Roederer Estate

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elusa

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIGGINS

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

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

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

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

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

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

JH Wine Consulting

JH Wine Consulting

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

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

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

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

AXR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CONN CREEK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MERRYVALE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3/Thirds Winery

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

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

YOUNT RIDGE

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

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

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

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

HARBISON

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

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

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

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

SVV

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

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

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

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

TERRA SOLIS

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

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

THE DEBATE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MR

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

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

YAO FAMILY WINES

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

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

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

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

Domaine Serene and Domaine Evenstad

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Domaine Drouhin Oregon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Louis Roederer 'Cristal' Champagne

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

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

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

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

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

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

White Walnut

Today we share the beautiful wines of White Walnut. Created by the former winemaker and general manager of Archery Summit, Chris Mazepink, he smartly purchased land in the Dundee Hills back in 2013. Chris sensed the potential of the property as it is located adjacent to the vineyards of legendary Oregon wineries Domaine Drouhin and Archery Summit. Chris and his sons, Archer and Charles, cleared the land, by hand, in the summer of 2014 and then planted it to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in 2015 and 2016. They preserved the remaining walnut trees on the property that continue to produce fruit and are now well over 70 years old, standing stoic amongst the vines. He sees the immense potential in making wines that all come from the Dundee Hills AVA. The wines were sensational across the board as we talked everything from Chris’s upcoming marathon run to international soccer.

The quality of his 2024 wines were extraordinary across the board. I adored the 2024 White Walnut ‘Worden Hill Road’ Chardonnay (OB, 96) which is wonderfully rocky and beautifully textured. Learn more about this outstanding new winery at https://www.whitewalnutestate.com Here are the great new wines by White Walnut.

2024 White Walnut ‘Dundee Hills’ Chardonnay- The 2024 ‘Dundee Hills’ was barrel fermented and no additives were added to the wine. Native yeast fermented, this did not see any battonage and was aged in barrel for one year before being moved to stainless steel before bottling. The nose is wonderfully reductive with great stony character. Lime zest and diatom fill the palate with amazing stony and flinty character. Drink 2026-2036- 94

2024 White Walnut ‘Worden Hill Road’ Chardonnay- The 2024 White Walnut ‘Worden Hill Road’ Chardonnay was stored in a small amount of new oak before bottling. Meyer lemon zest and shades of kiwi combine with great reductive, flinty nuances on the nose. The palate is marvelously salty and terroir-driven with a very Chablisesque flair. Stunning, and wonderfully stony, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2024 White Walnut ‘Apple Field Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Planted in 2016 by winemaker Chris Mazepink, this offers powerful white florals on the nose alongside lemon rind and baking spice laced pastry crust. The palate is rich and mineral-laden with loads of finesse. Mainly citrus fruits dominating the palate, pushing mango character and loads of wet stone, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2024 White Walnut ‘Terrarosa Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Owned by White Walnut, the 2024 White Walnut ‘Terrarosa Vineyard’ Chardonnay is the first crop off this vineyard which was originally planted to Pinot Noir and then grafted over. Diatom and salted lime combine with the flinty and stony character on the palate. Showing impressive weight, length and tons of tension, this is a stunning wine that has a long life in front of it. Only 12.5% alcohol! Drink 2026-2041- 96

2024 White Walnut ‘White Walnut Estate’ Chardonnay- The 2024 White Walnut ‘White Walnut Estate’ Chardonnay was stored in a small amount of new oak before bottling. Super reductive on the nose this takes on flinty tones alongside lemon blossom, white rose and suggestions of nectarine skin. The palate is rich and layered with terrific mouthfeel and lots of texture. Dense and chewy with amazing diatom character, this is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2024 White Walnut ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 White Walnut ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir offers tangerine zest alongside Bing cherry and shades of red licorice. The palate is loaded with tension and salty/stony minerals alongside its core of red and dark fruits. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2024 White Walnut ‘Worden Hill Road’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 White Walnut ‘Worden Hill Road’ Pinot Noir offers gunmetal and tart red fruits on the nose with orange blossom. The palate is nervy and shows amazing texture alongside orange fruit flavors and wild strawberry tones. Dense and delicious, with excellent nerve, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2024 White Walnut ‘White Walnut Estate’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 White Walnut ‘White Walnut Estate’ Pinot Noir offers beautiful red rose petals on the nose with bergamot and tangerine peel notes. The palate is lush and round with terrific texture and great stony character. Brimming with tension and texture, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2024 White Walnut ‘Apple Field Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Apple Field Vineyard’ Pinot Noir combines five different clonal selections. This is wonderfully reductive on the nose with its flinty tones alongside violets and shades of red currants. The palate is lithe with amazing tension and stony character. Gorgeous now, enjoy over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2024 White Walnut ‘Terrarosa’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 White Walnut ‘Terrarosa’ Pinot Noir shows black and red florals on the nose alongside shades of red licorice and anise seed. The plate offers a beautiful melange of red and dark fruits with orange peel and salty/stony soils. Gorgeous now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen years. Drink 2026-2041- 95

Chateau Lascombes

Today we share the beautiful wines of Chateau Lascombes which is a property with a whopping 120 hectares (296 acres) planted in the Margaux appellation, as well as 10 hectares (24 acres) in the Haut-Médoc appellation. It is one of the largest vineyards among the classified growths of 1855. Set near the center of Margaux, vines are set on a range of soil types, as the vineyard has three separate blocks of roughly the same surface area: a gravelly outcrop planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, a block of clay-gravel made up of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and finally clay-limestone plots, where Merlot is planted. As these wines have a softer expression for the region, it is no surprise that Merlot makes up roughly 50% of vines planted which is highly unique to the appellation.

