Ristorante Massimo

4.8

2897 Reviews

$31 to $50

Italian

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 15, 2025

9:30 PM

Booked 5 times today

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Romantic
Charming

Please Note: Online Reservations are for our Main indoor dining room ONLY. Please call us directly for WIne Bar options at 603.436.4000. We reserve the right to charge $20.00 per person cancelation fee, please call us by 12:00p.m.. the day of your reservation to avoid possible cancelation fees.~~~~~~ Nestled like a hidden jewel in historic downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Massimo's warmly lit brick and stone grotto walls, fresh flowers and oil paintings of magnificent Italian landscapes transports guests to Florence, Rome and Venice. Guests relax in a richly appointed atmosphere beneath mahogany-beamed ceilings and private parties unwind in their own intimate dining room. Ristorante Massimo offers authentic dishes from all regions of Italy. From innovative concepts to timeless Italian favorites, our executive chef creates each dish with a distinctive, refined touch as found in some of the world's most celebrated restaurants. **limited dining room availability offered online**

Dining areas

Additional information

Location
59 Penhallow Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Phone number
(603) 436-4000
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:30 pm
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Jethro Loichle

We carefully designed Ristorante Massimo's impressive and varied wine list to exquisitely complement our menu selections. Our sommelier continues to study and taste the finest Italian and California wines from the world's best vintners, and offers guests excellent pairing suggestions. Significant vintages that tease the tongue, resonate in the mouth, and finish with purpose

Featured Wines From Our Sommelier

Champagne, Louis Roederer 'Cristal' Brut, France, 2012
Chardonnay, Beringer 'Private Reserve' Napa Valley, CA, 2018
Amarone della Valpolicella, Bertani, 2008
Cabernet Sauvignon, Shafer Vineyards 'Hillside Select' Napa Valley, CA, 2016
Blend, Ridge 'Geyserville' Alexander Valley, CA, 2019
Champagne, Moet et Chandon, 'Dom Perignon' Brut, France, 2010
Champagne, Perrier-Jouet, 'Belle Epoque' Brut, France, 2013

Red Wine from Italy

Amarone della Valpolicella, Ca'del Monte, Classico, Veneto, 2014
Amarone della Valplicella, Luigi Righetti, Classico, Veneto, 2016
Amarone della Valpolicella, Masi 'Costasera' Classico, Veneto, 2016
Amarone della Valpolicella, Bertani, Classico, Veneto, 2008
Barbaresco, Beni di Batsiolo, Piedmont, 2017
Barbaresco, Luigi Voghera, Piedmont, 2015
Barbaresco, Produttori, Piedmont, 2017
Barbaresco, Gaja, Piedmont, 2015
Barolo, Damilano 'Lecinquevigne' Piedmont, 2015
Barolo, Fontanafredda, Piedmont, 2015
Barolo, Giorgio Carnevale, Piedmont, 2015
Barolo, Michele Chiarlo 'Cannubi' Piedmont, 2017
Barolo, Rivetto 'Serralunga d'Alba' Piedmont, 2016
Barolo, Rivetto 'Briccolina' Piedmont, 2016
Brunello di Montalcino, Banfi, Tuscany, 2016
Brunello di Montalcino, Gaja 'Pieve Santa Restituta' Tuscany, 2014
Brunello di Montalcino, Innocenti, Tuscany, 2015
Chianti, Banfi, Classico Riserva, Tuscany, 2017
Chianti, Berardo, Classico Riserva, Tuscany, 2016
Chianti, Ruffino 'Ducale Oro' Gran Selezione, Tuscany, 2016
Chianti, Sparviero 'Paronza' Classico, Gran Selezione, Tuscany, 2015
Super Tuscan, Arcanum 'Il Fauno di Arcanum' Tuscany, 2018
Super Tuscan, Banfi 'Summus' Tuscany, 2017
Super Tuscan, Tenuta dell' Ornellaia 'Le Serre Nuove' Tuscany, 2019
Super Tuscan, Tenuta San Guido 'Guidalberto' Tuscany, 2019
Super Tuscan, Terrabianca 'Campaccio' Tuscany, 2016
Super Tuscan, Marchesi Antinori 'Tignanello' Tuscany, 2018
Super Tuscan, La Maialina, 'Gertrude' Tuscany, 2018
Super Tuscan, Tenuta San Guido 'Sassicaia' Tuscany, 2018
Barbera d'Asti, Michele Chiarlo 'Le Orme' Piedmont, 2018
Barbera d'Asti, Renato Ratti 'Battaglione' Piedmont, 2019
Carignano, Isola de Nuraghi 'Barrua' Sardinia, 2017
Montepulciano, Corte Fiore 'Appasiamento' Tuscany, 2020
Nebbiolo, Travaglini 'Gattinara' Piedmont, 2018
Nero d'Avola, Feudi Maccari 'Saia' Sicily, 2017
Nero Mascalese, Passopisciaro 'Contrada G' Sicily, 2018
Ripassa, Zenato 'Superiore' Veneto, 2017
Rosso, Tenuto di Trinoro 'Le Cupole' Tuscany, 2018
Rosso, Villa Antinori, Tuscany, 2018
Barbaresco, Rivetto, 'Marcarini' Piedmont, 2017

