point old-vine Zinfandel from California's most dedicated custodian of the variety — Turley Dusi is the benchmark for what Paso Robles Zinfandel can be.

Descendientes de José Palacios | Pétalos | Bierzo DO | Castilla y León, Spain | 2021

Before Mencía became the darling of Northwestern Spain, Pétalos was already making waves. Descendientes de José Palacios — the project of Álvaro Palacios and his nephew Ricardo Pérez Palacios — has been the defining force in Bierzo’s modern renaissance, farming old-vine Mencía on ancient slate soils with biodynamic and organic principles. Pétalos is their entry wine, but it carries the full weight of the estate’s philosophy: precision, transparency, and a deep sense of place.

The 2021 is widely regarded as the finest vintage of the 2020–2022 trio. Lower alcohol than ever (13.5%), it shows a lighter, more delineated profile with the juicy, aromatic Mencía character that defines the appellation. The nose is enticing: red berries, violets, wild herbs, white pepper, and a whisper of agave. On the palate, a velvety mouthfeel and very fine, chalky tannins frame nimble red fruit with elegant structure and a long, gourmand finish. Approachable now and drinking beautifully through 2029. 320,000 bottles and 2,567 magnums produced.

Before the Mencia grape became the darling of Northwestern Spain, Petalos was already making waves. A beautifully tailored wine. Enticing aromas of red berries with underlying whiffs of violets. Poised and well integrated flavors.
Oscar Garcia, 67Wine

• Producer: Descendientes de José Palacios
• Appellation: Bierzo DO, Castilla y León, Spain
• Grape: 100% Mencía (Biodynamic, Organic)
• Vintage: 2021
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Drink: Now through 2029
• Production: 320,000 bottles + 2,567 magnums
• Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2021

• Luis Gutiérrez, Robert Parker — 93+ pts: Juicy, expressive, and showy. Aromatic herbs, velvety mouthfeel, very fine tannins. Very hedonistic. Drink 2023–2029.
• Zekun Shuai, James Suckling — 93 pts: Tangy white pepper, wild herbs, and red berries. Elegant and delineated with chalky tannins and nimble red fruit. Drink now.

Winemaker Description 

This wine has a unique freshness brimming with bright red berry fruit and hints of dried fruit. It is flavorful, yet restrained for a California Zin, with black peppercorn spice and hints of chocolate and nuts.

Memo Summary Notes

The Neyers Zinfandel "Vista Notre" 2021 is a distinct departure from the "jammy" style often associated with California Zinfandel. It is crafted with a French-influenced sensibility—focused on restraint, acidity, and lower alcohol—making it a favorite for those who enjoy food-friendly red wines.

Pair with its high acidity makes it perfect for Pasta with Artichokes, grilled lamb chops with salsa verde, or a high-quality grilled cheese sandwich.

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023

Wine Spectator — 94 Points
"Jammy and generous, with bold aromatics, this red is a pleasure to drink, offering polished cherry and blackberry tart flavors accented by briar patch and licorice as this zips along the lively finish. Drink now through 2034."

Wine Enthusiast — 93 Points (Elaine Chukan Brown)
"A Napa classic, the Black Chicken Zinfandel relies on vineyards in cooler parts of the region, here harvested from a cooler vintage as well. The combination delivers complexity, detail and plenty of flavor: juicy mixed berries and plum, citrus peel, incense and savory length complete with refreshing verve and well balanced structure."

Jeb Dunnuck — 90 Points
"Offering brambly red, blue, and black fruits intermixed with peppery herbs, sandalwood, and savory, flowery incense, the 2023 Zinfandel Black Chicken is medium-bodied, nicely balanced, has ripe tannins, and a good finish."

Winemaker Description

The 2023 Black Chicken is the 25th-anniversary release of this iconic Napa Valley wine — and one of the most celebrated vintages in the wine’s history. A remarkably cool and balanced growing season produced a wine of exceptional complexity, detail, and structure.

