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Belle Glos' first wine under the newly minted West Sonoma Coast AVA and a cellared release, this majestic vineyard brings plum with a slight burnt edge in the glass and boasts aromas of freshly tilled land, a rich oak forest in Autumn, and Crème de Cassis. Once on the palate, the acidity sparks a fire of smoked caramel and cinnamon spiked cranberry sauce. The silky-smooth texture gives way to a long and balanced finish that leaves your senses wanting more. 

Review:

Located in the westernmost section of Sonoma County, this rugged, elevated, marine-influenced sub-AVA is the newest in the region. This almost nine-year-old wine immediately delivers a memorable experience through its perfume of jasmine, gardenia, and tangelo; on the palate, notes of brown-sugared cherry join a parade of orange peel and crushed stone. Grainy yet juicy strawberry weaves into vanilla and cedar as white pepper keeps the palate primed for more flavor.

-Tasting Panel 97 Points

Bernardins Muscat Beaumes Venise VDN 100% Muscat petits grains (75% Blanc, 25% Red)

Review:

"Pale orange colour. Confit orange, orange blossom, lychee, a touch of brown sugar. On the palate it is exceptionally full-bodied, with acidity a little on the low side. There's firm bitterness on the finish, and it lacks the freshness of some years, if not the depth. Long finish. It really coats the mouth with sweetness and flavour. Handpicked, all pressed immediately and fermented in stainless steel without any skin contact. Wine is aged in stainless steel for six months after adding the fortifying spirit."
- Decanter (October 2019), 91 pts

Bertrand Bachelet Maranges Rouge 1er Cru Les Clos Roussots is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir. 

The Maranges appellation is the youngest of the Côte de Beaune family, making its debut in May 1989. It spans three villages: Dezize-lès-Maranges, Cheilly-les-Maranges and Sampigny-les-Maranges. Several hills and slopes make up the appellation; they face south/south-east, at an altitude of between 200 and 400 meters. This appellation produces mainly red wines comprising 95% of total production.

The Maranges 1ers Crus are spread over seven distinct terroirs: "Les Clos Roussots", which represents the second largest terroir of the appellation, spans the Cheilly-les-Maranges and Sampigny-les-Maranges areas.

The wine boasts a beautiful bright red color. The nose provides subtle harmony between red and black fruits, spices and vanilla. On the palate, this wine is both solid and fresh, harmonious and bold.

Betz Untold Story Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 7% Petit Verdot.

Everyone has an "Untold Story" buried inside and waiting to be lived.
The concept was born from Betz's personal journey and that many “Untold Stories” are often shared around the dinner table over a meal and a bottle of wine. They believe in living life with no regrets, being all that you can be, and helping others to do the same.

Life should be lived with purpose - The Untold Story Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine with a purpose. It challenges us to be bold in the face of adversity and follow our dreams, despite the odds. It’s about making a difference!

Untold Story shows intensity the moment it hits the glass with a deeply colored purple core that’s almost opaque. The color speaks to the power of the aromatics: rich black fruits, dark blackberry, plum and cassis swirl about, picking up graphite and crushed herbs with air. The layered palate is hedonistically plush, but still balanced thanks to fresh acidity and a fine tannic backbone. The lengthy finish carries a delightful mix of fresh herbs, crushed berries and spice. In a word, this wine is yummy.

Review:

"What can be thought of as the second wine of Betz, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon The Untold Story is a smoking wine that readers should jump on. Blackcurrants, blueberries, tobacco, truffle, and spicy oak notes define its bouquet, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a seamless, elegant mouthfeel, good acidity, and fine tannins. It's almost too good and too serious at the price."

-Jeb Dunnuck 91-94 Points

Harvested from over 30 years old vines, this wine fully expresses the fruit's liveliness. Fresh and fruity on the nose with aromas of cherries in alcohol, fresh figs, raspberries and plums. These perfectly integrate with hints of aromatics such as thyme and eucalyptus in addition to subtle notes of hazelnuts, tobacco and cinnamon. The mouthfeel is fresh and balanced, with a predominance of fruit flavors.

Colour: very deep cherry;Aroma: complex, expressive, spicy, mineral, characterful;Flavour: full-bodied, long, great length, powerful;Colour: cherry, garnet rim;Aroma: balanced, complex, ripe fruit, spicy;Flavour: good structure, flavourful, round tannins, great length, round;Colour: Cherry;Aroma: complex, expressive, spicy, mineral, cocoa bean;Flavour: elegant, full-bodied, long, great length, flavourful, varietal, round tannins;

-Guia Penin 97 Points

Bodegas Alto Moncayo Aquilon Garnacha is made from 100% Garnacha.