Sitting down with head winemaker Axel Heinz we chatted about the current vintage. Harvest is extremely condensed in this warm 2026 vintage in Bordeaux. Heinz noted “The current vintage is one of the ripest and warmest. In the 20th and 21st century this was the earliest harvest.” We chatted about other warm vintages, including 2009 which Heinz noted “was nowhere near as hot and as early as 2026. It is quite interesting to see a conference about Cabernet Sauvignon and the perspective of climate change. We had to pick examples of warm and cooler vintage and I picked 2009 as an example of a warm vintage. I looked at the weather charts and picking dates and that was almost by today’s standards as a late ripening style.”

In terms of a varietal shining this year Heinz finds that it “might be Cabernet Sauvignon if it is at an early stage. That is the variety that we feel has done most well. This is a vintage all about vineyard site. Certain types of soils and terroirs that have fared better than others.”

I tasted the 2023 wines with Heinz and was so impressed with the overall quality. He mentioned “2023 was an interesting vintage and it is in the bottle now. It was slightly overlooked when it was first reviewed. For various reasons and we know that when we have a brilliant vintage the following vintage gets overlooked. This certainly happened because of the halo that 2022 had and it was easy to overlook 2023. And perhaps because we are entering a cycle of more difficult times in Bordeaux and the wines in general and therefore there was a bit less immediate enthusiasm of the vintage. They are quite different than the 2022s and although it is not a vintage that you would look at the vintage as classically Bordeaux in style. Although in some parts of the growing season it also was a fairly warm vintage but the wines have a sense of balance and restraint and symmetry.” 2023 is reminding me of 2017 in terms of being sandwiched between two excellent years. I like the balance that ‘17s bring and that is now showing up in the glass.
Heinz has been on board now for more than a year and impacting the Lascombes program utilizing a lower percentage of new French oak. He stated “We have a different approach to the Grand Vin and designed for longer aging” he said. “We make our second wine that has a bit more readability in its youth.”

Lascombes is owned by The Lawrence Family, owners of Napa Valley’s iconic Heitz Cellar and Managing Partner and Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy, Jr.. The wines from 2023 show really nice cellaring potential and a great push/pull between fruit character and non-fruit essence. The gorgeous 2023 Chateau Lascombes (OB, 95) is all about balance right now, as the black fruit flavors are slowly stepping into the fray. Compared to the ’22 it is quite more restrained and classic, with less pure dark fruits and better herbal undertones. This perfumed beauty has at least fifteen to twenty years in front of it. Learn more about this famed house at https://www.chateau-lascombes.com and here is my review of the beautiful 2023 releases by Chateau Lascombes.

2023 Chateau Lascombes ‘Chevalier de Lascombes’ Red Wine- The ‘Chevalier de Lascombes’ is primarily Merlot (70%) and 27% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Petit Verdot. This wine comes from vines from gravely soils around the historical heart of the estate. The wine is beautifully perfumed with red rose petals and potpourri alongside red currants and shades of fresh sage. The palate is fleshy and fresh with terrific structure and depth. Gorgeous now, watch this evolve over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2023 Chateau Lascombes ‘La Cote Lascombes’ Red Wine- This is a new wine to Chateau Lascombes, as the ‘La Cote Lascombes’ is all Merlot coming from clay and limestone soils at the estate vineyards. It stands inky in the glass, showing off gorgeous black florals that combine with green herbs, crushed wet rock and shades of black licorice. The palate is powerful and concentrated with amazing depth and purity of dark fruits with amazing freshness and clay soils character. Beautifully-textured, enjoy this stunning wine now and over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2026-2046- 95

2023 Chateau Lascombes- The 2023 Lascombes is a stellar effort in this slightly cooler vintage. The wine comes from the more historic vineyard holdings at the estate set on nearly all gravel soils. This combines 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 37% Merlot, with the remainder  Petit Verdot. The gorgeous aromatics of black rose, anise, cassis and shades of dark chocolate shavings with a graphite edge. The palate has amazing stony soil character and mouth-watering acidity with refined tannins. Gorgeous now with a long decant, with a brilliant herbal edge, enjoy over the next fifteen to twenty years. Be sure to give this several hours in the decanter if enjoying now. Drink 2026-2046- 95

Soos Creek

Today we share one of the great, older producers in Washington. Soos Creek is a Washington outpost that is built on producing quality wines that exude both class and value. Starting back in in 1989, David and Cecile Larsen started to make wine in the Boeing Wine Club (and even blackberry wine). They originally modeled their winery after Quilceda Creek, producing only one Cabernet Sauvignon wine. They now make a pretty wide range of wines including a beautiful Syrah. He sources from some of the great sites in the state including Ciel du Cheval and Klipsun in Red Mountain, David makes roughly 2,000 cases each year focusing on high quality red wines. 

This is nearly the final vintage for Soos Creek which is an emotional farewell to the Washington wine industry. I would like to personally thank David and Cecile Larson and what they have accomplished and contributed to our industry. They have done this for 36 vintages which is a remarkable achievement and speaks to the quality of wine in the bottle.

