Sojourn Cellars

One of the great wineries of Sonoma, Sojourn Cellars began in 2001 as a partnership between two tennis buddies who discovered a mutual passion for great wine. At Sojourn Craig and Ellen Haserot work together with winemaker Erich Bradley, the former winemaker at Arrowood Winery in Sonoma. A native of Palo Alto, California, Erich has a degree in bio-chemistry from the esteemed University of Chicago and a degree in Philosophy and Modern European Intellectual History from the University of California at Irvine. He is obviously a talented mind and brings this intellect to his very technically sound collection of wines.  

Erich has been mentored by eminent winemakers Richard Arrowood and David Ramey and sources his wines from some fantastic California vineyards, including Gap’s Crown Vineyard and the Durell Vineyard. The new releases by Sojourn were beautiful across the board. Look to the 2017 Sojourn ‘Sangiacomo Vineyard’ Chardonnay (WWB, 92) which has really good richness and a wonderful mouthfeel. I really enjoyed the 2016 Sojourn Cellars ‘Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 94) which shows incredible richness with toasty oak and layers of dark fruits. Learn more about these beautiful wines at http://www.sojourncellars.com Here are the great new wines by Sojourn Cellars.

2017 Sojourn ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay- Sourced from a host of Sonoma Coast AVA vineyards, this wine was aged in 30% new French oak prior to bottling. Brioche, vanilla cream and roasted pineapple aromas fill the glass. The palate is rich, showing a good sense of place. Vanilla creme brûlée, banana and butterscotch flavors all impress. Enjoy this excellent wine over the next decade. Drink 2019-2026- 91

2017 Sojourn ‘Sangiacomo Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The Sojourn ‘Sangiacomo Vineyard’ Chardonnay is a sensational effort. On the nose bright brioche, lemon zest and ripe pineapple flavors all impress. The palate shows a soft texture and a silky mouthfeel. Toasty oak wraps around vanilla cream, ripe banana and pineapple flavors with a touch of kumquat. Downright delicious now, this excellent wine will continue to evolve over a decade or more. Drink 2019-2028- 92

2017 Sojourn ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir- This starts off with a bouquet of cherry cola with sassafras and black tea elements also shining brightly. The palate displays a brisk acidity with bright minerals that connect with cran-cherry, pomegranate seed and Mandarin orange rind flavors. Energetic and enticing, this will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 20189-2028- 92

2017 Sojourn Rodgers Creek VIneyard’ Pinot Noir- Located in the Sonoma Coast AVA, the Rodgers Creek Vineyard is set on a high ridge in the middle of the Petaluma Gap. This was partially whole-cluster fermented (20%) prior to being aged in French oak (50% new). The nose takes on bright bing cherry aromas with lighter citrus rind and forest floor components. The palate displays a soft mouthfeel as toasty oak sets over red and dark fruits with blood orange zest flavors. Ripe and generous, this will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2030- 93

2017 Sojourn ‘Walala Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2017 ‘Walala Vineyard’ Pinot Noir by Sojourn is a downright gorgeous effort. The Walala Vineyard is located in the Sonoma Coast AVA and is set only a few miles from the Pacific Ocean as the maritime influence is quite prominent in the vineyard. Teaberry, Yakima cherry and cran-pomegranate aromas fill the glass. The palate shows a ripe texture and a silky mouthfeel that delights. Red fruits like pomegranate, guava and red cherry seem to dominate, with lighter cola and peat moss tones that round out the palate. Downright delicious now, this will continue to evolve well over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2019-2030- 93

2017 Sojourn ‘Gap’s Crown’ Pinot Noir- The Gap’s Crown Vineyard is one of the great vineyards of the in the Sonoma Coast AVA, set between 300 and 800 feet, right next to the Sangiocomo VIneyard. This wine opens with a bouquet of white rose, cran-pomegranate and orange zest. The salinity of the wine shines through as bright red cherry candy, guava puree, Mandarin orange rind and cola flavors all marvelously combine on the palate. This marvelous wine shows not only serious range but a beautiful, soft texture. Enjoy this over the next decade or more. Drink 2019-2030- 94

2017 Sojourn ‘Sangiocomo Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The Sangiocomo Vineyard has a very strong maritime influence being only a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. Sojourn has been sourcing from this esteemed vineyard since 2004. The wine starts off with a bright bouquet of dark cherry cough syrup, cola, sassafras and a touch of diatomaceous earth. The palate reveals a silky mouthfeel with plush dark and red fruit flavors with a touch of cran-orange. Refined and offering light tannins, this is a stunning effort by Sojourn. Drink 2019-2030- 93

2016 Sojourn ‘Proprietary Cuvee’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The ‘Proprietary Cuvee’ by Sojourn is sourced from some esteemed vineyard sites in Napa: the Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III in Rutherford as well as the Oakville Ranch Vineyard. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine was aged for 18 months in largely new (75%) French oak prior to bottling. The nose is gorgeous showing highly perfumed creme de cassis, black tea, Asian spice and mocha aromas that continue to build in the glass. The wine shows off a silky mouthfeel as mocha, tar, anise and creme de cassis flavors shine brightly alongside the toasty oak on the palate. Rich, decadent and hard to resist now, this awesome wine by Erich Bradley has a long life in the cellar. Drink 2019-2035- 94

2016 Sojourn ‘Oakville’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The ‘Oakville’ Cabernet Sauvignon is largely comprised of Oakville Ranch fruit. The vineyard is set at 1,000 to 1,400 feet above sea level, and is set on a combination with soils of clay over volcanic rock. This wine shows its best aromatic expression following a one hour decant. Once aroused it displays coffee ground, roasted fig and black cherry compote aromas that impress. The palate is plush and refined, showing some mild tannins with creme de cassis, Turkish coffee, and roasted date flavors. Downright delicious now, this will cellar well for the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2019-2033- 92

2016 Sojourn ‘Home Ranch Cuvee’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The ‘Home Ranch Vineyard’ is located on the western edge of the Sonoma Valley. The wine shows off intense blackberry pie, mocha, anise and sagebrush undertones that fill the nose. Soft and refined on the palate, the wine shows a silky texture. Blackberry pie, black tea, anise and creme de cassis with coffee ground flavors all impress. Downright delicious now, this wine will cellar well for the next fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 92

2016 Sojourn ‘Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The ‘Beckstoffer Georges III’ is a gorgeous new wine by Sojourn and winemaker Erich Bradley. On the nose this takes on some classic Rutherford terroir with dusty earth, Creme de cassis and anise aromatics with a touch of milk chocolate. Showing a good combination of viscosity and tension on the mid-palate, this yields ripe boysenberry cordial, black tea, Creme de cassis and red bell pepper flavors that are enveloped by toasty oak. This has some serious range as this warm vintage wine shows not only copious dark fruits but good terroir. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next two decades. Drink 2019-2040- 94

Tertulia Cellars

One of the exciting winery projects out of Walla Walla, Tertulia Cellars was founded in 2005 and is set in the picturesque foreground of the Blue Mountains.  Ryan Raber has been winemaker here for many years and works with vineyard manager, Ryan Driver to craft wines from three highly unique sites in the Walla Walla Valley. Their vineyard in the North Fork of the Walla Walla River is quite a site to be seen, as I visited this stunning setting a year ago. There are a host of highly unique varietals planted on this vineyard set on loess but also fractured basalt. The 2018 Marsanne (WWB, 91) from this site is particularly good, imparting a brilliant stony character in the wines. I recently visited the winery and enjoyed talking with Tertulia Cellars owner Jim O’Connell and Raber. They talked about the advantages of having three separate vineyard sites for their lineup of wines.

Ryan Raber has crafted some excellent new wines, just as he did last year. I was hugely impressed with his 2018 Tertulia Cellars Rose (WWB, 91) which has a remarkable texture and a silky mouthfeel, as the wine shows some seriously good range. Do not miss out on this wine. Even better was the 2016 Tertulia Cellars ‘The Great Schism Reserve’ Red Wine (WWB, 92) which has wonderful balance and range, from bacon fat to citrus tones. Learn more about this great winery at http://www.tertuliacellars.com/ Here are the new wines by Tertulia Cellars. 

