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Dog Point Vineyard 104399

Pinot Noir 2020

Marlborough

November 03, 2022
Dog Point's renown as a Sauvignon Blanc producers has done nothing to lessen the enthusiasm around their Pinot Noir, today considered one of the finest in New Zealand. What sets their wine apart is the generosity of the structure, which comes off as rich but not sweet, and the complex mingling of fruit and savory notes.

Wine Spectator -February 24, 2023 "“Plush and expressive, offering blackberry, black cherry and blueberry notes at the core, backed by hints of bittersweet chocolate, dried herb and tobacco. The velvety tannins linger effortlessly.” - M.W.…

Dog Point Vineyard 104397

Chardonnay 2020

Marlborough

November 03, 2022
Several influential voices in the wine industry believe that in time Chardonnay may prove New Zealand's single highest achievement. All three of the Dog Point wines fermented in barrel are small in production, but the Chardonnay is the smallest, and at times indeed the most dazzling.

Wine Spectator -October 13, 2023 "Succulent and mouthwatering, with a snappy mix of lemon curd, lemon blossom, and flint elements. Shows more nuanced notes of salted butterscotch, brioche and litsea oil that linger in the…

Wine & Spirits -August 18, 2023 "Flinty reduction is the most immediate impression, before the luscious texture and fresh finish begin to take its place. This fruit, including some from vines planted in 1981, is pressed…

Wine Spectator -August 18, 2023 "Succulent and mouthwatering, with a snappy mix of lemon curd, lemon blossom, and flint elements. Shows more nuanced notes of salted butterscotch, brioche and litsea oil that linger in the…

James Suckling -November 28, 2022 (Top 100 Wines of New Zealand 2022) "Inviting aromas of flint, matchstick, grated nutmeg, dried lemon rind and sliced grapefruit. Medium-bodied with silky texture. Fresh and bright fruit turns more…

Dog Point Vineyard 104395

Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Marlborough

November 03, 2022
Dog Point's Sauvignon Blanc has become the icon in its category, a stainless steel Sauvignon Blanc that pulsates with energy, expressiveness and complexity that push the boundaries of what you may expect from Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

Vinous -August 10, 2023 "Tasted in a line-up of dozens of Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs, the 2022 Dog Point stood out for all the right reasons. It is elegant with appealing ripe nectarine fruit followed…

James Suckling -August 10, 2023 "Nettles, thyme, green apples and grapefruit on the nose. Medium-bodied, sharp and clean cut with a refreshing core of citrus and green fruit. Vivid. From organically grown grapes." -J.S 10/23

Wine Spectator -May 25, 2023 "A focused, precise expression of Sauvignon Blanc, with makrut lime leaf aromatics, notes of fresh lemon sorbet and a touch of fresh ginger. Ends with plenty of lime zest details…

Tommasi 104372

Lugana Le Fornaci 2021

Lugana DOC

November 03, 2022
Le Fornaci hails from Lugana, a trendy, growing appellation on the southern shores of Lake Garda. Tommasi has long owned an estate in the village of San Martino della Battaglia, where they produce elegant white wines made from the indigenous and largely unknown Turbiana grape.

Vinous -March 27, 2023 "The 2021 Lugana Le Fornaci opens with an inviting blend of mint leaf, lime and sour melon. This soothes with its soft textures as mineral-tinged orchard fruits give way to…

James Suckling -November 03, 2022 "Sliced apples, wet stones and a hint of nectarine follow through to a crisp, dry and zesty palate that gives a rapid feel in the middle before ending with a…

E. Guigal 104235

Saint-Joseph Lieu Dit Rouge 2019

Saint-Joseph

October 17, 2022
A result of its quality, Guigal’s Saint-Joseph Lieu Dit Rouge comes from the “Saint-Joseph” vineyard that gives the appellation its name. This site convinced the Guigals to work in Saint-Joseph and help to restore the historic perception of Saint-Joseph as an appellation of utmost quality. The 100% Syrah wine has complex and deep black fruit, floral, spice and mineral characteristics. Despite its concentration and powerful attack, the wine retains the trademark elegance that Saint-Joseph offers.

