1) Vincent Gaudry Le Tournebride Sancerre 2024, Loire Valley: $54.99

Vincent explains that, historically, when Sancerre was still sold by the barrel to satisfy the thirst of Paris bistros, négociants used to blend wines from the three different terroirs of Sancerre in equal parts to make a complete wine that travels well. In reference to this tradition, his cuvée ‘Le Tournebride’, which is the primary wine of the domaine, is a blend of sauvignon blanc grown on caillottes from Verdigny, terres blanches from Sury-en-Vaux, and silex from Saint-Satur. For Vincent, ‘Le Tournebride’ represents a complete, transparent expression of Sancerre, delicately perfumed with a touch of gras and mineral tension. Within Gaudry’s portfolio, ‘Le Tournebride’ serves as an accessible introduction to his winemaking philosophy, offering the pure expression of Sancerre Sauvignon Blanc without the complexity of single-vineyard bottlings. It embodies the classic Sancerre profile-that distinctive combination of citrus brightness and mineral backbone that has made this corner of the Loire Valley synonymous with exceptional white wine Match a nervy and nuanced Sancerre with flaky fish, fleshy seafood or tangy cheeses. Seared cod in a white wine, tomato-basil sauce, seafood cassoulet or a creamy leek, goat cheese and lardon-topped pasta.

2) Lea et Remi Joulin Sancerre Fusion 2024, Loire Valley: $37.99

Pale yellow color with golden highlights. Very intense first nose on candied citrus and ripened exotic fruits. After swirling, the wine reveals subtle notes of oregano and thyme. Lastly, hints of vanilla bring more complexity to this concentrated nose. In mouth, the attack is fresh with notes of citrus. Generous mid-palate with a touch of fatness. The flowery notes of honeysuckle bring freshness to the wine. Savory bitter notes with citrus peels on the finish.

 

SOME NEW WINES FROM CROATIA

 

3) Serpentina Oseka Protok White Wine 2024, Croatia: $16.99

This opens with aromas of citrus, green apple, and white flowers accented by hints of stone fruit and saline notes. On the palate, it is light- to medium-bodied with crisp acidity and fresh orchard fruit flavors. A subtle mineral edge adds structure. The finish is clean, bright, and refreshing with a coastal character.

 

4) Serpentina Crljenak Middle & South Dalmacija 2016, Croatia: $40.99

Discover the essence of the Dalmacija region with the Serpentina Crljenak Kastelanski 2016. This wine captures the unique terroir of Middle and South Dalmacija, offering a harmonious blend of flavors that reflect its rich winemaking heritage. Primarily Crljenak Kastelanski grapes, a genetic cousin of Zinfandel, cultivated in limestone-rich soils.

5) Serpentina Tiktok O’Clock 2023, Croatia: $17.99

Plavac Mali is a cross between Crljenak Kaštelanski (ancestor of Zinfandel) and Dobričić. The name Plavac Mali translates “small blue grapes” with plavo meaning blue and mali meaning small. It is the most widely planted varietal along the coastline of Croatia. Sourced from vineyards in Hvar, Šibenik and Makarska each rich in limestone and Terra Rossa a reddish-brown soil derived from limestone and other carbonate rock. Cherry and earth tones on the nose. Sun-ripened raspberry and pepper on the palate, dry finish.

6) Serpentina Babic 2019, Croatia: $22.99

From the indigenous variety Babić that performs excellently on the rocky soil of the Šibenik area. The wines of this variety are known as wines with fruity aroma, opulent flavor with originality. This Babić comes from a young organic vineyard, located on the hills of Jadrtovac in the Šibenik area. Babić is a native Croatian red wine grape common to the Northern Dalmatia region where it has been grown for hundreds of years. Grown on poor, karst limestone soils, Babić is a variety that, with good winemaking skills, can produce some of the best balanced and unique red wines from the Dalmatian region. Babić has all the attributes to make a great wine: beautifully balanced extract, generous acids, rich tannins, attractive aromas, unique flavor intensity, and long finish. Babić is remarkably adaptable to the hot Mediterranean climate, retaining its freshness even during the driest years. It is hand-harvested, fermented in stainless-steel tanks and oak barrels up to 28 C., malolactic fermentation, the wine is then aged for 12 months in large Slavonian oak barrels, transferred into stainless-steel tanks to rest and bottled and released 6 months later.