2018 Tertulia Cellars Rose- The texture imparted here is really fantastic as this balanced, yet viscous Rose shows copious red fruits with melon undertones. A fantastic effort by winemaker Ryan Raber, this beautiful wine will continue to evolve over the next five plus years. Drink 2019-2024- 91

2018 Tertulia Cellars ‘Elevation Estate Vineyard’ Marsanne- You are immediately drawn to the stony undertones that shape the nose with lychee and lemon zest aromas that come together in the glass. The palate shows a really nice mouthfeel with bright melon flavors that connect with the mineral and light wet stone tones on the palate. This is fantastic now and will cellar well over the next seven years. Drink 2019-2025- 91

2016 Tertulia Cellars ‘The Great Schism Reserve’ Red Wine- Sourced from their estate Riviera Galets Estate Vineyard, the ‘Great Schism Reserve’ Red Wine is largely Grenache (55%) and Syrah (40%) with a touch of Mourvedre (5%) included in the blend. The nose shows really good range from bacon fat to wet stone to citrus rind and Umami tones that awaken the senses. The palate shows a seamless quality on the palate, as beautiful red fruits connect with blood orange, smoked bacon and cran-pomegranate flavors. Showing marvelously now, this beautiful wine will evolve well over the next seven to ten years. Drink 2019-2025- 92

2016 Tertulia Cellars ‘Ryan’s Reserve’ Red Wine- The ‘Ryan’s Reserve’ is named after winemaker Ryan Raber and vineyard manager Ryan Driver. The wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (31%) with Merlot (31%), Petit Verdot (16%), Cabernet Franc (13%) and Malbec (7%). Showing a dark core, the wine unveils smoky undertones with chocolate and anise aromas. The palate shows good freshness and astringency. Black fruits mingle with coffee ground and chocolate flavors on the palate. Drink 2019-2025- 90

2015 Tertulia Cellars ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The wine starts off with aromas of black tea with red bell pepper and blackberry pie. The palate is plush, delivering medium bodied dark and red fruit flavors that connect with a nice minerality. Drink 2019-2025- 90

2015 Tertulia Cellars ‘Phinny Hill Vineyard’ Carmenere- The 2015 ‘Phinny Hill Vineyard’ Carmenere is a fantastic bottling. The herbal tones on the nose entice and connect with dark fruits that build in the glass. On the palate there is a good freshness and salinity with dark cherry and wild blackberry with black tea and green herbs that round out this excellent wine. Drink 2019-2025- 91

Hattingley Valley

As I walked the vineyard in the pouring rain I was amazed that this area produces wine. It was a hugely wet and damp February morning in Hampshire. My colleague and I had traveled the 90 minute trek from Central London to arrive in the British countryside. Hattingley Valley is a family owned business located in Hampshire specialising in premium English sparkling wines. Simon Robinson founded Hattingley Valley in 2008, planting Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier in his 24 hectacre vineyard (60 acres). With help from the talented Emma Rice they established their winery in 2010. Wines are fermented using a small portion of of oak barrels wit the remainder stainless steel. Winemaker Emma Rice studied at Plumpton College and has worked in winemaking from Tasmania to California. I met her for the first time more than a year ago at a conference in Oregon and I was very glad to coordinate with her my visit to Hattingley. Emma’s first release was in 2013 and they export their wines to 16 countries worldwide.

I was very impressed with the latest set of Hattingley releases. These wines show a common thread of wonderfully chalky terroir. A really good value, the NV Hattingley Valley ‘Classic Reserve’ Brut Sparkling Wine (WWB, 90) shows really good range and a racy acidity. This would make a marvelous aperitif. The best wine that I sampled was the 2014 Hattingley Valley Rose Sparkling Wine (WWB, 92) which has really good mid-palate weight and a brilliant salinity that combines with the tart red fruits. Learn more about this outstanding English producer of sparkling wine at https://www.hattingleyvalley.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Hattingley Valley.

NV Hattingley Valley ‘Classic Reserve’ Brut Sparkling Wine- Founded in 2008 by Simon and Nicola Robinson, Hattingley Valley is located in Hampshire, England and is set on chalky soils The ‘Classic Reserve’ is a blend of several vintage wines (18% reserve wines) and opens with biscuit aromas with lemon zest and shades of salted Marcona almond. The palate unveils a lovely mouthfeel as brisk acidity and salinity races through pear, wet stone and kumquat flavors. Drink 2019-2025- 90

2011 Hattingley Valley Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine- The 2011 Blanc de Blancs by Hattingley Valley shows a vibrant hue and opens with sourdough bread, kumquat and shades of forest floor that fill the nose. The palate shows good astringency and weight with bright lemon oil, nectarine rind and green apple torte flavors. Bright and lively, this racy, saline-infused Chardonnay Sparkling Wine will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2019-2029- 91

2014 Hattingley Valley Rose Sparkling Wine- The Hattingley Valley 2014 Rose is a seriously good blend of 60% Pinot Noir with smaller portions Pinot Meunier and Pinot Precoce. A brilliant salmon color, this opens with a bright bouquet of red currant, wild mushroom and shades of lemongrass that build on the nose. The palate shows good balance and mid-palate weight with beautiful teaberry, cran-orange and toasted brioche flavors that combine marvelously as this finished with a polished salinity. Seriously good now, this will continue to evolve over a decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 92

Chateau Climens

A few weeks back I visited the historic Chateau Climens with winemaker/owner, Berenice Lurton, as my gracious guide. Walking the vineyards with her I saw how the small limestone deposits can impart a stony, mineral edge to these brilliant wines. This was prior to bud break at Climens and I happily soaked up every tidbit of information that Berenice provided. Her wines are a true inspiration. We walked into the cellar and I was even shown an area of the chateau used to store an extremely wide range of dried herbs.

Sauternes has been hit hard the past two years as she could not declare a vintage in 2018 due to poor conditions for botrytis. Hail as well was a really big problem in 2018 and then 2017 was a sheer disaster for Climens as they could not produce enough of a wine to declare a vintage. Despite these issues, Berenice was quite optimistic, noting the many great vintages that Sauternes has encountered and her uncanny ability to produce beautiful wines in challenging vintages like 2006. 

I was led into the chateau to have lunch with Berenice and we started with some hors d'oeuvre. We noticed the plate of fossilized seashells that have been sprinkled throughout the vineyard. It is no wonder there is a bright salinity in these beautiful wines. 

We were served the 2015 Chateau Climens which was mind-blowing in its youth and nowhere near ready but showing an unctuous edge with its flamboyant tropical fruit flavor profile. 2015 Climens will be exceedingly long lived. I have not tried the 2014 Chateau Climens in several years, but this was showing as marvelously as the 2015, just a nod towards elegance and refinement with its silky smooth mouthfeel and stronger salinity. I think the 2014 and 2015 will provide a wonderful vintage comparison for decades.

My mouth waters as I write about the 2005 Chateau Climens (WWB, 100) which is truly perfection in a bottle. The combination of weight, elegance, texture and aromatic and flavor range is extraordinary. I slowly savored the 2005 Climens as I felt so grateful and energized to be in the company of one of the great winemakers and wines of the world.

De Ponte Cellars

As we continue our jaunt into Oregon Wine Month we share one of the great boutique producers set in the Dundee Hills. I have long enjoyed tasting at De Ponte, first visiting them in 2007. A laid back, relaxed atmosphere to taste their wines, De Ponte produces a range of great Pinot Noir bottling and one of the best Melon de Bourgogne wines in North America, their ‘D.F.B.’ First started by the Baldwin family in 1999, De Ponte is named after the matriarch of the Baldwin family, Shirley Baldwin.  De Ponte, her maiden name which is of Portuguese origin, honors her father who grew grapes and made his own wine in California's San Joaquin Valley. De Ponte released its first Pinot Noir in 2001, as it leans on the talented Isabelle Dutartre for all winemaking. Dutartre is originally from Burgundy in France and you will find that no surprise when you taste these highly Burgundian wines. Vines planted are set on ancient volcanic soils with clay loam influence. 

I was very impressed with the range of wines that Dutartre has crafted. Look to her refreshing 2017 De Ponte ‘D.F.B.’ Melon de Bourgogne (WWB, 90) which is lithe and highly refreshing, showing a really good texture and poise. I was really impressed with her 2016 De Ponte ‘Lonesome Rock Ranch’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 93) which has wonderful red fruits and a great sense of place with its volcanic earth influence. Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://www.depontecellars.com Here are the exciting new releasees by De Ponte.

2017 De Ponte ‘D.F.B’ Melon de Bourgogne- The ‘D.F.B’ Melon de Bourgogne opens with bright pear, lychee and kumquat aromas with lighter damp earth accents that build in the glass. The palate has good freshness with bright citrus and orchard fruit flavors that connect with the good sense of minerality. Drink 2019-2023- 90

2016 De Ponte ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir- The 2016 De Ponte ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir opens with ripe dark fruits with shades of damp earth and citrus blossom that connect on the nose. The palate is refined with good freshness and verve, delivering dark fruits that connect with lighter earthy undertones. This is a terrific new effort by De Ponte that will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 91

2016 De Ponte ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- The 2016 ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir has a beautiful bouquet of black truffle shavings, black tea and blackberry jam that all connect in the glass. The silky texture impresses in this elegant Pinot Noir. Black fruits mingle with the damp earth and peat moss tones on the palate. With great structure and weight, this great new effort will cellar well over the next fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 92

2016 De Ponte ‘Lonesome Rock Ranch’ Pinot Noir- The 2016 De Ponte ‘Lonesome Rock Ranch’ Pinot Noir shows a wonderful bouquet of volcanic earth, red fruits and citrus rind undertones that persist in the glass. With a brilliant, plush mouthfeel, the wine delivers downright sexy red fruit flavors that mingle with the minerals and earthy undertones. Lithe and outstanding now, this will continue to cellar well over the next fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 93

2016 De Ponte ‘Baldwin Estate Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Baldwin Estate Reserve’ Pinot Noir starts off with a bright bouquet of citrus zest that combines with forest floor and wild blackberry, with wild mushroom undertones. The palate shows good freshness and verve, with medium-bodied red and dark fruit flavors that connect with the lighter orange zest and peat moss accents. Drink 2019-2029- 92

2015 De Ponte ‘Butcher’s Block Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Butcher’s Block Reserve’ Pinot Noir by De Ponte opens with serious range on the nose from ripe red fruits to citrus blossom and peat moss with wet stone undertones. Silky smooth through the mid-palate, this unveils beautiful red and dark fruits with shades of citrus rind and bulls blood. Complex and delicious, this will continue to evolve well over the next fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 93

Interview with Jesus Martinez Bujanda, Founder of Valdemar Estates

One of the great historic houses in Rioja, Jesus Martinez Bujanda Mora had been exploring world wine regions for several years and have landed in the Walla Walla Valley. A former graduate of the University of Washington, Jesus sought a location in the Walla Walla Valley and has build a beautiful new winery which opened last weekend. I recently had the chance to sit down with Jesus and talk about his exciting new project. He shared his insights into starting this exciting new winery and the impact it brings to the Walla Walla Valley. I think you will very much enjoy hearing his story in wine. Here is my exclusive interview with Jesus Martinez Bujanda Mora, founder of Valdemar Estates.

