Corliss

One of the great Washington wineries, Corliss is an ultra-premium producer of red wines founded in 1999 by Michael and Lori Corliss. Over the years Mike Corliss has bought vineyard land throughout the state, including more holdings on Red Mountain. Corliss has been met with some serious critical acclaim since their first release in 2008. It has been such a pleasure seeing how well these beautiful wines age. Corliss is also well-known for performing exceptionally well with tough vintages. I have had some of their older wines from my cellar and they have some massive cellaring potential.
Corliss did a great job in 2019 which was not the easiest year for Bordeaux varietals. They made some beautiful 2020 wines from this tough vintage.

The wines have less oak impact over time. I adore the 2021 Corliss Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 99) which has incredible flavor density and is a stunning edition of this wine that is a must-buy for any collector of top Washington wine. Learn more about these incredible wines at corlissestate.com and here are my notes on the pre-release wines by Corliss.

2021 Corliss Red Wine- The 2021 Corliss Red Wine is quite different than the ’19 with considerably more Cabernet Franc (84%), as this blends in smaller portions Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Stored for 22 months in 60% new French oak barrels, this will be released in September 2026. Mainly coming from their estate on Red Mountain, this comes off silky and refined on the mouth with a pillowy texture. Heady black and blue fruits parade with dried herbs and copious herbs with espresso ground accents. A stunner and total head-turner, enjoy now and over the next two decades to come. Drink 2026-2046- 99

2021 Corliss Cabernet Sauvignon- An opulent and downright stunning rendition of this wine, the 2021 Corliss Cabernet Sauvignon was stored in nearly all new French oak before bottling. It offers alluring aromatics of black rose, creme de violette, tar and anise seed alongside suggestions of oud and sweet pipe tobacco. The palate is dense and delicious with serious tension that combines with Arabica bean, rocky soils, scorched earth and a glorious melange of black and blue fruits. Full-bodied, with terrific salty minerality, enjoy now and over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2026-2046- 99

2021 Corliss Syrah- The stunning 2021 Corliss Syrah comes from several sites in the Columbia Valley and was aged for 22 months in 23% new French oak before bottling. This spent an additional three years in bottle before release. It is a dense, massive and highly hedonistic effort that beautifully showcases this warm vintage. Jet black in the glass, this offers sagebrush and black currants with violets on the nose. The palate is powerful and also well-structured, with serious concentration and underlying finesse. Quite simply a joy to drink now, give this an hour or two in the decanter if savoring in its heady youth. Drink 2026-2040- 98

Malibu Wine Company

Today we share the story of Malibu Wine Company. Psychiatrist Dr. Steve Ruths studied viticulture and enology, completing the UC Davis winemaking certificate program in 2008. 2009 was his first crush as a home winemaker starting with a half-ton of Syrah from the Estelle Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley. Since then, he has made wine with Alta Colina Grenache and Roll Ranch Syrah. In 2016, Dr. Ruths purchased a 6-acre property in the Malibu Coast AVA. In 2017, preparing the land for planting began and in 2018 the first vines were planted. Additional plantings continued yearly through 2024 with approximately 6500 vines over 3 acres.  Varietals include 3 clones of Syrah, 2 clones of Grenache, Durif/Petite Sirah, Touriga Nacional, Viognier, and Roussanne. Vines are spaced either at 4x6 or 3x5 feet. The vineyard was planted and is farmed by Martin Ramirez of the Ojai Vineyards. 2023 was their first commercial vintage with Nick Elliott making our wines at his winery Nicora in Tin City.

This is now the second time that I have tasted Dr. Ruths’s wines. The wines are big and bold, with terrific texture and good underlying finesse. The wines from the Malibu Coast in particular are really novel and unique. This location clearly has some serious potential.

I love the 2024 ‘The Monk’ Syrah (OB, 94) which has amazing flavor density and is irresistible to enjoy now. Learn more at https://www.malibuwinecompany.com/ and here are my reviews of the new wines by Dr. Steve Ruths and Malibu Wine Company.

2024 Malibu Wine Company ‘The Jungfrau’ Red Wine- The 2024 ‘The Jungfrau’ is different than the ’23 as this edition is all Grenache from the Dr. Ruths Vineyard on the Malibu Coast. Damp earth and red rose petals mark the nose alongside cranberry and orange peel notes. The palate is fresh and viscous with amazing texture and depth. A stunning edition of this wine that is hugely novel and delicious, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2024 Malibu Wine Company ‘The Monk’ Syrah- Sourced from Paso Robles, the 2024 ‘Frogtown Vineyard’ Syrah is a dense, intense and highly hedonistic bottling that is not for the weary. Black currant compote, damp earth, white pepper dusted brisket and shades of creme de violette all combine on the palate. Loaded with richness and texture, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2024 Malibu Wine Company ‘The Eiger’ Petite Sirah- A truly unique wine sourced from the Malibu Coast, the 2024 ‘The Eiger’ Petite Sirah is a gorgeous rendition of this bottling. Once on the nose this takes on green peppercorns, dense black and blue fruits alongside shades of milk chocolate covered pastry crust. The palate is filled with both verve and flavor density, with serious texture and mouth-watering acidity. Glorious in its heady youth, watch this evolve over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 93

Cuvaison

I have long admired the wines of Cuvaison. These were some of the wines that I bought for my personal collection more than twenty years ago. Steve Rogstad has been at the helm for more than two decades and has helped shape not only these wines but wines from this windswept region. Founded back in 1969, ten years later Cuvaison acquired 400 acres of highly prized land north of San Pablo Bay in the Los Carneros district of Napa Valley which is a site that is highly influenced by fog and cooler temperatures from the bay.

The new Cuvaison are outstanding. Check out the 2024 Cuvaison ‘Kite Tail’ Chardonnay (OB, 94) which is a treat to savor now. Learn more about this outstanding producer at https://www.cuvaison.com and here are the killer sparkling wine, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir releases by Cuvaison.

2025 Cuvaison Rose- Made from Grenache grapes, this 2025 Rose offers a soft mouthfeel on the approach. Laden with tension, texture and bright red fruits, with citrus rind notes, this is a beautiful bottling that is best not served too cold. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2024 Cuvaison ‘Kite Tail’ Chardonnay- The outstanding 2024 Cuvaison ‘Kite Tail’ Chardonnay was sourced from older Wente Clone vines at the estate vineyard.  Salted peaches, juicy pear and shades of buttered French bread all mark the nose. The palate is rich, silky and refined, beautifully showcasing this salty terroir. Offering gorgeous length and weight, enjoy this beautiful bottling now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2034- 94

2023 Cuvaison ‘Spire’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2023 Cuvaison ‘Spire’ Pinot Noir was sourced from the Tai Vineyard in the Carneros region. It is juicy, round and beautifully-weighted with serious concentration and power. Salted orange peel flavors combine with cran-cola and hints of blackberry compote on the plate. Considering the coolness of this vintage, this offers serious flavor density. Drink 2026-2036- 94

Baer

It is my pleasure to share one of the jewels of Woodinville. Winemaker Erica Orr took over this program more than a decade ago and began in 1998, working her first harvest with eminent winemaker Cathy Corison in the Napa Valley. She immediately caught the wine bug and enrolled in the enology master’s degree program at UC Davis where she completed her master’s degree in 2003. Erica also has a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from UC Berkeley and three years of research experience as a biochemistry lab technician for 2009 Nobel Laureate Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn at UC San Francisco. She is a great person to chat wine with.

