Lange

I love Pacific Northwest wineries with great history. One of the great historic Oregon wineries set in the Dundee Hills, Lange Estate was founded by Wendy and Don Lange in 1987. Their son, Jesse has a longstanding history in the wine industry and began helping his parents as a small child. Jesse’s formal winemaking training occurred at New Zealand’s Lincoln University while on a student exchange scholarship from Oregon State in 1999. Jesse then spent two years as cellar rat for winemaker Bruce McGuire at Santa Barbara Winery prior to coming back to his family winery. He joined the winemaking team in 2004 and now serves on the board of the Willamette Valley Wineries Association. In 2018 I had the chance to visit the new tasting hall at Lange which has sweeping views of the valley. It is really a sight to be seen!

I have been really impressed with the overall quality coming from Lange. I loved the 2019 Lange Rose (OB, 90) which is fresh and vibrant that is perfect for when weather warms up a bit. The 2019 Lange ‘Reserve’ Pinot Gris (OB, 92) shows what potential this varietal can have, with a silky texture and really good range. Just as good was the gorgeous 2018 Lange ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir (OB, 92) which combines mouthfeel, verve and even cola tones. This is big and rich Oregon Pinot Learn more about this outstanding Oregon winery at https://www.langewinery.com/ Here are the great new wines by Lange Estate

2019 Lange Rose- Sourced from Dundee Hills Pinot Noir, the Lange Rose shows vibrant red fruit with a lovely citrus zest edge, with copious minerals. While this comes of a bit lean and linear, the lighter texture add to the enjoyment. Drink 2020-2024- 90

2019 Lange ‘Classique’ Pinot Gris-The 2019 ‘Classique’ Pinot Gris opens with hints of ripe pear and nectarine rind with wet stone and kiwi accents that round out then nose. The palate is well-structured with lovely minerals that mingle with gooseberry, pear and cantaloupe flavors. Bright and showing a great vein of tension, this beautiful wine is best enjoyed in the short-term. Drink 2020-2024- 90

2019 Lange ‘Reserve’ Pinot Gris- An awesome new bottling, the 2019 ‘Reserve’ Pinot Gris by Jesse Lange shows off a wonderful viscosity with bright pear and green apple flavors that meld with shades of nutmeg infused sourdough bread and lighter lemon zest tones. The range here imparted is seriously good. While delightful in its youth, the 2019 ‘Reserve’ Pinot Gris will provide drinking enjoyment over the next seven plus years, picking up earthy tones as it ages. Drink 2020-2027- 92

2019 Lange ‘Classique’ Chardonnay- the 2019 ‘Classique’ shows light pear and baking spice tones on the nose. The palate delivers a superb sense of minerality, with silky pear, kiwi and green apple flavors, with lighter damp earthy tones. This is an exceedingly good value that will be best consumed in its youth while the vibrant structure remains intact. Drink 2020-2025- 90

2018 Lange ‘Classique’ Pinot Noir-The 2018 ‘Classique’ shows nice freshness and verve, delivering medium-bodied red fruit and forest floor flavors with a silky texture. With its bright acidity and juicy fruits with orange rind accents, this is delicious stuff to enjoy in the short-term. Drink 2020-2025- 90

2018 Lange ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir is an awesome new bottling by the talented Jesse Lange. Hints of cola come together with the Mandarin orange zest and bright red fruits on the bouquet. The combination of bright red fruits, racy acidity and silky texture all entice on the palate. Seriously good in its youth, I can see this beautiful wine cellaring well for a decade or more. Drink 2020-2030- 92

Frank Family Vineyards ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir Retrospective

I think some of us somehow forget how great Pinot Noir from the Napa Valley can be. Sure, it is easy to overlook this varietal in a place where Cab is the resounding force, but I have been really impressed with Pinot Noir particularly in the cooler sites throughout this region. Frank Family has been around for nearly 30 years. As the former President of Disney Studios, Rich Frank traveled extensively across the globe, trying the great wines of the world. Over time he knew that Napa Valley was the perfect setting to start a winery. Leslie Frank also had an incredibly successful career, spending more than 25 years covering news stories, and the last nine years of her TV news career reporting and anchoring at the number-one-rated station, KABC in Los Angeles. Rich and Leslie manage everything from vineyard purchases, to sales and marketing. 

Superstar winemaker Todd Graff first stated with Frank Family in 2003. I loved his wines across the board as he has really earned a fantastic reputation for his Chardonnay wines over the years but he also makes a sensational Pinot Noir. While their entry level Pinot is fantastic, their crown jewel, the ‘Reserve’ is sourced from the Lewis Vineyard which is located in Carneros in close proximity to San Pablo Bay. This wine is aged for ten months in 50% new French oak which integrates so well with the fruit. I adored the new 2018 Frank Family ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which is fresh and vibrant with a wonderful rich mouthfeel. The 2015 ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) shows what a little bottle age will do. This wine is dense, showing now really good earthy tones but carries the wonderful cola and bright red fruits. Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://www.frankfamilyvineyards.com/ Here are my tasting notes on the ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir wines by Frank Family. 

2015 Frank Family Vineyards ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The 2015 Frank Family Vineyards ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir is at a perfect place right now. Still incredibly youthful, this shows a really good range of red fruits with cola tones and wild mushroom on this evocative bouquet. The palate is fresh and has a wonderful feel of fatness, with a silky texture. Layers of pomegranate seed and cherry cola collide with minerals, damp earth and shades of black truffle shavings on the palate. This is sinfully good stuff right now that will cellar well for another decade or more.  Drink 2021-2031- 94

2018 Frank Family Vineyards ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir- Every bit outstanding, the 2018 ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir is a glorious new wine by Todd Graff. Once on the nose tones of red rose petal and red raspberry are woven together with smoke, cran-pomegrante and shades of dusty terroir. The palate is rich and viscous, with a great veil of tension. Ripe Yakima cherry flavors combine with baking spices, minerals and cran-orange flavors with light damp earthy tones. This finishes very long. Great to savor in its bright phase now, the 2018 ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir will be long-lived. Drink 2021-2033- 93

Lytle-Barnett

One exciting new sparkling house out of Oregon, Lytle-Barnett has impressed with their recent releases that saw extended aging. I love the concept of waiting several vintages to release bubbles. Lytle-Barnett utilizes talent across the globe as they have commissioned Pregon’s iconic winemaker, Andrew Davis, as well as South Africa’s sparkling winemaker Pieter Ferreirain making their méthode champenoise wines. 

It is expensive to make Oregon Sparkling Wine and these wines aren’t cheap at $75.00 retail. I will say that I was massively impressed with the new lineup of wines, having never tried these. I hadn’t viewed the website until I wrote my review and I saw that a colleague reviewed these similarly, which is good inter-rater reliability that the wines are seriously good. Look to the 2014 Lyle-Barnett ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 92) which has really good polish, finesse and weight. This beauty will cellar well for at least another decade. Learn more at https://lytle-barnett.com/ Here are my reviews of the great new Lytle-Barnett wines. 