WWB How did you decide to start Valdemar Estates?

JM: After a few years looking for a project in Spain we realized we were not excited about it anymore and we decided to look outside of Spain for something more unique, something that could turn into an important milestone in our family. I was very attracted by the USA and WA in particular as I am former University of Washington student so I brought my father and sister here and we all fall in love of WA and Walla Walla.

WWB: I have been very impressed with your Bodega Valdemar ‘Reserva’ Rioja bottlings which offer a ton of value. Do you plan to offer such great values at Valdemar Estates? How challenging is it for you to build your wine port at Valdemar Estates?

JM: Yes of course we will offer our Rioja wines in our winery in Walla Walla. In order to be able to sell our Rioja wines we had to create a restaurant in our winery because otherwise we were only able to sell the wines produced at our Walla Walla winery.

To be honest, when we started this project I would never told you that we were going to do a restaurant.. but I think we turned it into a great opportunity to offer a unique experience in the Valley. We are not a full restaurant but we will offer a very exciting tapas menu that will enhance our local and our Rioja wines.

WWB: How different do you find Walla Walla to be from La Rioja?

Quite different really. After 130 years in Rioja, coming here to learn about this amazing region is very exciting and refreshing for us. I think would not make sense to come here and try to do everything as we do in Rioja, we have to find our style in Washington and that is going to be a learning curve. But that is what makes this project so exciting for us.

WWB: Are you getting a sense of what varietals you feel grow best in the Walla Walla Valley? Why do you like about the growing region in Walla Walla?

JM: The diversity of “terroirs” you can find in Walla Walla is amazing and we are already invested in two of the most exciting ones (in our opinion of course): The Rocks and The North Fork.

Regarding grapes we are particularly attracted by Syrah and Grenache but we will do also Cabernet, Chardonnay, Viognier and others. Another thing that we are going try is to bring cuttings from ancient Rioja grapes such as Maturana and for that we are now about to sign an agreement with the WSU.

WWB: When you are not enjoying your Valdemar wines what are some of your favorite wines and wine producers of the world? What is your cellar like?

JM: Well my cellar was “reset” last year when I moved to Walla Walla so I don’t have much old wine now. I don’t drink my own wines very often at home as I try to learn as much as possible about other wines and other regions.

Apart from Rioja and Washington, some of my favorite regions are Alsace, Loire and Galicia (specially Godello) for whites and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Tuscany and Bierzo for reds.

Chateau Pape Clement

One of the famed white wines of the world, Chateau Pape Clement is one of the few left bank wineries in Bordeaux that has made an international reputation for their stunning Bordeaux Blanc.There are historical records of Chateau Pape Clement the harvest taking place in 1252  as this historic winery is named after the Archbishop of Bordeaux, Bertrand de Got, who was named Pope in 1305 under the name of Clement V. Thus, Pape Clement was named. Pape Clement has the oldest estate vineyard planted in this region, in Pessac, just southwest of Bordeaux.

Fast forward several centuries, the vineyard remained owned by archbishops of Bordeaux until the French Revolution which nationalized this property. The Revolution led to a succession of owners who developed the property commercially and by the mid-19th century Pape Clement was considered to be second only to Haut-Brion in quality in the region. Following the death of Paul Montagne at 94, his son Léo Montagne has joint-ownership of the estate, and they partnered with Bernard Magrez, as they employ Michel Rolland as consulting winemaker. 

I have long admired the white wines of Chateau Pape Clement and there is just something so striking about them. Whether it is the salinity, the brilliant tension or viscosity created in the wines, they are truly some of the best Bordeaux Blancs in the world. The blending for these wines are typically equal parts Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, with very small portions of Muscadelle. Obviously this all depends on the vintage.

A few weeks back I visited this famed chateau and sat for a stunning retrospective of Chateau Pape Clement Blanc. One common thread was how incredibly well the wine performed even in the most challenging of vintages. For instance, I have been quite underwhelmed with the quality of Bordeaux wines produced in 2008 but the 2008 Chateau Pape Clement Blanc (WWB, 97) is truly one of the great wines of the vintage and is absolutely scintillating right now with its incredible viscosity, and gobs of mouth-watering acidity. For those who prefer the intense, massive side of Bordeaux Blanc, this is right up your alley. Even better was the 2015 Chateau Pape Clement Blanc (WWB, 98) which is truly one of the finest wines from Bordeaux I have sampled in the past year. The purity of this wine is mesmerizing as this also displays an unctuous texture with incredible viscosity and minerality. Learn more about these sensational white Bordeaux wines at http://www.bernard-magrez.com/en/wines/chateau-pape-clement Here are the brilliant Chateau Pape Clement Blanc wines. 

2006 Chateau Pape Clement Blanc- The 2006 Chateau Pape Clement Blanc has aged marvelously at the thirteen year mark. The wine takes on wonderful earthy aromas with black truffle, crushed wet stone and kumquat with lighter citrus tones. The aromatic range is insanely good and brings you back to the glass for more. The palate has wonderful richness and intensity with starfruit, brandy soaked pear and Challah bread flavors with wild mushroom undertones. This stunning wine is remarkably still an infant and has an exceedingly long life ahead of it. Drink 2019-2040- 95

2008 Chateau Pape Clement Blanc- The 2008 Chateau Pape Clement Blanc is a stunning aged white Bordeaux that is absolutely singing at its 11 year range. The powerful nose overwhelms you ranging from deep tropical fruits with white truffle and leather undertones. With beautiful mouth-watering acidity, the palate delights the senses, showing serious weight that impresses. White peach, pink grapefruit and bright brioche flavors all energize you. Seductive and rich, this stunning wine is just nearing being ready — and has decades left. Drink 2019-2040- 97

2015 Chateau Pape Clement Blanc- The 2015 Chateau Pape Clement Blanc is one of the first wines that I have sampled from Bordeaux over the past year. The simply captivating nose  takes on heavenly aromas of honeysuckle, apricot and white flowers that connect with the beautiful earthy tones. The aromatic range here is really gratifying. The palate has incredible weight but is highly lifted with bright acidity. Kumquat and lemon zest with brioche, wet stone and Japanese pear flavors. Bright and simply seductive, this is a stunning new white wine that needs time but will reward you in a decade. Try to give this at least five years before you visit it again. Drink 2025-2050- 98

2015 Chateau Pape Clement Rouge- The 2015 Chateau Pape Clement red wine is a stunning new release that has massive potential. On the nose this beautiful wine takes on intense aromas of red currant with blackberry cordial, smoke and red bell pepper. The palate is very rich and decadent with great freshness and intensity. Red bell pepper, cassis and leather flavors combine with earthy undertones on the palate. Rich and beautifully layered, this elegant wine will cellar well for the next several decades. Drink 2019-2039- 95

Corison

One of the great Napa boutique wineries, Corison is the brainchild of Cathy Corison, first founded in 1987. At that time Cathy Corison started purchasing Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from prime vineyards between Rutherford and St. Helena. Her first wines were made at other spaces that she rented out. She purchased the Kronos Vineyard in 1995 which was a historic property that had been a farm for over a century and she finally built her estate vineyard as well as the spot for her winery. She later purchased the Sunbasket Vineyard in 2015 which is located near the winer location.

I have long been enchanted by these wines as Cathy is one of the legendary faces of Napa. She 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. Corison is known for her classic style of creating a Bordelaise, more restrained style to Napa wines. If you have never had the opportunity to try these beautiful wines, you will find them to be highly elegant and a wonderful contrast to wines that simply focus on power or concentration. Her wines are highly ageworthy as the winery even has a program that releases their older wines and I have found these wines to age exceptionally well. Her new release Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2015 Corison ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 95) shows the classic Cathy Corison elegance while maintaining a silky mouthfeel and serious range. This is one for the cellar. Learn more about these beautiful and elegant Napa wines at https://corison.com/ Here is my review of her new 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon. 

