Share your thoughts - Win $50 Gift Card!

Cline Rock Carved Cabernet Sauvignon — Alexander Valley 2023

In prehistoric times, a rampaging Russian River carved the Alexander Valley — leaving behind sedimentary rock that defines the vineyard soils to this day, while the towering surrounding hills trap summer heat like an oven. It is this dramatic geological history that gives Rock Carved its name and its character. The wine is sourced from the Rio Lago Vineyard, owned and managed by the Horowitz family since 1990 — a site at the western foothills of the Mayacamas Mountain range that experiences one of the wettest microclimates within the Alexander Valley AVA. Planted in diverse clay-loam and silty-loam soils, the vineyard is cooled each evening by marine air moving in along the Russian River from the Pacific Ocean. The combination of daytime heat to ripen the grapes and cool evening air to preserve freshness and acidity is the key to producing ultra-premium quality Cabernet Sauvignon here.

Grapes are hand-harvested at night, sorted, and gently destemmed. Fermentation is carried out by native yeasts, warming to temperatures peaking at 100°F, with the wine left on skins for 24 days. After gentle pressing, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in barrel and ages for 14 months in 50% new French oak. The result is full-bodied, multilayered, and genuinely complex: blackberry, black plum, and black currant, with cedar, leather, and mocha, balanced acidity, smooth rich tannins, and a long, powerful finish. James Suckling awarded it 91 points; Wine Enthusiast 90 points.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling — 91 Points
“A robust, muscular, full-flavored and full-bodied wine that loads a ton of blackberry, black-cherry and cocoa flavors onto a frame of sturdy tannins. Cloves, cedar and toast add complexity to the core of dark fruit.”

Wine Enthusiast — 90 Points
“This dark and intense Cabernet shows aromas of roasted plum compote, licorice, shattered granite, and cinnamon on the nose. The palate possesses a wealth of rich tannin, with flavors of blackberry pie, pithy orange, violets, and grilled bread along the finale.”

• Producer: Cline Cellars, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County
• Vineyard: Rio Lago Vineyard (Horowitz Family)
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Aging: 14 months in 50% new French oak
• Size: 750ml
• Style: Robust, muscular, full-bodied Alexander Valley Cabernet
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, black plum, black currant, cedar, leather, mocha, cocoa, cloves, sturdy tannins
• Drink Window: Now–2032
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb, BBQ brisket, aged hard cheeses

Carved by geology, defined by terroir — Cline Rock Carved 2023 is Alexander Valley Cabernet at its most powerful.

Turnbull Wine Cellars | Oakville, Napa Valley, California | 2022

From the heart of Oakville — one of Napa Valley's most coveted appellations — Turnbull's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon draws on fruit from the estate's Leopoldina and Fortuna Vineyards. The 2022 vintage expresses the softer, riper character of the year with authority: a full-bodied, fruit-forward wine with sweet tannins, refined structure, and the depth to reward patience. Perfumed, polished, and built for the cellar.

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant, Oakville estate fruit
Drink: Now–2034 | Best from 2028

Tasting Notes

• Wild blackberries, mulberries, blood plums, black cherries
• Cedar, tobacco, dried herbs, loam, hints of mint
• Chocolate and violet on the mid-palate
• Full body | Sweet, supple tannins | Focused acidity | Good length

Critical Acclaim - Vintage 2022

• 93 pts — James Suckling: "Perfumed aromas of wild blackberries, mulberries and dried herbs... refined and balanced. Drinkable now, but best from 2028."
• 92 pts — Jeb Dunnuck: "Ripe, full-bodied, fruit-forward... sweet tannins and good length. Will drink well for 8–10 years."
• 91 pts — Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Full-bodied and supple... black cherries and loam with hints of mint and cedar."

Turnbull. Stay true.

Kendall-Jackson | Santa Barbara County, California | Chardonnay | 2023

Santa Barbara County's unique east-west mountain orientation channels cold Pacific breezes deep into the estate vineyards of the Santa Maria and Los Alamos Valleys — a geological quirk that produces grapes of exceptional intensity and natural acidity. Aged in partly new French oak, the Grand Reserve Chardonnay delivers a creamy, layered texture grounded by bright minerality from the region's calcareous soils. This is KJ at its most refined: lush, structured, and built for the table.

Clones: Dijon and Rued
Oak: Partly new French oak
Drink: Now–2028

Tasting Notes

• Lush tropical fruit, citrus, and floral notes on the nose
• Vanilla, spice, and calciferous minerality on the palate
• Creamy mouthfeel | Bright acidity | Long, rich finish

Pairings: Crab cakes, scallops, roast chicken, soft cheeses, creamy pasta

Wente Vineyards Riva Ranch Chardonnay — Arroyo Seco, Monterey 2023

Wente Vineyards planted Riva Ranch in 1961, long before Arroyo Seco had a reputation to speak of. Karl L. Wente saw what others missed: a cool, wind-driven corridor carved by the Santa Lucia Range, with gravelly loam soils and a microclimate that forces vines to work for every degree of ripeness. Over sixty years later, Riva Ranch remains the heart of the Wente estate — and the 2023 vintage is a compelling argument for why this vineyard matters.

The nose is warm and precise: ripe golden apple, caramelized pineapple, toasted brioche, and a lift of white flower. On the palate, the wine is lush and slightly viscous, with a creamy mid-palate of crème brûlée, roasted hazelnut, and buttery oak. Bright, carefully integrated acidity keeps the wine honest and the finish long. This is a Chardonnay that earns its richness — shaped by place, not formula.

Tasting Panel 93 • James Suckling 91 • Wine Enthusiast 90 — "Fresh and vibrant, with butterscotch adhering to a stony frame. Creamy oak, fine acid structure, and pleasing mango and banana."

• Producer: Wente Vineyards, Livermore Valley, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Arroyo Seco, Monterey, California
• Vineyard: Riva Ranch Estate
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Golden apple, caramelized pineapple, toasted brioche, crème brûlée, roasted hazelnut, buttery oak
• Best Paired With: Roast chicken, lobster bisque, grilled halibut, aged Gruyère, creamy pasta

A 93-point California Chardonnay at an honest price — Wente's Riva Ranch is the benchmark for what Arroyo Seco can be.

Decoy by Duckhorn Red & White Bundle — California

Decoy is Duckhorn Wine Company’s approachable everyday label — built on the same winemaking philosophy as their celebrated Napa flagship wines but priced for the table. This four-bottle bundle pairs two of Decoy’s most beloved reds with two of their most expressive whites, offering a perfectly balanced selection for entertaining, gifting, or simply stocking a versatile house cellar.

