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Santa Maria Valley's Standard-Bearer — Cambria Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir

Cambria Estate Winery is one of Santa Barbara County's most storied producers, and Julia's Vineyard is their crown jewel — home to some of the oldest Pinot Noir vines in the Santa Maria Valley, planted in the 1970s. This cool-climate vineyard, buffeted by Pacific breezes, produces a Pinot Noir of remarkable definition and complexity: bright fruit, earthy spice, mineral precision, and the signature "Santa Maria spice" that sets this appellation apart. The 2023 vintage is a benchmark expression — balanced, detailed, and exceptional value for the quality in the glass.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

• James Suckling — 93 pts: "Hibiscus and herbal aromas mark this detailed Pinot Noir, following through to a palate of definition, length and mineral bones that frame cranberries, pomegranate, red cherries and their pits. Rose hips rise through the finish, a zip of orange zest on top."
• Jeb Dunnuck — 90 pts: "Framboise, Bing cherries, sappy underbrush, and floral notes that develop nicely with air. Medium-bodied, balanced, with good depth of fruit and a complex, satisfying style that would best many a great Village-level red Burgundy."
• Wine Enthusiast — 90 pts: "Rustic aromas of tart cranberry, oregano and thyme. The palate pairs red fruit with sage-like spices and dusty soil tones."
• Vinous — 90 pts: "Bright, rich and forward with spice tones and dark red cherry fruit forming the core. There's real character and Santa Maria Valley identity here."

Winemaker Notes

Cambria Pinot Noir Julia's Vineyard 2023 750ml

100% destemmed and aged seven months in 18% new French oak barrels. Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir is a quintessential expression of the Santa Maria Valley — old vines, cool climate, and a winemaking philosophy that lets the vineyard speak. The result is a wine of genuine depth and Santa Maria identity at an exceptional price point.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County
• Producer: Cambria Estate Winery
• Vintage: 2023
• Vine Age: Planted 1970s
• Aging: 7 months, 18% new French oak
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Incredibly versatile — exceptional with roast chicken with herbs, grilled salmon, duck confit, mushroom pizza, Gruyère, and charcuterie boards.

Expert Review — Vintage 2023

92 pts — James Suckling: “Ripe yet restrained, this sits on the edge of reduction, showing aromas of yellow apples, grilled peaches, lemon curd and a touch of struck flint. The palate reflects the cool vintage with bright acidity and a layered feel, delivering baked citrus, toasted almonds and subtle spices. Rounded and fresh with a savory, lingering finish. Drink or hold.”

Winemaker Notes

Grgich Hills’ estate-grown Chardonnay is a singular expression of Napa Valley — biodynamically farmed, and uniquely crafted without malolactic fermentation to preserve its natural, vibrant acidity. The 2023 vintage opens with aromas of sweet lime, fresh lemon, green mango, and white peach, leading to a palate of fresh citrus, star fruit, mango, and a hint of vanilla, all supported by juicy acidity and abundant minerality. The finish is long, layered, and deeply satisfying.

Founded by the legendary Mike Grgich — the winemaker behind the celebrated 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that triumphed at the 1976 Judgment of Paris — Grgich Hills has been a benchmark for Napa Chardonnay for nearly five decades.

• Appellation: Napa Valley
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Vintage: 2023
• Farming: Certified biodynamic & organic, estate-grown
• Style: No malolactic fermentation — bright, fresh acidity
• Pairings: Lobster, halibut, roasted chicken, soft cheeses
• 750ml | Serve at 50–54°F | Drink or hold

Winemaker Description 

Decoy Featherweight is a refreshing lower-in-calorie* and lower-in-alcohol* Sauvignon Blanc, delivering delicate citrus notes of Meyer lemon, grapefruit, and lime; complemented by lush, tropical fruit flavors and a long, crisp finish. 

With uncompromising quality, Decoy Featherweight is crafted from the current vintage of Decoy Sauvignon Blanc, utilizing the same premium California fruit sourcing. 

*Compared to Decoy Sauvignon Blanc. Serving facts per 5 fl oz.
Production

Serving Facts (per 5 fl. oz serving) – Calories: 80, Protein: <1g, Carbs: 1.3g, Fat: 0g

Winemaker Description

This Cabernet Sauvignon has a classic, deep red color, rich with cherry and blackberry flavors with a hint of oak and a long, silky finish for a perfectly balanced wine.

