Wine

At once rich and juicy, this is a terrifically drinkable Russian River Chardonnay with a definite luxury feel. Barrel fermented and aged (33% new oak), it delivers intense peach, apricot and tropical fruit aromas and flavors with... Read More

An old domaine (founded 1847) that has established itself with a place in the Champagne elite under the leadership of Raphael and Vincent Bereche. A delicious introduction to their work, this is a blend of equal part both Pinots... Read More

Organic/Bio Lower ABV Always one of the more deliciously joyful Cabernet Franc reds from Chinon in the Loire Valley, and especially delicious this year. Done all in cement and from gravelly soils, this is Chinon at its freshest... Read More

Pinot Blanc is often the overlooked grape in Alsace, but – especially in these warming times – its ability to hold onto crisp, refreshing, acidity is prized! Done all in tank, this shows pretty scents and flavors of... Read More

Organic/Bio Lower ABV As always, one of the best values in top-notch Willamette Valley Chardonnay. It's from vines planted 1977-1999 on the estate, picked ripe and fresh (13.1% abv), and fermented and aged in French oak. Definitely... Read More

Organic/Bio As Wine Advocate says in the 97 point rave, The 2021 Chardonnay Casteel is complex and alluring, offering dynamic aromas and flavors as it unfurls with oxygen over several days. The nose offers lemon peel and panna... Read More

Organic/Bio Lower ABV If you think this is impressive right now (and it is!), just wait until you give it some time in decanter or a year or two in cellar. Plenty of succulent fruit but also amazing old-vine intensity from a large... Read More

A classy, elegant rose from one of Champagne's most important producers.

The old-vine specialists at Birichino go back to a 19th century vineyard with 100 year-old vines to create Mouredre that's full of dark fruit and earthy notes with a crisp, long, finish. Just 12.5% alcohol and 180 six-packs... Read More

Hard to beat Tamlyn Currin's 17/20 point note on JancisRobinson.com: Smells like raisins, tastes like whiskey barrels dipped in honey and apricot syrup. Nice citrus-oil bitterness, like chewing cumin seeds, like breathing... Read More

One of the longest-running high-quality “value” Pinots we know of. As Robert Parker said of the 2013 edition: An authentic tasting Pinot Noir that sells for a song. Aromas of sweet red and black cherry fruit intermixed... Read More

A terrific value Cabernet from Alexander Valley, north of Napa. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with splashes of Malbec and Petit Verdot, this pairs rich blackberry and currant fruit with Alexander Valley’s signature... Read More

A nicely chunky, gutsy, Rioja loaded with black fruit and finishing fine and firm with the oak well integrated into the fruit. As Vinous says in the 93 point review, “The fruit-forward aromas showcase cherry and blackberry... Read More

Organic/Bio Lower ABV This fairly young (founded 2020) winery is crafting beautiful Albarino from certified organic grapes and ultra-low sulfur winemaking. This beauty is from 50 year-old vines near the Atlantic with 14 months... Read More

Robert Parker called the 2011 edition of this perennial favorite value red, “Possibly the single greatest dry red wine value in the world.” As usual, it’s a blend of around 85% Garnacha plus Tempranillo and a... Read More

You'd expect Toro Tempranillo to be dark, super-ripe, and full of chewy tannins, but here Toro has been tamed a bit! Plenty of rich fruit that stays fresh and an easy, silky, texture that flows nicely. As Wine Enthusiast says,... Read More

As grapes come into the winery, Luis Canas inspects each bunch from his best vineyards and sets aside the most beautifully ripe for this wine. It's around 95% Temparnillo and 5% Graciano and ages 24 months in new oak (70/30... Read More

From 25 year-old Tempranillo vines nearly 1,000 feet above sea level, this is luxurious and fresh gem was named one of the top 5 wines of Spain by Wine Spectator in 2023. The Wine Enthusiast 96 point review captures it nicely:... Read More

Lower ABV Juan Antonio Ponce completely fractures any expectations you have for wine made from Bobal (often a dark, dusky, earthy, grape) from Manchuela (blisteringly hot). This is from 40-60 year-old vines, made with 100% whole... Read More

Outstanding Crianza Rioja, direct and full of black fruit with a twist of blood orange and just enough oak influence to add spice without gripping tannins. Pure, full of drive, and remarkably tall on the palate, this will rock... Read More

One of the greatest wood Sherry's we've ever tasted, this is what happens when the flor on Amontillado dies early and lets the wine darken to Oloroso levels - and then gets aged for 30 years in American oak cask. A lovely... Read More

The winery describes this as “Freshness, joy and youth in your glass of wine,” and that pretty much sums up this wine. Perfect for weeknights when you want to enjoy a bottle over a couple of nights. The vibrancy is... Read More