Single Barrel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chateau Batailley

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

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

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

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

Interview with Kate Payne Brown, Argyle Winemaker

Friends, we have an exclusive look today into the mind of the talented new Argyle winemaker Kate Payne Brown. Kate is also making some electric new wines for other clients including Pinstripe Wines which I recently tasted. She is an oenology school graduate of the University of Adelaide and has a long-standing background in the Oregon wine industry, formerly working for many years with eminent winemaker Melissa Burr at Stoller. I think you will really enjoy hearing more about her story in wine. Without further adieu here is my exclusive interview with Kate Payne Brown of Argyle.

OB: How did you decide to become a winemaker, and what drew you to sparkling wine in

particular?

KPB: Before winemaking, I was working at an eye clinic in Portland and preparing for optometry school. Around that time, I started volunteering at an urban winery and it didn’t take long for me to realize that winemaking brought together everything I enjoyed. It is the crossroad of science, creativity, and travel with a tangible connection to land and sense of place. That experience changed the course of my life. I applied to graduate programs in Oenology and was accepted into the University of Adelaide’s program at Roseworthy, which has a long-storied history. Studying there was a gift. I spent two immersive years focused entirely on the theory and craft of winemaking, alongside 20 classmates from all over the world. Being so far from my routines and immersed in a new environment gave me the space and clarity to really lean into the work.

I can’t pinpoint one specific moment that formed my love for sparkling wine. I’ve always gravitated towards it even before I was in the industry. The strength of that gravitational pull kept getting stronger the more I learned about making wine. Sparkling wine requires a particular kind of patience, precision, and long-term vision. You’re making decisions that won’t reveal themselves for years, so there’s an inherent trust in the process and in the future. That kind of commitment and optimism; both technical and philosophical really resonated with me.

OB: Are there any sparkling wines or Champagnes that have had a particular impact on

you?

KPB: So many. One that stands out is Jacquesson. It was one of the first grower Champagnes I encountered during my trips to France. I had the great fortune to have an extended stay in Épernay during the Eyjafjallajökull volcano eruption, and that twist of fate led me to the Terres et Vins de Champagne tasting. It was only the second year of the event, which brought together grower-producers to showcase both their vins clairs (base wines) and current releases. It was a transformative experience. Tasting unfinished base wines alongside finished cuvées opened a whole new level of understanding and how choices made early in the process shape the final wine. I was also introduced to so many other producers during that fateful tasting such as Agrapart, Bereche, and Marguet which have become mainstays in my cellar.

OB: Can you talk about working with Melissa Burr at Stoller and the growth you helped

oversee there?

KPB: I first met Melissa Burr when I was working at Archery Summit. Our paths crossed at various events, and we quickly struck up a friendship. From the beginning of my career, I’ve felt incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by strong, generous women in the wine industry; women who believed in lifting each other up. That spirit of support and collaboration has shaped my path in profound ways, and I’m grateful to count Melissa among those influential people.

In 2014, while I was working with Burgundian Consultant Kyriakos Kynigopoulos, Melissa reached out to me. Stoller was considering launching a sparkling wine program, and she asked if I’d be interested in consulting for the 2014 vintage. That opportunity evolved into something much bigger. In 2015, I came on full time to oversee the Reserve Winery, where I focused on elevating the premium tier wines and building the sparkling program from the ground up.

It was remarkable to be given the trust and opportunity to build something new. Melissa has always been one of my biggest champions. She saw something in me that I didn’t think I saw in myself at the time. I will always be so grateful for our time working together as well as her friendship.

OB: Argyle is one of the top producers of sparkling wine not just in Oregon, but across North America. How challenging is it to craft your entry-level vintage wine, which is widely considered one of the best values on the market?

KPB: The Argyle Vintage Brut truly is an incredible wine. It is vintage-dated, aged for three years on the lees, and crafted from estate-grown Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. It’s not just great value; it’s a reflection of our commitment to quality at every level.

Working with such high-quality estate fruit (akin to smaller growers’ champagne) is a dream, but producing a wine at this scale does come with its own set of challenges. It takes thoughtful blending, careful planning, and a great deal of logistical coordination to ensure consistency and character across the entire cuvée. But even with the volume, we treat it with the same level of attention and care that we give our smaller bottlings.

For me, magic lies in the ability to create a wine that’s both accessible and complex, something that speaks to the vintage, the vineyard, and the legacy of Argyle. It’s an honor to carry that legacy forward and to introduce more people to the beauty of Oregon sparkling wine through this wine.

OB: Do you have any favorite wines or producers from around the world? What is your

cellar like?

KPB: In a word: eclectic. As you might expect, my cellar has a strong showing of Oregon wines, and yes, quite a bit of sparkling wine and Champagne. But there are some hidden gems tucked in there as well. I was just looking through it the other day and came across a bottle of Occhipinti nestled next to a Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard and an Assyrtiko from Santorini. It made me smile (and realize I need to organize my cellar) because that really captures my approach to wine: always exploring, always curious.

My Champagne collection runs deep, and a few current standouts are Agrapart, Pertois Lebrun, and Laherte. But I’m constantly on the lookout for producers I haven’t heard of before; wines that surprise me, challenge me, or offer a new perspective. That sense of discovery is what keeps me inspired, both as a winemaker and a wine lover.

Champagne Billecart-Salmon

One of the most consistent producers in Champagne, Billecart-Salmon is pretty small in production as they control an estate of 100 hectares, obtaining grapes from an area spanning 300 hectares across 40 crus of the Champagne region. The majority of the grapes used for vinification come from a radius of 20km around Epernay, where the Grand Crus of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay co-exist, in the vineyards of the Montagne de Reims, the Vallée de la Marne and the Côte des Blancs.

It is incredible that this house now spans seven generations, originally formed with the marriage of 1818 when Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon in 1818. This remains a family winery since the beginning with Louis Salmon, brother of Elisabeth and a passionate oenologist, getting involved in the creation of the wines.

Their tete de cuvee, ‘Cuvee Nicolas Francois’ was first crafted in 1964 crafted to serve as an homage to their founder. The house has received considerable critical acclaim over the years, not only for their top wines, including the Clos Saint-Hilaire cuvée, first created with the 1995 vintage, but their Rose and vintage champagnes in particular. On the west coast of the United States, their Rose champagne is particularly one of the most popular champagnes that you will find in bars and restaurants.

Seventh generation CEO Mr Mathieu Roland-Billecart assumed his position back in January 2019 from his cousin François Roland-Billecart, who headed the House since 1992. Matthiew drinks exceptionally well and has a vast knowledge of his house and the surrounding Champagne region.

The otherworldly 2012 Billecart-Salmon ‘Nicolas Francois’ Champagne (OB, 97) is a masterclass from this great vintage. It was easily be a 20 year wine! Learn more about this famed champagne house at https://www.champagne-billecart.fr Here are the beautiful new Champagnes by Billecart-Salmon.

2012 Billecart-Salmon ‘Nicolas Francois’ Champagne- The dazzling 2012 ‘Nicolas Francois’  Champagne was stored on the lees for more than ten years. Sourced Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards in the Montagne de Reims (Pinot Noir) and the Côte des Blancs vineyards (Chardonnay), this was given 3.8G/L dosage. Amazing on the tongue, showing glorious weight and length, the salty minerality prevails throughout this scintillating drinking experience. Diatomaceous earth and white peach parade with baking spice laced pastry crust and shades of wild mushroom on the palate. Big, round and bold, enjoy this beauty over the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2025-2042- 97

Diamond Creek

Today we share one of the electric, older houses in Napa. Diamond Creek began back in 1967 with the creation of the first single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon wine as well as the first $100 bottle of wine from Napa. This was very novel at the time and Diamond Creek proprietors the Brounsteins created three different wines to show each individual soil type in the vineyard which were all produced separately. At the time thee was nothing close to this made in the Napa Valley.

I love the wines for their aging potential and power with some restraint. These are wines that are not flavor bombs but have terrific acidity and really show off the soil chatter marvelously.

