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Staff Favorites - Rachael Ryan
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Reviews
2024 Pencarrow Sauvignon Blanc Martinborough
Review Date: 07-07-2026
I taste a lot of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, so it's always exciting when I come across a winery that immediately earns a spot among my favorites. The 2024 Pencarrow Sauvignon Blanc, made by esteemed Martinborough winery Palliser, delivers everything I want in a young Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand: zesty citrus flavors, racy acidity, underlying minerality and a clean-as-a-whistle finish. Unlike Marlborough to the south, the climate in Martinborough is slightly warmer and the growing season shorter, leading to more restrained aromatics and a more textural mouthfeel. While the Pencarrow is unmistakably New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, it doesn't overwhelm with pungent flavors. Instead, it offers finesse and balance. Freshly cut green herbs like tarragon, Thai basil and lemon verbena mingle with grapefruit and lime peel notes. The finish is clean and crisp but also lingering, making it a wine that's just as enjoyable with food as it is on its own. Add this one to your summer wine list – it would be perfect well-chilled, either poolside or on the patio!
2021 La Rioja Alta "Viña Alberdi" Selección Especial Rioja
Review Date: 07-01-2026
Bearing the designation Selección Especial, the 2021 La Rioja Alta “Viña Alberdi” Rioja might just be the finest vintage ever produced. This distinction, rather than the standard Reserva, is awarded for exceptional harvests and has been used only once before, in 2001, making the 2021 a particularly noteworthy release. In line with the classic La Rioja Alta style, this wine ages for two years in American oak barrels coopered on site – the first year is spent in new oak, and then the wine is transferred to seasoned American oak barrels to help the oak aromas integrate into the wine. After bottling, the wine ages for another two years in bottle, as is common for Reserva Rioja. The result is a traditionally-styled Rioja that weaves vibrant aromas of red plum, Bing cherry, blood orange, and dried rose petals with classic notes of vanilla, cedar, sweet tobacco, and baking spice. On the palate, the wine feels silky and supple, with bright acidity carrying layers of juicy raspberry, cranberry, and red plum across a finely textured frame. The oak is seamlessly integrated, contributing subtle hints of coconut, dried herbs, and saddle leather, all without ever overshadowing the purity of the red fruit. There is an effortless elegance here, with gorgeous savory notes emerge on the lingering finish. This is traditional Rioja from one of the greatest wineries in Rioja at its most charming. It is graceful, complex, and highly drinkable. Enjoy it now with everything from grilled lamb to roast chicken, or tuck a few bottles away, as this remarkable 2021 has the balance and structure to reward another decade or more in the cellar.
2024 Lagar de Costa Albarino Rias Baixas
Review Date: 06-30-2026
Sourced from old vineyards close to the Atlantic Ocean, the 2024 Lagar de Costa Albariño delivers an electric sense of freshness, amplified by an extra layer of salty complexity. Aromas of Meyer lemon, white peach, lime blossom, and crushed oyster shell emerge from the glass, while the palate is taut, energetic, and wonderfully precise. On the palate, bright citrus and juicy orchard fruit give way to a distinctly saline finish reminiscent of a cool ocean breeze. There's an effortless balance here between vibrant acidity and subtle textural richness, making this as compelling on its own as it is alongside fresh shellfish, grilled fish, or just about anything that comes from the sea. Lagar de Costa has long been one of the benchmarks for coastal Albariño, and the 2024 vintage beautifully captures the purity and mineral drive that have made the estate such a favorite.
2022 Lagar de Costa "Calabobos" Albarino Rias Baixas
Review Date: 06-30-2026
Drawn from the estate's oldest coastal vineyards and aged for an additional year in concrete eggs, the 2022 Lagar de Costa Calabobos Albariño is a richer, more nuanced expression than the estate bottling, offering up an additional layer of textural complexity. Notes of yellow plum, green apple, chamomile, and preserved lemon unfold slowly, underlined by a thread of wet stone and Atlantic salinity. The palate is broad and textured yet remains remarkably focused, with bright acidity carrying the wine through a long, savory finish marked by hints of sea spray. There's a Burgundian sense of weight and complexity here, but with the unmistakable character of Rías Baixas. For anyone who thinks Albariño is simply a light, easy-drinking summer wine, Calabobos offers a compelling—and delicious—argument to the contrary.
Price:
$29.99
2024 Gaintza Rosé Getariako Txakolina
Review Date: 06-26-2026
This Rosé Txakolina bursts from the glass with vibrant aromas of fresh strawberries, watermelon rind, pink grapefruit, and fresh-cut herbs, all framed by the wine's signature subtle spritz on the palate. The palate is light on its feet, zipping along with mouthwatering acidity and a refreshing streak of citrus, creating a wine that's as playful as it is thirst-quenching. There's an unmistakable Atlantic freshness here, with a subtle mineral edge and salinity that adds just enough seriousness beneath all the fun. The delicate natural effervescence gives the wine extra lift, making it dangerously easy to pour another glass. Whether paired with grilled shrimp, fish tacos, or simply enjoyed on a sunny afternoon, this is the kind of bottle that disappears faster than you'd expect.
Price:
$18.99
2019 Frankland Estate "Poison Hill" Riesling Frankland River Western Australia
Review Date: 06-26-2026
A step up in weight and concentration from the Estate Riesling, the single vineyard “Poison Hill” Riesling is a serious example of dry Aussie Riesling – one that can rival the best from the Old World. The density of fruit here is astounding, especially considering how effortlessly nimble it feels on the palate, with a delicate, almost lacy finish. Aromas of Meyer lemon, grapefruit rind, lemongrass and tarragon burst from the glass, followed quickly by notes of apple blossom and beeswax. This is powerfully aromatic wine that is perfectly balanced by mouthwatering, racy acidity that keeps the overall character of the wine fresh and lively. This wine also feels improbably young, and although it is so easy to drink today, there’s a sense that it could age for a decade or more, given the density and high complexity. Simply one of the best values I’ve had from any country so far this year, this wine won’t last long in the stores, so I’d grab it while still avaialble.
2021 Frankland Estate Riesling Frankland River Western Australia
Review Date: 06-26-2026
If you’re not drinking Australian Riesling yet, why not? Bone dry, citrus-driven, and ultra crisp on the palate, this is Riesling for everyone who thinks they don’t like Riesling. Frankland Estate, located in the remote Frankland River region of Western Australia, is well-known in Australia as a Riesling specialist, producing vintage after vintage of zesty, mouthwateringly delicious examples of the variety, and their 2021 Estate Riesling is another fantastic release. The palate of this wine is packed with freshly squeezed lime, as well as grapefruit zest, Granny Smith apple and subtle jasmine notes. Bracing high acidity leads the wine into a lingering, long finish that is so clean and so fresh. Stony minerality and a slightly textural mouthfeel tie everything together. At well under $20, this is a ridiculously good value – the wine is very drinkable today but also has a quiet sense of austerity and restraint that, in combination with the high density of the citrus fruit notes, promises the ability to continue to age and develop classic aged Riesling aromatics with time. This is simply a superb example of dry Australian Riesling that should not be missed!