7) Serpentina Plavac 2016, Croatia: $27.99

Plavac Mali is a cross between Crljenak Kaštelanski (ancestor of Zinfandel) and Dobričić grapes. It is the primary red varietal grown along the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. The name refers to the small blue grapes that the vines produce: in Croatian plavo means blue; mali means small. It is the most grown red variety in Croatia. Plavac Mali is known for producing rich, flavorful wines that are high in both alcohol and tannins. This Plavac Mali comes from the island of Hvar and grows against steep slopes along the Adriatic sea. Hand harvested on the steep, hot slopes by the Adriatic Sea, crushed and macerated, alcoholic fermentation up to 28 C., malolactic fermentation, the wine is then matured large oak barrels (4 000-8 000 liters) for a year, after which it is aged in the bottle for another 6 to 12 month before release. No chemicals are used in the vineyard due to beneficial position of the vineyards.

8) Frog’s Leap Zinfandel 2023, Napa Valley: $38.99

Vinous 93 pts. The 2023 Zinfandel is elegant, gracious and lifted. Crushed flowers, white pepper, bright red-toned fruit, cinnamon and cedar lift from the glass. This delicate, aromatic Zinfandel is all charm. The 14% Petite Sirah in the blend is not especially noticeable, likely because it was picked a week ahead, cold-soaked, then infused into the fermenting Zinfandel must. Aging mostly in concrete preserves striking fruit purity.

9) Frog’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Napa Valley: $28.99

Vinous 93 pts. The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc offers up scents of lemon confit, slate, white pepper, mint and dried herbs, all framed by a gentle kiss of French oak. Lees-stirring builds the mid-palate beautifully. A dollop of Musqué clone adds aromatic lift and presence through to the finish.

10) Antinori Pian delle Vigne Rosso di Montalcino DOC 2023, Tuscany: $33.99

The Antinori Pian dell Vigne Rosso di Montalcino is a distinguished and approachable red wine, celebrated for its balanced character and depth. Produced by Antinori, a renowned name in Tuscany, this Rosso di Montalcino is crafted from Sangiovese grapes, showcasing the varietal’s vibrant and expressive qualities. The wine offers a bouquet of ripe red cherries, raspberries, and plums, with subtle notes of spice, leather, and a touch of earthiness. It features a medium body, smooth tannins, and bright acidity, culminating in a clean and satisfying finish. This Rosso di Montalcino pairs well with a variety of dishes, including pasta with tomato-based sauces, grilled meats, and roasted vegetables, making it a versatile and enjoyable choice for everyday dining.

11) Lion Tamer Cellar One Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Napa Valley: $48.99

“In crafting this wine, we strive for the perfect balance between hedonism and elegance. By incorporating a touch of Malbec into the blend, we enhance the softness of the tannins, resulting in a smooth and seamless experience. With a deep garnet color, this wine immediately draws you in. The aromas reveal layers of brown sugar, cardamom, boysenberry, and toasted marshmallow. On the palate, it offers a soft, inviting entry, carrying those aromas seamlessly into rich flavors accented by cinnamon and black cherry. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a lasting impression of warmth and complexity.”

12) Outlier Pinot Noir 2023, Lake County, Mendocino County: $22.99

WE 94 pts. This wine is rich, with aromas of dark cherry, plum, orange marmalade, dried sage and notes of potpourri on the nose. The flavors on the palate are black strawberry, raspberry and blood orange zest, layered with clove, Key lime-vanilla cream, mineral and a dry, supple finish. Pair with grilled salmon with miso glaze and bamboo shoots.

13) Torbreck The Stuie Shiraz 2022, Barossa: $52.99

Wine Enthusiast 95 pts. This velvety, supple Shiraz from both Barossa and Eden Valleys oozes plum and blackberry jam appeal, with a lick of baking spice behind. It’s as luxurious in texture as it is in aroma and flavor, the ripe tannins seamlessly tucked behind all the plush fruit, and a little alcohol heat creeping in and landing on the finish. The comparatively cool 2022 vintage makes for highly ageworthy wines, and Struie is no exception.

14) Domaines Barons de Rothschild Los Vascos Cromas Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva 2019, Valle de Colchagua, Chile: $22.99

James Suckling 91 pts. Some baked cherries, black pepper and dark spices. A full-bodied and rich cabernet with lots of cassis on the palate.

