Winemaker Notes The 2018 Joseph Drouhin Beaune 1er Cru "Grèves" Rouge is a beautifully expressive, pure, and texturally complete Pinot Noir that highlights the concentration of a warm, solar vintage while maintaining classic Burgundy elegance. In the glass, it displays an intense, brilliant purplish-cherry red color. The bouquet is strikingly open and aromatic, weaving together ripe aromas of black raspberry, dark cherry, and wild currant with delicate floral notes of violets, all framed by hints of sweet oak spice, autumn leaf, and a faint touch of smoky tobacco. On the palate, the wine delivers a full-bodied, generous mouthfeel characterized by an incredibly smooth, caressing, and velvety texture packed with dense, juicy red and black fruits. While the vintage brings a natural richness and a supple roundness to the mid-palate, it is kept impeccably balanced by a surprising vein of fresh acidity and structured around fine, youthfully taut tannins that prevent any sense of heaviness. The finish is remarkably persistent and classy, leaving a lingering impression of crème de cassis, exotic five-spice, and a fine dust of earthy minerals, making this a highly rewarding Beaune Premier Cru that is deliciously approachable now but possesses the structure to evolve gracefully in the cellar for the next decade. About Winery Maison Joseph Drouhin was founded in 1880 in Beaune, Burgundy, by Joseph Drouhin, and has since grown into one of the region’s most respected wine producers. Over the generations, the family expanded its holdings to include vineyards across Burgundy—such as Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, and Côte Chalonnaise—and later established Domaine Drouhin Oregon in the Willamette Valley. Today, the estate remains family-run by Joseph’s great-grandchildren, who continue the tradition of producing elegant wines with a focus on terroir and sustainable practices, including organic certification for their Burgundy vineyards since 2009

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The 2018 Joseph Drouhin Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru pours a vibrant, deep ruby hue and opens with an expressive, generous nose of ripe wild raspberries, black cherries, and cassis, layered alongside nuances of dark chocolate, exotic spice, incense, and subtle earthy undergrowth. Benefiting from the sun-drenched richness of the 2018 vintage, the palate is full-bodied, broad, and enveloping, balancing its concentrated core of succulent red and dark fruit with fine, velvety tannins and fresh acidity. Refined yet impressively structured, it carries the house’s trademark elegance into an expansive, long-lasting finish marked by lingering floral and spice notes that promise exceptional longevity in the cellar.   About Winery Maison Joseph Drouhin was founded in 1880 in Beaune, Burgundy, by Joseph Drouhin, and has since grown into one of the region’s most respected wine producers. Over the generations, the family expanded its holdings to include vineyards across Burgundy—such as Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, and Côte Chalonnaise—and later established Domaine Drouhin Oregon in the Willamette Valley. Today, the estate remains family-run by Joseph’s great-grandchildren, who continue the tradition of producing elegant wines with a focus on terroir and sustainable practices, including organic certification for their Burgundy vineyards since 2009

Read more less

Winemaker Notes A brilliant pale yellow color. The attractive aromas of white and yellow fruits mix with light woody notes. On the palate, this wine meets up to the expectations of its aromas: it has a round and full attack before the vanillary and toasty tastes reveal themselves. Good long-lasting aromas. The finish is slightly acidic. About Winery Domaine Faiveley is one of the largest and most illustrious domaines in Burgundy, and has made its name with red wines made from the Pinot Noir grape. It was founded in 1825 in the village of Nuits-Saint-Georges under Joseph Faiveley, a wine merchant who had a desire for travel. In the beginning of the 19th Century, trade had begun between Burgundy and northern Europe, predominantly along the rivers and canals connecting the regions. Merchants from Burgundy would travel along these paths to exchange their wines for textiles. Joseph Faiveley was one of these merchants, introducing his Burgundian wine to the wider world. Today, the house is run by seventh-generation Eve and Erwan Faiveley (wine-searcher.com interviewed Eve Faiveley in 2021), and the company has expanded its footprint in the Côte de Beaune, and has vineyards throughout the Côte de Nuits, as well as in the Côte Chalonnaise (Domaine de la Framboisière) and Chablis. Domaine Faiveley is best known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, but small amounts of Aligoté are also planted in the Côte Chalonnaise. Currently, Faiveley has 10 hectares (25 acres) of grand cru vineyards out of a total of 115 hectares (285 acres).