2021 Quinta de Saes Tinto Dão
Review Date: 06-17-2026
The quality of wine coming out of Portugal has simply never been better. In the past few decades, the country has experienced a renaissance of sorts, with an infusion of wine technology, young winemakers armed with fresh ideas, and a newfound dedication to regional and varietal typicity. And while the quality has steadily risen, the prices remain unbelievably low! If you haven’t opened a bottle of Portugese wine in a while, my hands down pick would be the 2021 Quinta de Saes from Dão, a region in the north of the country often referred to as the “Burgundy of Portugal”. Medium-bodied, with loads of fresh, almost slightly crunchy red fruit – think pomegranate, Bing cherry and cranberry – this is a wine that will likely change your mind about the kind of wine Portugal is capable of producing. There is an almost Pinot Noir-like transparency here, with subtle earth and oak spice notes emerging on the lingering finish, adding depth and complexity without sacrificing freshness. The mouthfeel of this wine is so light and graceful, it could be served with a slight chill even, perfect for warm summer evenings. The varieties here are a blend of native varieties as most Portuguese wines are – about 25% Touriga Naçional, 25% Alfrocheiro, 25% Jaen, and 25% Tinta Pinheira in this wine. Portugal has the highest density of indigenous varieties in Europe, about 300 by most counts, an extraordinary number for a small country. Most of these varieties are little known outside the country yet have had centuries to adapt to the climate and terroir where they grow, making them the perfect mirrors of each region. Refined yet utterly approachable, the 2021 Quinta de Saes truly overdelivers, offering distinctive character and sophistication at a price that makes reaching for a second bottle feel entirely justified.
2023 Esk Valley Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
Review Date: 06-17-2026
One of New Zealand’s gifts to the wine world is undoubtedly Sauvignon Blanc, made in a wonderfully crisp and exuberant style, and the 2023 Esk Valley is a great example of just why Sauvignon Blanc from this tiny nation is so remarkable. Expressive and juicy immediately after opening, the wine also presents incredible value – there’s just a lot going on here for only $14.99! Aromas of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, lime zest, and passionfruit leap from the glass, followed by hints of Thai basil, orange blossom and sea spray. Bright and energetic on the palate, the wine delivers layers of juicy citrus and tropical fruit framed by mouthwatering acidity. There is plenty of intensity here, but the wine remains balanced and graceful rather than overly pungent. A subtle mineral streak carries through the finish, lending length and a satisfying sense of freshness. A small percentage of the wine was barrel fermented with some lees stirring, which adds complexity and a slightly weightier, rounder mouthfeel than one might expect from a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Both vibrant and satisfying, this is the kind of white wine that seems to disappear from the glass all too quickly. Whether enjoyed on a warm afternoon or paired with fresh seafood, goat cheese, or spicy Asian cuisine, the 2023 Esk Valley is a delicious reminder of why New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc remains one of the wine world's greatest values.
2024 As Laxas "Laxas" Albariño Rias Baixas
Review Date: 06-09-2026
Albariño is undoubtedly one of Spain’s gifts to the world – it’s fresh and crisp, bursting with stone fruit and lemon zest flavors, making it the ultimate wine for summer. Though the vast majority comes from Rias Baixas, in Spain’s cool northwestern corner, there’s a surprising amount of variation within the region, generally dependent on how far away the Atlantic ocean is. Examples close to the coast are lean, mineral-driven and saline, while those more inland, like the 2024 Bodegas As Laxas Albariño, retain the bright freshness the variety is so well-known for, but add in densely packed nectarine and apricot notes, along with tangerine peel and fragrant lemon blossom. On the palate, the wine feels round and juicy, but that racy acidity adds structure and leads into a lingering finish. The slightly weightier style of this wine also makes it an excellent match for richer seafood and fish, like grilled shrimp or braised octopus, or even poke bowls. This is such a delicious and drinkable style of Albariño that’s also just highly enjoyable and uncomplicated to drink – it’s going to be hard to stop at just one glass! And at well under $20 per bottle, there’s no reason not to stock up on this one by the case.
2019 Miguel Merino Reserva Rioja (1.5L)
Review Date: 06-03-2026
Miguel Merino is somewhat unusual in that he chooses to release the same vintage of Reserva and Gran Reserva side by side, rather than a younger vintage of Reserva next to an older vintage of Gran Reserva. This makes for a fascinating comparison, with the main differences being time spent in barrel and the type of oak used for aging. The 2019 Reserva is made from mostly Tempranillo, with just a dash of Graciano, aged for two years in an interesting hybrid barrel of sorts: the staves are made from American oak and the heads are made from French oak, allowing the two flavor profiles to meld from the earliest stages of maturation. The barrels are 70% new, imparting a clear savory and dried herb component to the wine, along with dried tobacco, leather and toasted hazelnut. Now with over four years of bottle age, this Rioja is absolutely singing, with seamlessly integrated supple tannins and lovely, refreshing acidity. For me, this Rioja sits perfectly in the middle of a traditionally styled Rioja and one with more modern sensibilities – it seems to have one foot in the past honoring Miguel Sr. and one foot firmly in the present, showcasing the forward-thinking style of Miguel Jr. It’s clearly of the region, but it is a wonderfully elegant, light-footed version of a Rioja Reserva.
2019 Miguel Merino Gran Reserva Rioja (1.5L)
Review Date: 06-03-2026
Released alongside the same vintage of the Reserva Rioja, the Miguel Merino Gran Reserva Rioja ages for three years (as opposed to two for the Reserva) in barrel. Made from mostly Tempranillo with a touch of Graciano, the wine spends its first two years in 100% new French oak barrels, and then it is racked into used French oak barrels for its third year, to allow for seamless integration of the toasty oak aromas. This sort of attention to detail is just what sets the Miguel Merino Riojas apart, this one included. The wine is both elegant and powerful, achieving a harmonious balance between its firm, well-built structure and the densely woven red and black fruit notes. As the minutes pass in the glass, the wine just seems to gain in complexity, further unveiling woodsy forest floor and moss aromas, along with subtle licorice and dried thyme. There is a fine balance between freshness and maturity, with vibrant acidity carrying the wine into a long, lingering finish. Muscular and delicate at the same time, this Gran Reserva is such a wonderful example of the finesse and understated beauty Rioja can achieve.
2023 Miguel Merino Blanco Rioja
Review Date: 06-03-2026
Miguel Merino’s Blanco Rioja is made from 60% Viura and 40% Garnacha Blanca sourced from three distinct vineyards. It ferments and ages for 10 months in 500L neutral casks, avoiding any significant impression of new oak. The focus here is on freshness, fruit-purity and a racy, refreshing mouthfeel driven by acidity and dense minerality. A delicate floral note lingers in the background, along with fresh lemon thyme. This is such a delicious, clean and thoroughly modern style of white Rioja, with just enough creaminess on the palate to make it an excellent food wine.
