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Expert Ratings - Vintage 2018 

Wine Advocate 93 Points | Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Benchland Select gives up intense cassis, stewed plums and cedar chest notes with hints of licorice and wild sage. Medium to full-bodied in the mouth, the palate has a taut, grainy texture supporting the muscular black fruits, finishing long and mineral tinged.

James Suckling 92 Points | Ripe blueberries, blackcurrants, blackberries, spearmint, cocoa and walnut on the nose. Full-bodied with firm, fine tannins. Supple, flavorful finish. Drink or hold. 

Expert Reviews- Vintage 2013 

Josh Raynolds of Vinous writes 96 Points |  (made with 50 percent whole clusters) Bright purple. A complex, intensely perfumed bouquet of fresh black and blue fruit, candied licorice and Asian spice scents develops a sexy floral note as the wine opens up. Vibrant and appealingly sweet on the palate, offering intense, smoke-tinged black currant, boysenberry, floral pastille and spicecake flavors energized by a refreshing snap of juicy acidity. Blends richness and vivacity with a deft hand and finishes extremely long and gently tannic, leaving a sappy blue fruit note behind. Drinking 2023 - 2032.

James Suckling writes 97 Points | The most brooding nose of the trio of La La's with dark coal smoky aromas and dark stones, graphite and cocoa powder. Fruits are in the very dark plum and blackberry spectrum but flavors are held in a more savory mode with assertive, powerful clean-cut tannins that hold endless length. Truly a masterpiece. Best from 2022 and for two decades or more.

Joe Czerwinski of The Wine Advocate writes 94 Points | The 2013 Cote Rotie La Mouline shows none of the vintage’s sometimes dry tannins. It offers crisp black fruit—plums and blackberries—underscored by hints of pencil shavings, espresso and grilled meat. Suave and long, it should drink well for a couple of decades. Drinking 2020 - 2035. 

James Molesworth of the Wine Spectator writes 96 Points | Very ripe, with layers of fig, boysenberry and plum compote forming the core, inlaid liberally with licorice snap, roasted apple wood and Turkish coffee notes. Shows lots of heft, but everything pulls together on the finish, exhibiting drive and definition. Best from 2020 through 2040. 65 cases imported.

Jeb Dunnuck writes 94+ Points | One of the more restrained and fresh vintages of this cuvée out there, the 2013 Côte Rôtie La Mouline still has a classic Mouline floral, gamey, and spicy bouquet to go with medium to full-bodied richness and depth on the palate. With good concentration, notable complexity, sweet tannin, and plenty of length, it needs 3-4 years of bottle age and will keep for 15+. Drinking 2022 - 2037.

Richard Hemming MW of Jancis Robinson writes 18/20 Points | Hickory smoke, violets, tobacco, black-cherry fruit, pepper and a touch of stemmy herbal character. Super-fine tannins, and quite light body with a finish that isn't as expansive as the palate. Still young, so the length may well develop. Drinking 2019 - 2033 

Winemaker Description

70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot. Average age of the vines is 44 years. Replanting of these vines takes place in lots. 222 acres producing 22,000-30,000 cases.

Expert Reviews

Wine Spectator 97 Points | Rather tight, with an alluring whiff of cocoa that lures you in before disappearing into the core of steeped plum, roasted fig and blackberry coulis notes. Sandalwood, black tea and loam elements fill in on the long and expansive finish. This seems to be lying in wait for what could be a very long time in the cellar before unfurling fully. Best from 2018 through 2045. 15,833 cases made.

Wine Enthusiast 100 points | Almost black in color, this stunning wine is gorgeous, rich and dense. It s grand and powerful, with a strong sense of its own importance. The beautiful tannins and the fragrant black currant fruits are palpable. It s a great wine, with huge potential.

Wine Advocate 98 Points | The 2010 Lafite Rothschild, a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot (a 3% difference from the barrel sample shown two years ago), achieved relatively high alcohol of 13.32%, according to administrator Charles Chevalier. The wine is very impressive, not as fleshy, flamboyant and massive as the 2009, but nevertheless, a big, rich, full-throttle Lafite-Rothschild meant to age a half century or more. Deep purple, with notes of white chocolate, mocha, cedar and charcoal as well as hints of vanillin and creme de cassis, the wine is full-bodied yet has that ethereal lightness that makes it a Lafite. Rich, with good acidity, precision and freshness, this is a slightly zestier version of the 2009 as well as more restrained and structured than that particular vintage. It will need at least 10-12 years of cellaring and keep for 50+ years.

98 James Suckling: This has a complex array of blackberries, black cherries, cocoa, dried herbs, slate, tobacco, olives and charred bark. Some dried roses and iodine, too. Medium-to full-bodied with firm yet refined tannins. Powerful, in an understated way. Long. 73% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc and 20% sangiovese.

98 Wine Spectator: Youthful, featuring intense fresh black currant, blackberry and black cherry fruit wrapped in accents of cedar, Mediterranean scrub and toasty oak, with a mineral streak underlining everything. Shows a solid spine of tannins that lend support, while the dark fruit returns on the finish. Delivers terrific balance, vigor and excruciating length, yet this needs time in the bottle. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc.

97 Decanter: Wonderful raspberry and black cherry fragrance on the nose, ripe and sweet and expressive, aromas bursting from the glass. Fleshy and sweet, sticky and full, this is giving a whole load of ripe, plush tannins and powerful fruit but underpinned by bright acidity that keeps things lifted and vibrant. A very serious wine, this is brooding and confident. It's showcasing lots of elements right now - ample, generous, hefty and stylish with flecks of red flowers, white pepper spice, ground coffee, herbs and chocolate.