The wines are really outstanding across the board. I love the 2024 Baer Rose (OB, 92) which is a stunning, beautifully-textured wine. I love the 2022 Baer ‘Ursa’ Red Wine (OB, 93) which is smooth and silky stuff from this slightly cooler vintage. Learn more about this great Woodinville winery at at baerwinery.com Here are the great new releases by Baer

2025 Baer ‘Shard’ Chardonnay- The 2025 ‘Shard’ is another terrific edition of this wine that was aged in stainless steel before bottling. No doubt from lees stirring it brings serious texture and finesse, with honeysuckle water, beeswax, and dense melon fruits. 100% from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA, this is already enticing stuff that will show slightly more brightly served on the cooler side. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2025 Baer Rose- A delicious and nuanced edition of this wine, the 20245 Baer Rose is Cabernet Franc-based wine from the Royal Slope AVA.It shows some wild mushroom tones on the nose with red rose petals, red currants and shades of red licorice. Soft and inviting on the mouth, with lively acidity, and a smooth texture, this is best served not too warm. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2022 Baer ‘Star’ Merlot- The 2022 ‘Star’ is nearly all Merlot coming from the Royal Slope AVA. It comes off smooth and dense, with terrific viscosity. Ripe red fruits parade with chocolate, wet rock and shades of dried herbs on the palate. Smooth throughout the drinking experience, this is a great effort in a slightly cooler vintage. Drink 2026-2038- 93

2022 Baer ‘Ursa’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Ursa’ is a silky combination of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc with 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and small parts Petit Verdot and Malbec. It shows great aromatic and flavor range, offering roasted fig flavors that parade with milk chocolate, tar and pipe tobacco on the palate. Medium-bodied and fresh with a smooth texture, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 93

2022 Baer Malbec- Coming from the Royal Slope AVA, the  2022 Malbec has a large amount of Syrah blended in. Inky in the glass, this shows dried herbs and blueberry compote on the nose with shades of tar and wintergreen. The palate is well-structured and powerful, as this is very refined throughout the drinking experience. Sowing excellent freshness, alongside the viscosity, enjoy now and over the next twelve years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 94

2022 Baer ‘Callisto’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Callisto’ is composed of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Syrah with the remainder Petit Verdot all sourced from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA. Coffee ground and dark chocolate shavings combine with pencil lead and anise on the palate. Showing good poise and texture, with lively acidity, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 93

2022 Baer ‘Arctos’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 ‘Arctos’ has a much smaller portion of Petit Verdot blended in than the ’21. Mainly aged in neutral oak barrels, this opens with a rich bouquet of potpourri and cassis notes that combine with suggestions of espresso grounds. The palate is smooth and nicely textured, with a seamless mouthfeel as this simply glides throughout the drinking experience. Dense and delicious, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 94

2022 Baer Cabernet Franc- The brilliant 2024 Baer Cabernet Franc is marvelously herbal, offering a smooth mouthfeel, with dense dark fruits that parade with tobacco leaf, worn leather, and sea salt dusted green bell pepper notes on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, with terrific varietal typicity, enjoy now and over the next twelve plus years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 94

Rasa Vineyards

It is my pleasure to share the wines of Rasa Vineyards. For many years now Master of Wine, Billo Naravane, has been crafting beautiful expressions of Washington State wine. He has one of the finest lineups in the state — from crisp 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. Over time he and his brother, Pinto, made the bold decision to start Rasa Vineyards in 2007. 

These are wines that are seriously crafted with a beginning, middle and an end. The wines he crafts show tremendous texture, richness, poise and terroir — and are only getting better by each vintage. 

We chatted about wine and tasted together over Zoom.

I am amazed with the overall quality and do not miss out on the 2021 Rasa Vineyards ‘Veritas Sequitur’ Syrah (OB, 99) which is otherworldly wine that flirts with perfection. A very special and also expensive wine, the 2022 Naravane Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 100) is one of the wines of the vintage. It is a perfect wine made in a somewhat challenging vintage for Bordeaux varietals. Learn more about this fantastic Walla Walla winery at rasavineyards.com Here are the sensational new wines by Rasa Vineyards. 

2023 Rasa Vineyards ‘The Composer’ Riesling- Coming from three separate clones of Riesling, this is made in a completely dry, Trocken style. This comes off fat and mineral-laden with serious texture. Ripe peach and apricot combine with shades of wet rock and freshly cut limes on the palate. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2020 Rasa Vineyards ‘The Composer Encore’ Riesling- The 2020 ‘The Composer Encore’ is a GG-inspired Riesling that was sourced from old vines at the Bacchus Vineyard. This saw extended battonage and was released six years after being aged in barrel. Honeysuckle and shades of juicy nectarine combine with citrus blossoms on the nose. The palate is deep and rich with serious weight and finesse. This has a beautiful push-pull between fruit and non-fruit flavors. Coming off clean from this highly challenging vintage, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2026-2034- 95

2023 Rasa Vineyards ‘Dream Deferred’ Chardonnay- The 2023 ‘Dream Deferred’ was entirely sourced from the Frenchman Hills Vineyard set on soils that have some limestone. On the nose this takes on buttered brioche and Macadamia nut aromatics that combine with lemon blossom. The palate is plush and rich with amazing texture, weight and mouth-watering acidity. A stunning wine that saw some extended battonage, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2034- 95

2024 Rasa Vineyards ‘Occam’s Razor’ Red Wine- The 2024 Rasa Vineyards ‘Occam’s Razor’ Red Wine comes from some choice vineyards throughout the state. Ripe red currants and tobacco leaf combine with milk chocolate notes on the nose. The palate is forward and juicy with good finesse. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2024 Rasa Vineyards ‘Occam’s Razor’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2024 Rasa Vineyards ‘Occam’s Razor’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows off black currants and tar notes on the palate with a soft mouthfeel. Enjoy now. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2023 Rasa Vineyards ‘Tilting At Windmills’ Red Wine- The Priorat-inspired ‘Tilting At Windmills’ combines mostly Grenache (54%) with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. On the nose this shows cedar, tar and red licorice with beautiful red florals. The palate is elegant, with terrific weight and underlying finesse. A totally unique wine that is showing beautifully now, watch this evolve over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 95