2014 Lytle-Barnett ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The 2014 ‘Brut’ is a seriously good effort from a vintage that was hard to making sparkling wines in Oregon. feeling of weight and tension is really good here despite the obvious warmth of the vintage. Meyer lemon zest laced brioche and porcini mushroom and forest floor tones combine with the silky mousse, giving this an err of elegance. This is seriously good in its youth, as this has some good aging potential. Drink 2020-2030- 92

2015 Lytle-Barnett ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- The 2015 ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine is a great new release from this new winery. Bright lemon rind and sourdough bread tones connect with hints of baking spices with green apple tones all fill the nose. The palate is bright and this wine is highly linear with citrus zest and Japanese pear flavors with salty undertones. Drink 2020-2028- 90

2013 Lytle-Barnett ‘Blanc de Noir’ Sparkling Wine- Sourced from this challenge vintage in Oregon, this shows nice weight with ripe peach and Pink Lady apple flavors alongside Challah bread and wild mushroom on the palate. This is really good stuff that is already showing good earthy tones, as the 2013 ‘Blanc de Noir’ will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 92

2013 Lytle-Barnett ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine- Fresh, vibrant and energetic, the 2013 ‘Brut Rose’ shows sour red fruit aromatics that dance wit kumquat zest and cinnamon sticks that all take shape in the glass. The palate is fresh and shows really good finesse, with layers of cranberry and guava alongside green apple and peat moss flavors. Complex and delightful to savor in its youth, this great new Rose will cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2020-2030- 92

Foxen

I love family wineries that exude class. Foxen is one of the outstanding producers in Santa Barbara. Set in the rolling hills, if you have never visited Foxen, you are in for a treat. Foxen has two distinct lines of wines – one that focuses on Bordeaux style wines and another that produces Burgundian styles, along with an some gorgeous single vineyard Syrah. Sideways decided to film one of their big scenes here but even after that exposure Foxen remains one of the hidden gems of the valley. 

I first tasted here in 2003 and has been immensely impressed with the overall quality of wines since that time. Foxen has gained a national reputation for world class Pinot Noir but their Bordeaux wines are also very impressive. I adored the 2018 Foxen ‘Bien Nacido Vineyard Block UU’ Chardonnay (OB, 94) which is dense and beautifully textured with amazing range. . Even better was the scintillating 2014 Foxen Block 8 Bien Nacido Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which is a true heavy hitter of a wine, that shows inanely good range and gorgeous charcuterie notes. Learn more about these outstanding wines at http://www.foxenvineyard.com/ Here are some of the fantastic new release wines from Foxen.

2018 Foxen ‘Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard’ Chenin Blanc- Always a novel wine for the region, the 2018 ‘Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard’ Chenin Blanc shows Juicy Fruit gum and cantaloupe flavors that mingle with minerals, salted cashew nuts and a silky texture. This finishes long. Great to enjoy right now, this will cellar well over the next five to seven years. Drink 2020-2027- 92

2019 Foxen ‘Tinaquaic Vineyard 5 Rows’ Chardonnay- Bright pear and green apple tones alongside white florals and salted Marcona almond tones all impress on the nose. The palate is soft, with a pillowy texture. Great acidity and rich nectarine and Pink Lady apple flavors are woven together with grassy and melon undertones. Drink 2020-2027- 92

2018 Foxen ‘Bien Nacido Vineyard Block UU’ Chardonnay- The terroir here is undeniable as one whiff and you’ll grab a wonderfully salty ocean breeze. Ripe peaches and Japanese pear tones are woven together with minerals, salty terroir, banana and salted Macadamia nut on the palate. The unctuous texture and wonderful length add to the enjoyment, as the 2018 ‘UU Block’ is an utterly sensational wine with some good aging potential. Drink 2020-2030- 94

2018 Foxen ‘Santa Maria Valley’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 Foxen ‘Santa Maria Valley’ Pinot Noir is a killer entry level bottling from this famed house. Once on the nose this shows pretty red florals woven together with tobacco leaf, Bing cherry and salted charcuterie tones that all meld in the glass. The palate is silky smooth, with an amazing combination of texture and verve. Guava and red cherry candy mingle with shades of pomegranate seed and orange rind with baking spices on the palate. Gorgeous in its youth, this beautiful wine has at least a decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2017 Foxen ‘Block 8 Bien Nacido Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from this famed site in the Santa Maria Valley, the ‘Block 8’ was used in 3 and 4 year old oak barrels before bottling. Wonderfully salty terroir immediately creates its impact on the nose alongside ripe strawberry and wintergreen tones that march in union. The palate is seamless and silky smooth. Ripe red fruit flavors collide with minerals and salty undertones, with exceedingly good length. Juicy and downright delicious to savor in its youth this beautiful wine will cellar well for the next fifteen years. Drink 2020-2033- 95

2017 Foxen ‘John Sebastiano Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Fabulous, flamboyant and downright sexy, the 2017 ‘John Sebastiano Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is a crazy good effort by the talented Foxen winemaking team. Immediately you are drawn to the cranberry and pomegranate seed tones that mingle with fennel and baking spices and salted meats that show seriously good aromatic range. The palate is silky and elegant, with a wonderful feeling of weightlessness. Ripe red currants, wild strawberry and red cherry candy flavors mingle with minerals and salty undertones. Complex and delicious to enjoy now, this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2020-2033- 95

2017 Foxen ‘Cuvee Jeanne Marie’ Red Wine- The 2017 ‘Cuvee Jeanne Marie’ is a unique blend of 70% Grenache with 30% Mourvedre that was sourced from the Williamson-Dore Vineyard. Smoky tones mingle with white pepper, lavender, Hoisin sauce and rich dark fruits with chocolate undertones on this complex bouquet. The palate is soft and round with a terrific mouthfeel and texture. Bright red and dark fruits collide with smoked brisket, bacon fat and creme de violette. This is gorgeous to enjoy now and will cellar well for at least another ten years. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2018 Foxen ‘Tinaquaic Vineyard’ Syrah- Sourced from this older, dry-farmed site in the Santa Maria Valley, the 2018 ‘Tinaquaic Vineyard’ Syrah shows smoked meats and lavender tones on the nose alongside blackberry compote and creosote. The palate is soft and elegant with a pillowy mouthfeel. A deep core of dark fruits mingle with milk chocolate, garrigue and smoky tones on the palate. Gorgeous to enjoy in its youth, this has at least another decade ahead of it. Drink 2020-2032- 93

2017 Foxen ‘Tinaquaic Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc- The herbal tones provide plenty of allure here, with boysenberry tones alongside bell pepper and dried sage on this beautiful nose. The palate is soft, round and generous. Layers of dark fruits mingle with coffee grounds and the beautiful herbal tones of the wine. This finishes very long. Gorgeous in its youth, this will cellar well over the next decade or more. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2017 Foxen 7200 ‘Los Poteros’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 ‘Los Poteros’ Cabernet Sauvignon is ripe and generous once on the mouth. Layers of blackberry compote, espresso bean, black tea and exotic spices all impress on the palate. Sensational already at the three year mark, this will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2032- 92

Figgins Red Wine Vertical Tasting

Today it is my pleasure to share one of the storied houses in Washington, based in Walla Walla. Figgins is magic project formed by Walla Walla native, Chris Figgins — truly one of the great talents of the Pacific Northwest. What was originally a wheat farm, the 32 acre Figgins Estate Vineyard was first planted in 2004 and plays host to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Originally Figgins Estate only made two wines each year, a Riesling and a Red Blend and more recently they have started to produce a wine made of Merlot and Petit Verdot, their ‘Figlia’ which is a beautiful tribute to Chris’s two daughters. 

The Figgins Red Wine is always a proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. It is a wine of serious cellaring potential akin to the Leonetti wines that Chris has been so famous for. The Figgins Estate Vineyard. Itself is a sight to be seen. It is a majestic property that has sweeping views of the the Walla Walla Valley. Set at 1750 feet this great vineyard experiences massive diurnal shifts. The first vintage of the Figgins Red Wine was 2008 and I have recently had the great opportunity to revisit these special wines. I was not surprised how consistently great they were.

Considering the challenges faced in 2011, the 2011 Figgins Red. Wine (OB, 92) is silky with really great aromatic flavor range. This is a massive success. I was blown away with the 2014 Figgins Red Wine (OB, 94) which is dense and massive but has incredible structure and poise.  Similarly, the 2015 Figgins Red Wine (OB, 94) is one of the great wines out of Walla Walla this vintage. This beautiful wine is only now coming into its own. Learn more about these incredible wines at http://www.figginswine.com Here are my notes from vintages 2011-2015 for the Figgins Red Wine. 