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

Syrah has a long history of cultivation on the island of Sicily with first records mentioning it in 1868. After decades of evolving and adapting to the region’s unique terroir, the Sallier de La Tour family became convinced of the varietal’s potential to thrive in the Monreale area where the soils are rich in potassium and the natural springs found under the vineyards allow the grapes to retain freshness.

The vineyards’ exposition and proximity to the sea allow for even and optimal ripening and the resulting wines display the fruit, balance and elegance indicative of the Syrah grape.

Loosen Bros. Dr. L Dry Riesling — Mosel, Germany 2024

Ernst Loosen is one of the Mosel's most passionate and influential winemakers — a tireless ambassador for German Riesling who has spent decades proving that the grape can be both profound and approachable. Dr. L is his entry-level expression and his most widely sold wine, designed specifically to introduce drinkers to the delicate, racy style that defines Riesling grown in the ancient slate-soil vineyards of the Mosel valley. It is, in Ernst's own words, his "ambassador" for the region — and it delivers that mission at a price that makes it an everyday staple.

The 2024 pours a pale, luminous straw. The nose is bright and inviting — fresh citrus, green apple, white peach, and the distinctive mineral lift of Mosel slate. On the palate, it's refreshing and fruit-driven with a juicy mid-palate, lively acidity, and a crisp, clean, drying finish. Light, invigorating, and endlessly food-friendly — this is Riesling at its most honest and enjoyable.

"Ernst Loosen's ambassador for the Mosel region and for the Riesling variety — the delicate and racy style characteristic of slate-soil Mosel vineyards, at an affordable price for every day enjoyment." — Loosen Bros.

• Producer: Loosen Bros. (Ernst Loosen), Mosel, Germany
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Mosel QbA
• Varietal: Riesling
• Style: Dry
• Terroir: Slate-soil vineyards, Mosel Valley
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, green apple, white peach, slate minerality, crisp dry finish
• Best Paired With: Grilled fish, sushi, Thai cuisine, roast chicken, fresh goat cheese, light salads

The Mosel's most beloved everyday Riesling — slate-driven, refreshing, and priced for every night of the week.

One of Tuscany's most celebrated organic estates, Fontodi Chianti Classico Organic 2020 is a benchmark expression of 100% Sangiovese from the heart of Panzano's legendary Conca d'Oro — the "Golden Shell" — a privileged south-facing amphitheater of vineyards in the Chianti Classico DOCG. Certified organic, structured, and deeply terroir-driven, this is Chianti Classico at its most authentic and compelling.

Fontodi & the Conca d'Oro

Fontodi has been certified organic for decades, farming 100% Sangiovese with an unwavering commitment to terroir expression and minimal intervention. Situated in Panzano's Conca d'Oro — a sun-drenched bowl of south-facing vineyards considered among the finest sites in all of Chianti Classico — the estate produces wines of remarkable energy, structure, and longevity. The 2020 vintage is slightly more reserved and structured than recent opulent years, offering a classic, high-energy profile that rewards decanting or further cellaring.

Critical Acclaim — 2020 Vintage

94 Points — James Suckling: "Subtle aromas of sliced strawberries and cherries with some orange peel follow through to a medium body with succulent tannins and a bright and tangy finish. Lovely energy in this one. So good now. From organically grown grapes."

93 Points — Wine Spectator: "Rich and velvety, laced with black cherry, blackberry, violet and mineral flavors. Driven by vibrant acidity and backed by well-mannered tannins. Shows excellent balance and length."

92 Points — Decanter: "This flagship Chianti Classico from the renowned Fontodi estate has not lost its identity, deeply rooted in a sun-drenched stretch of Panzano's Conca d'Oro. The 2020 version has all the ripe dark fruit and assertive tannins that come so neatly into balance. It finishes with its signature bitter liquorice twist."

92+ Points — Vinous (Antonio Galloni): "The 2020 Chianti Classico offers notable tension to balance the natural richness that is such a signature here. Dark red cherry, leather, spice, rose petal, dried herbs and wild flowers all grace this nuanced Chianti Classico. I would not plan on opening this too young."

