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Winemaker Description 

This vintage is the fruit of setting up my establishment. It embodies my doubts, my
fears, my mistakes, my great joy, my passion, my convictions.

This wine plot is located on a rocky outcrop, on the summit of the Palais Mount. Its name comes from the Latin word “barra”, copied from the Gallic “barro” which means
“elevation, summit, peak”. Chalky brown soils, clay-limestone subsoils. Located at 300 meters high, on a plateau.

There is a forest which occupies the ridge of the mountain which protects and shelters the vineyard from the wind. This cool environment helps to produce the floral and aromatic character plus the freshness of the wines.

Fresh white fruits aromas accompanied by floral touches and mineral notes. It leaves a fresh cool taste in mouth and blends together a tonic effect with smoothness. This tense and invigorating juice leaves a long-lasting intense sensation in the mouth. The end result is remarkable thanks to the aromatic, sapid and well-delineated finality. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Domaine Ninot Rully "La Barre" Blanc 2022 is a bright, organic expression of Chardonnay from the Côte Chalonnaise, crafted by the talented Erell Ninot, who was previously named "Best Young Winemaker" in Burgundy.

A classic partner for poultry in creamy sauces (Blanquette de veau), grilled sea bass, or scallops. It also pairs wonderfully with regional cheeses like Comté or mild Gruyère.
 

Critical Acclaim

• Tim Atkin – 95 Points | “Impressive finesse in a hot growing season, succulent tannins, flavours of blackberry, red cherry and ginger spice and a violet top note.”
• Vinous – 94–95 Points | “Violets, fresh plum and a delicate touch of oak open on the nose. Fine-grained reactive tannins define the texture. A red with charming nuances and evolving character.”
• Wine Advocate – 93–94 Points | “Pretty, juicy, ripe and approachable — really balanced and integrated with good purity. An approachable vintage of Flor.”

Tasting Notes

Aromas of blackberry, red cherry, violet, and ginger spice with a delicate touch of oak. On the palate, fine-grained, succulent tannins frame flavors of fresh plum and dark fruit with charming nuances and evolving character. Beautifully balanced and integrated, with impressive finesse for the vintage.

About the Wine

Flor de Pingus is the celebrated second wine of Dominio de Pingus, the legendary Ribera del Duero estate founded by Danish oenologist Peter Sisseck — widely regarded as one of Spain’s greatest winemakers and the visionary behind the cult flagship Pingus. Far more than a second label, Flor consistently ranks among Spain’s finest wines in its own right. The 2023 is sourced from five parcels — Barroso, El Castillo, El Pino, Fuentenarro, and Fuentes — totalling 49 hectares of 35+ year old Tinta del País and Garnacha vines farmed biodynamically. Aged in 10–15% new oak with a portion matured in 2,000-liter oak vats for added freshness and texture. Approximately 92,000 bottles produced.

Food Pairing

Pairs magnificently with roasted lamb, Wagyu beef, Iberian charcuterie, and complex mushroom dishes. A regional classic combination.

Product Details

• Appellation: Ribera del Duero, Castilla y León, Spain
• Varietal: Tinta del País (Tempranillo) & Garnacha
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Farming: Biodynamic
• Producer: Dominio de Pingus (Peter Sisseck)

Winemaker Description 

Bright soft-hued ruby. Delicately fruity on the nose reminiscent of cherry and toasted almonds, juicy on the palate, extremely “quaffable” and elegant on the
finish.

Memo Summary Notes

The Manincor "der Keil" Lago di Caldaro 2023 is a benchmark example of Schiava (also known as Vernatsch) from South Tyrol (Alto Adige), Italy. Produced by the Manincor estate—a leader in biodynamic and organic viticulture—this wine is sourced from the historical "der Keil" vineyard (a monopole), where old vines overlook the Lake of Kaltern.

It is often described as the perfect "bridge" wine for those who enjoy the elegance of Pinot Noir but want the crunchy, spicy character of northern Italy.

• Traditional Pairing: South Tyrolean Speck (cured ham) and local cheeses.

• Modern Pairing: It is one of the few reds that pairs beautifully with fried fish, tomato-based pasta, or even Cantonese cuisine.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

The 2023 vintage is receiving high praise for its focus and "crunchy" fruit:

• Decanter: 92 Points – "A lightly edgy nose of nutmeg-dusted red fruit... fleshy, balanced palate with juicy raspberry."

• Wine Enthusiast: 91 Points – "Tart cranberries, pomegranate, and red apple skin... delivers a fresh, lively wine with a peppery edge."

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

The Tasting Panel — 94 Points (Ruth Tobias, Nov. 2025) | The balance between fresh sensations of pear and star fruit with richer tones of toffee and gardenia is striking in this supple and very pretty wine, whose lilting acidity washes gently over touches of vanilla and hazelnut. There’s a timelessness to its profile.

Wine Spectator — 92 Points (MaryAnn Worobiec, Nov. 2025) | Pure and succulent, with fleshy peach, apricot and melon notes highlighted by vibrant acidity. Accents of apple pastry, pineapple and Himalayan sea salt linger, as do lemon verbena and sweetgrass aromatics.

Winemaker's Notes

Anderson Valley sits in the lush coastal region of Mendocino County, 110 miles northwest of San Francisco. Only 15 miles long, this cool, fog-kissed valley — framed by rolling hills and redwood forests — is one of California's most distinctive growing regions. Merry Edwards blends grapes from multiple sites within the valley to capture its full range of terroir, resulting in a fresh, vibrant, and bright Chardonnay.