The wines of Alto Moncayo are crafted to express the unique terroir of windswept high elevation Campo de Borja DO; and to serve as a benchmark for world class Old Vine Garnacha.

Aquilón is "The jewel in the Crown" a selection of the best barrels from the best lots. The vines are 60-100 years old.

Review:

This garnet-colored wine offers aromas of black currant, black raspberry and black licorice, with just a touch of charcuterie. The fruit flavors shine through with subtle notes of crushed violet. It has soft tannic structure, with a pleasant bit of grippiness in the post palate as it leads up to the long, long, finish.

-Wine Enthusiast 95 Points

About the Vineyard

Vineyards in Tabuenca and Borja, planted with indegenous clones of Garnacha starting in the 1920s.

Wine Production

The selected highest quality grapes are placed into small stainless-steel tanks of 7 tons capacity. The must is basket pressed and fermentation is finished in new French and American oak where it complets the malolactic fermentation. Wine is aged in the barrels for 24 months before bottling.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Very deep red, scarlet rim

Aroma: Minerals and vanilla. Hints of raisins and dark Chocolate

Palate: As typical of the vintage, power and intensity with disarming elegance.

Food Pairing:

Goes well with beef, pork, game based stews and rice dishes.

Busi Chianti Rufina Riserva is made from 100% Sangiovese
Vineyards: Travignoli, a name which literally means “Tra Vignoli” (between the vineyards) is located in the middle of Frescobaldi’s Nipozzano vineyard in the heart of the Rufina zone. There is documented evidence that wine was first produced there in the 5th C BC by the Etruscans who called it “Nectar of the Gods”. The Church acquired the land and constructed the cellars in 1100.
Count Busi and his family acquired the estate in the 1800’s. Overall, 91
hectares belong to the estate. The 60 hectares of vineyards are excellently
position on the slopes with a southerly exposure at an elevation between 270 to 370 meters. Clay, marl and calcareous soil with a large percentage of rocks and stones for good drainage. Vines are an average of 10–25 years old.
Harvest: October– by hand.
Yield per hectare: 40 Quintals per hectare
Vinification: Fermentation in stainless steel at controlled temperatures for 7 to 8 days with an additional 7 to 8 days on the skins. The wine is then racked and goes through malolactic. It is then racked again and stays another 3 months in stainless steel.
Aging: 25 to 30 hectoliter barrels of Slavonian oak for 18 months and 3 months in Allier barriques. There is a period of refinement of 4 to 5 months in the bottle.
Alcohol: 13% by vol.
Color: Ruby red with garnet reflections.
Bouquet: Intense, ethereal bouquet with hints of leather, tar and ripe cherry fruit.
Taste: The flavor is full of mature fruit with nuances of leather and liquorice. The taste is complex and round and rich with character. The finish is persistent and satisfying.
Foods: Grilled, braised or roasted meats, dishes flavored with mushrooms, or rosemary. Excellent with polenta dishes.
Total Production: 3,300 cases
Enologist: Mauro Orsoni

Carl von Schubert Maximin Grunhauser Pinot Noir is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir. 

Cazaux Gigondas Tour Sarrasine is made from 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre. 45 year old vines on average.

Intense, persistent red and dark fruit aromas. Raspberry,  pepper and spice flavors. Silky tannins.
Enjoy with game meat or strong cheeses.

Review:

"Bright violet color. The fragrant and incisive nose displays vibrant red fruit, floral and spice qualities. Shows very good energy and detail on the palate, offering nervy bitter cherry and redcurrant flavors and a hint of garrigue. Closes long and spicy, with resonating fruit and floral notes. - Josh Raynolds - Josh Raynolds"

- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (January 2023), 92-94 pts

Chavy-Chouet Cremant de Bourgogne is made from 7 year old Chardonnay grapes in Puligny-Montrachet.

18 months in barrels and on laths

It is a pure and elegant wine with balanced structure and a very low dosage. Intense aromas of citrus fruits, apple, apricot and white peaches, fine bubbles. Apple and Asian pear flavors, a round mouthfeel and a clean finish.

Pairs well with Cassoulet, Ceviche, Crab Soufflé.

