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Expert Reviews- Vintage 2021

Tim Fish of the Wine Spectator writes 95 Points |  Supple, richly textured and elegantly complex, this Pinot opens with a burst of fresh raspberry, then unfolds with notes of forest floor and brown baking spices, plus a touch of licorice as it builds tension toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2032. 1,100 cases made.

Clive Pursehouse of Decanter writes 94 Points | Elegance is personified in this 2021 bottling of Bergström's renowned Silice. So-named for the sandy silica soils, the hallmark of the hilly Chehalem Mountain vineyard source. Beautiful bright fruit aromas are further framed by touches of tomato leaf, pine bough and mossy forest floor. The palate is marked by fleshy red raspberries, early season blackberry and fine grain tannin that provides a structure that shows this wine's longevity. (Drink between 2023-2031).

Erin Brooks of The Wine Advocate writes 94 Points |  Medium ruby-purple, the 2021 Pinot Noir Silice Vineyard blossoms slowly to pomegranate, blackberry, watermelon, dried herbs and aniseed. The medium-bodied palate is loaded with wild berry fruit. Combining power and elegance, it's silky and seamless in the mouth, and a flourish of spicy accents across the finish hints it has more to reveal over the next 2-3 years in bottle.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2021 Bergström Silice Pinot Noir is a highly acclaimed, estate-grown wine that gained significant fame after being named the #32 Wine of the Year in the 2023 Wine Spectator Top 100.

Named "Silice" (French for silica) due to the deep, sandy marine soils of the vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains, this wine is known for its ethereal perfume and mineral complexity rather than heavy weight.

Isle Saint Pierre IGP Méditerranée Rosé — Southern France 2025

Isle Saint-Pierre takes its name from a small island at the mouth of the Rhône river, where 200 hectares of vines grow on sandy, silty, alluvial soils that lend the wine a subtle iodized salinity and a distinctly Mediterranean character. The blend is a generous one — Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, Nielluccio, Vermentino, and Colombard — farmed sustainably and vinified with cold maceration and 100% free-run juice to preserve maximum freshness and aromatic lift. The result is a bistro-style rosé that over-delivers at every turn.

The 2025 pours a pale, luminous pink. The nose is lively and inviting — ripe strawberry, fresh red fruit, and a hint of dried fig with a whisper of floral lift. On the palate, it's vibrant and easy-drinking with an elegant texture and a lingering fresh finish that keeps you coming back. Serve well-chilled at 8–10°C and open it without ceremony — this is a wine built for the moment.

"An exceptional value in Southern French rosé — lively, vibrant, and delicious at every turn." — 67Wine Staff

• Producer: Isle Saint-Pierre, IGP Méditerranée, Southern France
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: IGP Méditerranée
• Blend: Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, Nielluccio, Vermentino, Colombard
• Terroir: Sandy, silty, alluvial soils — island at the mouth of the Rhône
• Vinification: Cold maceration, 100% free-run juice, aged in tank
• Farming: Sustainable
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Serve: 8–10°C
• Tasting Notes: Ripe strawberry, fresh red fruit, dried fig, elegant texture, fresh finish
• Best Paired With: Aperitifs, light salads, grilled fish, Mediterranean seafood, charcuterie

Southern French rosé at its most honest and enjoyable — sustainably farmed, screwcap sealed, and priced for every day of the summer.

Winemaker Notes:

Campo di Camagi is one of the three labels of 100% Cabernet Franc produced by Andrea Franchetti from 2014, who wanted to devote the utmost attention to this historic grape of Bordeaux, enhancing its characteristics in relation to three different terroir of the estate. It is produced exclusively with grapes from a single plot of 1.5 hectares composed of a thin layer of quartz and limestone. The 27 year old vines struggle to grow in this space, the stems do not grow, the roots have filled it.

