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2017 Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml)

Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California

97JD 95WA

Moving to the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, this cuvée is too often underrated and I think it’s one of the most classy, balanced, high quality Cabernets coming from the valley. Deep purple-colored with beautiful blackcurrant fruits interwoven with lots of tobacco, crushed rocks, leafy herbs, and graphite, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, ripe, present tannins, and stunning balance. It’s going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 25 years or more.

97 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Jan 2020)

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is blended of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc, aged in barrel for 21 months in two-thirds new oak. It was bottled one week prior to this tasting. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps from the glass with bold, beautiful black fruits—blackcurrant pastilles, plum preserves and boysenberries—with hints of baker’s chocolate, yeast extract, tapenade and Indian spices plus a waft of forest floor. Full-bodied, rich and spicy in the mouth, it sports soft, plush, well-played tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and fragrant.

95 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (Issue # 245 - Oct 2019)

2015 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon (750ml)

Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California

96JS

Freshly picked blackberries, ivy, dark plums, licorice, citrus and orange rind. Full-bodied with lots of fruit but it's very tangy and nicely blended in the vibrant acidity and structured yet soft tannins. Citrusy on the finish. Drink in 2020.

96 points, James Suckling (May 2018)

2018 Realm Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard (750ml)

Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California

98WA 98JD 97V 97JS

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, coming from five different blocks, and was harvested "in multiple picks, at a leisurely pace." Deep garnet-purple colored, it rolls sensuously out of the glass with decadent scents of boysenberries, black cherries, redcurrant jelly and blackcurrant pastilles with hints of bouquet garni, black soil and iron ore. Full-bodied, the taut, tightly knit black and red fruit has a firm structure of ripe, grainy tannins and bags of freshness, finishing very long with loads of earth and mineral nuances coming through.

98+ points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (Oct 2020)

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon is beautiful, offering a more backward, reserved expression of this vineyard than usual, although no less impressive. Beautiful crème de cassis, graphite, white chocolate, and floral notes emerge from the glass, and it’s deep, full-bodied, and concentrated, with ample tannins and mid-palate depth. Tight, backward, and closed, yet with incredible purity, hide bottles for 4-5 years and it should keep for 20-30 years. It’s incredibly well done, and I’d be thrilled to have bottles in the cellar.

98+ points, Jeb Dunnuck (Jan 2021)

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard is a huge, massive wine. Powerful tannins wrap around a core of blackberry jam, bittersweet chocolate, spice, licorice and dark spice. This is the most potent, structured wine in this range from Realm. Readers have to be patient. This full-throttle, opulent Cabernet Sauvignon has plenty to offer, but it needs time in bottle to truly shine.

97+ points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Jan 2021)

A full-bodied yet elegant red with aromas of black and red cherries, stewed blackcurrants, cassis leaf, cloves, licorice and potpourri. Dried flowers and pine needles on the palate, too. Lightly peppery with ripe, velvety tannins. Pretty fruit intensity and length. Pure cabernet franc. Only available in magnum. Drinkable now, but better from 2022.

97 points, James Suckling (Jan 2021)

2009 Vina Sena Sena (1.5L)

Cabernet Sauvignon from Aconcagua Valley, Chile

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Eduardo Chadwick is one of the most important people of the vine in Chile – the world for that matter – facing multiple obstacles throughout his impressive career. For nearly a decade Eduardo worked to rebuild the iconic Viña Errázuriz, restoring his family's 19th century estate to its former glory. As Eduardo was gaining ground, California's most famous man of the vine paid the country a visit in 1990. Robert Mondavi fell in love with Chile and would soon be introduced to his counterpart in the region. By 1995, the two had reached a pioneering agreement – Seña was born. For four long, grueling years the two passionate visionaries toiled over vineyard sites in search of the perfect terroir for their dream wine. This was to be Chile's icon above all others. Site was paramount.

