PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The 2017 Benjamin Leroux Vosne-Romanée is a medium-bodied, elegant Pinot Noir, characterized by a fragrant bouquet of red cherry, raspberry, violet, and white flower, often with a distinct "Vosne-style" spice. It features silky tannins, fine acidity, and a creamy texture with a savory, lingering finish, often showcasing notes of sandalwood.  About Winery Benjamin Leroux established his own domaine in 2007 in Beaune, Burgundy, after serving for 15 years as the manager of Domaine des Epeneaux (Comte Armand). Leroux is known for a, precise, low-intervention approach to winemaking and producing a highly-regarded, silky Vosne-Romanée from purchased grapes, featuring notes of red fruit and spice. 

Read more less

Winemaker Notes Aromas of mulberries, dried herbs, smoke, tapenade, cloves, chocolate, bark; full-bodied, chewy tannins, plush dark fruit, olive character, compact finish. About Winery Bernard Magrez - Creator of Luxury Wine Experience. Owner of 42 vineyards around the world and a famous producer of great Bordeaux wines. Some see it as the career of a man driven by a quest for perfection, others see the passion of a determined entrepreneur. Bernard Magrez’s journey is that of passion, a constant desire for improvement, know-how and exceptional success which has its roots first in Bordeaux, in the Grands Crus Classws, then in other prestigious terroirs in France and around the world. Bernard Magrez owns many of Bordeaux's most iconic estates including Chateau Pape Clement an exceptional Grand Cru Classe in Graves from Pessac-Lwognan. Celebrated for his attention to detail in the vineyard and constant achievement of excellence in the winery which translates into award-winning wines for every occasion. At the end of the 18th century, the Archbishop of Bordeaux was dispossessed of his property. The papal vineyard became part of the public domain. 8 June 1937 was a dark day in the vineyard's history, when a violent hailstorm destroyed virtually the entirety of the estate. Two years later, Paul Montagne bought it and gradually brought it back to life. Thanks to his efforts, the vineyard returned to its former rank and stood up to the surge in urbanization. His descendents, Léo Montagne and Bernard Magrez, perpetuate this secular tradition so that Chateau Pape Clément wines continue to delight the wine-lovers of today and tomorrow.

Read more less

PRE-ORDER About Winery Domaine Bertagna, based in Vougeot in the Côte de Nuits, has roots dating back to the early 20th century and is today recognized for its extensive holdings across Burgundy’s most prestigious appellations. The estate was revitalized in the 1980s when it was acquired by German entrepreneur Eva Reh, who modernized the winery and expanded its vineyard portfolio to about 21 hectares, including rare monopoles. Among its crown jewels is the Clos de la Perrière, a historic monopole vineyard in Vougeot classified as Premier Cru, which has been cultivated since the Middle Ages by monks of the Cîteaux Abbey. Bertagna’s stewardship of Clos de la Perrière continues this centuries-old legacy, producing Pinot Noir wines celebrated for their depth, elegance, and ability to age gracefully, making the domaine a key player in Burgundy’s modern and historical narrative.

Read more less

PRE-ORDER About Winery Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur is a historic Burgundy estate in Volnay, with roots dating back to the 1800s, when the Bitouzet and Prieur families began cultivating vines in the Côte de Beaune. The domaine was formally established in 1885 and has remained family-run for generations, producing wines from prestigious appellations such as Volnay, Meursault, and Puligny-Montrachet. Vincent Bitouzet, who studied oenology in Dijon, took over in the 1970s and, alongside his wife Annie Prieur, modernized the estate while preserving traditional methods. Today, their son François Bitouzet continues the legacy, emphasizing organic viticulture and restrained winemaking to highlight terroir expression. Known for elegant, age-worthy Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Domaine Bitouzet-Prieur is regarded as one of Volnay’s benchmark producers, blending centuries of heritage with contemporary precision.

