Hamilton Russell

One of the great wineries of South Africa, Hamilton Russell is set in one of the most southerly wine estates in Africa and one of the closest to the sea. Set in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley appellation, just behind the old fishing village of Hermanus, the house focuses on producing limited amounts of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Anthony Hamilton Russell took over from the founder, Tim Hamilton Russell, in 1991, and bought the property from the family in 1994. Tim originally purchased the undeveloped 170 hectare property in 1975, searching for a great site to make Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Vines are set on stony, clay-rich, shale-derived soil which create lovely earthy and terroir-driven wines. Their new releases were really outstanding. The wines are very reminiscent of Burgundy in terms of nuance.

I love the new 2024 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay (OB, 95) which shows world-class terroir in the glass with its stony and salty character. Learn more about these outstanding wines at http://www.hamiltonrussellvineyards.com Here are the new release wines by Hamilton Russell. 

2024 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay- A stunning rendition of this wine, the world-class 2024 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay was sourced from this steep location set on stony, clay-rich soils. This is laden with minerality and salty nuance. Rich melon and tropical fruits connect well with Japanese pear tones on the palate. A joy to consume now, watch this evolve over the next decade. Drink 2026-2038- 95

2024 Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir- The gorgeous 2024 Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir comes from this rocky seaside location in Hemel-En-Aarde. This comes off very flinty and nuanced, with terrific reduction. Black truffle crudo, red currants, and shades of cran-pomegranate all combine with Nori notes on the palate. Complex and highly delicious, watch this evolve over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2040- 96

Lachini

We share the wines of Lachini which began in 2001 when Ron and Marianne Lachini decided to take the plunge and locate in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. Today Ron and Marianne Lachini produce a killer range of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that show wonderful terroir and poise. They are making some world-class wines from Washington State as well.

Ron Lachini is one of the great personalities in Oregon wine. A down to earth guy, he is passionate about producing great Pinot Noir from his vineyard. Lachini has tasting rooms in both Oregon and Woodinville. I have had some great visits with him over the years and he has a tremendous palate.

I adore the new 2024 Lachini ‘Lachini Family Estate’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which is already drinking marvelously.  Learn more about this great Oregon winery at https://www.lachinivineyards.com Here are the great new release wines by Lachini Vineyards.

2024 Lachini ‘Estate’ Chardonnay- The 2024 ‘Estate’ by Lachini is smooth and viscous throughout the drinking experience. Poached pear and toasty brioche notes collide with melon and rocky nuances on the palate. Seriously good, with excellent stony essence, enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2024 Lachini ‘Le Sorellini’ Pinot Noir- coming from their estate, the 2024 Lachini ‘Le Sorellini’ Pinot Noir was stored in 60% new French oak before bottling. It shows high-toned, pretty red rose petal aromatics alongside cranberry and orange zest. The palate is rich and delicious with serious tension and a smooth mouthfeel. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2023 Lachini ‘Lachini Heritage Estate’ Pinot Noir- A combination of several clones and blocks from their estate vineyard, the 2023 Lachini ‘Lachini Heritage Estate’ Pinot Noir is soft and inviting on the mouth. Rich red and dark fruits parade with dried herbs and loads of mouth-watering acidity on the palate. This is drinking marvelously right now in its tension-filled youth. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2024 Lachini ‘Lachini Family Estate’ Pinot Noir- A great showing in this warm vintage, the 2024 Lachini ‘Lachini Family Estate’ Pinot Noir has a great core of red fruits on the palate alongside blood orange zest and loads of salty minerals. Medium to full-bodied, with great nerve, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next ten to fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 93

2023 Lachini ‘La Bestia’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Coming from the Quintessence, Red Willow and Boushey Vineyards, the 2023 ‘La Bestia’ was stored for 22 months in French oak before bottling. This is seamless, decadent and delicious stuff with mocha, garrigue and tar tones that connect beautifully with heady dark fruits on the palate. Drink 2026-2040- 94

2023 Lachini ‘La Contrada’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘La Contrada’ is mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot coming from the Quintessence Vineyard on Red Mountain. Jet black in the glass, this exudes class on the nose with exotic spice and dark currant notes that combine with espresso bean accents. The palate is powerful and concentrated with terrific structure and stuffing. A glorious wine to consume now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 95

Pursued By Bear

Today we share the wines by one of Washington State’s most acclaimed actors, Kyle MacLachlan. Growing up in Yakima, MacLachlan probably best known for his major role in the hit ‘90s drama, Twin Peaks which also returned to television several years back. MacLauchlan this year was in one of the hottest TV series of the last year, Fallout. This is a must-watch program that has some tremendous acting. The new season was absolutely incredible.

At the helm is one of Washington’s great winemakers, Dan Wampfler, of Abeja fame, to craft his wines.

I love the new Pursued By Bear Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which has glorious balance and pose. Learn more about this awesome project out of Washington at http://www.pursuedbybearwine.com/ Here are the great new wines by actor Kyle MacLachlan and his winery, Pursued By Bear.

2025 Pursued By Bear ‘Twin Bear’ Chardonnay- Coming from the Yakima Valley, the 2025 ’Twin Bear’ was primarily stored in neutral oak before bottling. Papaya and mango notes combine with honeydew melon and white flowers on the nose. The palate is dense and delicious with a tremendous mouthfeel, tension and flavor density. This is stunning stuff that has an amazing combination of warmth from the vintage and overall poise. Drink 2026-2034- 94

2022 Pursued By Bear ‘Baby Bear’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘Baby Bear’ was stored in a small amount of new French oak barrels and comes from the Les Collines, Phinny Hill, and Lewis Vineyards. Once on the nose this takes on heady aromatics of violets, tar, tobacco leaf and black currants. The palate is fresh and viscous with terrific texture and salty minerality. This is rich, complex, Syrah that is drinking magically right now. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2023 Pursued By Bear ‘Twin Bear’ Merlot- A gorgeous Merlot from the Columbia Valley, the 2023 ‘Twin Bear’ offers milk chocolate dusted blackberry and black currants on the nose alongside sandalwood tones. The palate is smooth and lush on the mouth with terrific texture and outstanding flavor density. Gorgeous to enjoy now, watch this evolve over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2040- 94

2023 Pursued By Bear ‘Twin Bear’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Entirely sourced from the Walla Walla AVA, the 2023 ‘Twin Bear’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows off fresh sage and thyme aromatics that combine with red currants and chocolate fudge tones. The palate is lush and generous with a sooth mouthfeel and glorious core of Arabica bean, black fruits and herbal undertones, with a graphite edge. Drink 2026-2040- 94

2023 Pursued By Bear Cabernet Sauvignon- The stunning 2023 Pursued By Bear Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a range of prized sites along the Columbia Valley. Anise and cloves line the palate alongside heady dark fruits, espresso bean and sagebrush accents. The typicity of this wine is amazing, as this shines with its silky texture and sultry appearance. Everything is in marvelous balance here in terms of weight, freshness and mouth-watering acidity. Drink 2026-2041- 95

San Leonardo

A famed and historic estate in northern Italy, San Leonardo has been family-owned by the Guerrieri Gonzaga family since 1724. Located in the southern end of Trentino in Northern Italy and nestled amongst the Trentino Alps, San Leonardo Winemaker/owner Marchese Carlo, and now his son Anselmo, have been in charge of the winemaking program for many years. Carlo was the first grower in Trentino to use the Guyot vine training method and to avoid pesticides and herbicides. This location has the coolness from the Alps but also has warmth due to its location near Lake Garda.

The new wine came from the warm 2021 vintage as the remarkable 2021 San Leonardo (OB, 95) is powerful with terrific finesse and length. Learn more about this famed Italian winery at https://www.sanleonardo.it/en/la-storia?srsltid=AfmBOopowlUKk2OxOWVZGD7IBvVjPFVUhjKtAQKkA2tGPGbdiM9bCYDx and here is my review of the new wine by San Leonardo.

2021 San Leonardo Red Wine- The outstanding 2021 San Leonardo combines 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 40% Merlot with 10% Carmenère. Arabica bean and white pepper dusted blackberry combine with shades of red florals on the exotic nose. The palate is silky and smooth with a refined mouthfeel, with great grip and mouth-watering acidity. This beauty is just a joy to savor now. Drink 2026-2038- 95

Bionic Wines Presents The Bionic Experience

We have some massive news out of the Walla Walla Valley today. It is my pleasure to share a brand new tasting and culinary experience -- The Bionic Experience -- which begins today, October 22, with lunch at the Bionic Wines estate.

Vigneron, Christophe Baron and Michelin-starred chef Matthew Lightner are bringing the spirit of the long French lunch to Walla Walla. Think seasonal Pacific Northwest ingredients, dishes built around bottles from the cellar, and fourteen seats inside their newly restored 1910 craftsman.

The experience includes bites from Resident Chef Dan Clark in the kitchen as well as wines from Master Sommelier Tyler Alden who has come to the Walla Walla Valley following his longstanding tenure at Willows Lodge and The Barking Frog.

This is huge news for the valley, offering something completely different than what is out there.

The experience is only Thursdays–Sundays | One seating at 11 a.m.

Reserve your seat at bionicwines.com/experience

Lytle-Barnett

It is my pleasure to share the great Oregon sparkling wines by Lytle-Barnett. They are part of Method Oregon utilizing only méthode champenoise wines. I like the construction of the wines with a soft mousse and great balance.

I have really enjoyed these wines for years. Lytle-Barnett sparkling wines spend extended time in tirage before being released which certainly adds depth to the flavors and aromatics. Last weekend I tasted the 2019 ‘Brut Rose’ (OB, 93) for the second time and it was as joy to consume with its pretty core of tart red fruits.

I love the new 2015 ‘Extended Tirage’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 95) which is a knockout wine with amazing depth and power. Learn more at https://lytle-barnett.com/ and here are my reviews of the great new Lytle-Barnett wines.