91 Points — Wine Advocate: "A certified organic wine, the Fontodi 2020 Chianti Classico shows dark fruit and blackberry with earthy sensations of crushed stone that reflect the schistous soils found in this area of the appellation. Drinking 2023–2030."

17++ — Jancis Robinson: "100% Sangiovese. Certified organic. Lots of juice on the palate and plenty of grainy but ripe tannins in perfect harmony with the succulent fruit. Drinking 2023–2032."

Tasting Profile

Youthful ruby with vibrant clarity. The nose is subtle and enticing — sliced strawberry, dark cherry, rose petal, dried herbs, leather, and a hint of baked earth. On the palate it's medium to full-bodied with succulent, grainy tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long finish with a signature bitter liquorice twist. Classic Sangiovese energy and precision.

Details

2020 | 100% Sangiovese | Panzano, Chianti Classico DOCG, Tuscany, Italy | Certified Organic | 750ml

Food Pairings & Serving

Decant 30–45 minutes. Serve at 61–64°F. A natural match for bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, roasted lamb, and aged Pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano. Drinking beautifully now through 2032.

Producer Description 

A blend of five of our favorite Russian River Valley vineyard sites, this Chardonnay captures the fantastic character of the 2021 vintage. Fusing fresh lemon and white floral aromas with a throughline of minerality, this versatile Chardonnay is simultaneously easygoing and complex.  

Peak Drinking Window: 2023 – 2029. 

98 Points, James Suckling
94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck 
90 Points, Wine Spectator

Expert Review

James Suckling 98 Points | Extremely focused and energetic nose of sliced limes and Meyer lemons with lemongrass. Some stone and hints of flint. Full-bodied with superb density and structure and phenolics that you can feel. It goes on for minutes. Slightly chewy at the end. From Wente clones planted in 1974. (v.2021). 

Expert Review - Vintage 2012

International Wine Cellar 92 Points | Bright red. Intense red fruit and blood orange scents are underscored by dusty mineral and spice notes. On the palate, taut redcurrant, strawberry and raspberry favors gain sweetness and flesh with aeration. Sexy oak spices build on the finish, which features silky tannins and an echo of fresh red berries. There's 70% new oak here and it expresses itself by spiciness, not vanilla or mocha.

Warehouse stored item - please allow two to five business days to fulfill.

This wine is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot, 10% Merlot, 4%
Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec. The grapes originated from Tokara vineyards on the
slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain in Stellenbosch

Crisp, Tropical & Effortlessly Refreshing

Frenzy Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough is New Zealand's signature white at its most expressive — vibrant, aromatic, and built for warm-weather sipping. The 2025 vintage delivered ideal growing conditions, yielding wines that are textbook Marlborough: punchy, fruit-forward, and irresistibly fresh.

The nose bursts with pink grapefruit, passionfruit, papaya, kiwi, and a whisper of lemongrass. On the palate, a soft, creamy entry gives way to layers of tropical and citrus fruit, finishing with a mouthwatering, crisp snap that keeps you coming back for another sip.

Crafted from a carefully selected blend of Marlborough's finest Sauvignon Blanc vineyards, Frenzy is fermented at cool temperatures to lock in purity of fruit and the unmistakable essence of the region's terroir.

• Wine Enthusiast: 88 Points — Best Buy
• Wine Spectator: 90 Points
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Vintage: 2025
• Size: 750ml | Screwcap

"Floral and fruity — lime blossom, passionfruit and pink grapefruit — crisp, balanced, easy-to-sip Savvy B for warm weather days." — BEST BUY - Christina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast

Expert Reviews

• Vinous 93 Points | The 2023 Malbec comes from Drummond, Luján de Cuyo and was aged 12 months in French oak, one-third new. It offers clear black fruit — ripe blackberry and plum — over delicate oak and a hint of violet. Dry and slightly compact due to the warm vintage, it carries good black-fruit flavor on the palate. Well executed for the year.
• Oscar Garcia, 67Wine | A full-bodied and expressive Malbec with substance and chewy tannins. Perfect pairing for beef dishes, poultry, or pork.

