Spottswoode

It is my pleasure to share the wines of Spottswoode — one of Napa’s historic properties that dates all the way 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.

Today Mary’s daughter Beth Novak manages the winery, and daughter Lindsay 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). Their Lyndenhurst wines are beautiful values.

Set 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 2022 Spottswoode ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which is a sensational effort despite the obvious challenges of the vintage. Powerful and showing good elegance, enjoy this beauty now and over the next fifteen years. Learn more about this famed Napa winery at https://www.spottswoode.com Here is my review of the new Spottswoode wine.

2022 Spottswoode ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Another sensational edition of this wine, the 2022 Spottswoode ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes form this challenging vintage that saw very high temperatures towards harvest. On the nose this takes on rich dark fruits with chocolate and shades of menthol and stony accents. The palate has great power and also excellent finesse. Rich dark currants parade with iron, Black Forest cake and suggestions of wild herbs. Very complex and also delicious, this is drinking unlike many of their releases — sinfully good in its youth. Enjoy now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 95

Sea Smoke

It is my pleasure to share the Sea Smoke wines, first founded in 1999 by Bob Davids in Santa Barbara County, California. The winery is named after the cooling fog that rolls in from the Pacific Ocean. After great success and acquiring Rita’s Crown Vineyard, Sea Smoke was sold to Constellation in 2024. Over the years that wines have been consistently great and certainly helped put Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir on the map. They continue to farm 80 acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay plantings.

They make a rare, rich and dense sparkling wine. I love the new I adored the 2023 Sea Smoke ‘Southing’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which is loaded with crunchy red fruits. Learn more about these outstanding wines at seasmoke.com and here is my review of the new releases by Sea Smoke.

2020 Sea Smoke ‘Sea Spray’ Sparkling Wine- Sourced from their estate vineyards in the Santa Rita Hills, this 2020 ‘Sea Spray’ spent 12 months in neutral French oak before disgorgement. This is wonderfully salty with pear and nectarine notes alongside suggestions of ginger and starfruit. Neatly-textured and showing plenty of tension, enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2023 Sea Smoke ‘Southing’ Pinot Noir- The gorgeous 2023 ‘Southing’ is wonderfully nervy and refined, with a smooth mouthfeel. It is loaded with salty and tart red fruits with menthol and rocky edges. The plump richness of the wine makes this really sing alongside good tension. Enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 94

Latta

“I love the wines from ’22” said Andrew Latta as we tasted together. “2022 was kind of the opposite of 2021. We have native yeasts with native ML and we don’t describe ourselves as natural wines but we do traditional Rhone winemaking. Stems, hand punchdowns and not much new French oak” he explained. The wines reflected those with beautiful texture, without a lot of oak impact or toasty oak character.

“I like both 2021 and 2022. The vintages reflect the weather. Tannins and mouthfeel are a hallmark of what I do and I think about a lot of that in the maceration and pressing. My style is more rounded and developed rather than being really aggressive early and so ‘21s reflect a more tannic vintage but 2022s are fresher.”

Andrew Latta is making some of the best Grenache Blanc in the state. Check out his 2023 ‘Frankie’ Grenache Blanc (OB, 95) which comes from the famed WeatherEye Vineyard and has amazing flavor density and flavor range. Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://www.lattawines.com/ and here are my reviews of the new wines by Andrew Latta.

2023 Lucius ‘Concrete’ Albarino- Aged in concrete, this 2023 Albarino saw a day of skin contact and comes form the Lawrence Vineyard. This is rich, neatly-textured and unctuous and concentrated with serious tension and salty nuances, with heady melon fruits. Drink 2025-2032- 93

2023 Lucius ‘Skin Contact’ Viognier- The 2023 ‘Skin Contact’ Viognier saw four days on the skins an then was pressed into neutral oak barrels. Golden in the glass, this deliverers star jasmine water and dense papaya and unctuous melons on the nose. The palate is rich and viscous with great underlying tension. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2024 Lucius ‘Chillable’ Mourvedre- The 2024 Lucius ‘Chillable’ Mourvedre saw a heavy press and was sealed in the tank for ten days in the carbonic style. This is fresh and nervy with a great texture and loads of bright red fruits with citrus zest notes. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2023 Lucius ‘Carbonic’ Syrah- The 2023 Lucius ‘Carbonic’ Syrah is 100% varietal coming from the Upland Vineyard. Green olives and bacon fat fill the nose with white pepper dusted pork shoulder. The palate is fresh and fragrant with loads of juicy black and red fruits. Enjoy now and over the next six plus years. 100% whole cluster fermented. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2023 Latta ‘Latta Latta’ White Wine- A blend of Grenache Blanc and Roussanne coming from the Lawrence Vineyard. The wine was stored in natural oak (barriques and puncheons). The palate is rich and viscous with terrific texture. Rich melon fruits mingle well with salted cashew nut and green papaya on the palate. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2023 Latta Roussanne- Also coming from the Lawrence Vineyard, the 2023 Roussane was stored in 15% new French oak before bottling with some lees stirring. The palate is unbelievably good with serious weight and texture. Honeydew melon and walnut flavors combine with shades of mango on the palate. Unctuous and rich, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2023 Latta ‘Frankie’ Grenache Blanc- The stunning 2023 ‘Frankie’ was sourced from the north site of the WeatherEye Vineyard, this 2023 Grenache Blanc is dense, rich and loaded with tension. Japanese pear and juicy nectarine combine with hints of passion fruit on the palate. This is amazing, dense Grenache Blanc that is amongst the finest of its kind in the Northwest. Drink 2025-2032- 95

2022 Latta ‘Latta Latta’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Latta Latta’ is an amazing value that combines 57% Grenache with 28% Syrah and the remainder Mourvèdre. Mainly coming from the Upland Vineyard, this delivers smoldering stones alongside crushed red fruits with green olive tapenade. The palate is fresh and loaded with mouth-watering acidity. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2022 Latta ‘Upland Vineyard’ Grenache- Andrew Latta has been working with this vineyard since 2010. This is the oldest vineyard in Washington, planted in the 1910s. This exudes class with its beautiful red florals and high-toned red fruits alongside baking spices and blood orange zest. The palate is deep, concentrated and loaded with finesse. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next eight years. Drink 2025-2033- 95

2022 Latta ‘Upland Vineyard’ Mourvedre- The 2022 ‘Upland Vineyard’ Mourvèdre offers iodine and bulls blood alongside shades of wild strawberry and smoked meats on the nose. Mostly whole-cluster fermented, this delivers stony and salty nuances alongside bright red fruits with orange peel notes. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2022 Latta ‘Mayor Bill’ Red Wine- All coming from the Upland Vineyard, the ‘Mayor Bill’ combines Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Stored in all neutral oak white pepper and crushed gravel alongside pretty red fruits and red rose petals on the nose. The palate is beautifully-structured, with loads of salty and stony character. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2022 Latta ‘Upland Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘Upland Vineyard’ Syrah is a limited production bottling that was stored in all neutral oak before bottling. The palate is nicely textured with loads of salty and stony red and dark fruits alongside green peppercorns and smoked pork shoulder. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2022 Latta ‘Lawrence Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2022 Latta ‘Lawrence Vineyard’ Syrah combines both Joseph Phelps and Tablas Creek clonal selections, as this was stored in neutral oak barrels before bottling. White pepper dusted bacon and black florals mark the nose with Hoisin sauce and wild blackberry. The palate is fresh and loaded with mouth-watering acidity. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2022 Latta ‘Dana’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘Dana’ has 2% Viognier that was co-fermented. Sourced from the Freewater Rocks Vineyard, this delivers iodine and bulls blood alongside Unami and wintergreen notes. The palate is incredibly stony and mineral-laden with great freshness and texture. Drink 2025-2033- 95