Read more less

PRE-ORDER About Winery Bouchard Père et Fils, one of Burgundy’s oldest and most prestigious wine houses, was founded in 1731 in Beaune by Michel Bouchard, originally a cloth merchant who soon turned to wine trading. His son Joseph began acquiring vineyards in 1746, and by 1785 the firm adopted the name “Bouchard Père et Fils.” Over the centuries, the domaine expanded to become one of Burgundy’s largest landholders, now owning about 130 hectares, including 12 hectares of Grand Cru and 74 hectares of Premier Cru. In 1820, the family purchased the historic Château de Beaune, whose underground cellars still serve as an exceptional aging site. After remaining in family hands for over 250 years, the estate was sold in 1995 to Joseph Henriot, who modernized operations, and in 2022 it became part of Artémis Domaines, the wine group of François Pinault. Today, Bouchard Père et Fils continues to balance tradition and innovation, producing highly regarded wines that showcase Burgundy’s finest terroirs.  

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2017 Cakebread Benchland Select Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley, California, USA) is a deeply expressive wine with a very dark purple-black hue. It opens slowly in the glass, revealing layered aromas of baked black cherries, stewed black plums, and warm cassis, complemented by savory notes of aged meat, dark chocolate, bay leaf, and pencil shavings. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, packed with concentrated black fruit flavors, supported by vibrant freshness and a firm, grainy tannin structure. The finish is long, energetic, and complex, showcasing both power and refinement. About Winery  Cakebread Cellars was founded in 1973 by Jack and Dolores Cakebread in Rutherford, Napa Valley, California. Their journey began when Jack, originally a photographer, visited Napa to shoot images for a wine book and ended up purchasing a small ranch. From those modest beginnings, the family built a winery that quickly gained recognition for its Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, later expanding into Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other varietals. Over the decades, Cakebread Cellars has grown into one of Napa Valley’s most respected family-owned wineries, known for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and hospitality, with wines now distributed internationally.

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The 2017 Capitain-Gagnerot Echezeaux En Orveaux is a 100% Pinot Noir Grand Cru from a historic Ladoix estate. It features a bright ruby color, with notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, and subtle spice, characterized by balanced, silky tannins and a structured, elegant, and harmonious profile. The wine is known for its charm, approachability, and potential for early enjoyment.  About Winery Based in Ladoix-Serrigny, France, Maison Capitain-Gagnerot is a historic, family-run Burgundy winery established in 1802, with roots dating back to the 17th century. The domaine was formed in 1864 when Marie Gagnerot married François Capitain. Now managed by the 9th generation, it produces estate-grown wines using sustainable and biodynamic practices across 16 hectares. 

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes Impressive, with a rich, delicate texture. Satin smooth with a beautiful balance between acidity and richness. On the cusp of the following group of premiers crus to which it could almost belong if it had just a touch more sophistication. About Winery Established in 1960 in Chassagne-Montrachet, Burgundy, by Jean-Noël Gagnard, this esteemed domaine is currently led by his daughter, Caroline Lestimé, who took over in 1989. Under her, the 12-14 hectare estate became known for organic, site-specific wines, focusing on precise, elegant Chardonnays, particularly from top Premier Cru sites like Les Caillerets. 

Read more less

PRE-ORDER About Winery Domaine Castagnier in Morey-Saint-Denis traces its lineage back to Jules Séguin in the 19th century, with the estate passing through successive generations by marriage and sons-in-law before Guy Castagnier entered in 1975. Born in Algeria, Guy married into the Vadey family—who had managed the domaine after Albert Rameau and Gilbert Vadey—and began working the vineyards, continuing the family’s Burgundian tradition. For decades, the grapes were sold to négociants, but in 2004 Guy’s son Jérôme returned from a career as a trumpeter in the Republican Guard to take over, marking the fifth generation of stewardship. Since then, the wines have been bottled under the name Domaine Castagnier, with Jérôme emphasizing biodynamic practices and terroir-driven expressions from prestigious Côte de Nuits appellations such as Clos de Vougeot, Chambertin, and Morey-Saint-Denis.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2017 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Stones Malbec is floral, exuberant, lengthy smooth tannins, metallic. Malbec is the ideal partner to a grilled meat dish or platter. About Winery Bodega Catena Zapata is one of Argentina's high-altitude Malbec pioneers. The Catena family began making wine in Mendoza in 1902. Nicolas Catena, third generation family vintner, was one of the first to see the potential of Mendoza's mountain vineyards for producing high quality Malbec. In 1994, he became the first Argentine to export a world-class bottling of Malbec under the Catena label. Nicolas is joined by his daughter, Dr. Laura Catena, in their relentless pursuit of world-class quality from the family's high-altitude vineyards. Laura has done extensive work in introducing Malbec and other varietal plant selections, soil and climate analysis, and sustainable practices throughout Mendoza. Head winemaker, Alejandro Vigil, has been at Catena Zapata since 2002 and works with Laura and Nicolas to make wines that express the family's vineyards and palate.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2017 Château Bernard Magrez La Peyre Saint-Estèphe is a refined Bordeaux blend that showcases the depth and character of the Saint-Estèphe terroir. With a nose full of ripe black fruits like blackberry and black cherry, layered with hints of spice, leather, and tobacco, it opens with elegance. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied and fruit-forward, offering notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and earthy minerality, supported by soft tannins and balanced acidity. The finish is long and complex, leaving traces of cocoa and spice. A great vintage for those who appreciate structure and finesse in their reds. About Winery Bernard Magrez - Creator of Luxury Wine Experience. Owner of 42 vineyards around the world and a famous producer of great Bordeaux wines. Some see it as the career of a man driven by a quest for perfection, others see the passion of a determined entrepreneur. Bernard Magrez’s journey is that of passion, a constant desire for improvement, know-how and exceptional success which has its roots first in Bordeaux, in the Grands Crus Classws, then in other prestigious terroirs in France and around the world. Bernard Magrez owns many of Bordeaux's most iconic estates including Chateau Pape Clement an exceptional Grand Cru Classe in Graves from Pessac-Lwognan. Celebrated for his attention to detail in the vineyard and constant achievement of excellence in the winery which translates into award-winning wines for every occasion.

