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Our Professional Review

Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67Wine Buyer, writes: Raventós i Blanc De Nit Rosé is a benchmark rosé sparkling wine. The Raventós family’s commitment to biodynamic agriculture serves as the core philosophy of their winemaking. Fine bubbles with a nose of raspberry, red currants, and wild strawberries. Crisp and enticing finish. Serve chilled as an aperitif.

A Spanish sparkling rosé made with biodynamically grown estate grapes in the style of Cava. This Macabeo-driven blend has a pale light pink hue — matched on the palate with an elegant bouquet of pink grapefruit, rose petals, red berry fruits, and lively acidity.

Expert Reviews

Wine & Spirits Magazine — 94 Points | Pepe Raventós adds depth and a touch of color with fruit from Monastrell vines planted in 1974. That addition lays a smoky note and red-fruit hints over a base of Xarel·lo, Macabeo, and Parellada. Narcissus scents, peach fuzz, and brisk clarity of flavor — its elegance is hard to resist.

Decanter — 91 Points | Simple nose but very pretty red crunchy fruit and mulberries on the palate. Pleasant acidity and excellent length. Very pretty.

• Producer: Raventós i Blanc
• Appellation: Conca del Riu Anoia, Catalonia, Spain
• Grapes: Macabeo, Xarel·lo, Parellada, Monastrell (1974 vines)
• Farming: Certified biodynamic & organic
• Style: Sparkling Rosé, Brut
• Vintage: 2023
• Format: 750ml

MAN Family Wines "Padstal" Chardonnay is a fresh, fruit-driven expression of South African Chardonnay, crafted to highlight purity, balance, and exceptional drinkability. Named after the traditional roadside farm stalls, or padstals, found throughout South Africa, this wine celebrates local hospitality and simple pleasures.

Bright aromas of ripe peach, Golden Delicious apple, citrus blossom, and pineapple lead into a smooth palate layered with juicy stone fruit, lemon zest, and hints of tropical fruit. Gentle oak aging adds subtle notes of vanilla and toasted almond without overshadowing the wine's vibrant fruit character. Crisp acidity keeps the finish fresh, clean, and beautifully balanced.

Food Pairing

An excellent match for grilled shrimp, lobster, roast chicken, creamy pasta dishes, seafood risotto, salmon, pork tenderloin, and mild cheeses. It also makes an ideal aperitif.

Serving Temperature

Serve chilled at 48–52°F (9–11°C).

Approachable, versatile, and consistently overdelivering for the price, MAN Family Wines "Padstal" Chardonnay is a superb everyday Chardonnay that offers outstanding quality and value from South Africa's renowned Western Cape.

Country: South Africa
Region: Western Cape (Cape Coast)
Wine Type: White Wine
Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay
Vintage: 2025

  Frank Family Vineyards Chardonnay Napa Valley 2024 — Carneros, Napa Valley

Frank Family Vineyards is one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated estates, founded in 1992 by Rich Frank — former president of Disney Studios — with a singular focus on producing benchmark Napa wines. Their Carneros Chardonnay is a perennial critical favorite, sourced from one of Napa Valley’s most prized appellations for the variety. Carneros, situated at the southern end of the valley just north of San Pablo Bay, is defined by cool maritime breezes, morning fog, and clay-rich soils that produce Chardonnay of exceptional balance between richness and acidity.

The 2024 leads with zesty lemon and guava aromas tempered by notes of vanilla and caramel-covered apples. On the palate, delicious layers of nutmeg and crème brûlée seamlessly combine with hints of toasted oak and elegant waves of fresh acidity, leading to a bright, lingering finish. James Suckling awarded it 92 points, calling it “a very generous, luscious and focused Chardonnay — well made, poised and stylish.”

James Suckling 92 — “A very generous, luscious and focused Chardonnay with a good core of fruit and spices, bright acidity and a textural, rounded mouthfeel.”

