Discover our finest and rarest artisanal wines from the world's most coveted producers and wine regions.
38 products
38 products
- White Wine
- Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Picpoul
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Château de Montfaucon
Just across the Rhone river from the beautiful vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the Lirac appellation extends itself on the low hills alongside the river. The history of Château de Montfaucon dates back to the 11th century when the castle's first tower was built. The castle's role in history was strategic; the Rhône River was the border between the French Kingdom and the Holy Roman German Empire. Montfaucon was one of many castles and fortresses along the Rhône River constructed to guard the border.
Rodolphe de Pins took over the family estate of Montfaucon in 1995 and subsequently rebuilt the winery and began practicing sustainable agriculture. He honed his winemaking skills in Barossa at Henschke and Vieux Telegraphe in Châteauneuf du Pape before returning to Lirac, so needless to say, his familiarity with the local varieties is well established.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
92 points - Michael Godel
Comtesse Madeleine may not be a Rhône original out of the Lirac appellation but my if it does not strike as something profound. The blend is 40 per cent each marsanne and clairette with (10) grenache blanc (plus perhaps a splash of picpoul) for a devilishly flinty white with a veritable scent of animal musk, like porchetta releasing that tell-tale aroma just after the skin begins to render at heat. This is the real deal in French white wine for which the blending process and subsequent elévage can pull out meaning to change the way wine will speak to those that are listening. Intently in this case and for great reason. Drink 2023-2026. Tasted February 2023.
92 points - Sarah d'Amato
A lively and characterful blend of marsanne, clairette and grenache blanc. Expressive and concise with freshness created through a combination of acidity and minerality. Features notes of rosebud, honeysuckle and ginger spice along with thyme, pear, lanolin, fresh fig and lemon. A compelling assemblage that brings new dimension and complexity through a succession of undulating sensorial waves. Honestly made with a light-handed touch. Balanced and lengthy. Tasted February 2023.
91 points - Megha Jandhyala
This is an aromatically expressive blend of clairette, grenache blanc, marsanne, and picpoul, from Lirac, an appellation that lies just across the Rhône river from famed Châteauneuf-du-Pape. I really like its glossy, smooth texture and flavours of apricots, lemons, and grapefruits, alongside subtle notes of vanilla and wet stones. The palate is integrated and balanced, with a sense of both richness and freshness. The finish is graceful and long-lasting. Tasted February 2023 by Critic Understudy Megha Jandhyala.
Decanter
90 points
Distinctly nutty from the oak, macadamia, gently grilled elements to the fruit. Good acidity. Little touch of honeycomb on the finish. Acidity is balanced. Drinking window 2020 - 2022.
- Red Wine
- Cabernet Franc
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Château de Parnay
Château de Parnay is the flagship of the AOC Saumur Champigny. The property is located along the Loire river, classified as UNESCO World Heritage, on the most reputable clay and limestone terroirs of the appellation. The historic property was taken over by Mathias Levron & Régis Vincenot in 2006 with the aim of restoring the nobility of this special place.
Drawing their strength from the authenticity of their values, they now cultivate 50 hectares of vines with the aim of producing exceptional wines in a way that respects the environment. They have been certified organic since 2013 and are about to be certified biodynamic too.
The Clos of Chemin des Murs is the jewel of the property! Coming from the imagination of it's orginal owner, Antoine Cristal, this Clos was built, planted and cultivated according to an unprecedented technique. On this half hectare of Chenin Blanc, each vine was planted on the north face of a stone wall. Through a hole in the stone the vine crosses through the wall and allowing the grapes to grow facing the southern sunshine. The vine is said to have its 'foot in the cool and belly in the sun'.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
93 points - Megha Jandhyala
This is a concentrated, complex, gracefully balanced cabernet franc. Notes of ripe red plums, blackberries, dark cherries, tobacco, dried leaves, and violets are interwoven here to form an elegant, engaging, and varietally representative flavour profile. The palate is densely flavoured but lithe, with fine-grained tannins and refreshing acids. The finish is long, layered, and captivating. Though it can be enjoyed now, I would cellar this for 2-3 years. Tasted January 2024.