The new 2022 wines are simply magical across the board. Despite the heat spikes at harvest, they have somehow captured bright acidity in the bottle. I adored the 2022 Diamond Creek ‘Volcanic Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 98) which is already showing beautifully and has magical flavor range. These retail around $300 USD. They are collectors item that would be perfect for a special occasion. Learn more about this famed estate at https://www.diamondcreekvineyards.com and here are my notes on the new 2022 Diamond Creek releases.

2022 Diamond Creek ‘Three Vineyard Blend’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Diamond Creek ‘Three Vineyard Blend’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the three estate sites and was stored in new French oak before bottling. Alluring violets mark the nose alongside pencil lead, chocolate and shades of cassis. The palate is rich and velvety, as refined tannins frame a brilliant core of black fruits, with Arabica bean and rocky soil accents. Drink 2025-2042- 96

2022 Diamond Creek ‘Volcanic Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The stunning 2022 ‘Volcanic Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon can benefit from an hour or two in the decanter. It is silky and refined stuff with fabulous stony character. It comes off lush and rich on the mouth, with blueberry compote, wild blackberry and freshly tilled rocky soils on the palate, alongside mocha notes. Showing great depth and poise considering the heat of the vintage, this will live on for another several decades — but is flat out fabulous to enjoy in its full-throttle youth. Drink 2025-2042- 98

2022 Diamond Creek ‘Gravelly Meadow’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Diamond Creek ‘Gravelly Meadow’ Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from this slightly cooler location in their estate which is set on pebbly soils. Gorgeous red and dark florals meld well with Cuban cigar, sandalwood and tar aromatics. The palate is plush and rich with terrific stony essence, depth and flavor density. A glorious core of dark fruits greets you alongside refined tannins. Exceedingly good in its heady youth, give this an hour in the decanter if enjoying now. Drink 2025-2042- 98

2022 Diamond Creek ‘Red Rock Terrace’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Diamond Creek ‘Red Rock Terrace’ comes from this seven acre site with steep soils that are rocky, red-tinted and high in oxidized iron. Wet stone combines with shades of dark currents, tobacco leaf and creme de violette on the nose. The palate has terrific depth and weight with great iron character alongside a dense core of dark fruits and chocolate. Seriously good to enjoy now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen to twenty years to come. Drink 2025-2042- 97

DeLille Cellars

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

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

I think that Gorksi and his team did a fabulous job navigating the cooler 2022 vintage. These are wines that have plenty of stuffing but also really good underlying finesse and nuance. I adored the 2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Four Flags’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which shows incredible balance and good richness from this vintage. They also make one of the best Rose wines in the state. Their 2024 DeLille Cellars Rose (OB, 93) is deep and concentrated stuff with terrific mouthfeel and tension. Learn more about this fantastic winery at www.delillecellars.com Here are the great new release wines from DeLille.

2022 Metier ‘Red Blend’ Red Wine- A blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, this packs a punch for roughly twenty bucks. Chocolate and coffee grounds combine with shades of black licorice on the nose. The palate is soft and elegant with a smooth texture. Drink 2025-2030- 90

2022 Metier Cabernet Sauvignon- 100% varietal, this 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon offers tar and tobacco leaf alongside dark currants and anise seed on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2025-2030- 90

2023 DeLille ‘Sagemoor Vineyards’ Riesling- Coming from several sites in the Sagemoor Vineyards, the 2023 Riesling offers plenty of nerve alongside star jasmine water and petrol on the palate, with peaches and green apple. Complex and delicious, this is seriously well-done. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2024 DeLillle Roussanne- The outstanding 2024 DeLille Cellars Roussanne was entirely sourced from the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard. Stored in a combination of neutral oak, concrete and stainless steel this offers papaya and beautiful white florals alongside freshly cut honeydew melon on the nose. The palate is soft and bright with serious acidity and a silky mouthfeel. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2024 DeLille Cellars Rose- This 2024 DeLille Cellars Rose is a complex blend of near equal parts Grenache and Mourvèdre and 8% Cinsault. Stored in stainless steel, this was not given any battonage but saw some lees contact. This is big and plump on the mouth, offering loads of bright red fruits with wild mushroom and garrigue accents, with tangerine zest on the palate. Drink 2025-2032- 93

2023 DeLille Cellars ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ Chardonnay- This is now the second edition of the 2023 ‘Red Willow’ Chardonnay, which comes from old vines, utilizing five different clones. Stored in a combination of new and natural oak as well as stainless steel and concrete, this delivers cashew nut and shades of pie crust alongside Golden Delicious apple and vanilla cream on the nose. This is even better than the inaugural edition. Coming off big, bold and delicious, with fabulous freshness, tension and salty minerality, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2024 DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Blanc’ White Wine- Another gorgeous edition of this wine, the 2024 ’Chaleur Blanc’ is a beautiful blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc with the remainder Semillon. Gooseberry and star jasmine mark the nose alongside salted nuts and suggestions of nectarine on the nose. The palate is big and bold with terrific underlying freshness and nutty nuances from the Semillon. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2021 DeLille Cellars ‘Marguerite’ Sauvignon Blanc- The stunning 2022 ‘Marguerite’ is a barrel selection wine that comes from old vine Sauvignon Blanc from the Bacchus Vineyard. in 62% new French oak, this is rich and unctuous on the tongue, with terrific freshness. Kiwi and starfruit combine with juicy green melon on the palate. Salty and savory, enjoy over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Le Dessein-GSM’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘’Le Dessein’ is a dazzling combination of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. This offers bright red fruits with good smoky character alongside braised meats, white pepper and suggestions of blood orange zest. Very vibrant and fresh, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 93

2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Signature’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘Signature’ Syrah comes from the Grand Ciel, Boushey and Ciel du Cheval Vineyards. This is a barrel selection Syrah, with a touch of Viognier blended in as part of the wine underwent whole cluster fermentation. Herbs de Provence combines with bulls blood, iodine, scorched earth and shades of red florals. The gorgeous nose brings you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The palate is elegant, showing good weight and fabulous smoky character. This is very Washington meets Cote Rotie. Drink 2025-2038- 95

2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Syrah- A beautiful wine from a great vintage, the 2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Syrah (clone 383) was aged in mainly neutral oak (38% new French oak) before bottling. Crushed green peppercorns mingle well with salted BBQ beef, garrigue and bacon fat on the nose alongside bright black fruits. Big and bold with terrific freshness, this is already beautifully evolved stuff that will cellar well for the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 95

2023 DeLille Cellars ‘Upland Vineyard’ Syrah- Coming from this fabulous side in the Wahluke Slope, the 2023 ‘Upland Vineyard’ Syrah offers great herbal tones on the palate, with beef drippings, green olives, white pepper and shades of blackberry cobbler on the palate. The weight and freshness of the wine really impresses, as the mouth-watering acidity brings you back to the glass for more enjoyment. Drink 2025-2034- 94

2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ Syrah offers iodine and blackberry notes on the nose alongside scorched earth and chocolate. Soft and approachable with a smooth texture and great verve, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ Malbec- Inky and outstanding, the 2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ Malbec saw extended maceration. Inky in the glass, this delivers violets and tar on the nose alongside dark chocolate shavings and shades of graphite. This is heady and intense with serious texture, tension and salty nuance. Already beautifully evolved, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2038- 95

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Minuit’ Red Wine- The 2021 DeLille Cellars ‘Minuit’ Red Wine combines Malbec (70%) with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon. This shows good poise and richness offering sagebrush and anise notes alongside rich dark fruits and loads of chocolate. The palate has good richness and bright underlying acidity, as you are greeted with herbal accents that kine a core of dense dark fruits, with copious minerals. Drink 2024-2040- 94

2023 DeLille Cellars ‘D2’ Red Wine- The 2023 ’D2’ is mainly Merlot (64%) with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and a touch of Petit Verdot and Malbec. This comes off round and generous on the mouth, with a silky texture and seamless drinking experience. Dates, dark currants and espresso bean flavors mingle well with refined tannins on the palate. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Reserve’ Merlot- Coming from the Boushey, DuBrul and Harrison Hill Vineyards, this ‘Reserve’ Merlot is inky in the glass. This is very elegant and smooth with gorgeous underlying verve and salty nuances. This is dense considering the coolness of the vintage. Dark currants and black cherry compote combine with dark licorice and sandalwood notes on the palate. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2023 DeLille Cabernet Sauvignon- This is the first vintage of this wine, as the 2023 DeLille Cabernet Sauvignon shows pencil lead, anise, violets and tar with Arabica bean on the nose. The palate is plush and dense with a great concentration of dark fruits, with espresso ground and chocolate accents. Enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2021 DeLille Cellars ‘Red Willow’ Red Wine- Coming from this famed site in the Yakima Valley, this combines Cabernet Franc (78%) with the remainder Merlot. Red bell pepper combines with chocolate, dark currants and fresh sage on the nose. The palate is polished and smooth with serious texture and great herbal character from the Cabernet Franc. Drink 2025-2038- 95

2021 DeLille Cellars ‘Discovery Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- DeLille has been sourcing from this site in the Horse Heaven Hills since 2012. The 2021 ‘Discovery Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers pipe tobacco, anise and gravel accents alongside a core of rich blackberry fruits. The palate offers copious minerals that mingle well with milk chocolate and dense dark fruits. Drink 2024-2040- 95

2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Four Flags’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 ‘Four Flags’ was sourced from four different vineyards across Washington. 100% varietal, this is silky and delicious stuff that is already nicely evolved. Sweet pipe tobacco and Turkish coffee combines with violets and dried herbs on the palate. Showing a smooth texture and bright underlying acidity, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Harrison Hill Vineyard’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Harrison Hill’ is a silky combination of nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon (67%) with the remainder Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Stored in 94% new French oak this delivers garrigue and dark currants with dark cherry on the nose and scorched earth notes on the nose. The palate is deep and concentrated with a silky texture and great sense of weight. This is awesome stuff that is best enjoyed now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Estate’ Red Wine- The 2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Estate’ Red Wine is a delicious combination of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Merlot, Cabernet Franc and a touch of Petit Verdot. Lush and round on the mouth, this offers amazing harmony and depth. A brilliant combination of earthy and herbal tones combine with heady dark fruits, with orange bell pepper notes. This shows impeccable balance. 1100 cases made of this beauty. Drink 2025-2040- 96

2021 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Grand Ciel’ is a sensational bottling that is sourced from the DeLille estate vineyard on Red Mountain. Anise and black currants combine with dark chocolate shavings, graphite and scorched earth notes on the palate. Complex and delicious, this is driving beautifully right now. Drink 2025-2042- 96

L'Ecole No. 41

Today we once again present one of the Washington mainstays of the Walla Walla Valley. One of Washington’s oldest wineries, L’Ecole No. 41 is set at a historic schoolhouse outside the town of Walla Walla. Winemaker Marcus Rafanelli has been crafting a beautiful range of wines. The wines he crafts are very poised and focused. They need time in the cellar, particularly their top bottlings.

The new wines I tasted are undoubtedly the best yet. I continue to adore the entry level wines from this home. I think I have tasted every vintage of the ‘Columbia Valley’ spanning over 20 years. The 2025 ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay (OB, 92) is another fantastic edition of this wine. It is drinking marvelously now with its great texture and core of juicy fruits. I think the finest wine I have ever had from L’Ecole is now released. This wine is somehow priced under 100 bucks, the 2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Cellar Selection Estate Ferguson Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 98) is a head-turning wine that has so much flavor density and complexity. I am really enamored by this stony site that literally screams terroir. Learn more about this outstanding winery at http://lecole.com/ Here are the great new wines by L’Ecole No. 41.

2024 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Royal Slope’ Chardonnay- Coming from the famed Stillwater Creek vineyards opens with Bosc pair, brioche and shades of salty minerals on the nose. The pallet is medium, bodied and fresh showing good tension and salinity enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025 to 2030.- 92

2024 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay- The seriously good 2024 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay delivers hay, starfruit and juicy pear flavors alongside good tension and mineral reality. This is fat and rich on the mouth as it is best consumed now and over the next five years. Drink 2025-2030- 92

2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Perigee’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Perigee’ is primary composed of Cabernet Sauvignon (51%) with the remainder, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. The wine was sourced from old vines in the Seven Hills vineyard, which is set on marine rich soils. This opens with a beautiful black floral and cocoa powder, nose, alongside shades of espresso, bean, and cloves. The pallet is lush and rich with a great viscosity and underlining, salty tension. This comes off full boded and viscous showing a refined mouthfeel and a good sense of weight considering the coolness of the vintage. Enjoy this beauty now and over the 15 to 20 years. Be sure to give it at least an hour into the decanter if it’s enjoyed now Drink 2025-2042- 95

2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Apogee’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Apogee’ is sourced from the Pepper Bridge Vineyard, which was first planted back in 1993. Comprised of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon with 20% Merlot with the remainder of Malbec and Cabernet Franc, like the ‘22 Perigee, the ‘22 Apogee really needs about an hour in the decanter and to get going. Once aroused this blossoms with a deep core of dark fruits alongside guitar and licorice notes and plenty of stony minerals that create a mouthwatering effect on the tongue. Medium to full bodied with terrific weight and tension enjoy now and over the next 15 to 20 years. Drink 2025-2042- 95

2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a range of sites, including the estate Ferguson Vineyard, and the Pepper Bridge Vineyard with a small portion coming from the Yellow Jacket vineyard in the Rocks District. The wine was stored in a combination of neutral and new French oak barrels (35%) for 22 months prior to bottling. Dense dark fruit parade with arabica bean and cocoa powder on the palate. This is an insane value for under 50 bucks. Drink 2025-2040- 94

2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Cellar Selection Estate Ferguson Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Quite arguably the finest wine I have ever had from this estate, the ebullient 2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Cellar Selection Estate Ferguson Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is an otherworldly effort from this vineyard that has magical flavor density and intensity. On the palate this takes on a concentrated melange of black and blue fruits alongside shades of Turkish, coffee, tar scorched, earth, and sweet pipe, tobacco that all seamlessly meld together in the mouth. A stunning wine that is built to age, enjoy now and over the next 20 years. Try to resist this beauty for at least another year. Drink 2027-2050- 98

2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Ferguson Vineyard’ The stunning 2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Ferguson Vineyard’ comes from this location high above the Walla Walla Valley that is set on ancient lava flows with a thin layer of wind blown loess soils. Stored in 40% new Oak for 22 months. This opens with a beautiful bouquet of dark florals along sides, sweet pipe, tobacco, anise and fresh sage. The palate is filled with tension and great stony character that is only reminiscent of the site, as wet granite and dark currant flavors combine with low soils and shades of Cuban cigar. This is frankly a totally dazzling wine that has serious aging potential. Make sure and give us at least an hour in the decanter before consuming. Drink 2027-2048- 96

2023 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Frenchtown’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Frenchtown’ Red Wine is a blend of mainly Merlot (46%) with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and a splash of Malbec and Petit Verdot as well as 15% Rhone varietals. It is rich and ripe on the mouth, offering roasted fig flavors alongside chocolate and shades of black licorice. Medium-bodied and well-poised, enjoy now and over the next few years. 7,000 cases made. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot- Coming from a range of Columbia Valley vineyards, this 2022 merlot has 13% Cabernet Franc and small parts Malbec and Petit Verdot blended in. It is well-structured, showing copious minerals that mingle well with medium-bodied kirsch and dark raspberry notes alongside shades of chocolate cake. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Estate’ Merlot- The 2022 ‘Estate’ Merlot is a fabulous effort coming from the Ferguson and Seven Hills Vineyards. The wine has 15% Cabernet Franc blended in, as this offers alluring dark florals on the nose alongside blackberry compote, crushed wet rock and shades of dark licorice. The palate is beautifully balanced, showing excellent poise from this slightly cooler vintage. Refined, sleek and elegant, enjoy now and over the next twelve years. Drink 2025-2037- 93

2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah- At under 30 dollars SRP, the 2022 ‘Columbia Syrah is an outstanding value. The wine has a large amount of Grenache (18%) blended in, as well as a dash of Mourvedre. This comes off very fresh and beautifully textured, showing high-toned bright red fruits from the Grenache, as well as a solid core of black currants, tobacco leaf and damp rock on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next six plus years. Drink 2025-2032- 92

2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Estate Seven Hills Vineyard’ Syrah- The famed Seven Hills Vineyard is set on wind-blown loess and has some of the oldest Syrah plantings in the Walla Walla Valley. This 2022 ‘Estate’ Syrah comes off neatly textured delivering stony and smoky tones on the nose with beef drippings, dark florals and rich pipe tobacco leaf notes. Medium to full-bodied and smooth throughout the drinking experience, enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Estate Seven Hills Vineyard GSM’ Red Wine- The outstanding 2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Estate Seven Hills Vineyard GSM’ Red Wine combines 50% Syrah with equal parts Mourvedre and Grenache. Red rose petals, cranberry and anise all mark the nose alongside suggestions of smoked pork shoulder and wintergreen accents. The palate is soft and elegant, showing good push-pull in terms of weight and underlying finesse. 320 cases produced of this beauty. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Malbec- The really good 2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Malbec was sourced from three separate vineyards throughout this region. 100% varietal, this delivers violet rose petals and smoked brisket notes on the nose alongside graphite and shades of dark currant cordial. The palate is fresh and elegant, with a smooth texture, offering good concentration and weight despite the coolness of the vintage. Enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2037- 93

2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Cabernet Franc-Merlot Estate’ Red Wine- The 2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Cabernet Franc-Merlot Estate’ Red Wine comes from equal parts Ferguson and Seven Hills Vineyards. Red florals and blueberry compote mark the nose alongside fresh thyme and shades of sandalwood. The palate is lush, round and generous, as this glides throughout the drinking experience. Medium to full-bodied, with mouth-watering acidity, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 94

2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Yellow Jacket Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This outstanding 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon comes form the Yellow Jacket Vineyard in the Rocks District AVA. Stored in only 30% new French oak, this offers wet gravel, umami, black cherry compote and shades of charcuterie on the palate, with black olives and mouth-watering acidity. Beautifully poised, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2025 Sonoma Report:

My 2025 Sonoma Report is out, featuring the 2022 vintage, as well as some 2021s and incredible promise from 2023. 🍷

Cimento

Today we share the truly unique wines of Cimento. A Latin word with a historical meaning, Cimento refers to a mixture used by goldsmiths to purify precious metals, usually by fire. In the seventeenth century, the term gained broader meaning and referred to testing or experimenting: ‘to try’ or ‘to experiment.’ The name is meant to lend itself to a philosophy of experimentation.

I was so impressed with the last set of releases which are entirely sourced from their land holdings in the Walla Walla Rocks District. Cimento is owned by the Walla Walla Land Company — the largest land holders in the Rocks District. Their new white wine was made by Todd Alexander and it is a beyond captivating Rhone-inspired blend.

I am enamored by the 2023 Cimento ‘Tenuta Bianca’ White Wine (OB, 97) which is dense and nervy with insanely good flavor range. Learn more at https://www.cimentowines.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Cimento ‘Tenuta Bianca’.

2023 Cimento ‘Tenuta Bianca’ White Wine- The 2023 ‘Tenuta Bianca’ is quite simply unlike anything that you will taste in the Pacific Northwest. Sourced from sites in The Rocks District (55% Orselli, 45% San Tomasso) the wine was stored in all neural French oak barks for 16 months before bottling. It is composed of mainly Piquepoul and Clairette Blanche with 16% Rousssanne, 5% Viognier and 3% Bourbelenc. It is intense and golden in the glass, offering honeysuckle water, and mango notes alongside wet stone, cantaloupe and suggestions of salted cashew nut on the palate. Rich and unctuous, with serious verve and texture, this is absolutely amongst the greats that you will taste on the west coast. Drink 2025-2035- 97

Holocene

It is my pleasure to write about one of the most electric houses in the Willamette Valley. Holocene began in 2015 and the new releases come from the ’24 and ’23 vintages. I have found that winemaker Todd Alexander makes consistently exceptional wines regardless of vintage. He even produced knockout wines in 2015 in Washington — the earliest harvest the region had ever seen. Carrie Alexander manages this brand. They have only recently been producing Chardonnay for the brand but I am totally enamored with what they have done with that program.

I adored the 2023 Holocene ‘Apocrypha’ Pinot Noir (OB, 97) which is dense with a killer blend of red and dark fruits alongside amazing salty nuance and texture. Learn more about this awesome Oregon outpost at http://holocenewines.com Here are the beautiful new release wines by Holocene. 

2024 Holocene ‘Aureolin’ Chardonnay- A world-class wine, the 2024 Holocene ‘Aureolin’ Chardonnay was sourced from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Made in a reductive style, this was stored for 9 months in 50% new oak, stainless and neutral oak, including feuillettes. Freshly cut limes and salted nectarine skin fill the palate alongside suggestions of baking spice laced pastry crust and crushed seashells on the palate. Very salty and savory, with a seamless texture, this glides throughout the drinking experience. A total beauty, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2037- 97

20224 Holocene ‘Pyxis’ Chardonnay- Deep, concentrated and heady, the 2024 ‘Pyxis’ Chardonnay was sourced from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA and then stored in neutral French oak before bottling. Rich melon fruits mingle well with sweet peaches, wet stone and shades of lemon rind on the palate. Deep and rich with serious texture and underlying tension, showing salty nuances, this is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2025-2037- 97

2023 Holocene ‘Apocrypha’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2023 ‘Apocrypha’ was aged for 9 months in 25% new French oak and saw100% whole cluster fermentation. This is lush, round and rich on the mouth with serious texture, tannin and mouthfeel. Dense red and dark fruits collide with salty minerals and volcanic stony accents on the palate. A stunning wine that is already drinking well, enjoy over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2042- 97

2023 Holocene ‘Codex’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Codex’ was stored in a small amount of new French oak (20%) before bottling. For 50 bucks USD, this is an incredible Oregon Pinot Noir. Silky and rich throughout the drinking experience, this exudes class with its core of Bing cherry, guava puree, cranberry and salty minerals, alongside Mandarin orange zest. This beautiful wine is already nicely evolved  and will cellar well for at least another ten years to coe. Drink 2025-2035- 95

Corison

One of the great historic wineries of Napa, I have had so many fond visits to Corison over the years. Cathy Corison has a knack for crafting ridiculously good wines in tough vintages.  I think maybe this is true more than any Napa winemaker. She is without a doubt one of the famed women in wine and a California wine icon. Corison is a master’s degree graduate of the Enology program at UC Davis and has previously served as Chappellet winemaker prior to starting her own winery. For years Corison has implemented a trademark more Bordelaise, and restrained style to her Napa wines. These are wines that push power and restraint, with bright acidity.

Her 2021 wines were incredible. I am very impressed with what she accomplished in 2022, a vintage that is negatively impacted by heat spikes at harvest. I love her 2022 ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which is fresh but also round and generous on the mouth. This is already drinking beautifully. Learn more about these elegant Napa wines at https://corison.com/ Here is my review of her new Corison wines.

2022 Corison ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A downright killer wine from a challenging vintage, the 2022 Corison ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is drinking beautifully now. Round and generous on the tongue, with good freshness, this offers a dense core of dark cherry and roasted fig flavors alongside espresso bean, loamy soils and shades of menthol on the palate. This is just a sensational effort in ’22. Drink 2025-2038- 95

Bodega Catena Zapata

Today we share the brilliant wines of Bodega Catena Zapata. It all began with the long journey of Nicola Catena who sailed from Italy to Argentina in 1898. Nicola is known for planting his first Malbec vineyard back in 1902. Malbec had previously been a blending grape in Bordeaux and Nicola and he saw its potential in high-elevation Mendoza.

Later in the1960s Nicola’s grandson, Nicolas, took over the winery but was faced with inflation and political turmoil in Argentina, so he took a job as a visiting economics professor at UC Berkeley. He then came back to Argentina and wanted to focus on the winery, deciding to plant Chardonnay and Malbec at a 5,000 feet elevation. This was an unusual vineyard practice at the time but the risk paid off. Over time Nicolas was crafting incredible wines from these vines that became blind tasted ahead of epic wine projects like Chateau Latour and Opus One. 

In 2001 Nicolas' daughter Dr. Laura Catena took over the Research & Development program at Bodega Catena Zapata. An Emergency Room physician, with degrees from Harvard and Stanford, Dr. Laura Catena brought a very strong science background to the family winery's R&D project. She immediately set about working with the high altitude Malbec that her father had planted and has achieved incredible success at the winery since taking over. She is such an inspiring woman in wine. At the helm is the Malbec Magician, Alexander Vigil. Vigil came to Bodega Catena Zapata in 2002 as head of Research & Development. In 2003 he joined the enology department and he has served as winemaker for many years now.

The new wines by Catena are incredible across the board. Look to their sensational 2022 Bodega Catena Zapata ‘White Stones’ Chardonnay (OB, 97). This is amongst the finest new world Chardonnay that you will taste. Learn more about these wonderful wines at http://www.catenawines.com Here are the gorgeous new releases from Catena

2023 Bodega Catena Zapata ‘Alta Historic Rows’ Chardonnay- The 2023 Catena ‘Alta Historic Rows’ was stored in third new 500-liter barrels prior to bottling. This is seamless and rich stuff with cashew nut and salted peach flavors that connect well with the fabulous viscosity and tension. Dense and delicious, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 94

2022 Bodega Catena Zapata ‘White Stones Adrianna Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2022 Catena ‘White Stones Adrianna Vineyard’ Chardonnay is a stunning wine from this location that is set at nearly 5,000 feet. Vines for this wine are planted on gravely soils. Brightly colored in the glass, this delivers freshly cut limes and toasted hazelnuts alongside Japanese pear and brioche on the nose. The palate is dense and nervy, with a Chablis-like minerality and stony edge. A totally head-turning wine, enjoy this beauty over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2037- 97

2020 Bodega Catena Zapata ‘Nicasia Vineyard’ Malbec- The famed ‘Nicasia Vineyard iocated in La Consulta, due south from the Uco Valley, as this location is need after Nicolas Catina’s grandmother and has vines that are up to 90 years of age. This is dense and intense in the glass, offering sandalwood notes alongside creme de violette, tar, tobacco leaf, violets and shades of espresso bean on the nose. The palate is nervy, rich and viscous, with tremendous power and intensity. A totally stunning wine, enjoy now and over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2025-2045- 98

2021 Bodega Catena Zapata ‘Adrianna Vineyard Fortuna Terrae’ Malbec- The stunning 2021 Bodega Catena Zapata ‘Adrianna Vineyard Fortuna Terrae’ Malbec is sourced from vines set on calcareous and silty-loam soils. Stored for 24 months in neutral oak barriques, this delivers heady black fruits that collide with scorched earth, wet soils, white pepper dusted chocolate and shades of marionberry compote on the palate. A totally gorgeous bottling, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2042- 97

2022 Bodega Catena Zapata ‘Argentino’ Malbec- A world-class wine, the 2022 ‘Argentino’ comes from vines that are more than 100 years of age. Given roughly 20% whole cluster ferentation, vines from this wine are set on a range of soils including sand, gravel, stones and clay-loam. Stored in a combination of small and large format French oak barrels this delivers flavors of mocha, tar, anise and wild huckleberry that meld well with its rich, voluptuous texture and bright, underlying acidity. Drink 2025-2045- 98

Altesino

Today we share the wines of Altesino, located in the eeastern hills of Montalcino near Siena in central Tuscany. At this location stands a 14th century-built Palazzo Altesi, home to the Altesino winery and a marvelous resort. Altesino was purchased in 2002 by Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini, owner of nearby Tenuta Caparzo. Today's winemaking team is led by Simone Giunti and Alessandro Ciacci. Currently they have over 100 acres under vine and produce roughly 22,000 bottles each year.

I adored the new wines, as the ’20 comes from a warm vintage. The 2020 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino (OB, 95) is a stunning wine with serious power and poise. Learn more about this famed Tuscan house at https://www.altesino.it/en/ and here are my reviews of the new Altesino wines.

2023 Altesino Rosso Di Montalcino- The 2023 Rosso di Montalcino has loads of power with ripe cherry and fig flavors. Medium to full-bodied, enjoy this killer value now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2020 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino- A sensational warm vintage wine that is already drinking so well, the 2020 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino is really singing now at the five year mark. This takes on amazing aromatic range from tar and tobacco leaf to fresh Yakima cherry and sandalwood notes. The palate is powerful, rich and concentrated, with downright awesome texture and great underlying verve.  A joy to consume now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 95

Fidelitas

One of the truly great houses on Red Mountain, Fidelitas began with legendary Washington winemaker Charlie Hoppes and his vision to focus on making red wines from this famed AVA. For years Hoppes served as former head winemaker for Chateau Ste. Michelle. Prior to working at Chateau Ste. Michelle, he attended the world renowned Viticulture and Enology program at the University of California, Davis and in 1988 he graduated with a degree in Agricultural Science and Management with a special emphasis in Viticulture and Enology. After a brief stint in Walla Walla in 1990 at Waterbrook Winery, he began working with superstar winemaker Mike Januik as a member of the winemaking team at Ste. Michelle in Woodinville. In 1993, he became the Head Red Winemaker and managed Ste. Michelle’s newest facility at the time, Canoe Ridge near Paterson, Washington. Hoppes had the pleasure of making the first vintages of Col Solare, from 1995-1998. Hoppes finally decided to purchase some land on Red Mountain, founding Fidelitas in 2000 -- and has produced fantastic reds and whites since that time. Fidelitas is known for their red and white Bordeaux blends, as well as their rich Cabernets. 

He did a really nice job with the warm 2021 vintage but he also makes some sensational white wines. I love the 2023 Optu White Wine (OB, 94) which is a refined and sleek Bordeaux inspired blend. I adored the 2022 ‘Heart of the Hill Vineyard’ Malbec (OB, 95) which is pound for pound one of the finest Malbecs made in this state. Learn more about the great Fidelitas lineup at http://www.fidelitaswines.com/ Here are the great new wine releases from Fidelitas.

2023 Fidelitas ‘Optu White’ White Wine- The 2023 ‘Optu White’ combines Sauvignon Blanc (58%) with the remainder Semillon, mainly sourced from the Artz Vineyard. Fidelitas first made this wine back in 2007 as this edition was stored in 25% new French oak. Right away this delivers nice nutty tones on the nose with green papaya and shades of mango. Soft and delicious on the mouth, with a silky texture, this is delicious stuff that is already beautifully defined. Drink 2025-2031- 94

2020 Fideitas ‘Red Mountain’ Merlot- Mainly coming from the Quintessence Vineyard, this was stored in 66% new French oak for 20 months before bottling. This delivers kirsch tones that meld with loganberry preserves, toasty oak and chocolate. Enjoy now. Drink 2025-2030- 93

2020 Fidelitas ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2020 Fidelitas ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon was mainly sourced from the Quintessence Vineyard. This delivers garrigue notes alongside cassis and dark chocolate shavings with tar notes. Smooth and round on the mouth, enjoy now. Drink 2025-2031- 93

2022 Fidelitas ‘Heart of the Hill’ Malbec- The 2022 Fidelitas ‘Heart of the Hill’ Malbec was stored for 22 months in a combination of American and French oak barrels.  Coming from this location planted in the early 1990s this shows off violets, tar and sweet pipe tobacco on the nose alongside chocolate covered dark cherry. The palate has serious weight and good underlying tension that really makes this sing. Gorgeous to enjoy now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2022 Fidelitas ‘Heart of the Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Fidelitas ‘Heart of the Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon was stored for 22 months in 53% new French oak before bottling. The palette is dense and lush with a superb mouthfeel and wonderful scorched earth and saline tones that mingle well with a generous core of dark fruits, with anise and sagebrush accents. Drink 2025-2040- 94

2022 Fideltas ‘Optu’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Optu’ combines 71% Cabernet Sauvignon with small parts Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Stored for 22 months in mainly new French oak (82%) this delivers dried herbs on the nose with creosote, black licorice, kirsch and wild blackberry notes. Round and generous, with a seamless texture, this is already drinking beautifully now. Drink 2025-2037- 94

2021 Fidelitas ‘Blackwood Canyon’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 ‘Blackwood Canyon’ comes from this historic site that was first planted back in 1984 and is owned by the Corliss Family. Chewy tannins frame a gorgeous core of dark currant, dark cherry and black raspberry flavors alongside salty soils and garrigue notes. Full-bodied and delicious, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2022 Fidelitas ‘Ciel du Cheval’ Merlot- Coming from this site on Red Mountain which was planted back in 1975, this 2022 Merlot was stored for 28 months in a combination of French and American oak before bottling. Red florals mark the nose alongside milk chocolate and fresh sage notes. This is layered and delicious stuff with a plush texture and gorgeous sense of weight and length. This is seriously good stuff that will cellar well for at least another fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2022 Fidelitas ‘Ciel du Cheval’ Cabernet Franc- The 2022 Fidelitas ‘Ciel du Cheval’ Cabernet Franc was stored in only 40% new French oak and is a limited production bottling at a mere 122 cases. Very inky in the glass, this delivers a smooth mouthfeel wit dark currant and tobacco leaf flavors that meld well with shades of red bell pepper on the palate. Drink 2025-2040- 94

2022 Fideltas ‘Ciel du Cheval’ Red Wine- A killer blend made from mainly Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2022 Fideltas ‘Ciel du Cheval’ Red Wine. The black and red floral aromatics really entice, as sandy soils and red currants march on with espresso bean notes on the nose. The smooth mouthfeel and richness beautifully guide this outstanding blend. Drink 2025-2040- 94

2022 Fidelitas ‘Ciel du Cheval’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2022 Fidelitas ‘Ciel du Cheval’ Cabernet Sauvignon was stored for 70% new French oak before bottling. Herbal accents with freshly tilled loamy soils and chocolate all mark the nose. The palate is lush and smooth with a great sense of salinity. Gorgeous now, enjoy over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2022 Fidelitas ‘Ciel du Cheval’ Petit Verdot- A small production wine, the 2022 Fidelitas ‘Ciel du Cheval’ Petit Verdot offers green herbs, espresso bean and dark chocolate shavings on the nose. The palate is dense and delicious with serious texture and gorgeous herbal undertones. This is a total stunner. Drink 2025-2040- 95

Lange

Today we showcase one of Oregon’s historic wineries. Don and Wendy Lange took the plunge back in 1987, acquiring a large parcel of land in the Willamette Valley. He saw the potential for Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir planted there. Over time his son, Jesse, transitioned into their head winemaker, taking over for his father. Jesse’s formal winemaking training occurred at New Zealand’s Lincoln University while on a student exchange scholarship from Oregon State in 1999. Jesse made world-class wines for years.

I love the new Lange wines. I was also sent the ’18 releases which somehow did not make it into my 2018 Oregon Retrospective. Lange wines are built to age gracefully and I adore the 2018 Lange ‘Three Hills Cuvee’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which is a killer bargain in Oregon wine. In terms of their new wines, check out the gorgeous 2024 Lange Rose (OB, 91) which is filled with marvelous tension and delicate red fruits.  Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://www.langewinery.com/ and here are my reviews of the Lange wines.

2024 Lange Rose- Made from Pinot Noir grapes, the bone dry 2024 Lange Rose offers great texture, freshness and underlying verve, with very pretty red fruits that mingle well with orange blossom water, and hints of pink grapefruit on the palate. Enjoy now, in its vibrant youth. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2024 Lange ‘Reserve’ Pinot Gris- The 2024 ‘Reserve’ Pinot Gris offers loads of texture and tension. Bright melon and starfruit tones combine with Japanese pear, baking spice laced pastry crust and lemon curd notes on the palate. Very complex and delicious, enjoy this fabulous Gris now and over the next eight years to come. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2018 Lange ‘Three Hills Cuvee’ Pinot Noir- An outstanding wine for the price, the 2018 Lange ‘Three Hills Cuvee’ Pinot Noir is loaded with bright red fruits, orange peel, tobacco leaf and plenty of nerve right now. Fresh and vibrant with serious depth and stuffing, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2018 Lange ‘Lange Estate’ Pinot Noir- Coming entirely from their Dundee Hills estate, the 2018 Lange ‘Lange Estate’ Pinot Noir opens with dark rose petals and damp earth notes on the nose alongside wild blackberry and black cherry. The palate is very fresh and viscous with great verve and richness. It is really primary right now, showing beautifully at the seven year mark — and has so long to go in the cellar. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2018 Lange ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Lange has remarkably been sourcing from this vineyard since 1990. This vintage has tremendous depth and concentration, as a gorgeous melange of red and dark fruits mingle well with forest floor and wafts of black truffle on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with terrific texture, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2025-2037- 95

Echolands

A brand founded by Brad Bergman and Doug Frost, MW, MS, Echolands is an electric destination winery with a stunning new tasting room in Walla Walla. Doug Frost has an illustrious wine career, and is one of three individuals in the world to hold simultaneously the Master of Wine and Master Sommelier titles, achieving his MS in 1991 and MW in 1993. He also authored ‘The Spanish Wine Guide (third edition 2009’) and is a contributing editor of the Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails.

Winemaker Brian Rudin was hired roughly a year ago to take over the winemaking program. He did incredible work at Canvasback, creating wines that have beautiful depth and flavor density — deftly showcasing the Red Mountain power and terroir.

The new wines were very good across the board. I love the 2024 Echolands Rose of Grenache (OB, 91) which is very pretty and nicely textured stuff. I really love the 2022 Echolands ‘Les Collines Vineyard Block 50’ Syrah (OB, 93) which comes from a single block and has some of there great vineyard character, with herbal nuances, that you find from Les Collines. Learn more about this fantastic project at echolandswinery.com Here are my reviews of he beautiful new wines that I tasted from Echolands.

2024 Echolands Rose of Cabernet Franc-Sourceed from the Taggart Estate Vineyard, this 2024 Rose was aged for 5 months in neutral oak barrels before bottling. It is bright and mineral-laden with a smooth mouthfeel. Damp earth flavors collide with tangerine peel and shades of wild strawberry on the palate. Drink 2025-2030- 90

2024 Echolands Rose of Grenache- Sourced from the McKinley Springs Vineyard, this 2024 Rose was aged for five months in concrete before bottling. It is filled with marvelous tension and very pretty red fruits that mingle well with orange zest and copious minerals on the palate. Drink 2025-2030- 91

2024 Echolands ‘Albus’ White Wine- The 2024 ‘Albus’ is a left bank-inspired white wine, with 82% Sauvignon Blanc and the remainder Semillon. Nutmeg dusted pear and cashew nut flavors mingle well with green papaya and dried herbs on the palate. Really well-made with a soft mouthfeel, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2024 Echolands ‘Angiolina Vineyard’ Albarino- This 2024 Albarino was stored in a combination on of neutral and stainless barrels before bottling. Only 89 cases are made. Neatly-textured, this delivers green tea and pie crust flavors that combine with shades of salted mango on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2024 Echolands ‘Semi-Carbonic’ Cinsault- The very novel 2024 ‘Semi-Carbonic’ Cinsault was stored for five months in a combination of new and neutral oak before bottling. It comes off very bright and juicy on the tongue, loaded with underlying finesse. A smooth mouthfeel greets you, as bright red fruits parade with salty minerals and kumquat rind notes on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2024 Echolands ‘McKinley Springs Vineyard’ Cinsault- The 2024 Echolands ‘McKinley Springs Vineyard’ Cinsault has 11% Syrah blended in. This is soft and very seamless throughout the drinking experience. Guava puree, strawberry and Yakima cherry flavors mingle well with the soft mouthfeel and good length on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 92

2022 Echolands ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Merlot- The 2022 Echolands ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Merlot has 15% Cabernet Sauvignon blended in. Stored in a combination of neutral and new French oak this delivers a dark core in the glass. Fresh herbs and dark currants fill the nose alongside chocolate and shades of salty soils. The palate is beautifully balanced, round and generous on the mouth. This has good weight considering the coolness of the vintage. Enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 93

2022 Echolands ‘Seven Hills Vineyard Block 03’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The really good 2022 Echolands ‘Seven Hills Vineyard Block 03’ Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from this famed location in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. This is well-balanced and poised with medium-bodied dark fruits that mingle well with fresh sage and stony minerals on the palate. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2022 Echolands ‘Groundswell’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Groundswell’ comes from the Taggart Vineyard and is mainly Cabernet Franc (64%) with smaller parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a nicely balanced, medium-bodied effort with black tea and exotic spices alongside mocha and light to medium bodied dark fruits. Enjoy now. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2022 Echolands ‘Les Collines Vineyard Block 50’ Syrah- The 2022 Echolands ‘Les Collines Vineyard Block 50’ Syrah comes off stony and savory on the mouth. Showing good texture and underlying finesse, pretty dark fruits mingle well with fresh sage, graphite, tar, and hints of creme de violette on the palate. Very complex and well-made, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

Walter Scott

It is my pleasure to share the wines of Walter Scott, founded by Erica Landon and Ken Pahlow.  Walter Scott honors two important men in Ken’s life: Walter, Ken's grandfather, who was a flight engineer for Trans World Airlines and Scott, and Ken's nephew who passed away young and reminded both Ken and Erica that life can be exceedingly short. Their first vintage was produced in 2009 at Patricia Green Cellars and in 2011 Walter Scott began making Chardonnay, which was met immediately with seriously good critical acclaim. I have really enjoyed these from my personal cellar and they age so gracefully.

