Please note that our reviews are based on a variety of sources: samples sent to our team, those we purchase in store, tasting events, those tasted in restaurants and while traveling domestically and internationally.
Red Wine
Faustino V 2018, Rioja D.O.C.A, Spain: Faustino's V Reserva from Rioja is a juicy, medium-bodied red wine offering notes of cherry, plum, leather and dark spice. This dry Tempranillo-based blend displays fine-grained tannins and bright freshness that will continue to develop over the next nine years. Serve it at room temperature with roasted leg of lamb as the wine's complexity complements the rich meat, or pair it with Spanish tapas including aged manchego and chorizo where the wine's Old World maturity enhances the traditional flavors. Winemaker Julio Faustino MartÃnez crafts this expressive Reserva with consistent quality, introducing Maturana to the blend for the first time in this vintage, adding layers of black earth and peppercorn to the classic Rioja profile. Bodegas Faustino MartÃnez has been family-owned since 1861 and is one of Rioja's most respected producers, maintaining traditional winemaking methods while aging their wines to achieve graceful complexity. This succulent, long-finishing Reserva represents excellent quality and will drink beautifully through 2035. Food pairings: cloved ham, roast lamb, traditional Spanish tapas, grilled pork. Drink: 2026 - 2035 22798 13.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 93/100. January 2026. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
White Wine
Hans Baer Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Rheinhessen, Germany: Hans Baer Sauvignon Blanc from Rheinhessen is a crisp, light-bodied white offering aromas of pink grapefruit, freshly mown grass, and subtle green capsicum. It's bone dry with lively acidity and zesty citrus flavors. Serve it well chilled with grilled halibut as the wine's bright acidity and herbaceous notes will enhance the fish's delicate sweetness beautifully, or pair it with a goat cheese and cucumber salad where the wine's refreshing character and tropical fruit hints will complement the tangy cheese perfectly. The wine is crafted by the team at Weinkellerei Hechtsheim, located in Mainz-Hechtsheim and owned by Les Grands Chais de France, working with a network of partner growers across Germany's largest wine region. Hans Baer's playful brand takes its name and bear mascot from Berlin's famous coat of arms, symbolizing the bridge between the dynamic capital city and Rheinhessen's emerging generation of innovative winemakers who honor tradition while embracing modern techniques. Enjoy now or cellar for 2-3 years. Sauvignon Blanc food pairings: grilled halibut, goat cheese and cucumber salad, steamed mussels with herbs. Drink: 2026 - 2029 45010 11.5% XD 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100. January 2026. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart