Chateau La Grande Clotte 2022 Lussac Saint-Emilion:

(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the producer’s website)

Varietal Composition Merlot, Cabernet-Franc and Malbec

Location Lussac-Saint-Émilion/Bordeaux/France

Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now or cellar through 2030

Ratings: 92 Decanter | 91-93 Jeb Dunnuck | 90-91 James Suckling

Tasting notes:

Once the harvest is done, the fruits of three grape varieties (Merlot, Cabernet-Franc and Malbec) are vinified in tanks. Then we grow them equally in tanks and barrels, for 12 to 14 months. This repartition is quite typical of Lussac-Saint-Emilion wines, it allows them to preserve a lot of fruity aromas and roundness and benefit from the wood’s tannins, slowly revealing themselves to set the wine’s color.

“A subtle gourmet wine. Rich blueberry, cherry and hazelnut notes, accompanied by ripe and plush tannins. Creamy and full-bodied with a smooth finish.”

Food pairings!

Château La Grande Clotte 2022 pairs beautifully with rich, savory dishes that highlight its ripe dark-fruit and spice notes. It shines alongside grilled or roasted red meats like rib-eye or lamb, and with duck or pork in red-wine or fruit-based sauces. Earthy dishes such as mushroom risotto or roasted vegetables also complement its structure and minerality. For cheese, choose aged Comté, Gruyère, or Manchego, which balance its smooth tannins and depth.

From Them to You!

Located in Lussac, ten kilometers northwest of Saint-Emilion, and less than an hour from Bordeaux, Château La Grande Clotte is a peaceful haven within the Lussac-Saint-Émilion appellation. The winery was purchased by Mathieu Mercier and Julie Rapet in 2016 and is a culmination of their dream to produce wine in which they take enormous pride.

The couple, who both come from Cognac-producing families, earned their degrees in oenology in 2011 and gained winemaking experience in Chile, California, and British Columbia before returning to their native France.

Château du Rocher 2021 Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Organic:

(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the producer’s website)

Varietal Composition Merlot, Cab Franc, Cab Sauv

Location Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC/Bordeaux/France

Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now or cellar until 2031

Rating: 90/100, “James Suckling”; 90/100, “Wine Enthusiast”

Tasting notes:

The 2021 Château du Rocher is an organically farmed Saint-Émilion Grand Cru from a historic estate, with a classic Right-Bank Bordeaux blend of Merlot + Cabernet Franc + Cabernet Sauvignon, grown on clay-limestone and ferruginous soils. It is made in a moderate style that emphasizes terroir, elegance and longevity rather than heavy extraction.

“Pleasant red fruits aromas with very subtle tannins. Sustained ruby colour. Well balanced and harmonious mouth. This wine … can be aged, showing increasing finesse and bouquet.”

Food pairings!

Château du Rocher 2021 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Organic pairs best with roast lamb, beef tenderloin, or duck dishes that match its red-fruit, chocolate, and toasty notes. Its balance and freshness also complement pork tenderloin or coq au vin. For lighter fare, try mushroom risotto or eggplant gratin, which echo its earthy undertones. Comté, Saint-Nectaire, or aged cheddar cheeses round out its supple tannins and elegant finish.

From Them to You!

The 2021 Château du Rocher is an organically farmed Saint-Émilion Grand Cru from a historic estate, with a classic Right-Bank Bordeaux blend of Merlot + Cabernet Franc + Cabernet Sauvignon, grown on clay-limestone and ferruginous soils.

Hard Working Wines ‘Pound for Pound’ Zinfandel Paso Robles, USA:

(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the producer’s website)

Varietal Composition 95% Zinfandel 5% Petite Sirah

Location Paso Robles, California

Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now or cellar through 2030

Tasting notes:

Hibiscus flower, dragonfruit, mulberry, blood orange, cinnamon stick, sandalwood.

Incredible freshness, palate leads with juicy, fresh fruits. Finish is lively. Energetic.

Expressive. All of the fruit came from vineyards owned by the first farming family in Paso

Robles – the Dusi family.

Food pairings!

• The Hard Working Wines Pound for Pound Zinfandel pairs beautifully with barbecue dishes, especially grilled ribs, smoked brisket, or pulled pork, where its ripe fruit and spice complement smoky flavors. It’s also excellent with pizza, burgers, or spicy sausages, as the wine’s juicy richness balances hearty, savory foods. For a slightly refined match, try it with roast duck or lamb chops glazed in balsamic or berry reduction. Finish with aged cheddar or dark chocolate to echo its bold, jammy notes.

From Them to You!

McPrice “Mac” Myers makes expressive wine that showcase the dynamic terroir and microclimates of California’s Central Coast. 

As founder and winemaker of his eponymous winery, McPrice “Mac” Myers makes serious wines with depth and grace. His winemaking philosophy mirrors his approach to life: Dream big. Work hard. Have fun while making great things happen.

Mac was born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley. He earned a baseball scholarship to Rio Hondo College in Whittier, and around that time landed a job at a Southern California Trader Joe’s. That’s where he developed an appreciation for food and wine – and Rhône wines, in particular.

These days, this tenacious, self-taught winemaker quietly crafts some of Paso Robles’ most lauded releases. He’s considered the region’s undiscovered genius, yet he’s also known for his low-key demeanor. As his wines rival those made by Domaine du Pégaü, Mac has earned the title of arm-wrestling champ of Châteauneuf-du-Pape on a Hospice du Rhône trip – all while sporting his signature style in Dickies-brand workwear.

Mac is a humble individual backed by an amazing winery team. Together, they’re strengthening Paso’s reputation as a world-class wine region.

