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Winemaker Description

Cathiard is a tiny domain - there never is very much wine. You enter a spick and span white stucco suburban home in the center of the small village of Vosne Romanee. There is a walled vineyard outside the front door. Go down the staircase and you are in a minuscule cuverie and barrel room.

Sebastien Cathiard has been slowly assuming control of this top estate in Vosne-Romanée from his father Sylvain. He is now fully in charge, but the wines have been so good for so long that he wisely has changed very little. They continue to farm meticulously, de-stem and rigorously sort all the fruit prior to fermentation. The only thing he has changed is the gradual reduction of new oak, seeking a bit more purity of terroir expression.

Expert Review

"An ultra-fresh and very bright nose freely offers up its array of red berries, plum and even more floral wisps. There is again a lovely textured to the beautifully delineated and stony middleweight flavors that conclude in a youthfully austere, linear and chiseled finale. This is also really quite good and worth considering."
Allen Meadows-Burghound

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Vinous 93 Points by Joaquín Hidalgo writes 93 Points | The 2023 Clio is composed of 70% Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from Jumilla. It was aged for 23 months in French and American oak barrels. Recently bottled, the oak is at the forefront but will integrate. The wine opens with plum, soft herbal notes and blackberry. Intense with fruit complexity, the palate is creamy, flavorful and delicate in tannins, finishing with a touch of oak that will meld with time.

Winemaker Description 

The wine exhibits a glass-coating opaque purple color. The nose is expressive with pain grille, underbrush, brier, minerality, blueberry and blackberry fruit. On the palate is a plush, opulent wine with great density, savory flavors, and a lengthy finish.

The Bodegas El Nido winery is located in the Valle de La Aragona, inside the Murcia district of Jumilla. The vineyards are 76.8 acres of very old Monastrell vines (also known as Matar or Mourvdre) all vaso trained and oriented northeast, and 28.8 acres of 30-year old Cabernet Sauvignon vines on north facing hills. The vineyards have a foot deep layer of chalky stones over substrata of sandy soil. The Bodegas El Nido is a collaboration of the Gil Family and winemaker Chris Ringland, one of the best Australian enologists.

A blend of 70% Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Aged 24 months French & American oak.

Memo Summary Notes

The Bodegas El Nido "Clio" 2023 is a powerhouse red from the Jumilla region of Spain. Created through a collaboration between the Gil family and legendary Australian winemaker Chris Ringland, it is famous for its "maximalist" style—intense, high-alcohol, and deeply oaked.

This wine will overwhelm delicate dishes. Pair it with heavy-hitters like venison, pepper-crusted ribeye, or wild boar stew.

Expert Review

Allan Meadows  of Burghound writes 91 Points | Bright red and dark berry fruit aromas are nuanced by notes of spice, earth and plenty of floral nuances, especially violet. The rich, concentrated and palate coating medium weight flavors possess plenty of sappy dry extract that buffers the firm tannins supporting the elegant yet powerful finish. At least some patience is strongly recommended. I would note that this example showed markedly better than one from last year, in fact so much so that I have no explanation.  

Le C de Calon Ségur | Saint-Estèphe AOC | Bordeaux, France | 2022

Le C de Calon Ségur — formerly known as Le Marquis de Calon Ségur — is the second wine of Château Calon Ségur, one of Saint-Estèphe's most distinguished and storied estates. Classified as a Grand Cru Classé, Château Calon Ségur has been producing wines of exceptional quality on the Left Bank of Bordeaux for centuries, and Le C offers a different, more immediately approachable interpretation of the same celebrated Calon terroir.

Saint-Estèphe is the northernmost of the Haut-Médoc's great communes, known for producing Bordeaux's most structured and age-worthy reds. Its heavy clay soils retain moisture and moderate the growing season, giving Saint-Estèphe wines their characteristic depth, firm tannins, and remarkable longevity. The 2022 vintage is widely regarded as one of the finest in recent Bordeaux history — a warm, dry year that produced wines of exceptional concentration, balance, and aging potential.