Showing the influence of the breezy and fog-laced Oak Knoll District, the wine offers rich, plush fruit, delicate acidity, and a structure defined by well-ripened, fine-grained tannins. Vibrant aromas of black cherry, dried herbs, and sandalwood on the nose. Expansive on the palate with notes of blackberry, orange peel, plum, and baking spices, all driven to a long finish by balanced acidity.

The Black Chicken Story

It all started in the 1940s when 14-year-old Aldo Biale helped his mother make ends meet by selling to insider Napans — along with eggs and produce — some of the family’s homemade Zinfandel. Over the old “party line” phone system, the code words “a Black Chicken” signified a jug of bootleg wine, keeping nosy neighbors and the authorities from finding out about Aldo’s underground Zinfandel operation. Legally produced since 1999, Black Chicken Zinfandel pays homage to the industrious patriarch of the Biale family and the prominence of Zinfandel in the history of Napa Valley.

The heart of Black Chicken is sourced from vineyards in the Oak Knoll District — among them the same family vineyard Aldo, Nonna, Bob, and the Biale family have farmed since the 1930s. Black Chicken stands as the quintessential expression of Zinfandel from the Napa Valley.

2023 Vintage Notes

The 2023 season was one of the coolest vintages in more than a decade. Several years of drought were erased in a single season as rains began just after the 2022 harvest and continued through spring 2023. Ample groundwater and cool temperatures delayed budbreak until April, with flowering in mid-May. Moderate temperatures through spring and summer allowed for balanced maturation — picking at the perfect intersection of flavor, sugar, acid, and tannin maturity. Harvesting began with earlier sites in September, with moderate heat in early October accelerating picking through the end of the month.

Food Pairings

Grilled ribeye, BBQ brisket, lamb chops, wild boar, aged cheddar, and hearty pasta with meat sauce. A quintessential Napa Zinfandel built for bold, flavorful food.

Product Details

• Producer: Robert Biale Vineyards
• Appellation: Oak Knoll District AVA, Napa Valley
• Grape: 100% Zinfandel
• Farming: Practicing sustainable, head-trained, dry-farmed vines
• Soils: Ancient marine sediments and rocky alluvial fan
• Harvest: Hand-harvested
• Fermentation: Open-top fermenters, 2–4-day cold soak, 2–3 punch-downs daily
• Aging: 16 months in 100% Burgundy oak barrels (25% new)
• Vintage: 2023 (25th Anniversary Release)
• Production: 6,000 cases
• Drink: Now through 2034
• Format: 750ml

Winemaker Description

Medium to medium-dark ruby-red. Very cool, stately aromas of red cherry, cola, and fresh tobacco leaf. On the palate, medium-full bodied. Flavors of red fruits and blood orange take front and center stage, persisting through the long, smooth finish. Not a wine of bombast but instead, one of elegance, purity, and quiet confidence. Wonderful now, this can be enjoyed through at least 2028.

Expert Ratings

94 Points Wine Spectator | Few Zinfandels show this much nuance and detail, yet there's an elegant power to this red, with cherry and raspberry flavors that mingle with orange peel and fresh sage. Ends with refined tannins.

93 Points Jeb Dunnuck | The 2020 Zinfandel Papera Ranch is ripe with fresh berries, raspberry preserve, and baking spice. Its gushy fruit up front gives way to a note of raspberry seed and refreshing lift on the finish. Drink 2023-2032.

Winemaker Description

Château de La Maltroye’s Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge Boudriotte 2021 spills forth with a bouquet of red and dark berries — blackberry, cherry, and raspberry — complemented by subtle earthy and floral hints of violet and a touch of spice from oak aging. Elegant and medium-bodied, with finely integrated tannins and a lingering finish. Seductive and delicious.

About Boudriotte

Boudriotte is one of Chassagne-Montrachet’s most celebrated Premier Cru vineyards for red wine — a rarity in an appellation better known for its whites. Located on the southern end of the village, Boudriotte’s clay-rich soils produce Pinot Noir of exceptional depth and structure, with the earthy, mineral character that distinguishes the finest red Burgundies of the Côte de Beaune. At Château de La Maltroye, Boudriotte is the flagship red — a wine that consistently demonstrates why Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge deserves far more attention than it receives.

