13 products
- Red Wine
- Merlot
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.7% alc./vol
About the Winery
Leaning Post

A leaning post is what you find at the beginning of a row of grapes, anchoring the wires that are the frame-work for growing grapevines. It is the beginning of an obsession to translate a time and place into liquid. Leaning Post wines take you to that beginning by finding small, unique plots of land in Niagara and putting them in bottle. Because after stripping away all the fancy buildings and high-tech equipment you are left with a place on this earth that grows wine unlike any other. When you taste that in a glass you just know it. Nadia and Ilya have had to rely on the support of family, friends and financial institutions to make the dream of owning a winery a reality. Leaning Post began as a virtual winery and is so proud to now have the quaint tasting room at 1491 Hwy 8 on their home property in Winona, Ontario.
Ilya and Nadia are the brains and passion behind Leaning Post Wines. It started with a dream to take unique, interesting single vineyard blocks in Niagara and turn them into distinctive, terroir driven wines. Nadia and Ilya first met in their hometown of Winnipeg, MB where their passion for wine and each other was born.
Ilya has been a winemaker in the Niagara Region for the last 17 vintages working at Daniel Lenko Estate Winery, Foreign Affair and now at Leaning Post Wines. Ilya is also a consulting winemaker at the Good Earth Winery. Ilya’s true passion in life is to make world renowned wines from Niagara that really showcase the distinct terroir that Niagara offers.
Press Reviews
Wines in Niagara
94 points - Rick VanSickle
The hits just keep on coming from the Bordeaux varieties which benefitted from the near-perfect growing season and long hang time in 2020. This Niagara Lakeshore Merlot is a wonder with intoxicating perfume on the nose followed by ripe raspberries and strawberries, purple plums, forest berries, floral notes and elegant spice notes. It has firm tannic structure on the palate that caresses the ripe and red and dark berries, cocoa, aniseed, fine oak spice notes on a finessed, lifted finish. A beauty that can cellar through 2024.
- Red Wine
- Corvina, Rondinella
- Sustainable, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% 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.
Press Reviews
Wine Align
90 points- John Szabo, MS
Maturing, classically-styled ripasso here from the reliable house of del Monte, supple, smooth, well-balanced, juicy and silky. Flavours span the expected mature dark cherry spectrum, buffeted by gently resinous, old wood influence, with a mix of toasted almonds and dried herbs in an inviting ensemble. Length and depth more than deliver in the category. Fully ready to drink. Tasted January 2023.
90 points - Michael Godel
Über traditional so far as Ripasso is concerned and exaggeratedly so due to an extra couple of years got behind this corvina and friends by Ca’ del Monte. Persistent though, a juicy, juicy version with plenty of freshness and generosity with thanks to bright acids keeping the energy alive. Nice Ripasso indeed to serve a purpose in our lives, mainly to match a good braise in these cold winter months. Drink 2023-2025. Tasted January 2023.
90 points - Sara d'Amato
More refreshing than heavy, this well-balanced Ripasso style Valpolicella is effortlessly drinkable. The tannins have mellowed but still give a healthy bit of tack to the palate. Features an appealing degree of verve, authenticity and notable length. Gracefully matured and ready to drink. Best now to 2025. Tasted January 2023.
- Red Wine
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 3.00 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.50% alc./vol
Press Reviews
Wine Pilot
97 Points - Ray Jordan
It’s hard to imagine a better encapsulation of this wonderful season in the Barossa. The aromas are a beguiling combination of spice, fruit cake, dark plum and prune with a liberal dollop of dark chocolate and a lick of licorice. Supremely balanced and poised with the chalky thread of tannin and the liberal use of oak lacing it together into a marvelous example of the Barossa at its best.
- 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.
Press Reviews
WineAlign
94 points (2021) - David Lawrason
This is a quite lovely, refined and intriguing Priorat - not as 'heavy' and powerful as some but so nicely expressing the carinyena (carignan) grape. Expect lifted aromas of pomegranate/raspberry with florals, fresh herbs, earth and mineral notes all finely integrated. It is medium-full bodied, lively and almost juicy with carignan's natural energy at work. Tannins are dry and dusty but not green. The length is excellent to outstanding. Will age another ten years but approachable now. Tasted May 2025
93 points (2021) - Michael Godel
The work of Bodegas Puiggrós happens in Catalunya and also here in Priorat where the soils are predominantly slate, known locally as “llicorella,” and the significance on the wines, inclusive of this varietal carinyena should not be overlooked. Or taken for granted because the tightly wound, focused and intensity of ultra specific mineral feels are what drive the regional machine. A serious and giving wine from a promising vintage yet here in its infancy and surely structured to be three years away from optimum potential. Drink 2027-2032. Tasted May 2025.