Two reds, two whites. Duckhorn quality across the board — 15% off individual prices.

Reds:

• Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon California 2023 — Classic California Cab, rich and structured with dark fruit and a smooth, lingering finish
• Decoy Pinot Noir California 2023 — Silky and lush, with black cherry, wild strawberry, and a refined, elegant finish

Whites:

• Decoy Sauvignon Blanc 2024 — Bright tropical fruit, lively acidity, and a refreshing, vibrant finish
• Decoy Sonoma County Chardonnay 2024 — Creamy and balanced, with stone fruit, light oak, and a smooth finish

Producer: Duckhorn Wine Company (Decoy Label), California

Format: 4 × 750ml bottles

Bundle Price: $70.52 (15% off individual prices of $82.96)

Best For: Entertaining, gifting, mixed case building, date night

The best of Decoy — four bottles, one great price.

From one of the pioneering wineries of the Russian River Valley, Davis Bynum River West Vineyard Chardonnay 2023 captures the richness and elegance that have made this region one of California's premier homes for Chardonnay. Sourced from the acclaimed River West Vineyard, this beautifully balanced wine combines vibrant fruit, refreshing acidity, and refined texture. 

The nose opens with expressive aromas of Gala apple, ripe nectarine, lemon peel, and toasted hazelnut, accented by delicate hints of citrus blossom and vanilla. On the palate, layers of orchard fruit and bright citrus unfold across a rich, textured mouthfeel. Fresh acidity provides lift and energy, while subtle oak influence adds complexity without overwhelming the wine's natural fruit character. The finish is long and polished, with lingering notes of salted lemon, pineapple, and baking spice.

A versatile and food-friendly Chardonnay, this Russian River Valley bottling pairs beautifully with roast chicken, grilled salmon, lobster, crab cakes, creamy pasta dishes, and aged cheeses.

Wine Enthusiast – 92 Points
"Aromas of Gala apple, nectarine, toasted hazelnut and lemon peel drive the nose of this acid-forward Chardonnay. The palate gives rich, pithy texture and sunny flavors of tart pineapple and citrus blossom, with salty lemon lingering on the finish." — Tom R. Capo

Tasting Notes

• Aromas: Gala apple, nectarine, lemon peel, toasted hazelnut
• Palate: Tart pineapple, citrus blossom, orchard fruit, subtle vanilla
• Body: Medium to full-bodied
• Style: Rich, vibrant, and beautifully balanced
• Finish: Long, fresh, and mineral-driven with lingering citrus notes

An elegant Russian River Valley Chardonnay that delivers both richness and precision, showcasing the distinctive character of one of California's most celebrated wine regions.

James Suckling 92 Points | Bright aromas of flowers, angelica and apricots with an undertone of sulphur smoke. Silky attack,light to medium body and graceful, refreshing acidity. 

Vinous 90 Points |  The 2024 Soave Classico Vin Soave is sweetly scented, mixing mint, chamomile and lime zest with green melon. soft-textured yet energetic, it washes across the palate with ripe orchard fruits and crisp mineral tones, leaving a lovely saline tinge. (EG)

JR
Jancis Robinson
Review Date: 05/2025
The wine is bright and lively and the lime-and-grapefruit mid palate has both zip and a little roundness. A little grassy in a way that makes it the most perfect wine for baby broad bean, pea, edamame or asparagus dishes. Textbook. (TC) 

San Felice — Rosso Toscana IGT 2023

San Felice is one of Chianti Classico's most storied estates — a historic borgo in Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the southern reaches of the zone, with vineyards that have been producing wine for centuries. The estate is also home to one of Italy's most important ampelographic collections, preserving rare and ancient Tuscan grape varieties. The Rosso Toscana is their everyday expression: a wine built for the table, not the cellar, blending Sangiovese with complementary indigenous varieties to deliver the kind of honest, food-friendly red that Tuscany does better than anywhere.

The 2023 shows a young, rich ruby in the glass. The nose is refreshing and inviting — raspberry, cherry, and lavender — with a harmonious, easy-drinking palate that is fruit-forward without being simple. This is the bottle you open on a Tuesday, pour freely, and finish without regret. Serve it slightly cool alongside pasta, light meats, fish soups, or a simple charcuterie spread.

• Producer: San Felice, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Rosso Toscana IGT
• Varietal: Sangiovese-based blend
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Raspberry, cherry, lavender, fresh and harmonious
• Serve: Slightly cool, 14–16°C
• Best Paired With: Pasta, light meats, fish soups, charcuterie, pizza

Honest Tuscan red at an honest price — San Felice's Rosso is the everyday bottle that over-delivers every time.

Gravel-rooted and ungrafted — pure Carmenere from the ancient riverbed soils of Maipo.

The De Martino brothers have spent decades quietly assembling something rare: a collection of ungrafted vines in two of Chile's most historically significant wine regions. This Carmenere comes from the Isla de Maipo — a natural island formed where the Maipo River splits and rejoins — where deep gravel deposits left by the old riverbed create the ideal terroir for Bordeaux varieties to thrive without irrigation or intervention.

Vines averaging 25–30 years old are farmed sustainably and harvested by hand. Fermentation is spontaneous with wild yeast in stainless steel, followed by malolactic fermentation, then aging for approximately 8 months in a combination of older French oak and concrete vats. No makeup. No shortcuts. Just the place.

In the glass, expect ripe red and blue fruit — plum, blackberry, dried cherry — layered with warm spice, cocoa, and a whisper of graphite from the gravel soils. The palate is generous but structured, with a freshness that keeps everything in balance. This is Carmenere as it was always meant to be: varietal, terroir-driven, and deeply Chilean.

Winery: De Martino Ungrafted | Grape: 100% Carmenere | Vintage: 2024 | Region: Maipo Valley, Chile | Size: 750ml

• Vineyard: Santa Inés, Isla de Maipo — east/west orientation, deep gravel soils over old Maipo riverbed
• Viticulture: Sustainable farming, hand harvest, ungrafted vines (avg. 25–30 years)
• Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation with wild yeast in stainless steel; malolactic fermentation in stainless steel
• Aging: ~8 months in older French oak barrels and concrete vats
• Production: Boutique, single-vineyard, estate-grown

Castello di Bossi — Corbaia Toscana IGT 2022

Castello di Bossi is one of the benchmark estates of Castelnuovo Berardenga, in the southern reaches of Chianti Classico, with a history stretching back to the 13th century. Corbaia — named for the vineyard of Cabernet Sauvignon planted on the estate some 42 years ago — is their flagship Super-Tuscan: a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, fermented in stainless steel and matured in Allier oak barriques. The result is a wine of superb finesse and elegance, where the structure of Cabernet and the soul of Sangiovese find a natural equilibrium.