The 2019 Solaia is fabulous. Deep and exquisitely layered, the 2019 is so expressive right out of the gate. Succulent dark cherry, plum, licorice, incense, pipe tobacco, chocolate, and grilled herbs all take shape. Here, too, the aromatics are alluring. Cabernet Franc is bumped up a bit in teh blend, and that works so well here. Solaia is often a bombastic, intense wine. The 2019 is incredibly refined and ubttoned up. The 2019 Solaia is the sort of wine I would like to spend a whole evening with. Aging was 18 months in 100% new French oak.

Winemaker Description

The 2019 vintage Solaia is deep ruby red in color. The nose offers complex notes of red fruit, apricots and red oranges with hints of rose petals. Distinct aromas of coffee beans, chocolate, licorice and white pepper complete the rich bouquet of this red wine. On the palate, the wine is enveloping and harmonious with excellent balance and structure. Vibrant tannins lead into an exceptionally long finish. 

Blend: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Franc

Expert Review

John Gilman 96 Points | This is my first taste of Domaine des Closiers top bottling, les Trezellières, which is made from a parcel of old vines and given fully two years aging in barrel, with somewhere between ten and twenty percent of the casks new. The 2019 les Trezellières is beautifully deep and refined aromatically, delivering scents of black cherries, cassis, Cuban cigar wrapper, a very complex base of soil, a touch of Cheval Blanc-like menthol, a gentle dollop of tree bark, cedar and a topnote of cigar smoke. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, elegant and rock solid at the core, with great focus and complex, superb soil undertow, fine-grained tannins and a very long, pure and classy finish.

The small percentage of new oak gives this wine more refinement than the les Coudraies bottling, but because it is no more than twenty percent new oak, the wood influence is far more subtle out of the blocks than in Clos Rougeard’s Le Bourg bottling, which is the closest comparison I can think of for this brilliant young Saumur Champigny. Give this beautiful wine plenty of time in the cellar to properly resolve its tannins and completely blossom! (2019). 

Expert Review

Winemaker Description 

To taste Emeric’s brandy is to confront one of the wildest and most potent homemade concoctions in any cellar in the Rosenthal family of growers. According to local tradition, he blends this heady elixir with twice the volume of unfermented grape must—mostly Chardonnay—to create his Macvin du Jura, which throws politeness out the window and offers the imbiber a juicy, flagrant, undeniably delicious version of the recipe.

Expert Reviews 

Wine Spectator 94 Points | A very fresh, floral-laced style, offering a bright beam of cassis and plum gelée laced with flashes of violet, hibiscus and rose petal. Nicely grounded through the finish, with alder and warm earth hints filling in. Approachable, but this has more to show in time. Best from 2023 through 2036. (JM)

Wine Advocate 94 Points | Delicate herbal shadings accent the cassis notes on the nose of Corison's 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon. It's classic Corison, balanced and concentrated without being showy or weighty, silky in feel, with a long, lingering finish and two decades of ageability. (JC)Decanter 94 points Alluring aromas of dark cassis, graphite, cedar and wild herbs. It has a striking depth with layered flavours and texture, and while restrained now it is incredibly well-built and in need of time in the cellar to fully shine. Reveals subtle hints of fresh black and blue berries, currants and dried herbs tinged with red florals. Finishes with polish, energy and poise. (JC)

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Lots of dark, blackcurrants, cassis, darker chocolate, and hints of violets emerge from the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, a medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced St. Helena Napa Cabernet Sauvignon offering nicely integrated acidity, terrific balance, and a great finish. This quintessential Cathy Corison Cabernet shines on all accounts. It's going to evolve for two decades. (JD)

James Suckling 94 Points | A perfumed nose of blackberries, dark cherries, cedar, cocoa and nutmeg. Violets too. Medium body with fine tannins and bright acidity. Fresh and refined with a bright core of wild fruit and a long, flavorful finish. Drink or hold. (JS)

Vinous 93 Points | The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is full of charm. It offers all of the natural intensity of the year, with bright acids that keep the flavors bright. Sweet red cherry, plum, cedar, tobacco and spice all build effortlessly. This open-knit yet classically built Cabernet is likely to offer a wide window of drinkability over the next 15-20 years. As always, Cathy Corison's Napa Valley Cabernet is a blend of three sites in St. Helena. (AG)

Wine & Spirits Magazine 96 Points | The 2019 vintage might be something of an outlier for Cathy Corison, who picked two weeks later than usual, taking advantage of the cool season from summer into fall. This wine is, in fact, an idealized version of her benchland cabernet sauvignon, holding on to the elegance she regularly achieves, while adding a luscious textural beauty that more often comes from bottle age. James Conley of NYC’s Keen’s Chophouse found the aroma suggested a more delicate wine than the density and extract this one carries in its “cabernet grape tannins and intriguing, lifted fruit. If someone said, ‘I love Napa, but show me what I’m missing.’ I’d say, ‘Well, try this.’” Warm and explosive in its energy, this wine carries an imprint of the benchland soils in the play of darkness and light, in the detailed tannins that make you crave another taste. (JG)

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2006

Wine Spectator 96 Points | This has lovely flavors of apricot, dried tangerine, pineapple and papaya rushing along, supported by hazelnut, frangipane and coconut notes. Despite the depth, it's very, very pure, with filigreed acidity carrying the long, long finish. Drink now through 2037. 7,500 cases made. 

Wine Advocate 95 Points | Served from an ex-chateau bottle. The 2006 Chateau d Yquem has a slightly reticent bouquet at first that unfolds in the glass. There aromas are well-behaved at first, but then start having some fun with lovely scents of dried honey, dried quince, marzipan and beeswax. Delving further into the aromatics there is a hint of spice and white pepper. The palate is extremely well-balanced with a viscous opening. There is great harmony and composure here - certainly not as voluminous or ravishing as the 2009 - but a controlled and very focused Yquem with a slight saltiness coming through toward the finish. The edginess is absorbing and it should play out nicely with bottle age. This could be the dark horse between the 2001 and 2009. Drink now-2050. Tasted March 2014. 