Jeb Dunnuck -December 19, 2022 "The 2019 Saint Joseph Lieu-Dit Saint Joseph ratchets everything up a notch and has an almost flamboyant style in its sunny red and black fruits, spice, smoked game and flowery…

Paternoster 104124

Synthesi Aglianico del Vulture 2018

Aglianico del Vulture DOC

October 05, 2022

Vinous -March 10, 2023 "The 2018 Aglianico del Vulture Synthesi is dark and brooding in the glass, mixing black currants with flowery underbrush, ash and nuances of blood orange. It washes across the palate,…

E. Guigal 104035

Saint Joseph Vignes de l’Hospice 2019

Saint-Joseph

September 27, 2022
Guigal’s Vignes de l’Hospice is one of the finest sites in the Northern Rhone Valley. This steeply terraced vineyard used to be divided into three, but Guigal now owns majority of this parcel in order to restore perception of Saint-Joseph as an appellation of utmost quality. In fact, Guigal is often asked when they will produce a fourth “LaLa,” and their response is that their fourth single vineyard phenomenon of the Northern Rhone is already being produced: the Vignes de l’Hospice.

Jeb Dunnuck -December 19, 2022 "Coming from an incredible vineyard located just above the village of Tournon (which Marcel states matter of factly is the best terroir in the appellation), the 2019 Saint Joseph Vignes…

Wine Advocate (93-96) -September 27, 2022 "Perennially among the best bottlings from the appellation, the 2019 Saint-Joseph Vignes de l'Hospice looks set to rival the tremendous effort bottled in 2015. Enticing scents of crushed stone, pencil…

James Suckling -September 27, 2022 "Lovely aromas of grated nutmeg, white pepper, baked plums and wet stone. Medium-to full-bodied with velvety tannins. Mineral and transparent, with lovely clear red and black fruit. A bit of…

Jeb Dunnuck (93-95+) -September 27, 2022 "Coming from a cooler, granite terroir just above Tournon, the 2019 Saint Joseph Vignes De L'Hospice is a serious, age-worthy beauty, and I always find a certain Hermitage-like character in…

E. Guigal 104018

Hermitage 2019

Hermitage

September 27, 2022
Hermitage is one of France’s most spectacular and famous appellations, producing small quantities of extraordinarily intense and ageworthy red wine and tiny amounts of dry white. The entire vineyard consists of 309 acres planted on a single granite hillside on the banks of the Rhône. The Hermitage Rouge is the example of a racy wine, that manages to remain seductive.

Vinous -December 22, 2022 "Glass-staining ruby. Powerful, mineral- and smoke-accented black and blue fruit, potpourri, olive and vanilla aromas acquire a spicy nuance as the wine opens up. Offers densely packed cherry-cola, cassis and…

Jeb Dunnuck -December 21, 2022 "Where the 2018s lead with their fruit, the 2019s lead with their tannins, and that's readily apparent with the 2019 Hermitage. A deep purple-hued effort, it boasts terrific notes of…

Jeb Dunnuck (94-96) -September 27, 2022 "I loved the 2019 Hermitage, which tastes more like a flagship release than a base Hermitage. Blackberries, crushed stone, burning embers, espresso, and violets all emerge from this inky hued…

Wine Advocate (90-92) -September 27, 2022 "Guigal's full-bodied 2019 Hermitage delivers classic notes of roasted meat, raspberries and cherries. Slightly open-knit and even a touch coarse in texture, it looks to be a relatively quick-maturing example…

E. Guigal 104004

Saint-Joseph 2019

Saint-Joseph

September 26, 2022
Saint-Joseph today is one of the most exciting appellations in the Rhone Valley, and dare we say all of France. The work by leading producers such as Guigal, energy from young growers, and recognition (really, re-discovery) of sites capable of making wines of extraordinary depth and complexity; of the same family as its famous neighbor in Hermitage, but with a distinct suppleness and elegance.