Red Wine from the United States

Blend, Chappellet 'Mountain Cuvee' Napa County, CA, 2019
Blend, Orin Swift 'Abstract' CA, 2019
Blend, Orin Swift 'Papillon' Napa Valley, CA, 2019
Blend, The Prisoner Co, 'The Prisoner' Napa Valley, CA, 2019
Blend, Ridge 'Geyserville' Alexander Valley, CA, 2019
Blend, J Lohr 'Cuvee PAU' Paso Robles, CA, 2006
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cakebread, Napa Valley, CA, 2018
Cabernet Sauvignon, Caymus, Napa Valley, CA, 2019
Cabernet Sauvignon, Daou, Paso Robles, CA, 2019
Cabernet Sauvignon, Hess Collection 'Allomi' Napa Valley, CA, 2018
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merriam 'Windacre Estate' Russian River Valley, CA, 2017
Cabernet Sauvignon, Orin Swift 'Palermo' Napa Valley, CA, 2019
Cabernet Sauvignon, Silver Oak, Alexander Valley, CA, 2017
Cabernet Sauvignon, Stag's Leap 'Artemis' Napa Valley, CA, 2018
Cabernet Sauvignon, Au Sommet 'Atlas Peak' Napa Valley, CA, 2016
Cabernet Sauvignon, Beringer 'Private Reserve' Napa Valley, CA, 2013
Cabernet Sauvignon, Plumpjack 'Oakville Estate' Napa Valley, CA, 2018
Cabernet Sauvignon, Orin Swift 'Mercury Head' Napa Valley, CA, 2018
Cabernet Sauvignon, Shafer 'Hillside Select' Napa Valley, CA, 2016
Cabernet Sauvignon, Silverado Vineyards 'Geo' Napa Valley, CA, 2013
Cabernet Sauvignon, Silver Oak, Napa Valley, CA, 1997
Malbec, Caymus, Red Schooner 'Voyage 8' Napa Valley, CA, 2017
Merlot, Duckhorn, Napa Valley, CA, 2018
Merlot, Rombauer, Napa Valley, CA, 2018
Pinot Noir, Alexana 'Terroir Series' Willamette Valley, OR, 2019
Pinot Noir, Benziger, Monterey County, CA, 2019
Pinot Noir, Domaine Serene 'Yamhill Cuvee' Willamette Valley, OR, 2017
Pinot Noir, Duckhorn 'Goldeneye' Anderson Valley, CA, 2018
Pinot Noir, Elevee, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, OR, 2016
Pinot Noir, Flowers, Sonoma Coast, CA, 2018
Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley Vineyards, 'Founders Select' Willamette Valley, OR, 2018
Zinfandel, Frog's Leap, Napa Valley, CA, 2019
Zinfandel, Prisoner Co. 'Saldo' Napa Valley, CA, NV
Zinfandel, Seghesio, Sonoma County, CA, 2019

Rose Wine from France

Rose, Fleur de Prairie, Languedoc, France, 2020
Rose, Miraval, Provence, France, 2020

White Wine from Italy

Chardonnay, Passopisciaro, Sicily, 2017
Chardonnay, Planeta, Sicily, 2018
Falanghina, Villa Matilde, Falerno del Massico, Campania, 2018
Fiano, Planeta 'Cometa' Sicily, 2019
Garganega, Inama 'Soave Classico' Veneto, 2020
Garganega, Pieropan 'Soave Classico' Veneto, 2020
Greco di Tufo, Terradora di Paolo, Campania, 2020
Pinot Grigio, Santa Margherita, Trentino-Alto Adige, 2020
Verdicchio, Umani Ronchi 'Casal di Serra' Marche, 2018
White Blend, Bertani 'Due Uve' Veneto, 2018
White Blend, Terlaner, Cuvee, Alto Adige, 2020