Read more less

Winemaker Notes A wine of great energy, length, and finesse, 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with floral notes, cedar and pencil shavings followed by ripe blackberry, cassis and red currant jam. Fresh and focused with pleasing acid and tannin structure building tension along the palate to the lingering finish. About Winery Joseph Phelps Vineyards is a family-owned and operated wine estate with vineyards and wineries in Napa Valley and on the western Sonoma Coast. The winery was founded in 1973 by Joseph Phelps, a successful construction executive and entrepreneur whose early interest in wine led him to establish vineyards on a 670-acre former cattle ranch in Napa Valley. Over the next 42 years Joe became one of the most respected figures in the California wine industry, building Joseph Phelps Vineyards into a critically-acclaimed winery internationally known for its iconic wines and unwavering commitment to quality. Joe’s son, Bill Phelps, joined the family business in 1998 after a successful career in law, and as Executive Chairman now oversees Joseph Phelps Vineyards with a continued dedication to excellence. Family owns and farms 425 acres of vines in Napa Valley on nine estate vineyards in St. Helena, Rutherford, Oakville, Stags Leap District, Oak Knoll District, South Napa and Carneros, as well as 100 acres over two vineyards on the western Sonoma Coast. Strategically chosen over many decades, each vineyard has its own personality and brings a different characteristic to our wines. Our commitment to an estate-based model is our way of ensuring consistency and the highest quality we can possibly achieve. Our estate vineyards, paired with select long-term grower relationships, give our winemaking teams unparalleled depth and diversity when it comes to producing Joseph Phelps wines.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2018 Insignia opens with beautifully perfumed floral, dark fruit, anise and cigar box aromatics. A wine of depth, elegance and finesse, the palate is fresh and focused with creamy texture and layers of blackberry, mocha and black cherry. The seamless tannin structure and balance culminate in an uplifting, lengthy finish. About Winery Joseph Phelps Vineyards is a family-owned and operated wine estate with vineyards and wineries in Napa Valley and on the western Sonoma Coast. The winery was founded in 1973 by Joseph Phelps, a successful construction executive and entrepreneur whose early interest in wine led him to establish vineyards on a 670-acre former cattle ranch in Napa Valley. Over the next 42 years Joe became one of the most respected figures in the California wine industry, building Joseph Phelps Vineyards into a critically-acclaimed winery internationally known for its iconic wines and unwavering commitment to quality. Joe’s son, Bill Phelps, joined the family business in 1998 after a successful career in law, and as Executive Chairman now oversees Joseph Phelps Vineyards with a continued dedication to excellence. Family owns and farms 425 acres of vines in Napa Valley on nine estate vineyards in St. Helena, Rutherford, Oakville, Stags Leap District, Oak Knoll District, South Napa and Carneros, as well as 100 acres over two vineyards on the western Sonoma Coast. Strategically chosen over many decades, each vineyard has its own personality and brings a different characteristic to our wines. Our commitment to an estate-based model is our way of ensuring consistency and the highest quality we can possibly achieve. Our estate vineyards, paired with select long-term grower relationships, give our winemaking teams unparalleled depth and diversity when it comes to producing Joseph Phelps wines.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes Fresh, clean and powerful flavors center on sweet oak and roasted fruit. Bright berry flavors are carried along by pleasant fine tannins very much in balance for early drinking. This vintage is never ponderous but instead ideally structured in a classic European style meant to accompany food.   About Winery Inspiration for LATERAL’s blend came from tasting the Premier Crus of Bordeaux labels such as Chateau Chevel Blanc and Chateau Ausone.  Merlot and Cabernet Franc are the dominant grapes that make St. Emillion wine.  Merlot gives the wine lush textures, richness and concentration with flavors of plums, blackberry, licorice, chocolate and black cherry.  The Cabernet Franc adds aromatic qualities like flowers and spice as well as tannin and structure. It’s really the interplay of the two grapes that originally caught my interest, they come together to fill each others void and create a harmony that’s has an approachability uncommon among clarets.  A style so friendly and plush in fact, St Emillion has been described as “The Burgundy of Bordeaux”. The interplay of these two grapes is what gives Lateral a complexity unlike most California blends.