Winemaker Description

The weather in 1953 was very favourable to vine growth and the crop was both plentiful and of excellent quality.

The growing season began with a warm, wet April, followed by a very warm, but dry month of May.  June and July were cool and rainy, whereas August and September were dry and slightly warmer than average.

Flowering went very well in May because it did not rain very much. Even though June and July were cool, which slowed down the growth cycle somewhat, the harvest was able to begin on the 21st of September. The grapes were excellent because August and September we very dry and hot.  Yields were high, but 1953 Cheval Blanc shows that quantity and quality are not incompatible.
Degree of alcohol: 12°.

This is a great vintage for Cheval Blanc. The wine is very well-balanced and still elicits enormous praise.

Kiku Masamune Taru Junmai Sake 720ml - Premium Cedar-Aged Japanese Sake

Experience the unique character of Kiku Masamune Taru Junmai Sake, a distinctive Japanese sake aged in traditional cedar casks. This premium Junmai-grade sake combines centuries-old brewing traditions with the aromatic essence of high-quality Japanese cedar, creating a crisp, dry sake with elegant complexity and a refreshing finish.

Why Choose Kiku Masamune Taru Junmai Sake?

• Cedar-Aged Tradition: Stored in casks made from premium Japanese cedar (sugi) for distinctive woody aromatics
• Junmai Grade: Pure rice sake with no added alcohol - authentic and traditional
• Crisp & Dry: Clean, refreshing character with elegant balance
• Versatile Pairing: Perfect with sushi, sashimi, grilled fish, and Japanese cuisine
• Elegant Presentation: Presented in a sophisticated frosted glass bottle

Tasting Profile

This silky smooth sake offers a crisp, dry flavor profile enhanced by the pleasant hint of Japanese cedar. The palate is full yet elegant, with a clean and refreshing aftertaste that makes it incredibly food-friendly. The cedar aging adds subtle woody notes and aromatic complexity without overwhelming the sake's natural rice character.

Perfect Food Pairings

Kiku Masamune Taru Junmai Sake pairs beautifully with:

• Fresh sushi and sashimi
• Grilled yakitori and teriyaki dishes
• Tempura vegetables and seafood
• Miso-glazed fish or tofu
• Aged cheeses and charcuterie
• Cedar-plank grilled salmon

About Taru Sake

Taru sake is a traditional style of Japanese sake aged in cedar casks, imparting subtle woody aromatics and a unique character. This ancient method dates back centuries when sake was commonly stored and transported in cedar barrels. The cedar's natural oils gently infuse the sake, creating a distinctive flavor profile prized by sake connoisseurs.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy chilled (45-50°F) to appreciate the crisp, refreshing character and cedar aromatics. Can also be served at room temperature (68-72°F) to bring out fuller, rounder flavors. Serve in traditional ochoko cups or wine glasses to capture the aromatic complexity.

About Kiku Masamune Brewery

Founded in 1659, Kiku Masamune is one of Japan's most respected sake breweries, with over 360 years of brewing excellence. Located in Nada, the premier sake-producing region of Japan, Kiku Masamune combines traditional craftsmanship with modern precision to create exceptional sake.

Winemaker Description

On the palate it has a powerful attack, with a lively acidity, firm and well present tannins, wild bush and red berry notes, with an extremely long finish and great concentration.

Trentangeli the name translates to "Thirty Angels," a reference to an old legend associated with the Bocca di Lupo estate. This specific DOC (Castel del Monte) is famous for its volcanic and limestone soils, which give the wine a distinctive "rocky" minerality that sets it apart from the jammy, fruit-forward wines often found in southern Puglia (like Primitivo).

Aroma of excellent complexity, with wild bush and spicy notes like curry, pepper and ginger, red berries and black fruits mixed with a light cacao touch, the result of a good maturation, along with a slightly stony finish. 

On the palate it has a powerful attack, with a lively acidity, firm and well present tannins, wild bush and red berry notes, with an extremely long finish and great concentration.
Aroma of excellent complexity, with wild bush and spicy notes like curry, pepper and ginger, red berries and black fruits mixed with a light cacao touch, the result of a good maturation, along with a slightly stony finish. 

Memo Pairing Suggestions

Because of its high tannin structure and organic richness, this wine needs "big" flavors:

• Local Puglia Style: Orecchiette with spicy sausage and broccoli rabe (Cime di Rapa).

• Meats: Grilled ribeye, wild boar ragu, or meaty pizzas.

• Cheese: Sharp, aged cheeses like Pecorino or a mature Cheddar.

• Signature Pairing: Lamb Osso Buco or roasted lamb with aromatic herbs.

  
  

   

Tasting Notes

Alma White is a floral, full-bodied dry white — a kiss from the Galilee. Crafted from an expressive blend of Roussanne, Viognier, Colombard, and Grenache Blanc, it delivers layers of white blossom, stone fruit, and fresh herbs with a lively, food-friendly finish.

About the Wine

The Alma series from Dalton Winery is made for simple pleasures — dinner with friends, a picnic in the park, or snacks at sunset. Sourced from Dalton's Galilee vineyards, this white blend reflects the winery's commitment to expressive, terroir-driven Kosher winemaking at an approachable price point.

Food Pairing

Perfect with mezze spreads, grilled fish, roasted vegetables, and fresh cheeses. Equally enjoyable on its own, well chilled.

