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91

pts

Tornatore Etna Rosso is ruby red with faint purple color, a typical trait of the Nerello Mascalese variety, which is not known for rich color. The wine has notes of macerated strawberries and raspberries, morello cherries and black plum, which blend with subtle hints of herbs and earth. Surprisingly full in structure, fine tannins and bright acidity give the wine richness, complexity and persistence.

Whitehaven Windward Sauvignon Blanc V22 750ML

91

pts

Whitehaven Windward Sauvignon Blanc V22 750ML

Our top expression of Sauvignon Blanc, Windward delivers wonderful aromatic intensity, a generous, layered taste profile and classic Marlborough style. Aromas of white peach, kiwi and lemongrass carry through to the silky palate, blending seamlessly with hints of passion fruit, citrus and crushed fresh green herbs. An attractive mineral backbone and suggestions of sea spray add appealing texture, finishing long and bright. This memorable, food-friendly Sauvignon Blanc can be paired with creamy cheeses, green salads, fresh seafood or grilled chicken. VITICULTURE NOTES Grown in four exclusive vineyard sites across Marlborough, 55% from three sub-regions within the Wairau Valley (22% Renwick, 22% Spring Creek, 11% Lower Wairau) and 45% from two separate blocks of a single vineyard in Awatere Valley. The 2022 growing season was cool and long, offering optimal conditions for ripening while preserving excellent acidity. A wet winter gave soils ample water resources for the season ahead. Spring arrived with ideal conditions, giving us wonderful fruit set and healthy yields. Summer was dry and lengthy, allowing fruit to hang on the vines while ripening slowly. Grapes were harvested later than usual, delivering fruit with flavor maturity and concentration while retaining pure fruit expression. WINEMAKING NOTES Windward Sauvignon Blanc is a blend of our five best lots of Sauvignon Blanc from the 2022 vintage. Both in the vineyards and in our cellar, these standout blocks stood out above the rest for their aromatic intensity, layered flavor development and incredible structure. Sauvignon Blanc grapes were harvested in cool conditions, then pressed immediately with minimal skin contact. After cold settling, the clear juice was fermented entirely in stainless steel tanks at very low temperatures with selected yeast strains to preserve inherent varietal characteristics and classic Marlborough flavors. These lots sat on light yeast lees in tank for up to six weeks prior to blending.

Department 66 Pharaon Red Wine V16 750ML

In the famed book, The Count of Monte Cristo, protagonist Edmond Dantes arrives to Marseille on a ship named ‘Pharaon.’ The word’s etymological roots and context since inspired Dave Phinney’s philosophy and the reserve wine for Department 66. Aromas of sweet oak, dark chocolate liqueur and Tahitian vanilla are complemented by ripe plum and herbal sage notes. Savory red fruit flavors of boysenberry and rhubarb fill the palate and blend with a glimpse of schist and minerality. Firm tannins are primed for extended aging while lingering acidity extends the finish across the palate.

92

pts

Pieropan Soave Classico V22 750ML

Our liveliest and most youthful style from Soave Classico, the Pieropan family has been producing this wine since the early 1900’s. Generous, pleasingly fresh and versatile, it is made from the traditional varieties of Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave grown in family-owned vineyards situated in the Soave Classico region. The 2022 vintage was characterized by a winter without significant rainfall, both snowy and rainy, and mild temperatures that led to an early but always dry spring. The temperatures of the first spring months were above average and this situation of scarcity, almost no rainfall and high temperatures lasted until the month of August. In the summer months we then witnessed prolonged waves of extreme heat which exacerbated the evo-transpiration rates of the plant. This has led to a situation of water stress, mainly in hilly areas, where both the scarcity of substrate and the drainage capacity of the soil have made irrigation vital. The budding was slow due to the shortage of water in the spring, partial in some cases. The setting was poor, with sparse bunches, which accentuates a lack of product and weight. This is more marked in early varieties such as Trebbiano, which was affected by the vintage. The Garganega, thanks to the rains of August and September, only partially recovered as the rains were not such as to make up for the water deficit. The plants finish the final stages of grape ripening in water suffering In our Valpolicella, on the other hand, the situation is a bit different, undoubtedly due to a more favorable climatic condition. The grapes are ripe, with low yields but in any case the position of the vineyard and its altitude have meant that the product is optimal from the point of view of the ripening parameters. We report an optimal state from a phytosanitary point of view of the grapes. As far as the finished product is concerned, it is still premature to say anything, it will certainly be slightly scarcer in terms of quantity.

