Siduri

Today we share the beautiful wines of Siduri. Originally founded by Adam Lee, the wine was later sold to Jackson Family in 2015. Their current winemaker, Matt Revelette, has now been at the helm for several years. Matt has a great background in wine, formerly working for Sojourn Cellars, Williams Selyem, Kosta Browne, Quintessa, and Mending Wall. He is making some world class wines.

Last night I tasted with Matt and we talked about the tension-filled, lifted 2023 vintage. I love the new 2023 Siduri ‘Seascape’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which deftly shows off this site that neighbors the Pacific Ocean. Learn more about these great wines at siduri.com and here are my reviews of the new Siduri wines.

2023 Siduri ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay- The really good 2023 Siduri ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay comes from Gran Moraine and Maple Grove Vineyards. Stored in roughly 20% new French oak before bottling this opens with nutty accents on the nose with poached pear and baking spices. The palate is fresh and beautifully textured with bright acidity and a smooth texture. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2023 Siduri ‘Sonoma County’ Chardonnay- The 2023 Siduri ‘Sonoma County’ Chardonnay is a stunning new wine that exudes class and value. This comes almost all from the Upper Barn as well as the Matanzas Creek Vineyards. This was stored in only 18% new French oak, delivering buttered brioche and oyster shell alongside shades of papaya. This has great weight, length and freshness. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2023 Siduri ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- Coming mainly from the Gran Moraine and Zena Crown vineyards, the 2023 Siduri ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir offers cola and shades of red raspberry and loganberry notes alongside rocky soils. The palate is rich and viscous with serious texture and tension, with good salty and rocky nuances. This is seriously well-done. Drink 2025-2032- 93

2023 Siduri ‘Santa Barbara County’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Siduri ‘Santa Barbara County’ Pinot Noir comes from this slightly cooler vintage. A blend of Santa Rita Valley and Hills sites, this delvers fresh sage and sea spray alongside cranberry. The palate is fresh and lithe with a polished mouthfeel. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2023 Siduri ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Siduri ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir is soft and medium-bodied with smooth red fruits and wafts of cola and exotic spices alongside orange rind. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2023 Siduri ‘West Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir- Coming from the Sealift and Seascape Vineyards, the 2023 Siduri ‘West Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir offers sea salt dusted orange peel, tart red fruits and shades of Nori. This is really fresh and delicious stuff, offering good length and finesse. Drink 2025-2032- 93

2023 Siduri ‘Santa Lucia Highlands’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Siduri ‘Santa Lucia Highlands’ Pinot Noir comes from some top sites in this region including the Sobranes Vineyard. Red florals combine with bright red fruits and kumquat rind on the nose. The palate is fresh and lively with bright acidity and soft red fruits. This is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2025-2032- 93

2023 Siduri ‘Santa Rita Hills’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Siduri ‘Santa Rita Hills’ Pinot Noir delivers a punch or under 40 bucks. Ripe red fruits mingle well with sandy soils and dried herbs on the palate. Medium-bodied, with great salty character, enjoy now. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2022 Siduri ‘Gran Moraine Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Grand Moraine’ comes from several clonal selections and was given a small amount of whole cluster fermentation. Stored in 30% new French oak for 14 months before bottling, this offers red currants and tobacco on the nose alongside stony minerals. This is marvelously salty stuff with loads of bright red fruits alongside compost and orange peel notes. Drink 2025-2040- 94

2022 Siduri ‘Zena Crown Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The brilliant 2023 Siduri ‘Zena Crown Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from a single block in the vineyard, as this was stored in 30% new French oak before bottling. Rocky soils collide with orange peel, red currents and suggestions of damp earth on the nose. This has a delightful push/pull between the stony elements in the wine and the bright red and dark fruits. The palate is soft and very stony, showing outstanding terroir. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2023 Siduri ‘Edmeades Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Edmeades’ is the first vineyard planted in this region. Shades of dark truffle shavings and peat moss fill the nose alongside wild blackberry. The palate is soft and robust with refined tannins and beautiful damp earth tones. Enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2038- 94

2023 Siduri 'Skycrest Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Skycrest’ is a hillside Vineyard that is set on a mountain hillside with southwestern aspect that delivers small berries. The Pinot Noir was stored in 20% new French oak for 14 months before bottling. Light tannins frame a really good core of bright red and dark fruits with damp/salty soil accents. Enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2038- 94

2023 Siduri ‘Dutton-Perry Ranch Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Siduri ‘Dutton-Perry Ranch Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from this location in the Russian River Valley that was formerly known as the Keefer Ranch. Bright red fruits collide with cola and shades of peat moss notes. The palate has great loamy character with loads of bright red fruits and cola notes. This is seriously delicious stuff with a seamless mouthfeel. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2023 Siduri ‘Bloomfield Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Bloomfield’ comes from a foggy location that is farmed at roughly one ton an acre. Bergamot and shades of damp soils mingle well with wafts of white truffle. This is fresh and vibrant with serious tension and bright red and dark fruits. Only 13.5% alcohol, but this shows beautiful richness. Drink 2025-2038- 95

2023 Siduri ‘Seascape Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Seascape Vineyard’ is an older site planted back in 1990. The wine has some 1A clone as well as mainly 777 clone.Stored in 30% new French oak this offers salted red fruits with diatom and orange peel on the nose. The wine is ultra-fresh with vibrant acidity and a minerality that will make your mouth water. Enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2038- 95

2022 Siduri ‘Parsons Vineyard’ Pinot Noir-The Parsons Vineyard is a small location that has been first utilized by Siduri since 2007. Despite being so close to the ‘Barberi’ this shows a red fruit profile instead of a black fruit load. Salty soils collide with orange peel and bergamot notes on the palate. Drink 2025-2038- 95

2023 Siduri ‘Barbieri Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Siduri ‘Barbieri Vineyard’ Pinot Noir was sourced from this location that neighbors the Parsons Vineyard on Olivet Road, set on more clay soils. The wine was given roughly 50% whole cluster fermentation. Bright black cherry and loganberry notes combine with salty soils. This is muscular and intense with refined tannins and shows cola notes alongside a seamless texture. Drink 2025-2038- 95

2023 Siduri ‘Sealift Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The Sealift Vineyard comes from this remote location in the Anapolis area, set on gold ridge sandy loam soils. Stored in 40% new French oak the 2023 Pinot Noir delivers concentrated red and dark fruits with orange peel, diatom, damp soils and shades of salted cola. This has really nice flavor complexity. Drink 2025-2038- 95

2023 Siduri ‘Van der Kamp Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Siduri ‘Van der Kamp Vineyard’ is a Sonoma Mountain site that was planted all the way back in 1960. Martin Van Der Kamp serves as proprietor here. Rocky soils mark the nose alongside cola, dark cherry and shades of compost. The palate is marvelously salty and stony with serious weight and texture. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2023 Siduri ‘Rosella’s Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Siduri ‘Rosella’s Vineyard’ Pinot Noir was stored in roughly 40% new French oak before bottling. This offers a great combination of red and dark florals on the nose alongside baking spices and dense red fruits with Nori notes. This is silky and refined with serious weight and texture, with loads of mouth-watering acidity. Drink 2025-2040- 96

2023 Siduri ‘Garys’ Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This 2023 ‘Gary’s Vineyard’ comes from Pisoni clonal selection Pinot Noir vines, as this is a slightly warmer site than Rosella’s Vineyard. This comes off lush and dense with a silky mouthful and plenty of tension. Red and dark fruits collide with the loaded of freshness on the palate. Drink 2025-2038- 95

2023 Siduri ‘SIerra Mar Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This 2023 Pinot Noir comes from a scenic site on the southern part of the appellation, set on rocky sand soils.  The wine was stored in 40% new French oak for 14 months, this offers salty soils alongside bright guava and red currant fruit flavors with Mandarin orange zest. Drink 2025-2038- 94

2023 Siduri ‘Sobranes Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This location was planted back in 2007 and neighbors the Gary’s Vineyard. This shows crazy good florals on the nose alongside dark fruits and damp, salty soil notes. The palate has amazing volume and tension with seriously good freshness and a silky mouthfeel. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2023 Siduri ‘Perilune Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The Perilune Vineyard was planted back in 2006 as this location is on rocky soils. This saw a touch of whole cluster fermentation. Bright red rose petals collide with wet rock, guava and red currants. The palate is a total knockout with amazing flavor density and tremendous salty character. Only made from clone 114. Drink 2025-2038- 96

2023 Siduri ‘Hapgood’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Hapgood Vineyard’ is located near Melville winery. The wine is comprised of selections 459 and Mt. Eden. This 2023 Pinot Noir was given a small amount of whole cluster fermentation having amazing weight and freshness, with ultra-pure red fruits alongside orange peel and rose water notes. This is pure Santa Rita Hills. Drink 2025-2038- 96

2023 Siduri ‘John Sebastiano Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Siduri ‘John Sebastiano Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is sourced from this location on sandy as well as rocky/clay soils. The nose shows beautiful red florals alongside dense red and dark fruits and bergamot notes. The palate is refined and generous with great flavor density and tons of underlying finesse. Drink 2025-2038- 95

don't tell mum

Today it is my pleasure to introduce an electric new wine brand, founded by Sarah Marquis’s kids, Luke and Holly Marquis (Blue Eyed Boy and Gigglepot of Mollydooker). Don’t Tell Mum is a no-nonsense wine brand out of McLaren Vale. Their website is a really engaging visit and includes everything from ‘Don’t Tell Mum’ stories to a great blog with special cocktails that you can make with their wines. Some of the stories posted on the website are exceedingly funny and are a terrific read. There is even a party playlist and a confessions board (https://donttellmumwines.com/cool-sht/confessions-board/) to post your own ‘Don’t Tell Mum’ story! These are also wines made for a cause as 10% of the profits are donated directly back to revegetation projects in McLaren Vale.