Winemaker Notes

The aromas of sweet French oak and espresso grow more complex with every swirl, unveiling black plum, ripe raspberry, and violet. Full-bodied, dense, and chewy on the palate with flavors of black raspberry, plums, roasted herbs, and mint — a classic estate-grown Malbec from one of Luján de Cuyo’s most respected producers.

• Grape Source: 100% Malbec
• Appellation: Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza
• Vineyard: Drummond Estate
• Location: Argentina
• Aging: 12 months in French oak (1/3 new)

Sonsierra Tempranillo Rioja Alta Cosecha — San Vicente de la Sonsierra 2024

Bodega Viñedos de Sonsierra is one of Rioja Alta’s most storied cooperatives — founded in 1962 when over 240 grape farmers in San Vicente de la Sonsierra pooled their vineyards to make a shared dream come true. Generations later, those same family vineyards — cultivated with practices perfected over centuries in the high-altitude, continental climate of Rioja Alta — produce this Cosecha Tempranillo: a pure, honest expression of the grape that defines Rioja. At under $13, it is one of the most exciting values in all of Spanish red wine.

Cherry red with a vivid purple rim. The nose is expressive and varietal: blackberry, raspberry, and violet, with a swirl revealing licorice and mineral notes characteristic of Rioja Alta’s iron-rich soils. On the palate, it is fresh and lively, with sweet fruit, a retronasal loaded with berry and licorice, and a clean, inviting finish that makes you reach for another glass.

• Producer: Bodega Viñedos de Sonsierra, San Vicente de la Sonsierra, Rioja Alta, Spain
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Rioja DOCa — Cosecha
• Varietal: 100% Tempranillo
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blackberry, raspberry, violet, licorice, mineral, fresh berry finish
• Best Paired With: Rice dishes, red meats, legumes, river fish, charcuterie, soft cheeses

A cooperative-grown Rioja Alta Tempranillo at an honest price — Sonsierra is the benchmark for what everyday Cosecha can be.

Gato Negro | Chardonnay | Valle Central, Chile

Gato Negro is one of Chile's most recognized everyday wine brands, produced by Viña San Pedro — one of the country's largest and most established wineries with roots dating back to 1865. The Black Cat label has earned a loyal following worldwide for delivering consistent, fruit-forward wines at an unbeatable price point.

Valle Central is Chile's most productive wine region, stretching through the heart of the country between the Andes and the Coastal Range. The warm, dry climate and fertile soils are ideal for growing Chardonnay that is ripe, generous, and approachable — with the natural freshness that Chilean whites are known for.

Gato Negro Chardonnay is a textbook example of New World Chardonnay done right. Pale gold in the glass with an inviting nose of banana, ripe peach, and pineapple. On the palate, soft and easy-drinking with classic tropical fruit character, light body, and a clean, balanced finish. No heavy oak, no fuss — just a fresh, crowd-pleasing white that works as well at a backyard barbecue as it does at the dinner table.

Pair with grilled chicken, light pasta, seafood, soft cheeses, and fresh salads.

• Producer: Gato Negro / Viña San Pedro
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Region: Valle Central, Chile
• Style: Light to medium-bodied white
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Faust Cabernet Sauvignon — Napa Valley 2023

Faust is one of Napa Valley’s most compelling Cabernet estates — a project rooted in the belief that great wine speaks distinctly of place. Named for the legendary scholar who pursued knowledge and excellence above all else, Faust channels that same relentless ambition into every vintage. The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 20 months in 25% new French oak — a restrained approach that preserves the purity and minerality of the fruit rather than masking it with wood. The 2023 vintage was a cool year in Napa, and Faust is a cool-climate estate: the combination produced a wine of real nerve, structure, and approachability, with ample aging potential. As Estate Director Jen Beloz puts it: “There is purity, intensity, and a savory minerality to every vintage.”

The color is a deep, concentrated ruby. The nose is refined and expressive: red and dark fruit, crushed stones, dried herbs, flowers, and a whisper of salt-cured meat — a savory complexity that sets Faust apart from the valley’s more opulent styles. On the palate, it is tightly woven with a silken mouthfeel — earthy red and black fruits, leafy underbrush, tobacco, and chocolate, framed by fine tannins, balanced structure, and a succulent, minerally finish of outstanding length. Medium to full-bodied, structured, and built to age.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling — 96 Points
“Aromas of red and dark fruit, crushed stones, dried herbs, flowers and salt-cured meat. The palate is tightly woven with a silken mouthfeel, fine tannins and a succulent, minerally finish. A wine of real nerve and approachability young, with ample aging potential. A good example of what a cool vintage in a cool appellation can produce.”