Le C de Calon Ségur 2022 is a classic Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, aged approximately 17 months in oak barrels (30% new). Deep ruby-purple in the glass. The nose offers plum, blackcurrant, damson, dark cherry, and cocoa, with notes of garrigue, damp earth, and subtle spice. On the palate, medium to full-bodied with firm, well-integrated tannins, generous dark fruit, bright acidity, and a long, structured, savory finish. Deliciously expressive now, with excellent aging potential.

Pair with roast lamb, braised beef, duck confit, aged cheeses, and hearty Bordeaux-style dishes.

• Producer: Château Calon Ségur (Second Wine)
• Appellation: Saint-Estèphe AOC, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France
• Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
• Vintage: 2022
• Aging: ~17 months in oak (30% new)
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Audrey Frick of Jeb Dunnuck writes 100 Points | The 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino Vigneti Del Versante is also a jeweled ruby color and is aromatic of kirsch, fresh flowers, sweet herbs, and toasted rosemary. It's full-bodied on the palate, with a compact and concentrated feel, well-defined tannins, and an extraordinarily long finish. As it opens, it continuously evolves in the glass, with pristine notes of licorice shining through, and becomes even more focused and pristine over time. In my book, this wine flirts with perfection and is more than deserving of top marks. Drink over the coming 2-3 decades..." 01/25

Eric Guido of Vinous writes 97 Points | Nuances of dusty florals, rosemary, sage, clove and leather give way to dried strawberry aromas as the radiant 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigneti del Versante blossoms in the glass. It's silky-smooth and deep, displaying extraordinary elegance. Soothingly soft textures, ripe red and blue fruit notes and a kick of vibrant acidity provide fantastic energy. Sweet, crunchy tannins steadily build toward the violet-tinged finale, tapering off with hints of blood orange and spice. In a word, spellbinding… I've been tasting the 2019 Brunellos at Pian dell'Orino over the past two years as they've slowly evolved in bottle. Last year, I mused over the Vigneti di Versante's classy profile and potential, as well as the Bassolino di Sopra's flirtations with perfection. The former may find its way there in time. Collectors will want to snatch up both of these upon release in 2025.

Winemaker Description

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

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

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

Winemaker Description

Aromas of plum, raspberry and cherry are layered with earthy tones of mushroom, sage and pine. Soft on the palate, flavors of black cherry and red plum with notes of dark chocolate lead to a bright finish.

Try this wine with fatty dishes. Red meats and flavor-forward ingredients like cooked tomatoes will deliciously complement this wine’s brightness and fine-grained tannins. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description 

Rich and intense, Inniskillin Cabernet Franc Icewine is a luxurious bottle of sweet and complex flavors. With aromas of ripe blackberry, raspberry and cherry, this Icewine is balanced with a hint of spice and a smooth finish. Enjoy this unique and special treat!

Winemaker Description

Fresh and sunny with citrusy aromas, classic pear, melon, and bright citrus flavors. Elegant and crisp with a clean, refreshing finish. Pairs beautifully with salads, goat cheese, and grilled seafood.

Yellow Tail | Shiraz | South Eastern Australia | NV | 1.5L Magnum

[yellow tail] is one of Australia's most recognized and beloved wine brands, produced by the Casella family in Yenda, New South Wales. Since its launch in 2001, [yellow tail] has become a global phenomenon — a wine that introduced millions of drinkers to the approachable, fruit-forward style of Australian Shiraz. Sourced from vineyards across South Eastern Australia, it is crafted to be consistent, reliable, and endlessly enjoyable at an unbeatable everyday price.

This Shiraz is everything a great everyday red should be — vibrant, smooth, rich, and easy to drink. Rich and smooth with juicy red berries, hints of vanilla and spice, and a soft, approachable finish. The 1.5L Magnum format is perfect for entertaining, parties, and gatherings — twice the wine, twice the fun.

Pair with burgers, BBQ ribs, grilled sausages, pizza, pasta with tomato sauce, and casual weeknight meals.