Expert Reviews 

Monica Larner writes:   Made with Cabernet Franc, the Tenuta di Trinoro 2020 Campo di Camagi shows a level of sharpness and precision that you don't get as clearly in the other wines in this series of single-vineyard releases. There is more oak spice with redwood and cedar, along with crushed granite and pencil shaving. The wine is linear and delivers big intensity to the palate, and it has the structure and acidity to accompany a long drinking window.  Drinking 2024 2045  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 95+

James Suckling writes:  So perfumed with violets and lavender with some currants. Medium- to full-bodied with polish and finesse. Racy and fine. Finesse with drive. Very elegant and straightforward with a racy texture. Very long and lightly edgy. 92% cabernet franc and 8% merlot. Drink after 2027 but already beautiful.  - James Suckling 96

Bruce Sanderson writes:  A spicy red, featuring a beam of black currant and blackberry fruit shaded by violet, black pepper, iron and mint. Lithe and ends with a line of resonant tannins on the tobacco-tinged finish. Cabernet Franc. Best from 2025 through 2038. 166 cases made, 65 cases imported.  Wine Spectator 94

Jancis Robinson writes:  Racy, lively and a little fragile and delicate. Tense.  Drinking 2024 - 2034  - Jancis Robinson 17.5

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

James Suckling 92 Points | Aromas of blackberries, tar and wet earth follow through to a medium body with bright, chewy tannins and a pretty finish. Some iodine character, too. Delicious, savory aftertaste. It’s drinkable now, but will deliver more in a year or two. Drink in 2022.

Nobilo is one of New Zealand's most storied wine families, founded in 1943 when Nikola Nobilo emigrated from Croatia to New Zealand, bringing with him over 300 years of his family's winemaking heritage. An early champion of New Zealand wine, Nikola recognized the country's pristine landscapes — expansive sunlit valleys, rolling hills, and mineral-rich soils — as ideal for producing wines of exceptional freshness and character. His pioneering focus on quality and varietal expression helped shape the New Zealand wine industry into what it is today.

Marlborough, situated at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, is the country's most celebrated wine region and the spiritual home of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. The region's long, sunny days and cool nights, combined with free-draining stony soils and a reliable maritime climate, produce grapes of remarkable intensity and aromatic precision. Nobilo sources fruit from carefully selected Marlborough vineyards, ensuring consistent quality and a vivid expression of the appellation's signature character.

The 2025 vintage is crafted to preserve the natural vibrancy of the fruit. Grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness and vinified with minimal intervention to maintain freshness, aromatics, and the clean, precise profile that defines Nobilo's style.

The 2025 Sauvignon Blanc opens with an expressive, aromatic nose of ripe passionfruit, pineapple, and zesty citrus, layered with subtle hints of fresh green herbs. On the palate, the wine is crisp and refreshing with mouthwatering acidity, vibrant tropical fruit flavors, and a clean, generous finish. Intensely flavored yet beautifully balanced — a quintessential expression of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Vintage: 2025
Bottle Size: 750ml

Pairing: Oysters, grilled fish, lemon herb chicken, goat cheese, summer salads, and light seafood dishes.

CK Mondavi | Cabernet Sauvignon | California | NV | 1.5L Magnum

CK Mondavi is a California staple — an approachable, reliably made Cabernet Sauvignon from one of the state's most established wine families. The 1.5L magnum format makes it an ideal choice for entertaining, casual gatherings and everyday pours, offering twice the wine with the same easy-drinking character that has made the brand a perennial crowd-pleaser.

Deep ruby red in the glass, the wine opens with aromas of ripe cherry, blackberry and a hint of oak. The palate is round and smooth, with flavors of dark cherry and blackberry fruit, a touch of vanilla and a soft, silky finish. Balanced and easy to enjoy, with enough structure to pair well with a wide range of foods.

Serve at 60–65°F. Pairs well with burgers, grilled steak, BBQ, pasta with red sauce, pizza, roasted meats and aged cheeses. A reliable go-to for any occasion.

• Producer: CK Mondavi
• Appellation: California
• Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Style: Dry red wine
• Format: Magnum (1.5L)

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.

Producer Notes

Marietta Cellars has been crafting their Old Vine Red blend in Sonoma County since 1980, releasing it in numbered lots — each one a unique expression of the vintage. Lot 74 is a Zinfandel-based blend of old vine fruit, incorporating Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignan, Grenache, and Barbera. It jumps out of the glass with lovely bright plum fruit — dark and focused with notes of briar patch and black tea. Medium-bodied with sweet spice, velvety tannins, and electric vibrancy. A wine that strikes a perfect balance between fruit-forward enjoyment and layered sophistication.

Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignan, Grenache, Barbera

Expert Reviews

• Robert Parker 93 pts | Spicy and easy to drink with aromas of red and black cherries, mint, bitter chocolate, and allspice with earthy undertones. The medium-bodied palate is finely chalky and refreshing, with spicy fruit and an easygoing finish.

Food Pairings

• BBQ ribs or grilled sausages
• Braised short ribs or lamb chops
• Pizza, burgers, or hearty pasta
• Aged cheddar or smoked gouda

A hidden gem from Franken, one of Germany's most distinctive wine regions — the Hans Wirsching Silvaner Dino Terroir 2022 is a beautifully expressive, terroir-driven white that showcases everything that makes Franken Silvaner so compelling: understated elegance, mineral precision, and a refreshing, food-friendly character that overdelivers at every price point.

The Wirsching Estate

Hans Wirsching is one of Franken's most respected producers, with a centuries-long history of crafting wines that authentically reflect the region's unique Keuper and Muschelkalk soils. The Dino Terroir bottling is a signature expression of their philosophy — letting the land speak through the grape with minimal intervention.

Tasting Profile

Pale straw with a luminous clarity. The bouquet is subtly fruity and finely aromatic — fresh hay, crisp apple, and ripe melon with a gentle herbal lift. On the palate it's elegant and medium-bodied with bright, refreshing acidity, a clean mineral backbone, and a dry, precise finish. Classic Franken Silvaner: unshowy, honest, and deeply satisfying.

Vintage:

2022

Grape:

Silvaner

Region:

Franken, Germany

Format:

1 Liter

ABV:

12.5%

Why Silvaner?

Silvaner is Franken's signature grape — a variety that thrives where Riesling struggles, producing wines of quiet complexity and remarkable food versatility. Less aromatic than Riesling, it compensates with texture, minerality, and an earthy, terroir-expressive character that rewards attention.

Perfect Pairings

Serve well-chilled (46–50°F) with asparagus, freshwater fish, roasted chicken, mild cheeses, or classic German cuisine. The generous 1L format is ideal for the table — practical, shareable, and always welcome.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020 

Wine Spectator 93 Points | The 2020 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Aux Malconsorts opens in the glass with notes of plums and wild berries mingled with aromas of orange oil, exotic spices, smoked duck and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, layered and muscular, it's finer-boned and less overtly powerful than its 2019 and 2018 predecessors, even if it's still a serious, structured, concentrated wine.

Barrel Sample: 93-95 Burghound 93 Points | This is the first wine to show any appreciable reduction though the whole cluster vinification does peek through the funk. Once again, the bigger-bodied and much more muscular flavors possess a highly attractive texture thanks to the generous dry extract that partially buffers the prominent tannic spine supporting the robust, powerful and gorgeously complex and persistent finish. This is a classic Malconsorts which is very much built to reward longer-term cellaring.

Barrel Sample: 93-95 Decanter 96 Points | A dense, almost creamy, concentrated cassis fruit, adorned with notes of smoke, spice and salt. Focused, with plenty of tannin and extract, this is a wonderful wine. 2020 saw tiny yields from Dujac's 1.55ha in Malconsorts - no more than 10-15 hl/ha. The fruit was partially destemmed and fermented slowly prior to ageing. The wine gets the same 16 months in 70% new casks that the grand crus receive. 

Icardi Barbaresco Montubert Organic 2020 750ml

A benchmark Barbaresco from one of Piedmont's most principled organic estates. The Icardi family has farmed without herbicides or pesticides since 1914, and the Montubert vineyard expresses the full nobility of Nebbiolo — structured, aromatic, and built to age gracefully.

James Suckling 93 Points: Red-fruited and spiced with crushed walnuts and licorice. Medium-bodied with polished, delicate tannins. Fresh and vivid fruit character with a polished mineral finish and hints of citrus peel and dried herbs.

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points: Sweetly spiced and charming, showing aromas of candied cherries, allspice, cedar, and mixed wild herbs. Elegant tannins with flavors of dried cranberries and dried orange peel. Drink now–2035.

Wine Spectator 90 Points: Savory with juniper, eucalyptus, and mint accenting a cherry, strawberry, and floral core. Lean and taut with dusty tannins. Best from 2027 through 2042.