2023 Rasa Vineyards ‘QED The Strong Law’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘QED The Strong Law’ combines Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot coming from several locations including the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard. Stored in 40% new French oak, this offers black tea and exotic spices on the nose with tar and dark chocolate shavings. The palate is beautifully balanced, with refined tannins and a glorious core of black fruits, alongside a graphite edge. Drink 2026-2038- 94

2023 Rasa Vineyards ‘Humane’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Humane’ is a blend of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (63%) with the remainder Cabernet Franc and Malbec all sourced from the Rattlesnake Hills. Nearly all the proceeds from this wine go to charity. Anise, dark currants and pencil shavings all combine on the nose. The palate is silky and elegant with a terrific texture. This is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2026-2038- 94

2024 Rasa Vineyards ‘Living in the Limelight’ Petit Verdot- The 2024 Rasa Vineyards ‘Living in the Limelight’ Petit Verdot is a world-class single variety wine from the Dionysus Vineyard in the White Bluffs AVA. Inky in the glass, this delivers mocha, tar and green herbs on the nose. The downright killer aromatics bring you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The palate is dense and inky with amazing fleshy character and also mouth-watering acidity. This is somehow drinking magically right now as the refined tannins really sing in unison with the dark fruit and chocolate core. Drink 2026-2040- 95

2023 Rasa Vineyards ‘QED Choice Function’ Red Wine- Made from Cabernet Franc, the 2023 ‘Choice Function’ is all Cabernet Franc from the Columbia Valley. Stored in a third new French oak, on the nose this takes on orange bell pepper alongside shades of black licorice and garrigue notes. The palate is lush and ripe with a terrific mouthful and marvelous length. Drink 2026-2038- 95

2024 Rasa Vineyards ‘QED Convergence’ Red Wine- The 2024 ‘QED Convergence’ is a great blend of mainly Syrah (83%) with small portions Grenache and Mourvèdre as well as a dash of Viognier. This wine was first made with the 2007 vintage. Beautiful white florals mark the nose alongside blood orange zest, bulls blood, smoked meats and bright red fruits. The palate is silky and refined with a terrific mouthfeel and great sense of weight. Very savory and seductive, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2022 Rasa Vineyard ‘En Passant’ Merlot- 100% varietal, the 2022 ‘En Passant’ comes from the Pinebrake Vineyard in the Rattlesnake Hills AVA. Inky in the glass, this delivers incredible aromatics of red florals, tar and tobacco leaf alongside milk chocolate covered black cherry. The palate is rich and viscous with amazing texture and underlying salty nuances. Gorgeous to enjoy now, with loads of mouth-watering acidity, watch this evolve now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2040- 96

2019 Rasa Vineyard ‘Fianchetto’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2019 Rasa Vineyard ‘Fianchetto’ is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from the Firethorn Vineyard. This comes off silky and refined on the mouth. Generous black fruits combine with mocha, tar and anise on the palate. Showing beautifully right now, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2026-2035- 95

2019 Rasa Vineyard ‘In Order To Form A More Perfect Union’ Red Wine- Primarily Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the ‘More Perfect Union’ is a downright killer blend by Rasa. This is dense, rich and neatly balanced stuff right now. Red cherry compote, wild mushroom, blackberry and mocha notes combine with shades of soy sauce and salty soils on the palate. Drink 2026-2034- 95

2022 Rasa Vineyards ‘Creative Impulse’ Red Wine- Sourced from the famed DuBrul Vineyard, the 2022 ‘Creative Impulse’ is a stunning wine that is built to age. On the nose this shows gorgeous red florals, with damp earth, cedar, creme de cassis and shades of black licorice. The palate is lush and round as this glides throughout the drinking experience. A stunning wine, with amazing length, flavor density and flavor complexity, this is a magical wine made from a somewhat difficult vintage for Bordeaux varietals. 68% Cabernet Sauvignon with 32% Merlot. Drink 2026-2042- 98

2020 Rasa Vineyard ‘Veritas Sequitur Naravane Vineyard’ Syrah- An amazing edition of this wine, the 2021 ’Veritas Sequitur’ comes from the Naravane Vineyard. Given all whole cluster fermentation and and all new French oak before bottling, this opens with crushed wet gravel, bacon fat, Satsuma orange zest and shades of bulls blood alongside pretty red florals. The palate is lush and deep wth loads of mouthwatering acidity with an exceedingly long finish. A world-class wine from the Rocks District, enjoy this now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2036- 99

2022 Rasa Vineyards ‘For The Love Of The Game’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 ‘For The Love Of The Game’ is a 100% varietal wine from the Columbia Valley. This is a knockout wine, showing amazing flavor density and underling freshness. The weight and salty nuance really grips you, as chocolate and tar notes combine with refined black fruits — and is almost pushing blue fruits. Refined tannins frame this beauty that has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2026-2043- 97

2022 Rasa Vineyards ‘Naravane’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 ‘Naravane’ is in its second edition and is only released in vintages where they feel they have made their highest level of wine. This edition was stored for 36 months in new French oak barrels prior to bottling. This is a perfect wine made from a challenging vintage for Bordeaux varietals. Turkish coffee and creme de violette notes combine with sandalwood tones that caress the black fruits. It is astonishingly seamless throughout the drinking experience. A world-class wine from 2022, give this several hours in the decanter before enjoying. Bravo! Drink 2026-2050- 100

Dusted Valley

Today we share the great wines of Dusted Valley, founded by the Johnson and Braunel families founded Dusted Valley. They are both originally from Wisconsin and are big time Packers fans. Dusted Valley sources from some of the great vineyards in Washington, including the Olsen Vineyard and Stoney Vine Vineyard. The wines from their estate Southwind Vineyard continue to improve.

I really enjoy the sparkling wine they make and they have expanded tasting rooms to Edmonds, if you live on the north side of Seattle. I adored the 2023 Dusted Valley ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 93) which is elegant and seamless through the drinking experience. Learn more about these beautiful new wines at https://www.dustedvalley.com Here are my reviews of the great new wines by Dusted Valley.