2022 Latta ‘Piece’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘Piece’ is named after Andrew Latta’s first born child. Coming from the WeatherEye Vineyard, this has 5% Viognier blended in. Yarrow and fresh sage mingle well with pretty red florals and crunchy red fruits on the nose. The palate is fresh and loaded with finesse, as your mouth waters with each sip. This is outstanding stuff that is best enjoyed now and over the next decade. 50% whole cluster fermented. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2022 Latta ‘Cabernet/Syrah’ Red Wine- Coming from the Freewater Rocks Vineyard in the Rocks District, this 2022 Provence-inspired blend offers huckleberry and crushed wet rock alongside oyster sauce notes. The palate is dense and mineral-laden with terrific freshness and great stony essence. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2022 Latta ‘Weinbau Vineyard’ Malbec- The 2022 Latta ‘Weinbau Vineyard’ Malbec comes from 30 year old plantings at this historic site. This comes off very fresh and is loaded with black and blue fruits alongside Christmas spice and hints of chocolate pie. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Latta ‘Gants de Suede’ Red Wine- A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec that was co-fermented from the Solaksen Vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA. Rich cassis and anise notes combine with exotic spices on the nose. This has terrific power and finesse, with great freshness as heady dark fruits parade with pipe tobacco and stony nuances on the palate. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2022 Latta ‘Lawrence Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 ‘Lawrence Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers sagebrush, dark currants and tobacco leaf on the nose with shades of wet rock. The palate is beautifully-structured with serious texture and finesse. A great core of dark fruits greets you, alongside wet rocky nuances. Drink 2025-2035- 94

Delmas

It has now been the first time in several years that I have reviewed the wines by Delmas — one of the greats from The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater. Delmas was born by the watchful eyes of Mary and Steve Robertson who founded this winery more than a decade ago. Steve has a background in real estate development and business management and was previously in Napa before planting vines in his very special SJR Vineyard, in the Walla Walla Rocks District. If you have never been to this vineyard, it is a must visit for oenophiles and lovers of Walla Walla Syrah. Steve hit a home run when he hired Billo Naravane, MW, to serve as his winemaker. Steve’s daughter, Brooke, has been running their viticulture program for years and now serves as head winemaker.

I first blind tasted this wine back in 2015 and reviewed their 2013 Delmas, giving the wine 95 points. The new wines were remarkably consistent and rich with great texture and freshness. I love the new 2023 Delmas Syrah (OB, 96) which is deep, concentrated and powerful, with serious finesse. Learn more about these very special wines at https://delmaswines.com Here are the gorgeous new Delmas Syrahs.

2023 Delmas ‘Estate’ Viognier- The 2023 ‘Estate’ Viognier comes from the famed SJR Vineyard in the Rocks District. The nose shows gorgeous honeysuckle tones alongside shades of gardenia, wet rock and bright green papaya. The palate is dense and unctuous with serious texture and weight, with glorious length. Incredible wine, the saw extensive lees contact. What a beauty! Drink 2025-2031- 95

2023 Delmas Grenache- This 2023 Grenache was all de-stemmed and saw no whole cluster fermentation. 100% varietal, this delivers beautiful red florals with cinnamon and cloves on the nose alongside orange blossom water. The palate is plush and deep with a great melange of red and dark fruits, with tobacco leaf and rocky undertones. Complex and delicious, watch this beauty evolve over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 95

2023 Delmas ‘BDR’ Red Wine- A blend of 82% Syrah with the remainder Grenache with a dash of Cinsault and Viognier. This saw 75% whole cluster fermentation. Red rose petals mark the nose alongside green peppercorns, white pepper dusted brisket and shades of oyster sauce. The palate is lush and fresh with a terrific texture and great sense of underlying verve. Salty, stony and very savory, this is a knockout blend that still has a lot of life ahead of it. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2023 Delas Syrah- The stunning 2023 Delmas Syrah has 7% Viognier co-fermented, as this edition 25% whole cluster fermentation, on the lower side for this wine. The wine was stored in 35% new French oak before bottling. Opening with exotic spices, this exudes class with Hoisin sauce and charcuterie notes alongside suggestions of boysenberry compote. The palate is fresh and impeccably balanced, with serious poise considering the heat of the vintage. Drink 2025-2034- 96

Long Shadows

For many years now Gilles Nicault has been crafting some of the finest wines in Washington State He made great wines in 2020 and has followed with some epic new releasees. Long Shadows began by visionary and Washington wine pioneer Allen Shoup. Shoup is a founding father of the Washington wine industry. He spent 20 years building Château Ste. Michelle and its affiliate wineries, serving as the company's CEO for 17 of those years before establishing Long Shadows in 2002. He had an incredible vision for Long Shadows and built a world-class wine brand from the ground up. The Nine Hats brand that he founded is consistently one of the better value lineups that you will find in Pacific Northwest wine. Long Shadows has an epicurean tasting at their Woodinville tasting room that is arguably the finest food pairing for great wine that you will taste at any Pacific Northwest winery (https://longshadows.com/visit-taste). Having done this now several times, you are going to be blown away with this tasting experience.

I adored the new 2024 Long Shadows ‘Poet’s Leap’ Riesling (OB, 94) which is arguably the finest release in Washington. Learn more about these famed wines at longshadows.com and here are my reviews of the beautiful new Long Shadows wines.

2024 Long Shadows ‘Poet’s Leap’ Riesling- The 2024 ‘Poet’s Leap’ Riesling has a touch of DuBrul Vineyard blended in. Kerosene and shades of candied ginger and star jasmine water mark the nose alongside burnt orange and suggestions of cantaloupe. The palate is deep and rich with a terrific viscosity and tension. This is amongst the best editions of this wine that I have ever tasted. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2023 Long Shadows ‘Dance’ Chardonnay- The 2023 ‘Dance’ Chardonnay is a stunning new bottling by winemakers Gilles Nicault. Mainly coming from the White Bluffs AVA, this spent 17 months in French oak (mostly concrete and neutral oak) before bottling. This saw extensive battonage, as the wine opens with vanilla cream and cardamom dusted brioche alongside shades of mango and white peach. The palate is dense and unctuous with a terrific combination of mouthfeel and weight. Gorgeous now, and seamless throughout the drinking experience, watch this evolve over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2021 Long Shadows ‘Pedestal’ Merlot- The 2021 ‘Pedestal’ has 12% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot blended in. The wine is largely coming from the Weinbau and StoneTree Vineyards. The heady aromatics bring you back to the glass for more enjoyment. Sandalwood and shades of black licorice combine with black rose petals. The palate is silky and refined as this offers serious weight and length. Gorgeous throughout the drinking experience, watch this evolve now and over the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2025-2040- 96

2021 Long Shadows ‘Pirouette’ Red Wine- The otherworldly 2021 Long Shadows ‘Pirouette’ Red Wine is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon with 36% Merlot and the remainder Malbec and Petit Verdot. Very dark in the glass, this offers alluring black florals on the nose wth tar, tobacco leaf, mocha, anise and shades of dark chocolate shavings. The stunning aromatics are simply head-turning. The palate is ultra-refined offering a seamless drinking experience. This is the finest edition of this wine that I have tasted since its inception back in 2003. Drink 2025-2045- 98

2021 Long Shadows ‘Sequel’ Syrah- 100% varietal, the 2021 ‘Sequel’ has roughly 33% whole cluster fermentation. Very performed and inky in the glass, this offers violets, tar, sweet pipe tobacco and shades of smoked pork shoulder, with iodine and oyster sauce doused beef dripping undertones. The palate is seamless throughout the drinking experience, as this is just a joy to consume right now. Fresh and viscous, with amazing mid-palate volume and concentration, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years. I have reviewed every vintage of this wine. A total masterclass in crating a quintessential Washington Syrah, this is arguably the finest edition of this wine since it was first made back in 2003. Drink 2025-2040- 96

2022 Long Shadows ‘Feather’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A stunning wine from 2022, the Long Shadows ‘Feather’ comes from Sonnet Vineyard as well as Bacchus and Dionysus Vineyards. This cool vintage beauty really needs several hours in the decanter to be fully evolved right now. On the nose this takes on bay leaf and red bell pepper alongside cassis and shades of black licorice. The palate is lush and dense with a terrific mouthfeel and smooth texture. Considering the coolness of the vintage, this has a beautiful combination of finesse, viscosity and flavor density. Drink 2025-2040- 95

King Estate

For years King Estate have quietly been making some of the most consistently good Pinot Gris in Oregon. King Estate director of winemaking Brent Stone has a longstanding history in the industry and makes a really terrific range of wines.