2011 FIGGINS Red Wine- The 2011 FIGGINS Red Wine is taken from this cooler vintage in the Walla Walla Valley. A blend of roughly two thirds Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Merlot and a touch of Petit Verdot, this shows nice herbal tones with sagebrush and red bell pepper alongside anise and dark currants that all meld in the glass. The palate is soft and elegant with a beautiful acidity. Medium bodied dark fruits meld with shades of cocoa powder, graphite, herbal tones and tar on the palate. Akin to the 2011 Leonetti Cabernet Sauvignon,  the 2011 FIGGINS Red Wine is really good considering the challenges faced that vintage. Drink 2020-2026- 92

2012 FIGGINS Red Wine- The 2012 FIGGINS Red Wine is a spectacular showing now at the eight year mark. This is now the second time in the past several months that I have had a chance to visit this beautiful wine. A proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot that was aged for 22 months in 70% new French oak before bottling, once on the nose this takes on beautiful dark florals that mingle with dark chocolate covered espresso bean and Black Forest Cake tones that march in unison. Every working part of this wine is in harmony right now, whether it is the light herbal tones, the gorgeous black fruits, coffee grounds and black cherry cordial. This is just gorgeous to savor right now and has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033- 94

2013 FIGGINS Red Wine-The 2013 Leonetti Cabernet Sauvignon was a revelation when I tasted it for the Decanter article this summer and provides nothing short of a thrilling joyride throughout. Taking a bit of a back seat to that wine, yet still utterly fabulous, the 2013 FIGGINS Red Wine was aged in 62% new French oak for 20 months before bottling. Black tea and exotic spices mingle with a great core of dark fruits alongside tones of creosote and graphite on the nose. The palate is soft and elegant with a silky texture. Ripe dark currants collide with coffee grounds, blackberry compote, and herbal undertones. Gorgeous now at the seven year mark, this has more than a decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033- 94

2014 FIGGINS Red Wine- It has been several years since I have visited this beautiful wine — and I am very glad that I did. The 2014 FIGGINS Red Wine is in a gorgeous spot at the six year mark. A proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, this was aged for 21 months in 61% new French oak prior to bottling. Black raspberry cordial and blackberry compote tones mingle with violets, green bell pepper and dark chocolate shavings on this beautiful bouquet. The palate has considerable weight and a great sense of verve, with a silky mouthfeel. A great veil of tension falls upon the core of dark fruit flavors with Turkish coffee, dried herbs and black licorice. With great length, this beauty is only starting to hit its stride. Be sure to give this at least an hour in the decanter if enjoying now. Drink 2020-2038- 95

2015 FIGGINS Red Wine- The 2015 FIGGINS Red Wine is a seriously good effort from what was a difficult vintage to make red wines. The whiff of green bell pepper from the Petit Verdot offers immediate impact with layers of boysenberry cobbler, Earl Great tea and espressos bean all rounding out this great bouquet. The palate is fresh and layered with great viscosity and tension. Rich dark fruits collide with chocolate covered espresso bean, dark florals and creme de cassis flavors with graphite undertones. This is seriously good stuff that is really singing now and will provide drinking enjoyment for the next fifteen years. Drink 2020-2035- 94

Melka Estates

A sensational boutique winery out of Napa, Melka Estates relies on the talents of Philippe and Cherie Melka. Melka Estates is a limited production winery that sources from some exciting new vineyards including La Mekerra in Sonoma and Jumping Goat in Napa Valley. The wines show incredible richness and terroir as they are sourced from warm vintages and stay true to their respective. A remarkable winemaking and consulting talent, Philippe Melka is a Bordeaux native that has a master’s degree in enology. He has a long resume, with previous stops at Château Haut Brion, as well as Dominus Estate and various stops in Australia and even Chateau Petrus. He has been in Napa on a full time basis since 1994 and has served as consulting winemaker at some of the great wineries in Napa, Sonoma and Washington State. Philippe is truly one of the great consulting winemakers in the world. Philippe partners with his wife, Cherie, to craft the Melka Estate wines. She also has a highly impressive resume with previous stops at BV and Silver Oak prior to starting Melka Wines. She handles all business decisions for Melka as well as helps with the blending. 

The Melkas have crafted some new releases that were simply marvelous, coming from the warm, 2015 vintage in Napa and Sonoma. One of the great Merlots in California from the Knight’s Valley, the 2017 Melka Estates ‘Mekerra La Mekerra Vineyard’ Merlot (OB, 96) has insanely good dark fruits and a silky smooth texture. This memorable wine will cellar well for the next two decades. I was absolutely blown away with the 2016 Melka Estates ‘Metisse’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 96) which is intense and massive, having another two decades of aging potential. This winery is quite simply on a roll. Learn more at https://www.melkaestates.com Here are my reviews of the new Melka Estates wines. 

2017 Melka Estates ‘CJ’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 ‘CJ’ is a great blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller parts Merlot, Petit. Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Gorgeous dark florals mingle with allspice, black licorice and tones of Turkish coffee on this beautiful bouquet. The palate shows great acidity with layers of dark fruits that mingle with coffee ground and scorched earth tones. The ‘CJ’ is really great in its youth and has another decade or more to go. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2017 Melka Estates ‘Mekerra La Mekerra Vineyard’ Red Wine- The ‘Mekerra’ red wine was sourced from the Knight’s Valley and spent 22 months in French oak (60% new) prior to bottling. This opens with a deep core of dark firm tannins holding everything together neatly. Ripe figs and dark currants come to mind, with espresso bean and loamy soils rounding everything out. Gorgeous now, this has many years in the cellar to go. Be sure to give this a two hour decant if enjoying in its youth. Drink 2020-2035- 96

2017 Melka Estates ‘Metisse Jumping Goat Vineyard’ Red Wine- Cherie and Philippe Melka has sourced this outstanding new bottling from the ‘Jumping Goat Vineyard’ as this blends nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon (92%) with the remainder Petit Verdot. Right away the deep floral aromatics catch your attention with mocha, tar and dusty soils that all take shape in the glass. The palate is deep and layered with a silky texture. Ripe black cherry and creme de cassis tones collide with minerals, creosote and pipe tobacco on the palate. Really good even so young this beautiful wine could use another two years in the bottle for everything to fully establish. Drink 2022-2040- 96

2018 Melka Estates ‘Majestique’ Syrah- Cherie and Phillipe Melka has now been sourcing from the ‘Paderewski Vineyard’ for several years. This wine is quite simply Paso Robles at its finest. Inky and deep once in the glass, this takes on chocolate cake tones alongside tar and black licorice with black olive tapenade tones rounding out this evocative nose. The palate is deep, intense and downright delicious. Not only quite massive, but the err of freshness with a light salinity imparted is really impressive. Deep dark currants and black cherry cordial mingle with coffee ground flavors on the palate. Utterly sensational in its youth, this has another fifteen years of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033-  96

Fullerton

A great boutique winery out of Oregon, Fullerton was founded in 2012 by Eric and Susanne Fullerton. Head winemaker Alex Fullerton heads the 4500 case production winery, crafting Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  Alex has previously worked as Penner-Ash, as well as Drylands in New Zealand. He began making his own wine out of his garage in 2011. The tasting room is located in Northwest Portland.