2023 Dusted Valley ‘Tall Tales’ Syrah- The 2023 ‘Tall Tales’ comes from the famed Stoney Vine Vineyard in the Rocks District. It is salty, savory and neatly-textured stuff with bacon fat, iodine and black olive flavors. Medium to full-bodied, with amazing length, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2026-2034- 94

2023 Dusted Valley ‘Stained Tooth’ Syrah- The 2023 ‘Stained Tooth’ Syrah has a small amount of Viognier and Petite Sirah blended in. The white florals from the Viognier entice, as yo are greeted to a concentrated core of black fruits, with green olives, sage and shades of milk chocolate. Delicious and complex, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-2034- 94

2023 Dusted Valley ‘BFM’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘BFM’ is mainly Merlot with smaller parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and a dash of Malbec. It is full-bodied, rich and viscous stuff with a boysenberry and black cherry core alongside milk chocolate, sagebrush and shades of black licorice. Dense and heady, with a great acid backbone, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2023 Dusted Valley ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Dusted Valley ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon has a small amount of Petit Verdot blended in. On the nose this takes on violets, tar and tobacco leaf notes that meld well with dense dark fruits. The palate is medium to full-bodied, showing refined tannins and excellent flavor range. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2023 Dusted Valley ‘Sothwind Vineyard Estate’ Cabernet Franc- A really nice wine from this warmer vintage, the 2023 ‘Southwind Vineyard Estate’ Cabernet Franc offers cloves, tar and wintergreen notes on the nose. The palate is concentrated and full-bodied with good richness and refined tannins showing salty nuances. Drink 2026-2036- 93

Dunham Cellars

One of the oldest wineries in Walla Walla, Dunham Cellars was founded by the Dunham family in 1995. These have consistently been great wines that totally over-deliver for the price. The lineup has become one of the most impressive range of wines that do not break the bank.

At the helm is winemaker Rob Campisi, who was formerly assistant winemaker at Dunham. Rob trained under eminent Washington winemaker, Dan Wampfler and he crafts quite a wide range of wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Trutina (Bordeaux style blend), Three Legged Red (red table wine) and the "Shirley Mays" Chardonnay, a dedication to Eric's grandmother.  

I love the new 2025 Dunham Cellar ‘Columbia Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 92) which shows beautiful texture and weight.  I was blown away with the 2021 Dunham Cellars ‘Lewis Vineyard Artist Series’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 96) which shows off the heat from this warmer vintage, with great opulence and richness, with outstanding flavor range. Learn more about these beautiful wines at dunhamcellars.com Here are the great new wines by Dunham Cellars.

2025 Dunham Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc- Coming from the McNarry and Gamache Vineyards, this is 100% varietal wine that was stored in mainly stainless steel before bottling. Lychee and pineapple combine with nutty nuances on the nose. The palate is rich and layered with amazing length and freshness. Dense and delicious, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2026-2034- 92

2025 Dunham Cellars ‘Shirley Mays’ Chardonnay- The 2025 ‘Shirley Mays’ was sourced from the Lewis Estate and Kenny Hill Estate Vineyards. This was stored in roughly 30% new French oak, this offers pie crust and cardamom notes on the nose alongside ripe banana and shades of rich melon. The palate is silky and refined mouthfeel and has a terrific push/pull between richness, flavor density and mouth-watering acidity. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2024 Dunham Cellars ‘Three Legged Red’ Red Wine- The outstanding 2024 Dunham Cellars ‘Three Legged Red’ Red Wine is comprised of equal parts Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, this shows black tea, tar, dark currants and milk chocolate notes on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied and fresh with a soft mouthfeel. Drink 2026-2032- 91

2023 Dunham Cellars ‘Trutina’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Trutina’ combines near equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller parts Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Cedar, dark currants and tar alongside black floral all mark the nose. The palate is lush and refined with terrific weight. Well-balanced with terrific weight and texture, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2023 Dunham Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah- The 2023 ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah comes from the Lewis and Kenny Hill Vineyards and was stored in a small amount of new French oak before bottling. Purple florals combine with iodine, tar, blackberry compote and black licorice. The palate is dense and viscous with terrific texture, richness and finesse. A glorious wine that is already drinking beautifully, watch this evolve over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2022 Dunham Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The astonishingly good 2022 Dunham Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon coming mainly from the Lewis and Kenny Hill Vineyards. This has a really small amount of new American oak with 25% new French oak before bottling. Dark in the glass, this delivers sandalwood, creme de cassis and sagebrush with bitter chocolate notes that combine on the nose. The palate is plush, round and generous with a seamless mouthfeel and good underlying sense of freshness. Everything has come together nearly here. Enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2026-2041- 94

2022 Dunham Cellars ‘Lewis Vineyard Artist Series’ Syrah- The 2022 Dunham Cellars ‘Lewis Vineyard Artist Series’ Syrah saw roughly 21 months of barrel age. It is inky in the glass, offering tar, purple flowers, charcuterie and black currant candy alongside shades of sweet tobacco leaf. The palate is fresh and refined with a smooth mouthfeel and terrific viscosity considering the coolness of the vintage. This is a beautiful wine from this slightly cooler year. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2021 Dunham Cellars ‘Lewis Vineyard Artist Series’ Merlot- This 2021 ‘Lewis Vineyard’ Merlot was aged for 23 months in 25% new French oak before bottling and has 12% Cabernet Sauvignon blended in. The color is ultra-dark, as this offers black cherry compote, tar, black licorice and baking spices on the nose. The palate is ultra-refined as this glides throughout the drinking experience. A complex, delicious bottling that has a long way to go in the cellar, enjoy over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2041-96

2021 Dunham Cellars ‘Lewis Vineyard Artist Series’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Dunham Cellars ‘Lewis Vineyard Artist Series’ Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% varietal that was stored for 22 months in 53% new French oak before bottling. Anise, purple rose petals, pipe tobacco, pencil lead and shades of huckleberry compote all mark the nose. The palate is dense and heady with amazing verve, richness and balance. This is unbelievably good to enjoy now and has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2026-2043- 96

2022 Dunham Cellars ‘Lewis Vineyard Artist Series’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Dunham Cellars ‘Lewis Vineyard Artist Series’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows off coffee grounds, blackberry compote, and shades of creosote on the nose with meaty accents. The palate is beautifully-textured, with a seamless mouthful and terrific sense of weight and balance, with good salty nuance. Drink 2026-2042- 95

Nysa Vineyard

Today we share the wines of Nysa Vineyard which is a family-owned operation that was founded back in 1990. Owner and winemaker, Michael Mega purchased a parcel of orchards high in the Dundee Hills of Oregon in anticipation of growing world-class pinot. It was with passion, hard work and patience that Nysa Vineyard has become one of the most prestigious in the hills, providing Pinot noir to acclaimed producers throughout the Willamette Valley.

It was 2004 that Michael made his first vintage of Nysa Vineyard Pinot Noir. I really enjoyed the new wines.

I was really impressed with the 2023 Nysa Vineyard Chardonnay (OB, 93) which shows loads of texture and flavor range. Learn more at https://www.nysavineyard.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Nysa Vineyard releases.