93 points - David Lawrason
This is a serious cab franc indeed - not so much in terms of weight and power, but in its complexity, poise and length. It’s a deeply coloured for franc. The nose shows fine, ripe raspberry, perfectly pitched by fresh herbs, tobacco and violet. It is loosely structured mid-palate, and a touch warm, with slightly green tannin. The length is excellent. I would age it a year or three. Tasted January 2024
92 points - John Szabo, MS
Silky and refined, elegant but dense, this Saumur Champigny (cabernet franc) is a substantial and serious wine, with a high degree of textbook regional character, complete with a touch of green-herbal, varietal flavour. Tannins are fine and dusty, acids gently salty, and length good to very good. I'd suggest another year or two in the cellar to further refine the texture and develop complexity - potential I think is high. Tasted January 2024.
- Red Wine
- Sangiovese
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2 g/l
- Full 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
93 points - Michael Godel
The elephant in the room is obvious and Tommaso Cortonesi answers before the question is even posed. "You will be surprised by the freshness and acidity of the 2017, despite the warm vintage." So how exactly can that be? Picked as usual, for one thing, at the end of September. "Montalcino can approach each kind of season and situation during the production process," explains Cortonesi, meaning climate events, extremes and change be anathematized the vines have been nurtured and equipped to handle stress, especially drought, to sleep if necessary, call upon reserves and take full advantage of late season miracles. The '17 is smartly piquant, wisely wily, youthful above reproach, even if technically requiring some correction. Levels of acidity and even volatility are high, as per the vintage but in reality drying fruit and tannin are not. Take your time with La Mannella, don't rush or make any immediate demands of its emotions or time. Drink 2023-2029. Tasted November 2021.
- Red Wine
- Nebbiolo
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.5% 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
Wine Align
93 points - Michael Godel
This to me is a classic Barolo vintage captured with utmost care and respect by Réva. The 2018 Baroli are not likely going to amalgamate as the most obviously decadent or structured nebbioli but they can be timely reflections into the appellation. This is what the team at Réva has looked at, considered and coaxed from a wine that represents and by that I mean stands as a cross-sectional cuvée for their important set of vineyards. The 2016 Barolo is a great wine though its austerity means it’s still not functionally available and will serve a select few when it gets to the intended destination. In 2018 nebbiolo stands out bright, aromatic and clear, seasoned by wood, earth and herbs, linear, direct and transparent. The purity and functionality serve the people and does so with heart open wide, worn on a gifted, but never gilded sleeve. This is not a precious wine but do embrace the gift. Drink 2023-2031. Tasted May 2022.
- 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
- 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
- Cabernet Franc, Merlot
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Château du Moulin Noir
This beautiful right-bank Bordeaux estate consistently produces high-value, elegant and classic Merlot dominant wines and is considered one of the most famous Château of this appellation. Located in Montagne-Saint-Emilion, Château Moulin Noir consists of seven hectares of vineyards on clay and limestone soils.
This château owes its name to a family feuddating back to the Middle Ages. Two brothers were arguing about their father’s legacy with the youngest brother being incredibly jealous that everything went to the elder. He was so jealous that he burnt the château to the ground - Moulin Noir translates to “blackened Mill”.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
91 points - Sara d'Amato
This notably complex right bank blend from a satellite appellation of Saint-Emilion offers appealing savory notes along with a mineral, iron component as well as licorice spice. The oak treatment is wonderfully integrated with wood spice elevating the bright red fruit. Harmoniously matured, graceful and very elegant. The staying power of the finish is impressive. Drinking very well now. Tasted January 2019.