Read more less

PRE-ORDER About Winery Château de Pommard, located in Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune, was established in 1726 by Vivant Micault, secretary to King Louis XV. The estate is renowned for its two châteaux, extensive gardens, and the Clos Marey-Monge, a 20-hectare walled vineyard that is one of the largest monopoles in Burgundy. Winemaking in Pommard itself dates back much earlier, with Benedictine monks planting Pinot Noir in the Middle Ages, helping the village become one of the first in Burgundy to gain fame for fine Pinot Noir. Over centuries, Château de Pommard grew into a symbol of Burgundian heritage, producing wines exclusively from Clos Marey-Monge as well as Grand Cru and Premier Cru appellations across the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune. In 2014, the estate was purchased by entrepreneur Michael Baum, who modernized operations and introduced biodynamic viticulture, with full conversion by the 2019 vintage. Today, Château de Pommard blends centuries of tradition with sustainable innovation, producing wines that showcase the purity and complexity of Burgundy terroir.

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes Echo de Lynch-Bages 2017 has a brilliant robe with pretty purplish-blue garnet hues. On the nose, its fruit is gourmet and expressive. On tasting, there are notes of fresh red fruit (redcurrant and raspberry). It is a well-rounded, elegant wine with a hint of acidity in the finish. About Winery Echo de Château Lynch-Bages is a second wine, or second cru, from the iconic Pauillac estate, Château Lynch-Bages. It's a relatively recent addition to the estate's lineup, renamed from Haut-Bages Averous in 2008 to reflect its connection to the Grand Cru Classé. The name "Echo" is inspired by the Greek myth of the nymph Echo, who was deprived of speech. 