About Château de La Maltroye

Château de La Maltroye is one of Chassagne-Montrachet’s most historic and respected estates, with origins dating to the 18th century. The domaine farms a significant holding of Premier Cru vineyards in both Chassagne-Montrachet and Santenay, producing wines of genuine terroir character with a philosophy rooted in traditional Burgundian winemaking — careful viticulture, minimal intervention, and patient aging. Under the direction of the Cournut family, the estate has maintained its reputation as one of the village’s most reliable and authentic producers, for both its celebrated whites and its underrated reds.

Food Pairings

Roasted duck, guinea fowl, rabbit in mustard sauce, mushroom dishes, aged Epoisses, Comté, and classic Burgundian preparations. A Premier Cru red Burgundy built for the table — drink now through 2030.

Product Details

• Producer: Château de La Maltroye
• Vineyard: Boudriotte (Premier Cru)
• Appellation: Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy, France
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Aging: Oak aged
• Vintage: 2021
• Drink: Now through 2030
• Style: Elegant, medium-bodied Premier Cru red Burgundy
• Format: 750ml

Etude Chardonnay Grace Benoist Ranch Carneros Estate — Napa Valley 2022

Etude was founded on a single, uncompromising philosophy: winemaking begins in the vineyard, long before harvest, with superior grape growing leading to wines of authentic varietal expression and a telling reflection of place. The Grace Benoist Ranch is Etude’s most prized Chardonnay vineyard — a Carneros estate site planted with heritage clones including the legendary Wente selection, one of California’s oldest and most revered Chardonnay clones. Carneros sits at the southern tip of Napa Valley, where the cooling influence of San Pablo Bay moderates temperatures and extends the growing season, producing Chardonnay of exceptional focus, complexity, and longevity. This is a micro-production wine — just 145 cases produced — and James Suckling awarded it 97 points, calling it reminiscent of the great white Burgundies of the 1980s and early 1990s. At this price, it is one of the most extraordinary values in California Chardonnay.

The color is a luminous golden straw. The nose is complex and captivating: dried grape skin, beeswax, cooked apple, subtle wood, and a clarity and focus that is immediately striking. On the palate, it is full and powerful — rich and concentrated yet always precise, with the structure and depth of a great white Burgundy. The finish is long, layered, and built for the cellar. Drinkable now but will reward 3–4 years of patience — and likely much more.

James Suckling 97 — “Lots of dried grape skin and subtle wood and beeswax aromas with lovely hints of cooked apple, yet it’s always clear and focused. Full and powerful, reminding me of the great white Burgundies of the 1980s and early 1990s. Superb. Only 145 cases.” (Vintage 2022). 

• Producer: Etude Wines, Carneros, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Carneros, Napa Valley
• Vineyard: Grace Benoist Ranch — Carneros Estate
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Clones: Heritage clones including Wente selection
• Production: 145 cases — micro-production
• Style: Full, powerful, Burgundian-inspired Carneros Chardonnay
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dried grape skin, beeswax, cooked apple, subtle wood, focused and precise, long structured finish
• Drink Window: Now–2030+
• Best Paired With: Lobster, crab, roast chicken, veal, creamy pasta, aged Gruyère

One of California’s most extraordinary Chardonnays — Etude Grace Benoist Ranch 2022 is 97 points and 145 cases of pure Carneros magic.

Alexander Valley Vineyards Chardonnay — Alexander Valley, Sonoma County 2023

Alexander Valley Vineyards is one of Sonoma County's most storied family estates, farming the Alexander Valley AVA with a precision and philosophy that has made their Chardonnay one of the appellation's most consistent overachievers. The 2023 is built on a thoughtful split-harvest approach: 75% of the fruit is harvested at night when the grapes are cool, cold-fermented in stainless steel without malolactic fermentation or barrel aging to preserve bright citrus and green apple character; the remaining 25% is whole-cluster pressed and barrel-fermented in French oak, then aged on the lees for six to eight months to develop roundness, body, and complexity. The result is a full-bodied, beautifully balanced Chardonnay that earned 92 points from The Tasting Panel.