• Producer: Casella Family Brands
• Appellation: South Eastern Australia
• Grape: Shiraz
• Style: Medium-bodied, fruit-forward Australian Shiraz
• Format: 1.5L Magnum (equivalent to 2 standard bottles)

Winemaker Description

Located in Piedmont in northwestern Italy, the Gaja winery is widely considered to be one of the greatest estates in the world, producing coveted and collectible labels. Barbaresco is one of the greatest Italian wines, produced by each generation of the Gaja family since 1859. It is the flagship wine for the Family. 

The nose of the 2021 Barbaresco  is dominated by fruit, but also citrus and floral hints emerge. On the palate it’s juicy and the floral notes persist alongside scents of licorice. Subtle hints of cherry and strawberry create a harmonious blend of floral elegance and vibrant fruit flavors.

Expert Reviews

97 Points Jeb Dunnuck | AA brightly jeweled ruby hue, the 2021 Barbaresco is super-expressive, with loads of wild raspberries that leap from the glass along with notes of strawberries, pressed roses, fresh orange, and violet. As it opens, it evens picks up some spice box, cigar incense, and cherry notes. Crystalline in nature and ripe, this next-level red delivers ripe, sweet tannins, great tension, and fresh, vibrant acidity, without any austerity. A luxury racecar, it’s fantastic and possibly the wine of the year. Drink 2025-2055.

96 Points Robert Parker | This was an epic vintage, and the entire Gaja family is ready to sing its praises. The 2021 Barbaresco sets the tone with sweet cherry flavors framed by spice, earthy notes and elegantly sweet tannins. Giovanni Gaja says the 2021 growing season had two phases: the first six months of the year saw rain and cool temperatures with some frost and soggy conditions until May; however, from June forward, the season saw sunny days without excessive heat spikes. In line with the character of the vintage, this wine shows succulent fruit that is balanced and not too ripe. There is depth and volume here.

94 Points Wine Enthusiast | Blended across 14 vineyards, this wine shows the class, beauty and vitality of the noble Nebbiolo grown in the soils of Barbaresco. The wine opens with aromas of ripe cherries, warmed strawberries in sweet spices, fresh herbs and mixed flowers. The palate is lifted and vibrant with a verve that electrifies the palate as flavors of boysenberry, dried blood orange and black tea saunter about alongside well-intergrated tannins, making this wine drinkable now but ready for the cellar. (2020).

95 Points Wine Spectator | A pretty red, elegant and expressive, offering strawberry, cherry, rose and mineral flavors. Refined tannins and vibrant acidity provide the right amount of support, giving an overall sense of harmony. This firms up nicely, turning more austere, with red fruit and savory notes on the long aftertaste.

95 Points James Suckling | The aromas of licorice, minerals, light tar and dark berries such as raspberry are so attractive. It’s medium-bodied with a tight and integrated palate of fine tannins that are seamless and unseen. It’s long and lively.

95 Points Wine Enthusiast | A pure embodiment of Nebbiolo’s elegance, this opens with enticing aromas of ripe red berries, violet petals and earthy undertones. The palate leaps forward with flavors of juicy cherries, plums and a touch of spice. A chalky minerality sits at the core, with fine-grained tannins that create a structure that’s perfectly balanced. Each part of the wine is precise and effortlessly flows into the next.

95 Points Wine Enthusiast | If you love ripe blackberries, you will fall head over heels for the way this wine smells. The berries are joined by aromas of cherry blossoms, wet stones and a touch of seared steak. There’s balance here, with silky tannins and snappy acidity backing flavors like blackcap raspberries, orange zest and cedarwood.

94 Points Vinous Media | The 2021 Pinot Noir Momtazi Vineyard shows the dark nature of the variety, mixing depths of crushed blackberry with hints of pine, rosemary and dusty earth. This is a model of elegance on the palate, velvety in texture yet lifted in feel, with silken wild berry fruits and minty herb tones neatly balanced by cool-toned acidity. Notes of blood orange emerge toward the close as the Momtazi finishes tannic and crunchy in feel, leaving the mouth watering for more.