White Wine from the United States

Chardonnay, Beringer 'Private Reserve' Napa Valley, CA, 2018
Chardonnay, Chalk Hill, Russian River Valley, CA, 2018
Chardonnay, Chateau Montelena, Napa Valley, CA, 2018
Chardonnay, Joseph Phelps 'Freestone Vineyards' Napa Valley, CA, 2018
Chardonnay, Far Niente, Napa Valley, CA, 2019
Chardonnay, Ferrari-Carano, Sonoma County, CA, 2019
Sauvignon Blanc, Duckhorn, Napa Valley, CA, 2020
Sauvignon Blanc, Silverado 'Miller Ranches' Napa Valley, CA, 2019
Sauvignon Blanc, Giesen, Marlborough, NZ, 2020
Sauvignon Blanc, Craggy Range, Martinborough, NZ, 2020

Champagne – Sparkling Wine

Champagne, Louis Roederer 'Cristal' Brut, France, 2012
Champagne, Moet et Chandon 'Dom Perignon' Brut, France, 2010
Champagne, Moet et Chandon 'Imperial' Brut, France, NV
Champagne, Perrier-Jouet 'Belle Epoque' Brut, France, 2013
Champagne, Veuve Clicquot 'Yellow Label' France, NV
Champagne, Veuve Clicquot 'Yelllow Label' France, NV 375ml
Franciacorta, Ca'del Bosco 'Cuvee Prestige' Extra Brut, Italy, NV
Frizzante, Judeka, Frabianco, Italy, 2018
Prosecco, Mionetto, Brut, Italy, NV
Sparkling Rose, Santa Margherita, Italy, NV

Selections by the Glass

House Selections

Champagne, Veuve Clicquot 'Yellow Label' France, NV
Champagne, Moet & Chandon 'Imperial' Brut, France, NV
Prosecco, Zonin, Brut, Cuvee, Veneto, Italy
Garganega, Inama 'Soave Classico' Veneto, Italy
Pinot Grigio, Tomassi 'Le Rosse' Venezie, Italy
Sauvignon Blanc, Giesen, Marlborough, New Zealand
Verdicchio, Umani Ronchi 'Casal Di Serra' Marche, Italy
White Blend, Bertani 'Due Uve' Veneto, Italy
Rose, Fleur de Prairie, Languedoc, France
Barber d'Asti, Michele Chiarlo 'Le Orme' Piedmont, Italy
Cabernet Sauvignon, Daou, Paso Robles, CA
Chianti, Gabbiano 'Cavaliere d'Oro' Tuscany, Italy
Montepulciano, Corte Fiore 'Apassiamento' Tuscany, Italy
Pinot Noir, Benziger, Sonoma, CA, USA
Super Tuscan, La Maialina, 'Gertrude' Tuscany, Italy
Chenin Blanc, Pine Ridge Vineyards, CA
Blend, The Prisoner Co. 'Unshackled' CA
Cannonau, Pala, 'I Fiori' Sardegna, Italy
Chardonnay, Roco Winery, 'Gravel Road' Willamette Valley, OR

Winekeeper Selection

Blend, The Prisoner Co. 'The Prisoner' Napa Valley, CA, 2019
Cabernet Sauvignon, Stag's Leap 'Artemis' Napa Valley, CA, 2018
Pinot Noir, Alexana 'Terroir Series' Willamette Valley, OR, 2019
Amarone della Valpolicella, Luigi Righetti 'Classico' Veneto, 2016
Barolo, Fontanafredda, Piedmont, Italy, 2015
Super Tuscan, Arcanum 'Il Fauno di Arcanum' Tuscany, Italy, 2018

What 2,897 people are saying

Ristorante Massimo reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.9Food
4.8Service
4.8Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

New Hampshire
Best Overall
New Hampshire
Best Food
New Hampshire
Best Ambiance
New Hampshire
Best Value
New Hampshire
Great for fine wines
New Hampshire
Romantic
New Hampshire
Good for special occasions
Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley
Best Overall
Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley
Best Food
Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley
Best Ambiance
Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley
Best Value
Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley
Great for fine wines
Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley
Romantic
Portsmouth and Merrimack Valley
Good for special occasions

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Ristorante Massimo in Portsmouth offers "exceptional service" and "amazing Italian cuisine" with a "warm and welcoming atmosphere." Guests rave about the "outstanding food" and "attentive staff," making it perfect for special occasions. The "romantic setting" and "personal touch" from Massimo himself enhance the dining experience.