2019 Nysa Vineyard ‘Blanc de Noir’ Sparkling Wine- Sourced from Dundee Hills Pinot Noir grapes, this 2019 opens with red raspberry and Bing cherry notes on the nose with beautiful orange blossom notes. The palate is loaded with tension and freshness with oyster shell nuances alongside bright melon and delicate red fruits. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2023 Nysa Vineyard Chardonnay- The delicious 2023 Nysa Vineyard Chardonnay comes from vines set on Jory soils. It is well-balanced and poised stuff, laden with tension. Salty nuances combine with walnut, freshly baked French bread and hints of passion fruit on the palate. A beautifully-balanced wine, enjoy now and over the next seven plus years to come. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2021 Nysa Vineyard ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir- Utilizing 115, Pimmard and Wadenvil clonal selections, the 2021 ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir opens with black raspberry notes and hints of Morel mushroom alongside pine needles and wet rocky nuances on the nose. The palate is smooth and wonderfully flinty, with a medium-bodied core of red and dark fruits. Drink 2026-2033- 92

2021 Nysa Vineyard ‘Pontero’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 ‘Pontero’ comes from three clones planted at the Nysa Vineyard. Stored in mainly neutral oak, this delivers a generous mouthfeel with loads of texture. The push/pull between salty and stony character is lovely, as bright red fruits parade with kumquat zest flavors on the palate. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2019 Nysa Vineyard ‘Leda’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘Leda’s Reserve’ is a great wine from a cooler vintage. Wafts of white pepper and dark truffle shavings fill the nose alongside tart red fruits. The palate is silky and refined with a seamless texture, as medium-bodied red and dark fruits parade with peat moss undertones on the palate. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2024 Nysa Vineyard Grenache- Coming from the Columbia Gorge AVA, the 2024 Grenache is pretty and alluring with medium bodied pomegranate flavors that combine with salted orange zest and stony nuances on the palate. Drink 2026-2033- 92

Hambledon

One of the historic wineries in England, Hambledon Vineyard was originally planted back in 1952 by Major-General Sir Guy Salisbury-Jones. Hambledon is set in the 'Cradle of Cricket’ and vines are planted on chalky soils that resemble some found in champagne. In fact, the soils are the Newhaven Chalk formation that developed between the Santonian and Campanian eras of the Upper Cretaceous period (known as the Senonien period in Champagne). The same chalk, with the same Belemnite content, is found in some of the most famous Chardonnay areas of the Côtes des Blancs in Champagne. Hambedon has a very impressive winemaking team. Hervé Jestin has overseen the production of more than 200 million bottles of Champagne and sparkling wine during his career and was chef des caves at Champagne Duval Leroy for over 20 years.

Jestin’s new wines were fabulous. I love the nuance in the NV Hambledon Rose Sparkling Wine (OB, 92) which offers very delicate red fruits and flinty tones. Learn more about this historic winery at https://hambledonvineyard.co.uk/ and here are my reviews of the new Hambledon wines.

NV Hambledon ‘Classic Cuvee’ Sparkling Wine- The outstanding NV Hambedon ‘Classic Cuvee’ Sparking Wine is another dense and rich edition of this wine that was aged on the lees for 35 months. Composed of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier sourced from South East facing chalk slopes of Windmill Down, this offers heady melon and citrus oil fruits that combine with shades of sourdough bread and baking spices on the palate. Drink 2026-2033- 92

NV Hambledon Rose Sparkling Wine- The excellent NV Hambedon Rose was stored on the lees for three years prior to disgorgement. It comes off laden with minerality and salty tension. Delicate red fruits parade with wet rock, kumquat rind and shades of crushed seashells on the palate. Drink 2026-2033- 92

Duckhorn Vineyards

Duckhorn Vineyards began with a mere 800 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon and 800 cases of Merlot in 1978, and now has a range of producers under its portfolio. Since 2014, Renée Ary has served as head winemaker for Duckhorn Vineyards winemakers that began with Tom Rinaldi in 1978. Her promotion came after 11 years after serving as both assistant and associate winemaker. Originally from the East Coast, Renée moved to California to attend Saint Mary’s College, where she earned a degree in chemistry and art. Fascinated by the intersection between science and an art, winemaking quickly became Renée’s passion, career and way of life. Her first job was working in the lab at Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville, as she trained under famed winemakers Genevieve Janssens, Steve Leveque and Richard Sowalsky. During that time she took classes in winemaking and viticulture at UC Davis and Napa Valley College. Renee handles this program with a deft touch. She makes a ton of high quality wines. I love the new 2025 Duckhorn ‘North Coast’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 91), which is a killer value and shows great varietal character. Learn more about this famed winery at duckhorn.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Duckhorn.

2025 Duckhorn Vineyards ‘North Coast’ Sauvignon Blanc- Another great edition of this wine, the 2025 ‘North Coast’ shows pear and gooseberry tones that mingle well with wet rock and shades of cantalope. Rich and viscous, enjoy now. Drink 2026-2031- 91

2024 Duckhorn Vineyards ‘Napa Valley’ Chardonnay- Well-balanced, poised and rich, the 2024 ‘Napa Valley’ Chardonnay offers copious tropical and melon fruits on the palate with a soft mouthfeel. Showing excellent length and weight, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2023 Duckhorn Vineyards ‘Napa Valley’ Merlot- The 2023 Buckhorn Merlot is soft, juicy, and delicious with classic chocolate covered cherry notes on the palate alongside loamy soils. Medium to full-bodied, with refined tannins and excellent weight, enjoy this beauty now and over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 93

Force Majeure

Happy Memorial Day to you all. Located  on Red Mountain, the Force Majeure Vineyard is one of the region’s most impressive sites for a magical range of varietals from Viognier to Cabernet. These have been some of the best wines on Red Mountain. New releases come from the warmer 2023 vintage and I was blown away with the overall quality. Do not miss out on the sinfully good 2023 Force Majeure ‘Red Mountain’ Syrah (OB, 99) which is powerful, burly and complex, with incredible flavor range. Learn more about these great wines at  https://forcemajeurevineyards.com Here are the fantastic new wines by Force Majeure. 

2023 Force Majeure ‘Red Mountain Estate’ Grenache- The 2023 Force Majeure ‘Red Mountain Estate’ Grenache shows off amazing red currant and potpourri notes on the nose alongside shades of red licorice and smoked meats. The palate is dense and delicious with terrific richness, texture, tension and salty nuance. Big and bold, enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 96

2023 Force Majeure ‘Les Voles’ Mourvedre- The 2023 Force Majeure ‘Les Voles’ Mourvedre is a refined, complex, delicious bottling that is drinking marvelously right now. Once on the nose this shows venison and dark currants with black florals, tar and anise notes. The palate is heady and delicious with a refined texture and great weight and lift. Glorious now, watch this evolve over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 97

2023 Force Majeure ‘Red Mountain Estate’ Syrah- The 2023 Force Majeure ‘Red Mountain Estate’ Syrah stands inky in the glass. Black rose petals and scorched earth combine with black cherry compote and hints of lavender on the nose. The palate is deep, concentrated and powerful with amazing texture, weight and underlying freshness. This is hedonistic and delicious stuff that is built to age. Drink 2026-2040- 99

Spottswoode

Today we share the wines of one of Napa’s most historic properties. Spottswoode can date back to 1882. Founded by Mrs. Albert Spotts in 1910 and was later acquired by Mary and Jack Novak in 1972, Mary released Spottswoode’s first Cabernet Sauvignon in 1982, exactly one hundred years after the estate’s founding. The wines are well-structured, with gobs of aging potential. I have enjoyed the early ‘90s Spottswoode wines that seem to be timeless. Innovators in viticulture, they began organic farming all the way back in 1985.

