Tenuta CastelGiocondo Ripe al Convento Brunello Riserva 2019
Brunello Di Montalcino DOCG
March 27, 2025 - Ripe al Convento’s name signifies both the ripeness that the Sangiovese grapes are able to achieve and the almost sacred single-vineyard site where they are grown. Sitting on the highest hills of the CastelGiocondo estate at 450 meters above sea level, this small single vineyard is exposed to the warm afternoon sun, marly soils and bracing Mediterranean winds. Aged an extra year in wood, Ripe al Convento is not only a reserve wine by law–it is the ultimate expression of the estate.
Wine Spectator -March 26, 2025 “Cherry, raspberry, plum and floral aromas and flavors are the hallmarks of this silky yet solidly built red. Comes together nicely on the persistent aftertaste, where mineral and wild herb…
James Suckling -December 09, 2024 "A bright, fruity wine with intoxicating, pristine and ripe red cherries as well as camphor notes enhanced by a floral bouquet. Solid on the attack. Full-bodied, showing lush, supple fruit,…
Le Macchiole Paleo Rosso 2021
Toscana IGT
March 26, 2025 - Paleo Rosso has been called Italy's landmark expression of Cabernet Franc. It is named for a type of local wild grass, which once covered the land where its vines are now planted. Originally a blend of several different varieties, the wine has been made from 100% Cabernet Franc since 2001, and was the first mono varietal Cabernet Franc to be produced in Bolgheri. The grapes come from several vineyards on the estate, including Vignone, Madonnina, Puntone and Casa Nuova. Each vineyard is picked separately, and fruit from the same vineyard is often picked more than once at different stages of maturity, resulting in about 20 different pickings.
James Suckling -July 22, 2024 "Wow. This is very polished and sophisticated with currant, spice, fresh-herb and cedar character that goes on for minutes on the finish. The tannins are so refined yet muscular, with…
Le Macchiole Messorio 2021
Toscana IGT
March 26, 2025 - Messorio, a Merlot monovarietal, is the winery’s crown jewel. Its initial vintage was 1994, and since then it has received extraordinary acclaim, including a 100-point score from the Wine Spectator for the 2004 vintage. The name Messorio refers to the ancient Tuscan practice of wheat harvesting, the most important time of the year in the Bolgheri countryside - once it referred to wheat; these days, it is all about grape harvesting.
Wine Spectator -March 14, 2024 "Plum, pomegranate and blackberry fruit is framed by toasty oak and vanilla notes in this fresh, brilliant red. Iron and tobacco accents add detail as this cruises to the long,…
E. Guigal Saint-Joseph 2020
Rhône Valley
March 25, 2025 - 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.
James Suckling -March 29, 2024 "A well-built, velvety and balanced red with aromas of dark cherries, grilled meat, dried herbs and some crushed stones. It's medium-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Chalky texture with pulpy cherry…
Champagne Ayala Le Blanc de Blancs A/18
Champagne
March 21, 2025 - Ayala’s Blanc de Blancs is 100% Chardonnay, produced in small quantities in exceptional years only and fully expresses the superb caliber of great Chardonnay from the best crus of the Côte des Blancs. After six years of aging in Ayala’s cellars, remarkable minerality and low dosage make this an outstanding wine that can accompany a variety of flavorful dishes, including poultry and fish, or be served on its own to celebrate a special occasion.
Wine Enthusiast -July 23, 2024 "A beautiful Champagne, this citrus and white-fruited wine is tightly textured with a strong mineral character and pure acidity and freshness. The low dosage means it is dry, but the…
Wine Spectator -September 30, 2024 "Sleek and harmonious, with a subtle thread of minerally chalk and smoke notes underscoring the ripe Gala apple, nectarine, golden raisin and toast point flavors. Creamy, with a finely detailed…