2019 Lytle-Barnett ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine- A delightful bottling that is showing brilliantly now, the 2019 ‘Brut’ spent six years en tirage and comes from the Anahata, Bieze, and Windfall Vineyards and is 58% Pinot Noir with the remainder Chardonnay. Wet rock and shades of strawberry combine with Mandarin orange zest and toasty brioche on the palate. Gorgeous now, enjoy this mineral-laden wine over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2034- 92

2019 Lytle-Barnett ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine- The 2019 Lytle-Barnett ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine spent six years on the lees prior to disgorgement. Pretty salmonberry and Yakima cherry flavors combine with wet stone and red rose water on the palate. Inviting and lively, with terrific finesse, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2020 Lytle-Barnett ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- An awesome wine from a tough vintage, the 2020’Blanc de Noirs’ is immediately gratifying on the palate, with terrific weight and tension. Stony minerals combine with rich melon and citrus fruits on the palate, alongside wet gravel accents. Delightful now, enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2021 Lytle-Barnett ‘Le Melangeur’ Pinot Meunier A killer wine from this hot vintage, the 2021 ‘Le Mélangeur’ is made from all Pinot Meunier and was aged on the lees for three years prior to disgorgement. Ginger and guava notes mark the palate alongside kumquat zest and copious minerals. The refined mousse really entices as this beauty is already beautifully evolved — and will provide drinking enjoyment over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2015 Lytle-Barnett ‘Extended Tirage’ Sparkling Wine- Stored on the less for a whopping ten years, the dazzling 2015 ‘Extended Tirage’ comes from this warm vintage in the Willamette Valley. Golden in the glass, this immediately gratifies with its honeysuckle and apricot aromatics that combine with shades of salted praline. The palate is big, bold and refined with a silky mousse that glides throughout the drinking experience. This is the finest wine yet from this house. Grab this beauty while you can! Drink 2026-2038- 95

Sparkman Cellars

Today we share the outstanding wines of Sparkman Cellars. They make a huge range of outstanding wines wines — from crisp Rose to deep and layered Cabernet Sauvignon. Chris and Kelly Sparkman founded their namesake winery many yeas back in 2004. Chris has a diverse background formerly working in the Peace Corps and then as well as some top fine dining restaurants in Seattle. Sparkman sources from some of the best vineyards in the state including the Boushey, Klipsun, Sagemoor and Ciel du Cheval Vineyards.

I really enjoyed tasting with their winemaker, Linn Scott, who has been doing a beautiful job for them. We talked vintages and tasted through most of his lineup. I adored the 2023 Sparkman Cellars ‘Wonderland’ Grenache (OB, 94) which shows amazing texture and flavor range. Learn more about this outstanding producer at http://www.sparkmancellars.com/. Here are the great new wines by Sparkman Cellars.

2025 Sparkman ‘Pearl’ Sauvignon Blanc- Mainly coming from the Olsen Vineyard, the 2025 ‘Pearl’ shows gooseberry and green apple notes alongside white peach notes. The palate is juicy and rich with great melon character alongside light citrus water notes. Drink 2026-2033- 92

2025 Sparkman ‘As You Wish’ Sauvignon Blanc- Sourced from the Gamache Vineyard, this 2023 Sauvignon Blanc was aged in neutral oak as well as stainless steel drums. The palate is rich and viscous with loads of mouth-watering acidity. Key lime and salted wet rock combine with melon and citrus fruits on the palate. This has some really nice barrel notes and texture. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2019 Sparkman ‘As You Wish’ Sauvignon Blanc- A library wine, the 2019 Sparkman ‘As You Wish’ Sauvignon Blanc is fresh and viscous with terrific freshness. Citrus and melon fruits parade with loads of salty minerals on the plate. Drink 2026-2031- 93

2024 Sparkman ‘Lumiere’ Chardonnay- All from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard, the 2024 ’Lumiere’ was stored in roughly 40% new French oak before bottling. Poached pear and starfruit notes combine with brioche tones on the nose. The palate is both fresh and rich with terrific mouthfeel and sense of texture. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2025 Sigillo Viognier- Coming from the White Bluffs AVA. The 2025 Sigillo Viognier was stored in mainly neutral oak before bottling. White peach and star jasmine combine with white rose notes on the nose. The palate is dense and rich with terrific tension and a plush mouthfeel. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2025 Sigillo ‘C2’ Rose- The 2025 ‘C2’ or C-Squared is coming from Red Willow Vineyard and is all Sangiovese. This has terrific acidity and texture with damp earth notes alongside bright red fruits. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2023 Sparkman ‘Holler’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Sparkman ‘Holler’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers juicy black fruits with coffee ground and dried herbs on the palate. Fresh and nicely-textured, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2034- 92

2024 Sparkman ‘Kindred’ Malbec- Coming from Red Mountain and Gamache Vineyards, the 2024 ‘Kindred’ offers black plum and exotic spice notes on the nose. The palate is dense and delicious with great power and poise. Drink 2026-2034- 92

2023 Sparkman ‘Wonderland’ Grenache- The 2023 ‘Wonderland’ has some Syrah and Mourvedre blended in. Sourced from the Sagemoor, Olsen and Boushey Vineyards, this was aged in a small amount of new French oak before bottling. This comes off silky and refined with dried herbs that parade with milk chocolate and decadent red fruits on the palate.  Delicious and juicy, enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2023 Sparkman ‘Greater Than Some’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Greater Than Some’ come from the Olsen Vineyards and combines Syrah, Mourvedre and Grenache. Fresh sage and scorched earth tones combine with wild blackberry on the nose. The palate is plush and soft with juicy acidity and a great core of black fruits. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2023 Sparkman ‘Yonder’ Cabernet Franc- The 2023 Sparkman ‘Yonder’ Cabernet Franc is soft and inviting on the palate. Juicy plum and red currants combine with milk chocolate and arabica bean notes on the palate. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2023 Sparkman ‘Outlaw’ Merlot- The outstanding 2023 Sparkman ‘Outlaw’ Merlot offers thyme, bay leaf and rich dark fruits on the nose. Soft and supple on the mouth, with refined tannins, this shows good opulence and underlying verve, with salty minerals. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2021 Sparkman ‘Darkness’ Syrah- The 2021 ‘Darkness’ comes from the Olsen and Boushey Vineyard and saw extensive whole cluster fermentation. This offers gorgeous aromatics of smoke and brisket tones alongside Kalamatta olive and shades of white pepper. The palate is rich and dense with fantastic finesse, showing espresso bean and chocolate notes. Enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2032- 94

2022 Sparkman ‘Untamed’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘Untamed’ comes from the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard as well as the Discovery and Boushey Vineyards. The wine saw a small amount of Viognier co-fermented, as this offers beef drippings and black raspberry tones on the nose with scorched earth and black olives. The palate is fresh and smooth with lovely texture. This is a killer value at only 35 bucks. Drink 2025-2031- 93

2022 Sparkman ‘Wilderness’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Wilderness’ is mainly Syrah with Grenache and Mourvedre. On the nose this takes on a beautiful melange of red and dark fruits, with sagebrush and milk chocolate tones. The palate is soft and juicy with good flavor density and richness. Enjoy now and over the next five to seven years. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2022 Sparkman ‘Rukus’ Red Wine- A near equal blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2022’ Ruckus’ has evolved to being more like a Provence-inspired blend. The palate is fresh and smooth with serious texture and tension, showing loads of mouth-watering acidity. Heady dark fruits combine with espresso grounds and shades of scorched earth. Drink 2025-2037- 93

2023 Sparkman ‘Black Dragon’ Red Wine- A blend of Malbec and Petit Verdot, with some Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2023 ‘Black Dragon’ is remarkably good stuff toe enjoy now. A core of black and blue fruits greets you on the palate, with graphite and dried herbs. Very weighty yet possessing a great acid backbone, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2039- 94

2023 Sparkman ‘Preposterous’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Preposterous’ is primarily Malbec with some Syrah blended in. Purple rose petals combine with black currants and hints of sagebrush on the nose. The palate is round and generous with terrific texture and good length. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2022 Sparkman ‘Ruby Leigh’ Red Wine- The really good 2022 Sparkman ‘Ruby Leigh’ Red Wine is mainly Merlot (56%) with smaller parts Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Smooth on the mouth, this yields a pretty combination of red and dark fruits with sagebrush and chocolate pie notes. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2023 Sparkman ‘Ruby Leigh’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Ruby Leigh’ is primarily Merlot with smaller parts Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. This is soft and elegant on the mouth with great freshness. A great melange of dark and red fruits follows alongside espresso grounds and dried green herbal accents. Drink 2026-2038- 94

2022 Sparkman ‘Stella Mae’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Stella Mae’ is mainly Cabernet Sauvignon  and opens with bay leaf and black tea notes that combine with dark currants and a graphite edge on the nose. The palate is silky smooth on the approach with great texture and weight. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2023 Sparkman ‘Stella Mae’ Red Wine- Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon (78%), the 2023 ‘Stella Mae’ has terrific power and poise. Exotic spices combine wth blackberry compote, espresso grounds, tar and sagebrush notes on the palate. Dense and decadent, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2038- 94

2023 Sparkman ‘Rainmaker’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Sparkman ‘Rainmaker’ was sourced from the Olsen Vineyard in the Yakima Valley and has 11% Malbec blended in. Dense dark fruits mingle well with dark chocolate shavings, pencil lead and scorched earth notes with thyme accents.  This comes off rich and decadent with terrific texture, savory accents and underlying freshness. Drink 2026-2039- 94

2023 Sparkman ‘Kingpin’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Kingpin’ was sourced from Red Mountain and has a touch of Petit Verdot blended in. Crushed mint, creosote and chocolate pie notes all combine on the nose with hints of Cuban cigar. The palate is fresh and neatly-textured, with good weight and acidity. Drink 2026-2040- 94

2022 Sparkman ‘Evermore’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The ’22 Evermore old-vine Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from mainly old vines from the Dionysus and Boushey Vineyards. Stored in all new French oak, this is seamless and rich. Heady dark fruits parade with chocolate, roasted espresso bean and shades of damp soils on the palate. Seriously good now, watch this evolve over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2023 Sparkman ‘Evermore’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2023 Sparkman ‘Evermore’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows beautiful thyme and bay leaf notes on the nose with dense fig and blackberry tones. The palate is rich and also very fresh with terrific tension and salty minimality. Muscular and nervy with refined tannins, enjoy over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2043- 95

2023 Sparkman ‘Darkness’ Syrah- Coming from the Boushey and Olsen Vineyards, the 2023 ‘Darkness’ offers iron and bulls blood notes alongside shades of dark currant cordial. Drinking really well in its core of chocolate fudge and heady dark fruits, alongside light sanguine character, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 94

Rasa Vineyards

Today we share the brilliant wines by Master of Wine, Billo Naravane. For roughly two decades now he has been crafting beautiful expressions of Washington State wine. He makes a sensational range of wines from finesse-laden Rieslings to inky Syrahs. Billo also has a remarkable story in wine. If you have never tried these wines then you are in for a serious treat. A scientist by trade, Billo Naravane initially was inspired by wine while living Austin, Texas. During that time Naravane was exposed to some of the finest wines in the world and he fully caught the wine bug. Finally, he and his brother, Pinto, made the bold decision to start Rasa Vineyards in 2007. My first exposure to these great wines was many years back when I was served a 2007 Rasa Vineyards ‘QED’ Syrah blind. I was absolutely mesmerized by the seamless quality of the wine. With a bachelor’s degree from MIT and a master’s degree from Stanford, Billo then studied viticulture an enology at UC Davis. He is now one of the few masters of wine (MW) in the world. The wines he crafts show tremendous texture, richness, poise and terroir — and are only getting better by each vintage. 