Ecco Domani delle Venezie DOC Pinot Grigio V22 750ML

Our Ecco Domani delle Venezie DOC Pinot Grigio is made primarily from hand-harvested grapes grown in the high-altitude region of delle Venezie area. This signature wine has a straw yellow color with light green and gold flecks. On the palate, it is a complex wine that offers delicate floral and tropical fruit notes of pineapple, passion fruit and mango. On the finish, an intense aroma of Williams pear complements the bright acidity. With its food-friendly and approachable style, our Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with light pastas, poultry and fish and can also be enjoyed as a refreshing “after-work” aperitif

La Marca Prosecco Rosé V22 750ML

Our bright and inviting 2022 La Marca Prosecco Rosé blends our classic Prosecco with refined, flavorful Pinot Noir. Delicate aromas of wild strawberry, fresh-picked citrus and honeysuckle rise from the glass, as the palate bubbles with notes of white peach, ripe raspberry and juicy pear. Crisp and refreshing with a flourish of ripe red cherry on the memorable finish. Our La Marca Prosecco Rosé is an ideal choice to add pop of bubbly to picnic brunch, raise an elegant toast or add a splash of sparkling color to soirées big and small. Serve chilled. Viticulture Notes Delicate and aromatic, La Marca Prosecco Rosé D.O.C. is made from some of the highest-quality Glera and Pinot Noir grapes grown by the cooperative. With vineyards throughout Treviso’s coveted hillside vineyards along the Piave River, the region’s moderate climate and well-drained clay and chalk soils yield exceptional grapes. This unique climate produces fresh, vibrant yields that offer high acidity and elegant fruit flavors. Winemaking Notes La Marca Prosecco Rosé is created using the traditional grape used in Prosecco, Glera, blended with just the right amount of Pinot Noir. Once the grapes arrive at the winery, they undergo strict, time-honored winemaking practices. After the Glera was harvested, the grapes were crushed and then immediately pressed in gentle membrane presses. The juice was allowed to cold settle before initial fermentation in upright stainless-steel tanks. The Pinot Noir is fermented on skins, then gently pressed. At the end of their individual fermentations, the Glera and Pinot Noir assemblage is crafted for our La Marca Prosecco Rosé base. An extended secondary fermentation of at least 60 days adds structure and complexity to the blend.

Brancaia TRE Red Blend V21 750ML

TRE stands for its three grape varieties Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as for its three Tuscan vineyards (Maremma, Castellina and Radda in Chianti). The assemblage is dominated by Sangiovese with 70 percent, but Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon also bring their charm with 15% each. This well-structured, medium-bodied wine is aged for twelve months before it is bottled. Two thirds of the expansion takes place in French tonneaux and one in cement. This elegant, well-structured cuvée offers plenty of drinking pleasure now or later and goes well with every kitchen. “There is no better entry-level wine than this,” says Monica Larner (for Robert Parker) with reference to the TRE 2014. And James Suckling states: “Really delicious, really juicy, with wonderful aromas of red fruits.” Ideal with: pasta and rice dishes, light roasted or sautéed meat, poultry, fried or grilled fish. Our favorite: with Vitello Tonnato with fresh capers.

Starborough Sauvignon Blanc V22 750ML

Our 2022 Starborough Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is generous, balanced and bright. Aromas of lime zest, ripe peach and white florals unveil with every swirl. Crisp and smooth on the palate, appealing notes of tropical passionfruit, guava and kiwi blend with subtle suggestions of fresh-cut green herbs and lemongrass. The long finish is marked by palate-refreshing hints of citrusy grapefruit and Meyer lemon. Enjoy alongside creamy goat cheese, prosciutto-wrapped melon or grilled chicken.

Jermann Pinot Grigio Friuli DOC V22 750ML

92

pts

Jermann Pinot Grigio Friuli DOC V22 750ML

Pinot Grigio is a grape particularly at home in northeast Italy. Aromatic, layered and bright, this 100% Pinot Grigio opens with a tropical flourish on the nose and a striking straw yellow color. Full, smooth and very well balanced, notes of green apple, juicy Bartlett pear and fresh-cut citrus fill the palate, with a crisp mineral edge and hints of honey and melon on the long finish.