It was many years ago that Oregon wine legend Ed King realized that the southern portion of the Willamette Valley was a perfect spot to grow Pinot Gris. They now make several hundred thousand cases of their ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Gris that you can find in wine shops and supermarkets across America. Brent Stone has now been at the helm since 2011. He has been doing a fantastic job with the wines that range in SKUs from Sauvignon Blanc and Rose to Sparkling Wines and inky Syrah. King Estate is arguably Oregon’s most beautiful winery with sweeping views of the valley and its vineyards.

I love the new 2024 King Estate ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Gris (OB, 91) which is an incredible wine for the price. Learn more about this famed Oregon estate at https://www.kingestate.com and here are my tasting notes from the new King Estate wines.

2023 King Estate ‘Oregon’ Sauvignon Blanc- A really nice edition of this wine, the 2023 King Estate ‘Oregon’ Sauvignon Blanc offers pink grapefruit zest and shades of starfruit on the palate with a smooth mouthfeel and plenty of lip-smacking acidity. Drink 2025-2030- 90

2024 King Estate ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Gris- The really good 2024 King Estate ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Gris packs a punch for 20 bucks SRP. It comes form mainly the King Esate and Gosche vineyards. It is smooth and delicious with kiwi, cantalope and wet stone flavors that collide with copious minerals on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2024 King Estate ‘Artisan Series’ Pinot Gris- Another awesome new Gris, the 2024 ‘Artisan Series’ comes from the King Estate Vineyard. It comes off very mineral-laden with terrific freshness, tension and tension. Salty minerals combine with rich melon and citrus fruits on the palate. Drink 2025-2031-91

2024 King Estate ‘Four Nobles Cuvee Blanc’ White Wine- The 2024 ‘Four Nobles Cuvee’ combines manly estate Gewurtztraminer (63%) with smaller portions Pinot Gris, Muscat and Riesling. It is fresh, lithe and nicely-textured stuff with sweetened gooseberry and kiwi notes alongside green melon and hints of star jasmine water on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2023 King Estate ‘Havlin’ Gruner Veltliner- The 2023 ‘Havlin’ comes from this location in the Van Duzer Corridor AVA. This is juicy and delicious stuff with loads of tension, showing Pink Lady apple and honeydew melon notes alongside nutty undercurrents and salty minerals. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2023 King Estate ‘Paradox’ Pinot Gris- The outstanding 2023 ‘Pardox’ Pinot Gris saw some oak aging before bottling. It comes off rich and viscous with dense melon and citrus fruits that collide with cashew nut and shades of green papaya on the palate. Round and generous on the mouth, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next eight years to come. Drink 2025-2033- 92

2023 King Estate ‘Domaine’ Pinot Gris- Another stellar edition of this wine, the 2023 King Estate ‘Domaine’ Pinot Gris makes its case for one of the best wines of its kind in the United States. It comes off rich and fat on the tongue, with outstanding texture and minerality. Heady papaya, mango and starfruit flavors collide with gobs of minerality. Finishing very long, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2022 King Estate ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay- The 2022 ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay comes from a range of sites across the valley including Tall Tree and Grand Oak Vineyards. Bright pear and apple flavors combine with shades of mango on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 90

2023 King Estate ‘Grand Oak Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Formerly the Nicolas Vineyard, this was rebranded as ‘Grand Oak.’ Aged in a combination of  neutral and new oak barrels, concrete and stainless steel, Concentrated melon and tropical fruits collide with salted French bread and glorious length on the palate. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2024 King Estate ‘Willamette Valley’ Rose- The 2024 ‘Willamette Valley’ Rose offers salty minerals with pretty red fruits, peaches and a kiss of sweetness. Enjoy now. Drink 2025-2030- 90

2023 King Estate ‘Inscription’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Inscription/ comes mainly from the King Estate vineyard. It offers light bodied red fruits that parade with sea salt dusted orange peel and volcanic earth on the palate. Drink 2025-2030- 89

2023 King Estate ‘Artisan Series’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Artisan Series’ Pinot Noir is entirely sourced from their estate vineyard. It offers light to medium bodied red fruits that mingle well with tangerine zest and salty soils on the palate. Drink 2025-2030- 89

2023 King Estate ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir delivers medium bodied Bing cherry and black raspberry fruit flavors alongside a smooth mouthfeel and loads of salty minerality. Soft and approachable; enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 90

2022 King Estate ‘Domaine’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Domaine’ Pinot Noir is another stellar edition of this wine. It is full-bodied, and loaded with bright red raspberry, cranberry and salted kumquat flavors that collide with copious minerals. The silky mouthfeel and great sense of length really entices. Enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2023 King Estate ‘The Soldier’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘The Soldier’s soft and medium-bodied loaded with bright red fruits with slightly sweet chocolate notes. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2030- 89

Cuvaison

One of the great spots to visit in Carneros, Cuvaison has been a pillar of consistency for decades now. Winemaker Steve Rogstad has defined this wine program, making world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that focuses on poise and texture. I used to enjoy these impressive early 2000s Chardonnays when I was in graduate school. It is hard to believe that this winery was first founded back in 1969. Then in 1979 they 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 2023 Cuvaison ‘Kite Tail’ Chardonnay (OB, 93) which is dense, rich and nicely poised. 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.

2024 Cuvaison ‘Methode Baton’ Sauvignon Blanc- The outstanding 2024 Cuvaison ‘Methode Baton’ Sauvignon Blanc offers pink grapefruit and gooseberry notes on the nose with suggestions of gardenia. The palate is plush and neatly textured with great verve and richness. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2023 Cuvaison ‘Kite Tail’ Chardonnay- The 2023 Cuvaison ‘Kite Tail’ Chardonnay comes from older Wente Clone vines at the estate vineyard. Baked apple and shades of white peach combine with shades of salted Challah bread on the nose. The palate is dense and concentrated with serious poise and power. This is a delicious edition of this wine that is already nicely defined to enjoy now. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2023 Cuvaison ‘Debut Cru’ Pinot Noir- The really good 2022 Cuvaison ‘Debut Cru Pinot Noir comes from the Tai Vineyard and is made from Heirloom Pinot Noir selections. This is soft, round and generous on the mouth with juicy red raspberry and red currant fruits alongside fresh sage and orange rind. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2023 Cuvaison ‘Mariafeld’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Mariafeld’ also comes from the Tai Vineyard and is a Swiss-clone that is dark in color and firm in tannin. This delivers hedonistic dark fruits with wintergreen, wet rock and salty nuances on the palate. Impossible to resist right now, enjoy over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 94

Royer Vineyard

Today we share one of the outstanding sites in Oregon. Royer Vineyard is owned by proprietors June and Mark Royer. Mark has worked recently as an importer of Champagne and Burgundy. June Royer also has worked in the importing business, importing teas from Taiwan and China.