The 2022 is heady and explosive. Intense ruby-red with garnet highlights, it opens with a rush of dark fruit, new leather, blood orange, spice, and pipe tobacco — backed by jammy black currants, cherries, cassis, mocha, and vanilla. On the palate it is full-bodied yet supple, layered with rich texture and well-integrated tannins, with no hard edges and terrific balance. Pure and total sensuality, as Vinous put it — and they awarded it 95 points.

Vinous 95 — "The 2022 Corbaia is heady and explosive in the glass. A rush of dark fruit, new leather, blood orange, spice and pipe tobacco soars out of the glass. Rich yet not at all heavy, Corbaia delivers the goods. Readers will find a wine of pure and total sensuality with no hard edges and terrific balance."

• Producer: Castello di Bossi, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Toscana IGT (Super-Tuscan)
• Blend: Sangiovese & Cabernet Sauvignon
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation, Allier oak barrique aging
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark fruit, blood orange, leather, tobacco, cassis, mocha, vanilla, integrated tannins
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar through 2035
• Best Paired With: Grilled lamb chops, ribeye steak, meats alla Diavola, Béarnaise sauces, aged Pecorino

A 95-point Super-Tuscan at $64 — Corbaia 2022 is Castello di Bossi at its most compelling.

Domaine Moreau-Naudet Chablis 2024 — Chablis, Burgundy

Domaine Moreau-Naudet is one of Chablis’ most revered estates, with roots stretching back to the 17th century. The domaine as it exists today was born in 1950 from the marriage of Marie Naudet and René Moreau, and was elevated to greatness by Stéphane Moreau — a winemaker of extraordinary talent whose untimely passing in 2016 was a profound loss to the wine world. His family and team have carried on his vision with unwavering dedication: organic treatments only, manual harvesting, natural yeast fermentation in stainless steel, and aging on the lees for depth and texture. Their style draws frequent comparisons to Vincent Dauvissat — extreme purity, intensity, and a distinct sense of place.

The 2024 Chablis is vinified entirely in tank, preserving the appellation’s signature freshness and minerality. The nose offers lemon peel, spring flowers, and a youthful reductive lift. On the palate it is medium- to full-bodied and racy, with bright, precise acidity and a long, saline finish that is unmistakably Chablis.

Wine Advocate — “Racy palate framed by bright acids, concluding with a saline finish.”

• Producer: Domaine Moreau-Naudet, Chablis, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Chablis AOC
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Farming: Organic treatments, manual harvest, low yields
• Winemaking: Natural yeast, stainless steel, lees aging 10–11 months
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon peel, spring flowers, saline minerality, bright acidity, clean finish
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled sole, sea bass, lobster, fresh goat cheese, sushi

A benchmark village Chablis at an honest price — Moreau-Naudet is the standard for what Chablis purity and terroir expression can be.

Domaine Hoffmann-Jayer Côtes de Nuits-Villages Clos de Magny 2020 — Burgundy

Domaine Hoffmann-Jayer is based in Magny-les-Villers, at the crossroads of the Hautes Côtes de Beaune and Hautes Côtes de Nuits — a ten-hectare estate with a remarkable range of appellations, from Échezeaux Grand Cru down to village-level Côtes de Nuits-Villages. Under Alexandre’s stewardship, every parcel is treated with equal rigor: hand-harvesting across the board, no chemical herbicides or pesticides, organic certification in progress, and early experiments with biodynamics. The results are already thrilling — wines of precision, depth, and a distinct sense of terroir that punch well above their appellation level.

The 2020 Clos de Magny is a wine built for the cellar. James Suckling awarded it 92 points, noting “plenty of blackberry and black cherry fruit wrapped around ample fine tannins” and a “long, well-structured finish” suggesting many years of life ahead. Still in an early phase of development, it is best from 2026 — but already compelling.

James Suckling 92 — “Long, well-structured finish suggests this has many years of life ahead of it.”

• Producer: Domaine Hoffmann-Jayer, Magny-les-Villers, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Côtes de Nuits-Villages AOC
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Farming: Hand-harvested, no chemicals, organic certification in progress, biodynamic trials
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, black cherry, fine tannins, well-structured, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or best from 2026+, many years ahead
• Best Paired With: Roast duck, lamb chops, mushroom dishes, aged Époisses, beef bourguignon

A 92-point village Burgundy at an honest price — Hoffmann-Jayer’s Clos de Magny is the benchmark for what Côtes de Nuits-Villages can be.

Domaine Harmand-Geoffroy Gevrey-Chambertin Vieilles Vignes — Burgundy 2022

Domaine Harmand-Geoffroy is one of Gevrey-Chambertin’s most respected family estates, farming some of the village’s finest parcels with meticulous care and an unwavering commitment to terroir expression. The Vieilles Vignes cuvée is sourced from the Champ Perrier lieu-dit on the Brochon side of the appellation, where vines averaging 50 to 60+ years of age dig deep into the limestone-rich soils to produce fruit of extraordinary concentration, complexity, and character. Rated Outstanding by Burghound — the highest accolade from the world’s foremost Burgundy authority — the 2022 is a serious, age-worthy Gevrey-Chambertin villages that demands attention and rewards patience.

The nose is brooding and sauvage: black cherry, forest floor, subtle oak, and an overtly wild, mineral-inflected aromatic profile of real depth. On the palate, it is solidly concentrated and quite powerful for a village-level wine — medium-bodied with evident minerality, abundant sap buffering a firm tannic spine, and a serious, lingering finish of impressive length. A Gevrey villages that drinks like a premier cru and will reward cellaring for a decade or more.

Burghound — Outstanding — 90 Points - “Subtle though still easily discerned wood on the brooding and overtly sauvage-inflected black cherry and forest floor aromas. Solidly concentrated and quite powerful, with evident minerality on the serious and lingering finish where abundant sap buffers the firm tannic spine. An excellent, age-worthy Gevrey villages worth checking out.” (Vintage 2022). 

• Producer: Domaine Harmand-Geoffroy, Gevrey-Chambertin, Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Gevrey-Chambertin AOC
• Lieu-Dit: Champ Perrier, Brochon
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vine Age: 50–60+ years
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, forest floor, subtle oak, sauvage minerality, concentrated, firm tannins, long powerful finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink 2026–2040+
• Best Paired With: Roast duck, venison, beef bourguignon, lamb rack, aged Comté or Époisses

Fifty-plus-year-old vines, Burghound Outstanding, and a tannic spine built for the cellar — Harmand-Geoffroy’s Vieilles Vignes is Gevrey-Chambertin at its most compelling.