The nose is filled with tangerine and gardenia, leading to a clean, crisp entry with white orchard fruit, caramel apple, lemon meringue, almonds, and nutty oak. The finish is long and warm, with a hint of apple pie.

Pairing Suggestions

Seafood of many types pairs beautifully with this fresh and bright Chardonnay. We suggest Merry’s recipe for Lobster Risotto with Creamy Tomato Sauce — the wine’s bright acidity complements the rich sauce and sweet poached lobster perfectly.

• Winery: Merry Edwards
• Appellation: Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, California
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml
• Farming: Organic
• Style: Fresh, vibrant, full-bodied
• Pairings: Lobster, seafood, creamy pasta, light poultry

Winemaker Description 

GRAPES: Cinsault (100%). 

Cinsault has been farmed in the Bekaa Valley since the mid-19th century before ceding the way to new imported varieties. In 2014, Domaine des Tourelles decided to revive this grape by searching out very old Cinsault vines, over 50 years of age, and fermenting the wines in concrete tanks using wild yeasts and nothing else to offer the purest expression of that grape. The result is a supple wine that beautifully reflects the terroir of the Bekaa Valley, with an aging potential of several years.

Published by Jancis Robinson

There is not much I can say about Bekaa-born Faouzi Issa co-owner and winemaker of Domaine des Tourelles in the Bekaa Valley, that has not already been said by Jancis and Tam but in a week in which Lebanon has again been in the news because of death and destruction, I wanted to celebrate the life that continues to be created every year at Domaine des Tourelles in the most challenging circumstances imaginable. (See Michael Karam’s Lessons in wine-region survival.)

Issa told me on Wednesday that the nearest pager explosion to them was 1 km away from the winery.

In 2018, the year Domaine des Tourelles celebrated its 150th anniversary, Jancis’s articles Lebanon and the new Serge Hochar? and Lebanon’s oldest winery told of Issa’s journey into wine, via Bordeaux’s Château Margaux and René Rostaing in the Rhône, as well as giving a brief history of Domaine des Tourelles, Lebanese wine more generally and the arrival of Cinsault in the country in the 19th century along with Carignan and Grenache.

Tam continued the story in 2022 in more personal terms in Old-vine wines – part 1 Lebanon, describing Issa as ‘that mesmeric combination of scientist, engineer and romantic’, at the same time highlighting Issa’s commitment to old vines.

The first vintage of this wine was 2014, which was when Issa realised that the old vines offered something special and deserved to be bottled separately (they now have four wines in their Old Vine Collection). He explains, ‘Cinsault has been farmed in the Bekaa Valley since the mid 19th century before ceding the way to new imported varieties.’ For many a year, it was the most widely planted variety in the country but it is now much less popular than it once was.

Memo Serving Suggestions

Food Pairings: The perfect match for Levantine and Mediterranean cuisine. It pairs excellently with lamb chops, beef tagine, grilled vegetables (ratatouille), or a classic Mezze platter.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Vinous 92 Points | The 2023 Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands) is a good bit lighter and brighter than last year, unsurprising given the conditions of this long, cool growing season. Layers of rose petal, sweet black cherry, asphalt, crushed rocks and blood orange unfurl in a nicely focused, elegant wine with sweet tannins and a sexy finish.

James Suckling 92 Points | A racy beam of acidity runs through raspberries, cranberries and red cherries. That mouthwatering fruit is wrapped up in anise, grilled sage and tilled earth. Balanced, rich and full of life. Drink or hold.

Crafted from a 20-hour maceration of Pinot Noir grapes, each parcel is vinified separately in stainless steel and epoxy-lined tanks. The wine is bottled according to the lunar calendar and undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle, preserving the unique characteristics of each terroir.

This meticulous approach highlights the natural expression of the Meunier grape, resulting in a fresh, vibrant rosé with nuanced red fruit, subtle spice, and floral notes. The wine balances elegance with intensity, offering a complex, layered palate and a delicate, persistent mousse.

Perfect for festive occasions, it pairs beautifully with seafood, charcuterie, or light poultry dishes, making it a standout choice for holiday celebrations or special gatherings.

Grape: 100% Pinot Noir (Saignée method)
Country: France – Champagne

This striking Brut Nature Champagne showcases the precision and depth of 100% Pinot Noir from Christophe Mignon’s meticulously farmed vineyards in the western Vallée de la Marne. Vinified with a minimalist approach and zero dosage, the wine is fermented and matured in large oak foudres, allowing the purity of the fruit and the character of the terroir to shine without excess influence.

In the glass, it reveals a beautiful shimmering hue with a fine, persistent mousse. The nose is clean and refined, offering subtle woody notes layered with red apple, citrus peel, and hints of toasted almond. On the palate, the wine is powerful yet impeccably precise, delivering vibrant freshness, excellent tension, and a long, mineral-driven finish. The oak integration is seamless, enhancing structure and complexity while preserving energy and elegance.

This Champagne is a compelling expression of Pinot Noir in its most transparent form—vinous, structured, and deeply expressive—crafted for those who appreciate authenticity, finesse, and terroir-driven Champagne.

Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Champagne, France
Style: Brut Nature (Zero Dosage)
Base Year: 2018

Crafted from Chardonnay grown on the chalky and clay-limestone soils of Festigny, this Brut Nature Champagne is vinified and matured partially in large oak foudres, allowing texture and depth to develop without masking purity. The nose is clean and refined, revealing subtle notes of fresh apple, lemon zest, white flowers, and a gentle hint of toasted almond from oak aging.