Today Mary’s daughter Beth Novak manages the winery, and daughter Lindy Novak serves as the winery’s Marketing Ambassador. Every year Spottswoode produces an Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and an Estate Sauvignon Blanc in honor of their founder, Mary Novak. Spottswoode also crafts a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon called Lyndenhurst, a dual-appellation Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc, and two limited-production wines for club members only (Spottswoode Estate “Mary’s Block” Sauvignon Blanc and Field Book Syrah). Locted on the western edge of St. Helena at the foot of the Mayacamas mountains, estate vines are planted on alluvial clay loam while a strong wartime influence runs through Spring Mountain and the Mayacamas range. The estate has forty acres of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, with portions of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Sauvignon Blanc which have been organically farmed since 1985.

I was so impressed with the 2025 Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 94) which is primarily fruit from Sonoma and is sinfully good with its power and poise. Learn more about this famed Napa winery at https://www.spottswoode.com Here is my review of the new Spottswoode wine.

2025 Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc- Another year, another magnificent bottling of the Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc. This 2025 edition comes from primarily Sonoma County fruit (72%) and has 5% Semillon blended on. On the nose this takes on white grapefruit blossom, green herbs and dense melon tones that collide with hints of freshly cut kiwi. The palate is rich and layered with great nutty nuances coming from the Semillon. Rich and vibrant, this beauty will live on for at least another eight years. Drink 2026-2034- 94

2023 Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a range of sites throughout Napa valley. Aged in 40% new French oak for ten months this has 16% Merlot blended in with smaller portions Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Medium-bodied kirsch and black raspberry flavors collide with milk chocolate and hints of fresh sage on the palate. The flavor range is outstanding, with stony mineral accents, enjoy now and over the next seven plus years to come. Drink 2026-2033- 92

Champagne Billecart-Salmon

With great pleasure I share the wines of Billecart-Salmon one of the outstanding smaller producers in Champagne. They control an estate of 100 hectares, obtaining grapes from an area spanning 300 hectares across 40 crus of the Champagne region. The majority of the grapes used for vinification come from a radius of 20km around Epernay, where the Grand Crus of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay co-exist, in the vineyards of the Montagne de Reims, the Vallée de la Marne and the Côte des Blancs.

Now in its seventh generation, the house was initially formed with the marriage of 1818 when Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon in 1818. This remains a family winery since the beginning with Louis Salmon, brother of Elisabeth and a passionate oenologist, getting involved in the creation of the wines.

They have a range of wines including their flagship ‘Nicolas Billecart’ and the two world-class champagnes that I tasted, their ‘Cuvee Louise Blanc de Blancs’ as well as their ‘Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon' Brut Rosé.’ Their NV Rose Champagne remains one of the most popular Rose bottlings you will find in the United States. CEO Mathieu Roland-Billecart has been at the helm since January 2019 and he brings a vast knowledge of his house and the surrounding Champagne region.

I was totally blown away with the sumptuous 2013 Billecart-Salmon Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon' Brut Rosé’ Champagne (OB, 98) which is one of the finest editions of this wine that I have ever tasted. Learn more about this famed champagne house at https://www.champagne-billecart.fr Here are the beautiful new Champagnes by Billecart-Salmon.

2013 Billecart-Salmon ‘Cuvee Louise Blanc de Blancs’ Champagne- The dazzling 2013 Billecart-Salmon ‘Cuvee Louise Blanc de Blancs’ Champagne was given 4G/L dosage and was disgorged in January 2024. It can benefit from 20-30 minutes in the decanter as it comes off initially a bit reticent. Once aroused, this is a dense, very nervy and heady bottling that shows a glorious core of lemon oil and melon fruits alongside nutty and stony nuances. The length and weight here is really outstanding. Drink 2026-2042- 96

2013 Billecart-Salmon ‘Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon' Brut Rosé’ Champagne- The brilliant 2013 Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon' Brut Rosé  is comprised of 53% Pinot Noir from Aÿ as well as Bouzy, as well as the remainder Chardonnay. It shows off its gorgeous light pink hue in the glass, with a light effervescence. The nose is very pretty and highly nuanced, with walnut notes that combine with bright raspberry and poem grate seed alongside blood orange zest notes. The palate is very mineral-laden and intense, with a glorious core of bright red fruits and a silky mousse. The length is sumptuous here as this is best enjoyed over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2044- 98

2026 Paso Robles Report

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Heat It, Cool It: Paso Robles in 2023 and 2024

I had a marvelous March visit to Paso Robles. We had some warm weather and there was green everywhere from the winter rains. Crop cover looked really intense for the second straight years. The last day of my visit it was nearly 80 degrees!

2022 was not an easy year for Paso wines, but there were many great wines made. The September 2022 heat dome clearly did not have the same impact in Paso as it did in Napa. Those who were patient made really great wines that are slightly more on the hedonistic side. This is a vintage to drink early.

2023 was a polar opposite vintage and shows strong aging potential. It was an extremely long harvest with some picking their fruit all the way in November. 2023 wines have impeccable balance. Jordan Fiorentini of Epoch, explained that her ‘23s are arguably the best wines I have made.” Her lineup has a hallmark beginning, middle and an end. Similarly, Booker winemaker Pete Turrone sees 2023 as “a great vintage and one that will age for decades.”

Rhys Vineyard

We share today an incredible winery that utilizes some extreme farming. Slopes at these locations reach 40% grade The founder of Rhys Vineayrds, Kevin Harvey, had a successful software career prior to stating his winery. He began planting Pinot Noir in his backyard near the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA and has had his first vintage in 2004. The new release wines by Rhys from the slightly cooler 2023 vintage. They are not quite the level of their single vineyards but are completely outstanding, with a beginning, middle and an end.