• Producer: Frank Family Vineyards, Calistoga, Napa Valley (est. 1992)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Napa Valley AVA (Carneros)
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon, guava, vanilla, caramel apple, nutmeg, crème brûlée, toasted oak, bright acidity, lingering finish
• Best Paired With: Roasted chicken, lobster, crab, creamy pasta, brie, light butter and cream sauces

Carneros Chardonnay at its most poised — Frank Family delivers richness, elegance, and Napa Valley terroir in every glass.

Flowers Vineyard & Winery | Chardonnay | Sonoma Coast AVA | California | 2024

Flowers Vineyard & Winery is a pioneer of the Far Sonoma Coast — one of California's most extreme and celebrated cool-climate wine regions. Perched on rugged coastal ridges just miles from the Pacific Ocean, Flowers has built its reputation on wines of exceptional tension, purity, and precision. Where most of California basks in warmth, the Far Sonoma Coast is defined by cold Pacific fog, relentless ocean winds, and a growing season that pushes Chardonnay to its limits — producing wines of remarkable focus, minerality, and longevity.

The Sonoma Coast Chardonnay captures the signature interplay between cool Pacific influence and bright California sun that defines this remarkable terroir. Energetic and bright, it balances mouthwatering acidity, fresh citrus, and an elegant, finely-woven texture with exceptional purity and precision.

Meyer lemon and just-ripe mandarin orange mingle with pithy herbaceous notes and a fine mist of green citrus oil. On the palate, savory preserved lemon and a hint of spice are supported by a backbone of persistent acidity. Briny ocean spray minerality lifts the tightly-knit texture, which expands across the mouth for a vibrant, lingering finish. Drink now through 2036.

A natural match for fresh oysters, Dungeness crab, grilled halibut, roasted chicken with lemon and thyme, and dishes with bright citrus or herb-driven sauces.

• Producer: Flowers Vineyard & Winery
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast AVA (Far Sonoma Coast), California, USA
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2024
• Style: Dry, crisp & mineral white
• Drink: Now through 2036
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2024

• Wine Enthusiast — 95 pts | Editor's Choice: Zesty lemon, lime, and green herb aromas mingle with citrus blossoms and cinnamon. The palate delivers a surge of vibrant acidity and pithy texture, with flavors of green apple, Meyer lemon, toasted hazelnut, and chopped lemon balm echoing for over a minute.
• Wine Spectator — 93 pts: Lemon sorbet and orange sherbet, plus lemongrass, lemon verbena, and fresh and dried ginger notes, with touches of saline and white tea on the long, detailed finish. Plenty of intensity and sleek, mouthwatering acidity. Drink now through 2036.

High on the terraced slopes above the River Anoia, where marine soils hold the memory of an ancient sea, Raventós i Blanc has been quietly redefining what sparkling wine can be. The De La Finca is their most personal expression — drawn exclusively from vineyards first classified by Pepe Raventós’s grandfather, on plots of singular character that demand lower yields and reward patience above all else.

The 2022 is a blend of 60% Xarel·lo, 30% Macabeu, and 10% Parellada, whole-cluster pressed and fermented in concrete to preserve freshness and build for longevity. After reférmenting in bottle, it ages no fewer than 30 months on the lees, sealed with cork — a commitment to complexity that few producers in Catalonia match. Bone dry, unadjusted, and released as a Brut Nature. Certified organic and biodynamic.

The result is a sparkling wine of extraordinary precision: a bright, almost luminous yellow-gold with tiny, tightly integrated bubbles. The nose is expressive and layered — yeasts, Mediterranean herbs, white almond, chalk, and a subtle mineral salinity drawn from the fossil-rich limestone beneath the vines. On the palate it is vibrant and clean, with ample mousse, real weight and volume, and a long, phenolic finish that speaks of place and time in equal measure.

• Appellation: Conca del Riu Anoia, Catalonia, Spain
• Blend: 60% Xarel·lo, 30% Macabeu, 10% Parellada
• Farming: Certified Organic & Biodynamic
• Method: Traditional Method, 30+ months on lees
• Style: Brut Nature (bone dry, unadjusted)
• Production: 55,000 bottles

Expert Reviews:

93 Wine Advocate — “Vibrant, clean and precise palate, super tasty… a generous wine from a generous year.”

92 James Suckling — “Almost bone-dry on the palate, with an ample mousse and very good weight and volume.”

Food Pairings: Oysters, grilled langoustine, aged Manchego, or simply as an aperitif on its own terms.