2,897 Reviews

r
robert
Greater Boston4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Once again, Massimo’s did not disappoint. Everything about our evening was excellent. From the moment we entered into the restaurant, we were greeted with warm smiles. we felt welcomed and the attention that we received throughout our dining experience was fantastic. Frances, was assigned to our table and she was great, very informative, helpful and has a great personality. Food was absolutely delicious, from the appetizers to dinner to desserts, every dish was cooked perfectly and the layers of flavor complimented every dish. We celebrate our birthdays and anniversary at Massimo’s. We first discovered this incredible restaurant while living in New Hampshire and dined there many times. We relocated to Connecticut over 4 years ago and we still make the trip to New Hampshire to dine at Massimo’s.
Is this helpful?
A
Alexandra
Greater Boston3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was outstanding but the service was what really made the evening perfect. From the moment we walked in to the final goodbye the staff went above and beyond to engage, highlight the menu, provide excellent recommendations, and continuously checked in to make sure we were enjoying the evening. The bolognese is excellent rich with flavor and perfectly cooked pasta while the squash blossom was the perfect appetizer.
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b
brian
New Hampshire1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a good experience! Brought friends from NY who enjoyed the evening
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D
Donald
Greater Boston4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Outstanding meal and service. A delightful evening. Thanks to Ava and Jillian for handling everything so efficiently. We can’t wait to return. Another one of the benefits of living in Portsmouth.
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MM
MarthaM
Greater Boston3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Exceptional meal, service, ambiance. Decadent and delicious. Thank you to the team … especially our server Anna … it was delicious!
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L
Lynn
San Francisco2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We were greeted very kindly at the door and escorted to a lovely table with linen napkins and a solicitous wait staff to wait on our every need. The owner checked on Us making sure we were enjoying our experience. We loved our wait person who offered us a very personal experience. And the food was absolutely delicious and authentically Italian. We will definitely be back there again!
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M
Michela
Los Angeles2 reviews
3.0
Dined on March 7, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 5
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
The food was delicious and our server was very kind and knowledgeable but the service was extremely slow.
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C
Carol
Washington DC6 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 7, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Very nice and enjoyable experience. Food was excellent as was the service. Everyone was extremely friendly
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T
Tess
Unspecified1 review
5.0
Dined on March 6, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The smoked duck appetizer was delicious! Filet was cooked perfectly. Bolognese was perfectly saucy and cheesy! Really great service.
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J
Jeff
Greater Boston4 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food. Wonderful service and the most romantic restaurant to dine in the Northeast.
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FAQs

Ristorante Massimo is rated 4.8 stars by 2897 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 15, 2025

9:30 PM

Booked 5 times today

59 Penhallow Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801

Dining areas

Additional information

Phone number
(603) 436-4000
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Italian
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:30 pm
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Jethro Loichle