The wines by Rasa were amazing across the board. Do not miss out on the 2022 Rasa Vineyards ‘Veritas Sequitur’ Syrah (OB, 99) which flirts with perfection and has amazing stony essence. Learn more about this fantastic Walla Walla winery at rasavineyards.com Here are the sensational new wines by Rasa Vineyards. 

2024 Rasa Vineyards ‘The Composer’ Riesling- Coming from the Bacchus and Dionysus Vineyards in the White Bluffs AVA, the 2024 ‘The Composer’ is probably the finest edition of this wine that I have tasted in more than a decade. Right away on the nose shows off honeydew melon and beeswax aromatics alongside shades of nectarine skin and hints of mango. The palate is weightless and beautifully textured, showing good weight and freshness alongside a pillowy texture. Made in the Trocken style, with the faintest kiss of sweetness, this is up there with the best Riesling wines you will taste in Washington. Drink 2026-2032- 95

2024 Rasa Vineyards ‘QED Reductio Ad Absurdum’ Syrah- The unbelievably good 2024 QED ‘Reductio Ad Absurdum’ is all Syrah coming from the Eclectic Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. This location was planted between 2012 and 2014, sits primarily on southern facing slopes at an elevation between 870-930 feet. It has marvelous aromatics of red florals with venison, white pepper dusted charcuterie and shades of green olive tapenade. The palate is beautfully-textured with terrific weight and underlying finesse. For a vineyard that I am somewhat unfamiliar with, this wine delivers a total knockout punch in terms of flavor and aromatic range. A stunning wine to consume now, watch this evolve over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2036- 96

2022 Rasa Vineyard ‘Veritas Sequitur Naravane Vineyard’ Syrah- The world-class 2022 ‘Veritas Sequitur’ comes from the Naravane Vineyard in the Walla Walla Rocks District. This beauty was given all whole cluster fermentation and was stored in all new French oak prior to bottling. Tar, Kalmatta olives, black rose petals and smoldering stones all mark the nose alongside hints of blood orange zest. The palate is fresh and seamless with amazing power and verve — yet comes off extremely weightless. Very stony and mineral-laden, with amazing stony, Nori and oyster sauce nuances, watch this evolve over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2036- 99

2023 Rasa Vineyards ‘Creative Impulse’ Red Wine-Another show-stopping vintage of this wine, and sourced from the famed DuBrul Vineyard, the 2023 ‘Creative Impulse’ combines 80% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Merlot. It is dense, heady and viscous wine — yet comes off quite weightless on the mid-palate. A seamless, and very gratifying melange of red and dark fruits alongside Arabica bean and milk chocolate pie, with wafts of sagebrush, this beauty is already drinking marvelously now. Give it an hour in the decanter if savoring in its intense youth. Drink 2026-2046- 99

2024 Rasa Vineyards ‘Creative Impulse’ Red Wine- The 2024 ‘Creative Impulse’ is entirely coming from the famed DuBrul Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. This edition combines mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (80%) with the remainder Merlot. It is lifted, well-structured stuff that will command drinking enjoyment for decades to come. The mid-palate depth and refinement is exquisite as this glides throughout the drinking experience. Black tea, Middle Eastern spices and dark currants all parade with milk chocolate, garrigue and salty minerals on the palate. A joy to consume right now, watch this evolve over the next several decades. Drink 2026-2046- 99

2023 Rasa Vineyards ‘Plus One’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Plus One’ is a gorgeous, mineral-laden Cabernet Sauvignon that shows off the warmth of this vintage. Allspice dusted blackberry, Bing cherry and fresh sage all mark the nose. The palate is fresh and mineral-laden with incredible texture and salty minerality. Gorgeous now, be sure to give this at least an hour in the decanter if consuming in its heady youth. Drink 2026-2044- 97

Leonetti Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

It was a Friday but busy work day. My day continued as I sat down to review more than twenty wines. The last wines I tasted were from Leonetti, their single vineyard wines that continue to impress. This set of wines come from the warm, relatively easy 2023 vintage. Consistency from this year has been seriously good — and better than ’22 for Bordeaux varietals. I loved revisiting these wines the next night. They are opulent, dense and marvelously show off the warmth of the vintage.

The wines come from the warm 2023 vintage, one that was an even growing season with few 100 degree days. I was blown away with the 2023 Leonetti Cellar ‘Loess Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 99) which is thrilling with its rocky, sage character alongside dense dark fruits. Learn more at https://leonetticellar.com and here are my reviews of the incredible new single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon wines by Leonetti Cellar and winemaker Chris Figgins.

2023 Leonetti Cellar ‘Holy Roller Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon-  Coming from this site in the Walla Walla Rocks District, the 2023 Leonetti Cellar ‘Holy Roller Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is marvelously stony on the tongue with a refined mouthfeel and terrific volume. Dense dark fruits mingle well with fresh sage, smoldering stone and salty minerals on the palate. So good now, watch this evolve over the next ten plus years — but why wait? Drink 2026-2038- 98

2023 Leonetti Cellar ‘Serra Pedace Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from this high elevation location in the SeVein project, the Serra Pedace Vineyard is set in the southern part of the Walla Walla Valley at 1,200 feet. Dark currants, violets, tar and tobacco leaf all emerge on the nose. The palate is decadent and mineral-laden with loads of stony and salty minerals. A hedonistic monster that has a long way to go in the cellar, with a massive core of dark fruits, dark chocolate and Arabica bean, enjoy this beauty over the next twenty years. Drink 2027-2057- 99

2023 Leonetti Cellar ‘Loess Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The suave and dense 2023 Leonetti Cellar ‘Loess Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon flirts with perfection and was sourced from this eastern Walla Walla Valley location that is nestled on the edge of the Leonetti Estate. Thyme, crushed mint and shades of black licorice all emerge on the nose alongside heady dark fruits and black florals. The palate is dense and decadent with a terrific mouthfeel and sense of opulence. Try to resist this stunning wine for at least another year. Drink 2027-2047- 99

2023 Leonetti Cellar ‘Mill Creek Upland Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A gorgeous edition of this wine, the 2023 Leonetti Cellar ‘Mill Creek Upland Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a massive wine that has a long life in front of it. Soruced from this location on the eastern side of the Walla Walla Valley, this offers chocolate cake, creme de cassis, anise and wet rocky nuances on the palate, with great loamy soil character. While obviously having a great black fruit core, the non-fruit nuances and graphite edge of this wine really impress. Be sure to give this an exceedingly long decant if consuming in its full-throttle youth. Drink 2026-2046- 99

Bibi Graetz

Bibi Graetz

Today we share the iconic wines of Bibi Graetz. Starting back in 2000 Graetz began his his winery with a small, 5-acre vineyard on this hillside in Fiesole. Since his first release 25 years ago Graetz has become one of Tuscany’s cult winemakers without having any formal training in winemaking. His famed Testamatta and Colore bottling have made him an international success as these wines have been revered by critics across the globe. Today Bibi source’s from old vines in Tuscany as well as old vines from the Isola del Giglio which is a remote island that has ancient indigenous vines planted. His wines are crafted from traditional varieties of Sangiovese, Colorino, and Canaiolo for the reds and the indigenous varieties of Ansonica and Vermentino for his whites wines.

I adored the new wines from the 2024 vintage. Do not miss out on the 2024 Bibi Graetz ‘Testamatta’ Red Wine (OB, 96) which has massive cellaring potential. Having recently opened a 1.5L of the 2020, I can see this beauty cellaring for decades. Learn more about these gorgeous new wines at http://www.bibigraetz.com Here are the incredible new release wines by Bibi Graetz.

2025 Bibi Graetz ‘Testamatta Bianco’ White Wine- The 2024 Bibi Graetz ‘Testamatta Bianco’ White Wine is a blend Ansonica, Trebbiano, and Vermentino. It offers honesuckle and green melon on the nose alongside nutty nuances. The palate is rich and robust with serious stuffing and mouth-watering acidity. A glorious, sleek wine to consume now, watch this evolve over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2024 Bibi Graetz ‘Soffocone di Vincigliata’ Sangiovese- The 22024 Bibi Graetz ‘Soffocone di Vincigliata’ Sangiovese is soft and approachable stuff that is drinking marvelously in its youth. Bright red currants and orange zest mingle well with salty and stony soils on the palate. Neatly-textured, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2034- 92

2024 Bibi Graetz ‘Testamata’ Red Wine- The 2024 Bibi Graetz ‘Testamata’ Red Wine is a gorgeous IGT that is all old vine Sangiovese from high elevation, north-facing vineyards. It immediately gratifies with its velvety mouthfeel. This is a powerful, very seamless ‘Testamatta’ with a glorious core of red fruits alongside blood orange zest and salty soil nuances. So good to enjoy now, be sure to give this at least an hour in the decanter if consuming now. Drink 2026-2042- 96

2024 Bibi Graetz ‘Colore’ Red Wine- another year, another stunning ‘Colore’ with this edition coming from 2024. It delivers heady aromatics of smoked meats, white pepper dusted black fruits, tar and tobacco leaf that all take shape in the glass. The palate is dense and lush with a terrific acid backbone. Seriously good now in its full-throttle youth, enjoy now and over the next fifteen to twenty years to come. Drink 2026-2044- 99

2024 Bibi Graetz ‘Balocchi No. 7’ Cabernet Franc- A truly unique Cabernet Franc bottling, the 2024 Bibi Graetz ‘Balocchi No. 7’ is a stunning wine with serious aging potential. Once on the nose this takes on pretty red florals that combine with oud, roasted fennel and shades of black licorice. The palate is plush with a smooth mouthfeel and generous sense of weight and length. A glorious, one of a kind Tuscan wine that you won’t really see from anyone else, watch this evolve over the next fifteen to twenty years. This needs at least two hours in the decanter if savoring now. Drink 2026-2044- 99

Long Shadows 'Feather' Cabernet Sauvignon

A wine with a great Washington wine lore, the ‘Feather’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% varietal red wine crafted in Washington's Columbia Valley through a collaboration between acclaimed Napa winemaker Randy Dunn and Long Shadows winemaker Gilles Nicault. Now Nicault is entirely on the winemaking project. This has now been produced for 20 years as it was first made with the 2003 vintage. The wine is a barrel selection that Nicault and his team chooses from the Sonnet, Bacchus and Dionysus Vineyards. It is now typically stored for 22 months in French oak prior to bottling.