I think that the latest edition of releases might be the best from them. These collectible wines were sensational across the board. The 2018 Fullerton ‘Montazi Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) beautifully showcases this great site. The salty terroir and mouth-watering acidity is really fantastic. Loved the 2018 Fullerton ‘Fir Crest Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which has awesome finesse nd range, from red and black fruits to pine needles. Learn more about these awesome new wines at http://www.fullertonwines.com Here are the great new releases from Fullerton Wines:

2018 Fullerton ‘Momtazi Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- One of the unique sites in the Willamette Valley, the ‘Momtazi Vineyard’ was planted on two separate soil types by Oregon legend Mo Momtazi. The 2018 edition of this wine shows great aromatic range from red florals to red currants and salty soils alongside orange rind and peat moss tones that all sing in unison. The palate is full of mouth-watering acidity, leading to bright red fruits that dance with forest floor and orange rind tones, with firm tannins holding everything in place. The long finish adds to the enjoyment as the beautiful 2018 ‘Momtazi Vineyard’ Pinot Noir will cellar well for the next fifteen years. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2018 Fullerton ‘Fir Crest Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Nestled in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, the ‘Fir Crest Vineyard’ has old vine Pinot Noir (clone 115 and Pommard) that is set on Willakenie soils. The dark fruit profile on the nose entices with wild blackberry and huckleberry alongside peat moss and shades of dark truffle crudo. The palate is beautifully balanced with bright acidity and a silky mouthfeel. Your mouth literally waters as you taste through the core of dark fruit flavors alongside minerals, smoke, pine needles and shades of cloves. Great to enjoy in its youth, the 2018 ‘Fir Crest Vineyard’ Pinot Noir will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2020-2035- 93

2018 Fullerton ‘Lichtenwalter Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Lichtenwalter Vineyard’ is a south-facing site located in the Ribbon Ridge AVA. Bright red fruits and violet tones combine with shades of baking spices and blood orange rind on the nose. The palate is soft and generous with its pillowy texture. Red currants and red raspberry tones combine with baking spices, peat moss and shades of wild mushroom on the palate. Great to enjoy now, this has the structure and weight to cellar well for another decade or more. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2018 Fullerton ‘Bella Vida Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Locared in the Dundee Hills AVA, the ‘Bella Vida Vineyard’ is planted to clones 113, 667 and 777, set on volcanic soils. Once on the nose this takes on a wonderful whiff of volcanic earth, with white pepper, red currants, orange rind and red cherry candy tones alongside damp earth on this complex bouquet. The palate is fresh and elegant with a soft mouthfeel. Pretty red fruits dance with citrus rind, damp earth and shades of white truffle with pie crust tones on the palate. Gorgeous in its youth, this will provide drinking enjoyment for at least another ten years. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2018 Fullerton ‘Brutus’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Brutus’ is a limited production (70 cases) production of Pommard. Clone wine from the ‘Fir Crest Vineyard.’ The wine does come off quite big once on the mouth, with its rich texture. Layers of boysenberry preserves, cigar ash, black tea and exotic spices all fill the palate, with orange rind and pine needle flavors all providing intrigue. Despite the large amount of whole cluster fermentation (75%), this is already quite beautifully evolved now. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2018 Fullerton ‘Bjornson Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- I’ll admit that this is my first soiree into this vineyard which is located in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. The nose is super high-toned with red rose petals and shades of orange blossom that combine with the core of red fruits. The palate is refined and elegant with pretty red fruits that dance with blood orange zest, peat moss and baking spices. Nicely textured, this has the length and acidity to last for at least another ten years. Drink 2020-2030- 92

2018 Fullerton ‘Arborbrook Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Arborbrook Vineyard’ is set in the Chehalem Mountains AVA, as this wine utilizes clones 115, 667, 777, Pommard and Coury. The palate is fresh and refined with a silky texture. Bright orange zest and cigar box tones collide with Bing cherry, pomegranate seed, peat moss and firm tannins that hold everything together. The length of the wine is pretty appealing. Glorious to enjoy in its youth, the 2018 ‘Arborbrook Vineyard’ Pinot Noir will cellar well over the next decade or more. Drink 2020-2030- 92

2018 Fullerton ‘Croft Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Croft Vineyard’ Pinot Noir utilizes clones 115, 777, Pommard and Wadenswil, as this site is known for the maritime effect coming from cool Pacific breezes. Fresh and vibrant, this has a terrific veil of tension that races through the core of the wine. Black raspberry and wild blackberry tones mingle with minerals, smoky undertones and shades of peat moss on the palate. Fabulous to savor now, this will cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2020-2033- 93

Avennia

As I sit down and write this, I have finished a busy day at my clinical practice and have tasted two wines, both from Avennia. We are living in a tragic world where thousands of Americans are dying from Covid-19 each day but I refuse to not continue to write about the great wines of the world and in our Pacific Northwest region.

Tasting these wines show what an incredible life we have to live. They’re living examples of something beautiful and pure. I just wrote about Avennia a few months ago, but these new wines were so good I simply had to immediately share my thoughts with you all.

One of the consistently great houses in Washington, Avennia has been producing great wines for now nearly a decade. A partnership between former Microsoft executive Marty Taucher and superstar winemaker Chris Peterson, Avennia focuses on high quality Rhone and Bordeaux style wines. One of the state’s great winemakers, Chris Peterson was formerly DeLille Cellars winemaker for many years prior to starting Avennia. I had the great chance to sit down with him for Instagram Live this summer. Articulate and highly intelligent, Chris has a very polished style to his winemaking that combines new world richness with old world poise and aging potential.

I absolutely adored his 2018 Avennia ‘Gravura’ Red Wine (OB, 93) which is impeccably balanced and might just be the best edition of this fabulous value red wine. Even better is one of the best wines I have tasted by Avennia, their thrilling 2018 ‘Champoux Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc (OB, 96) which shows everything you want in this varietal, whether it is the herbal tones or the rich range of fruits, I was absolutely floored what Chris Peterson has accomplished with this wine. Learn more about these special wines at avennia.com Here are my reviews of the two new Avennia wines. 

2018 Avennia ‘Gravura’ Red Wine- I fondly recall when I first tried this wine. I had finished a long day at my practice and was sitting at the bar at El Gaucho Seattle in Belltown (sadly I won’t ever have this chance again as they have recently moved), I received a recommendation from one of their bartenders, who mentioned a new winery with Chris Peterson as winemaker. Fast forward more than eight years, I now sit with the 2018 edition of this wine. The nose is gorgeous with dark florals that collide with boysenberry cordial and smoke with herbal undertones that all march in unison. The palate is lithe and fresh with a pillowy texture that Peterson does so well. A deep core of dark fruits mingle with minerals, sagebrush and milk chocolate flavors on the palate. Seriously good now, the 2018 ‘Gravura’ will provide drinking enjoyment for another decade. Drink 2020-2030-  93

2018 Avennia ‘Champoux Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc- Sourced from a hallowed site in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, this beautiful Cabernet Franc shows dark rose petals woven together with red bell pepper, cassis and blackberry compote tones that all sing in unision. The palate is incredibly vibrant and elegant, with a seamless texture. Layers of bright red and dark fruits mingle with espresso bean and even blueberry tones on the palate. The extremely long finishes accentuates this beautiful wine that deftly walks the tightrope between balance and hedonism. Complex and sinfully good in its youth, this beautiful wine will provide drinking enjoyment for another two decades. Be sure to give this at least an hour in the decanter if enjoying in its nascent phase. Drink 2020-2040- 96

Col Solare

One of the great wine destinations in Eastern Washington, Col Solare is perched high atop Red Mountain with sweeping views of the Columbia Valley. Col Solare is a historic partnership between Chateau Ste. Michelle and the Antinori Family that began with their first vintage in 1995, as Col Solare’s mission has been to amalgamate these two distinct viticultural and winemaking backgrounds to create a fantastic Cabernet Sauvignon-based red wine from choice Red Mountain fruit. 