Carpano Classico Vermouth Rosso — Turin, Italy | 16% ABV

Carpano Classico is the everyday expression from the house that invented vermouth — and it delivers the full depth of Turin craftsmanship at an approachable price. Positioned between the Dry and the legendary Antica Formula, Classico is the Carpano for the table: the go-to sweet vermouth for Negronis, Americanos, and Manhattans, built from the same 1786 heritage and the same commitment to botanical precision that defines the entire Carpano range. Rich, aromatic, and endlessly versatile, it is the bottle that earns a permanent spot behind every serious home bar.

The nose is warm and inviting: ripe red fruit, aromatic herbs, and a gentle spice that speaks to the quality of the botanical blend. On the palate, it is smooth and well-rounded — a classic sweet vermouth profile with balanced sweetness, herbal complexity, and a clean, lingering finish. Equally at home in a Negroni, stirred into a Manhattan, or served over ice with a splash of soda as a classic Americano aperitif.

“Carpano Classico brings the 1786 Turin heritage to the everyday pour — the approachable sweet vermouth that belongs in every serious cocktail repertoire.”

• Producer: Carpano Distillery, Turin, Piedmont, Italy (est. 1786)
• Style: Sweet (Red) Vermouth — Rosso Classico
• ABV: 16%
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe red fruit, aromatic herbs, gentle spice, smooth and well-rounded, clean herbal finish
• Best Served: In a Negroni, Manhattan, Americano, or Boulevardier — or over ice with soda as an aperitif
• Food Pairings: Charcuterie, aged cheeses, olives, antipasto, dark chocolate
• Storage: Refrigerate after opening

Approachable, aromatic, and rooted in 235 years of Turin tradition — Carpano Classico is the benchmark for what an everyday sweet vermouth should be.

A vibrant, characterful red from one of Chile’s most exciting natural-minded producers, Roberto Henriquez País Verde 2025 is made from 100% País grown in the Secano Interior of the Bío Bío Valley in southern Chile. Fresh, lifted, and full of energy, this is a beautifully expressive wine that highlights the purity of old-vine País with bright fruit, floral aromatics, and a lively, juicy finish. Open-source retailer notes describe the wine as 100% País, made with carbonic maceration, with floral notes, tart red fruit, and juicy flavors, and RAW WINE lists Roberto Henríquez in Bio Bio Valley, Itata, Chile.

On the palate, expect a light- to medium-bodied red with notes of wild red berries, tart cherry, rose petals, and fresh herbs, supported by gentle spice and a refreshing, chillable profile. This is the kind of red that shines with a slight chill and pairs effortlessly with charcuterie, grilled sausage, roast chicken, or simply good company around the table. The same retailer notes specifically suggest pairings such as chorizo sausage or fresh fish off the grill.

• Producer: Roberto Henriquez
• Wine: País Verde
• Vintage: 2025
• Country: Chile
• Region: Secano Interior, Bío Bío Valley
• Grape Variety: 100% País
• Style: Fresh, juicy, chillable red wine
• Winemaking: Carbonic maceration
• Alcohol: 12% ABV
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Tasting Notes

Bright and energetic, with aromas and flavors of:

• Tart red berries
• Cherry and cranberry
• Floral notes
• Fresh herbs
• Juicy, savory finish

Food Pairing

Excellent with:

• Ibérico ham and charcuterie
• Chorizo
• Grilled fish
• Roast poultry
• Light tapas

Kistler Vineyards · Pinot Noir · Russian River Valley · 2024

Since 1978, Kistler Vineyards has set the benchmark for Burgundian-inspired winemaking in California. Their Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is sourced from vineyards along the Gravenstein Ridge — red, gravelly soils from the Sebastopol series that deliver the kind of cool-climate tension and mineral precision rarely found outside Burgundy itself. The vines are planted to Kistler's proprietary heritage clones, descended from Grand Cru Burgundy selections refined over 25 years of meticulous field work, prized for their low yields, small berries, and extraordinary site expression. At $85.99, this is one of California's most sought-after Pinot Noirs — and one of the most fairly priced at this level of pedigree.

The 2024 is harvested by hand at night to preserve freshness, 100% destemmed, and fermented in open-top tanks with native yeasts — only free-run juice collected, no pressing. Ten months in French oak (38% new, hand-stacked cooperage air-dried in St. Romain), then bottled unfined and unfiltered. The result: a complex bouquet of red currant, smoked earth, and exotic florals, leading to a seamless, medium-bodied palate with silky tannins and a long, mineral-driven finish. Drink now through 2032+.

• Producer: Kistler Vineyards
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Sub-Region: Gravenstein Ridge
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir (heritage Kistler clones)
• Vinification: Hand harvested at night · 100% destemmed · Native yeast · Open-top fermenters · Free-run juice only · 10 months French oak (38% new) · Unfined & unfiltered
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red currant, smoked earth, exotic florals, silky tannins, mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2032+
• Food Pairings: Duck confit, mushroom risotto, lamb chops, aged Comté

Heritage Burgundy clones, Gravenstein Ridge terroir, and 45+ years of Kistler precision — Russian River Pinot Noir at its most compelling.

Tenuta Guado al Tasso Vermentino di Bolgheri 2024 — Tuscany

Tenuta Guado al Tasso is the Antinori family’s crown jewel on the Tuscan coast — a 1,000-hectare estate in Bolgheri, the appellation that gave the world Sassicaia and Ornellaia. This Vermentino is a deliberate act of terroir recovery: a revival of one of the indigenous varieties of the Tyrrhenian coast, recognized since the 1990s for its aromatic brilliance. Bolgheri’s unique microclimate — shaped by the estate’s coastal orientation and proximity to the sea — gives the wine its defining character: pronounced minerality, vivid freshness, and expressive aromatics that few Italian whites can match.

The nose is fragrant and coastal: white flowers, citrus blossom, green apple, and a saline mineral lift. On the palate it is crisp and focused, with bright acidity, a clean herbal thread, and a long, sea-breeze finish. The Tyrrhenian coast in a glass.

Antinori’s coastal estate — Bolgheri Vermentino at its most expressive.

• Producer: Tenuta Guado al Tasso, Marchese Antinori, Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Vermentino di Bolgheri DOC
• Varietal: 100% Vermentino
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White flowers, citrus blossom, green apple, saline minerality, herbal finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled branzino, seafood pasta, oysters, burrata, light antipasti

A coastal Tuscan white at an honest price — Guado al Tasso’s Vermentino is the benchmark for what Bolgheri white wine can be.

