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Understanding Mas Blanc i Jove 

Winemaker Description 

Petit Saó Blanc is a young white wine from Catalonia, Spain that contains Garnatxa, Macabeu, Viogner and Riesling.

Costers del Segre is a region in northwestern Catalonia. It's hilly and therefore a little cooler. This makes the area very suitable for different grape varieties than those grown in the rest of the province.

Macabeo and white Grenache are naturally abundant, but Viognier and even Riesling are also planted—for this wine, for example. 

Memo Summary Notes

Primary Varietals - Macabeu, Grenache Blanc, Viogner, Riesling

The Mas Blanch i Jové Petit Saó Blanc 2023 (often listed as Petit Blanc Saó) is a vibrant, organic white blend from the high-altitude vineyards of the Costers del Segre DO in Catalonia, Spain. It is known for its "mountain wine" freshness and unique blend of Mediterranean and continental grape varieties.

Types of Alcohol and Their Characteristics

Alcohol comes in various forms, including beer, wine, and spirits. Each type has distinct characteristics, flavors, and alcohol content. For instance, beer is typically lower in alcohol and often enjoyed casually, while spirits like vodka or whiskey have a higher concentration. Understanding these differences helps people select the right drink for each occasion.

Health Benefits of Moderate Alcohol Consumption

Many studies indicate that moderate alcohol consumption can offer some health benefits, such as improved heart health. However, moderation is key, because excessive drinking can lead to serious health risks. Therefore, enjoying a glass of red wine with dinner might be beneficial, but overindulgence can negate those advantages.

Social Aspects of Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol often plays a significant role in social gatherings and celebrations. It can enhance the enjoyment of events, bringing people together. However, it's important to consume responsibly. Alcohol should be enjoyed in moderation, ensuring everyone can have a good time while prioritizing safety and wellbeing.

Types of Alcoholic Beverages

There are various types of alcohol that cater to different tastes and preferences. The most common types include beer, wine, and spirits, each offering unique flavors and experiences. For instance, beer is often enjoyed for its refreshing nature and comes in various styles, such as lagers and ales. Wine, made from fermented grapes, offers a wide range of tastes, from sweet to dry. Spirits, which are distilled beverages like whiskey, vodka, and rum, present a stronger alcohol content, making them versatile for cocktails. Understanding these different types of alcohol can enhance your drinking experience and help you choose the right beverage for any occasion.

The Benefits of Moderate Consumption

When consumed in moderation, different types of alcohol can offer certain benefits. Research suggests that moderate wine consumption, particularly red wine, may be associated with heart health due to its antioxidants. Beer, rich in B vitamins and silica, can contribute to bone health. However, it's essential to note that moderation is key because overconsumption can lead to adverse effects. Therefore, knowing the right amount can allow you to enjoy these benefits while minimizing risks associated with excessive drinking.

Making Informed Choices

Understanding the different types of alcohol and their effects is vital for responsible drinking. It’s important to know your limits and the impact each type of alcohol can have on your body. For example, spirits can have higher alcohol concentration compared to beer or wine, so pacing yourself and choosing lighter options may sometimes be wiser. This knowledge not only helps you enjoy alcohol safely but also enriches your social experiences. As a result, you can navigate the world of alcohol with confidence and enjoyment.

Winemaker Description 

Made from 100% Macabeu, this rare dessert wine spent 21 years in barrel before being bottled. The slow oxidation in barrel gives this wine its characteristic amber color, as well as complex notes of fig, date, toasted hazelnut, and caramel. Best served at room temperature, try this on its own after dinner, or alongside cheese, pastry, or chocolate cake. Once opened, the wine can be enjoyed for several months. 

Jean-Hubert Verdaguer and his wife, Brigitte, helm Domaine de Rancy in the Roussillon, one of only a handful of quality wineries still producing exceptional Rivesaltes in the old Ambré style.

This unique type of fortified wine is a Vin Doux Naturel, in which a pure spirit is added during fermentation to stop conversion of sugar into alcohol. These are complex and incredibly versatile dessert wines, typically 16% to 20% alcohol with 85-100 grams of residual sugar, and acidity varying between 6% and 8%.

The grapes – 100% Macabeau – come from organically-farmed vineyards. It is the addition of neutral grape spirits that prevents them from obtaining organic certification on their Vin Doux Naturels.