I have been tasting this wine since their first vintage and I have been so impressed with the consistency of the wines. Both winemaker Darell Allwine and assistant winemaker Will Wiles are truly talented and you can taste the level of dedication and commitment in the glass. Col Solare make a host of wines now from their estate, including Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot. They are now making a higher end wine ‘Tenuta’ which was just as impressive of last year’s edition.

The 2017 Col Solari ‘Tenuta’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) is big, bold and has a silky mouthfeel. This glorious and unabashedly monstrous beast will cellar well for decades to come. Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://www.colsolare.com and Here is my review of the great new Col Solare ‘Tenuta’ wine.

2017 Col Solare ‘Tenuta’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine was aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak before bottling. Needing an hour in the decanter to be fully aroused, this opens with anise and dark licorice with mocha and shades of violets that all mingle aromatically. The palate shows a silky mouthfeel with velvety tannins that frame a massive core of dark fruit flavors with espresso bean and dark chocolate undertones. Gorgeous to enjoy in its youth, this has another twenty years ahead of it. Drink 2020-2038- 95

Kerloo Cellars

Our local wineries need your help right now, and please consider supporting your favorite local wineries that have been financially impacted by the pandemic. Winemaker and owner of Kerloo Cellars Ryan Crane crafts some absolutely gorgeous wines. For my palate I feel like these wines are becoming more and more precise, as his latest lineup is really one of the best I have tasted through. Ryan now has been in the Washington wine scene a long time. He began his winemaking career at Animale Cellars in Seattle, and then later trained under Marie-Eve Gilla at Forgeron Cellars while completing his degree in Enology and Viticulture at Walla Walla Community College.

I absolutely love the 2019 SoDo Cellars ‘Deadbird’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 91) which is one of the best value Cabernet Sauvignon wines out of Washington that you will find. This one will set you back a mere 18 bucks! Ryan has one of the best handles on Washington Grenache, crafting consistently beautiful, sexy wines with finesse and outstanding aromatic and flavor range. His 2018 Kerloo Cellars ‘Upland Vineyard’ Grenache (OB, 95) is one of the great Grenache wines that I have tried over the past year. Don’t just take my word for it — try it for yourself and see the soft mouthfeel, the pretty red fruits and insanely good texture. Learn more about this great SoDo winery at www.kerloocellars.com. Here are the great new releases by the talented Ryan Crane and his Kerloo Cellars.

2019 SoDo Cellars ‘GSM’ Red Wine- A sensational value at a mere $15.00, this shows pretty red fruits that dance with red rose water and smoky undertones and light tannins bringing everything together on the palate. The purity of fruit from the Grenache (56%) is really nice. Drink 2020-2025- 90

2018 SoDo Cellars ‘Deadbird Washington State’ Cabernet Sauvignon- You would be hard-pressed to find Washington Cabernet Sauvignon this good at this price. Scorched earth with Black Forest Cake, sagebrush and coffees grounds all fill the nose. The palate is nicely textured with bright minerality and a good core of dark fruits that parade with chocolate and coffee ground flavors. Grab this beautiful wine while you can. Drink 2020-2025- 91

2018 Kerloo Cellars ‘Celilio Vineyard’ Chardonnay- For many years the ‘Celilo Vineyard’ has been one of my favorite sites for Chardonnay in Washington State. This 2018 edition of this wine is a knockout, showing pretty white peach with cantaloupe, green apple and vanilla cream on the nose. The palate has a killer combination of weight and freshness, with tremendous verve and length. A complete wine, this has both the acidity and weight to cellar well for another decade. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2018 Kerloo Cellars ‘Upland Vineyard’ Grenache- Truly one of the outstanding sites for Grenache, over the years Ryan Crane’s single vineyard bottlings from this site have helped make cement this reputation. The 2018 edition, which is a downright steal at $32.00, shows gorgeous red florals that mingle with Hoisin sauce, smoked pork shoulder and red cherry candy on this exotic bouquet. The palate is fresh, elegant and beautifully textured. A bit more on the weight side than the 2017 bottling, this offers a generous core of red fruits woven together with smoke, salted charcuterie and a dusting of white pepper on this outstanding palate. Fantastic now at the two year mark, this will provide drinking enjoyment for at least another ten years. Drink 2020-2030- 95

2018 Kerloo Cellars ‘Lonesome Spring Ranch Vineyard’ Grenache- Located in the Yakima Valley AVA, the ‘Lonesome Spring Ranch Vineyard’ has steadily been building a reputation for Grenache wines. Bright Bing cherry with orange rind, and tobacco tones all fill the nose. The texture of the wine really impresses as a core of pretty red fruits and red florals mingle with blood orange, bubblegum and stony undertones on the palate. Gorgeous to enjoy now, this beautiful Grenache will cellar well over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2020-2028-  93

2016 Kerloo Cellars ‘Stone Tree Vineyard’ Tempranillo- Kerloo winemaker Ryan Crane admitted that he wanted to experiment with extra barrel age for this Tempranillo bottling, a bit akin to the beautiful wines of Ribera del Duero. Once on the nose this takes on baking spices and chocolate tones that mingle with roasted dates and dried herbal tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is dense with a polished mouthfeel. Silky tannins line the core of blackberry compote, black plum, dusty soils and black tea with exotic spices on the palate. This is delicious wine that has another decade or more to go. Drink 2020-2030- 92

2018 Kerloo Cellars ‘Dionysus Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 Kerloo Cellars ‘Dionysus Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is another compelling wine from this great Seattle based house. Earl Grey tea and dried herbs combine with loganberry preserves, mocha and tar on this beautiful bouquet. The palate is soft and round, with a beautiful purity of fruit and a sensational texture. The seamless quality to this wine is really impressive. Blackberry and huckleberry flavors mingle with sagebrush, creosote and milk chocolate flavors all marvelously connect on the palate. Delightful to savor in its youth, this has another fifteen years or more ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2018 Kerloo Cellars ‘The General’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A new wine in the Kerloo lineup, ‘The General’ blends old block Bacchus Vineyard and Dionysus Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Once on the mouth the pillowy texture really entices. Cocoa powder and black raspberry flavors mingle with minerals, dried herbs and blackberry compote march in order on the palate. This finishes extremely long, as the wine deftly walks the tightrope between freshness and weight. Gorgeous to savor now, the 2018 ‘The General’ will command your attention for the next fifteen years. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2018 Kerloo Cellars ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ Malbec-  Sourced from this famed site in the Yakima Valley, the 2018 ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ Malbec shows blueberry compote with pipe tobacco and espresso bean tones on this gorgeous bouquet. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a great err of tension. Layers of blackberry, blueberry and boysenberry cover serious range with stony, chocolate and smoky undertones all meld well on the palate. This is just gorgeous typicity for Washington Malbec. Drink 2020-2033- 93

Tendril ‘Pretender’ White Pinot Noir Vertical Tasting

Have you ever tasted a great white Pinot Noir? Chances are you may have never had a white Pinot, nor ever tasted a truly great one. White Pinot Noir when it is done well is up there with any beautiful example of any varietal. The aromatic and flavor range of this wine can be utterly captivating — everything from orchard fruits and baked apple and pear tones to marzipan, nutty tones as well as forest floor and earthy accents. Sometimes the wine can even take on citrus notes. 

Speaking with the master of white Pinot Noir himself, Tony Rynders talked about how he crafted the first serious white Pinot Noir for Domaine Serene decades ago. An inspired tale, Tony was visiting with an Italian winemaker during IPNC more than fifteen years ago and was inspired to make this wine that was conveyed to him, crafting a Pinot Noir wines without using the skins. 