91 Points Jeb Dunnuck |The 2021 Pinot Noir Momtazi Vineyard comes from a site located in the McMinnville AVA and biodynamically farmed and owned by Maysara. It pours a touch brighter but similar shade of red to the Temperance Hill and offers more lifted notes of dried cranberries, brighter spice, orange peel, and cocoa nib. It’s medium-bodied, with a more floating and linear feel, an approachable texture, fine tannins, and a pleasing fruity and floral feel, with a light spice lasting through the finish. It’s an elegant wine to drink now or over the coming 7-8 years. It saw 16 months in 20% new French oak barrels, and 1071 cases were produced.

Winemaker's Notes

Momtazi Vineyard is located in the McMinnville AVA, 7 miles west of McMinnville, Oregon. The grapes for this wine come from four blocks at the top of the vineyard on steep, exposed and windblown hillsides. The vineyard is certified biodynamic by Demeter.

Momtazi is our most textural, umami, wine. Lovely aromas of spice, smoky earth, and dried black fruit. Quite elegant on the mid palate with the finish blossoming to more floral notes with hints of cocoa powder. Will pair beautifully with winter stews and roasted vegetables. Great with cassoulet and mushroom dishes.

Winemaker Description

Created as a tribute to Louise Pommery, Cuvée Louise is an absolutely pure wine which quintessentially conveys the wine-making expertise of the Pommery champagne house. 

The wine has a yellow, slightly golden color with an exceptional brightness and limpidity. The effervescence is fine and delicate.

This 2005 is marked by floral notes in all their complexity. Owing to the long aging, notes of linden, hawthorn and vineyard peach. With its high purity, the bouquet is delicately blended with buttery notes. After aeration, the Pinot Noir expresses itself and the wine gains aromas of roasted hazelnuts and mild tobacco.

This wine is like a caress, its texture is velvety and creamy. The attack is frank, without asperity and imbalance. With incredible harmony and minerality, the heart of the tasting is intensive and structured. The finale, with the gentleness of honey and lemon, comes to punctuate this wine and provides the vintage with signature delicate flavor, noble bitterness and structure.

Expert Reviews

97 Points James Suckling | Grilled bread with flowers, pears and apples. Lots of perfumes. Lavender and some herbs and nutmeg. The palate is tight and solid with fine phenolics and a long, intense finish. Pure and extremely linear and lively. Sophisticated and thought-provoking.

92 Points Wine Spectator | A fresh and lacy Champagne, with a pleasing, creamy range of golden apple, blanched almond and lemon pound cake underscored by a streak of minerally saline and brine.

92 Points Wine & Spirits | A ghost of chardonnays past, this tastes like white grapefruit without the acidity, as if a grapefruit could age past its acidity and still remain fresh. From three estate parcels— chardonnay from Avize and Cramant, pinot noir from Aÿ—this is an elegant Champagne at a peak moment of maturity, flinty and airy with a deep leesy savor.

Critics Notes

Burghound 91-93 Points | Here the wood treatment is no long subtle though neither does it dominate the pretty spice, floral and red berry aromas that display a mentholated top note. The sleek, delicious and appealingly vibrant medium-bodied flavors possess good delineation that carries over to the sappy, powerful finish that offers both very fine depth and persistence. This is a bit woody today but the oak should integrate with a few years of keeping. (Drink starting 2033)". (2021). 

Vinous 91-93 Points | The 2021 Pommard Les Chaponnières 1er Cru, matured in 40% new oak, has a complex nose, quite tertiary to the extent that it deceives you into thinking there might be some stems. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chalky tannins, moderate depth, fresh and saline with a pliant, cassis and blueberry-tinged finish. Very fine. (Drink between 2025-2037)" 01/23. (2021). 

Winemaker Description

A classic Pommard with a good structure. A complex nose with hints of red fruits, spices and flowers. The mouth is well balanced and structured, with ripe and sweet tannins. 

