The wine’s aromas and flavors are akin to red and black cherry, briary wild berries, pomegranate, dried rose, pepper and licorice. Significant umami notes develop with time, and it offers a chewy core of fruit on a lovely expanding palate. Despite its obvious richness, there’s polish and definition to the flavors and structure. The wine turns spicy and savory on its long finish. Drink between late-2024 and 2032.
We’ve produced Ryan Pinot Noir since 2002, and it has always focused upon the mature dry-farmed Dutton-Widdoes Vineyard, deep in the heart of Green Valley. Widdoes produces a wild berry, truffley style of rich, dark Pinot that offers substantial hidden complexity which is revealed over time. In recent years we’ve balanced this power style with a block of vibrant, elegant, and red-fruited Pinot from Dutton-Jentoft, located at higher elevation closer to the coast. Both vineyards are sensitively farmed by our long-time partners, the multi-generational Dutton Family. Traditionally our most fruit-filled and approachable Pinot bottling, history shows that the wine ages gracefully for a decade-plus, revealing all its quintessential Green Valley Pinot beauty as it develops in bottle.
Review:
From the oldest vines of the estate, the 2022 Pinot Noir DuMOL Ryan is fantastic on the nose, with notes of fresh leather, Asian spices, sandalwood, and fresh cherries. The palate is vibrant and salty with green valley character, revealing finely coiled tannins, mouthwatering acidity, a saline mineral flourish, and a long finish. This one of the most compelling wines in the vintage for me, and it’s going to age gracefully over the next 15-20 years.
-Jeb Dunnuck 98 Points
Dutton-Goldfield Rued Vineyard Chardonnay is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
The nose leads with tangerine, apricot, and kiwi fruit, accented by lemon oil, orange blossom, and hazelnut. In the mouth, the fruit/floral and bright/rich theme continues, with the lychee and Meyer lemon top notes joined by Asian pear and Gravenstein apple, framed with honeysuckle and gardenia.
The dual nature of the wine makes it pair well with both rich and light fare, like lobster roll, roasted pork, or sautéed sole.
Review:
From a clone once called the Chardonnay Musque selection, this wine is highly aromatic and fresh. Juicy tropical fruit and tangerine flavors remain crisp and brilliant, leading to a complex midpalate of Meyer lemon and pear. The finish is topped by lasting, lingering layers of hazelnut.
- Wine Enthusiast 94 Points
El Pino Club Sea Floored Pinot Noir is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
Sea Floored opens with aromas of cherry cola, dried cran-raspberries, and classic Sta. Rita Hills black pepper. On the palate, deep flavors of Chambord, red pomegranate and cranberry fruit are framed by moderate tannins and food-friendly acidity, finishing with hints of tobacco and oak-roasted coffee bean.
Review:
This special bottling from the Foley family packs a lot of complexity into the nose, offering aromas of bay leaf, toasted wood, light cannabis and brisk pomegranate. The palate is firm in texture and covers a wide range of fruit, from dark berry to bright red fruit, though it may be the graphite-like minerality that sets it apart.
-Wine Enthusiast 94 Points
Elvio Cogno Cascina Nuova Barolo 2017
Born to satisfy the curiosity of consumers keen to have a more immediate understanding of Barolo, the wine is bright garnet red in color with orange tints. Pleasing and immediate, it offers scents of flowers and light, delicate spices. The mouth is agreeably rounded, juicy and fresh, with just the right balance between pleasantness and elegance. The aftertaste is very harmonious with a mineral, aromatic finish.
Review:
Attractive dried strawberry with cherry and tar on the nose. Full-bodied with powerful tannins that are dusty and intense. Very flavorful and long. Solid as a rock. Needs at least three or four years to soften and come together.
-James Suckling 95 Points
EnRoute Winery Les Pommiers Pinot Noir is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
Aromas of fresh raspberry compote are complemented by notes of baking spice, and fresh rain on a forest floor. Generous-yet-soft strawberry preserve flavors expand on the palate, with elegant, silky tannins. A mouthwatering acidity glides across the finish.