I have enjoyed wineries that have crafted their wines from this site — particularly those made by Cristom. I met with Mark and discussed his vineyard and plans earlier in the year. This is the second set of releases that I have tasted so far in 2025 and I am massively impressed with what they are doing.

The new wines have loads of potential. I adored the 2023 ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) which is seamless throughout the drinking experience with great verve and richness. I love the character of the new wines. Learn more at royervineyard.com and here are my reviews from the new Royer Vineyard wines.

2024 Royer ‘Royer Vineyard’ Riesling- The 2024 ‘Royer Vineyard’ Riesling comes from estate vines set on Witzel soils. This utilizes Riesling clone 49, as this begins with honeysuckle water and kerosene notes on the nose with freshly cut limes. The palate is silky and elegant throughout the drinking experience with a refined texture. Enjoy this beauty over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2024 Royer ‘Royer Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2024 ‘Royer Vineyard’ Chardonnay comes from vines set on volcanic soils. This is stony and fresh with a marvelous sense of tension. Ripe peach and Meyer lemon curd flavors combine with suggestions of papaya and nutty undertones on the palate. Complex and delicious, e enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2036- 94

2023 Royer ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay- The 2023 ‘Reserve’ is a barrel selection wine from vines set on Witzel soils. This is vibrant, deep and concentrated Chardonnay with serious personality. The flavor range is outstanding from cardamom laced pastry crust, lush melon, citrus and tropical fruits as well as salted cashew nut. Gorgeous now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2023 Royer ‘548’ Chardonnay- The 2023 ‘548’ focuses on single clone Chardonnay set on Nekia soils. This comes off seamless and also very stony throughout the drinking experience, as copious minerals and lip-smacking acidity both greet you on the palate. Kumquat zest, persimmon and shades of bergamot all fill the palate, alongside crushed wet rock and walnut accents. The terroir imparted here is astonishingly good. Very complex and delicious, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 96

Horsepower

Today we share the amazing wines of vigneron Christophe Baron and his Horsepower Vineyards. Raised in France, Baron and his family had a special affinity for animals, as draft horses worked the Champagne vineyards that he and his family resided over. Today we see that childhood inspiration which that led to creating one of the most coveted lineup of wines in the Pacific Northwest, Horsepower Vineyards. In his Walla Walla AVA vineyards his horses help cultivate vineyards ranging from 3,555 to 4,840 vines per acre with as little as 3' x 3' spacing—planted 1 vine per stake, or “sur echalas” in French. Year after year these are some of the finest wines of the Walla Walla AVA. The tightly spaced Sur Echalas Vineyard produces wines that show incredible underlying tension. They have been stunning wines regardless of vintage — wines that shine even in the most challenging of conditions.

Bionic Wines Director of Winemaking Karin Gasparotti took over last year for Elizabeth Bourcier. Gasparotti is an incredible talent. The new wines come from the warmer 2023 vintage.  They are astonishingly good right now and have more texture than the ‘22s, with slightly less finesse. The 2023 Horsepower ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache (OB, 100) is another perfect rendition of this wine. There is not Grenache made like this in the United States. The flavor and aromatic range is second to none. Learn more about about these monumental wines at https://horsepowervineyards.com/horsepowervineyards/ Here are my reviews of the new 2023 releases by Horsepower Vineyards.

2023 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Fiddleneck Vineyard’ Grenache- A stunning new Grenache, the 2023 ‘Fiddleneck Vineyard’ cobblestone laden vineyard set in the ancient riverbed of the Walla Walla River on the Oregon side of the Walla Walla Valley. Once on the nose the takes on exotic spices alongside blood orange zest, red rose petals and suggestions of smoldering stones with Spanish green olive accents. The palate is rich and concentrated with an unctuous texture and glorious sense of length. Very rocky with great nerve and loads of flavor range, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 99

2023 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache- A world-class, beguiling wine, the 2023 ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache comes off very nervy and dense with a sensational mouthfeel. Beef drippings, tar, wintergreen and charcuterie notes mingle well with iodine and seaweed notes. The flavor range here is second to none. A perfect wine made in a warm vintage, this finishes exceedingly long and offers texture and weight not achieved from other wines from this region. Generous and broad-shouldered, enjoy this glorious wine now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 100

2023 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Syrah- Another otherworldly rendition of this wine, the 2023 ’Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Syrah was stored in all natural oak before bottling. The aromatic range is sensational with Oyster sauce, Nori, white pepper dusted bacon and shades of compost with wild blackberry compote. The palate is dense and nervy with great tension and weight, alongside mouth-watering acidity. Very fresh and neatly textured, I’m not sure there is a wine quite like this in the world. Ultra-novel, the dizzying flavor range leaves you spellbound. Enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 100

2023 Horsepower Vineyards ‘High Contrast Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2023 Horsepower Vineyards ‘High Contrast Vineyard’ Syrah comes from this location that is set on both ancient cobblestones and silty loam soils. Stored for 15 months in natural oak, this shows good nerve on the mouth, loaded with stony character alongside sea salt dusted smoked meats, green peppercorns and shades of cassis and Arabica bean alongside loamy soils and Parma ham. Very meaty and stony, this is a gorgeous rendition of the wine that will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2025-2033- 97

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2023 Horsepower Vineyards ‘The Tribe Vineyard’ Syrah- An amazing edition of this wine, the 2023 Horsepower Vineyards ‘The Tribe Vineyard’ Syrah comes from this stony location outside of the town of Milton-Freewater. This opens with Hoisin sauce, tar, beef drippings and orang zest alongside shades of Middle Eastern spices. The palate is elegant and refined with a silky mouthfeel and loads of texture and tension. A gorgeous wine to consume now, enjoy over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 97

Taittinger

An amazing champagne house with some serious history, Champagne Taittinger dates back to 1734 when a wealthy textile merchant named Jacques Fourneaux founded a Champagne house named Forest-Fourneaux. During this 18th century he was working with Benedictine monks in learning how to craft sparkling wines. This house remained intact until the 1930s when Pierre Taittinger bought the house and named it after himself, also purchasing the estate vineyards.

After years of developing the brand, Taittinger became wildly popular in the 1950s and today it is one of the largest houses in Champagne, producing roughly 5-6 million bottles annually. Most people are familiar with their great NV Taittinger ‘Brut La Francaise’ (OB, 91) which has really nice range for the price. Taittinger has also been a hit in James Bond movies, as Bond enjoyed Taittinger in “Casino Royale.” Taittinger also founded Domaine Carneros in 1987 which has become one of the finest sparkling wine houses not only in California but North America. They also make a killer, very delicate NV Taittinger ‘Prestige’ Rose Champagne (OB, 92) that you can find on first class Qatar Airways. The Rose is fresh and also shows a gorgeous core of delicate red fruits. Learn more about this famed house at https://www.taittinger.com/en and here are my reviews of the new releases by Champagne Taittinger.

