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Winemaker Description 

The 2023 vintage overall was a classic vintage for the Finger Lakes. Budbreak was early and a hard freeze on May 13th threatened many vineyards.  June and July were very wet with frequent rains and high disease pressure.  Finally, mid-August the region saw some sun although rains continued at regular intervals.  The long fall season dried out a bit to make the vintage a very classic style with bright acidity and cool climate fruit flavors. It also allowed us to fully ripen the Cabernet Franc that makes up most of this blend in this fresh style of Rose.

Winemaking: To produce our Rose, we used Cabernet Franc which was pressed quickly to ensure a delicate rose color and minimal skin tannins. We allowed the pressed juice to sit on gross lees for several days before racking to enhance the body and texture of the final wine. Then a long, cool fermentation in stainless steel maximized the intense aromas and flavors. For the final blend we added a small amount of our Chardonnay fermented in a neutral French Oak barrel to lengthen the finish and solidify the acid backbone of the wine. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 98+ Points | So many beautiful primary fruit aromas. Al dente. Peaches. Very floral. Aromatic. Full-bodied and extremely fine tannins with length and beauty that show incredible depth. Superb brightness and reality. Exciting. Cabernet franc freshness and dynamics come through now, even though the blend is 60% merlot and 40% cabernet franc.

The Wine Advocate 96+ Points | This estate's shift in the direction of gentler extraction and more reductive, less overtly oaky élevage continues, and this extreme vintage only underlines that. Fermented at cool temperatures (20 to 23 degrees Celsius), and with an increasing proportion of the wine's Cabernet Franc component matured in large wooden foudres, the 2022 Angélus wafts from the glass with deep aromas of dark berries and cherries mingled with hints of iris, licorice and pencil lead. Full-bodied, deep and seamless, with a layered core of cool, vibrant fruit, powdery tannins and a long, saline finish, it's a brilliant young wine in the making. The 2022 is a blend of 53% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. 

Neal Martin of Vinous writes 95 Points | The 2022 Angélus was cropped at 40hL/ha. It is aged partly in foudres (around half the Cabernet Franc, to be exact) and the remainder in new barrels, the Grand Vin with 14.45% alcohol and 3.65 pH. This takes a few minutes to unfold in the glass. Blackberry, iris petals and crushed stone notes are focused and delineated. There's opulence locked into these aromatics, but that is contained. The palate is medium-bodied with a mineral opening. Graphite and fresh tobacco thread through the layered black fruit, perhaps spicier than recent vintages. A gentle grip on the finish has some wood tannins to resolve, which should be addressed during its élevage. This will need several years in bottle, probably a decade; then I envisage this Saint-Émilion soaring.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 98+ Points | The Mouton-specific creme de cassis is all there. Al dente, too. The grapes must have been picked at near perfection. Depth and complexity. Black berries, earth, violets and other flowers. Full-bodied yet very hemmed-in with tight tannins, which are precise and polished. You can taste the grape skins and dust of the soil. The length is rather endless. 92% cabernet sauvignon.

Jeb Dunnuck 98+ | Moving to the flagship, the 2022 Château Mouton Rothschild is a massive, full-bodied, incredibly powerful 2022 that takes no prisoners with its ripe black and blue fruits, chocolate, graphite, and smoked tobacco-driven aromas and flavors. Deep, unctuous, and concentrated, with velvety tannins, this legendary Mouton is based on 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot that's still resting in new barrel. It will unquestionably play with the top wines in the vintage. Harvest here began the 1st of September and finished on the 26th, and the final wine hit 14% natural alcohol, with a pH of 3.89 and an IPT of 76.