Mauro Molino Barolo Bricco Luciani — Piedmont 2022

Mauro Molino is one of La Morra’s most respected producers, farming some of the Langhe’s finest single-vineyard sites with a commitment to expressing terroir with clarity and precision. Bricco Luciani is a prized cru in La Morra, its limestone-rich soils with a touch of sand delivering Barolo of distinctive elegance — bright, aromatic, and structured with the kind of finesse that rewards both early drinking and patient cellaring. Just 4,456 bottles were produced.

The 2022 vintage opens with wild raspberries, pressed flowers, sweet orange peel, blood orange, aromatic dried herbs, and bark. On the palate, it is medium-to-full-bodied with expanding tannins, refreshing acidity, a saline edge that keeps it lively, and a beautifully polished, accessible finish. Aged 18–20 months in a mix of large oak and barrique, it offers more immediacy than many Barolo sites while retaining the structure to evolve gracefully over the next decade and beyond.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 • Vinous 93 • James Suckling 93 — “Drink 2026–2038.”

• Producer: Mauro Molino, La Morra, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Barolo DOCG
• Vineyard: Bricco Luciani, La Morra — limestone with sand
• Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
• Aging: 18–20 months in large oak and barrique
• Production: 4,456 bottles
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Wild raspberry, pressed flowers, blood orange, dried herbs, chalk, mint, saline finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink 2026–2038; decant if opening now
• Best Paired With: Braised short ribs, roast lamb, truffle risotto, aged Parmigiano, wild boar ragù

A single-vineyard Barolo of rare elegance and limited production — Bricco Luciani is Mauro Molino at his very best.

Made by the talented winemaker José Luis Mateo, Candea Blanco is a blend of Treixadura, Doña Blanca, and Verdello. This is a delightful white wine from Galicia that bursts with aromas of white peaches, citrus fruit, and cantaloupe. On the palate, the wine is fresh and lively with notes of green apples, lime, and white blossom flowers. The finish is dry and very precise.

- Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67 Wine Buyer

Fresh, bright, and made for easy enjoyment, Gulp Hablo Rosé is a lively Spanish rosé that delivers pure warm-weather appeal in a convenient can. Produced by Bodegas Parra Jiménez in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain, this cheerful rosé is crisp, refreshing, and bursting with easy-drinking charm. Expect vibrant notes of citrus and watermelon with juicy, mouthwatering fruit, a clean dry finish, and an upbeat, picnic-ready personality. Serve well chilled and enjoy it anywhere — from spring gatherings and rooftop hangs to beach days, park picnics, and casual dinners.

Fun, approachable, and effortlessly refreshing, this is the kind of rosé you’ll want to keep cold all season long. The producer is known for farming with organic and biodynamic practices, and the Gulp Hablo range is also presented as vegan process by the importer.

Pielihueso · 'Primero' Blanco · Los Chacayes, Uco Valley · 2025

"Skin and bones" — that's what Pielihueso means in Spanish, and it captures the philosophy perfectly: nothing added, nothing taken away, just the raw expression of the land. This family project began in 2017 when Alejandro Bartolomé — a lifelong organic farmer — and his daughter Celina planted vines in Los Chacayes and Los Sauces, two high-altitude subregions of the Uco Valley in Tunuyán, Mendoza. The labels were designed by daughter Carmela, drawn from her brother's artwork. Everything here is a family affair. The vines — now 13 years old — grow in sandy, alluvial soils at elevation, farmed organically with no corrections in the cellar: native yeast fermentation, co-fermented in stainless steel, and a minimal sulfur addition only at bottling. The result is exactly what the Bartolomés set out to make: light, bright, clean, and vibrant. At $21.99, it's one of the most honest and charming whites coming out of Argentina right now.

The 2025 'Primero' Blanco is a co-fermented blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, showing a pale straw color with a fresh, aromatic nose of white peach, citrus blossom, and green apple. On the palate: crisp and lively with a clean, mineral-driven finish and just enough texture from the sandy soils to give it presence. Serve well-chilled as an aperitif or alongside light summer dishes. Drink now through 2026.

• Producer: Pielihueso (Bartolomé family, est. 2017)
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Los Chacayes, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
• Blend: Chardonnay & Sauvignon Blanc
• Soils: Sandy, alluvial · High altitude
• Vinification: Organic · Co-fermented in stainless steel · Native yeast · No corrections · Minimal sulfur at bottling
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: White peach, citrus blossom, green apple, crisp acidity, clean mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2026
• Food Pairings: Grilled fish, ceviche, fresh goat cheese, summer salads, light pasta

A family-farmed, organically grown Uco Valley white — skin and bones winemaking at its most refreshing.

Mauro Molino Barbaresco Giacosa — Piedmont 2023

Mauro Molino is best known for his celebrated Barolo wines from La Morra, but his Barbaresco Giacosa is a compelling reminder that his talent extends across the Langhe. Sourced from an east-facing site in Treiso — one of Barbaresco’s most prized communes — and produced in very small quantities, this is a wine of precision, elegance, and genuine cellar ambition.

The 2023 pours a bright, transparent ruby. The nose is classically Nebbiolo: fresh raspberries, dusty earth, flowers, and anise. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with a cooling, tense feel, refreshing acidity, and well-defined structure. Aged in a 3,000-liter barrel and one tonneau, the oak is perfectly integrated — supporting rather than obscuring the wine’s natural finesse. Built to drink from 2026 and evolve gracefully through 2040.

“Cooling feel with refreshing tension and well-defined structure.” — Jeb Dunnuck, 94 Points

• Producer: Mauro Molino, La Morra, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Barbaresco DOCG
• Vineyard: Giacosa, Treiso — east-facing
• Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
• Aging: 3,000-liter barrel and one tonneau
• Production: Very small quantities
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh raspberry, dusty earth, flowers, anise, cooling tension, structured finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink 2026–2040
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, braised veal, truffle pasta, aged Parmigiano, wild mushroom risotto

A 94-point Barbaresco from one of Piedmont’s most trusted names — Giacosa is a rare find built for the long haul.

The Franz Gojer St. Magdalener Vigna Rondell 2025 is a premium, single-site Alto Adige red wine (approx. 93% Schiava, 7% Lagrein) produced from a steep, sandy moraine site (350m) in Bolzano. It is known for a, structured, yet elegant profile, featuring cherry and spicy notes, typically aged in large wooden barrels.

Country: Italy
Region: Alto Adige / Südtirol
Appellation: Südtirol DOC / St. Magdalener
Producer: Franz Gojer / Glögglhof
Grape Variety: Vernatsch / Schiava
Vintage: 2025
Wine Type: Red Wine

Franz Gojer’s St. Magdalener Rondell 2025 comes from the producer’s prized Rondell cru, considered one of his best parcels of Schiava in the St. Magdalener zone. This is a more serious and structured expression of Schiava, while still preserving the elegance, lift, and freshness that make Alto Adige reds so distinctive.