Review:
Vibrant ruby in color, this wine erupts from the glass with aromas of sweet cinnamon, cola and cherry. There is a charming delicacy here, with flavors of dried rose petal, cherry and berry pie filling on a midweight palate. A captivating dance between the snappy tannin structure and the lively acidity of this wine lead to a very pleasurable finish.
-Wine Enthusiast 93 Points
Famille Sambardier Pouilly Fuisse La Levee is made from 100% Chardonnay
The wine is very aromatic, with brioche, butter and citrus flavors. The length to the finish is long and balanced with great acidity and richness.
Hand harvested. Grapes were sourced from a vineyard in the village of Solutré. 10% of the wine was aged in French Oak barrels.
Excellent with poultry and fresh water fish. Delicious also with goat cheeses.
Farnio Chianti Montalbano Riserva is made from 90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo and 5% Colorino.
Brilliant ruby red with plain ruby shades, fairly clear. Blackberry and violet notes emerge on the nose with spiced and vegetal tones, leading to a leathery and pencil lead finish. Elegant, pleasant, pure and intense aromas but vigorous and round. Slightly tannic and fresh, balanced and full-bodied.
Wild boar in sauce, grilled meat, casseroles, game and mature pecorino cheese.
Fefinanes Albarino de Albarino is 100 percent Albarino
Fresh fruit aromas of apricot and peach slices with notes of lemon and green apple. Pretty notes of honey and wet nutmeg, and the mouth is round, clean, and pleasant with baked apple, honey, and lemon.
This is a classic Albariño which is good young, but actually improves over two to three years and remains quite drinkable for up to five years. Owner Juan Gil comments that the wine really starts to come into its own in June/July, and he actually prefers it 18 or more months after it's made. A Fefiñanes "vertical" of three or four vintages can provide some most interesting surprises.
Ferrata Punta Drago Etna Rosso is made from 100% Nerello Mascalese.
Pale ruby red color, elegant bouquet of red berries, spicy notes and underbrush. Great structure, silky tannins, soft and elegant.
Suitable with hors d'oeuvres of cured meats, aged cheese, meat dishes but also fish recipes.
Ferren Chardonnay Sonoma Coast is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
The Sonoma Coast bottling is a blend of barrels from Ferren's single vineyard offerings; Lancel Creek, Silver Eagle, Volpert, and Frei Road Vineyards. The wine is always somewhat more approachable early in its life as less new oak is used in the blend. Pure and translucent fruit is the hallmark of this cuvée. Citrus, quince, sea spray, and minerals are buoyed by refreshing acidity and a seamless finish.
Finca La Pared Syrah is made from 100 percent Syrah.
Finca La Pared Syrah shows an expressive nose of dark fruit aromas and a mineral character.
Intense, direct, playful. Balance of forces.
Review:
The first vintage here was 2018. The 2019 Syrah is a saturated purple hue with a smoking good bouquet of smoky black fruits, cured meats, and leather, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a plush, layered mouthfeel, and ripe tannins. It's balanced, has a deep, rich, concentrated style, and a great finish.
-Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points
Florence Cholet Auxey-Duresses Rouge is made from 100% Pinot Noir.
Auxey-Duresses exhibits intense and juicy aromas of cherries, raspberries, and spices. This is a charming wine that has harmonious and delicate tannins, and a fine texture in the mouth. Medium-bodied, elegant and complex with great concentration and structure.
Florence Cholet Auxey-Duresses Rouge Premier Cru Les Ecussaux is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
The nose expresses a nice bouquet of black fruits, cherry and violet. The mouth provides a rich and supple wine with a good tannin structure.
Fortezza Veceta Chardonnay is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
Even tough the name LA VECETA is not present on the label, it is the name of the lady that is present on the front label. The Veceta is the "Lady" that wakes up very early in the Morning to go to work in the vineyard before the sun get too hot to work. On the label she is depicted in the center bent over the ground.