Decanter 98 Points | One of my favourite 2022s, technically very brilliant but it’s the texture that wows, generous, fruity, sleek, supple, it gives stone and graphite touches putting the terroir in the glass and overall this just screams elegance and finesse and above all drinkability! Smooth and shiny, silky, sleek, delicious from the first sip Mouthwatering acidity combined with tannins that have the perfect balance of flinty grip, fleshy fruit and cool minerality. Certainly not shouting, they haven't pushed too far at all, more restrained and refined while still delivering a gorgeous mouthful of wine. Classy and refreshing. Concentrated but clean, pure and vibrant. Wonderful, magical - giving the concentration of the hot vintage which is want you want, but this is moreish and so succulent. One you'll want to finish the glass and then have more immediately. 16.4% press - 4% above normal, usually at 12-13%. 49% grand vin. 3.89pH. 76 IPT. Aged 100% in new barrels.

The Wine Advociate 96+ Points | A brilliant wine that likely sits somewhere between the 2019 and 2020 in quality, the 2022 Mouton Rothschild is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot. Unwinding in the glass with complex aromas of minty cassis, cigar wrapper, violets and subtle hints of loamy soil, it's full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a layered core of fruit and a fleshy, elegantly muscular profile. Broad-shouldered and seamless, it concludes with a long, resonant finish. This year the grand vin represents some 49% of the estate's production. 

Our Professional Review

Rand of 67Wine.com writes | This is is a light, peppery, floral wine with flavors of wild, ripe bramble fruit.  Tannins are soft and pleasant.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Decanter 91 Points | Peach and fresh strawberry on the nose with touches of blossom. Crisp and light on the palate, beautifully refreshing.

Winemaker Description 

Arenisca is 100% Tinta de Toro from the Paraje Los Panaderos vineyard in neighboring Benialbo (within D.O. Toro), which is among the highest elevation sites in the appellation. Grapes were hand-harvested, wild yeast fermented with 40% stem inclusion in open vats with 30 days of maceration, then raised for 11 months in used French oak barrels.

The finished wine is bottled unfiltered, and just a touch of sulfur is added at bottling. 

Winemaker Description 

The grapes of our Volcanic Riesling grow in the Valley of Tears in the northern Golan Heights which is the coldest and highest viticultural area in Israel. The fermentation was at 15.0-18.0 degrees C to achieve a delicate extraction of colors, aromas and flavors.

The wine has a golden straw with hint of green hue, with scents of Jasmin, pear and lime. Through the palate light medium bodied wine, that have flavors of green apples and lime. With nice and well balanced acidity, as well as a crisp and mineral texture.

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The Alfasi family founded Odem Mountain Winery, Israel’s northernmost winery. At 1,100 meters above sea level, it is tucked away in the heart of an enchanting, secluded oak forest, overlooked by Mount Hermon, where snowfall happens each winter. With wine of uncompromised quality, Odem Mountian tells the story of a loving family creating wine in a rugged, yet beautiful place. The Volcanic Riesling has a bouquet of blossoms and citrus and expresses the unique terroir of the high-elevation vineyards and volcanic soil of the northern Golan Heights.

Winemaker Description 

Beit El Or Yakar Cabernet Sauvignon is made from estate-grown grapes in Israel’s central mountain range. Aged for 12 months in new French oak barrels, this wine has a deep purple-black color and concentrated flavors.

Expect tastes of plum and warm blackberries, complemented by pleasant tannins and a long finish. This complex yet approachable Cabernet Sauvignon is both enjoyable now and suitable for aging.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Charles Curtis MW of Decanter Magazine writes 94 Points | Lucie Coutoux explained that although La Maltroie and Champgains (as they spell it) are roughly the same elevations on the band of premier crus, there is more limestone in Champgains that gives a bigger wine. In 2022, this shows ripe notes of passionfruit and lime peel with an accent of hazelnut and hay. The texture is supple and rich, almost fat, but pleasantly so. The grapes are from the domaine's parcel of 0.44 hectares at the top of the slope. Drinking Window: 2027-2050.

Jasper Morris of Inside Burgundy writes 92 Points | A glowing pale lemon yellow. There is a clear white fruit charm to this, a little more chiselled than the softly welcoming Chenevottes, with a limestone length and purity at the finish. Drink from 2027-2032.