Ristorante Massimo

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Our Wine Cellar

Featured Wines From Our Sommelier

Champagne, Louis Roederer 'Cristal' Brut, France, 2012

Chardonnay, Beringer 'Private Reserve' Napa Valley, CA, 2018

Amarone della Valpolicella, Bertani, 2008

Cabernet Sauvignon, Shafer Vineyards 'Hillside Select' Napa Valley, CA, 2016

Blend, Ridge 'Geyserville' Alexander Valley, CA, 2019

Champagne, Moet et Chandon, 'Dom Perignon' Brut, France, 2010

Champagne, Perrier-Jouet, 'Belle Epoque' Brut, France, 2013

Red Wine from Italy

Amarone della Valpolicella, Ca'del Monte, Classico, Veneto, 2014

Amarone della Valplicella, Luigi Righetti, Classico, Veneto, 2016

Amarone della Valpolicella, Masi 'Costasera' Classico, Veneto, 2016

Amarone della Valpolicella, Bertani, Classico, Veneto, 2008

Barbaresco, Beni di Batsiolo, Piedmont, 2017

Barbaresco, Luigi Voghera, Piedmont, 2015

Barbaresco, Produttori, Piedmont, 2017

Barbaresco, Gaja, Piedmont, 2015

Barolo, Damilano 'Lecinquevigne' Piedmont, 2015

Barolo, Fontanafredda, Piedmont, 2015

Barolo, Giorgio Carnevale, Piedmont, 2015

Barolo, Michele Chiarlo 'Cannubi' Piedmont, 2017

Barolo, Rivetto 'Serralunga d'Alba' Piedmont, 2016

Barolo, Rivetto 'Briccolina' Piedmont, 2016

Brunello di Montalcino, Banfi, Tuscany, 2016

Brunello di Montalcino, Gaja 'Pieve Santa Restituta' Tuscany, 2014

Brunello di Montalcino, Innocenti, Tuscany, 2015

Chianti, Banfi, Classico Riserva, Tuscany, 2017

Chianti, Berardo, Classico Riserva, Tuscany, 2016

Chianti, Ruffino 'Ducale Oro' Gran Selezione, Tuscany, 2016

Chianti, Sparviero 'Paronza' Classico, Gran Selezione, Tuscany, 2015

Super Tuscan, Arcanum 'Il Fauno di Arcanum' Tuscany, 2018

Super Tuscan, Banfi 'Summus' Tuscany, 2017

Super Tuscan, Tenuta dell' Ornellaia 'Le Serre Nuove' Tuscany, 2019

Super Tuscan, Tenuta San Guido 'Guidalberto' Tuscany, 2019

Super Tuscan, Terrabianca 'Campaccio' Tuscany, 2016

Super Tuscan, Marchesi Antinori 'Tignanello' Tuscany, 2018

Super Tuscan, La Maialina, 'Gertrude' Tuscany, 2018

Super Tuscan, Tenuta San Guido 'Sassicaia' Tuscany, 2018

Barbera d'Asti, Michele Chiarlo 'Le Orme' Piedmont, 2018

Barbera d'Asti, Renato Ratti 'Battaglione' Piedmont, 2019

Carignano, Isola de Nuraghi 'Barrua' Sardinia, 2017

Montepulciano, Corte Fiore 'Appasiamento' Tuscany, 2020

Nebbiolo, Travaglini 'Gattinara' Piedmont, 2018

Nero d'Avola, Feudi Maccari 'Saia' Sicily, 2017

Nero Mascalese, Passopisciaro 'Contrada G' Sicily, 2018

Ripassa, Zenato 'Superiore' Veneto, 2017

Rosso, Tenuto di Trinoro 'Le Cupole' Tuscany, 2018

Rosso, Villa Antinori, Tuscany, 2018

Barbaresco, Rivetto, 'Marcarini' Piedmont, 2017

Red Wine from the United States

Blend, Chappellet 'Mountain Cuvee' Napa County, CA, 2019

Blend, Orin Swift 'Abstract' CA, 2019

Blend, Orin Swift 'Papillon' Napa Valley, CA, 2019

Blend, The Prisoner Co, 'The Prisoner' Napa Valley, CA, 2019

Blend, Ridge 'Geyserville' Alexander Valley, CA, 2019

Blend, J Lohr 'Cuvee PAU' Paso Robles, CA, 2006

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cakebread, Napa Valley, CA, 2018

Cabernet Sauvignon, Caymus, Napa Valley, CA, 2019

Cabernet Sauvignon, Daou, Paso Robles, CA, 2019

Cabernet Sauvignon, Hess Collection 'Allomi' Napa Valley, CA, 2018

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merriam 'Windacre Estate' Russian River Valley, CA, 2017

Cabernet Sauvignon, Orin Swift 'Palermo' Napa Valley, CA, 2019

Cabernet Sauvignon, Silver Oak, Alexander Valley, CA, 2017

Cabernet Sauvignon, Stag's Leap 'Artemis' Napa Valley, CA, 2018

Cabernet Sauvignon, Au Sommet 'Atlas Peak' Napa Valley, CA, 2016

Cabernet Sauvignon, Beringer 'Private Reserve' Napa Valley, CA, 2013

Cabernet Sauvignon, Plumpjack 'Oakville Estate' Napa Valley, CA, 2018

Cabernet Sauvignon, Orin Swift 'Mercury Head' Napa Valley, CA, 2018

Cabernet Sauvignon, Shafer 'Hillside Select' Napa Valley, CA, 2016

Cabernet Sauvignon, Silverado Vineyards 'Geo' Napa Valley, CA, 2013

Cabernet Sauvignon, Silver Oak, Napa Valley, CA, 1997

Malbec, Caymus, Red Schooner 'Voyage 8' Napa Valley, CA, 2017

Merlot, Duckhorn, Napa Valley, CA, 2018

Merlot, Rombauer, Napa Valley, CA, 2018