GAJA · Dagromis Barolo · 2022 · Piedmont, Italy

GAJA Dagromis 2022 brings together two Barolo origins, La Morra and Serralunga, in a wine made entirely from Nebbiolo. The name recalls Gromis, the previous owner of the land, connecting this bottling to the history of its vineyards.

Ripe fruit, plum, rose and violet mingle with balsamic notes and sweet licorice. Earth, warm spice, sandalwood and juniper add savory depth. A rich, concentrated palate combines bright acidity with polished tannins, leading into a persistent finish with violet and blood-orange accents.

Wine Description

Dagromis 2022: The 2022 Gaja Barolo Dagromis is an expression of two great terroirs of Barolo, La Morra and Serralunga. "Gromis" refers to the previous owner of the land. The wine opens with balsamic aromas, where the fruit prevails and fills the nose with its vibrant presence. One can perceive wild, ripe, and freshly picked fruit, with notes of plum blending into a bouquet of red and balsamic flowers, including rose, violet, and sweet licorice. The tannins are soft and juicy, providing a sensation of roundness and length on the palate. The structure is remarkable, rich, and full, and the wine has a good balance. It concludes with an elegant aftertaste of violet and a long, persistent finish.

The nose shows deep wet earth, warm spice, sandalwood, juniper, red fruit, and subtle savory, sanguine notes. Powerful and concentrated on the palate, it is balanced by bright savory acidity and dense yet polished tannins, finishing fresh with a hint of blood orange.

Blend: 100% Nebbiolo

Food Pairings & Serving

Suggested pairings include braised beef, roast lamb, mushroom risotto or aged hard cheeses. Serve slightly below room temperature and give the wine time in the glass to explore its floral and savory layers.

Wine Details

• Producer: GAJA
• Wine: Dagromis
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Barolo
• Vineyard origins: La Morra and Serralunga
• Region: Piedmont, Italy
• Grape: 100% Nebbiolo
• Style: Red wine
• Bottle size: 750ml

Floral Nebbiolo, savory depth and polished structure from two Barolo origins.

Arnaldo Caprai Sagrantino di Montefalco Collepiano — Umbria 2020

Arnaldo Caprai is the definitive name in Sagrantino di Montefalco — the producer who put this ancient Umbrian grape on the world map. Founded in 1971 when Arnaldo Caprai purchased 42 hectares in Montefalco, the estate was transformed in 1986 when his son Marco took the helm and launched a series of collaborations with agronomic and winemaking research institutes that would redefine the region. The result was the legendary “25 Anni” cuvée, which captured the attention of critics worldwide and established Montefalco Sagrantino as one of Italy’s great DOCG appellations. Today, Caprai farms 160 hectares across all four cardinal points of the Montefalco DOCG, and the Collepiano is the estate’s benchmark expression of Sagrantino — powerful, structured, and built for the long haul. James Suckling awarded it 94 points; Wine Spectator 92, recommending best drinking from 2030 through 2040.

The nose is dark and commanding: wild blackberries, meat, graphite minerality, and a stern, brooding intensity. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with firm, austere tannins, lifted acidity, and a chewy, concentrated core of pureed black cherry and blackberry paste. Accents of marjoram, garam masala, sandalwood, and smoke carry through to a polished finish of salt, chocolate, and fruit. This is Sagrantino at its most serious — a wine that demands patience and rewards it generously.

James Suckling 94 — "A dark mix of wild blackberries, meat and graphite minerality. Firm, austere tannins, a full body and lifted acidity. A very chewy style, with a polished finish showing salt, chocolate and fruit." (Vintage 2020). 

Wine Spectator 92 — "Dense tannins impart a thick, creamy texture… pureed black cherry and blackberry paste, with accents of marjoram, garam masala, sandalwood and smoke. Best from 2030 through 2040." (Vintage 2020).