This brand is really interesting because it appears to the younger generation in creating no-nonsense wines that are well-priced and also can be used in cocktails. It is a totally outside the box brand. It is well-known that the generation age 20-29 are a big fan of cocktails and also non/low-alcoholic cocktails and drinks.

I am not a wine cocktail kind of guy generally, but I had to try this a go. I do enjoy Elderflower Liquor in my drinks, but I definitely had never tried a wine cocktail with it. The floral aspect of the liquor really lifted things. And the drink comes with black cherry seltzer which is a perfect foil for the shiraz, obviously due to the black fruit backbone.

Here is the original recipe for the ‘I Popped My Cherry’ cocktail (https://donttellmumwines.com/recipes/cherry-cocktail/):

• 90ml Shiraz

• 45ml Elderflower Liqueur

• 15ml Chambord

• 60ml Black Cherry seltzer

• 15ml Lemon juice

• Giant ice cubes (I would not use crushed ice)

• Fresh berries to top

This is not a wine-focused cocktail as there was really nice balance especially from the black cherry seltzer and herbal/floral elements from the liquor. I prefer the cocktail without the berries and slightly more lemon juice.  The lemon adds the acid backbone to the cocktail. I added a sprig of rosemary for a light herbal edge. This is a way that they are making wine fun for the consumer and especially younger consumers. Here is what the cocktail looks like: https://donttellmumwines.com/recipes/cherry-cocktail/

There is a lot on the blog including food and wine pairings like this veggie bolognese recipe (https://donttellmumwines.com/recipes/veggie-bolognese-wine-in-it-wine-out-of-it/). There is also a great grilled cheese and sparkling pairing (https://donttellmumwines.com/recipes/113/). I am definitely gonna make this grilled cheese in the future.

They have crafted a really good sparking wine from Shiraz which was really easy to enjoy. This is a viscous style of sparkling wine as the 2024 Don’t Tell Mum Sparkling Wine (OB, 90) is remarkably complex and delicious to savor now. Because it is viscous the sparkling wine is best served very cold. Learn more at https://donttellmumwines.com/ and here are my reviews of the new wines by Don’t Tell Mum.

2024 Don’t Tell Mum Sparkling Wine- A sparkling red wine, this 2024 is a refreshing, complex quaff. Red currants parade with Welches grape juice and shades of tar and milk chocolate on the palate. Effervescent and fresh, enjoy now. Drink 2025-2030- 90

2024 Don’t Tell Mum Shiraz- Smooth and delicious throughout the drinking experience, the 2024 Don’t Tell Mum Shiraz offers straightforward black and red fruits alongside bay leaf and coffee ground accents on the palate. Drink 2025-2030- 90

Goldeneye

It is my pleasure to share one of the greats from the Anderson Valley. Truly one of the most beautiful spots in the Anderson Valley, for years I have loved the wines by Goldeneye, a Duckhorn venture located in Philo, California. Kristin McMcMahan serves as Goldeneye winemaker. Originally from California's Central Valley, in 2012, Kristen moved to Sonoma County to dedicate herself to wine full time. In addition to joining the winemaking team at Korbel, where she spent six years honing her skills working with sparkling wine and Pinot Noir, she began studying at Santa Rosa Junior College, where she earned an Associate of Science degree in enology. Kristen also gained invaluable experience with cool-climate Pinot Noir working for Joseph Phelps’s Freestone Winery on the Sonoma Coast.
The new wines were beautiful across the board.  A outstanding entry level wine, the 2022 Goldeneye ‘Anderson Valley’ Pinot Noir (OB, 92) which is drinking beautifully now in its heady youth. Learn more about these outstanding Pinot Noirs at https://www.goldeneyewinery.com Here are the great new releases by Goldeneye.

2021 Goldeneye ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine- The 2021 Goldeneye ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine comes off polished and fresh with saline drenched peaches and pear notes alongside suggestions of wet rock and diatomaceous earth on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2022 Goldeneye ‘Anderson Valley’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Anderson Valley’ Pinot Noir comes from a range of sites throughout the valley. Tart red fruits mingle well with salty soils, alongside dried herbs on the palate. Densely packed, with bright underlying acidity, this is an amazing wine in a difficult vintage. Drink 2025-2032- 93

2022 Goldeneye ‘Gowan Creek’ Pinot Noir- Coming from this cooler site in a warm vintage, the 2022 Goldeneye ‘Gowan Creek’ Pinot Noir offers plump red fruits that mingle well with salty and loamy soils on the palate. Fresh and generous, offering tangerine peel accents, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2022 Goldeneye ‘Confluence Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2022 Goldeneye ‘Confluence Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from this estate location in the Anderson Valley. It shows off the warmth of the vintage, offering heady dark fruits that mingle well with fresh sage and gravel accents on the palate. Fat and broad-shouldered on the mouth, enjoy this beauty now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 94

2022 Goldeneye ‘Ten Degrees’ Pinot Noir- The scintillating 2022 ‘Ten Degrees’ is a barrel selection wine by Goldeneye.  It is dense, heady and has marvelous richness and texture. Decadent loganberry and strawberry fruit flavors collide with sandy/salty soils, wet rock, menthol and shades of cardamom on the palate. Fresh and lively with serious flavor density, enjoy now and over the next fifteen to twenty years to come. Drink 2025-2042- 96

Mollydooker

It is my pleasure to share one of the great wineries of South Australia. Mollydooker has a sensational, highly creative range of projects — from sparking wines to intense and hedonistic Shiraz. It is hard not to admire the combination of texture, flavor range and flavor density. These are serious wines that are made exceptionally well. They are full throttle wines but always give an err of great freshness on the mouth.

It was an exceedingly short amount of time that Sarah and Sparky Marquis made Mollydooker one of the top wine brands of Australia. Their first wine, the 2005 ‘Carnival of Love’ Shiraz was immediately awarded 99 points by Robert Parker and was sold out in five days. I was amazed with what the produced even in very tough vintages like 2011 as the wines seemed to exceed quality compared to other producers. Sarah Marquis now leads the winery and now has her son, Luke, the ‘Blue Eyed Boy’, leading global sales.

The new lineup is sensational and  I adored the new 2022 Mollydooker ‘The Blue Eyed Boy’ Shiraz (OB, 94) which is heady and dense but has a really fabulous acid backbone. Once again I was mesmerized with the inky, hedonistic 2022 Mollydooker ‘The Velvet Glove’ Shiraz (OB, 99) which flirts with perfection and is a decadent treat to enjoy now. Learn more about this famed South Australian winery at https://www.mollydookerwines.com.au/ Here are the beautiful new wines by Mollydooker.

