75 products
- Red Wine
- Pinotage
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 1.5 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Radford Dale
Radford Dale and The Winery of Good Hope are two brands made by the same people, in the same winery. The team behind these wineries has been an industry leader since the 1990s in chemical free farming, and more recently in low and no sulfur winemaking. They are a founding member of PIWOSA (Premium Independent Wineries of South Africa) which sets ethical, environmental and social uplift standards. Recognizing the social inequality present in South Africa Radford Dale has also set up a trust called Land of Hope to help facilitate bright futures for children, focusing heavily on education.Alex Dale who owns and manages both projects is an Englishman who grew up spending summers in Burgundy, France. He moved there in his late teens to follow a passion for winemaking and also opened a wine bar in Beaune. He lived in Burgundy for many years before moving to South Africa in 1998, starting Radford Dale with Ben Radford, an Australian. The idea was to produce wines using modern techniques and technology with a healthy respect for tradition, something Alex came to understand well while living in Burgundy.
Wines are made with minimal intervention in order to best express each vineyard’s individuality.Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - Michael Godel
Four months have done right by this pinotage and the beauty lies in how such an example could change 99 percent of minds as to what the grape from South Africa can truly and effectively be. No coffee, mocha or java in any respect, no silly or cloying sweet oak but simply fruit. Bright and clean expressing clear varietal skies. Pinotage can be like this and you need to try this wine to become a believer. Last tasted November 2024.
As per the recent (five-plus) year trending style for (better quality) Cape pinotage there is a lighter sense of hue, extract and texture to Radford Dale’s Vinum bottling. The aromas could not be confused or exchanged for any other grape mind you but red fruit prevails and earthiness grounds the wine at every point of exchange. No shock that winemaker Jacques de Klerk would do right by pinotage and provide the stage it needs to succeed. Tons of spice all over the finish. Drink 2025-2028. Tasted July 2024.
91 points - John Szabo, MS
This is a remarkably delicate and perfumed pinotage, pale of hue and redolent of still-fresh red berry fruit, notably absent the frequent rusticity displayed by the variety, as well as oak influce. Tannins are light and delicate and acids crunchy and juice, driving saliva and desire for additional sips, and the finish lingers delicately but impressively, the work of a hand and savvy hand. This will be a revelation to anyone who's exposure to pinotage was limited to the more commercial, sweet coffee-chocolate-flavoured versions, or the ultra old style reminiscent of rusty nails and rubber boots 0 this is nothing like that. Tasted November 2024.
- Red Wine
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.63% alc./vol
About the Winery
Ramsay
Since its modest beginnings, the Kent Rasmussen Winery has evolved into one of the most important Pinot Noir producers in the Carneros region, but Kent was always keen to focus on other varietals and other AVAs. So, starting in 1989, Kent and Celia Rasmussen launched a second brand, Ramsay, which focuses on Sonoma, North Coast and Napa Valley. Kent chooses grapes and blends with great care to achieve stylistic continuity, year in, year out and to create high-value, finely crafted wines.Press Reviews
Wine Enthusiast
91 points - Wine Enthusiast
This wine offers plush and supple aromas of blackberry jam, blueberry and pepperjam. Other notes waft through, including boysenberry, toffee, star anise, chinese five spice and toasty oak. Layers of sweet cigar, dried black cherry and bittersweet chocolate bring it all together for a mouthwatering finish. Best Buy. —T.P.
Tasting Panel Magazine
91 points
Plush tannins and ripe boysenberry are surrounded by mocha-coffee and dried brush. Well balanced, with woodsy tones on the chewy finish.
- Red Wine
- Gamay
- Biodynamic, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Stéphane Aviron
Stéphane Aviron can be considered a pioneer in his approach to winemaking in Beaujolais, however he would just tell you that he’s simply returning to the traditional practices that have always made fantastic Gamay wines. Sustainable viticulture, extremely old vines and classic Burgundian techniques. He focuses on the Beaujolais village crus, all but forgotten gems of vineyards when the nouveau craze took over, which are the best sites for unique, expressive and terroir driven wines. All of the fruit is sourced from old vines (40+ years), so seeing Vieilles Vignes on the label is a rite of passage, not a privilege. Authenticity and a distinctly Beaujolais style of winemaking is what sets Stéphane apart from the rest.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - David Lawrason
This is a delicious, fairly juicy and charming young gamay. There is a hint of meatiness on the nose but all kinds of candied strawberry/cherry as well, and violet-like florals. It is light to medium bodied, open knit, slightly sour-edged with very generous fruit on the palate. The tannins are notably mild, the alcohol provides some power and the length is very good to excellent. Tasted June 2022
- Red Wine
- Rotburger
- Natural, Sustainable
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 11% alc./vol
About the Winery
RR81
RR81 stands for 'Regional Road 81' - the road The Farm sits on, and a main artery through wine country. The RR81 approach to winemaking is simply fermented grapes with nothing added. One-off wines sourced from some of the best single vineyards in Niagara. These wines are made in the barn at The Farm with minimal intervention (just a few bins and an old basket press). The result equals some of the best, and most unique, wines coming out of Niagara.- Red Wine
- Sangiovese, Trebbiano
- Biodynamic, Natural, Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Fattoria di Sammontana
The vineyards of Fattoria di Sammontana are located along the hills that border the Arno River, 20km to the south west of Florence. Today, the family - now in its fourth generation - runs the farm according to organic and biodynamic practices, with the intent to fully preserve and sustain the traditions and winemaking history of the land. The property and its 12th century Romanesque church, were once the property of the Medici family.