2015 Corison ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2015 ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon by Corison is a spectacular effort in this warm vintage. Sourced from the Saint Helena AVA, the nose shows wonderful range from coffee grounds to creme de cassis to black olive and crushed mint. Lighter smoky tones round out the compelling aromatics. Once in the mouth, the wine has a wonderful sense of place. The silky mouthfeel provides spectacular balance here. Cassis, anise, black tea, and lighter blueberry compote tones with cigar ash flavors complete this spectacular wine. While it is showing marvelously right now, this will continue to evolve gracefully for decades. Drink 2020-2040- 95

King Estate

One of the great spots for Pinot Gris in the Willamette Valley, King Estate is one of the few wineries in North America (potentially the only one) where more vines of Pinot Gris are grown than any other varietal. There is a reason for this — year after year King Estate delivers two of the best Pinot Gris bottling in the state, with their entry level wine and their top of the line ‘Domaine’ Pinot Gris. I have had every ‘Domaine’ Pinot Gris back to 2011 and I have been pretty overwhelmed with the quality in this bottling which shows amazing texture and range. These also age marvelously as I did a retrospective on these wines a few years back and found them to be standout wines in even hot vintages.

If you have never visited this beautiful winery you are in for a treat, as King Estate boasts one of the most scenic views in the state from their patio. Brent Stone has been with King Estate since 2011 and has become a sensational winemaker, crafting beautiful Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir wines. He has crafted an outstanding new wine with his 2017 King Estate ‘Domaine’ Pinot Gris (WWB, 92) which is up there with the best Pinot Gris in the state. This wine has a wonderful seamless quality that impresses with the great sense of minerality. This is one to pick up by the case. Learn more about this famed Oregon estate at https://www.kingestate.com

2018 King Estate Rose- The 2018 King Estate Rose, made from Pinot Noir grapes, starts off with a bouquet of rose water with red cherry candy and guava that fill the nose. The palate is lithe with beautiful astringency. Red currant, red cherry and guava with a touch of citrus rind connect with the beautiful sense of minerality on the palate. Enjoy this outstanding new Rose with sushi. Drink 2019-2023- 90

2017 King Estate ‘Domaine’ Pinot Gris- The ‘Domaine’ Pinot Gris is another outstanding wine made by the talented Brent Stone. On the nose this takes on bright pear and starfruit aromatics that mingle with nutmeg and wet stone undertones. The palate is lithe and mineral-driven with bright pear infused brioche, nutmeg and a creamy finish. The texture here is marvelous and completes this beautiful new wine by King Estate. Drink 2019-2025- 92

Tendril

Friends, hope you all are having a great week. As we near another exciting Oregon Wine Month we bring you one of the top producers of Oregon Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Tendril is the brainchild of famed winemaker, Tony Rynders, who had a host of esteemed stops along his career before settling in Oregon. He has now made Oregon Pinot Noir for more than twenty years. A graduate of the esteemed master’s degree in Enology and Viticulture from UC Davis, Rynders served as former head winemaker for Domaine Serene Winery/Rockblock Cellars before starting Tendril. During his ten years as head head winemaker for Domaine Serene as head winemaker, Rynders obtained more 90+ point scores from the Wine Spectator magazine than any other winemaker during this period of time.

Tony is a super knowledgable, down to earth guy that brings his talents to a host of other wineries including Open Claim and Panther Creek. His knowledge for making wines in the Willamette Valley rings true in his new release wines which were absolutely outstanding across the board. These are rich and beautifully layered Pinot Noir releases. The stunning 2015 Tendril ‘Extrovert’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 93) has an incredible mouthfeel and vibrant acidity, as this delicious wine is showing really good range right now. Even better is the 2015 Tendril ‘Tightrope’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 94) which has amazing depth and richness from this warm vintage in the Willamette Valley. Learn more about these beautiful wines at http://www.tendrilwines.com Here are the seriously good new wines by Tony Rynders and Tendril.

2015 Tendril ‘Extrovert’ Pinot Noir- The 2015 ‘Extrovert’ Pinot Noir is largely comprised of fruit sourced from the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. The nose shows pretty red fruit aromatics with exotic spices and earthy undertones that all connect in the glass. The palate is plush, revealing a silky mouthfeel and seamless texture. Bing cherry, Mandarin orange zest, peat moss and shades of white truffle all combine on the palate. Delicious now, this will cellar well over the next fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 93

2015 Tendril ‘C Note’ Pinot Noir- This exciting new Pinot Noir underwent 100% whole cluster fermentation and was aged in 100% new French oak prior to bottling. The wine opens with a beautiful bouquet of red and dark fruits with blood orange, a dusting of white pepper and earthy accents that round out the great range of aromatics. A bright salinity cuts through the red fruits on the palate, as the silky mouthfeel entices here. Round and generous, while you can enjoy this fantastic bottling in its youth it will cellar well over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2019-2033- 93

2015 Tendril ‘Saffron Fields Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Saffron Fields Vineyard’ is a lower elevation site planted to Pinot Noir vines set on marine sedimentary soils. Not surprising is the whiff of salted meats on the nose that combine with cran-pomegranate, orange rind and wild blackberry that all combine on the nose. The palate is silky smooth. Black fruits, peat moss and a touch of milk chocolate all combine on the palate. While delicious in its youth, this will cellar well for the next fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 93

2015 Tendril ‘Tightrope’ Pinot Noir- The 2015 Tendril ‘Tightrope’ Pinot Noir is a spectacular effort by the talented Tony Rynders. This limited production bottling which was aged for eighteen months in 50% new French oak prior to bottling. On the nose this takes on beautiful aromatic range from red and dark fruits to hints of cloves and black truffle shavings. The mouthfeel is downright seductive as layers of dark and red berries connect with earthy undertones and the toasty oak. While this has excellent mid-palate weight, there is also a seamless quality to the wine. The extremely long finish completes this gorgeous new wine. Delightful in its youth, this will continue to cellar well for the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink. 2019-2035- 94

Interview with Rollin Soles, Owner and Head Winemaker of ROCO Wines

One of the iconic names in Oregon wine, Rollin Soles is one of North America’s most heralded winemakers, particularly for his revolutionary sparkling wines. I have long enjoyed his Argyle wines from my personal collection as he helped build Argyle into one of the famed world wineries for sparkling wines. Rollin is originally from Texas and he traveled the world to find the right winemaking location where he would make some of the best sparkling wines in North America. Rollin has now been making sparkling wines for over 30 years and his new release sparkling wines by ROCO were simply fabulous. Rollin talks about those wines as well as his history in the wine industry and a few champagne inspirations. I think you will really enjoy hearing his story in wine. Here is my interview with Rollin Soles, head winemaker and owner of ROCO Wines. 

WWB: What were your first initial inspirations in wine? How did you decide to found Argyle in 1987?

RS: My Texas A&M biochemistry prof set me up with a cousin’s Pinot Noir vineyard in Canton Thurgau, Switzerland. Hans Uli Kesselring was farming sustainably back in the mid-70’s.   After some time I decided to help start Argyle as a result of a visit to Willamette Valley in 1979. I fell in love with this region and Argyle was also the first foreign investment (Australia) into Oregon. 

WWB: How did you decide to create a sparkling wine program at Argyle? Did you really that you would nearly singlehandedly help create one of the iconic spiraling wine producers in North America?

RS: With viticulture as it was, sparkling wines represented best opportunity to produce high quality wines vintage after vintage. The Willamette Valley really is the new world’s best region for high quality sparkling (traditional method) wines. We can’t consistently ripen warmer climate varieties like Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, etc. At our above 45 degree latitude, we have opportunity to grow fruit that has ripe fruit flavors without losing high natural acidity. I actually thought that there would be well known sparkling wine producers here by now. I have been enjoying the new interest in producing sparkling wines by our existing producers! I’ve been now making Oregon sparkling wines for over 30 years and continue to discover layers of complexity and definitions of balance. Making sparkling wines has made me a better winemaker, and certainly has made me a more fun one. 

WWB: Can you talk about the challenges with starting ROCO? Are you happy with how your winery has developed?

RS: I believe ROCO is has steadily been gaining brand recognition across the United States.  Production has progressed in opposite fashion to Argyle, by introducing red wine first, Chardonnay 5 years later, and now introducing my sparkling wines. Working with Corby has inspired me to a higher level of creativity. 

WWB: One of the great wines that I have sampled out of Oregon in the past year, your 2016 ROCO ‘RMS Rose’ Sparkling Wine is a simply magical new release wine. Can you talk about this absolutely irresistible new bottling? 

RS: It was interesting that it turned out the way it did as the growing season was one of the warmer ones. The “window” for picking sparkling wine grapes at peak flavor is extremely narrow. It becomes even narrower for a vintage like 2016. I think we were lucky to nail the harvest. Then, the craft of working out the best dosage is a lifelong pursuit of mine. With this 2016, I think we found a lovely solution. I’m still gobsmacked when I try this wine in a finished state, considering the many hurdles that we had to jump through to create this.

WWB: What are some of your favorite champagnes of the world that you have sampled? How do you see Oregon sparkling wines being different than Champagne wines?

RS: Yikes! Naming names……. I’ve been helped along and inspired by large to small producers in Champagne. Everyone has been so very generous with their time, and they’ve not been afraid to open a lot of beautiful wines that should have been enjoyed by a roomful of buyers! During my early days: Bollinger by far and continuing, Billecart Salmon, Roederer, and Dom Perignon Today:  Vilmart, Pierre Peters, Geoffroy, Goutourbe, Jean Milan, Pehu Simonet and so many more.

