{"title":"Jan 28: Greatest Wines of 2025","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"les-vignerons-de-yura-yura-jurancon-sec-alsace-france-2023","title":"Les Vignerons de Yura, 'Yura' Sec, Jurancon, France, 2023 (Top Value of 2025)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhen this is gone, it's gone.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eJintaro started his wine career in restaurants. After his stint in restaurants, he enrolled in Oenology school; he soon spent time training in various parts of the world such as Waipara, New Zealand, Burgundy, and Yamanashi in Japan. Finally, he was drawn to Alsace in 2012 where he worked with Domaine Josmeyer and Domaine Hurst. After spending time at these estates, he knew that is where he wanted to be. His career, like many of the other small young growers, started off with buying grapes from his friends and borrowing cellar space. Now, he makes only a few wines, but he makes them count.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eJintaro Yura\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e60% Gros Manseng, 40% Petit Manseng\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eJurancon Sec, France\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eCharacterized by its liveliness, Yura is a balanced wine with great freshness. Expressive and exuberant nose. Aromas, especially fruity (citrus peels, white fruits) and floral, dominate in youth, providing elegance and indulgence. They evolve towards more complexity with aging, featuring notes of fresh undergrowth, spices, and flint. Best enjoyed between 8 and 10°C.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dry Jurançon will elegantly accompany river fish and seafood. It is also enjoyed as an aperitif, with charcuterie, for example, and complements white meats well. Mountain cheeses also pair very nicely with dry Jurançon.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e97 Points - Decanter\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eDecadent aromas of mango, pineapple, orange peel and quince rustle over the sublime smoky wood character. Ripe and rounded with a mesmerizing salve of acidity and a lengthy mouth-watering finish. Brimming with style and finesse. 97 points.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grapex","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51637697872177,"sku":null,"price":19.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Les_Vignerons_de_Yura_Yura_Jurancon_Sec_Alsace_France_2023.jpg?v=1752588604"},{"product_id":"beatus-chateauneuf-du-pape-rhone-france-2023","title":"Beatus, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France, 2023 (Todd Anderson + Chateau de la Font du Loup)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOverview the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eBEATUS began with a dream and a friendship. Our dream was to make wine in Châteauneuf du Pape, one of the first regions to inspire the desire to pursue winemaking in general, and of working with Grenache in particular.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe developed a long-standing friendship with Anne-Charlotte Melia-Bachas, Proprietor of Chateau de la Font du Loup, who approached us with the idea to craft a wine together several years ago. After some discussions, touring the estate and working out some details, BEATUS was born.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe main vineyard parcel selected for this wine is a single plot of 80-year old Grenache at the top of La Crau in Châteauneuf du Pape, the highest location in the AOC. It sits on a north-facing slope that helps guard against the sometimes intense summer heat that can affect the surrounding areas. This plot is called “Le Poteau” and has been generously granted to us by Anne-Charlotte as the core of this wine, with supplementation of Syrah and Mourvèdre from surrounding parcels also grown on the Chateau de la Font du Loup estate, to round out the blend. In 2023, we added an additional plot of land, called “Le Puy Rolland” – 100 year old Grenache on the southwest side of the estate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe winemaking is directed by myself and carried out by Anne-Charlotte, Stéphane Dupuy d’Angeac and their team. It is our hope to bring you one of the finest expressions of the elegant side of Grenache from this special region with each and every vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYields from this block are tiny due to the age of the vines and dry-farming. Therefore only up to 200 cases of Beatus will be produced each year, depending on the conditions of the vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWinemakers\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eTodd Alexander and Anne Charlotte Melia-Bachas\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eGrenache - old vines with small amounts of \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eSyrah and Mourvèdre\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eRhône, France\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A classic nose of red and black berry fruits, Provençal garrigue, spice box, and loamy earth. This medium to full-bodied beauty has wonderful complexity, ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish.\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Ian Blackburn \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (AKA TEETH)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"white-space-pre\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e14.5 + 24.5 + 24.5 plus 34.5 = 98 points\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"white-space-pre\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis 2023 is a wonder! This is why we love wine! It’s plump, plush, exciting but balanced and refined. Only a great winemaker can explore inside and outside the normal lines. A killer bottle of Chateauneuf from a new name in the south of France, Todd Alexander.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTodd’s winemaking style has been defined from his travels in Napa, Washington, Oregon, and now Maury and Rhone. This wine provides an elite experience with a provocative nose of wild strawberry and plum compote and a sexy mouthfeel that is voluminous but nothing strays too far from a core of red and black fruit skins - but one does want to sit and study the nose. It is almost too daft to drink - flowers? spices? herb garden? In time, the primary fruits may diminish (although they are stacked to the sky) and reveal even more complexity, spice, and pepper. I suspect it will in 5-10 years. This is so elevated and bespoke! I want everyone to try it and tell me what you think. I think it's the Goldilocks of CNDP - not too big, not too quiet, not too ripe, not too restrained. It pushes into plush pockets and yet has the zeal to fill in all the spaces in-between! The focus on old vine Grenache is not lost but elevated. In a word: “fascinating”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - James Suckling (2020 Vintage)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePlummy, supremely drinkable and seductive Chateauneuf with a full body and silky layers. Very soft and supple tannins give a gentle direction to the juicy plum and berry fruit. Clove and nutmeg notes persist. Fresh and irresistible finish. Grenache from 80-year-old vines co-fermented with 8% clairette, blended with about 10% each of mourvedre and syrah. Drink or hold.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck (2020 Vintage)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThe 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape is mostly very old vine Grenache (there are small amounts of Syrah and Mourvedre) from the sandy soils of the Le Poteau parcel in the Font du Loup lieu-dit. It saw a touch of whole clusters in the ferments and, I suspect, was brought up in neutral vessels. It’s as seamless as they come, offering a classic nose of red and black berry fruits, Provençal garrigue, spice box, and loamy earth. This medium to full-bodied beauty has wonderful complexity, ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. While it's already drinking great today, it should easily evolve for 10-15 years. It's a seriously good bottle of Châteauneuf du Pape!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51900894118193,"sku":null,"price":139.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Beatus_Chateauneuf-du-Pape_Rhone_France_2023_Todd_Anderson_Chateau_de_la_Font_du_Loup.jpg?v=1759870345"},{"product_id":"law-estate-wines-audacious-paso-robles-california-2022","title":"Law Estate Wines, 'Audacious,' Paso Robles, California, 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy are we ‘Here’? One, we have long had a passion for Rhone inspired blends. Two, Paso Robles is ‘America’s Rhone’. Those parts were easy. Our mantra was to find a vineyard site that could produce ultra-premium, limited production, Rhone and Priorat style wines that would be a true expression of the site. After two years of evaluating many potential sites (almost to exasperation), we finally found our Holy Grail. The analysis of 42 soil pits on this site revealed coveted limestone with low vigor soils. This, combined with the high elevation and steep slopes, was the unique and remarkable property that would produce the premium fruit we desired. Critical to our goal is a winery that can manifest the quality of the terrific fruit and create a world-class wine. We also believe that the Tasting Room should be an environment much like your home living room, where you can relax with friends and family while enjoying our Law Estate wines. As we continue to showcase and share the best that our estate has to offer, we will always be honored to have you joining us in the adventure.    \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ePhilipp Pfunder\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e35% Grenache, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Carignan, 16% Syrah\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003ePaso Robles, California\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eAged 22 months in a blend of barrels, puncheons and Foudre, providing both elegance and edge. On the nose, layers of red fruit intertwine with floral notes of dried hibiscus and a savory herbaceous streak from the Cabernet. Grenache leads on the palate with an explosion of red fruit, wrapped in fine-grained Cabernet tannins that give structure and lift. Carignan contributes vivid freshness and citrus-driven tension, while Syrah deepens the experience with dark spice, earthy minerality, and an iron-core-like structure. The oak is deftly integrated, lending notes of clove, cardamom, and a gentle touch of vanilla, never overshadowing the fruit. A crushed-river-stone minerality runs through the mid-palate, grounding the wine with a sense of place. Exuding balance, vibrant aromatics, sculpted texture, and seamless fruit interplay harmoniously intertwined.  