- White Wine
- Chardonnay
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.1 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14% alc./vol
About the Winery
Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines
Mullineux Family Wines, established in 2007 in the Swartland region of South Africa, is owned and managed by Chris and Andrea Mullineux. Since its inception the winery has established itself as one of South Africa’s most celebrated wine brands, both locally and internationally. Originally from Northern California, Winemaker Andrea Mullineux studied Viticulture and Oenology at UC-Davis before working in Stellenbosch and meeting Chris at a wine festival in Champagne. Chris is the Viticulturist in charge of the vineyards on their farm on Kasteelberg Mountain as well as fruit sourcing for their value Kloof Street wines.
To add to their acclaim, Andrea Mullineux was named Wine Enthusiast’s Winemaker of the Year in 2016 and in 2016 Chris & Andrea were Tim Atkin’s South African Winemakers of the Year. . By focusing on producing handcrafted wines from the granite and shale based soils of the Swartland and it is quickly becoming South Africa's wine frontier. Located an hour's drive away from Stellenbosch, the Swartland is rolling hills of wheat and jagged outcrops of old vines.
Press Reviews
Robert Parker
95 Points
The 2020 Leeu Passant Stellenbosch Chardonnay is more generous and shows more ripeness than the previous vintage, with a touch more approachability and youth, as it encapsulates a broader-shouldered expression. Medium to full-bodied, the wine explodes on the palate with flavors of lemon pastry cream, popcorn kernel and sweet citrus and a lingering nutty and creamy sensation across the mid-palate. The wine glides to a gracefully long finish that persists with flavors of peach yogurt. Bravo!
Wine Align - Michael Godel
96 Points
Chris and Andrea Mullineux started the project in 2013 with the help of viticulturist Rosa Kruger. "New" vineyards were unearthed and rehabilitated through four solid years of re-pruning, re-training and re-working of the soils. Then the wines could begin being made. A deconstruction and reconstruction, now seven years in and entering the opening gambit of true maturity stage for what is one of South Africa's most unique heritage collections. Leeu means lions, a reference to a meandering walkabout, personified in these wines. They are made in the Franschhoek winery, certified organic, coming of age in their foray into regenerative agriculture, which says Andrea Mullineux, "in the southern hemisphere also means cultural and worker sustainability practices." The 2020 is as fine a reductive but mainly lightning acidity charged chardonnay as a vineyard can determine. Located in the upper mid-slopes of the Helderberg facing the Strand with a clear view of False Bay. That said or perhaps out of necessity this is made in an oxidative way, which makes sure to keep the flinty and salty faith alive. The '20 is possessive of fibres, threads, strings and wires braided to make a layered whole. Finesse and sophistication co-exist in a vacuum where waves crash upon one another in great open space, with no shore for to finish. If you would like to experience chardonnay in a way you’ve not likely done before than swim all the way out, well offshore, all in, all the way to this place. Turn around and off into the deep distance, gaze upon the strand. Drink 2022-2028. Tasted October 2022.
James Suckling
95 Points
Aromas of sliced lemon, crushed thyme, green apple and flint. Medium-bodied, but don’t let that fool you, because this is so expressive and vibrant on the palate. Complex, too. It rides the line between fresh and nutty wonderfully. Succulent, bright and persistent. A pleasure. Sustainable. Drink or hold.
Vinous
95 Points
The 2020 Chardonnay Stellenbosch comes from a single vineyard in Helderberg just above the Cabernet. This has a wonderful, slightly flinty bouquet with outstanding precision. The palate is very well balanced with a perfect line of acidity, extremely pure, hints of white peach and orange pith, augmented by grapefruit and crushed stone of the finish that's as nervous as a child with stage fright doing school panto for the first time. Brilliant.
- Red Wine
- Sangiovese
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13% alc./vol
About the Winery
Villa Calcinaia
Villa Calcinaia is situated in the centre of Chianti Classico near the town of Greve-in-Chianti. This historic estate has been home to the Counts Capponi since 1524, and is maintained by Sebastiano Capponi and his brother Niccolo. In 1992, Count Sebastiano Capponi became the first in the history of the family to manage the winery personally, giving a new life to the vineyards and the cellar.