2019 Miguel Merino Gran Reserva Rioja
Review Date: 06-03-2026
Released alongside the same vintage of the Reserva Rioja, the Miguel Merino Gran Reserva Rioja ages for three years (as opposed to two for the Reserva) in barrel. Made from mostly Tempranillo with a touch of Graciano, the wine spends its first two years in 100% new French oak barrels, and then it is racked into used French oak barrels for its third year, to allow for seamless integration of the toasty oak aromas. This sort of attention to detail is just what sets the Miguel Merino Riojas apart, this one included. The wine is both elegant and powerful, achieving a harmonious balance between its firm, well-built structure and the densely woven red and black fruit notes. As the minutes pass in the glass, the wine just seems to gain in complexity, further unveiling woodsy forest floor and moss aromas, along with subtle licorice and dried thyme. There is a fine balance between freshness and maturity, with vibrant acidity carrying the wine into a long, lingering finish. Muscular and delicate at the same time, this Gran Reserva is such a wonderful example of the finesse and understated beauty Rioja can achieve.
2019 Miguel Merino Reserva Rioja
Review Date: 06-03-2026
Miguel Merino is somewhat unusual in that he chooses to release the same vintage of Reserva and Gran Reserva side by side, rather than a younger vintage of Reserva next to an older vintage of Gran Reserva. This makes for a fascinating comparison, with the main differences being time spent in barrel and the type of oak used for aging. The 2019 Reserva is made from mostly Tempranillo, with just a dash of Graciano, aged for two years in an interesting hybrid barrel of sorts: the staves are made from American oak and the heads are made from French oak, allowing the two flavor profiles to meld from the earliest stages of maturation. The barrels are 70% new, imparting a clear savory and dried herb component to the wine, along with dried tobacco, leather and toasted hazelnut. Now with over four years of bottle age, this Rioja is absolutely singing, with seamlessly integrated supple tannins and lovely, refreshing acidity. For me, this Rioja sits perfectly in the middle of a traditionally styled Rioja and one with more modern sensibilities – it seems to have one foot in the past honoring Miguel Sr. and one foot firmly in the present, showcasing the forward-thinking style of Miguel Jr. It’s clearly of the region, but it is a wonderfully elegant, light-footed version of a Rioja Reserva.
2022 Miguel Merino "Viñas Jóvenes" Rioja
Review Date: 06-03-2026
The Viñas Jóvenes is Miguel Merino’s “village” wine, crafted from younger vines (between 10 and 25 years of age) and designed to show off the personality of the village of Briones where the winery is located. These are vines in training, in a sense, waiting to grow old enough to be included in the Reserva or Gran Reserva, yet in the interim produce readily accessible, highly enjoyable wines bursting with exuberant red fruit notes framed by a delicately savory quality. Made from 92% Tempranillo, with smaller amounts of Graciano and Garnacha, the wine ages for 12 months in second use barrels as well as 500L casks, to emphasize the youthful fruit and not cloak it in oak. Ready to drink now, with juicy fruit notes and lively acidity, this is hardly a trivial wine, however. Rather, it has a surprising amount of concentration for such a well-priced bottle, with a noticeable Miguel Merino thumbprint of elegance, finesse and restrained energy pulsing through the core of the wine, just like its older siblings.
2010 Bodegas Casa Juan "Señor de Lesmos" Gran Reserva Rioja
Review Date: 06-02-2026
One of the most remarkable traditions of Rioja is the long cellaring many bodegas undertake on behalf of the wine drinker, without any premium added! This tradition makes no sense from a financial or logistical point of view, and yet many wineries, Casa Juan included, continue to hold onto their Gran Reserva wines for years beyond what the appellation dictates, only releasing them when they are perfectly mature and ready to drink. The 2010 “Señor de Lesmos” Gran Reserva is a great example of this – savory, earthy and herbal on the nose, this wine is bursting with complex aromatics that came together over the past 15 years. Tobacco, tea leaf, graphite, dried oregano… every minute in the glass seems to unveil a new aroma. This is a wine of contemplation, but it’s also very approachable. Medium-bodied, with a lingering finish, this wine would be perfect with chorizo or grilled steak, or even just a good conversation with friends.
Price:
$29.99
2020 Bodegas Casa Juan "Señor de Lesmos" Crianza Rioja
Review Date: 06-02-2026
Now boasting more than five years of total aging, the 2020 Bodegas Casa Juan “Señor de Lesmos” Crianza Rioja remains impressively youthful, opening with notes of cranberry and tart cherry before revealing savory layers of mushroom, tea leaf, and dried oregano. A blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Mazuelo (Carignan), the grapes are sourced entirely from organically farmed, bush vines averaging 45 years of age. The palate is unmistakably Old World in style, with firm yet well-integrated tannins and a vibrant backbone of acidity that provides structure and balance. Unlike many Reserva and Gran Reserva Riojas, where oak can take center stage, this Crianza emphasizes pure red fruit framed by the earthy, nuanced character of Rioja terroir. Versatile and food-friendly, it pairs effortlessly with everything from pizza and tomato-based pasta dishes to cheese and charcuterie. The value here is truly exceptional. Handmade, family-owned, organically farmed—this is Rioja at its most authentic and approachable.
Price:
$14.99
2021 Dominio de Atauta "La Celestina" Crianza Ribera del Duero
Review Date: 06-02-2026
La Celestina is another label owned by Dominio de Atauta, crafted from sourced Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) grapes from the nearby sandy soils of Soria and clay soils of Burgos, both located in the cool eastern area of Ribero del Duero. The vine age across both areas ranges from 20-60 years old, and the wine is aged for 14 months in 20% new French oak barrels – an impressive elevage for a wine under $20. Compared to the Dominio de Atauta estate wines, the Celestina is more fruit-forward and easy-going – definitely read to drink now – yet has the power and well-built structure to pair with foods like grilled burgers, pasta with ragu, or barbecued ribs. This is a very impressive Ribero del Duero for a very reasonable price that delivers classic red fruit notes, savory undertones and elegant, fine-grained tannins wrapping everything together.
2022 Dominio de Atauta Albillo Mayor Ribera del Duero
Review Date: 06-02-2026
In 2010, a white wine joined the lineup at Atauta, made from Albillo Mayor vines that are interplanted with the old-vine Tinto Fino. While these were once used to conferment along with the red grapes, the winemaking team at Dominio de Atauta decided that they could stand on their own. Fermented in stainless steel and aged in large format neutral casks, the wine is bursting with ripe golden pear, apple, apricot and lemon oil notes, enhanced by a round, almost textural mouthfeel. Dry on the palate, this wine has the considerable weight, though, making it a great wine for soft cheeses or creamy sauces.
