SIP: World Tour Explorer 12-Pack

***Should a wine in this package become unavailable, we will provide another gem of equivalent quality and value***
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La Rioja Alta Vina Alberdi Reserva DOC 2020
Original Price: $24.97
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La Rioja Alta Vina Alberdi Reserva DOC 2020
(Rioja, Spain) - [JS 93] [WRO 93] [TA 92] [WA 92] [WS 91]

About the Winery:
Founded in 1890, La Rioja Alta is one of the most experienced and universally respected wineries in Rioja. Viña Alberdi is La Rioja Alta's juiciest, most approachable Rioja to drink on the younger side. That said, it still is one of the standard bearers of great quality, affordable, traditional Rioja, aged for two full years in barrels produced on site by the company's own coopers.

Notes from the Winemaker:
Intense, medium-high depth, ruby-red; clean and bright. The nose particularly stands for its red fruit (raspberries, wild strawberries and red plums), which give way to notes of vanilla, nutmeg, caramel and cedar from barrel aging. Flavor-packed, balanced and very fresh, with smooth, friendly tannins. Harmonious, well-balanced finish, with a pleasant final freshness that invites you to continue enjoying this new vintage.

100% Tempranillo from our Mayorita, Rebollar, and Bardal vineyards, as well as selected plots in El Palo, Rodezno and Alto del Rey, and Labastida. These vineyards are located at an altitude of 500-600 metres (1600-2000 ft) above sea level, planted in chalky-clay soils more than 40 years ago. After carefully selecting the grapes to be harvested, we placed the clusters in boxes that we immediately transported to the winery in refrigerated vehicles at a temperature of 14°C (57°F). The Bordeaux model was applied, destemming, crushing and vatting the grapes in tanks, where they underwent alcoholic and malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged for two years in American oak barrels manufactured in-house; the first year in new oak and the second in barrels averaging three years in age. The wine was manually racked four times by the light of a candle. Bottled in June 2017.

Pairing:
Vina Alberdi stands out for its food-pairing versatility. It is the ideal companion to appetizers, snacks and barbecues, perfect with rice, pasta and creams, and great with lightly-grilled meat and fish.

Ratings & Reviews

93 Points - James Suckling:

"A classical, typical Rioja Alta red with elegant notes of vanilla, coconut, smoked spices and strawberries. Refined and suave, with fine tannins and a long, creamy finish. Juicy and elegant. Really approachable now, but give it two more years to get more mushroom complexity." - (Aug 2024)

93 Points - Wine Review Online:
La Rioja Alta, founded in 1890, remains one of Rioja’s top producers. This muscular Reserva frames black fruit and spicey notes with firm but not hard supporting tannins, making it ideal for current consumption with hearty beef dishes. A long and long explosive finish with uplifting acidity amplifies its stature. It grows in the glass, so savor it with a meal.( Michael Apstein)

92 Points - Tim Atkin, MW:
"Sold as Crianza in Spain but a Reserva elsewhere, this is a quintessential traditional style Tempranillo from Julio S enz and La Rioja Alta, with two years' ageing in 50% new American oak, pomegranate, dill, tobacco leaf and desiccated coconut flavours, racy acidity and sculpted tannins. Very drinkable. 2025-2032" - (Feb 2025)

92 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The younger wine here is the 2020 Vina Alberdi, a versatile version of the Haro reds. It was produced with Tempranillo fermented in stainless steel and matured in American oak barrels for two years (it's sold as Reserva in international markets and Crianza in Spain). It has 14% alcohol with a pH of 3.6 and five grams of acidity. It has a classical nose of ripe fruit, American oak and spices, the subtle notes of forest floor, still young. The palate is velvety and very balanced with polished tannins. Approachable but should also age." - (Feb 2024)


91 Points, Rank #9 Top 10 Best Values of 2024 - Wine Spectator:

"Hints of toast, smoke and spices lace flavors of soft cherry and plum fruit, mandarin orange peel and dried flowers and herbs in this well-knit, medium-bodied red, framed by lightly chewy tannins. Drink now through 2030." - AN (Jun 2024)


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Method Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Original Price: $19.99
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Method Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
(California) - [WE 94] [JS 93]

Master Sommelier Ian Cauble - whose fame arose from his being featured in the documentaries "Somm" and "Into The Bottle" where his wine knowledge, focus, energy and attention to detail were exceptional - is bringing that praiseworthy intensity to producing fine wine. Teaming up with Vintner, Trevor Sheehan of Precision Wine Company, who spent nearly a decade learning from the master winemakers of Burgundy and Bordeaux before returning to craft expressive California wines, they've created Method.

Winemaker's Notes
Featuring opulent layers of blackberry, bing cherry and juicy red fruit character that unfold with complex nuances of violet and mocha. Ample, mature tannins provide firm structure and rich texture for the mouth filling flavors. This rich, generous California Cabernet Sauvignon is approachable and delicious now.

14.5% ABV 

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points, Rank #1 Best Buy of 2025 - Wine Enthusiast:
"Aromatics of deep, regal, dark fruits, with hints of baking and savory spices, leap out of the glass. The palate promises rich, dense blackberry, Olallieberry, cardamom, tobacco, chocolate cocoa nibs, and a lip-smacking finish. Decant and Enjoy. pair with grilled bone-in rib-eye, rosemary herbed butter, creamer potatoes." - Tonya Pitts (May 2025)

93 Points - James Suckling:
Aromas of blackberries and lead pencil with hints of spice follow through to a medium body with fine, velvety tannins and a long finish. Umami, asphalt and just a touch of cedar. A balanced and elegant blend of cabernet sauvignon, malbec and petit verdot. All from Lake County. So delicious and drinkable. Drink now.


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Miguel Torres Vigno Vignadores de Carignan 2018
Original Price: $22.99
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Miguel Torres Vigno Vignadores de Carignan 2018
(Maule Valley, Chile) - [WS 92, #44 Top 100 Of 2023] [VM 90]

About the Winery:
Familia Torres, a renowned winemaking family with roots in Spain, has been producing wines for 151 years over 5 generations. In 1979, Familia Torres arrived in Chile. Pioneers in the region, they were the first foreign winery to arrive in the country, kickstarting a new era in the quality of Chilean wines. 

About this Wine:
Historical records show that Carignan was brought to Chile between 1928 and 1947 to complement wines made from the País variety. For decades, it languished in blends of bulk wine until the 1980s, when Miguel Torres, with its recently introduced stainless steel tanks, set out to revive the variety. And so, in 1996, Miguel Torres unveiled its first Carignan under the Cordillera label, marking the first chapter in the history of one of our most renowned wines. Producers working with the variety quickly realized the undeniable quality of Carignan wines, inspiring them to join forces in 2009 to establish Chile’s first appellation wine.

In 2010, the producers—including Miguel Torres— signed their first declaration of shared commitments, and VIGNO began taking shape. The goal of VIGNO is to better position the Maule Valley by setting it apart through the development and production of character-driven wines that originate from old vines grown in dryland conditions. Today, VIGNO is an association of 14 growers. Wines produced as VIGNO must be from dry-farmed vineyards only and vines must be at least 30 years old. Wines must be produced from at least 80% Carignan grape and aged at least 3 years before released.

Tasting Notes:
Opaque, intense ruby red color. Floral and fruit aromas with toasty oak imparted undertones. The palate is big and unfolds beautifully. Here the notes perceived on the nose are complemented by hints of bay leaf and mint.

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Ratings & Reviews:

92 Points, #44 Top 100 Of 2023 - Wine Spectator:
"Elegant and complex, this red bursts with notes of plumeria, picking up hints of bay leaf, red currant, raspberry and blood orange. Fresh acidity activates additional layers of chalky minerality and toasty spice, backed by mineral-tinged tannins on the finish. Drink now through 2030. 3,500 cases made, 2,000 cases imported." - AR (May 2023)

90 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2018 Carignan Vigno from Maule spent 12 months in foudres. Purple in color. The nose offers maraschino cherry and sour cherry liqueur, meadowy aromas and a gentle oaky backdrop. Juicy with firm tannins, it's a little ethereal and limited in flavor, with a fresh, slightly tartaric core before the throat-tickling finish." - Joaquin Hidalgo (Jun 2022)


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Allegrini "Palazzo della Torre" Veronese IGT 2022
Original Price: $22.99
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Allegrini "Palazzo della Torre" Veronese IGT 2022
(Veneto, Italy) - [JS 92] [VM 91]

About the Winery:
The Allegrini family has been producing wine for many generations, playing a major role in the Valpolicella Classico area for centuries. Allegrini's winemaking philosophy is largely based on the concept of "cru" production: a single vineyard dedicated to the production of local varieties destined to become a single wine. These crus have been a success worldwide: their Palazzo della Torre, La Grola and La Poja wines have set the highest benchmarks for Valpolicella's wines.