• Producer: Arnaldo Caprai, Montefalco, Umbria, Italy
• Vintage: 2020
• Appellation: Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG
• Varietal: 100% Sagrantino
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Wild blackberry, black cherry, graphite, marjoram, garam masala, sandalwood, dark chocolate, salt
• Cellar Potential: Best from 2030–2040
• Best Paired With: Braised wild boar, lamb osso buco, aged Pecorino, truffle pasta, beef short ribs

A 94-point Sagrantino from the appellation’s defining estate — dark, powerful, and built to age for decades.

Domaine Raspail-Ay Gigondas 2023 — Half Bottle (375ml)

Domaine Raspail-Ay is one of the most respected and beloved estates in Gigondas — a benchmark producer in an appellation that is itself one of the Southern Rhône’s finest. The estate has long been a favorite of serious wine lovers for its commitment to traditional winemaking, organic and biodynamic viticulture, and wines of exceptional depth, structure, and longevity. The Wine Advocate calls it “one of my favorite Gigondas estates,” and the 2023 is among the finest vintages in recent memory.

The 2023 Gigondas is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, completely destemmed and raised in old foudres to preserve purity and terroir expression. Medium to full-bodied, with a ripe, layered mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and outstanding length — a classic, well-made Gigondas that will shine right out of the gate yet still have 15+ years of overall longevity. Now available in a 375ml half-bottle.

Full-bodied and fruity, with aromas of raspberries, black cherries, black pepper, licorice, and herbes de Provence. The palate is warm and generous, with ripe tannins, Provençal spice, meaty and peppery nuances, and classic garrigue notes. The wine fills the mouth with layered, complex flavors and a long, structured finish.

Wine Advocate — 94 points

“One of my favorite Gigondas estates, Raspail-Ay has made brilliant wines in both 2023 and 2022. Subtle darker berries, Provençal spice, meaty and peppery nuances, and classic garrigue notes… medium to full-bodied, ripe tannins, and outstanding length. A classic, well-made Gigondas that’s going to shine right out of the gate yet still have 15+ years of overall longevity.” (Vintage 2023). 

Food Pairings

Lamb chops, roasted duck, wild boar, Provençal stews, aged cheeses, and grilled meats with herbs.

Blend: 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre
Appellation: Gigondas AOC, Southern Rhône, France
Vintage: 2023
Farming: Organic & Biodynamic
Aging: Old foudres
Format: 375ml (Half Bottle)
Score: 94 points Wine Advocate

Bosman Family Vineyards · 'Twyfeling' Cinsaut · Wellington · 2024

Just an hour from Cape Town, in the sun-baked valley of Wellington, the Bosman family has been farming the same land for eight generations — one of the Cape Winelands' most enduring stories of heritage, community, and environmental stewardship. Their 'Twyfeling' (“Doubt” in Afrikaans) Cinsaut is their modern take on what Wellington bush vine Cinsaut can be: a wine that questions the assumption that South Africa's most underrated red grape is anything less than world-class. Vegan. Certified Sustainable. Made by a woman winemaker. At $24.99, it’s one of the most compelling and fairly priced Cinsauts coming out of South Africa right now.

The 2024 is harvested in three components, hand-sorted, de-stemmed, and slightly crushed. Spontaneous fermentation with daily punch-downs and pump-overs, with 10% whole-bunch and 10% stem-contact components adding freshness and complexity. Extended skin contact post-fermentation, followed by 12 months in 225L and 500L French oak barrels. Deep plum in the glass with a purple rim. The nose is fresh and inviting — lively berry, cherry, tobacco, and savoury spice. On the palate: medium-bodied but bold, with an elegant structure, luscious berry and cherry fruit, and a long, refined finish. Drink now through 2029.

• Producer: Bosman Family Vineyards (est. 8 generations · Woman winemaker)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Wellington, Western Cape, South Africa
• Varietal: 100% Cinsaut (bush vines)
• Vinification: Hand sorted · 3-component harvest · 10% whole bunch · 10% stem contact · Spontaneous fermentation · Extended skin contact · 12 months French oak (225L & 500L) · Gently filtered
• Certifications: Vegan · Certified Sustainable
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Fresh berry, cherry, tobacco, savoury spice, medium-bodied, elegant structure, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2029
• Food Pairings: Grilled lamb, roasted duck, charcuterie, mushroom dishes, aged gouda

Eight generations of Wellington heritage, bush vine Cinsaut, and a woman winemaker’s modern vision — South Africa’s most exciting red grape at its finest.