2022 Dominio de Atauta Ribera del Duero
Review Date: 06-02-2026
Dominio de Atauta’s flagship wine is crafted from ancient vineyards aged between 120 and 160 years old. These ungrafted, pre-phylloxera vines are so low yielding, they produce less than one bottle per vine. In most winegrowing regions of the world, these vines would’ve been replaced decades ago in favor of younger, higher-yielding vines, but the preservation efforts at Dominio de Atauta have created something truly special for wine drinkers – the ability to step back into time and drink Tempranillo clones as they existed generations ago. The resulting wine is intensely concentrated, with a huge amount of density as you might expect, but the high elevation of the area and comparatively cool climate also give the wine an equal amount of elegance. Imagine a master ballerina, graceful and nimble, but powered by sheer muscle and grit. The wine is firmly structured, and would benefit from decanting, but is refreshingly bright on the palate, with juicy blackberry and red currant notes. With 14 months of aging in just 15% new French oak, the main characteristic of the wine is the brooding, dark fruit and fine-grained structure. Supremely sophisticated, this wine offers a compelling alternative viewpoint to a classic region.
2022 Dominio de Atauta "Parada de Atauta" Ribero del Duero
Review Date: 06-02-2026
Dominio de Atauta is careful not to label Parada de Atauta as a second wine, but rather an entirely separate wine made from specific parcels of Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) at the estate. The vine age in these parcels is a bit younger than those that are destined for the flagship wine, though this feels like splitting hairs – a mere 90-120 years of age for the Parada de Atauta versus 120-160 years for the Dominio de Atauta. The soils are also slightly sandier, leading to more dominant red fruit notes of juicy red plum, red cherry and wild raspberry. The Parada ages for 14 months in 20% new French oak barrels, before being transferred to concrete vats for 5 months before bottling. The resulting wine is stunning, with supple, fine-grained tannins and an impressive amount of concentration of both fruit and more savory notes. So elegant and refined, this is a lovely example of the cooler side of Ribero del Duero, showcasing subtle power and a lot of finesse.
Mas Codina Brut Rosé Reserva Cava Penedès
Review Date: 05-28-2026
Made from 100% Pinot Noir, the Mas Codina Brut Rosé Reserva Cava is fresh, juicy, and loaded with gorgeous red fruit notes – think ripe red cherry, strawberry and plum – all kept in check with bright, racy acidity and a chalky finish. A touch fuller-bodied than the white Reserva and Gran Reserva, the more prominent fruit notes make this an ideal Cava to pair with soft cheeses and charcuterie, or even dishes featuring grilled chicken or shrimp. It’s also an astounding value, considering that it’s made from organically grown fruit and handmade at a family-owned estate that has been in operation since the 1600s. The quality of Cava has never been better, and this one is a prime example of that trend!
Price:
$14.99
Mas Codina Brut Reserva Cava Penedès
Review Date: 05-28-2026
Don’t let the low price of this wine fool you into thinking that it’s a simple, forgettable wine – instead it might just be one of the greatest values we stock. Made from organic fruit grown on the Mas Codina estate, the wine is creamy and toasty on the palate, with a rich round mouthfeel arising from the minimum of 18 months aging on the lees before disgorgement. This Cava is balanced by ripe golden apple, quince and lemon zest notes, with subtle minerality in the background. The bubbles are fine and refreshing, making this Cava dangerously easy to drink. Perfect for brunch, backyard parties, and sunny days by the pool, this is a sparkling wine that should be purchased by the case.
Price:
$13.99
Mas Codina Brut Nature Gran Reserva Cava Penedès
Review Date: 05-28-2026
With a minimum of 30 months aging on the lees, this beautifully crafted Cava bursts from the glass with notes of fresh brioche, toasted almond, lemon zest, and Granny Smith apple, all wrapped in fine, persistent bubbles. The palate is energetic yet creamy, balancing bright citrus fruit with layers of chalky minerality and a subtle hint of honey. Bottled as a Brut Nature, with just 1.5 g/L of residual sugar, the finish is crisp and clean, achieving a great balance between the lees-derived rich mouthfeel and the austerity of the acidity. Despite its serious pedigree and traditional-method craftsmanship, the wine feels joyful and approachable — the kind of bottle that disappears far too quickly once opened. It’s equally at home paired with oysters, sushi, roast chicken, or even juts salty potato chips. This is a sparkling wine that overdelivers in every possible way and proves just how exciting great grower Cava can be.
Price:
$16.99
2023 Ricca Terra "Juicy June" Chillable Red Blend Riverland South Australia
Review Date: 05-28-2026
The 2023 Juicy June from Ricca Terra might just be the Southern Hemisphere version of Beaujolias Nouveau! The 2023 blend is composed of 53% Grenache, 30% Nero d’Avola, and 12% Black Muscat, all sourced from the sun-drenched Riverland region of South Australia. It is bottled only a few months after harvest, resulting in a wine that is intensely aromatic, refreshing, and yes, juicy. Bursting with notes of candied cherry, ripe raspberry, wild strawberry, and red plum, the wine also shows subtle floral lift and a touch of spice from the Black Muscat component. Light-bodied and silky smooth on the palate, it’s an easy-drinking style of light-bodied red wine that is best enjoyed chilled down. Its lively fruit profile and fresh texture make it an ideal wine for casual gatherings, sunny afternoons, and relaxed outdoor meals. Juicy June pairs beautifully with charcuterie, wood-fired pizza, roast chicken, burgers, or smoky barbecue.
2015 Altanza Gran Reserva Rioja
Review Date: 05-05-2026
Rioja is a region like no other, perhaps most famous for aging wines for years or even decades before release, allowing them to reach maturity gracefully as the years pass. And unlike just about every other region in the world, these traditional wineries offer these aged wines at an absurdly reasonable price, allowing wine drinkers to experience older vintages without a markup for the extended cellaring. The 2015 Altanza Gran Reserva Rioja is a fantastic example of this tradition. Now with over a decade of maturity, the wine shows off the best of a traditionally made Rioja at a very sharp price. The 2015 vintage was a powerful one in Rioja – a warmer and drier year than average that led to richly concentrated wines. This medium-bodied, savory Gran Reserva, made from 100% Tempranillo, was aged for two years in a combination of French and American oak barrels, before resting in bottle for several more, helping those concentrated flavors and aromas to integrate fully. Aromas of warm cedar, cigar box, and dried tobacco are layered over hints of leather and fresh potting soil, while on the palate, there is a subtle rustic quality, with notes of faint forest floor and shitake mushrooms. Despite its age, this wine remains impressively fresh, driven by bright, lifted acidity that keeps everything lively and focused. The structure feels balanced rather than bold, allowing the savory notes to unfold gradually without overwhelming the still-fresh red fruit notes. As it sits in the glass, the wine becomes more savory and more complex. There’s also a quiet elegance here, and the finish is long and revitalizing, leaving lingering impressions of spice, earth, and toasty oak. This is a graceful, old-school Rioja that balances both maturity and energy. While you could certainly continue to age this wine in your own wine cellar, it would probably be hard to resist opening a bottle now! Mature, elegant, and impeccably balanced, this Rioja delivers a traditional experience at a practical price.