For many years I have loved the white Pinot Noir made by Domaine Serene, but Tony has been making this wine now for many years for his Tendril winery and the wines are utterly sensational. I have loved these wines upon release but I never had the time to sit with them over several hours and observe their aging potential. My feeling is that a great white Pinot Noir will have similar aging potential to great Pinot Noir wines. I was amazed what Tony did with his 2013 Tendril ‘Pretender’ White Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which comes from a massively difficult harvest for white grape varietals with torrential rains at harvest. This wine has incredible length and while it might be a touch leaner than the two other wines I tried, it is definitely not lacking in complexity as it has sensational flavor range. I was absolutely floored with the 2015 Tendril ‘Pretender’ White Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which is rich and viscous with a downright unctuous mouthfeel and polished texture. Quite simply, this is white Pinot Noir at its finest. Lear more about these incredible wines at 

2013 Tendril ‘Pretender’ White Pinot Noir- Now showing more brownish tones once in the glass, the 2013 ‘Pretender’ White Pinot Noir is a show stopping wine by Tendril. The aromatic range is quite exquisite from Macadamia nut to peat moss tones alongside orange blossom and shades of cinnamon and cloves. Once on the attack you are greeted to the silky and elegant, simply gliding across the mid-palate. Layers of honeydew melon, buttercream, Pink Lady apple and shades of papaya with stony and earthy undertones all are woven together marvelously together on the palate. The length really adds to the enjoyment as the gorgeous 2013 ‘The Pretender’ White Pinot Noir will enjoy another decade or more ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 94

2014 Tendril ‘Pretender’ White Pinot Noir- The 2014 ‘Pretender’ White Pinot Noir is a downright awesome wine that is still remarkably youthful at the six year mark. The nose shows higher tones than the ’13 ‘Pretender’ with more citrus blossom tones alongside Marcona almond, kiwi and white peach that all take shape in the glass. The palate comes off quite unctuous, with great acidity and a seamless texture. Layers of green papaya with honeydew melon, Japanese pear and shades of roasted hazelnut all nicely come together on the palate. Fantastic to enjoy at this stage, the 2014 ‘Pretender’ still has another decade or more ahead of it. Drink 2020-2032- 94

2015 Tendril ‘Pretender’ White Pinot Noir- The 2015 ‘Pretender’ White Pinot Noir is showing marvelously at this stage. The nutty tones are quite pronounced as Macadamia nut and almandine tones combine with shades of damp earth, honeydew melon and nectarine that all mingle in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant showing off a seamless texture and oily, almost unctuous effect. Layers of melon fruit mingle with lemon rind, green apple, sourdough bread and minerals on the palate. The length here is exquisite. Gorgeous at the five year mark, this is just an infant right now. Drink 2020-2034- 95

Costco Kirkland Signature Wine Report

Back by popular demand we bring you our third Costco ‘Kirkland Signature’ Wine Report. Costco sells more wine than anyone in America. While they might not have the range of wines that other retailers can boast, you know that you won’t experience a large mark-up with wines from Costco. While Costco has a well-crafted, albeit a bit small collection of wines of the world, most of the wines at Costco are sourced from wineries, rather than from a private label. Over the past ten years Costco has created their own label of wine under their ‘Kirkland Signature’ mark. Their wines, like all Kirkland Signature products, deliver serious value and have transformed the American wine market. We have been purchasing Kirkland Signature wines for more than ten years, and in general we have found these wines to show solid value and in some cases, good aging potential.

Given that Costco is based in our home state of Washington, it seemed appropriate to publish a wine report covering all currently available Kirkland Signature wines. We procured these bottles over several Seattle area Costco locations. This year the reviews were solely done by Owen Bargreen and Tan Vinh, writer for the Seattle Times. Our individual reviews were shared after all of the wines had been reviewed and similar to last year’s report, many of the wines showed similarly to our respective palates. 

One thing that struck me is how good the NV Prosecco has been for the price. It is very hards to find a Prosecco in this price range, as in most grocery stores La Marca Prosecco costs $13.99 at the store and delivers the same level of quality. You are essentially getting two bottles of Prosecco for the price of one. Similarly, you could easily argue that there is not a better value in Champagne than the NV Kirkland Signature. The new NV blend might be the best one I have tasted since I have been doing this report. The care and level of commitment that you find for this $19.99 bottle of Champagne is just second to none. I was surprised that I recommended all of the white wines, and after examining my notes I found that the wines tasted very similarly to how they did last year for me. 

With regards to the red wines, a few were definitely substandard even at a low price point. My feeling is that the white wines by Costco offer slightly more consistent value. The 2020 ‘Ti Point’ Sauvignon Blanc is one of the better values you will find in New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, and similarly the 2019 ‘Sonoma County’ Chardonnay is value that is very hard to find at this price point. 

With respect to their red wines, the $6.99 Cotes du Rhone Villages would be a great value by the glass, but you get an entire bottle for that price. This wine has plenty of complexity and ripe red and dark fruits with great acidity. Try to avoid the 2019 Kirkland Signature ‘California’ Cabernet Sauvignon which although inexpensive wouldn’t even make a good sangria. I wouldn’t even sell this one at a truck stop.

Without further adieu, here are my reviews of the new release Costco Kirkland Signature wines.

NV Kirkland Signature ‘Asolo’ Prosecco ($6.99)- The wine says it is sourced from ‘prime’ vineyards across Veneto, which literally could be anywhere. Baked apple with baking spices and shades of citrus rind fill the nose. The palate is soft, showing a nice mousse. Layers of baked pear and apple flavors mingle with a touch of marzipan and sourdough bread on the palate. This is serious value as this is best enjoyed over the next several years.  Drink 2020-2024- 88 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

NV Kirkland Signature ‘Brut’ Champagne ($19.99)- Made by Champagne house Jannison, which is a grand cru site located in Verzenay.  The ‘Brut’ is a proprietary blend of Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Pretty orange blossom aromatics combine with ginger, white flowers and shades of freshly baked French bread all meld in the glass. The mousse is soft and inviting, as the complexity mid-palate really delights. Layers of Japanese pear and baking spices mingle with kumquat zest and starfruit tones with a light dusting of salinity. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next five to seven years. Drink 2020-2025- 91 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

2019 Kirkland Signature ‘Grave’ Pinot Grigio ($5.99)- The nose is quite faint with gooseberry tones with lighter pear and lemon zest. The palate is fresh and vibrant but a touch of sweetness makes this lose balance, as sweetened pear and apple flavors and fainter minerals all mingle together. Despite the obvious shortcomings, at $5.99 this shows good value. Drink 2020-2024- 86 RECOMMENDED

2019 Kirkland Signature ‘California’ Pinot Grigio ($12.99, 3L box)- The packaging here is horrible but I don’t review wines based on packaging. Showing more heft than the ‘Grave’ Pinot Grigio, this leads with jasmine and pink grapefruit blossom on the nose with pear tones. The palate has good freshness to back everything up. Pear, and lemon starburst candy flavors combine with minerals and sweetened white peach on the palate. This is a really good value. Drink 2020-2023- 87 RECOMMENDED

2020 Kirkland Signature ‘Ti Point’ Sauvignon Blanc ($6.99)- Another great value, the ‘Ti Point’ Sauvignon Blanc is made by Tracy Haslam of Ti Point Vineyard in Marlborough. At 12.5% alcohol this shows classic gooseberry and kiwi tones that mingle with shades of green bell pepper on the nose. The palate is very bright with a nice feeling of minerality. The flavors almost exactly mimic the nose with some Gravenstein apple, stony accents and minerals also coming into the fold. This is seriously good for the price. Drink 2020-2023- 89 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

2018 Kirkland Signature ‘Premier Cru’ Chablis ($19.99)- Sourced from two different vineyards in Van Ligneau and Vaugiraut, this outstanding 2018 Chablis is crafted by OdileVan Der Moere. Light flinty tones and diatomaceous earth mingle with ripe pear and lemon zest on the nose. The palate is plush and soft, as the mouthfeel really delights. The long finish provides a wonderful crescendo here. Most ‘Premier Cru’ Chablis at this quality will be twice the rice. Fabulous to enjoy in its youth, this has some really nice cellaring potential. Drink 2020-2028- 91 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