On the palate, the wine is precise and energetic, driven by vibrant acidity and a finely integrated mousse. Flavors of citrus, green pear, and almond are layered with a delicate saline edge and restrained woody nuance. With zero dosage, the finish is long, focused, and mineral, highlighting the natural expression of Chardonnay and the craftsmanship of Christophe Mignon.

Elegant, structured, and deeply expressive, this Champagne is an excellent choice for lovers of terroir-driven, low-intervention wines and pairs beautifully with shellfish, seafood, or simply enjoyed on its own as a contemplative aperitif.

Winemaker Description 

Siituated just below premier cru Aux Argillas on the slope in northern Nuits-Saint-Georges, Les Bousselots provides an impressive showcase for the vigorous minerality typical of this village. Drag farms a half-hectare parcel of Bousselots that abuts the well-regarded premier cru Les Chaignots to its immediate north, and this bottling possesses a murmuring stony intensity which contrasts the often-floral character of its immediate neighbors. Notes of bright red fruits, warm leather, and dark dust orbit a core of iron-like mineral enormity, and its sinewy, densely concentrated palate promises plenty of positive evolution.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

James Suckling writes 93 Points | Hardcore Nuits-Saint-Georges! This has a massive tannin structure, but also good concentration on the full-bodied palate. This has been made for the long term, but the spicy complexity is already exciting, a touch of charcoal character at the long, roasted-meat finish. Best after 2026.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | The young, creamy and juicy 2019 Petra is pure Garnacha that fermented in concrete with indigenous yeasts and matured in well-seasoned, neutral oak barrels for 15 months, including malolactic. There is a lactic touch and some notes of cereals here that interferes a bit with the purity of Garnacha. It's medium-bodied and has moderate ripeness at 13.5% alcohol, revealing good freshness and acidity and a pH of 3.6.

The Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Deep garnet in color, this single-varietal Garnacha has a nose of black cherry, caramel and nutmeg. Bright fruit and soft baking spice flavors wrapped in silky tannins enliven the palate and drift into a cranberry and orange-zest finish.

Vinous 92 Points | The 2019 Petra de Valpiedra is 100% Garnacha sourced from a single vineyard next to the Ebro River, in the Cenicero area of Rioja Alta. Aged for 1nine months in American and French oak barrels, it displays a garnet hue and presents aromas reminiscent of liqueur, with hints of herbs and ash overlaying a fruit layer. On the palate, it is dry and edgy, with tannins that are fairly searing, leaving a lingering impression of balsamic notes.

James Suckling 92 Points | Aromas of baked raspberries and strawberries with spicy and earthy touches. Medium- to full-bodied with powdery tannins and a soft texture. Firm finish. Drink or hold.

Memo Summary Notes

The Finca Valpiedra Rioja Garnacha Petra de Valpiedra 2019 is a highly praised, single-varietal Garnacha (Grenache) from the Rioja Alta sub-region. It is part of a premium, limited-edition line from the respected Finca Valpiedra winery.

The 2019 vintage is noted for combining the power of Garnacha with great freshness and elegance, making it an excellent example of modern, high-quality Rioja.

The wine's silky texture and savory complexity make it versatile:

• Meat: Grilled lamb, roast duck, or white meats such as turkey and pheasant.

• Spanish Classics: Aged Manchego cheese.

• Other: Fish stews (like tuna marmitako), rice dishes, and mushroom risotto.

The Finca Valpiedra Rioja Garnacha Petra de Valpiedra 2019 is an outstanding example of premium, single-vineyard Garnacha from Rioja, praised for its elegance, freshness, and complexity.

Winemaker Description 

With a straw yellow colour, Yzaguirre Blanco Clasico Vermouth has an intense aroma with herby and spicy notes. Mild balsamic touches give it a pleasant and very unique structure. Fresh and smooth in the mouth and very well balanced, it has notes of vanilla and cinnamon.

Excellent as an everyday aperitif. Serve with 2 anchovy-stuffed olives, 2 or 3 ice cubes and a twist of orange. Serve very chilled.

Memo Summary Notes

The Yzaguirre Blanco Clásico Vermouth is a well-regarded example of the Spanish style of white vermouth, produced by Bodegas Yzaguirre, a house with a long history in the Catalan region (between Reus and Tarragona) dating back to 1884.

Yzaguirre's vermouths are made using traditional, artisanal methods and a blend of over 80 aromatic herbs and spices that are macerated (soaked) in a white wine base.

Cocktails: It works excellently as the Bianco/Blanc component in various cocktails, often where a sweet, less bitter white vermouth is desired:

• White Negroni (often with Gin, and a bitter like Suze or Luxardo Bitter Bianco).

• Martini variations (as a sweeter alternative to Dry Vermouth).

• V&S (Vermouth and Soda): Simple, refreshing, and popular in Spain.

  
  

   

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

James Suckling 92 Points | Restrained and ambitiously structured, showing some roasted coffee beans, pine cones and sweet spices to the rich blackberries and cherries. Juicy and chewy on the palate with fine-grained tannins and a tight, lengthy finish. Drink from 2025.

Decanter 91 Points | Plummy fruit on the nose, with smoky bacon fat nuances and jammy fruit notes. Powerful and textural, long and pleasant.