It seems that sparkling wines made at higher latitudes have a common theme of ripe fruit base wines with high natural acidity. The possess lovely apples, pears, plums, citrus while showing spice and flowers after second ferment.  We look like cousins to our French friends in many cases. It becomes challenging to point out the true differences when the Willamette Valley because it is barely a generation into its sparkling history. There are so many more places to explore in the Willamette Valley, and so many more cuvees to make before we can truly define the Willamette Valley for sparkling wines.  Time will tell. I hope we see our “cousins” come over here and discover the Willamette together like we seem to be doing with Pinot noir and Chardonnay!

Like with Willamette Pinot Noir, the wine buyer will begin to seek out our better Methode Champenoise wines, and also know that they are expensive to make here, and worth the price. The demographic for American wine drinkers has NEVER been broader.  Additionally, Americans are catching up with the Europeans, British, Australians, etc. for sparkling wine appreciation. This will certainly drive folks to the Willamette Valley for their fizz!

Domaine Serene

As we edge towards another celebration of Oregon Wine Month we bring you the latest wines from one of the great wineries in North America, Domaine Serene. Initially founded thirty years ago in 1989 by Grace and Ken Evenstad, Domaine Serene is perched atop the Dundee Hills, with absolutely stunning views of the valley. Domaine Serene is an absolute must visit for any Oregon wine lover. I fondly recall my first visit to Domaine Serene in 2002 and was absolutely blown away not only with the sweeping views of the Willamette Valley but the stunning wines. 

Winemaker Michael Fay has a great pedigree, having previously served as head winemaker at Goldeneye. He crafted some absolutely stunning Sonoma Pinot Noir down there and has brought his talents to Domaine Serene. 

Michael Fay’s new Domaine Serene releases are incredible, coming from another warm vintage, the 2016 vintage. One of the best wines that they make, year after year, the new 2016 ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 95) does not disappoint. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of this wine, the ‘Evenstad Reserve’ has beautiful layers of red and dark fruits with an incredible, silky texture. This is a true heavyhitter of a wine. I was blown away wit the 2016 Domaine Serene ‘Cote Sud’ Chardonnay (WWB, 94) which has an incredible mouthfeel and a seamless quality with intense citrus rind flavors and earthy character. Needless to say, Domaine Serene is on top of their game. Learn more about this famed Oregon estate at http://domaineserene.com/ Here are the beautiful new release wines by Domaine Serene.

2016 Domaine Serene ‘Etoile Vineyard’ Chardonnay- This fantastic new Chardonnay bottling is sourced from the ‘Etoile Vineyard’ in the Dundee Hills and was aged for fourteen months in 43% new French oak prior to bottling. Bright on the nose, the wine delivers wild mushroom, ripe pear and cardamon with damp earth and flinty undertones. The palate is lithe, showing a wonderful sense of tension in this Chardonnay. Bright citrus oil, and Pink Lady apple flavors mingle with minerals and peat moss accents. A delight to savor in its youth, this will have at least a decade left in the cellar. Drink 2019-2033- 94

2016 Domaine Serene ‘Cote Sud’ Chardonnay- The 2016 ‘Cote Sud’ Chardonnay was sourced from the south facing slope of the Evenstad Vineyard which ranges from 510 to 790 feet in elevation. The wine was aged for fifteen months in 40% new French oak prior to bottling. This gorgeous Chardonnay has beautiful orchard fruits woven into minerals and vanilla cream aromatics that all mingle in the glass. The palate has bright melon, citrus rind and wet stone with earthy undertones that all excite. The silky texture really entices here. Enjoy this brilliant new wine over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2019-2033- 94

2016 Domaine Serene ‘Yamhill Cuvee’ Pinot Noir- The 2016 ‘Yamhill Cuvee’ Pinot Noir is annoteer fantastic bottling from this famed Oregon winery. Aged for fourteen months in 44% new French oak, the nose evokes bright red fruits with toasty oak and light peat moss accents that connect aromatically. The palate has a good sense of poise, weight and astringency with dark and red fruit flavors with orange rind and forest floor undertones. This is about as good as you can find for an entry level Oregon Pinot Noir. Enjoy this expressive effort over the next decade. Drink 2019-2029- 92

2016 Domaine Serene ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Pinot Noir- This is the 30th anniversary of this iconic Pinot Noir bottling. This particular edition was aged for sixteen months in 65% new French oak prior to bottling. The nose here is simply sensational ranging from cardamon accents to peat moss and black truffle shavings to bright red fruits and citrus zest that all amalgamate marvelously. The texture is beautiful as this silky wine effortlessly dances across the mid-palate. The seamlessness of this wine really entices. Dense dark and red fruits pack this incredible new release. I realize that I have written this before but this 2016 ‘Evenstad’ is up there with the best of its kind ever produced. If enjoying in its youth I beseech you to afford at least a two hour decant prior to enjoying this seductive, hedonistic Oregon Pinot Noir. Drink 2020-2040- 95

2016 Domaine Serene ‘Abbey Oaks Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Abbey Oaks Vineyard’ is set on marine sedimentary soils, as vines have southern exposure. This Yamhill-Carlton AVA wine was aged for seventeen months in 55% new French oak prior to bottling. On the nose this brings out ripe red and dark fruits that mingle with the earthy undertones in the glass. The palate shows good weight and astringency with an exceedingly long, mineral and dark fruit driven finish. Exceedingly good now, this will continue to cellar well over the next decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 93

2016 Domaine Serene ‘Cote Sud Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2016 Domaine Serene ‘Cote Sud Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is sourced from this southern facing part of the Evenstand estate as this wine was aged for fifteen months in 56% new French oak prior to bottling. The resultant wine is a downright stunner, unveiling bright red fruits that dance with dark raspberry cordial, cigar ash and suggestions of black tea that all combine on this expressive nose. The palate is plush and layered, creating a seamless experience once in the mouth. Layers of red and dark fruits with wonderful sage and peat moss undertones complete this marvelous new bottling. While delicious and seductive in its youth, this really will benefit from two or three more years of age. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2016 Domaine Serene ‘Triple S’ Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- New to the Domaine Serene lineup of Pinot Noirs, the ‘Triple S Vineyard’ is farmed by Sue and Steve Schneider and is a four acre parcel located in the Dundee Hills. This wine begins with aromas of teaberry with bay leaf, pomegranate seed and wild blackberry. The palate shows good weight and astringency with copious dark fruits that mingle with Asian spices and wonderful peat moss earthy tones. Highly complex and novel, and showing a great combination of weight and tension, this stellar bottling will have a very long life in the cellar. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2016 Domaine Serene ‘Two Barns’ Pinot Noir- The 2016 ‘Two Barns’ is another gorgeous wine by the superstar winemaking team of Domaine Serene. On the nose there is really good range from deep dark fruits to forest floor and shades of dark truffle that all connect in the glass. The palate shows really good weight with a sumptuous mouthfeel. Black tea, blackberry cobbler and earthy tones with light citrus rind accents all collide on the palate. A long-ager, this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2020-2040- 94

PerUs

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

I recently had the chance to try the new PerUS wines and was completely blown away with the quality of wines in the glass. The 2015 PerUs ‘Alessio’ Red Wine (WWB, 97) is a spellbinding, silky blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. My colleague, Dr. Jae Hong, and I were completely mesmerized by this incredible new wine. Learn more about this famed boutique winery at https://www.peruswine.com/pages/home.php Here are the stunning new releases by PerUs.

2015 PerUs ‘Alessio’ Red Wine- The 2015 ‘Alessio’ is a compelling blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Cabernet Franc made by superstar winemaker Russell Bevan. Needing a one hour decant to fully arouse, the wine dances in the glass with decadent Earl Grey tea, roasted dates, Turkish coffee and creme de cassis aromatics that offer amazing depth. This gorgeous red blend has a seamless quality that glides through the mid-palate and coats the mouth. Velvety tannins line copious dark fruit and chocolate flavors, with herbal undertones. Silky smooth and rather intoxicating in its youth, this delightful wine will cellar well over the next two decades. Drink 2019-2040- 97

2016 PerUs ‘Janeen’ Red Wine- The ‘Janeen’ is a seductive amalgamation of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Atlas Peak with 10% Cabernet Franc from Sugar Loaf Mountain. The wine opens with an intense bouquet of tar, mocha, anise and creme de cassis aromatics that all combine marvelously in the glass. The mouthfeel is silky smooth as this wine shows remarkable precision and balance, as well as mid-palate weight. The texture here is downright ethereal. Dense blackberry cobbler, creosote, sweet pipe tobacco and red cherry cordial flavors all connect on the palate. A long-ager, while the wine is showing brilliantly now following a one hour decant, it can be enjoyed over the next two decades. Drink 2019-2040- 96

Bergström Wines

BerOne of the premier boutique wineries in Oregon, Bergström Wines was founded by John and Karen Bergström as they planted their Bergström Vineyard on a 13-acre, south-facing slope overlooking the Willamette Valley. In 1999,  One of their sons Josh Bergström, moved back to reign after completing a postgraduate program in Viticulture and Enology in Burgundy in 1999. That fall Bergström Wines harvested their first vintage of Pinot Noir from purchased fruit and the rest has been history. Josh serves as general manager, winemaker and vineyard manager at Bergström Wines, and has been rather quietly producing some of the top wines in Oregon.