Audacious is as cerebral as it is delicious, offering a reason to linger and return to the glass, again and again.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv title=\"Page 1\" class=\"page\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"layoutArea\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"column\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e98 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTasting like a top Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the 2022 Audacious reveals red and black fruits, peppery spice, herbes de Provence, and loamy earth. Based on 35% Grenache, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Carignan, and 16% Syrah, aged 22 months in 55% new French oak, it's medium to full-bodied, with a pure, layered, seamless mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a gorgeous finish. This is another riveting wine from this estate. Drink 2025-2037.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51933969252657,"sku":null,"price":88.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Law_Estate_Wines_Audacious_Paso_Robles_California_2022.jpg?v=1760445278"},{"product_id":"perliss-pearl-of-the-ravens-cabernet-sauvignon-napa-valley-california-2021","title":"Perliss, Pearl of the Ravens, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, 2021","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe essence of our Calistoga landscape is expressed in The Ravens Vineyard - a 2.6 acre volcanic knoll, surrounded by forest. The streaming coastal wind \u0026amp; fog, the radiant days and dark, chilly nights, the spectrum of volcanic soil, from tuff to obsidian, combine to yield fruit of complex nature and alluring balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Ravens Vineyard, Calistoga AVA, is set on our family property at the northern-most end of Napa Valley, where the Mayacamas and Vaca mountain ranges converge. Mount St. Helena looms behind the Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard, planted on a knoll surrounded by forest of oaks, manzanita and madrone. Red-tailed Hawks, Turkey Vultures, and Ravens circle in the warm air currents above the property.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVineyard rows mount a slope comprised of volcanic, rocky and loamy soil with excellent drainage. Calistoga's temperature shifts are the most extreme in Napa: 24-hour temperatures can range over forty degrees, as cool nights and foggy mornings are followed by dry, sunny days. The vineyard's natural orientation allows for even fruit ripening throughout the growing season and shaded projection when the sun is at its most intense. Cooling breezes and fog from the Sonoma Coast stream into the property through the Chalk Hill Gap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLow-vigor rootstock was planted in 2008 with the See clone grafted the following year. The closely-planted Cabernet Sauvignon vines are organically farmed and cane-pruned. Birds, bats, and ladybugs help keep the vineyard pest-free.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrganic\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAaron Pott\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e100% Cabernet Sauvignon\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eNapa Valley, California\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eNOSE: Toffee, chocolate, plum, cherry, taro, violet, nutmeg, cumin, fennel, mineral.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePALATE: Rich attack - plum, porcini, road meat. Massive mid-palate. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFINISH: Super tight-grain finish with great length. The tannins are super supple, leading to a beautiful finish of plum and cocoa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e97 Points - James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eAged in 80% amphorae and 20% barrels, this bold wine from the northern end of the valley has a brawny structure and savory tobacco and mineral accents over black fruit, graphite and espresso. Has plenty of stuffing to age for years. Best from 2029.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Wine Independent\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe 2021 Pearl Of The Ravens is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple in color, it flows effortlessly out of the glass with gregarious notes of black cherry compote, fresh blackberries, and blackcurrant pastilles followed by wafts of lilac, dried mint, and underbrush. The full-bodied palate is firm and grainy, with bags of expressive black fruit and a minty kick to the finish. There is no Ravens label in 2021 as yields were so low.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eDue to the miniscule yields, the 2021 The Ravens wasn't produced, but the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Pearl of The Ravens is brilliant, offering a medium to full-bodied, darker fruited style with fine tannins, notes of gravelly earth and peppery herbs, terrific purity, and outstanding length.