Allen Meadows of Burghound writes 91 Points | This is aromatically similar to the Maltroie though with evident floral elements. There is slightly better volume and mid-palate density to the delicious and caressing but punchy medium weight flavors that possess a healthy amount of sappy dry extract while exhibiting better overall depth and persistence. This too should be approachable young but easily repay mid-term keeping.

Expert Review

Michael Schachner of The Wine Enthusiast writes 88 Points | Mildly oxidized aromas of honeyed fruits and salt water are less alert than ideal, while this feels plump but without intense acidic cut. Toffee and caramel flavors include a note of white mushroom, while this golden Manzanilla feels dry and tastes a bit like fresh butter on the finish.

Winemaker Description 

Manzanilla La Jaca is the most famous wine from Bodegas Álvaro Domecq, together with the Fino La Janda. Last year all of the entry-level wines (not the ‘1730’ series) were given a modern, graphical label with abstract motifs and bold colours.

La Jaca is around four years old.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

Michael Alberty of The Wine Enhusiast writes 94 Points | Caffè latte, cranberry and lilac aromas make for a heck of an introduction. Then comes the wave of blackberry, rosemary, tarragon and English breakfast tea flavors—delicious. This wine features the sturdiest tannins this side of a tannery, so be prepared to offer it a little air. Enjoy now until 2034. 

Winemaker Descxription 

MUSE DE MIRAVAL is a rigorous selection of the château's oldest and best plots and the finest expression of this unique terroir!

Organically farmed.

This rosé cuvée, mostly vinified in egg-shaped concrete vats, is also aged to a lesser extent in special oak barrels (so-called demi-muids). Each of its aromas evokes a chapter in Miraval's history, reflecting the place and its fragrance, which is typical of this Provençal winery. The unique shape of its handcrafted bottle (available only in magnum) and its very own rosé wine celebrate Miraval's timeless style with rare elegance.

Winemaker Description 

Grape varietal : Melon de Bourgogne. Vine age : 40 years. Farming : Ecological Farming. Vinification : Méthode traditionnelle. After initial fermentation in underground cement tanks, the wine undergoes a secondary fermentation in bottle and is aged on the lees for 9 months.

The House of Chéreau Carré occupies the most privileged position in the Loire-Atlantique department of France. This family-owned property dates back to the 15th century. The vines here are some of the most prized in the region of the Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine.

The property is managed by Bernard Chéreau, whose family origins span back to the eleventh century. Bernard’s passion for Melon de Bourgogne is evident in the quality of his wines.

Our Professional Notes

Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67 Wine Buyer, writes:  On the nose, you’ll encounter an enticing bouquet of wild red berries—raspberries, strawberries, and red currants. The palate continues the red berry theme, delivering a tangy, fruit-forward experience complemented by a delightful saline minerality that adds complexity. The finish is crisp and dry, with a bright, natural acidity that makes this wine a fantastic choice as an aperitif or a versatile companion to food. 

Winemaker Description 

Cherry red color of medium intensity, medium layer. The nose is intense, with notes of jelly beans and red fruits combined with mineral notes of flint and a light background of toast. At the entrance to the mouth we will find soft tannins, with high volume and fat, well compensated by good acidity and a general feeling of verticality. Red fruits and mineral notes stand out, resulting in a long and intense aftertaste.
Evolution

In good conditions of this bottle will evolve positively for at least the next 7 years.

Winery Notes

Quality sparkling wine with very fine bubbles due to its long aging. Complex aroma, fresh notes of pineapple and eucalyptus, toasted cocoa and dried fruits, perfectly blended together. Voluminous, fleshy and fresh in the mouth. Structured and surprisingly fresh, long-lasting and well balanced.

Its high acidity and dry finish make it incredibly versatile:

• Tapas: Excellent with Jamón Ibérico, olives, and aged Spanish cheeses.

• Seafood: Perfect with oysters, sushi, or grilled shrimp.

• Anything Fried: The sharp acidity cuts beautifully through rich, fried foods like calamari or fried chicken.