93 points (2021) - John Szabo, MS
This is the first vintage of this wine from Priorat produced by Bodegas Puiggròs, made of pure carinyena (carignan) form the region's steep, slate vineyards, and aged in amphora I'm led to believe, though no details can be found on the winery website. It certainly smells like a terra cotta-aged wine with its wet concrete and clay aromas, alongside lavender and rosemary, wildly resinous; fruit is very much a side show in this exotic and original example. It enters fluidly and sleekly before dusty tannins kick up; acids are balanced. It's quite tight and linear overall despite 15% alcohol declared, a far cry from the broad, base note-heavy style more typical of the region. It's an utterly new paradigm for Priorat, at least in my experience - I'd like to spend more time with it to see how the story unfolds, and watch it over several years in the cellar. I keep coming back for more. Tasted May 2025.
91 points (2021) - Sara d'Amato
This carignan-based Priorat is full-bodied and warm but well-crafted with an undercurrent of minerality and lightly salty freshness. Showing some evolution in colour and fruit with ample natural spice and hints of iron. Drinking very well now with good depth of flavour and significant length. Tasted May 2025.
- Red Wine
- Nebbiolo
- Biodynamic, Natural, Organic
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 3.00 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 13.50% 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
Wine Spectator
95 Points - Bruce Sanderson, Senior Editor, NY
A powerful, meaty style, boasting cherry, plum, licorice, leather and tobacco aromas and flavors, beginning to show a hint of truffle. Still supported by dense tannins, with a mineral element gracing the long finish.
- 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.
- 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
WineAlign
92 points (2023) - David Lawrason
This is a blend of usual suspects among the white grapes of southern France with marsanne leading at 40% followed by clairette at 35%. It was fermented and aged in French oak barrels which accounts for the quite deep yellow gold colour. The nose is rather reserved but exotic and complex with waxy notes, apricot, orange peel, honey and wood spice. It is full bodied, almost thick, creamy and warming with 13.5% abv. Quite a mouthful, with some sense of wood tannin on the finish. Needs very rich savoury dishes. Excellent length. Tasted Nov 2025
91 points (2023) - Michael Godel
Comtesse Madeleine is a blend of marsanne and clairette with lesser amounts of grenache blanc and picpoul, likely named for Marie-Madeleine Pioche de la Vergne, comtesse de La Fayette, a 17th century French writer known for La Princesse de Clèves. Profound is once again the first word to slip from the tongue because neither Lirac nor Côtes du Rhône are normally poised to offer such substantial qualities. Aside from the flinty opening salvo there are wisps and whispers of aromatic complexities in between, all ahead of a maturity and knowing experience showing prominently at the finish. Once again gastronomical scents, of porchetta, herbs and other aromatics coming from this meatiest of white wines. Begins slower and takes longer to reveal its charms than the previous vintage tasted but once momentum makes gains then the stirring is activated. The finish is long and true. Drink 2025-2029. Tasted November 2025.
90 points (2023) - Sara d'Amato
This blend of marsanne, clairette, grenache blanc and picpoul, aged 8 months in oak barrels, is named in homage to Madeleine de Montfaucon, grandmother of current owner Rodolphe de Pins, who stewarded the estate for over 60 years. The wine offers a gently aromatic profile: floral notes, fresh linen, a touch of musk, and yellow fruit recalling mirabelle plum. Lanonlin and a lively mineral edge keep it fresh. The palate is fleshy, with oak spice playing a minimal supporting role behind the fruit. Highly drinkable, it gains richness as it unfurls. Features a lingering finish of memorable length. Tasted November 2025.
- White Wine
- Grenache Blanc, Roussanne
- Organic, Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.00% alc./vol
Press Reviews
Jebdunnuck.com
95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
Based on 50% Grenache Blanc and 50% Roussanne from the galets roulés of Cabrières and Palestor, the 2024 Châteauneuf Du Pape Extrait Blanc was vinified half in demi-muids and half in concrete tanks, then aged 10 months in the same vessels. It offers brilliant aromatics of white peach and stone fruits with a richer, layered, medium-bodied style. The wine has beautiful acidity, a pure, focused, elegant mouthfeel, and outstanding length. This absolutely brilliant white will have 20 years or more of overall longevity. There are a scant 100 cases produced. Drink 2025-2045.