Wine Enthusiast -October 02, 2023 Text to follow in Dec 2023 Issue

Vinous -December 22, 2022 "Dark, brilliant ruby. Pungent black raspberry and cherry aromas are complemented by floral, olive and baking spice nuances. Smooth and expansive on the palate, offering spice-tinged red and blue fruit…

Wine Advocate -December 22, 2022 "Black cherries, some loam-like earthy notes and a hint of smoked meat mark the nose of Guigal's 2019 Saint-Joseph. [...] it's medium to full-bodied, smooth and silky, ready to drink…

Jeb Dunnuck -December 21, 2022 "From the southern part of the appellation and brought up all in used oak, the 2019 Saint Joseph is another ripe, sunny, textured beauty. Red and black fruits, ground pepper,…

Jeb Dunnuck (91-93) -September 26, 2022 "“This cuvée always delivers, and the base 2019 Saint Joseph is solid. Cassis, graphite, and some floral notes show on the nose, and it’s medium to full-bodied, has plenty of…

James Suckling -September 26, 2022 "Aromas of sliced plums, sage and bay leaf. Medium-bodied with silky tannins. Juicy and succulent red fruit with lovely freshness and subtle ground spice."- J.S 8/22  

E. Guigal 103990

Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde 2019

Côte-Rôtie

September 26, 2022
Guigal is synonymous with the Côte-Rôtie area, for bringing this great wine region to prominence, and for owning three times as much land as next largest land-owner, vinifying 1/3 of the total appellation, and unquestionably holding the finest sites in this tiny, special area. The incredible Syrah from this area, co-fermented with a touch of Viognier, has tremendously balanced concentration, depth and finesse.

Vinous -December 22, 2022 "Inky ruby. Vibrant, spice-accented cherry and boysenberry scents are complicated by hints of black pepper, candied flowers and licorice. Supple and broad in the mouth, offering juicy red and blue…

Jeb Dunnuck -December 21, 2022 "I always love the Brune et Blonde cuvée from Guigal, and their 2019 is no exception. The 2019 Côte Rôtie Brune Et Blonde is certainly the most approachable and ready-to-go…

Wine Advocate (90-92) -September 26, 2022 "A stalwart in the Guigal lineup, the 2019 Cote Rotie Brune et Blonde features gently herbal and smoky nuances on the nose, plus plenty of mouthwatering red-berry fruit. It's medium…

Jeb Dunnuck (93-95) -September 26, 2022 "Leading off the Côte Rôties, readers should plan on a case purchase of the 2019 Côte Rôtie Brune Et Blonde, as it looks to be an incredible wine. Medium to…

Domaine des Baumard 103954

Quarts de Chaume 2018

Quarts de Chaume

September 22, 2022
Domaine des Baumard’s Quarts de Chaume is renowned as the finest expression of this prestigious vineyard, recognized as the Loire Valley's first official "Grand Cru" in 2011. Located on steep, southeastern-facing terraces along the Layon River, the vineyard’s Chenin Blanc grapes benefit from perfect ripening conditions, often with botrytis. Baumard owns 15 of the 110 acres, producing wines with incredible aging potential. In great vintages, Quarts de Chaume can improve for decades, offering unmatched complexity and depth.

Wine Spectator -November 03, 2022 "Intensely vibrant and youthful, this sweet, floral wine offers an elegant mix of high-toned citrus blossoms, jasmine and honeyed apple punctuated by warming spices, with crushed herbs and chalky mineral…

James Suckling -September 22, 2022 "Aromas of baked pears, green apples, sage and thyme. Medium-bodied with charming sweetness. Supple and bright with a solid core of candied berries and fresh flowers. Honey and almond skin.…

Château de Nalys 103858

Saintes Pierres de Nalys Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2020

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

September 21, 2022
The second white wine to the Château de Nalys Grand Vin Blanc has a character all its own, with a strongly different varietal and plot composition, and like its red Saintes Pierres counterpart, a fermentation, and aging geared towards emphasizing freshness. The hallmark seamlessness of Guigal's white wines is especially evident in this wine, which is unlike any Châteauneuf white we have experienced in its grace and lift.

Wine Advocate -October 05, 2023 "With just 20% aged in demi-muids (the rest was in foudre or tank), the 2020 Châteauneuf du Pape Saintes Pierres is only slightly toasty and cedary, with most of the…

Jeb Dunnuck -September 21, 2022 "The fresher, more vibrant white from this team is the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Saintes Pierres De Nalys Blanc, and it does well in 2020, offering pretty pear and citrus…

Château de Nalys 103856

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grand Vin 2019

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

September 21, 2022
The realization of the Guigal family's dream of Châteauneuf-du-Pape: 3 extraordinary vineyards coming together in an intensely expressive, utterly complete wine.

Wine Advocate (95+) -October 05, 2023 “Hints of vanilla, menthol and cedar gently mark the nose of the 2019 Châteauneuf du Pape Grand Vin, which saw about 20% new oak in its élevage. There's plenty of…

Wine Spectator -November 02, 2022 “This lures you in with a well of slightly warmed cassis mixed with raspberry pâte de fruit and mulled bitter cherry. On the back end, waves of menthol, tobacco, cast…

Jeb Dunnuck -September 21, 2022 “The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Grand Vin offers more depth, with a darker core of fruit as well as complex notes of peppery garrigue, loamy earth, and incense. The balance…

Vinous -September 21, 2022 "Saturated ruby. Expansive, smoke- and mineral-accented black raspberry, cherry cola, cassis, baking spice and succulent herb scents show outstanding detail and lift. Sweet and expansive in the mouth, offering vibrant…

Wine Advocate (94-96) -September 21, 2022 "Black cherries, blackberries and just a hint of of toasty oak mark the nose, while the full-bodied palate is rich, plush and velvety, finishing long and harmonious despite obvious concentration…

Wine Advocate (94-96) -September 01, 2022 The final blend had been made at the time of my visit to the Guigal cellars in Ampuis, where I tasted the 2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grand Vin prior to bottling. Black…

Château de Nalys 103854

Saintes Pierres de Nalys Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2019

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

September 21, 2022
Translated as "holy stones", a play on the soils and history of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the second red wine to Château de Nalys is an altogether different animal.  Differing varietal and plot selections, fermentation, and aging result in a wine that is rich and ample, yet offers immense direct and approachable pleasure; a wine of red fruits, supple structure and brightness.

Wine Advocate -October 05, 2023 "Pretty raspberry and strawberry shadings appear on the nose of the 2019 Châteauneuf du Pape Saintes Pierres, joined by pie cherries and slightly herbal notions of garrigue. It's medium to…

Wine Spectator -November 02, 2022 "Juicy, fresh and inviting in feel, with kirsch and raspberry coulis dotted with garrigue and red tea details that provide nice energy through the minerally finish. Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Muscardin, Mourvèdre, Vaccarèse…

Jeb Dunnuck -September 21, 2022 "Leading off the 2019s from bottle, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Saintes Pierres De Nalys has a focused, straight, elegant profile as well as impressive strawberry and cherry fruits, notes…

Vinous -September 21, 2022 "Brilliant violet. Intensely perfumed black raspberry and cherry aromas are complemented by suggestions of candied flowers and baking spices. Stains the palate with juicy, spice-laced red and blue fruit preserve…

Wine Advocate (91-93) -September 21, 2022 "The 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Saintes Pierres is fruity and ripe, with scents of mint, black cherries and purple raspberries. Full-bodied and velvety textured, it finishes with ample length and…

Château de Nalys 103807

Chateauneuf-du-Pape Grand Vin Blanc 2020

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

September 14, 2022
Guigal's mastery of growing and producing white wine varieties in the Rhône Valley is exemplified in this wine of immense breadth and power, elegance and expression.  Intensely aromatic nose of white flowers, citrus and a touch of vanilla, on the palate the presence is undeniably penetrating, with a deep minerality joining the notes above.