2022 Mollydooker ‘The Scooter’ Merlot- The really good 2022 Mollydooker ‘The Scooter’ Merlot comes from the Long Gully Road vineyard in McLaren Vale. The wine was stored in nearly all American oak (25% new) before bottling. This is ripe and plump on the mouth with good freshness. Juicy red cherry and cola notes combine with coffee grounds on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2022 Mollydooker ‘Two Left Feet’ Red Wine- A truly unique wine, the 2022 ‘Two Left Feet’ is 70% The Boxer Shiraz, with 15% The Scooter Merlot and 15% The Maitre D’ Cabernet Sauvignon. Stored in nearly all American oak, this delivers juicy red fruits with tobacco leaf accents on the palate, alongside ripe fig and chocolate. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2022 Mollydooker ‘The Maitre D’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Mollydooker ‘The Maitre D’ Cabernet Sauvignon delivers straightforward black and red fruits alongside green peppercorns and hints of fresh sage on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2025-2031- 90

2022 Mollydooker ‘Blue Eyed Boy’ Shiraz- The outstanding 2022 Mollydooker ‘Blue Eyed Boy’ Shiraz was sourced from the Coppermine Road, Gateway, Long Gully Road and Mollydooker Home vineyards in McLaren Vale, and Joppich vineyard in Langhorne Creek. Stored in all American oak (54% new) this is brimming with depth, freshness and polished black fruits alongside Arabica bean and shades of mountain huckleberry on the palate. Exceedingly delicious, offering excellent finesse despite its obvious weight, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2022 Mollydooker ‘Gigglepot’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Named after Holly Marquis, the 2022 ‘Gigglepot’ comes from the Rivers Lane vineyard in McLaren Vale. Stored in 79% American and 21% French oak, this delivers pipe tobacco and leather notes alongside cassis, mocha and tar notes. Complex and delicious, enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Mollydooker ‘Enchanted Path’ Red Wine- The sensational 2022 ‘Enchanted Path’ is a gorgeous blend of 70% Shiraz with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon. The nose is gorgeous with fresh sage alongside espresso bean, blueberry compote and shades of black licorice. The palate is powerful and intense with a refined texture. Gorgeous now, watch this evolve over the next twelve to fifteen years to come. Drink 2025-2037- 95

2022 Mollydooker ‘Carnival of Love’ Shiraz- Year after year the ‘Carnival of Love’ is one of the astonishingly good Shiraz bottlings for the price out of South Australia, as this wine has not seen a serious price increase in more than a decade (still under 100 bucks USD). This 2022 edition was stored in all new American oak and weights in at 16.5% alcohol but the freshness backing everything up makes this everything but boozy. The weight and pillowy texture really drives this wine as it effortlessly glides throughout the drinking experience. Opulent dark and blue fruits meld effortlessly with dark chocolate shavings, graphite, scorched earth and shades of sweet pipe tobacco on the palate. This is a joy to drink. Drink 2025-2040- 97

2022 Mollydooker ‘The Velvet Glove’ Shiraz- The stunning 2022 ‘The Velvet Glove’ is a stunning wine coming from the Gateway Vineyard in McLaren Vale. Stored in all new American oak barrels before bottling, this delivers a glass-staining purple, with blueberry pie and boysenberry cordial notes alongside tar, anise, Cuban cigar and suggestions of Black Forest cake on the nose. The absolutely gorgeous aromatics bring you back to the glass for more hedonistic pleasure. This is obviously big, bold and heady, but has remarkable freshness and seamless texture. This is very weightless stuff that will have a long life ahead of it. But why wait? Drink 2025-2040- 99

Cayuse Vineyards Library Release

My ears immediately perked up as I was speaking with Christophe Baron, eminent vigneron of Bionic wines. “We have the 2009 Wallah Wallah Special Grenache and 2009 Wallah Wallah Special Cabernet Sauvignon” he explained. "They have never been released and we are going to release them in a few weeks when we do our special offer for our mailing list.” This was not the only magnum only special offer that Bionic Wines had created. They produced an amazing 2015 wine more than a year ago. However, this new offer was truly one of a kind. They are very fresh wines that have not left Baron's cellar.

“The Grenache is only 125 magnums and the Cabernet is only 196 magnums.” The Grenache is a blend of the Armada and La Paciencia Vineyard while the Cabernet comes from Cailloux and En Cerise Vineyards.  Baron explained “We wanted to blend them and bottle them in magnums. As you know I am a big advocate of magnums.” Baron described 2009 as “A classic vintage. Picking in the third week in September and now it is early September. 2012 was also very classic, similar to 2009.” It is worth noting that the Armada and La Paciencia Vineyards have never been blended before.

The 2009 ‘Wallah Wallah Special #2’ Grenache (OB, 99) is a fully mature wine with crazy good stony character and flavor range. It is pillowy and soft, effortlessly gliding throughout the drinking experience. I think you are going to be really impressed with these wines. Learn more at bionicwines.com and here are my reviews of the special offer Cayuse wines from 2009 and 2012.

2009 Cayuse ‘Wallah Wallah Special #2’ Grenache- The 2009 Cayuse ‘Wallah Wallah Special #2’ Grenache is the first wine of its kind blended from the Armada and La Paciencia Vineyards. It is incredibly captivating on the nose with red rose petals and potpourri notes alongside wet stone, soy sauce and suggestions of white truffle crudo. The palate is plush and seamless with serious verve considering its age. A totally head-turning effort that is very savory and stony, with loads of mouth-watering acidity, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 99

2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Wallah Wallah Special #3’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A mesmerizing wine that comes from the Cailloux and En Cerise Vineyards, the 2012 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Wallah Wallah Special #3’ Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the outstanding wines from this very classic vintage in Washington State. Dried herbs and bay leaf notes combine with suggestions of Hoisin sauce, blackberry compote and Umami notes on the nose. The palate is powerful and  seamless throughout the drinking experience, with beautiful tension and finesse, alongside a pillowy texture. Drinking beautifully now, this is really peaking. Enjoy over the next six plus years to come. Drink 2025-2031- 97

Valo Cellars

It is my pleasure to welcome the Valo Cellars wines, founded by Matias Kusulas and Michael Ruhland. Kusulas has been serving as Viticulturist for Lawrence Vineyards since 2017. Hailing from Chile, Kusulas has masters degrees in enology and viticulture from both Bordeaux and Montpelier. Kusulas has worked a range of jobs spanning the globe including stints in New Zealand and Chateauneuf-Du-Pape. He is making some of the most eclectic wines in Washington State, having a deft touch with a massive range of varietals and even styles of Rose.

Check out the awesome new 2024 Valo Rose (OB, 92) which is fresh and has marvelous salty character. I love the incredible 2021 Valo Cellars ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay (OB, 94) which is not for the weary and is beautifully-textured stuff with terrific freshness. Learn more about these excellent new wines at valocellars.com and here are my tasting notes from the new Valo Cellars wines.

2024 Valo Sauvignon Blanc- This comes from the Desert Wind Vineyard as this is Sauvignon Blanc which was grafted over Cabernet Sauvignon. Stored in stainless steel, this offers gooseberry and shades of green apple on the nose with pink grapefruit blossom. The palate is soft and lively with a soft mouthfeel. Drink 2025-2030- 91

2024 Valo Rose- Made from Cinsault grapes, this 2024 Rose offers red rose water and shades of kiwi and salty soils on the palate. This has outstanding flavor range. Fresh and neatly-textured with good earthy and orange rind undertones, enjoy now and over the next six years. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2022 Valo ‘Pas Mal’ Rose- The 2022 ‘Pas Mal’ saw extensive barrel age and is 100% Tempranillo from the Desert Wind Vineyard. This is rich and viscous with a serious texture. Earthy accents combine with bright red fruits with orange zest on the palate. Drink 2025-2030- 91

2021 Valo ‘Connor Lee Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2021 ‘Connor Lee Vineyard’ was sourced from this famed site, and stored in all neutral oak before bottling. This is downright killer, offering mango and white peach flavors that combine with nutty and pastry crust notes on the palate. Drinking beautifully now, enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2021 Valo ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay- Sourced from old vines from the Connor Lee Vineyard, this 2021 Chardonnay was stored in new French oak barrels before bottling. This has terrific weight and salty character on the palate, offering dense peach and pineapple flavors with creme brûlée and salty nuances on the palate. A gorgeous wine from a warm vintage. Drink 2025-2032- 94

2021 Valo ‘Connor Lee Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 Valo ‘Connor Lee Vineyard’ Pinot Noir saw over three months extended maceration. Stored in all large format oak barrels, this delivers  great richness and texture on the palate, with dried cranberry and ripe figs alongside strawberry and dusty soils on the palate. Nicely weighted and balanced, enjoy now. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2021 Valo ‘Gregory Ranch Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Coming from this biodynamic vineyard in Oregon, the 2021 ‘Gregory Ranch Vineyard’ Pinot Noir saw whole cluster fermentation. This is rich and viscous stuff with wafts of black truffle shavings and damp earthy notes on the palate. Juicy and refined with a brilliant core of red fruits, enjoy now. Drink 2025-2031- 93

2021 Valo ‘Right Bank’ Red Wine- A Right-bank inspired wine (equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc) from the Connor Lee Vineyard, this 2021 red blend offers mint and graphite tones on the nose alongside shades of red rose petals and blackberry compote. The palate is rich and velvety with terrific mouthfeel, and a light dusting of salinity. Gorgeous to consume now, enjoy over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2021 Valo ‘Reserve’ Merlot- Sourced from old vines at the Connor Lee Vineyard, the 2021 ‘Reserve’ Merlot offers fabulous aromatic range this delivers mocha, tar and anise on the nose alongside pipe tobacco and fresh sage. The palate is dense and delicious with a smooth mouthfeel and beautiful texture. Dense and delicious, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2037- 93