I love the new 2024 Soos Creek ‘Au Revoir’ Red Wine (OB, 94) which is their tribute wine, composed of 40% Petit Verdot with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon. It is stunning wine that has many years in the cellar to go. Learn more about this great boutique winery at http://www.sooscreekwine.com Here are the final wines made by Soos Creek.

2024 Soos Creek ‘Commander Comet’ Syrah- Sourced mainly from the Discovery Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills, the 2024 ‘Commander Comet’ black florals, smoked brisket and tar notes on the nose. The palate is refined and smooth with terrific concentration with its black fruit and chocolate core. Delightful to consume now, enjoy over the next eight plus years. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2024 Soos Creek ‘The Volunteer’ Red Wine- The 2024 ‘The Volunteer’ is mainly composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and is a tribute wine to the many people who have helped Soos Creek over the past several decades. It comes off medium to full-bodied with terrific underlying tension. Refined tannins frame a core of cassis and creme de violette flavors alongside sagebrush accents on the palate. Drink 2026-2034- 92

2024 Soos Creek ‘King Cab’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Another delicious edition of this wine, the  2024 ‘King Cab’ packs a punch for only twenty dollars SRP. It shows kirsch and black raspberry fruits with dark chocolate shavings and graphite on the palate. Medium-bodied, enjoy this awesome value now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-2031- 91

2024 Soos Creek ‘Phinny Hill Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2024 ‘Phinny Hill Vineyard’ is nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Petit Verdot from this site located in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Wintergreen aromatics fill the glass alongside cigar ash, allspice dusted black fruits and shades of black licorice. The palate is both fresh and viscous with terrific volume and mouth-watering acidity. Gorgeous to enjoy now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 94

2024 Soos Creek ‘Soliel’ Red Wine- The 2024 ‘Soliel’ is a blend of near equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Milk chocolate covered black cherry, lavender and thyme notes mark the nose alongside shades of sandalwood. The palate is juicy and delicious with terrific freshness and texture. This is drinking marvelously now and will be sure to show well over the next eight plus years. Drink 2026-2034- 92

2024 Soos Creek ‘Sazon’ Red Wine- The 2024 ‘Sazon’ is mainly Merlot (78%) coming from the McNary Vineyard. Mocha, scorched earth and dried herbs all fill the nose with shades of potpourri. The palate is plush and juicy, brimming with bright acidity. A terrific melange of red and dark fruits greets you on the palate alongside Arabica bean notes. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2024 Soos Creek ‘Au Revoir’ Red Wine- The 2024 ‘Au Revoir’ is the farewell wine from Soos Creek after 36 vintages from proprietors David and Cecile Larsen. A silky combination of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Petit Verdot (40%) this stands jet black in the glass. Pencil lead, graphite and heady dark fruits combine with shades of Turkish coffee on the palate. Concentrated and powerful, this has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2026-2041- 94

Joseph Phelps

A great story in Napa wine, Joe Phelps, a Colorado construction contractor turned Napa Valley vintager, purchased a 670-acre cattle ranch in St. Helena in 1973. It was then in 1974 that Phelps  had a great harvest and wanted to name his wine something differently. The family came up with the name ‘Insignia’ to signify a wine of exceptional quality.

The first vintage came in 1974 and the inaugural wine was primarily Steltzner Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon along with some Merlot, and was sought to change each year. It uses the finest available lots of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec.

The 2023 ‘Insignia’ is a stunning wine that combines 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc. It is a dazzling, deep and powerful effort by winemaker Ryan Knoth. Here is my review of the stunning 2023 ‘Insignia’ by Joseph Phelps.

2023 Joseph Phelps ‘Insignia’ Red Wine- Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon (88%) the 2023 ‘Insignia’ is a monumental effort by winemaker Ryan Knoth. It comes off muscular and well-chiseled on the nose wit iron and graphite notes alongside sweet pipe tobacco, boysenberry compote and gorgeous black florals. The palate is deep and concentrated with a refined mouthfeel and great sense of weight and underlying finesse. Just an infant right now, this beauty has decades of life in front of it. Try to resist this stunner for at least another year. Drink 2027-2047- 99

Cristom

Today we share the outstanding wines of Cristom. This is one of the most gorgeous spots that you will find in the Willamette Valley. Over the years Cristom has gained world-wide acclaim for their single vineyard Pinot Noirs. More recently they have been really improving their Chardonnay program.  The Cristom ‘Mt. Jefferson Cuvee’ Pinot Noir has been one of the great values out of Oregon. This 2023 edition of this wine is another sensational bottling by them.

WInemaker Daniel Estrin, who also serves as vineyard manager, has an impressive resume, with stints at Red Car as well as Craggy Range in New Zealand before landing his position Littorai. He makes some beautiful wines and is a great job with this vineyard and wine program.  Check out the outstanding 2024 Cristom ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ Chardonnay (OB, 96) which is a dazzling wine from this famed site. Check out more about these outstanding wines at https://www.cristomvineyards.com and here are my reviews of the new releases by Cristom.