Read more less

About WineryChateau Pape Clément owes its name to its most illustrious owner. A man of the cloth born in 1264, Bertrand de Goth became Bishop of Comminges, in the Pyrenees Mountains, at the age of 31; he later became Archbishop of Bordeaux in 1299. He then received as a gift the property in Pessac, the Vineyard de La Mothe. Taken by a passion for the vine, he continually took part personally in equipping, organizing and managing the domain in accordance with the most modern and rational practices. Nevertheless, on 5 June 1305 the cardinals met in a conclave in Pérouse and appointed him to succeed Pope Benedict XI, who had passed away prematurely after only eleven months of reign. Bertrand de Goth took the name of Clement V. Supported by Philip IV, it was he who decided in 1309 to move the papal court to Avignon, thus breaking with Rome and its battles of influence. During this same period, the weight of his responsibilities led him to relinquish his property, giving it to the Archbishop of Bordeaux. Henceforward, the vineyard was to be known to posterity under the name of this enlightened pope. Management under the clergy brings modernity The grateful Church perpetuated Pope Clement's work. Each archbishop in turn turned to modernity and technical progress, to the point of the wine estate becoming a model vineyard. In addition to especially early harvests, which remain one of its special characteristics, Chateau Pape Clément is without a doubt the first vineyard in France to align vine stock to facilitate labour. 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 Winemaker Notes The wine opens with a complex bouquet of red and black fruits, spices, and a distinctive note of cocoa underscored by a hint of smoke. On the palate, it is described as dense and rich, featuring supple, well-rounded tannins and phenomenal fruit flavors that lead to an exquisitely long, aromatic finish. About Winery Founded in 1831 by Bernard Bichot in Monthélie, France, Maison Albert Bichot began as a Burgundy wine trading house before establishing its Beaune headquarters in 1912. The family, present in Burgundy since 1350, transitioned to domaine ownership, and today, under 6th-generation leader Albéric Bichot (since 1996), it manages 100+ hectares of organic-certified vineyards. 