The family owns 200 hectares of land planted with olive trees, vines and pine trees. Organic farming is the standard at Villa Calcinaia where 75 acres of vineyard are planted with Sangiovese, Merlot, Canaiolo, Grechetto, Vernaccia, Trebbiano, and Malvasia. Through every vintage, the wines are crafted with food in mind. They are balanced, elegant, perfumed, and savoury yet refreshing with restrained vigour and intensity that ensures longevity.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
93 points - John Szabo, MS
Calcinaia's 2019 Riserva is a muscular and solidly built wine, with tannins still grippy and firm, also showing a lightly earthy-reductive edge still on display. Scorched earth and dried herb flavours mingle with black cherry fruit on a substantial frame, ripe at 14.5% declared. Very good length and depth. It's clearly made from the long term and is another couple of years away at least from prime enjoyment. Best from about 2026-2036. Tasted February 2024.
93 points - David Lawrason
This is a nicely perfumed, detailed and almost rich Chianti Riserva, with its extra time in barrel laying in complex, cedar, vanillin and spicy notes around classic raspberry/currant sangiovese fruit. It is medium-full bodied, fairly elegant and supple, with moderate acidity. Very well balanced with fine but firm tannin. The length is excellent. Best 2025 to 2030. Tasted February 2024
James Suckling
92 points
Crushed mulberries, black olives and allspice on the nose. Medium-to full-bodied with chewy tannins. Compact. Very typical for a Chianti Classico. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
- White Wine
- Chardonnay
- Sustainable, Volcanic
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.00% alc./vol
About the Winery
Vinos Baettig
Francisco Baettig and Carlos de Carlos have been friends for more than 20 years and share a passion for high-quality wines that are genuine and connected to the land where they are made.
Their families arrived in Traiguén and Purén from Switzerland in the 19th century, where they worked in agriculture, surrounded by volcanoes, lakes and forests, silos, livestock, wagons, and wheat fields.
Francisco and Carlos' passion for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, together with their love for the land of their ancestors, was the inspiration for making their own wines that pay homage to these beloved terroirs. After studying the soil and climate in Traiguén for several years, they chose a plateau with volcanic soil between the Quino and Traiguén Rivers and planted vines in 2013.
"A promising project in a wine region that is the future of high-quality Chilean wines" - Patricio Tapia, Descorchados
Press Reviews
James Suckling
96 Points
Complexity and lots of stamina and verve here! Smoky lemons, nougat, ginger and flint provide a very flavourful palate. Intense and substantial on the palate, but still elegant and nuanced, with a hint of phenolics at the end. Long, focused finish. Think fine Meursault. Drink or hold.
Robert Parker
95 Points - Luis Gutiérrez
The 2020 Selección de Parcelas Los Primos Chardonnay was cropped from a warm and dry vintage, but in Traiguén in the south, it is not as warm as in the central valley of Chile. The grapes were harvested the first half of April; they harvested earlier and finished with more alcohol, still a moderate 13.5%, from a year of more body and rounder wines but without heat. The wine kept a pH of 3.16 and 6.9 grams of acidity. This also makes the wine a little more Burgundian, more Meursault than Chablis or Puligny, tasty, spicy with a tad more oak (all the new barrels for white are 400-liter ones, 38% of them new in 2020), because in warmer years there is a little more extraction from the oak. This is the warmest vintage so far, but the wine is still bone dry and there is no ripeness; but there's more weight and width. The wines have to show the differences of the climate conditions each year... 4,069 bottles were filled in July 2021.
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.00% alc./vol
Press Reviews
The Real Review
95 Points - Bob Campbell
Deeply scented pinot noir with intense cassis, dark cherry/berry, vanilla and classy French oak flavours. Bright, youthful wine with power and energy. Accessible now but with good cellaring potential.