2025 Cristom ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay- The 2025 Cristom ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay was stored for nine months in 35% new French oak before bottling. This packs a serious punch with light reduction and a smooth mouthfeel, offering medium-bodied melon and citrus fruits. Drink 2026-2032- 92

2024 Cristom ‘Mt. Adams Cuvee’ Chardonnay- A blend of fruit from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, the 2024 ‘Mt. Adams Cuvee’ offers nice reduction on the nose wth gunmetal and lemon blossom alongside shades of green melon. The palate is very mineral-laden with terrific freshness and salty/stony tension. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2024 Cristom ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The outstanding 2024 Cristom ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ Chardonnay comes from this acclaimed site in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Cristom has worked with this location since 2020. Rocky soils combine with shades of mango and salted macadamia nut. The palate has terrific tension and verve, as the finish just won’t stop. This is a knockout wine that is already nicely evolved. Drink 2026-2036- 96

2024 Cristom ‘Royer Vineyard’ Chardonnay- A gorgeous wine from this dazzling, windy site in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, the 2024 ‘Royer Vineyard’ was stored in a small amount of new French oak before bottling. The palate is extremely nervy with amazing diatom character. Salty soils combine with peaches, white grapefruit and shades of cardamom dusted brioche on the palate. Drink 2026-2036- 96

2024 Cristom ‘Louise Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Six acres was originally planted to this location which was later grafted over to Syrah, Viognier and Pinot Noir. Only half an acre remains at this site. The 2024 Cristom ‘Louise Vineyard’ Chardonnay shows tangerine blossom and nectarine alongside shades of honeydew melon on the nose. The palate is powerful and dense with bright acidity, with light nutty undertones. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2024 Cristom ‘Eileen Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Coming from this windswept location at the top of the estate vineyard, the 2024 ‘Eileen Vineyard’ comes off wonderfully rocky with lemon rind and shades of diatom on the nose with rich melon tones. The palate is dense and nervy with amazing verve and texture, loaded with stony minerals. Wait for the minute-long finish! Drink 2026-2036- 97

2025 Cristom ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- At only 30 bucks SRP, the 2025 ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir packs a punch and was 40% whole-cluster fermented. It comes off soft with juicy red and dark fruits alongside orange peel notes. Drink 2026-2032- 91

2023 Cristom ’Louise Vineyard’ Viognier- The 2023 ‘Louise Vineyard’ was sourced from this location set on basalt soils. Stored in all neural oak barrels, this delivers honeysuckle and juicy peach aromatics that combine with salty soils and shades of ginger on the nose. The palate is fresh and lithe with a smooth texture and good sense of length. Nervy and intense, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2024-2033- 93

2023 Cristom ‘Eola-Amity Hills’ Gamay- The 2023 ‘Eola-Amity Hills’ Gamay comes from both the Paul Gerrie and Björnson Vineyards. This was given 100% whole cluster carbonic maceration and then stored in neutral oak barrels before bottling. Translucent in the glass, this delivers loads of juicy red fruits that collide with baking spices, thyme and a light dusting of white pepper, with cran-orange accents on the palate. Really good in its vibrant youth, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 93

2024 Cristom ‘Mt. Jefferson Cuvee’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2024 Cristom ‘Mt. Jefferson Cuvee’ Pinot Noir was stored in 16% new French oak for 11 months prior to bottling. This vintage marks the 30th vintage of this wine and is all from estate fruit. This opens with potpourri, guava puree and shades of red licorice with exotic spices on the nose. The palate shows good refinement and verve with serious texture and layers of loganberry, cloves, wild blackberry and compost flavors. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2024 Cristom ‘Jessie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The brilliant 2024 Cristom ‘Jessie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir saw 43% whole cluster fermentation and was stored in 25% new French oak before bottling. Rich red florals fill the nose alongside shades of red licorice and cranberry. The palate is rich and savory with lovely herbal character alongside a terrific melange of red and dark fruits. Give this at least an hour in the decanter if enjoying now. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2024 Cristom ‘Louise Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 ‘Louise Vineyard’ comes from this location that has a steep hillside as this was stored in 27% new French oak before bottling. Sandalwood and shades of thyme combine with orange blossom and beautiful red fruits all mark the nose. The palate is very savory with soy sauce notes that mingle well with a core of red and dark fruits alongside tobacco leaf and orange rind. The flavor range here is outstanding, as this has a long life in front of it. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2024 Cristom ‘Eileen Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2024 Cristom ‘Eileen Vineyard’ Pinot Noir was stored for 18 months in 30% new French oak before bottling. This is a windy site on top of the estate that has both Jory and Nekkia soils. Dark in the glass, this offers a silky mouthfeel upon entry. Loads of mouth-watering acidity follows alongside a core of black cherry compote and black raspberry flavors. Stony and savory, this is a stunning wine that has a long life in front of it. Drink 2026-2044- 96

2024 Cristom ‘Marjorie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Original plantings from this site are from 1982, as the 2024 ‘Marjorie’ saw 43% whole cluster fermentation. Stored for 18 months in 30% new French oak this opens with pretty potpourri tones on the nose alongside thyme and shades of sandalwood with ripe red fruits. The palate has amazing volume and mouth-watering acidity. Gorgeous in its heady youth, make sure to give this an hour in the decanter if enjoying now. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2024 Cristom ‘Paul Gerrie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The stunning 2024 Cristom ‘Paul Gerrie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from this estate site planted back in 2014. It is a dense monster of a wine that has decades of life in front of it. Once on the nose this takes on layers of red and dark florals with cloves, dried herbs and shades of red currants. The palate has amazing volume and mouth-watering tension with rocky soil character alongside tart dark fruits. Dense and delicious, enjoy now and over the next two decades. Drink 2026-2046- 97

J. Lohr

It is my pleasure to share the wines of J. Lohr — a brand that has been synonymous with value in California wine. Beginning in the late 1960s, Jerry Lohr began searching for a great location plant his first vineyard. Raised on a South Dakota farm, Jerry had a background in agriculture and chose the Central Coast, which was an experimental region at the time. Jerry has created an amazing success story with his winery, J. Lohr. While J. Lohr has gained a nationwide reputation for rich red wines, their white wine portfolio is also has some outstanding values.