2021 Valo ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Franc- Coming from the Bacchus and Connor Lee Vineyards, the 2021 ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Franc shows black tea and red bell pepper alongside dark chocolate shavings and pencil lead notes. The palate is big and bold with a terrific tension and salty character. Brilliant to enjoy now, enjoy over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2021 Valo ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2021 Valo ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this great vintage in Washington. Sourced from the Connor Lee Vineyard, this delivers loads of flavor density, with mocha, tar and anise, alongside tobacco leaf and blackberry compote. This is absolutely delicious stuff. Drink 2025-2038- 94

2021 Valo ‘In Temporal’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘In Tempral’ combines 63% Cabernet Franc with smaller parts Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon coming from the Connor Lee Vineyard. Silky smooth, this was stored in 70% new French oak before bottling. Deep and beautifully textured, this offers beautiful red florals that combines with roasted figs and boysenberry compote flavors on the palate. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2021 Valo ‘Connor Lee Vineyard’ Syrah- The gorgeous 2021 ‘Connor Lee Vineyard’ Syrah is 100% varietal. Tar and anise combines with scorched earth and dense dark fruits on the nose. The palate is soft and generous with beautiful texture and orange peel accents alongside black olives and wild blackberry tones with shades of iodine. Drink 2025-2033- 94

PerUs

I have long been a fan of the wines by Russell Bevan. Today we present PerUs which is is an ultra-premium producer of red wines out of Napa, sourcing from some great vineyards including Sugarloaf Mountain and Edcora Vineyard (high elevation site). PerUs was founded by Anmol Bhandari who was born and raised in New Delhi, immigrated to the United States and built a successful career in finance – initially at Goldman Sachs and later co-founding Cians Analytics based in New York – a company that provides research and analytical support to international financial institutions. Anmol was introduced to Dustin Wilson, Master Sommelier, and they both would travel to the Napa Valley to research both vineyards and winemakers. Dustin introduced Ammol to Russell Bevan, one of the world’s great winemakers. PerUs only made 30 cases in their first vintage, 2013. They make a great range of full-throttle wines.

I was amazed by the new wines that are silky and concentrated. They show even better than the ‘22s. I love the 2023 PerUs ‘Janeen’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 97) which is big and bold with terrific acidity and depth. Learn more about this famed boutique winery at https://www.peruswine.com/pages/home.php Here are the stunning new releases by PerUs.

2023 PerUs ‘Janeen’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Janeen’ is a stunning wine that is all Cabernet Sauvignon coming from the Sage Ridge Vineyard. This opens with a gorgeous bouquet of black cherry compote and mocha alongside black rose petals and shades of anise. The palate is pure and plus with black licorice flavors alongside allspice dusted blackberry and pencil lead with sandalwood accents. A total show-stopper, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2042- 97

2023 PerUs ‘Lyla’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Lyla’ is a stunning bottling that 14% Sugarloaf Cabernet Franc, 26% Tench Cabernet Sauvignon and the remainder Sugarloaf Vineyard Merlot. It is beautifully structured stuff with creme de violette and graphite flavors on the palate, alongside Middle Eastern spices and shades of dark chocolate shavings on the palate. A gorgeous blend, where you can clearly see each working part, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2025-2040- 96

2023 PerUs ‘Alessio’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Alessio’ is equal parts Sage Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Sugarloaf Mountain Cabernet Franc, Sugarloaf Mountain MerloAn inky dark color, this takes on aromatics of creme de cassis and toasted hazelnut alongside suggestions of tar naan black licorice. The palate is rich and viscous with an herbal edge from the Cabernet Franc. Totally dazzling to enjoy now, enjoy this decadent treat now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2042- 97

2023 PerUs ‘Armaan’ Red Wine- The stunning 2023 ‘Armaan’ is all Cabernet Sauvignon mainly coming from the Tench Vineyard. It is a decadent and rich journey throughout the drinking experience with scorched earth and stony minerals that collide with dense dark and blue fruits on the palate. The chocolate edge from the Merlot is absolutely gorgeous. Enjoy now and over the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2025-2042- 97

2023 PerUs ‘Bryn’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Bryn’ is a beautiful combination of 47% Tench Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Sugarloaf Mountain Merlot, and 23% Sugarloaf Mountain Cabernet Franc.  Very dark and performed in the glass this opens with heady aromatics of figs and sweet pipe tobacco alongside sandalwood and blackberry compote tones. The palate is dense and fresh with incredibly good texture, length and underlying verve. Not overly heavy and a generous, but also very fresh wine to enjoy now, savor this beauty over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 96

Lange

Today we share a great historic house out of Oregon. Back in 1987 Don and Wendy Lange acquired a massive property in the Dundee Hills, with incredible views of the valley. Don crafted his namesake wines for many years and over time his son Jesse transitioned into their head winemaker, taking over for his father. Jesse’s formal winemaking training occurred at New Zealand’s Lincoln University while on a student exchange scholarship from Oregon State in 1999. Jesse made world-class wines for years.

I love the new wines that I tasted with Jesse a week back. Check out the amazing new  I love the 2023 Lange ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which is dense and chewy with amazing soil character.  Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://www.langewinery.com/ and here are my reviews of the Lange wines.

2023 Lange ‘Three Hills Cuvee’ Chardonnay- The 2023 Lange ‘Three Hills Cuvee’ Chardonnay comes from the Durant, Freedom Hill and the Lange Estate Vineyards. Buttered brioche combines with banana and shades of salted peach on the nose. This combines great richness and verve, with terrific melon and tropical fruits that mingle well with a smooth mouthfeel. This is delicious stuff that is already beautifully evolved. Drink 2025-2032- 93

2023 Lange ‘Three Hills Cuvee’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Lange ‘Three Hills Cuvee’ Pinot Noir comes from several top sites that span the Willamette Valley. Stored in a small amount of new French oak, this delivers beautiful red fruits and red florals on the nose alongside Satsuma orange zest. This comes off juicy and delicious with a delightful acid backbone. Drinking beautifully now, enjoy over the next eight plus years to come. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2023 Lange ‘Lucky River Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Lucky River Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from this site that was acquired by the Lange family. This location is a 70 acre site in the foothills of the Coast Range. Salty soils combine with guava and strawberry notes on the nose. The palate is big, bold and broad-shouldered, with terrific depth and richness. Gorgeous to enjoy now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 94

2023 Lange ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- Coming from old vines at the Lange Estate vineyard, the 2023 ‘Estate’ comes from 22 barrels that were selected. Black truffle shavings and peat moss fill the nose alongside wild blackberry and black cherry compote aromatics. The palate has amazing volume and is texturally voluptuous. The palate combines a brilliant melange of red and dark fruits alongside tobacco leaf and shades of rocky soil character. Big, rich and bold with a terrific acid backbone, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2042- 95

Vina Bujanda

Today it is my pleasure to share the Rioja wines of Vina Bujanda. The winery is owned by the brother-and-sister team Carlos and Pilar Martínez-Bujanda Irribarria, whose family has been making wine since 1889. Viña Bujanda owns a total of 127 hectares distributed in plots in Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta, including an important estate in the vicinity of Logroño. Wines are made traditionally with American and French oak aging prior to bottling.

I love the new 2018 Vina Bujanda ‘Reserva’ Rioja (OB, 92) which is rich and viscous with a terrific acid backbone. Learn more at https://familiamartinezbujanda.com/en/vina-bujanda/ and here are my reviews of the new Vina Bujanda wines.

2021 Vina Bujanda ‘Crianza’ Rioja- The 2021 Vina Bujanda ‘Crianza’ Rioja comes from vines planted back in 1977. Orange peel and shades of white pepper combine with red cherry compote and loganberry notes on the nose. The palate is soft and juicy with a great sense of freshness and texture. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2018 Vina Bujanda ‘Reserva’ Rioja- The 2018 Vina Bujanda ‘Reserva’ Rioja comes from vines set on clay loam soils. This is rich and concentrated stuff with a refined mouthfeel. Dense black fruits parade with loamy soils and dried herbs with citrus rind accents on the palate. Delicious and ripe, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 92

Alto Moncayo

Today we share the beautiful wines of Alto Moncayo, founded back in 2002. They focused on producing old vine Garnacha wines from a very special microclimate and location. The vineyard is set in Borja-in the middle of the Campo de Borja DO . Vines are planted at the foothills of El Moncayo which is the highest point in the Iberian Mountain Range (2,315 m). This is a really unique terroir for the region, as the vines are planted on red  iron rich clay mixed  with  red slate. The slate imparts a stony character in the wine.