Allegrini Palazzo della Torre Veronese IGT V20 750ML

95

pts

Allegrini Palazzo della Torre Veronese IGT V20 750ML

Allegrini’s Palazzo della Torre wine comes from the eponymous cru in the Valpolicella Classico subzone of Fumane, adjacent to the Renaissance-era Villa della Torre, where Allegrini hosts hospitality and events. About 30% of this wine undergoes the appassimento process; in this way it is similar to a Ripasso wine, but distinct in that no re-fermentation takes place. Rather than add “fresh” wine to leftover grape must - as is traditional - Allegrini blends a finished appassimento wine (in effect, an Amarone) with a finished "fresh" wine. A small percentage of Sangioveto - a local clone of Sangiovese - adds lift. The result is a broad, round, and versatile expression of the region and a calling card expression of the estate.

92

pts

Fleur de Mer Rosé V22 750ML

Invitingly flavorful and refreshingly crisp, 2022 Fleur de Mer Rosé captures the serene artistry of Provence’s idyllic, sun-washed coastal shores and fragrant, floral hillsides. This versatile, food-friendly Rosé opens with generously aromatic notes of white peach, strawberry and melon. In classic Provençal style, notes of raspberry, cherry and apple layer on the bright palate with nectarine, citrus and a subtle touch of honeysuckle. Hints of sea spray and minerality add balance and attractive texture before a delightfully crisp finish. Enjoy Fleur de Mer on its own or alongside creamy goat cheeses, green salads, sushi or fresh seafood dishes, citrus or herb-roasted chicken or a charcuterie board. Viticulture Notes The world’s best-known region for Rosé, AOP Côtes de Provence enjoys a refreshing Mediterranean climate of warm days and cool, brisk nights. Here, vine roots plunge deep below the dry clay soils and limestone gravel, called gravoches, to reach water. Vintage 2022 was outstanding, delivering concentrated, high-quality fruit. An ideal dry spring resulted in a wonderful fruit set, followed by a warm, dry growing season. Careful canopy management allowed clusters to develop bright, expressive flavors, intense aromatics and the crisp structure of Provençal Rosé. Winemaking Notes The grapes selected for our 2022 Fleur de Mer Rosé were harvested at ideal maturity, ensuring layered flavors and delicate structure. Grapes were picked in the cool early morning hours to preserve aromas and acidity, then crushed, immediately pressed and cold settled to maintain the bright, concentrated fruit characteristics and attractive pale-coral hue. Lots were fermented in cool, temperature-controlled tanks. Winemaker Florian Lacroux selected Cinsault, Grenache and Carignan to form the core of the blend, supported by other extraordinary Provençal grapes in a beautifully harmonious, layered Rosé wine.

90

pts

Ratti Langhe Nebbiolo DOC V21 750ML

Renato Ratti founded his winery in 1965 and was the first to map the region of Barolo, paving the way for the commercial idea of terroir in Italy. After Renato’s death in 1988, his son Pietro carried on his father’s legacy. Ratti’s ‘Nebbiolo’ was first released in 1969 and has been sourced from the same single vineyard for more than 50 years. 2021 was an erratic vintage throughout Italy. A cold and snowy Winter was followed by heavy rains and frost in Spring, which limited production in the region. The Summer was very hot and dry, which brought the grapes into disease-free ripeness and concentrated fruit. Harvest occurred in September and despite the lower yield, quality is very high.

Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc V23 750ML

Whitehaven 2023 Sauvignon Blanc offers an elegant, crisp and flavorful expression of Marlborough. Bright aromatic notes of green apple, grapefruit and lime zest open with every swirl in the glass. Refreshingly crisp and vibrant on the palate, classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc notes of white peach, tropical pineapple and Meyer lemon citrus layer seamlessly with hints of fresh-cut green herbs, florals and wet stone. This mouth-watering sip offers an essence of freshness and precision, making an excellent pairing with food. Enjoy it on its own or alongside creamy goat cheese, seasonal salads, grilled citrusy chicken or a wide variety of fresh seafood dishes.

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International Wines