2024 Torres "Pago del Cielo - Celeste" Verdejo Rueda
Review Date: 04-24-2026
Albariño might be the white grape people most commonly associate with Spain, but I’d like to nominate another worthy variety: Verdejo. The flagship white grape of Rueda, a region sandwiched between Ribero del Duero and Toro in north-central Spain, Verdejo produces stunning wines of concentration and complexity, with perhaps a touch more body and stone-fruit-driven intensity than Albariño. The region is more inland and warmer than coastal Spain, but high elevation and a big temperature swing between day and night helps to keep the wines here snappy and fresh. The other major white grape grown in Rueda is Sauvignon Blanc, and when blended with Verdejo, as the 2024 Pago del Cielo “Celeste” Verdejo is, each variety complements the other, leading to a sum greater than its two individual parts. In this wine, 14% Sauvignon Blanc highlights youth and primary fruit, lending an ultra-zesty and racy finish, while the Verdejo contributes signature yellow peach and nectarine notes, as well as Meyer lemon zest and orange blossom. Incredibly vibrant, with ripe and juicy yellow fruit notes, the finish lingers. This wine is fermented in stainless steel, which emphasizes its crispness and vibrancy, then aged in the same tanks on the fine lees, which adds a bit of richness on the palate – just enough to add depth and weight – making it perhaps the ideal food wine for warm summer days. I would pair this wine with shrimp cocktail, sushi, summer salads, or even just on its own, hopefully poolside on a sunny day.
2024 Aniello Blanco de Pinot Noir Rio Negro Patagonia
Review Date: 04-23-2026
So fresh, flavorful and fun, this is my pick for the wine of the summer. The 2024 Aniello Blanco de Pinot Noir from Patagonia is a refreshing white wine vinified from 100% Pinot Noir, however, it is actually the palest shade of pink possible, more akin to a vin gris style of rosé from France. This tiny amount of pigmentation is extracted during the pressing of the fruit – the bunches of Pinot Noir are put directly into the press, and during this process itself, a subtle amount of color is extracted from the grape skins as the juice is extracted from the berries. Aniello is located in the heart of Patagonia, in southern Argentina, where long sunlight hours combined with cold nights help to create wines with great intensity and an electric, refreshing feel on the palate. This is evident in the Aniello, where a high level of fruit concentration is contrasted by bright acidity and lingering minerality. Also, an interesting characteristic about white wine made from red grapes is that many typical red fruit aromatics remain: in this wine, fresh strawberries and cream, juicy red plum and a slightly tarter red currant note. Aging in concrete and neutral barrels on the fine lees adds white almond and yeasty brioche to the mix, all backed up by a bracing, lingering finish. At this price, there’s a lot to like here: top-notch winemaking from a premium (and very up-and-coming) wine region, leading to a highly unique style of wine that would be very fun to serve to guests – after all, how many people have tried a white Pinot Noir from Patagonia? This is one to buy by the case while still available.
2021 Bass Phillip "Estate" Pinot Noir Gippsland Victoria
Review Date: 04-16-2026
Bass Phillip has long had a cult-like following in Australia, but its acquisition by famed Burgundian winemaker Jean-Marie Fourrier in 2020 only has caused demand for the wines – which have always been exceedingly difficult to source – to grow even more. Located in Gippsland, a cool-climate region in Victoria to the southeast of Melbourne, Bass Phillip has consistently produced lean, elegant examples of Pinot Noir that defy expectations of the style of wine Australia can produce. This part of the country has a maritime climate, with cold winds sweeping onshore from the nearby Bass Strait, lowering ripeness potential and lending incredible tension and structure to the wines. Jean-Marie Fourrier had previously worked as a consultant at Bass Phillip, and he too was taken with the landscape and the potential of the terroir, so much so that when the opportunity arose to purchase the estate, he accepted. His intention is not to be an absentee owner, but rather work two harvests per year, so that he can maintain influence over the winemaking, blending and bottling. 2021 was the first vintage where he was fully in control of the winemaking, and the results are lovely: brooding black cherry and plum on the nose that mingles with a delicately elegant note of dried violet, all tied together with supple, fine-grained tannins and a finish that lingers. This Pinot Noir perfectly balances power with finesse, and the nod to a Burgundian sense of restraint and emphasis on terroir is clear. With the demand of these wines growing each year, this is one – also priced at a tiny fraction of what Fourrier’s Burgundies cost – to collect by the case.
2024 Laberinto "Cenizas" Sauvignon Blanc Valle de Maule
Review Date: 04-16-2026
Ultra crisp and ultra refreshing, this might just be the Sauvignon Blanc of the summer. All the pieces just seem to snap effortlessly into place: incredible lemon and lime zest concentration, racy acidity and a mouthwatering finish that calls to mind cool-climate Loire Valley. So often, Sauvignon Blanc drinkers look to France for mineral-driven styles of the variety, but this high-elevation example from Chile offers a new and delicious option to explore. And while the structure of the wine is incredibly nervy, the quality of the fruit on the palate is pure and vibrant, speaking to its South American origin. Increasingly, we see lines between the Old and the New World style of wine blurring, and this wine is a perfect example of that, instead offering the best of both worlds: elegant minerality matched with exuberantly youthful fruit. So restrained and delicately herbaceous on the palate, with faint aromas of chervil and tarragon, there is also a distinct saline quality to the wine, despite the vineyards at Laberinto being located at the foot of the Andes, not seaside. Bright and pithy, this wine is screaming out for oysters on the half shell or shrimp cocktail, but it will also likely be just fine on its own, especially on a warm, sunny day.
2023 Pyramid Valley Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough
Review Date: 03-19-2026
One of the most well-known names in New Zealand for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Pyramid Valley Vineyards has looked further afield from their North Canterbury estate in recent years, now offering their take on a classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc – and the result couldn’t be more delicious. This is such an elegant, restrained and mineral-driven style of Sauvignon Blanc, miles above the simpler, tropical fruit-forward wines the region is famous for. Delicately herbal on the nose, subtle tarragon and chervil notes mingle with classic lime leaf and grapefruit zest. Juicy white nectarine and kumquat follows quickly behind, along with a faint grassy note. On the palate, the wine has an almost electric feel. It’s just so fresh and crisp, with a brightness and nervy tension that lingers. The wine is also incredibly textural and ever so slightly savory, most likely thanks to a small inclusion of Pinot Gris in the fermentation, making it a great option for pairing with seafood, sushi or salads. With warmer days on the horizon, this is a serious example of Sauvignon Blanc to stock up on.
2022 Yalumba "The Signature" Cabernet-Shiraz Barossa Valley South Australia
Review Date: 03-13-2026
As Australia’s oldest family-owned winery, with a legacy stretching back to 1849, Yalumba consistently produces some of the best wines in the country, vintage after vintage. The Signature is one of the estate’s benchmark wines that clearly shows off this dedication to quality. A blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Shiraz, aged in a combination of French, Hungarian and American oak for 21 months, the Signature is rich, dense and highly complex, yet not overly extracted or heavy-handed in the least. Rather, it showcases what the Barossa does best: balance old vine intensity with elegance and finesse. It’s also so classically Barossa, showing off exactly why Cabernet and Shiraz combine so well in this Mediterranean climate. The wine has equal parts red fruit from the Cabernet – juicy red currant, Santa Rosa plum, pomegranate – and black/blue fruit from the Shiraz – wild blueberry, black plum – all tied together with a distinctly herbaceous streak through the core of the wine. Subtle toasty oak notes support in the background, letting the fruit take center stage. This wine is traditionally Australian in the best way, full-bodied and powerful, but refined and sophisticated at the same time, ready to drink now but also with the density and concentration to age for years to come. Like many countries in the world, Australia has been experiencing a renaissance of sorts, with new varieties and winemaking styles joining the conversation, but sometimes it’s most rewarding to stick to the classics. After all, there’s a reason why these wines have endured for decades – they’re simply delicious.