Expert Reviews - VIntage 2022 

A deep ruby/magenta color, the 2022 Il Pino Di Biserno starts to show more mineral-inflected notes of graphite, preserved strawberries, blackberries, cocoa, and sweet herbs. Full-bodied, the palate expands with ripe tannins, even acidity, and darker mineral undercurrents, as well as a hint of gamey richness and notes of tea leaf through the mid-palate and rather long finish. Hold this one another couple of years and drink 2027-2040.: Audrey Frick - Jeb Dunnuck - 94 Points

A cedary twist to the typical notes of black olives, tobacco, paprika and black fruit. Medium- to full-bodied with prominent, fine-grained tannins and fruit. Long, demure and tight. Needs at least one more year to soften and open up. Drink from 2026."  Zekun Shuai - James-Suckling - 94 Points

The Tenuta di Biserno 2022 Il Pino di Biserno delivers a ripe fruit profile with blackberry confit and sweet cherry pie. Those warm vintage tones are followed by an ample use of oak that adds baking spice and toasted nutmeg. There is a hint of campfire ash or something blackened or toasted at the core of this full-bodied Tuscan blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Verdot. I pick up a note of dryness on the otherwise velvety tannins. Monica Larner - The Wine Advocate - 92 Points

Jezreel Valley Winery Alfa — Lower Galilee, Israel 2024

The Alfa is Jezreel Valley Winery's bold statement from the fertile Jezreel Valley in Lower Galilee — one of Israel's most talked-about boutique producers, based on Kibbutz Hanaton. A blend of Syrah, Argaman, and Cabernet Sauvignon, the Alfa is built for intensity and depth while remaining true to the Mediterranean terroir that defines this region. Jezreel has earned strong scores from critics including James Suckling and Decanter, and has become a fixture in top restaurants both domestically and internationally. At $24.99, it delivers excellent quality for the price. Kosher.

Bruised blackberry and cassis open on the nose alongside tangy red cherry and strawberry. On the palate, red fruit shines with velvety, persistent tannins that lay the groundwork for a long, satisfying finish. Rich, structured, and unmistakably Mediterranean — this is a wine that craves the table.

“Bruised blackberry and cassis aromas open on the nose along with tangy red cherry and strawberry. Red fruit shines on the palate while velvety, persistent tannins lay the groundwork for the long finish.” — Reggie Solomon, The Wine Enthusiast 91 Points (Prior Vintage - 2021).

• Producer: Jezreel Valley Winery, Kibbutz Hanaton, Lower Galilee, Israel
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Galilee, Israel
• Blend: Syrah, Argaman, Cabernet Sauvignon
• Certification: Kosher
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, cassis, red cherry, strawberry, velvety tannins, long finish
• Best Paired With: Steak, grilled meats, roasted mushrooms, lamb, hearty Mediterranean dishes

Bold, structured, and exceptional value — Jezreel's Alfa is the benchmark for what ambitious Kosher Israeli red wine can be.

A beautifully preserved library release showcasing the age-worthy brilliance of Muscadet. Sourced from vines planted on a distinctive granite vein in Vallet, the 2007 L d’Or marries freshness with graceful maturity. Aromas of citrus zest, white peach, crushed oyster shell, and wet stone unfold alongside subtle notes of almond and herbal lift. The palate is vibrant and refined, with precise acidity, deep minerality, and a long, saline finish that speaks clearly of its terroir. Elegant, complex, and remarkably alive—an outstanding example of mature Muscadet direct from the domaine’s cellar.

A rare, beautifully matured Muscadet from one of the Loire Valley’s benchmark estates. Sourced from old vines rooted in a deep vein of granite, L d’Or shows how extraordinary Muscadet can become with long aging. The 2006 vintage offers layered aromas of lemon peel, crushed stone, sea spray, and gently evolving notes of hazelnut and honey. On the palate, it’s taut yet silky, with remarkable freshness, mineral intensity, and a long, saline finish. A stunning example of terroir-driven Muscadet at peak maturity, released directly from the domaine’s cellar. Perfect for collectors, seafood pairings, or anyone seeking a true Muscadet revelation.

A rare, perfectly aged Muscadet from one of the Loire’s benchmark domaines. “L d’Or” is sourced from old-vine Melon de Bourgogne planted on mica-schist soils, producing a wine of remarkable depth and longevity.

The 2005 shows extraordinary maturity: layers of salted lemon, preserved citrus, crushed stone, dried herbs, and a subtle smoky minerality. On the palate, it’s beautifully evolved yet still vibrant, with the hallmark tension and salinity that define great Muscadet. Long, savory, and deeply textural, this is a stunning library release that proves just how well Muscadet can age.

A rare treat direct from the winery’s cellar — ideal for collectors and lovers of nuanced, maritime whites. Perfect with oysters, scallops, sushi, or aged cheeses.

Expert Reviews – Vintage 2021

Vinous 94 Points (Audrey Frick): Opens with rosemary, Mediterranean herbs, ripe cherries, and forest earth. Medium to full-bodied and classic in style, with well-defined tannins, bright acidity, and a long finish that keeps it fresh and balanced. Showing very well today and should drink beautifully over the next 15 years or more. Drink 2026–2041.

Winemaker Description

Le Ragnaie is perched at high elevation just south of the hill of Montalcino, led by Ricardo and Jennifer Campinoti. The estate produces some of the most compelling single-vineyard expressions of Brunello, with clarity, focus, and distinction between each cru. This 2021 is sourced from a selection of top vineyard sites, fermented in concrete with 35 days of skin contact, then aged three years in large Slavonian oak casks. Lifted aromas of dark cherry, ripe plum, and subtle spice, with a graceful, structured palate, fine-grained tannins, and a long, elegant finish.