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2018 Maison M. Chapoutier Ermitage “Le Pavillon” Rouge Bio is a monumental Syrah from the pure granite soils of the Les Bessards lieu-dit on Hermitage Hill. Deep purple in color, it opens with a complex bouquet of blackberries, blueberries, crushed rock, violets, olives, acacia flowers, and gamey, smoky notes. On the palate, it is full-bodied, rich, and concentrated, yet refined, with a tight, backward structure that will require significant aging to fully reveal its depth. The mid-palate shows plush fruit and earthy nuances, almost creamy in texture, finishing with waves of velvety tannins and remarkable persistence. Critics awarded it 96–98 points (Robert Parker) and 96 points (Wine Spectator), praising its balance of fruit, savory complexity, and extraordinary aging potential—capable of evolving gracefully for decades. About Winery  Maison M. Chapoutier is one of the most historic and influential wineries in France’s Rhône Valley, based in Tain-l’Hermitage. The family’s roots in the region trace back to 1808, when the company was first established under the name Calvet et Compagnie. In 1879, Polydor Chapoutier purchased vineyards in Hermitage, marking the true beginning of the Chapoutier wine legacy. By the late 19th century, Marius Chapoutier expanded the business, and in the 20th century, leadership passed through successive generations, including Max Chapoutier. The most transformative era began in the 1990s under Michel Chapoutier, who introduced biodynamic viticulture, a philosophy emphasizing harmony between soil, plants, and environment. Michel also made Chapoutier’s wines globally recognizable by adding Braille labels in 1996, honoring inclusivity. Today, Chapoutier is celebrated for producing some of the Rhône’s most iconic wines, particularly from Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, while remaining a pioneer in biodynamic winemaking.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2018 Maison M. Chapoutier Ermitage “De L’Orée” Blanc Bio is a powerful and age-worthy Marsanne from the Les Murets parcel in Hermitage, Northern Rhône. It displays an intense golden hue and opens with expressive aromas of orange blossom, citrus, acacia, hawthorn, and mineral notes. On the palate, it is full-bodied and concentrated, with layers of ripe fruit, lemon curd, honey, and spice, balanced by freshness and a distinctive flinty minerality. The finish is long, complex, and elegant, showcasing both opulence and precision. Highly acclaimed by critics (96–98 points from Robert Parker), this wine is renowned for its extraordinary longevity, capable of evolving gracefully for decades. About Winery  Maison M. Chapoutier is one of the most historic and influential wineries in France’s Rhône Valley, based in Tain-l’Hermitage. The family’s roots in the region trace back to 1808, when the company was first established under the name Calvet et Compagnie. In 1879, Polydor Chapoutier purchased vineyards in Hermitage, marking the true beginning of the Chapoutier wine legacy. By the late 19th century, Marius Chapoutier expanded the business, and in the 20th century, leadership passed through successive generations, including Max Chapoutier. The most transformative era began in the 1990s under Michel Chapoutier, who introduced biodynamic viticulture, a philosophy emphasizing harmony between soil, plants, and environment. Michel also made Chapoutier’s wines globally recognizable by adding Braille labels in 1996, honoring inclusivity. Today, Chapoutier is celebrated for producing some of the Rhône’s most iconic wines, particularly from Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, while remaining a pioneer in biodynamic winemaking.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2018 Maison M. Chapoutier Ermitage “L’Ermite” Blanc Bio is considered one of the most exceptional Marsanne-based wines from the Northern Rhône. Coming from old vines at the very top of Hermitage Hill, it delivers a magical bouquet of quince, poached pear, orange blossom, honeysuckle, and a distinctive mineral “liqueur of rock” character. On the palate, it is powerful, super-rich, and full-bodied, yet balanced with remarkable precision and depth. Aged in demi-muids (20–25% new), the wine shows both opulence and finesse, with a long, resonant finish. Critics awarded it near-perfect scores (100 points Jeb Dunnuck, 98–100 Robert Parker), praising its purity and longevity; while approachable with extended aeration, it is expected to reach peak maturity in 7–8 years and age gracefully for decades. About Winery  Maison M. Chapoutier is one of the most historic and influential wineries in France’s Rhône Valley, based in Tain-l’Hermitage. The family’s roots in the region trace back to 1808, when the company was first established under the name Calvet et Compagnie. In 1879, Polydor Chapoutier purchased vineyards in Hermitage, marking the true beginning of the Chapoutier wine legacy. By the late 19th century, Marius Chapoutier expanded the business, and in the 20th century, leadership passed through successive generations, including Max Chapoutier. The most transformative era began in the 1990s under Michel Chapoutier, who introduced biodynamic viticulture, a philosophy emphasizing harmony between soil, plants, and environment. Michel also made Chapoutier’s wines globally recognizable by adding Braille labels in 1996, honoring inclusivity. Today, Chapoutier is celebrated for producing some of the Rhône’s most iconic wines, particularly from Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, while remaining a pioneer in biodynamic winemaking.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2018 Maison M. Chapoutier Ermitage “L’Ermite” Rouge Bio is a profound expression of Syrah from the granite soils at the very top of Hermitage Hill. It shows a very deep garnet, almost black color, with an aromatic profile of crème de cassis, black fruits, violets, acacia flowers, ink, crushed stone, charcoal, and peppered game. On the palate, it is full-bodied, tight, and concentrated, combining immense power with velvety tannins and a mineral backbone that reflects its terroir. Smoky and peppery notes highlight the Syrah’s character, while the finish is long and resonant. Critics awarded it near-perfect scores (98–100 points from Wine Advocate and Jeb Dunnuck), praising its purity, depth, and extraordinary aging potential—capable of evolving gracefully for 30 to 60 years, and in exceptional vintages, even longer. About Winery  Maison M. Chapoutier is one of the most historic and influential wineries in France’s Rhône Valley, based in Tain-l’Hermitage. The family’s roots in the region trace back to 1808, when the company was first established under the name Calvet et Compagnie. In 1879, Polydor Chapoutier purchased vineyards in Hermitage, marking the true beginning of the Chapoutier wine legacy. By the late 19th century, Marius Chapoutier expanded the business, and in the 20th century, leadership passed through successive generations, including Max Chapoutier. The most transformative era began in the 1990s under Michel Chapoutier, who introduced biodynamic viticulture, a philosophy emphasizing harmony between soil, plants, and environment. Michel also made Chapoutier’s wines globally recognizable by adding Braille labels in 1996, honoring inclusivity. Today, Chapoutier is celebrated for producing some of the Rhône’s most iconic wines, particularly from Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, while remaining a pioneer in biodynamic winemaking.