Check out the outstanding 2023 Rhys ‘Mt. Pajaro Vineyard’ Chardonnay (OB, 96) which is dense, salty and highly nuanced.  Learn more about this incredible new lineup of wines at https://rhysvineyards.com Here are the exciting new wines by Rhys Vineyards

2023 Rhys Vineyards ‘Mt. Pajaro Vineyard’ Chenin Blanc- A sensational Chenin Blanc bottling, the 2023 ‘Mt. Pajaro’ shows off its oily mouthfeel. Rich melon fruits collide with stony minerals and diatom notes on the palate. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2023 Rhys Vineyards ‘Mt. Pajaro Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The salty and highly nuanced 2023 ‘Mt. Parajo’ Chardonnay  is loaded with minerality and tension. Rich tropical fruits parade with shades of crushed seashells, lemon oil and sage undertones. Complex and highly delicious enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 96

2023 Rhys Vineyards ‘Mt. Pajaro Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Coming from this slightly cooler vintage, the 2023 Rhys Vineyards ‘Mt. Pajaro Vineyard’ Pinot Noir offers shades of black truffle shavings on the palate, with a glorious melange of red and dark fruits, alongside chocolate and wintergreen notes. Dense and mineral-laden with fabulous freshness, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2040- 96

Massican

Today we share the brilliant wines of Massican. This is a brand that was started by Dan Petroski back in 2009.  The idea is genius — seeking to create old-world inspired white wines in the Napa Valley where Cabernet is unabashedly king. These wines continue to be affordably priced, where entry level Chardonnays in Napa command 100 dollars and sometimes more. For years Dan made world-class wines at Larkmead which rivaled some of the finest wines of the region — at a fraction of the price of cult competitors.

These wines have been impressive regardless of vintage. It is no surprise that Dan sold his winery to Gallo in September 2023. I’m totally enamored by the 2025 Massican ‘Gemina’ White Wine (OB, 94) which is a marvelous rendition of Napa Greco. You won’t find a wine just like this anywhere in the world. Learn more about these novel, one of a kind wines at massican.com Here are my reviews of the gorgeous new Massican wines.

2025 Massican Pinot Grigio- A really good wine, the 2025 Massican Pinot Grigio comes off very mineral-laden and fresh with a smooth mouthfeel. Kiwi, wet stone and pink grapefruit flavors collide on the palate, with a great salty tension. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2025 Massican Sauvignon Blanc- The 2025 Sauvignon Blanc comes from several sites in Sonoma and Napa. It is fresh and vibrant with orange peel and Meyer lemon zest alongside wet rock and serious verve on the palate. Light to medium-bodied, with a smooth mouthfeel, enjoy now. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2025 Massican ‘Gemina’ White Wine- The 2025 ‘Gemina’ combines Greco and Falanghina with a touch of Fiano. The name is inspired by an ancient varietal that dates back to the first century AD, called Aminea Gemina. This is fat, heady and rich with terrific flavor range. Citrus and tropical fruits mingle well with salty and stony minerals on the palate, with beeswax nuances. Drink 2026-2033- 94

2024 Massican ‘Annia’ White WIne- The 2023 ‘Annia’ primarily Tocai Friulano  and Ribolla Gialla showing smaller parts Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco. Soft on the mouth, this delivers loads of melon fruits that mingle well with lemon oil, roasted pineapple and sea salt dusted French bread. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2025 Massican ‘Hyde’ Chardonnay- A great new wine from this famed site, the 2025 ‘Hyde’ Chardonnay comes from this historic location in the Carneros district. It is loaded with salty minerality on the palate. Mango and pineapple notes combine with nutty and earthy nuances on the palates with shades of wet rock. The combination of weight, length and finesse is outstanding. Drink 2026-2034- 94

Chappellet

Today we share the beautiful wines of Chappellet. It all began with Donn Chappellet who his collected Bordeaux wines while in college. He later ran Interstate United Corporation, a coffee-vending distributorship he co-founded in the mid-1950s, which he helped turn into the third-largest such business in the United States, with more than 7,000 employees and a listing on the New York Stock Exchange.

Over time he shared his shares of Interstate United in 1966 and guided by the legendary winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff of Beaulieu Vineyards bought 320 acres of rocky mountain terrain at the eastern edge of the Napa Valley. Donn saw this terroir as one which would connect with the great wines of Bordeaux. He saw the potential for Pritchard Hill and initially planted Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon which was met with great critical acclaim. Sadly passing in 2016, Donn became a legend of this great site in the Napa Valley.

An amazing winemaker, Phillip Corallo-Titus has been at Chappellet remarkably since 1990. A graduate of UC Davis, Phillip spent time traveling to both Bordeaux and Burgundy to learn about these esteemed regions. In 1981, Phillip joined the Chappellet team as assistant winemaker, and then in1990, Donn Chappellet invited Phillip to return to the winery as Chappellet’s winemaker, a position he has held ever since.

I was blown away with the 2022 Chappelllet ‘Pritchard Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon  (OB, 97) which is a marvelous effort from this tough vintage. Learn more about this famed Napa estate at chappellet.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Chappellet. 

2022 Chappellet ‘Pritchard Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 ‘Pritchard Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon has 6% Petit Verdot blended in. Stored for 22 months in all new French oak this offers alluring black florals and Black Forest cake tones on the nose with rocky soils and shades of sweet pipe tobacco. As fragrant as the wine comes off, it exudes class with depth and poise from this exceedingly hot vintage. Heady black and blue fruits parade with shades of creme de violette and creosote on the palate. Very complex and delicious, give this a year or two for tannins to mellow. Drink 2026-2042- 97

2023 Chappellet ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Chappellet ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a dense and delicious bottling that is drinking marvelously now. Wet gravel and tar notes combine with shades of black licorice on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, with a silky mouthfeel, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2023 Chappellet ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Franc- Stored for 22 months in mainly new French oak (60%), the 2023 Chappellet ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Franc shows off sandalwood notes on the nose with dried herbs, yellow bell pepper and cassis notes. The palate is lush and mineral-laden with great rocky soil character. This beauty is going to cellar really well. Drink 2026-2042- 95

Appassionata

It has now been several years since I have tasted the wines from one of the most electric projects in Oregon wine. An ingenious idea Appassionata is the dream of Ernie Loosen to age Oregon wines properly and then release them later than other estates. This winery project has involved two decades of planning and investment that began in 2005 with a limited bottling of Appassionata Pinot Noir, a collaboration with J. Christopher Wines. The full Appassionata range of wines now includes three Pinot Noirs of varying age, a barrel-fermented Chardonnay, a Sauvignon Blanc produced in acacia barrels, and a dry Riesling made in the German Grosses Gewächs (GG) style.

The wines are beautiful.  I was totally blown away by the 2023 Appasssionata ‘Uber’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 94). This makes its case for the best Sauvignon Blanc made in Oregon. Learn more about these great wines at jcristopherwines.com and here are my reviews of the new Appassionata wines.

