New Arrivals

Tusk Estates is a small, estate-focused producer in Napa Valley dedicated to limited-production Bordeaux-style wines crafted from carefully selected vineyard sources. The winery emphasizes hands-on farming partnerships, precision in the cellar, and blends designed to reflect balance and structure rather than overt manipulation. “L’Orange” is a proprietary Bordeaux blend within the portfolio, produced in small quantities and shaped by the estate’s restrained, detail-oriented approach to winemaking.

This blend of 57% Mourvèdre, 29% Grenache, 11% Syrah and 3% Cinsaut is still amazingly fresh six years into its life. Black cherry, purple flower potpourri, tar and dried meat aromas lead from the nose into a zesty palate of black raspberry, boysenberry and white pepper. *Editors' Choice* (MK)

The 2008 Cristal Late-Released is a special cuvée bottled to celebrate Cristal’s 150th Anniversary. It spent an added four years on the lees, which places it between the regular release and the Vinothèque in terms of aging. Explosive in the glass, the 2008 possesses off-the-charts textural richness and density, much of that coming from the shaking of the bottles during élevage (poignettage). That extra mid-palate resonance fills out the layers, resulting in a Cristal that is utterly profound. Unforgettable. Disgorged: 2020. (AG)

The 2008 Cristal Late-Released is a special cuvée bottled to celebrate Cristal’s 150th Anniversary. It spent an added four years on the lees, which places it between the regular release and the Vinothèque in terms of aging. Explosive in the glass, the 2008 possesses off-the-charts textural richness and density, much of that coming from the shaking of the bottles during élevage (poignettage). That extra mid-palate resonance fills out the layers, resulting in a Cristal that is utterly profound. Unforgettable. Disgorged: 2020 (AG)

The 2008 Cristal Rosé Late-Released is another special 150th Anniversary bottling from Roederer. Interestingly, the Rosé seems to gain less through extended time in bottle and poignettage than the Blanc. Cranberry, chalk, mint, white pepper, slate and citrus peel are all finely sculpted. I look forward to tasting this again in another few years’ time, and specifically, seeing how it compares to the original release with bottle age. (AG)

The 2015 Vaillons opens with an intensely flinty nose that gives way to aromas of lemon chiffon and dried herbs. The palate is richly textured, with abundant orchard fruit balanced by a surge of acidity and energy. The mid- to back-palate is particularly impressive, revealing layers of fruit and complexity that carry seamlessly through to a finish marked by classic Chablisienne character.

Bold and muscular, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Slope comes from the Immortal Estate Vineyard, which sits on the red volcanic soils on the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas mountains. Including 2% Petit Verdot and pouring an opaque black, potent and layered aromas lift from the glass, with menthol, cassis, toasted cedar, and vanilla. Fleshy and very full-bodied, its velvety sweet tannins and plummy fruit coat the palate, with fresh acidity and a long, toasty finish. A seductive wine, it will take time to lose some of its baby fat and reveal its more savory complexity. Drink 2025-2040. (AF)

Dense licorice and forest berry aromas mask the deep tannin structure of this Chateauneuf-du-Pape masterpiece. Full-bodied but with a lightness of touch. Then the power and stony intensity pour over you in a giant wave. The freshness is extraordinary for this hot and dry vintage. Serious tannins in the very long, compact and refined finish. From organically grown grapes. (SP)

Delicate floral aromas lift from the glass including lilac and bruised honeysuckle followed by Fuji apple and hints of lychee. The rounded palate unveils a stony minerality with flakes of sea salt and lemon peel on the finish. Pair with oysters, linguine alfredo and salmon caviar. (RG)

I’ve tasted the 2019 Barolo Monfortino three times before bottling at the estate, and it’s one of those vintages where no Francia was made, so all the fruit went into the Monfortino. This is a highly structured expression of the cuvée, yet it shows remarkable finesse and nimbleness in the glass. Aromas of leather, smoky earth, cherries, and floral cologne emerge with clarity and depth. The palate is tightly woven and precise, with firm yet balanced tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, resonant finish. It’s already showing beautifully, and this is truly as good as it gets. The nobility of its structure is profound and promises decades of evolution. Speaking with Roberto Conterno during this tasting, he likened the wine to the 2013, but noted that it carries more elegance even now, something he attributes to the inclusion of Arrione in the final blend. (AF)

Good depth of minerality goes a bit deeper and vertically here with green apples, lime, chalk and seashells. Nicely round, with subtle salinity on the medium-bodied palate before a sleek, fresh finish. Drink or hold.

Very different from the 2022 vintage, the 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape from Clos des Papes is deeper and more powerful. It reveals delicate aromas of flowers, iris, lilac and spices, intertwined with lovely peppery notes. Full-bodied, concentrated and dense, it displays the estate’s characteristic tension but with perfectly controlled power that brings a richer, solid core of fruit. The finish is long, ethereal and peppery, complemented by velvety tannins that promise graceful aging. It has a real potential to improve in the cellar. (YC)

The bottled 2023 PSI is faithful to the final blend I tasted last year before the wine was bottled. It's juicy, ripe and approachable, a little showier and headier, not quite reaching 14% alcohol but almost. This year, it has some 10% Garnacha in the bottled blend, some of it mixed with Tempranillo and some of it on its own. They are planting more Garnacha for the future. It feels like a very classical old-time Ribera del Duero wine, with elegant rusticity that I love. It's perfumed and floral with notes of decayed flowers. Twenty percent of the wine matured in barrels while the rest matured in oak vats, for some 14 months. The tannins are polished, and it feels like the time in bottle has done it good; the PSI tannins usually need time. They are resolved quite quickly, but the wine does need a bit of time. (LG)

Bright and floral on the nose. The tannins are extremely fine, almost imperceptible, but very much present, giving the wine a strong base for long ageing. It's perfectly balanced, long and deep, resulting in a rich but surprisingly classic vintage of Clos des Papes considering the extreme conditions this year. Rich but bright, very complete and pure with no excesses. Vines are typically 30 to 40 years old, spread across 24 parcels. Matured for 12 months in foudres of at least four years of age. (MW)

Very few vintages of this legendary Tuscan wine deliver the immediate joy, richness and complexity found in the Tenuta San Guido 2023 Bolgheri Sassicaia. Tasted both before and after its January 2026 bottling, this is a wine that feels uncannily open and generous in its youth, a rare trait for Sassicaia, which is famously inscrutable at this stage. The 2023 vintage was marked by a cold winter and above-average rainfall followed by a severe outbreak of downy mildew that damaged leaves, forcing brutal fruit selection and resulting in a 20% reduction in yields. Only the estates willing to make these sacrifices succeeded, and the best wines rank among the most compelling and elusive of recent years. (ML)

Amazing aromas of sweet uncooked pie crust with almonds. Then you smell dried apples, apricots and pineapple. Grilled fruits, too. Full-bodied. So tangy and energetic with sizzling acidity and creamy tannins. Flavorful and lightly oxidized at the finish. Smacking my lips. Agile. Ginger and spices. A touch of bitter complexity with some salinity. Extreme character that grabs your attention. 13 years and six months aging on the lees with cork. 3 grams dosage. 71% pinot noir and 29% chardonnay. Don’t serve too cold.

Another magical wine from this property, the 2009 Château Cos D'Estournel reminds me slightly of the 2005 with its incredibly rich, powerful, opulent style married to stunning finesse and elegance. Still youthful yet with a touch of maturity, its deep ruby/plum color is followed by classic Saint-Estèphe notes of blackcurrants, dried tobacco, loamy earth, Asian spices, and licorice. Deep, full-bodied, and massive on the palate, it's flawlessly balanced and has building tannins hiding under its wealth of fruit, with no hard edges and a great, great finish. This tour de force is still 5-7 years away from maturity and is a legendary wine to follow over the coming 40-50 years.

Founded by winemaker Nathan Kandler in 2006, Precedent grew from a small side project into a focused exploration of California’s historic and often overlooked vineyard sites. While Kandler is also known for his work at Thomas Fogarty Winery, Precedent allows him to spotlight old-vine plantings and heritage varieties such as Chenin Blanc, Carignane, Mataro, Riesling, and Zinfandel from distinctive vineyards across California. Production is intentionally small, with an emphasis on site transparency and traditional winemaking. Kandler works with responsibly farmed vineyards, frequently choosing parcels outside California’s most famous appellations, and favors native fermentations, restrained oak use, and minimal intervention in the cellar.

Founded by winemaker Nathan Kandler in 2006, Precedent grew from a small side project into a focused exploration of California’s historic and often overlooked vineyard sites. While Kandler is also known for his work at Thomas Fogarty Winery, Precedent allows him to spotlight old-vine plantings and heritage varieties such as Chenin Blanc, Carignane, Mataro, Riesling, and Zinfandel from distinctive vineyards across California. Production is intentionally small, with an emphasis on site transparency and traditional winemaking. Kandler works with responsibly farmed vineyards, frequently choosing parcels outside California’s most famous appellations, and favors native fermentations, restrained oak use, and minimal intervention in the cellar.

A beautiful nose of Red Delicious apple and pear mingles with notes of straw and lemon. The palate shows wonderful drive and verve, with racy acidity that carries orchard fruit, wet stone, and flinty mineral tones across the palate, building complexity from start to the long, satisfying finish. A truly delicious Chablis, it feels remarkably vibrant and exuberant for a wine at 13 years of age.

This is a blend of Le Charlemagne, and Hautes Mourottes, which from 2024 Pierre-François will make separately, calling the former Charlemagne and the latter Corton-Charlemagne. In 2023 there are eight barrels worth, made in two new barrels, two older barrels and a concrete egg. These have been racked to tank since just after the harvest. Pale in colour, stony with a little toast also. Crisp white orchard fruit with a little flesh behind, and good tension. Nicely balanced at 13.5% alcohol. Drink from 2029-2038. Tasted Oct 2024.

A blockbuster of a Les Forts, the 2020 Les Forts de Latour is based on 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26.5% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and aged 18 months in 60% new French oak. Its deep ruby/plum hue is followed by textbook Latour notes of currants, melted crayon, graphite, and lead pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, dense, and concentrated on the palate, it has a powerful, structured mouthfeel, remarkable purity, perfectly ripe tannins, and a great, great finish. It might be the finest Les Forts I've tasted. Hitting 13.1% alcohol, it's approachable today yet has another 30 years of longevity.

The 2021 Percarlo is every bit as stunning from bottle as it was from barrel. Rich and vivid in the glass, with striking complexity, the 2021 is a fine follow-up to the 2020. The 2021 is a bit tight relative to the 2020, but that is not a bad thing at all. If anything, I look forward to comparing these two monumental wines in a few years' time. For now, the 2021 impresses with its purity of Sangiovese fruit and mind-blowing balance. Hints of kirsch, blood orange and pomegranate linger on the vivid, exceptionally polished finish. What a wine (AG)

Product details coming soon.

As difficult as it is to pick a winner between the Gualtallary and El Cepillo bottlings, the 2021 Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard gets my nod as the supreme example of the Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard Cabernet Francs. It hails from a plot planted on calcareous rocky soils in 1995 with 10,000 vines per hectare, fermented with 40% whole bunches in barrique and underwent a 15-month élevage in 100-year-old foudre. Opening with a brooding, inward and quietly perfumed nose, its aromatic profile ceaselessly expands to encompass all manner of herbal and floral complexity, combining simmering intensity with supreme elegance. The palate follows suit with a rich, silky, refined and gently succulent energy, releasing into a graceful, dense and glacial conclusion that gives equal measure to vertical energy and horizontal richness. The finish slowly but steadily builds upon itself, revealing shimmering acidity and ultra-refined tannins with increased aeration. There is no better example of Cabernet Franc's suitability in the Uco Valley, a match rendered here with incomparable finesse, depth and complexity. (ML)

The 61st vintage, from 101yo ungrafted dry-grown vines, matured for 18 months in 81% French and 19% American hogsheads (34% new). The decision to hold back the release of this shiraz until after the '14 was correct - this is a densely packed wine destined for a long life as vertical tastings have proved again and again, intensity and focus achieved without apparent effort. Medium-bodied, but with compelling black fruits riding on the back of tannins and carefully measured oak.

Structured but extremely elegant, this opens with an intense fragrance of violet, rose, wild berry, leather, underbrush and balsamic notes. The delicious, focused palate delivers crushed black cherry layered with notes of exotic spices, licorice, sage and black pepper, perfectly balanced by assertive tannins and vibrant energy. It already boasts gripping depth, but this has serious aging potential. *Cellar Selection* (KO)

Product details coming soon.

Leopoldo Bros has always been ahead of the curve. They've pumped out some of the best craft whiskey around while creating innovative products like their wonderful liqueurs, gin, and literally the only legit flavored whiskey on the market. Now we're bringing you a new phase in the Leopold Bros' dominance of the craft market. Competing with established brands is hard enough, but when a craft distiller goes after a category creating legend like Campari, we begin to question their sanity. Lucky for us, Mr. Leopold's insanity is second only to magnificent skill and attention to detail. This is truly the first product to scratch that Campari lovers itch (and if you have it you know what I'm talking about - the stuff creates a serious dependence). It may be even more soothing than the original. At the very least you'll know that the ingredients are of the very highest quality, plus it's not even that expensive considering the work that it takes to make a product like this good on this scale. Must-buy for Campari lovers, must-try for those yet to get on the aperitivo train.