- Red Wine
- Sangiovese
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 3.00 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
Winescritic.com
97 points - Raffaele Vecchione
Spacious in its clear and captivating sensorial profile, it shows mixed floral and fruity notes reminiscent of notes of ginger, red plums, wild strawberries, chopped cedar, mandarin peel, camphor, lemon flowers, lemon peel, ginseng root, pepper white, rosemary, marjoram and wild thyme. In the background, flint and gunpowder describe the secondary scene of great personality. Medium-full body, perfectly silky and elegant tannins and a finish of splendid gracefulness and persistence. Better from 2027.
- Red Wine
- Nebbiolo
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 4.00 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.50% alc./vol
About the Winery
Piazzo Comm. Armando

The story of the Piazzo winery began in San Rocco Seno d’Elvio, a small outlying district of the town of Alba, in the 1960s.
Two newly-weds from families of farmers, Armando Piazzo and Gemma Veglia, decided together to carry on their family traditions by investing in a special terroir – the Langhe – which at the time was not yet renowned for its premium foods and wines. As a matter of fact, with the hard times the farming community were experiencing following the Second World War, the Langhe then were the land of local writer Fenoglio’s “La Malora” (The Ruin), and somewhere to escape from. For the Piazzos however, this was all the motivation they needed in order to start their own business.
Their foresight then led them to invest in the varietal which today produces some of the most highly-prized wines in the world: Nebbiolo.
Over the course of the years, many plots of land were purchased and converted for the growing of the varietal. Then in 1979 the first wine was made from the grapes they had placed so much faith in, and three years later it was to bear the name Barbaresco.
When their daughter Marina and her husband Franco joined Armando and Gemma in the business, they fell in love with this wonderful venture which was gradually becoming more established, and with their enthusiasm improvements were made that culminated in 1985 with the release of their first Barolo: another source of pride for the Piazzo family.
Along with the cellar’s reputation, the estate also grew in size. Today the vineyards extend over more than 70 hectares (170 acres), mostly located near the winery itself, but some in other municipalities: Mango, Neviglie, Guarene and Novello.
Press Reviews
Decanter World Wine Awards
96 Points
A disarming purity of red fruit with a subtle array of chalky minerals and tobacco, furnished with fine, papery tannins, sleek acidity and an impressive persistence.
Wine Advocate
94 Points - Monica Larner
This wine shows more structure and texture compared to the Argè. That wine was centered on floral aromas, but the Piazzo Comm. Armando 2021 Barbaresco Pajorè holds its aromas closer to the ground with tilled earth, pulverized stone and iris root. It remains bright and focused throughout. Matured in French oak, its ends on a silky note with sweet cherry. I would suggest giving it a little bit more time to age. This is a production of just 2,100 bottles and bigger formats.
- White Wine
- Grenache Blanc, Picpoul, Viognier
- Organic, Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 0 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 11% alc./vol
- Red Wine
- Pinot Noir
- Sustainable
- Dry
- Residual Sugar: 2.00 g/l
- Full Bodied
- 750ml
- 14.00% alc./vol
About the Winery
Domaine Frey

Caroline Frey, owner, winemaker and winegrower, is committed to perpetuating Burgundian know-how by bringing her vision of viticulture to the table. Since 2015, Caroline has been bringing her passion for viticulture to her magnificent 7-hectare (17,3ac) estate. She deliberately chooses to keep to a limited wine production in order to preserve quality.
Press Reviews
James Suckling
92 Points
This Auixey-Duresses marries considerable intensity with a striking freshness that the moderately dry tannins accentuate. This may be slightly austere, but on the sleek, medium-bodied palate it has the structure to age. From a little-known, almost south-facing site in this commune that’s better known for whites. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
- White Wine
- Chenin Blanc
- Organic, Vegan-Friendly
- Dry
- Full 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 (2020) - Sara d'Amato
A captivating chenin blanc from Saumur, famed for its calcareous "tuffeau" soils, among others, on which chenin blanc can reach showstopping heights. The aromatics are dizzying here with spring blossom, honeysuckle, ginger and lemongrass hitting the nose with staggered entry. The texture is equally alluring with a juxtaposition of mineral, freshness and viscosity resulting in a dynamic interplay. Expressive with memorable length. Tasted August 2022.
92 points (2020) - David Lawrason
This is from a leading Saumur producer of Loire chenin blanc with vines planted in calcerous clay soils near the Loire River outside of classical town. It is both rich and delicate, a juxtaposition I find in some of the world's best whites. It is not however an intense, flashy, acid and mineral driven chenin. Fermentation in neutral barrels has created a pale gold hue and softened the nose to gentle honeyed, spicy state along with ripe pear/apricot jam fruit. It is medium-full bodied, smooth and dry, almost creamy, with the grape's acidity and minerality arriving more on the finish. The complexity and length are excellent, with a touch of wood spice and bitterness as well. Tasted August 2022