Located in the Valle de Aconcagua, on a 42 hectare colluvial vineyard of well drained gravel, rock and loam, the Seña vineyard is planted to the perfect mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Syrah. The slightly cooler temperatures of this elevated, sloping site allow for long, slow ripening. The Seña vineyard is often harvested two weeks after its nearest neighbor. Precious few wines in the country will compete; perhaps none – after all, perfection is incredibly rare.

This is a wine above all others ever bottled in Chile. A wine which is rightly described by Neal Martin as "The peripatetic wine that goes around the world challenging and, let it be said, often defeating First Growths in blind tastings."

95JS

This is a powerful and structured red with currants, minerals and blackberries. Full and very silky plus has firm tannins and a chewy finish. Stoney. Needs another three years to soften. A beauty.

95 points, James Suckling (Aug 2014)

2014 Vina Sena Sena (3L)

Cabernet Sauvignon from Aconcagua Valley, Chile

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Eduardo Chadwick is one of the most important people of the vine in Chile – the world for that matter – facing multiple obstacles throughout his impressive career. For nearly a decade Eduardo worked to rebuild the iconic Viña Errázuriz, restoring his family's 19th century estate to its former glory. As Eduardo was gaining ground, California's most famous man of the vine paid the country a visit in 1990. Robert Mondavi fell in love with Chile and would soon be introduced to his counterpart in the region. By 1995, the two had reached a pioneering agreement – Seña was born. For four long, grueling years the two passionate visionaries toiled over vineyard sites in search of the perfect terroir for their dream wine. This was to be Chile's icon above all others. Site was paramount.

Located in the Valle de Aconcagua, on a 42 hectare colluvial vineyard of well drained gravel, rock and loam, the Seña vineyard is planted to the perfect mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Syrah. The slightly cooler temperatures of this elevated, sloping site allow for long, slow ripening. The Seña vineyard is often harvested two weeks after its nearest neighbor. Precious few wines in the country will compete; perhaps none – after all, perfection is incredibly rare.

This is a wine above all others ever bottled in Chile. A wine which is rightly described by Neal Martin as "The peripatetic wine that goes around the world challenging and, let it be said, often defeating First Growths in blind tastings."

97JS 95WA

Complex aromas of blueberry, rose petal, licorice, and currant. Full body, ultra fine tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Balanced and very refined. A wonderful purity and beauty. Give it three to four years to come together but already a beauty. A blend of 60% cabernet sauvignon, 16% carmenere, 11% malbec, 8% merlot and 5% petit verdot.

97 points, James Suckling (May 2016)

The blend for the 2014 Seña was 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Carmenere, 11% Malbec, 8% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot from their stony soils. The different grapes are carefully fermented separately and with different regimes of maceration and extraction but always looking for elegance within the natural power of the zone. The final blend was transferred to French oak barrels, 67% of them new (a percentage that seems to be slowly going down), for the élevage of 22 months. This time, some 5% of the volume carried out its aging in new Stockinger foudres. This is very much in line with the 2013 and the direction set by that cool year. The wine is very harmonious, elegant within the house style. Another superb vintage of Seña. This should age effortlessly in bottle. 60,000 bottles were filled in March 2016.

95 points, Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate (Issue # 230 - Apr 2017)

2019 Vina Sena Sena (3L)

Cabernet Sauvignon from Aconcagua Valley, Chile

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Eduardo Chadwick is one of the most important people of the vine in Chile – the world for that matter – facing multiple obstacles throughout his impressive career. For nearly a decade Eduardo worked to rebuild the iconic Viña Errázuriz, restoring his family's 19th century estate to its former glory. As Eduardo was gaining ground, California's most famous man of the vine paid the country a visit in 1990. Robert Mondavi fell in love with Chile and would soon be introduced to his counterpart in the region. By 1995, the two had reached a pioneering agreement – Seña was born. For four long, grueling years the two passionate visionaries toiled over vineyard sites in search of the perfect terroir for their dream wine. This was to be Chile's icon above all others. Site was paramount.