- Red Wine, White Wine
- Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon
- Sustainable
- Dry
- 750ml
About the Winery
Matías Riccitelli
Matías Riccitelli was born in Cafayete, Salta. He identifies as a traveler and a tireless dreamer. After countless harvests throughout the world, he decided to combine everything he has learned and dedicate himself to exploring the excellent terroirs of Mendoza and the teachings of his mentor, and father, Jorge Riccitelli.Matías started his boutique winery in 2009, located in Las Compuertas at 1100 meters above sea level. It is the highest area of Lujan de Cuyo, and here he tends 20 hectares of ungrafted old vineyards. Matías also works with small, independent growers that own their lands at the bottom of the Andes halfway between 1000 and 1700 meters above sea level - in Gualtallary, Chacayes, Altamira and La Carrera.
All harvests are conducted by hand and fermentation takes place in small concrete vats and concrete eggs. Purity and delicacy in winemaking are prized by Matías and great care is taken in preserving the fruit’s singularity in order to obtain vibrant wines.
- Red Wine
- Nebbiolo
- Organic, Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 15.00% alc./vol
About the Winery
Réva
Réva is a winery based in Monforte D’Alba, within the Langhe area, in Piedmont, west northern Italy. Its aim is to bring the most brilliant young people of the area together, entrusting them with the task of expressing themselves in the most creative and professional way possible. This is Réva’s Wave, a dynamic team that represents the new Langhe generation, in constant communication with tradition, without the fear of reinterpreting it.
Today the vineyard sites which spread over 4 villages, Monforte D’Alba, Serralunga D’Alba, Novello and Barolo are all managed directly with the entire agronomic work done manually. Strong sustainable vineyards conduction, certified organic, they believe that their biggest challenge is not inventing anything but just define and express the beauty of the land where they live.
Behind every glass of wine there is an expression, expression of terroir, varietal, the varietal is for them everything, indigenous, they speak of the land and, last but not least, passion for what they do. Simply as that.
Press Reviews
Falstaff
98 Points - Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler
Clear, intense ruby with a fine garnet rim. Inviting, compact nose, notes of blood oranges rhubarb and rust, then lots of plum and some dark truffle. Polished, finely meshed tannin in the attack and course, fine salty components to it, has drive in the finish and reverberates long.
WineAlign
95 Points - Michael Godel
The single vineyard cru Lazazarito is added in 2016 and it is Daniele Gaia’s first harvest at Réva. Drive the best car and drive it right away. “This is the best wine Réva has never made, “ says Gaia with great irony and humility. Tasted from low temperatures (22-24 degrees) in tank there was fear of Lazzrito’s tannins. Here above Serralunga a long strip on the top of the eastern side of the hill gives a marl-calcaire meets sandy soikl and so the best of both structural worlds; freshness (also from high pH) and grip. Yes it’s silly young and impressionable but already handsome, unadorned and fruit so crunchy, yet also sapid, a pinch salty and the impression of acidity is a freshness with thanks to that elevated pH. A sample but already in bottle and will be released in two years. Drink 2024-2036. Tasted January 2020.
Gambero Rosso
Tre Bicchieri 2023
- Red Wine
- Bobal
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14% alc./vol
About the Winery
Agrícolas de Vinos La Higuera
Agrícola de Vinos La Higuera’ is a small project founded in 2017 by two friends, Javier del Blanco and Jorge Navascues, to join their knowledge in the wine industry while working separately with top Estates from different regions all over Spain.
The aim is to nurture and craft honest wines that will honor their origins, with great value and genuine quality, expressing the purity of the grape variety and the environment they are grown in.
Press Reviews
WineAlign
90 points - Michael Godel
A varietal bobal from Utiel-Requena where 34,000 hectares in Valencia between the two neighbouring towns of Utiel and Requena are mostly concerned with this unique variety. Here is a firm and medium-bodied example with a plenary meeting of root-earthy fruit and exemplary acidity. Not exactly tannic but structured in its own parochial way to live non-plussed for a few years. This is quite a youthful example with more getable juiciness than many. Drink 2023-2025. Tasted February 2023.