Jeb Dunnuck — 91 Points
“Based on 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged 20 months in 25% new French oak, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is solid, offering earthy red and black fruits intermixed with leafy underbrush, tobacco, and chocolate. It’s medium to full-bodied, has a balanced mouthfeel, and shows the more structured style of the vintage with outstanding length.”

• Producer: Faust, Napa Valley, California
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Napa Valley
• Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Aging: 20 months in 25% new French oak
• Style: Precise, mineral-driven, structured Napa Cabernet
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red and dark fruit, crushed stones, dried herbs, salt-cured meat, tobacco, chocolate, minerally finish
• Drink Window: Now–2035+
• Best Paired With: Braised short ribs, roast lamb, duck confit, wild mushroom dishes, aged hard cheeses

Napa Cabernet with purity, nerve, and a savory soul — Faust 2023 is the antidote to over-extracted California Cab.

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

The perfect association between the elegance and finesse of Chardonnay, with white flowers and white fruits aromas, pleasantly combined with roasted almond and hazelnut notes brought by the Savagnin.

Gato Negro | Chardonnay | Valle Central, Chile | 1.5L Magnum

Gato Negro is one of Chile's most beloved everyday wine brands, produced by Viña San Pedro — a winery with roots dating back to 1865 and one of the most established names in South American wine. The iconic Black Cat label has built a global following for delivering consistent, fruit-forward wines at exceptional value.

Valle Central is Chile's heartland wine region, stretching between the Andes and the Coastal Range. The warm, sunny climate and fertile soils are ideal for growing Chardonnay that is ripe, generous, and approachable — with the natural freshness that Chilean whites are known for.

Gato Negro Chardonnay is fruit-forward and approachable, with tropical aromas of ripe peach, banana, and pineapple, with a touch of light oak. On the palate, perfectly balanced acidity leads to a smooth, pleasant finish. No heavy oak, no fuss — just an easy-drinking, crowd-pleasing white that works in any setting.

Now available in a generous 1.5L Magnum — perfect for entertaining, parties, and casual gatherings. Pair with grilled chicken, light pasta, seafood, soft cheeses, and fresh salads. Serve well chilled.

• Producer: Gato Negro / Viña San Pedro
• Varietal: Chardonnay
• Region: Valle Central, Chile
• Style: Fruit-forward, tropical, easy-drinking
• Closure: Screwcap
• Format: 1.5L Magnum

Pio Cesare Barbera d’Alba — Piedmont 2024

Pio Cesare is one of Piedmont’s most storied and respected producers, with over 140 years of winemaking history in Alba. Their Barbera d’Alba is a benchmark for the variety — a wine that balances the grape’s naturally exuberant acidity and fruit with genuine structure and complexity, drawn from carefully selected calcareous clay and alluvial vineyards in the Barolo zone. Fermented in stainless steel and aged for nearly 12 months in large French and Eastern European oak barrels, the 2024 is a classically built Barbera with real depth and excellent longevity.

The nose is assured and inviting: damson plum, violets, whole peppercorn, and freshly turned earth, with blackberry and ripe dark fruit underneath. On the palate, the wine is generous and full, with a live wire of characteristic Barbera acidity keeping the ripe blue and black fruit fresh and honest. It is approachable now, food-friendly across a wide range of cuisines, and built to age — a must-have from the Pio Cesare lineup.

“Few houses understand Barbera the way Pio Cesare does, and 140 years of practice show clearly in this glass. Damson plum, violets, whole peppercorn, and freshly turned earth set an assured and classic tone. The palate is generous, ripe blue and black fruits fresh and preserved, a live wire of acidity keeping everything honest. Barbera as it should be.” — Wine Enthusiast, 91 points. (Vintage 2024) 

• Producer: Pio Cesare, Alba, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Barbera d’Alba DOC, Piedmont
• Varietal: 100% Barbera
• Aging: ~12 months in large French & Eastern European oak barrels
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Damson plum, violets, peppercorn, earth, blackberry, ripe dark fruit, vibrant acidity
• Best Paired With: Pasta bolognese, grilled meats, aged cheeses, pizza, braised short ribs

Piedmont’s benchmark Barbera — Pio Cesare delivers 140 years of expertise in every bottle, offering classic structure, vibrant acidity, and genuine aging potential at an exceptional value.

