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
López De Haro 2021, Rioja D.O.C.A., Spain: López De Haro's Crianza from Rioja is a restrained, medium-bodied red wine blending Tempranillo with Grenache and Graciano, offering notes of wild raspberry, damson plum, iron and bitter orange. This dry wine displays tight, supple tannins and lively finish that will continue to develop over the next five years. Serve it at room temperature with veal shanks as the wine's traditional character complements the braised meat, or pair it with Italian-style pizza with salami where the wine's savory profile balances the cured meat. Winemaker María José López de Heredia crafts this smooth Crianza with toasted oak aging that adds layers of cocoa and spice while preserving the wine's fresh, juicy character. Hacienda López de Haro has been producing classic Rioja wines for generations, maintaining traditional winemaking methods that showcase the region's signature elegance and aging potential. This easy-to-love wine with its zesty orange peel finish represents great value and will drink beautifully through 2031. Food pairings: meatloaf, lentil patties, Italian style pizza, salami, veal shanks, charcuterie. Drink: 2026 - 2031 377481 13.5% XD 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. February 2026. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart
Sparkling Wine
La gioiosa Brut Rosé Prosecco 2024, Prosecco D.O.C., Italy: La Gioiosa Brut Rosé Prosecco from the Prosecco DOC region is a delicate, light-bodied sparkling wine offering aromas of wild strawberry, rose petal, and hints of red currant. It's off-dry with lively bubbles and refreshing acidity. Serve it well chilled with smoked salmon canapés as the wine's delicate fruit and effervescence will complement the rich, silky fish beautifully, or pair it with berry-topped pancakes at brunch where the wine's gentle sweetness and bright character will enhance the fresh fruit flavors perfectly. The Moretti Polegato family, recognized as one of post-war Italy's business leaders by the Italian Chamber of Commerce for popularizing Prosecco worldwide, founded La Gioiosa in 1974 and named it after Treviso's ancient designation "Marca Gioiosa et Amorosa"—meaning "the joyous and amorous land"—celebrating the province's lush vineyards and warm hospitality. The winery employs an innovative technique of chilling grape must to near-freezing temperatures immediately after harvest and preserving it cold until fermentation, ensuring exceptional freshness in every bottle. Enjoy now or cellar for 2-4 years. Brut Rosé Prosecco food pairings: smoked salmon canapés, berry-topped pancakes, prosciutto-wrapped melon. Drink: 2026 - 2030 46347 11% D 750 mL $16.95 Score: 90/100. February 2026. Full Review Add to Shopping Cart