Located in the Valle de Aconcagua, on a 42 hectare colluvial vineyard of well drained gravel, rock and loam, the Seña vineyard is planted to the perfect mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Syrah. The slightly cooler temperatures of this elevated, sloping site allow for long, slow ripening. The Seña vineyard is often harvested two weeks after its nearest neighbor. Precious few wines in the country will compete; perhaps none – after all, perfection is incredibly rare.

This is a wine above all others ever bottled in Chile. A wine which is rightly described by Neal Martin as "The peripatetic wine that goes around the world challenging and, let it be said, often defeating First Growths in blind tastings."

98WA 98JS 96JA

The 2019 Seña was produced with a Bordeaux blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Malbec, 15% Carmenere and 4% Petit Verdot with the Chilean character of the high percentage of Carmenere. Most of the volume fermented in stainless steel with some 10% in concrete vats, and the final blend matured for 22 months in French oak barrels, 80% of them new, and 10% in Stockinger vats. It's 13.5% alcohol and has good acidity and freshness, coming through as medium-bodied, elegant and balanced. This is incredibly elegant, subtle and harmonious even at this early stage. It has floral aromas, notes of orange peel, a touch of creamy sweet spices and great freshness. The palate is medium-bodied, seamless and pure, with pungent flavors and a soft texture. It's long, clean, defined and super tasty. I feel this wine is getting better and better by the vintage. The grapes were picked quite early, and that helped to contain the ripeness and seems to have been a great decision. There was also an exception in the Panquehue zone where the Seña vines are, where the summer was cooler than the average, so quite different to many other regions in Chile. 100,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in February 2021.

98 points, Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate (Issue # 256 - Aug 2021)

Such beautiful aromas of crushed berries, currants, walnuts, allspice and nutmeg follow through to a full body with tight, ultra fine tannins that provide length and intensity. A finish of slightly dried cherries with wet earth, slate and stone. Chewy and fine-grained. A wine with soul and length. Give it time.

98 points, James Suckling (Sep 2021)

The 25th anniversary vintage, and an excellent showcase of the supple, nuanced fruits of this wine. Plenty of black cherry and bilberry puree, pure but layered. It has the rich depths that always delivers, where things are almost too much and yet not quite enough, still leaving you wanting more. Fragrant raspberry leaf becomes clearer as it opens in the glass, as does the saline minerality and a smoky finish, with the tannins becoming more delicate by the minute, highlighting freshness and juice. Located in the Aconguacgua foothills, following biodynamic farming. Tasted twice.

96 points, Jane Anson (Sep 2021)

2018 Belargus Quarts-de-Chaume Grand Cru Ultra (375ml)

Chenin Blanc from Anjou, Loire, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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A not to be missed selection of top-rated Chenin Blancs from the Loire Valley’s newest rockstar producer, this stellar lineup of exquisite wines from Domaine Belargus is “a must investment for all fans of Chenin Blanc” and equally appealing to those who enjoy “the very great white wines of this world” according to the Wine Advocate’s Stephen Reinhardt, produced in limited quantities and available while they last.