Domaine Stéphane Ogier Le Temps Est Venu Côtes du Rhône 2024

From the celebrated Ogier family of Ampuis, Le Temps Est Venu is a polished, expressive Côtes du Rhône with the generous fruit and savory spice that make the southern Rhône so compelling. The nose opens with ripe cherry and warm spice, followed by a medium-bodied palate shaped by lively acidity and silky tannins.

Made from 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah, this is a bright, beautifully balanced red that brings Rhône character to the table without feeling heavy. Enjoy it with roast chicken, grilled lamb, sausages, ratatouille, or a board of aged cheeses.

About Domaine Stéphane Ogier

The Ogier family has been rooted in Ampuis for seven generations. Stéphane joined the family domaine in 1997 after completing his oenological studies in Beaune, carrying forward a deep commitment to the vineyards of the northern Rhône while crafting wines such as Le Temps Est Venu from the wider Côtes du Rhône appellation.

• Varietals: 50% Grenache, 50% Syrah
• Appellation: Côtes-du-Rhône
• Region: Rhône Valley, France
• Vintage: 2024
• Size: 750ml

A silky, spicy Rhône red with ripe cherry fruit, lively freshness, and easy food-pairing appeal.

Paul Hobbs Brings His Winemaking Mastery to Sonoma Cabernet

Paul Hobbs is one of California’s most celebrated winemakers, and his Crossbarn Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 delivers his signature precision and elegance at an accessible price point. Sourced from premier Sonoma County vineyards, this Cab-led Bordeaux blend is juicy, plush, and layered — earning 93 points from both Vinous and James Suckling and standing out as one of the great overachievers in California red wine.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

• Vinous — 93 pts: “A huge overachiever. Bright, punchy and super-expressive. Readers will have a very hard time finding a wine with this much quality for the money.”
• James Suckling — 93 pts: “Lots of currants and black berries with black cherries and tobacco. Medium body with nicely opened tannins that give length and beauty. Juicy at the end with hints of tobacco and cedar. Drink now or hold.”
• Wine Enthusiast — 92 pts: “Juicy and softer-style Cabernet with loads of raspberry and candied cherry aromas. Spiced black plum compote, cocoa powder and black pepper flavors concentrated on a plush but neatly balanced palate.”

Winemaker Notes

Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 750ml

A Bordeaux-inspired blend led by Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Rich and approachable with raspberry, black cherry, spiced plum, cocoa, and cedar — plush tannins and a juicy, balanced finish.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
• Appellation: Sonoma County, California
• Producer: Paul Hobbs (Crossbarn)
• Vintage: 2021
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural at the table — excellent with grilled ribeye, lamb chops, roasted duck, mushroom dishes, and aged cheddar.

Champagne Gamet | Rive Droite | Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut | Vallée de la Marne, Champagne | NV (60% 2021 Base) | Practicing Organic

Champagne Gamet is a grower-producer based along the right bank of the Marne River — a stretch of Champagne defined by its sunny exposures, sandy clay soils over limestone, and a distinctly saline, mineral character. The estate farms with purpose: practicing-organic viticulture, old vines averaging 40 to 50 years, and a winemaking philosophy that prizes precision and terroir transparency over power. Rive Droite is the house’s signature Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut, drawing fruit from the villages of Fleury-la-Rivière and Damery — two contrasting sites whose combination of ripe fruit character and firm mineral backbone defines the wine’s identity.

The blend is 85% Pinot Meunier and 15% Pinot Noir. Approximately 60% comes from the 2021 harvest, with 40% reserve wines dating back to 2014 — a depth of material that adds complexity and consistency without sacrificing freshness. Vinification is primarily in stainless steel, with roughly 10% fermented and matured in oak for texture and nuance. Malolactic fermentation is carried out in full. After secondary fermentation in bottle, the wine ages approximately 18 months on its lees before disgorgement at a low dosage of approximately 4 grams per liter, placing it firmly within the Extra Brut category and emphasizing its freshness, precision and mineral character.