Expert Review

Winemaker Description

Expert Reviews

Winemaker Description

Leclerc Briant was an early adopter of organic practices beginning in the 1960’s and pioneered the concept of single-vineyard Champagne starting in the 1970’s. Fifth generation vigneron, Pascal Leclerc began to follow biodynamic principles in 1988, with part of the production Demeter certified since 2003.

Expert Review

Wine Advocate 94 Points | The 2018 Les Monts Ferrés Blanc de Blancs derives from vines planted in the eponymous parcel in the 1er cru village of Vertus. It reveals a delicate, fine bouquet with aromas of fresh bread, acacia, spring flowers and ripe orchard fruits. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced, it’s enveloping and structured with both racy and bright acidity. This is a tension-filled, ethereal Champagne with a dosage of 1.4 grams per liter.

Winemaker Description

2019 embodies classic Hillside Select richness, vibrancy, and balance. The aromas push out of the glass, offering black cherry, cedar, cassis, and juicy red summer berries with lifted floral tones. Even at this youthful age, the complexity of the vintage is striking, merging dark fruit with tobacco, espresso, black olive, red plum, and black tea. The expansive mid-palate is complemented by ripe integrated tannins that add depth and structure, culminating in a long, profound finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019 

98+ Points Jeb Dunnuck | The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is another magical vintage for this cuvée. All Cabernet Sauvignon from hillside vineyards on the eastern side of Stags Leap, it offers a vivid purple hue as well as extraordinary notes of cassis, black raspberries, violets, camphor, and spring flowers, with perfectly integrated background oak. Full-bodied but not massive, it’s flawlessly balanced on the palate and has ultra-fine tannins, a seamless, elegant mouthfeel, and a great, great finish. It’s another 30- to 40-year wine from this incredible team that readers will absolutely love. (2019).

98+ Points Robert Parker | Sourced from specific blocks of estate-grown fruit, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is another highly successful vintage. All Cabernet Sauvignon aged 32 months in 100% new French oak, it boasts intense aromas of pencil shavings, dark loam, cassis and plum on the nose, while the palate is full-bodied, super-ripe, rich, dense and concentrated—a truly impressive California vin de garde. Tannic but ripe, it finishes long and firm on the finish, adding a hint of mocha. To be released in September 2023, it's a strong showing and hopefully an indication that quality will remain high under the new ownership. (2019).

98 Points James Suckling | A beautiful nose of pitted cherries, redcurrants, fresh herbs and violets. Full-bodied with fine, structured tannins. More gravelly, mineral and dark than the nose lets on. Savory almost. Terrific depth and concentration that keeps the palate flavorful through the generous finish. Chocolate, sage, rosemary, bark and moss. Layered. Superb wine. Needs time to come together. Best after 2024 and onward. (2019).

98 Points Vinous | The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is one of the most elegant wines I have tasted at Shafer. Effusive aromatics and silky tannins are immediately captivating. Crushed red/purplish berry fruit, mint, spice, lavender and licorice are all finely knit. We will see, but the 2019 may very well represent a new direction for Hillside Select, one of Napa Valley's most iconic Cabernets. (2019).

97 Points Wine Enthusiast | This broad, rich and mouthfilling wine is Shafer’s most elite and collectible. Aged for 32 months in all-new French oak barrels, it boasts extra-ripe blackberries and blueberries, accents of mint, cedar and graphite, and a big structure of polished tannins. (2019).

94 Points Wine Spectator| A ripe, exuberant style, with generous plum cake, blackberry compote and açaí berry notes mixed with melted black licorice and a nicely polished, singed mesquite–accented finish. Hard to resist now (if you like the power style), but also has the energy to take some cellaring. (2019).

Winemaker Description

Rioja is without question the most famous wine region in Spain, but the region is anything but homogeneous. The three sub-regions – Rioja Alavesa, Rioja Oriental and Rioja Alta – differ enormously. This wine comes from the small hamlet of Labastida in the northwest of Rioja Alavesa, the smallest and northernmost sub-region located in the Spanish Basque Country and characterized by calcareous clay and sandy soils. 