- Red Wine
- Grenache, Syrah
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Domaine Tour Saint Michel
Press Reviews
Wine Enthusiast
94 Points - Anna Lee C. Iijima
Notes of sun-drenched black cherry and strawberry preserves are sonorous in this fruit-forward, piercing blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah. It highlights all of Grenache's red-fruited delights and soft, pillowy tannins along with a twist of Syrah's peppery, brambly spice. Delightful young, it should maintain peak through 2030 at least.
- White Wine
- Assyrtiko
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.00% alc./vol
Press Reviews
WineAlign
94 points - David Lawrason
This has a quite fine, delicate and complex nose of hay, wildflowers, leesy spice and vague tropical fruit. Perhaps some fennel as well. It is notably rich yet elegant, much more so than expected from assyrtiko. Powerful too at $14% alcohol. It is creamy and almost lush but the minerality and warmth keep it in check. Flavours have excellent to outstanding length. Some bitterness and a salty tang on the finish. Clearly an elite white that needs some attention.
- White Wine
- Chardonnay
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% 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
WineAlign
97 Points - David Lawrason
This is very classy, detailed and sophisticated, not to mention powerful. It pours bright medium lemon. The nose billows very well integrated peach, mandarin, hazelnut, vanilla fudge and subtle toast. It is full bodied, expansive and creamy with a great alcohol centre, fine acidity and minerality. Flavours stay right on beam wrapping a great core of minerality and acidity. Length is outstanding. This should age decades.
- White Wine
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% alc./vol
Press Reviews
James Suckling
94 Points
Aromas of apple tart with brioche as well as toffee and butter cookie. Medium- to full-bodied with creamy texture and a creme caramel finish. Rich yet featherlight at the same time. Drink or hold.
- Red Wine
- Nebbiolo
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- 750ml
- 14% 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
Wine Align
92 points - Michael Godel
Not just amazing but actual, verifiable and absolute truth spoken by way of transparent and clemently honest nebbiolo. Reddest of the cherry red varietal wines, not Barolo because it’s almost too perfectly what it purports to be, without aggression, grip or grandeur. If anyone should find austerity in the tannins or any part of this nebbiolo then something is amiss. For pure drinking pleasure with the grape’s natural acidity in full tact and attack, look no further than this rosy beauty by Réva. Drink 2022-2025. Tasted May 2022.
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% alc./vol
Press Reviews
Cameron Douglas, MS
95 Points
Aromas of a complex wine with a stony mineral led quality followed by scents of dark cherry and baked plum then sweetness of barrel and a fine smoky wood quality. Dark rose and clove, plum and vanilla, there’s a fine silica and saline quality to the sense of place this wine carries as well. On the palate - taut and youthful, salivating and texture, complex and fine. A delicious wine with velvet textured tannin, plenty of acidity and a core flavours of red berries, plum then wood spices and sense of place with an earthy mineral quality. Lengthy finish with charm and complexity. Best drinking from 2023 through 2033.
- White Wine
- Chardonnay
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% 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
WineAlign
96 Points - Michael Godel
Premier Cru from Maison Roche De Bellene but Les Folatières could very well be elevated were the constraints of history and original delineations not in the way, A profoundly aromatic chardonnay that only this cru from this pace could both entertain and in turn author such an effect. A Bourgogne such as this has no peers, nor should it be compared to any suitors because at this level they are all individual. Yet the precision and sturdiness of Folatières is why many devotees to this part of the Côte-d'Or choose Puligny over Chassagne. There is a state of grace and a confidence that not so much exudes but instead wisps from the glass because the Climat foretold is the wine divined. An ideal vintage for Puligny from out of which warmth begets richness, which then transmutes as glissade, that feeling of textural grace across the palate, more than fleeting, also nurturing and protective. If ever a Puligny was to be described as territorial than Folatières would be the one. The mouthfeel is exactly that and substantial is the understatement. Lingered over this one for a while - and swallowed every stonecast of its goodness. Drink 2025-2036.