They are hand-picked late in the season, pressed, fermented, and fortified in tank. Only the best wine is chosen for barrel-aging, and it remains in barrel for up to 60 years. The wines are bottled as needed, unfined and unfiltered, and the wine is best served at room temperature to fully appreciate the intense, complex aromas that develop in the glass.

Nigl Grüner Veltliner Freiheit — Kremstal, Austria 2025

Martin Nigl is one of Austria's most respected winemakers, farming steep hillside vineyards above the city of Krems in the Kremstal — a region celebrated for Grüner Veltliner and Riesling of exceptional precision and mineral character. The Freiheit — German for "freedom" — takes its name from a remarkable piece of history: this land is believed to be among the first privately owned vineyard land in the valley not controlled by the Church or a feudal estate. It is, quite literally, a wine of liberation. Sourced from four different vineyards in the hills above Krems, the soils are primarily löss, and the steep elevation moderates temperature to preserve freshness and aromatic lift. Fermentation and élevage occur entirely in stainless steel, and in a detail that speaks to Martin's obsessive attention to freshness, the wine is bottled at night — when the cellars are at their coolest.

The 2025 pours a pale, luminous straw. The nose is clean and expressive — citrus, green apple, white pepper, and a subtle mineral lift from the löss soils. On the palate, it's precise and refreshing with lively acidity, a focused mid-palate, and a crisp, dry, lingering finish. Everything Kremstal Grüner should be: pure, food-friendly, and built with care.

"Freiheit — freedom — believed to be some of the first privately owned vineyard land in the valley not controlled by the Church or a feudal estate. Bottled at night when the cellars are at their coolest." — Martin Nigl

• Producer: Weingut Nigl, Kremstal, Austria
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Kremstal DAC
• Varietal: Grüner Veltliner
• Vineyard: Four sites above Krems; löss soils; steep elevation
• Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation and élevage; night bottling
• Closure: Screwcap
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Citrus, green apple, white pepper, löss minerality, crisp dry finish
• Best Paired With: Wiener Schnitzel, grilled fish, sushi, asparagus, Thai cuisine, fresh goat cheese

A wine of freedom — Kremstal Grüner Veltliner from Austria's most historically significant privately owned vineyard land, bottled at night for maximum freshness.

Expert Reviews 

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | The NV Brut Pinot de Diel is an assemblage of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir, a réserve perpetuelle predominantly harvested in 2021. Aged sur lattes for two years and disgorged with a dosage of four grams per liter in May 2024, the wine opens with deep, bright and fresh, lemony fruit intertwined with delicate brioche, sur lie and also flinty terroir aromas. Round but dry and fresh on the palate, this is a medium to full-bodied Brut with a clear, long and mouth-cleansing finish. It's excellent in structure, complexity and length. 12% stated alcohol. Natural cork. Tasted at the domaine in Burg Layen in February 2025.

James Suckling 92 Points | This creamy, barely medium-bodied sparkling wine tastes very French, with appealing aromas and flavors of yellow apples, brioche and flint. The lively mousse deftly lifts the long candied-citrus finish. A cuvee based on the 2022 vintage plus some reserve wine, disgorged June 2025. Drink now.

Producer Notes

Variety: Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris (co-planted and co-fermented) • Region: Nahe • Vineyard: Various estate sites • Soil Type: Slate & quartzite • Fermentation & Élevage: Stainless steel fermentation and aging, minimum 20 months en tirage, dosage is sweet Pinot Gris aged in barrique.

Memo Summary Notes

The Schlossgut Diel Pinot de Diel Brut NV is a sophisticated German sparkling wine (Sekt) from the Nahe region. While many German sparkling wines are made from Riesling, this specific cuvée is a "Pinot" blend, modeled after the traditional Champagne style but with a distinct German terroir.

Schlossgut Diel is one of Germany’s most prestigious estates. While they are famous for their Grand Cru Rieslings, Caroline Diel spent time training in Champagne, and that influence is clear here. The "Pinot de Diel" is designed to be their "luncheon" sparkling—elegant enough for a celebration but versatile enough for the table.

Food Pairings

• Classic: Raw oysters, sashimi, or lightly fried calamari.

• German Pairing: Veal schnitzel with a squeeze of lemon.

• Casual: It is famously good with high-quality salty snacks like truffle popcorn or Marcona almonds.