The wines sow good value and I really enjoyed the 2024 J. Lohr ‘Purse Paso’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 91) which has great richness and Paso character. Learn more about this outstanding lineup at https://www.jlohr.com Here are the outstanding new wines by J. Lohr. 

2025 J. Lohr ‘Flume Crossing’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2025 J. Lohr ‘Flume Crossing’ Sauvignon Blanc is nicely textured stuff with peaches, kiwi and white grapefruit flavors. Enjoy now. Drink 2026-2031- 90

2025 J. Lohr ‘Bay Mist’ White Riesling- The 2025 ‘Bay Mist’ Riesling offers some sweetness on the mid palate with strawberry and starfruit flavors alongside a soft mouthfeel. Enjoy now. Drink 2026-2031- 89

2024 Paperwhite By J. Lohr ‘Unoaked’ Chardonnay- The 2024 Paperwhite By J. Lohr ‘Unoaked’ Chardonnay is soft and approachable with slightly sweet baking spice laced melon flavors. Drink 2026-2030- 87

2025 J. Lohr ‘Wildflower’ Valdigue- The 2025 J. Lohr ‘Wildflower’ Valdigue offers bright red fruits with orange rind notes on the palate. Soft, with lively acidity, enjoy now. Drink 2026-2031- 90

2024 J. Lohr ‘Pure Paso’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2024 J. Lohr ‘Pure Paso’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows sweetened dark fruits and chocolate flavors with a smooth mouthfeel. Delicious now, enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2026-2032- 91

Long Shadows

Gilles Nicault for more than a decade has been crafting some of the finest wines in Washington State He has a knack for making world-class wines in tough vintages. One of the great stories in Washington wine, 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). This is such an epic, very Napaesque, tasting experience that is truly one of a kind.

I adored the new 2025 Long Shadows ‘Poet’s Leap’ Riesling (OB, 93) which is one of the great Rieslings made in Washington State. Learn more about these famed wines at longshadows.com and here are my reviews of the beautiful new Long Shadows wines.

2025 Long Shadows ‘Poet’s Leap’ Riesling- The 2025 ‘Poet’s Leap’ Riesling is a gorgeous edition of this wine that has terrific push/pull between weight and stony minerality. Wafts of petrol and wet stone mark the nose alongside ripe peaches. The palate is laden with minerality and texture, with the faintest hint of sweetness. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2022 Long Shadows ‘Saggi’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Saggi’ is a one of a kind bottling that is a benchmark Super Tuscan-inspired wine from Washington State. This edition has the highest percentage of Sangovese ever (67%) alongside 19% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Syrah. Blue and black florals mark the nose with pipe tobacco, leather, and shades of red licorice. The palate is luxurious and refined in terms of mouthfeel, texture and underlying freshness. A gorgeous, generous bottling despite the relative coolness of the vintage, enjoy now and over the next ten to fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2022 Long Shadows ‘Pedestal’ Merlot- The 2022 ‘Pedestal’ is a dense and delicious bottling from this slightly cooler vintage. The silky mouthful and refined tannins immediately gratify on the palate. Layers of cocoa powder dusted black cherry, cigar box, anise and Cuban cigar all combine on the palate, with sandalwood notes. A gorgeous and generous bottling that is loaded with texture, tension and flavor density, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2022 Long Shadows ‘Pirouette’ Red Wine- The stunning 2022 Long Shadows ‘Pirouette’ is a blend of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (65%) with30% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Stored for 22 months in nearly all new French oak this shows off black rose petals, green bell pepper and fresh sage on the nose alongside shades of black licorice. The palate is dense and rich with terrific texture, tension and length. A dazzling wine that has a long way to go in the cellar, enjoy over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2022 Long Shadows ‘Sequel’ Syrah- Very inky in the glass, the 2022 ‘Sequel’ underwent roughly 33% whole cluster fermentation and was stored in a small portion of new French oak barrels before bottling. White pepper dusted beef brisket, Hoisin sauce, and shades of Umami all fill the nose. The palate is seductive with serious left and richness. Chocolate, beef drippings, tar and allspice dust black fruits all seamlessly combine on the mid-palate. A joy to consume, this is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2026-2041- 96

2022 Long Shadows ‘Chester Kidder’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Chester Kidder’ is a full-bodied blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Syrah, and 3% Petit Verdot. Garrigue and pencil lead notes combine with dark chocolate shavings, black florals and tar notes on the nose. The palate is powerful and rich with a refined mouthfeel and great sense of texture. Gorgeous now, offering immediate gratification, enjoy over the next twelve plus years to come. Drink 2026-2038- 95

Avennia Acquires Gramercy Cellars

We have some big news in Washington wine as Avennia has acquired Gramercy Cellars, the Walla Walla-based winery founded twenty years ago by Master Sommelier Greg Harrington.