NV Taittinger ‘Brut La Francaise’ Champagne- The NV ‘Brut La Francaise’ combines Chardonnay (40%), with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and comes from 35 different vineyards and vintages. It shows good finesse and a soft mousse. Salted green melon flavors mingle well with wet rock, lemon rind and copious minerals on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 91

NV Taittinger ‘Prestige’ Rose Champagne-The NV Taittinger ‘Prestige’ Rose is a beautiful wine that you can also savor in first class Qatar Airways as I did earlier in the year. It is very pretty in its guava and cranberry fruit profile, loaded with salty minerals. The combination of density and nuance really makes this sing. Drink 2025-2032- 92

NV Taittinger ‘Nocturne City Lights’ Champagne- A slightly sweet champagne composed from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes, the ‘Nocturne City Lights’ delivers candied papaya and kumquat flavors that meld well with cloves, challah bread and suggestions of baking spice laced shortbread. It is nicely rich on the mouth with excellent viscosity. Drink 2025-2033- 92

NV Taittinger ‘Nocturne City Lights’ Rose Champagne- A very pretty salmon hue, the ‘Nocturne City Lights’ Rose Champagne combines Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. It has just a kiss of sweetness on the palate, with salted tangerine, cantaloupe and red cherry fruits that meld well with gravel and diatom accents. Delicious now, enjoy over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 92

NV Taittinger ‘Prelude’ Champagne- The NV ‘Prelude’ Champagne is another stunning rendition of this wine new wine that spent more than than five years on the lees. This combines equal parts of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and comes from onlyGrand Cru vineyards. Salted French bread and starfruit flavors combine with dense melon fruits and suggestions of yellow plum on the palate. The richness and viscosity here is really good, as this is best savored now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 94

NV Taittinger ‘Les Folies de la Marquetterie’ Champagne- The NV Taittinger ‘Les Folies de la Marquetterie’ comes from the Les Folies Vineyard, a Taittinger estate. Stored on the lees for four years, this has amazing richness, power and underling tension. Brioche and white peach mark the palate alongside shades of red raspberry and wet gravel underpinnings. A really delicious wine to enjoy now, this will easily hold for another decade. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2016 Taittinger ‘Brut Millesime’ Champagne- The 2016 ‘Brut Millesime’ Champagne is composed of equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It immediately opens with kiwi and wet rock on the nose alongside orange blossom and fresh ginger notes. The palate is rich and fat with an unctuous mouthfeel and great underlying salinity and tension. Great now, enjoy over the next ten years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 94

Pommery

It was visionary Madame Louise Pommery, who took over Pommery in 1858. She quickly helped Pommery become dedicated to high-quality champagne, and in 1874, they created the first commercially successful brut (dry) champagne, changing the market forever. The company also transformed Gallo-Roman chalk quarries into extensive, 18 km-long cellars for aging champagne. 
They have a range of wines including their top wine, the ‘Cuvee Louise’ which is typically deep, rich and irresistible. I love the new lineup. The NV ‘Brut Apanage’ (OB, 92) has terrific density and mouthfeel. It benefits from some extra aging and is delightful to savor now. The 2006 ‘Cuvee Louise’ (OB, 95) is a fully mature champagne that is right at peak. It is a marvelous wine that I have enjoyed time and time again in the Concorde Room at Terminal 5 for British Airways. Learn more at https://www.champagnepommery.com/pommery-house and here are my reviews of the new Pommery wines.

NV Pommery ‘Brut Royal’ Champagne- The NV ‘Brut Royal’ is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. It is light on its feet with biscuit and yellow plum flavors alongside salty minerals and juicy pear notes. Drink 2025-2030- 90

NV Pommery ‘Brut Apanage’ Champagne- The NV ‘Brut Apanage’ comes from 12 different crus, and is comprised of 45% Chardonnay with the remainder Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. It is richer than the ‘Brut Royal’ and comes off juicy and delicious with rich melon and citrus fruits that combine with toasted shortbread and hazelnut notes. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2006 Pommery ‘Cuvee Louise’ Champagne- An amazing wine from a tough vintage, the 2006 ‘Louise’ is dense and fat on the mouth, with only a faint effervescence. Candied ginger, salted and buttered French bread and shades of red raspberry all combine with a terrific viscosity, weight and length. Very salty and heady, enjoy this beautiful wine now when it is right at its peak. A blend of 65% Chardonnay and the remainder Pinot Noir. Drink 2025-2031- 95

Renato Ratti

For more than 50 years Renato Ratti has been a stalwart in Barolo. Their vineyards spread across approx. 50 hectares, divided among 6 estates, located in La Morra, Mango, Costigliole d’Asti, and Dogliani. Renato Ratti is celebrated as the father of the cru system in Barolo  and in 2025 his museum was made. It is located within the ancient cellars of the Annunziata Monastery in La Morra “to give the Alba region a museum dedicated to its wines.” It was, in fact, the first museum in the Langhe region specifically devoted to the history of local winemaking.

I love the wines from this historic winery. They are classically made and focus on nuance and texture. I adored the 2021 Renato Ratti ‘Rocche Dell’Annuziata’ Barolo (OB, 96) which shows ultra-pure red fruits with gorgeous red florals. It is a total stunner that is remarkably good in its youth. Learn more at https://www.ratti.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Ratti wines.

2021 Renato Ratti ‘Marcenasco’ Barolo- The world-class 2021 Renato Ratti ‘Marcenasco’ Barolo is a sensational release. It opens with a heady bouquet of cranberry and mulling spices alongside Mandarin orange zest and gorgeous red florals. The palate is tannic and mineral-laden, with worn leather and damp soil notes alongside peat moss and black truffle shavings. Showing fantastic finesse and texture, enjoy this beauty now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2043- 95

2021 Renato Ratti ‘Rocche Dell’Annuziata’ Barolo- The 2021 Renato Ratti ‘Rocche Dell’Annuziata’ comes from vines set on blue marl soil with some layers of sand. It is very translucent in the glass, offering a lush mouthfeel. Layers of very pretty red cherry and loganberry fruits combine with kumquat rind, salty soils and shades of red licorice on the palate, with herbal accents. This is very light on its feet and is remarkably delicious to consume in its youth. Drink 2026-2043- 96

Elentone

Today we introduce the outstanding sparkling wines of Elentone. One of. The awesome houses winery out of Woodinville, Washington, Elentone winemaker Chris Sherry hails from Brighton in southern England. Sherry is an fervent Brighton football supporter and shares the same passion for sparkling wines. He has formerly trained under Morgan Lee at Two Vintners.
Wines are made traditional Champagne method and are given a limited or zero dosage.  He is making wines from one of the outstanding sites in the Columbia Gorge, the Rainmaker Vineyard that Jeff Lindsay-Thorsen of W.T. Vintners has made famous. Sherry’s wines are salty with a soft mousse and very approachable. He does a good job with creating  refinement on the attack — whereas some producers are creating bubble bombs.

Check out the outstanding 2021 Elentone ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 93) which has an outstanding mousse and texture. Learn more about these beautiful wines at elentone.com and here are the outstanding new wines by Elentone.

2021 Elentone ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine- coming from the Clos Cheval Vineyard, this is 83% Chardonnay with the remainder Pinot Noir. The wine was stored on the lees for three years before disgorgement in August 2025 and this was given zero dosage. Biscuit and honeydew melon mark the nose alongside yellow plum. This has terrific body and weight with a refined mousse and loads melon and citrus fruits, with great salty nuance. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2021 Elentone ‘Shadowplay’ Rose Sparkling Wine- Coming from the Rainmaker Vineyard, the 2021 ‘Shadowplay’ is a zero dosage Rose sparkling wine that was aged three years on the lees. This is big and rich with an elegant mousse and great underlying finesse. Bright cranberry and red raspberry fruits collide with loads of salty minerals on the palate. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2019 Elentone ‘Cloudbursting’ Sparkling Wine- Aged for five years on the lees, the gorgeous 2019 Elentone ‘Cloudbursting’ Sparkling Wine comes from the Clos Cheval Vineyard in the Lake Chelan AVA. This combines 84% Chardonnay with the remainder Pinot Noir. The bouquet is gorgeous. Honey and shades of saline drenched mixed nuts combine with delicate red fruits on the nose. The palate is heady and delicious with plenty of power, saline topped citrus and melon fruits alongside nutty and damp earth nuances. Drink 2025-2035- 94

Cote Nicault

Today we share a very limited production wine made by one of Washington’s top winemakers. Cote Nicault is a story all about winemaker Gilles Nicault, whose family has a history in agriculture dating back to the 1930s in Africa. Growing up Gilles was exposed to the great wines of the Rhone Valley by his father who was an enophile, particularly enjoying the great wines of Chateauneuf du Pape. Gilles became infatuated with those wines as well and made the decision to study winemaking and viticulture at the acclaimed University of Avignon. Gilles decided to move to the United States and he landed in Walla Walla back in 1994, working for Woodward Canyon. Studying under the guidance of eminent Washington wine icon Rick Small he knew there was unparalleled potential in Washington wine. Washington wine visionary Allen Shoupe hired him as the first and only winemaker for Long Shadows Vintners in 2003, and for many years he has served as Director of Winemaking and Viticulture there, making some of the finest wines that Washington State has to offer.

