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Avignonesi Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Biodynamic Organic 2022

About the Producer

Avignonesi is one of Tuscany's most celebrated and progressive estates. Under the leadership of Virginie Saverys, it has become a benchmark for biodynamic and organic viticulture in Italy. Their Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is sourced from high-altitude vineyards where clay-rich soils and diurnal temperature swings produce Sangiovese of exceptional freshness, acidity, and complexity.

Winemaker's Notes

Bright purplish-red in colour with vibrant intensity. On the nose, small red berries and pomegranate open alongside the unmistakable violet note typical of quality Sangiovese, with subtle hints of vanilla and delicate oak. On the palate, the entry is lively and well-balanced — expressive and crisp, with sweet notes of ripe cherry, plum jam, and nuances of liquorice on the finish. Dynamic and elegant body, well-defined tannins, and a smooth, enveloping texture. A fresh streak of acidity carries the persistent finish.

Food Pairings

• Meats: Roast lamb with rosemary, wild boar ragù, Bistecca alla Fiorentina.
• Pasta: Pici with aglione or mushroom risotto.
• Cheese: Aged Pecorino Toscano. A natural partner for traditional Tuscan fare.

Wine Details

• Producer: Avignonesi
• Appellation: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
• Grape: Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile)
• Farming: Certified biodynamic and organic
• Vintage: 2022
• Style: Elegant, high-acid, terroir-driven Tuscan red
• Format: 750ml

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

Vinous 93 Points | The 2023 Flycatcher is a blend of 36% Zinfandel, 15% Cinsault, 13% Petite Sirah, 13% Carignane, 10% Tempranillo, 9% Merlot and 4% Syrah. Crushed red berry fruit, blood orange, cinnamon and crushed flowers soar from the glass. This vibrant, exuberant red offers tons of forward fruit buffered by brisk acids that add notable energy. Eminently quaffable, the 2023 also has plenty of complexity to satisfy more intellectually curious wine lovers.

Winemaker Notes

A love letter to California, Flycatcher is our newest wine that celebrates the wonderful and diverse terroirs of our home state — from Lodi to Los Carneros. An ambitious prospect we know, capturing the whole of California in a bottle, but we’ve been guided by some seriously inspiring growers and treasured vineyards that fitted together in a way that felt, and tasted, just right.

Frog’s Leap Flycatcher 2023 is a California red blend crafted to showcase the diversity and vibrancy of the state’s wine country. It’s designed as a fresh, approachable, and food-friendly wine made from a mix of grapes sourced “with intention” from heritage vineyards across California, reflecting different terroirs beyond the winery’s Napa home.

The blend typically features a variety of varietals — including Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Tempranillo, Cinsault, Carignane, and Syrah — that together create a generous, fruit-forward profile with red berry aromatics, savory depth, and balanced structure. The result is a versatile, everyday red that’s vibrant and layered, with flavors of ripe strawberries, blueberries, spice, and herbal notes, making it easy to enjoy on its own or paired with a wide range of foods.

Joel Gott Blend No. 815 Cabernet Sauvignon — California 2022

Joel Gott is one of California’s most beloved winemakers — a third-generation vintner who built his reputation on the simple idea that great wine should be approachable, consistent, and honestly priced. Blend No. 815 is his signature Cabernet Sauvignon — the number refers to the specific blend Joel crafts each vintage from select vineyards across California, always chasing the same benchmark of ripe fruit, velvety texture, and reliable quality. It has become one of the most recognized everyday Cabernets in the country, and for good reason: vintage after vintage, it delivers. The 2022 earned 90 points from Wine Enthusiast.

The color is a deep, concentrated ruby. The nose is layered and expressive: raspberries, blackberries, plum, and mocha, with savory notes of damp soil, charcoal, and a whisper of tar that steadily open with air into something genuinely complex. On the palate, red fruit leads into an asphalt minerality, dried plum, dark spice, and espresso bean — velvety tannins carrying through the mid-palate to a long, textured finish of black pepper and cedar. Familiar, satisfying, and built for the table.

Wine Enthusiast — 90 Points (Matt Kettmann) — “Savory, slightly reductive aromas of damp soil, charcoal, and tar meet with dark berry on the nose, steadily opening up with air. The palate’s asphalt minerality gives way to dried plum, dark spice, and espresso bean, making for a familiar experience.” (Vintage 2022). 