Previous vintage (2020) earned 95pts Wine Advocate, 94pts Jeb Dunnuck, 93pts James Suckling & Vinous.

Pairing Suggestions

• Red Meat: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised short ribs, or lamb.
• Game: Wild boar, venison, or duck.
• Cheese: Aged Pecorino, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or Taleggio.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 97 Points | So pretty, charming and elegant, with floral aromas, light tannins and quiet vibrancy. Fresh raspberries, sour cherries, red cherries, rose petals and minerals give it complexity and appeal. Finesse, nerve and great balance. Drink now or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points | A bright red color, the 2023 Pinot Noir Roserock Zephirine offers focused and expressive notes of wild raspberries, framboise, rosy perfume, and sweet herbs. Medium-bodied, it has ripe tannins and an approachable feel, with its underlying mineral focus shining through the midpalate and finish. It’s delicious now but will only improve over the next 6-7 years and drink well over the coming 15 years.

Vinous 93 Points | The 2023 Pinot Noir Zéphirine wafts up with an understated blend of dried flowers, spiced citrus and wild strawberries. A stern mineral core and brisk acidity enliven the tart wild berry fruits. Youthful tension pinches at the cheeks, leaving angular tannins and admirable freshness.

Winemaker Description 

Bright wine with good herb and fruit intensity across the palate. Notes of boxwood, coriander, and tomato leaf with richer tropical fruits framed by citrus lime. Fresh, bright finish.

Enjoy on its own or with an array of appetizers, soft cheeses, grilled fish and seasonal salads.

Bodegas Portia is Grupo Faustino’s most recent winery project and is the 7th winery in the group. Located in the heart of Ribera del Duero, the Portia winery is a display of modern design, winemaking function and artistic detail. The brand offers very small production wines - intense, energetic & balanced. 

Harvesting at night allows the grapes to maintain all of their organoleptic qualities, as well as a balance between alcohol content and acidity. Once in the winery, the grapes are cold-macerated for a few hours before being pressed. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a low temperature to maintain all the characteristics of the best Verdejo white wine.

Winemaker Description 

Fruit aromas follow into the palate with a fresh acidity balanced by a lot of baking spices and a chalky tannin structure. The finish is long and smoky with a note of black pepper.

Schloss Lieser | Riesling Niederberg Helden Feinherb 2021 | Mosel, Germany

Thomas Haag's Niederberg Helden is one of the Mosel's most storied steep-slope sites — a south-facing amphitheater of blue Devonian slate just east of the village of Lieser. The slate imparts a signature mineral grip and cool-climate tension that defines this wine's character.

Feinherb is the winemaker's own style: poised between dry and semi-sweet, it is built for the table — the gentle residual sweetness cuts through spice, while the electric acidity stands up to rich, savory dishes.

The 2021 vintage was a cooler, more classic year in the Mosel, producing wines of exceptional energy and precision. This bottling delivers intense wild herb, crisp pear, and white peach on a sleek, compact frame, with a stony mineral undertow and impressive length. Drink now or cellar with confidence.

Tasting Notes - Vintage 2021

James Suckling — 94 Points: The intense wild herb character gives this sleek and compact 2021 Mosel a very striking personality. Lots of crisp pear and white peach fruit fill this picture out neatly. The impressive length suggests this has many years ahead of it. Drink or hold.

Wine Enthusiast — 90 Points (Aleks Zecevic): Well tuned and flowing with grace, this wine delivers notes of understated passion fruit and kumquat. A stony undertow adds to the charm and complexity. Not a blockbuster — for those who value nuance and subtlety.

Technical Details

Variety: Riesling  |  Vineyard: Niederberg Helden  |  Region: Mosel, Germany  |  Soil: Blue Devonian Slate  |  Fermentation: Stainless Steel  |  Size: 750ml

Winemaker Description 

The wine has been crafted from grapes cultivated at La Planta estate, owned by Arzuaga Navarro’s family in Quintanilla de Onésimo, the heart of Ribera del Duero. The soil is clay-calcareous and the subsoil is pure limestone at one meter under the surface. The vineyard altitude is 911 meters above sea level. These specific conditions provide distinct features of the wine.

The wine boasts a deep violet red color. Clean and bright with a range of red fruits (raspberry and cherry) that dominate with a high aromatic intensity, joined by balsamic, cacao, coffee, and roasted tones. Fresh, elegant, easy, and balanced in the mouth with a lightly sweet, toasted, and pleasant aftertaste.

Winemake Description 

Dry, crisp style with great acidity. Sourced from south-western sections of Zeltinger Himelreich, mid-slope and slate grown. Fermented in neutral fuder. Recognizable Pinot Blanc flavors but with the mineral energy of slate.

Importer Memo Notes

Variety: Pinot Blanc • Region: Mosel • Vineyard: Almost entirely from Zeltinger Himmelreich • Soil Type: Blue Devonian slate • Fermentation & Élevage: Natural fermentation in stainless steel.

Expert Reviews 

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | The NV Brut Pinot de Diel is an assemblage of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir, a réserve perpetuelle predominantly harvested in 2021. Aged sur lattes for two years and disgorged with a dosage of four grams per liter in May 2024, the wine opens with deep, bright and fresh, lemony fruit intertwined with delicate brioche, sur lie and also flinty terroir aromas. Round but dry and fresh on the palate, this is a medium to full-bodied Brut with a clear, long and mouth-cleansing finish. It's excellent in structure, complexity and length. 12% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine in Burg Layen in February 2025.