FARMING

Certified Organic 

Winemaker Description 

Juan Jurado belongs to a new generation of young winemakers who see potential in the Marco de Jerez region beyond traditional fortified wines. After living away from his native Andalusia for many years (from Sitges to Australia via London), during which time he trained in the world of wine and sommellerie, he decided to return to his roots to start a project focused on authentic wines that reflect the diversity of the Jerez Region beyond Finos and Olorosos.

In 2022, Jurado invested all his savings to purchase a small vineyard in the Miraflores de Sanlúcar estate, along with winemaking equipment including a press, destemmer, casks, and jars to produce his first vintage. This marked the birth of Agrícola Calcárea, a project dedicated to crafting honest wines using minimal yet sufficient intervention to showcase the unique characteristics of each vineyard through classic and ancestral varieties of the Marco region.

The resulting wines are highly aromatic, featuring stone fruit, citrus, and white flower notes, with chalky and salty undertones. On the palate, they are savory and mineral, with a touch of bitterness.

Winemaker Description 

Andalucía has a long tradition of producing non-fortified wines—reds and whites made from the same grapes used for fortified wines (Sherry). In Andalucia these still wines are known as Vinos del Marco de Jerez or Vinos de Pasto. It is important to highlight that these wines do not belong to the Jerez-Xeres-Sherry DO. In recent years, producers like Willy Pérez, Ramiro Ibanez and others have led a movement to bring these wines back into the spotlight, aiming to place them on tables around the world.

During a recent in-store tasting with Nacho Monclús, Spanish & South American Portfolio Manager at T. Edwards Wine & Spirits, he introduced me to a producer from Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Andalucía: Juan Jurado of Agricola Calcarea.

Mr. Jurado represents a new generation of winemakers who have spent years working abroad, gaining experience in vineyards as well as in both front- and back-of-house roles in the restaurant industry. These experiences have enriched their perspective, and upon returning home, many have sought to revive the long-standing traditions of their ancestors. Mr. Jurado is one such story.

After more than a decade away, he returned to Andalucía and founded Agrícola Calcárea, producing wines in a small-scale, garage-style setting. His wines quickly gained national recognition, attracting the attention of the press. Now, his work has reached New York City, where wine lovers can experience his unique expressions firsthand.

When Nacho presented the wines to me, I was immediately drawn to their beautifully designed labels. The three wines I tasted featured indigenous Andalusian grape varieties, including Palomino (also known as Listán Blanco) and Tintilla Rota. All three expressions stood out, but my palate that day had a particular affinity to Agrícola Calcárea Porfía Tinto 2023 — an electric, vibrant red made from Tintilla Rota.

Porfia Tinto 2023 is unlike any other Spanish red currently available in the NYC market, this wine is a testament to the energy and innovation defining the new wave of Andalusian winemaking.

Porfia Tinto 2023 opens open with an alluring nose of sun-kissed black fruit: black cherries, black berries with undertones of dried Mediterranean herbs. On the palate this red is harmonious walking a tight rope of tannins, acidity and flavor: Suave tannins, crisp acidity and just perfect fruit quality.

Pair this red with Pan-Roasted Quail lightly dressed in thyme butter sauce.

Oscar Garcia Moncada

Winemaker Description 

A young Manzanilla with four year of biological aging. Thanks to the proximity of the sea, the aging under flor is intense. The wine has complex character, resulting in great elegance, plenty of finesse, with a delicate and saline finish.

Our Notes

A vibrant young Manzanilla with plenty of character. Aromas of green olives, green citrus fruit, and a pungent saline quality bind all the aromas and flavors together. Serve well-chilled in a white wine glass and pair with Marcona almonds, potato crisps, and Jamón de Bellota. But also try it with cold potato and leek soup, sprinkled with crisp bits of pancetta. Manzanillas are my ideal apéritif wine to awaken the palate before a meal.