90 points - Sarah d'Amato
A fruity, juicy red smartly packaged with a modern-utilitarian label from the Valencian sub-appellation of Utiel Requena where the bobal variety dominates in both red and rosé forms. Mid-weight, supple and easy-drinking with white pepper spice, and bramble along with wafting notes of botanicals and mint. Lightly reduced in a very pleasant fashion. Would benefit from a slight chill. Engaging and convivial with plenty of food pairing potential. Ready to drink. Tasted February 2023.
90 points - Megha Jandhyala
This 100% bobal was sourced from a single vineyard called La Pinada planted in 1958 in the Valencian sub-appellation of Utiel-Requena. It has a sense of freshness, candour, and authenticity that is appealing. I like the ripe red fruit flavours including plump and juicy strawberries, raspberries, and cherries, accompanied by notes of savoury herbs and earthy tones. The palate is medium-bodied and fresh, with juicy acids and fine tannins, while alcohol is well-integrated (13.5%, per the label). Ready to drink, this bobal is best enjoyed lightly chilled. Tasted February 2023 by Critic Understudy Megha Jandhyala.
- Red Wine
- Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Trincadeira
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Paulo Laureano
Paulo Laureano is one of the most respected Portuguese winemakers and a reference for wines in the Alentejo.
Agronomist, winemaker trained between Portugal, Australia and Spain, after teaching at the University of Évora for 10 years, decided to dedicate himself, exclusively, to what has moved him since 1993: designing wines. Especially in the company he created with his family in 1999 and which has become increasingly important in his life.
Paulo Laureano defines himself as a minimalist winemaker, for whom designing wines is a passion, unveiling their aromas and flavors, evaluating and optimizing the reasons for his identity and personality, promoting them as true sources of pleasure.
His exclusive bet on Portuguese varieties reflects his way of being and looking at wine as a factor of culture and civilization.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - David Lawrason
This is a blend of three varieties from the sunny south of Portugal. It shows a generous, rounded nose of brambly/blackberry jam, perfumed florality, some oak vanilla and nutmeg. It is medium-full bodied, soft, genteel and warming with fine chalk tannin. Some minerality on the finish. The length is very good to excellent. Tasted March 2022
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Groupe Bellene
Led by Nicolas Potel in Beaune, Groupe Bellene is composed of the négociant arm Maison Roche de Bellene, the winery arm Domaine de Bellene, and a special back-vintage series under the Collection Bellenum label.
- Maison Roche de Bellene offers a complete range of wines, with an emphasis on individual terroirs from old vines of more than 40 years. All of the growers that Nicolas works with are either organic certified or sustainably farmed.
- Domaine de Bellene represents the wines that are produced and bottled from Nicolas Potel's private vineyard holdings.
- Collection Bellenum is a back vintage series that Nicolas Potel sourced from his friends in the region, offering a magnificent selection of bottled history. The wines have moved only twice in their lives, from the original cellar to Potel's and now to yours!
Nicolas Potel grew up at Volnay's Domaine Pousse d'Or, where his father worked. He trained abroad and returned home in 1996 to build a négociant business and started Maison Nicolas Potel, where he sourced grapes from good parcels, often working with the growers to improve the quality. By 2002, he was making 120 wines from 50 different appellations, and the rest is history!
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - David Lawrason
This is an utterly charming, easy drinking and refined pinot. The hot 2018 vintage has layered in some ripeness with fine aromas of red cherry/raspberry compote, fine shrubby, foresty notes, and subtle oak spice. It is light to medium bodied, very smooth with fine tannin. The length is very good to excellent. Such poise and balance. Best now to 2023. Tasted June 2021.
90 points - Michael Godel
Nothing quite like a “normal” year to craft the most getable and crushable Bourgogne at the behest and passionate hands of Nicolas Potel. Old vines are in the 45 to 50 year range in highest of high density plantings harvested at a “normal” time in this post-modernist, climate adjusted period. That being the 5th to the 13th of September and fruit already ripe, burning the brix and phenol candle at both ends. Nose in to the promise of violets and roses, dive in for crunchy red fruit and some pretty solid tannins. That early yet necessary pick preserved acids with much to say in a pinot noir as tart and spirited as it is enriching of spirit. Despite the high drink-ability factor the structural parts creep up so wait a year for this to settle further. Drink 2022-2025. Tasted June 2021.
90 points - Sara d'Amato
Lovely, bright, crunchy and lively, this entry level Bourgogne from Roche de Bellene rarely disappoints. With a fine, elegant, and well-integrated oak treatment and an invitingly silky texture, this pinot noir is notably compelling and delivers solid value. Excellent length. Tasted June 2021.