Product Details

• Appellation: Galilee, Israel
• Varietals: Roussanne, Viognier, Colombard, Grenache Blanc
• Style: Dry White Blend
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Certification: Kosher, Kosher for Passover
• Dietary: Vegan-Friendly
• Producer: Dalton Winery

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2016

Wine Spectator 95 points | This has a lovely core of creamy anise-infused plum, blackberry and boysenberry flavors that showcase themselves a bit more vividly than many Margaux peers in this vintage do, with substantial but velvety grip and lots of extra violet, graphite and black tea notes adding to the long flow of a finish. Really beautiful feel. Best from 2023 through 2038.Wine Enthusiast 97 points Dark tannins work with the sophisticated structure of this wine. The very fine tannins are an important element of the wine, giving shape to the ripe black fruits and acidity. This wine, rich and structured, is set for a long development. Drink from 2026. Cellar Selection.

Wine Advocate 97 points | Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Rauzan-Ségla drifts effortlessly from the glass with fragrant rose hip tea, candied violets and chocolate box scents over a core of fresh blackcurrants and black cherry compote plus wafts of tobacco and dusty soil. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers a great mid-palate of softly textured black and blue fruits with loads of floral nuances and a refreshing lift on the finish. The blend this year is 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, harvested between September 20th and October 15th at an average yield of 45 hectoliters per hectare. It was aged for 18 months in French oak, 60% new. The alcohol is 13.5%.Decanter 95 points There's an array of flavours and complex aromatics on offer here. It's powerful and brooding, with a lyrical acidity that helps to lift up the relatively foursquare tannins on the attack. After a few minutes in the glass it begins to ripple with menthol, liquorice root, grilled cedar and sweet spices. It needs time to settle, of course, but is extremely classic, and will go the distance and then some. Matured in 60% new oak.

Jeb Dunnuck 98 points | I continue to love the 2016 Rauzan-Ségla, a thrillingly complete, flawlessly balanced, and borderline perfect Margaux that should be snatched up by readers. Notes of cassis, graphite, tobacco leaf, and earth all give way to a full-bodied effort that has building tannins, no hard edges, and a level of purity and elegance that’s just about off the charts. Given its purity and balance, it’s accessible today, but it will be best with 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 3-4 decades.

James Suckling 98 points | The aromas of blackcurrants, sweet tobacco and sandalwood are tantalizing. Then it turns to subtle, dried fruit. Full-bodied with dense and powerful tannins, yet ending with finesse and vertical nature. Very deep. Power with finesse. Try after 2025. 

Winemaker Description 

Made with yeast extracted from the Sanuki olive native to the region, this hyperlocal sake showcases the best of Kagawa in a one-of-a-kind bottling.

Juicy notes of musk melon, white flowers and green pear with hints of starfruit, grass and salinity.

Try with salad with carrot ginger dressing, coconut crab curry or spring pea & mint gazpacho. 

Our Professional Review

A unique expression of sake made with olive yeast.  Beautiful white fruits and floral notes backed by lovely herbal and savory notes.

Stunning Pinot from the cool, high-altitude Colchagua Valley. Grown on volcanic soils and aged in concrete egg and neutral oak. Light, bright color with high aromatic intensity of fresh strawberries and red fruit such as currants and raspberry. On the palate, mineral with high acidity, along with ripe, soft and persistent tannins. 

Very aromatic with bright, structured strawberry and raspberry fruit, wet leaves, and stoney minerality. Sustainably farmed. Winemaker Description.

Memo Summary Description 

The Fontana Candida Pinot Grigio is a reliable choice for larger gatherings, produced by a historic winery famously associated with the Rome/Lazio region. While Fontana Candida is the undisputed king of "Frascati," they apply that same Roman expertise to this Pinot Grigio, sourcing fruit from the cool, volcanic-influenced hills of Delle Venezie.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019 

Joe Czerwinski writes:  Whitehall Lane's 2019 Merlot Napa Valley actually contains 87% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. Slightly candied cherry notes mark the nose, framed by vanilla and touches of dried tobacco, while the medium to full-bodied palate is succulent and juicy, textured without being overly rich or tannic.  Drinking 2022 to 2030.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 90

James Suckling writes:  Vibrant, fruity nose of ripe plums, raspberries, mulberries, licorice and nutmeg. Some chocolate orange, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with creamy tannins. Plush, round and succulent. Drink or hold.  - Wine Spectator 91

Tim Fish writes:  Refined and structured, with expressive red currant, toasty mocha and tomato leaf tones that gather tension and polish toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2029.  - Wine Spectator 91

Winemaker Description 

This Merlot offers notes of raspberry croissant, red currants, cocoa powder, and layers of graphite. The palate showcases fine, firm tannins alongside chocolate cherry lollipop, red plums, dried goji berries, and toasted brioche. It is supple in texture and shows attractive depth on the finish. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description 

Winemaker Description 

The treasures of El Maestro Sierra are many. From the back of their building they have a clear view of the Atlantic Ocean.

In 1832 the master carpenter José Antonio Sierra founded El Maestro Sierra. As one of the top coopers in the area, José Antonio was the person who made the barrels for all of the big Sherry houses. After years of making barrels for everyone else, he came to the conclusion that he could produce Sherries that were better than what the big Sherry houses were cranking out, so he went about opening up his own little winery.

This little up-start Sherry producer was not welcomed in the world of nobility-owned Sherry houses and so the local gentry did everything they could to stop him. Fortunately the quality of his sherry prevailed over their efforts and José Antonio Sierra became one of the top Almacenistas (stockholders) of high-quality Sherries. Poking fun at his struggle, the label depicts an allegorical fox hunt with the nobles hunting El Maestro Sierra’s fox.

This Amontillado is aged for a total of 12 years under flor and oxidatively in American oak casks. Very explosive aromas of salts and almonds. The palate offers similar flavors in a very elegant framework.