• Producer: Joel Gott Wines, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Blend: No. 815
• Style: Approachable, velvety, fruit-forward California Cabernet
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Raspberry, blackberry, plum, mocha, espresso, dark spice, black pepper, velvety tannins
• Drink Window: Now–2027
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, burgers, BBQ, lamb chops, pasta with meat sauce, aged cheddar

California’s most reliable everyday Cabernet — Joel Gott 815 is the bottle you reach for when you want something great without thinking twice.

Louis Latour Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2023 750ml

Maison Louis Latour is one of Burgundy's oldest and most respected family-run négociants, with roots going back to 1797. Their Bourgogne Pinot Noir is the quintessential entry point into the red wines of Burgundy — a wine that delivers the elegance, perfume, and terroir-driven character of the region without the price of a Village or Premier Cru. Sourced from vineyards across the Burgundy appellation, it is crafted to express the true nature of Pinot Noir: light, fragrant, and deeply satisfying.

The 2023 vintage is a standout — bright, fresh, and beautifully balanced, with the kind of supple texture and harmonious finish that makes it equally at home at a weeknight dinner or a special occasion table.

"With its deep, bright ruby hue, our Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2023 reveals an elegant bouquet of red fruits and licorice, lifted by a hint of spice. The palate is round and well-balanced, marked by freshness and a supple texture, expressing notes of blackcurrant and licorice that linger through a harmonious finish." — Louis Latour Winemaker

• Producer: Maison Louis Latour, Beaune, Burgundy, France
• Appellation: Bourgogne AOC
• Grape: 100% Pinot Noir
• Vintage: 2023
• Style: Light-bodied, elegant, fruit-forward Burgundy red
• Tasting Notes: Red fruits, blackcurrant, licorice, spice, supple texture, harmonious finish
• Best Paired With: Roast chicken or turkey, veal, Boeuf Bourguignon, Délice de Bourgogne, semi-aged Comté, grilled meats, mature cheeses

The perfect gateway to red Burgundy — Louis Latour's Bourgogne Pinot Noir is the bottle that turns first-timers into lifelong Burgundy lovers.

Winemaker Description

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon displays great complexity and structure from Washington State's renowned Columbia Valley. Bold and expressive, with slight pepper, a round body, dried cherry, silky vanilla, and a concentrated, long velvet finish.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby in color with aromas of dark cherry, blackcurrant, and a hint of cedar. The palate is full-bodied and well-structured with flavors of dried cherry, plum, vanilla, and subtle pepper spice. Silky tannins lead to a long, velvety finish.

Food Pairings

Pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted beef, veal, duck, blue cheese, and dark chocolate. An excellent everyday Cabernet Sauvignon from one of Washington's most celebrated producers.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: 2020
Region: Columbia Valley, Washington State, USA
Appellation: Columbia Valley AVA
Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Producer: Columbia Crest
Style: Red Wine, Dry, Full-Bodied

Winemaker Description

A youthful nose of fresh berries, cherry, and floral aromas, finishing with a soft texture and a hint of sweetness — designed to be vibrant, flavorful, and enjoyed within four years.

This is a fruitier style of Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of sweetness, perfect for those who prefer a softer, more approachable red wine.

Clos La Coutale Cahors — Southwest France 2023

Clos La Coutale is one of Cahors’ most beloved and historic estates — a domaine whose 100 hectares of vines sit in the heart of the meanders of the Lot River, on alluvial soils of gravel and clay-limestone silica with a southwest exposure that protects against extreme cold. Cahors itself is one of France’s most ancient wine regions, established in Quercy by the Romans, who developed its production with such success that in 92 A.D. Emperor Domitian ordered half the vineyards torn out to protect Italian wine production — a decree the locals famously disobeyed. The 2023 Malbec is crafted in a hearty, rustic style that is simultaneously ready for immediate enjoyment and built to age — a savvy wine drinker’s benchmark for French Malbec at a value price.

The nose is warm and expressive: dark fruit, wild berries, earth, and a slightly wild streak that sets this apart from Argentine Malbec and signals the terroir of the Lot. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with excellent structure, supple tannins, and a long, satisfying finish. It holds its own alongside celebrated appellations and brings real presence to the table — the kind of Southwest French red that disappears fast.