- Red Wine
- Grenache, Mourvèdre / Monastrell, Syrah
- Biodynamic, Natural, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 15% alc./vol
About the Winery
Domaine Viret
In a magical place steeped in history, Saint-Maurice, in the Rhone Valley. Advocates of the principles of organic and biodynamic agriculture, the Viret family has chosen to employ a particular form of natural viticulture throughout their estate. Known as “cosmoculture®”, this is based on cosmotelluric exchanges. Everything is organised in such a way that both vines and wines are able draw on their own natural defences.
Work in the vineyards focuses on reorganising the magnetic field and on the application of homeopathic and naturals preparations made from rocks and plants that are often found in the vineyards. Alain, Philippe's father, built the winery on an ancient Roman site around an underground spring which they believe energises the vineyards and the winery.
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Natural, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
About the Winery
Celler Escoda-Sanahuja
Joan Ramón Escoda founded Celler Escoda Sanahuja in 1999 along with his wife Mari Carmen in Conca del Barbera, Catalonia. Since then, they have been disrupting the wine industry both in their home-country and internationally.
Celler Escoda Sanahuja was one of the first wineries that, back in 2005 stopped adding sulphites to their wines. Joan Ramon has always been a radical winemaker and a grass-roots innovator. His wild enthusiasm has been fuel for the natural winemaking scene, and has also led him to, spontaneously, create the 'Brutal' movement popular in natural wine circles. These are highly individual wines reflecting their origins and their innovative winemaker.
Pre-order: Place your order before March 15th by paying a $50 deposit, and receive your case of wine in early summer.
- Red Wine
- Grenache
- Organic, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Pago Aylés
Pago Aylés was founded by Federico Ramón, who in 2003 began his dream of classifying this unique land as the first Vino de Pago in the Aragon region. In the Spanish wine quality pyramid, the Pago stands as a top tier or grand cru winery. Just before Federico died, his dream came true in 2010, as Aylés became the 10th Vino de Pago in Spain.
Today his three children continue to produce wines from this special land. The vineyard site has a long history of winemaking, dating back to the 12th century by Spanish monks. Influenced by the River Huerva and the Monte San Pablo mountain, the soil is a mixture of clay, limestone and chalk – ideal for making high-quality wine. Caves, ravines and old river beds can be found all over the estate, which is brimming with wildlife.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - Sara d'Amato
A crunchy sweetly rich, ripe red fruit-dominant, velvety garnacha. Absolutely endearing with oodles of textural intrigue. A hint of saltiness balances and brings refreshment to the palate. Ready-to-drink and made in a widely appealing style.
- Red Wine
- Nerello Cappuccio, Nerello Mascalese
- Sustainable, Volcanic
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Azienda Agricola Tornatore
Out of a Sicilian family heritage that traces back to the 17th century, the Tornatore’s Mount Etna wine ventures began in 1865. Today the family’s operations are headed by Giuseppe Tornatore, a businessman whose expertise led to the acquisition of some of the region’s finest north-facing vineyards in the early 2000’s. That heritage and the Tornatore’s profound respect and understanding of the land is showcased in wines that capture the essence of Etna, deftly balancing concentrated flavors, complexity, freshness and refinement.
The company lies in the northern side of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. The soils have volcanic origin and were created through the disintegration of lava, ash and stones from previous volcanic eruptions. The climate on the northern side of the Etna is characterized by mild temperatures, and more rain fall reflecting the influence of the Volcano. The combination of soil, climate and the skill of the winemakers, have made the northern slope of Etna an ideal area for the production of high-quality wines. “Our vineyards and our winery are only a few kilometers from our family home. Our entire family is rooted there. We have the greatest respect for this region, and we believe we have a responsibility to be stewards of Etna and to reflect its distinct character in our wines.” - Giuseppe Tornatore
Press Reviews
James Suckling
96 Points
A perfumed nose with grapefruit, brambleberries, stones, herbs, savory spices and dried flowers. Medium- to full-bodied with silty tannins. It’s harmonious and textured with bright acidity. Pristine and transparent with a succulent core of berries at the center and vibrant energy throughout. Mineral and authentic. Precise finish with excellent length. Drink or hold.
