An Adventure in Wine: Travel the World Through Your Glass
For the true wine lover, each bottle is a passport to distant terroirs. With a single glass, you're transported—no security lines or jet lag required. The ritual begins: that gentle pop of the cork, the whisper of wine meeting crystal, the first swirl that releases a symphony of aromas. Suddenly, you're there.
You haven't stood on the volcanic slopes of Madeira, that jewel rising from the Atlantic, but with one sip, the marriage of sea spray and sun-baked earth dances across your palate. The island's story unfolds in layers of complexity that only centuries of tradition could create.
Perhaps you've never felt the dramatic temperature shifts of Germany's Mosel Valley, where steep slate hillsides capture every precious ray of sunshine. Yet when you experience that precise balance of crystalline acidity and noble sweetness in a fine Riesling—notes of white peach and lime blossom giving way to that mysterious whisper of petrol—you understand viscerally what the continental climate has wrought.
We've curated a collection designed to raise eyebrows and expand horizons. Each bottle in this case is what we reverently call a "reference point wine"—not merely good, but definitive. These are the benchmarks against which others are measured, the purest expressions of their respective terroirs and traditions.
Today, we invite you to stretch your wings. To venture beyond the familiar. To discover new coordinates on your personal wine map. After all, the most profound joy in wine appreciation isn't in confirming what you already know—it's in that electric moment of discovery, when something unexpected transforms your understanding of what wine can be.
Join us for an Adventure in Wine. Your passport awaits.
If you’re ready to try all the wines in this article, you can buy the case here.
1. 2019 Bodegas Alta Pavina ‘Pavina’ Tempranillo Pinot Noir Blend Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon
This unique and intriguing blend of Tempranillo and Pinot Noir offers a captivating exploration of two iconic varietals. The Tempranillo, known for its rich, dark fruit flavors and earthy undertones, combines beautifully with the elegance and finesse of Pinot Noir, which adds bright red fruit and a touch of floral freshness. The result is a wine with a perfect balance of boldness and delicacy, showcasing layers of cherry, raspberry, and subtle spice. A true reflection of the diversity and terroir of Castilla y Leon, this wine offers both complexity and drinkability—ideal for those looking to experience a fresh twist on classic Spanish wine.
2. 2020 San Ferdinando Ciliegiolo Toscana IGT
Many people assume Tuscan reds are always heavy and tannic — but the 2020 San Ferdinando Ciliegiolo Toscana IGT offers a fresh, lively alternative. This wine showcases bright cherry and red fruit notes with a natural juiciness and subtle earthiness that keeps it balanced and approachable. It’s not about big, overpowering flavors — it’s about elegance, freshness, and drinkability. Perfect for those who enjoy lighter reds like Pinot Noir or Sangiovese but want to explore a lesser-known Tuscan grape with personality and charm.
3. 2019 Talosa Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG
Most wine lovers are already familiar with Brunello di Montalcino. For some reason, Vino Nobile from Montepulciano, one of the most visited towns in all of Italy and located only thirty minutes away from Montalcino, is often overlooked for it’s better known big brother. Vino Nobile often represents better value and quality in Tuscan Sangiovese.
4. 2020 M by Martellotto Grenache Santa Barbara County
Not all red wines have to be oaked and heavy. This is an excellent representation of a cooler climate Rhone varietal that just sings, especially when served with a 20 minute chill on it. Very food friendly and versatile, this is a wine you’ll dive into.
5. 2018 Cantariña Viña de Los Pinos Mencia Bierzo Spain
Want to try something totally different? Mencia is a unique grape from NW Spain that is like biting into a tart cherry with a mix of earth tones.
6. 2017 Bodegas LAN Rioja Reserva Culmen
Rioja typically ages their famed Tempranillo in American oak. This is another reference point wine from the region that also incorporates French oak. This is the top wine from one of the leading producers in the most famous region in Spain.
7. 2021 Le Vins Julien Syrah Coombsville Napa Valley
This is a Napa Syrah in the hands of a French master winemaker from Southern France. Given that Syrah is so underrated when compared to Cabernet, you find incredible quality price ratio in this wine.
8. 2021 Los Vascos Le Dix Red Blend Colchagua Valley
This Bordeaux blend from Chile is a head turner. You could pay four times as much as this wine if this wine was actually from Bordeaux, and not get as much pleasure as in Le Dix. Let this one aerate for one hour and enjoy the ride as it unfurls in the glass.
9. 2021 Guerrieri Guerriero Nero IGT Marche Rosso
A powerful and captivating red from the heart of Italy's Marche region, Guerriero Nero is crafted from Montepulciano and Sangiovese, two of Italy’s most celebrated indigenous varietals. This wine offers a perfect balance of bold dark fruit, spices, and earthiness, all wrapped in a smooth, velvety texture. Rich, yet approachable, with flavors of ripe blackberry, plum, and a hint of leather, it embodies the essence of its terroir with deep complexity. A great choice for those seeking a wine with a strong character, depth, and a distinctly Italian flair. Enjoy this captivating red with hearty dishes or on its own for a true taste of the Marche region.
10. 2021 Chateau Petit-Figeac Saint Emilion Grand Cru
Figeac is one of the top five producers of Merlot and Cabernet Franc blends not only in the Right Bank of Bordeaux but also in the world. This is their second wine at a much more affordable price and it’s an excellent choice for the savvy buyer.
11. 2019 Tamar Ridge Pinot Noir Australia
Take a trip to the bottom of the earth where cool climate Pinot Noir from Tasmania will surely delight and excite. We love turning people on to this wine and they always come back for more.
12. 2018 Domaine de l'Olivette Bandol
Crafted from the sun-drenched vineyards of the Bandol appellation in Provence, this wine is a stunning expression of Mourvèdre, the signature grape of the region. The wine showcases the power and depth of the grape, with bold dark fruit, savory spices, and a touch of rustic earthiness. Aged to perfection, it has a beautiful balance of ripe fruit, fine tannins, and a characteristic hint of coastal garrigue. The influence of the Mediterranean climate is unmistakable, with a sense of place that brings to life the warmth of the southern French hills. This wine is perfect for those who appreciate structured reds with complexity and a distinct, aromatic finish.
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