La Jota

Wines with serious terroir, La Jota is a storied Howell Mountain property that has roots back to the nineteenth century. For those who have never visited this storied estate, this is a really special property perched high above the Napa valley floor. La Jota was originally founded in the 1890s by Fredrich Hess, an immigrant from Switzerland. Over time these wines received considerable accolades. Intriguingly they even received a gold medal for their wine at the World’s Fair of 1904 in St. Louis. La Jota wines are made from low yielding vines planted amongst 28 acres. The high altitude keeps the freshness and minerality to the wine that remains even in warmer vintages like 2016. 

At the vineyard, vines are planted on volcanic soils at relatively high elevation which gives the red wines excellent richness and aging potential. The terroir of Howell Mountain also has colder temperatures at night, compared to the Napa Valley floor -- which leads to lower yields than the floor and also smaller but richly concentrated fruit. Being at higher elevation also protects the fruit from the intense temperatures sometimes experienced on the Napa floor. 

A man needing no introduction, head winemaker, Christopher Carpenter has a B.A. in biology, as well as an M.B.A. in international business. After officially falling in love with wine, Carpenter completed the illustrious masters of viticulture and enology program at UC Davis. He took over as head winemaker at La Jota in 2005. HIs new wines were just incredible across the board. La Jota crafts some of the best Cabernet Franc wines in Napa, and this years release, the 2016 La Jota Cabernet Franc (WWB, 95) is no exception as this bottling shows a silky mouthfeel and polished texture that delights with its herbal tones and dark fruit core.  I was totally blown way with the 2016 La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 96) has is massive, well-structured and decadent. This is a magical wine that will cellar well for decades to come. Learn more about these special wines at https://www.lajotavineyardco.com Here are the gorgeous new wines by La Jota.

2016 La Jota Cabernet Franc-The 2016 La Jota Cabernet Franc is one of the best of its kind in the Napa Valley. On the nose there are pretty aromatics of potpourri and lavender that collide with the deep core of dark fruits and coffee ground undertones that mingle in the glass. The palate has a wonderful brightness with silky tannins and a soft mouthfeel. Blackberry cordial, Turkish coffee and shades of blueberry pie give this plenty of exotic appeal. The long finish lingers. A complete wine, the 2016 La Jota Cabernet Franc will have an exceedingly long life ahead of it. Drink 2022-2045- 95

2016 La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from Howell Mountain, the 2016 La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon is a compelling blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Malbec with small portions Merlot and Petit Verdot. The heady aromatics bring you back to the glass for more hedonistic delight. Blackberry compote, mocha, tar, anise and creme de cassis aromatics all sing in unison in the glass. The palate has wonderful weight and density, while being exceedingly light on its feet. The elegance mid-palate is exceptional. Creosote and blackberry pie with shades of dark chocolate shavings, leather and pipe tobacco all mingle together on the palate. A delight to savor in its youth, try to resist this beautiful wine for at least another two years. Drink 2022-2045- 96

2016 La Jota Merlot- Sourced from their high elevation vineyard on Howell Mountain, the  2016 La Jota Merlot is an intriguing blend of 90% Merlot, 5.5% Petit Verdot with 4.5% Tannat. Toasty oak wraps around a core of roasted figs, mocha, dusty terroir and red bell pepper that are all artfully woven together in the glass. The freshness and balance on the mid-palate really entices as layers of cocoa powder covered red cherry, cigar box and shades of wild blackberry preserves with espresso bean all come together marvelously. This is seriously elegant stuff. Singing even in its youth, the 2016 La Jota Merlot will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2021-2040- 95

2016 La Jota ‘W.S. Keyes Vineyard’ Merlot- A vineyard with some serious history, Winfield S. Keyes first planted grapes in this small vineyard in 1888, as the rocky soils reminded him of his visits to the Mediterranean islands near Sicily. The 2016 ‘W.S. Keyes Vineyard’ Merlot shows lovely tar and cigar ash tones with boysenberry preserves and dense mocha aromatics that all take shape in the glass. The palate is soft and generous, with a silky mouthfeel. The seamless quality of the wine as well as varietal typicity, truly shines. Broad-shouldered, viscous and intense, yet elegant, this beautiful wine is absolutely singing in its youth and has a long life ahead of it. Try to resist this stunning Merlot for at least two more years. Drink 2022-2045- 96

Instagram Live This Week

Friends,

It is my great pleasure to introduce the talented guests I am fortunate enough to host for this week’s Instagram Live (all times Pacific). Starting Thursday at Noon we begin with storied Bordeaux house Chateau Phelan-Segur and managing director Veronique Dausse as we taste a thrilling vertical of these beautiful wines back to the 2005 vintage. Then at 4PM we join the talented Renee Ary of Duckhorn Vineyards as we taste a beautiful range of her new releases. At 5PM we join storied Champagne house Bollinger and their US Director, Valerie McDaniel, as we visit their NV Champagne, their NV Rose and their brand new 2012 ‘Grand Annee’ Champagne.

Friday will be action packed starting at 2PM we join storied Napa house Smith-Madrone as we taste their new wines, followed by famed Walla Walla outpost Abeja and the husband/wife winemaking tandem Dan and Amy Wampfler, who craft one of the best overall lineups in the state. At 4PM it is my honor to talk about racial inequality in the wine industry with Julia Coney, who recently founded the Black Wine Professionals which highlights the many talents of black men and women in our wine industry. It will be a really thrilling week at WWB for IG Live and hope to see you all virtually 🍷🔥

Evening Land

One of the famed wineries in the Willamette Valley, Evening Land has helped the region achieve initial success with their famed Chardonnay wines. Their iconic Seven Springs Vineyard produces some of the great Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Gamay bottlings of Oregon. First planted in 1984, the Seven Springs Vineyard is one of the great historic vineyards in the Pacific Northwest. Planted with eastern exposure, Seven Springs Vineyard fruit experiences an abundance of morning sunlight and also experiences cool breezes in from the Pacific Ocean through the Van Duzer Corridor. The combination of heat and cool breezes affords the fruit to slowly ripen. Celebrity somm, Rajat Parr and Sasha Moorman head the winemaking team at Evening Land. They form what is truly one of the best teams in the state.

Evening Land has an incredibly scenic location that is a must visit for any serious collector of Oregon Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. An amazing effort, the 2015 Evening Land ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine (WWB, 94) is simply stunning and is already starting to show the tertiary tones. I was totally blown away with their 2017 Evening Land ‘Summum’ Chardonnay (WWB, 95) which is truly one of the best Chardonnays made from Oregon. The feeling of terroir and earthy tones settling in really makes this something special. Learn more about Evening Land at https://www.eveninglandvineyards.com Here are the amazing new release wines by Evening Land.

2015 Evening Land ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- This is the first Sparkling Wine that Evening Land has crafted. Sourced from the famed ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ this has marvelous tertiary aromatics right away with the wild mushroom and salted Marcona almond tones alongside a core of green apple and lemon zest that all meld together in the glass. The palate is marvelously astringent with high-toned citrus rind and kumquat flavors that connect with the nutmeg infused sourdough bread, wild mushroom and Gravenstein apple undertones. Highly complex, yet refreshing, this one of a kind, Chardonnay Sparkling Wine is showing marvelously now and will cellar for a long time to come. Drink 2020-2035- 94 

2017 Evening Land ‘Seven Springs’ Chardonnay- The 2017 ‘Seven Springs’ Chardonnay is a superb new bottling from this great Oregon estate. On the nose this takes on poached pear and shades of starfruit and wild mushroom that all take shape in the glass. Toasty brioche and lemon zest come together with vanilla cream, wet stone and damp earth tones on the palate. Drink 2020-2030- 92

2017 Evening Land ‘La Source’ Chardonany- The 2017 ‘La Source’ Chardonnay is a gorgeous effort from this exciting vintage for Chardonnay. The gorgeous flinty tones catch you by surprise as layers of orchard fruits and lemon zest come together aromatically. The freshness of the wine is gorgeous, as is the stony terroir that elevates the bright orchard fruits, as damp earthy tones also are unveiled. Fantastic to savor in its youth, the gorgeous ‘La Source’ will cellar well for another ten to fifteen years. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2017 Evening Land ‘Sumum’ Chardonnay-  The 2017 ‘Summum’ was sourced from fourteen rows of vines in the ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ as this name means ‘upmost’ in Latin. Aged in a combination of French oak puncheons and stainless steel, the ‘Summum’ opens with nutmeg infused brioche and roasted hazelnut tones that combine with Pink Lady apple and shades of damp earth and wet stones that take shape in the glass. The palate shows incredible verve and texture with a light dusting of salinity that runs through the wine. The long finish lingers as this scintillating new Chardonnay will have a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 95

2018 Evening Land ‘Seven Springs’ Gamay- One of the great Gamay wines made in North America, the 2018 Evening Land ‘Seven Springs’ Gamay shows pretty red rose petals and strawberry soda aromatics that meld with the earthy undertones of the wine. The palate shows a vibrant sense of minerality and silky mouthfeel. Mouth-watering acidity and bright red fruits dance with blood orange zest and shades of bulls blood and cloves on the palate. Seriously good to enjoy in its youth, this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2017 Evening Land ‘Seven Springs’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from this famed Eola-Amity Hills Vineyard, the 2017 ‘Seven Springs’ Pinot Noir shows off wonderful aromatic range from red currants to shades of cranberry and wild mushroom with orange zest that all come together in the glass. While not a big wine, the balance here and soft texture really impresses. Layers of red fruits mingle with peat moss and exotic spices on the palate. Long and round, with very soft tannins, this beautiful Pinot Noir will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2020-2030- 92