Food Pairings

• Braised short ribs, osso buco, and slow-roasted lamb
• Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano and hard cheeses
• Truffle pasta, mushroom risotto, and game meats
• Roasted duck and venison

Wine Details

• Varietal: Nebbiolo
• Appellation: Barbaresco DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
• Vintage: 2020
• Size: 750ml
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Producer: Icardi

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 95 Points | All the ripeness of this very warm vintage, married to wonderful freshness that gives this the light-footedness of a great dancer. Mostly white fruit, but just a hint of fresh pineapple. Long, silky finish. Drink or hold. (2018). 

Robert Parker 93+ Points | The 2018 Graacher Himmelreich Spätlese is discreet yet deep and complex on the elegant and spicy nose that exhibits very fine stone fruit aromas. Round, lush and piquant on the palate, this is a crystalline, piquant, persistently salty and stimulating Himmelreich with fine tannins on the finish that add grip and a very light, food-friendly astringency that moderates away the sweetness. Still young, this is a Spätlese to serve with food in 10-15 years. Tasted at the domain in September 2020.

Wine Spectator 93 Points | This has all of the elements of a great spätlese, with pronounced acidity supporting the ripe peach, yellow apple, mango and spruce flavors, while hints of vanilla and piecrust add to the complexity. Still a bit intense, but this should develop beautifully with age, allowing the minerality to become more prominent. Best from 2022 through 2038. (2018).

Winemaker Description 

Dark berry and meat flavors carry the day, making it a great match for roasted or braised meat and game. But it also will mesh with and enhance pizza, hearty pasta and most anything made with winter squash.

Domaine Faiveley Bourgogne Rouge Pinot Noir — Burgundy 2022

Wine runs deep in the Faiveley family’s blood — for nearly two centuries and seven generations, they have been among Burgundy’s most deeply rooted and respected domaines. Today they are one of the largest vineyard owners in the region, with holdings spanning from the Côte de Nuits to the Côte Chalonnaise, producing polished, collectible reds and whites with consistently exceptional ratings. Their Bourgogne Rouge is the entry point to this storied estate — and it overdelivers at every turn.

Sourced from Faiveley’s own estate vineyards as well as carefully selected partner growers, each plot is quality-controlled to ensure the same standards applied to their premier and grand cru wines. The 2022 shows beautiful ruby color, fresh red-fruit aromas, and a rich, ripe palate with fine round tannins and a bright, crisp finish — “quite a serious wine for the humble appellation,” as James Suckling noted.

“Quite a serious wine for the humble appellation. Plenty of red cherry fruit. A surprising amount of structure.” — James Suckling, 90 Points

• Producer: Domaine Faiveley, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Burgundy, France
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Bourgogne Rouge AOC
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red cherry, fresh red fruit, round tannins, rich texture, bright crisp finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2028
• Best Paired With: Roast chicken, duck breast, mushroom risotto, charcuterie, soft-ripened cheeses

Seven generations of Burgundy mastery in every bottle — Faiveley Bourgogne Rouge is the benchmark for what village-level Pinot Noir can be.

Yellow Tail | Shiraz | South Eastern Australia | NV | 750ml

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. Often referred to as the classic Australian red, it is crafted to be consistent, reliable, and endlessly enjoyable at an unbeatable everyday price.

Rich and smooth with concentrated red cherry and plum, complemented by notes of vanilla, mocha, and spice. Juicy red berries and a soft, approachable finish. Everything a great everyday Shiraz should be.

Pair with steak, burgers, BBQ ribs, grilled sausages, and hearty pasta dishes.

• Producer: Casella Family Brands
• Appellation: South Eastern Australia
• Grape: Shiraz
• Style: Medium-bodied, fruit-forward Australian Shiraz
• Bottle Size: 750ml

An extraordinary single-harvest White Port from 1962, offering more than six decades of history in every glass. Maynard’s White Colheita Port 1962 is a rare expression of the Douro Valley, combining remarkable maturity with elegance, freshness and beautifully developed complexity.

Produced from traditional white grape varieties of Portugal’s Douro Valley, this historic Colheita has developed a magnificent golden-amber color and an intricate aromatic profile shaped by extended maturation in wood.