The Vintage Champagne flute is perfect for beautifully developed champagnes. Its slim yet slightly tapered shape encourages the fine bead while highlighting aromatics in vintage champagnes, making it the choice for those connoisseurs who are after an elegant flute.

The glass includes a 'sparkling point' to aid the formation of bubbles.

This product is made of clear crystal glass.

Sommeliers was the world’s first wine friendly glass collection and a design revolution created by Claus J. Riedel (9th generation). The range adheres to the Bauhaus design principle of form follows function, as Claus J. Riedel had discovered that certain wines showed more depth and better balance when enjoyed from certain shapes. Thin-blown and unadorned, Sommeliers was the beginning of RIEDEL's dominance of the global wine glass market.

This product is handmade.

Our master glassmakers individually craft each item so every piece has a unique character. Due to the nature of crafting, small tolerances in the size and weight of each product, tiny bubbles, imperfections, or slight surface variations are an acceptable part of the process.

This pack contains a single piece. 

Created for the complexity and refinement of charming, focused white wines, this glass will make them sing as never before. The shape of the bowl will highlight and articulate the subtle layers and minerality of the wine. This glass will also bring out the more elegant notes in medium bodied red wine that does not have overt barrique development.

Use for fruit-forward Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Frizzante, Muskateller and unoaked Chardonnay, as well as the style of reds mentioned before such as St.Laurent, Blaufrankisch, Chianti and Dolcetto. Older vintage Champagnes also benefit from the shape of this bowl.

The height of the glass is 9.1 inches and it is 3.2 inches at its widest part. The volume capacity is 400 ml.

Pfeffingen Dry Scheurebe 2023 750ml

Explore the unique flavors of Pfeffingen Dry Scheurebe, a remarkable white wine that embodies the essence of German viticulture. This 2023 vintage is known for its crisp brightness and vibrant fruit flavors. The Scheurebe grape, a hybrid of Silvaner and Riesling, brings forth a unique profile with wonderful aromatic qualities and a distinctive style. Connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike will appreciate its structured palate and refreshing finish.

Expert Recognition - 2023 Vintage

Wine Spectator - 89 Points
"A distinctive style, with an expressive profile of cool mint and wild green herbs infusing a base of dried apricot, yuzu, tangerine cream and fleshy mango. Rich yet dry on the palate, with quinine bitterness. Drink now through 2028. 150 cases imported."

Scheurebe Grape Variety

The Scheurebe grape is a hybrid of Silvaner and Riesling, creating a unique German white wine variety with wonderful aromatic qualities. This crossing combines the best characteristics of both parent grapes, resulting in a wine with exceptional complexity and distinctive character that sets it apart from traditional German white wines.

Tasting Profile

Aroma: Expressive profile of cool mint and wild green herbs, ripe peach, citrus, dried apricot, yuzu, tangerine cream, fleshy mango, and hints of floral undertones
Palate: Rich yet dry with balanced sweetness and acidity. Structured palate with quinine bitterness adding complexity. Crisp brightness and vibrant fruit flavors
Finish: Refreshing finish with distinctive character
Drink Window: Now through 2028

Traditional Winemaking Excellence

The production of Pfeffingen Dry Scheurebe is rooted in traditional winemaking practices combined with modern techniques. The grapes are meticulously harvested at optimal ripeness to ensure the best flavor concentration. After a gentle pressing, the juice undergoes fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks, preserving the fresh aroma profiles. This careful attention to the winemaking process enables the wine to achieve its signature vibrant character while respecting the unique qualities of the Scheurebe grape.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Best enjoyed chilled, this wine pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Its refreshing taste complements flavors without overwhelming them:

• Seafood and shellfish
• Asian cuisine (Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese)
• Light salads with citrus vinaigrette
• Sushi and sashimi
• Grilled fish
• Spicy dishes (the wine's structure balances heat)
• Fresh goat cheese

Limited Production

With only 150 cases imported, this distinctive German white wine represents a rare opportunity to experience the unique Scheurebe grape variety. The limited availability makes it a special addition to any wine collection.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you are hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening, this wine enhances any occasion with its rich heritage and character. The dedication to quality ensures that each bottle delivers a consistent and enjoyable experience, making it an ideal choice for diverse gastronomic experiences. This refreshing white wine with its aromatic complexity and structured palate is perfect for wine enthusiasts seeking something distinctive and memorable.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 95 Points | A very pretty red with blackberry, black-cherry, flint and crushed-stone aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with a firm, focused tannin structure under the poised fruit. Long and caressing. Complex and crunchy. Drink or hold.