Brilliant straw yellow. On the nose it expresses itself with hints of peach, tropical fruits and citrus fruits and notes of white flowers. In the mouth it is intense, full, tasty and balanced and the notes of red peach perceived on the nose give way to peach in syrup in the mouth.Very versatile and extremely pleasant wine.
Ideal for cheering up an aperitif but goes well with fish-based dishes, fresh cheeses, salads and summer menus. Ideal for cheering up an aperitif but goes well with fish-based dishes, fresh cheeses, salads and summer menus.
G.D. Vajra Freisa 'Kye' Langhe Rosso is made from 100% Freisa.
DESCRIPTION: In 2004, Freisa was discovered to be the closest relative to Nebbiolo, thus explaining the deep bond this variety has with Piemonte and its people. With a noble profile and similar characteristics to the Nebbiolo, we have been bottling a dry Langhe DOC Freisa ever since 1989. Kyé means ‘who is?’ and represents the surprise for this indigenous and forgotten grape.
VINEYARD AND TERROIR: Estate vineyards, the oldest located in San Ponzio, on the lower west border of Bricco delle Viole. This is the closest vineyard to the winery, and a selezione massale planted by Aldo in 1980.
GROWING: In 1971, Aldo Vaira was one of the earliest adopters of organic farming in Piemonte. Vineyards have been nurtured and soil preserved by grassing and cover crop for almost 50 years now. With an incredible ratio of manual work per hectare, farming at Vajra is a labor of love and “recipe-free” attention. Intense research is also placed into monitoring and improving the biodiversity of both flora and fauna not just in the vineyards, but also in the winery fields and forests. The winery is sustainably certified (UNI EN 11233:2009) and will be again fully organic certified since 2019.
Langhe DOC Freisa Kyè displays a beautiful, translucent garnet color. The aromatics are a combination of redcurrant and wild mountain berries, layered with a touch of sweet spices, fresh leather, and candied japonica prune. The mouth is juicy, succulent, with lots -yet never hefty- tannins. There is a beautiful structure in this vintage and a lovely, lovely finish.
Review:
‘The 2018 Langhe Freisa Kyé is quite refined in this vintage and yet it also shows all of the aromatic nuance and complexity that are such signatures of this variety and wine. Dried herbs, rose petal, lavender, mint and spice lend exotic nuance to this deep, beautifully layered Freisa. The Kyé is one of the sleepers of Piedmont's 2018 vintage. It is, quite frankly, ‘as good or better than some Barolos in this tricky vintage. ~- Antonio Galloni
-Vinous 93 Points
Gambellara Lessini Durello Spumante Brute is 100% Durella.
Color: Soft and bright straw yellow
Bouquet: A citrus fresh fruit bouquet
Taste: Slightly acid, fresh, with green apple hints
Perlage: A fine and persistent perlage
The grapes are collected and transported to the winery in small trailers to prevent the grapes from being squashed, then follows immediate separation of the skins from the stalks purifying of the must and long fermentation at 18 °C.
This is a Charmat method (The secondary fermentation didn't take place in the bottle, but in a vat, which makes it slightly different than the Champenoise method used in Champagne).
To serve with seafood starters, soups, egg dishes, shellfish, seafood and white meat. Very good as aperitif. The perfect match is with the "Baccalà alla Vicentina", the traditional dish of our land.
Gentilhommes Macon-Peronne is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
A gentilhomme is a gentleman characterized by his delicacy, thoughtfulness, and courtesy. "Les Gentilhommes" was created by brothers Richard and Stephane Martin as brand embodying the gentleman's character combined with Burgundian know-how.
From the work in the vineyard to the vinification in barrel, they are inspired to share these noble values. Quality, authenticity and long family tradition are the foundation of these wines.
This single-vineyard Chardonnay is produced in the village of Péronne, in the heart of the Maconnais region in Burgundy, from 40 year-old vines planted on the limestone based soils of the Mount Epin.
A beautiful golden color with green reflections, delicate toasty notes and attractive aromas of citrus and ripe summer fruits combine with floral and honey nuances that are typical of the old vines.