2018 Remelluri Reserva Rioja
Review Date: 03-13-2026
Telmo Rodriguez is one of Spain’s most famous living winemakers, responsible for several of the most exciting wines produced across the country today, including Yjar Rioja and Matallana Ribero del Duero, but his story begins with Remelluri. This historic site in Rioja Alavesa was purchased by his father in 1968, and Telmo later went off to France as a young man to study winemaking, including stints at Cos d’Estournel, Jean-Louis Chave, and Domaine de Trévallon. Famously, the father and son had a falling out when Telmo returned to Spain to work at the family property. While Telmo was eager to explore the potential of single village and single vineyard wines, his father was more interested in producing lower-priced wines with fruit sourced from across Rioja. In response, Telmo instead created the Compañía de Vinos Telmo Rodríguez, which explores historic vineyards across Spain, and he quickly developed a reputation as a winemaker to watch. He and his father eventually came to an understanding, however, and Telmo returned to the family property in 2009. Since then, all the wines at Remelluri have been made with 100% estate-grown fruit – and the quality has never been better. And while Telmo has gone on to explore the potential of the estate as he always wanted, with the spectacular Yjar Rioja – sourced from a tiny single parcel on the property – as well as his single village “Lindes de Remelluri” wines, the flagship Remelluri Reserva remains a steadfast traditional expression of the overall character of the high-elevation site. Supremely elegant, this is a gorgeous example of a fine-boned Rioja. Framed by well-integrated oak notes of vanilla, toasted almond and cocoa nib, the wine is dominated by fresh red fruit and faintly earthy notes of button mushroom and wild herbs. So typical of the cooler climate of Rioja Alavesa, this such a sophisticated style of Rioja that perfectly balances tradition with a very modern sense of transparency of terroir. If you haven’t had a Remelluri Rioja in a while, I’d highly encourage revisiting this historic estate. It seems like every vintage just gets better and better, thanks to the steadfast determination and vision of Telmo Rodriguez.
2024 Viña Zorzal Garnacha Navarra
Review Date: 03-13-2026
So fresh and easy to drink, this Garnacha is one of the best wines I’ve had at this price point all year. Garnacha is native to neighboring Aragón, where it thrives in the warm, Mediterranean climate, and this wine shows exactly why old vine Garnacha is one of the most compelling wines to explore from Spain. Fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel, this bottle is brimming with incredibly pure red fruit aromas and flavors, followed quickly by a slightly spicy black pepper note. On the palate it feels so lightweight and effortless, with silky smooth tannins and an exuberant brightness. This is an incredibly versatile wine to have on hand for a multitude of occasions and meals. It would be perfect with charcuterie, grilled chicken, wood-fired pizza, even burgers on the grill – the list goes on and on. It’s also just really fun to drink on its own, possibly with a light chill to emphasize those pretty fruit and floral notes. This is a wine to buy by the case!
2022 Viña Zorzal Graciano Navarra
Review Date: 03-13-2026
Viña Zorzal is well-known for their dedication to Graciano – it’s the variety that helped put them on the global wine radar, and this wine shows exactly why that attention is so well-deserved. Typically a blending grape in both Navarra and neighboring Rioja, the grape contributes both color and acidity, as well as more delicate floral and even lightly spicy aromas. On its own, especially from old vines in warm areas, it thrives. This wine is more black than red-fruited, with juicy blackberry and black plum notes, as well as faint candied violet and iris in the background. The balance between fruit and structure here is impeccable, with racy acidity that ties everything together and silky, fine-grained tannins from the nine months this wine spent in larger French oak casks. Firmly medium-bodied, slightly more intense floral flavors emerge on the palate, along with earthy forest floor and licorice notes. This is very simply, another stunning deal for the price.
2023 Sheild Pinot Noir Nelson
Review Date: 03-10-2026
The 2023 Sheild Pinot Noir might just be the perfect wine for springtime: it’s fresh and vibrant, bursting with youthful fruit flavors, and it’s incredibly silky and seamless on the palate. Hailing from Nelson, at the very top of the South Island, this is a delicate, fine-boned example of Pinot Noir that also completely overdelivers for its modest price point. Compared to warmer or more southerly regions of New Zealand, the wines of Nelson are known for being lighter-bodied on the palate, with more subtle earthy notes. Proximity to the ocean lends a coastal feel to the wine, while the region’s ample sunshine ensures perfectly ripe fruit. And while the purity of the fruit in this wine – juicy red cherries, wild raspberry – clearly speaks to the New World, there’s something distinctly Old World about the freshness of the palate and the electric backbone of acidity. It’s just superbly light on its feel and elegant in expression. According to winemaker Trudy Sheild, this wine is crafted from three Pinot Noir clones – Abel, 10/5, and Pommard – with the inclusion of 40% whole clusters during fermentation, which amplifies the bright freshness of the fruit. The wine was then matured in French oak barrels for 9 months, 25% of which were new. In other words, at under $20 per bottle, this is a screaming deal for the quality of winemaking and regional expression of the wine. With only about 1000 cases made, this also is a wine to stock up on by the case.
2024 Viña Elena "Bruma Paraje Marín" Monastrell Jumilla
Review Date: 03-06-2026
The 2024 Viña Elena "Bruma Paraje Marín" was wine critic Tim Atkin’s Value Red Wine of the Year for 2025, and I couldn’t agree more. Wildly expressive and bursting with youthful aromas of wild lavender, juicy blackberry, black plums and wisteria, the wine also has a nervy, exuberant energy – quite simply, it’s a joy to drink! Made from 100% Monastrell (better known as Mourvèdre in France and occasionally Mataro in the New World), this wine is a wonderful expression of the variety, which is thought to be native to Jumilla, where Viña Elena is located. Winemaker Elena Pacheco is the youngest of four sisters, and the daughter who most closely trailed her father in the vineyards and winery, absorbing the knowledge passed on from his own father, who planted the family’s vineyards. Her father’s business was mainly selling bulk wine, but in 2002, Elena bottled her first wine, named after her father. The family winery is located in Estrecho de Marín, a valley encircled by gentle, low-lying mountains at the southern edge of Jumilla. This Monastrell is sourced from several vineyards surrounding the winery, combining fruit from warm, west-facing slopes with that of cooler, east-facing sites. The wine is then fermented and aged in concrete vats to maintain its fresh, vibrant fruit character. There’s so much going on with this wine aromatically, yet on the palate it feels silky and refined, almost ethereal. The flavors glide across the palate effortlessly, supported by refreshing acidity and grippy, yet well-integrated tannins, and the finish just goes on and on. There’s also something darker and meatier lingering in the background: faint campfire, black licorice and freshly ground pepper, all very subtle, but just enough to add an intriguing component. This wine would be wonderful with a charcuterie board but also could stand up to spring lamb or grilled chicken, or even something more intense like a wild boar sugo. It would also be great slightly chilled on a warm day. This Monastrell is just so delicious and so drinkable, and I’m in agreement with Tim Atkin – it’s a stupendous value for the price.