The Wine Advocate 91 Points | The 2023 Cabernet Franc Magdalena Vineyard boasts slightly darker-hued fruit than the regular bottling, with the aromas tending toward black raspberries and black cherries. At the same time, it's perhaps a bit less leafy but still reasonably floral. In the mouth, the wine is medium- to full-bodied and silky-textured, with soft tannins that linger on the finish.

Winemaker Description 

Our single-vineyard iteration of our pillar red variety, Cabernet Franc, with more weight and structure than our traditional version. This fruit hails from a two-and-a-half-acre block within our Magdalena Vineyard- a warmer site which produces fruit that is amongst our ripest picks in each vintage. This additional development yields bold tannins up front which advance into red fruit transitioning to purple; black cherries, red plums, holiday seasoned cranberries. Texture, depth, and freshness are found in green flavors and garden soil earthiness, thanks to the rain of the earlier part of the '23 vintage. A drier and hotter fall is to thank for the counterbalancing fruit and composition.

Upon release, this Cab Franc has youthful muscularity to it, and has been destined to cellar beautifully. Drink now through 2038.

Perfect for pairing with rosemary roasted Parsnips and Lollipop Lamb Chops or Maple Roasted Butternut Squash with Pomegranate Seeds and Pepitas.

Memo Summary Notes

The Hermann J. Wiemer Cabernet Franc "Magdalena Vineyard" 2023 is a standout single-vineyard red from arguably the most prestigious estate in the Finger Lakes. While the winery is world-famous for Riesling, their Magdalena Vineyard—a warmer, 2.5-acre site on the western shores of Seneca Lake—is known for producing the region's most "serious," age-worthy Cabernet Franc.

The 2023 vintage is a significant release, as it was recently highlighted by James Suckling as one of the top-scoring New York reds ever tasted.

Pair with - Meats: Roast pork belly with sweet soy, lollipop lamb chops, or a classic steak with arugula and Parmigiano. 

• Vegetarian: Maple-roasted butternut squash with pomegranate seeds or a hearty lentil soup.

• Service: This is a "serious" red; decant for 30 minutes to let the flinty mineral and tobacco notes emerge from the primary fruit.

The Single Malt Whisky glass is perfect to emphasize the elegant creaminess of top quality single malt whisky.

This glass was designed as a result of a series of workshops in 1992. The final product has an elongated thistle shape on a truncated stem, and incorporates a small, slightly outturned lip which highlights sweetness.

Sommeliers was the world’s first wine friendly glass collection and a design revolution created by Claus J. Riedel (9th generation). The range adheres to the Bauhaus design principle of form follows function, as Claus J. Riedel had discovered that certain wines showed more depth and better balance when enjoyed from certain shapes. Thin-blown and unadorned, Sommeliers was the beginning of RIEDEL's dominance of the global wine glass market.

This product is handmade.

Our master glassmakers individually craft each item so every piece has a unique character. Due to the nature of crafting, small tolerances in the size and weight of each product, tiny bubbles, imperfections, or slight surface variations are an acceptable part of the process.

This pack contains a single piece. 

Mount Riley Wines | Sauvignon Blanc | Marlborough, New Zealand | 2025

Mount Riley is one of Marlborough's most respected producers, drawing fruit from multiple carefully selected vineyard sites across the region to craft wines that consistently deliver purity, vibrancy, and exceptional value. Their Sauvignon Blanc has become a benchmark for the appellation — expressive, food-friendly, and reliably excellent vintage after vintage.

Marlborough, at the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island, is the world's most celebrated region for Sauvignon Blanc. Its long, sunny days and cool nights preserve natural acidity and allow the grape to develop intense aromatic complexity, while the free-draining alluvial soils of the Wairau and Awatere Valleys contribute freshness and mineral precision.

The 2025 is a multi-vineyard blend fermented entirely in stainless steel to protect the purity and vibrancy of the fruit. The result is a wine of excellent intensity and focus — aromas of passion fruit, feijoa, kiwifruit, pink grapefruit, and lemon zest, layered with crushed herb, capsicum, and gooseberry. On the palate, fleshy texture and beautifully pitched acidity carry through to a crisp, lingering finish.

A classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc for any occasion. Pair with oysters, grilled fish, sushi, goat cheese, green salads, and light poultry.

• Producer: Mount Riley Wines
• Appellation: Marlborough, New Zealand
• Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
• Vintage: 2025
• Vinification: Stainless steel, multi-vineyard blend
• Closure: Screwcap
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2025

• Wine Orbit (Sam Kim) — 93 pts: Excellent fruit intensity backed by fleshy texture and beautifully pitched acidity. Aromas of feijoa, kiwifruit, crunchy apple, and lemon zest.
• The Real Review — 92.8 pts: Ranked highly among the new 2025 releases for its vibrancy and purity.

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.

Granbazán Albariño Etiqueta Ámbar — Rías Baixas, Galicia 2024

Granbazán is one of the founding estates of modern Rías Baixas, pioneering the region's reputation for world-class Albariño since the late 1980s. The Etiqueta Ámbar — the Amber Label — is their most celebrated wine, famously served by the glass at El Bulli for many years and the wine that put Granbazán on the international map in the 1990s. Sourced from a blend of estate fruit and grapes from long-established family growers in the Salnés Valley, it receives more active bâtonnage and extended lees aging than most Albariños, adding a richness and textural depth that sets it apart from the category. Winemaker Diego Ríos, who trained in the Mosel Valley working with Riesling, brings a precision and mineral focus that is unmistakably his own.

The nose is classic and inviting: ripe peach, citrus, and white blossom with a signature salty, briny minerality that speaks directly to the Atlantic coast. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and sappy with beautiful lees-derived texture, layered fruit, and a long, tapering finish of saline freshness. A wine with genuine aging potential — and the structure to prove it.

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points — "The most famous of this estate's wines, served by the glass at El Bulli for many years. It has richness and length in the form of medium-bodied peach and salty brine and should do well in the bottle another 5-7 years." (Vintage 2024).

Tim Atkin 93 Points — "A classic, salty, lip-smacking Val do Salnés Albariño. Sappy, layered and refreshing, it has some texture from lees-ageing and a tapering finish. 2025–29." (Vintage 2024). 

• Producer: Granbazán, Salnés Valley, Rías Baixas, Galicia, Spain
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Rías Baixas DO (Val do Salnés)
• Varietal: 100% Albariño
• Sourcing: Estate fruit + long-established family growers, Cambados & Meaño
• Vinification: De-stemmed, cold maceration, free-run juice only; fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel; 8 months on lees with active bâtonnage
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe peach, citrus, white blossom, salty brine, lees richness, long saline finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2031
• Best Paired With: Oysters, grilled turbot, seafood rice, roasted artichokes, goat cheese, ceviche
• Serve: Well chilled, 45–50°F

93 points from both Jeb Dunnuck and Tim Atkin — Granbazán Ámbar is the Albariño that made Rías Baixas famous, and it has never been better.

Expert Review

The Wine Enthusiast by Joe Czerwinski writes 92 Points | Dark amber in color, this example of classic Muscat is wonderfully balanced between the freshness of youth and the power and complexity of age. Raisin, malt and Guinness stout-like notes meet vibrant orange-zest and honey characters in a sweet, harmonious whole

Producer Description

Complex & layered

Average age 12 years

We affectionately call this the ‘Goldilocks’ tier—it’s just right! Our Classic Muscat is a perfect blend of fresh and older Muscat parcels, this wine offers the best of both worlds. It showcases vibrant, fresh fruit flavours alongside the deeper, richer complexity that comes with extended time in oak.

With notes of Turkish Delight, raisins, walnuts, and dense fruit cake, this tier has a much greater richness and complexity than the Rutherglen tier, hinting at the mature wood-aged characters that will continue to develop as it ages. It’s the ideal middle ground for those who want a balance of youthful fruit and the beginnings of that beautiful, layered depth Muscat is known for.

Stanton & Killeen acknowledges and deeply respects the Bangerang people, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and gather. We honour their Elders—past, present, and emerging—and celebrate the continuation of their cultural, spiritual, and educational practices that have shaped this place for generations.
We are committed to learning, listening, and fostering a future that respects and uplifts all voices.

Memo Pairing Suggestions

The "Classic" Pairings:
    •    Desserts: Sticky date pudding, dark chocolate tart, or pecan pie.
    •    Savory: Strong blue cheeses like Gorgonzola or Roquefort (the salt/sugar contrast is legendary).
    •    Affogato: Pour it directly over high-quality vanilla bean gelato.

