Forty percent of this Cru is made in oak. Instantly it seems more complex, with more schist and flint, and a nutty character too, the gentle toasted almond very appealing. Mouth-filling and ripe, so much more weight here and more ripe juiciness than the Vaillons, quite a different style but then the finish is lean and super fresh, with the lick of salty acidity powering through.

The vineyard is in the area of Pachino and NeroSanlorè is made from grapes grown on albarello-trained vines that are 40-45 years old and the wine ages in wood barrels longer than the NeroJbleo. This 2009 has a rich aroma, fatter that its ‘brother’, more balsamic and brackish. The flavor is consistent with the bouquet, the tannins are slightly sweet and the acidity good.

Nose: Fresh citrus, green apple, and pear aromas with hints of white flowers and brioche.

Taste: Crisp and lively on the palate with flavors of lemon zest, ripe apple, and a touch of honey.

Palate: Well-balanced acidity, creamy texture, and a long, elegant finish.

Nose: The Gallina de Piel Mazape offers an enticing aroma of ripe red fruits, such as cherries and raspberries, accompanied by hints of floral notes and a touch of spice.

Taste: On the palate, this wine showcases a vibrant and juicy character, with flavors of red berries and plums taking center stage. There is a subtle earthiness that adds depth, while the well-integrated tannins provide a smooth and velvety texture.

Palate: The wine's medium body and balanced acidity contribute to a refreshing and lively mouthfeel. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering impression of red fruit flavors and a touch of spice.

Francis Ford Coppola Eleanor Red

From vines with more than 80 years of age, the intensity of the fruit comes through handily. Lusty textures with a strong tannic backbone and broken stones accompany all the ripe, fresh, peppery red fruits. Give this perhaps a decade of age before pulling a cork.

Candied black cherries are accented by hints of tar and anise in this smoky, black-fruited Pinot Noir. It's ripe but elegantly muted by shades of earth and rose-petal perfume. Moderately full in body and zesty on the midpalate. Anna Lee C. Iijima

Cherries, plums, licorice, 5 Spice, and white pepper permeate the nose and palate of this ripe, concentrated, full-bodied, intense wine. Another year or two in the cellar should add a bit more roundness to the wine. The wine is produced from old vine Mourvedre that is close to 100 years of age!

Nose: Rich and inviting with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
Taste: Smooth and full-bodied, with flavors of toffee, dark chocolate, and a hint of spice.
Palate: Well-balanced and complex, with a long, satisfying finish.

This inky garnet wine features a nose of dark plum, caramel and lavender that set the stage for flavors of black currant, blackberry, vanilla, dark chocolate, clove and violet. It is smooth in the mouth, with opulent tannins and a note of orange zest on the bright finish. Mike DeSimone

Nose: Rich and fruity with notes of ripe orchard fruits, honey, and vanilla. Taste: Smooth and creamy with flavors of caramel, toffee, and a hint of oak. Palate: A long and warming finish with a touch of spice and a lingering sweetness.

Corzo Tequila Reposado is a luxurious spirit that embodies the elegance and innovation of modern tequila production. Crafted from 100% Blue Weber agave, it undergoes a unique triple distillation process for exceptional smoothness and clarity. Aged in small, white oak barrels for a period that imparts a golden hue and enriches the tequila with complexity, it offers a sophisticated aroma of cooked agave, complemented by hints of vanilla and toasted oak. On the palate, Corzo Reposado reveals a smooth, rich texture, balancing the sweet agave flavors with notes of caramel, citrus, and a touch of spice. The finish is clean and warm, with a lingering oak and agave sweetness. This reposado tequila is perfect for savoring neat, on the rocks, or in premium cocktails, showcasing its refined character and depth of flavor.

Nose: Rich and fruity with notes of ripe red berries, dried fruits, and a hint of citrus zest. There are also hints of vanilla, toffee, and a subtle smokiness.

Taste: The palate is full-bodied and complex, with flavors of juicy plums, black cherries, and dark chocolate. There is a gentle spiciness, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, as well as a touch of oak.

Palate: The finish is long and warming, with lingering notes of dried fruits, toasted almonds, and a touch of smoky peat.

The original recipe has evolved and includes older and more elegant Islay malts, boasting bold coastal flavours that combine the smokiness of a driftwood fire with more medicinal peat notes. The flavours are peaty and smoky with orchard fruits that deliver a rich creaminess. Enjoy neat or over ice.