2015 Bodegas Ontañon Reserva Rioja
Review Date: 02-25-2026
Savory, woodsy and very delicious, this is a classic textbook example of a traditional Reserva Rioja. In recent years, there’s been a growing divide between the traditionalists and the modernists in this storied region. The split often lies within the decision to participate in the aging classification of Rioja, with the appellation required a minimum amount of time in oak barrels followed by additional time in bottle (in the case of Reserva, three years total). While many wineries are choosing to abandon this system of aging, in favor of labelling as generic Rioja, just as many are steadfastly dedicated to the classic manner of aging Rioja. This isn’t to say that one is better than the other – rather, there’s never been more choice and stylistic diversity in the region! The 2015 Ontañón Reserva Rioja is a wonderful option to explore the traditional style, at a very attractive price for a wine almost a decade old. Lovely vanilla and cocoa nib aromas surround earthy fallen leaves and dried red currant. Firmly medium-bodied, with smooth, supple tannins and bright, uplifting acidity, this wine is aged in both American and French oak barrels for two years, followed by several more in bottle, resulting in excellent balance and integration of flavors. It’s also still incredibly youthful for its age, and from an excellent vintage in Rioja, is a wine to stock up on.
2021 Teusner "The Gentleman" Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley South Australia
Review Date: 02-25-2026
Founded by former Torbreck winemaker Kym Teusner in 2001, Teusner Winery is winery to watch in the Barossa Valley. Kym was a student at the University of Adelaide studying business, but as he describes it, a chance encounter with a Barossa Valley Cabernet changed his trajectory and he quickly pivoted to study winemaking instead. Following his stint at Torbreck, he later worked with acclaimed Barossa winemaker Rolf Binder, so it’s accurate to say that Kym is an old vine Barossa expert in his own right now, crafting modern wines from ancient, dry-farmed vineyards. He believes in a light hand in the winery, including the use of manual pumpovers and well-seasoned French oak barrels to let the character of the ancient vines speak. The 2021 “The Gentleman” Cabernet Sauvignon is a great example of this approach. Inky and brooding at first approach, the wine has dense aromas of wild blackberry, plum and currant with a distinctive dried thyme streak running through the core of the wine. While the nose is quite powerful, the palate follows through with surprisingly refreshing acidity, and a lithe mouthfeel – the perfect balance between power and elegance. This wine is also immediately drinkable, offering up a lot of pleasure for an incredibly reasonable price. Try this one with a juicy steak or burger. It’s meaty, savory, concentrated, and really hard to stop at just one glass.
2019 Vinos del Atlantico "Calma" Crianza Rioja
Review Date: 02-17-2026
Change is afoot in Rioja. Increasingly, producers are backing away from extraction, new oak and extended aging, instead favoring a lighter hand in the winery that highlights vineyard-specific terroir. The 2019 Vinos del Atlántico “Calma” Crianza Rioja is a compelling example of this exciting stylistic shift. Made from 100% old vine Tempranillo sourced from a single, high-elevation vineyard in the village of Hormilla in Rioja Alta, the wine is fermented in stainless steel, with the inclusion of 15% whole clusters to enhance the fresh and youthful red fruit notes. Bursting with red plum and cherry, this vibrant Rioja is supported by subtle and well-integrated tobacco, dried oregano and woodsmoke. The wine is matured in used French and American oak barrels, which has helped to soften the tannins and round out the acidity. The result is a gorgeous, medium-bodied wine that perfectly balances still-youthful fruit and intriguing savory notes in the background – a wine that highlights the intensity and complexity of old vine Tempranillo, not new oak. Some might refer to this style of Rioja as “modern", but quite the opposite is true. This is a Rioja that marks a return to the oldest days of the region, where small family-owned parcels were fermented individually, with little to no overt oak. A fresh expression of a traditional style, this elegant Rioja clearly speaks to the place it comes from.
2021 El Enemigo "Gran Enemigo - Gualtallary" Cabernet Franc Mendoza
Review Date: 02-06-2026
El Enemigo was born in 2009 as a passion project between two friends and has since developed an almost cult-like following that is steady and growing. The minds behind the winery are Adrianna Catena, daughter of the legendary Nicolás Catena, and Alejandro Vigil, chief winemaker at Bodega Catena Zapata and former head of the soil division at Argentina’s Wine Institute. The idea for El Enemigo took shape after a celebration honoring Nicolás Catena in London. While walking along the River Thames, Adrianna and Alejandro discussed their vision: to create a wine that honors tradition while challenging convention. The name El Enemigo—Spanish for “the enemy”—reflects their desire to confront the status quo. Inspired by a shared love for Bordeaux, their goal was to produce cool-climate, high-altitude Cabernet Franc. Today, winemaking is split between the Catena family winery in the Uco Valley and Alejandro’s personal barrel room. At the heart of their portfolio are the Gran Enemigo wines. The standout is the Gualtallary Cabernet Franc, sourced from a single vineyard located at just over 4,800 feet in the Uco Valley. Blended with 15% Malbec, the wine is fermented in concrete tanks with 40% whole-cluster inclusion. It undergoes an extended post-fermentation maceration, with about 40 days before pressing. Aging takes place in concrete for 15 months, preserving the wine’s vibrant and elegant character. Distinctive and compelling, this is a must-try expression of Argentine winemaking.
2022 Mount Edward Pinot Noir Central Otago
Review Date: 02-04-2026
Mount Edward is a longstanding K&L customer favorite, crafting Pinot Noir with purity, intensity and elegance, vintage after vintage. They also happen to be one of our most longstanding direct import partnerships, so this consistency of quality is something we’ve been able to observe firsthand. Located in the heart of Central Otago on New Zealand’s South Island, Mount Edward is a pioneer of organic and biodynamic viticulture, founded in 1997 and led today by maverick winemaker Duncan Forsyth. The newest vintage of the winery's flagship estate Pinot Noir, the stunning 2022, is a masterclass in elegance, made with fruit from their organic-certified vineyards across the Gibbston, Bannockburn, and Lowburn sub-regions. It also is yet another vintage that truly overdelivers for its modest price. A year that was slightly warmer and longer than average, this Pinot Noir opens with vibrant black and red cherry notes, backed up by fresh red currant and layered with the region's signature notes of wild thyme and spice. While the fruit is forward and vibrant, the palate is seamless, balancing well-integrated tannins and a nimble mouthfeel. Very open and approachable now, with exuberant, youthful fruit, the wine is kept in check by snappy, bright acidity and crunchy red fruit on the palate – pomegranate, rhubarb – along with a delicate hibiscus note. On the palate, it balances power with finesse, featuring a fine-grained tannic structure and a mineral-driven finish, tied together with just a touch of French oak. Some wines require time in bottle or time in a decanter, but this is a bottle that is so lively right after opening. Simply put, it’s one of Central Otago’s most authentic and transparent examples of Pinot Noir.