Just as good as the ‘22s, the ‘23s were incredibly consistent across the board. The ‘23s show a touch more flamboyance and fleshy character than the ‘22s — yet they maintain beautiful freshness. Check out the 2023 Walter Scott ‘X Novo Vineyard’ Chardonnay (OB, 97) which for my palate leaves no doubt that this is one of the great white wines made in North America. Learn more at https://www.walterscottwine.com Here are my tasting notes from the beautiful new lineup of Walter Scott wines. 

2023 Walter Scott ‘X Novo Vineyard’ Aligote- A really unique wine, this 2023 Aligote comes from the famed X Novo Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. It offers beautiful reduction and nutty tones on the palate, with wet stone and serious texture and verve. Melon and baking spice laced pastry crust flavors mingle well with citrus zest accents. This is going to cellar beautifully for at least another eight years. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2023 Walter Scott ‘Cuvee Anne’ Chardonnay- The really good 2023 ‘Cuvee Anne’ comes from a range of sites across the Willamette Valley. It is dense and rich on the palate, showing great minerality and flavor density. Heady melon  and nectarine fruits parade with orange zest, salty soils and shades of pie crust on the palate. The length and weight of this wine is really good at the entry level. Drink 2025-2032-93

2023 Walter Scott ‘Koosah Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Sourced from this stony site, the 2023 ‘Koosah Vineyard’ is a complex and delicious bottling that is up there with the greats in Oregon wine. Crushed oyster shells and lemon zest all combine with suggestions of marzipan, wet stone and nutty accents on the nose. The palate is dense and delicious with a fabulous mineral background. Very nervy and mineral-laden, enjoy this beautiful wine for the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2025-2039- 96

2023 Walter Scott ‘Justice Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2023 ‘Justice Vineyard’ is sourced rom this older site, set on marine sedimentary soils and owned by the Casteel family. This is marvelously reductive stuff with wet metal and rocky tones on the nose alongside lemon blossom, pink grapefruit and suggestions of salted peach. The palate is plush and laden with minerality, with a fat mouthfeel. The glorious length brings you back to the glass for more enjoyment. Impeccably balanced, this is drinking marvelously in its youth. Drink 2025-2035- 96

2023 Walter Scott ‘Hyland Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Coming from this older location in the Dundee Hills AVA, the 2023 ‘Hyland Vineyard’ was stored in only 35% new French oak before bottling. Japanese pear and flinty tones mark the palate, alongside loads of tension and mouth-watering acidity. Jam-packed with finesse, depth and weight, this is another glorious edition of the ‘Hyland’ that will live on for at least another decade. Drink 2025-2035- 96

2023 Walter Scott ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Chardonnay- This 2023 ‘Freedom Hill' Chardonnay comes from a 140 acre property that is set on marine sedimentary, uplifted seabed. Stored in roughly 50% new French oak, this offers buttered French bread and Key lime flavors that mingle well with honeydew melon, cashew nut and salty minerals. Smooth on the mouth, with terrific verve and weight, enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten plus years, Drink 2025-2039- 96

2023 Walter Scott ‘X Novo Vineyard’ Chardonnay- One of the finest Chardonnays you will taste in Oregon, the very flinty 2023 ‘X Novo Vineyard’ Chardonnay is a total head-turner that has a long way to go in the cellar. On the nose this shows orange blossom and lemon rind tones that combine with rich melon fruits, nutty accents and shades of wet pavement. Very reductive and fat on the mouth, with a dazzling sense of tension and great mid-palate weight, it has some serious power that would make you shocked that it comes from a slightly cooler vintage. Drink 2025-2040- 97

2023 Walter Scott ‘Witness Tree Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2023 Walter Scott ‘Witness Tree Vineyard’ Chardonnay that has an ancient oak that apparently served as a surveyers' landmark over 160 years ago. This is dense and flinty — wonderfully reductive. Yakima cherry and rich melon flavors meld well with salted Macadamia nut, baking spice laced pie crust and wafts of juicy nectarine on the palate. Very saline-driven and delicious, this is nothing short of a stunning showing now. Drink 2025-2037- 96

2022 Walter Scott ‘Sojeau Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The absolutely ebullient 2023 ‘Sojeau Vineyard’ Chardonnay comes off wonderfully stony on the nose with baked apple, toasty French bread and mango notes. The palate is dense and soft with a terrific tension and salinity that runs through a deep core of citrus and melon fruit flavors. Vibrant and nervy, with a silky mouthfeel and glorious length, enjoy this beauty now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 96

2022 Walter Scott ‘Lucile’ Chardonnay- The 2022 ‘Lucille’ comes from the Mt. Pisqah AVA and old vine plantings from the famed Freedom Hill Vineyard. This is incredibly stony and suave, with a world-class melange of melon and citrus fruits on the palate. With more air the nutty tones impress, as does the incredible length and weight. Wait for the near minute-long finish. A total heavyhitter, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2025-2040 97

2023 Walter Scott ‘Cuvee Ruth’ Pinot Noir- A terrific wine at the entry level, the 2023 ‘Cuvee Ruth’ comes from a range of sites throughout the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Rich red and dark fruits combine with salty soils and loads of minerals, with citrus peel accents. This is already beautifully-defined stuff, with terrific acidity and a smooth mouthfeel. Drink 2025-2031- 93

2023 Walter Scott ‘Koosah Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The now famed Koosah Vineyard was purchased by Resonance Winery in 2022 and is located 55 miles from the Pacific Ocean,as the breezes and maritime influence on this site are evident .The 2023 ‘Koosah’ offers flinty tones alongside peat moss and forest floor notes on the nose alongside dried cranberry and fresh sage. The palate is marvelous and plush, with loads of acidity that literally make your mouth water. Showing outstanding weight and length, with fabulous finesse, this is a drop-dead gorgeous edition of this wine that has a long life to live. Drink 2025-2041- 96

2023 Walter Scott ‘Sojeau Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Sojeau Vineyard’ is set in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA as vines are grown on ancient volcanic soils. This has quite a stony effect in the glass, offering wet rock and deep dark fruits on the nose which meld well with suggestions of baking spices, and pine needle aromatics. The palate is silky and refined throughout the drinking experience. It is still quite primary in terms of red fruit profile with rocky/salty accents —but the potential is absolutely here. Drink 2025-2044- 96

2023 Walter Scott ‘Witness Tree Vineyards’ Pinot Noir- The brilliant 2023 ‘Witness Tree’ Pinot Noir is sourced this site set in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Right away this offers alluring red florals that meld well with wet rock, fragrant peaches and shades of blood orange zest water. The palate is elegant and refined, with good concentration and a great melange of red and dark fruits that mingle well with the rocky and salty nuances of the wine. A gorgeous new offering, drinking brilliantly well, watch this evolve over the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2025-2041- 96

2022 Walter Scott ‘X Novo Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The fat and beautiflly-textured 2023 Walter Scott ‘X Novo Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is a stunning follow-up to the ’22 from this location in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. This is dense, flinty and nervy on the mouth, with a terrific mouthfeel, salinity and beautiful sense of tension. Wafts of black truffle shavings fill the palate alongside rich red and dark fruits, with shades of Umami and herbal accents. This is a stunning wine that is quite primary now and has a really long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2025-2044- 96