Fresh, ample and full-bodied on the palate, the wine is perfect by itself as an aperitif and delicious during the meal.
Gentilhommes Vire-Clesse is made from 100% Chardonnay.
A gentilhomme is a gentleman characterized by his delicacy, thoughtfulness, and courtesy. "Les Gentilhommes" was created by brothers Richard and Stephane Martin as brand embodying the gentleman's character combined with Burgundian know-how.
From the work in the vineyard to the vinification in barrel, they are inspired to share these noble values. Quality, authenticity and long family tradition are the foundation of these wines.
This single-vineyard Chardonnay is produced in the village of Clessé, in the heart of the Mâconnais region in Burgundy, from 45 year-old vines planted on the limestone based soils of the Mount Epin.
Brillant robe with golden reflections. A nose with pear and white peach notes. Fresh, ample and full-bodied, a great balance in the mouth, with tension and subtle wooden notes. The elegance of this pure wine lingers on the palate.
Harvest is made by machine on non-irrigated vineyard. The wine has been aged on fine lees for 10 months with the major part in a stainless steel vat and the remaining in new oak barrels made out of French oak of a high quality.
No use of sulfites during harvest and vinification.
Fresh, ample and full-bodied on the palate, the wine is perfect by itself as an aperitif and delicious during the meal with grilled fish tacos or a Pad Thaï.
Gessinger Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Alte Reben Caldo Infernale made from 100 percent Riesling.
The Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Caldo Infernale was produced from over 100-year-old ungrafted vines in the Gewann “im Kalk,” the original part of the vineyard. This is a typical Devonian slate Riesling with fruity elegance and great durability.
Although riper elements of yellow peach, coconut, Victoria pineapple, and almond cream directly capture the attention, the nose maintains a fresh character with minty and zesty notes. The wine shows ripe and sweet elements on the palate, and has quite some creamy and juicy elements such as canned yellow peach and pineapple. The finish brings the right amount of zest to lift up the aromatics and adds focus and tension, while there is an almost Eiswein-type of acidity in the aftertaste. This is a gorgeous Auslese.
Gessinger Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Alte Reben Caldo Infernale made from 100 percent Riesling.
The Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Auslese Caldo Infernale was produced from over 100-year-old ungrafted vines in the Gewann “im Kalk,” the original part of the vineyard. This is a typical Devonian slate Riesling with fruity elegance and great durability.
Although riper elements of yellow peach, coconut, Victoria pineapple, and almond cream directly capture the attention, the nose maintains a fresh character with minty and zesty notes. The wine shows ripe and sweet elements on the palate, and has quite some creamy and juicy elements such as canned yellow peach and pineapple. The finish brings the right amount of zest to lift up the aromatics and adds focus and tension, while there is an almost Eiswein-type of acidity in the aftertaste. This is a gorgeous Auslese.
Gessinger Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Beerenauslese is made from 100 percent Riesling.
This deep yellow-colored wine offers a quite aromatic nose made of mirabelle, ripe apple, almond cream, date, ether oil, and earthy spices. It proves nicely complex and delicately oily on the otherwise focused and delicately racy palate, and leaves a subtly unctuous and still quite sweet feel of honeyed dried fruits, starfruit, kumquat, and almond cream in the precise and persistent finish. Some fresher elements of citrusy fruits and grapefruit already lighten up the aftertaste and hint at the greatness to come. This beautiful dessert wine is still really in its infancy but will develop into quite a beauty at maturity, once the candy floss driven sweetness will have receded into the background.
The Riesling Beerenauslese remains on the lees for several months to add a creamy texture to the mineral notes and to enhance the mouth-feel and drinkability.Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Beerenauslese Alte Reben was made from botrytized fruit hand-picked at a whopping 150° Oechsle from old ungrafted vines, spontaneously fermented and vegan. Fermentation with preferably wild yeasts gives this wine a unique and authentic taste, reflecting the extreme vineyard sites of the Mosel Valley. A cool temperature allows a slow fermentation which can continue for as long as the wine and the vintage requires.