2017 Evening Land ‘La Source’ Pinot Noir- The 2017 Evening Land ‘La Source’ Pinot Noir is a thrilling new bottling from this awesome Oregon estate. Sourced from the windy and rocky crest of the vineyard, the ‘La Source’ opens with layers of damp earth that combine with teaberry and cran-orange aromatics that all take shape in the glass. The palate has incredible texture and verve, with a strong salinity and vein of tension that runs through the core of red fruits and damp earthy tones. Seductive and enticing with its serious range and minerality, the 2017 ‘La Source’ Pinot Noir will have a long life ahead of it. Enjoy this fantastic bottling over the next fifteen to twenty years. Be sure to give this a two hour decant if enjoying in its youth. Drink 2020-2038- 94

2017 Evening Land ‘Anden’ Pinot Noir- The 2017 ‘Anden’ Pinot Noir by Evening Land is a simply magical new bottling. Translucent in the glass, the ‘Anden’ shows intense Asian spices that mingle with cinnamon and clove tones alongside a bright core of red fruits and citrus rind accents on the nose. The palate is fresh, elegant and beautifully textured. Bright guava and pomegranate seed flavors combine with shades of blood orange zest and peat moss tones on the palate. Vibrant and highly youthful, this stunning wine will have a long life ahead of it in the celalr. Drink 2020-2040- 95

Toil Oregon Vertical Tasting

Toil Oregon Vertical Tasing 

It was a tasting to remember as I sat across from superstar winemaker Chris Figgins last fall. Chris introduced me to his new line of single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon wines, as we traded stores about our recent travels and his exciting vineyard project in Oregon. Toil Oregon was a brilliant idea by Chris to challenge himself and craft singular Oregon Chardonnay, Rose and Pinot Noir. I mention his Rose not as an afterthought but what has consistently been one of the top Rose wines in the Pacific Northwest and after many years of careful planning Toil Oregon Chris planted his estate vineyard in 2016 — a 42-acre parcel in the Chehalem Mountains AVA of Willamette Valley. The vineyard is set at 550–700 feet on a convex hilltop draped with rocky Jory and Saum soils. 

Due to Covid-19 Chris and I weren’t able to taste his Toil wines together. As I sat at my usual tasting location, I took my time with each wine. The first thing I thought to myself was ‘why didn’t Chris make Chardonnay sooner?’ 2016 was the first vintage that he made Toil Chardonnay. Toil Chardonnay is a classic Oregon style, with very little new oak (usually around 20-35%) and generally a short amount of time in barrel (11 months). Despite the limited oak contact, these wines have great mouthfeel and show vibrant acidity and finesse. Each of the three vintages (2016-18) showed marvelously (all WWB, 93).

The Pinot Noirs by Toil have been getting better and better. I was absolutely blown away with my tasting of the 2017 Toil Oregon Pinot Noir (WWB, 95). This wine is very pretty and has marvelous texture, length and bright red fruits. It is downright sensational now and will provide drinking enjoyment for the next fifteen plus years. The 2016 Toil Oregon Pinot Noir (WWB, 94) is magical right now in its youth, showing a bit more depth and concentration than the 2017 bottling, as this is geared slightly more towards weight but still has a great veil of acidity. Learn more about these fabulous wines at toiloregon.com. Here are my tasting notes from a sensational vertical tasting of Toil Oregon.

Toil Oregon Chardonnay 

2016 Toil Oregon Chardonnay- The 2016 Toil Chardonnay is a spectacular effort at now four years of age. Light flinty and nutty tones combine with shades of nutmeg infused Challah bread and Pink Lady apple on the nose. The palate is beautifully viscous with gobs of mouth-watering acidity. Bright melon fruit combine with starfruit, Pazzaz apple and sourdough bread with lemon rind tones all meld together on the palate. This finishes long with minerals and vanilla cream. A long-ager, this has more than a decade to go. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2017 Toil Oregon Chardonnay- The 2017 Toil Chardonnay is gorgeous now a year after release. Shades of toasted hazelnuts mingle with honeydew melon, wet stone and green apples tones on the nose. The palate has great weight and freshness with layers of vanilla cream and lemon infused sourdough bread with minerals and a light dusting of salinity. Showing really good weight and freshness, this beautiful wine has more than a decade to go. This may show a touch more tension than the ’16 and certainly the ’18 bottling — but is every bit as good as both. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2018 Toil Oregon Chardonnay- This is now the second time in several months I have tried the 2018 Toil Chardonnay. Aged for eleven months in 27% new French oak, right away you are drawn to the layers of lemon zest and sourdough bread that mingle with Japanese pear and nutty aromatic tones that all take shape in the glass. On the attack there is a great sense of minerality and weight, with ripe melon tones that mingle with ripe pear, minerals and shades of toasted hazelnuts. This shows slightly more weight than 2016 and 2017 bottlings. Ripe and generous with wonderful weight and tension, the gorgeous 2018 Toil Chardonnay will cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2020-2032- 93

Toil Oregon Pinot Noir

2012 Toil Oregon Pinot Noir- The 2012 Toil Oregon Pinot Noir is beautifully showcasing this classic vintage in Oregon. Right now the earthy tones on the nose are really nice, as shades of pomegranate seed and ripe red raspberry collide with orange rind undertones. The palate shows good freshness and a wonderful sense of acidity. Layers of guava, blood orange zest, forest floor and minerals connect momentum on the palate. While this may not possess the weight of other vintages, this exudes elegance. The long finish lingers as this beautiful wine still has at least a decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2014 Toil Oregon Pinot Noir- The 2014 Toil Pinot Noir takes on an earthier tone than many of the others, perhaps a hybrid between 2012 and 2016? Either way the wine is sinful good at the six year mark. Once on the nose there are generous dark and red fruits that collide with suggestions of cinnamon sticks, forest floor and wild mushroom tones that all sing in harmony. The palate has a good degree of freshness and weight, with a great acid backbone and light tannins that line the wild blackberry, peat moss, blood orange and red cherry candy flavors. The length and wonderful sense of texture rings true as the 2014 Toil Pinot Noir has plenty of life left. Be sure to give this an hour decant if enjoying in this midway phase. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2015 Toil Oregon Pinot Noir- The 2015 Toil Pinot Noir is a gorgeous showing now at the five year mark. Aged for 12 months (72% Neutral French Oak) and needing an hour in the decanter to fully evolve, the wine slowly unveils layers of tart red fruits with shades of blood orange and peat moss that all take shape in the glass. The palate is silky smooth with a soft, downright voluptuous mouthfeel. Ripe layers of red currants meld with boysenberry cobbler, forest floor and shades of black truffle crudo with a hint of cola that comes on after more than an hour in the decanter. A complete wine, this is singing now and will continue to gracefully evolve for the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2016 Toil Oregon Pinot Noir- The 2016 Toil Oregon Pinot Noir is showing a slightly darker fruit profile than the 2015 edition. Needing a one hour decant, the 2016 Toil Pinot Noir reveals bright citrus rind tones and earthy accents that combine with the core of dark fruits, especially blackberry compote that all meld in the glass. The palate shows a great degree of freshness under a light veil of salinity. Layers of bright red and dark fruits meld with blood orange zest, peat moss and damp earth on the palate. The combination of acidity and richness here is seriously good as this beautiful wine has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2036- 94

2017 Toil Oregon Pinot Noir- The 2017 Toil Oregon Pinot Noir is absolutely singing even in its youth. Shades of blood orange zest and peat moss combine with the core of red fruits on the nose. The palate is vibrant showing a great combination of tension and weight. This has a prettier fruit profile certainly than the 2015 edition, with pomegranate seed and Tangerine zest that mingle with minerals and the earthy undertones of the wine. This is highly elegant Pinot Noir. Bright and very pretty now at the three year mark, the 2017 Toil Pinot Noir will show beautifully for two decades. Drink 2020-2038- 95

2018 Toil Oregon Pinot Noir- This is the second time I have tasted the 2018 Toil Oregon Pinot Noir. This warm vintage wine is simply stunning to savor in its you as this was aged for eleven months in 32% new French oak prior to bottling. Ripe red fruits dance with peat moss tones and citrus rind on the nose. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a great sense of acidity and weight.  The weight really shows up here as this warm vintage wine is sensational to enjoy right now but will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2020-2035- 94

Château Suduiraut Vertical Tasting

As we gazed into the lineup of golden bottles, we had our ideas of what vintages would potentially show the best. We were definitely in for some surprises. A Sauternes estate with a storied past, Château Suduiraut is one of the top houses in the region. Located in the commune of Preignac, Suduiraut has vineyards that border Château D’Yquem. The property dates back to the 15th century. Sadly only one wing remains from the original chateau which was destroyed by the Duc d`Eperon in the 16th century. The present château was built in the 17th century by the Suduiraut family, who also commissioned a spectacular garden designed by Le Nôtre. Suduiraut was classified as a 1er Cru Classe in 1855. While some might contend that from 1940-1960 quality decreased, it is clear that the quality has been consistently good since 1992 when Château Suduiraut was purchased by the insurance group AXA which also owns Château Pichon-Longueville in Pauillac and Château Petit-Village in Pomerol.

Château Suduiraut's 90 hectares of vineyards are planted with 80% Sémillon and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. The grapes are harvested in several "tries" and are fermented in 50-hectolitre stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged in small barriques (33% new) for 24 months. Suduiraut's winemaker Pierre Montégut has been remarkably consistent since taking the helm. I have many of these wines in my personal collection and have been been absolutely enamored by wines this house has produced from older vintages like 1988, 2001, 2003, and 2005.