Established in 2018 by Ivan Massonnat, Domaine Belargus is founded on the groundwork of Anjou legend Jo Pithon, among the first to shift focus to vineyard specific Chenin Blanc in the late 1980’s and responsible for the revitalization of the dramatic Coteau des Treilles, a steep, terraced vineyard referred to as the Cote Rotie of the Layon Valley. Originally known for sweet wines but also producing dry Chenins since the late 20th century, the Anjou Noir region boasts a mosaic of complex mineral and volcanic soils perfect for growing Chenin Blanc, with each of the Belargus cru’s expressing its unique origins, including premium parcels in the famed Quarts-de Chaume AOP, the only Grand Cru site in the entire Loire Valley. Leading off with the dry selections, the entry level 94 pt. 2018 Belargus Anjou Ronceray Blanc offers classic Chenin Blanc spiced fruit “all backed by finely beaded acidity” according to the Wine Spectator’s Aleks Zecevic while the powerful 97 pt. 2018 Belargus Anjou Treilles Blanc is a silky, seamlessly textured Chenin Blanc with a mineral tinged finish sourced from the famed 2.72-hectare Coteau des Treilles monopole, a beauty that “any serious wine lover should at least taste” according to critic Reinhardt. Sourced from vineyards along the Layon River, its humid air aiding in the late season development of botrytis, the 96 pt. 2018 Belargus Coteaux du Layon Moelleux Layon is a harmonious blend of polished fruit and honeyed texture, offering “great tension between acidity and sweetness” according to critic Zecevic with a “sensationally long” finish and delivering incredible value. Sourced from one of the three plots listed in the original declaration of the Grand Cru Quarts-de-Chaume appellation, the 96 pt. 2018 Belargus Quarts-de-Chaume Grand Cru Roueres is “rich yet finessed and elegant” according to critic Reinhardt, bottled in full size 750 ml. Described as “fabulous” and “irresistible,” the 99 pt. 2018 Belargus Quarts-de-Chaume Grand Cru Les Quarts pairs “richness and sweetness with crystalline finesse and elegance in an unrivaled way” according to Reinhardt, and the viscous and intensely concentrated 100 pt. 2018 Belargus Quarts-de-Chaume Grand Cru Ultra is “made for eternity,” and with only one barrel produced, a must for collectors of “the finest noble sweet wines,” poised to age for decades, both of these beauties offered in 375 ml. half bottles.

Offered in a range of styles and levels of complexity, these selections from Domaine Belargus highlight Chenin Blanc's chameleon-like ability to elegantly mirror its terroir when crafted by an exceptional producer. Sourced from an outstanding 2018 Loire Valley vintage, Chenin Blanc fans and anyone looking to explore the Loire’s best whites won’t want to miss this opportunity to enjoy these masterful Loire wines from Domaine Belargus, ideal for mixing a case at an astoundingly good price.

100WA

Belargus's dark, amber-orange colored 2018 Quarts-de-Chaume Grand Cru Liquoreux Ultra is a tribute to the famous Ambroisie by Jo Pithon, an over-concentrated Quarts-de-Chaume with more than 30 degrees potential at harvest, referred to as “Ultra.” The wine opens with an intense and ultra concentrated but still vinous and not overly fruity bouquet with pencil point notes on the first nose that slowly reveals concentrated, syrupy apricot and roasted bacon-rind notes. Enormously viscous on the palate but at the same time so finessed, vital and balanced that the wine never weighs heavily and is not even sticky, this is an exceptional QDC, of which just one barrel was produced. This 2018 is made for eternity and belongs to the finest noble sweet wines I have ever had. Even though I am so much in love with the Les Quarts twin, I have to admit that here comes not only an even sweeter Quarts-de-Chaume but also an even more concentrated and finessed one. The aging capacity is ideal, and due to its balance, I don't see any doubts the wine can age 100 and more years. What a start for Domaine Belargus! 9% alcohol. Tasted in June 2021.

100 points, Stephan Reinhardt, Wine Advocate (Jul 2021)

2019 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage Rouge (1.5L)

Syrah from Hermitage, Rhône, France

100WA 99JD 98V

As usual, the 2019 Hermitage remained largely as separate components at the time of my visit. Some pre-blending had occurred, so I tasted a combination of Beaumes and Péléat, as well as components from L'Ermite, Méal and Bessards. Uniformly full-bodied, concentrated and long, with rich, velvety tannins, dark-fruit flavors (cassis, blueberries, boysenberries) and hints of crushed stone and licorice, comparisons with 2003 aren't unreasonable.

97-100 points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate (Jan 2022)

A potential candidate for the wine of the vintage, the 2019 Hermitage is a massive, full-bodied, yet mineral-laced and undeniably classic wine from this estate. All of the components showed incredibly well, with the Le Méal offering classic sexiness, the Hermite being straight and focused, and the Bessards just as good as any Syrah out there. It shows the ripeness of the vintage, yet the purity of fruit is incredible. It’s another magical wine in an incredible series of awesome Hermitage from this family.