Chateau Carbonnieux WHITE Pessac-Leognan Grand Cru Classé 2023

Explore the elegance of Chateau Carbonnieux, one of the distinguished names in the Pessac-Leognan region, known for producing exceptional white wines. The 2023 vintage showcases the estate's commitment to quality, offering a finely balanced wine that reflects the terroir beautifully. With a rich history dating back to the 13th century, Chateau Carbonnieux has established itself as a Grand Cru Classé, known for its meticulous vineyard practices and sustainable viticulture. Each bottle is a testament to the tradition and innovation that has shaped the estate over centuries.

Expert Recognition - 2023 Vintage

Wine Enthusiast - 96 Points (Cellar Selection)
"The grapefruit and honey aromas of this wine are echoed in its crisp and rounded textures. It is ripe with apple and spice flavors, the wood aging subtly in the background. Drink from 2027."

Wine Spectator - 95 Points
"This crackles with tarragon, fleur de sel, oyster shell and lemon pith notes that ripple throughout, while a steady core of yuzu and mirabelle plum moves through. Live-wire acidity keeps everything focused and mouthwatering. Lovely. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Drink now through 2033."

James Suckling - 94 Points
"Sliced lemon, crushed stone, ginger and oyster shell aromas follow through to a medium body with crisp acidity and a crunchy finish. A very typical top white from Pessac. Drink now."

Wine Advocate - 90-92 Points
"A blend of 65% Sauvignon Blanc and 35% Sémillon, the 2023 Carbonnieux Blanc exhibits elegant aromas of pear, white peach, spring flowers and herbs, followed by a medium-bodied, satiny and long texture enhanced by bright acids and a lively mid-palate. It concludes with a long, delicate, mouthwateringly mordant finish, making it a classic white wine from this estate."

Jeb Dunnuck - 90-92 Points
"The 2023 Château Carbonnieux Blanc is light gold-hued and offer terrific aromatics of ripe citrus, minty herbs, and a kiss of grapefruit. These carry to a medium-bodied white with a round, supple texture, nicely integrated acidity, and outstanding length."

Grape Blend

Composition: 65% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Sémillon
This classic Bordeaux white blend showcases the best of both varietals, combining Sauvignon Blanc's vibrant acidity and aromatic intensity with Sémillon's richness and texture.

Tasting Profile

The 2023 Chateau Carbonnieux white wine offers an exquisite blend of vibrancy and depth. Light gold-hued with terrific aromatics including grapefruit and honey, sliced lemon, crushed stone, ginger, oyster shell, tarragon, fleur de sel, lemon pith, yuzu, mirabelle plum, pear, white peach, spring flowers, herbs, ripe citrus, and minty herbs. The palate is equally expressive, featuring crisp and rounded textures, ripe with apple and spice flavors, live-wire acidity that keeps everything focused and mouthwatering, medium body with a satiny and long texture, round and supple with nicely integrated acidity. The finish is crunchy, long, delicate, and mouthwateringly mordant with outstanding length. Wood aging is subtle in the background, allowing the fruit and terroir to shine.

Grand Cru Classé Heritage

With a rich history dating back to the 13th century, Chateau Carbonnieux has established itself as a Grand Cru Classé in the prestigious Pessac-Leognan appellation. The estate is known for its meticulous vineyard practices and sustainable viticulture, producing wines that beautifully reflect the unique terroir of Bordeaux. Each bottle is a testament to centuries of tradition and innovation.

Aging Potential

Drink Window: Now through 2033 (Wine Spectator), from 2027 (Wine Enthusiast Cellar Selection)
This vintage offers both immediate enjoyment and excellent aging potential, allowing collectors to cellar it for further development.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Pairing Chateau Carbonnieux with the right dishes can enhance your overall dining experience. Its refreshing acidity and vibrant fruit character make it an excellent choice for:

• Grilled fish and shellfish
• Oysters and seafood platters
• Salads featuring citrus or vinaigrettes
• Creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert
• Gourmet picnics
• Summer barbecues
• Light cheese platters

Perfect for Wine Enthusiasts

This vintage is ideal for those who appreciate complexity and refinement in their wine, making it a sought-after selection for wine enthusiasts and collectors wanting to taste the essence of Bordeaux. Enjoy it chilled to fully appreciate its bright flavors and elegant character. The versatility of this Grand Cru Classé is sure to impress your guests at any occasion.

Discover the Heribert Boch Riesling Spätlese Trittenheimer Apotheke 2021

Winemaker Description 

Concentrated yellow berry fruit and apple skin backed by complex earthy aromas of spontaneous fermentation.  The palate has an excellent balance of delicate sweetness and juiciness, featuring clover honey and citrus. 

This makes you want to go back for another sip, and another, and another. 

Memo Summary Notes

Hailing from the world-famous "Apotheke" (Pharmacy) vineyard in Trittenheim, this 2021 Spätlese is a classic Mosel Riesling. The steep, slate-rich slopes of this site produce wines known for their intense minerality and longevity.

Food Pairings

• Spicy Cuisine: The residual sugar makes it a perfect foil for Thai green curry, spicy Sichuan dishes, or buffalo wings.

• Savory & Sweet: Excellent with glazed pork belly, honey-roasted ham, or aged blue cheeses.

• Seafood: Pairs well with rich seafood dishes like scallops in cream sauce or lobster.

What Makes This Riesling Unique?

This exceptional Riesling, labeled as Spätlese, showcases the unique terroir of the Trittenheimer Apotheke vineyard. It is characterized by its late harvest, which allows the grapes to ripen longer on the vine. This results in a rich and aromatic wine that captivates the senses. With a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, this Riesling is truly a delight that stands out among others.