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

Deep red with purple tones in the beginning, changing to garnet red throughout its aging process. The bouquet brings out notes of berries, marmalade, violets, vanilla, fig and almonds, with slight smoky hues. Dry, elegant, harmonious and full-bodied with typical acidic notes during its juvenile stage. Becomes more round and complex over the years obtaining a soft finish.

Winemaker Description

Medium to medium-dark ruby-red. Very cool, stately aromas of red cherry, cola, and fresh tobacco leaf. On the palate, medium-full bodied. Flavors of red fruits and blood orange take front and center stage, persisting through the long, smooth finish. Not a wine of bombast but instead, one of elegance, purity, and quiet confidence. Wonderful now, this can be enjoyed through at least 2028.

Expert Ratings

94 Points Wine Spectator | Few Zinfandels show this much nuance and detail, yet there's an elegant power to this red, with cherry and raspberry flavors that mingle with orange peel and fresh sage. Ends with refined tannins.

93 Points Jeb Dunnuck | The 2020 Zinfandel Papera Ranch is ripe with fresh berries, raspberry preserve, and baking spice. Its gushy fruit up front gives way to a note of raspberry seed and refreshing lift on the finish. Drink 2023-2032.

The Montrachet glass is perfect to reveal the intensity of full-bodied white wines, including the wine's multi-layered aromas. With a larger volume, the wide open-mouthed bowl enables the rich bouquet to develop its wonderfully diverse range of aromas, emphasizing the finesse while minimizing the risk of richer style white wines becoming over-concentrated.

This product is made of clear crystal glass.

Sommeliers was the world’s first wine friendly glass collection and a design revolution created by Claus J. Riedel (9th generation). The range adheres to the Bauhaus design principle of form follows function, as Claus J. Riedel had discovered that certain wines showed more depth and better balance when enjoyed from certain shapes. Thin-blown and unadorned, Sommeliers was the beginning of RIEDEL's dominance of the global wine glass market.

This product is handmade.

Our master glassmakers individually craft each item so every piece has a unique character. Due to the nature of crafting, small tolerances in the size and weight of each product, tiny bubbles, imperfections, or slight surface variations are an acceptable part of the process.

This pack contains a single piece. 

Kistler Vineyards · Pinot Noir · Russian River Valley · 2024

Since 1978, Kistler Vineyards has set the benchmark for Burgundian-inspired winemaking in California. Their Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is sourced from vineyards along the Gravenstein Ridge — red, gravelly soils from the Sebastopol series that deliver the kind of cool-climate tension and mineral precision rarely found outside Burgundy itself. The vines are planted to Kistler's proprietary heritage clones, descended from Grand Cru Burgundy selections refined over 25 years of meticulous field work, prized for their low yields, small berries, and extraordinary site expression. At $85.99, this is one of California's most sought-after Pinot Noirs — and one of the most fairly priced at this level of pedigree.

The 2024 is harvested by hand at night to preserve freshness, 100% destemmed, and fermented in open-top tanks with native yeasts — only free-run juice collected, no pressing. Ten months in French oak (38% new, hand-stacked cooperage air-dried in St. Romain), then bottled unfined and unfiltered. The result: a complex bouquet of red currant, smoked earth, and exotic florals, leading to a seamless, medium-bodied palate with silky tannins and a long, mineral-driven finish. Drink now through 2032+.

• Producer: Kistler Vineyards
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Sub-Region: Gravenstein Ridge
• Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir (heritage Kistler clones)
• Vinification: Hand harvested at night · 100% destemmed · Native yeast · Open-top fermenters · Free-run juice only · 10 months French oak (38% new) · Unfined & unfiltered
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Red currant, smoked earth, exotic florals, silky tannins, mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2032+
• Food Pairings: Duck confit, mushroom risotto, lamb chops, aged Comté

Heritage Burgundy clones, Gravenstein Ridge terroir, and 45+ years of Kistler precision — Russian River Pinot Noir at its most compelling.

Winemaker Description 

Straka's Mash skin-fermented white is a blend of Straka's specialty, Welschriesling, with a bit of Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay. It spends 20 days on the skins followed by 10 months in large, neutral oak. The result is a wine that is both aromatic and tertiary, lending intriguing savory notes making it a perfect accompaniment to food.