“Gramercy Cellars is one of the wineries that compelled the rest of the country to take Washington seriously,” said Chris Peterson, co-founder and director of winemaking at Avennia. “Greg created and developed this winery with his own unique voice. Our job is not to change or reinvent his vision, but rather to provide him with the resources and support necessary to continue taking this project to new heights.”

Both wineries will function independently and Gramercy will continue to operate its Walla Walla-based tasting room. Huge congrats to Avennia and their team

VIADER

It is my pleasure to share the incredible wines of VIADER. A tale of fortitude and dedication, Delia Viader only made one wine, a Bordeaux style blend, since 1986. Holding a PhD from Sorbonne University in Paris, founding winemaker Delia Viader founded Viader decades ago and was an amazing success amongst consumers and wine critics alike. Today her son, Alan, produces some brilliant red blends that are entirely sourced from their estate vineyard on Howell Mountain. A remarkable story, Delia stated VIADER while raising four children on her own. Since starting the winery she was met with some incredible critical acclaim for her pretty style of wine that typically incorporates a large amount of Cabernet Franc.

I have loved these wines over 20 plus years. Delia’s son, Alan, served as VIADER vineyard manager since 2002 while studying winemaking at UC Davis. He has been lead winemaker at VIADER since 2006 and works with Delia on all wines. 

I dared the 2023 VIADER Red Wine (OB, 98) which is a total stunner with amazing richness and stony character. Learn more about this storied Napa winery at https://viader.com Here are the beautiful new wines by VIADER.

2023 VIADER ‘Black Label Estate Limited Edition’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Black Label Estate Limited Edition’ is comprised of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 30% Syrah, with 9% Cabernet Franc and 4% Malbec. It is powerful, well-structured stuff that stands jet black in the glass. Needing about 30 minutes in the decanter to be fully open, this shows off gorgeous black florals with dark chocolate shavings, wet gravel and shades of black licorice on the nose. The palate is seamless and round throughout the drinking experience, with an amazing iron, sanguine character. This has to be the finest edition of this wine yet and be sure to give it plenty of air if enjoying in its heady, mineral-laden youth. Drink 2026-2040- 96

2023 VIADER Red Wine - The dazzling 2023 Viader Red Wine is a compelling blend of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with Cabernet Franc that needs an hour or two to fully unwind in the the decanter right now. Once aroused it shows gorgeous black floral tones that combine with crushed wet rock, allspice dusted black fruits and Earl Grey tea notes that all take shape in the glass. Once on the mouth the unctuous, pillowy texture really entices. The palate is plush and inviting with loads of stony minerals, clay loam nuances and mouth-watering acidity to accompany the seamless texture. A dazzling wine that has just begun its evolution, try to resist this cellar-worthy beauty for at least another year. Drink 2027-2050- 98

Orr Wines

It is my pleasure to share the beautiful wines of Erica Orr. One of the amazing talents in Washington wine, Erica Orr has long been at the helm at Baer. Many years back she sought to re-create some of the Washington wines of yesteryear in crafting top class Chenin Blanc. This was a major hit for the consumer and somms alike.

Erica Orr has a gorgeous new lineup. She makes one of the best Chenin Blanc wines in Washington. The 2025 Orr Wines Chenin Blanc (OB, 93) has amazing texture and flavor range. Learn more about these great wines at orrwines.com and here are my reviews of the new wines by Erica Orr.

2025 Orr Wines Chenin Blanc- One of the great wines of its kind, the 2025 Orr Wines Chenin Blanc offers a seamless texture on the approach. Loaded with cashew and melon fruits, with lovely damp earthy nuances, this is drinking marvelously right now. Don’t serve too cold! Drink 2026-2033- 93

2024 Orr Wines ‘Salumeria’ Red Wine- The outstanding 2024 ‘Salumeria’ is mainly Sangiovese (58%) with 37$ Cabernet Sauvignon and the remainder Merlot coming from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard. It is a well-structured and delightful Super Tuscan-inspired blend, with a pretty core of red fruits alongside dried herbs, pipe tobacco and milk chocolate notes. Refined tannins, and good length add to the enjoyment here as this is best enjoyed over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 93

2024 Orr Wines ‘Royal Slope’ Red Wine- A wine with a great cause, the 2024 Orr Wines ‘Royal Slope’ Red Wine comes from donated grapes from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard, as proceeds go to Columbia Valley vineyard workers. This is forward, juicy and delicious with a smooth texture. Lush dark fruits mingle well with Arabica and salty soil notes on the palate. Drink 2026-2033- 92

2024 Orr Wines ‘Columbia Valley’ Grenache- The 2024 ‘Columbia Valley’ Grenache is a delicious, highly approachable bottling coming from the Boushey, Sagemoor and Stillwater Creek Vineyards. This is filled with pretty guava and red raspberry fruits that combine with white pepper dusted charcuterie. Smooth throughout the drinking experience, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2033- 93

Long Shadows 'Julia's Dazzle' Rose

Summer might be almost over but it remains Rose season. And surely Football and great Rose are a great match.  One of he top Rose wines made in Washington State, ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ is made my Long Shadows and winemaker Gilles Nicault. Each year this wine continues to impress, utilizing old vine Pinot Gris grapes that contribute greatly to the flavor density and mouthfeel.

