Codorníu is basically the OG of Cava — like, Spain’s “we’ve been doing this since before your great-great-grandparents were flirting” level of legacy. Their ARS Collecta line is the flex tier, crafted from some of their best historic vineyard sites and made with the kind of reverence only a 450-year-old house can pull off. Blanc de Blancs in their world means elegance, brightness, and that clean Mediterranean sparkle that never tries too hard but always delivers.

Made in the traditional method and aged on the lees for extra creaminess, this cuvée blends 34% Chardonnay, 33% Xarel·lo, and 33% Parellada — the trifecta that gives it both freshness and finesse. The nose hits with lemon zest, green apple, white flowers, and a soft brioche vibe, while the palate stays crisp with citrus, pear, and a little chalky minerality that whispers “I’m fancy.” Pair it with oysters, popcorn, or any moment when you want bubbles that feel celebratory without needing an excuse.

St. Michael Eppan is one of those Alto Adige gems that always overdelivers — perched up in the Dolomites where the air is crisp, the vineyards are steep, and the wines taste like they’ve been training for an alpine marathon. The winery has been around since 1907 and has mastered the art of turning cool-climate fruit into bottles that feel polished, lifted, and refreshingly “I didn’t know Chardonnay could taste like this.”

Fermented and aged in a mix of stainless steel and oak for balance, the 2023 Chardonnay opens with aromas of golden apple, pear, citrus blossom, and a little alpine herb moment. On the palate it’s bright and clean with orchard fruit, lemon curd, and a subtle creamy texture that never gets heavy. Pair it with roast chicken, creamy pasta, or just a cozy night where you want something fresh, elegant, and way too easy to finish.

Auteur is one of those Sonoma Coast producers that just gets it — tiny lots, hands-on everything, and a laser-focused obsession with letting cool-climate fruit shine. They’re all about that coastal fog, those ocean breezes, and fruit that tastes like it took a long thoughtful walk on the beach before becoming wine. Elegant without being uptight, Auteur is the kind of winery that keeps Pinot lovers coming back like it’s a personality trait.

Aged in French oak for just the right touch of polish, this 2023 Pinot Noir opens with aromas of wild strawberry, cranberry, pomegranate, rose petals, and a little forest-floor moodiness to keep things interesting. On the palate it’s bright and silky with red cherry, raspberry, and a savory spice finish that feels very “Sonoma Coast but make it sexy.” Pair it with roasted chicken, seared salmon, or a cozy night when you want something smooth, chill, and quietly impressive.

Vineyard 29 is one of those Napa estates that just makes you feel fancy as hell the second you say the name. Their whole vibe is precision, polish, and serious vineyard geekery, and yet the wines still feel effortless. Ceanda is their “let’s flex but make it approachable” Cabernet — sourced from some of their favorite hillside spots and crafted with that Vineyard 29 shine.

Aged in French oak to bring out all the silk and swagger, this Cabernet rolls in with a nose of blackberry compote, violets, cocoa powder, and a little cedar cologne moment. On the palate it’s plush, dark, and full of black cherry, cassis, and baking spice with a long, smooth finish that just… keeps going. Pair it with something simple but worthy — a ribeye, a fancy burger, or honestly just a quiet night where you want to treat yourself without overthinking it.