Winemaker Jose Luis Chueca crafts his bottlings that are made traditionally and undergo malolactic fermentation in both French & American oak. They are then aged in new barrels between anywhere from 16-24 months before bottling. The wines were serious good. I love the new 2022 Alto Moncayo Garnacha (OB, 95) which gets you plenty of bang for under 95 bucks and is juicy and delicious stuff with great stony nuance. Learn more about this famed house at

2023 Alto Moncayo ‘Locos por el Vino Zismero’ Garnacha- This 2023 Garnacha comes from vines ranging from 15-20 years of age. Ripe cherry and strawberry combine with shades of garrigue on the palate. Juicy and delicious, enjoy now. Drink 2025-2031- 90

2021 Alto Moncayo ‘Locas por el Vino Baramban’ Red Wine- The 2021 Alto Moncayo ‘Locas por el Vino Baramban’ Red Wine combines Garnacha and Tempranillo which are both grown at high elevation. Bright red fruits mingle well with tobacco leaf and shades of green bell pepper on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 90

2019 Alto Moncayo ‘Locas por el Vino Grunon’ Red Wine- The really good 2019 Alto Moncayo ‘Locas por el Vino Grunon’ Red Wine is an equal combination of Shiraz and Garnacha. It is dense and plush stuff with bright acidity and a terrific sense of weight. Milk chocolate and damp soil nuances combine with rich dark fruits on the palate. Drink 2025-2032- 91

2021 Alto Moncayo ‘Veraton’ Garnacha- The 2021 ‘Veraton’ checks in at 15.5% alcohol but you would not initially get that hot presence. This is beautifully weighted stuff with bright acidity and plenty of citrus zest flavors. Dense guava and red cherry mingle well with garrigue and wet granite on the palate. Already nicely evolved, enjoy over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2022 Alto Moncayo Garnacha- Sourced form Garnacha vines from 40-70 years  of age, this comes from vineyards planted in Tabuenca and Borja. This is dense and delicious stuff that has amazing stuffing and verve. A great melange of black and red fruits combine with smoked meats, green peppercorn, wet stone and herbs de Provence on the palate. Gorgeous and fresh with bright underlying acidity, enjoy over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2018 Alto Moncayo ‘Aquilon’ Garnacha- The 2018 ‘Aquilon’ is a stunning wine that combines vines from 60-100 years of age. Stored in a combination of American and French oak, this offers violets and dried sage on the nose with wet stone, beef drippings and lush red fruit aromatics. The palate is dense and heady with a terrific sense of texture and underlying verve. Very opulent and viscous, this is already drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2025-2040- 97

Koehler Family Wines

One of the really good houses of Santa Barbara County, Koehler farms a 40-acre property that includes 50-year-old estate vines.  Many serving their viticultural team have been with Koehler Winery for decades. Derek Koehler grew up on the estate and spent a semester in France studying international practices within the wine industry. Today he is in charge of the operations of the family winery. Wines are made by Trace Brueske and were seriously good across the board. I love the 2024 Koehler Chardonnay (OB, 92) which is rich and dense with good flavor range. Learn more about this outstanding house at https://www.koehlerwinery.com and here are my reviews of the new wines by Koehler Family Wines.

2024 Koehler Sauvignon Blanc- Aged on the lees for six months, the 2024 Koehler Sauvignon   Blanc is bursting with mango and papaya flavors alongside shades of salted peach on the palate. Really good now, enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2025-2030- 91

2024 Koehler ‘FiddleStix’ Gruner Veltliner- An amazing wine that is both dense and nervy, the 2024 Koehler ‘FiddleStix’ Gruner Veltliner is loaded with rich melon fruits that combine with pink grapefruit water, kumquat zest and stony minerals alongside a seamless texture. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2032- 93

2024 Koeher ‘Happy Canyon’ Vermentino- The fresh and lively 2024 Koeher ‘Happy Canyon’ Vermentino offers juicy honeydew melon and mango fruit flavors alongside a rich mouthfeel on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2025-2030- 90

2023 Koehler Grenache Blanc- The outstanding 2024 Koehler Grenache Blanc was stored neutral oak for eight months before bottling. This comes off rich and fat on the tongue, so don’t serve too cold. Rich melon fruits collide with wet stone, nectarine and shades of green papaya on the palate. Seriously good to enjoy now, watch this evolve over the next six plus years. Drink 2025-2031- 93

2024 Koehler Chardonnay- An outstanding bottling for the price, the 2024 Koehler Chardonnay comes from the Maria Vista Vineyard and was stored in oak for ten months before bottling. This has terrific depth and toasty oak tones on the mouth, with fantastic volume. Mango and pineapple notes mingle well with copious minerals and shades of pastry crust on the palate. Don’t serve too warm! Drink 2025-2031- 92

2023 Koehler ‘John Sebastiano Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2023 Koehler ‘John Sebastiano Vineyard’ Chardonnay comes from this outstanding site in the Santa Rita Hills. This is rich and viscous stuff with terrific texture and underlying tension. Best consumed on the warmer side, this offers dense melon and tropical fruits that connect well with salted butter-topped French bread and shades of cardamom on the palate. An awesome wine to enjoy now, this will live on for at least another eight years. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2023 Koehler ‘Old Vine’ Chardonnay- The 2024 ‘Old Vine’ Chardonnay comes from their estate vineyard, set on salty soils. This has a terrific combination of tension and weight on the palate, conjuring a vibrant sense of minerality. Lemon zest dusted pie crust and mango flavors mingle well with poached pear and yellow plum on the palate. Gorgeous now, enjoy over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2024 Koehler Viognier- Coming from their 40-acre estate, the 2024 Koehler Viognier is neatly textured with a soft mouthfeel upon entry. Peach and honeydew melon collide with kiwi and salty minerals on the palate, with hints of lychee. Enjoy this beautifully balanced wine over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2024 Koehler Picpoul Blanc- This 2024 Picpoul comes from the Alisos Canyon AVA. Right away this offers a smooth entry with copious minerals and good volume. Cantaloupe and white peach flavors mingle well with sweet gooseberry on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2023 Koehler Rose- The brilliant 2024 Rose is a GSM-inspired blend that is mainly Grenache. Stored in all stainless steel before bottling, this delivers a great viscosity on the palate. Dense peach and strawberry flavors collide with orange zest and stony minerals on the palate. This is a seriously good effort that is best consumed on the warmer side to take in the outstanding sense of texture and weight. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2024 Koehler ‘Valley Gris’ White Wine A skin contact wine, the 2024 ‘Valley Gris’ combines Grenache Gris and Grenache Blanc. This comes up is rich and viscous on the tongue. Walnut and shades of Japanese pear fill the palate alongside very delicate red fruits. Dense and polished, with a strong salinity, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2024 Koehler Gamay- The 2024 Gamay was stored in neutral oak for six months prior to bottling. It is fresh and vibrant with delicate guava and strawberry fruits alongside pink bubblegum and  orange peel notes. The salty character of this wine really shines. Drink 2025-2031- 91

AniChe Cellars

Today we share some of the outstanding wines in the Columbia Gorge. One of the unique, family-run wineries in Washington State, AniChe focuses on varietal blends that include rarely planted Italian varietals like Dolcetto, Barbera and Zinfandel (Primativo). I really enjoy the creativity behind these wines. Overall quality for this lineup is very good. Try for yourself and I think that your eyes will be opened by something completely new in Washington wine.

Anais Mera, and Rachael Horn make some beautiful wines together. I love the new 2024 AniChe ‘Estate Puck’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 91) which is loaded with salty nuance and texture. Even better is the 2024 AniChe ‘The Devil’ Gruner Veltliner (OB, 92) which has amazing weight and depth, as well as flavor complexity. Learn more about this exciting small Washington winery at http://anichecellars.com/ and here are my reviews of the new AniChe Cellars wines.

2024 AniChe Cellars ‘Estate Puck’ Sparkling Wine- The really good 2024 AniChe Cellars ‘Estate Puck’ Sparkling Wine is loaded with peaches and honeysuckle water notes alongside fresh kiwi and nutty nuances. Enjoy now. Riesling and Pinot Gris. Drink 2025-2030- 91

2024 AniChe Cellars ‘Serafina’ Riesling- The 2024 ‘Serafina’ Riesling offers petrol and white peach on the nose alongside lemon blossom notes. The palate is fresh and nervy with a great texture and plenty of crushed seashell character. This is really cool stuff. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2024 AniChe Cellars ‘Beatrix’ Chardonnay- Sourced from their estate vineyard, the 2024 ‘Beatrix’ Chardonnay offers juicy Japanese pear and star jasmine water notes on the palate alongside good tension and depth. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2024 AniChe Cellars ‘The Devil’ Gruner Veltliner- A terrific edition of this wine, the 2024 ‘The Devil’ offers nectarine skin and green apple notes alongside salted lemon and shades of walnut on the palate. Very complex, and neatly-textured, enjoy this fresh and viscous edition now and over the next eight years. Drink 2025-2033- 92