The mastermind behind the Dominio del Challao winery is Manu Michelini, whose family makes incredibly fine, terroir-driven wines under the name Michelini i Mufatto at both their winery in Bierzo, in northeastern Spain, and the Argentine winery in Mendoza. The Challao is the winery's top wine. Medium ruby ​​red with violet. There is significantly more intensity in the glass than with the Garnacha, but this wine still reminds me more of Burgundy than Bordeaux on the nose. The winery is clearly on the trail of elegance. Juicy, fresh wild berries, black cherries, rose petals and black Assam tea, that's delicately smoky. 

Then come violets and freshly fired clay. In the mouth, cassis, fresh blackberries and lots of black cherry again. The intense, chalky minerality is phenomenal, building up gradually on the tongue. Delicately bitter, fresh herbs and a touch of After Eight. The tannins are fine and chalky, and as soon as you feel the structure, the next wave of black cherry washes over your tongue. 

This is not at all what you imagine Rioja to be in the classic sense. But this wine is a lot of fun because of its freshness and mineral intensity without being boring. On the contrary, I am convinced that it will develop gracefully in the cellar for years because it is made for a long life. Super chic fabric and without question a Rioja in a class of its own! 

Expert Review - Vintage 2020 

93 Points Robert Parker | The 2020 Angelita del Challao comes from a blend of different vineyards in the three valleys from Labastida, looking for a village wine; it was produced with 85% Tempranillo and the rest Garnacha, Mazuelo, Viura, Garnacha Blanca and other rare varieties from their own vineyards and purchased grapes. It fermented in concrete with indigenous yeasts, 40% full clusters that are foot trodden and the rest uncrushed grapes and matured in 225- and 500-liter barrels and 2,000-liter foudres—10 months with each plot separate—and then it was blended and let to settle in concrete for another 10 months. They look for a more approachable wine than Challao, with more floral aromas in a very elegant and harmonious way. The palate is medium-bodied with medium ripeness, 13.5% alcohol and very good freshness and acidity, balanced and harmonious, very tasty and with elegant, refined tannins. Really very good. 17,282 bottles and some larger magnums were filled in May 2022. (2020). 

Winemaker Description

Dense black plum and blackberry fruit, with the characteristic garrigue aroma of wild herbs. There is still a good impression of freshness on the palate and fairly grippy tannins. Well-balanced and typical of the village. The vines in this half-hectare parcel south of the village are more than 60 years of age. 

Expert Reviews 

93-95 points Jasper Morris | Bright red crimson colour with very juicy red berry fruit on the nose, this has abundant energy and makes one salivate. There is its habitual garrigue touch at the back then a second helping of sweet raspberry fruit, Impeccable structure, a really interesting complex and refreshing wine. Gourmand in the best sense. The fruit just keeps coming back behind. A stunning result from a lesser known 1er Cru. Drink from 2028-2036. (2021). 

93 points Wine Spectator | Wild cherry, currant, sandalwood, smoke and earth notes are defined by lively acidity and refined tannins in this intense red. Accents of smoke and roasted game bird add to the complexity, while the texture is silky and the aftertaste long. Wait a decade at least on this. Best from 2027 through 2040. (2021). 

91-93 points Burghound | A perfumed, spicy and restrained nose requires aggressive swirling to coax the aromas of pretty essence of red cherry and crushed fennel to reveal themselves. The delicious, refined and vibrant middleweight flavors flash a subtle bead of minerality on the focused, balanced and sneaky long finish. This is a Roncière of punch and finesse. *Burghound Outstanding! (2021). 

90-92 points Vinous | The 2021 Nuits Saint-Georges Roncière 1er Cru has an open bouquet with red berry fruit, cedar and light graphite aromas. Fine definition. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, quite sapid in the mouth with a pleasant strictness allied with tension on the finish. Give this 3-4 years in bottle. (NM) Inner quote mark (1/2023). (2021). 