About this Wine:
This blend of 70% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella, and 5% Sangiovese is a smooth, full-bodied cru wine made in an innovative ripasso style. After the harvest, the grapes from the Palazzo della Torre vineyard follow two different paths: 70% of the grapes are vinified immediately, while the remaining 30% are left to dry until the end of December. The fresh wine made at harvest is blended with the fermenting juice of the dried grapes. This initiates a second fermentation and renders a more highly concentrated and complex wine. Allegrini affectionately refers to Palazzo della Torre as its “baby Amarone."

Winemaker Notes:
This wine is elegant and well balanced, with a good structure and aroma. Ruby red in color with purple hues, it offers light hints of raisins, sophisticated notes of vanilla, black pepper, cloves and cinnamon. It has a long, velvety finish and soft tannins.

Palazzo della Torre easily pairs with various Italian dishes, above all risottos, especially those flavored with saffron, porcini mushrooms and pork; classic dishes such as pasta with Amatriciana and Carbonara sauces, baked lasagna, gnocchi with gorgonzola cheese and walnuts; grilled meats and roasts. It also excels when matched with Parma ham and fine-cured Zibello pork loin, as well as medium-matured cheeses, especially Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan), pecorino and Monte Veronese.

Ratings & Reviews

92 Points - James Suckling:
"An intense wine with multilayered fruit, showing sour cherries, blackberries, plums, vibrant black pepper and nicely integrated vanilla. Chewy on the palate. Crisp, long acidity and firm, chalky tannins are well balanced with the fruit in the medium-bodied, savory finish. Drink or hold. - JS (Feb 2025)

91 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2022 Palazzo della Torre wafts up with a spicy mix of crushed violets, cedar box and cloves, giving way to dried black cherries. It opens with a pleasant inner sweetness balanced by crisp mineral tones and citrus-laced red berry fruits. This tapers off with excellent length and refinement, leaving the mouth salivating as a hint of tart blackberry fades. (Drink between 2025-2029)" - Eric Guido (Sept 2025)

 


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Viejo Isaias Malbec Reserva 2018
Original Price: $25.97
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Viejo Isaias Malbec Reserva 2018
(Mendoza, Argentina) - [JS 91]

About This Wine:
The Reserva wine embodies the spirit of Don Isaias­ Hernandez; hardworking and strong. The wine is produced from higher, stonier parcels of the vineyards.

Vinification: 100% malolactic fermentation. Aged 12 months in used American oak. Aged 6 months minimum in the bottle before release.

Varietal: 100% Malbec

Tasting Notes

Intense touch of blueberries and plums, highlighted with vanilla and white chocolate from the oak aging. A nice wine with a good body, full of sweet tannins with good concentration and long persistence.



Ratings & Reviews



91 Points - James Suckling:
"Perfumed strawberries, red cherries, violets and fine, roasted spices. There is a floral tone on the palate with juicy, freshly cut raspberries, framed by a firm, well-poised tannin structure. Drink now." - (16 Feb, 2020)


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Novelty Hill by Januik Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Original Price: $25.97
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Novelty Hill by Januik Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
(Columbia Valley, Washington) - [JS 92] [WE 92] [VM 90]

The Columbia Valley is a diverse growing region that produces a wide range of fruit expressions, and few Washington winemakers know the vineyards as well as veteran vintner Mike Januik. The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon blends dark fruit aromas and flavors from Novelty Hill’s Stillwater Creek Estate on the Royal Slope of the Frenchman Hills with select grapes from top Red Mountain, Wahluke Slope, and White Bluff vineyards to build layered complexity and mouthfeel in the finished wine.

95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 1% Malbec

Ratings & Reviews

92 Points - James Suckling:
"Aromas of sweet cherries and baked blueberries lead to a suave and velvety palate that’s rich in berries, cherries, cinnamon and mint flavors. Blended with 4% merlot and 1% malbec. Drink or hold." (Mar 2024)

92 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Aged in a combination of French and American oak, this full-bodied wine's aromas are a mix of cherries and blackberries, with a wisp of roasted pumpkin seeds. The wine is nicely balanced, with velvety tannins and flavors of Bing cherries, nutmeg, orange and coffee." - Michael Alberty (July 2024)

90 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley is dusty and red-fruited, with hints of rose and cedar spice box lifting dried cherries and strawberries. Silken textures are offset by a core of tart wild berry fruits, as fine tannins amass toward the close. The 2021 tapers off with staining length and concentration, leaving a licorice tinge and a pleasantly chewy sensation." - Eric Guido (Dec 2024)