2023 Walter Scott ‘Justice Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The acclaimed Justice Vineyard is a 40-acre site farmed by the Casteel family who founded Bethel Heights winery in 1977.  This is marvelously reductive on the nose with gunmetal and rocky notes that meld well with pretty guava fruits and red rose water accents. The palate is plush and soft with serious tension and a great sense of salinity throughout the drinking experience. Gorgeous to enjoy now, savor this beauty over the next twenty years. Drink 2025-2045- 96

2023 Walter Scott ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 Walter Scott ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir was sourced from this famed site in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Mainly stored in neutral French oak barrels, this delivers orange rind and red rose petals on the nose with wild blackberry and shades of wet gravel. The plate is complex, offering a great push-pull between the saline and stony elements of the wine. Deep and concentrated, with a beautiful melange of red and dark fruits, enjoy this outstanding bottling now and over the next two decades to come. Drink 2025-2045- 96

2023 Walter Scott ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The amazing 2023 ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir was sourced from vines that were planted all the way back in 1981. The wine was given a very small amount of whole cluster fermentation and offers a pretty melange of tart red and dark fruits on the palate, offering forest floor, Mandarin orange zest and shades of black truffle on the palate. Already delicious, this will go for at least another fifteen years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 95

2023 Walter Scott ‘Sequitur Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The famed ‘Sequitur Vineyard’ was planted by the founders of Beaux Freres between 2012-2014.  Stored in roughly 50% new French oak, this offers tart cranberry and pomegranate seed flavors on the palate with a silky texture and brisk sense of minerality. Despite being so primary with its pretty core of red fruits, this is so marvelously drinkable right now. Impeccably balanced, showing great salty nuance and length, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2025-2040- 96

Argyle

When I was first getting into Pacific Northwest wine I was immediately drawn to Oregon bubbles master, Rollin Soles, who was making some of the most electric wines you would find on the west coast. Argyle continues to make some of the most consistently great Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sparkling wines, and has been led for many years by director of winemaking Nate Klostermann. New winemaker Kate Payne Brown has recently taken over and I am very excited to see her hand in the new wines.

I adore the new 2014 Argyle ‘Extended Tirage’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 96) which spent 10 years on the lees and is absolutely brimming with bright acidity and texture. This was as brilliant wine from a warm vintage. Learn more about these outstanding wines at argylewinery.com and here are my tasting notes from a sensational tasting of Argyle Sparkling Wines.

2014 Argyle ‘Extended Tirage’ Sparkling Wine- The 2014 ‘Extended Tirage’ was disgorged in July 2023. Given 3 G/L dosage, this shows off baking spice dusted pastry crust, Pink Lady apple, and juicy peach notes with shades of diatomaceous earth on this luxurious nose. The mousse is super refined and elegant, as this glides throughout the drinking experience. 60% Pinot Noir with the remainder Chardonnay. This is ethereal stuff that is only starting to hit its stride. Drink 2024-2038- 96

2023 Argyle ‘Nuthouse’ Chardonnay- Fresh and mineral-laden, the 2023 ‘Nuthouse’ Chardonnay opens with ripe mango and papaya notes on the nose alongside baking spice laced pastry crust. The palace is plush and filled with tension, as the smooth texture entices. Enjoy now and over the next eight plus years to come. Drink 2025-2035- 94

2023 Argyle ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir- Another brilliant edition of this wine, the 2023 Argyle ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir was entirely sourced from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Wet stone and shades of black truffle shavings fill the nose alongside boysenberry and black cherry notes. The palate is literally bursting with flavor, as bright red and dark fruits parade with peat moss and forest floor accents. This is a total stunner that is such a joy to consume in its vibrant youth. Drink 2025-2040- 95

Fe Wines

Today we share some incredible wines out of Napa. Fe Wines (pronounced FEE) is the atomic symbol for iron, the mineral content you will notice throughout the soils of their Spring Mountain Vineyard. It is quite remarkable that seven years of viticulture went into the first vintage of Fe Wines. This location sees a good amount of fog to moderate the summer heat. Wines from this section of Napa have a wonderful stony essence that you can easily notice in the glass.

Aaron Pott is one of the great winemakers in Napa. He achieved his undergraduate degree at University of California, Davis, and later a master’s degree in Viticulture, Wine, and Terroir from the Université de Bourgogne. He served as winemaker at famed property Château Troplong Mondot and also director of Château La Tour Figeac before coming to Napa. I have long enjoyed his namesake wines which are highly allocated.

Fe Wines have two world-class wines in their collection — a near 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from their estate site on Spring Mountain, as well as a proprietary blend. I love the 2022 Fe Wines Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 96) which is a stunning wine despite the obvious challenges of the vintage. Learn more about these gorgeous wines at https://www.fewines.com and here are the fantastic new 2022 releases by Fe Wines. 

2022 Fe Wines ’26’ Red Wine- The 2022 ’26’ is is a Bordeaux-inspired blend that is named for the atomic weight of iron. This is a really nice effort considering the obvious heat of the vintage. Tar, blackberry preserves, and wet stone mark the nose alongside sweet pipe tobacco. The palate is plush and beautifully-structured, with good weight and underlying poise. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2025-2037- 95

2022 Fe Wines Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2022 Fe Wines Cabernet Sauvignon has small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Malbec blended in. Very inky in the glass, this opens with gorgeous violet rose petals that parade with espresso grounds, creosote, blackberry compote and shades of black licorice. The palate is silky and refined with great texture and good verve considering the heat at harvest. This is already beautifully evolved stuff that will cellar well over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2025-2037- 96

Prothro Family Wines

It is my pleasure to introduce the wines by Bruce Prothro and his family.  Bruce and his wife, Ronda became interested in wine at the start of their relationship. They had an incredible first date wine tasting in Napa and one year later they were married. In 1991, Bruce and Ronda began making their own wine by purchasing Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay grapes from a vineyard in the Russian River Valley that supplied grapes to DeLoach Winery. With no formal training, they borrowed and rented equipment to crush, ferment, and press almost two tons of grapes, yielding nearly 120 gallons of barrel-aged wine. Even though they made a few mistakes that first year, the wine was a hit among their friends and family and became a staple at their parties and get togethers.

Over the next seven years they made wine out of their garage. Along the way they had help from several heavyweight figures in California wine including Burt Williams at Williams Selyem, Dexter and Val Ahlgren at Ahlgren Vineyards, Ken Burnap at Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyards, Kent Rosenbloom and Jeff Cohn at Rosenbloom Cellars, and the crew at David Bruce Winery.

Their first vintage was 2014. Check out the outstanding 2022 Prothro ‘Limited Release Howell Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 93) which is a gorgeous wine from a challenging vintage. Learn more about this great Napa winery at https://prothrofamilywines.com/ Here are the beautiful new wines by Prothro Family Wines.

2024 Prothro ‘Wildwood Vineyards’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2024 Prothro ‘Wildwood Vineyards’ Sauvignon Blanc offers white flowers and green herbs on the nose with gooseberry tones. The palate is soft and refined with good minerality. Drink 2025-2030- 90

2023 Prothro ‘Rodgers Creek Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2023 ‘Rodgers Creek Vineyard’ Chardonnay is smooth on the mouth with good viscosity. Green apple and pastry crust flavors meld well with baking spices and shades of starfruit on the palate. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2022 Prothro ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Franc- The outstanding 2022 Prothro ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Franc offers rich dark fruits with chocolate, dried herbs and loamy soils. Considering the heat of the vintage, this is a delicious effort that is meant for early consumption. Drink 2025-2031- 91

2022 Prothro ‘Limited Release Howell Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The delicious 2022 Prothro ‘Limited Release Howell Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers good richness and depth on the mid-palate. Graphite and dark chocolate shavings mingle with kirsch and cassis notes. Soft and approachable now, enjoy over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2025-2033- 93

2022 Prothro ‘Limited Release Rutherford’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Another beautiful hot vintage release, the 2022 ‘Limited Release Rutherford’ has plenty of damp soil character on the palate, alongside creme de cassis, anise, tar, sweet pipe tobacco and blackberry compote. Medium to full-bodied, this is already showing really well. Drink 2025-2033- 93