The 2023 ‘Feather’ (OB, 96) is pillowy and soft, with an amazing texture. It is drinking marvelous right now. Learn more at longshadows.com and here is my review of the outstanding 2023 ‘Feather’ by Long Shadows Vintners.

2023 Long Shadows ‘Feather’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2023 Long Shadows ‘Feather’ Cabernet Sauvignon stands jet black in the glass, reveling in its dark chocolate shavings, purple florals and sagebrush aromatics. The palate is plush and full-bodied with a terrific texture and underlying tension. Very seamless throughout the drinking experience, with its pillowy mouthfeel, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 96

Chosen Family Wines

It is my pleasure to share the wines of Chosen Family. This brand was founded by former NBA star Channing Frye. Frye has utilized the winemaking skills of top winemakers such as Jackson Holstein, Chase Renton and Thomas Savre. A few years back NBA all-star Kevin Love was added to the roster. Love is an Oregon basketball legend, who is still playing for the Utah Jazz. Frye is deeply passionate about wine and has a great knowledge of Oregon wine. I have really enjoyed talking basketball and wine with him.

The wines are seriously good. I love the 2024 ‘Star Mooring’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which is dense and delicious from this warm vintage. Learn more about these great new wines at chosenfamilywines.com Here are my reviews of the new Chosen Family wines.

2022 Chosen Family Wines ‘Reserve’ Sparkling Wine- The 2022 Chosen Family Wines ‘Reserve’ Sparkling Wine was given just a dash of dosage (.5G/L) and is all Chardonnay from the Willamette Valley. Flavors of green apple, papaya and starfruit all combine, alongside copious minerals. Delicious and showing excellent tension and weight, savor now and over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2034- 92

2024 Chosen Family Wines ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The captivating 2024 Chosen Family Wines ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir shows up dark in the glass, offering captivating aromatics of cloves, dark florals, wintergreen and allspice dusted red fruits. The palate is soft, lively and seamless throughout the drinking experience, loaded with crunchy and tart red fruits, with volcanic ash and salty nuances. Medium to full-bodied, this is just an infant and can benefit from another year in the bottle. Drink 2027-2040- 93

2024 Chosen Family Wines ‘Star Mooring’ Pinot Noir- The acclaimed ‘Star Mooring Vineyard’ is led by 3rd generation Hazelnut farmers. This 2024 Pinot Noir is a total masterclass by winemaker Jackson Holstein. It offers a brilliant melange of red and dark fruits, with hints of figs, cola, and vibrant minerality. While very youthful, it is a wonderful glass of wine to enjoy in its vibrant, heady youth. Drink 2026-2040- 95

2024 Chosen Family Wines ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay- Sourced from a select few barrels, the 2024 ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay stands golden in the glass. Allspice dusted fig, roasted pineapple and shades of cashew nut all combine on the nose. The palate is dense and heady, yet has a weightless mouthfeel and glides throughout the drinking experience. Finishing long with copious minerals, alongside melon and tropical fruits, enjoy this beauty now and over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2023 Chosen Family  + Salty Goats ‘Fort Ross-Seaview’ Pinot Noir- Made in conjunction with Salty Goats, this outstanding 2023 Pinot Noir shows salted wet rock, anise and red currants that combine with suggestions of blood orange zest on the palate. Really good now, watch this evolve over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2036- 93

DeLille Cellars

I just finished my tasting at DeLille Cellars and had to write about these beautiful wines. It has now been well over ten years since I first tasted at this famed Woodinville outpost. Their director of winemaking Jason Gorski, has consistently crafted incredible wines regardless of vintage. DeLille Cellars was the first winery in Washington to focus on creating Bordeaux style wine blends and makes arguably the best Bordeaux style white wine in North America with its ‘Chaleur Blanc.’ There is little doubt that Chaleur Blanc will challenge some of the finest white wines you will find in Bordeaux.

DeLille sources from their estate, 20-acre vineyard in Red Mountain as well as premier vineyards in the Yakima Valley. Their new Woodinville winery is a must visit as it boasts modern decor with a fantastic rooftop that even boasts views of Mt. Ranier. It has an awesome restaurant that is adjacent their tasting room and they have a fancy new tasting room in Seattle near the University of Washington.

Talking about the upcoming 2026 vintage, Gorski explained “We are running into lower alcohols which is nice. We always have some blocks that will be picked around Halloween.” He stated “Vintage like this we have lower crop loads and we have great conditions and we are seeing a lot of 24 brick and 25 brick and the fruit looks great. Cabernet looks amazing for how early it is.”

Gorski and his team did an amazing job with the 2023 vintage. These are wines that have plenty of stuffing but also really good underlying finesse and nuance. I adored the 2023 DeLille Cellars ‘Four Flags’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which shows incredible balance and good richness from this vintage. They also make one of the best Rose wines in the state. Their 2023 DeLille Cellars Reserve Grenache (OB, 95) is powerful and perfumed with amazing texture. Learn more about this fantastic winery at www.delillecellars.com Here are the great new release wines from DeLille.

2023 DeLille Cellars ‘Saffron Fields Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Coming from this location in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, the 2023 DeLille Cellars ‘Saffron Fields Vineyard’ Pinot Noir saw some stem inclusion and was stored in roughly 20% new French oak before bottling. The nose is very perfumed, showing loads of rich red fruits alongside satsuma orange zest. The palate is push and refined with a terrific mouthfeel. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2023 DeLille Cellars ‘Reserve’ Grenache- The 2023 DeLille Cellars ‘Reserve’ Grenache is a new wine that comes primarily from the Upland Vineyard. Pretty guava and red cherry fruits combine with shades of salted blood orange and potpourri on the nose. The palate is seamless and dense with a silky texture and bright underlying acidity. Drink 2026-2038- 95

2023 DeLille Cellars ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2023 ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ Syrah comes from oldest vines of its kind in the state. It stands inky in the glass, offering creosote and brisket alongside milk chocolate and shades of black licorice. The palate is voluptuous, juicy and delicious with terrific volume and a glorious core of black fruits. Gorgeous now watch this evolve over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2023 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Syrah- Jet black in the glass, the 2023 ‘Grand Ciel’ Syrah was sourced from this site on Red Mountain. Scorched earth, dried sage and shades of red licorice all combine with beautiful black rose petals on the nose. The palate is open and rich with terrific richness and great underlying freshness. Glorious now, savor this beauty over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2038- 96

2023 DeLille Cellars ‘Doyenne’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Doyenne’ is mainly Syrah (50%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (39%) with the remainder Mourvèdre. Red flowers and dark currants mark the nose alongside shades of dried herbs. The palate is velvety and rich with a refined texture and great sense of weight and acidity. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2023 DeLille Cellars ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ Malbec- The gorgeous 2023 DeLille Cellars ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ Malbec saw extended maceration for roughly `12 weeks. Violets, tar and creme de cassis aromatics all parade in the glass. The palate is powerful and rich with an amazing melange of blue and black fruits alongside bitter chocolate and graphite notes. Drink 2026-2039- 95

2023 DeLille Cellars ‘Reserve’ Red Wine- The outstanding 2023 DeLille Cellars ‘Reserve’ Red Wine is primarily Cabernet Franc (79%) with the remainder Merlot coming from a range of top Columbia Valley Vineyards. This comes off silky and refined on the palate, with terrific freshness and an opulent texture. Garrigue, orange bell pepper and black pepper dusted boysenberry fruits combine with shades of Earl Grey tea on the palate. This is one of the great wines of its kind that I have tasted this year. Drink 2026-2042- 96

2023 DeLille Cellars ‘Four Flags’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Four Flags’ comes from four different vineyards across Washington. Beautifully-textured, this offers molten chocolate, sweet pipe tobacco, leather and salty soils all combine on the palate, with a great herbal edge. Dense and delicious, with terrific freshness, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2023 DeLille Cellars ‘Shaw Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Perched on Red Mountain, the Shaw Vineyard is set on a western facing slope on sandy loam soils. It is heady and dense stuff that is marvelous to consume now. Black and blue fruits parade with dried herbs, crushed wet rock and anise notes on the palate. A generous, broad-shouldered bottling, offering refined tannins and excellent tension, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 97

2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Harrison Hill Vineyard’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Harrison Hill’ combines Cabernet Sauvignon (71%) with the remainder Merlot and Cabernet Franc. This is pillowy and soft on the mouth with a seamless mouthful. Sandalwood tones combine with black currants, black cherry compote, bay leaf and shades of black licorice in the palate, with Arabica bean notes. Complex and delicious, watch this evolve over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2023 DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Estate’ Red Wine- The 2023 DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Estate’ is composed of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon 25% Merlot and the remainder Cabernet Franc. Fresh sage and thyme fill the nose alongside dark cherry compote, and blackberry pie. The palate is lush with terrific freshness and a smooth mouthfeel. Gorgeous black fruits parade with espresso grinds and rocky soils on the palate. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2023 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Grand Ciel’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes off refined and soft on the mouth. Black tea and exotic spices mark the nose alongside heady dark fruits and black rose petals. The palate is plush with amazing texture and verve. This is displaying heady blackberry and dark currant flavors alongside coffee grounds and sagebrush notes with stony minerals on the palate. Drink 2026-2041- 96

Roederer Estate

What started all the way back in 1982,  Roederer Estate was founded by Jean-Claude Rouzaud, president of Louis Roederer. He realized the potential in the cool climate and rolling fog of the Anderson Valley to craft some of the region’s finest sparkling wines. It is a massive, 580 acre estate that produces a beautiful range of sparkling wines: the multi-vintage Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut, debuted in 1988, the Brut Rosé and Roederer Estate's vintage tees de cuvee, L'Ermitage and L'Ermitage Rosé. 

Roederer Estate is under the leadership of Jean-Claude’s son, Frédéric Rouzaud. I adored the library release 2012 Roederer Estate ‘L’Ermitage’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 98) which is definitely one of the finest North American sparkling wines that I have tasted in the past year. Learn more about this outstanding sparkling wine house at https://roedererestate.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Roederer Estate.

