Wine Club
A gift for yourself, A Special Someone, Or Both…
Each month, these selections are sure to bring a smile to both the aficionado and novice.
Why? Because nobody is more qualified than the Wise Buyers at Hi-Time Wine Cellars who have been scouring the globe to seek out wine treasures for more than 50 years.
No long-term commitment: Simply choose the program and let us know when you want to stop and we'll take care of the rest. We'll send an announcement to the gift recipient along with background information and tantalizing tasting notes on each wine.
Gold Selection Plan 1 - 29.95
2 Bottles of Red Wine (tax & shipping not included)
Chateau Carlmagnus 2020 Fronsac
Grape Varietal: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc
Origin: Fronsac, Bordeaux, France
The 2020 Carlmagnus opens with aromas of ripe blackberry, dark cherry, and plum, accented by hints of spice and subtle earth. The palate is smooth and well-structured, revealing layers of black fruit, cocoa, and savory undertones, finishing with polished tannins and excellent persistence.
The name "Château Carlmagnus" is inspired by Emperor Charlemagne, who stayed in the region and built a fortress. Since then, this cru has become one of the flagships of the Fronsac appellation located just west of St Emilion.
Fronsac is a fine wine appellation with soils of alluvial, rocky clay and limestone hillocks with deep chalky and calcareous layers. The wines are complex and round, with good body and lovely consistency.
The fruit for Carlmagnus is sourced from carefully selected vineyard sites with excellent drainage and ideal sun exposure. These conditions encourage slow, even ripening, producing wines with natural concentration, freshness, and depth. Yields are kept low to ensure intensity and structure. This is richly fruited yet beautifully balanced, showing depth, polish, and impressive harmony for the vintage.
The 2020 Chateau Carlmagnus is a fantastic wine that overdelivers and we are happy to offer it at the best price in the nation!
WINE ADVOCATE 91-93 POINTS - "The 2020 Carlmagnus has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and vivacious scents of redcurrant jelly, ripe black plums and boysenberries, plus hints of iron ore, black truffles, lavender and cracked black pepper. The medium to full-bodied palate fills the mouth with intense red and black fruit layers, supported by ripe, rounded tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing long and earthy."
Mustiguillo 2021 Mestizaje Red
Grape Varietal: 72% Bobal, 15% Garnacha, 10% Syrah
Origin: D.O.P. Terrerazo, Valencia region, Spain
Organically Farmed
Bodega Mustiguillo's reds are a marriage of a classic sun-kissed, Mediterranean flair with the elegant winemaking style of Bordeaux: warmly generous but with liveliness and a dry, tapered finish. Bodegas Mustiguillo is led by the passionate Toni Sarrion, who has put the old, native Bobal variety in the spotlight. He has 50 to 75-year-old vineyards that produce wines with more substance and finesse than is typical at prices like this! To counter excessive warmth that you expect along the Mediterranean coast near Valenica, the estate lies in the high-altitude Terrerazo area, a surprising 2,600 ft above the sea! That's what gives their Mestizaje red its bright, mineral-like acidity, enlivening its fleshy texture!
Their 2021 Mestizaje red is driven by around 75% Bobal, with 10% Syrah for added floral-and-spice complexity and 15% Garnacha, which fleshes out the middle without heaviness. Sun-kissed fruit and spice drive its dark-toned profile, with aromas and flavors of blackberry, blackcurrant, and black pepper. A floral touch, like violet, and woodsy cedar accent it elegantly. This is a perfect partner for a wide range of grilled or roasted dishes like Mediterranean-style skewers!
WINE ADVOCATE 92 POINTS - "The red 2021 Mestizaje Tinto was produced with a blend of 75% Bobal, 15% Garnacha and 10% Syrah. It has 13.5% alcohol and kept good balance and freshness. It matured in a combination of oak vats and barriques for one year. It's quite classical, serious, balanced and fresh, with a certain complexity, Mediterranean with elegance. 98,926 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2023." Drink through 2028 - Luis Gutierrez
Gold Selection Plan 2 - 29.95
1 Bottle of Red Wine and 1 bottle of White Wine (tax & shipping not included)
Chateau Carlmagnus 2020 Fronsac
Grape Varietal: 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc
Origin: Fronsac, Bordeaux, France
The 2020 Carlmagnus opens with aromas of ripe blackberry, dark cherry, and plum, accented by hints of spice and subtle earth. The palate is smooth and well-structured, revealing layers of black fruit, cocoa, and savory undertones, finishing with polished tannins and excellent persistence.
The name "Château Carlmagnus" is inspired by Emperor Charlemagne, who stayed in the region and built a fortress. Since then, this cru has become one of the flagships of the Fronsac appellation located just west of St Emilion.