Collard-Picard Cuvee Prestige Brut is an elegant and refined Champagne, showcasing the artistry of the Collard-Picard house. This cuvée blends Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier, sourced from premier and grand cru vineyards, offering a brilliant balance of richness and finesse. It features a bright, golden hue with lively bubbles and an expressive nose of green apple, citrus fruits, and floral hints, complemented by a subtle bready undertone. On the palate, it's vibrant and fresh, with a creamy texture and flavors of ripe fruit, lemon zest, and a touch of minerality. The finish is long and crisp, leaving a delightful freshness. Perfect for special occasions or as an aperitif, this Champagne pairs beautifully with seafood, light appetizers, or on its own as a celebratory drink.

Deep ruby core, purple reflections, subtle brightening on the rim. Delicate herbal aromas are supported by dark berries, some sea buckthorn and hints of orange zest. Very juicy concentrated palate with sweet strawberries, finely woven tannins and a fresh mineral finish with nutty hints.

Crafted from a blend of Vermentino, Mourvèdre, Viognier, and Grenache, this wine entices with notes of crushed strawberries, sweet spices, and delicate floral tones of violet and hawthorn. On the palate, it reveals a powerful and generous profile, complemented by a revitalizing freshness that invigorates the senses.

Forward, medium-bodied, soft, elegant and already charming, the sweetness and purity along with lift and energy create the perfect backdrop for the plums, licorice, smoke, cherries and spice on the nose and palate.

The Charles Mignon Comte de Marne Grand Cru Brut Rosé offers an enticing nose filled with aromas of fresh strawberries, raspberries, and red cherries. On the palate, it is lively and vibrant, with a delicate mousse and a refreshing acidity. The flavors of red fruits continue to dominate, accompanied by hints of citrus zest and a subtle minerality. The finish is long and elegant, leaving a lingering impression of red berries and a touch of creaminess.

The Charles Mignon Comte de Marne Grand Cru Brut offers an enticing nose with aromas of ripe apples, citrus zest, and toasted brioche. On the palate, it is crisp and refreshing, with flavors of green apple, lemon curd, and hints of almond. The fine bubbles create a creamy texture, leading to a long and elegant finish with a touch of minerality.

The Champagne Rc Lemaire Cuvee Select offers a delightful nose of fresh citrus fruits, with hints of green apple and pear. On the palate, it reveals a crisp and lively acidity, complemented by flavors of lemon zest, white peach, and a touch of toasted brioche. The fine bubbles create a creamy texture, leading to a long and elegant finish with a subtle mineral undertone.

Critic tasting note: "Brisk, clean and herbaceous, this Tequila is almost reminiscent of gin. The aroma has a spicy edge, plus hints of mint and dill, while the minty palate finishes with vanilla-coconut sweetness and mild baking-spice tingle. Versatile for a wide range of cocktails." - 93/100, Wine Enthusiast

Nose: The Cave Yves Cuilleron Cornas Le Village offers an enticing bouquet of dark fruits, including blackberries and plums, with hints of black pepper and smoked meat. There are also subtle notes of violets and earthiness.

Taste/Palate: On the palate, this wine is full-bodied and rich, with a velvety texture. The flavors of ripe black fruits dominate, accompanied by savory notes of bacon, black olives, and a touch of licorice. The tannins are well-integrated, providing structure and balance, while the acidity adds freshness. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a pleasant impression of dark chocolate and spices.

Smoky and rocky on the nose, this wine offers juicy red and black fruit that turns almost candied red apple on the palate. Notes of coffee grinds and top soil are pointed up by the astringency of very tight tannins and razor-sharp acid.

Casa Sauza 'Tres Generaciones' Tequila Añejo is a premium tequila that epitomizes the craftsmanship and heritage of the Sauza family, now in its third generation of distilling expertise. This añejo, meaning "aged," is meticulously crafted from 100% Blue Weber agave and aged in American oak barrels for a minimum of one year, resulting in a beautifully golden tequila with a perfect blend of complexity and smoothness. It features an inviting aroma of toasted oak, vanilla, and caramel, with subtle hints of citrus and agave. On the palate, 'Tres Generaciones' Añejo delivers a rich and full-bodied experience, showcasing flavors of sweet agave, oak, and a touch of spice, leading to a smooth and satisfying finish with a warm, lingering essence of vanilla and a slight peppery note. This tequila is a testament to the Sauza family's dedication to quality and tradition, making it an excellent choice for sipping neat or enjoying in a refined cocktail.

Ca' La Bionda Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG

The nose is intensely spicy and warm with chili pepper and highlighting an umami meatiness. Cherries, blackberries and chocolate on the palate nonetheless give way again to pepper notes, from fresh cracked black peppercorns to chilis, through a hot finish.

Nose: The Bombarda Drake Dark Caribbean Rum opens with a rich and inviting aroma of molasses, dark chocolate, and toasted oak. Hints of vanilla and caramel add a touch of sweetness, while a subtle spiciness lingers in the background.