The 2022 Long Shadows ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ Rose (OB, 93) is a wine that is already singing but will become more and more complex as it ages. It seriously polished effort that is best consumed at a slightly warmer temperature. At around twenty dollars, the 2022 ‘Dazzle' is a steal in the Pacific Northwest Rose market. Learn more about these incredible wines at longshadows.com and here is my review of the 2022 Long Shadows ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ Rose.

2025 Long Shadows ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ Rose-  The outstanding 2025  ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ is a gorgeous bottling that has the slightest hint of sweetness. It is big, round and generous on the mouth with terrific texture and verve. A gorgeous melange of red and melon fruits greet you alongside Satsuma orange zest and baking spices with hints of rose water. A delicious and also highly nuanced wine with its earthy undertones, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-2032- 93

Iterum

Sitting with Joe Dobbes in his house we share stories of his longstanding time in the Oregon wine industry. We tasted together and then headed to barrel taste his 2025 wines which show serious promise. Dobbes built and sold his namesake brand. He had a hiatus in wine and then built a new brand that focuses on wines from his his Orchard House estate the Eola-Amity Hills AVA as well as several other vineyards.

Purchased in 2018, his Orchard House estate is making some of the best Sauvignon Blanc in Oregon.  I love his 2025 Iterum ‘Orchard House Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 93) which is one of the best wines of its kind in the state. Learn more about this outstanding house at https://iterumwines.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Iterum wines.

2025 Iterum ‘Orchard House Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc- The outstanding 2025 Iterum ‘Orchard House Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc comes from their estate in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA and was stored in 25% new Acacia wood before bottling. Freshly cut grass and kiwi notes combine with nutty nuances on the nose. It is neatly-textured stuff with loads of melon fruits that combine with starfruit and white grapefruit. This is really good stuff, with excellent length. Drink 2026-2032- 93

2023 Iterum ‘Clone 114’ Orchard House Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Iterum ‘Clone 114’ Orchard House Vineyard’ Pinot Noir shows off beautiful red rose petals alongside orange peel, bergamot and salty soils. The palate is elegant, refined and shows a sensational texture with outstanding flavor range. Roughly 10% whole cluster fermented. Drink 2026-2038- 94

2023 Iterum ‘Old Friend Quailhurst Estate Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Iterum ‘Old Friend Quailhurst Estate Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from the Chehalem Mountains AVA as Dobbes began working with this site back in 2002. The wine is all Wadenswil clonal selection Pinot Noir. Wafts of black truffle combine with pine needles and shades of dark currants on the nose. The palate is powerful and very earthy with a black fruit profile alongside shades of salty and stony soils. Showing outstanding length, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2026-2041- 94

2023 Iterum ‘Old Friend Arlyn Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The awesome 2023 Iterum ‘Old Friend Arlyn Vineyard’ Pinot Noir offers sandalwood and wet rocky nuances on the nose with shades of purple rose petals. The heady aromatics bring you back to the glass. The palate is dense and delicious with a refined mouthfeel and outstanding weight. A powerful core of red and dark fruits follow, as this beauty has a long life in front of it. Drink 2026-2041- 95

2023 Iterum ‘Eola Bench’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Iterum ‘Eola Bench’ Pinot Noir come from vines planted back in 2012. Juicy strawberry, red cherry and red currants combine with blood orange zest on the palate. Gorgeous now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2026-2041- 94

2023 Iterum ‘Old Friend Symonette Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Iterum ‘Old Friend Symonette Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is neatly-textured stuff with serious texture and tension. Bright red fruits combine with salty soils and shades of red licorice on the palate. Drink 2026-2041- 94

2023 Iterum ‘Old Friend Symonette Vineyard Wadenswil Clone’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Iterum ‘Old Friend Symonette Vineyard Wadenswil Clone’ Pinot Noir comes off wonderfully earthy on the palate. Damp herbs combine with shades of red raspberry, cloves and green herbs on the palate. Drink 2026-2041- 94

2023 Iterum ‘Old Friend Symonette Vineyard Pommard Clone’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Iterum ‘Old Friend Symonette Vineyard Pommard Clone’ Pinot Noir is wonderfully earthy on the nos with black truffle shavings and peat moss alongside shades of dark florals. The palate is juicy and brimming with bright acidity and tension. Loads of slaty minerals combine with pretty red fruits and orange peel notes on the palate. Drink 2026-2041- 95

Pepper Bridge and Amavi

It is my pleasure to share the fabulous wines made by Swiss-born winemaker Jean-François Pellet. Pellet is a third-generation wine grower. He is an incredible talent that worked with his father before coming to the Walla Walla Valley back in 1999. Pepper Bridge founder Norm McKibbon saw the potential in Pellet and made him Pepper Bridge winemaker. The brand has been going strong ever since. In addition to being winemaker at both Pepper Bridge and Amavi, Pellet is a partner in Artifex, the largest custom crush facility in Walla Walla, as well as the Octave Vineyard. Wines by Pellet have gotten better and better, even more consistent in the past ten years.

I was able to try a few wines from the new vintage on the horizon, 2025. Pellet mentioned that “2025 was moderate in terms of 100 degree days. This helped with the white wine and Rose wines.” He was very fond of 2024 “And I think that this vintage is really good across the board” he said.