- White Wine
- Chardonnay
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% alc./vol
Press Reviews
WineAlign
91 Points - David Lawrason
This ripe 2020 offers generous yellow, lemony fruit and fresh herbs (thyme/basil) plus light toast from lees ageing, but hangs on well to Chablis' core values with firm acidity and minerality. There is an exuberance I really like. Excellent length
- Red Wine
- Sangiovese
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.50% alc./vol
Press Reviews
James Suckling
94 Points
Aromas of dried red cherries, potpourri and dried meat, followed by roasted savory-herb undertones. Medium- to full-bodied with firm and sturdy tannins. Good length with a savory aftertaste. Try after 2026.
- Red Wine
- Nebbiolo
- Biodynamic, Natural, Organic
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.5% alc./vol
About the Winery
Punset
While the vineyards that form Punset have been farmed by the Marcarino family for generations, it is truly thanks to Marina and her incredible energy that the estate is how it is nowadays. In the 1980s, she decided to pursue organic farming – a demanding choice that was rewarded by becoming the first estate to receive the organic certification in Italy. Her passion for the soil and the environment led her to embrace biodynamics and the agronomic philosophy of Manasobu Fukuoka. From one of the healthiest vineyards in Italy, Marina crafts wines that brim with life, energy, and pure terroir.
Known for the very first certified organic Barbaresco of Italy, Marina continues to show the world that you can preserve tradition and think of the future simultaneously.
Press Reviews
Decanter
90 points
As well as a Riserva from Basarin, Punset produce one from a 1ha parcel in the San Cristoforo cru, called Campo Quadro. The two wines are styled differently, the Basarin being aged traditionally whereas the Campo Quadro matures in both barriques and tonneaux. There are assertive smoky cherry aromas on the nose, while the palate is dense, weighty and somewhat extracted. There is balancing acidity to lift the finish, but at present it lacks finesse. Drinking Window 2021 - 2036.
- Red Wine
- Nebbiolo
- Biodynamic, Natural, Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 14% alc./vol
About the Winery
Punset
While the vineyards that form Punset have been farmed by the Marcarino family for generations, it is truly thanks to Marina and her incredible energy that the estate is how it is nowadays. In the 1980s, she decided to pursue organic farming – a demanding choice that was rewarded by becoming the first estate to receive the organic certification in Italy. Her passion for the soil and the environment led her to embrace biodynamics and the agronomic philosophy of Manasobu Fukuoka. From one of the healthiest vineyards in Italy, Marina crafts wines that brim with life, energy, and pure terroir.
Known for the very first certified organic Barbaresco of Italy, Marina continues to show the world that you can preserve tradition and think of the future simultaneously.
Press Reviews
James Suckling
92 points
This is tasting beautifully now with strawberry, cedar, and hazelnut character. It’s medium-bodied with firm tannins that need to soften. But very pretty already. Drinkable now, but better in two or three years. Try after 2024.
Wine Enthusiast
90 points
Blue flower, underbrush and wild herb aromas mix with a whiff of tobacco. Racy and linear, the palate offers sour cherry, star anise and a hint of rusted iron alongside taut, close-grained tannins that leave a drying finish.
Wine Align
93 points - Michael Godel
Wildly aromatic of wild strawberry and sweet bitters liqueur. Highly glycerin and textural with grippy and elastic stretched tannins. A huge Neive Barbaresco with time definitely secure on its side. Drink 2022-2030. Tasted January 2020.
- Red Wine
- Gamay
- Volcanic
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Light Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Domaine du Château de La Chaize
Château de La Chaize is among the oldest, most historic estates in Burgundy’s Beaujolais region. Cared for by the same family for nearly three and a half centuries, the estate has been passed on to new owners, the Gruy family, who are equally committed to managing the estate with the utmost care, while implementing an ambitious environmental plan. Among the many initiatives is the conversion of all vineyards to organic farming, the adoption of precision viticulture, reducing carbon their carbon footprint, and recycling every by-product from viti- and vinicultural activity, to achieve zero waste.