Read more less

Vivino, 4.2 Pts Winemaker Notes Part of our Lodi lineup, our 2019 Lodi Zinfandel is pale ruby in color and filled with aromas of juicy raspberry, tobacco and toasted oak on the nose. Medium bodied and food-friendly, flavors of blackberry, plum and clove lead to a balanced, oak-inspired finish. About Winery “Michael” and “David” are Michael and David Phillips, brothers whose family has farmed fruits and vegetables in the Lodi region since the 1850s and cultivated wine grapes for nearly a century. Michael and David constitute the 5th generation of grape growers in the Phillips family, with the 6th generation now joining the family business. The Phillips family likes to emphasize the importance of quality wines with unique and fun labels. Wine makers Adam Mettler, Derek DeVries and Jeff Farthing specialize in producing Lodi’s famous Old Vine Zinfandels, as well as Rhone varietals such as Ancient Vine Cinsault and Syrah for Michael David Winery.  Farming with future generations in mind, the Phillips have adopted some of the most progressive sustainable farming practices in the state. All 800 acres of the family’s vineyards are third party certified, and the state’s first per ton bonus was issued for contracted growers to follow in the family’s footsteps.

Read more less

PRE-ORDER Winemaker Notes The 2018 Domaine Michel Gros Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Clos des Réas (Monopole) is an opulent and "supremely elegant" Pinot Noir from the family's historic 2.12-hectare triangular walled vineyard. In this warm and concentrated vintage, the wine offers a complex bouquet of black cherry, blueberry, and cassis, intertwined with floral notes of lavender and rose petals, and subtle hints of cinnamon, clove, and smoky toast. About Winery Domaine Michel Gros's Clos de Vougeot "Le Grand Maupertuis" is a, prestigious 0.2-hectare Grand Cru parcel located in the top section of the Clos near Grands Échezeaux. Acquired by Jean Gros in 1967 for his son Michel, the vines were replanted in 1987 after a severe frost. It is known for producing elegant, silky, and deeply structured Pinot Noir, with Pierre Gros taking over in 2019. 