Côte Nicault is a limited production, Rhone inspired wine that Gilles makes each year. The wine is all about balance between Mourvèdre, Grenache and Syrah having near equal parts of all three. It is a very different wine to the Long Shadows ‘Sequel’ — one with more finesse, subtlety and nuance. I absolutely love the new 2022 Côte Nicault Red Wine (OB, 97) which is arguably the finest rendition of this wine. Get your hands on this as soon as you can, as only about 500 cases of this wine are made. Learn more about these great wine at https://www.cotenicault.com and here is the great new future release by Côte Nicault.

2022 Cote Nicault ‘Full Disclosure’ Grenache- This 100% varietal wine all comes from the WeathereEye vineyard on the top of the ridge. This shows classic yarrow and Provencale herbal character on the nose alongside shades of wild strawberry and fresh sage. The palate is plush and shows amazing volume, with refined tannins. A massive core of red and dark fruits parade wth chocolate dusted mandarin orange zest and herbal accents. Made in two new puncheons with light toast. Drink 2025-2035- 98

2022 Cote Nicault Red Wine-  Is sourced from mainly the Red Haven Vineyard on Red Mountain. 38% Mourvèdre with 31% Grenache with the remainder Syrah. Inky in the glass, this shows off smoked brisket and tar notes alongside violets, dark currants and shades of Kalamata olive tapenade. The palate is impeccably balanced with plenty of mid-palate depth and viscosity. Drink 2025-2035- 97

Turnbull

Today we share the great wines of Tiurnbull. It has been over 35 years that Turnbull has helped shape the Napa Valley. Today the winery owns over 200 acres in the Napa Valley and produces approximately 30,000 cases per year. Their original co-founder William Turnbull was an architect from the San Francisco Bay Area and designed his winery as well as many others including part of Cakebread Cellars. Later in 1993 Patrick O’Dell purchased Turnbull Johnson and renamed the winery to Turnbull Cellars. At the helm is Peter Heitz who is a fourth generation vintner. Peter applied his trade at Beringer, crafting some world class Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon under the guidance of legendary winemaker Ed Sbragia, before coming to Turnbull more than a decade ago.

The new 2023 Turnbull ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 92) is a beautiful new bottling with excellent poise and texture. Learn more at www.turnbullwines.com Here is my review of the new Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon.

2021 Turnbull ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows garrigue and dark currants on the nose alongside espresso grounds. The palate is fresh and nicely textured with good weight and balance. Drink 2025-2033- 92

Ambassador

Today we show off the wines of Ambassador that began more than twenty years ago in 2004. Under the vineyard management of Dick Boushey, the Ambassador Vineyard is a warm site planted to a host of varietals, from Grenache to Cabernet Sauvignon. Ambassador has a tasting room in the Woodinville Warehouse District which is a wonderful spot to try their awesome range of wines. Winemaker consultant Tom Rinaldi, formerly with Provenance and Hewitt wineries in Napa, makes a brilliant range of wines from this estate vineyard. I really liked the last few sets of wines which are very well-balanced. Check out the 2023 Ambassador ‘Envoy’ Red Wine (OB, 92) which captures the art of blending neatly. Learn more about this great lineup of wines at http://www.ambassadorwinery.com Here are the new 2023 wines by Ambassador Wines of Washington

2023 Ambassador ‘Estate’ Grenache- The 2023 ‘Estate’ Grenache opens with red florals with lavender, tobacco leaf and shades of wild blackberry. The palate is soft and open with a refined mouthfeel and loads of juicy red fruit flavors. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2023 Ambassador ‘Estate’ Syrah- The 2023 Ambassador ‘Estate’ Syrah offers medium-bodied blackberry and black cherry fruit flavors alongside sagebrush accents. Loaded with minerals, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2023 Ambassador ‘Estate’ Malbec- The 2023 Malbec by Ambassador is nicely concentrated stuff, showing off black tea and exotic spice notes with blackberry compote and damp soils. It is medium to full-bodied and fresh, enjoy over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2023 Ambassador ‘Plenipotentiary’ Malbec- The 2023 Ambassador ‘Plenipotentiary’ Malbec delivers blueberry compote, smoke and wafts of dark currants on the nose with scorched earthy accents. The palate is elegant and medium-bodied with good freshness. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2023 Ambassador ‘Envoy’ Red Wine- This 2023 ‘Envoy’ is composed of primarily Cabernet Sauvignon (75%) with the remainder Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. This is round on the mouth with good tension. Black currants, pipe tobacco and damp soils all parade with a graphite edge on the plate. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2023 Ambassador ‘Minister’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Minister’ combines mainly Merlot (58%) with the remainder Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Green herbs and graphite mark the nose alongside dense dark fruits. The palate is elegant and smooth with medium-bodied dark fruits and Arabica bean notes. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2023 Ambassador ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon - The 100% varietal 2023 ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon delvers anise, fresh sage and shades of creme de cassis on the nose. The palate is soft and elegant with a smooth mouthfeel and good sense of finesse. Enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2023 Ambassador ‘Estate Plenipotentiary’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Ambassador ‘Estate Plenipotentiary’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows off blackberry compote, tar, and anise seed notes on the nose. The palate is rich and layered with a smooth texture and good underlying tension, with salty mineral accents. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2023 Ambassador ‘Sunset Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This 2023 ‘Sunset Vineyard’ comes from a small site on Red Mountain, planted to Clone 8 Cabernet Sauvignon. Tar, scorched earth and dense dark fruits with chocolate accents all line the nose. The palate is soft and elegant with a smooth mouthfeel, and good sense of length and finesse. Enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2023 Ambassador ‘Estate’ Cabernet Franc- The 2023 ‘Estate’ Cabernet Franc shows off dried herbs on the nose with yellow bell pepper and black currants. The palate is soft and elegant, as this drinks smoothly throughout the experience. Medium-bodied, with good freshness, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2023 Ambassador ‘Diplomat’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Diplomat’ combines 75% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Syrah. It is soft and medium-bodied with dark fruits that parade with mocha, tar and shades of damp gravel on the palate. Drink 2025-2035- 92

Ram's Gate

With its beginnings in 2011, Ram’s Gate is perched on a hillside where the San Francisco Bay meets the edges of Napa and Sonoma counties. It is a beautiful spot to taste wine. Ram’s Gate sources from some incredible sites including ‘Hyde’ and ‘Gap’s Crown’ Vineyards.

Winemaker Joe Nielsen spent ten years at Donelan Family Wines in Santa Rosa before becoming Director of Winemaking at Ram’s Gate in 2018. He loves making wines from his special estate vineyard that is very windy and produces very small, concentrated berries. The new wines come from the late, 2023 vintage, which produced some world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Don’t miss the new 2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Estate’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) which is dense and flavorful stuff that has a long way to go in the cellar. Learn more about this great estate at https://ramsgatewinery.com Here are the great new wines by Ram’s Gate.