Region & Style

Country: Portugal
Region: Douro Valley
Appellation: Porto / Port
Wine Type: Fortified White Wine
Style: White Colheita Port / Single Harvest Port
Vintage: 1962
Bottle Size: 750ml
Alcohol: 20% ABV
Winemaker: Álvaro van Zeller

Grape Varieties

A traditional Douro white blend composed of:

• Códega do Larinho
• Rabigato
• Malvasia Fina
• Arinto

What Is White Colheita Port?

Colheita Port is produced from grapes harvested in a single year and matured for an extended period in wooden casks before bottling. Unlike Vintage Port, which develops primarily in bottle, Colheita evolves through long oxidative maturation in wood.

For White Colheita, this gradual aging transforms the youthful citrus and orchard-fruit character of the white grapes into a far more complex spectrum of dried fruit, nuts, caramelized flavors and warm spice while retaining the acidity necessary to keep the wine balanced and fresh.

Tasting Notes

The Maynard’s 1962 White Colheita displays a beautiful golden-amber color and an expressive, mature bouquet. Aromas of peach preserves and ripe stone fruit lead into layers of dried fruit, toasted nuts and subtle oxidative complexity.

On the palate, the wine is rich and beautifully composed, with concentrated fruit balanced by freshness and elegance. Its remarkable age has created a seamless texture and impressive aromatic depth, finishing long, complex and refined.

19 Points — Vinho Grandes Escolhas

Vinho Grandes Escolhas awarded the Maynard’s White Colheita Port 1962 an impressive 19 Points.

The wine is noted for its golden-amber color, superb character, concentrated peach-fruit aromas and particularly complex, elegant finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slightly chilled at approximately 12–13°C / 54–55°F. A proper Port or white-wine glass allows the wine’s extraordinary aromatic complexity to fully unfold.

Because this is such a mature and complex wine, it is especially rewarding when enjoyed slowly on its own after dinner.

Food Pairing

Pair with desserts featuring almonds, hazelnuts or walnuts, as well as crème brûlée, custards, egg-based pastries and dried-fruit desserts.

Its combination of richness and mature complexity also makes it an excellent match for aged cheeses, including hard cheeses and blue cheese, or simply enjoy it by itself as a contemplative after-dinner Port.

About Maynard’s

Maynard’s is the flagship Port brand associated with Fernando and Álvaro van Zeller. The name pays tribute to Walter Maynard, a historic English wine merchant associated with some of the earliest shipments of Port wine from Portugal to England during the 17th century.

Today, Maynard’s continues this centuries-old Port tradition with a collection that includes Vintage Ports, aged Tawnies and exceptionally rare single-harvest Colheitas.

A remarkable piece of Douro history, the 1962 White Colheita is a rare opportunity to experience the extraordinary longevity and complexity of traditionally aged White Port.

Maynard’s White Colheita Port 1962 750ml

DIRLER-CADÉ ALSACE RIESLING 2023 | 750ML

🇫🇷 France — Riesling | Alsace

A jolt of energy delivered with ease and gentleness. This estate Riesling is harvested across Dirler-Cadé’s holdings, including fruit from the Grand Crus of Saering, Kitterlé, Kessler, Spiegel, Belzbrunnen, and Oberer Spiegel — with 70% of the estate’s Riesling on grand cru sites, this is a village wine with exceptional raw material. The nose is scented and bright, with navel orange peel and a touch of apricot. The palate is immediately vibrant, racy, slender, and crystalline — vivid, light, and bone-dry, with all the freshness and precision that defines great Alsatian Riesling.

All plots at Dirler-Cadé have been farmed biodynamically since 1998, with the goal of expressing the exceptional personality of each terroir. The estate’s four Grand Crus — Kitterlé, Saering, Spiegel, and Kessler — are each associated with one of the four elements: Earth, Water, Air, and Fire. The Saering (“sea ring”) recalls the calcareous sediments deposited in the Oligocene period, producing wines that are juicy, broad, and dense with great power.

92 Points — Vinous
“The palate is immediately vibrant, racy, slender and crystalline. This is so vivid, light and vibrant. The 2023 is a jolt of energy delivered with ease and gentleness despite all its wonderful freshness. Bravo. (Bone-dry)” (Vintage 2023). 