Château Larose Trintaudon — Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois Supérieur 2019

Château Larose Trintaudon is one of the Haut-Médoc’s most celebrated Cru Bourgeois estates — elevated to Cru Bourgeois Supérieur as of the 2018 vintage, a distinction that reflects the consistent quality and ambition of this property. The 2019 vintage, one of Bordeaux’s finest in a generation, is a textbook expression of understated Médoc elegance: structured, fruit-driven, and built to age.

The nose opens with blueberry, blackcurrant, and black cherry, layered with sweet tobacco, moss, and violet edges. On the palate, the wine is fleshy and full-bodied with chewy, polished tannins, cassis, bitter plum, and a savory, mineral-tinged finish that lingers with chalky precision. Give it two to three years and it will reward handsomely.

James Suckling 93 • Decanter 90 • Wine Spectator

• Producer: Château Larose Trintaudon, Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux
• Vintage: 2019
• Classification: Cru Bourgeois Supérieur, Haut-Médoc
• Blend: 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blueberry, blackcurrant, black cherry, tobacco, cassis, chalky minerality
• Cellar Potential: Drink 2023–2032+
• Best Paired With: Roast lamb, beef tenderloin, duck confit, aged hard cheeses

A critically acclaimed Haut-Médoc at a Cru Bourgeois price — one of the best value Bordeaux reds in the cellar.

Corbett Canyon Chardonnay · California · 1.5L magnum

Corbett Canyon Chardonnay is a medium-bodied white with classic apple and pear notes and a touch of toasty oak. Its 1.5-liter magnum holds twice the wine of a standard 750ml bottle, a convenient size when dinner stretches across a larger table.

Serve it lightly chilled alongside roast chicken, creamy pasta or a cheese board. The fruit-and-oak balance makes this a straightforward bottle to share without fuss.

Producer description

Corbett Canyon sources grapes grown from some of the top wine regions around the world which produces a greater concentration of flavors. We balance our delicious fruit with a touch of oak to give the wine a classic style that people can count on bottle after bottle.

Our Chardonnay is a medium-bodied wine with classic hints of apple, pears and toasty oak.

Corbett Canyon · Winemaker description

At a glance

• Producer: Corbett Canyon
• Grape: Chardonnay
• Region listed: California, United States
• Style: Medium-bodied white with apple, pear and toasty-oak notes
• Size: 1.5L magnum

Easygoing Chardonnay in a shareable magnum format.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018 

Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points | From one of my favorite estates in Pomerol, the 2018 Château Le Gay knocks it out of the park and has that classic Pomerol mix of sexy opulence paired with an incredible sense of finesse. Offering an already complex bouquet of crème de cassis, black cherries, white truffle, camphor, tobacco, and acacia flowers, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a seamless, expansive texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a blockbuster of a finish. I'd be thrilled with bottles in the cellar. It's going to put a smile on any wine lover's face over the coming 20-25 years.

James Suckling 97 Points | Aromas of plums, violets and mushrooms with earthy notes. Fleshy and succulent texture to the full body with round, firm tannins and a salivating, savory finish. Very persistent. Opulent and reserved at the same time. Contrastive wine. Drink after 2025.

Wine Advocate 95 Points | Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Le Gay has a beautifully perfumed nose of lavender essence, chocolate-covered cherries and preserved plums, leading to a fragrant undercurrent of kirsch, licorice and fertile loam. The concentrated, full-bodied palate (15% alcohol) delivers bold, black fruit flavors with compelling red berry sparks and a plush texture, finishing long with just enough freshness.

Vinous 94 Points | The 2018 Le Gay is unusually reticent today. Lavender, rose petal, mint, blood orange and crushed red berry fruit emerge over time. Deceptive in its mid-weight structure, the 2018 packs serious punch. It is one of more sensual wines of the vintage in Pomerol, but readers will have to be patient, as the 2018 is in no mood to show its cards just yet.

