Summer Wine List

 The Excelsior Club’s Summer Wine List celebrates wines chosen to complement warm evenings, late-night conversations, and spontaneous toasts under Kingston’s sultry skies. This is a season for wines that are light, crisp, chillable, and sociable—from dry Rieslings and Vermentinos to elegant chilled reds and sparkling surprises. Curated to pair with breezes, banter, and the clink of ice in a highball. 

Sparkling wines add a celebratory sparkle to any gathering. Crisp, lively, and versatile, they’re perfect as an aperitif or to toast life’s finer moments.

•  Vins el Cep Gelida Brut Gran Reserva 2019 (Cava, Spain)
  Brings a slightly more serious profile of green apples, spice, and subtle brioche notes, and it has a clean, crisp, medium-bodied style that carries bright acidity yet rock-solid fruit and texture. You'll love its overall balance, and this is one hell of a classy Cava!
  ⭐ 93 (Jeb Dunnuck), 91 (James Suckling) 
•  Decoy Brut Cuvee (California, USA)
  An enticing sparkling wine that offers alluring layers of baked apple, white peach, and orange zest, as well as aromatic hints of honeysuckle and vanilla. On the palate, a delicate sweetness is perfectly balanced by bright acidity, which adds poise and energy to the lush, pure fruit flavors.
  ⭐ 93 (Wine Enthusiast), 92 (Wilfred Wong), 90 (Wine Spectator)

 Known for its lively acidity, bright citrus, and herbal notes, Sauvignon Blanc is crisp, refreshing, and wonderfully aromatic. A perfect choice for guests seeking a vibrant, zesty white.

• Allan Scott Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2024 (Marlborough, New Zealand)
  Fresh, zesty, juicy and full, this fruit-driven new world style wine will excite the senses without the racy overload. Tropical fruit with a fresh herbaceous character balanced with zesty passionfruit and a dry finish. A crisp refreshing wine that shows the true terroir of the soils and area it comes from.
  ⭐ 93 (Wine Spectator), 91 (James Suckling) 
•  Matanzas Creek Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (California, USA)
  Impressively intricate but still harmonious, this is a fine example of the trend toward increasing complexity in California Sauvignon Blanc. The use of multiple clones (plus a 3% dash of Sémillon) and a variety of vessels for fermentation and aging results in an interesting mix of aromas and flavors of pear, melon, and citrus, with hints of dried herbs and wildflowers.
  ⭐93 (Wine Spectator), 91 (James Suckling) 

 From crisp and unoaked to lush and buttery, Chardonnay is one of the world’s most versatile whites. It pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes—or simply enjoyed on its own. 

• Wente Riva Ranch Chardonnay 2023  (Monterey, California )
  This vintage of one of California's most iconic Chardonnays is fresh and vibrant, with butterscotch adhering to a stony frame. The mouthfeel offers a sensation of creamy oak, while the fine acid structure provides tension. Mango and banana are pleasing treats.
  ⭐ 93 (Tasting Panel), 91 (James Suckling)
• Cambria Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 (Santa Maria Valley, California)
  This flagship Chardonnay is fermented in both stainless steel and barrels to maintain its fresh flavors and aromatics while imparting texture and complexity. Each sip beckons another, with hints of vanilla and crème brûlée, complemented by notes of citrus and stone fruit. Beautifully balanced and vibrant, this wine is sure to convert any wine lover into a Chardonnay enthusiast.
  ⭐ 93 (James Suckling), 92 (Wine Enthusiast), 90 (Wine Spectator) 

 A crisp, citrusy Mediterranean white with a whisper of sea air and herbs. Vermentino delivers bright acidity, subtle minerality, and a clean finish—perfect for seafood, sunshine, and second pours. 

•  Pala Soprasole Vermentino 2023 (Sardinia, Italy)
  A seductive Mediterranean white with floral and saline notes on the nose. The palate reveals juicy pear, lemon zest, baked apple, and a hint of acacia honey, wrapped in a silky texture and a clean, mineral finish. An ideal summer companion with seafood or patio shade.
  ⭐ 91 (James Suckling) 
•  Castellani Vermentino 2023 (Tuscany, Italy)
  Aromatic and crisp, this Tuscan Vermentino bursts with citrus peel, green apple, and a whisper of herbs. A vibrant acidity keeps things lively, while the dry, mineral finish begs for a refill. Balanced, bright, and versatile.
  ⭐ 90 (Wilfred Wong)  

Zesty and refreshing with green apple, citrus, and stony minerality, dry Riesling is summer’s sharpest sipper. Light in alcohol but big on personality—it pairs with everything from spicy snacks to good conversation.  