The wine pours pale straw with a fine, persistent mousse. The nose opens with dried pear, white cherry, raspberry and delicate strawberry, layered with apple blossom, dried flowers and a whisper of spice. With air, blood orange peel, grapefruit, almond, brioche and crushed stone emerge. On the palate, the wine is fresh, supple and finely textured — Pinot Meunier brings roundness and generosity, while Pinot Noir adds structure and savory depth. Bright acidity and a clean saline thread carry the wine through a mouthwatering, gently nutty finish.

Serve as an aperitif or throughout the meal. Pairs beautifully with oysters, smoked salmon, sushi, shellfish, roast chicken, pork, charcuterie, mushroom dishes and soft or moderately aged cheeses. Serve well chilled at 46–50°F in a white wine or tulip-shaped Champagne glass.

Wine Spectator: 92 Points — Sleek and finely textured, with flavors of dried white cherry, raspberry, blood orange peel, almond blossom and chopped nuts. A refreshing saline note carries through the mouthwatering finish.

Vinous: 91 Points — Bright, expressive and full of character, offering notes of dried pear, cherry, cinnamon, dried flowers and nuts. Silky and understated, with additional harmony emerging as the Champagne opens in the glass.

Jeb Dunnuck: 90 Points — Savory aromas of wet stone lead to delicate strawberry, light spice and grapefruit. Medium-bodied and subtly textured, with increasing richness on the palate and a salty, mineral-driven finish.

• Producer: Champagne Gamet
• Cuvée: Rive Droite
• Style: Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut
• Appellation: Champagne, France
• Region: Vallée de la Marne
• Villages: Fleury-la-Rivière and Damery
• Grape Varieties: 85% Pinot Meunier, 15% Pinot Noir
• Base Vintage: 60% 2021 harvest
• Reserve Wines: 40%, dating back to 2014
• Farming: Practicing organic
• Vine Age: ~40–50 years
• Soils: Sand, clay, limestone and marl
• Vinification: ~90% stainless steel, ~10% oak
• Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
• Lees Aging: ~18 months
• Dosage: ~4 g/L
• Bottle Size: 750ml

As a non-vintage Champagne, base vintage proportions, reserve wine composition, aging period, dosage and disgorgement date may vary by release.

Expert Reviews

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | This wine is now mature, showing richness while also preserving elegance. Earthy, herbal tones are laced through the wine’s juicy fruit texture. Enjoy now for best enjoyment.

Wine Spectator 90-93 Points | Still very primal, but enticing, with sappy raspberry, sweet spice, melted licorice and linzer torte notes that have yet to stretch out fully. There's racy acidity as well, so this should knit nicely.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

Overview Musar Jeune White vines are from organically certified vineyards and come from two different terroirs; Vermentino and Chardonnay are grown on limestone soils, while the Viognier comes from vineyards with silty soils. Both vineyard areas are at 1,000
metres above sea level.

Grape Varieties The 2022 vintage is a blend of Viognier (40%), Vermentino (30%) and Chardonnay

(30%). The Vermentino, native to Sardinia and Corsica and thus well suited to the
Eastern Mediterranean climate, adds citrus, mineral and even a marine character. It
is moderate in alcohol and combines well with the richer Chardonnay and fragrance
of the Viognier.

Vineyard Region Bekaa Valley
Wine Making Fermented in stainles

Joel Gott · Unoaked Chardonnay · California · 2024

Joel Gott Unoaked Chardonnay 2024 takes a fresh, fruit-focused approach to California Chardonnay. Fermented entirely in stainless steel, it puts bright fruit and crisp mineral character at the forefront, without oak-barrel influence.

Pear, sweet-tart apple and mango lead the tasting profile, with citrus and honeysuckle aromatics. A bright fruit entry gives way to crisp minerality on the mid-palate and a long, clean finish. It's a refreshing direction for those who prefer Chardonnay without an oaky profile.