Note: the composition of this wine has now changed as a parcel of Clos St. Denis has been added to the climats of Les Treux and Cruots. Firm reduction and wood reveal nothing save for a touch of spice. As is usually the case, there is better volume but less finesse to the medium-bodied favors that are succulent, even fleshy, yet possess excellent power on the serious, structured and beautifully long finale. This is a big wine, both in the context of what is typical for Echézeaux but also in terms of the 2023 vintage.

This is very dry with apple, praline and pie-crust character. It’s full, layered and gorgeous with a lovely, creamy texture. The base is from the 2017 vintage, one third each of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. 41% of reserve from previous years, such as 2016 and 2015.

The compelling 2021 Ovello Riserva from Produttori del Barbaresco opens with captivating aromas of dark culinary spice, underbrush, rose and mentholated notes. Delicious and full-bodied, the palate doles out ripe Marasca cherry, cranberry, star anise and ground clove. Firm, well-integrated tannins lend just the right amount of grip while fresh acidity keeps it bright and balanced. (KO)

The boys at Ventura Spirits are known for doing some wild stuff. Some of their projects are secretive explorations around distillation and its many variables, while others are the result of wild happenstance. That's how their popular Strawberry Vodka came to be, distilled multiple times from a huge amount of strawberries that they literally stumbled upon. What they don't tell you is that the first and most pungent cuts of each of those batches of vodka are diverted to a speculative project that has finally come to fruition. After years of aging in ex-wine barrels, this one-of-a-kind Strawberry Brandy is just as delicious as Ventura Spirits dreamed it might be. Big, powerful aromas of candied strawberries and vanilla spice are followed by a rich, sweet mouth feel and a soft long finish. The aromatics and richness trick your brain into thinking it will be sweet, but make no mistake this is nothing more than high-quality strawberry distillate, French oak barrels and 5 years of maturation. As expected, this is very limited production.

The 2009 Lafite was exquisite, and it spoke to me immediately as a wine of perfection, with a pronounced, forward aroma of blackcurrant and pomegranate fruit with hints of violets, spice, smoke, and earth. The texture was lush and seductive, with impressive density, balanced freshness, and enough extract to draw this to an unbelievably long finish. Oddly to me, it was not the unanimous favourite of the assembled tasters, but defending this beautiful wine is a battle I will eagerly take on. (CC)

Product details coming soon.

Latour has made truly great wines in the past two decades—and this is one of the best. It has fabulous aromas of black truffles, currants, raspberry and dried flowers. Mind-blowing on the palate, it’s an emotional and soulful red.

Producer notes from Antonio Galloni for Wine Advocate: "Stella di Campalto. The accidental winemaker. By now the story is pretty well-known: Campalto is given an estate by her father-in-law to help her pursue a passion for making olive oil. She decides to plant some vineyards with the help of the late Giuseppe Bianchini, the owner of Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona, and gradually begins making wine. Gianfranco Soldera and Piero Palmucci are her early points of reference. Not bad. Campalto's early wines show a winemaker with immense natural talent and vision. Just a few years later Campalto stakes a place for herself as one of the most promising young producers in Montalcino. Things are quite simple at the winery. The vines are farmed according to biodynamic principles. The winery is equally stripped down, with just the barest of essentials occupying space in the uncluttered, almost stark cellar. Tasting through the various lots and parcels from cask is always instructive and illuminating as the wines shed light on one of the most fascinating estates in Montalcino today." (04/2012)

Product details coming soon.

Sourced entirely from Ernest’s organically farmed estate vineyards in the Freestone-Occidental area, this Chardonnay blends fruit from the Joyce and Cleary Ranch sites. Aged 15 months in a mix of 500L puncheons (large wine casks) and sandstone jars, it strikes a delicate balance between floral lift and phenolic texture. Aromas of orange blossom, citrus peel, and beeswax rise from the glass, while the palate shows gentle viscosity and a quiet power, carried by coastal freshness and a clean, mineral finish.

