Winemaker and owner Chris Phelps has an impressive pedigree: training at the infamous Chateau Petrus of Bordeaux's right bankc and then 12 years at Dominus in Napa Valley, owned by Jean-Pierre Moueix of Chateau des Laurets. Phelps's winemaking experiences in both Napa and Bordeaux led him to create what he calls "New World wines with an Old World sensibility". Phelps has been producing Ad Vivum since 2007. Grapes for the wines are sourced from the Sleeping Lady Vineyard in Yountville, CA. This 100% Cabernet is dense with aromas of cassis, violets and spicy oak with a rich, full body, silky tannins and a well-balanced exceptionally long finish. This wine will surely age for 20 years or more.

A field of violets in the background. Very fine spices, among which clove and freshly ground black pepper stand out. Subtle notes of cocoa and liquorice. An aromatic harmony that defines the great Cirsion.

Rich and dramatic, the 2019 Valandraud bursts with aromas of berry fruit, plums and licorice, framed by a lavish but far from exaggerated application of creamy new oak. Full-bodied, fleshy and sensual, it's broad and enveloping, its lavish core of fruit framed by ripe, polished tannins and succulent balancing acids.

Contention as one of the top vintages produced here, the wine is strong on its floral characteristics. Once past the opening bouquet of white flowers and dried roses, you find plums, black cherries, black raspberries, mint and cigar wrapper nuances. The palate provides a lush, opulent, vibrant, energetic backdrop for its wealth of deep red fruits and oceanic influences. The finish has a touch of salty chalk that adds complexity to its wealth of silky, ripe, red fruits.

The 2020 Pichon-Longueville Baron is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Merlot aging for an estimated 18 months in French oak barrels, 70% new. The production of the grand vin represents 48% of the harvest this year. Opaque purple-black in colour, it comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant notions of blackberry pie, preserved plums and crème de cassis, plus suggestions of Chinese five spice, chocolate mint, graphite and cedar chest with a touch of violets. The medium-bodied palate is built like a brick house, featuring firm, ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness to support the taut, muscular black fruits, finishing long and spicy.

from the famed Valdicava winery, this single vineyard wine is only produced in the most excellent vintages. 2007 was a stellar year with perfect conditions for ripening of the Sangiovese grape. Beautifully knit together, this wine has deep, concentrated notes of blueberries and blackberries, leather, and tobacco. Deeply textured, yet with smooth tannins, and layers and layers of flavour. This will undoubtedly just get better in the bottle. If drinking now, decant or hold until 2030-2035.

Inchgower distillery is located in the village of Buckie on the Moray Firth coast and is known for producing a full-bodied and robust style of whisky. The distillery uses locally-sourced water from the nearby Burn of Inchgower to produce its whiskies.
In general, single malt whiskies from the Inchgower distillery are known for their rich and complex flavor profile, with notes of dried fruits, honey, and a hint of smoke.

Nose: Creamy, aromatic nose with hints of hay, malted barley, oak and mixed peels. Palate: Soft smoke and gingerbread, oodles of toasty spices, Demerara sugar and boiled sweets.

Hiding in a small valley east of the picturesque town of Pitlochry, Edradour is a small operation producing fruity un-peated distillate under the Edradour name, and a meaty and peaty version named Ballechin. This release from Equilibrium (aka Whisky Sponge) is a vatting of a cask of each, both matured in refill ex-sherry casks.

A real curiosity. Tokaj in a small bottle. An excellent quality vintage with concentrated aszú berries. These wines are only created in extraordinary vintages and are thus a real rarity, only produced in small amounts, in this case 599 bottles.

"The 2016 Durfort-Vivens is gorgeous. Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics and structure play off the natural intensity of the year beautifully. Blackberry, grilled herbs, licorice, leather and crème de cassis are all vividly sketched in this layered, expressive Margaux. (AG) " --- Vinous (1/2019)

96 points - James Suckling

Blend: Pinot Noir 100%

The 2022 Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru 'Les Rouges' from Bruno Desaunay-Bissey is a stunning expression of Burgundy’s premier cru finesse. The nose offers aromas of red cherry, raspberry, floral hints, and subtle spice. On the palate, it reveals concentrated red fruit, silky tannins, and a nuanced minerality, finishing long and beautifully balanced.

A wine of elegance and aging potential, perfect with game, roast poultry, or fine mushroom dishes.

A testament to its prestigious terroir, Chateau Troplong Mondot 2020 offers rich aromas of ripe berries, dark cherries, and delicate floral hints —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

Chateau Quintus (St. Emilion) - With a good dollop of Cabernet Franc in the blend it gives it a dense, perfumed structured character. There is beautiful rich blackberry, violet, cassis, new leather and toasted spices on the nose and palate. The Chateau has made a considerable stride with this vintage. Drink now through 2026

The Momento Grenache Gris is a highly sought-after, textural white wine from South Africa, crafted by winemaker Marelise Niemann. Sourced from the country's only Grenache Gris vineyard in the Voor-Paardeberg region, it undergoes a week of skin contact to produce a striking copper color and a gritty, tannic structure.