Wine Spectator -October 26, 2023 "A stylish version, with a polished layer of toast and cedar that reveals flavors of yellow apple, melon and stone fruit. Succulent acidity keeps this nicely fresh, despite its plumpness,…

Wine Spectator -December 15, 2022 "Sleek, spicy and dense, with an inviting display of ripe, juicy pear and warm apple interwoven with dried thyme and garrigue that add a nice savory detail, with a kiss…

Jeb Dunnuck -September 21, 2022 "“Always made in a slightly richer style compared to the Saintes Pierres de Nalys, the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Grand Vin Blanc offers a beautiful array of white currants, honeyed…

Wine Spectator -September 21, 2022 "Enticing, with melon and lemon curd flavors cruising through. Offers nice definition, backed by honeysuckle and acacia notes on the stylish finish. Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Picpoul. "…

Tommasi 103790

Rafaèl Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2020

Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC

September 13, 2022
This Valpolicella comes from the historical Tommasi family vineyard of the same name. Perfectly situated on one of the region’s most famous hills, Monte Masua, it produces what may be the best grapes for the production of Valpolicella Classico Superiore.

Wine Enthusiast -June 27, 2023 “Raspberry coulis and fresh soil with grass popping through on the nose turns to an almost cake-like raspberry and dark chocolate palate that nonetheless maintains the freshness of the nose…

Vinous (91+) -March 27, 2023 “The 2020 Valpolicella Superiore Classico Rafael is perfumed with a gorgeous mix of crushed cherries, sweet herbs and cloves. This coasts along the palate with a cooling combination of mineral-tinged…

James Suckling -September 13, 2022 “Hint of coffee candy to the baked cherries, dried strawberries and chili chocolate. Quite juicy and round, with a positive sweet-sour character to the berry and plummy fruit. Medium to…

Tommasi 103778

Ripasso Valpolicella 2019

Valpolicella Classico Superiore DOC

September 13, 2022
This wine is made by refermenting the juice from the Valpolicella on the warm Amarone grape skins, in the typical “Ripasso” method, which imparts a rich character and personality to the wine. The grapes are sourced from three of most prestigious Tommasi vineyards: Conca d’Oro, La Groletta and De Buris.

Vinous -March 27, 2023 "Dark and brooding in the glass, the 2019 Valpolicella Superiore Classico Ripasso grumbles up with a mix of crushed plums and cherries complemented by savory herbs and tobacco. This really…

Wine Enthusiast -January 16, 2023 "Dried fig and black cherry aromas are the core of this classic wine from the Veneto. Aromas of clove, cinnamon and chocolate support the fruity aromas. The frame of the…

James Suckling -September 13, 2022 "Notes of ripe berries, walnuts, light spices, dried orange rind and dark chocolate. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and lively, crunchy fruit character. Ripe and concentrated, yet clean and fresh at…

Tommasi 103752

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2018

Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG

September 12, 2022
Tommasi's traditional approach to Amarone favors elegance and balance, with deep fruit complemented by spicy, earthy flavors. Through its commitment to quality and tradition, Tommasi has established itself as one of the principal ambassadors of Amarone in the world.

Vinous -March 27, 2023 "More like a spiced herbal tea than wine, the 2018 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico wafts up with exotic spices, sweet herbs, cedar shavings and dried black cherries. It washes across…

Wine & Spirits -February 10, 2023 "Notes of grilled game, tobacco and bitter chocolate balance this Amarone’s rich flavors of plum and espresso. Dense, chewy tannins frame the flavors as hints of anise and black pepper…

James Suckling -September 13, 2022 "Savory berries and dried blackberries on the nose, together with oranges, dark chocolate and dry earth. Full-bodied and fine-grained palate, with a tight structure and fantastic balance, which indicates good…

Tabarrini 103508

Tabarrini Colle Alle Macchie 2016

Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG

August 25, 2022
Colle alle Macchie sits at the top of a separate hill from where the rest of the wines are located and sourced. Thus, here is a differing profile of the Tabarrini single site wines, with clay rich soils and unrestricted southern exposure providing extra opulence in the glass.