Oscar garcia Moncada, 67 Wine Buyer

La Igriega Paraje Altamira Principio Malbec Single Vineyard Valle de Uco 2024

La Igriega — Spanish for the letter "Y," meaning "and" in English — takes its name from the genetic structure at the heart of this project: the union of place, variety, and vision. This is a single-vineyard Malbec from Paraje Altamira, one of the most coveted and celebrated sub-appellations within the Valle de Uco in Mendoza. Situated at high altitude on ancient alluvial soils with a high proportion of limestone and clay, Paraje Altamira produces Malbecs of extraordinary precision, verticality, and aromatic complexity — wines that stand apart from the richer, more opulent styles found elsewhere in Argentina.

The 2024 vintage showcases everything that makes this terroir exceptional. Cool blue fruit, stemmy herbs, and fine-grained tannins give the wine a more vertical, structured character than most of the appellation — elegant rather than plush, with a freshness and mineral tension that speaks directly of the high-altitude vineyard site.

Deep ruby in the glass, the wine opens with ripe aromas of cool blue fruit, fresh mulberries, dark cherries, lavender, and stemmy herbs. The palate delivers intense red fruit — sour cherry, fresh plum, a hint of herbs — with smooth, slightly plush texture, soft chalk, and a juicy, clean finish. Al dente dark fruit and fine-grained tannins carry through to a long, focused close. A single-vineyard Malbec of real character and exceptional value.

James Suckling — 93 pts

“Ripe aromas of cool blue fruit, stemmy herbs, fresh mulberries, lavender and dark cherries. Medium-bodied with al dente dark fruit and fine-grained tannins. A bit more vertical than most of the appellation’s wines, with good length and tannins.” (Vintage 2024). 

Vinous — 92 pts

“Delivers intense red fruit, with sour cherry, fresh plum and a hint of herbs. Smooth and slightly plush, with soft chalk and a juicy, clean finish.” (Vintage 2024). 

Varietal: Malbec
Appellation: Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina
Vintage: 2024
Format: 750ml
Scores: 93 pts James Suckling | 92 pts Vinous

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

James Suckling 91 Points | A juicy, berry-oriented Chianti Classico here showing some fine herbs, licorice, red berries and fresh plums to the nose. Medium-bodied on the palate with firm, fine-grained tannins and a tight, pretty succulent finish.

Winemaker Description 

This Chianti Riserva is produced from specially selected Sangiovese grapes grown following the traditional methods in the vineyards of the Chianti production area. The wine is aged in Slavonian oak casks owned by the Castellani Family historic cellars where it performs malolactic fermentation and ages for a minimum period of 24 months. It completes its refinement in bottle.

La Framboisière has been one of Domaine Faiveley's monopoles since 1933, producing wines of remarkable character: intense red fruit aromas, pleasant minerality, and a silky elegance that reflects the soul of Mercurey. The estate's vat house is named after this iconic parcel, a testament to its enduring importance.

Vineyard
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vines Planted: 1962, 1978, 1981
Total Area: 10.61 ha
Exposure: South-East
Soil: Clay-limestone
Viticulture: Undergoing Organic Conversion

Vinification
Fermentation: Partial whole cluster with twice-daily pumpovers; 15–19 day vatting
Aging: 12 months in French oak, 10% new
Fining & Filtration: Unfined; light lenticular filtration
Alcohol: 13%

Tasting Notes
Old vines over thirty years of age yield an exceptionally aromatic wine. The nose opens with pretty, airy notes of redcurrant and raspberry. On the palate, a smooth, fruity attack evolves toward ripe red berries, orange rind, and a touch of allspice, with silky tannins and a fresh, lively finish.

Vinous 89 

Winemaker Description 

Viña Sastre is an iconic, family-run winery in the heart of Ribera del Duero, famous for making long-lived, elegantly structured wines from organic, old vines grown near the Duero river. Flavus is an incredible, singular white wine made from indigenous cayetana blanca grapes from 100-year-old vines, selected from Sastre’s historic Pago de Santa Cruz vineyards at 800m to 840m for their complexity and ability to age gracefully. Sastre handcrafts classic wines through extremely low-yielding biodynamic farming methods, fermenting exclusively with native yeasts.