Sourced from older vines planted on a terraced, east-facing slope, this bottling shows more depth and complexity than a lighter everyday Schiava. It offers the grape’s classic charm — red berries, delicate florals, and bright freshness — with added savory, earthy notes and a touch of mild tannin.

Expect flavors of wild cherry, raspberry, red currant, dried flowers, alpine herbs, earth, and subtle spice. The wine is graceful and medium-light in body, with freshness, mineral tension, and enough structure to pair beautifully with food.

Food Pairing Suggestions:
Excellent with speck, prosciutto, roasted chicken, pork, veal, grilled sausages, mushroom dishes, alpine cheeses, pizza, pasta with tomato or mushroom sauce, and lighter red meat dishes. It also works very well slightly chilled with charcuterie boards and casual summer meals.

Style: Elegant, fresh, savory, mineral-driven
Best Served: Slightly chilled, around 55–58°F

Sourced from high-elevation Karneid, this Schiava comes from vines aged 35 to 60 years. Crisp, focused, and lifted, with the freshness of a mountain white wine.

Country: Italy
Region: Alto Adige / Südtirol
Appellation: Südtirol DOC
Producer: Franz Gojer / Glögglhof
Grape Variety: Vernatsch / Schiava
Vintage: 2025
Wine Type: Red Wine

Franz Gojer is a cult Alto Adige producer known for elegant, mineral-driven mountain wines with a strong sense of place. His Vernatsch / Schiava 2025 is a limited-production red sourced from the high-elevation Karneid area, the same mountainous zone where Gojer grows several of his white varieties.

Schiava, known locally as Vernatsch, is one of Alto Adige’s signature red grapes. In Gojer’s hands, it becomes a fresh, lifted, and delicate mountain red rather than a heavy or deeply extracted wine. This bottling comes from old vines, approximately 35 to 60 years old, planted near the upper limits where Schiava can successfully ripen. The result is a crisp, focused red with beautiful purity and finesse.

Expect notes of wild red berries, cranberry, cherry, alpine herbs, delicate florals, and subtle mineral tones. The wine is light-bodied, fresh, and elegant, with gentle tannins and bright acidity. It is the kind of red that can be served slightly chilled and enjoyed with a wide range of foods.

Food Pairing Suggestions:
Excellent with charcuterie, speck, prosciutto, roasted chicken, turkey, pork, grilled sausages, mushroom dishes, alpine cheeses, pizza, pasta with light tomato sauce, and lightly spiced dishes. It is also a great choice for picnic-style meals, cheese boards, and lighter fare where a heavier red would overpower the food.

Style: Light-bodied, fresh, elegant, mineral-driven
Best Served: Slightly chilled, around 55–58°F

The Franz Gojer Glogglhof Sauvignon Karneid 2025 is a high-altitude Alto Adige white wine characterized by its cool, mineral-driven profile, featuring notes of citrus, cassis leaf, elderflower, and flint. Grown on steep limestone/gravel soils, it offers high acidity and intense purity, typically presenting as a structured, fresh wine rather than an overly tropical style.

Country: Italy
Region: Alto Adige / Südtirol
Appellation: Südtirol DOC
Producer: Franz Gojer / Glögglhof
Grape Variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2025
Wine Type: White Wine

Franz Gojer is a small, highly regarded producer in Alto Adige, crafting precise, mineral-driven wines from the steep mountain vineyards around Bolzano. The Sauvignon Karneid 2025 comes from Gojer’s Karneid vineyard, a high-elevation site that benefits from cool alpine air, bright sunlight, and rocky mountain soils.

This Sauvignon is sourced from a south-facing parcel, giving the wine excellent ripeness while still preserving the freshness and lift that define Alto Adige whites. Unlike more tropical or overtly grassy Sauvignon Blanc styles, Gojer’s version is more refined and reserved, showing beautiful aromatics with a clean, mineral backbone.

Expect notes of white peach, citrus, tomato leaf, fresh herbs, and subtle mineral tones. The wine is crisp and focused, with elegant texture, bright acidity, and a refreshing finish. It is a polished mountain Sauvignon that balances aromatic character with restraint and finesse.

Food Pairing Suggestions:
Excellent with grilled fish, shrimp, scallops, oysters, sushi, goat cheese, asparagus, green vegetables, herb-roasted chicken, pesto pasta, fresh salads, and lighter Mediterranean dishes. It also works beautifully with lemony seafood preparations and dishes with fresh herbs.

Style: Crisp, aromatic, mineral-driven, elegant
Best Served: Chilled, around 45–50°F

Sourced from Karneid, this lees-aged Kerner comes from a northwest-facing, high-elevation parcel with porphyry, granite, basalt, and gneiss soils. Classic notes of peach, citrus, and slate.

Country: Italy
Region: Alto Adige / Südtirol
Appellation: Südtirol DOC
Producer: Franz Gojer / Glögglhof
Grape Variety: Kerner
Vintage: 2025
Wine Type: White Wine
Bottle Size: 750ml

Franz Gojer is one of Alto Adige’s most respected small-production growers, known for crafting expressive, mineral-driven mountain wines from the steep hillsides surrounding Bolzano. The Kerner Karneid 2025 comes from the Karneid area, where high-elevation vineyards, cool alpine air, and rocky soils help create a white wine with freshness, precision, and aromatic lift.

Kerner is a distinctive white grape variety that thrives in cooler mountain climates. Gojer’s Kerner parcel sits on a northwest-facing slope at approximately 550–600 meters elevation, planted in soils composed of sand, porphyry, granite, basalt, and gneiss. Like Gojer’s other white wines, it is aged on the lees until spring, adding texture and depth while preserving its crisp, lively profile.

Expect classic notes of peach, citrus, white flowers, and slate-like minerality, with a clean, refreshing finish. This is a bright yet structured white wine — aromatic without being heavy, mineral without being austere, and beautifully suited for food.

Food Pairing Suggestions:
Excellent with seafood, grilled shrimp, scallops, sushi, fresh oysters, alpine cheeses, roast chicken, asparagus, spring vegetables, herb-driven dishes, and lighter Asian-inspired cuisine. It also pairs beautifully with goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, and simple white fish preparations.

