Vajra's NV Extra Brut Rosé N.S. Della Neve is incredibly characterful, sizzling out of the glass with leather, mesquite smoke, blackberry and white pepper. A blend of 50% Nebbiolo and 50% Pinot Noir, the structure of the former comes through loud and clear through bright acids and firm, powdery tannins. Sour berry fruit and mentholated herbs meet with salty stoniness in the mouth, elevated by a lively, fine mousse.

The “Hermann” – named after both the founder as well as his first-born son, the current proprietor along with his nephew Julian – is the “basic” wine. This is a curvier, lighter and more ephemeral-feeling wine – as if you don’t really even have to drink it, as if it will just saturate and then evaporate, leaving a pleasing sorta wine-tingle. The wine is layered, complex, richly textural… just sort of so-integrated that picking out the single layers is impossible. The wine smells of the perfume of fermentation, pears, quince, spice, flowers and rocks with a rustic spritzy energy. Just essential deliciousness.

The Camins del Priorat is a regional blend produced with a slightly different blend each year, depending on the character of the year. A blend of Garnacha, Cariñena, Syrah, as well as small amounts of other grapes, this shows warm mulberry, plum and lingonberry fruit flavors and aromatics of cinnamon and dried lavender and sage, plus sweet paprika, graphite, mineral and cocoa powder accents. The expressive profile is aligned with fine, chalky tannins and bright, palate-cleansing acidity. Stylish and appealing, with good length through the finish.

Sogni e Follia, meaning "Dreams and Madness," is a testament to Sebastian’s innovative and passionate and uniquely wild approach to winemaking at Podere le Ripi. The vineyards are farmed biodynamically, with high-density planting on limestone soil. Sebastian’s philosophy revolves around respecting natural processes, using no chemicals and encouraging spontaneous fermentations. On the nose, it presents aromas of red cherries and subtle earthy notes. The palate reveals flavors of ripe red fruits, balanced by a touch of spice and a hint of minerality.

The Chave name needs no introduction. Jean-Louis and his wife Erin also make top notch negoce wines that they source from exceptional growers. It helps to be in the know! This blend of Grenache and Syrah has long been one of the best buys in Rhone wine.