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

James Suckling · 91 Points: Fresh, vibrant and minerally, with aromas of sliced lemons, wet stones and nectarines. The palate is mid-weighted with taut acidity and a tense, mouthwatering finish. Varietal, fresh and ready to drink.

Tasting Notes

Pear, sweet-tart apple and mango on the nose, accompanied by citrus and honeysuckle. Bright fruit, a crisp mineral mid-palate and a long, clean finish define the palate.

Food Pairings & Serving

Serve chilled with grilled fish, shrimp, sushi or light salads. Goat cheese offers another pairing direction for the wine's bright acidity and fresh fruit character.

Wine Details

• Producer: Joel Gott
• Vintage: 2024
• Region: California, United States
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Style: Unoaked white wine
• Fermentation: 100% stainless steel
• Closure: Screwcap
• Bottle size: 750ml
• Review: James Suckling 91 points

Fresh California Chardonnay with the fruit in focus and the oak out of the picture.

Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2023 — Napa Valley, California

Frank Family Vineyards is one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated estates, with roots tracing back to the historic Larkmead Winery site in Calistoga. Founded by Rich Frank in 1992, the winery has built its reputation on benchmark Napa Cabernet Sauvignon — wines that combine the valley’s signature power and richness with genuine elegance and age-worthiness. The 2023 vintage was a cool, precise year in Napa, producing wines of exceptional freshness and structure.

The 2023 opens with pronounced aromas of blackberry, cassis, and vanilla. On the palate, flavors of black plum, nutmeg, dark chocolate, and a touch of espresso build into a complex, full-bodied structure, anchored by a core of elegant acidity and fine tannins that carry from start to a long, savory finish. James Suckling awarded it 94 points, calling it “a refined and complete example of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon showing all the poise and freshness of the cool vintage.”

James Suckling 94 — “Taut and austere, with a good core of fruit, fine tannins, a textured mouthfeel and balanced acidity, leading to a savory, mouthwatering finish.”

• Producer: Frank Family Vineyards, Calistoga, Napa Valley
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Napa Valley AVA
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Format: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, cassis, vanilla, black plum, nutmeg, dark chocolate, espresso, elegant acidity
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, roasted lamb, wild mushroom risotto, aged cheddar, Manchego

A benchmark Napa Cabernet at a price that still makes sense — Frank Family delivers every time.

Querciabella Mongrana — Maremma Toscana, Italy 2022

Querciabella is one of Tuscany's most visionary estates — a certified organic and biodynamic producer whose uncompromising commitment to sustainable viticulture and vegan winemaking has set the standard for responsible fine wine production in Italy. The 2022 Mongrana is their Maremma flagship: a structured Sangiovese-dominant blend — 50% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon — crafted from biodynamically farmed estate fruit in the wild, untamed coastal terroir of Maremma. The result is a rich, round, and deeply expressive red that earned 90 Points from Wine Spectator and overdelivers at its price point.

The nose is complex and inviting: black cherry, plum, boysenberry, morello cherry, blackberry, and blueberry, with layered notes of kirsch, eucalyptus, lavender, ivy, pine needles, and a touch of licorice. On the palate, the wine is juicy and fresh with a rich, round mouthfeel, soft tannins, and a long, savory mineral finish that persists. It is vibrant, intense, and deeply satisfying — the kind of Super Tuscan that disappears fast at the table.

"Black cherry and plum fruit signals this rich, round red. Boysenberry, eucalyptus and lavender notes chime in as this remains focused on the long finish. Drink now through 2027." — Wine Spectator, 90 Points. (Vintage 2022). 

• Producer: Querciabella, Maremma, Tuscany, Italy
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Toscana IGT — Maremma
• Blend: 50% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Farming: Certified Organic & Biodynamic — vegan winemaking
• Closure: Cork
• Size: 750ml
• Drink: Now through 2027
• Tasting Notes: Black cherry, plum, boysenberry, morello cherry, kirsch, eucalyptus, lavender, licorice, mineral finish
• Best Paired With: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, aged pecorino, lamb chops, charcuterie boards

Tuscany's benchmark organic Super Tuscan at an honest price — Querciabella Mongrana is the standard for what biodynamic, coastal Maremma red can deliver.

Winemaker Descrption 

Milan Nestarec Youngster Red is a red natural wine made from a blend of Zweigelt, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Dornfelder. The grapes are hand-harvested and destemmed. The juice ferments in 2000-liter stainless steel tanks. The wine ferments for about 2 months, with occasional pigeage and indigenous yeast fermentation. Elevage takes place in the same tanks for about 2 months. The wine is bottled unfiltered, unfined, and with zero sulfur added.

A bold and expressive Pinotage from the sun-drenched vineyards of the Western Cape, South Africa. Bob's 2025 vintage delivers the grape's signature smoky depth alongside vibrant red fruit — ripe plum, cherry, and a hint of dark chocolate — with a smooth, full-bodied finish.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby in the glass with aromas of ripe plum, smoked meat, and dark berry. On the palate, flavors of blackberry, mocha, and a touch of vanilla lead to a warm, lingering finish with well-integrated tannins.

Food Pairings

Pairs beautifully with boldly flavored comfort foods. Try with turkey meat loaf and spicy tomato chutney, vegetarian three-bean chili, or pulled pork sandwiches with burnt end baked beans.

• Grape: Pinotage
• Region: Western Cape, South Africa
• Vintage: 2025
• Size: 750ml

Winemaker Description 

Orange and tangelo, overripe peach and bergamot; juicy and firm, solid yet voluptuous, vaporous and long, plump yet muscular (how many ways can I say it?); a rococo opulent wine yet also seriously devout in its terroir, even as it blushes and giggles. SOS: 2 (8-27 years). 

Château Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley Riesling — Washington State 2024

Château Ste. Michelle is Washington State’s founding winery and the undisputed benchmark for American Riesling. For decades, they have championed Riesling as Washington’s most food-friendly and versatile white grape — and this Columbia Valley bottling is the proof. Sourced from vineyards throughout the Columbia Valley, fermented at cool temperatures (55–60°F) to preserve freshness and aromatics, and finished in a medium-dry style that balances a touch of residual sweetness with bright, refreshing acidity. At under $15, it is one of the most reliably delicious white wines in America. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 89 points.

The nose is immediately inviting: lemon drop, dried mango, and a white sour sugar note that is equal parts nostalgic and refreshing. On the palate, peach, mango, and mint flavors are accented by wisps of lime zest and the lychee, pear, and honey notes of elderflower tea. Medium-dry, with a clean, lingering finish and the kind of versatility that makes it work with almost anything on the table.

Wine Enthusiast 89 — “Lemon drop hard candy aroma… peach, mango and mint flavors accented by wisps of lime zest and the lychee, pear and honey notes of a cup of elderflower tea.” — Michael Alberty. (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Château Ste. Michelle, Woodinville, Washington, USA
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Columbia Valley AVA
• Varietal: 100% Riesling
• Style: Medium-Dry
• Alcohol: 12.0% ABV
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Lemon drop, dried mango, peach, mint, lime zest, lychee, elderflower, honey
• Best Paired With: Spicy Thai, sushi, grilled salmon, roast pork, soft cheeses, light salads

Washington State’s benchmark Riesling at an everyday price — Château Ste. Michelle Columbia Valley is the medium-dry white that goes with everything.

Winemaker Description

Elegant, approachable, and focused on drinkability and fruit, with depth and balance. It's often described as a great representation of classic Blaufränkisch, showcasing its lighter, more mineral side.

Dark berries, wild cherry, violets, cracked pepper, a subtle herbal/spice background, and an earthy edge. Soft, juicy, and lively with bright acidity. Flavors often include dark berries, plum, graphite, and spice. Some notes mention a salty, peppery, and iron-rich minerality.

Medium-bodied with fine, well-dispersed, or "dusty" tannins that play a supporting role. It has a bright, engaging, and long finish.

Sourced from vineyards in and around Oggau in Burgenland, Austria, with soils comprised of limestone, mica-schist, and slate.

The winery practices organic farming.

Fermented in stainless steel with native yeast, often racked into used Stockinger (large wooden) barrels for aging. The focus is on achieving ripeness while maintaining freshness and lower alcohol.