Review:

"Pale yellow. Shows aromas of cooked apple with citrus notes. Clean and crisp on the attack, it’s full in the mouth with good freshness and effervescence on a refined, mineral driven palate. Dry but long on the finish with lingering hints of apple and oyster shells. Made from 7 year old Chardonnay grapes grown in Puligny-Montrachet and aged 18 months in barrel. This family winery is now in its 7 generation."

- International Wine Review (Champagnes & Sparkling Wines for the Holidays: The Best of 2018), 91 pts

- Wine & Spirits Magazine (August 2021), 92 pts

Vintners Dennis O’Neil and Steph Martin began development of Checkerboard Vineyards in 1999 and retained winemaker Martha McClellan to create a portfolio of wines reflecting the mountainside. The estate includes four vineyard sites of different elevation, exposure and soil composition, providing the foundation for a portfolio that includes Checkerboard Aurora Vineyard, Checkerboard Coyote Ridge Vineyard, Checkerboard Nash Creek Vineyard, Checkerboard Kings Row, Checkerboard Sauvignon Blanc, and Checkerboard Rose. Grapes are harvested at dawn in micro-lots and delivered steps away to the winery where clusters are sorted, discarding any blemished ones. Individual berries are hand-selected for vinification and transferred for fermentation, by hand, to Taransaud wooden tanks, stainless tanks, and individual wooden barrels.

Farming is based on long-term sustainability and includes water conservation and monitoring, permanent cover crops planted in alternating rows, and the use of entomology for pest control and the development of soils with good organic matter and microbiology. Checkerboard Vineyards is a member of Fish Friendly Farming which promotes environmentally-friendly land practices and water quality management. Aurora Vineyard is located in a small valley midway up Diamond Mountain and on a large knoll at an elevation of 1,200 feet. The knoll bulges outward, giving the vineyard full Southern exposure and open light from the East and West and protection from Napa Valley’s summer fog. Six acres are planted in the knoll’s rich, volcanic soils that are riddled with basalt cobble in a loamy red clay. The remaining six acres are planted in a deep gravely mix of volcanic ash and chips of decomposed Rhyolite that were washed down from the steep, rocky crags of Diamond Mountain above.

There's a fresh, sweet aroma to the 2016 Checkerboard Aurora Vineyard that builds excitement and anticipation for what's to come. On approach, the palate is juicy and expansive and explodes with flavors of blackberry, mulberry, dark cherry, caramel, leaf tobacco and green olive. The wine continues with a voluptuousness that's linear and constant yet lifted by natural acidity. The finish is showy, long and lingering with finely polished tannins. An exceptional vintage.

Dark an brooding in the glass, our 2019 Hommage Cabernet Sauvignon is bursting with ripe plums, black cherries and notes of cassis. On the palate the black fruits linger and mix with a hint of crushed cassia bark and toasted oak and are surrounded by strong, balanced tannins and notes of espresso and dark chocolate. This wine is bold and sensuous with a silky texture and lengthy finish.

Our Tenma Vineyard is located in the foothills of Mount St. Helena northeast of the town of Calistoga. These 40 acres of rugged land are part of an alluvial fan spilling out from the Palisades Mountains in the northeast corner of the Napa Valley. The rocky terrain here is well-drained with a very sparse topsoil which is a perfect combination for growing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon when combined with the climate of Napa Valley. The low grape yields of these old vines result in highly concentrated wines with an elegance and complexity rarely seen, even within the famous Napa Valley. These grapes have proven to be a worthy backbone for our flagship Hommage Cabernet Sauvignon and are the reason that wine has become the pinnacle of Clos Pegase.

To craft a Flagship wine, highlighting our top Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards blocks and world class winemaking to craft a wine of balance, complexity and character.

Review:

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Hommage is deep purple-black colored and reveals notes of crème de cassis, stewed plums and fruitcake with touches of licorice, Chinese five spice and hoisin with a waft of cedar chest. Full-bodied, opulent and boldly fruited with loads of berry preserves layers, it has a chewy backbone and earthy accents on the finish.