I actually spoke to Josh last summer about the 2017 vintage and he mentioned that he was highly optimistic about the degree of bright acidity and weight in his wines. HIs new wines clearly follow that theme of having great elegance and Burgundian subtlety yet possess good weight and concentration. 

I was hugely impressed with the new set of releases from Bergström as these are some of the best I have ever tasted from this storied estate. One of the great Chardonnays made in the Willamette Valley, the 2017 Bergström ‘Sigrid’ Chardonnay (WWB, 94) has lovely layers of fruits and non-fruits with a silky texture and incredible acidity. This is a must buy for Oregon Chardonnay lovers. One of the top wines I have sampled in the past year from Oregon, the 2017 Bergström ‘Bergström Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 95) is simply dazzling in the glass with its incredible mouthfeel and its wonderful stony terroir. Learn more about these sensational wines at https://www.bergstromwines.com Here are the beautiful new wine releases by Bergström.

2017 Bergström ‘Sigrid’ Chardonnay- Shining brightly in the glass, the 2017 ‘Sigrid’ Chardonnay is another sensational wine made from the talented hands of Josh Bergström. The nose is seriously good, ranging from tangerine blossom to wet stone to wild mushroom and forest floor accents that all connect marvelously in the glass. The textural elements are simply marvelous as the mouthfeel entices. Loads of richness and mouth-watering acidity line the palate with bright peach, Pink Lady apple and vanilla cream flavors. A sensational effort, this Chardonnay will cellar well over the next fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 94

2017 Bergström ‘Silice’ Pinot Noir- An outstanding showing, the 2017 ‘Silice’ Pinot Noir opens with an inviting nose of copious red and dark fruits that mingle with peat moss, and wild mushroom tones on the expressive nose. The palate reveals a marvelous texture and beautifully coats the mid-palate. Bright red fruits dance with citrus rind and volcanic earth undertones on the palate. While exceedingly delicious in its youth, this stunning new bottling will have decades ahead of it. Drink 2019-2035- 94

2017 Bergström ‘Le Pre Du Col Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Le Pre Du Col Vineyard’ is located in the Ribbon Ridge AVA and is a 16-acre parcel set on marine sedimentary soils. There is a surprising whiff of volcanic earth on the nose alongside a brilliant degree of saline soaked red fruits and citrus fruits on the nose. Round and generous on the mouth, this unveils pomegranate seed, cran-cherry, blood orange zest and earthy undertones. Delightful now, this will evolve well for decades. Drink 2019-2033- 93

2017 Bergström ‘Winery Block’ Pinot Noir- This brilliant new Pinot Noir by superstar winemaker Josh Bergstrom starts off with a bouquet of volcanic earth, cigar ash, peat moss and dark fruits that line this expressive nose. Lithe and inviting, the freshness to this wine is really exquisite, as is the wonderful salinity that evokes mouth-watering acidity. Bright citrus fruits and red fruits dance with minerals on the palate. While this is seriously good in its youth it will continue to evolve well for the next two decades. Drink 2019-2035- 94

2017 Bergström ‘Bergstrom Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Bergström Vineyard’ was first planted in 1999 and is set on a broken basalt hillside. On the nose this evokes a strong volcanic earth influence alongside red and dark fruits with lemon zest undertones. Sinfully good, the wine has a silky texture that effortlessly glides through the mid-palate. Black cherry cordial, wild blackberry preserves, peat moss and forest floor flavors all come together beautifully. While marvelous in the glass now, try to resist this stunning new wine for at least another year. If enjoying in its youth, be sure to give this at least a one hour decant. Drink 2020-2040- 95

Chateau Léoville-Barton

I fondly recall my first bottle of Chateau Léoville-Barton when I was in college. At this stage, I knew very little about Bordeaux wines but I can fondly remember the harmony of this 1990 bottling. Sitting with one of my mentors in wine, he talked about how well these wines age, even in challenging vintages. I have purchased many wines from this storied estate for that exact reason. A few weeks back I had the chance to visit this famed chateau and take in a lesson in history of this winery. Founded by Thomas Barton in 1722, wine produced from this chateau was classified as one of fifteen Deuxièmes Crus (Second Growths) in the original 1855 Bordeaux classification. It is truly one of my favorite of those fifteen ‘super seconds.’ Léoville-Barton has a sister winery, Langoa-Barton, as these two St. Julien properties have the longest continuous duration of ownership by the same family of any of the other current proprietors in Bordeaux. The estate of Léoville-Barton spans 116 acres (47 ha) of vineyard is located in the central part of the appellation along the Gironde river. The soil composition is largely gravel with a subsoil of clay. The plantings are 72% Cabernet Sauvignon with 20% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc, with the vines averaging 30 years of age.

While I did not try the new release from this estate, I was absolutely blown away with the 2010 Chateau Léoville-Barton (WWB, 95) which has evolved beautifully since I first tried the wine. This wine has a a wonderful richness and intensity to it, as it really needs another year or two in the bottle to fully evolve. A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to try the 1982 Chateau Léoville-Barton (WWB, 95) which is a truly amazing showing. 1982 was one of the great vintages for Bordeauxs and this wine showed absolutely marvelously — and has a long life left!  Learn more about this famed second growth property at https://www.leoville-barton.com/en/ Here are my notes for the wines I have recently sampled from Chateau Léoville-Barton.

1982 Chateau Léoville-Barton- The 1982 Chateau Léoville-Barton red wine is a stunning bottling from this famed vintage in Bordeaux. Generously shared by some friends, and needing very little time in the decanter to evolve, the 1982 Léoville-Barton opens with a captivating nose of sour red cherry, cigar box with shades of white truffle and a striking herbaceousness. There is a wonderful, seamless quality to this wine that evokes a harmonious balance on the mid-palate. A bright saline streak dashes through this incredible wine. Showing a wonderfully soft mouthfeel, the wine slowly unveils layers of sour red fruits, exotic spices, red bell pepper, anise and hints of wild blackberry that all marvelously combine with the toasty oak. While absolutely delightful now, this stunning wine will has more than a decade of life left. Drink 2019-2035- 95

2004 Chateau Léoville-Barton- The 2004 Chateau Léoville-Barton is a resounding success in this challenging cool vintage in Bordeaux. Needing roughy a one hour decant to open, the wine slowly yields aromas of dark currant with leather, coffee grounds and damp earth. The palate shows good freshness with medium-bodied dark fruit and red fruit flavors that combine with the strong earthy components. Showing good verve and richness considering its age, as well as the challenges that presented themselves in this vintage, I think the wine is right at its peak and will provide drinking enjoyment over the next decade. Drink 2019-2029- 92

2010 Chateau Léoville-Barton- The 2010 Léoville-Barton is a magical effort that is drinking exceedingly well in its youth. On the nose this takes on a highly perfumed display of red currant with dusty earth and blackberry cobbler, with underlying suggestions of espresso bean. The palate is vibrant and full of energy. Showing a good level of minerality the wine is displaying some serious mid-palate weight with black fruits dominating the flavor profile. The long, dark fruit-driven finish combines marvelously with the minerals to create a intriguingly refreshing effect. Be sure to give this at least a two hour decant if enjoying it now. This beautiful wine will cellar well for the next two to three decades. Drink 2020-2040- 95

Chateau Haut-Brion

One of the highlights of my visit to Bordeaux, Chateau Haut-Brion is one of the world’s great historic wineries of France, and is one of five to achieve the Premier Grand Cru Classé  (First Growth). Located in Pessac, right outside the town of Bordeaux, the winery itself is right outside the city, which is rather intriguing as this is the only first growth from the Pessac-Leognan appellation.

There is historical records of the cultivation of this property dating back to 1423. The property was bought by Jean de Ségur in 1509, and in 1525 was owned by Admiral Philippe de Chabot. The estate Château Haut-Brion dates back to April 1525 when Jean de Pontac married Jeanne de Bellon, and in 1533 the Admiral bought the title to the domain of Haut-Brion, while construction actual chateau commenced in 1549. Remarkably there are first records of Chateau Haut-Brion wine found in the wine cellar ledger of the English King Charles II in 1660. In 1787, former United States President, Thomas Jefferson, visited Chateau Haut-Brion and his notes ranked Chateau Haut-Brion among the four estates of first quality in Bordeaux. It is well-known that Jefferson had a great deal of Chateau Haut-Brion in his personal collection.

Fast forward to the twentieth-century, following a series of unsuccessful owners during difficult times, the American banker Clarence Dillon purchased Chteau Haut-Brion in 1935 for roughly 2 million Francs. Dillon quickly turned around the quality of the wines, investing heavily into the property. Chateau Haut-Brion devotes nearly 120 acres to the production of their red wines, while a mere 7.1 acres are planted to white varietals (Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon).

Walking along the vineyards, you are just amazed with how close to town everything is. There are even condos that have been recently built that overlook the vineyards. Hopefully one is for sale! The iconic chateau lies in the center of the property and it literally gave me the chills thinking about the history of all that have graced this famed property. 

At the end of my tour I was able to try an older vintage of Chateau Haut-Brion, coming from a less than heralded vintage. The 2011 Chateau Haut-Brion Bordeaux (WWB, 94) is a seriously good wine from this vintage — one of the top 2011 wines I have sampled. The wine is quite young and tannic but has tremendous verve and a dazzling minerality. I was impressed also with the wonderful mouthfeel. Learn more about this famed chateau at https://www.haut-brion.com Here is my review of the 2011 Chateau Haut-Brion. 

2011 Chateau Haut-Brion Bordeaux- The 2011 Chateau Haut-Brion is one of the best wines made from this challenging vintage in Bordeaux. Showing off its dark hue, on the nose this Haut-Brion opens with wonderful damp earth aromas with wild mushroom and peat moss that combine with the dark fruits and milk chocolate undertones. The palate shows incredible freshness and tension with red bell pepper, red cherry, anise and cassis accents. I admire the strong salinity that weaves through the mid-palate. This finishes strong with bright minerals that connect with the dark fruits. While not exceedingly rich, this is a wonderful wine from what was a challenging vintage in Bordeaux. This is classic Bordeaux with great elegance and finesse. Drink 2020-2040- 94

Chateau Margaux

Friends, a few weeks back I had the wonderful opportunity to visit one of the storied wineries of the world, located on the left bank of Bordeaux, Chateau Margaux. Dating all the way back to the 12th century, Margaux was called “La Mothe de Margaux” (the Margaux mound)  and at the time there were no vines planted at the property. During the 12th century this region was taken over by England and at the time the Bordeaux “claret” was adopted as a table wine by Richard the Lion Heart, King of England in the XII century.

Pierre de Lestonnac then took over the land from 1572 to 1582, and took over the vineyard and anticipated the general evolution of the Médoc that had started to abandon cereal growing in favor of planting vines for making ‘claret.’ Towards the beginning of the 18th century, Château Margaux had amassed 265 hectares which was property that would never be divided again. Roughly one third of the estate had vines planted.

Famed United States president, Thomas Jefferson, served as United States Ambassador to France, and fell in love with the wines of Château Margaux as records having him placing an order for Margaux 1784 on which he wrote “There couldn’t be a better Bordeaux bottle.” Then in 1855 Empereur Napoléon III created the ‘Second Universal Exhibition.’ It divided about sixty Médoc growths, and a property in the Graves, into five quality levels. Four growths were classified “Premier Grand Cru Classé”; only Margaux was marked twenty out of twenty. Fast forward to the twentieth century, Chateau Margaux has gained nearly unparalleled success with their wines from wine critics and wine collectors alike.

Visiting the property I cherished the few minutes I had to take in the incredible history of the property. My tasting was located in a new, more modern wing of the chateau. Somewhat spartan, this simple room was thoughtfully designed to only focus on the wines. Needless to say I was absolutely blown away with the new releases. One of the best Bordeaux Blanc wines I have tasted in many years, the 2016 Chateau Margaux ‘Pavilion’ Blanc (WWB, 97) is an incredible white wine that not only has a seamless texture but an incredible richness and salinity. This is a complete, head-turning white wine that will enjoy many decades in the cellar, only picking up tertiary notes. I found the 2016 Chateau Margaux Red Wine (WWB, 100) to be nothing short of perfection in the bottle. This was the best bottling that I sampled during my visit to Bordeaux. Simply put, this wine has it all —from tension to viscosity — to earthy character and impeccable blending. Learn more about this famed chateau at https://www.chateau-margaux.com Here are the brilliant new release wines by Chateau Margaux. 

2016 Chateau Margaux Pavilion Blanc- You are absolutely blown away initially with this beautiful nose that ranges from honeysuckle to apricot to ripe pear and green apple with suggestions of nutmeg.  The texture to this wine is simply stunning as the wine delivers gobs of mouth-watering acidity. Gravenstein apple, ripe lychee and pineapple flavors connect with an incredible salinity. This is Bordeaux blanc at its best. Drink 2022-2045- 97

2016 Chateau Margaux Pavilion Rouge- This second wine has been made since the late 1970s but Chateau Margaux has made a second wine for many years prior to that. This wine takes on a classic Bordelaise nose with red bell pepper, anise, creme de cassis, and green peppercorn with blackberry cordial. The palate takes on wonderful freshness with good intensity and wonderful freshness. Coffee grounds, green bell pepper, anise and creme de cassis flavors all collide on the palate. The texture is seriously good considering this is a second wine. This stunning wine is nowhere near ready right now and will have an exceedingly long life in the cellar. The Bordelaise character really shines here. Drink 2025-2045- 95

2016 Chateau Margaux Red Wine- The 2016 Chateau Margaux is pure perfection in the bottle. Silky, elegant and round, this wine has it all. The assemblage was quite rigorous in this vintage (94% Cabernet Sauvignon with small parts Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot). This wine only represented 26 percent of their harvest. Quite astounding amounts of wine was either blended into their third wine or was sold in bulk, On the nose this takes on a huge range of aromatics from blueberry compote, to tar, to mocha and anise as this is already shining brightly aromatically. The palate has an exceedingly deep core with creme de cassis, mocha, anise, red bell pepper and blueberry compote. Massive and intense, this gorgeous wine is merely an infant now and needs at least ten years in the cellar. This will be a hugely long lived wine. Drink 2029-2059- 100

Chateau Pichon Baron

We shift our focus to some of the storied houses of Bordeaux this week on Washington Wine Blog. A few weeks back I visited Chateau Pichon Baron, one of the famed properties on the left bank of Bordeaux. Château Pichon Longueville Baron was classified as one of fifteen Deuxièmes Crus (Second Growths) in the original 1855 Bordeaux wine classification. Pichon Baron was once part of a larger estate, owned by Pierre de Rauzan and alongside Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. The estate was then divided in 1850 into the two current Pichon estates. While quality remained not as strong as its neighbor, a big change came in 1987 when the estate was bought by a French insurance company AXA which transformed the quality of the wines. Jean-Michel Causes of Chateau Lynch-Bages became the winery administrator which greatly improved quality of this historic estate. Pichon Baron is currently managed by Englishman Christian Seely. 

The winery has 73 hectares which are largely planted to Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Merlot (40%) with smaller portions Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot with average vine age at 30 years. The vineyard is situated at the southern end of the commune of Pauillac near border with the Saint-Julien-Beychevelle appellation. Current winemaker, Alexandra Lebossé, joined Château Pichon Baron in 1999. Assistant technical director and then cellar master since 2007, she became winemaker in 2017. 

I have been enchanted by these wines, particularly those from the mid-90s and on. I fondly remember a bottle of 2001 Chateau Pichon Baron that I enjoyed in Los Angeles a few years back. The wine was truly one of the great wines from that challenging vintage. While visiting Pichon Baron I had the great opportunity to try several wines and I was blown away with the new release of Chateau Pichon Baron, their 2016 (WWB, 95) which is backwards and austere now but shows loads of potential with an incredible core and earthy tones. These wines age brilliantly and I had the chance to revisit the 2010 Chateau Pichon Baron (WWB, 96) which is a massive wine from this incredible vintage in Bordeaux. The wine was starting to hit its stride with dense dark fruits and incredible complexity. Learn more about this famed chateau at https://www.pichonbaron.com Here are my reviews of the recently Chateau Pichon Baron wines. 

2016 Chateau Pichon Baron ‘Les Tourelles de Longueville’ Red Wine- The wine is Pichon Baron’s second wine where they have bene producing since 1987. This primarily Merlot (58%) with smaller portions Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon and a touch of Petit Verdot. The wine begins with aromas of red currant jelly blackberry cobbler and mocha. The palate shows good freshness with mocha, anise and creme de cassis flavors. This shows really good density considering the vintage. The freshness and salinity to the wine is outstanding. Drink 2019-2035- 91

2016 Chateau Pichon Baron ‘Les Griffons de Pichon Baron’ Red Wine- This wine has only been produced since 2012. The wine is 52% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Merlot. The nose is seductive with blackberry cobbler, coffee grounds and anise. This has really good dark fruit flavors and grip and acidity as it has a ling way to go in the cellar. Try to resist this great wine for the next two years. Drink 2021-2040- 92

2016 Chateau Pichon Baron- This was 85% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Merlot. A gorgeous Bordelaise nose greets you with green bell pepper, anise, creme de cassis and graphite. The palate is smooth and seductive, with racy acidity. This has a huge core with copious dark fruit flavors with coffee grounds and anise and exotic spice undertones. Rich and layered, this gorgeous wine needs a lot of time as it comes of slightly austere right now. Dense and highly tannic, your patience will be rewarded. Drink 2025-2045- 95

2015 Chateau Pichon Baron- This wine was comprised of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Merlot. The wine was aged in 80% new French oak prior to bottling. The nose is highly seductive with gorgeous blackberry liquor, mocha, graphite and creme de cassis with hints of tar on the nose. The mouth-watering acidity and salty to the wine is simply outstanding. Mocha, anise, cedar and mocha flavors all come together beautifully. Modern and plush, with incredible acidity, and firm tannins, this will be an exceedingly long lived wine. Drink 2025-2050- 96

2010 Chateau Pichon Baron- This wine has marvelously evolved at the nine year mark. On the nose this hits you with green bell pepper, anise and graphite tones that awaken the senses. The texture to this wine is simply astounding. With beautiful acidity, the wine shows incredible balance and roundness. The palate shows amazing freshness with rich dark fruit flavors with exotic spice and firm tannins rounding out this beautiful wine. Complex and delicious now, this beautiful wine will continue to evolve for two to three more decades. Drink 2021-2050- 96

2006 Sauternes Retrospective

Today we offer a glimpse into the past and revisit what was not considered by critics to be the best of vintages in Sauternes. The 2006 vintage was generally challenging throughout Bordeaux. I have recently sampled some 2006 Bordeaux red wines from great producers and I have generally been disappointed with the wines. Sauternes and Barsac were seen to produce some of the top wines of the vintage which saw some ripe fruit based on the heat encountered in July and early September as well as good freshness from a relatively cool August. However the vintage saw a fair amount of grapes with ‘aigre’ (bad rot) was due to heavy rains during mid-September. Sémillon suffered a great deal of spoilage while Sauvignon Blanc tended to fare slightly better as a varietal.