2022 Roederer Estate ‘Clark Road Vineyard’ Sparkling Wine- The 2022 ‘Clark Road Vineyard’ comes from this location in the Anderson Valley as this beauty is nearly all Pinot Noir (82%) with the remainder Chardonnay. This is round and generous on the tongue with vibrant tension This is rich and bold stuff with dense orchard and citrus fruits that combine with damp earthy nuances. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2020 Roederer Estate ‘L’Ermitage’ Brut Sparkling Wine- A sensational new wine, the 2020’L’Ermitage’ Brut Sparkling spent more than five years on the lees before disgorgement. White peach, ginger and quince all mark the nose. The palate is big and polished with serious tension and weight. A gorgeous wine to enjoy now, watch this evolve over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2012 Roederer Estate ‘L’Ermitage’ Brut Sparkling Wine- A late released wine, the stunning 2012 Roederer Estate ‘L’Ermitage’ Brut Sparkling Wine is a late release wine that was disgorged in 2025. It has sensational tension and stony tones on the palate, with mango, salted brioche and green papaya tones that combine with otherworldly texture. This is clearly one of the great sparkling wines of North America. Drink 2026-2036- 98

2020 Roederer Estate ‘L’Ermitage’ Brut Rose- A gorgeous edition of this wine, the 2020 ‘L’Ermitage’ Brut Rose is a blend of near equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that was given 6.5 G/L dosage and was disgorged in October 2025. Showing off its brilliant salmon hue, this opens with delicate guava and red currant fruits that combine with damp, salty soils and blood orange zest on the nose. The palate is ripe and opulent with loads of salty tension. Gorgeous to enjoy now, this has both the finesse and stuffing to cellar well for another fifteen years. Drink 2026-2041- 96

Elusa

Today we present the wines of Elusa. What began in 2001, Elusa acquired their estate vineyard in 2010 and soon enlisted Thomas Rivers Brown who began crafting estate wines from the existing Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon vines. After yielding four years of estate wines, the next several years were spent investing in the land and winemaking process to focus on Calistogan terroir.

The new wines were fabulous coming from the slightly cooler 2023 vintage. I love the 2023 ‘Elusa Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 97) which is a dazzling wine that has so much flavor density and aging potential. Learn more at https://www.elusawinery.com and here are my reviews from the new Elusa releases.

2025 Elusa ‘Tofanelli Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2025 Elusa ‘Tofanelli Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc comes off grassy on the nose with kiwi and starfruit tones. The palate is loaded with lush citrus and melon fruits with a smooth mouthfeel. Drink 2026-2033- 92

2023 Elusa ‘Interlace’ Red Wine- A blend of equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2023 ‘Interlace’ is a beautifully-textured wine that has excellent nuance and flavor density. Mocha, tar and anise combine with loamy soils on the palate. Drink 2026-2048- 94

2023 Elusa ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Franc- The 2023 Elusa ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Franc comes off juicy and soft with hints of orange bell pepper, tar and loamy soils on the palate, with dark chocolate shavings. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2023 Elusa ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Elusa ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers tobacco leaf, dried herbs and shades of violets on the nose. The palate is lush and rich with terrific flavor density and plenty of great damp soil character. Drink 2026-2038- 94

2023 Elusa ‘Kenefick Ranch Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc- A forward and delicious Cabernet Franc, the 2023 Elusa ‘Kenefick Ranch Vineyard’ offers bitter chocolate, dried herbs and blackberry compote flavors that mingle well with stony nuances on the palate. Well-structured and textured, this is already beautifully-evolved stuff that has at least another fifteen years in front of it. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2023 Elusa ‘Armstrong Ranch’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Inky in the glass, the 2023 ‘Armstrong Ranch’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows black florals, mocha and tar notes on the nose with a graphite edge. The palate comes off weightless as this glides throughout the drinking experience. Seamless and silky with its core of molten chocolate, dark currants ad exotic spices, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2023 Elusa ‘Pozzan Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from this Calistoga Vineyard, the 2023 Elusa ‘Pozzan Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a dizzying bottling that stands jet black in the glass. Turkish coffee and scorched earth tones mark the nose alongside beautiful black florals. The palate is dense and seamless throughout the ranking experience, with magical weight and verve. This is very intense, mineral-laden stuff that has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2026-2045- 96

2023 Elusa ‘Kenefick Ranch Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Elusa ‘Kenefick Ranch Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a delicious and inviting bottling. Once on the nose this takes on sandalwood with Asian spices, black currant compote and stony soils that all meld in the glass. The palate is plush and generous with great lift and length. Drinking marvelously now with its core of heady dark fruits, with stony nuance, enjoy over the next fifteen to tweety years. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2023 Elusa ‘Elusa Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The dazzling 2023 Elusa ‘Elusa Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunning wine that has a long life ahead of it. Once on the nose this takes on violets, creosote, black currants and shades of wild blackberry pie. The heady aromatics brings you back to the glass for more hedonistic enjoyment. The palate is silky and elegant with serious texture, weight and verve. A total heavyhitter, with plenty of salty and stony tension, savor this beauty now and over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2026-2046- 97

FIGGINS

It is my pleasure to share the extraordinary wines of FIGGINS, founded by Leonetti proprietor Chris Figgins. What began more than a decades ago, FIGGINS has a gorgeous, brand new winery facility outside of Walla Walla up Mill Creek road. They give you world class hospitality at this scenic location.  The caves underneath the winery are incredibly expansive and an architectural marvel. Many years in the making, the winery is one of the great spots in the Pacific Northwest to taste, with expansive views of the entire valley. It is one of my favorite spots in Washington to taste and take in the views.

Over the past decade the Estate Red Wine has continued to improve. The wine initially needed a ton of time to be approached. Now their Estate Red Wine can be more utilized in its youth and has emerged as a fleshier, more full-throttle powerhouse. Depending on the vintage, it tends to be primarily Cabernet Sauvignon from this high elevation site set on loess soils. Over the years Figgins has been adding more Petit Verdot into this blend — simply because the PV from this site is otherworldly. It has a chocolate and herbal edge that really adds to the wine.

Unlike last year’s wine, the 2023 FIGGINS Estate Red Wine (OB, 98) can be approached now. It is a stunning wine that has amazing power and underlying tension. Now in its second edition, I was totally blown away with the 2023 ‘Caves’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 100) which is once again a perfect wine made by Chris Figgins. Here are my reviews of the new 2026 fall releases by FIGGINS.

2024 TOIL ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Reserve’ by TOIL is a barrel selection wine made by Chris Figgins and his winemaking team. This brilliantly shows off the warm of the vintage. Standing dark in the glass, it immediately gratifies with its aromatics reminiscent of Asian spices, red rose petal and red currants that all dance in the glass. The palate is seamless throughout the drinking experience, with an opulent texture and great salty minerality. Soft and inviting in its heady youth, watch this evolve over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2023 FIGGINS Red Wine- The 2023 FIGGINS Red Wine is a dazzling blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot which were all sourced from the Figgins Estate Vineyard, outside the town of Walla Walla. Once on the nose this takes on dried sage and wintergreen aromas that parade with green bell pepper, dark chocolate shavings and shades of blackberry compote. The palate is deep, layered and lush, with its unctuous texture and vibrant tension that flows through the veins of this beauty. Finishing long with loads of stony minerals and intense black fruits, with Turkish coffee accents, enjoy this stunning wine now and over the next twenty plus years. This is definitely on par with the dazzling ’22 edition, displaying slightly less stony minerality and showing up more overt with slightly better flavor density. Unlike the ’22, it can be approached right now. However, be sure to give it several hours in the decanter if savoring now. Drink 2026-2050- 98

2023 FIGGINS ‘Caves’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This is now the second edition of the ‘Caves’ — a Cabernet Sauvignon made from only three barrels which were sourced from the Figgins Estate Vineyard. It stands jet black in the glass. Once on the mouth it has marvelous viscosity, flavor density and underlying verve. It is unctuous on the tongue, also being considerably less initially reticent than the ’22 ‘Caves.’ It has sensational power and stony character, offering cigar ash and Black Forest cake notes that combine with anise, creme de violette and scorched earth. With more air the herbal accents — freshly rolled Cuban cigar — emerges on the palate. This is novel and exquisite but also extremely novel for Washington. If you must open this wine, give it 3-4 hours in the decanter. Try to resist this world-class wine for at least another year. Drink 2027-2054- 100

JH Wine Consulting

JH Wine Consulting

For decades now, Jean Hoefliger has been one of Napa’s prominent winemakers. Born in Switzerland, Jean Hoefliger worked in vineyards and wineries throughout the world before landing in Napa Valley in 2001 and his first job working at Newton Vineyard. He transformed that Chardonnay program as I fondly remember the early 2000s Chardonnays made at that winery. Since then he’s made wine with some 25 brands including Alpha Omega Winery and AXR Napa Valley as well as with his long-time friend Michele Roland.

Hoefliger has an old-world winemaking style that also pushes some modern approaches.

“I like to be involved and be present in the wineries that are here locally” he said. “As far as the winemaking what I did in my life is when I got to the US I know that 98% of wine is consumed within four hours of their purchase. I am a fan of older wine and I had to see how to make drinkability wider. Back in 2001 I started barrel fermentation and what it does is help with binding the components with tannins and polysaccharides. The fiber of the wood catches these air bubbles” he said. He stated “Once you have texture and vibrancy how can you layer? Then I started working with stems. Now I probably use 25-35% stems across the board for Bordeaux varietals.”

Tasting with Hoefliger we talked vintages as well as international soccer. He is an exceptional talent and has a sterling lineup of new wines. I really enjoyed my time tasting with him. The wines show harmony with a beginning, middle and end, with terrific texture and freshness. He has a deft touch with whites, as his AXR whites in particular were sterling and show some really nice aging potential. Without further adieu here are my reviews of the wines by Jean Hoefliger and JH Wine Consulting.

AXR

Founded by Jean Hoefliger, Kelly Trevethan, Mark Schratz, and Don Van Laeken, AXR is located in St. Helena and is named after AxR1 rootstock. They make a wide range of wines from Sauvignon Blanc to Cabernet Sauvignon. I tasted here with James Suckling roughly a decade ago.