2024 Craggy Range "Te Muna" Sauvignon Blanc Martinborough
Review Date: 01-22-2026
Although New Zealand only contributes 1% to global wine production, it is undeniably a Sauvignon Blanc powerhouse. And while Marlborough, located on the South Island, is responsible for the vast majority of Sauvignon Blanc production, Martinborough, located on the North Island, shouldn’t be overlooked. Just a short drive from Wellington, this tiny region produces Sauvignon Blanc with tremendous intensity and minerality, in contrast to more overt tropical fruit and floral notes of cooler Marlborough. The 2024 “Te Muna” Sauvignon Blanc is a great example of this contrast, bursting with juicy white peach, tangy mandarin, and freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, all balanced by mouthwatering acidity and a bone-dry finish. Not cloying or overly fruity in the least, this wine also features subtle tender green herb notes, as well as a textural sense of rocky minerality on the palate. Ultra refreshing and ultra zesty, this is benchmark New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from an outstanding family-owned winery, and a wine that proves exactly why this diminutive nation has such an outsized reputation in regards to Sauvignon Blanc.
2023 Chateau de Pizay Regnie
Review Date: 01-19-2026
Dangerously easy to drink, this attractive Beaujolais has ample juicy raspberry and black cherry notes, with faint iris and lilac in the background. The structure of the wine is well-built, with supple, approachable tannins holding everything together, and refreshing acidity leads the wine into a surprisingly long finish. It doesn’t really get more classic Gamay than this – a fantastic value to have on hand for quiet nights at home.
2023 Chateau de Pizay Morgon
Review Date: 01-19-2026
Darker-fruited and a bit more brooding than the 2023 Chateau de Pizay Regnie, this Morgon also shows a little bit more tension on the palate, with grippier tannins. Blackberry and black cherry are complemented by tea leaf and forest floor notes. While wild bramble fruit notes dominate the palate, the structure is serious enough to pair this wine with roast or grilled chicken, or even spring lamb. Morgon is known for being one of the most serious of the Beaujolias crus, and this wine really exemplifies that, balancing classic pretty berry notes with fantastic structure.
2022 Leeuwin "Art Series" Chardonnay Margaret River Western Australia
Review Date: 01-16-2026
Simply put, Leeuwin Estate is an icon of Australian winemaking, consistently crafting wines that rival the best in the world. One of the five founding wineries of the now-famous Margaret River appellation in Western Australia, Leeuwin Estate was initially a cattle property purchased in 1969. With early guidance from legendary Napa Valley winemaker Robert Mondavi, who identified the site as ideal for premium wine production, Leeuwin Estate was gradually transformed into the remarkable vineyard and winery it is today. The estate is most famous for its prestigious Art Series range, which represents the pinnacle of their production. Each year, the winery commissions leading contemporary Australian artists to create original paintings for the labels, a tradition that began after a successful 1980 Chardonnay vintage caught the attention of the international wine community. The flagship Art Series Chardonnay is consistently rated as one of the best in the world, frequently compared to top-tier Burgundies for its balance of power and precision. The Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon is equally celebrated for its structured elegance and savory complexity. Both wines are included in the prestigious Langton’s Classification of Australian Wine, a recognition reserved for the 100 most highly sought-after Australian fine wines, recognized for their consistent performance and demand at auction. Today, the estate remains a family-owned operation under the stewardship of three generations, continuing to set the benchmark for Australian viticulture and winemaking.
2023 Seppeltsfield "Watervale" Riesling Clare Valley South Australia
Review Date: 01-15-2026
Crisp, refreshing and ultra racy, this is a wine that makes you wonder why more people are not reaching for Aussie Riesling. Sourced from the Watervale sub-region of South Australia’s Clare Valley – widely considered to be the premier area for cultivating Riesling -- the 2023 Seppeltsfield Riesling is bursting with lime zest, juicy grapefruit and lemon blossom. Clean as a whistle on the palate, this wine finishes dry with a zinging, almost electric tension. A style of Riesling completely unique to the Clare Valley, with incredibly vibrant citrus notes and linear acidity, balanced by a surprising palate weight, this is a great option for Sauvignon Blanc fans who want to try something new. Try this one poolside on a warm, sunny day or for when you just want to pretend that’s where you are!
2021 Tayu 1865 Pinot Noir Malleco Valley
Review Date: 01-14-2026
Pinot Noir is notoriously one of the most finicky varieties to cultivate, especially so in extreme cool-climate regions. Considering this, the 2021 Tayu 1865 Pinot Noir is a head-turner of a wine – dark, dense, and brimming with black cherry and plum notes – all at a price that seems too good to be true. Made from fruit grown in Chile’s Malleco Valley, the southernmost winegrowing region in the country, this wine balances a high concentration of just ripe black fruit notes with sprightly acidity and gently gripping tannins. The climate of the Malleco Valley is marginal, on par with other regions perched at the edge of what’s feasible, such as New Zealand’s Central Otago region, or Germany’s Ahr region. Much like wines made the former and the latter, this wine has a distinct intensity, wrapped up in a nervy, linear structure. With just a faint hint of oak on the palate and a subtle green note, like freshly harvested tender herbs, the finish of the wine is so long and lingering, it’s hard to believe that it's under $20. Simply one of the best values I’ve had the pleasure of trying recently, this is a wine to snap up while still available.
2023 Rafael Cambra "Soplo" Garnacha Valencia
Review Date: 01-14-2026
Rafael Cambra is a leading figure in the "new wave" of Valencian winemaking, known for his dedication to the preservation of rare indigenous grape varieties and working with a gentle hand in the winery. Growing up in a family that runs one of Spain’s most prestigious vine nurseries, supplying iconic estates like Vega Sicilia, Cambra brings a deep viticultural pedigree to his own project, established in 2001. His winemaking philosophy has gradually shifted from a traditional style to a more "hands-off" approach, utilizing organic farming, wild yeasts, and diverse aging vessels including egg-shaped concrete tanks, all in the quest to let the terroir speak. His 2023 “Soplo” Garnacha, made from 80% Garnacha, blended together with Monastrell and the rare Forcallà variety, is a vibrant, pure expression of this rugged Mediterranean region, balancing brooding bramble fruit notes with spicy, herbaceous undertones of wild fennel frond and dried oregano. Soplo translates to "breath" or "gust", and this wine is just that – a fresh approach to both Garnacha and Valencian wines. Favoring a slightly darker fruit profile than most Spanish Garnachas, with tart blackberry and juicy black currant notes, it also has the gently gripping tannins that make it an excellent option for pairing with a cheese and cured meats, or even grilled meats. And at under $15, this is a no brainer to pick up by the case to have on hand for quiet nights in!