97-99 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Feb 2022)

Tasted in components, as usual. #1, from Peleat: spice-accented cherry and blackberry, with a vibrant mineral note in the background. Taut and sharply focused, showing strong tension to the bitter cherry and red berry flavors. The mineral note comes back strong on the back. #2, from Les Beaume: deep-pitched cherry and cassis qualities, plus a spicy nuance and a touch of dark chocolate. Rich but lively on the palate, offering densely packed bitter cherry and black currant preserve flavors and a touch of licorice. #3, from Ermite: extremely suave and expansive aromas of ripe red and blue fruits and exotic spices, along with a sexy floral touch. Deep yet energetic, showing excellent clarity and floral back-end thrust. #4, from Meal: distinctly powerful, displaying an array of black and blue fruit qualities and hints of olive, licorice and exotic spices. Seriously deep and sharply focused, showing bitter cherry, blackberry and fruitcake flavors underscored by a smoky mineral quality. For all its power, there's real life here as well. #5, from Bessards: intense, mineral-driven cherry and dark berry character, with exotic floral and spice topnotes. Pure and incisive, showing impressive depth as well as fine definition and seamless texture. It’s still early days for this wine, but the ingredients are seriously formidable, with an emphasis on richness but no lack of energy either. This is shaping up to be a stunner.

96-98 points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous (May 2020)

2019 Domaine de Montille Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru (1.5L)

Chardonnay from Chevalier-Montrachet, Burgundy, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Boasting fresh, lively fruit and balanced acidity, these spectacular 2019 Domaine de Montille Burgundies come from a vintage that "hit the bullseye" according to critic James Suckling, offering a "rare combination of excellence and great consistency." Benefiting from our long-standing relationship with the Domaine, this part two of our exclusive Domaine de Montille offering features Burgundies from the estate's vineyards heading south from Volnay through the Cote d'Or to Saint Aubin, ranging from a value-packed entry level Red Burgundy to a vast array of exquisite Premier and Grand Cru Whites, all exceptional wines offering outstanding value, many offered in large format perfect for cellaring.

Now considered a pioneer in the region for being among the first to estate bottle his wines and craft ageworthy Burgundy with a sense of place, Hubert de Montille took over his family's estate at the age of 17 in 1947 after it had dwindled to only 2.5 hectares and set about rebuilding the domaine's holdings while establishing a stellar reputation. Taking the reins after his father's 50-year tenure, Hubert's son Etienne was among the first in the region to convert to organic and then biodynamic practices, while continuing to expand the estate with the acquisition of some of Burgundy's most highly regarded vineyards, including those of Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet in 2012. Now with 35 hectares of holdings spanning an astounding 20 separate top appellations throughout the region, Domaine de Montille's top Chardonnay parcels south of Volnay include Puligny Folatières, a premier cru with two prestigious neighbors, Leflaive and Leroy, the rock-covered Meursault Poruzots next to the famous "Les Genevrières" vineyard and Saint Aubin En Remilly, located just behind the revered Grand Cru Le Montrachet. Crediting the influence of his brother-in-law, the masterful Meursault winemaker Jean Marc Roulot, Etienne employs a restrained use of new oak for the whites depending on the specific plots, aging for up to a year on the lees and preserving the acidic backbone while crafting complex, balanced wines that will evolve over decades.

From the exceptional 2019 Bourgogne Blanc "Clos du Chateau," boasting the rich profile of Puligny Montrachet at a fraction of the price, to the magnificent 2019 Chevalier Montrachet Grand Cru, an ultimate expression of refined, long-lived Chardonnay from a tiny .23 hectare parcel, and including one Red Burgundy, the bright and energetic 2019 Bourgogne Rouge, these selections from Domaine de Montille rank among the top in the region, superbly expressing each terroir with alluring freshness and elegant length. Produced in a vintage with significantly lower yields guaranteeing excess demand, now is the time to secure your allocation of these magnificent 2019 Burgundies today and look forward to enjoying them for years to come.