James Suckling 92 Points | This creamy, barely medium-bodied sparkling wine tastes very French, with appealing aromas and flavors of yellow apples, brioche and flint. The lively mousse deftly lifts the long candied-citrus finish. A cuvee based on the 2022 vintage plus some reserve wine, disgorged June 2025. Drink now.

Producer Notes

Variety: Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris (co-planted and co-fermented) • Region: Nahe • Vineyard: Various estate sites • Soil Type: Slate & quartzite • Fermentation & Élevage: Stainless steel fermentation and aging, minimum 20 months en tirage, dosage is sweet Pinot Gris aged in barrique.

Memo Summary Notes

The Schlossgut Diel Pinot de Diel Brut NV is a sophisticated German sparkling wine (Sekt) from the Nahe region. While many German sparkling wines are made from Riesling, this specific cuvée is a "Pinot" blend, modeled after the traditional Champagne style but with a distinct German terroir.

Schlossgut Diel is one of Germany’s most prestigious estates. While they are famous for their Grand Cru Rieslings, Caroline Diel spent time training in Champagne, and that influence is clear here. The "Pinot de Diel" is designed to be their "luncheon" sparkling—elegant enough for a celebration but versatile enough for the table.

Food Pairings

• Classic: Raw oysters, sashimi, or lightly fried calamari.

• German Pairing: Veal schnitzel with a squeeze of lemon.

• Casual: It is famously good with high-quality salty snacks like truffle popcorn or Marcona almonds.

A masterwork of Côte des Blancs terroir, the 2016 Special Club Grands Terroirs de Chardonnay represents Pierre Gimonnet's most prestigious cuvée—a blanc de blancs of extraordinary depth and complexity from one of Champagne's most revered grower estates.

Critical Acclaim

• 96 Points - James Suckling: "Fantastic aromatic complexity...creamy, sleek and layered. Very soft and fine bubbles."
• 95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck: "Rounded and attractive...elegant mousse, soft texture of citrus oil, and clean, chalky finish."
• 93 Points - Wine Advocate: "Full-bodied and concentrated...admirably consistent and age-worthy cuvée."
• 93 Points - Wine Spectator: "Compact and well-integrated...racy acidity and intensity. Drink now through 2036."
• 92 Points - Vinous: "Bright and focused, with terrific depth...an absolute delight."

Vineyard & Winemaking

• 100% Chardonnay from Grand Cru and Premier Cru parcels
• 58% Cramant Grand Cru (Buissons, Bateau, Gros Mont, Champ du Prévôt)
• 27% Chouilly Grand Cru (Mont Aigu)
• 15% Cuis Premier Cru (Roualles, Croix-Blanche)
• Includes fruit from vines planted in 1911 and 1913, worked with horses
• Pure chalk terroir expressing classic Côte des Blancs minerality
• Malolactic fermentation completed
• Fermented and aged in stainless steel to preserve purity
• Aged 60+ months on the lees
• Disgorged 2023-2024 | Dosage: 4-5g/L (Extra Brut)

Tasting Profile

Shimmering golden hue with persistent, fine bubbles. The nose reveals extraordinary aromatic complexity: walnut, quince, dried apricot, white cocoa, fresh-baked croissant, citrus zest, white flowers, and hazelnut. On the palate, it's creamy yet vibrant—layers of honeyed green apple, lemon oil, juicy peach and pear, blanched almond, and tangerine unfold with elegant mousse and soft texture. The finish is long, caressing, and mineral-driven with racy acidity and chalky precision. This is a Champagne of remarkable balance: approachable now yet built for extended aging through 2036 and beyond.

Perfect Pairings

Serve chilled (45-50°F) with grilled scallops, lobster risotto, Dover sole meunière, roasted chicken with herbs, creamy aged cheeses (Comté, aged Gruyère), or simply on its own as an aperitif. This is Champagne for connoisseurs—a wine that rewards contemplation and elevates any celebration.

Special Club is an elite designation reserved for Champagne's finest grower-producers, representing the pinnacle of their craft. Only 250 cases imported to the US.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Distinctive in a very good way, this chooses savory elegance over power. A refreshing and mineral-driven style, with appealing pepper, spice box and chestnut, all surrounding a core of red currant threaded with a stream of herbs. With warm earth on the seductively textured palate, this shows good energy and harmony through the vibrant finish, marked by iron and smoked meat. Well-done. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault. Drink now through 2032. 2,464 cases imported.

Vinous 92 Points | The 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Télégramme kicks off with crushed violets, ripe raspberry, wild strawberry and a pinch of dried herbs. Leafy gradations add more complexity. Round and elegant, the full-bodied 2022 walks off the stage with persistence on the juicy finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | The only wine produced in the vintage due to the devastating tornado just before the harvest, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Télégramme seems to be a mix of a normal Vieux Télégraphe and a Télégramme. Black raspberries, darker cherries, peppery garrigue, and a Grand Vin sense of salty minerality define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied on the palate, has rock-solid ripeness, plenty of tannins, and outstanding length.

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | A blend of 85% Grenache and the rest of Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvèdre, the 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Télégramme offers up aromas of flowers, dark cherries and dark wild berries, followed by a medium to full-bodied, structured and concentrated palate with velvety tannins and a long, dense finish.