2024 AXR Sauvignon Blanc- Nearly all Sauvignon Blanc, alongside a touch of Semillon the 2024 AXR opens with starfruit, kiwi and shades of sourdough bread with white flowers on the nose. The palate is soft and round with a smooth mouthfeel and bright underlying tension. Drink 2026-2031- 91

2024 AXR ‘Ganzin’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2024 ‘Ganzin’ has 12% Sémillon blended in. This was all barrel-fermented, stored in 30% new French oak puncheons. The nutty nuances from the Semillon entice, as this comes off fat on the tongue, laded with stony minerals. A great melange of melon and citrus fruits combine on the palate. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2024 AXR ‘Napa Valley’Chardonnay- The 2024 AXR ‘Napa Valley’Chardonnay was stored in 25% new French oak for 14 months before bottling. It comes off soft and approachable with a refined texture. Melon and citrus fruits collide with baking spices and pastry crust notes on the palate. This is a really nice wine for the price. Drink 2026-2033- 92

2024 AXR ‘Ganzin’ Chardonnay- A great showing from this vintage, the 2024 AXR ‘Ganzin’ is all Montrachet clonal Chardonnay from the Hudson Vineyard. It is lush and generous wine that is built to age. Showing great tension, with salty minerals, this leads with honeydew melon and starfruit notes with hints of cashew nut on the palate. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2024 AXR ‘Hudson Vineyard’ Chardonnay- An outstanding edition of this wine, the 2024 AXR ‘Hudson Vineyard’ Chardonnay is ripe and dense, with plenty of stuffing and salty character. This is texturally gorgeous as this saw some extended battonage. Once on the nose this takes on layers of honeysuckle and juicy peaches that combine with cardamom dusted sourdough bread. The palate is rich and viscous, yet light on its feet, showing excellent underlying verve. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2024 AXR ‘Ritchie Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Sourced from this outstanding Sonoma Vineyard, the 2024 AXR ‘Ritchie Vineyard’ Chardonnay is all Wente clonal selection. It immediately offers a silky texture on the approach. Brioche, caramel and macadamia nut flavors combine with heady melon and citrus fruits on the palate. The flavor range is outstanding here. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2023 AXR ‘Proprietary Red’ Red Wine- The 2023 AXR ‘Proprietary Red’ Red Wine offers straightforward black currant and blackberry flavors alongside stony soils on the palate. Delicious now, enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2026-2033- 92

2023 AXR ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Already nicely evolved, the 2023 AXR ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows milk chocolate and green herbs on the nose with shades of cassis and tobacco leaf. The palate is soft and inviting with medium-bodied dark fruits at the core. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2023 AXR ‘AxR1’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘AxR1’ comes from all of their Napa Vineyards. It opens with black rose petals and black raspberry with lavender tones on this perfumed nose. The palate is dense and delicious with terrific stony minerality. Lush dark fruits mingle well with pencil lead and cassis tones on the palate. This is already drinking marvelously in its youth. Drink 2026-2038- 94

2023 AXR ‘Crown Point Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The only Santa Barbara County based wine in the lineup, the 2023 AXR ‘Crown Point Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows off black rose petals and ripe fig on the nose with shades of espresso grounds. The palate is smooth throughout the drinking experience with medium to full-bodied dark fruits, salty nuances and graphite tones. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2023 AXR ‘Sleeping Lady’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Sleeping Lady’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this site set on alluvial soils. It opens with kirsch, and creme de cassis with loganberry preserves on the nose. The palate is round and generous with a terrific mouthfeel and good weight and length. A dazzling wine to consume now, watch this evolve over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 95

2023 AXR ‘Bennett Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 AXR ‘Bennett Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this Napa Valley location. Wet rock and black rose petals all mark the nose alongside pipe tobacco notes. Full-bodied, lush and generous, this is drinking great right now in its heady youth with its black-fruited core. Drink 2026-2038- 95

2023 AXR ‘Harbison’ Cabernet Sauvignon - The 2023 ‘Harbison’ opens with dark florals, wet rock and loamy soils alongside hints of red bell pepper. The palate is smooth and viscous with a deep core of black fruits alongside chocolate fudge notes. This is marvelous with its light stony accents and great rocky soil character. Drink 2026-2038- 96

2023 AXR ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon’ Cabernet Sauvignon- An electric wine from this location, the 2023 AXR ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows off black tea and exotic spices on the nose alongside loamy soils. The palate is deep and concentrated with terrific tension and flavor density. Already decadent and delicious, watch this evolve over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 98

2023 AXR ‘V. Madrone’ Cabernet Sauvignon- An outstanding wine, the 2023 AXR ‘V. Madrone’ Cabernet Sauvignon is heady and silky throughout the drinking experience. Lush black and blue fruits parade with sweet pipe tobacco and loamy soils on the palate. This has a tremendous sense of place. Drink 2026-2040- 96

2023 AXR ‘Denali’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The really good 2023 AXR ‘Denali’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows off Earl Grey tea, white pepper and black currants on the nose alongside wet soils. The palate is lush and elegant with terrific richness and depth in its black fruit core. Already beautifully defined, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 96

CONN CREEK

At Conn Creek Bordeaux-styled red wines began to be produced in 1973 when it was founded by Bill and Kathy Collins. Conn Creek was among a small group leading a renaissance of the Napa Valley and played an important part in establishing Napa Valley’s reputation as a fine wine growing region. In 1979, the Collins family built what is now Conn Creek Winery in the Rutherford appellation. They continue to focus on producing Bordeaux varietals in Napa.

2024 Conn Creek ‘Reserve’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2024 ‘Reserve’ Sauvignon Blanc was barrel fermented and also saw time in stainless steel. It opens with beautiful white florals, peaches and shades of pink grapefruit on the nose. The palate is smooth and silky with good refinement and energy. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2023 Conn Creek ‘Anthology’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Anthology’ offers graphite and red currants on the nose with red florals. Nicely poised and medium-bodied, this is smooth throughout the drinking experience with a melange of red and dark fruits alongside green herbs and milk chocolate. This is plush and open right now, as it is drinking marvelously. Drink 2026-2036- 92

2023 Conn Creek ‘Cuvee Collins’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Already nicely evolved, the 2023 Conn Creek ‘Cuvee Collins’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows dried herbs, black fruits and pencil leaf on the nose alongside shades of black licorice. The palate is soft and medium-bodied with a smooth mouthfeel. Drink 2026-2036- 92

2023 Conn Creek ‘Class of ’73’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Conn Creek ‘Class of ’73’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a tribute to the year of the Judgement of Paris and when Conn Creek started. Stored for 24 months in oak, it is round on the mouth with refined tannins. Lighter to medium-bodied dark fruits parade with chocolate fudge notes on the palate. Drink 2026-2036- 92

2023 Conn Creek ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon - An excellent edition of this wine, the 2023 Conn Creek ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% varietal and was stored in 55% new French oak. It opens with black florals, anise and cassis notes on the nose. Medium-bodied and well-structured, with a graphite edge, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2023 Conn Creek ‘Howell Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2023 Conn Creek ‘Howell Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon opens with black rose petals, violets, scorched earth and rocky nuances on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied and laden with stony minerals, as this is best enjoyed over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2023 Conn Creek ‘Oakville’ Cabernet Sauvignon - The 2023 Conn Creek ‘Oakville’ Cabernet Sauvignon is already drinking marvelously. Once on the nose this shows off beautiful dark florals and Cuban cigar notes that parade with black raspberry. Easy-going and medium-bodied with good weight and freshness, savor this beautiful wine now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 93

MERRYVALE

This winery began in 1933 as Sunnyhill Winery, making it the first post-Prohibition production facility built in the Napa Valley. Renamed Merryvale in 1986, Swiss-born Jack Schlatter became a partner in 1991 and took sole ownership with his family in 1996. His son, René Schlatter, took over as CEO in 2008, continuing a tradition of sustainable, family-operated estate winemaking.

2024 Merrvale Sauvignon Blanc- The 2024 Merryvale Sauvignon Blanc was sourced from the Oak Knoll AVA. It offers gooseberry, kiwi and yeasty notes on the palate, alongside copious minerals. Enjoy now. Drink 2026-2031- 91

2023 Merryvale ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay- A delicious bottling, with great salty character, the 2023 ‘Sonoma Coast’ by Merryvale’ comes from two locations in this AVA with multiple clones. Right away this shows opulence and great texture. Salted nuts, nectarine and shades of toasty brioche all combine on the palate. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2023 Merryvale ‘Silhouette’ Chardonnay- A gorgeous ‘Cru’ bottling by Merryvale, the 2023 ‘Silhouette’ comes from Stanley Ranch. It opens with a bright bouquet of baking spice laced citrus fruits, diatom, white florals and lemon zest. The palate is round and rich with terrific mouthfeel, weight and length. Glorious now, enjoy over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2023 Merryvale Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Merryvale Cabernet Sauvignon is nearly all varietal with 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 4% Petite Verdot, and 1% Syrah. It is soft and easy-drinking wine that offers ripe blackberry and back currant flavors alongside baking spices on the palate. Drink 2026-2033- 90

2023 Merryvale ‘St. Helena Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Coming from their estate vineyard, the 2023 ‘St. Helena Estate’ has a touch of Cabernet Franc blended in. Stored in 80% new French oak it is an excellent showing with a beam of tension and salinity on the mid-palate with medium bodied cassis and chocolate notes alongside damp soils. Drink 2026-2036- 92

2023 Merryvale ‘Peridot’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Peridot’ is 100% varietal coming from Mt. Veeder. It comes off medium-bodied, firm and well-structured. Stony minerals collide with its core of pencil lead and black fruits on the palate. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2023 Merryvale ‘Altezia’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Altezia’ has a dash of Syrah blended in. This is sourced from the highest vineyard in Napa. Showing good tension and flavor density, the rocky soil character here is outstanding. Black currants and black cherry compote flavors collide with wet gravel on the palate. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2023 Merryvale ‘Profile’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Another stunning edition of this wine, the 2023 ‘Profile, has 5% Cabernet Franc blended in. It is fat and lush on the mouth with terrific texture, weight and range. Creme de cassis and loamy soils collide with shades of violets, tar and sweet pipe tobacco on the palate. This is silky and refined on the mouth with firm tannins. This is going to age gracefully for two decades. Drink 2026-2046- 96

3/Thirds Winery

A truly unique winery, 3/Thirds is an inspiring collaboration representing "things in threes", combining the distinct expertise of its three world-renowned founders Aaron Pott, Jean Hoefliger and Michel Rolland. This is a mailing list only wine that has a third of its Cabernet Sauvignon produced from each respective winemaker.