2024 AniChe Cellars ‘The Fool’ Gruner Veltliner- Made in a very fresh and nervy style, the 2024 AniChe Cellars ‘The Fool’ Gruner Veltliner delivers Granny Smith apple and kiwi notes alongside green papaya on the palate. Showing a smooth mouthfeel, with loads of finesse, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2024 AniChe Cellars ‘The World’ Gruner Veltliner- A beautiful wine from this warm vintage, the 2024 AniChe Cellars ‘The World’ Gruner Veltliner is dense and rich, showing plenty of stuffing. Honeydew melon, salted cashew nut and pastry crust notes combine with lush mandarin orange on the palate. You are going to love this dense bottling that has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2025-2033- 92

2024 AniChe Cellars ‘Little Birds’ Rose- The 2024 ‘Little Birds’ is mainly Pinot Gris and Riesling. It is vibrant on the mouth with a smooth mouthfeel and loads of bright orchard fruits with light guava notes. Drink 2025-2030- 90

2022 AniChe Cellars ‘Sancho’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Sancho’ is a blend of nearly all Cabernet Franc (94%) with the remainder equal parts Merlot and Malbec coming from the Alder Ridge Vineyard. Beautiful red florals mark the nose with orange bell pepper, tobacco leaf and wild blackberry notes. The palate is soft and refined with good elegance and underlying verve, with salty minerals. This is already nicely defined stuff that will cellar well over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2034- 92

2022 AniChe Cellars ‘Barbariccia’ Red Wine- The 2022 AniChe Cellars ‘Barbariccia’ Red Wine is mainly Sangiovese (90%) with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon coming from the Boushey Vineyard. Pretty red fruits mingle well with dried herbs and orange zest notes on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2025-2031- 91

Aperture Cellars

Today we share one of the truly great houses in Sonoma. Whether it is their impeccable attention to detail in the bottle or their incredibly chic and modern tasting facility, Aperture is a must-visit for anyone serious about California wine. Tasting with the winemaking team of Jesse Katz and Hillary Sjolund, I was amazed with the range of wines that they create. Katz has worked winemaking jobs spanning the globe including harvests at Pétrus in Bordeaux, as well as time on the winemaking teams at Screaming Eagle Winery and Robert Foley Winery in Napa Valley, and Viña Cobos and Bodega Noemia in Argentina. He was named head winemaker at Lancaster in 2010. Wine Enthusiast named Jesse one of its 40 Under 40 Tastemakers and he was also the first winemaker on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Katz and Sojlund are the makers of Devil Proof (https://www.devilproofvineyards.com/) — the finest Malbec in North America.

The new wines I tasted were part of their ‘Collage’ collection, a Sauvignon Blanc and a Cabernet Sauvignon (https://aperture-cellars.com/collage/) which come from the five AVAs in Sonoma. They are barrel selection blends that are absolutely mesmerizing. Do not miss out on the 2021 Aperture ‘Collage’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 100) which is inky and dense with a terrific acid backbone and seamless texture. Learn more at https://aperture-cellars.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Aperture ‘Collage’ wines.

2022 Aperture ‘Collage’ Sauvignon Blanc- An ethereal wine that fully deserves its spot on the high table of North American Sauvignon Blanc, the 2022 ‘Collage’ has incredible power, viscosity and flavor density coming from this highly challenging vintage for white wines. Dense mango and passion fruit flavors give this plenty of exotic appeal, as this shows sensational weight and length on the mid-palate, with kiwi and light nutty accents rounding out this beautiful wine. This is quite simply impossible to resist in its heady youth and will surely live on for another decade or more. Bravo! Drink 2025-2035- 97

2021 Aperture ‘Collage’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 ‘Collage’ is a barrel selection Cabernet Sauvignon that was sourced from five separate AVAs within the Aperture portfolio. A small amount of Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc was blended in, as the wine was stored for 24 months in 80% new French oak, as well as six months in concrete before bottling. This is a seamless bottling, with gorgeous flavor density. Creme de violette and tar notes collide with shades of smoky minerals, espresso bean and dark chocolate shavings with a graphite edge on the palate. For being so complex, it is exceedingly decadent and delicious to drink in its full-throttle youth. Drink 2025-2050- 100

Gramercy Cellars

It is my great pleasure to share the outstanding wines of Gramercy Cellars. It is remarkable that Gramercy was founded more than twenty years ago by winemaker and master sommelier, Greg Harrington, MS. For years Gramercy has been making some of the finest Rhones and Rose wines in Washington State. Harrington incredibly passed the master sommelier exam at the age of 26 and he partners with his talented co-winemaker, Brandon Moss, to focus on wines with balance and typicity of the individual varietal. These are wines that embody structure and poise, with good richness and varietal character. The wines have typically a small amount of new French oak utilized and many of these wines were stored in barrel for more than twenty months.

I love the new Pet Nat, the 2024 Gramercy Cellars Picpoul (OB, 92) which is one of the best Pet Nat wines I have tasted in North America. It is exceedingly easy to drink, with great flavor complexity. I adored the 2021 Gramercy ‘Holy Roller Vineyard’ Syrah (OB, 95) which is the refined side of Rocks Syrah. Learn more about these amazing wines at gramercycellars.com Here are the fantastic new wines by Gramercy Cellars and the superstar winemaking team of Greg Harrington, MS and Brandon Moss.

2024 Gramercy Cellars Picpoul Pet-Nat- The 2024 Gramercy Cellars Picpoul Pet-Nat comes from the Walla Walla Valley. It is juicy and highly quaffable, with light pear and green apple notes, alongside kiwi and stony minerals. With an impressive mousse, this is a killer new wine for the Gramercy portfolio. Drink 2025-2030- 92

2021 Gramercy Cellars ‘Sojeau Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The acclaimed Sojeau Vineyard is managed by Angel Martinez and was planted back in 2007. This location has a wide range of Pinot Noir clones  as the 18 acre site faces due west into the Van Duzer Corridor. Inky dark in the glass, this 2021 Pinot Noir opens with red cherry compote and loganberry alongside dried herbs and suggestions of salty soils on the nose. This is big, round and generous Oregon Pinot, with terrific flavor density showing off the heat of the vintage. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2021 Gramercy Cellars ‘Holy Roller Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2021 ‘Holy Roller’ Syrah was co-fermented with a touch of Viognier. The wine comes from the Holy Roller vineyard, set on ancient basalt cobblestones. Nori and a dusting of white pepper collide with green olives, charcuterie and black cherry pie on the palate. Very complex and delicious, showing a fat mouthfeel and beautiful finesse, enjoy this outstanding bottling now and over the next eight years to come. Drink 2025-2033- 95

2021 Gramercy Cellars ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2021 ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Syrah is a knockout wine from this storied site in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. The Syrah was entirely whole cluster fermented with some Viognier. Dark in the glass, this offers classic dried herbs on the nose with wet stone, iodine, wild blackberry compote and shades of dark licorice. The palate is round and generous with a smooth mouthfeel and great sense of finesse. Very refined and elegant throughout the drinking experience, showing no rough edges, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2037- 95

2021 Gramercy Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The gorgeous 2021 ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon has a touch of Merlot blended in. This is an elegant bottling that glides throughout the drinking experience. Dense figs and boysenberry flavors mingle well with garrigue, scorched earth and suggestions of milk chocolate on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2021 Gramercy Cellars ‘Phinny Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 ‘Phinny Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this eastern facing location in the Columbia Valley. Inky in the glass, this delivers violet rose petals on the nose alongside shades of sweet pipe tobacco, anise and dense dark fruits. The palate is elegant and refined with a great sense of texture, tension and richness. Generous and full-bodied, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 95

St. Innocent

Today we share some of the finest values you will ever taste in Oregon wine. St. Innocent is a famed Oregon estate founded by Oregon Wine Pioneer, Mark Vlossak. Mark has a longstanding history in the Oregon wine industry as the first single vineyard Pinot Noir made by Mark dates back to 1989 from the O’Connor Vineyard. In 2006 Mark set up his winery at that same site of his first single vineyard wine, which is now named the Zenith Vineyard. For years I have loved Mark’s Pinot Noirs which exude class in their elegance and flavor range. He also makes some of the great Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc in the state, as his wines have landed several times on my Top 100.

The white wines from St. Innocent were consistently great and have been great over the past decade. I love the 2023 St. Innocent ‘Enchanted Path’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) which is deep and viscous with exotic tropical fruits. Learn more about these awesome wines at https://stinnocentwine.com Here are the great new releases by St. Innocent. 