- Red Wine
- Gamay
- Biodynamic, Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly, Volcanic
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Stéphane Aviron
Stéphane Aviron can be considered a pioneer in his approach to winemaking in Beaujolais, however he would just tell you that he’s simply returning to the traditional practices that have always made fantastic Gamay wines. Sustainable viticulture, extremely old vines and classic Burgundian techniques. He focuses on the Beaujolais village crus, all but forgotten gems of vineyards when the nouveau craze took over, which are the best sites for unique, expressive and terroir driven wines. All of the fruit is sourced from old vines (40+ years), so seeing Vieilles Vignes on the label is a rite of passage, not a privilege. Authenticity and a distinctly Beaujolais style of winemaking is what sets Stéphane apart from the rest.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
93 points - David Lawrason
Chenas is one of the smallest appellations of Beaujolais, situated astride more famous Fleurie. Both villages tend to make gamays with both richness and elegance. This sports a ripe nose of cherry/strawberry jam, peony and subtle pepper. It is medium bodied, smooth, firm and refined with gentle tannin. And the length is excellent. Very easy to enjoy now and should hold through 2028. Tasted June 2022
92 points - Megha Jandhyala
This is a fetching gamay with buoyant fruit notes of cherries and raspberries accompanied by aromas of candied violets, rosemary, and snapped twigs. The palate echoes these flavours with subtle notes of cured meat joining the chorus. Tannins are satin smooth and acids are tart. Length is excellent with a delightful fruity finale. Best 2022-2027. Tasted June 2022 by Critic Understudy Megha Jandhyala.
91 points - John Szabo, MS
This is a pleasantly twiggy-herbal-stemmy expression of Chenas with plenty of joyful fruit underpinning the ensemble. I like the fleshy dark cherry fruit on the palate, the silky-firm tannins, and the excellent length in the category. A superior cru; drink or hold late into the decade. Tasted June 2022.
91 points - Michael Godel
Chénas by Aviron is the cru that takes what the Villages offers and simply gives more. By home and vineyard the extrapolation and extension is natural, seamless and duly noted, from dancing fruit, happy palate and now, something viably more. Salumi and wet stone, a modicum of structure, violets in perfume and furthered texture. A positive thickening that stays with the palate, lingers and gracefully moves on. This is gamay to pour for people ready to get it and get at it. Drink 2022-2026. Tasted June 2022.
90 points - Sara d'Amato
An intriguing mix of ripe and jammy along with stemmy and herbal from the warm 2020 vintage. Juicy on the palate with flavours of cherry, bramble, wet leaf and a hint of carbonic. Mouthfilling and fleshy overall with plush red fruit on the finish of very good length. Tasted June 2022.
- Red Wine
- Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - Michael Godel
2014: A blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc in Pomerol mimic, attractive and edgy when it wants or needs to be. Right Bank stylistic in any case, herbals and amaro welling through with liqueur consistency and fashion. Quite chic and notably concentrated for 2014, really credible, with brisk acidity and plenty of toughness keeping the wine safe, elongated and with portents of further potential. Quite a steal actually. Drink 2021-2024. Tasted November 2021.
90 points - John Szabo
2014: Maturing, classy and complex Bordeaux here, delivering far above its price category in terms of complexity, depth and overall refinement and polish. It's drinking very well at the moment, with grainy tannins lining up with succulent acids, notably absent the green character of many 2014 Bordeaux (especially at this price level). Really quite an excellent experience all in all. Drink or continue to hold into the mid-late-'20s. Tasted November 2021.
- Red Wine
- Carignan
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.8% alc./vol
About the Winery
Bodegas Puiggròs
Since 1843, the Puiggros family has been producing wines from their own vines in the Odena region of Catalunya for the family and close friends. Over generations they had come to realize that their vineyards and techniques were something worth sharing with the world. A sincere dedication to the terroir in their zone and the indigenous varieties that grow there, allows them to constantly discover ways to unlock all of the magic that lies within their land.
Starting with conscious and clean farming in the vineyard, they hand-harvest only the best fruit for their production, and ferment each vineyard separately in varying vessels to accentuate what the vines have to show; some in stainless steel, and many in clay amphora of differing sizes. All the while seeing very little sulfur use (if any) until bottling. Puiggros is pushing the quality of northeastern Spain's wines forward, and doing so in a clean and unique way.
- Red Wine
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 3.00 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Sister's Run
Sister’s Run is serious fun. Their talented young winemaker Elena wears steel cap work boots every day of course, but carries a pair of high heels in back of the ute, only for emergencies, like last minute invitations to accept trophies at gala wine show dinners and the like.
Returning from a ‘knees-up’ at midnight, mid vintage, she managed to kick off one high heel and slip back into a boot’ just as the cellar crew cried out, ‘Run Sister Run’; and exactly then their winemaker and label took flight!
The stiletto and boot are Sister’s Run; an independently owned and operated winery with a fierce commitment to making the best wines they can from family vineyards. They don’t take ourselves as seriously as we take our wines, but agree with Elena, all you need to know about wine is the five ‘V’s and remember the best wine is the wine you like.