2023 3/Thirds Cabernet Sauvignon- A beautiful wine now at the three year mark, the 2023 3/Thirds Cabernet Sauvignon is a project between Michel Rolland, Michel Rolland and Aaron Pott. It opens with black rose petals, anise and creme de cassis tones that all meld in the glass. The palate is laden with tension and medium-bodied with refined tannins and good structure. Drink 2026-2036- 95

YOUNT RIDGE

Owned by Assemblage Retail Group who acquired this brand in 2024, Yount Ridge wines are made by Jean Hoefliger. Wines come from their 25-acre organically farmed site with a luxury home that can rent out on property.

2023 Yount Ridge ‘1836’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘1836’ is composed of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Cabernet Franc. This comes off juicy and delicious with a soft mouthfeel. Loganberry and black cherry flavors mingle with salty soils on the palate. Drink 2026-2034- 91

2023 Yount Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Yount Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon has 19% Cabernet Franc blended in. It is already nicely evolved stuff with its core of chocolate fudge, black currants and loamy soils. Drink 2026-2035- 92

2023 Yount Ridge ‘Oakville’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Oakville’ opens with tar, tobacco leaf, roasted fig, and loamy soils on the nose. The palate is fresh and smooth with a seamless texture and bright underlying tension from this slightly cooler vintage. Drink 2026-2035- 93

HARBISON

Joe and Patricia Harbison established the 5-acre estate in 2005. Joe is a retired Navy intelligence officer and wine collector, while Patricia leads the Harbison Family Foundation. These are extremely limited production wines that are farmed in small blocks including The Trail, Pony Express and Horseshoe.

2023 Harbison ‘Horseshoe’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The astonishingly good 2023 Harbison ‘Horseshoe’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this location that neighbors Screaming Eagle. It opens with dark currants, black tea leaf, pencil lead and shades of mocha on the nose. The intoxicating bouquet brings you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The palate is lush and refined with a silky mouthfeel and smooth texture. Loaded with stony and salty soil character, enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2026-2042- 97

2023 Harbison ‘Pony Express’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A gorgeous wine from this slightly cooler year, the 2023 ‘Pony Express’ opens with purple florals that parade in unison with dark currants and hints of fresh sage. The palate is lush and refined with a terrific mouthfeel and underlying tension. A great core of black fruits greets you alongside copious minerals on the palate. Drink 2026-2042- 97

2023 Harbison ‘The Trail’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘The Trail’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from this volcanic soil location under Silverado Trail. It opens with a core of heady dark fruits and black florals alongside wet rock and herbal accents on the nose. The palate is lush, dense and elegant as this glides throughout the drinking experience. A joy to consume now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2043- 97

SVV

Set in a somewhat cooler location in Napa, SVV or Sunshine Valley Vineyards is located in the Oak Knoll district of Napa Valley. A moderate climate, Marine air, and Summer fog combine with well-drained soils, they produce well-balanced wines crafted by Jean Hoefliger.

2023 SVV Cabernet Sauvignon- Medium-bodied and smooth, the 2023 SVV opens with black florals on the nose with blackberry compote and shades of black licorice. Delicious and ripe, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2023 SVV ‘Jubilee’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Jubilee’ offers mocha, tar and black licorice flavors that mingle alongside copious minerals on the palate. Medium-bodied, with refined tannins, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2023 SVV Cabernet Franc- The 2023 SVV Cabernet Franc opens with dark florals and black cherry compote on the nose with black tea notes. Smooth and medium-bodied, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 94

TERRA SOLIS

Latin for ‘Land of the Sun’ Terra Solis is set in the serene countryside of Napa Valley, in the Coombsville AVA. Terra Solis is a 6.3 acre boutique vineyard property that grows premium Cabernet Sauvignon made by Jean Hoefliger.

2023 Terra Solis Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Terra Soils comes from a vineyard in Coombsville. It comes off smooth and medium-bodied with good salty nuance and a core of tobacco leaf with black currants. This has beautiful poise and freshness. Drink 2026-2035- 92

THE DEBATE

The Debate is a boutique Napa Valley winery founded in 2010 by winemaker Jean Hoefliger that produces single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet Francs made by Jean Hoefliger. They have a tasting room located in St. Helena and they source from some of the most famed sites in Napa including Sleeping Lady and Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyards.

2023 The Debate ‘Harbison’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 The Debate ‘Harbison’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich, viscous and well-structured bottling that is drinking marvelously now. The velvety tannins and texture are outstanding here. Loamy soils mingle with wet rock and shades of sweet pipe tobacco with creme de cassis on the palate. Drink 2026-2037- 96

2023 The Debate ‘Denali’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 The Debate ‘Denali’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this location that is hot and early-ripening in St. Helena. It opens with dark currants, chocolate fudge and anise notes on the nose. The palate is medium to full-bodied with refined tannins and a smooth mouthfeel and excellent underlying verve. Drinking really well now, enjoy over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2037- 96

2023 The Debate ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Plush and bold from this famed location in Oakville, the 2023 The Debate ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon’ Cabernet Sauvignon delivers mocha, scorched earth and Cuban cigar notes on the palate with hints of creme de violette. Fat and generous, showing broad-shoulders, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 97

2023 The Debate ‘Sleeping Lady’ Cabernet Franc- The outstanding 2023 The Debate ‘Sleeping Lady’ Cabernet Franc opens with black rose petals, garrigue, tar and pipe tobacco on the nose alongside loamy soils. The palate is salty and refined with a medium to full-bodied core of dark fruits alongside a graphite edge. Drink 2026-2037- 96

2023 The Debate ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon’ Cabernet Franc- An awesome wine from this storied site, the 2023 The Debate ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon’ Cabernet Franc comes from only four acres at this location. It opens with beautiful dark florals on the nose that parade with black licorice and cassis tones. The palate is lush and generous with terrific freshness and texture. Drink 2026-2038- 96

2023 The Debate ‘Stagecoach’ Cabernet Franc- Sourced from this stony, mountainous location, the 2023 ‘Stagecoach’ offers plenty of stony minerals on the palate alongside a core of ripe blackberry and black currant flavors. Medium to full-bodied and delicious, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 95

2023 The Debate ‘The Ultimate’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘The Ultimate’ is a magnum-only blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc where all six wines are blended together. It shows velvety tannins that frame a lush core of dark currants, pencil lead and loamy soils on the palate. Refined and smooth throughout the drinking experience, this is marvelous stuff to consume now and one the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2038- 97

MR

MR Napa Valley an eponymous ultra-premium red wine created by legendary Bordeaux enologist and consultant Michel Rolland and famed winemaker Jean Hoefliger. The wine comes from some famed locations including To Kalon and Sleeping Lady Vineyards.

2023 MR - Michel Rolland Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 MR Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a range of Napa Valley vineyards. It is a heady and neatly-balanced beauty that is already nicely defined. A core of creme de cassis and loganberry compote all come together on the palate alongside stony minerals and loamy soils. Medium to full-bodied and delicious, watch this evolve over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 96

YAO FAMILY WINES

NBA legend Yao Ming founded Yao Family Wines out of his love for Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. They began with the 2009 vintage, which debuted publicly in late 2011. Wines are made by Jean Hoefliger and are opulent and beautifully textured. I have been tasting these wines since the winery’s inception.

2023 Yao Family Wine Cabernet Sauvignon- A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Merlot this shows off stony soils alongside black tea and Middle Eastern spices on the nose. The palate is lush and generous with terrific weight and texture. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2023 Yao Family Wines ‘Lunar Near Year Horse Limited Edition’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Yao Family Wines ‘Lunar Near Year Horse Limited Edition’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from vineyards in Napa, Sonoma and Central Coast. It comes off juicy and delicious on the palate, brimming with freshness and offering a smooth texture. Bright black fruits parade with stony minerals and dark chocolate shavings on the palate. Drink 2026-2036- 92

2023  Yao Family Wines ‘Family Table Red Blend’ Red Wine- The outstanding 2023 Yao Family Wines ‘Family Table Red Blend’ Red Wine is smooth and viscous throughout the drinking experience. It is a harmonious core of chocolate, ripe fig and tobacco leaf that combines with damp soils on the palate. Drink 2026-2036- 93

Domaine Serene and Domaine Evenstad

Today we share the epic wines from Domaine Serene and Domaine Evenstad. It was an electric end of day tasting at the top of the Dundee Hills. Domaine Serene invited me to taste with their winemakers who are making some of the best wines in Oregon. They also have a special collection of wines under their Domaine Evenstad label. This Burgundy house has16 estate vineyards, including two Grand Cru sites across 15 acres of majestic countryside of the famed Côte de Nuits.

It was back in 2015 that Domaine Serene founders Grace and Ken Evenstad purchased a storied château, winery, and vineyards in the Côte de Beaune of Burgundy. Set in the picturesque village of Santenay, the history of Château de la Crée traces its roots back to 1431, when it was built by Nicolas Rolin, Chancellor to Philip the Good, the Third Duke of Burgundy, and his wife, Guigone de Salins.

I had the chance to review all the new Burgundy releases and was blown away with the overall quality in the wines. The vintages have been very warm in this region which makes it harder and harder to produce white wines with excellent tension. I adored the 2023 Chateau de la Cree ‘Graviers’ Santenay (OB, 94) which shows amazing stony character and vibrant tension. Learn more about this electric Burgundy house at https://www.domaineevenstad.com/ and here are my reviews of the new wines by Domaine Evenstad.