During this special vertical tasting there were some surprises. I was particularly impressed with the 2005 Château Suduiraut (WWB, 97) which is a remarkable wine that is truly one of the finest of the vintage. The sense of balance here is nothing short of incredible. The 2006 Château Suduiraut (WWB, 93) was taken from a very challenging vintage and shows very differently than the ’05 but has really good texture and more nutty, tertiary tones. This wine is a joy to savor at this stage in its development. My revisits to the gorgeous 2007 and 2011 Château Suduirauts (both WWB, 95) did not disappoint. I love the unctuous character of the ’07 and the remarkable range of the ’11. Both wines really showcase these magical vintages in Sauternes. Learn more about this famed Château at www.suduiraut.com Here are my tasting notes from a beautiful vertical tasting of Château Suduiraut.

2005 Château Suduiraut- Taken from this downright awesome vintage in Sauternes, the 2005 Château Suduiraut shows ripe tropical fruits that meld with bananas foster and vanilla creme flavors. The palate is seamless and seductive, showing a great combination of weight, verve, and length. The texture is downright pillowy. Marzipan and Meyer lemon creme brulee mingle with apricots and roasted pineapple tones on the palate. The massive length is truly thrilling. Complex and downright delicious to savor right now, the 2005 Château Suduiraut is a resounding success that is singing right now an will continue to belt for the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2020-2040- 97



2006 Château Suduiraut- A strong showing from a challenging vintage, the 2006 Château Suduiraut shows a bit less richness and complexity on the nose than the ’05 or ’07 with beeswax and vanilla creme brûlée tones dominating. The palate is silky smooth, showing a wonderful sense of texture and weight. Layers of butterscotch and ripe pineapple meld with apple pie and mango flavors. Interestingly this is starting to show Macadamia nut and damp earth undertones as the 2006 Suduiraut is peaking now and will cellar well for the next decade. Drink 2020-2027- 93

2007 Château Suduiraut- The 2007 Château Suduiraut is a gorgeous effort that is showing beautifully right now. Candied ginger and cardamom with ripe pineapple and butterscotch fill the nose. Once on the attack you are entrenched by the silky smooth texture as this effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Meyer lemon creme brûlée, orange marmalade and Golden Delicious apple, baking spices, apricot and mango flavors. Showing great weight, length and poise, this gorgeous 2007 Suduiraut is really enjoyable now and will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2020-2038- 95

2011 Château Suduiraut- The 2011 Château Suduiraut is a stunning effort at now the nine year mark. Right away you are enticed by the layers of wild mushroom aromatics and shades of tropical fruits that are woven together with candied ginger. The palate has a wonderful vein of tension and salinity with beautiful ripe pineapple and mango flavors that collide with vanilla creme brûlée and apricot jelly. Showing wonderful length, richness and tension, this beautiful, elegant wine is slowly starting to hit its stride and has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2038- 95

2014 Château Suduiraut- Needing an hour of air to be fully aroused, the 2014 Château Suduiraut shows gorgeous apple pie and roasted pineapple that combine with ripe mango on the nose. The palate has great freshness with a light dusting of salinity. Layers of pineapple upside-down cake and Meyer lemon creme brûlée mingle with a great sense of mouth-watering acidity. While not massive, this elegant style of Sauternes will have an exceedingly long life ahead of it and is surprisingly gratify to savor in its youth. Drink 2022-2040- 94

2015 Château Suduiraut- Shades of bananas foster and creme brûlée mingle with clove infused apricot jam and shades of wild mushroom that all take shape in the glass. The seamless texture is truly outstanding as layers of vanilla creme brulee, roasted pineapple, passion fruit and butterscotch with the tropical fruit tones really shining brightly. The feeling of viscosity is downright awesome. Gorgeous with its vein of tension and weight, the 2015 Château Suduiraut will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2022-2040- 95

2016 Château Suduiraut- The 2016 Château Suduiraut is a gorgeous effort that really needs several years of bottle age. Following a long decant the wine slowly yields layers of quince jelly and shades of roasted pineapple with marzipan tones connect aromatically. The palate has a silky texture with a seamless effect. While not particularly dense in terms of botrytis, the sense of elegance and the gorgeous sense of finesse and length really drives this beautiful wine. Try to resist this stunner for at least a few years. Drink 2024-2040- 95

Sparkman Cellars

A longtime Woodinville stalwart, Sparkman Cellars is a consistently good producer of a huge range of wines — from crisp Rose to deep and layered Cabernet Sauvignon. Founded by some great people in wine, Chris and Kelly Sparkman, Chris has a diverse background formerly working in the Peace Corps and then as well as some top fine dining restaurants in Seattle. They both made a massive leap of faith in 2004 by starting Sparkman Cellars and the rest has been history. Sparkman sources from some of the best vineyards in the state including the Boushey, Klipsun, Sagemoor and Ciel du Cheval Vineyards.

Linn Scott has served as winemaker for many years now and has a really great new lineup. I loved the 2017 Sparkman Cellars ‘Wonderland’ Grenache (WWB, 93) which has amazing depth and a silky, plush texture.  Just as good is his 2016 Sparkman Cellars ‘Evermore’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 93) which has a lovely seamless texture and is loaded with rich dark fruits. Learn more about this outstanding producer at http://www.sparkmancellars.com/. Here are the great new wines by Sparkman Cellars.

2019 Sparkman Cellars ‘This Old Porch’ Rose- The 2019 ‘This Old Porch’ Rose shows light rose petal and red cherry candy aromas that build in the glass. The freshness imparted is really good, as delicate red fruits dance with shades of cloves and lemon zest on the palate. Lithe and refreshing, albeit lacking a bit of richness, enjoy this excellent new Rose in the short-term. Drink 2020-2023- 89

2019 Sparkman Cellars ‘Pearl’ Sauvignon Blanc- The ‘Pearl’ Sauvignon Blanc opens with bright green apple and green papaya aromatics that build in the glass. The soft texture and lovely viscosity of the wine both impress, creating a seamless effect mid-palate. Wonderful to enjoy in its youth, the ‘Pearl’ will cellar well over the next five to seven years. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2017 Sparkman Cellars ‘Lumiere’ Chardonnay- The ‘Lumiere’ shows bright pear and starfruit aromas that combine with the vanilla creamy accents that all take shape in the glass. The palate is exceedingly well-structured, with an unctuous mouthfeel and a soft texture. With bright acidity, this beautiful wine will cellar well for another seven to ten years. Drink 2020-2027- 92

2017 Sparkman Cellars ‘Wonderland’ Grenache- The nose offers plenty of intrigue with its wonderful range from blood orange zest to red cherry candy and damp earth undertones that all mingle nicely together. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a gorgeous texture. Red cherry pie and shades of wild strawberry and guava mingle with minerals and sagebrush tones. This is truly good in its youth and will continue to provide drinking enjoyment for another decade. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2017 Sparkman Cellars ‘Outlaw’ Merlot- The 2017 ‘Outlaw’ shows pretty red rose petals and bright Bing cherry with tobacco leaf accents on this delightful nose. The palate is soft and inviting with rich chocolate covered cherry, sagebrush and shades of boysenberry pie. Fantastic to savor now, with good poise and viscosity, I can see this cellaring well over the next decade or more. This has a very cool Right bank feel for Washington Merlot. Drink 2020-2032- 92

2017 Sparkman Cellars ‘Yonder’ Cabernet Franc- The ‘Yonder’ Cabernet Franc shows the delightful herbal accents on the bouquet alongside suggestions of cassis and red cherry candy that all mingle together in the glass. The palate is plush, round and generous with good acidity and rich red and dark fruit flavors with shades of milk chocolate. This is seriously good stuff that is best enjoyed over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 92

2016 Sparkman Cellars ‘Rainmaker’Cabernet Sauvignon- The aptly named ‘Rainmaker’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a perfect rich wine to cozy up to on a cold and wet winter’s day.The mocha and tar aromas connect with the rich dark fruits on this expressive nose. The palate is plush and generous with loads of dark fruits and pipe tobacco. Soft, with a silky texture, the ‘Rainmaker’ will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2020-2030- 92

2017 Sparkman Cellars ‘Holler’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 ‘Holler’ Cabernet Sauvignon opens with deep dark currant aromas that meld with sandalwood and shades of black raspberry cordial that all take shape in the glass. The palate is medium to full-bodied, as the light tannins frame a deep core of dark fruits. Refined and elegant, this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 92

2016 Sparkman Cellars ‘Evermore’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 ‘Evermore’ is another outstanding bottling from this fantastic Woodinville producer. Made from old vine Cabernet Sauvignon from the Klipsun and Dionysus Vineyards, the ‘Evermore’ starts off with aromatics of mocha, tar and shades of black licorice that take shape in the glass. The palate has great balance and purity of fruit. With good length and elegance, showing off its core of blackberry compote and milk chocolate with sagebrush tones, the 2016 ‘Evermore’ will have a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2017 Sparkman Cellars ‘Preposterous’ Malbec- The ‘Preposterous’ Malbec opens with an intoxicating bouquet of creme de cassis, mocha and blueberry pie with a light dusting of white pepper that all take shape in the glass. Soft, round and plush, the silky texture entices, as does the massive core of dark and blue fruits. Seductive, yet nicely balanced, the ‘Preposterous’ Malbec is an impressive wine that has a long way to go. Drink 2020-2032- 92

2016 Sparkman Cellars ‘Rukus’ Syrah-Sourced from Red Mountain, this takes the lead with the smoky and earthy undertones that combine with the rich core of dark fruits on the nose. The palate has good freshness with a soft texture. Medium-bodied dark fruit flavors connect with the sagebrush and chocolate tones on the palate. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2016 Sparkman Cellars ‘Darkness’ Syrah- The 2016 ‘Darkness Syrah by Sparkman opens with really good aromatic range from red cherry candy to Hoisin sauce and bacon fat tones that all meld in the glass. The palate has good freshness and a seamless texture. Bright red fruits connect with the citrus rind and smoky undertones of the wine. Showing great verve, this is seriously good stuff that will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2027- 93

Instagram Live This Week

Friends,

It brings me great pleasure to share our all-star cast of Instagram Live videos for this week, including some of the world’s top producers and winemakers (all times Pacific).