97V

The 2019 Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru is matured in around 45% new oak with a little more lees during aging. It was very reduced on the nose despite rigorous coaxing in my glass, though it does finally open after 10 minutes. The palate is intense on the entry, displaying more salinity than all of de Montille’s Premier Cru Pulignys, plus oyster shells and a touch of seaweed. This Chevalier is very persistent and quite tangy on the finish. Plenty of energy here. It will give 20–30 years of drinking pleasure.

95-97 points, Neal Martin, Vinous (Dec 2020)

2012 Uccelliera Costabate (1.5L)

Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy

89JS

Lots of tertiary character to this red now with wet earth, leather, tobacco and some dried red berries. Medium body, drying tannins and a resolved finish. Needs drinking.

89 points, James Suckling (Nov 2019)

2018 Vietti Lazzarito (750ml)

Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

96WA 94V 94WS

The 2018 Barolo Lazzarito represents Vietti's interpretation of Serralunga d'Alba, the village often associated with the most powerful wines in the appellation. The Lazzarito completes its secondary fermentation in barrique over three months and is then racked into large oak botti for an additional two years of aging. With some 8,000 bottles produced in this smaller vintage, the wine is very indicative of its geographic origins with tight black fruit, rusty nail, blood orange and earth. Compared to the others in this series, this wine delivers more lasting tannic power. A bit salty and savory now, it is well suited to long aging.

96+ points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Jun 2022)

The 2018 Barolo Lazzarito is tense, vibrant and very much closed in on itself. Searing tannins and Serralunga structure dominate today. Crushed rocks, gravel, red fruit, rose petal, lavender and sage all run though this sculpted, vibrant Serralunga Barolo. What stands out most about the Lazzarito today is that is stylistically more similar to the other Barolos than it was a few years ago. I expect great things in time here.

94 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Feb 2022)

Round and full of plum, cherry, pomegranate, green tea and eucalyptus flavors, this red is also dense and muscular. Gripping tannins reign on the finish. Overall, this is balanced and very long. Best from 2026 through 2043.

94 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Sep 2022)

2018 Vietti Cerequio (750ml)

Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

97V 96WA

The 2018 Barolo Cerequio is a new wine in this range. Soaring aromatics and bright, red-toned fruit give the Cerequio its effusive personality. Nuanced and deep, with tremendous complexity and tons of character, the Cerequio is dazzling. This is everything a great Barolo from Cerequio should be. In other words: textbook. More over, it's one of the best wines of this very uneven vintage.

97 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Feb 2022)

Here's an exciting new submission from Vietti. The 2018 Barolo Cerequio is lovely, sporting a broad and enriched bouquet that paints a panoramic vision of this MGA that straddles the villages of La Morra and Barolo. Despite that wide vision, this wine also excels at showing pinpoint details of wild cherry, crushed stone and black licorice. Cerequio is a wine of latitude and depth. Tight tannins help to stitch it together into a comprehensive whole. Only 4,925 bottles were made in this inaugural release. Congratulations.

96 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Jun 2022)

2018 Vietti Ravera (750ml)

Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

95V 95WA 93WS 93JS

The 2018 Barolo Ravera is a wine of real depth and vertical structure. As always, the Ravera is a taut, nervy Barolo built on energy more than volume. Readers will have to be patient, as the Ravera is likely to require a number of years to be at its most expressive. Even in the early going, it is vibrant and full of life. Rose petal, chalk, blood orange and white pepper lend striking exotic top notes that are quite suggestive of what the future is going to bring. What a gorgeous Barolo this is.