Founded in 1670 by the seneschal of Lyon François de la Chaize d’Aix, the main Château de la Chaize building and gardens were completed by Jules-Hardouin Mansart and André le Nôtre, respectively architect and gardener of the Château de Versailles. Château de la Chaize is among the oldest, most historic estates in Burgundy’s Beaujolais region. Boasting over 250 acres of vineyards, it is also one of the largest. It is today considered one of the most innovative estates in Burgundy. Among its forward- thinking practices is the adoption of eco-friendly farming techniques, commonly referred to as Agriculture Raisonnée. Chemical treatments have been reduced to a strict minimum, for example, and the growing of grass between rows has been re-introduced to enrich the soil and reduce erosion.
Press Reviews
Wine Advocate
93 Points - William Kelly
The 2020 Côte de Brouilly Brûlhier has turned out very well, delivering aromas of cherries, blackberries, sweet spices and peonies, followed by a medium to full-bodied, velvety and vibrant palate that's concentrated and complete, with lively acids and ripe structuring tannins. As readers may remember, it's derived from a southeast-facing site characterized by blue rock and numbers among the prime lieux-dits of the appellation.
- 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
- Pinot Noir
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% 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
WineAlign
94 Points - Sara d'Amato
An elegant pinot noir, generously perfumed with a pleasant musk. Notes of tilled earth, new leather and red cherry skin mark the palate. A hint of bitterness contributes to the overall impression of freshness. The oak treatment and natural fruit spice seem to blend seamlessly into one another. Botanicals such as hibiscus, bay leaf, and white pepper emerge with a little air. Features notable structure and excellent length. Engaging and lively. Best 2025-2030.
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Medium Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.00% 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
Vinous
92 Points - Stephen Tanzer
Good, bright ruby-red. Black fruits & licorice on the nose. Rich, generous and deep with lovely energy and underlying minerality enlivening the black cherry and spice flavors. A very broad, sweet Charmes that finishes with a fine dusting of tannins and excellent lift. Tasted March 2010.
- Red Wine
- Sangiovese
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.50% 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
WineAlign
96 Points - Michael Godel
When we talk about Tommaso Cortonesi’s I Poggiarelli we first talk about place. No discussion otherwise. Even if the cloudy picture of 2017 (in a year of glaring sun) might have been an aberration to cause some sense of località confusion there is no questioning the effect of 2018. This is the land and the vines, of grapes seen through, of a wine unable to hide both beauty and imperfections. The character is guaranteed, the complexities in abundance and the truth unequivocally spoken. Are there finer tannins then these from this sector of Montalcino? Couldn’t say and yet the quantifiable intensity, elongation and succulence suspend thought. That’s what there is to say about that. Drink 2025-2037.
Gardini Notes
96 Points
For many aspects, a sort of ‘draft’ of La Mannella, to prove once again the great potential of the house territory. Nose with notes of red raspberry, with touches of white pepper and rosehip. The mouthfeel is brackish-iodine, juicy, with fruity-spicy return.
- Red Wine
- Tinta Roriz, Touriga Francesa
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 15.00% alc./vol
Press Reviews
Wine Advocate
94 Points - Mark Squires
The 2019 Q Grande Reserva is a roughly equal blend of Touriga Franca and Tinta Roriz aged for 12 months in one-third new French oak. It comes in at 14.9% alcohol. A deep and ripe Grande Reserva, the Q this year is a Big Boy, but it holds its balance nicely. The tannins are not hard, but they are very much present, giving this a firm finish and demonstrating that a couple of years of cellar time would be very useful. Although this did close a bit after aeration, the big fruit on opening was pretty delicious and coats the palate. This looks like it will have a long life ahead and improve steadily over the next few years. Give it some time to show its best. Its ceiling may be higher than it now seems. This is sourced from Quinta da Alegria (67%) and Quinta do Mós (33%).