We begin Thursday at 2PM as we join Larkmead’s superstar winemaker Dan Petroski, tasting through his two new Cabernet Sauvignon releases from the 2017 vintage. At 3PM ROCO’s assistant winemaker, Jarod Sleet joins us for a discussion on racial inequality in the wine industry and his experience training under legendary Oregon winemaker Rollin Soles. We stay in Oregon for the 4 and 5PM hours, first tasting with famed Brick House founder Doug Tunnell, followed by Granville Wine Company’s Jackson Holstein and his beautiful new releases.

Friday will not disappoint starting at 3PM we join Sager Small of Woodward Canyon, tasting his Chardonnay and even their Dolchetto. Certainly last but not least we journey south to Chile joined by one of the world’s legendary producers of Cabernet Sauvignon, Almaviva and their CEO Manuel Louzada, tasting their glorious 2017 Almaviva Cabernet Sauvignon.

It will be an action packed week on Washington Wine Blog and be sure to tune into our Instagram page for all of the action

Tenor Wines

An awesome line of wines by the talented Aryn Morell, Tenor is a premium Washington wine brand created by Matthews. Started in 2007, Tenor focuses on 100% single varietal wines from various sites across Washington State. Wines are made in limited production, usually 150-200 cases. Over the years I have been impressed with the textural qualities of these wines that have impressed even during challenging vintages like 2015. 

The new wines are from the 2016 and 2017 vintage and were beautiful across the board. I totally love the 2017 Tenor Sauvignon Blanc (WWB, 93) which is done is a ripe style and shows seriously good range with a great sense of mouthfeel. Just as good is the 2016 Tenor Syrah (WWB, 93) which has really great range and shows downright vibrant acidity. Learn more about these great new wines at tenorwines.com. Here are the beautiful new releases by Tenor. 

2017 Tenor Sauvignon Blanc- The sensational 2017 Tenor Sauvignon Blanc was sourced from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard, which is a cooler site in the Columbia Valley. Aged in new Austrian oak, the wine opens with layers of toasty brioche with lemon zest and ripe peach aromatics that all take shape in the glass. The palate has wonderful freshness, length and weight with a silky texture that entices the senses. While obviously bright, the feeling of opulence is really impressive. The long finish provides the crescendo, as this glorious new Sauvignon Blanc will have a long life ahead of it, picking up earthy and nutty tones as it gracefully ages. This drinks considerably better in a Burgundy glass at a warmer temperature. Drink 2020-2029- 93

2017 Tenor Chardonnay- Sourced from the Stillwater Creek and Lawrence La Reyna Blanca Vineyards, the 2017 Tenor Chardonnay is a seriously good effort by superstar winemaker Aryn Morell. Layers of freshly baked buttered French bread and lemon curd aromatics combine with the nutty undertones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is silky and seamless, effortlessly gliding across the mid-palate. Vanilla creme brulee, bananas foster, mango and shades of baking spices all come together on the palate. The long finish completes this glorious new wine. Enjoy this sensational new effort at a warmer temperature for the full range of aromatics and flavors. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2016 Tenor Merlot- The 2016 Tenor Merlot was sourced from a host of vineyards, including Pepper Bridge, Dionysus, Hedges and Red Mountain, as this was aged for 21 months in largely new oak (91%) prior to bottling. Layers of tobacco leaf and blackberry compote meld with shades of black licorice and cigar box tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is rich and lithe, wit a silky mouthfeel. Black tea, blackberry commute and shades of mocha all come together on the palate. Enjoy this beautiful effort over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2020-2033- 92

2016 Tenor Syrah- Sourced from the Scarline and Va Piano Vineyards, this Syrah was aged in 80% new French oak before bottling. Layers of loganberry preserves and violets combine with smoked brisket and shades of milk chocolate on this evocative nose. The palate is silky, delivering downright delicious black fruits that meld with tobacco leaf, cloves and Black Forest Cake flavors. Not only very fresh and vibrant, the weight of the wine really impresses. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next ten plus years. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2017 Tenor Malbec- The 2017 Tenor Malbec is a gorgeous new effort by superstar winemaker Aryn Morell. The palate is dense and plush with layers of blackberry cobbler, tar and blueberry pie flavors that collide with minerals and white pepper tones. Complex and delicious, enjoy this great new wine over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 92

2016 Tenor Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 Tenor Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from the Stillwater Creek, Dionysus and Canyons Estate Vineyards. On the nose this takes on layers of kirsch and sagebrush tones that are woven together with suggestions of cocoa powder and espresso bean that all mingle in the glass. The palate has great weight but is also elegance with a seamless texture. Layers of Dari fruits meld with chocolate and Turkish coffee tones, with lighter herbal accents. Drink 2020-2033- 93

La Rata

Blessed with one of the most exquisite palates that I have seen, Elizabeth Bourcier is quietly making some of the finest wines in North America. She is astute, humble and full of amazing insight into not only her wine, the elusive and nearly impossible to find La Rata, but the entire lineup of Cayuse wines. Her La Rata is one of the great cult wines that you will find on the west coast. 

Originally initially inspired by the insanely good Clos Erasmus wines of the Priorat region, Elizabeth made the bold decision blend both Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon together, since they wines tend to ripen at the similar times. Elizabeth chose to use Grenache from Armada Vineyard and Cabernet Sauvignon from En Cerise Vineyard. Now she has added a touch of Syrah to the equation. The wine was named “The Rat.” And then Spanglish-cized: ‘La Rata’. The name ‘La Rata’ also connects with Elizabeth, as her zodiac sign is the rat.  

The new 2017 La Rata Red Wine (WWB, 96) is every bit as good and the 2016 edition. The finesse in this wine is just dazzling as it offers insanely good aromatic and flavor range. I tried the ’17 alongside the ’16 and found that the ’16 was a touch more towards weight, while the 2017 had an extra level of minerality. It is a stunner and must purchase for any serious Washington and Oregon wine collector. The 2017 ‘La Rata’ will soon be offered by Full Pull Wines and is very challenging to find in the retail market even on winebid.com. Learn more at http://laratawines.com/wines.html Here is my review of the scintillating 2017 La Rata Red Wine by Elizabeth Bourcier of Cayuse Vineyards.

2017 La Rata Red Wine- The 2017 La Rata Red Wine is a tour de force from the Walla Walla Valley. A head-turning blend of 61% Grenache with 29% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah, this wine by superstar vigneronne Elizabeth Bourcier was inspired of the famed houses in Priorat, particularly Clos Erasmus and Clos Mogador. The stony terroir aromatically really inspires alongside the Umami, peat moss, blood orange zest and pretty red fruits that all dance in unison. The palate shows great depth and concentration but also remarkable finesse. Layers of seaweed and Hoisin sauce march on with the core of salted pomegranate seed, wild blackberry compote, bulls blood and wet stone on the palate. The remarkable length and tension really add to the enjoyment here. Truly sensational in its youth, the 2017 La Rata will provide drinking enjoyment for at least another decade — but why wait? Drink 2020-2032- 96

HALL

A winery with serious prestige, HALL was founded in 1992 by Katheryn and Craig Hall. What was initially a very simply constructed tasting room, roughly ten years ago HALL have built one of the most beautiful, state of the art, wineries in Napa. This is a must visit for any serious Napa enophile. I always enjoy my visits to this special spot in St. Helena and although I will not have a chance to visit this year with the current Covid-19 pandemic, I will very much look forward to my 2021 visit.  

HALL also have two separate lines, WALT (focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay) and BACA (focusing on Zinfandel) that are seriously good in their own right. I have been blown away with the consistency of these wines, particularly in recent years. It is clear that the focus on quality is paramount as this winery has not only been blessed with an exceptional run of vintages but has been known to succeed even in the more challenging vintages like 2010 and 2011. HALL now makes a series of lower priced Cabernet Sauvignon wines that are really good. I loved the 2016 HALL ‘Craig’s’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 92) and their 2016 HALL ‘Craig’s Second Bottling’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 92) which are equally good and represent a tremendous value in Napa. The new 2017 HALL Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 93) is a dense treat that delivers a long finish. Learn more about these beautiful wines at hallwines.com Here are the fantastic new release wines by HALL.

2016 HALL ‘Craig’s’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 HALL ‘Craig’s’ shows deep dark fruits with shades of chocolate fudge and sagebrush undertones on the nose. The palate has good acidity with layers of mocha, anise and blackberry compote, with shades of black cherry cordial and minerals. Enjoy this beautiful new wine in the short-term. Drink 2020-2028- 92

2016 HALL ‘Craig’s Second Bottling’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The ‘Craig’s Second Bottling’ is a silky blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot that was aged in 65% new French oak for 22 months before bottling. Dense and chewy, with gorgeous layers of violets, creme de cassis, anise and graphite all amalgamate on the palate. With great length and viscosity, I can see this cellaring well for another decade or more. Drink 2020-2030- 92

2017 HALL Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 HALL Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautiful, age-worthy release that is already brilliant on its release. Shades of sandalwood and mocha, with tar and blackberry compote all combine aromatically in the glass. The palate is dense and plush, showing a soft, rich texture. Layers of blueberry pie and black tea, alongside Asian spices and mocha all artfully dance together on the palate. The long, gratifying finish accentuates this great new release. Already delicious in its youth, the 2017 HALL Cabernet Sauvignon will provide drinking enjoyment for another decade to come. Drink 2020-2030- 93

Wautoma Springs Vineyards

I love discovering great new Washington wine projects. Wautoma Springs Vineyards is a project between winemaker Jessica Munnell and second generation wine grower Tom Merkle. Jessica has a serious pedigree, previously working in viticulture before focusing on winemaking in 2003. She began her winemaking career by taking an internship in Australia and she later worked at  Snoqualmie, Chateau Ste Michelle Canoe Ridge, Mercer Wine Estates and Vintage Wine Estates before settling at Wautoma Springs Vineyards.

