Château Duplessis, Moulis-en-Medoc, France:

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

Varietal Composition Red Bordeaux Blend

Location Medoc/Bordeaux/France

Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now or cellar through 2028

Gold Medal Awarded for 2015 Vintage in 2022

Tasting notes:

On the nose: dark berries (blackberry/blackcurrant), plum, red currant, a hint of bay leaf and oak/spice. On the palate: medium to full body; fresh acidity; defined but not overly aggressive tannins; more pronounced fruit than reductive/stemmy elements. Flavor details: besides the fruit, find nuance of tobacco, black pepper, red berries, and a slightly mineral/terrestrial undertone (from the clay-limestone soils)

Food pairings!

• The Château Duplessis (Moulis-en-Médoc) pairs beautifully with roasted or grilled red meats like lamb, beef, or duck, which complement its dark fruit and firm tannins. It also shines with earthy dishes such as mushroom risotto or lentil stew, which echo its savory, mineral notes. For a lighter touch, pork tenderloin or veal work well thanks to the wine’s supple Merlot component. Finish with aged cheeses like Comté or Gruyère to highlight its structure and depth.

From Them to You!

A tasty story

Château Duplessis is an estate steeped in history, whose origins date back to the 15th century, when it belonged to the family of Cardinal Richelieu.

Over the centuries, it has established itself as a reference in the Moulis-en-Médoc appellation, thanks to illustrious figures such as Louis-François Armand de Vignerot du Plessis, who brought his wine to the court of Louis XV.

Classified Cru Bourgeois since 1932, the château underwent a true renaissance in 2015 under the leadership of Philippe Ferrier, who undertook a complete renovation of the vineyard and cellars to perpetuate its heritage and enhance its terroir.

A great terroir in the heart of Moulis

Our 25 hectares of vines lie on clay-limestone and sandy-gravel soils, offering a unique expression of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot.

Each vintage reflects the richness and diversity of our terroir.

Ca’Del Monte Valpolicella Classico Veneto, Italy:

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

Varietal Composition 45% Corvina / 35% Rondinella / 15% Molinara / 5% Negrara-Pelara

Location Negrar, Verona  • Veneto – Italy

Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now or cellar until 2028

Tasting notes:

Bright and youthful! In the glass is a silky crimson dress that captures hints of violet. The nose is delightful- a gardener’s paradise of gentile fruits and violets. This dry wine is crisp and fresh, untouched by oak, with a pleasant bitterness at the finish. This easy drinker is perfect for warm gatherings and easier meals. Can be served with a bit of a chill.

Food pairings!

• A Valpolicella Classico like the Ca’Del Monte 2022 pairs beautifully with light to mid-weight Italian dishes. Its bright cherry fruit and lively acidity complement pasta with tomato-based sauces, mushroom risotto, or grilled vegetables. It’s also excellent with roast chicken, pork loin, or charcuterie where the wine’s freshness cuts through richness without overpowering the food. For something simple, try it slightly chilled alongside a Margherita or prosciutto pizza.

From Them to You!

CA’ DEL MONTE is named after the area that hooks over the village of Negrar, north of Verona, in the heart of Valpolicella. It is easy to reach the estate of Ca’ del Monte through the panoramic narrow road that climbs the hills after San Peretto. The original building of the property is a 17th-century ancient monastery that has been added to over the years.

The winery is enthusiastically directed by the dynamic and entertaining brothers, Umberto and Giuseppe Zanconte, and has been cared for and owned by the family for generations. The farm consists of approximately 50 acres of vineyards located on the sun-drenched southwest hills. The perfectly positioned vineyard is planted with the typical red grapes of Valpolicella: Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara, and other native varietals, from which originate great Valpolicella and outstanding Amarone.  Authentic and natural wines that are classically true to traditions and the terroir.

Guillaume Gonnet Cotes du Rhone ‘Le Rêveur’ Rouge France:

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

Varietal Composition 80% Grenache, 20% Syrah

Location Côtes du Rhône, France

Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now or cellar through 2026

Accolades: 90 points–WS

Tasting notes:

Fresh, ripe blackberry and plums dominate the nose with hints of garrigue and smoke. More ripe dark fruits on the palate but with tension and minerality. Pepper and garrigue. Polished texture; round and delicious with a juicy fruity finish; lots of pleasure here. Overachiever!

Food pairings!

• Guillaume Gonnet’s Côtes du Rhône “Le Rêveur” pairs well with dishes that complement its ripe red fruit, spice, and smooth Southern Rhône texture. Great options include roast chicken, grilled lamb, herb-rubbed pork, or sausage dishes, as well as Mediterranean flavors like ratatouille, olives, and roasted vegetables. It also works nicely with hearty pastas, mushroom dishes, and semi-firm cheeses such as Comté or aged Gouda.

From Them to You!