95+ points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Feb 2022)

Vietti is one of a handful of estates to bring the Ravera MGA of Novello to the current popularity it enjoys now. Their 2018 Barolo Ravera has a smoky personality with crushed stone and pencil shavings. There is plenty of dark fruit at the back, ripe cherry and blackberry mostly, and the wine is tonic and firm in terms of its structure and tannins. The Ravera is a wine of enormous length and a finely tuned texture. Exactly 7,560 bottles were made.

95 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Jun 2022)

This red leads off with a distinctive minty note allied with cherry, iron, tobacco and underbrush flavors. Turns firm and linear on the finish, with a sinewy feel, yet remains fresh and long. Very pure. Best from 2026 through 2043.

93 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Oct 2022)

Lighter structure this year, but it’s intense, with focused red-cherry and raspberry character and spicy and mineral nuances. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and a very tight finish. This is super-compact and needs time to expand. Try from 2024.

93 points, James Suckling (Mar 2022)

2018 Vietti Rocche di Castiglione (750ml)

Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

97WA 96V 95WS 95JS

This is one of my sweetheart wines from Castiglione Falletto. The Vietti 2018 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is beautifully etched and sharp with an especially delineated quality that is uncommon in this vintage. Fruit comes from a small 8,000-square-meter parcel, and like the other wines in this cru series from Vietti, it ages in oak casks for two years. The wine's texture is beautifully smooth and polished thanks to the carefully integrated tannins. Only 3,693 bottles were made.

97+ points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Jun 2022)

The 2018 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is suave, silky and caressing right out of the gate. Sumptuous and racy, with silky tannins, the Rocche possesses superb depth and plenty of resonance that builds over time. The 2018 is an especially potent Rocche that is going to need a number of years to unwind.

96 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Feb 2022)

A Barolo that starts out with breadth, turning more focused and linear by the finish. Delivers cherry, plum, mineral, sandalwood and tar aromas and flavors that permeate the supple texture, with all the components in the right proportions. Firm, refined tannins lend support and this lingers nicely. Best from 2025 through 2045. From Italy.

95 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Nov 2022)

Lots of sweet, wild-strawberries hit your nose first, but wait for the beautiful, spiced orange-peel note that will bowl you over. Then mineral and savory-spice notes chime in. Full-bodied with intense wild-fruit and agrumi flavor, which is already latching onto the slightly chewy tannins. This is just a baby, but it’s packed with bright, spicy-fruit promise. Patience is needed. Try from 2025.

95 points, James Suckling (Mar 2022)

Don Julio 1942 Anejo Tequila (1.75L)

From Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco, Mexico

98WE Top 50

A stunning limited-edition añejo. The golden color and caramel scent hint at what’s to come: sweet agave flavor, a lingering whisper of smoke and mellow notes of tropical fruit, Sauternes and butterscotch.

98 points, Wine Enthusiast (May 2011)

Wine Enthusiast Top 50 Spirits of 2011

High Plains Rye (750ml)

From Kentucky

2017 Eisele Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml)

Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, California

98JS 97WA 96WS

Aromas of blueberries and currants and floral hints, such as violets, with subtle minerality. Opens into true beauty and pureness of fruit. Medium to full body. Seamless tannins spread across the palate. Shows finesse and focus and the true character of Eisele. Beautifully crafted. Try after 2023, but already a joy to taste.

98 points, James Suckling (Nov 2020)

Composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon displays a deep garnet-purple color and is a little sluggish to reveal its fragrant core of plum preserves, crème de cassis, blueberry compote and Morello cherries with accents of stewed Darjeeling tea, underbrush, cloves and tobacco leaf plus a waft of pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, the palate struts it stuff with amazing poise, structured with very fine, ripe tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and perfumed.

97 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (Nov 2019)

A prominent tobacco leaf note leads off, quickly followed by a deep well of warm steeped black currant and blackberry fruit. Flashes of Turkish coffee, humus and roasted bay leaf score the finish and then linger, letting the core of fruit stretch out and expand. A wine bristling with distinctive terroir. Best from 2022 through 2042. 1,284 cases made.

96 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Nov 2020)