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Carneros’ Pinot Blanc- The outstanding 2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Carneros’ Pinot Blanc comes from their estate vineyard and shows rich melon and lychee notes on the nose alongside shades of walnut. The palate is plush and rich with an outstanding sense of texture and verve. Delicious now, watch this evolve over the next six years. Drink 2025-2031- 93

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Carneros’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Carneros’ Sauvignon Blanc also comes from young vines at their estate vineyard. The wine utilizes two clonal selections including Musque. The wine was barrel fermented (10% new), showing off nutmeg dusted shortbread and peach notes alongside musty undertones. The palate is fresh and lithe with a polished mouthfeel and a great sense of richness with melon and tropical fruits. Drink 2025-2031- 93

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay- The 2023 ‘Sonoma Coast’ comes from several sites across this AVA. Reductive notes and sea salt dusted melon mark the nose alongside ripe pineapple and suggestions of freshly cut limes. The palate is fresh and viscous with a terrific mouthfeel and loads of salty minerals. Drink 2025-2033- 92

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Cellar Note’ Chardonnay- The 2023 ‘Cellar Note’ is a cuvee that combines a range of barrels. White peach and star jasmine combine with shades of mango on the nose. The palate is fresh and viscous with great length. Enjoy now and over the next six plus years. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Bucher Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Coming from the Russian River Valley, the 2023 ‘Butcher Vineyard’ Chardonnay offers lemongrass and shades of honeysuckle on the nose with juicy melon fruits. The palate is plush and round with a great sense of texture. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘El Diablo Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2023 Ram’s Gate ‘El Diablo Vineyard’ Chardonnay is made from both Montrachet and Robert Young clonal selections. This location tends to be easy ripening. Golden in color, this is round, generous and broad-shouldered with a great sense of body and underlying fitness. Dense melon and citrus fruits combine with suggestions of persimmon on the palate. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2023 ‘Hyde Vineyard’ is one of the famed sites in the Carneros region. Stored in mainly neutral French oak, this bottling is driven by clone 114 and also has Robert Young clone Chardonnay. Golden in the glass, this opens with aromatics of Japanese pear and shades of baking spices alongside caramel. The palate is viscous and dense with great minerality, weight and length. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Estate’ Chardonnay- An amazing new bottling, the 2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Estate’ Chardonnay comes from this Carneros location. Ripe mango and pineapple combine with baking spice laced pastry crust on the nose. The palate is refined and dense with loads of salty minerals alongside dense melon fruits. Weighty and intense, this is incredible stuff to enjoy in its youth — and will live on for at least another decade. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Cellar Note’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Cellar Note’ comes from a range of locations across Sonoma. Right away this opens with cardamom and cloves alongside cran-cherry and damp earthy accents. The palate is fresh and medium-bodied with good finesse. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir comes from several locations in this AVA. The wine had a small amount of whole cluster fermentation. This opens with ripe raspberry and red cherry notes alongside salted orange. The palate is round and mineral-laden with good finesse. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘El Diablo Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘El Diablo’ was sourced from two separate clonal selections in the ‘El Diablo Vineyard.’ The nose offers downright killer red florals alongside wild mushroom, damp earth and tangerine zest. The palate is fresh and dense with a great core of red and dark fruits with great earthy tones and refined tannins. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Bush Crispo Vineyard’ PInot Noir- The ‘Rush Crispo Vineyard’ is a small, 4 acre vineyard entirely sourced from Ram’s Gate, located on River Road, not far from Martinelli Vineyard. This is Pommard and 115 clonal selection Pinot Noir. The palate is smooth and vicious with cooking spices, damp earth and shades of black cherry compote. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Gunsalus Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Gunsalus Vineyard’ is a site located in the Russian River Valley that neighbors a Dutton Vineyard, west of the town of Grayton.

. This opens with red florals on the nose alongside satsuma orange zest, white pepper and hints of loamy soils. The palate is plush and rich with a smooth mouthfeel and good sense of tension. Enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Barbed Oak Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Barbed Oak Vineyard’ comes from this location in the Bennett Valley that is set on gravel soils with steep slopes. The nose offers cloves and white pepper alongside shades of red currants. The palate has hints of cola, with great flavor density and underlying tension, loaded with salty minerals. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Gap’s Crown Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The beautiful 2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Gap’s Crown Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from this famed location that neighbors the Pacific Ocean. This shows beautiful red rose petals on the nose with tangerine peel, damp salty soils and shades of red raspberry preserves. The palate is rich and dense with amazing tension and refined tannins. Mainly whole cluster fermented. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- An amazing wine in 2023, the Ram’s Gate ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir comes from this windy and cooler site in the Carneros AVA. There are new plantings of Pinot Noir that are blended into the estate wine. Cinnamon and cloves mingle well with loamy soils and shades of guava puree on the nose. The palate is dense and rich with a terrific melange of red and dar fruits. Loaded with tension and salty nuance, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. From a certified organic vineyard. Drink 2025-2037- 95

2022 Ram’s Gate ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Syrah- Sourced from this famed Carneros site, the 2023 ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Syrah. This is inky in the glass, delivering aromatics of beef drippings, orange peel and iodine alongside blueberry compote. The palate is dense and delicious with heady dark and blue fruits alongside tar, menthol and shades of green peppercorns. Nearly all whole cluster fermented. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2022 Ram’s Gate ‘Richard’s Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2023 Ram’s Gate ‘Richard’s Vineyard’ Syrah is brooding in the glass. This saw 31 months of barrel age before bottling. The wine was 100% whole cluster fermented. Creosote and black licorice notes combine with shades of white pepper dusted brisket. The palate is inky and dense with a sensational mouthfeel and great sense of flavor density. Only 175 cases made of this beauty. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2022 Ram’s Gate ‘Berler Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Ram’s Gate ‘Berler Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows anise and tobacco leaf on the nose alongside shades of red bell pepper and blackberry compote. The palate is dense and delicious with creme de violette notes. Drink 2025-2035- 93

Isenhower

Today we share a Walla Walla stalwart winery. Founded in 1999 by Denise and Brett Isenhower Isenhower was the 18th winery in Walla Walla. Denise has served as general manager while her husband has been serving as the winemaker. Isenhower Cellars is one of the few medium sized Washington wineries that is 100% husband and wife owned and operated. They built their winery in 2002 and opened the Woodinville tasting room in 2009. Currently Isenhower Cellars produces 7,500 cases a year.

I was really impressed with the new Isenhower wines. Check out the 2022 Isenhower ‘Wallula Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 93) which is rich and viscous with great floral character. Learn more about this great winery at https://isenhowercellars.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Isenhower wines.

2024 Isenhower ‘Francisca’s Vineyard’ Viognier- The 2024 Isenhower ‘Francisca’s Vineyard’ Viognie offers fragrant honeysuckle and white peach on the nose alongside shades of wet stone. The palate offers racy acidity with a smooth mouthfeel. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2022 Isenhower ‘Le Cadeau Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Coming from this esteemed location in Oregon, the 2022 Isenhower ‘Le Cadeau Vineyard’ Pinot Noir shows translucent in the glass. Rocky soils and red florals mark the nose alongside juicy strawberry. The palate is juicy with a soft mouthfeel and loads of refreshing acidity. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2022 Isenhower ‘Rara Avis’ Grenache- The 2022 ‘Rara Avis’ Grenache comes from the Yakima Valley and has 18% Mourvèdre and 5% Syrah blended in. This shows up light on its feet, loaded with bright red fruits with citrus zest, crushed gravel and shades of bergamot on the palate, with smoky undertones. This is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2022 Isenhower ‘Rouleur’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘Rouleur’ is Yakima Valley from mainly the Tudor Vineyard as well as from the Olsen Ranch. Smoked brisket and black florals fill the nose alongside suggestions of kumquat rind and rich red fruits. The palate is soft and brimming with acidity, as this medium-bodied beauty is drinking nicely now. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2021 Isenhower ‘Wild Thyme’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Wild Thyme; combines 43% Merit with 42% Cabernet Sauvignon and the remainder Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It comes off medium-bodied with black currants, tar and tobacco leaf flavors that mingle well with salty minerals on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next seven plus years. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2021 Isenhower ‘Bachelor’s Button’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Isenhower ‘Bachelor’s Button’ Cabernet Sauvignon has small parts Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot blended in. Dried herbs and creosote mark the nose alongside pence lead, creme de cassis and shades of dark chocolate shavings. The palate is juicy, brimming with acidity, as this is drinking nicely now. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2022 Isenhower ‘Wallula Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from this acclaimed site in the Horse Heaven Hills, this is dense, pillowy and soft on the mouth with bright acidity. Layers of creme de violette, tar, anise and shades of red bell pepper all collide with chocolate pie undertones and pencil lead on the palate. Drink 2025-2037- 93