Winemaker Description 

Initial powerful aromas of freshly cut grass and lime, followed by spicy aromas. Very nice the vanilla-bean. Elegant with vivid acidity, which gives the wine an enormous freshness. In the finish grated grapefruit peel. A really expressive Scheurebe! 

Winemaker Description

The Tinto DoUmia is a traditional blend of 70% Mencía, 20% Caino, and 10% Espadeiro from the weather battered coasts of Galicia. Biodynamically farmed, fermented with native yeasts and partial whole cluster in stainless steel vats, then aged on the lees for one year.

Light and refreshing red fruits with woodsy notes that never venture in to the tart fruit category. The palate is lean yet savory, with forest floor aromas and a pure fruit expression. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Adega Pedralonga DoUmia Tinto 2022 is a fascinating departure from the white Albariños usually associated with the Rías Baixas region of Spain. Crafted by winemaker Francisco Alfonso, this red blend is a tribute to the indigenous grapes of Galicia and the "Atlantic" style of winemaking—fresh, high-acid, and deeply mineral.

Because of its high acidity and lower tannins, this wine is incredibly versatile:

    Traditional: Octopus a feira, grilled fatty fish (tuna or salmon), or roasted chicken.

    Cured Meats: It cuts beautifully through the richness of Ibérico ham or aged cheeses.

    Global: Its freshness makes it a great partner for spicy Thai dishes or earthy mushroom risotto.

Winemaker Description

The red wine "Trio" by Berthet-Bondet consists of the three common red grapes of the Jura, Trousseau, Poulsard and Pinot Noir. This elegant red wine smells of spices and pepper, a slight wild animal note, typical of the poulsard, can also be perceived. 

A completely independent wine, somewhat comparable in structure and fullness to neighboring Burgundy, but not aromatic. A characterful red for friends of the unusual.

In 1985, Chantal and Jean Berthet-Bondet took over a domaine that had not been producing wine for 50 years, and brought it back to life. In 2017, their daughter Hélène succeeded them, helped by her husband and two children. The vineyards spread on 15 hectares, 4.5ha of Savagnin in Château-Chalon and 10.5ha of Chardonnay, Savagnin, Trousseau, Poulsard and Pinot Noir in Côtes-du-Jura appellation. A new plot of Chardonnay was planted in 2022, using for the first time massal selection and young plants from the Bérillon nurseries. The vineyard is off to a magnificient start. Château-Chalon possesses the noblest terroir in the Jura region. A composition of limestone and red and gray marl confers both power and great finesse to these wines. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description 

100% Savagnin. The lieu-dit Savagnier is located in the commune of Lavigny, close to Balanoz. The vines are planted on gravel and marl soil. This cuvée is made in a non-oxidized style and aged on the lees for 10 months in stainless steel tanks.

Aromas of citrus and exotic fruits, lots of minerality on the palate. Drink within 5 years and enjoy as an aperitif or with light fare. 

Expert Reviews- Vintage 2020 

97 Points Wine Enthusiast | In this wine, the tannins are velvety, with black fruits that are immensely concentrated. The texture and powerful tannins provide superb foils for the fruit. Drink from 2027. Organic and biodynamic.

96 Points Vinous | The 2020 Durfort-Vivens is a dense, concentrated wine, just as it was en primeur. Blackberry jam, grilled herbs, lavender, menthol and chocolate are some of the many notes that build as the 2020 shows off its breadth and sheer power. Striking inner perfume and sweet aromatics lend an exotic flair that is so distinctive. Superb.

95 Points Wine Advocate | The 2020 Durfort Vivens has turned out beautifully, unwinding in the glass with aromas of dark cherries and berries mingled with hints of licorice, baking chocolate and mint. Medium to full-bodied, deep and fleshy, it's layered and concentrated, with lively acids and broad structural shoulders, its generous endowment of powdery tannin asserting itself on the youthfully firm finish. More tightly wound than the extroverted, charming 2019, the 2020 will demand patience, but it's a very strong performance for this estate.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

Wine Advocate 100 Points | One of the wines of the vintage is the 2020 La Conseillante, a blend of 86% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc that wafts from the glass with inviting aromas of raspberries, red cherries and mulberries mingled with exotic spices, violets and rose petals. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and vibrant, it's a beautifully elegant, sensual wine with a deep core of fruit framed by powdery tannins, concluding with a long, extravagantly floral finish. This is a Pomerol of striking purity and sophistication. Congratulations to Marielle Cazaux and her team for surpassing even what they achieved in 2016 and 2019 with this brilliant 2020!