2019 Kirkland Signature ‘California’ Chardonnay ($7.99, 1.5L)- It is unclear where the wine came from, it simply states on the bottle that this was ‘Cellared and bottled by Dc Flynt MW Selections’ in Modesto, California. The wine is quite cloying even if it finishes long with overripe pear and a saccharin note. Not recommended. Put it this way, I wouldn’t recommend this one to my worst enemy. Drink 2020-2023- 82 NOT RECOMMENDED

2019 Kirkland Signature ‘Sonoma County Chardonnay ($7.99)- It is impossible to ascertain where this wine is made, only a small mention of Geyserville on the label. Vanilla bean with ripe pear and baked apple tones fill the nose. The palate is fresh with good balance and a soft mouthfeel. Layers of banana and vanilla cream are woven together with minerals and ripe peach on the palate. This is really hood stuff for the price, as the 2019 ‘Sonoma County’ Chardonnay is best enjoyed over the next five years. Most wines from this region of this quality will be more than ten bucks. Drink 2020-2025- 88 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 

2019 Kirkland Signature ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir ($12.89)- The 2019 ‘Sonoma County’ Pinot Noir does not impress, just as last year. Again, on the back of the label, this. Points to CD Flynt MW Selections, located in Hopland, California. The palate is quite sweet and overripe with red fruits and cola tones. I would recommend pretty much any other Kirkland Signature wine, as this does not deliver much for the price compared to the other wines. Drink 2020-2023- 86 NOT RECOMMENDED

2019 Kirkland Signature Cotes du Rhone Village ($6.99)- Crafted by Patrick Lesec, this delivers a lot of bang for the buck. The wine is a proprietary blend of Mourvdre, Syrah and Grenache. This Cotes du Rhone Villages shows plenty of freshness and textural elements with ripe red and dark currants, red florals, cigar ash and garrigue tones alongside firm tannins and bright acidity. This is pretty complex wine and I think you would be hard pressed to find this value under seven dollars — easier to find more in the ten dollar range. Drink 2020-2025- 90 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

2019 Kirkland Signature ‘California’ Cabernet Sauvignon ($7.99, 1.5L)- The source for this wine remains unknown, it simply says DC Flynt MW once again. The sweetened tones on the nose are really downright offensive. The palate is flat and saccharine driven with very little in terms of actual fruit flavors. This is really disappointing stuff even at this price. Don’t even serve this to your least favorite cousin. Drink 2020-2023- 82 NOT RECOMMENDED 

2018 Kirkland Signature ‘Napa Valley’ Red Wine ($9.99)- A proprietary blend of mostly Merlot (47%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (44%) with small portions Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, this was made by Glenn Hugo, as this was also produced at DC Flynt MW selections in American Canyon, California. Mocha, tar and black licorice tones all fill the nose. Th4 palate shows good balance but has little in terms of complexity with black tea and black fruits that mingle with minerals on the palate. I think there are many Kirkland Signature wines that offer considerably better value. If I was at a wine bar I wouldn’t really want a glass of this. This doesn’t deliver much in terms of Napa Valley character in a Bordeaux style wine. Drink 2020-2025- 87 NOT RECOMMENDED

2019 Kirkland Signature Malbec ($6.99)- Sourced from Mendoza, the 2019 Malbec shows milk chocolate and tobacco leaf tones with blackberry compote on the nose. The palate is plush, showing a soft mouthfeel. Ripe black fruits collide with minerals, milk chocolate and smoky tones on the palate. This is seriously good stuff for the price. Most wines in this from this region of this quality are over ten dollars. Drink 2020-2025- 90 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Kirkland Signature 10 Year Old Tawny Porto ($16.99)- Made by Foseca Guimarens, this 10 year old tawny shows serious value with its velvety texture and great sense of balance. Ripe red plum, orange rind and raisin flavors mingle with red cherry cordial on the palate. This is really complex stuff. Fantastic and downright delicious now, this has a long life ahead of it. This is a very classic style for 10 year Tawny and most wines of this price will be more than twenty bucks or more. Drink 2020-2028- 90 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Owen Bargreen’s 2020 Winery of the Year

Today I am very honored to present our winery of the year. I’ve tried more than two thousand wines from all over the world this year and two of the best wines I tried were both from the same winery, a simply extraordinary feat! It is my pleasure to announce Horsepower Vineyards as my 2020 winery of the year.

In his Walla Walla AVA vineyards his horses help cultivate vineyards ranging from 3,555 to 4,840 vines per acre with as little as 3' x 3' spacing—planted 1 vine per stake, or “sur echalas” in French. One of the most exciting vineyards in Washington State, the Sur Echalas Vineyard creates wines that are so profound they’re nearly impossible to describe. The struggle of the vines in these close quarters creates a remarkable tension and intensity. These stunning wines are made by Christophe and his highly talented assistant vigneronne, Elizabeth Bourcier. The wines from this vineyard are intense with a vibrant sense of minerality and they show exceptional range. Simply put, they are unlike any other wines from this region. I was absolutely blown away with their 2018 ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache (OB, 100) a wine with such precision and finesse, with insanely good range and stony terroir. This was also my wine of the year for 2020!

Congrats again to Horsepower Vineyards and their incredible new wines this year 🍷🔥

Champagne Mailly

Champagne Mailly

Today we share another house with incredible history. A premier Champagne house with that features access to many grand cru vineyards, the village of Mailly is said to derive its name from the Latin Malliusacum as grapes in this region were grown before the building of Reims Cathedral in the 13th Century. Mailly wines were much appreciated by the church and nobility and graced all of the finest tables from the Middle Ages onward. Mailly also contributed to the fortunes of Champagne in the 17th Century.

Today Mailly sources from over 80 winegrowers to craft their champagnes. The cellar itself is quite a sight to be seen. This vaulted cellar is part of a kilometre-long network of crayères that were dug from the chalk by the estate’s founding fathers over a period of more than 30 years. Working every winter from 1929 to 1965, with only pickaxes for tools, they created a cellar to store their wines at 12°C, buried 19 meters under the ground.

I adored their top wine, the 2011 Champagne Mailly ‘Les Echansons’ Champagne (OB, 94) which is rich and layered, with incredible finesse and chalky terroir. Learn more about this storied Champagne house at https://www.champagne-mailly.com Here is my review of the gorgeous 2011 Champagne Mailly ‘Les Echansons’ Champagne. 

2011 Champagne Mailly ‘Les Echansons’ Champagne-  The 2011 ‘Les Echansons’ blend of 75% Pinot Noir with the remainder Chardonnay all sourced from grand cru vineyards. Given 6G/L dosage, this is quite big with layers of marzipan and toasted hazelnut flavors that collide with rich orchard fruits on the palate. The length and generous texture here really entices, as the light dusting of salinity adds to the enjoyment. Fantastic now at the nine year mark, this glorious 2011 Champagne will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2036- 94

Chateau de Sales

I love wineries with incredible histories. Chateau de Sales has been in the same family ownership since 1464 which is just remarkable. Just imagine all this family has been through throughout the centuries! The actual chateau was created in the early 1600’s, which was usual for Pomerol at the time. Chateau de Sales has the largest vineyard in Pomerol, a whopping 48 hectare vineyard which was planted to 73% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Cabernet Franc.  I have never visited this chateau but the site is quite expansive and I will really look forward to a visit in 2021.