Vinous -August 26, 2022 "Rich plum and cherry sauce mixes with hints of ginger, sweet spice and dusty rose as the 2016 Montefalco Sagrantino Colle alle Macchie blossoms in the glass. There’s an energy…

Tabarrini 103497

Adarmando 2019

Bianco Umbria IGT

August 25, 2022
Tabarrini’s premier white wine demonstrates the through line of power and elegance that Montefalco imbues in its wines. Adarmando utilizes 100+ year old Trebbiano Spoletino vines that show the level to which old vines concentrate and layer flavor in the glass. This site is the last of Tabarrini’s to be harvested, a decision that requires the difficult task of vinifying the reds, cleaning equipment, and then making the white. Only free run juice is used, with the wine spending a year on the lees with occasional battonage.

Vinous -August 26, 2022 "An exotic and slightly tropical display of ripe green melon, kiwi, sugar-dusted white strawberries and vanilla bean lifts up from the 2019 Bianco Adarmando. This is deeply seductive and pleasantly…

E. Guigal 103436

Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2021

Côtes du Rhône

August 25, 2022
Guigal’s Côtes du Rhône Blanc both sets and steps outside the standard for the appellation and showcases one of the great secrets of the Guigal family: their specialization in the great white Rhône varieties. While only 8% of the Rhône's production is white, a full 25% of Guigal’s production is white and they are today the single largest producer of whites in the Rhône Valley.

Jeb Dunnuck -December 21, 2022 "The base Côtes Du Rhône from Guigal has to be one of the greatest wines at the price point and volume produced. The 2021 Côtes Du Rhône Blanc offers lots…

Sandrone 103379

Barbera d’Alba 2020

Barbera d'Alba

August 22, 2022

James Suckling -July 06, 2023 "This is very attractive with fresh dark and blue fruit together with hints of violets, dried citrus peel and cocoa, following through a medium-bodied, textured and sleek palate with crunchy…

Wine Enthusiast -January 16, 2023 "Sandrone brings its care and dedication to this big, bold and beautiful Barbera. The wine begins with aromas of spiced black plums, black cherry jam and savory herbs. The palate…

Vinous -December 08, 2022 "The 2020 Barbera d'Alba is another wine that shows the greater refinement at Sandrone these days. Even so, there's plenty of richness in the ripe red cherry, plum, mocha and…

Ponzi Vineyards 103264

Laurelwood Pinot Noir Reserve 2018

Willamette Valley

August 16, 2022
Ponzi’s Pinot Noir Reserve is made exclusively from estate fruit, including some of Oregon’s oldest vines. For over 50 years, the Ponzi family has farmed 140 acres of certified sustainable vineyards on Laurelwood soils. Over time, the vines have evolved, with red fruit in their youth giving way to dark berry and brambly spice. The Reserve’s layered complexity make it one of the finest examples of site-expressive Pinot Noir in North America. As Wine Spectator once wrote, “All Oregon Pinot Noirs are measured against the Ponzi yardstick.”

James Suckling -December 06, 2023 "Aromas of flowers, stems and ripe and dried strawberries. Lavender, too. Medium to full body. Firm and tight structure with black fruit and a flavorful finish. So long and seamless.…

Ponzi Vineyards 103140

Laurelwood Chardonnay 2019

Laurelwood District

August 04, 2022
Ponzi’s Laurelwood Chardonnay comes from the family’s original 1970 plantings and other estate vineyards within the Laurelwood District AVA in Oregon’s Chehalem Mountains. The unique Laurelwood soil series—windblown loess atop ancient basalt bedrock—gives the wine its elegance, complexity, and spice notes of white pepper, cardamom, and cola. Ponzi sustainably farms nearly 150 acres, with all vineyards LIVE Certified. The soils and elevation influence the wine’s character, transitioning from red fruit in younger vines to darker, richer flavors as they mature.

James Suckling -October 04, 2022 "A crunchy and bright chardonnay with sliced lemon and honeysuckle, crushed stone and jasmine. Some lime and green mango too. Lovely acidity and hints of tannins give tension and energy…

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