The bouquet is austere and leathery with curious aromas of beeswax, vegetable oil and oaky resin. Palate entry is focused on the resin; midpalate is splendidly multilayered and offers elements of black pepper, dried orange blossom, honeysuckle, dried fruit, sage, fennel and confections. Aftertaste is deep and unabashedly sweet and honeyed. *Superb, Highly Recommended*

This is a fleshed-out and sophisticated red wine made in an international style, with ripe fruit and sweet spice shaped by French oak. Notes of vanilla, toasted spice, plum and blackberry emerge with impressive intensity, while the oak adds sweetness and breadth, fully justifying the Reserve designation. The Alpha Estate 2022 Amyndeon Xinomavro Ecosystem Reserve Vielles Vignes Barba Yannis comes from the single-block Barba Yannis vineyard on the Amyndeon plateau, where ungrafted bush-trained vines planted in 1919 are now more than a century old. Produced in 12,300 bottles, the wine undergoes extended lees aging and 24 months in new Allier and Jupilles French oak before an additional year in bottle. Cool, high-altitude conditions help preserve brightness and balance. (ML)

Product details coming soon.

The 2022 Pinot Noir Peake Ranch Vineyard is tighter and more focused, with juicy black cherry and redcurrant fruit as well as some sappy, floral, and forest floor-like notes. This medium-bodied, focused, beautifully balanced 2022 will benefit from a year or two of bottle age and keep nicely through 2034. 94+

The 2005 Gran Reserva 904 is a superb blend of Tempranillo from the villages of Briñas, Labastida and Villalba with 10% Graciano from Briones and Rodezno. The grapes were destemmed and crushed and fermented in stainless steel for 18 days at 25 C. Malolactic fermentation was spontaneous and lasted 38 days. These wines are marked by a long aging in used American oak barrels following the most strict Riojan tradition; four years during which time the wine was manually racked eight times. This is usually my favorite wine from La Rioja Alta and 2005 is one of its best showings, going back to the quality of the vintages of the 1950s and 60s. The nose is very balsamic with notes of camphor, hints of mint, leather and hung game wrapped around a core of cherries in liqueur. Together it is balanced, subtle, truly elegant and classical. The palate is only medium-bodied but with great concentration of flavors that are very tasty, mineral, almost salty and framed by ultra-fine tannins and smashing balance. A great classic. This wine will be released in October 2015, a full ten years after the vintage. At this quality level this is a bargain. (LG)

Very pale red. Delicately spicy and herbal nuances complement red cherry and berries on the perfumed floral nose. Then similarly impressive in the mouth, with sneaky concentration and depth to the redcurrant, strawberry and floral flavors. Finishes long and suave, with saline nuances but enticing lovely sweetness. Knockout Rosso. (ID)

Note: this cuvée is mostly from La Charmotte and Au Chouillet, with bits and pieces from Aux Saints Jacques, Les Charmois, Les Maladières, Les Chaliots and Les Brûlées plus a few others too small to mention. An ultra-fresh nose speaks of ripe red and dark berries plus an abundance of earth character. There is better volume and density to the energetic medium weight flavors where the supporting tannins are unusually fine in the context of what is typical for a Nuits villages. Excellent and worth your interest.*Burghound Outstanding Top Value!*

An impressively rich wine, this is a dense, spicy wine packed with black fruits. The wood aging for 12 months has polished the tannins and brightened the acidity. (RV)

Zalto - Mouth-blown, lead-free glassware from Austria. Elegant and lightweight while being dishwasher safe. These stunning glasses are amazing to hold and use. Burgundy - For powerful and expressive wines above 13% alcohol. The shape of the bowl integrates the components of the wine, bringing to the foreground the fruit and sweeter notes. Especially good for: Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Chardonnay, and Grüner Veltliner. The Denk Art series combines long-standing tradition, craftsmanship driven to the extreme with perfect, well-proportioned aesthetics, form and unmatched functionality. Nothing is accidental here, but rather the result of fine-tuning the perfect proportions as well as the optimal shapes in countless tastings of prototypes by Hans Denk, the father of this unique glass series. The goal is to offer the optimal vessels for the perception of the entire spectrum of a wine’s aromas whilst also determining the wine’s flavour. They offer decisive parameters for the optimal shapes and so, ultimately, the decisive choice of which glass to use. The Burgundy Glass: This glass integrates acidity with fruit by enhancing both the bouquet and the sweet components of the wine. It was conceived for elegantly structured red and white wines with substantial aroma and fine length.