Taste: On the palate, this rum delivers a full-bodied experience with flavors of blackstrap molasses, cocoa, and roasted coffee beans. The sweetness is well-balanced, complemented by notes of toffee and a touch of tropical fruitiness. A gentle warmth emerges, bringing a pleasant depth to the overall profile.

Palate: The finish is long and satisfying, leaving behind a lingering taste of dark chocolate and a hint of smoky charred oak. The Bombarda Drake Dark Caribbean Rum is a complex and well-rounded spirit, showcasing the best of Caribbean flavors with a touch of sophistication.

This delicious reserva is garnet-ruby in the glass, with a violet-colored rim. It has enticing aromas of ripe cherry, red plum and saddle leather. In the mouth, there are flavors of ripe red and black fruits, dried sage and thyme, pencil lead and cedar shavings. The tannins are velvety, the mouthfeel is voluptuous, and the finish goes on for days.

Nose: The nose of Bertrand Senecourt Beau Joie Special Cuvee Brut is elegant and inviting, with delicate aromas of fresh green apples, citrus zest, and hints of toasted brioche.

Taste: On the palate, this champagne showcases a lively and crisp character, with flavors of ripe pear, lemon curd, and a touch of honey. The fruitiness is well-balanced by a subtle mineral note, adding complexity and depth to the overall taste.

Palate: The palate of Beau Joie Special Cuvee Brut is refreshing and vibrant, with a fine mousse that dances on the tongue. It finishes with a lingering, zesty acidity and a touch of almond, leaving a clean and invigorating sensation.

This vineyard designate has distinctive and palate-penetrating pine needle accents. It's tight and focused, mixing cranberry and tart raspberry fruit with a light suggestion of truffly umami. The balance and complexity argue for further bottle age. It wraps up with well-ripened tannins that add touches of black olive and black tea. Paul Gregutt

Bayou Mardi Gras X.O. Rum is a celebratory and premium spirit that captures the essence and exuberance of Louisiana's famed Mardi Gras festivities. Crafted with sugarcane from the local area, this extra old (X.O.) rum reflects the rich tradition and heritage of rum production in the region. Aged in oak barrels, it boasts a deep amber color and a complex bouquet of aromas, including caramel, vanilla, and a hint of tropical fruit, underpinned by a warm, spicy note that hints at its extended aging process. On the palate, Bayou Mardi Gras X.O. Rum delivers a rich, full-bodied experience with layers of sweet molasses, toasted oak, and spices, leading to a smooth, lingering finish that is both warm and satisfying. This rum is a testament to the craftsmanship and celebratory spirit of its creators, making it a perfect choice for sipping neat, on the rocks, or as the base for luxurious cocktails.

The aromas bring notes of fruit leather, cherry and wood spice. Smooth, medium-bodied dark-fruit flavors follow, with a tart finish. It all seems a bit dried out. Sean P. Sullivan

Ashes & Diamonds Rouge is an expressive and vibrant red wine that captures the essence of Napa Valley's terroir and winemaking tradition. Crafted with a blend of Bordeaux grape varieties, it reflects the estate's commitment to balance, finesse, and elegance. This wine likely showcases a deep ruby color and an aromatic bouquet of ripe blackberries, cassis, and plum, complemented by hints of cedar, tobacco, and earthiness. On the palate, it offers a rich and velvety texture, with flavors of dark fruit, vanilla, and baking spices, supported by refined tannins and a refreshing acidity. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lingering impression of fruit and spice. Ashes & Diamonds Rouge is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes, from grilled meats to hearty pasta dishes, and is sure to impress with its depth and complexity.

Nose: The Armorik Single Cask Single Malt Breton Whisky offers a delightful aroma of ripe orchard fruits, with hints of apples, pears, and a touch of citrus. There are also subtle notes of vanilla and honey, adding a sweet and inviting character.

Taste: On the palate, this whisky reveals a harmonious blend of flavors. The fruity notes continue to shine, with a medley of apples, pears, and a touch of tropical fruits. There is a gentle spiciness, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, adding depth and complexity.

Palate: The palate is smooth and creamy, with a velvety texture that coats the mouth. The sweetness of vanilla and honey lingers, balanced by a subtle oak influence. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a pleasant warmth and a lingering sweetness on the palate.

Strong cedar, toast and clove aromas continue into the flavors of this lavishly oaked and moderately tannic wine, giving it a flashy profile that will be fine for casual occasions.

This wine's nose has an earthy/floral combination equal to a country meadow stroll. Wildflowers, rain-soaked soil and blackberries rise from the glass with an earthy perfume. Blueberry, black cherry and cedar flavors are almost outshone by silky tannins and a nutty shot of Nocino on the long finish.