The nose opens with apple, pear, vanilla, floral notes, and a hint of oak — generous and inviting. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and lush with flavors of grilled pineapple, baked pear, nectarine, juicy peach, and tropical fruit, cut by a bright acidity and a mineral core that keeps everything focused. The finish is subtly buttery and vanilla-flecked, long and satisfying. It is the kind of Chardonnay that rewards both the casual drinker and the wine enthusiast.

The Tasting Panel 92 — "The balance between richer and more mouthwatering in this estate-grown Chardonnay is excellent. Grilled pineapple and baked pear are cut by acidity. The mineral core is a solid counterpart to the subtly buttery, vanilla-flecked finish." 

• Producer: Alexander Valley Vineyards, Healdsburg, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Alexander Valley AVA
• Region: Sonoma County, California
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Vinification: 75% night-harvested, stainless steel, no MLF; 25% whole-cluster pressed, French oak barrel-fermented, 6–8 months lees aging
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Apple, pear, pineapple, nectarine, peach, vanilla, floral, mineral, buttery finish
• Best Paired With: Roast chicken, grilled halibut, lobster bisque, soft cheeses, pasta in cream sauce

A 92-point estate Chardonnay from one of Sonoma's most trusted family vineyards — Alexander Valley Vineyards is the benchmark for what night-harvested, lees-aged Alexander Valley Chardonnay can deliver.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019 

Decanter 90 Points | Blue fruit, tobacco and cocoa nose. The palate is juicy and savoury with rounded tannins and well-integrated alcohol. Long, lively finish. Rather classic.

Thomas Matthews of The Wine Spectator writes 92 Points | This red is lively and expressive. Black cherry and currant flavors are fresh and juicy, backed by cocoa, spice and licorice notes. Well-integrated tannins and fresh acidity give this a balanced structure. Drink now through 2030. 

Winemaker Description

Valduero Una Cepa is a red wine aged for 18 months in barrels and another 12 months in the bottle. This single-varietal wine made with Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero wine ideal for pairing with the finest roasts and meat stews.

Our Professional Review

Rand of 67Wine.com writes | Crisp and very dry with crunchy green apples and lime zest. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Clemens Busch Riesling Trocken (2024) is a quintessential example of "modern Mosel"—a dry, high-energy Riesling crafted by one of Germany’s pioneers in biodynamic viticulture.

Based in Pünderich, Clemens Busch is renowned for producing wines that are pure, site-specific, and reflect the unique slate soils of the region without the mask of heavy residual sugar.

Winemaker Description 

It is not known for certain how long Gelber Muskateller has been in the Rust vineyards. We do know that this grape variety used to be called Weirer. This name comes from Weihrauch (frankincense) because the nutmeg scent is so prevalent. Winemaker Description. 

Green apple, papaya, pineapple, white flowers, peppermint and flint dominate this rich, extracted and exotic delight from Heidi Schröck.

Expert Reviews 

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | The 2020 Chianti Classico is impressive and pure, with ripe black cherry, a hint of blue fruit, violets, and sweet herbs. It is medium to full-bodied, with supple fruit throughout, fine grained tannins, and a polished feel. It displays fresh acidity without any harsh edges, but it is mouthwatering and compels returning for more. This beautiful wine from Querciabella is drinking well now, and I imagine will continue to improve over the coming decade or more. (2020).

James Suckling 93 Points | Pure fruit on the nose, with rose hips, cherries, blueberries, lemon leaves and dried flowers. Medium-bodied with tangy acidity and firm tannins. Vibrant and elegant, with such purity of fruit. From organically grown grapes. Vegan. Drink or hold. (2020).

Decanter 92 Points | With an annual production of approximately 150,000 bottles, this is Querciabella’s calling card – and an impressive one at that. It also gives an incisive panoramic shot of the Chianti Classico region as it's a blend of estate vineyards in three different subzones. Bright and fresh, the 2020 annata emerges energetically out of the glass with exuberant and pure red cherry and currants. It gains intrigue with stylish touches of mocha, tarragon and truffles. It's full and vigorous yet light on its feet thanks to radiant acidity, while well-formed tannins lend just the right amount of chew. As suave as it is characterful. (2020).