In Pago de Santa Cruz, a small amount of white cayetana blanca grapes have always existed alongside the red tempranillo, co-planted and traditionally mixed into the field blend destined to be one of Spain’s most iconic wines. Through Jesús Sastre’s good friend and Rías Baixas pioneer Gerardo Méndez, they first researched and separated the white grapes from the blend, making the first Flavus in 2007 to make a simple, charming white wine for near-term consumption. Ribera del Duero does not have much of a tradition for white wines, so the initial concept was to make something simple and humble. Instead, they discovered through the cellaring and consistent tasting of verticals of Flavus over the years that the wine is capable of improving in bottle for a decade or more, leaving tasters stunned by the unique, complex flavors which develop. There is no designation for Ribera del Duero blanco, so while this mighty blanco may be a “Reserva” qualitatively and spiritually, bureaucratically, it carries the humble Vino de Mesa designation. Perhaps in the future, the appellation will see the same possibilities for value and quality in their white wines as their more famous reds.

Vinification – Following a manual harvest, the wine spontaneously fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel. No malolactic fermentation. The wine was racked and aged in stainless steel for ten months, followed by two years of bottle age prior to release.

Winemaker Description 

A natural, young, and fresh wine. Made with minimum intervention. No added Sulfites. A blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha. 

Experience the purity of Alona Rioja Sin Sulfitos Añadidos, a unique wine with no sulfites added and organically farmed. 

Expert Review

Wine Spectator 89 Points | There's a richness here offsetting the firm structure, but the iodine and roasted walnut notes shine on the finish. Caramel, burnt molasses and tobacco round out the flavor spectrum. Drink now. 1,750 cases made.

Winemaker Description 

Mahogany colour with iodine tinged edges. Strong and nutty, with hints of varnish, caramel and vanilla. Very dry, well-rounded structure, with faint hints of saline, a slightly bitter and long- lasting finish.

Winemaker Description 

The 2021 Cuvée brings together a variety of Pinot Noir blocks from the 42-acre Domaine Lumineux vineyard, showcasing the full spectrum of the estate. Heavy rains in the early summer of 2021 impacted pollination in the vineyard and resulted in a very light fruit crop. This was followed by record setting heat and extreme dry conditions throughout the summer, which proved to be beneficial for optimal grape ripening. The combination of low yield and ample warmth produced wines of exceptional balance, intensity, and grace in the Willamette Valley. This ideal harvest yielded outstanding Pinot Noir fruit that came together harmoniously in this blend.

A select blend of our distinct pinot noir clones, the 2021 Cuvée is a multidimensional, harmonious, expression of the Domaine Lumineux Dundee Hills vineyard. This wine exhibits opulent aromas of spice, featuring hints of anise, nutmeg, and earthy forest floor. The savory palate is accompanied by concentrated red fruit notes, intermingled with dried fig. The 2021 Cuvée boasts a complex structure, with intriguing notes of black pepper lending an alluring mouthfeel and a prolonged finish.

Winemaker Description 

Rey Fernando de Castilla | Pedro Ximénez Classic | Jerez-Xérès-Sherry DO | Andalucía, Spain

Rey Fernando de Castilla is one of Jerez's most celebrated boutique bodegas, founded in 1999 by Norwegian entrepreneur Jan Pettersen in the historic Jerez de la Frontera. The bodega has quickly earned a reputation for producing some of the finest and most authentic Sherries in the region — wines of exceptional purity, complexity, and terroir expression that honor the ancient traditions of Jerez.

Pedro Ximénez — known simply as PX — is the most extraordinary and indulgent style of Sherry, and one of the world's great dessert wines. The PX grape is harvested in the hot September sun and then sun-dried on esparto grass mats for up to two days, concentrating the sugars to extraordinary levels. The grapes are so sweet that they cannot ferment naturally and are fortified to 15% ABV before entering a traditional solera system. The Fernando de Castilla Classic PX is approximately 12 years old on average — a long, slow maturation that builds extraordinary depth and complexity.