Perfect match to sweet-and-sour dishes as well as spicy food.
The climate in the Champagne region in 2006 was characterised by a hot, dry season, which had a significant impact on the vines. September’s summery conditions were decisive, effectively drying out the outbreaks of botrytis and encouraging exceptional ripening of the grapes. Beginning on 11 September, the harvest stretched out for almost three weeks, the ideal time for a superior-quality crop. This vintage is a perfect example of how a favourable climate can influence the champagne quality.
Dom Pérignon Vintage 2006 Plénitude 2 marks a new encounter between Dom Pérignon and the year 2006, underlining the crucial importance of time in the making of this vintage. Its persistent, suspended light offers us an invitation to contemplation, celebrating the joy of a moment of perfection. This balance between earth and sky is underpinned by a strong tactile dimension, the authentic signature of Dom Pérignon: without touch, flavour does not unfold in either the space or time of the tasting, a perfect mirror of the space and time of its production. Today, Dom Pérignon 2006 Plénitude 2 enfolds us in its warm and luminous light. It then reveals its full-bodied, substantial and curvaceous qualities, leaving in its wake the emotion of a champagne that is both enveloping and delicate.
Dom Pérignon Vintage 2006 Plénitude 2 reveals a soft, warm and reassuring sweet bouquet, rich in subtle nuances. Its aromatic profile boasts a remarkable finesse with floral and mineral tones. This composition rapidly unfolds to reveal delicate notes of wild peach, citron, calisson and mocha, creating a unique and memorable experience on the nose. The palate of Dom Pérignon 2006 is full-bodied, both restrained and tender, developing into a thick texture that gradually becomes firmer. The complexity of the wine increases, revealing a subtly saline nuance. On the finish, an exquisite bitterness and wonderful maturity prevail, enriched by deep aromas of dried fruit, cocoa and toasted hazelnut, which blend harmoniously to offer an exceptional wine tasting experience.
Dom Pérignon Vintage 2006 Plénitude 2 is distinguished by its soft, warm character, ideally expressed when paired with seafood such as langoustine and scallops. This wine pairing harmony continues with veal and Jerusalem artichoke dishes, which highlight its delicate, enveloping nature. The flavours are further enhanced by herbs such as rosemary and basil, while hints of acidity from lemon and bergamot fully reveal its breadth and refined structure. This vintage illustrates Dom Pérignon’s ability to create fine wines that capture and enhance the essence of the ingredients with which they are served.
Review:
A blonde bombshell of a Champagne, hedonistic with its alluring brioche, creamed cherry and glazed tangerine flavors that show embellishments of fragrant saffron, candied ginger, fennel seed and vanilla, yet there's lovely definition and focus via the racy, lemon-infused acidity and plush texture. Long and minerally on the finish, with the rich profile joined by a subtle undertow of smoke, oyster shell and brine. Drink now through 2040.
-Wine Spectator 98 Points
A deep powerful Gran Reserva from one of Rioja Alavesa’s most enduring family run wineries. The hillside terraced vineyards are sheltered by the Sierra Cantabria Mountains to the north from harsh weather extremes. Small plot production is utilized in this region of infertile chalky clay soil to produce clusters of excellent quality. Almost 900 plots are needed to complete the approximately 400 hectares of estate-owned or cellar-controlled vineyards, some with vines more than 100 years in age.
Tasting notes
Ruby red color with earthy tones. The wine shows finesse, elegance and complexity with good concentration of black fruit, thyme and rosemary with secondary aromas of leather and tobacco leaves. In the palate it is polished and rounded, making it pleasant and easy to drink. Fleshy with both elegance and power. It has touches of black fruit jam and liquorice. A long, delicious and persistent finish.
Suitable for pairing with a long, copious meal where it can accommodate braised vegetables, cold cuts, peppers stuffed with hake and shrimp, mushroom omelettes, cod Rioja style, both red and white meat... and so on.