Read more less

Winemaker Notes This is very floral with blueberry, fresh-currant and currant-bush aromas. Crushed stones. Medium body and creamy, lightly chewy tannins with citrus and blueberries. Tangy and pretty. From biodynamically grown grapes.  About Winery Château Haut-Bages Libéral, a Fifth Growth estate from the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, was founded in the 18th century by the Libéral family on the Bages plateau in Pauillac. Over time, its vineyards came to border prestigious neighbors like Château Latour and Château Pichon Baron, and much of its wine was historically exported to Belgium and the Netherlands. Today, under Claire Villars-Lurton’s management, the estate is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon–driven wines and commitment to organic and biodynamic practices.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2017 Château Le Gay Pomerol is a medium to full-bodied wine with notes of black cherry, cassis, toasted spice, spring flowers, and damp earth. The wine also exhibits aromas of plum preserves, mulberries, and baked black cherries, along with hints of tilled soil, cloves, cedar chest, and tobacco About Winery Originally called Domaine du Gay, Château Le Gay takes its name from the lieu-dit Le Gay, part of which was sold to the Greloud family that eventually became Château Lafleur. Coincidentally, Château Le Gay was inherited by the Robin sisters in 1946, who also happened to own Château Lafleur. Over the next few decades, under the ownership of the Robin sisters, Château Le Gay was managed by Jean-Pierre Moueix, who also purchased portions of the vineyard to add to the acreage of Château La Fleur-Pétrus. After the passing of the Robin sisters, Château Le Gay was acquired by Catherine Péré Vergé in 2002, who quickly increased the acreage and brought Michel Rolland on board as a consultant.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The bewitching bouquet springs from the glass, releasing tasty notes of creme de cassis, lavender and cedar, while the nose also reveals fresh white flowers and a powerful minerality. Intense purple color with a bright nose of black fruit, graphite and toast. In a sublime  burst of generosity and flavor, the wine coats the palate with its juicy texture and silky tannins. Meanwhile, discreet notes of oak underline the generous  fruit. Persistent and elegant, the end of the mouth unfolds a long, chocolatey finish, punctuated with notes of licorice. Concentrated, elegant and generous, a fabulous Leoville Barton promising a beautiful evolution. About Winery In 1826, Hugh Barton, already proprietor of Chateau Langoa, purchased part of the big Leoville estate. His part then became known as Léoville Barton. Six generations of Bartons have since followed, and continued to preserve the quality of the wine, classified as a Second Growth in 1855. In 1983, Anthony Barton, the present owner, was given the property by his uncle Ronald Barton who had himself inherited it in 1929. Anthony Barton's daughter Lilian Barton Sartorius now helps her father in managing the estate. Together, they maintain the traditional methods of winemaking, producing a typical Saint-Julien of elegance and distinction. The Château Léoville Barton is the property of the Barton’s family and Lilian Barton Sartorius manages it with her two children, Mélanie and Damien.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2017 vintage with its deep garnet red colour and purplish-blue hues reflects the ripeness of the grape varieties in the blend. It offers a pleasant nose and a wonderful freshness, characteristic of the vintage. The attack is supple, rich, with a good volume. It expresses an aromatic palette of black and red fruit (blackcurrant, morello cherry, etc.) with spicy notes. Its perfectly smooth tannins strengthen its aromatic persistence. About Winery 1855 Grand Cru Classe – 5th Growth The chateau was founded in the 18th century by the Liberal family. Most of the wines produced here were exported to the Netherlands and Belgium. Half of the wines of the chateau are planted just next to the First Growth Chateau Latour. Overlooking the Gironde estuary at the entrance to Pauillac, the vines of Lynch-Bages are located on the Bages plateau, on one of the finest gravelly rises in the appellation. The estate once belonged to the famous Lynch family, of Irish origin, and was acquired by Jean-Charles Cazes in 1934. His grandson, Jean-Michel Cazes restructured the estate in 1974, adding state-of-the-art winemaking equipment, while keeping the former wooden vats as a reminder of the 19th century.The grapes are all hand picked and then carefully sorted before crushing. A very strict selection is made prior to blending and the wine is traditionally aged in oak barrels before bottling. Today, the winery is managed by Claire Villars Lurton. Under her management the estate has undergone complete renovation to organic and biodynamic vineyard management. The grounds of the chateau were fully renovated in 2018.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes Bright ruby-red. Penetrating aromas of black cherry, dried flowers and brown spices. Not as silky as the 2004 through 2007 vintages but boasts noteworthy refinement and savory intensity, with fresh, harmonious acidity giving the wine good focus and finesse. Excellent depth here if not quite the flavor development of vintages like '07 and '04. Still, this conveys a thickness of texture and a faintly exotic quality and finishes with very suave tannins. The summer was rather cool but steady, and there was enough warmth in September to ensure ripe tannins without burning off needed acidity, noted Bo Barrett. A fairly elegantly styled Montelena Estate.  About Winery Château Montelena, founded in 1882 by San Francisco entrepreneur Alfred L. Tubbs in Calistoga, Napa Valley, became world-famous after its Chardonnay won the 1976 “Judgment of Paris” tasting, where California wines triumphed over top French competitors. Originally built as a grand stone château with vineyards planted on rugged land, the estate went through periods of decline before being revitalized in the 1970s under Jim Barrett and winemaker Miljenko “Mike” Grgich. That historic victory put Napa Valley on the global wine map, and today Château Montelena continues to produce acclaimed Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon while preserving its legacy as a pioneer of California’s rise in fine wine.

Read more less