She crafts limited production wines that are nearly all sourced from the warm 2016 vintage. I really enjoyed the 2016 Wautoma Springs ‘El Prat’ Red Wine (WWB, 91) which has great mouthfeel and freshness. Even better is the dense 2016 Wautoma Springs ‘Inky’ Malbec (WWB, 92) as I love the light salinity of this wine with great richness and chocolate tones. Learn more about these great new wines at https://www.wautomasprings.com Here are the new wines of Wautoma Springs Vineyards. 

2019 Wautoma Springs Rose- A beautiful salmon hue, the 2019 Wautoma Springs Rose has great tension and mouthfeel with a silky texture. Bright red fruits dance with minerals and shades of lemongrass on the palate. Drink 2020-2024- 90

2019 Wautoma Springs Sauvignon Blanc- The 2019 Sauvignon Blanc by Wautoma Springs has delicate melon and lemon rind tones with good acidity. A touch lean, enjoy in its youth. Drink 2020-2023- 88

2016 Wautoma Springs ‘El Prat’ Red Wine- The 2016 ‘El Prat’ is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Malbec (40%) by winemaker Jessica Munnell. The chocolate and sagebrush tones really entice on the nose. The palate is rich and juicy with a good sense of minerality. Drink 2020-2028- 91

2016 Wautoma Springs ‘The Professor’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The Cabernet Sauvignon  shows good balance with medium bodied slightly sweet red and dark fruits with tobacco leaf and chocolate tones on the palate. Enjoy in its youth. Drink 2020-2025- 89

2016 Wautoma Springs ‘Inky’ Malbec-  As the name suggests, this is extremely dark in the glass, as the ‘Inky’ yields violets, dark chocolate shavings and a light dusting of white pepper on the nose. The palate is dense and decadent with gorgeous blueberry compote, sagebrush and milk chocolate tones with a light beam of salinity. Sensational stuff to savor in its youth, the ‘Inky’ will provide drinking enjoyment for the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2020-2032- 92

2016 Wautoma Springs ‘Behemoth’ Red Wine- The ‘Behemoth’ is a rich 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine that brilliantly shows the potential of this warm vintage in the Columbia Valley. The palate is nicely poised with good balance and typicity. Sandalwood tones combine with the core of dark fruits, sagebrush and cocoa powder on the palate. Downright delicious in its youth, this outstanding wine will cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2020-2032- 92

Trisaetum

I love a great Riesling. Something about it screams summer to me as I harken back to some of my absolutely favorite wine journeys across Germany. One of the outstanding producers of Oregon Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, James Frey, was a former photographer from Santa Cruz who had a passion for wine. A fellow Arsenal supporter, James crafts some incredible wines for Trisaetum that speak to the region and terroir. His winemaking style focuses towards a brightness and freshness in the wines, regardless of vintage. I have been highly impressed with these wines over the past several years. His talents spread far as James also makes some outstanding sparkling wines under his Pashey label and I reviewed his wines sourced from the Walla Walla Valley, his 1841 label.

A fellow Arsenal supporter, James has wines that move towards great tension and finesse. For those who enjoy the bolder side of Oregon, these wines are not for you. I loved the new releases from Trisaetum which are slightly more dense than most of their other releases. 2018 obviously was a warm vintage in Oregon, one that saw some severe heat spikes and massive, 50 degree diurnal shifts in both July and August. Look for their 2018 Trisaetum ‘Coast Range Estate’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 93) which has great freshness and weight, with nice earthy tones. I loved the new 2018 Trisaetum ‘Family Reserve’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 95) which is wonderfully rich and chewy, with massive aging potential. Learn more about this fantastic Willamette Valley winery at http://www.trisaetum.com Here are the fantastic new wines by Trisaetum. 

2018 Trisaetum ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from a host of vineyards and sites along the valley, this Pinot Noir shows silky tannins that frame a good core of sour red fruits with citrus rind and peat moss tones. Beautifully textured, this is outstanding warm vintage stuff that has good acidity to back everything. Drink 2020-2028- 91

2018 Trisaetum ‘Wichmann Dundee’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Wichmann Dundee’ Pinot Noir is sourced from this smaller, 8 acre site set on volcanic soils in the Dundee Hills AVA. A light dusting of both white pepper and volcanic ash fall on the core of bright red fruits with shades of damp earth on the nose. The palate is bright, lithe and beautifully textured with excellent length. Surprisingly high-toned with its orange rind and cran-pomegranate flavors that meld with minerals and salty damp terroir, the 2018 ‘Wichmann Dundee’ Pinot Noir is bright and delicious to savor in its youth but has a long way to go, as it will evolve to something distinctly earthy and a world away from what we see now. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2018 Trisaetum ‘Coast Range Estate’ Pinot Noir- A cooler site, the ‘Coast Range Estate’ is set on both marine sedimentary and volcanic soils in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Pretty red cherry candy and rose water tones collide with peat moss and suggestions of wild mushroom on this beautiful nose. The palate is fresh, saline drenched and full of life, showing salted charcuterie tones that meld with the bright core of red fruits, blood orange rind and white truffle shavings. With generous length and a soft texture, this beautiful wine has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2018 Trisaetum ‘Ribbon Ridge Estate’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Ribbon Ridge Estate’ is a seventeen acre property that is actually set on a rare soil type for the valley — quartz sandstone soils. It is no surprise that the salty terroir races through the core of this wine, as you are greeted with bright red raspberry, pomegranate seed and lemon rind flavors with lighter earthy undertones. Vibrant and showing off a beautiful texture, the 2018 ‘Ribbon Ridge Estate’ Pinot Noir is outstanding in its youth and will provide drinking enjoyment for more than a decade to come. Drink 2020-2033- 92

2018 Trisaetum ‘Artist Series No. 43’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Artist Series No. 43 is entirely sourced from Block 7 of Trisaetum’s ‘Ribbon Ridge Estate.’ On the nose you are enticed by the core of bright red cherry and strawberry that combine with shades of wild mushroom and salty earth tones. The palate is vibrant and fresh, with great acidity and texture. Showing wonderful length, this effortlessly glides across the mid-palate delivering a core of bright red fruits with shades of orang zest and peat moss. Fantastic to savor in its youth, the 2018 ‘Artist Series No. 43’ Pinot Noir is a resounding success by superstar winemaker James Frey. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2018 Trisaetum ‘Artist Series No. 44’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Artist Series No. 44’ is a Dijon 777 clone Pinot Noir sourced from Block 1 of their ‘Ribbon Ridge Estate’ vineyard. On the nose this is delightfully earthy with black truffle crudo and damp earth tones that collide with wild blackberry and a core of red fruits that all sing in unison in the glass. The sense of balance here really impresses as the combination of red and dark fruits with earthy tones and citrus rind accents all move together harmoniously. Showing some great aging potential, this gorgeous Pinot Noir will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2018 Trisaetum ‘Artist Series No. 45’ Pinot Noir- Showing off its deep hue in the glass, the ‘Artist Series No. 45 is a whole cluster fermented, Wadenswil clone Pinot Noir sourced from the ‘Coast Range Estate’ vineyard. The palate has a marvelous sense of tension and viscosity with layers of juicy red fruits with shades of peat moss and wild blackberry cobbler mingling with the copious sense of minerality. A long-ager, this beautiful wine has more than a decade of life to go. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2018 Trisaetum ‘Artist Series No. 46’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 Trisaetum ‘Artist Series No. 46’ Pinot Noir is a beautiful new wine by the talented winemaker and artist, James Frey. Once on the nose the core of black and red fruits meld with exotic spices, damp earth and lemon rind tones that all mingle in the glass. The palate has a great combination of weight, length, texture and vibrant acidity. Layers of bright red fruits connect with shades of blood orange zest, cigar box, peat moss and menthol tones on the palate. A long-ager, the brilliant 2018 ‘Artist Series No. 46’ will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2018 Trisaetum ‘Estates Reserve’ Pinot Noir- Always a barrel select wine, the 2018 ‘Estates Reserve’ is sourced from a combination of the three Trisaetum estates that span the Willamette Valley. Really needing two hours in the decanter, the ‘Estates Reserve’ slowly begins to unveil pretty red rose petal and red currants that collide with shades of teaberry, baking spices, forest floor and wet stone tones that all mingle in the glass. The palate shows a soft texture and velvety mouthfeel. WIth great length, the sense of acidity gives this a wonderful err of elegance. Just an infant right now, the exceedingly good 2018 ‘Estates Reserve’ Pinot Noir will have a long life ahead of it. Drink 2021-2040- 94

2018 Trisaetum ‘Family Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Family Reserve’ is a bottling reserved for only what winemaker James Frey considers to be his top barrels. Needing a two hour decant to be fully awoken, once aroused this silky wine shows bright red fruits with shades of blood orange rind, peat moss, wet sand and shades of cloves on this complex bouquet. The palate is silky smooth as this effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. The combination of weight and elegance is nothing short of sensational. Layers of bright red fruits dance with wild mushroom, peat moss, wild blackberry compote and sandalwood tones alongside hints of salted meats. The exceeding long finish caps what is the fitting crescendo, as this gorgeous new wine will have decades of life ahead of it. Drink 2022-2040- 95

DeLille Cellars

One of the famed spots on Woodinvlle, DeLille rose to prominence under the guidance of eminent winemaker Chris Upchurch. They now rely on one or Washington’s greats, their director of winemaking Jason Gorski. 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.’ DeLille sources from their estate, 20-acre vineyard in Red Mountain as well as premier vineyards in the Yakima Valley. I have been really impressed with this winery and what they have produced over the past five years. They soon will have their new winery built in what was formerly the Red Hook Brewery. I can’t wait to check out that modern facility which I toured a few months back.