Blend: Merlot (73%), Cabernet Franc (27%)
Drinking Window: 2035-2060

98-99 Points – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“A captivating Château Palmer with extraordinary precision and elegance. Aromas of blackberries, cassis, violets, graphite and subtle spices lead to a palate of remarkable purity and depth. The texture is silky yet structured, with ultra-fine tannins seamlessly woven into layers of dark fruit and mineral complexity. Fresh acidity brings energy and length, while the finish lingers effortlessly for minutes. A refined and harmonious Palmer that perfectly balances power, finesse and terroir expression.”

Champagne Jacquesson Cuvée 743 is a prestigious, Extra Brut blend built around the ripe 2015 vintage, featuring Pinot Noir (60%) from the Marne Valley and Chardonnay (40%) from the Côte des Blancs, aged extensively on lees (89 months) for complexity, offering rich notes of ripe fruit, pastry, citrus, and minerality, with a precise, balanced palate and a saline finish, available in both standard and late-disgorged (DT) versions.

Guado Al Tasso is from the famous Antinori family from their estate in Bolgheri, the famed appellation on the upper coast of Maremma. The label features the crest and initials of the Della Gherardesca, former owners of the estate. Produced since 1990, the wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and occasionally a small amount of Petit Verdot to best represent the complexity and elegance of the Bolgheri terroir. The palate is intense and complex with captivating aromas of currants, blackberries and blood oranges followed by undertones of spices, tobacco, licorice, and roasted coffee. The palate is mouth filling and persistent, bursting with vibrant silky tannins. A powerful yet graceful vintage with outstanding aging potential.

The Oculus, a Bordeaux blend cultivated organically in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, seamlessly combines opulence and elegance, showcasing serious New World fruit with refined sophistication. Aromatically, it unveils layers of complexity and florality, with notes of strawberries and balsamic intertwined with dried violets, savory anise, and gravelly dust. On the palate, its construction is exquisite, with tannins and freshness in harmonious interplay. Fresh mint and pine bough complement flavors of strawberries, clove, and smoke, while well-integrated wild mountain berries, pencil lead, and hints of evergreen add depth. This wine exemplifies a perfect balance of freshness, ripeness, and structure

Plush and softly textured, this modern expression of Brunello boasts generous tones of black fruit, cherry, tobacco, leather and cola with smooth, silky tannins. You could age this wine many more years, or drink it sooner thanks to the inherent softness here.

This Port Gift Set from Quevedo includes four 375ml bottles of the following:

1x Quevedo 10 Year Tawny Port
1x Quevedo 20 Year Tawny Port
1x Quevedo 30 Year White Port
1x Quevedo Quinta Vale D'Agodinho 2013 Vintage Port

375ml

Field & Flight Chardonnay is a crisp, bright white wine with aromas of citrus blossom and honeysuckle, and flavors of pear, yellow apple, and mineral-driven salinity. It is known for being refreshing with a clean, leesy, and creamy finish, offering a coastal vibe that is easy to drink and pairs well with fresh seafood like sashimi. It is produced by Quails' Gate Winery, with grapes sourced from California.

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (35%), Petit Verdot (5%)
Drinking Window: 2030-2045

95-96 Points - James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com
“Well composed, textural and velvety, with currants, herbs and baking spices on the nose. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Refined texture with substance and harmony. Focused, lingering finish. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot and 5% petit verdot.”

Lighter in body, this Pinot Noir is graced by electrifying acidity, tart red cherry, green tea and clove flavors, and a long finish. The wine's aromas are earthy, with loamy soil uniting with blackberries, pine needles and grilled portobello mushrooms.

Blend: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot
Drinking Window: 2025-2060

100 Points - Wine Enthusiast
"This great estate in southern Pauillac, facing the Latour vineyard, is at the top of its game. In this release, the tannins are as impressive and dense as the black fruits. Together they form a harmonious ensemble, richly structured, concentrated from the many old vines in the blend, and very age-worthy. Drink from 2027. Cellar Selection.”

Freixenet Italian Rosé is a sparkling wine known for its fresh, fruity, and elegant profile. It features a blend of Glera and Pinot Noir grapes, offering notes of red fruits like strawberries and raspberries, alongside hints of white flowers and apples. The wine is characterized by its delicate bubbles and a refreshing, crisp finish, making it suitable for both casual enjoyment and pairing with food.

This family owned Domaine has a prestigious location: they are the only Domaine located inside the walls of Clos Vougeot itself. They are the largest owners of land with 5.5ha, many of these with Pinot Noir vines that were planted in 1910. Although they always farmed organically, they received their certification in 2021. This 2019 Pinot Noirs shows tightly packed black and red fruit accented with notes of violets, mineral, earth and wild herbs. This is powerful and rich, with firm tannins, lots of body, and the ability to age almost indefinitely. Try from 2026

Blend: Pinot Noir 100%

The 2022 Échezeaux Grand Cru from Bruno Desaunay-Bissey is a powerful yet elegant Pinot Noir, showcasing the depth and complexity of Burgundy’s Grand Cru vineyards. The nose offers aromas of ripe red and black cherry, raspberry, floral hints, and subtle spice. On the palate, it reveals layered fruit, silky tannins, and a refined minerality, finishing long and precise.