Opaquely dark mahogany in the glass. The nose is deeply seductive — intense dried fruit aromas of raisins, prunes, and dates, coupled with brown spices of nutmeg and clove, evoking Christmas cake and dark toffee. On the palate, unctuous sweetness marries beautifully with intense, complex flavors freshened by a slice of acidity that prevents the wine from becoming cloying. Long, rich, and utterly captivating.

Pour over vanilla ice cream for an instant classic dessert. Also exceptional with dark chocolate, blue cheese, foie gras, sticky toffee pudding, and dried fruit and nut desserts. Serve slightly chilled in a small copita or dessert wine glass.

• Producer: Rey Fernando de Castilla
• Style: Pedro Ximénez (Sweet Sherry)
• Appellation: Jerez-Xérès-Sherry DO, Andalucía, Spain
• Grape: Pedro Ximénez
• Winemaking: Sun-dried grapes (up to 2 days); fortified; traditional solera system; ~12 years average age
• Alcohol: 15% ABV
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Winemaker Description 

Ferrando’s white-label Carema is among the most elegant expressions of Nebbiolo in existence, combining ample density with a very Alpine sense of nimbleness. Never an overwhelmingly powerful wine, “Etichetta Bianca” derives its sense of structure more from its acid-fruit tension than its tannins, offering satisfyingly savory fruit buttressed by vigorous mountain acidity.

Fermented in stainless steel without temperature control and using only indigenous yeasts, it spends three full years in a combination of 20-hectoliter Slavonian oak botti and used 500-liter French barrels.

Winemaker Description 

The 2024 growing season for the San Luis Obispo Coast was marked by higher-than-average rainfall and a notably cooler spring. The wet winter and early spring precipitation replenished water reserves, providing a strong foundation for vine growth. The cooler temperatures in spring delayed bud break, pushing the season back slightly compared to typical years. As temperatures gradually warmed in late spring and early summer, the vines caught up, and overall growth was robust, however the cool spring inhibited the vines production and yields were slightly lower than average. The summer months experienced moderate heat, which helped in developing the grapes’ flavors while maintaining good acidity.

Flavors of vibrant raspberry and the subtle herbaceousness of dried oregano with delicate notes of oak that give a hint of toasted marshmallow.

Drawing on our 50+ years of experience at Cakebread Cellars, we craft Central Coast wines as complex and charismatic as the people who share them. Who says your everyday glass can’t be extraordinary, too?

In jewelry making, a bezel is the grooved setting that secures a gem or watchface in place. The name speaks to the craftsmanship behind every bottle of Bezel wine – the skill, precision and experience we’ve honed through 50 years of winemaking at Cakebread, and brought to the Central Coast.

Our winemaking mission is simple, though the resulting wines complex: Seek the best grapes from the West Coast’s finest vineyards and let that region’s personality shine through in each wine. Winemaker Jane Dunkley chased her passion for world-class winemaking all the way from her native Australia to Portugal, Italy and finally, the Central Coast of California.

Today she lives, works and breathes in the same spectacular spots as the grapes she crushes for Bezel. Jane’s on-the-ground knowledge of Paso Robles and the SLO Coast builds on the Cakebread team’s deep expertise to make Bezel wines the dynamic, distinctive individuals they are.

Our Pinot Noir from California’s San Luis Obispo Coast is deep and thoughtful, with layers that are well worth getting to know. Ripe plum, black cherry, and raspberry reach out first, with a whisper of cedar and a wink of baking spice. This California Pinot pairs well with others – especially the ones you love.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Eric Guido of Vinous writes 92 Points | A gorgeous blend of crushed violets, lavender, wild strawberries and crushed stone wafts up as the 2022 Nerello Cappuccio blossoms in the glass. It opens with a lovely inner sweetness and crisp wild berry fruits. Brilliant acidity adds lift and hints of sour citrus pepper the palate. The 2022 tapers off wickedly fresh with a gentle tug of fine tannins, taking on a slightly crunchy sensation as of licorice tones fade under blue- and purple-toned inner florals. The Nerello Cappuccio from Benanti is always a fun wine; its one of the only varietal expressions one can even find on the market.