Tasting Notes and Food Pairing

The Heribert Boch Riesling Spätlese offers an array of vibrant flavors, including peach, apricot, and honey. These flavors are complemented by lively acidity, creating a refreshing finish. This wine pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, such as spicy Asian cuisine or creamy cheeses. The combination of flavors makes it easy to see why many people appreciate Riesling as a versatile wine choice.

Why Choose Heribert Boch Wines?

Heribert Boch is renowned for crafting high-quality wines that reflect the distinct character of their region. The meticulous attention to detail in the vineyard and winery ensures that only the best grapes are used. Therefore, choosing Heribert Boch means you are investing in a wine that is not only delicious but also represents the essence of German winemaking tradition. This Riesling is no exception, making it a worthwhile addition to your collection.

Producer Description 

Medium deep amber colour. Rather fruity nose of prune, fig with earl grey tea and candied orange. Rather sweet palate with a creamy texture, some nutty complexity, and rather long finish. 

Winemaker Description 

Tio Pepe Fino Sherry is a star bright, pale golden color. It is elegant and distinctive, with fresh bread and almond aromas. The palate is full bodied, crisp and very dry, with a complex, long finish.

Perfect with canapes and tapas, Asian food, seafood and all fish based dishes. Try it with caviar, oysters, anchovies or tuna carpaccio. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Review 

James Suckling 90 Points | This is the prototypical fino sherry with all the salty and yeasty character you expect. Also dried-apple, pear and lemon-zest character. Generous, but very dry and salty on the palate with a refreshing touch of austerity. Where are the olives? Drink now, if possible from a freshly opened bottle. 

Winemaker Description

This fresh, fruity, semi-sweet wine displays aromas and flavors of ripe, juicy berries with dark chocolate undertones.

The perfect balance between sweetness and acidity makes for a refreshing approachability. It is a versatile food wine, best served slightly chilled. 

Memo Summary Notes

The 2023 Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz is the ultimate "guilty pleasure" wine for those who prefer their reds without the bite of heavy tannins or dryness. Hailing from South Africa’s Western Cape, this wine specifically targets the gap in the market for high-quality, non-sparkling sweet reds. 

Jam Jar was created by acclaimed winemaker Bruwer Raats with the belief that "sweet wine lovers deserve a well-crafted option." Unlike many budget sweet reds, this uses high-quality Shiraz grapes (some from 14-18 year old vines) and avoids artificial flavors or colorings. It’s a popular choice for sangria bases or for those transitioning from sweet cocktails to red wine.

Winemaker Description

The 2019 Bernardot is dark and austere with wonderful nuances of ripe red fruit. Tannins are very silky and delicate in this 2019, showing a lot of finesse, typical from the Barbaresco area. It’s an elegant and very expressive Barbaresco. One of the favorite vineyards of winemaker Alessandro Ceretto.

Expert Reviews

Wine Advocate Monica Larner 95 Points writes | The organic Ceretto 2019 Barbaresco Bernadot shows a broader character and a more open-knit personality compared to the Asili. There is a lot of dark fruit, spice, truffle and earth to frame the medium-build of this elegant wine.  (2019).

Wine Spectator 94 Points | A bright red, delivering a core of cherry and raspberry fruit supported by earth, mineral and wild herbs. Intense, complex and dense, this is solidly built and persists with an aftertaste of dark fruit, mineral and spice. Best from 2025. (2019).

Winemaker Description 

This extra fine cream sherry comes exclusively from select vineyards in the "Zona de Jerez Superior", the world's finest area for production of sherry. 

It is aged through the time honoured Savory & James solera system which was established in 1780. Finally it reaches full maturity; delicate and at the same time unusually rich and delicious.

Winemaker Description

The wine is medium bodied and moderate in tannin, with some beautiful suppleness to the mid-palate that reflects the moderate summer, accompanied by a touch of extra richness from the hot autumn weather. 100% Certified organic and dry farmed.

Expert Review

James Suckling 91 Points | Aromas of crushed herbs, sliced plums, blackcurrants and violets. Full-bodied with powdery tannins. Bright acidity pairs nicely with the fresh red fruit on the palate. Could use another year to come together. Best after 2023. (2020).

Winemaker Description 

The delicate and complex olfactory expression opens on aromas which remind of white flower, exotic fruits. There is a very beautiful complexity for a vintage where the end-of-season’s sun brought a lot to the aromas. Excellent complexity that translates into great and elegant richness. Nice attack, straight and bright, it takes place with elegance on fruity notes associated with a dense structure and a beautiful acidity which brings a great length in the end of the mouth. There are aromas of exotic fruits (litchi, mango).

Purchased by the Comte Lafond, an ancestor of the current owner, Baron Patrick de Ladoucette, Château du Nozet and its surrounding vineyards have a reputation for producing the finest Pouilly-Fumé. The vineyards are in Pouilly-Fumé Contrôlée, which includes Pouilly-sur-Loire, Saint-Andelain and Tracy-sur-Loire at the eastern end of the Loire Valley (including the vineyard of the Château du Nozet estate).

Both clay and limestone influence the delicate characteristics in Ladoucette Baron de L Pouilly-Fumé. This Grande Cuvée of Pouilly Fumé is produced exclusively in the best years and from the first pressing of the estate’s grapes. Winemaker Description. 

Roberto Henríquez · 'Rivera del Notro' Blanco · Itata Valley · 2024

Roberto Henríquez is one of Chile's most important natural wine voices — a tireless champion of the Itata Valley, a region in the Bio-Bío that was making wine centuries before Maipo or Colchagua ever appeared on a label. His vineyards are planted with the old-vine field blends that Spanish missionaries brought to Chile in the 16th century: Sémillon, Chasselas, and Moscatel de Alejandría, grown on granite soils by small-scale farmers who have tended these vines for generations. The 'Rivera del Notro' Blanco — named for the notro tree that blooms red along the riverbanks of Itata — is his signature white: a modern-day interpretation of ancestral Chilean winemaking, vinified with extended skin contact that unlocks a depth and complexity no stainless-steel Chardonnay can touch. WA:92. At $20.99, it's one of the most exciting natural whites in South America.