A Grand Cru of exceptional finesse, perfect with game, roast poultry, or fine mushroom dishes.

Blend: 65,8 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 31,9 % Merlot, 2,3 % Petit Verdot
Drinking Window: 2025-2050

95 Points - Vinous
"The 2019 Forts de Latour is a tannic, backward wine, as it has always been. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, graphite, sage and mocha open with a bit of coaxing. Even so, the 2019 is incredibly tight at this stage. Despite its imminent release, I would not dream of touching a bottle any time soon. Rain just before harvest in this warm vintage helped keep things in check and resulted in fairly generous yields of 45 hectoliters per hectare. At the same time, the mid-palate is a bit compact, while the tannins are imposing."

Blend: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot
Drinking Window: 2024-2060

100 Points - Wine Enthusiast
"This great estate in southern Pauillac, facing the Latour vineyard, is at the top of its game. In this release, the tannins are as impressive and dense as the black fruits. Together they form a harmonious ensemble, richly structured, concentrated from the many old vines in the blend, and very age-worthy. Drink from 2027. Cellar Selection.”

Blend: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and 11% Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2018-2038

94 Points - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
"The 2011 Château La Mission Haut-Brion reveals a deep garnet color followed by a complex nose of blackcurrants, cedar, tobacco leaf, and sweet spices. The bouquet is rich and inviting, layered with notes of plum, dark chocolate, and subtle earthiness. On the palate, this wine is medium to full-bodied with a plush, velvety texture. The tannins are firm yet refined, supporting flavors of ripe black fruits, cedar, and graphite. The wine displays excellent balance between concentration and freshness, with bright acidity giving it energy and precision. The finish is long and persistent, with lingering notes of spice and mineral undertones characteristic of the estate’s terroir. This vintage offers a harmonious blend of power and finesse and is expected to develop gracefully over the next 15–20 years.”

It immediately begins to impress with seductive aromatics of ripe black cherries and blackberries, which are woven together with exotic spices, tobacco, espresso, florals, gravel and savory nuances all taking shape in the glass.

A stunning wine, it possesses off the charts richness and tremendous depth that just builds with time in the glass. Inky dark fruit, plum, spice, licorice, menthol and crushed berries saturate the palate. 

The 2021 Léoville Las Cases has turned out beautifully in bottle and clearly numbers among the very finest wines of the vintage. Unfurling in the glass with aromas of dark berries and cassis mingled with notions of cigar wrapper, violets and pencil shavings, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated with a deep and multidimensional core of fruit framed by beautifully refined tannins and girdled by lively acids, concluding with a long, penetrating finish. Serious and structured without being austere, it's a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and a mere 5% Merlot. Drink 2031-2065.

A wine that transcends the vintage's challenges, the 2021 Figeac is performing brilliantly in bottle, wafting from the glass with aromas of raspberries and cherries mingled with striking top notes of violet, rose petal, iris and mint. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and suave, it's pure and vibrant, its enveloping core of fruit framed by ultra-refined tannins, concluding with a long, floral finish. Readers in the habit of drinking top grand cru Burgundy are liable to find themselves seduced by this immensely elegant, perfumed Saint-Émilion, a wine I'll definitely be adding to my own cellar. It's the result of gamble that paid off, as Figeac's team chose to wait to pick their Cabernet Sauvignon despite the menace of forecast rain—a menace that, in fact, scarcely transpired. The 2021 saw a somewhat shorter-than-usual élevage of 16 months in barrel without fining. Drink 2027-2050.

Balancing complexity and finesse, Chateau Figeac 2020 offers rich aromas of ripe berries, dark cherries, and delicate floral hints —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

Skorpios 1618 Tequila Reposado is a premium, additive-free, 40% ABV, 100% blue agave spirit from Jalisco, Mexico. It is crafted with traditional methods (brick ovens, copper pots) and aged for 6–12 months in oak barrels, resulting in a smooth, velvety profile with notes of cooked agave, caramel, vanilla, and light spices.

Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc is a highly acclaimed, aromatic New Zealand white wine from Marlborough, founded by Kevin Judd. It is celebrated for its vibrant, textural, and ripe-fruited style, offering intense flavors of passionfruit, pink grapefruit, and peach with a distinct saline, mineral, and citrusy, crisp finish.

Deep attractive dark ruby color. The nose is pure, precise and focused, revealing delicate and fine aromas of raspberry, cassis, blackberry and wild strawberry, associated to subtle notes of liquorice, coffee, ink and earth. The wine is juicy and voluminous, filling the mouth with polished and smooth tannins, leaving an overall impression of harmony, length and persistence. Its great structure and density are well balanced by good acidity, characteristic of the great terroir of Puente Alto that aligns ripeness and freshness in this superb and exceptional vintage.