2023 Appasssionata ‘Uber’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2023 Appasssionata ‘Uber’ Sauvignon Blanc  is an amazing wine that was aged in large format acacia wood before bottling. It is dense, delicious and neatly-textured stuff with terrific weight and length. Loaded with lemon and mango fruits, with shades of crushed gravel and pink grapefruit water, this is a stunning rendition of this wine that is big, burly and unabashedly bold. It is hard to find an Oregon wine quite like this. Drink 2026-2034- 94

2021 Appasssionata ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay- The sleek and delicious 2021 Appasssionata ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay was stored in large oak casks before bottling. It shows off the heat of the vintage with walnut and salted pear nuances that combine with rich tropical fruits on the palate. Heady and delicious, with a near minute-long finish, enjoy this beauty now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2026-2034- 94

2018 Appasssionata ‘GG’ Riesling- An incredible new Riesling, the 2018 Appasssionata ‘GG’ Riesling is a GG-inspired wine which was stored in 3,000 liter German oak casks and then stored for 12 months on the lees and then 4 years in the bottle before release. Kumquat rind and orange blossom notes fill the nose alongside cardamom dusted French bread and candied ginger. The palate is heady and powerful with serious weight and texture. A dazzling wine that is unlike anything you find in Oregon, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2021 Appasssionata ‘Allegro’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 ‘Allegro’ Pinot Noir was sourced from several sites in the Willamette Valley. Aged in barrel for 20 months and then 16 months in bottle, this opens with a bright bouquet of rose petals and kumquat zest alongside suggestions of white tea and strawberry. The palate is soft and neatly-textured with loads of bright red fruits alongside salty and stony accents. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2019 Appassionata ‘Andante’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘Andante’ is the second movement in the Apppassionata collection of Pinot Noirs. This wine was released after spending 19 months in barrel and 3.5 years in the bottle. Saline drenched red fruits fill the nose with shades of bergamot and white truffle shavings. The palate is silky and refined — perfectly mature, and beautifully weighted. A gorgeous wine from a relatively tough vintage, enjoy now. Drink 2026-2032- 94

2013 Appassionata ‘Fortissimo’ Pinot Noir- The 2013 ‘Fortissimo’ comes from a more than challenge vintage, marred by torrential rains at harvest. Sourced from the Chehalem Mountains AVA, this is marvelous effort despite the obvious challenges of the vintage. Pine needles and peat moss tones combine with amazing earthy elegance and excellent weight, with good nerve. Delicate red fruits mingle well with stony minerals on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2026-2032- 94

Wines of Substance

Just as it is important to share the wines of Quilted Creek and Cayuse, I have always sought to focus my reviews on wines that exude value. It is not the job of a wine critic to write every article on Opus One level wines — wines that most people can’t actually drink. One of the most recognizable wine brands in Washington State, Wines of Substance was founded back in 2015 by winemaker Charles Smith. Wines of Substance began producing high-quality, value-priced Cabernet Sauvignon and other varietals, characterized by a "periodic table" style label. It was acquired by O'Neill Vintners & Distillers in July 2024.

The new wines were really nice for the price. I highly enjoyed the 025 Wines of Substance ‘Evergreen Vineyard’ Rose (OB, 90) which is light on its feet and mineral-laden with plenty of red fruit nuance. Learn more at https://substancewines.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Wines of Substance.

2022 Wines of Substance ‘Columbia Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2022 Wines of Substance ‘Columbia Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc offers juicy kiwi and flinty tones on the palate with good freshness. Medium-bodied, enjoy now. Drink 2026-2030- 88

2025 Wines of Substance ‘Evergreen Vineyard’ Riesling- A really nice effort, the 2025 Wines of Substance ‘Evergreen Vineyard’ Riesling delivers just a kiss of sweetness alongside peach and flinty nuances on the palate, with petrol undertones. Drink 2026-2031- 90

2025 Wines of Substance ‘Evergreen Vineyard’ Rose- A delicious and crisp bottling, the 2025 Wines of Substance ‘Evergreen Vineyard’ Rose shows delicate red raspberry and Yakima cherry flavors alongside red rose water notes. Drink 2026-2030- 90

2023 Wines of Substance ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay- A well-balanced white, the 2023 Wines of Substance ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay shows a creamy texture with lychee and pineapple notes alongside baked bread. Drink 2026-2031- 90

2022 Wines of Substance ‘Columbia Valley’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Wines of Substance ‘Columbia Valley’ Pinot Noir is brimming with bright red fruits, alongside salty soils and burnt orange notes on the palate. Drink 2026-2031- 90

2022 Wines of Substance ‘Columbia Valley’ Red Blend- The 2022 Wines of Substance ‘Columbia Valley’ Red Blend comes off soft and chewy on the palate. Refined tannins frame a light to medium-bodied dark cherry and blackberry core alongside hints of Arabica bean.  Drink 2026-2031- 90

2022 Wines of Substance ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Wines of Substance ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows bay leaf, black currants and sweet pipe tobacco notes on the nose. The palate is fresh and soft with a smooth mouthfeel. Drink 2026-2031- 90

Lundeen

Today we share the wines of Oregon native Michael Lundeen. I have probably enjoyed these wines for well over a decade. My feeling is they continue to improve and certainly do with their bubbles program.

Michael’s son adds a fourth generation of farmers! For years Michael was honing his skill with Pinot Noir luminaries at Willakenzie, Belle Pente and Domaine Serene, before becoming founding winemaker at Illahe Vineyards back in 2007.
Michael joined Walnut City Wineworks as Winemaker in late 2010. Just a short hop from his own estate vineyard, the McMinnville-based winery was where his career would enter the next and most exciting phase. The once brick-red winery and custom crush facility now carries the Lundeen name and colors after he formally took ownership in 2022.
Michael is making some fantastic Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines. He directs the farming of nearly 40 acres utilizing no-till and Organic practices and maintains the LIVE sustainability certification. The new wines were seriously good across the board. I love the new 2018 Lundeen ‘Blanc de Noirs La Cantera Vineyard’ Sparkling WineOB, 93) which is tense and nervy with really good flavor range. Just as good is the 2021 Lundeen ‘La Cantera Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which is delicious to enjoy now and fully mature. Learn more about this great winery at lundeenwines.com and here are my reviews of the new wines by Lundeen.

2022 Lundeen ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine- All Pinot Noir, the 2022 ‘Brut Rose’ is a really excellent wine that shows off its silky mousse and salty minerality. Delicate red fruits combine with Satsuma orange zest and bergamot accents on the palate. The earthy undertones entice, as this is best consumed now and over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 92

2021 Lundeen ‘Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut’ Sparkling Wine- Coming from this warmer vintage the 2021 Lundeen ‘Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut’ Sparkling Wine is big, round and generous on the mouth, with terrific texture and weight. Sea salt dusted citrus fruits combine with sourdough bread and yeasty accents on the palate.Tasted several times with consistent notes. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2018 Lundeen ‘Blanc de Noirs La Cantera Vineyard’ Sparkling Wine- All coming from this location in the Chehalem Mountains AVA, the 2018 Lundeen ‘Blanc de Noirs La Cantera Vineyard’ Sparkling Wine is a delicious, mature bottling that is great to consume now. Orange blossom and white peach alongside ginger notes and brioche all fill the nose. The palate is filled with weight and tension, alongside rocky nuances. Drink 2026-2033- 93