Wine Spectator 93-96 Points | Plum, boysenberry and açaí berry flavors give this a slightly exotic character, with a polished texture and lingering anise notes. Shows latent grip on the finish. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. 

Weingut Petri Riesling Kabinett Herxheimer Honigsack Trocken — Pfalz, Germany 2023

The Honigsack vineyard in Herxheim am Berg is one of the Pfalz’s quietly revered single-vineyard sites — a place where Riesling finds its most precise, mineral expression. Weingut Petri has long understood this terroir, farming with care and bottling with restraint to let the vineyard speak for itself. The 2023 Kabinett Trocken is a dry Kabinett that delivers everything the Pfalz does best: crisp, focused fruit, lively acidity, and a stony mineral backbone that carries through to a long, clean finish. “Kabinett” designates the lightest and most delicate ripeness level in German Prädikat wine; “Trocken” means fully dry. The result is a wine of real complexity and precision at a price that makes it an everyday pleasure. Rand Sieger, 67Wine Buyer, calls it “great value and complexity at its price point.” At under $14, he is right.

The nose is fresh and inviting: green apple, citrus zest, and wet stone. On the palate, it is crisp, vibrant, and mineral-driven, with refreshing acidity and a long, clean, precise finish with a delightful apple core character. Just off-dry in feel, it balances fruit and minerality with effortless precision.

Rand Sieger, Wine Buyer, 67Wine — “Just off-dry with delightful green apple aromas and edgy minerality. Ends in a long, delicious apple core finish. Great value and complexity at its price point.”

• Producer: Weingut Petri, Herxheim am Berg, Pfalz, Germany
• Vintage: 2023
• Vineyard: Herxheimer Honigsack — single vineyard, Pfalz
• Classification: Kabinett Trocken (dry)
• Varietal: 100% Riesling
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Green apple, citrus zest, wet stone, mineral-driven, long apple core finish
• Best Paired With: Light seafood, sushi, oysters, fresh goat cheese, Asian cuisine, summer salads

A single-vineyard Pfalz Kabinett Trocken at an honest price — Petri Honigsack is the benchmark for what dry German Riesling can be.

Winemaker Description

This wine is intense ruby red in colour with youthful highlights. On the nose, there are notes of almonds, violets and oranges which are intertwined with aromas of coffee and vanilla. It is a full-bodied wine with well-balanced acidity.

The rounded tannins from the Sangiovese are lifted by the cassis concentration of the Cabernet on the long, concentrated finish. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2017 

James Suckling 93 Points |  Blueberries and blackcurrants with bark and licorice. Full body and round, chewy tannins. This is very fresh and bright with some sage and stone character. From organically grown grapes. Needs time to soften. Drink after 2023.

Vinous 92 Points | The 2017 Ghiaie della Furba opens to a bouquet of minty herbs, camphor and smoke before deepening further to display dusty red currant and spice box. This is velvety and fleshy in feel, with stimulating acidity that enlivens its spicy black fruit and building mineral tones. It tapers off with persistence, power and grippy tannin, the perfect mix for a long evolution. The Ghiaie della Furba is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Syrah and 20% Merlot that refines in barrique, half new and half second pass. It's important to note that production was down by 40% in 2017 due to trost.

Winemaker Description 

With deep expertise in the world of Pinot Noir, Dan Kosta's admiration for the grape began at an early age, taking sips from his father's glass of Burgundy and listening to stories about wine around the dinner table.

His fascination continued as he became a wine buyer, sommelier, and vintner known for producing highly-renowned, world-class wines. Dan's lifelong passion for Pinot Noir is evident in Admire, the latest creation from his native Sonoma Coast. 

This wine is 100% Pinot Noir, sourced entirely from the Sonoma Coast appellation. Harvested in early September, this Pinot Noir was aged in 100% French Oak, 30% new for 9 months. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Admire by Dan Kosta Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2023 is a standout choice for those who love high-end Pinot Noir but want to stay in a more approachable price bracket. Dan Kosta (co-founder of the legendary Kosta Browne) launched this label to capture the elegance of the Sonoma Coast with more immediate accessibility.

Food: Its bright acidity makes it perfect for herbed chevre (goat cheese), roasted duck, or mushroom risotto.