"A hearty, rustic red from France’s southwest — this Cahors has everything a savvy wine drinker wants: ready for immediate consumption, excellent structure to age, and comes in at a value price. The 2023 vintage has a slightly wild streak, which goes perfectly with a medium-rare ribeye and roast rosemary potatoes." — Tom Wolf

• Producer: Clos La Coutale, Cahors, Southwest France
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Cahors AOC, Southwest France
• Varietal: Malbec
• Terroir: Alluvial gravel & clay-limestone silica on the Lot River meanders
• Closure: Cork
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark fruit, wild berries, earth, rustic character, supple tannins, long structured finish
• Best Paired With: Ribeye steak, cassoulet, roast lamb, duck confit, vegetable stew, quesadillas

France’s benchmark Cahors Malbec at an honest price — Clos La Coutale is the standard for what structured, terroir-driven Southwest French Malbec can deliver.

Monte Degli Angeli Pinot Noir Monferrato Piedmont 2024

Expert Review — Vintage 2024

James Suckling 91 Points | Raspberries and raw mushrooms on the nose of this medium-bodied red. Earthy and fresh with a medium body and lightly chalky tannins.

Winemaker's Notes

Rich, silky, and velvety with smooth tannins. Expressive fruity notes of cherry, strawberry, raspberry, and ripe tomato, layered with floral hints of rose petal and violet. A wine that delivers elegance and approachability in equal measure — a standout value from Piedmont's Monferrato appellation.

Food Pairings

• Meats: Roast beef, braised lamb, or classic Boeuf Bourguignon.
• Vegetarian: Wild mushroom risotto, truffle-infused pasta, or butternut squash ravioli with sage.
• Cheese: Soft, creamy cheeses like Brie or mild goat cheese.

About the Wine

While Piedmont is celebrated for its bold Nebbiolo-based wines like Barolo, this Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) from Monte Degli Angeli is a rare gem — offering Burgundian-inspired elegance at a remarkable price point. A high-quality, budget-friendly Italian red that punches well above its weight.

Viña Cobos | Felino | Malbec | Mendoza | 2024

Jeb Dunnuck: 94 Points — Juicy in a tantalizing combination of red and blue fruit, the tannins are soft and supple in texture and grip. The fruit is focused and ripe, fully developed, and dark and brooding in color. There’s structure to the tannins and moderate acidity, providing a foundation for the beautifully juicy red fruit and light spice. Drink now and for another 10 years.

James Suckling: 93 Points — Abundant bramble fruit on the nose, layered with espresso and a touch of red berries. The palate is round and medium- to full-bodied, well-constructed with velvety, integrated tannins and a chiseled, flavorful finish. Drink now or hold.

Vinous: 92 Points — Bright red fruit, hints of black fruit and a balsamic spice accent. Grippy, plush and juicy, with improved length compared to previous vintages.

Viña Cobos was founded by Paul Hobbs, one of California's most celebrated winemakers, who recognized Mendoza's extraordinary potential for world-class Malbec long before the region's international rise. The Felino line is the estate's benchmark of accessible excellence — sourced from premium vineyards across Mendoza's two most prestigious appellations, Valle de Uco and Luján de Cuyo, and crafted with the same precision and attention to terroir that defines the Cobos flagship wines.

The 2024 Felino is sourced 65% from Valle de Uco and 35% from Luján de Cuyo, and aged nine months in small French oak barriques with only 8% new oak — a restrained approach that preserves the vibrancy and freshness of the fruit while adding subtle complexity and texture. The result is a Malbec that is immediately expressive yet structured enough to develop further in the bottle over the next decade.

Deep ruby with vibrant purple tones, the wine opens with aromas of black cherry, blueberry, fresh plum and violets, accented by notes of espresso, bramble, balsamic spice and a whisper of graphite. The palate is round, juicy and beautifully balanced — ripe red and blue fruit flavors are supported by soft, supple tannins, moderate acidity and a long, chiseled finish with hints of herbs and dark spice.

Serve at 60–65°F. Pairs beautifully with grilled steak, lamb chops, beef empanadas, roasted meats, rich pasta dishes, BBQ ribs, aged cheddar, Manchego and dark chocolate.