Jason makes one of the top Rose wines in the Pacific Northwest, their 2019 DeLille Cellars Rose (WWB, 92) which has an amazing mouthfeel and shows lovely flavor and aromatic range. Their new 2019 DeLille Rousssanne (WWB, 93) is fresh, vibrant and downright delicious right now. Do not miss out on their pre-release 2018 DeLille Cellars ‘D2’ Red Wine (WWB, 93) which is dense and chewy, beautifully showcasing Merlot. Learn more about this fantastic winery at www.delillecellars.com Here are the great new release wines from DeLille.

2019 DeLille Cellars Rose- The 2019 DeLille Rose is a beautiful blend of Grenache (47%) and Mourvedre (45%) with the remainder Cinsault. The delicate, seamless texture really entices once on the mouth as this effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Bright guava and Mandarin orange zest flavors collide with minerals, watermelon and suggestions of damp earth that all sing in the glass. This is a truly outstanding, silky Rose that is a delight to savor right now but has a long life to go, picking up earthy tones as it sits in the cellar. Drink 2020-2025- 92

2019 DeLille Cellars Roussanne- The 2019 DeLille Cellars Roussanne is entirely sourced from the famed ‘Ciel du Cheval Vineyard ‘high atop Red Mountain. The veil of tension and mouth-watering acidity is seriously good here, as layers of honeydew melon, kiwi, gooseberry and white rose water and shades of salted Macadamia nut all artfully combine on the palate. Showing great length and acidiy, this gorgeous effort will cellar well over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 93

2019 DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Estate Blanc’ White Wine- One of the iconic Washington white wines, the 2019 ‘Chaleur Estate Blanc’ white wine is another thrilling release by DeLille Cellars. A blend of mainly Sauvignon Blanc (69%) with the reminder Semillon, this wine was almost entirely aged in French oak prior to bottlng. The aromatics of white peach and poached pear combine with the lovely nutty and earthy undertones of the wine. The palate is fresh, vibrant and beautifully textured as the wine shows serious length and bright acidity. Layers of lemon zest and kumquat infused sourdough bread meld with the Marcona almond and gooseberry tones on the palate. Gratifying to enjoy in its youth, this is seriously good wine that has at least a decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2032- 93

2018 DeLille Cellars ‘D2’ Red Wine [pre-release]—  A blend of primarily Merlot (67%) with smaller portions Cabernet Sauvignon and just a touch of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the 2018 DeLille Cellars ‘D2’ Red Wine is another impressive new release by superstar director of winemaking Jason Gorski. Once on the nose this takes on layers of toasty oak that connect with black cherry cough syrup, blackberry compote, mocha and tar that all march in unison in the glass. The palate is dense, chewy and full of life. Downright delicious flavors of black tea and blackberry pie with shades of menthol and coffee grounds combine with a great sense of tension and light tannins. Delightful to enjoy in its youth, this beautiful wine has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 93

Force Majeure Rhone Wines

As I sat across from Todd Alexander, masks off, we both couldn’t help recognize how nice it was to have some human company. This was my first tasting with a winemaker for many months and I was very eager to try what have consistently been some of the best Rhone style wines in the state. ‘It all starts in the vineyard,’ said Todd, meaning the Force Majeure Vineyard on Red Mountain. Set at 960 to 1,230 feet, the vineyard is planted to mainly Rhone and Bordeaux varietals and the fruit off this vineyard has been nothing short of incredible. Something great happened for Washington wine in 2014 when Todd Alexander came to partner with Force Majeure proprietors Paul and Susan McBride — a move that has totally transformed the winery. Todd formerly made wine at famed Bryant Family Vineyard in the Napa Valley where he worked with vineyard manager David Abreu as well as consultant extraordinaire, Michel Rolland. Since that partnership has started, I have been blown away with what Todd has produced across the board. The wines have special attention to mouthfeel and texture. These are not delicate wines but are rich wines with good tension and varietal typicity.

Their future releases are gorgeous across the board. I loved their great value 2018 Parabellum ‘Coulee’ Red Wine (WWB, 93) which is dense and chewy with a wonderful sense of texture.  One of the great Viogniers made in North America, the 2018 Force Majeure Viognier (WWB, 95) is fresh and elegant with a marvelous sense of texture and viscosity but is nowhere near cloying. This is a must-buy for any serious collector of Washington white wine. I was blown away with the future release 2018 Force Majeure ‘Paravata’ Red Wine (WWB, 95-97) which might be the best ‘Paravata’ bottling that I have had from Todd Alexander. My hat goes off to Todd Alexander for crafting a very special set of current and future release wines. Learn more about these great wines at  https://forcemajeurevineyards.com Here are the fantastic new wines by Force Majeure. 

2018 Force Majeure Viognier- Truly one of the top Viognier bottling in the Pacific Northwest, the 2018 Force Majeure Viognier shows pretty honeysuckle with cantaloupe and shades of beeswax and bright Bosc pear on this evocative nose. The palate is silky smooth, evoking impressive range from banana to cantaloupe tones that mingle with minerals, salted Macadamia nut and suggestions of ripe peach. Quite simply this Viognier has it all, from flavor and aromatic range, to impeccable balance and texture. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 95

2018 Parabellum ‘Coulee’ Red Wine- A blend 90% Syrah and the remainder Mourvedre, this densely colored wine shows layers of black currants and blackberry compote with shade of tar and black licorice on the palate. Dense, chewy and layered, this is thrilling and forward stuff to enjoy in its youth but will provide drinking enjoyment for another eight to ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 93

2018 Force Majeure ‘Paravata’ Red Wine- 95-97

2018 Force Majreure ‘Estate’ Syrah- 95-97

2018 Force Majeure ‘SJR Vineyard’ Syrah- 96-98

Chimney Rock

A longtime famed producer of rich and terroir-driven Cabernet Sauvignon, Chimney Rock is the focus for today and their outstanding new wines mostly from the 2016 and 2017 vintages. The first bottles of wine produced at Chimney Rock Winery were bottled in 1989. It was then owned by Hack and Stella Wilson who purchased a 180-acre parcel on the east side of the Silverado Trail in 1980 (which included a golf course!) and planted a vineyard shortly thereafter.

The hillside setting makes for a dramatic location. I have long enjoyed visiting this winery and they have an expansive outdoor area as well for their guests. At the helm is the talented Elizabeth Vianna who I was honored to share a panel with roughly one year ago. Elizabeth first came to Chimney Rock as a harvest intern in 1999, while completing her Master’s degree in enology at U.C. Davis. Upon graduation, she became an enologist at Napa Wine Company and was soon named assistant winemaker there, where she worked directly with many of the region’s top winemakers including Heidi Barrett, Erin Green, Pam Starr, and Celia Masyczek. Elizabeth was named to the position of assistant winemaker at Chimney Rock in January 2002 and advanced to the position of winemaker in 2005. Needless to say, she knows this special terroir exceedingly well. Look to their beautiful new 2017 Chimney Rock ‘Elevage’ Red Wine (WWB, 92) which has soft character of Merlot (73%) but also the dark tones from the terroir-driven Cabernet Sauvignon. I absolutely love the 2016 Chimney Rock ‘South Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 94)  which is dense, viscous and a downright treat to savor. Learn more about this famed estate at https://www.chimneyrock.com Here are the gorgeous new wines by Chimney Rock. 

2017 Chimney Rock ‘Elevage’ Red Wine- A blend of mainly Merlot (73%) with smaller portions Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot, the 2017 ‘Elevage’ was aged for eighteen months in 100% new French oak prior to bottling. Pretty red cherry aromatics connect with shades of cocoa powder and tar that all take shape in the glass. The mouthfeel and silky texture of the wine is truly outstanding. Layers of espresso bean and creosote connect with the bright red fruits and minerals that keep this wine shiningly brightly. The long dark fruit and mineral-driven finish lingers. Drink 2020-2035- 92

2017 Chimney Rock ‘Stags Leap District’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Deeply colored in the glass, the ‘Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon opens with tar and potpourri that mingle with blackberry cobbler and pipe tobacco tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate has good freshness and richness with layers of black fruits woven together with mocha, anise and sandalwood tones. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next ten plus years. Drink 2020-2030- 92

2016 Chimney Rock ‘Clone 7’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The ‘Clone 7 Vineyard’ is one of two different mountainside vineyards, aptly named as ‘Cardiac Hill’ for its steep slopes. Deeply perfumed, the wine yields bright violets that mingle with suggestions of creosote, baking spices and blackberry cobbler aromatics that take shape in the glass. The palate has a soft texture, delivering layers of black fruits that mingle with the tar, scorched earth and underbrush tones on the palate. The terroir here is seriously good, as is the length and viscosity. A pleasure to enjoy in its youth, this beautiful wine will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2022-2040- 93