Straka, which means Magpie, is a small family estate located in the Eisenberg district of Burgenland, Austria. It has been run by Tom Straka since 2008. Tom farms organically and practices minimal intervention in the cellar. Located on the last foothill of the Alps, in Rechnitz, his primary focus is Welschriesling, the main indigenous grape of the area. His best vineyard site is Pratner (he farms all but 4 rows of it) which is very densely planted old vines dating from 1932.

Since taking over the family winery, Tom has slowly expanded their vineyard holdings from 3-7 hectares and converted to organic farming. The estate was established by his family in the 18th century when they moved to the area from Bohemia. In the 1950s they were the first family in the area to start a Heuriger or Buschenschank (wine tavern) so that people could come and eat while sampling their wines. It proved a very successful model for them and today, their Buschenschank remains a staple of the area while most others have closed. It remains a great way for many people to try their wines.

Tom is huge advocate of Welschriesling which he says can pair with anything if grown properly. Welschriesling is an old indigenous grape perfectly suited to the geography of this rare geological area. Rechnitz sits 360 m above sea level on the slopes of the Geschriebenstein, the highest mountain in the Burgenland. The vineyards climb as high as 500m and are known for their unique geological soils -- a combination of crystalline schist and magmatic deposits that can only be found in 3 other places in the world. It is a very windy and dry area which cools off considerably at night. This results in very few pests, no need for herbicide or any other treatments and crisp clear mineral-driven wines. The parentage of Welschriesling is not known (it is not related to Rhine Riesling) and is thought to be a most closely related to Elbling, originating in Northern Italy and Croatia along the Danube and typically shows good acidity and fruit with notes of lemon, salt and green apple.

For one and a half decades Thomas Straka has been working with organic waste and cattle manure, but very little compost. "I apply some phosphor from time to time as fertilizer, and also a little chalk, because without it the vines would suffer malnutrition. But all in all I don't have to interfere much in the vineyards." Green cover like vetch between the rows contribute nitrogen to the soil. He lets them grow rather high. "Because we do little work with tractors and most by hand, our soils are nearly uncompressed and rich in humus. And as our soils are meagre and constantly wind-blown, we have almost no problems with fungal diseases." The biggest threat in Rechnitz is and always has been drought. "Today the only things I do in the cellar are a clarification with bentonite and addition of neutral yeasts if necessary."

From the heart of Alsace, one of France's most celebrated wine regions, the Domaine Justin Boxler Sylvaner 2021 is a pristine, terroir-driven white that captures the quiet elegance and mineral precision that defines great Alsatian winemaking. Understated yet deeply satisfying, this is a bottle that rewards those who seek authenticity over spectacle.

The Boxler Estate

Domaine Justin Boxler is a benchmark producer in Alsace, farming some of the region's most expressive terroirs with a commitment to minimal intervention and varietal integrity. Their Sylvaner is a testament to what this often-overlooked grape can achieve in the right hands — fresh, focused, and genuinely compelling.

Tasting Profile

Pale yellow with a bright, clear appearance. The nose offers delicate anise, fresh citrus, and subtle herbal notes. On the palate it's powerful and mineral-driven with lively acidity, a clean texture, and a fresh, lingering finish. Classic Alsatian Sylvaner at its finest.

Vintage

2021

Grape

Sylvaner

Region

Alsace, France

Format

750ml

Why Sylvaner?

Sylvaner is one of Alsace's most food-friendly grapes — less aromatic than Riesling or Gewurztraminer, but prized for its refreshing acidity, mineral backbone, and remarkable versatility at the table. It's the kind of wine that makes every meal better.

Perfect Pairings

Serve well-chilled (46–50°F) with shellfish, whitefish, sauerkraut, choucroute garnie, fresh goat cheese, or light vegetable dishes. An effortless companion to Alsatian cuisine and beyond.

Stellenbosch Cabernet from South Africa's Most Trailblazing Winemaker

Ntsiki Biyela is one of South Africa's most celebrated winemakers — the first Black woman to earn a winemaking degree in South Africa, and the founder of Aslina Wines, named in honor of her grandmother. Her Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine of genuine character: bold, structured, and deeply expressive of the Cape's finest red wine appellation.