2020 St. Innocent ‘Crement’ Rose- Made with Pinot Noir but mainly Pinot Blanc grapes, this was stored on the lees for 39 months prior to disgorgement in August 2024. Best served on the warmer side, this is loaded with tart red fruits alongside orange peel and tobacco notes on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2025-2030- 91

2023 St. Innocent ‘Villages Cuvee’ Chardonnay- The 2023 St. Innocent ‘Villages Cuvee’ Chardonnay combines a range of top sites including the Freedom Hill Vineyard. Stored for 11 months in neutral French oak this delivers beautiful texture and structure with lush orchard fruits that meld well with cloves, pie crust and shades of marzipan on the palate. This is just a joy to consume right now. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2023 St. Innocent ‘Enchanted Way Vineyards’ Chardonnay- The 2023 St. Innocent ‘Enchanted Way Vineyards’ Chardonnay comes from this location in the South Salem Hills. Stored in only 11% new French oak before bottling, this delivers rich pineapple and mango flavors alongside custard and cantaloupe notes. Big and bold, with terrific tension and salty tones, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2023 St. Innocent ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Blanc- Mark Vlossak has been one of Oregon’s great champions for this Alsatian varietal for more than a decade now. This bottling comes from the famed Freedom Hill Vineyard, from vines planted back in 1993 and 2008. It is silky, refined and elegant, showing beautiful peach and Japanese pear flavors that meld well with shortbread, cashew nut and shades of ripe papaya on the palate. A stunning bottling that is a killer value, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2023 St. Innocent ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ Riesling- The 2023 ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ Riesling is made in the Trocken style. It is amongst the finest of its kind that you will taste in the Pacific Northwest. Loaded with tension and salty minerals, this offers petrol, key lime and nectarine flavors alongside its unctuous texture and stony underpinnings. Gorgeous now, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 94

Passing Time

It was a great evening tasting with NFL legend Damon Huard last night as we chatted everything Washington wine and Washington football for well over an hour. “2023 is looking like a really good vintage” said Huard, who plays a major role at the winery. Huard actively participates in the winemaking process and even hand-delivers wines to wine shops. He is as personable as it gets in the wine industry.

Starting with the 2012 vintage, I have always greatly admired the wines by Passing Time — founded by NFL legends Dan Marino and Damon Huard. Chris Peterson is one of the great winemakers in the Northwest. He was the first graduate of the Walla Walla Community College’s Enology and Viticulture program and worked DeLille for eight years under legendary winemaker Chris Upchurch. His wines are big, bold and beautifully structured, with a beginning, middle and an end.

The new wines were incredible coming from the 2023 vintage which was another warm vintage, with a relatively even growing season. I love the new 2023 Passing Time ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot (OB, 95) which is a beautiful edition of this wine, with serious focus and structure. But the star of the show was without a doubt the 2023 Passing Time ‘Block 1311’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 100) which is seamless, pillowy and soft — a stunning rendition of the Wallula Vineyard. This is a total show-stopper that is a must for any serious collector of Washington wine. Learn more about this famed boutique winery at http://www.passingtime.com Here is my reviews of the future release 2023 Passing Time wines.

2023 Passing Time ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot- The 2023 Passing Time ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot has a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon (12%) blended in. The wine comes mainly from the Klipsun Vineyard as well as a large portion from the Mercer Ranch. Stored in 60% new French oak, this opens with kirsch cordial notes alongside sandalwood, dried herbs and suggestions of graphite. The palate is rich and decadent with a smooth mouthfeel and great sense of length and underlying finesse. Gorgeous now, enjoy over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2023 Passing Time ‘Columbia Valley’ Red Wine- The 2023 Passing Time ‘Columbia Valley’ Red Wine combines 9% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon. Mostly coming from the Champoux and Pepper Bridge Vineyards, this delivers tobacco leaf on the nose alongside pencil lead, anise and shades of blackberry compote on the nose. This is fleshy and delicious, with great body and salty as well as stony nuances. Downright delicious, this is great to savor now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2023 Passing Time ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This 2023 ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ is a stunning wine that was mainly sourced from the Discovery and Wallula Vineyards. The wine is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon alongside 7% Merlot and the remainder Cabernet Franc. Garrigue aromatics combine with shades of blueberry compote, sweet pipe tobacco and milk chocolate tones all combine on the nose. The palate is deep and concentrated with a seamless texture, delivering a weightless drinking experience. A stunning wine to consume now, enjoy over the next twenty plus years. Drink 2025-2045- 97

2023 Passing Time ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% varietal coming mainly from the Klipsun Vineyard as well as the Red Mountain and Kiona Heart of the Hill Vineyards. Stored in 75% new French oak, this comes off inky in the glass, delivering tar and tobacco leaf alongside scorched earth ripe fig and mocha notes. The palate is big and broad-shouldered with serious texture and a fabulous sense of weight. Fresh and vibrant, with marvelous decadence, this is already beautifully evolved stuff that will cellar well for another twenty years to come. Drink 2025-2045- 96

2023 Passing Time ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Passing Time ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes primarily from the Seven Hills Vineyard with the remainder from the Pepper Bridge Vineyard. Very dark in the glass, this delivers black tea and exotic spices on the palate alongside chewy tannins, dense dark fruits and dark chocolate shaving flavors on the palate. This has incredible potential. Try to save this beauty for another year. Drink 2026-2045- 97

2023 Passing Time ‘Block 1311’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Block 1311’ is a barrel-selection wine that was entirely sourced for the Wallula Vineyard. Stored in all new French oak. A beautiful bouquet greets you as toasted hazelnuts mingle well with violets, tar, sagebrush and shades of huckleberry compote. This is impeccably balanced stuff, as this glides throughout the drinking experience. The palate is singular and plush as this can only come from one site — the famed Wallula Vineyard with its incredible veil of decadent blue fruits. Gorgeous to consume now, enjoy this total stunner now and over the next twenty plus years to come. Drink 2025-2050- 100

Alain Chavy

Today we share one of the greats in the Puligny-Montrachet region of Burgundy. The sons of Gerald Chavy divided their father;s holdings into two domains. They remain one of handful of growers that still reside in Puligny. Most domains are now owned by outsiders. Alain Chavy is produced in Clavoillons, alongside Domaine Lefaive. Alain produces his wine from 6.5 hectares which are hand-harvested. Wines are made with limited battonage. He also uses a combination of 400-liter oak puncheons and 25% new Burgundian pièce for the premier crus.

I tasted the new wines from the 2022 vintage. They were refined wines with serious elegance. I love the 2022 Alain Chavy ‘1er Cru Les Folatieres’ Puligny-Montrachet (OB, 95) which is seriously irresistible now and has marvelous texture and tension. Learn more at https://www.winebow.com/our-brands/domaine-alain-chavy and here are my reviews of the gorgeous Alain Chavy wines.

2022 Alain Chavy ‘Les Charmes’ Puligny-Montrachet- The brilliant 2022 Alain Chavy ‘Les Charmes’ Puligny-Montrachet is located near Mersault’s Premier Cru Les Charmes. The wine sat in 20% new French oak before bottling, opening with a gorgeous bouquet of fresh peaches and white flowers alongside shades of wet stone, pastry crust and salted lemon rind. The palate is very elegant and refined with a smooth mouthfeel and gorgeous sense of weight. Opulent and dense, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 94

2022 Alain Chavy ‘1er Cru Les Folatieres’ Puligny-Montrachet- The 2022 Alain Chavy ‘1er Cru Les Folatieres’ Puligny-Montrachet comes from this large site above Clavoillons. Stored in 25% new French oak, this delivers a dusting of white pepper on the nose with star jasmine and shades of white plum alongside Japanese pear and brioche notes. The palate is ultra-refined and elegant with a vibrant tension that runs through the core of heady orchard and citrus fruits. Smooth and beautifully-textured, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2042- 95

Echolands

I recently made my first visit to Echolands which was seriously overdue. Meeting with winemaker/general manager Brian Rudin, you couldn’t not be overwhelmed wit hthe overall beauty of the property — an over 300 acre chunk of land up Mill Creek, roughly 15 minutes outside of Walla Walla. I was really excited to see this expansive tasting room, with sweeping views of the valley. Doug Frost, MS, MW, has an illustrious wine career, and is one of three individuals in the world to hold simultaneously the Master of Wine and Master Sommelier titles, achieving his MS in 1991 and MW in 1993. He also authored ‘The Spanish Wine Guide (third edition 2009’) and is a contributing editor of the Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails. He is a great guy to talk wine with.

It has now been over a year since Rudin took over as winemaker. He did incredible work at Canvasback, creating wines that have beautiful depth and flavor density — deftly showcasing the Red Mountain power and terroir. The new wines that I tasted with Rudin were fantastic. I love the 2024 Echolands ‘Albus’ White Wine (OB, 93) which is beautifully polished and textured. I also adored the 2024 Echolands ‘Taggart Estate Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 93) which has fabulous flavor range and freshness, with good weight. Learn more about this fantastic project at echolandswinery.com Here are my reviews of he beautiful new wines that I tasted from Echolands.