Fronsac is a fine wine appellation with soils of alluvial, rocky clay and limestone hillocks with deep chalky and calcareous layers. The wines are complex and round, with good body and lovely consistency.
The fruit for Carlmagnus is sourced from carefully selected vineyard sites with excellent drainage and ideal sun exposure. These conditions encourage slow, even ripening, producing wines with natural concentration, freshness, and depth. Yields are kept low to ensure intensity and structure. This is richly fruited yet beautifully balanced, showing depth, polish, and impressive harmony for the vintage.
The 2020 Chateau Carlmagnus is a fantastic wine that overdelivers and we are happy to offer it at the best price in the nation!
WINE ADVOCATE 91-93 POINTS - "The 2020 Carlmagnus has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and vivacious scents of redcurrant jelly, ripe black plums and boysenberries, plus hints of iron ore, black truffles, lavender and cracked black pepper. The medium to full-bodied palate fills the mouth with intense red and black fruit layers, supported by ripe, rounded tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing long and earthy."
Roc de l’abbaye 2022 Sauvignon Blanc
Grape Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Origin: Loire, France
Domaine du Clos du Roc is the former property of the Saint-Satur Abbey, founded in 1450 by the Augustinian monks. Domaine du Clos du Roc has vineyards on the most beautiful soils of Silex in Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé appellation. It is one of the few remaining domaines of the historical Saint Satur village in Sancerre. Elaborated with the strictest rigor, this cuvée confirms that the Loire Sauvignon Blanc remains an international reference for their quality and their elegance.
WINE ENTHUSIAST 92 POINTS - "Classic Loire Sauvignon Blanc. This wine has a well-integrated nose of white peach, green apple, orange and lemon citrus, wild thyme and honeysuckle. Red apple slice and dried grass add depth and complexity along with minerality on the finish."
Platinum Selection 1 - 49.95
Chave 2023 Croze-Hermitage Silene
Grape Varietal: 100% Syrah
Origin: Croze-Hermitage, Northern Rhone, France
Practices Organic Farming
Jean-Louis Chave is one of the most famous personalities in the northern Rhone. His family has been producing wine since 1481. His wines from Hermitage and Saint Joseph (Cuvee florentin for example) are amongst the best in the region.
Jean-Louis Chave Selections, his négociant line which sources grapes from various areas in the northern Rhône, represents a more accessible way for the consumer to experience the wines of the Chave family. "Mon Coeur" Côtes-du-Rhône is a blend of excellent plots in Vinsobres, Visan, Buisson, and Estargues while "Silène" Crozes-Hermitage is 50% estate Syrah and 50% purchased. As with all things Chave, quality is eminent even at the entry level.
Winemaker Notes - Ripe fruit balanced out by backbone and structure, this Syrah shows plum, black pepper, pencil lead, and warming spices. Perfect with heartier comfort foods such as cassoulet or braised beef short ribs.
Maison l’envoye 2022 Bourgogne rouge
Grape Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Origin: Burgundy, France
JAMES SUCKLING 91 POINTS - "Vibrant and pretty aromas of raspberries, cranberries, cedar and citrus peel. The palate is light-bodied with fine tannins and bright acidity, giving flavors of rhubarb, pencil shavings and dried herbs. Very accessible and fresh. Drink now."
It can be extremely difficult to find interesting entry level burgundy wines. Every year we taste dozens of them but very few meet our expectations.
Maison l’envoye proved us wrong and were able to produce a delicious classic burgundy at an amazing price. Red fruited, vibrant acidity and light body, this is a lovely example of an old school, layered, and easy going affordable burgundy.
Platinum Selection 2 - 49.95
1 Bottle of Red Wine and 1 Bottle of White Wine (tax & shipping not included)
Chave 2023 Croze-Hermitage Silene
Grape Varietal: 100% Syrah
Origin: Croze-Hermitage, Northern Rhone, France
Practices Organic Farming
Jean-Louis Chave is one of the most famous personalities in the northern Rhone. His family has been producing wine since 1481. His wines from Hermitage and Saint Joseph (Cuvee florentin for example) are amongst the best in the region.
Jean-Louis Chave Selections, his négociant line which sources grapes from various areas in the northern Rhône, represents a more accessible way for the consumer to experience the wines of the Chave family. "Mon Coeur" Côtes-du-Rhône is a blend of excellent plots in Vinsobres, Visan, Buisson, and Estargues while "Silène" Crozes-Hermitage is 50% estate Syrah and 50% purchased. As with all things Chave, quality is eminent even at the entry level.
Winemaker Notes - Ripe fruit balanced out by backbone and structure, this Syrah shows plum, black pepper, pencil lead, and warming spices. Perfect with heartier comfort foods such as cassoulet or braised beef short ribs.