Hecht & Bannier Provence Rose:

(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the producer’s website)

Varietal Composition Grenache, Cinsault

Location Provence, France

Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now or cellar until 2027

Tasting notes:

Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence vineyards are planted on a limestone plateau stretching from the North of the city up to the River Durance. Our growers benefit from a mediterranean climate which favors farming in full respect of the environment and methods now understood as sustainable. With remarkable periods of sunshine and cool nights during the summer, best conditions are gathered here to produce complex and aromatic rosés.

Our Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence rosé echoes white fruits and pêche de vigne but also delicate herbal notes of tarragon, bergamot and lime flower. Refreshing on the palate, lifted by a tang of fresh ginger, the wine invites you to share accras, sautees shrimps in garlic or La soupe au pistou.

Food pairings!

• The 2023 Hecht & Bannier Provence Rosé pairs beautifully with Mediterranean cuisine, such as grilled seafood, Niçoise salad, or herbed chicken. Its crisp acidity and delicate strawberry-citrus notes also complement goat cheese, fresh tomatoes, and olive tapenade. For something casual, try it with charcuterie, sushi, or summer salads.

From Them to You!

A Story in Provence

Gregory Hecht & François Bannier were long time friends in 2001 when they started their boutique winery to make handcrafted wines out of the best terroirs of the South of France. François and Gregory both live in Provence with their families. They have been attracted by the lifestyle, seduced by the light once beloved by Cézanne, Van Gogh then Nicolas de Staël, the stretching light of the sun on the Mediterranean Sea when afternoon ends. The two buddies love nothing more than sharing a glass of rosé at the terrace of a café in Aix-en-Provence. Rosé wines are obviously a predominant part of their production. H&B Provence rosé is a refreshing, charming and floral

wine, everything which makes a rosé from Provence one of a kind. H&B Provence rosé in the basket of a picnic among lavender fields and olive trees or just before a gentle nap in the shadow of a hundred years old plane tree while lulled by the song of the cicadas… H&B Provence rosé to play pétanque on a nice little square of a Provence village… H&B Provence rosé in the heat of the long summer evenings when chatting and having fun with friends near the pool.

Bodega Amalaya Blanco, Salta, Argentina:

(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the producer’s website)

Varietal Composition Riesling, Torrontes 

Location Calchaqui Valley, Argentina

Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now or cellar until 2027

Tasting notes:

The nose is dominated by citrus notes of grapefruit and lemon zest, with subtle floral undertones typical of Torrontés. On the palate, the wine is delicate and silky, with a refreshing crispness. Flavors of citrus and stone fruit are complemented by a distinct mineral note, providing complexity and depth. The wine’s vibrant acidity creates a clean, refreshing finish.

Food pairings!

• Grilled seafood: The wine’s crisp acidity and citrus flavors make it an ideal match for grilled shrimp or scallops.
• Fresh salads: Pair with a citrus salad or a goat cheese and arugula salad to enhance the wine’s refreshing qualities.
• Sushi: The floral notes and clean finish of the wine complement the delicate flavors of sushi and sashimi.
• Spicy Thai cuisine: The floral and citrus elements pair beautifully with spicy Thai dishes, balancing the heat and freshness.

From Them to You!

The name Amalaya translates to “hope for a miracle” in the local indigenous language, reflecting the ancient tradition of offering gifts to the gods in hopes of a bountiful harvest. The extreme conditions in the Calchaquí Valley, where Bodega Amalaya is located, create wines that are both bold and vibrant, making this region stand out in Argentina’s winemaking landscape.

Bodega Amalaya sources the grapes for Amalaya Blanco from the San Isidro and Las Mercedes Estates, located at an altitude of 1,800 meters above sea level in the Calchaquí Valley, Salta. These vineyards, among the highest in the world, benefit from extreme growing conditions that include intense sunlight, cool nighttime temperatures, and minimal rainfall (less than 150 mm per year). These factors promote slow ripening, which preserves acidity and enhances the aromatic intensity of the grapes.

The rocky and sandy soils in this region provide excellent drainage, encouraging the vines to develop deep root systems and extract minerals from the subsoil. This high-altitude terroir, coupled with the region’s unique climate, results in wines that are both complex and refreshing, with a clear expression of fruit and minerality.

2 Copas Sauvignon Blanc Valle Central Chile:

(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the producer’s website)

Varietal Composition Sauvignon Blanc

Location Central Valley, Chile

Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now or cellar until 2026

Tasting notes:

Bright and clean yellow with hints of green. Aromas of grapefruit, stone (mineral), mint and citrus. Intense and refreshing with a lively vibrant acidity and crisp citrus notes

Food pairings!

• The 2 Copas Sauvignon Blanc from Chile’s Valle Central is crisp, citrusy, and refreshing — perfect for light, vibrant dishes. Pair it with grilled fish, shrimp ceviche, or lemon-herb chicken, where its acidity complements the freshness of the food. It’s also excellent with goat cheese salads, sushi, or vegetable dishes like asparagus or zucchini. For a simple match, enjoy it alongside seafood tacos or fresh oysters — the wine’s zesty lime and green apple notes make the flavors pop.

From Them to You!

2 Copas= 2 Wine Glasses!

Chilean Central Valley: Running from the Maipo Valley in the north, to Maule Valley in the south, the Central Valley is the most important, volume-producing region of Chile. Because of its size, there are several climates and soil-types that can be found, allowing for a vast variety of grapes to thrive. The climate is relatively cool with dry summers and mild winters. This creates ideal wine-growing conditions.