Yesterday I sat with Pellet and tasted his new wines which were amazing across the board. His Amavi brand continues to deliver good value. I love the 2025 Amavi Semillon (OB, 93) which is arguably the finest Semillon you will taste on the West Coast.  He has consistently been crafting one of the finest Rose wines in Washington State. the 2025 Amavi Rose (OB, 93) is another amazing edition of this wine filled with nuance and earthy character.  Learn more at pepperbridge.com and here are the gorgeous new red wine releases by Pepper Bridge.

2025 Amavi Semillon- This 2025 Semillon has a small portion of Sauvignon Blanc blended in. This wine was first made back in 2002. This offers wonderful walnut tones on the nose alongside kiwi white florals and starfruit notes. The plate is lifted with a silky mouthfeel and marvelous sense of weight, with underlying stony minerality. Drink 2026-2032- 93

2025 Pepper Bridge Sauvignon Blanc- The 2025 Pepper Bridge Sauvignon has 9% Semillon blended in. This was first made in 2013. Pink grapefruit blossom combines with pretty gooseberry and guava fruits on the nose. The palate is rich and viscous with terrific mouthfeel and amazing verve. This is refined Sauvignon Blanc, loaded with tension, that has some great aging potential. Drink 2026-2034- 94

2025 Amavi Rose- Another amazing edition of this wine, the 2025 Amavi Rose was all fermented in stainless steel and is 100% Cabernet Franc from two locations in the Walla Walla Valley. Pretty mandarin orange blossom and red raspberry tones mark the nose alongside damp earthy tones. The palate is rich and seamless as this glides throughout the drinking experience. It is an outstanding Rose that has some excellent cellaring potential. Drink 2026-2033- 93

2024 Amavi ‘Walla Walla’ Syrah- Coming from a range of locations in the Walla Walla Valley, the 2024 Syrah was stored in 30% new French oak and has 11% Grenache blended in. The nose shows savory and smoky tones with dark currants and fresh sage. The palate is fresh and viscous with great herbaceousness and stony notes. Drink 2026-2034- 93

2023 Amavi ‘Les Collines’ Syrah- The 2023 ‘Les Collines’ comes from this location in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. The nose is gorgeous with blue florals alongside blackberry compote, sagebrush, anise and shades of pencil lead. The palate is velvety and soft with amazing flavor density and verve. The palate is loaded with sanguine character and mouth-watering acidity. Loaded with earthy tones and stony minerals, this youthful Syrah showing beautifully right now. Drink 2026-2034- 95

2023 Amavi ‘Stone Valley’ Syrah- The 2023 ‘Stone Valley’ was given roughly 50% whole cluster fermentation. Stored in a small amount of new French oak (10%), this shows off charcuterie, Nora, white pepper dusted bacon and black olive tapenade flavors on the palate. Fresh and lively with terrific flavor density, this could come from only one place. Drink 2026-2036- 95

2024 Amavi ‘Ceres’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Ceres’ is almost equal parts Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Stored in a relatively small amount of new oak this shows Arabica bean notes alongside pencil lead and cassis tones. The palate is big and rich with terrific freshness and pretty floral character from the Cabernet Franc. This is already drinking marvelously. Drink 2026-2038- 94

2023 Amavi ‘Walla Walla’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 ‘Wallla Walla’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a gorgeous wine that comes from the Pepper Bridge, Les Collines, Octave and Summit View Vineayrds. Pencil lead and sandalwood combine with mocha, tar and creme de cassis notes. The palate is juicy and delicious with terrific flavor density and finesse. Drink 2026-2038- 93

2023 Pepper Bridge ‘Walla Walla’ Merlot- The 2023 ‘Walla Walla’ Merlot has a touch of Malbec and Cabernet Franc blended in. All coming from the Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge, Summit View and Octave Vineyards this offers menthol and pretty red florals on the nose with a velvety mouthfeel and refined tannins. Rich dark fruits mingle well with coffee grounds and shades of dark currants on the palate. This is well-structured and impeccably balanced stuff, as this comes off seamless through the drinking experience. Drink 2026-2040- 94

2023 Pepper Bridge ‘Pepper Bridge Vineyard’ Red Wine-  The 2023 ‘Pepper Bridge Vineyard’ Red Wine is a silky blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec 9% Petit Verdot. The aromatics are gorgeous with black florals and green herbs that combine with mocha, and tar notes. The palate has terrific structure, weight and poise. It has velvety tannins with a refined mouthfeel as this comes off very elegant. Offering great length, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2044- 95

2023 Pepper Bridge ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Red Wine- The 2023 Pepper Bridge ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Red Wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) based blend with Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec all coming from this high elevation site. Espresso grounds and anise combine with black florals on the nose. The palate is silky and elegant with terrific structure and amazing weight and poise. The damp soil character is outstanding. A long-ager, enjoy this beauty now and over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2026-2046- 95

2023 Pepper Bridge ‘Trine’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Trine’ combines 45% Cabernet Franc with 37% Cabernet Sauvignon and smaller portions Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. This is lifted aromatically with bright red florals with green herbs on the nose alongside pencil lead and shades of cigar ash. The palate is plush and round with a generous mouthfeel. Showing loads of salty minerality, this offers excellent structure, weight and length. Drinking beautifully now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2044- 95

2023 Pepper Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Pepper Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon is a gorgeous bottling that has small portions of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc blended in. The wine comes off seamless and elegant with serious freshness and texture. Mocha, creme de cassis and violets all combine with damp soils on the palate. There is a terrific push/pull between ripe dark fruits and earthy character, as this will age beautiful for two decades. Drink 2026-2046- 95