Craggy Range 2024 Sauvignon Blanc
Grape Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Origin: Martinborough, New Zealand
WINE SPECTATOR 93 POINTS - "Offers a stunning, intense and energetic mix of ripe peach, Meyer lemon, Key lime and fresh Honeycrisp apple notes, with accents of litsea oil, toasted green tea and Himalayan sea salt on the finish. A touch of lemon balm lingers."
Craggy Range is family-owned estate in Martinborough, on New Zealand's North Island just across the strait from the South Island's more familiar Marlborough region. Here, their Sauvignon Blanc is distinguished by being bright and light on its feet while sporting a delicious textural fleshiness. Wild temperature swings and sunny skies make for an explosion of electric aromas and flavors! It goes beyond the grapefruit bombs from the supermarket, as herbs and flowers, bright lemon and warm tropical fruits, and a mouthwatering minerality stream out in detailed intensity.
All White Selection - No more than $49.95
2 Bottles of White Wine (tax & shipping not included)
Craggy Range 2024 Sauvignon Blanc
Grape Varietal: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Origin: Martinborough, New Zealand
WINE SPECTATOR 93 POINTS - "Offers a stunning, intense and energetic mix of ripe peach, Meyer lemon, Key lime and fresh Honeycrisp apple notes, with accents of litsea oil, toasted green tea and Himalayan sea salt on the finish. A touch of lemon balm lingers."
Craggy Range is family-owned estate in Martinborough, on New Zealand's North Island just across the strait from the South Island's more familiar Marlborough region. Here, their Sauvignon Blanc is distinguished by being bright and light on its feet while sporting a delicious textural fleshiness. Wild temperature swings and sunny skies make for an explosion of electric aromas and flavors! It goes beyond the grapefruit bombs from the supermarket, as herbs and flowers, bright lemon and warm tropical fruits, and a mouthwatering minerality stream out in detailed intensity.
La Meuliere 2022 Chablis
Grape Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Origin: Chablis, Burgundy
A family heritage since 1779, spanning 9 generations, the Domaine de la Meulière is today run by brothers Nicolas and Vincent LAROCHE.
Located in Fleys, a village 4 km from Chablis towards Tonnerre, the estate covers 30 hectares. The geology is characterized by Kimmeridgian clay-limestone soils. The alchemy of this terroir with the Chardonnay grape variety gives the wines minerality, power, and floral and fruity aromas.
The 40 plots that make up the estate, like a puzzle, were half inherited from our ancestors. They are spread across the communes of Béru, Chablis, Chichée, Fontenay, Poilly, and Fleys (entirely on the right bank of the Serein River). The average age of the vines is 32 years.
All are harvested manually to guarantee the absence of crushing, avoid oxidation of the musts and carry out rigorous sorting.
The unique characteristic of this cuvée is that it comes from a plot cultivated without pesticides. A permanent natural ground cover has been established to compete with the vines and thus limit their yields. By slowing the plants' vigor, they are also less susceptible to fungal diseases. An elegant nose combining peach and honeysuckle. Great aromatic precision. The palate has a very ripe character, which does not detract from its overall freshness. Lemon, chalk, fresh herbs... Aging potential: at least until 2028, depending on storage conditions.
JAMES SUCKLING 90 POINTS - "The juicy fresh-pineapple and orange-peel character of this entry-level Chablis makes it a no-brainer. Moderate acidity on the barely medium-bodied palate, but plenty of freshness and a very harmonious finish. Drink now."
Champagne Selection - No more than $49.95
1 Bottle of Champagne (tax & shipping not included)
Gonet-Medeville Brut Tradition 1er Cru
Grape Varietal: 70% Chardonnay, 25% Pinot Noir, 5% Pinot Meunier
Origin: Bisseuil, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Mareuil-sur-Ay
Dosage: 4G/L
WINE SPECTATOR 92 POINTS - "A firm version, with an airy mousse and a light toast to flavors of black currant, oyster shell, lemon zest and sliced almond, backed by vibrant acidity. Lingers on the creamy finish."
Composed of 70% Chardonnay, 27% Pinot Noir, 3% Pinot Meunier. This estate was born of the marriage of two well-known wine families: Xavier Gonet (from le Mesnil-sur-Oger) and Julie Medeville (from Preignac in Sauternes – most notably Chateau Gilette). Their vines are located on superb 1er Cru slopes in Bisseuil (this part of the Marne Valley is known for its Pinot Noir), and the two Grands Crus of Ambonnay (great Pinot Noir) and le Mesnil-sur-Oger-the most fabled village in the Cote des Blancs. The family practices sustainable farming and keeps their yeilds low to emphasizee the expression of their various terriors. They block malolactic fermentation to enhance structure and age-worthiness and keep dosage levels too a minimum– all to accentuate purity of expression.
Base wine is 2020 for 80% and the 20% left is reserve wine.