15) Edi Simcic Chardonnay 2023, Slovenia: $45.99

Importer notes: One of the finest Chardonnays produced anywhere in the world, this classic from Simcic offers a profound array of sweet cream, peaches, citrus, and honeycomb, along with a full, lush volume in the mouth. Most wineries ferment in steel, then pass through oak, giving the wine barbed edges and an inelegant balance; Simcic ferments his wine in the barrel, offering a soft, velvety tannin that is a confident and generous.

16) Cesarini Sartori Peperosa IGT 2024, Umbria: $22.99

On the nose, the Peperosa offers a rich aromatic bouquet of fresh red fruits, such as strawberries and raspberries, intertwined with nuances of wildflowers and a light herbaceous touch. These aromas are perfectly balanced, creating a flavor profile that is both inviting and complex. On the palate, the wine presents a vibrant freshness typical of fresh, youthful rosés. The acidity is well-balanced and supports a medium-light palate that carries the flavors anticipated on the nose, enriched by a light minerality that gives the wine a pleasant savory finish. Sagrantino.

17) Cesarini Sartori La Randa White Wine IGT 2022, Umbria: $25.99

Aromas of vanilla notes with hints of pineapple and banana tending to ripe, notes of chamomile, grapefruit, golden apple, gooseberry, and white raisins. In the mouth good acidity and freshness that support an almond note. Vanilla nuances, fresh field grass, chamomile, and tomato leaf. Grechetto and Sauvignon Blanc.

18) Cesarini Sartori RossoBastardo IGT 2023, Umbria: $27.99

On the nose, RossoBastardo offers a fascinating and complex bouquet. Notes of ripe red fruits, such as cherries and blackberries, harmoniously intertwine with hints of sweet spices and a subtle touch of vanilla, derived from aging in wood. This captivating blend of aromas invites a full and gratifying tasting experience. On the palate, the wine reveals itself to be rich and well-structured. The balance between acidity and tannins is impeccable, making RossoBastardo particularly enjoyable to drink. The flavors of red fruit meld with those of chocolate and coffee, creating a long and persistent finish that leaves a lasting impression. Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet, native vines of the area.

19) Rocca di Montemassi 2016, Maremma Toscana: $36.99

34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Syrah, 33% Petit Verdot. Rocca di Montemassi is an intense, ruby red with vivid garnet reflections. The nose is complex and reveals cherry, plum, and currant with notes of violet, eucalyptus, vanilla, and sweet tobacco. The palate has a rich presence of elegant, fresh fruit with full and plush tannins, leading to a long and mineral-rich finish, showing spicy, toasted notes. James Suckling 93 pts. Pretty aromas of chocolate, black olives and dark fruit following through to medium to full body with very fine tannins. A long and flavorful finish. So drinkable now, but it’ll be delicious in the future. A blend of sangiovese, merlot and syrah. Better in 2020.

I recently had the pleasure of having lunch with John Williams, the owner and winemaker for 30 years of Frog’s Leap, Organic Certified and Dry-Farmed Viticulture. Dry farming—the practice of growing crops without irrigation during dry seasons—offers several health-related advantages, primarily through enhanced nutrient density and reduced chemical exposure. Because these plants must struggle for survival, they develop unique biological profiles compared to irrigated crops. When applied to viticulture (wine growing), this survival struggle completely transforms the grape, shifting the plant’s energy away from rapid, watery growth and into natural defense and depth.

By removing the safety net of irrigation, dry farming forces the vine to rely on its own biological resilience. This creates a cleaner, more robust grape that translates directly into a bottle of wine with superior complexity, lower chemical intervention, and a smaller environmental footprint.

20) Frog’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Rutherford, Napa Valley: $28.99

Stone fruit and white flower aromatics are perfectly complemented with crisp, minerally flavors. Fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve the purity and distinctiveness of this noble grape.

Try this if you like white burgundy:

21) Frog’s Leap Shale and Stone Chardonnay 2023, Napa Valley: $38.99

Vinous 96 pts. The 2023 Chardonnay Shale and Stone, from Truchard in Carneros, is all class. Apricot, lemon confit, marzipan, tangerine peel, tropical fruit and a kiss of French oak grace this exotic, dynamic Chardonnay from Frog’s Leap. Airy and gracious, with stunning balance, the 2023 is fabulous in every way.