Style: Crisp, aromatic, mineral-driven, elegant
Best Served: Chilled, around 45–50°F

Lucien Crochet · Sancerre Rosé · Pinot Noir · Loire Valley · 2025

In Bué — one of Sancerre's most celebrated villages — the Crochet family has been growing Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc on Oxfordian and Kimmeridgian limestone for generations. Gilles Crochet, who trained at the legendary Domaine Dujac in Morey-Saint-Denis before returning to the family estate in 1983, brings a Burgundian sensibility to everything he makes. His Sancerre Rosé is one of the appellation's finest: 100% Pinot Noir, hand-harvested (a rare practice in Sancerre), direct-pressed, and aged six months on fine lees in stainless steel. No shortcuts, no compromises — just the visceral salinity and mineral precision that Crochet's limestone terroir delivers vintage after vintage. At $34.99, this is Sancerre Rosé at its most serious and most rewarding.

Pale pink in the glass with a nose of stunning intensity: vineyard peach, white pepper, and a subtle spicy lift that opens with aeration into citrus zest and fresh orange. Frank on the attack, the palate is both juicy and crisp — indulgent peach fruit supported by lively citrus and a fine, freshness-driven balance. The finish is long and persistent, with a refreshing return of menthol and mineral salinity. Drink now through 2028.

“Vinous without being at all overbearing, it offers the visceral salinity of the domaine’s white wines alongside the red-fruited elegance of Pinot Noir from these distinctive soils.”
— Vinous

• Producer: Domaine Lucien Crochet
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Sancerre AOC, Loire Valley, France
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Soils: Oxfordian & Kimmeridgian limestone · Bué, Sancerre
• Vinification: Hand harvested · Direct press · 6 months on fine lees in stainless steel
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Vineyard peach, white pepper, citrus zest, orange, juicy palate, mineral salinity, menthol finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2028
• Food Pairings: Grilled salmon, tuna tartare, chèvre, summer vegetable tart, light charcuterie

Hand-harvested Pinot Noir, Kimmeridgian limestone, and six months on lees — Sancerre Rosé as it was meant to be made.

Sea Smoke Cellars Pinot Noir TEN | Santa Rita Hills | 2023 | 750ml | Santa Barbara County, California, USA

Rated 97 Points – Wine Enthusiast (Matt Kettmann)

A brooding and intense Pinot Noir from Sea Smoke's estate vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills. TEN is named for the ten Pinot Noir clones planted on the property, delivering extraordinary complexity and ageability from one of California's most celebrated cool-climate appellations.

• Winery: Sea Smoke Cellars
• Origin: Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, California, USA
• Bottle Size: 750ml
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2023
• Source: Estate Vineyard
• Drink: Now – 2040

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Blueberry, cassis, lavender, exotic spices, hazelnut, thyme, and licorice
• Palate: Firm, mature tannins with cherry compote, citrus rind, strawberry cream, and raspberry
• Finish: Long, velvety finish with lingering violet and cranberry

Critical Acclaim

• 🏆 Wine Enthusiast – 97 Points (Matt Kettmann): "Expert levels of integration... subtle yet persistent aromas of raspberry, cranberry, potpourri and light sagebrush. The palate's firm texture elevates the cherry compote, citrus rind and strawberry cream flavors, with a lingering sense of violet painting the corners. This will be exciting to watch for years. Drink now–2040."

Winemaker Description

Since its 175th anniversary, Pol Roger has decided to offer a very limited range of older vintages from its iconic cuvées. After the original disgorgement, these bottles were then returned to the famously deep and cool Pol Roger cellars for additional extended maturation where they have rested undisturbed until their release. Not only do these bottles have a label, cap and collar based on a historic Pol Roger design, they also have been dressed by hand and arrive in an elegant wooden box.

The Sir Winston Churchill Cuvée was created in 1975 as a tribute to the "Old Lion", using the qualities he appreciated in champagne : robustness, structure and maturity. Whilst its exact composition is a secret guarded by family members, it is undeniable that it is based on a formula of which its dedicatee would have approved : "My tastes are simple, I am easily satisfied with the best". Made exclusively with grapes from the Grands Crus of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay already in production during the Churchill era, this cuvée is only produced in the very best vintages.

The predominance of Pinot Noir unquestionably ensures structure, fullness and robustness, while Chardonnay lends elegance, finesse and freshness. Produced in limited quantities, this cuvée has matured for 10 years prior to disgorgement.

Bottle Size: 750ml | Region: Champagne, France

Bérêche et Fils’ Ambonnay Grand Cru is one of the most coveted single-village expressions in their portfolio — and among the most compelling Blanc de Noirs in all of Champagne. Sourced from a single lieu-dit, “Les Tourets,” in the western part of Ambonnay village, this is Pinot Noir of extraordinary purity and presence. Ambonnay’s signature cashmere-like texture is immediately apparent: open, enveloping, and generous, with a volume and power that never tips into heaviness. Brioche and honey on the attack give way to floral lift and a finish that is invigorating, slightly iodized, and saline — the unmistakable signature of chalk and grand cru terroir. A wine of genuine rarity, with just 2,325 bottles produced.

Critical Review
“A beautiful, enveloping wine; brioche-like on the attack, floral, with notes of honey and ripeness. The finish is invigorating, slightly iodized, and saline.” — Le Rouge et le Blanc

Varietal: Pinot Noir (Blanc de Noirs)
Vintage: 2020
Appellation: Ambonnay Grand Cru, Champagne, France
Lieu-dit: Les Tourets
Style: Extra Brut
Farming: Biodynamic
Production: 2,325 bottles
Bottle Size: 750ml

Tasting Notes

Powder bright pink in color. Aromas of small red fruits on a finely spiced background. The palate is fresh, persistent and fruity, followed by citrus notes and minerals with a very balanced acid framework.

Vineyard

Sourced from the Cernetig vineyard in the Cialla Valley — a 0.70 hectare parcel with south-southeast exposure at 200–230 meters in elevation. The soil is a mix of marl (clay and lime) with marly limestone, notable for its especially high pH, which the family believes contributes to the wine’s aging potential.

Viticulture

Both Ivan and his brother Pierpaolo are entomologists, making biodiversity central to their philosophy. The winery is certified “Biodiversity Friend” — an organization that surveys and protects biodiversity, ensuring the production process does not lead to environmental loss and that the producer is committed to improving the quality of the surrounding ecosystem.

Winemaking

Maceration on the skins for 18 hours followed by very soft pressing. Fermentation of the free-run must in stainless steel at controlled temperature. Aged for a couple of months in bottle before release.

About the Producer

Ronchi di Cialla is a historic producer in the Colli Orientali del Friuli, just under three miles from the Slovenian border. Ronchi means “hills,” and Cialla — the name of the valley — derives from the Slovenian word cela, meaning “riviera,” a nod to the valley’s Mediterranean-like microclimate, complete with olive trees and other Mediterranean flora.