2016 Domaine Serene ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The 2016 Domaine Serene ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine comes from the Cote Sud and Gold Eagle Vineyards and pent seven years on the lees and then was disgorged in Winter 2023. Dosage checks in at roughly 7G/L. Nutmeg drenched peaches and pastry crust combines with hints of ginger on the nose. The palate is mineral-laden with incredible verve and freshness. Drink 2026-2035- 95

2019 Domaine Serene ‘Recolte Grand Cru’ Chardonnay- The 2019 Domaine Serene ‘Recolte Grand Cru’ Chardonnay comes from old vine plantings at the Estate. It is a barrel selection wine that is seductive, rich and layered, with sensational tension. Honeysucke and poached pear combine with oyster shell on the nose. The palate has amazing texture with tremendous texture and weight. This is showing marvelously right now. Drink 2026-2039- 97

2023 Chateau de la Cree ‘Les Gravières’ Santenay- The 2023 Chateau de la Cree ‘Les Gravières’ Santenay comes from this location with southeastern exposure on a gentle slope. The nose comes off very rocky with juicy cranberry and red rose petal aromatics that combine in the glass. The palate is lush and refined with great gravel character, alongside bay leaf and a gorgeous core of red and dark fruits. Inviting and mineral-laden, enjoy now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 94

2023 Maison Evenstad ‘Premier Cru’ Savigny-les-Beaune- The outstanding 2023 Maison Evenstad ‘Premier Cru’ Savigny-les-Beaune shows off black truffle on the nose with peat moss and shades of fresh sage. The palate is linear and refined with tons of tension, tart red fruits, orange rind and stony character alongside damp earthy notes. This has a long life in front of it. Drink 2026-2040- 95

2023 Maison Evenstad ‘Premier Cru Les Epenotes’ Beaune- The 2023 Maison Evenstad ‘Premier Cru Les Epenotes’ Beaune has been made since 2018. This location is right outside Pommard. Right away this offers red florals with pine needles and shades of red licorice on the nose. The palate is fresh and viscous with terrific texture and verve. Generous and broad-shouldered, this is drinking marvelously now. Drink 2026-2038- 95

2023 Domaine Evenstad ‘Les Retraits’ Cote de Nuits-Villages- The 2023 Domaine Evenstad ‘Les Retraints’ Cote de Nuits-Villages comes from a late ripening location set on clay loam with some limestone. Right away it comes off nervy and intense. It is drinking marvelously right now in its core of pomegranate seed, orange rind and shades of bergamot on the palate, with loads of stony minerals. Medium to full-bodied, with serious texture and tension, enjoy now and over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2026-2044- 95

2023 Domaine Evenstad ‘Premier Cru Les Feusselottes’ Chambolle-Musigny- The wow-factor 2023 Domaine Evenstad ‘Premier Cru Les Feusselottes’ Chambolle-Musigny comes off marvelously mineral-laden on the palate. Peat moss and forest floor combine with shades of white truffle shavings and wild blackberry on the palate. This is a dense, incredibly polished and delicious Burgundy that has a long life in front of it. Drink 2026-2040- 97

2023 Domaine Evenstad ‘Longcourts Vielles Vignes 1929’ Nuits Saint Georges- The 2023 Domaine Evenstad ‘Longcourts Vielles Vignes 1929’ Nuits Saint Georges shows pretty red rose petals on the nose with loganberry preserves, damp earth and shades of chanterelle mushroom. The palate is elegant and refined, loaded with juicy red fruits with orange zest notes alongside copious stony minerals. Drink 2026-2040- 96

2023 Chateau de la Cree ‘Premier Cru Les Gravières’ Santenay- The 2023 Chateau de la Cree ‘Premier Cru Les Gravières’ Santenay offers wet rock and salted limes alongside shades of orange blossom on the nose. The palate is laden with tension and salty/stony soil character, with hints of papaya and pineapple. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2023 Maison Evenstad ‘Premier Cru Le Porusot’ Mersault- The 2023 Maison Evenstad ‘Premier Cru Le Porusot’ Mersault delvers white rose petals and mango on the nose alongside toasted brioche. The palate is juicy and refined with serious verve and richness. An elegant and dense Mersault, this is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2026-2038- 95

Domaine Drouhin Oregon

For years I have been inspired by the wines of Domaine Drouhin Oregon which was founded all the way back in the 1980s. Domaine Drouhin’s Robert Drouhin decided to purchase land towards the top of the Dundee Hills. This land was formerly littered with Christmas trees and wheat, and over time the Drouhin family began planting their first vineyards in Oregon. Robert’s daughter, Véronique, has served as DDO winemaker for many years, and her brother Philippe Drouhin took responsibility for viticulture. In 1988, DDO produced its first vintage, from purchased grapes, and in 1989 built the landmark, four-story gravity flow winery. I visited the winery a few weeks back and was blown away with the overall quality of their 2024 wines. 2024 was another warm vintage, one with few extreme temperatures.

There were several standout wines and I was blown away with the 2024 Domaine Drouhin Oregon ‘Laurene’ Pinot Noir (OB, 96) which is such a vibrant and special wine, with its refined texture and amazing flavor range. Learn more about this iconic Oregon winery at http://www.domainedrouhin.com/ Here are the awesome new releases from Domaine Drouhin Oregon. 

2024 Domaine Drouhin ‘Arthur’ Chardonnay- All barrel-fermented, the 2024 ‘Arthur’ offers honeysuckle and pear notes alongside baking spices on the nose. The palate is smooth and juicy with bright acidity and baking spice laced sourdough bread. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2024 Domaine Drouhin ‘Edition Limitee’ Chardonnay- A total wow-factor Chardonnay, the ebullient 2024 Domaine Drouhin ‘Edition Limitee’ is a gorgeous new bottling that was stored in roughly 30% new French oak before bottling. The palate is showing incredible body and richness but has amazing verve and flavor range. A stunning wine that has a long life to build, watch this evolve over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 97

2024 RoseRock Chardonnay- The 2024 RoseRock Chardonnay is glorious in its youth. Rich melon and juicy starfruit tones combine with shades of being spice laced pastry crust on the palate. Great now, watch this evolve over the next eight plus years. Drink 2026-2033— 93

2024 RoseRock ‘Maigold’ Chardonnay- The 2024 ‘Maigold’ is a barrel selection wine that was stored in mainly neutral French oak before bottling. Banana and toasty oak alongside shades of yellow plum and shades of baking spice laced pastry on the nose. The palate is dense and delicious with terrific texture and freshness. Drink 2026-2040- 95

2024 Domaine Drouhin ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Dundee Hills’ offers ash and red florals on the nose with shades of fresh sage. The palate is soft and inviting with a terrific combination of red and dark fruits with rocky soil nuances. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2024 Domaine Drouhin ‘Origine 37’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Origine 37’ was stored in only 20% new French oak before bottling and is a barrel selection from the estate vineyard. Now in its fourth edition, this is stunning and seamless on the palate. Black truffle crudo and rich red and dark fruits combine wth salty and stony soils on the palate. Drink 2026-2040- 95

2024 Domaine Drouhin ‘Laurene’ Pinot Noir- A stunning edition of this wine, the 2024 Domaine Drouhin ‘Laurene’ Pinot Noir is a block selection wine that was stored in mainly neutral oak before bottling. The palate is seamless and soft with an inviting mouthfeel, as this glides throughout the drinking experience. With more air wafts of black truffle shavings and sandalwood with wild blackberry notes. Glorious now, this will be a 20 year wine. Drink 2026-2042- 96

2024 Domaine Drouhin ‘Edition Limitee’ Pinot Noir- Dark and dazzling in the glass, the 2024 Domaine Drouhin ‘Edition Limitee’ Pinot Noir is a dense and delicious wine that was stored in roughly 25% new French oak before bottling. Black rose petals combine with Earl Grey tea and shades of black licorice on the nose. The palate is seamless throughout the drinking experience, with mazing earthy and rocky undertones. Glorious to consume now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2026-2046- 97

2024 RoseRock Pinot Noir- The 2024 RoseRock Pinot Noir shows off red florals that combine with salty soils and fresh sage on the nose. The palate is mineral-laden with terrific texture and freshness. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2024 RoseRock ‘Zephrine’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Zephrine’ Pinot Noir was stored for 15 months in mainly neutral French oak before bottlng. Dark in the glass, this shows beautiful red florals on the nose with orange peel and hints of exotic spice. The palate is plush and round with terrific tension and salty character alongside a rich core of red and dark fruits. Showing excellent weight and length, enjoy this beauty now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2024 Domaine Drouhin ‘Louise’ Pinot Noir- A blockbuster wine, the 2024 ‘Louise’ Pinot Noir saw partial whole cluster fermentation. On the nose this takes on black florals that combine with juicy red raspberry and damp soils. The palate is powerful and dense with serious texture and underlying tension, with great stony essence. This is going to easily be a 20 year wine. Drink 2026-2046- 97

Louis Roederer 'Cristal' Champagne

I won’t forget my last visit to Louis Roederer. After a long tour we had a fabulous tasting. At the time we finished our tasting with the thrilling 2013 ‘Cristal’ — a wine that truly was one of the finest wines made this vintage. Louis Roederer only produces their ‘Cristal’ Champagne in specific vintages that work for their style and the first ‘Cristal’ Champagne was created back in 1876 to satisfy the demanding tastes of Tsar Alexander II. The emperor asked Louis Roederer to reserve the House’s best cuvée for him every year as he was fond of Louis Roederer’s style. They began producing this wine to be distinguished by being presented in a flat-bottomed, transparent lead-crystal bottle. The ‘Cristal’ brand was named after the lead-crystal bottle, which is particularly transparent and luminous. 

Louis Roederer ‘Cristal’ Champagne blending is usually around 40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot Noir, although that varies on the vintage. Cristal is aged for 6 years in Louis Roederer’s cellars and then left for a further 8 months after disgorgement. The ‘Cristal’ Rose Champagne is always composed of estate fruit and the wine is primarily fermented and aged in steel, but roughly 15-20% of the blend is aged in oak. Dosage in this wine has slowly gone down. The ‘Cristal’ Rose Champagne is a must try for any lovers of top Rose Champagne. It is pricey but worth the splurge.

It is hard to believe that I last tasted their 2016 ‘Cristal’ release in January 2025, so this has been more than a year since their current release, the absolutely thrilling 2018. While the 2016 is nothing short of stunning, the 2018 is somehow even better. It is definitely going to be one of the finest Champagnes of the vintage.

2018 as a vintage was warm, as many recent Champagne vintages have plenty of warmth. While it had plenty of heat, wines from this vintage also show excellent finesse. This is not a vintage resembling 2009. The wet winter really helped with the warmth of the summer.

The 2018 ‘Cristal’ (OB, 98) needs a lot of air. I recommend doing a short decant in a thin decanter or letting the wine sit for 20 minutes in a large stem before consuming. It is a round and generous edition of Cristal, somewhat resembling the 2015 in terms of fleshy character.  Learn more about this great Champagne at http://www.louis-roederer.com/en/wine/cristal

2018 Louis Roederer ‘Cristal’ Champagne- An otherworldly wine, the 2018 Louis Roederer ‘Cristal’ Champagne is unbelievably good in its heady youth. It is nearly the same combination of Pinot Noir (57%) and Chardonnay (43%) as the 2016 edition. This vintage was also given 7G/L dosage as was the ’16 and it expanded to 57 parcels. It comes off fat and round on the mouth. Candied ginger, kumquat zest, cardamom dusted sourdough bread and shades of white peach all seamlessly combine on the palate, with plenty of salty/stony minerals. The underlying diatom character here is outstanding. While full-bodied and voluptuous, the underlying tension is thrilling. This is a lush and generous Champagne that will surely live on for two decades to come. Drink 2026-2046- 98