The 2024 opens with a heady, complex bouquet of potpourri, resinous herbs, dried flowers, and a hint of saison beer — the unmistakable signature of skin-contact vinification done right. On the palate: svelte and elegantly concentrated, with a broad, refreshing finish that lingers with phenolic grip, a streak of bright acidity, and retronasal floral notes that keep pulling you back. Serve slightly cool — this is a wine for the table, not the cocktail hour. Drink now through 2027.

“A modern-day interpretation of ancestral Itata white wines… svelte, elegantly concentrated mouthfeel. The finish is broad and refreshing, lingering with phenolic grip laced with a streak of acidity and retronasal floral notes.”
— The Wine Advocate, 92 Points

• Producer: Roberto Henríquez
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Itata Valley, Bio-Bío, Chile
• Blend: Sémillon, Chasselas & Moscatel de Alejandría (old vines, granite soils)
• Style: Skin-contact white (orange wine)
• Vinification: Extended skin contact · Ancestral field blend · Natural winemaking
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Potpourri, resinous herbs, dried flowers, saison beer, phenolic grip, bright acidity, lingering floral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2027
• Food Pairings: Grilled fish, roasted chicken, aged goat cheese, charcuterie, spiced Middle Eastern dishes

WA:92 — ancient Itata field blends, granite soils, and skin-contact depth at a price that makes it a no-brainer.

Encomienda de Cervera Vulcanus Sauvignon Blanc/Verdejo — Campo de Calatrava 2025

Encomienda de Cervera is one of Spain’s most singular estate wineries — a historic property with documented vineyard records dating to 1741, situated in the Campo de Calatrava, a volcanic appellation in Castilla-La Mancha that remains one of the country’s best-kept secrets. The estate’s vineyards grow on volcanic soils at 750–850 meters of altitude, cooled by mountain microclimates with cold nights that preserve natural acidity and generate exceptional aromatic complexity. Vulcanus — named for the volcanic terroir that defines it — is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Verdejo, harvested selectively during the coolest hours of the day at optimal ripeness. Certified organic, the wine is fermented in restored 1927 concrete tanks that impart a distinctive creaminess through malolactic fermentation. This is Spanish white wine from a place unlike any other.

The color is a bright straw yellow. The nose is floral, fresh, and expressive: white flowers, white peach, currant, citrus, and aromatic herbs, with the stony, mineral undercurrent of volcanic soil. On the palate, it is mineral, elegant, and complex — refreshing acidity, a round and creamy mid-palate from concrete tank fermentation, and a long, clean, and satisfying finish. An explosion of sensations in perfect balance.

“Mineral, elegant and complex, with a refreshing acidity and a long and creamy aftertaste — everything perfectly harmonized, in balance, like an explosion of sensations and flavors.” — Encomienda de Cervera

• Producer: Encomienda de Cervera, Campo de Calatrava, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Campo de Calatrava, Castilla-La Mancha
• Blend: Sauvignon Blanc & Verdejo
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Terroir: Volcanic soils, 750–850m altitude, cool mountain microclimate
• Vinification: Selective harvest at cool hours, fermented in restored 1927 concrete tanks, malolactic fermentation
• Style: Mineral, floral, creamy volcanic Spanish white
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White flowers, white peach, currant, citrus, aromatic herbs, volcanic minerality, creamy finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 2–3 years
• Best Paired With: Ceviche, grilled seafood, mussels, clams, salads, asparagus, creamy cheeses (brie, camembert, ricotta), spicy dishes, poultry

Volcanic Spain at its most compelling — Vulcanus is the Campo de Calatrava in a glass.

Ferrari-Carano Cabernet Sauvignon — Sonoma County 2022

Ferrari-Carano is one of Sonoma County’s most celebrated family-owned wineries, founded in 1981 by Don and Rhonda Carano on the benchlands of Dry Creek Valley. Over four decades, they have built a reputation for estate-driven wines of exceptional quality and consistency — wines that express the warmth, generosity, and complexity of Sonoma County at its best. The Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is their benchmark red: a bold, structured wine sourced from select Sonoma County vineyards and crafted by Senior Red Winemaker Rebecka Deike. The 2022 is a distinctive blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Syrah — an unconventional but inspired combination that adds plush texture and savory depth to the classic Cabernet framework. James Suckling awarded it 92 points; Wine Enthusiast 91 points.

The color is a deep, concentrated ruby. The nose is rich and layered: damson plums, tobacco leaves, cedar, and licorice, with concentrated aromas of roasted cherry, cocoa powder, and black pepper adding complexity and intrigue. On the palate, it is full-bodied and generous — firmly framed tannins, a plush mouthfeel, and flavors of blackberry, licorice, and toasty barrel spices that linger along a neatly balanced finish. Fruity yet savory, structured yet approachable — very generous and giving for the price.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling — 92 Points
“Aromas of damson plums, tobacco leaves, cedar and licorice. The full-bodied palate has firmly framed tannins and a plush mouthfeel. This is a fruity yet savory blend of 78% cabernet sauvignon and 22% syrah. Very generous and giving for the price. Drink or hold.”

Wine Enthusiast — 91 Points
“Concentrated aromas of roasted cherry, cocoa powder and black pepper dominate the nose of this Cab. The palate is rich and broad, with flavors of blackberry, licorice and toasty barrel spices that linger along the neatly balanced finish.”