2022 Isenhower ‘Road Less Traveled’ Cabernet Franc-Sourced from the Wallula Vineyard, this 2022 Cabernet Franc delivers medium bodied dark currant flavors alongside green peppercorns, orange bell pepper and Arabica bean on the palate. Fresh, fleshy and filled with bright acidity, enjoy this outstanding wine now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2021 Isenhower ‘A Bloc’ Malbec- The 2021 ‘A Bloc’ Malbec has 8% Petit Verdot blended in. It is inky in the glass, offering violets, tar and black licorice flavors alongside a smooth mouthfeel and a graphite edge on the palate. Drink 2025-2032- 92

Pott Wines

Today we share one of the brilliant talents in the Napa Valley. Aaron Pott built an illustrious winemaking resume as he took his studies at University of California, Davis, across the pond to Bordeaux. Pott was chosen to serve as winemaker at famed Right Bank house Château Troplong Mondot and later director of Château La Tour Figeac. Pott wanted to return to the Napa Valley and make world class Cabernet Sauvignon there, and served as Beringer’s “flying winemaker” making wine in France, Italy and Chile, later taking over as winemaker at St. Clement in 2001. Aaron was then named winemaker at Quintessa in 2004 which was the same year that he brilliantly purchased a 76 acre (.2 acres planted) property on Mt. Veeder and began to develop their own vineyards. 2007 marked the birth of Pott Wines and as the first vintage of Incubo was created. This has been an incredibly popular brand, producing wines that have a beginning, middle and an end, with power and beautiful finesse. This is far from overblown Napa.

These wines are incredibly consistent. I love the 2023 Pott Wines ‘Dynamite with a Laser Beam’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which is marvelously earthy and has dense dark fruits. Check out the 2023 Pott Wines ‘Stacked’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 97) which is dense and delicious stuff coming from the Remedium Vineyard on Howell Mountain. Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://www.pottwine.com/ Here are my tasting notes for the new Pott Wines.

2023 Pott Wines ‘Dynamite With A Laser Beam’ Pinot Noir- The amazing 2023 ‘Dynamite With A Laser Beam’ comes from the Elswick Vineyard in the Anderson Valley. Damp salty soils and white truffle shavings mark the nose alongside boysenberry fruit tones. The palate is rich and elegant with serious tension and a terrific flavor density. This is layered and complex Pinot Noir that has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2025-2037- 95

2023 Pott Wines ‘Red Wine Blend’ Red Wine- The 2023 Pott Wines ‘Red Wine Blend’ Red Wine offers heady red and dark fruits with chocolate fudge and fresh sage notes. Medium to full-bodied, with plenty of finesse, enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2023 Pott Wines ‘Lagier Meredith Vineyard’ Syrah- The outstanding 2023 Pott Wines ‘Lagier Meredith Vineyard’ Syrah shows loads of tension with salty and stony nuances alongside dense fig and dark chocolate notes. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2023 Pott Wines ‘Lagier Meredith Vineyard’ Zinfandel- Th really good 2023 Pott Wines ‘Lagier Meredith Vineyard’ Zinfandel shows bramble, black cherry compote and loganberry preserves on the palate, with plenty of stony minerals. Enjoy now. Drink 2025-2032- 93

2023 Pott Wines ‘Stacked’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Stacked’ Red Wine comes from the Remedium Vineyard on Howell Mountain. Inky in the glass, this offers amazing flavor density with black currants, tar, anise and creme de cassis on the palate. Full-boded and delicious, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 97

DeLille Cellars 'Grand Ciel' Vertical Tasting

Today we share one of the greats of Woodinville. DeLille Cellars is a historic Washington winery that helped put both Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux style white wine on the new world map for the state. Meeting with director of winemaking Jason Gorski, we shared our thoughts on what was a spectacular vertical tasting of their ‘Grand Ciel’ which comes from their estate holdings on Red Mountain. The Grand Ciel Syrah is a single clone (383) wine that comes from their site on Red Mountain. Stem inclusion was added after 2020 (small amount). The wine has been traditionally stored in 35-40% new French oak.

They are doing a gift set of three vintages of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon each, which is only available for purchase at their Woodinville and Seattle locations. “I wanted to be sure we had a warmer vintage in there and the ‘12s are at the point where we want customers to enjoy” said Gorski.

The Cabernet Sauvignon is also a single clone wine from a single block at the Grand Ciel vineyard. The wine is always stored in 100% new French oak before bottling. “By 2017 we are close to half native fermentation and by ’22 it is all native fermented.” Gorski described the 2012 drinking right now at peak with some secondary notes. I completely agreed.

Out of the tasting, I am enamored by the 2012 ‘Grand Ciel’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 96) which is one of the finest wines from this vintage that I have recently enjoyed. This one is right at its peak. Learn more at DeLillecellars.com and here are my reviews of the ‘Grand Ciel’ wines by DeLille.

2012 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Syrah- The 2012 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Syrah opens with smoked brisket notes on the nose with black olives, black licorice and gorgeous purple rose petals. The palate is well-structured, fresh, dense and delicious, loaded with chocolate and dark fruits, with Christmas spices. Drink 2025-2031- 94

2017 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Syrah- The 2017 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Syrah comes from this slightly cooler vintage. Once on the nose this takes on black plum, Asian spices and Earl Grey tea alongside dark chocolate shavings. The palate is dense and plush with a refined mouthfeel and loads of rich black fruits. This is extraordinarily good to drink right now. Drink 2025-2033- 95

2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Syrah-- An outstanding, fresh new bottling, the 2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Syrah (clone 383) was aged in mainly neutral oak (38% new French oak) prior to bottling. Beef drippings, green peppercorns and mocha flavors combine with creosote notes on the nose. The palate is both mineral-laden and viscous with a round mouthfeel. Gorgeous now, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2012 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Salty, savory and herbal, the highly Bordelaise 2012 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a gorgeous wine that is really peaking right now. Bay leaf and red bell pepper notes combine with fresh sage and black currants. The palate is dense and harmonious, with a refined mouthfeel and glorious sense of length. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next eight plus years to come. Drink 2025-2033- 96

2017 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Another decadent bottling, the 2017 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Cabernet Sauvignon. It is dense and delicious, powerful stuff that is like a iron fist in a velvet glove. Elegant tannins frame a gorgeous core of Black Forest cake alongside loganberry compote, graphite and shades of sagebrush. This still has a long road ahead of it. Drink 2025-2037- 96

2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A stunning new bottling, the 2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes off very fresh and elegant, with terrific flavor density considering the coolness of the vintage. This is fat and round on the mouth, with plenty of roasted fig, blackberry and black cherry flavors that combine wth serious freshness. This is just a baby that has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2025-2042- 96