• Producer: Ronchi di Cialla
• Appellation: Colli Orientali del Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
• Varietal: Schioppettino (Ribolla Nera)
• Vintage: 2025
• Format: 750ml
• Style: Dry, fresh, mineral rosé
• Viticulture: Biodiversity Friend certified
• Vineyard: Cernetig, Cialla Valley — 0.70 ha, 200–230m elevation
• Pairings: Seafood, salads, charcuterie, fresh cheeses

Expert Reviews 

James Suckling — 92 Points | Aromas of wild strawberries, watermelon rind, nectarine, and chalk. The medium-bodied palate has bright acidity with flavors of salted nuts, oyster shells, and orange blossoms. The generous texture is carried on a finely beaded mousse. Precise and fresh.

Winemaker's Notes

Deutz crafts this Brut Rosé from a blend of premier Pinot Noir grands crus from the Montagne de Reims (~90%) with a touch of Chardonnay (~10%). Its distinctive color and character come from the addition of approximately 8% still red wine from old vines on the hill of Ay — notably from the celebrated “Meurtet” plot owned by Deutz.

On the nose, fresh and direct aromas of cherries, blackberries, pomegranates, and redcurrants. The palate is deliciously full-bodied, with flavors of fresh strawberries and raspberries, and a pleasantly acidulous finish that adds finesse and balance to this romantic, elegant Champagne.

Food Pairings

Equally at home as an aperitif or at the table — pair with salmon with mushrooms, beef carpaccio, duck with red berry sauce, roast lamb chops, or creamy cheeses such as Chaource or Brillat-Savarin.

• Winery: Deutz
• Appellation: Champagne, France
• Blend: ~90% Pinot Noir, ~10% Chardonnay
• Style: Brut Rosé, Non-Vintage
• Format: 750ml
• Mousse: Fine, lacy, elegant
• Drinking Window: Drink now

About This Bundle

Get two of our favorite Marrugat Cavas from Bodegas Pinord at a special bundle price — one bottle of the classic Brut Selección NV and one bottle of the Brut Rosé. Both are made using the traditional method (Méthode Traditionnelle) in the Penedès region of Catalonia, Spain, and offer exceptional value in Spanish sparkling wine.

Producer Notes

Marrugat Cava Brut Selección NV (Xarel·lo, Macabeu, Parellada) — Smooth and silky on the palate with green apple, lime, and a fresh, lively finish. The carbonic content keeps it crisp and refreshing. WE 87 pts.

Marrugat Cava Brut Rosé (Garnacha) — Clear red with pinkish tones and small, persistent bubbles. Gentle raspberry and blackcurrant aromas with tertiary lees notes. Full in the mouth with great elegance and a long finish.

Food Pairings

• Oysters, shrimp cocktail, or seafood tapas
• Jamón ibérico or charcuterie
• Fresh goat cheese or aged Manchego
• Perfect as an aperitif or celebration pour

95 Points, Vinous: Darkly alluring, with dusty lavender, violets and wet stone layered over hints of ash and pine. Perfumed strawberry and floral tones glide across the palate, energized by tart citrus. Edgy tannins meet vibrant acidity, finishing long with chewy concentration and lingering spice. Still youthful, with a bright future ahead. – Eric Guido

96 Points by Jeb Dunnuck: A jeweled ruby Pinot opening with raspberry cordial, pressed flowers, and earthy umami tones. Medium-bodied with ripe tannins and a more approachable, fruit-forward style. Beautiful now, yet structured enough to evolve gracefully over 15–20 years. – Jeb Dunnuck

Winery Notes

This is my sixth Pinot produced from Weber Vineyard, a beautiful vineyard just down Worden Hill Road from Maresh Vineyard that I have prized for a very long time. The vines in this block were planted in 1983 on their own roots. Strong, old Oregon oak trees and towering big leaf maples guard the southern part of my block for this wine, while the eastern border of my block is a wild, mixed forest filled with unseen songbirds singing during the light hours.

The Weber 2023 is a rich medium red with blue undertones and has brilliant transparency. The nose has rich and intense red berry character with subtle powdery minerals. The mouth continues with beautifully ripe Oregon strawberry and cherry with cola and subtle spices. There’s lots of concentration and quiet power in this wine. I love its cool depth. The structure is detailed, and the finish is long and silky in the classic Dundee Hills way.

Appellation: Dundee Hills A.V.A.

Picking Date: 23 September 2023 (from Block 5 self-rooted Pommard vines planted in 1983)

Barrels: neutral Burgundy barrels (228L) made from tight-grain French forests

Bottling Date:  8 July 2024

Alcohol: 13.5 %

Whole Cluster: 20%

Cases Produced: 203 cases

Alcohol: 13.5 %

Whole Cluster: 30%

Cases Produced: 427 cases

96 Points Vinous: The 2023 Pinot Noir Stater Vineyard blossoms with a captivating bouquet of crushed blackberries, rosemary, sage and freshly shaved cedar. Zesty on the palate, it shows a core of stimulating acidity with saline mineral tones and tart red berry depth. Grippy tannins build structure as licorice and citrus notes linger with a sensation of liquid stone. A wine of energy and tension — built for the cellar. – Eric Guido

Winery Notes

2023 is my first year of leasing Stater Vineyard, and I couldn’t be happier. It’s situated directly between The Eyrie Vineyards estate vineyard and Durant Vineyard: talk about provenance! As stated on the back label, “Sylvia Stater and her late husband, Wayne Stater, whose family roots have been in Oregon for generations, founded this enchanting little vineyard in an area of Dundee that has long been considered by many to be hallowed ground for Pinot noir. Encircled by a towering grove of cedars, firs and other mixed trees and bathed in birdsong, there’s something that feels magical about it. I love being there.”

The 2023 is medium-dark red with youthful brilliance, transparency, and lovely plays of light. The gorgeous nose is filled with ripe, red berries and cherries with minerals and spices. Already, just on the nose, there is beautiful depth that continues in the mouth on a detailed frame of serious structure. This is a super-focused, high-relief Pinot that reminds me of how high pixels give more depth and richness to an image. There are some very subtle, delicious savory components that balance the fruit. It has nice acidity and a long, clean, silky finish that delivers the details to the end.   

Appellation: Dundee Hills A.V.A.

Picking Date: 14 September 2023 (planted in 1990 on rootstock)

Barrels: neutral Burgundy barrels (228L) made from tight-grain French forests

Bottling Date: 11 June 2024

Alcohol: 13.0 %

Whole Cluster: about 10%

Cases Produced: 196 cases