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e92 Points - Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eDue to the low yields, there is no The Ravens in this vintage, just the 2021 Pearl of the Ravens. It's a ripe, rich year for this wine, marked by black cherries, mulberries and hints of dark chocolate. It's full-bodied, supple and creamy textured, yet dark and richly tannic. It really could use something to lighten it up a little, yet it retains some sense of balance on the lingering finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51950555103537,"sku":null,"price":299.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Perliss_Pearl_of_the_Ravens_Cabernet_Sauvignon_Napa_Valley_California_2021.jpg?v=1760902335"},{"product_id":"domaine-sigalas-7-villages-epta-assyrtiko-santorini-greece-2022","title":"Sigalas Santorini, 7 Villages Epta, Assyrtiko, Santorini, Greece, 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eTo the overall story of Assyrtiko there is a chapter before and another one since Paris Sigalas. He is the pioneering winemaker who applied mathematics and other innovative ideas to oenology and viticulture to elevate Santorini’s wines to international stardom. The 1991 Santorini is his maiden vintage, the first wine to be labelled Protected Designation of Origin, marking the start of operations at Domaine Sigalas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"text__main-text\"\u003eComing from a winemaking family, like most Santorinians, the future mathematician Paris Sigalas spent his summer holidays on the island. Together with friends, he helped out with grape-picking and in the production of the family's wine, a process that increasingly fascinated him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"text__main-text\"\u003eGradually, Sigalas took over the reins of his grandfather's vineyard and started crafting wine by his own guiding principle: “the dynamic evolution of tradition\". It is the belief that innovation and technical savviness can coexist in a creative relationship with the ancient winegrowing traditions of the island. As Paris Sigalas has said, it was his passion for tasting and evaluating wine that eventually set the high bar for his own wines.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVegan.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eParis Sigalas\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e100% Assyrtiko\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSantorini, Greece\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eComplex nose with the dominant floral aromas to be accompanied by notes of stone fruit (peach) and by citrus (lemon). Full body with vibrant acidity that unveils a remarkable balance. A combination of finesse and layers. Long aftertaste. Ageing potential of 10+ years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eEpta\" means \"seven\" in Greek, and the seven Santorini villages used to make this iconic wine are Oia, Fira, Megalochori, Imerovigli, Pyrgos, Vourvoulos and Akrotiri. The Domaine Sigalas 2022 Santorini Assyrtiko 7 Villages Epta is made in stainless steel only with a small 5% part that ages in Manetti amphorae from Tuscany. This wine is rich, intense and gorgeous. Lemon zest, honeydew melon, wet stone and crushed sea shell give the wine concentration and razor-sharp focus. Sadly, this wine was not made in 2023 or 2024 because drought conditions and vine stress meant that there was not enough fruit available.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elevage Wine Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52071865188657,"sku":null,"price":79.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Sigalas_Santorini_7_Villages_Epta_Assyrtiko_Santorini_Greece_2022.jpg?v=1763498213"},{"product_id":"alma-rosa-chardonnay-sta-rita-hills-santa-barbara-california-2023","title":"Alma Rosa, Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara, California, 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTop Value from a Top Producer!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview of the Wine\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSituated on the north-facing slopes of the Santa Rita Hills in Santa Barbara County, the Alma Rosa estate vineyard, El Jabali, was first planted in 1983 by California wine pioneer Richard Sanford, who founded Alma Rosa Winery in 2005. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fe-block fe-block-669504bf13a0fdc00c36\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html\" data-blend-mode=\"NORMAL\" data-block-type=\"2\" data-border-radii='{\"topLeft\":{\"unit\":\"px\",\"value\":0.0},\"topRight\":{\"unit\":\"px\",\"value\":0.0},\"bottomLeft\":{\"unit\":\"px\",\"value\":0.0},\"bottomRight\":{\"unit\":\"px\",\"value\":0.0}}' id=\"block-669504bf13a0fdc00c36\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-html-content\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fe-block fe-block-ce4c7217d04d1c0cb63c\" id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1742339676641_88\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block image-block sqs-block-image sqs-stretched sqs-text-ready\" data-block-type=\"5\" id=\"block-ce4c7217d04d1c0cb63c\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\" id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1742339676641_87\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"image-block-outer-wrapper layout-caption-below design-layout-fluid image-position-center combination-animation-site-default individual-animation-site-default animation-loaded\" data-test=\"image-block-fluid-outer-wrapper\" id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1742339676641_86\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fluid-image-animation-wrapper sqs-image sqs-block-alignment-wrapper preFade fadeIn\" data-animation-role=\"image\" id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1742339676641_85\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fluid-image-container sqs-image-content\" id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1742339676641_84\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"content-fit\" id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1742339676641_83\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqsrte-large preFade fadeIn\"\u003eToday, our 628-acre estate has five distinct vineyard sites planted to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah and Grenache that stretch from the valley floor to 850’ in elevation. Our total 40 vineyard acres comprise a small portion of our ranch and are separated by open wildlife corridors, meadows and forest. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"sqsrte-large preFade fadeIn\"\u003eSustainable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fe-block fe-block-yui_3_17_2_1_1715800755794_5278\" id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1742339676641_97\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block image-block sqs-block-image sqs-stretched sqs-text-ready\" data-block-type=\"5\" id=\"block-yui_3_17_2_1_1715800755794_5278\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"sqs-block-content\" id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1742339676641_96\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"image-block-outer-wrapper layout-caption-below design-layout-fluid image-position-center combination-animation-site-default individual-animation-site-default animation-loaded\" data-test=\"image-block-fluid-outer-wrapper\" id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1742339676641_95\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fluid-image-animation-wrapper sqs-image sqs-block-alignment-wrapper preFade fadeIn\" data-animation-role=\"image\" id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1742339676641_94\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fluid-image-container sqs-image-content\" id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1742339676641_93\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"content-fit\" id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1742339676641_92\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSamra Morris\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrape \/ Blend\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e100% Chardonnay\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSanta Rita Hills, Santa Barbara, California\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWinemaker's Tasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eAlma Rosa has found that the Chardonnay grown in the Sta. Rita Hills--though small in volume--is exceptional. Our Chardonnay wines are bright and fresh, with chalky minerality and a vibrant, layered mouthfeel, a deliciously refreshing interpretation of the grape.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e95 Points - James Suckling\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eDynamic aromas and flavors of yellow apples, hard pears and lemon pith. A white-flower perfume hovers above with chalky minerality providing posture. So much inner energy. Drink or hold.\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e93 Points - Wine Advocate\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eComposed entirely of estate fruit, the 2023 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills is an exotic, floral and honeyed expression of the vintage. Supple, seamless and polished on the palate, it melds a rich, caramelized texture with an upright saline spine that carries through to the polished, dense yet lifted finish. Despite the unabashed power on display, there is exceptional purity and precision that keep its classy opulence in check.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e90 Points - Wine Enthusiast\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAromas of sliced pear, tangerine and a pinch of dust show on the nose of this bottling. The palate shows even more of an earthy tone, as dried lemon peel and apple flavors also arise.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eProduct size: 750ml\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"KJS","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52101588615473,"sku":null,"price":27.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0275\/0441\/0666\/files\/Alma_Rosa_Chardonnay_Sta._Rita_Hills_Santa_Barbara_California_2023.jpg?v=1764018120"}],"url":"https:\/\/merchantofwine.com\/collections\/jan-28-top-wines-of-2025.oembed","provider":"Merchant of Wine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}