93 Points — Ian d’Agata (Vintage 2023). 

92 Points — RVF
“The simple Riesling is a good introduction to the house style, precise and sapid.” (Vintage 2023). 

Pairs well with: Alsatian choucroute, grilled fish, oysters, soft cheeses, and Asian cuisine.

Grape: Riesling
Region: Alsace, France
Vintage: 2023
Style: Bone-dry
Format: 750ml
Viticulture: Biodynamic since 1998
Scores: 93 pts Ian d’Agata | 92 pts Vinous | 92 pts RVF

The Wine Advocate 96 Points: “It brings forth a floral bouquet, showing subtle elegance at the start. Give it a few moments and the wine hits on all cylinders with integrated oak, bright fruit, black cherry, pomegranate seed, iris root and dustings of oak spice that never overshadow the fruit. The wine is refreshingly uncomplicated but shows refined nuance instead. This is the proverbial understated elegance that Gaja achieves so beautifully. It closes with lovely acidity and dusty tannins.” Monica Larner

Vinous Media 94 Points: “The 2021 Magari is the most elegant Magari I can remember tasting. Vibrant, nuanced and medium in body, the 2021 possesses notable energy from start to finish. All the elements are so nicely balanced. Dark cherry, mocha, dried herbs, licorice and menthol are finely sculpted in this super-expressive Bolgheri red. Terrific.” Antonio Galloni

Wine Spectator 93 Points: "Tobacco, licorice and cedar aromas and flavors frame the core of black currant and black cherry fruit in this intense, vibrant red. An iron element emerges too, as this builds to the lingering finish, with fine balance and a lingering aftertaste." Bruce Sanderson 

Magari is an Italian expression having different meanings “If only it was true…!”, “Maybe…”. It carries a sort of irony which leads people to smile, without showing off the great commitment and determination associated to the Ca’Marcanda project.

Purplish red in color, the nose presents a wonderful mixture of black fruits such as plums and blackcurrants. Notes of black tea, and hints of aromatic herbs commonly found in the Mediterranean like rosemary and thyme, lead to a structured mouthfeel with tannins that are denser and more elegant reflecting the style of the vintage all culminating with a salinity representative of a classic Bolgheri style. 

Louis Jadot Mâcon-Villages Chardonnay 2023 — Half Bottle (375ml)

Louis Jadot is one of Burgundy’s most respected and enduring négociants, with a history stretching back to 1859. From their base in Beaune, Jadot has long been a benchmark producer across the entire Côte d’Or and beyond — including the Mâconnais, where they craft some of the most reliable and expressive village-level Chardonnays in the region. The Mâcon-Villages is a perennial favorite: a classic, food-friendly white Burgundy that delivers genuine character at an accessible price point, now available in a convenient half-bottle format.

The 2023 opens with floral, apple, and citrus aromas with mineral notes — a classic expression of Chardonnay from this appellation. Fresh citrus leads the way on the palate, with a round texture, bright acidity, and a delicate lemongrass note on the finish. Bright, juicy, and charming, with a crunchy fruit expression that makes it endlessly appealing.

Rated Best Buy by Wine Spectator.

Wine Spectator — 88 pts / Best Buy

“Fresh citrus aromas lead the way, offering an elegant and light profile. The palate is straightforward yet refined, with a round texture and bright acidity. A subtle note of lemongrass emerges on the finish.” — Anna-Christina Cabrales. (Vintage 2023). 

Food Pairings

Oysters, grilled fish, roast chicken, goat cheese, light pasta dishes, and summer salads. A perfect half-bottle for a solo dinner or a shared starter.

Varietal: Chardonnay
Appellation: Mâcon-Villages AOC, Burgundy, France
Vintage: 2023
Format: 375ml (Half Bottle)
Score: 88 pts Wine Spectator — Best Buy

Producer Notes

Villa di Capezzana’s Barco Reale di Carmignano is often called the ‘little brother’ to the estate’s prestigious Carmignano DOCG — offering a more accessible, youthful entry into one of Tuscany’s most historic and unique wine regions. A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Canaiolo. the 2023 is dusty and floral with autumnal spices, cedar shavings, Tuscan dust, and dried strawberries. Soft-textured and supple on the palate with mineral-tinged red berry fruits and a web of fine tannins. Finishes with hints of orange citrus and a tart cherry twang.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2023