2016 Chimney Rock ‘South Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 ‘South HIll’ Cabernet Sauvignon is another beautiful new bottling by Elizabeth Vianna. The wine is sourced from a twenty year old block that is planted to clone 337. On the nose this is dense and highly performed, delivering layers of Turkish coffee, Asian spices and black fruits that are woven together with the damp loam tones on the nose. The palate is rich and viscous, with a sensational mouthfeel and wonderful feel of acidity. Layers of Black Forest Cake, tar, mocha and anise all come together magically on the palate. Decadent and plush, showing a vibrant minerality, the ‘South Hill’ will have a long life ahead of it. Drink 2022-2040- 94

2016 Chimney Rock ‘Ganymede Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 ‘Ganymeded Vineyard’ has a massive, deep core, unveiling layers of red bell pepper, volcanic ash, mocha and tar that all take shape in the glass. The palate is dense and shows a plush mouthfeel, with a silky texture. Blackberries and black cherry flavors combine with shades of creosote and flinty undertones on the palate. This finishes long with dark chocolate and minerals. Drink 2022-2040- 93

2016 Chimney Rock ‘Alpine Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Set on volcanic soils, the ‘Alpine Vineyard’ is the highest elevation vineyard at the Chimney Rock estate. On the nose this takes on layers of volcanic earth and tar, mingling with mocha, blackberry cordial and shades of menthol that all take their shape in the glass. The palate has good freshness and verve, with a soft mouthful and beautiful texture. Violets and layers of black currants collide with minerals, blackberry cobbler and shades of dark chocolate shavings on the palate. Seriously good in its youth, the 2016 ‘Alpine Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2022-2040- 93

Instagram Live This Week

Friends, we share our exciting lineup of Instagram Live talent this week, starting at 2 Pacific Thursday a great Walla Walla producer Dusted Valley followed at 3PM by famed Woodinville outpost DeLille Cellars and their talented winemaker Jason Gorski, and finally Mary Derby of her female run DAMA, tasting through her beautiful wines at 4PM.  

Then Friday please join me At 2 Pacific from one of Paso Robles as we share the brilliant Caliza wines w winemaker/owner Carl Bowker. Then we conclude at 5PM with Dan Warnshuis, tasting his brilliant Utopia Vineyard wines. It will be another action packed week for IG Live with WWB 🔥🍷

Goodfellow Family Cellars

Still flying under the radar, Goodfellow Family Cellars relies on the winemaking talents of Marcus Goodfellow. What was initially founded in 2002 as Matello Winery, Goodfellow sources from some great vineyards in the Willamette Valley including the Durant Vineyard in the Dundee Hills AVA. Marcus Goodfellow, grew up on a Douglas Fir tree farm in Oregon and worked his first harvest at Evesham Wood in 2002. He had a wonderful wine mentor in famed Cristom winemaker, Steve Doerner, as his attention to detail is apparent in the glass.

I have been floored with the consistency of his Chardonnay bottlings. An awesome wine for the price, the 2018 Goodfellow ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay (WWB, 91) offer great tension and mouthfeel for roughly 30 dollars. I am blown away with the terroir jand great sense of tension from the 2018 Goodfellow ‘Durant Vineyard’ Chardonnay (WWB, 94) which rivals some of the best Chardonnay made in Oregon, from this esteemed vineyard. Do not miss out on these new gorgeous Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines by Goodfellow. Learn more about these beautiful new releases at https://goodfellowfamilycellars.com Here are the great new wines by Goodfellow. 

2018 Goodfellow ‘Whistling Ridge Vineyard’ Riesling- This bright and tension filled Riesling comes off with a Kabinett level of sweetness, showing pretty white rose water, wet stone, green apple and white peach tones alongside the great sense of minerality. Enjoy this great new bottling over the next several years while the brightness is intact. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2018 Goodfellow ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay- On the nose this takes on tones of white peach nectarine rind, sourdough bread and lemon zest tones that all connect in the glass. The palate shows lively acidity with medium-bodied orchard fruits and lemon rind tones. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2018 Goodfellow ‘Durant’ Chardonnay- Planted high above the Dundee Hills AVA, the ‘Durant Vineyard’ is a downright awesome site for both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. A whiff of volcanic earth falls upon suggestions of cloves and ripe melon tones on the nose. The palate reveals a sparkling sense of tension, with gobs of mouth-watering acidity, flinty accents and gorgeous, fleshy (almost unctuous) texture. The long finish provides the appropriate crescendo. A stunning new Chardonnay to savor in its youth, the 2018 ‘Durant’ Chardonnay will enjoy fifteen years or more ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033- 94

2018 Goodfellow ‘Richard’s Cuvee’ Chardonnay- The ‘Richard’s Cuvee’ combines four Chardonnay clones all planted back in 1995. Lemon infused Challah bread and vanilla cream with shades of roasted pineapple fill the nose. The palate shows great weight and texture with a great sense of tension and light dusting of salinity that falls upon the core of Pink Lady apple, lemon zest, wild mushroom and French bread. Showing great length, this is a treat to savor in its youth, as the ‘Richard’s Cuvee’ will enjoy another fifteen years ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2015 Goodfellow ‘Richard’s’ Chardonnay- The ‘Richard’s’ Chardonnay is a barrel selection wine that has seen extensive age, being aged for 21 months in 50% new French oak prior to bottling. The palate is plush and decadent with a great sense of weight and an oily texture. Layers of poached pear and Pazzaz apple combine with starfruit and baking spices with a light dusting of salinity. The long finish really impresses. Gorgeous to enjoy in its youth, the 2015 ‘Richard’s’ is another dazzling wine by the talented Marcus Goodfellow. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2018 Goodfellow ‘Whistling Ridge Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This Ribbon Ridge AVA wine shows bright Bing cherry with pomegranate seed and orange rind accents on the nose, with a dusting of white truffle. The palate shows off a classy texture with layers of minerals and salted red fruits with shades of orange zest and charcuterie. The umami accents really entice, as does the sense of freshness and weight. Gorgeous now, the 2018 ‘Whistling Ridge Vineyard’ Pinot Noir will cellar well for another decade or more. Drink 2020-2032- 93

2018 Goodfellow ‘Lewman’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Lewman’ Pinot Noir is sourced from this vineyard which is perched high in the Dundee Hills, first planted in 1993. A light dusting of volcanic ash falls upon the core of red and dark fruits with earthy undertones on the nose. The palate is deep and plush showing off a seamless sense of texture. Gobs of mouth-watering acidity falls upon the core of wild blackberry and cran-pomegranate flavors, with shades of peat moss on the palate. Gorgeous to enjoy in its youth, the 2018 ‘Lewman’ Pinot Noir has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 93

2017 Goodfellow ‘House Block’ Pinot Noir- The ‘House Block’ was the first Pommard clone Pinot Noir vines planted at the Whistling Ridge Vineyard. The damp earth tones smell Pommard as well, with bright red and dark fruits combining with shades of peat moss and forest floor on the nose. The palate is soft showing off its great sense of mouthfeel. A beautiful tension races through the core of red fruits with shades of black truffle shavings, tobacco leaf and damp earthy tones on the palate. Fantastic and expressive in its vibrant youth, the 2018 ‘House Block’ will enjoy another fifteen years ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 93

2017 Goodfellow ‘Block Eleven’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Block Eleven’ is sourced from the ‘Fir Crest Vineyard’ in the south-western end of the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Sour red fruits meld with shades of nutmeg and blood orange zest and earthy accents on the nose. The palate has great freshness and verve with a veil of tension that runs through ripe pomegrnate, strawberry and Yakima cherry flavors with shades of peat moss and white truffle crudo playing second fiddle. Fantastic in its vibrant youth, the 2017 ‘Block Eleven’ Pinot Noir will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 20200-2035- 93

2017 Goodfellow ‘Temperance Hill’ Pinot Noir- One of the acclaimed sites in the Eola-Amity Hills, the ‘Temperance Hill Vineyard’ has a major maritime influence as Pinot Noir vines were first planted back in 1994. Right away the earthy tones grab your attention, with pretty rose water and red raspberry cordial tones combining on the nose. The palate is silky smooth, showing great weight, tension and a seamless factor. Pretty red fruits dance with the peat moss and damp earth tones, with orange rind accents on the palate. The sense of salinity and wonderful mouth-watering acidity adds to the drinking experience. With great elegance, length and verve, this is a masterpiece by Marcus Goodfellow that will have a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2017 Goodfellow ‘Heritage No. 10’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from the Whistling Ridge Vineyard the ‘Heritage No. 10’ is made of two puncheons from this block in their estate vineyard. Elegant and soft, showing a vibrant acidity and wonderful mouthfeel, the wine slowly unveils layers of cran-cherry, pipe tobacco, crushed mint, damp moss and orange zest, with Umami tones also humming away. Bright and seamless, this gratifying new wine will have a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 93

2017 Goodfellow ‘Heritage No. 12’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Heritage No. 12’ is a barrel selection wine from the top of the Whistling Ridge Vineyard. On the nose this takes on shades of blood orange zest and peat moss that combine with wild blackberry and cedar that all take shape in the glass. The palate is soft and elegant, with a wonderful sense of texture. Layers of bright red fruits dance with minerals, citrus rind, wild mushroom and damp earth and stony tones on the palate. With a light dusting of sanity and seriously good length, the outstanding ‘Heritage No. 12’ Pinot Noir will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2020-2035- 93

Dowsett Family Wines

An outstanding winemaker producing a killer range of wines, Chris Dowsett was a mere 15 years old when his family purchased an older vineyard in Oregon. Chris spent several years tending to the grapes and helping in the family winery, and decided to enroll in the horticulture program at Oregon State University. He also studied wine science at Roseworthy College in South Australia as part of a one-year exchange.