• Producer: Viña Cobos
• Winemaker: Paul Hobbs
• Cuvée: Felino
• Appellation: Mendoza, Argentina
• Sub-regions: 65% Valle de Uco, 35% Luján de Cuyo
• Grape Variety: Malbec (100%)
• Vintage: 2024
• Aging: 9 months in French oak barriques (8% new)
• Style: Dry red wine, medium- to full-bodied
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Expert Review - Vintage 2019

James Suckling 92 Points | Currant, blueberry and violet aromas follow through to a medium body with firm, fine tannins that give the wine form and focus. Chocolate and hazelnut emerge in the undertones. Drink or hold.

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot features alluring aromas evoking cassis, black-skinned berry and underbrush. The concentrated palate offers black plum, tobacco and mocha alongside polished tannins.

Bodegas Muga Rioja Reserva — Rioja DOCa 2022 — 375ml Half Bottle

Bodegas Muga was founded in 1932 by Isaac Muga and Aurora Caño in the emblematic Station District of Haro — the historic heart of Rioja. Nearly a century on, the family still crafts wine the way it has always been done: hand-harvested grapes, fermentation in oak vats with indigenous yeasts, 22 months of aging in barrels made in their own cooperage (90% French, 10% American oak), traditional clarification with fresh egg whites, and a minimum of 9 months of bottle rest before release. The 2022 vintage earned 93 points from Wine Advocate and landed at #51 on Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2024. Now available in a 375ml half bottle — the perfect format for a serious weeknight red or an intimate dinner for two.

The nose shows great aromatic intensity — ripe red and black fruit, cedary spice, leather, violet, and delicate hints of undergrowth. On the palate, the wine is medium- to full-bodied, concentrated but sleek and polished, with fine-grained, silky tannins and very supple flavors. The aging is beautifully integrated, enhancing freshness and complexity. The finish is long and chalky, with perfectly balanced acidity. Drink now or cellar for several more years.

Wine Advocate 93 — "Medium- to full-bodied, concentrated but sleek and polished, with fine-grained tannins, very supple flavors and a chalky finish." (Vintage 2022). 

• Producer: Bodegas Muga, Haro, Rioja, Spain
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Rioja DOCa
• Blend: Tempranillo, Garnacha Tinta, Mazuelo, Graciano
• Style: Red Wine — Reserva, Unfiltered
• Aging: 22 months in French & American oak (own cooperage) + 9 months bottle rest
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle
• Production: 945,000 bottles
• Tasting Notes: Red and black fruit, cedar, leather, violet, undergrowth, fine-grained tannins, chalky finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar several years
• Best Paired With: Beef steak, lamb, sausages, stews, aged cheeses

A 93-point, Top 100 Rioja Reserva in a perfect half bottle — Bodegas Muga is the benchmark for what classic, family-crafted Spanish red wine can be.

Winemaker Description

Considered the pinnacle of Burgundy, Domaine de la Romanee-Conti produces some of the world’s most revered wines from its tiny vineyards in Vosne-Romanee. Grands-Echezeaux, is a Grand Cru vineyard yielding sublime wines that are among the most highly-sought, seductive and rarest in the world.

The 2020 Grands Échézeaux is full-bodied, ample and fleshy with an abundance of powdery tannins and succulent acids. The luscious palate presents strawberry, cherry, leather, earth, mushroom, mint, a touch of spice, oak, and refreshing minerality.

Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon 1.5L Magnum is a California red wine crafted in the approachable, fruit-forward style that has made Woodbridge one of America's most trusted everyday wine brands. This 1.5L Magnum format — equivalent to two standard bottles — is ideal for entertaining, casual gatherings, and any occasion that calls for a generous pour.

The wine opens with inviting aromas of ripe cherries, mixed berries, cedar, brown sugar, and toast. On the palate, flavors of berries, toasted marshmallow, chocolate, and graham cracker unfold with a smooth, toasty caramel finish. Medium-bodied and approachable, it delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing character at an exceptional value.

Pairs beautifully with grilled meats, burgers, BBQ, tomato-based pasta dishes, and aged cheddar.

• Producer: Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi
• Appellation: California
• Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Style: Medium-bodied, fruit-forward California Cabernet
• Format: 1.5L Magnum (equivalent to 2 standard bottles)
• Country: United States