•  Loosen Bros Dr. L Dry Riesling 2023 (Mosel, Germany)
  From steep slate vineyards along the Mosel comes this mouthwatering dry Riesling. Crisp green apple, lime zest, and a touch of peach meet stony minerality in a sleek, refreshing package. Low in alcohol but high in class, it’s an easy-drinking summer essential.
  ⭐ 90 (Wilfred Wong) 

Rosé bridges the gap between red and white, offering bright red berry notes, floral hints, and refreshing acidity. An ideal choice for warm weather or versatile food pairings. 

• Crios de Susana Balbo Rose of Malbec 2023 (Mendoza, Argentina)
  This Provençal-style Rosé is fresh, dry, and delicate, with aromas and flavors of strawberries and currants that lead to a balanced palate and a vibrant finish.
  ⭐ 92 (Vinous)
• Chateau De Berne Romance Rose 2024 (Provence, France)
  Fresh, full of energy,  and bursting with wild strawberries, red cherries, and watermelon, this blend of Grenache Noir, Cinsault, Syrah, and Merlot is dangerously easy to drink, both on its own and alongside a wide range of dishes.
  ⭐92 (Tasting Panel)

 Bold red fruit, gentle fizz, and a dry, refreshing finish—Lambrusco is the ultimate summer red that actually likes being chilled. Unexpected, playful, and seriously food-friendly.  

•  Venturini Baldini Marchese Manodori Lambrusco (Emilia-Romagna, Italy)
  A sophisticated Lambrusco with bright cherry, blackberry, violet, and savory spice on the nose. Bone-dry and effervescent, it balances crunchy red fruit with fine tannins and a touch of clove. Serve well chilled with charcuterie or late-night conversation.
  ⭐90 (James Suckling) 
•  Venturini Baldini Montelocco Lambrusco (Italy)
  Lively and floral with dark berry aromas, this Lambrusco offers crisp acidity, delicate tannins, and just the right amount of fizz. A refreshing red alternative that plays well with grilled meats or cheese plates.
  ⭐89 (Wine Enthusiast) 

Elegant and nuanced, Pinot Noir is prized for its delicate red fruit flavors, silky texture, and earthy undertones. A versatile red suited to lighter meats, mushrooms, or simply sipping.

• La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir 2023 (Monterey, California)
  The nose opens with aromas of strawberry, red plum, and subtle hints of tobacco. On the palate, boysenberry and pomegranate are supported by earth-driven notes of beets and black tea. The texture is plush and richly layered, with juicy yet balanced acidity and seamlessly integrated toasted barrel  spice.
  ⭐94 (Wine Enthusiast) 
• Sur de los Andes Reserva Pinot Noir 2020 (Patagonia, Argentina)
  Initial oaky aromas suggest milk chocolate and vanilla, with veiled plum and berry scents in reserve. A medium to full palate is made creamy by oak, while this tastes of cherry, plum and mixed spices prior to a ripe finish on which the wine's oak character is integrated and less  obvious.
  ⭐92 (James Suckling) 

Light-bodied and fruit-forward, with floral notes and silky tannins, Gamay is the red wine that wears linen. Best served slightly chilled—perfect for summer nights and charming contradictions. 

•  Domaine Gilles Copéret Fleurie Les Roches 2023 (Beaujolais, France)
  Elegant and floral with notes of raspberry, red currant, violets, and rose petal. Soft tannins and a silky finish highlight this Fleurie’s finesse. A graceful wine for summer evenings, best served lightly chilled.
  ⭐91 (Wine Enthusiast) 
•  Domaine Gaget Côte du Py Morgon 2022 (Beaujolais, France)
  This structured Cru Beaujolais delivers ripe blackberry, mulberry, and licorice, underscored by stony minerality and subtle spice. The tannins are fine, the acidity is fresh, and the finish is long and pure. A serious yet summery red.
  ⭐92 (James Suckling)  

Malbec offers bold blackberry and plum flavors, velvety tannins, and a touch of spice. A robust yet approachable red, perfect for those who enjoy rich, flavorful wines. 

• BenMarco Malbec 2022 (Mendoza, Argentina)
  The Malbec from Los Chacayes in Uco Valley is a vibrant purple, showcasing violet and cherry notes with a balsamic touch. Juicy and flavorful, it presents expressive fruit, finishing with a hint of sour cherry and the slightly rough tannins characteristic of Los Chacayes.
  ⭐93 (James Suckling), 91 (Vinous), 90 (Wine Spectator) )
• Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec 2022 (Mendoza, Argentina)
  Intense red with violet tints. The aromatic profile expresses the sharpness of red fruits such as raspberries and blackberries. Intense and deep on the nose. Full-bodied palate with vibrant tannins. Round structure and a  juicy finish.
  ⭐92 (James Suckling), 92 (Tasting Panel), 90 (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)