22) Frog’s Leap Cabernet 2022, Rutherford, Napa Valley: $61.99

Hot years like 2022 tend to “pop” fruit aromas and flash an exotic edge. Eschewing the more black-fruited character of a “cooler” year, the ’22 flashes ripe pomegranate, candied Bing cherry, overripe peach and cranberry sauce aromas, which mix with savory notes of tobacco, black tea, rose and cedar-this wine is super expressive aromatically and really fun! The danger in hot years is always on the palate, as heat can wreak havoc with tannin structures. We’ve learned over the years that it’s best to shoot for a welterweight extraction profile that emphasizes drinkability rather than an overweight and misguided attempt at being a big bruiser. The balanced approach makes this Cabernet absolutely delicious and very flexible with food-no need to reserve this wine exclusively for steak night. Hard years are often the most satisfying, and for that reason I’ll have the ’22 on my table this Thanksgiving. R.W. 93.6% Cabernet Sauvignon 6.4% Cabernet Franc 54.6% Chavez-Leeds vineyard, Rutherford 34.4% Williams-Rossi vineyard, Rutherford 10% Red Barn vineyard, Rutherford.

 

23) Frog’s Leap Zinfandel 2023, Napa Valley: $38.99

Vinous 93 pts. The 2023 Zinfandel is elegant, gracious and lifted. Crushed flowers, white pepper, bright red-toned fruit, cinnamon and cedar lift from the glass. This delicate, aromatic Zinfandel is all charm. The 14% Petite Sirah in the blend is not especially noticeable, likely because it was picked a week ahead, cold-soaked, then infused into the fermenting Zinfandel must. Aging mostly in concrete preserves striking fruit purity.

24) Brancaia Chianti Classico DOCG 2022, Tuscany: $31.99

Medium to full body. Lots of fruit and flowers: notes of ripe cherries and violet. Crispy finish. Salami, cheese, pasta, poultry and grilled meat. Sangiovese.

25) Sphaerics “on days and nights” Chardonnay 2023, Russian River Valley: $98.99

Nestled in the foothills of the northern Russian River Valley, these vines are planted to a steep, sun-drenched slope. With thin, rocky soils and a warmer microclimate within this famously cool region, this site produces a wine boasting streaks of minerality in harmony with ample texture and concentration. Sphaerics doesn’t find or filter any of their wines, but the brilliant yellow 2023 Chardonnay On Days and Nights looked a bit brighter at this tasting. The nose reveals a bit more depth, with notes of river rocks, light petrichor, and fresh pineapple. Coming from the northern end of the Russian River Valley, from Wente clones planted in 2004 on a steep, rocky slope, it has notes of fresh flowers and lemon candies. Full-bodied, it stays light on its feet, with lovely, balanced richness as well as hints of vanilla spice that last through the finish. It’s another beautiful wine and exceptional for their first vintage. It has fantastic length… | 96, Audrey Frick for jebdunnuck.com

26) Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Alexander Valley: $25.99

James Suckling 93 pts. “Perfumed aromas of red currants, lavender, fresh thyme and graphite. The palate is medium- bodied with plush tannins and balanced acidity, giving flavors of raspberry coulis, red licorice, and baking spices. Very soft and delicate, with a nicely constructed backbone.”

27) Cantine Dei Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2020, Tuscany: $35.99

James Suckling 93 pts. “Extremely perfumed and fresh with an elegant and attractive nose. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine, delicate tannins and a delicious finish. So delicious. Drink now.” Sangiovese.

28) Pira Luigi Barolo Serralunga D’Alba 2022, Piedmont: $60.99

Decanter 93 pts. Compiled from lower plots in Marenca with vineyards in Rivette and Sorano, this village bottling simply radiates Serralunga. It is intensely and headily perfumed with jasmine, ginestra and almond blossom. Full and rich yet crisp in bite, the palate features pristine dark red cherry and blood orange. Super-firm, sophisticated tannins are dry but not parching, lending exciting textural drama. Finishes with thyme and bitter-citrus zest. Huge in personality, this is a compelling force to be reckoned with. Aging is in 25-hectolitre Slavonian oak casks.

29) Reyneke Syrah 2020, W.O. Stellenbosch, South Africa: $33.99

A perfumed nose with upfront white pepper, lavender, wild rosemary and bursts of red cherry. Subtle hints of coriander and nutmeg. There is a lovely brightness to the palate with a fruit core of sour cherries and mulberries. This is balanced by notes of spice and delicate chalky tannin. The palate is fresh, with an underlying structure and a long finish. Biodynamic.