-Wine Advocate 92 Points

Jubilation is our newest wine in the Colgin Cellars collection. Jubilation is our Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine created with a selection of barrels that display earlier drinking characteristics from our three hillside vineyards. As our vine age has matured and small additions have been made to our original holdings, we had the privilege of increasing our selectivity. Following the blending of our single-vineyard wines, we were fortunate to have a collection of barrels that conveyed the same elegance and complexity for which we are known, yet on a more supple, approachable frame. Jubilation is a wine ready to enjoy now, with the pedigree to age gracefully in the cellar, maintaining the Colgin Cellars’ hallmarks of perfume, freshness, and minerality. The inaugural bottling of Jubilation from the 2016 vintage was released in late 2020. Future vintages are destined for select members of the fine wine trade.

Color: intense ruby red. 

Bouquet:violet flowers, black cherry and wild black fruits.
Taste: warm, dry and with good balance.

Coming from a parcel with 8-13 year old vines planted in sandy clay and marl soils.
Harvest is 100% destemmed with a soft pressing, fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature of 28-30°C, pumping over for the first week of maceration followed by skin-contact maceration for 20-25 days with rack and return technique (delestage).
Malolactic fermentation completed.
Wine is slightly filtered before bottling.

Pairs with steak, pheasants and strong cheese.

Review:

"Dusted cranberries, racy plums and roasted spices follow through to a medium-bodied palate with firm, nicely chewy tannins and a juicy finish. A savory and elegant Rosso. Well made. Drink in the next 3-4 years."

- James Suckling (July 2022), 91 pts

Lovely salmon pink color. A very delicate nose of strawberry and redcurrant fruit with floral undertones. There is a silky richness on the palate full of red berries balanced with a subtle bready texture. Very accessible. Will also develop nicely over time.

Colmant Brut Rose NV  is made from 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay

This wine spends a minimum of 24 months on the lees at a consistent temperature of 14C before degorgement.15% of the base wine has been barrel fermented.

Pinot Noir 75%, Chardonnay 25% (Franschhoek, Robertson and Elgin).

15% of the blend is made of reserve wine from the previous vintages and 15% of the base wine is barrel fermented.
This wine spends a minimum of 24 months on the lees at a consistent temperature of 14°C before degorgement.

Perfect as a summer sundowner. A delicious complement to white meat, strawberry dessert and decadent dark chocolate.

Review:

"The Brut Rosé (disgorged March 2018) is a blend of 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay with 15% base wine and 15% reserve wine, with the Pinot Noir macerated on its skins for color, matured on the lees for 24 months. Deep salmon in color, it has a fine mousse and attractive strawberry and cherry scents on the nose - no shy and retiring rosé here. The palate is well balanced with Braeburn apples, hints of strawberry and a touch of tart cherries fanning out toward the creamy-textured, satisfying finish. A sparkling rosé that’s proud to be pink!- Neal Martin"

- Vinous (August 28th 2018), 91 pts

Convento Oreja Ribera del Duero Roble is made from 100% Tempranillo

Deep black plum color with violet tones. Ripe fruit on the nose, mostly blackberries and raspberries, intermingled with hints of spice and leather. On the palate, it is warm, fresh and pleasant with a long finish.

Age of the vines: betwxeen 6 and 16 years old.

Vineyards' location: Comarca de Peñafiel.

Vinification is made in large 20,000-liter stainless steel tanks (200 hectoliters) with automated temperature control.
Fermentation lasted 5 days at 22°C temperature.
Total time for maceration lasted 9 days. 
Malolactic Fermentación was completed during the month of November.
Wine was aged in French Oak barrels for a minimum of 4 months.

Review:

"Thoroughly Ribera del Duero in its power and austerity, this wine’s floral rose scents shade into blackness, lasting cleanly within a structure that’s both open and intense. There’s a hint of greenness from its time in American and French oak barrels, an edge that will tame grilled meats."

- Wine & Spirits (June 2022), 91 pts

Cortenova Prosecco Spumante NV is 100 percent Prosecco

This Prosecco comes from the highly esteemed area of Valdobbiadene. There are two recognized quality zones for Prosecco, Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. Of the two, Valdobbiaden has always been recognized a having the superior quality due to its naturally higher acidity and its more northern location.
The vineyards lie at 350 meters above sea level. The vines are an average of 25 years old.

The grapes are soft pressed and the free run juice is placed in stainless steel. There is a brief maceration period of 4 hours. Specially selected yeast are added and fermentation is controlled at 20° C. There is no malolactic fermentation and the wine is transferred to autoclaves and a second fermentation is induced following the Charmat tradition. When the desired atmospheric pressure is reached (usually 1 month) the wine is bottled.