Post-graduation, Chris headed to Napa and Sonoma to work in both Viticulture and Enology. After five years in California, he decided it was time to bring that experience back home, to the Pacific Northwest. In 1996, Chris arrived with his young family in Walla Walla, Washington to take over as the assistant winemaker at Canoe Ridge Winery. Five years later, he became the winemaker at Latitude 46N. Chris moved on to make wines at the Artifex custom crush facility in Walla Walla, and that is where Dowsett Family Winery began in 2007, with the production of 300 initial cases. Chris currently makes Dowsett Family wines at Buty Winery.

The new wines by Dosett Family were really good across the board. Chris makes a brilliant new Pinot Noir, his 2016 Dowsett Family ‘Beckline Vineyards’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 92) has wonderful richness and earthy tones from the 100% Pommard clone. For something different look to the sensational 2017 Dowsett Family ‘Celilo Vineyard’ Gewurtztraminer (WWB, 92) which is vibrant and mineral-driven, showing great length and tension. Learn more about these exciting wines at https://dowsettwines.com Here are the great new releases by Dowsett Family.

2019 Dowsett Family ‘Georgia’ Rose- Sourced from the Becklin Vineyard, this Pinot Noir Rose shows pretty watermelon and rose water tones alongside shades of ripe cantaloupe on this expressive nose. The palate has good astringency with mouth-watering acidity. Lighter red fruits dance with minerals and lighter damp earthy undertones on the palate. Drink 2020-2023- 89

2016 Dowsett Family ‘Becklin Vineyards’ Pinot Noir- This 100% Pommard Clone Pinot Noir shows lovely ripe red cherry with raspberry coulis and shades of cinnamon, clove and damp earth tones that take shape in the glass. The texture is soft and generous, unveiling layers of red and dark fruits that meld with the lovely citrus rind and peat moss tones on the palate. This is truly outstanding stuff that will cellar well for at least another ten years. . . but why wait? Drink 2020-2030- 92

2018 Dowsett Family ‘Columbia Gorge’ Gewurtztraminer- The 2018 ‘Columbia Gorge’ Gewurtztraminer shows pretty lychee and petrol tones that mingle with the green apple accents on this expressive nose. The palate has good freshness with just a kiss of sweetness and a soft texture with ripe cantaloupe and lychee flavors. This is seriously good stuff that is a steal at a mere sixteen dollars. Drink 2020-2025- 90

2017 Dowsett Family ‘Celilo Vineyard’ Gewurtztraminer- Sourced from this famed vineyard that is typically known for Chardonnay, the 2017 ‘Celilo Vineyard’ Gewurtztraminer opens with nutmeg infused Challah bread, ripe pear and suggestions of damp stone and petrol that take shape in the glass. The palate unveils a vibrant minerality and wonderful length with an expansive attack filled with mouth-watering acidity. This is novel and up there with the best you will find in Washington, as this has some potential to age, picking up tertiary tones as it progresses. Drink 2020-2027- 92

2017 Dowsett family ‘Aunt Diane’s Vineyard’ Riesling- The green apple aromatics alongside damp earth and wet stone really frame the nose nicely. Juicy and vibrant, this Trocken style Riesling has an incredible sense of minerality with lovely Granny Smith apple and unripe kiwi flavors that mingle with the copious minerals. This is serious stuff for Riesling geeks — not designed for the weary. Drink 2020-2027- 93

VIADER

I love Napa with restraint and outstanding terror. A famed Napa winery, VIADER is the brainchild of Delia Viader, who took the leap of faith years ago to plant grapes in uncharted waters in Napa Valley. For years Delia only made one wine, a Bordeaux style blend, since 1986. Holding a PhD from Sorbonne University in Paris, founding winemaker Delia Viader now collaborates with her son, Alan, to make their wines which are entirely sourced from their estate vineyard on Howell Mountain. A remarkable story, Delia stated Viader while raising four children on her own. Since starting the winery she was met with some incredible critical acclaim for her pretty style of wine that typically incorporates a large amount of Cabernet Franc.

Delia has achieved incredible success since starting in the mid-80s as she models her style of wine towards the great wines of Bordeaux, focusing on balance rather than primary fruit qualities. I have been enchanted with these wines and have been fortunate enough to try many going back to the 1990s. Delia’s son, Alan, served as VIADER vineyard manager since 2002 while studying winemaking at UC Davis. He has been lead winemaker at VIADER since 2006 and works with Delia on all wines. 

I have been impressed with their newer wine in their collection, the VIADER ‘Black Label’ Red Wine, which has Syrah blend into Bordeaux varietals.The new 2017 VIADER ‘Black Label’ Red Wine (WWB, 94), is more approachable with its rich dark fruits from the Syrah blended in. I love this wine in its youth after a long decant. Just as good is the 2017 VIADER Red Wine (WWB, 94) which is highly nuanced and shows wonderful elegance and verve. Give this beauty a few more years to evolve in the cellar. Learn more about this storied Napa winery at https://viader.com Here are the beautiful new wines by VIADER.

2017 VIADER Red Wine- A blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Cabernet Franc, the wine is sourced from this famed site high above the Napa floor at 1200 feet. Needing a two hour decant, over time the nose impresses with damp soil and pretty red rose petals that combine with the core of dark fruits and chocolate undertones. The pillowy texture really entices as this elegant wine shows off a silky sense of mouthfeel. Layers of black currants and blackberry compote combine with espresso bean and tar tones with violets on the palate. Showing really good length and tension, this beautiful wine has many years to go in the cellar. Try to resist this beautiful wine for at least two more years. Drink 2020-2040- 94

2017 VIADER ‘Black Label’ Red Wine- The ‘Black Label’ red wine is a limited production bottling made from 56% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Syrah with small portions Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Needing a one hour decant to fully evolve, the wine begins to slowly unveil baking spices and mocha tones that combine with shades of potpourri and kirsch tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate shows great structure and lovely tension with a great combination of red and dark fruits that meld with minerals, smoke and earthy undertones. More open and approachable than the VIADER Red Wine, the 2017 ‘Black Label’ is every bit as good and will cellar well for another fifteen plus years. Drink 2020-2035- 94

Veuve Clicquot

As you walk down the aisle of your favorite wine shop or grocery store, it is hard to miss the Champagne in the yellow label. Veuve Clicquot is one of the world’s iconic Champagne houses that has a brilliant history. Founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot, the winery is one of the largest Champagne houses in the region. Madame Clicquot is considered to be an iconic heiress in wine and was truly one of the most famous persons in the world of wine. She was the revolutionary mind behind creating the first vintage Champagne in 1810 and also invented the riddling process which made it possible to clarify Champagne. Finally Madame Clicquot created what is known as the first Rose Champagne in 1818. She is also credited by making Champagne the choice for the European nobility. There is good reason why Madame Clicquot is honored by the ‘La Grand Dame’ Champagne, which is the tete de cuvee that Vevue Clicquot only makes in the best vintages (most recently 2006, 2008 and recently released 2012).

In 1986 Veuve Clicquot was purchased by the LVMH group (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy) — truly one of the world powers of Champagne. If you’re sipping a glass of Champagne, chances are it is comes from LVMH. While only 1% of the world’s wine is Champagne, 2017 LVMH amassed profits of €42.6 billion in 2017, an increase of 13% over the previous year. That a ton of Champagne sold. LVMH owns Moet & Chandon, Veuve Clicot and Dom Perignon, and many other storied houses in Champagne.

At the helm is Cellar Master Dominique Demarville who has now crafted his first ‘La Grand Dame’ bottling which is a total revelation. He has also created a gorgeous new Rose wine, the NV Veuve Clicquot Rose Champagne (WWB, 92) which has seriously good range for the price. I was completely blown away with the 2008 Veuve Clicquot ‘La Grand Dame’ Champagne (WWB, 95) which has massive tension and an incredible sense of mouthfeel. Learn more at https://www.veuveclicquot.com/en-int Here are my recent reviews of the beautiful new Champagnes by Veuve Clicquot.

NV Veuve Clicquot ‘Brut’ Champagne- The iconic ‘yellow label’ Veuve Cicquot is showing it is great degree of freshness and citrus zest tones right out of the gate. Lithe and polished, enjoy this elegant style, with a great underlying tension and light salinity, over the next several years. No reason to cellar this, as the ‘Brut’ Champagne makes for an awesome aperitif.  Drink 2020-2025- 90

NV Veuve Clicquot Rose Champagne- The  Veuve Clicquot Rose Champagne is a sensational new wine from this storied Champagne house. Recently disgorged, this shows off lighter musty aromatics that collide with the intense bright fruits and gooseberry aromas that all take shape in the glass. The palate shows a surprising level of richness as the texture impresses once on the mouth. Lively flavors reminiscent of Bosc pear, cran-cherry, salted Marcona almond and suggestions of marzipan all meld together on the palate. The sense of salinity here is brilliant. Beautiful in its youth, this classy new Rose Champagne will cellar well over the next seven years. Drink-2020-2027- 92

2008 Veuve Clicquot ‘La Grand Dame’ Brut Chamagne- The 2008 La Grande Dame is an absolute revelation. This is Cellar Master Dominique Demarville first vintage of La Grande Dame, and he has crafted a blend with 92% Pinot Noir – the highest percentage ever in Veuve Clicquot’s history. As this spectacular Champagne slowly unwinds, it begins to display deep diatomaceous earth tones that marvelously mingle with lemon oil and hazelnut aromatics that all are woven together in the glass. At this stage it is tightly wound, yet possesses a rich and highly satisfying mouthfeel that is beautifully defined and shows shades of roasted pineapple, Japanese pear, kumquat, salted praline with suggestions of freshly baked sourdough bread that persist throughout. This is a truly fantastic vintage for La Grande Dame, however it seems as if it still going to require a few more years of bottle age before it reaches its optimal drinking window. Drink 2020-2038- 95