Sommelier Selections

Press Reviews

Wine Align

91 Points - John Szabo, MS

2022 yielded a very pretty, fresh and lively Etna Rosso from Tornatore, with classic nerello mascalese flavours of smoky strawberry and raspberry, savoury herbs and very subtle, quality wood influence. Tannins are grainy in the Etna style and acids are properly firm-fresh, while density and intensity are impressive, especially considering the price. A first class value I have to say, a perfect entry point to exploring the wines of the volcano at a very attractive price - at twice the price I would think it's fair. Drink or hold 2-4 years; a terrific vintage. Tasted November 2025. 

91 points - Michael Godel

Straight shooter this Etna Rosso, accessible and amenable to all, now and for all the right reasons. Fruit first, ripe and delicious, aromatically charged and energizing the entirety of the wine. Rosso for Rosso’s sake, crunchy and palatable with great toothsome character, A guarantee and stamp of quality in the most professional of Etna Rosso ways. Unwavering consistency from Tornatore. Drink 2025-2028. Tasted May 2025.

91 points - David Lawrason

This is a typically pale nerello mascalese from the north slope of volcanic Mt. Etna. The nose nicely combines sour cherry fruit with evergreen and spice almost vermouth botanicals. It is light bodied, quite warm (14% abv) with some minerality and drying, slightly crusty tannin. The length is very good to excellent. This fairly new producer is also one of the larger, and now becoming fairly commonly seen in Canada. Tasted November 2025

Press Reviews

Wine Align

92 points - David Lawrason

This is a very tasty, rich, golden hued, well aged chardonnay-based sparkler with an involved nose of cashew, baked apple, nougat and honey. It is almost creamy in texture with fine mousse and very good acidity providing counterpoint. There is pleasant nutty bitterness on the finish; length is excellent.

92 points - John Szabo, MS

A traditional method, pure chardonnay bubbly from the Jura of considerable maturity and toasty-oxidative character, also notable dosage - the style has changed little since last reviewed almost 8 years ago (though this is a new, non-vintage bottling, of course). It's maple syrup and curry-infused with dried citrus and apples, indeed with quite impressive complexity in a mature style. Length and depth are very good. Quality wine, attractively priced in the category. Tasted January 2026.

91 points - Michael Godel

Increased autolysis and also richness from the present bottle of Baud’s Blanc de Blanc. Some maturity here, an evolution of bread and gingered elements that make the wine feel like it’s reached the peak. Complex and flavourful in any case with creamy textures and mouthfeel in between. Last tasted January 2026.

91 points - Sara d'Amato

From an old estate now in the hands of ninth-generation family upstarts, this traditional-method chardonnay Blanc de Blanc comes from the remote, rocky, high-altitude Jura, wedged between Burgundy and Switzerland. Generous yet clean, it leans pleasantly conventional in the best sense. Autolytic notes mingle with florals, tender fruit, and subtle toasty layers. A measured dosage adds welcome weight to an otherwise light-footed palate. Lemon zest, white grapefruit, and sweet cream lead into a nicely poised finish of memorable length. Tasted January 2026.

91 points - Megha Jandhyala, S.J.D., DipWSET.

This is a winsome chardonnay-based crémant, with a subtly toasty flavour profile, led by flavours of green orchard fruit and juicy citrus fruit. It has begun to evolve, showing signs of maturity in the form of notes of toasted nuts and fruit flavours transitioning towards the dried end of the spectrum. The palate has lively acidity and subtle sweetness, with a finish that is slightly bitter adding to the overall sense of freshness. This balanced and classic sparkling is ready to go. Tasted January 2026.

Treve Ring

91 points

This family estate dates back to 1742, but it wasn't until 1950 when René Baud, 7th generation, rebuilt the vineyards, expanding from 4 hectares into 20 hectares over the years. Today the estate is managed by siblings Clémentine and Bastien, 9th generation. This sustainably farmed chardonnay is rooted in the Jura's marl and limestone soils and was fermented in stainless before a year on lees before disgorgement and release. Green apple, white florals, oyster shells, meadow herbs, meringue run the bright, sleek palate, with a bed of creamy lees. There's a lovely streaming anise note that leads to a lengthy finish. Drinking beautifully now, but will hold over the next couple years easy.

Press Reviews

Platter Wine Guide 2026

4.5 Stars (91/100)

Remarkably generous & forthcoming at modest 12.5% alcohol, 2024 layered stonefruit & sweet citrus swathed in rich, creamy lees. Hints vanilla & nutmeg, nicely integrated, attest to 9 months in seasoned barrels.

WineAlign

90 points (2022) - Michael Godel

Good Stellenbsoch season, of that there can be no doubt and surely less complaints, especially as it goes for chenin blanc. By count this is the eighth take on the variety by winemaker Jacques de Klerk for the négoce duo of Nicholas Pearce and Will Predhomme, always wild, always alive and never boring. This hums that familiar tune and reminds us all how chenin and Stellenbosch are so intrinsically connected so that a winemaker need only pay attention to timing and details for the wine to make itself. Feels so natural, in synch and on time. Drink 2024-2027. Tasted April 2024.