I recently had the great opportunity to revisit this vintage which was challenging but produced some excellent wines. All wines shared a common thread of good freshness at this stage in their development. While this will not be a long-lived vintage, it is energetic and vibrant at this stage — and exceedingly hard to resist. While this vintage in Sauternes may live in the shadow of 2005, the great wines from 2006 are absolutely worth revisiting and remain an exceedingly good value.

2006 Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey Sauternes- A deep, golden hue, the 2006 Laufaurie-Peyraguey opens with a bouquet of honey, vanilla creme brulee, roasted pineapple and candy apricot with ginger undertones. The mouthfeel is soft and delights the palate. Showing beautiful balance, this beautiful wine shows pineapple upside down cake, vanilla cream, butterscotch and suggestions of nutmeg. There is a seamless quality to this wine that is truly beautiful. Drinking marvelously now, this will show well over the next decade or more. Drink 2019-2033- 92

2006 Chateau Coutet Barsac- The nose here shines with persimmon and apricot jelly with creme brûlée tones. Showing off an unctuous character the wine has a good freshness that runs through with not the richness of other vintages of Coutet but solid concentration. Vanilla creme brulee, marzipan, beeswax and ripe pineapple flavors all come together nicely in the glass. While not my favorite vintage of this wine, this is showing nicely right now and will cellar well for another decade. Drink 2019-2026- 92

2006 Chateau Guiraud Sauternes- The 2006 Chateau Guiraud is a stunning bottling that has aged gracefully at this juncture. On the nose this shows some really spicy notes with cinnamon alongside rope pineapple and creme brûlée on the nose. The palate shows a good deal of freshness but moderate intensity with vanilla creme brulee, ginger, nutmeg and ripe pineapple flavors. Bright and balanced, this is an excellent showing that is best enjoyed over the next decade. Drink 2019-2029- 91

2006 Chateau Rieussec Sauternes- Initially reticent and needing 30 minutes of air to fully express itself aromatically, the 2006 Chateau Rieussec opens with a lighter bouquet of butterscotch, buttered popcorn, mango and ginger undertones. The palate shows really good freshness and intensity with a good sense of minerality. Pineapple creme brulee, poached pear, bananas foster and nutmeg flavors complete this beautiful wine. The exceedingly long, finish lingers and rounds out this complete wine. What this doesn’t possess on the nose, exceeds expectations on the palate and finish, as this elegant wine is one of the great wines of this vintage. Enjoy this wonderful wine over the next two decades. Drink 2019-2035- 94

2006 Chateau Climens Barsac- The nose is quite captivating with vanilla creme brulee, apricot, nutmeg and bananas foster. The palate shows wonderful tension and freshness with bananas foster, vanilla cream and apricot flavors. Downright delicious now, this still has a long life ahead of it. The balance and poise here is seriously good. Drink 2019-2035- 93

Beringer

One of the great stops in Napa with a serious history, Beringer Vineyards dates all the way back to the 1860s. They had enjoyed a storied history at the winery with famed winemaker after another. I was very fond of the wines made by their former winemaker, Laurie Hooke, who crafted some of the best Chardonnay in Napa Valley. Their new winemaker, Mark Beringer, is the great-great-grandson of Beringer Vineyards’ founding brother Jacob Beringer. Mark is highly talented and has shown his great skill set with his last few sets of releases. Mark graduated from California State University in Fresno with an Enology degree in 1990. He then spent a year in the cellars at Benziger in Sonoma and then joined Duckhorn in 1992. Mark began as Enologist and worked his way up to Vice President of Winemaking at Duckhorn. In 2009 Mark joined Artesa as Vice President and Winemaker. In 2015, Mark Beringer came 'home' to Beringer Vineyards, joining as Chief Winemaker. It is quite amazing that they can produce so much high quality wine and keep their pricing extremely reasonable. That makes this lineup of wines some of the best values available out of Napa.

Look to the gorgeous new 2016 Beringer ‘Private Reserve’ Chardonnay (WWB, 94) which is up there with any top American Chardonnay for the price. I was absolutely blown away with the 2015 Beringer ‘Private Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 95) which exudes class with its beautiful typicality and mouthfeel as well as dense dark fruit flavors. Learn more about these awesome wines at beringer.com Here are the awesome new premium wines by Beringer Vineyards. 

2016 Beringer ‘Napa Valley’ Chardonnay- The 2016 ‘Napa Valley’ Chardonnay opens with brioche, roasted hazelnut and vanilla cream aromas that build in the glass. The palate shows good viscosity with a ripe texture. Marzipan, Meyer lemon cream and toasty oak all combine and lead the a long, cream and mineral-driven finish. Drink 2019-2025- 89

2016 Beringer ‘Luminous’ Chardonnay- The 2016 Beringer ‘Luminous’ Chardonnay is an outstanding effort from this warm vintage in the Napa Valley. Sourced from the Oak Knoll District, on the nose this starts off with an intense bouquet of creme brulee, white peach and bright starfruit that all nicely combine. The texture here is gorgeous as the seamless wine glides across the mid-palate. Vanilla cream, kumquat and creme brûlée flavors all impress on the palate. Seamless and downright delicious, this gorgeous effort will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2019-2029- 92

2016 Beringer ‘Private Reserve’ Chardonnay- The 2016 ‘Private Reserve’ Chardonnay by Beringer is a stunning wine by superstar winemaker Mark Beringer. Sourced from the Gamble Ranch Vineyard in the Oakville AVA, this wine starts off with beautiful aromas of apricot creme brulee, vanilla cream and kumquat with macadamia nut. The palate is plush and shows a seductive mouthfeel as the wine unveils vanilla cream, buttered popcorn, white peach, butterscotch and roasted pineapple flavors. Seductive and rich, yet beautifully balanced and layered, this is a complete wine by Beringer that will cellar marvelously for the next fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 94

2016 Beringer ‘Knight’ Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This ‘Knights Valley’ starts off with copious dark fruits with chocolate and roasted figs on the nose. The palate is plush, showing off a silky mouthfeel. Black cherry liquor, mocha and creme de cassis flavors all collide on the palate. With a good sense of place and a lithe minerlality, this wine will cellar well for the next decade. Drink 2019-2029- 90

2016 Beringer ‘Knights Valley Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The ‘Knights Valley Reserve’ is a barrel selection wine from the best Knights Valley lots. This rendition is an awesome new wine by the talented Mark Beringer. Asian spices and dark chocolate shavings with black fruits fill the nose and provide an exotic edge. The palate is both rich and elegant, as the wine shows some seriously good decadence and poise. Black tea, creme de cassis, mocha and anise flavors all impress. Downright delicious now, this gorgeous wine will continue to evolve over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2019-2033- 93

2016 Beringer ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is an awesome new value Cabernet by Beringer. The nose shows really good Napa character with dusty terroir with creme de cassis and anise aromas that all come together well once in the glass. The palate shows a soft texture with dark fruits and chocolate alongside lighter herbal tones that all blend beautifully. This excellent effort needs a juicy burger. Drink 2019-2025- 89

2015 Beringer ‘Quantum’ Red Wine- Sourced from Howell Mountain, this wine is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon (69%) with lesser portions Malbec, Merlot and Petite Sirah. The wine opens with intense aromatics reminiscent of tar, anise, creme de cassis and black cherry compote. The palate is plush and decadent with coffee ground, dark chocolate shavings, roasted figs and hints of crushed mint. Round and generous, this excellent effort will cellar well over the next fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 92 

2015 Beringer ‘Private Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2015 ‘Private Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon by Beringer excites with its serious richness and range. This sensational wine shows off a remarkable bouquet with blueberry compote, ripe huckleberry, Arabica coffee bean and blackberry compote.  The palate shows serious viscosity and richness showing beautiful mocha, anise and creme de cassis that build as the wine breathes. Intense and showing an exceedingly long life this beautiful wine needs quite a bit of air to show the most prominently. If enjoying in its youth, be sure to give this at least a two hour decant. Drink 2022-2045- 95