2024 Echolands ‘Albus’ White Wine- The 2024 ‘Albus’ gas 18% Semillon eight the remainder Sauvignon Blanc from the Angioluna Farm Vineyard. This offers gooseberry and walnut notes alongside shades of green papaya on the palate, with a fat mouthfeel. Fresh and polished, with bright acidity, enjoy this beautiful Bordeaux-inspired blend now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2032- 93

2024 Echolands ‘Taggart Estate Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc- Just a small amount of Semillon is blended to the 2024 Echolands ‘Taggart Estate Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc which was cropped at only 2.5 tons per acre. The wine saw three days on the skins and then was barrel fermented before bottling. This has a lot of body with tremendous verve, offering green apple and lemon rind tones alongside shades of almond skin on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2025-2031- 93

2024 Echolands ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Grenache Blanc- The sensational 2024 Echolands ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Grenache Blanc saw extended skin contact and then was stored in Italian amphorae before bottling. This is ripe and very stony with terrific richness and depth with nutty accents alongside rich melon notes. Elegant and smooth on the mouth, with bright underlying acidity, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 94

2024 Echolands ‘White Rock Vineyard’ Riesling- Made in the halb-trocken style this weighs in at 12G/L RS. Fermented in concrete this shows bright acidity and great stony character alongside rich honeydew melon and papaya fruit flavors. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2024 Echolands ‘Frenchman Hills Vineyard’ Riesling- Modeled after GG wines, the 2024 Echolands ‘Frenchman Hills Vineyard’ Riesling offers terrific body and richness from the lees contact. A light dusting of petrol melds well with starfruit and juicy pear notes. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2024 Echolands ‘Frenchman Hills Vineyard’ Ice Wine- The best wine I tasted was the 2024 Echolands ‘Frenchman Hills Vineyard’ Ice Wine which has 25% residual sugar. Peaches and lychee mark the nose alongside roasted pineapple. The palate is deep and concentrated with serious richness and freshness. Smooth throughout the drinking experience, with magical length, enjoy over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2022 Echolands ‘Blue Mountain Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc- The 2022 Echolands ‘Blue Mountain Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc offers green peppercorns alongside violets, tar and tobacco leaf on the nose. The palate is plush and sour with terrific mouthfeel and texture. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Echolands ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Franc- The delicious 2022 Echolands ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Franc offers dense dark fruits with dried sage and hints of orange zest on the palate. Drink 2025-2033- 92

2024 Echolands ‘Blue Mountain Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc- Barrel sample 92-95

Single Barrel

It is my pleasure to share the second release of Single Barrel wines. These beautiful wines come from a range of fabulous locations in the Columbia Valley including the Conner Lee, Stoneridge and Va Piano vineyards. Alex Stewart and Hal Iverson head the winemaking at Single Barrel which focuses on limited production and single vineyard wines that have beautiful stuffing and flavor density.

I think you are going to be really impressed with the range of Single Barrel wines. I love the new 2022 Single Barrel Rose (OB, 93) which is amongst the best Rose wines I have tasted this year from the Pacific Northwest. I am really enamored by the 2022 Single Barrel ‘Connor Lee Vineyard’ Chardonnay (OB, 95)  which is big and viscous with amazing flavor density. Learn more about this electric new wine project at https://singlebarrelwine.com/ and here are my reviews of the thrilling new Single Barrel wines.

2022 Single Barrel ‘Solaksen Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Stored in new French oak barrels, the

2022 Single Barrel ‘Solaksen Vineyard’ Chardonnay stands golden in the glass, offering a smooth mouthfeel with terrific viscosity and good verve. Rich melon and citrus fruits combine with nutty and pie crust notes. Drink 2025-2032- 94

2022 Single Barrel ‘Conner Lee Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Sourced from vines planted all the way back in the late 1980s, the 2022 Single Barrel ‘Conner Lee Vineyard’ Chardonnay delivers serious weight and texture with beautiful flavor density. Rich honeydew melon and Japanese pear combine with baking spice laced shortbread and roasted pineapple on the palate. This is astonishingly good. Drink 2025-2033- 95

2022 Single Barrel ‘La Reyna’ Chardonnay- The 2022 Single Barrel ‘La Reyna’ Chardonnay comes from this location in the Royal Slope AVA. This location was planted in 2010, as the wine has three separate clones blended in. On the nose this takes on passion fruit and mango notes that combine with baking spices and suggestions of Meyer lemon pie. The palate is plush and round with a serious underlying verve. This is gorgeous, generous wine, with a killer saline streak, that has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2025-2033-95

2023 Single Barrel Rose- Made from Grenache grapes, the 2023 Single Barrel Rose was stored in mainly neutral French oak barrels before bottling. This has just a kiss of sweetness with serious body and texture. Ripe red fruits combine with orange zest and shades of salty soils on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 93

2022 Single Barrel ‘Solaksen Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2022 Single Barrel ‘Solaksen Vineyard’ Pinot Noir offers beautiful red rose petals alongside Satsuma orange zest and guava on the nose. The palate is beautifully-textured with good salty nuance alongside rich red fruits and dried herbs. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2022 Single Barrel ‘Connor Lee Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 Single Barrel ‘Connor Lee Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from vines planted back in 2014. Red plum and red currants combine with juicy strawberry and red florals on the nose. The palate is deep and rich with terrific concentration and gorgeous damp earth tones. Very fresh and fragrant, with a lush mouthfeel, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 95

2022 Single Barrel ‘Royal Slope’ Grenache- The 2022 Single Barrel ‘Royal Slope’ Grenache comes from the Thunderstone and Corfu Crossing Vineyards. The red florals are really empathic on the nose alongside bright strawberry an guava aromatics. The palate is plush, round and generous with a seamless texture. The flavor density here is astonishingly good. Drink 2025-2033- 95

2022 Single Barrel ‘Tremasi’ Grenache- The 2022 Single Barrel ‘Tremasi’ Grenache comes from this site managed by Damon LaLonde that is located on the south side of Red Mountain. On the nose this offers scorched earth and bay leaf notes alongside shades of sagebrush and bright red fruits. The palate is plush and deep with serious texture and weight. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2022 Single Barrel ‘Stoneridge’ Tempranillo- The 2022 Single Barrel ‘Stoneridge’ Tempranillo comes from this famed site in the Royal Slope AVA. This is very earthy and savory with green olives, smoked meats, bacon fat and shades of wet stone on the palate. Very fresh and fragrant with serious texture and underlying verve, this is a gorgeous bottling that is already neatly evolved. Drink 2025-2033- 95

2022 Single Barrel ‘Royal Slope’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘Royal Slope’ Syrah comes from a range of sites in this AVA. The nose is gorgeous with garrigue and scorched earth tones alongside creosote and dense dark fruits. The palate is plush, stony and salty with serious texture and weight. A total stunner, with meaty and green olive accents, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 96

2022 Single Barrel ‘Tremasi’ Syrah- A small amount of the exceptional 2022 Single Barrel ‘Tremasi’ Syrah was produced (44 cases). Jet black in the glass, this delivers terrific concentration and acidity, as smoked brisket flavors parade with wild blackberry, black cherry compote and Kalamatta olives. Drink 2025-2035- 95

Chateau Batailley

One of the storied houses on the Left Bank, Château Batailley was acquired in 1924 by the Borie brothers, who managed Maison Borie-Manoux. The name "Batailley" originates from the "Battle" which took place in 1453 between the French and the English on the lands of the future domain; with the reconquest of Château Latour by the French, this year saw the end of the Hundred Years War. Château Batailley is one of the oldest residences in the town of Pauillac. In 1855, Château Batailley was classified in the Fifth Grand Cru category of the Médoc, thanks in particular to the improvements made by Daniel Guestier. Major renovations were made at the house in 2006, and there has been considerably innovation sense. Château Batailley began releasing its second wine, Lions de Batailley, in 2015, and its third in 2019, Pauillac de Batailley.

The wines are well-balanced, with great stony character. I love the way the 2017 Chateau Batailley (OB, 94) is showing right now as it is really in a great spot drinking wise with good elegance, refined tannins and beautiful flavor range. Learn more at https://batailley.com/en and here are my reviews of the releases by Chateau Batailley.

2017 Chateau Batailley- The gorgeous 2017 Chateau Batailley is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 17% Merlot and the remainder Petit Verdot. It is medium-bodied with impeccable balance right now. Wet gravel and black licorice notes hit the nose alongside shades of tar and tobacco leaf. The palate is soft and elegant as refined tannins frame a beautiful core of dark currants, blackberry compote and anise with light cassis notes. Fresh and vibrant right now, this still has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2025-2042- 94

2018 Chateau Batailley ‘Lions de Batailley’ Red Wine- The 2018 Chateau Batailley ‘Lions de Batailley’ Red Wine is a superb second wine from a great vintage. Inky in the glass, this offers concentrated cassis and creme de violette notes alongside tar and wet gravel on the palate. Forward and juicy, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 92