James Suckling 92 Points | An elegant expression of grenache in Chateauneuf, this has a wealth of red berries and summer flowers. The very solid tannins have been expertly crafted, and they build beautifully in the long finish. Considering how the vineyards were hit by hail just before the harvest, this has turned out very well. 

Dirk Niepoort Nat Cool Bairrada Tinto — Bairrada, Portugal 2024 | Organic | 1L

Nat Cool is the brainchild of Dirk Niepoort — one of Portugal's most visionary winemakers and the owner of the legendary Niepoort Wines and Ports. Created as a response to a market hungry for fun, easygoing, naturally-made wines for everyday drinking, Nat Cool began in the Bairrada appellation working with Baga, Portugal's indigenous and notoriously tannic red grape. Dirk found a way to coax something entirely different from it: fresh, light, glou-glou Baga with 12% alcohol, minimal sulfur, and zero pretension — bottled in a generous 1-liter format at a cool price.

The 2024 Tinto is organic, vibrant, and built for the table. Expect crunchy red fruit — cherry, cranberry, and wild strawberry — with earthy undertones, bright acidity, and silky, low-extraction tannins. Serve slightly chilled and drink freely.

• Producer: Dirk Niepoort / Nat Cool, Bairrada, Portugal
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Bairrada, Portugal
• Varietal: Baga
• Certification: Organic
• Style: Light-bodied, fresh, low-sulfur natural red
• Format: 1 Liter
• Best Paired With: Charcuterie, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, pizza, casual weeknight meals

The Nat Cool rules: Less is more. Cooler = less extraction. Authentic, cool attitude. One liter bottle. Cool price. The incredible lightness of being.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 96 Points | The density and balance are so attractive here, with sliced apples, white pineapple and crushed stones. Hints of dried flowers, too, such as white roses and lilacs, as well as almonds. Medium-bodied with focus and subtle strength. Seemingly endless, with a bitter-lemon edge and nice reduction in the aftertaste of gun metal. Drink and enjoy.

Decanter 94 Points | Drouhin's Clos des Mouches 2023 exemplifies the vintage's potential for delicious whites. The wine has lush, forward aromas of Mirabelle plums and quince with hints of marzipan, butter and a suggestion of stylishly smoky reduction. The texture is supple and dense, but the richness is kept in balance and the extract carries the wine to a lingering finish. Parts of the 7ha vineyard have been replanted; the old vines that produce this bottling have delivered a wine of great character.

The Wine Advocate 93-94 Points | The 2023 Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches Blanc (Domaine) is another strong performance, delivering aromas of sweet pear, peach and mandarin mingled with buttered toast and mint. Full-bodied, rich and ample, it's layered and unctuous, with a seamless, satiny, textural profile and a long, lusty finish.

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Stylish and graceful, this white evokes lemon, apple, white flower and honey aromas and flavors. Almost seamless in its texture and balance, with finely meshed acidity providing lift and freshness. Excellent length.

Winemaker Notes

An outstanding wine. Pale yellow color. Complex floral nose of white lilac and white rose. Once open, fruity aromas come to the fore, evolving towards grilled hazelnut and almond. When the wine is more mature, the nose is surprisingly strong and fifteen minutes of aeration produce wonderful notes of white truffle, citron (cedrat), honey and nutmeg, elegantly meshed together. Very lively on the palate. Its rich texture is in evidence, but also its structure and minerality. It is round, but never heavy. Harmonious fullness in the aftertaste. This wine allies remarkably the complexity and elegance of a Bâtard-Montrachet with the power of a Corton-Charlemagne.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

Decanter 94 Points | Refined and elegant with dark cherry, raspberry and purple florals overlaid by wild herb and balsamic hints. Sapid, stony and bright with gentle power, fine structure and a quietly unfolding complexity.

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | From loess parcels, the 2021 Pinot Noir TS is from the Tschuppen. The purple-ruby colored wine opens with clear, fresh, well-defined cherry aromas with tart floral notes. Silky, fresh and elegant on the palate, this is a saline, tight and mineral, beautifully refreshing and tart-finishing Pinot Noir with tight but fine tannins and serious mineral acidity. From a remarkable terroir, this is a thirst-quenching Pinot of remarkable character, bone dry but irresistible. 12% stated alcohol. Tasted at the domaine in February 2024.

Importer Memo Notes 

Site: Tschuppen is a site at the top of the hill, loess over loam soils, vines are 12-20 years old.
Fermentation: Spontaneous  in stainless steel
Maceration: 6 Weeks on skins
Whole Cluster: 70% destemmed
Elevage: 2 years in large fuder, bottled without filtration

Winemaker Description

Nuanced, fruity taste with hints of barrels, wild raspberries, plums, nougat, blackberries, cedar, black tea, pepper and bay leaves.

Originally from Cádiz, the restless winemaker Verónica Ortega arrived in Bierzo after training for years with some of the greats, such as Álvaro Palacios and Daphne Glorian in Priorat, and Raúl Pérez in Bierzo.

She also worked at legendary Burgundy wineries, such as Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Domaine Combier in Crôzes-Hermitage. She eventually settled in Valtuille de Abajo, where she founded her own winery in 2010.

Verónica works five hectares of old vines, primarily planted with Mencía grapes using organic methods, with a touch of Palomino, Garnacha Tintorera, Merenzao, and Valenciana. In crafting her wines, Verónica Ortega seeks balance and transparency, aiming to express the most elegant side of Bierzo while preserving the character of the terroir.

