Chronic Cellars Sir Real Cabernet Sauvignon

Chronic Cellars Sir Real Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Founded by brothers Josh and Jake Beckett in 2004, the quirky Chronic Cellars label was born from their passion to transform “chronic” — meaning premium — grapes into outstanding wines. Growing up in a winemaking family in Paso Robles, the brothers learned the craft by washing barrels and helping with bottling during their youth. This early hands-on experience laid the foundation for their ambitious project, which emphasizes sourcing only the finest ingredients.

Thanks to long-established local ties, they have access to some of Paso Robles’ best fruit, carefully chosen by Josh to create distinctive blends. Their labels are uniquely designed by a childhood friend, adding character and charm. The Sir Real Cabernet offers a rich, full-bodied experience with smooth tannins and solid structure. The nose reveals luscious cassis, blackberry, and dark cherry aromas, while the palate delivers bramble, plum, and winter spice notes. This hearty red is an excellent companion for ribeye steak, beef stews, or savory vegetarian dishes like aubergine parmigiana.

Chronic Cellars Suite Petite 2022

This lively Petite Syrah bursts with ripe cassis, black cherry, and blackberry aromas, complemented by a silky texture and refined tannins. Full-bodied and richly structured, it finishes long with spicy notes and a hint of freshly cracked black pepper. This wine pairs beautifully with flavorful barbecued meats or hearty pasta dishes such as spaghetti bolognese.

Chronic Cellars was launched in 2004 by brothers Josh and Jake Beckett, who combined their passion and winemaking skills cultivated from a young age in their family winery in Paso Robles. Their dedication to quality ensures they source only the finest local grapes, carefully selected by Josh. The bold and colorful label artwork is created by a childhood friend, adding an artistic touch to their distinctive wines.

Tua Rita Rosso Dei Notri 2023

Starting from just one hectare of vines, Tua Rita has grown into a renowned producer of Super Tuscan wines praised worldwide. Rosso Dei Notri is one of their younger expressions, offering a fresh, fruity style perfect for everyday drinking. This blend is composed of 50% Sangiovese and 50% Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, sourced from vineyards near the Tuscan hilltop town of Suvereto.

The grapes are vinified and aged for three months in a combination of stainless steel tanks and oak barrels. The wine shows a bright ruby color with inviting aromas of sweet dark fruit, dried violets, and sun-warmed earth. On the palate, it is vibrant with lively acidity, fine tannins, and abundant dark berry flavors enhanced by notes of cocoa, smoky tobacco, and licorice. This versatile wine pairs wonderfully with a charcuterie platter or fresh pasta in a tomato sauce.

El Enemigo Chardonnay 2023

Serve chilled. Founded by Alejandro Vigil, chief winemaker at Catena Zapata, and Adrianna Catena, a historian and daughter of Nicolas Catena, El Enemigo reflects a shared passion for history, philosophy, and literature through innovative Argentinian winemaking. This Chardonnay comes from high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza’s Gualtallary region, sitting between 1400 and 1500 meters above sea level, ensuring cool nights and ample sunshine for even ripening.

The winemaking employs a unique Jura-inspired method where the young wine is covered with a thin veil of flour or yeast and aged for 10 months in old oak barrels. This technique imparts distinctive bitter almond and dried fruit notes, balanced with the grape’s natural ripe tropical fruit character. On the palate, the wine reveals creamy and toasted nut flavors, with lingering peach and apricot. This elegant white pairs beautifully with pan-fried salmon, tuna steaks, or herb-roasted chicken.

I Greppi Greppicaia Bolgheri Superiore 2022

Recommended to decant for 30 minutes. Located in Castagneto Carducci, I Greppi was established in 2001 by the Cancellieri and Landini families and acquired in 2017 by Neil McMahon, an Irish geologist and entrepreneur. The estate spans roughly 26 hectares in the Bolgheri DOC, near the Greppi Cupi lakes which help moderate the microclimate.

Greppicaia Bolgheri Superiore is a blend of Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, grown in sandy, iron-rich soils with deep clay layers. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled steel tanks, and the individual varietals mature separately for 18 months in French oak barrels, followed by 6 months resting in the bottle before release.

This impressive Super Tuscan shows an intense ruby color and a wide aromatic range of ripe small fruits, Mediterranean herbs, incense, and tobacco, layered with subtle spicy notes. On the palate it is full-bodied, smooth, mature, and well-rounded with firm, integrated tannins. The finish is long, fruity, and harmonious. Though it has excellent aging potential, it is ready to enjoy now alongside red meats or pasta with game sauces.