• Wine Enthusiast 92pts | A primarily herbaceous, earthy nose has warm Bing cherry undertones to provide balance. Cherries grow into themselves on the palate, above a latent bitterness of coffee and bergamot. Acidity is fierce, and tannins clear the mouth, but dynamism doesn't come at the expense of coherence. 
• Vinous Media 91 pts | The 2023 Barco Reale is a total pleasure to the senses, as crushed cherries and wild berries mix with sweet sage and spice. It possesses a pretty inner sweetness offset by crisp mineral tones and a steely sensation. Tart blackberries mix with a sour citrus twang as it finishes long and staining yet remarkably fresh. The 2023 Barco Reale is a total pleasure to taste.

Food Pairings

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina or wild boar ragù pasta
• Wood-fired pizza or herb-roasted chicken
• Grilled lamb or pork chops
• Charcuterie with salty Pecorino

Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir from Eleven Family-Owned Vineyards

Patz & Hall draws from eleven small, independent family-owned vineyard sites across the Sonoma Coast, unified into a wine of saline freshness, lively red fruit, and structural elegance. The 2021 vintage delivered cool, even growing conditions that preserved natural acidity and exceptional purity.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

• Decanter — 96 pts: "Delightful, extra juicy red and black fruits give graciously and generously with a mouth-filling texture and soft, silky tannins. The coolness of the Sonoma Coast takes the salty sea air and places it squarely on the grapes to give this wine a lovely saline finish. The great structural envelope will protect this wine for the future. It will last and last."
• Wine Spectator — 93 pts: "Fresh and lively, raspberry and mulberry coulis with a mouthwatering savory edge. Textbook vintage and AVA profile. Drink now through 2031."
• Wine Advocate — 90 pts: "Aromas of red and black cherries, mint, forest floor and allspice. Generous, spicy fruit with grainy tannins and juicy acidity."

Winemaker Notes

Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2021 750ml

Complex aromas of Morello cherry and wild strawberry, with cinnamon, clove, anise, and coriander alongside forest floor and pink flowers. Full palate with good purity, refined tannins, and fresh acidity.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Appellation: Sonoma Coast, California
• Vineyard Sources: 11 independent family-owned sites
• Producer: Patz & Hall
• Vintage: 2021
• Drinking Window: Now–2031
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Exceptional with roasted duck, salmon, mushroom risotto, lamb loin, and soft-ripened cheeses.

Discover Hedges Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Discover the bold character of Washington State's acclaimed Red Mountain AVA with Hedges Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2022. Crafted by the renowned Hedges Family Estate using sustainable farming practices, this exceptional Cabernet showcases the unique microclimate and terroir that make Red Mountain one of the premier wine regions in the Pacific Northwest. Each 750ml bottle delivers a rich, structured wine with remarkable depth and aging potential.

Tasting Profile

This Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon presents a deep, rich color and offers enticing aromas of blackberry, cassis, black plums, anise, fig, and cedar, complemented by notes of cardamom, fresh leather, graphite, dried herbs, dusty cocoa, and cinnamon. The palate is lush, rich, and round, featuring layers of black cherry, plum, and dark fruit coated in firm, sandy tannins. Bitter chocolate and char accents add complexity, while balanced acidity provides structure. The wine finishes long and tense with lingering graphite and cocoa notes.

Expert Recognition - Prior Vintage 

James Suckling - 93 Points (2021 Vintage)
"Dense and dark, with aromas of cedar, cinnamon and black plums, then tight on the palate as bitter chocolate and black cherries are coated in firm, sandy tannins. Char and graphite accents build and linger on the finish."

Perfect Pairings

• Grilled steaks and prime rib
• Rich pasta dishes with meat sauces
• Braised short ribs and lamb
• Aged cheeses and charcuterie
• Hearty stews and roasted meats

Red Mountain Excellence

Hedges Family Estate has established a stellar reputation for producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain's distinctive terroir. The region's warm days, cool nights, and well-drained soils create ideal conditions for developing concentrated flavors and balanced structure. This 2022 vintage can be enjoyed now for its vibrant fruit character or cellared for years to develop more nuanced complexity. A smart addition to any wine collection and perfect for both special celebrations and memorable dinners.

Castello ColleMassari | Rigoleto | Montecucco Rosso DOC | Tuscany, Italy | 2023 | Organic

Castello ColleMassari is the most important and largest estate of the Montecucco appellation — a 1,200-hectare property in the hills of southern Tuscany that includes 120 hectares of vineyards and nearly 90 hectares of olive groves, three of which are over 900 years old. The estate was acquired in 1999 by Claudio Tipa and his sister Maria Iris Bertarelli, who restored the ColleMassari castle — a 13th-century fortress that was originally the homestead of area nobility — and transformed it into one of Tuscany's most celebrated organic wine estates. The vineyards on the Montecucco hill are home to some of the oldest Sangiovese vines in the DOCG.

Rigoleto is ColleMassari's entry-level expression — a blend of organically grown Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo, and Montepulciano that captures the fresh, fruit-driven character of Montecucco with an easy, approachable style. Shimmering ruby red in the glass. The nose is fresh, vinous, and balsamic — tart blackberries, cherry, fresh thyme, menthol, and earthy topsoil. On the palate, fresh, soft, and inviting with tart, snappy black cherries, juicy fruit, harmonious structure, and a hot, peppery finish with chalky tannins that keep the wine lively and food-friendly.

Pair with pasta with tomato sauce, pizza, grilled meats, charcuterie, and aged pecorino.

• Producer: Castello ColleMassari
• Cuvée: Rigoleto
• Appellation: Montecucco Rosso DOC, Tuscany, Italy
• Blend: Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo, Montepulciano
• Vintage: 2023
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023

• Wine Enthusiast — 91 pts: Fresh, earthy nose of tart blackberries, topsoil and herbs. Tart, snappy black cherries on the palate with a hot, peppery finish. Tannins are structured but chalky enough to tone down the heat.
• Falstaff — 90 pts: Shimmering ruby red. Blackberry, cherry and fresh thyme on the nose. Juicy and fresh on the palate, fruit-orientated, harmonious structure, medium length.

François & Julien Pinon | Vouvray Blanc Sec — Buvez du Bon Pinon | Loire Valley, France | 2023

François and Julien Pinon are a father-and-son team working exclusively with Chenin Blanc on their 15-hectare estate in the Vallée de Cousse, in the heart of Vouvray. Certified organic by Ecocert since 2003, their work in the vineyard is in complete harmony with nature — a philosophy that translates directly into wines of exceptional purity, energy, and terroir expression.

Vouvray is one of the Loire Valley's most celebrated appellations, producing Chenin Blanc of extraordinary range and longevity. The region's tufa limestone soils and continental climate — tempered by the moderating influence of the Loire River — give Vouvray Chenin Blanc its signature combination of vibrant acidity, mineral precision, and generous aromatic complexity. Chenin Blanc is a grape that flies under the radar, which is baffling given its charming character and remarkable versatility.

The 2023 Buvez du Bon Pinon sports a gorgeous bouquet reminiscent of a walk through an orchard in spring blossom. Aromas of white stone fruits, peach, pear, wildflower honey, and quince emerge from the glass with lively fanfare. On the palate, energetic and effortless with refreshing lift, steely mineral intensity, and beautifully balanced vibrant acidity. The finish is long, tangy, chalky, and utterly delicious. Drink now through 2030.

A wine that adds cheerful accompaniment to roast chicken, grilled seafood, fresh salads, vegetable dishes, goat cheese, and herb-driven cuisine.

• Producer: François & Julien Pinon
• Cuvée: Buvez du Bon Pinon
• Appellation: Vouvray AOC, Loire Valley, France
• Grape: Chenin Blanc
• Style: Dry (Sec)
• Vintage: 2023
• Farming: Certified Organic (Ecocert since 2003)
• Drink: Now through 2030
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2023

• Wine Spectator — 90 pts: A steely, mineral-intense style that starts out austere and then fills in with crunchy apple, pear and dried herbs. Chalky feel to the finish, which is racy and pure. Drink now through 2030.

67Wine Buyer's Note

Bart Hopkins, 67Wine — "Energetic and effortless in the mouth with refreshing lift and well-balanced vibrant acidity, with a long and tangy, delicious finish."