Press Reviews
Melbourne International Wine Competition, 2023
94 Points
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Invivo
Invivo's journey began when two Kiwi friends, Rob and Tim, met in a London bar, determined to revolutionize the wine industry by creating a strong brand that defies tradition. Since 2008, Invivo has become a leading producer in New Zealand, winning over 600 medals and expanding operations across several countries. Through customer focus and innovation, including being one of the Southern Hemisphere's largest crowdfunded companies, Invivo has rapidly grown. Rejecting traditional winemaking norms, Invivo brings elegance from the old world to their original range, featuring Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Rosé. Their collaborations with Graham Norton and Sarah Jessica Parker have further elevated their profile, embodying Invivo's vision of bringing people together to create greatness.
Press Reviews
Wine Orbit
94 Points - Sam Kim
Charming and complex, the seductively expressed bouquet shows sweet cherry, dried herb, clove and toasted almond characters with a hint of earthy mushroom nuance. The palate delivers excellent weight and soothing mouthfeel, wonderfully supported by velvety texture and beautifully infused tannins. At its best: now to 2030
- Red Wine
- Syrah
- Biodynamic, Natural, Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Domaine du Coulet - Matthieu Barret
Matthieu Barret was born in Aix-en-Provence in 1975 and studied viticulture in Beaune.
He is the 7th generation vigneron and joined his grandfather in Cornas in 1997. Previously, his family had only been farming and selling grapes. He practices biodynamic viticulture, obtaining very low yields (23 hl/ha) and extraordinary quality. He describes his wines as being 100% grape, with a very low sulphite addition. His wines are extremely clean, and, true to the Cornas character. Domaine du Coulet was founded by Matthieu Barret’s grandfather after WWII, and over the years has supplied grapes to some of the best known producers in the Northern Rhône, including Chapoutier and Delas. While his father eschewed the agrarian lifestyle, opting instead for a career in international business, Matthieu knew early on that he wanted to be a vigneron. In 1998 at the age of only 23, he took over the family’s 25 acres of well-situated vines on the terraced hillsides of Cornas.
From the beginning, Matthieu has employed natural, organic practices and by 2002 (his second year of production) the domaine received its biodynamic certification. With each vintage, Matthieu has gained a better understanding of his vine parcels and through thoughtful experimentation, he now turns out a remarkable selection of Cornas wines that express the unique nuances of each micro-terroir. No new oak, no racking, minimal use of sulfur and no fining or filtration. Pure, sexy Syrah.
- Red Wine
- Cinsault, Syrah
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 12.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Pearce Family Wines
In the early 2000's Nicholas Pearce was exposed to the garagiste movement in Bordeaux and was particularly inspired by négociants like Jean Luc Thunevin (Saint Emilion), James Sichel (Margaux) and Nicolas Potel (Beaune) from Burgundy.
After returning home to Ontario and starting his own wine company, he has had a hand in making 10+ wines in two hemispheres, 3 countries and 5 different appellations since the 2013 vintage.
Pearce Predhomme
Pearce Predhomme is a collaboration of like-minded individuals from around the globe. Founded with a mission to build and import wines from our favourite appellations while offering an unequaled value/quality ratio for the sommeliers & wine buyers in Ontario. This is a project between Toronto Sommelier and entrepreneur Will Predhomme and Ontario wine importer Nicholas Pearce they have partnered with Radford Dale in South Africa and NorthWest Wine Co. in Oregon to create these special cuvées.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - Michael Godel
Missed the 2019 version of this wine somehow, but in any case the 2020 comes from a vintage whereby lockdowns at the beginning of the pandemic allowed the winemaking team to really focus on their wares. Koffieklip soils are the source, whole cluster ferments the operative and not much has really changed in the five year tenure of this wine. More fruit substance and lessened volatility in 2020, tart as ever however and truly a matter of this particular Stellenbosch terroir. You can get at this cinsault-syrah joint more than ever before, randomly, at will and wherever you are. Drink 2022-2025. Tasted March 2022.
90 points - David Lawrason
Pearce Predhomme Cinsault/Syrah 2018:
If you are fan of South African reds you will love this; if not you will be a step closer. It's a lively, engaging if idiosyncratic wine offering complexity, diversity and sheer drinkability. The nose is nicely lifted with a melange of wild blueberry, pomegranate fruit plus some meatiness, all kinds of herbality and Cape tar. It is medium bodied (only 12.5%) alcohol with crunchy acidity, a hint of sourness, fine soft tannin. Excellent length. Edgy but it works. Chill lightly. Tasted January 2021
Platters Guide
4.5 Stars - 90 points
- Red Wine
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.00% alc./vol
Press Reviews
James Suckling
91 Points
Cassis and blackberries on the nose with some grilled spices and olives. Medium to full body with tight tannins that provide a lot to chew on in the middle. Give it a year to soften and settle. Drink after 2023.
