Barbara Öhlzelt Grüner Veltliner Grüner Leader 2025, Niederösterreich, Austria

Barbara Öhlzelt is doing something quietly radical in the Kamptal. While large Austrian estates chase power and weight, Barbara goes in the opposite direction. Her wines are focused, finely drawn, and precise, with the same depth and persistence as the big names but on a lighter, more refreshing frame. Mouth-watering acidity, carefully restrained alcohol, and a mineral energy that comes straight from the loess, granite, and sandstone she farms. Certified sustainable since 2022.



Barbara's Grüner Leader comes from all of her vineyards, with vines averaging 30 years old. Bright citrus, white pepper, and a stony mineral finish. Crisp, dry, and exactly what you want in a glass right now. It comes in a one-liter bottle because good wine should be shared.





L'Ecole No. 41 Frenchtown Red 2023, Columbia Valley, Washington

Frenchtown was the first settlement in the Walla Walla Valley, founded by French Canadians in the early 1800s. By the 1860s, a thriving winemaking community had taken root there. This wine honors those pioneers and is made by a third-generation family winery that has called a historic 1915 schoolhouse in Lowden, Washington, home for over 40 years. Wine & Spirits Magazine has named them one of the Top 100 Wineries of the Year 17 times. Estate vineyards are certified sustainable and Salmon Safe, a certification that ensures farming practices protect Pacific waterways and wildlife. No herbicides used.



The 2023 vintage brought suppressed yields and outstanding concentration. They blended eight grapes from both Bordeaux and Rhône varieties: 45% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, 9% Syrah, 5% Grenache, and 1% Mourvèdre. Hand-harvested and aged nine months, primarily in neutral oak. Nose: dark cherry, blueberry, raspberry, anise, cocoa powder, violet, and warm spice. Medium body, finely textured tannins, and a juicy, enduring finish. 92 points, Wine Enthusiast. 91 points, James Suckling.

Both available by the glass starting Thursday.

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