Fresh, playful, and aged in clay amphorae, Quite is a light, juicy, and cheerful wine. It has a short aging period of 8 months. 

Wine Advocate 93 Points 2020 vintage.

Pre-Arrival - Expected date for delivery and/or pick up Thursday February 12, 2026

Expert Reviews

Isabel Ferrando’s reputation for outstanding wines has grown every vintage since her first release in 2003. As a woman owned business and winemaker, Isabel has built a tremendous reputation producing highly acclaimed wines. 

"Proprietress Isabel Ferrando has taken her Saint Prefert estate to France’s highest level, and she’s unquestionably making some of the most profound wines on earth today, including both reds and whites.”   —Wine Critic - Jeb Dunnuck

"Hard work. Subtle tweaks. Responsible farming. An uncompromising dedication to quality. Isabel Ferrando keeps doing things the right way, and her wines are dramatic proof.” —James Molesworth, Wine Spectator.

"one thing that remains constant is the incredible quality that continues to emerge from this talented winemaker.” Jeb Dunuck. 

The Wine Spectator 95 Points | A perfumed, elegant and complex version, with inviting, high-toned notes of red currant and cherry draped with warm licorice. The palate starts out supple, then solid ballasts of graphite and fine tannins firm everything up for a fresh, focused finish that wafts with smoked sandalwood. Brown bread, cinnamon and nutmeg add complexity, with penetrating mineral depth. Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvèdre. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | Based on 70% Clairette and 30% Roussanne and barrel fermented in demi-muid and foudre, the 2024 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc is gorgeous, pure, and layered. It offers honeyed white peach, white flowers, subtle croissant, and spice aromatics. Medium to full-bodied and incredibly layered, it has remarkable acidity and a great finish that shows sensational purity and length.

The Wine Advocate 94 Points | Ethereal, fresh and perfumed, the 2024 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc opens with aromas of white fruits, herbs, spices and confit citrus. Medium- to full-bodied, pure and seamless, it is layered and textured, leading to a long, penetrating finish of great finesse. All precision and delicacy, this blend of 70% Clairette and 30% Roussanne is a stunning wine. It matured for six months in a combination of barrels, foudres and amphorae.

Memo Summary Notes 

Isabel Ferrando’s reputation for outstanding wines has grown every vintage since her first release in 2003. As a woman owned business and winemaker, Isabel has built a tremendous reputation producing highly acclaimed wines. 

"Proprietress Isabel Ferrando has taken her Saint Prefert estate to France’s highest level, and she’s unquestionably making some of the most profound wines on earth today, including both reds and whites.”   —Wine Critic - Jeb Dunnuck

"Hard work. Subtle tweaks. Responsible farming. An uncompromising dedication to quality. Isabel Ferrando keeps doing things the right way, and her wines are dramatic proof.” —James Molesworth, Wine Spectator.

"one thing that remains constant is the incredible quality that continues to emerge from this talented winemaker.” Jeb Dunuck. 

Winemaker Description 

With the name Bàrbara Forés, the marriage of Carmen Ferrer and Manuel Sanmartín wanted to pay tribute to their great-grandmother Bárbara Forés, who was born in Gandesa on February 7, 1828.

Bárbara Forés, the daughter of a wine merchant (Rafael Forés) and an agricultural owner (Maria Figueras), was a person of great character and had a decisive influence on her son Rafael.

Rafael Ferrer Forés, a pharmacist and illustrious winegrower, constructed the cellar of the manor house where he began bottling wine at the end of the 19th century.

Bárbara Forés, therefore, represents respect and tradition in the production of wines, passed down from generation to generation for more than a hundred years in their house.

The 2023 Ridge Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon marks the first return of this historic cuvée since 2007 — a blend of Monte Bello estate fruit and neighboring vineyards (Bates Ranch, Fellom Ranch, Vidovich), aged 16 months in 100% American oak. A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot, it is a superb access point to the Ridge house style at a more approachable price.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

Owen Bargreen — 93 Points | Refined and elegant on the tongue, as toasty oak caresses a gorgeous core of dark currants, black cherry compote, and espresso bean notes alongside gravelly soils. Very fresh and vibrant with terrific acidity. Drink 2025–2035.

Vinous — 93 Points | Taut and structured, opening with dark fruit, cracked pepper, smoked meat, tobacco leaf, and cedar, all enshrouded in firm, chalky tannins that lead to a long, savory finish. A very fine access point to the Ridge house style. — Billy Norris

Wine Enthusiast — 93 Points + Cellar Selection | Aromas of black plum, clove, and ajwain draw in the nose, while the palate picks up licorice and more black plum alongside a firm structure. — Matt Kettmann

Wine Advocate — 92 Points | A lush nose of sweet black fruits, pine needles, sage, and a gourmand touch of vanilla pod introduces a soft, velvety, and pliable palate, ending with a pure, mouthwatering finish. A solid, accessible, and over-performing example of Santa Cruz Mountain Cabernet. — Matthew Luczy

Wine Spectator — 92 Points | Lively singed mesquite and savory notes up front, with juicy red currant, bitter cherry, and plum coulis held in check by nicely chiseled tannins. Best from 2027 through 2038. — James Molesworth

• Producer: Ridge Vineyards
• Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, California
• Vineyards: Monte Bello Estate + Bates Ranch, Fellom Ranch, Vidovich
• Blend: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot
• Aging: 16 months, 100% American oak
• Farming: Organic
• Vintage: 2023
• Drink: Now through 2038
• Format: 750ml