Yellow Tail | Merlot | South Eastern Australia | NV | 1.5L Magnum

Yellow Tail is one of Australia's most recognized and beloved wine brands, produced by the Casella family in Yenda, New South Wales. Since its launch in 2001, [yellow tail] has become a global phenomenon — a wine that introduced millions of drinkers to the approachable, fruit-forward style of Australian red wine. Sourced from vineyards across South Eastern Australia, it is crafted to be consistent, reliable, and endlessly enjoyable at an unbeatable everyday price.

Silky smooth and easy on the palate. Juicy, ripe fruit flavors complemented by aromas of dark plums, a touch of mint, and soft vanilla oak. A great crowd-pleasing red that goes down effortlessly. The 1.5L Magnum format is perfect for entertaining, parties, and gatherings — twice the wine, twice the fun.

Pair with pasta, pizza, burgers, grilled chicken, BBQ, and casual weeknight meals.

• Producer: Casella Family Brands
• Appellation: South Eastern Australia
• Grape: Merlot
• Style: Soft, fruit-forward Australian Merlot
• Format: 1.5L Magnum (equivalent to 2 standard bottles)

Frey Vineyards Mendocino Chardonnay Organic 2023 — Mendocino County, California

Frey Vineyards is a true American original. Founded in 1980 in Redwood Valley, Mendocino County, Frey became the first certified organic winery in the United States — and has remained one of the country’s most committed producers of organic and biodynamic wine ever since. Their wines are made with no added sulfites (NSA), no synthetic pesticides, and no chemical additives, offering a pure, unmanipulated expression of the grape and the land.

This Mendocino Chardonnay is fermented in stainless steel with minimal oak exposure, preserving the grape’s natural freshness and fruit character. The result is bright and approachable: hints of apple, pear, and a touch of caramel on the nose and palate, with clean acidity and a light, refreshing finish. No sulfites added — ideal for those with sulfite sensitivities or anyone seeking a cleaner, more natural wine experience.

America’s first certified organic winery. No sulfites added. Pure Mendocino Chardonnay.

• Producer: Frey Vineyards, Redwood Valley, Mendocino County, California (est. 1980)
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Mendocino County
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Farming: Certified Organic, Biodynamic
• Sulfites: No Sulfites Added (NSA)
• Vegan: Yes
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Apple, pear, caramel, light acidity, clean refreshing finish
• Best Paired With: Pumpkin risotto, honey-glazed carrots, scalloped potatoes, grilled fish, light pasta, fresh goat cheese

Organic, honest, and genuinely delicious — Frey Chardonnay is the benchmark for clean California white wine.

Winemaker Description 

Laser-focused and mineral-loaded with ripe layers of sun-kissed citrus fruits, mango peel, and crunchy yellow/green apple on a bed of crushed white rock and honeysuckle. It’s unabashedly delicious yet complex and bone-dry; a quintessential snapshot of a storied terroir. 

Want an authentic, elite bottling of Kremstal? This is it! Enjoy now and over the next 3-5 years.

Expert Review

The wines are deep, rich, powerful and dramatic...pinnacles in the history of dry German Riesling. -- Stephan Reinhardt, The Wine Advocate

Winemaker Description 

Light yellow-green in color. Nose of peach and lemon. Mouth-filling, taste of apricot and lemon, great acid level.

Winemaker Description 

The scent has tangerine and peppery slate notes, still very young. In the mouth the wine has tension, crisp acidity, juiciness, a slim concentration, a dense, substantial core makes the finish compact and taut. Middle Rhine minerals with Rheingau finesse.