Winemaker Notes

Aslina Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Stellenbosch Natural 2023 750ml

Full-bodied with hints of minty character, cigar box, and lots of dark fruit. Bold on the palate with chewy tannins and a long, satisfying finish.

About Ntsiki Biyela

Growing up in Mahlabathini, a rural village in KwaZulu-Natal, Ntsiki was awarded a scholarship to study winemaking in 1999 and graduated in 2003 with a BSc in Agriculture (Viticulture and Oenology) from Stellenbosch University. She has since consulted in Bordeaux, collaborated with Californian winemakers, and sits on the board of the Pinotage Youth Development Academy — which provides technical training and personal development for young South Africans entering the wine industry.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
• Producer: Aslina Wines
• Winemaker: Ntsiki Biyela
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for grilled ribeye, braised lamb, venison, aged hard cheeses, and Cape Malay-spiced dishes.

Winemaker Description 

The Crémant d’Alsace Brut Zero Rosé from Valentin Zusslin is 100% made with Pinot Noir, raised according to the traditional method for 18 months on slats, without dosage or addition of sulphites. The dress has salmon shades typical of this grape variety and reveals a beautiful fine effervescence, a sign of a neat farm.

On the nose as in the mouth, it delivers net aromas of red fruits – currant, blackcurrant, raspberry – supplemented with sweet spices and gourmet notes of hazelnut or macaroon. The tasting shows it brightly, dry, very digestible and with a controlled aromatic finish.

James Suckling writes | A rosé that for its class is relatively dry and winey, making it an excellent sparkling wine to accompany a meal.

Memo Summary Notes 

The Domaine Valentin Zusslin Crémant d'Alsace Brut Zéro Rosé is a highly regarded, biodynamic sparkling wine from Alsace, France. Known for its purity and lack of added sugar (Non-Dosé), it is a favorite among fans of "natural" and terroir-driven wines.

Paring Suggestions

Aperitif: Excellent on its own to wake up the palate.

Winemaker Description 

This Pet Nat from Straka is 100% Welschriesling fermented naturally in the ancestral method. The second fermentation occurs naturally inside the bottle creating trapped CO2. Bubbles!

At a low 12% alcohol this mineral yet fruit driven expression of the main white grape of Burgenland is eminently thirst quenching. As with all the Straka wines, the farming is organic, the intervention in the cellar minimal with no additions.

The 84 year old family estate is located in the Eisenberg district of Burgenland. The Eisenberg is a unique geological area where the foothills of the Alps meet the Pannonian lowlands and is comprised of metamorphic, magmatic rock and cristal schist.

One of only 3 places in the world with this soil composition. The deep rooted vines naturally show a distinct mineral character and a compelling purity of fruit.

Combined with the attention to farming and careful hand harvesting the Straka wines are a true find. 

Winemaker Description 

Established in 1978, Kistler Vineyards stands as a pioneer in the realm of Californian winemaking, guided by the vision of founders Steve Kistler and Mark Bixler. Their belief that exceptional wines of site could thrive in California laid the foundation for a four-decade journey marked by dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Kistler’s Pinot Noirs are come from two heritage selections originating from a Grand Cru vineyard in Burgundy. Both clones contribute to the richness and complexity of the wines. The approach in the vineyard emphasizes low yields, small berries, and a delicate touch to let the individual site characteristics shine through.

Aromas of wild cherries, pepper, spice and earthy floral notes in the 2023 Russian River Pinot Noir lead to a rich, medium-bodied palate of red and black fruits with excellent depth of flavor, elegant balance and a deceptively long lasting finish.

• 100% Pinot Noir
• Heritage Kistler Clones
• Redder soils banded with gravel from the Sebastopol soil series along the Gravenstein Ridge
• Hand harvested at night
• 100% destemmed
• Fermented in open top fermenters
• Only free run juice is collected from the tanks, with no pressing
• Aged 10 months in barrel and racked once to tank
• Bottled unfined and unfiltered

Winemaker Description

The blend is dominated by the Estate Vineyard, yet the significant percentage of Walker—Kanzler's Green Valley vineyard—bends the wine in an exciting red-note direction: hibiscus, rhubarb and red licorice. The aromatics deliver fresh berries, cola, white pepper and pine sap. Fig notes emerge on the palate with a spicy, black tea finish. Modest whole cluster and slightly more new oak make the wine soft and approachable, while bright acid keeps it fresh, juicy, and well-knit.