• Producer: Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Sonoma County
• Blend: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Syrah
• Size: 750ml
• Style: Bold, plush, fruit-forward Sonoma County Cabernet
• Tasting Notes: Damson plum, roasted cherry, tobacco, cedar, licorice, cocoa, blackberry, toasty spice
• Drink Window: Now–2030
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb chops, BBQ, aged cheddar, dark chocolate

Two critics, two 90+ scores — Ferrari-Carano 2022 is Sonoma County Cabernet at its most generous.

Cline Family Cellars · 'Seven Ranchlands' Chardonnay · Sonoma County · 2024

The Cline family has farmed the Sonoma Coast for decades, and their 'Seven Ranchlands' Chardonnay draws from two of their most prized sites — Catapult Ranch and Tolay Vista — situated in the Petaluma Gap, the cool corridor where Pacific air funnels east through the Sonoma mountain range and slows ripening to a crawl. The result is a Chardonnay with the kind of natural acidity and layered flavor development that most California whites have to work hard to achieve. 2024 was a warm, consistent vintage with a late heat spike that allowed grapes to reach perfect ripeness without sacrificing freshness — and at $14.99 with JS:92 and WE:91, this is one of the best-value Chardonnays in Sonoma.

Handpicked before dawn, each parcel is vinified separately: destemmed, lightly crushed, and pressed to extract richness, then racked after 24 hours to retain solids. Half ferments in stainless steel (inoculated), half in barrel with native yeast. Both go through 100% malolactic fermentation and age 8 months in French oak before blending. On the nose: ripe stone fruit, toasted brioche, and a hint of vanilla. On the palate: creamy and full-bodied with bright acidity, flavors of peach, lemon curd, and toasted oak, finishing long and clean.

“Rich and creamy with excellent balance — a benchmark for Sonoma Chardonnay at this price.”
— James Suckling, 92 Points | Wine Enthusiast, 91 Points (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Cline Family Cellars
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Sonoma County, California
• Sub-Region: Petaluma Gap (Catapult Ranch & Tolay Vista)
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Vinification: Hand harvested before dawn · 50% stainless steel / 50% barrel fermented · 100% malolactic fermentation · 8 months French oak
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Peach, lemon curd, toasted brioche, vanilla, creamy palate, bright acidity
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2027
• Food Pairings: Roast chicken, lobster bisque, creamy pasta, soft-ripened cheese

JS:92 · WE:91 — Petaluma Gap precision at a price that makes it an easy yes.

Vinous 90 Points: The 2023 Chardonnay Central Coast opens with a honeyed bouquet of wild flowers, ginger shavings and freshly sliced nectarines. This sweeps across the palate with ease, clean and bright, with vivid green apple fruit. It leaves the senses pleasantly refreshed as nuances of chamomile fade.

Crafted in a bright, fruit-driven style that showcases the best of California Chardonnay, Justin Winery Chardonnay Sonoma County 2023 offers remarkable balance, freshness, and approachability. Sourced from select vineyard sites, this expressive white wine opens with inviting aromas of ripe pear, golden apple, honeydew melon, and citrus blossom, complemented by subtle notes of vanilla, baking spice, and toasted brioche.

On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and beautifully textured, delivering layers of juicy orchard fruit, lemon curd, and stone fruit flavors supported by lively acidity and a gentle touch of oak. The finish is clean, refreshing, and persistent, making it an exceptionally versatile Chardonnay for both casual enjoyment and food pairing.

Elegant yet accessible, this Sonoma County Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled seafood, creamy pasta dishes, crab cakes, lobster, and mild cheeses.

Tasting Notes

• Aromas: Pear, golden apple, citrus blossom, melon, vanilla
• Palate: Apple, peach, lemon curd, baking spice, subtle oak
• Body: Medium-bodied
• Style: Fresh, balanced, fruit-forward Chardonnay
• Finish: Clean, bright, and lingering

A polished and crowd-pleasing California Chardonnay that delivers exceptional value and everyday drinkability.

Domaine Louis Michel & Fils — Chablis 1er Cru Butteaux Vieilles Vignes 2023

Louis Michel is one of Chablis's most uncompromising estates — a house that has never wavered from its commitment to unoaked, terroir-driven Chardonnay. No new oak, no malolactic softening, no concessions to trend. The wines are aged entirely in stainless steel, which means what you taste in the glass is pure Chablis: the chalk, the Kimmeridgian clay, the cold northern light. The Butteaux is a premier cru climat on the left bank of the Serein, and this bottling comes from a single parcel of vines over 60 years old — planted in clay soils rich with ancient fossils, farmed for depth and concentration rather than yield. The 2023 receives a year longer in élevage than the regular cuvée, giving it additional texture and presence without sacrificing the estate's signature precision.

The nose is complex and layered: caramelized baked apple, toasted notes, wet stone, and undergrowth, opening to peach, tangerine zest, dried white flowers, and wild heather. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, built around racy acidity and ample extract from the old vines, with a saline, sappy, lingering finish. Youthfully introverted today — give it time, or decant generously.

Wine Advocate 91 • Burghound 89–92 • Vinous 89–91 — "Sappy, lingering and well-balanced… I really like the mouthfeel thanks to the sappy dry extract provided by the old vines." — Allen Meadows, Burghound

• Producer: Domaine Louis Michel & Fils, Chablis, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Chablis 1er Cru
• Climat: Butteaux, left bank — Kimmeridgian clay, fossil-rich soils
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay (vines 60+ years old)
• Élevage: Stainless steel, unoaked, extended aging
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Baked apple, wet stone, peach, tangerine zest, white flowers, saline finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink 2025–2033
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled sole, scallops, goat cheese, roast chicken

A 91-point premier cru Chablis from 60-year-old vines — Louis Michel's Butteaux is the benchmark for what unoaked, old-vine Chardonnay can be.