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The Opus One 2018 offers profuse aromas of blackberry, cassis and black cherry. Elegant notes of violets, white pepper and rose petals follow and together they deliver a very seductive bouquet. The seamlessly layered flavors build to a crescendo of fresh and juicy black-fruit, accented with hints of orange zest, licorice and dark chocolate. Beautifully balanced, the smooth round tannins and fresh acidity combine to create a soft, creamy mouthfeel and extend the flavors into a long persistent finish. About Winery Rising gracefully from the vineyards, Opus One winery stands in subtle celebration of the land and the open space that surrounds the estate. It remains an ongoing testament to the founders’ vision of a singular wine that transcends generations. The estate vineyards of Opus One, comprised of four parcels, sit in the western portion of the famed Oakville AVA in Napa Valley. Two parcels, totaling 100 acres, are within the renowned To Kalon Vineyard. These are complemented by the combined 70 acres of the Ballestra and River parcels, which envelop the winery. In the vineyards, hand-harvesting and other traditional approaches are taken wherever they work best. When modern techniques benefit the winegrowing process, they are researched, evaluated and integrated into practice.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes A crystal-clear appearance with silvery tints complements the delicate bubbles. Initially shy on the nose, the wine reveals a fine minerality (chalk and flint) with notes of white flowers, yellow cherries and dried nuts. On aeration, aromas of citrus, exotic fruits and cocoa butter come together to complete the whole. The bouquet is very fine, direct and pure. On entry to the palate, the wine is crisp and exceptionally fresh. The texture of this Blanc de Blancs 2016 is delicate and almost crunchy. It reveals a pronounced minerality with subtle hints of citrus zest (lemon and orange) and toasted overtones. The saline finish is long and persistent. Sustained by a remarkable freshness that creates a graceful backbone throughout, this finely balanced champagne shows great promise. About Winery Champagne Pol Roger was founded in 1849 in Épernay, France, by a 17-year-old Pol Roger, who began by selling wine and soon focused on producing drier, brut styles favored in Britain. The independent, family-run house survived major historical crises and became famously known as the favorite champagne of Winston Churchill.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes Pale yellow with silver highlights, the wine produces an alluring effervescence that rises from a cord of fine persistent bubbles. An especially open and expressive nose begins with notes of dried fruit, cocoa, almond and coconut. Allowed to breathe, notes of yellow fruits such as Mirabelle plum and eau de vie add to the nose which, though young, is rich and promising. The palate is exceedingly fresh. Crisp acidity gives it a strong backbone that carries right through to the finish. Those aromas of dried fruits from the first nose persist, with nuances of citrus, lemon and bitter orange completing the palate and reinforcing the youth of the wine. On the finish, subtle notes of confected fruits come through, in particular candied orange peel. About Winery Champagne Pol Roger was founded in 1849 in Épernay, France, by a 17-year-old Pol Roger, who began by selling wine and soon focused on producing drier, brut styles favored in Britain. The independent, family-run house survived major historical crises and became famously known as the favorite champagne of Winston Churchill.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes Pale salmon with delicate pink hues. Great intensity of color with a fine and persistent effervescence. The nose is intense and reminiscent of a basket of red fruits where raspberry, redcurrant and blackcurrant mingle, with the added nuances of exotic mango and papaya. With time and air, the floral aromas of rose and honeysuckle then dominate. Mouth-filling on the palate with some sophistication and an impressive length. Despite the obvious ripeness on the palate, the wine has a terrific freshness and very present acidity suggesting a bright future for this cuvée. About Winery Champagne Pol Roger was founded in 1849 in Épernay, France, by a 17-year-old Pol Roger, who began by selling wine and soon focused on producing drier, brut styles favored in Britain. The independent, family-run house survived major historical crises and became famously known as the favorite champagne of Winston Churchill.

Read more less

Winemaker Notes The 2018 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunning Napa Valley wine, awarded 100 points by critics, and praised for its purity, elegance, and depth. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it opens with vibrant aromas of ripe blackberries, black cherries, red and black currants, alongside hints of licorice, candied violets, cedar, clove oil, and a touch of sea spray. On the palate, it is medium-bodied yet powerful, with a finely textured structure, taut backbone, and exquisitely balanced acidity. The wine delivers intense layers of black and red fruits, mineral notes, and floral nuances, finishing with extraordinary length and complexity. This vintage is considered one of the most refined and age-worthy expressions of Screaming Eagle, combining concentration with remarkable finesse. About Winery Screaming Eagle is a cult winery in Napa Valley’s Oakville AVA, founded in 1986 by real estate agent Jean Phillips, who initially sold grapes before deciding to produce her own wine. Encouraged by Robert Mondavi, she hired winemaker Heidi Barrett, and in 1992 released the first vintage of Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon, which immediately gained critical acclaim and near-mythical status due to its tiny production (only about 600–700 cases per year) and exceptional quality

Read more less