According to local archives, the Gonnet family has been settled in Bédarrides since 1600. Etienne Gonnet and Jeanne Brunier married and created Font de Michelle in 1950. Today the domaine is being managed by the grandchild of Etienne, Guillaume Gonnet. With their vines, and selected parcels inherited from Guillaume’s family, Guillaume continues to produce wine that reflects his philosophy for winemaking – Minimal interference with the “terroir effect” by following biodynamic agricultural principles, ensuring the wine is balanced, soft with elegant tannins and very little wood influence. Guillaume has always been fascinated by the notion of “terroir”, most notably about how the Southern Rhône varieties express themselves in diverse terroir. Guillaume and Kelly plan to grow their range to include old vine Southern Rhone varieties in Spain and the Barossa in Australia. The Robin on the label can often be found in their organically farmed vineyards and embodies all that drives the creation of these wines – dreams, liberty, and terroir. 30 Hectares in Chateauneuf du Pape; 20 Hectares in Cotes du Rhone & Cotes du Rhone Village.

CLARO PINOT GRIGIO CHILE:

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

Varietal Composition Pinot Grigio

Location Valle Central, Chile

Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now or cellar for another year

Tasting notes:

An attractive pale straw yellow color, bright with green tones. The nose has intense fruit and floral aromas, highlighting hints of peaches and green apple. On the palate it is fresh and soft, with admirable aromatic roundness, supported by a pleasant freshness and long persistence.

Food pairings!

• Claro Pinot Grigio from Chile pairs well with light, fresh dishes such as citrus-marinated shrimp, ceviche, or simple grilled white fish. Its bright acidity also complements salads, spring vegetables, and mild cheeses like fresh mozzarella or chèvre. For something a bit heartier, try it with lemon-herb chicken or light pasta with olive oil and herbs.

From Them to You!

Claro wines are inspired by the clarity and purity that can only be found in Chile, a country isolated by the Andes Mountains, the Pacific Ocean, the Atacama desert and the Patagonian ice fields, with one of the clearest skies in the world and some of the most fertile soils that lead to ideal viticulture conditions.

Marco Bonfante I Ronchetti Gavi di Gavi DOCG, Italy:

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

Varietal Composition Cortese

Location Gavi DOCG, Italy

Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now or cellar through 2026

Tasting notes:

In the glass, I Ronchetti shows a clear straw yellow color. The aromas are intense and typical for the variety, with scents of banana and citrus fruits. On the palate, it is extremely dry and elegant. The intense minerality and the typical bitter almond finish distinguish this Gavi as one of superior quality.

Food pairings!

• Perfect as aperitif, it matches very good with raw fish, shellfish, delicate cheese and white meat. Highly recommended with lobster linguine.

From Them to You!

Marco and Micaela opened the winery Marco Bonfante in 2000, following the passing of their father. The family has a long lineage of producing wines, dating back eight generations in the Piedmont region of Nizza Monferrato. The siblings share the tasks of running the estate with Marco winemaking and handling sales production while Micaela oversees administration for the business. Nizza Monferrato, also called Nizza della Paglia which translates to ‘in the countryside’ is located in the Province of Asti in the region of Piedmont and is rich in vineyards. The vineyard is 23 hectares.

Humble Roots Shiraz-Viognier South Australia:

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

Varietal Composition 98% Shiraz, 2% Viognier

Location South Australia

Drink Now or Cellar? Drink now or cellar through 2030

Tasting notes:

“Post 12 months in 3-5 year old Burgundy barrique, this shiraz is meaty and mouth filling, with juicy ripe blackberry and black raspberry accompanied by spicy anise and baking spice, alongside savory notes of black peppercorn and iron-ore. Well-integrated tannins and brisk acidity make this a winner at the table.”

Food pairings!

• The Humble Roots Shiraz–Viognier pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted meats, especially lamb or beef, where the wine’s dark fruit and spice complement savory, charred flavors. Its floral lift from the Viognier makes it especially good with Moroccan or Middle Eastern dishes featuring cumin, coriander, or preserved lemon. It’s also a strong match for BBQ pork ribs, smoked brisket, or hearty stews, where its richness stands up to bold sauces. For a simpler pairing, try it with aged cheddar or Gouda to highlight its fruit and peppery notes.

From Them to You!

“The result of a collaboration between Forziati Wine Imports and Jock Harvey of Fox Creek and Chalk Hill in McLaren Vale, “Humble Roots embraces the idea that we are all of the same earth, and that we are inextricably entwined, wherever we may grow.” This shiraz (98%) and viognier (2%) are sourced from 44 year old vines sustainably farmed (practicing organic) under the oversight of the McLaren Vale Biodiversity Project. The grapes are co-fermented in a nod to the traditions of France’s famed Cote-Rotie, but this cuvée expresses a character uniquely Australian.”