Light straw colored with greenish reflections. The perlage is fine and continuous. Fragrant bouquet full of flowers and almonds. In the palate it is fresh and clean with a soft body and a pleasing sparkle. The fruit is subtle and reminiscent of apples and pears with a hint of almond in the background. The finish is inviting.
Can be drunk by itself as an aperitif or with seafood and fish, pastas with cream sauces, chicken and fresh cheeses.

Review:

"Pale straw color. Bright, attractive aromas and flavors of roasted lemons and kiwis, green nectarine, nougat, and grass with a soft, vibrant, spritzy, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, complex, medium-length spiced clementine and delicate herbal honey finish with silky, crunchy, fruit tannins and no oak. A delicious, nicely layered Prosecco with an elegant style." - Beverage Testing Institute (November 23rd 2015), 91 pts, Best Buy

The nose is a basket of fruits with yellow and white flesh, where peach and exotic fruits dominate. A few notes of vanilla and brioche add a touch of extra fat. The richness of its mouth unfolds in a long sarabande of persistent aromas.

This blend is an ideal companion to a serving of Fillet of St. Pierre fish cooked on the skin.

Review:

Moving to the whites, the 2021 Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc is close to an even split of Clairette, Roussanne, and Grenache Blanc. It has a layered, medium to full-bodied style offering classic aromatics of white peach, acacia flowers, and honeyed minerality. Fresh, pure, and vibrant, it brings plenty of richness and depth. Drink it over the coming 3-5 years or. It will keep longer, if you're so inclined. Best after 2022.

-Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points

Domaine Jean Grivot Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.

Domaine Jean Grivot is among the great names in Burgundian wine. Étienne Grivot and his wife Marielle took over from Étienne’s father Jean Grivot in 1987. The vineyards are densely planted and farmed organically “sans certification” while the aim in the cellar is for balance and clear expression of terroir.

Jean Grivot’s 38.3 acres spread across 22 appellations with vineyards in the communes of Vosne-Romanée, Vougeot, Chambolle-Musigny, and Nuits-Saint-Georges. Besides the three grand crus, there are 8 premier crus including the much lauded Les Beaux Monts and Suchots in Vosne-Romanée. The grapes are completely de-stemmed and fermentation is spontaneous.

About the Vineyard:

Clos de Vougeot grand cru was acquired by Étienne’s grandfather, Gaston Grivot, in 1919. The total holding is 4.6 acres from the middle of the vineyard to the lower wall and the average vine age is 40 years old. A good Clos de Vougeot should be a complete wine without any one feature standing out. It is a perfect balance of power, aroma, and flavor.

Wine Production:

The grapes are destemmed and maceration à froid usually lasts just a day or two. The alcoholic fermentation is spontaneous and malolactic fermentation occurs in barrel. Depending on the vintage, the proportion of new oak is around 40-70% percent for the grands crus.

Tasting Notes:

The wine shows aromas and flavors of red berries, herbs, and purple flowers. The palate is rich with ripe fruit and medium weight with bright acidity and fine tannins. Aging in 40-70% new Burgundian pièce brings notes of vanilla, toast, and baking spices.

Food Pairing:

Red Burgundy might be the world’s most flexible food wine. The wine’s high acidity, medium body, medium alcohol, and low tannins make it very food-friendly. Red Burgundy, with its earthy and sometimes gamey character, is a classic partner to roasted game birds, grilled duck breast, and dishes that feature mushrooms, black truffles, or are rich in umami.

Review:

This round version is packed with ripe black cherry, violet, graphite and tobacco flavors. The silky texture and vibrant acidity work in tandem, while refined tannins provide support without getting in the way. There are a few edges to be worked out, yet this is long and concentrated.

-Wine Spectator 95 Points

The Domaine Joseph Voillot Volnay Les Fremiets Premier Cru is from a parcel that is up-slope, and the wine is very calcaire, or limestony; you literally taste the stone in this elegant, intensely perfumed wine. Pair with veal filet mignon, squab, beef steak and roast duckling.

Review:

I really like this terroir and the 2021 is an absolutely classic example of this fine premier cru, offering up a refined and pure bouquet of black plums, dark berries, coffee bean, a complex base of dark soil tones, a nice touch of new oak and plenty of upper register smokiness. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and very elegant in profile, with a superb core, lovely soil signature, ripe, suave tannins and a long, vibrant and complex finish. Fine, fine juice. 2033-2080.

93 pts- John Gilman, View from the Cellar #102

 Tim Atkin 93 Points