Winemaker Description 

Fairly bright ruby red with very light tints of purple. Scent is spicy, herbaceous, smoky, and mildly fruity.

Winemaking in the Benanti family can be traced back to the late 1800s in Viagrande. This deep-rooted passion for wine is what led Giuseppe Benanti to establish the namesake winery in 1988.

Vineyard in Contrada Cavaliere, on the South-western slope of Mount Etna, within the municipality of Santa Maria di Licodia (CT). This area is known for its high elevation (900 m a.s.l. / 2,950 ft a.s.l.), low rainfall rate and abundant luminosity.

2022 was the warmest year in the last 180 years, starting with regular and abundant winter rainfall. The vineyards’ vegetative growth was slightly early but healthy, leading to ideal flowering and fruit setting. Between May and June, rapid vegetation growth in Benanti’s five contradas required significant pruning. Despite high temperatures and a lack of rain, the grapes showed no water stress until late August rainfalls. The grapes ripened in excellent health with minimal interventions. The complete ripening process saw notable sugar increases and good acidity levels, perfect for producing balanced wines. Harvests at Calderara Sottana started on October 3rd, and concluded with Nerello Mascalese at Contrada Cavaliere on October 17th.

Winemaker Description 

100% estate, sustainably grown Cabernet Franc from our White Springs and 16 Falls Vineyards. Incredibly fresh and inviting with aromas of redcurrant, cranberries and mountain herbs.

The palate is pure and elegant, with notes of raspberries and hints of earth and spice. 

A perfect rendition of Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc, aged for a year in our 6-year-old, 2000 liter Austrian and Hungarian Oak casks.

Memo Summary Notes

Ravines is widely considered a pioneer of the region's dry, European-inflected style, and their Cabernet Franc is frequently used as a benchmark for what the variety can achieve in North America.

Pair with

    Meats: Roast chicken with thyme, grilled pork chops, or duck confit.

    Savory: Lentil stews, mushroom risotto, or roasted root vegetables.

Casual: A classic charcuterie board with pâté and hard cheeses like 

Winemaker Description 

Barbera, along with Nebbiolo and Dolcetto, is widely planted throughout Piemonte. Many Barolo and Barbaresco producers will also make a Barbera mainly because the aging requirement is far shorter allowing them to see a profit from the harvest earlier. In the commune of Nizza, the Barbera grape steps into the spotlight and takes center stage. This is where Barbera reaches its heights of glory.

The Frasca family has 22 hectares of vineyard in Nizza, with vines averaging 30 years of age. Their 2020 Barbera Nizza DOCG opens with an inviting bouquet of dark cherries, blackberries, and plums, intertwined with notes of violet, tobacco, and a hint of vanilla. On the palate, it is full-bodied and rich, showcasing intense flavors of ripe black fruits, licorice, and a touch of dark chocolate, balanced by firm tannins and vibrant acidity. The finish is long and complex, with lingering hints of fruit, spice, and subtle oak nuances.

This vibrant, lightly sparkling natural wine is bursting with energy and charm. Fresh, fun, and just a little wild, it’s full of juicy fruit, gentle bubbles, and a dry, refreshing finish. Totally unfiltered, beautifully hazy, and made with minimal intervention — it's the kind of bottle that disappears quickly (especially when shared).

Perfect for aperitifs, autumn picnics, or just bringing some magic to your day.

Winemaker Description 

Illimis is a small project made by young winemaker, Lucinda Heynes. With roots as a viticulturist, she crafts honest, minimal intervention wines showcasing particular talent with Chenin Blanc and Cinsault. Her Transparency range expresses the wines’ origin with clarity, finesse and complexity. This red blend boasts expressive aromas of red fruit and floral perfume. Lively purity and acidity on the palette, chalky tannin followed by a long finish. Serve slightly chilled.