Experience the Essence of Pasquiers Estate in Gigondas 2023

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | “Framboise, wild strawberries, pepper, and sappy flower and spice notes all shine in the 2023 Gigondas, a remarkable pure, graceful, seamless Gigondas that does everything right. A blend of equal parts Grenache and Syrah, it will cruise over the coming decade or more. The blend is equal parts Grenache and Syrah, destemmed and brought up all in concrete. I’d be happy with bottles in the cellar.”

Winemaker Notes

Transcribe without betraying.

Translating the richness of the terroir, leaving the vine to mature, favouring the expression of the fruit so that the magnificence of this land is revealed in the glass. Reproducing again and again the same gestures to achieve balance.

For each of our wines, we seek finesse and elegance while respecting the appellation.

It is in this perpetual quest that our estate has been working its wines since 1935.

On the land of Gigondas, the soil, combination of the Secondary to the Quaternary Periods, produces this unique and exceptional terroir of the Rhône Valley.

The barrier of the Dentelles de Montmirail brings freshness to the vines and the berries can reach an optimal maturity.

The clay soils are covered with the stony scree that comes down from the Dentelles and thus bring minerality to the wines.

Memo Summary Notes

The Domaine des Pasquiers Gigondas 2023 is a powerful red blend from the Southern Rhône Valley. Known for its concentration and "garrigue" (wild herb) character, the 2023 vintage has received high praise from critics for its purity and seamless texture.

The intensity and herbal notes of this Gigondas make it a "meat lover's wine":

• Primary: Roasted lamb with rosemary or a classic beef stew (Daube Provençale).

• Game: Venison or wild boar sausages.

• Vegetarian: Portobello mushrooms grilled with garlic and thyme.

• Cheese: Aged Mimolette or pungent blue cheeses.

Unveiling Pasquiers Estate

The Pasquiers Estate is renowned for producing wines of exceptional quality, and the Gigondas 2023 is no exception. This rich red wine perfectly captures the essence of its terroir, showcasing the unique flavors of the Southern Rhône Valley. Because of its careful craftsmanship, this vintage offers a harmonious balance of fruit, spice, and earthy notes. Whether you are a seasoned wine enthusiast or a casual drinker, this wine is guaranteed to impress.

A Flavor Profile That Captivates

The Gigondas 2023 delivers an exquisite flavor profile, characterized by deep cherry and plum notes, complemented by hints of herbs and black pepper. This combination creates a complex taste that is both vibrant and lush. It pairs beautifully with hearty dishes, such as grilled meats and aged cheeses, making it a versatile choice for your dining table. So, when you want to elevate your meal experiences, this wine should be your go-to option.

Why Choose Gigondas 2023?

Choosing Gigondas 2023 from Pasquiers Estate means embracing the tradition and excellence of French winemaking. This vintage has been crafted with precision, reflecting the hard work of the vineyard team and the unique character of the region. Because of its aging potential, you can enjoy it now or cellar it for years to come. In any case, this wine promises to enhance your collection and elevate your enjoyment of fine wines.

Winemaker Description 

Golden yellow. Honey on the nose. Sweet honey, almond and stoney fruit flavors with nice acidity. On the rocks, with club soda, gin or in your favorite tea. 

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.

Producer Description 

This easy sipping white blend shows off each of its grapes. Full of green apple notes, a touch of stone fruit, a beautiful floral touch, and a hint of peppery finish, this wine is a delight. All stainless steel fermented for a bright, crisp Austrian gem. 

Winemaker Description 

An organic xarel·lo wine with minimum intervention.
 
From the flagship variety of the Penedès, the xarel-lo, comes this organic single-varietal wine. Calcari brings together the purest and most sincere expression of this ancestral variety, native to our territory and strongly rooted in our winemaking tradition.

Its characteristics give it great versatility, making it a variety suitable for the production of long-aged sparkling wines or wines with minimal intervention such as Calcari, a wine that allows us to see its great expressive capacity and its mineral characte. 

The Montrachet glass is perfect to reveal the intensity of full-bodied white wines, including the wine's multi-layered aromas. With a larger volume, the wide open-mouthed bowl enables the rich bouquet to develop its wonderfully diverse range of aromas, emphasizing the finesse while minimizing the risk of richer style white wines becoming over-concentrated.