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
A to Z Wineworks
Press Reviews
Wine Enthusiast
89 Points - Michael Alberty
The essence of Oregon is evidently sweet red raspberries, caramelized heirloom carrots and wet modeling clay. Works for me. The wine's flavours are darker, with blackberries and dark chocolate dominating lesser notes of pine wood and saline. Pair the Essence of Oregon with the cheeses of Normandy.
- Red Wine
- Corvina, Rondinella
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 15.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Ca' del Monte
Ca del Monte is situated on the hillsides overlooking the village of Negrar, in the heart of Valpolicella. It has belonged to the same family for generations, and is now run by brothers Umberto and Giuseppe Zaconte. There’s nothing fancy about this place. The house and winery are modest - and are attached to a 17th century monastery.
The estate is approximately 50 acres, and its 15-65 year old vines lie on gentle slopes at 800-900 meters. They grow on four soils including clay, limestone, red volcanic soil with red stones, and “Toar,” a green volcanic soil. The vineyards of Ca Del Monte are planted with 20-40 year old vines of Corvina, Rodinella and Molinara grapes that are planted in poor soils that stress the vines and nurture the fruit. All of the farming is done traditionally and non-certified organic.
- Red Wine
- Primitivo
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Cantine Paradiso
Cantine Paradiso is located is the South of Italy, in the region of Puglia. During the estate's 60-year history, the Paradiso family have always given the utmost importance to their close ties to Puglia's unique terroir, promoting the area's winemaking culture and constantly improving the quality of their production. The ongoing results confirm the choices made by three generations of down-to-earth vignerons closely bound to tradition and sensitive to innovation.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - Michael Godel
Cinematic and Mediterranean, Pugliese and really quite luminous so a bit other or different for primitivo of the place. Some may find it lean or light for the grape but in fact it's quite linear, lovely and elegant. With a slight chill and a simple red sauce in optimum season you could drink so much of this outdoors, overlooking water, all summer long. Drink 2020-2023. Tasted August 2020.
- Red Wine
- Malbec
- Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Bodega Marco Zunino
The dream of 4 French partners in Argentina's Mendoza region can be found 200 kilometers from the district capital, in the South of the region, in the town of San Rafael. It's an oasis surrounded by large canyons and crossed by two rivers, Diamante and Atuel, vital for agriculture and tourism in the region.The arid climate, rugged landscape coupled with the plane trees located along the country roads and weeping willows bordering its rivers that makes the area reminiscent of the midi region in the South of France.
The thirty-hectare vineyard boasts an exceptional site and an idyllic regional climate for wine producing. The low rainfall, vineyard altitude (670m) and high temperature variations are key to the diversity and quality of San Rafael’s terroir and offers the ideal setting for a truly exceptional quality of grape.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points - Sara d'Amato
A bright and cheery malbec made with finesse. The palate is cut and refreshed with a salty component, zesty acidity and mildly sinewy tannins. Sleek with notes of earth, new leather and blackberry. Impressively complex with a memorable finish. Drink now or hold until 2023. Tasted July 2020.
90 points - David Lawrason
This is a very generous, open knit, dense and just slightly sweet malbec with classic aromas of mulberry/raspberry, thyme, a touch of meatiness and oak vanillin. It is very smooth, almost slippery and dense with fine tannin and warm. The length is very good to excellent. Lots here for $20. Tasted June 2021
- Red Wine
- Mourvèdre / Monastrell, Syrah
- Natural, Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Domaine Frédéric Brouca
Frédéric grew up in Normandy and met his Canadian wife Elaine at university in Lille, Northern France. They live a nomadic lifestyle (Canada, India, Singapore and USA) though Frédéric spends about half of his time in Faugères. Since early age, Frédéric had a calling for farming and the fierce desire to become a winegrower. After completing a Masters Degree in Finance in 2001, Frédéric went back to college for a Sommelier diploma and started his career as a Burgundy wine broker.
In late 2012, Frédéric and Elaine were fortunate to take over 25 acres of old vines in Faugères, organically farmed for twenty years and deeply rooted in schist soils.
2013 was the inaugural vintage for Domaine Frédéric Brouca. In his modest winery in the village of Laurens, Frédéric is creating a new vision for Faugères wines; fresh, vibrant and made without artifice. Nothing revolutionary, simply returning to our grandparent's ideology of farming and winemaking to craft 'Vins Vivants'. The Faugères Appellation is in the heart of Languedoc in the Hérault department. Here, winemaking dates back to the Greek times and was developed during the Roman Era. It wasn't until the early 1900's, however, that the wines became more widely known for its unique schist soils and moderate Mediterranean climate. These villages are heavily reliant on wine as an important part of their culture and economy.