30) Corazon Del Sol Revana Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2023, I.G. Chacayes, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina: $36.99

This 100% Cabernet Franc comes from a single block within our vineyards at the foot of the Andes Mountains. At more than 3,800′ above sea level, our vineyards benefit from these deeply alluvial lands with abundant solar exposure. This variety, after Malbec, is the one that has evolved best in the last five years. We strive to obtain varietal typicity with this high altitude Cabernet Franc – complex and well structured, with elegant tannins and the perfect balance of tannin from 15 months aging in French oak barrels. This vintage displays a concentrated aroma of jam, red peppers, and tobacco, while having well structured, full bodied notes on the palate.

31) Shafer TD-9 Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Napa Valley: $84.99

“The 2023 displays beautiful complexity with layers of blackberry, black plum, and spice, accented by layers of tobacco, toast, and savory herbs. Both lush and energetic, this mouthfilling Cabernet Sauvignon is ripe, round, and perfectly balanced. Silky tannins provide structure and grace, promising even greater elegance and depth with time in your cellar.” TD-9 is a rich, vibrant expression of some of our favorite Napa Valley vineyards. The name of this Cabernet Sauvignon celebrates John Shafer’s first tractor, a TD-9 International Harvester, which he inherited with the purchase of our property and taught himself to drive in 1973 as part of the founding of the winery. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 7% Malbec, 7% Petit Verdot.

32) Malvira Trinita Riserva 2015, Roero: $53.99

100% Nebbiolo from the Trinita vineyard. Aged for 24 months in French oak. Rested in bottle for 1 year. 91 Points, The Wine Advocate: “Complete and integrated. This wine opens to a pretty garnet hue with faded amber highlights. The bouquet is smooth and soft, without the astringent and bitter notes we found in the other wines among these new releases. You can’t escape those Nebbiolo tannins, but the wine shows a textured, tightly knit overall approach that works.” 92 Points, Fallstaf Magazine: “Luminous, brilliant ruby red with a gently lightening rust-red edge. Full and profound nose, delicate of rum pot and ripe plums, subtle pepper note, multi-layered. Spreads powerfully on the palate, tightly woven tannins, grippy and present, well integrated, stays on the palate for a long time, powerful in the finish.”

33) Tenute Capaldo Gulielmus Taurasi Riserva Aglianico DOCG 2015, Campania: $87.99

Wine Enthusiast 95 pts. Aromas of new leather, ripe plum, aromatic herbs and black-skinned berries emerge from the glass. The savory, elegantly structured palate offers dried black cherry, star anise and tobacco alongside a backbone of fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. Drink 2024-2035. Cellar Selection.

34) Ca’Del Baio Barbaresco Asili Riserva 2018, Piedmont: $115.99

93 pts. Vinous Media The 2018 Barbaresco Riserva Asili emerges from just three long rows across the upper slope of the Asili hillside. It shows a darker, more powerful side of Asili, which is amplified by aging in neutral 500L barrels. Nevertheless, the smaller scaled style of the year is evident, and yet the 2018 is impeccably balanced. This is a terrific effort for the year. The 2018 spent two years in 500L tonneaux and a year in ceramic vats prior to being bottled. Drinking Window: 2024 – 2035 The Barbaresco Asili Cru is from what many would say is the best terroir or “Cru” vineyard in Barbaresco, the Asili vineyard. Bruno Giacosa makes the most sought-after bottling from this vineyard with his red label Riserva and the vines for this wine are interspersed with the Ca del Baio vines, just look at the map! Take a look at the map and the key below to see exactly the incredible producers that have their vines planted next to and intermingled with the Ca del Baio vines: Bruno Giacosa, Gaja, Roagna, Produttori del barbareso and Ceretto. Planting of vineyards: between 1957 and 1999 Type of soil: bluish clayey-limestone marl Position: facing south-west Harvest: between the end of September and the beginning of October (2015 was an earlier pick) Vinification and Aging: The destemmed and pressed grapes ferment on the skins in temperature-controlled steel tanks for 5 to 30 days. The wine then matures in wood for 24 months, partly in oak casks and partly in small used French barrels, before continuing its aging in the bottle for 6 months.