This product is made of clear crystal glass.

Sommeliers was the world’s first wine friendly glass collection and a design revolution created by Claus J. Riedel (9th generation). The range adheres to the Bauhaus design principle of form follows function, as Claus J. Riedel had discovered that certain wines showed more depth and better balance when enjoyed from certain shapes. Thin-blown and unadorned, Sommeliers was the beginning of RIEDEL's dominance of the global wine glass market.

This product is handmade.

Our master glassmakers individually craft each item so every piece has a unique character. Due to the nature of crafting, small tolerances in the size and weight of each product, tiny bubbles, imperfections, or slight surface variations are an acceptable part of the process.

This pack contains a single piece. 

Critical Acclaim for the 2022 Vintage:

James Suckling - 94 Points: Savory aromas of blackcurrants, cedar, tobacco leaves and mocha. The palate is full-bodied with firmly framed tannins and balanced acidity, giving notes of blackberry bush, bark, graphite, licorice and spices. Layered black fruit has been finely integrated with a powerful undertone. Drink or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck - 92 Points: Absolutely textbook Howell Mountain notes of darker currants, black cherries, chocolate, bouquet garni, and leafy, herbal, forest notes all shine in Cade's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain, a medium to full-bodied, ripe, nicely concentrated 2022 that has integrated tannins and acidity, terrific overall balance, and outstanding length. As opposed to many 2022s, this has solid underlying structure and depth and is a rock-solid beauty that will evolve nicely over the coming 10-12 years or more.

The Wine Advocate - 92 Points: There are 9,000 cases of Cade's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, a reasonable volume for Howell Mountain. Classic hints of pine needles and resiny notes accent blueberry fruit on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is richly textured and concentrated, framed by grainy tannins on the long, dark chocolate-tinged finish. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Robert Parker 93 Points | The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva shows velvety richness and good textural support. This comes thanks to the warmer microclimate and thicker soils, sometimes with a lot of clay, that distinguish the Castelnuovo Berardenga region of Chianti Classico. The finish is dry and long, but there is plenty of sweet earth, dark fruit, plum and balanced cherry in the mix.

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva (90% Sangiovese and the rest Merlot) takes on more spiced layers of smoke, cedar, menthol, and blackberry. It is full-bodied, with snappy acidity and fine tannins, and is noted with redcurrant, orange zest, tea leaf, and clove. Hold another year or two and drink 2025-2035.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

Burghound 93 Points | A more reserved if equally airy and elegant speaks more of acacia, green apple and zest, all of which is trimmed in enough wood to notice. Here too there is excellent volume and punch to the medium-bodied that flash noticeably more minerality on the beautifully persistent finish. Like the Pucelle, this possesses a simply gorgeous texture that can be replicated by no other commune in the Côte. It's worth pointing out that the Pucelle and Cailleret are quite similar qualitatively but they offer two very different expressions. Outstanding. ♥

Decanter 94 Points | Chartron’s Clos du Cailleret is a regal premier cru. This emblematic cuvée of the Chartron family is particularly successful in 2021, with exotic aromas of guava and pomelo, lemon, and spice. The texture is concentrated and rich, with no lack of acidity but an equally impressive richness in extract for balance. The vines come from the Chartron parcel of nearly a hectare at the northern end of the Clos. The grapes are lightly crushed and slowly pressed before fermentation in cask (25% new)—genuinely delicious wine. 

Winemaker Description 

Located in the heart of the village of Pouilly in Southern Burgundy, the Domaine des Sansonnets is owned by the same family since 4 generations. The current vine growers Mr & Mrs Lucien Berger work with passion and use sustainable methods to create this complex and vigorous Pouilly-Fuissé.

Uncontested king of the Mâconnais, this wine comes from the beautiful Southern Mâconnais region guarded by two jagged rocky outcros: Vergisson and Solutré. The 8 acres of 30 to 60 years old Chardonnay vines are planted in a clay limestone soil on hillside slopes facing the rising sun.