The area is stunning with mountain views and close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea (20 miles / 30 kms). Faugères has a long history of responsible farming. It boasts the highest percentage of organic vineyards for any AOC in all of France with almost 50% of farmers making the choice.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
93 points - John Szabo
Clos Sauveplan is a blend of about 3/4 high density planted mourvèdre and the balance in half-century-old syrah from the lieu-dit of the same name, a plateau in the Faugères AOC in southern France. It's showing beautifully at the moment, rich, redolent of fresh black forest fruits, blackberry coulis, wild violets and cracked black peppercorn, really quite a tour de force. The palate is broad but fresh, impeccably balanced and so lively considering the warm vintage, declared at 12.5% alcohol but coming across as riper and denser than the numbers would imply. Tannins are silky and resolving nicely, and length, depth, and ultimately complexity, are excellent. One of Brouca's best to date I'd say; drink or hold a half dozen years - the stuffing augurs well for development. Tasted January 2024.
92 points - Michael Godel
The source for this co-ferment of mourvèdre and syrah is a “clos,” meaning an isolated walled vineyard in a lieu-dit called “Sauveplane”, plateau at the eastern limit of the Faugères appellation. A mix of 20 and 40 year-old vines, volcanic soils, some whole cluster fermentation. Exotically spiced, sweetly volatile. Low-level Brettanomyces, so bloody Faugères, exemplary and expected for a wine to speak up on behalf of this particular sense of place. The kind of Languedoc red that sommeliers and naturalists will share and swig with reckless abandon while those who have never tried this style and origin may be left to wonder in confounded disarray. Just know that this is very correct for producer, style and place. Drink 2024-2027. Tasted January 2023.
91 points - Sara d'Amato
From old vines farmed with minimal intervention on the plateau of "Sauveplane", a lieu-dit on the eastern edge of Faugères. Spontaneously co-fermented syrah and mourvèdre grapes are left unfined and unfiltered in the low-interventionist style of Fredric Brouca. Subsequently aged 13 months in oak resulting in very gentle spice and pleasantly mellow tannins. Offers a notable sense of place and varietal character. Relatively speaking, the wine is quite clean and still exhibits plenty of fresh fruit and very good length. Tasted January 2024.
- Red Wine
- Sangiovese
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 14% alc./vol
About the Winery
Cortonesi
“I’m a lucky man who has been given the opportunity to realize my dream and continue my family’s efforts making wine in the land where I was born.” – Tommaso Cortonesi
Tommaso is third-generation winemaker at Cortonesi that owns some of the most prized vineyards in the north and south-east of Montalcino. Favourable geography, rocky soils, and ingenious winemaking all come together to create some of the region's deepest and most elegant Brunello wines.
The Cortonesi family has been making wine since the 1970s. At first, wines were made to be enjoyed by family, friends and neighbours, but then in 1985, Cortonesi had gained enough traction within their community that they began to offer their wines commercially. Today, Cortonesi remains a family business that continues to work according to tradition, while employing modern technologies to the enhance the quality of their production.
Lovers of Sangiovese must experience “La Mannella”, a collection of wines exclusively sourced from Cortonesi's private vine land. This farm covers 56 hectares, eight of which are devoted to the production of some of the world's most coveted and age-worthy Brunello di Montalcino.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - Michael Godel
Tommaso Cortonesi grabs the youngest of his sangiovese not yet ready for the youthful exuberance of Rosso nor the prime time of Brunello di Montalcino and boom, Léonus is constantly re-invented in its IGT style. And yet this is a wine of evolution because vines get older and the better experienced fruit deserves further attention. The price of this IGT is reflective of an increase in quality but also Cortonesi’s understanding of his (home vineyard's) La Manella ways. Look at this label as a window into a vintage, of what Rosso will be and even imagine the prospects for the Grand Vin. Warm one, ripe and developed, a tie to the place forged and more structure in this Léonus is identified clearer than ever before. Drink 2023-2025. Tasted February 2023.
90 points - Megha Jandhyala
The 2020 Lèonus was sourced from the Cortonesi family's La Mannella farm in Montalcino. It is ripe and plush, with flavours of plums, blueberries, and cherries, alongside subtle notes of herbs, nutmeg, and cedar. The palate is medium to full-bodied, infused with plump red fruit. Tannins are fine and acids are fresh and juicy. Length is very good. Tasted February 2023 by Critic Understudy Megha Jandhyala.
5 Stars - Sara d'Amato
Consistently a solid value wine, the sangiovese sourced for Cortonesi's 'la Mannella' Lèonus is sourced from the winery's home farm in Montalcino, intended for the production of Brunello di Montalcino. This 2021 is both warm and zesty with an abundance of red fruit, along with dried herbs and a distinct brininess. No heavy-handed winemaking. Generous, uncomplicated and widely appealing. Tasted February 2023.