From 1982 to 2017 Bruno de Lambert led Chateau de Sales, taking over for his father, Henri, who had managed for nearly 40 years. In 2017, when their uncle and father retired, the 14 direct cousins and co-owners of Château de Sales rallied round to take over the estate, with their parents’ approval. They appointed one of their own, Marine Treppoz, to chair the new company. At the same time, they recruited a Chief Executive Officer, Vincent Montigaud, to manage it. Originally from Libourne, he spent 23 years with Baron Philippe de Rothschild, including 16 years as managing director of Domaine de Baronarques.

I chose to open a magnum of 2006 Chateau de Sales from my personal collection and was really glad I did. 2006 was highly challenging in this region but the wine en mag is just singing now at the fourteen year mark. The 2006 Chateau de Sales (OB, 90) shows really good tertiary aromatics and flavors from peat moss and wild mushroom with pipe tobacco to loamy soils and a good core of red and dark fruits. This is fully evolved wine that won’t get better with age but is like many wines from 2006 is fantastic to enjoy now. 🍷 Learn more about this storied house at https://www.chateau-de-sales.com Here is my review of the 2006 Chateau de Sales.

2006 Chateau De Sales Pomerol- Served from a magnum, the 2006 Chateau de Sales is at a really good place at now the fourteen year mark. Once on the nose this takes on leather and wild mushroom tones alongside menthol and pipe tobacco with wild blackberry tones and loamy soils that round out this expressive bouquet. The palate is fresh, with good verve remaining. Medium-bodied dark raspberry and kirsch tones combine with the lovely earthy and herbal tones on the palate. Like many 2006 Bordeaux wines, this is great now and won’t be improving. Drink 2020-2028- 90

Dutton-Goldfield

One of the storied producers of the Russian River Valley, Dutton-Goldfield dates back to 1998 when colleagues Steve Dutton and Dan Goldfield decided to start a winery together. Steve Dutton is a 5th generation farmer while Dan has a background in chemistry and later completed the illustrious UC Davis program in winemaking. Dan previously worked at Robert Mondavi Winery and even made wine in Portugal for two years before coming back to California and starting Dutton-Goldfield

For many years I have enjoyed tasting at this Russian River Valley outpost. I have been consistently impressed with what they produce for the price and have enjoyed Dutton-Goldfield ‘Dutton Ranch’ Chardonnays many years. The wine consistently strikes a balance between opulence and poise. The new release wines were gorgeous. Look for their 2018 Dutton-Goldfield  ‘Dutton Ranch Walker Hill Vineyard’ Chardonnay (OB, 93) which has tremendous depth and concentration with a nice saline streak. which shows a wonderful range of flavors and aromatics with a plush mouthfeel. Their 2018 Dutton-Goldfield ‘Devil’s Gulch Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which which is intense with cola and bright red fruits with great acidity. Learn more about Dutton-Goldfield at http://www.duttongoldfield.com. Here are the great new releases from Dutton-Goldfield. 

2018 Dutton-Goldfield ‘Dutton Ranch Walker Hill Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Always one of the great Sonoma sites for Chardonnay, the 2018 ‘Dutton Ranch’ Chardonnay by Dutton-Goldfield shows brioche and nutmeg tones with shades of vanilla cream and baked apple. The palate is soft, round and generous with a lovely beam of salty that runs through the core of this orchard fruit and vanilla creme brûlée driven wine. The length makes this even more gratifying as this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 93

2018 Dutton-Goldfield ‘Devil’s Gulch Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Sourced from this Marin County Vineyard, the 2018 ‘Devil’s Gulch Vineyard’ shows salted Macadamia note tones alongside layers of banana and sourdough bread on this fantastic bouquet. The palate is fresh and wonderfully viscous with Pink Lady apple and roasted pineapple tones alongside vanilla cream, giving this an exotic edge. The weight and acidity here is really good. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2018 Dutton-Goldfield ‘Rued Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Dense and wonderfully viscous, the 2018 ‘Rued Vineyard’ Chardonnay is an outisetaning new release by Dutton-Goldfield. Once on the nose this takes on buttercream and toasted almond tones alongside Pazzaz apple and hints of ripe mango on this fantastic bouquet. The palate is wonderfully textured with its soft mouthfeel and gobs of mouth-watering acidity. Wait for the long finish. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2018 Dutton-Goldfield ‘Docker Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Docker Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir shows cranberry and cola tones on the nose with suggestions of orange rind and damp earth that all meld in the glass. The palate shows terrific weight and finesse with mouth-watering acidity. Black and red fruits dance with minerals and earthy undertones on the palate. Impossible to resist right now this has another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2018 Dutton-Goldfield ‘Devil’s Gulch Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Devil’s Gulch Vineyard’ Pinot Noir shows ripe cherry cola tones and red raspberry coulis alongside minerals and smoky undertones on the palate. Wonderfully balanced, with a silky mouthfeel and terrific length, this bright yet generous Pinot Noir will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2018 Dutton-Goldfield ‘Dutton Ranch, Freestone Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The awesome 2018 Dutton-Goldfield ‘Dutton Ranch, Freestone Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir has lovely wild blackberry tones on the nose with shades of peat moss and white truffle shavings alongside cola. The palate is dense, showing a wonderful beam of salinity that falls on the rich dark fruits with cola tones on the palate. Downright delicious to enjoy in its youth, this outstanding new bottling will enjoy another decade of life in the cellar. Drink 2020-2030- 93

2018 Dutton-Goldfield ‘Azaya Ranch Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Azaya Ranch’ Pinot Noir is an awesome new wine that has wonderful depth and finesse. The palate is wonderfully balanced with great acidity and pretty layers of boysenberry, wild mushroom, minerals and cola undertones. Medium to full-bodied, this beautiful wine will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2020-2030- 92

2018 Dutton-Goldfield ‘Angel Camp Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Angel Camp’ Pinot Noir starts off with layers of red cherry and red raspberry with rose petals wove the together with damp earth and shades of wild mushroom on this complex bouquet. The palate is fresh and vibrant with wonderful acidity. Pretty red fruits dance with minerals, orange zest and cola tones on the palate. Deep and youthful, this beautiful wine has a long way to go. Drink 20202033- 93

2018 Dutton-Goldfield ‘Fox Den Vineyard’ Pinot Noir Sourced from the Russian River Valley, this outstanding new Pinot Noir takes the lead with rich cherry cola tones alongside red currants and orange zest that all mingle in the glass. The palate is fresh with a dense mouthful and sterling minerality. Ripe red fruits dance with minerals and the earthy undertones of the wine. Complex and delicious to enjoy in its youth, this will cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2020-2033- 93

Calera

One of the great world producers of Pinot Noir, Calera has a long history in California wine, dating back to the 1970s. In the early 1970s Calera founder Josh Jensen was exploring Europe, and decided to work a harvest at famed winery Romanée-Conti. Josh was inspired to make great Pinot Noir in California and 1974, he purchased land located on steep slopes of Mount Harlan, a 3,278-foot peak in the Gavilan Mountains that divide Monterey and San Benito counties. Josh founded Calera in 1975 and p[anted his three estate vineyards: Jensen, Reed and Selleck. Josh achieved incredible critical acclaim for his Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. 

A few years back Calera was sold to the Duckhorn wine group as Josh noted that Calera was his “life work.” The winery itself is located in Hollister, and boasts sweeping views of the Diablo Mountain Range. Head winemaker Mike Waller previously worked as assistant winemaker at storied property Chalone, before coming to Calera. Mike has served as head winemaker for more than a decade now. While they may have new winery ownership, the new releases by Mike Waller were gorgeous across the board. The 2016 Calera ‘Central Coast’ Chardonnay (OB, 92) which is fresh, vibrant and an amazing bargain at $25.00. I adored the 2017 Calera showing seriously good range and a beautiful mouthfeel. All of the single vineyard Pinot Noirs showed a good combination of ripeness and earthy terroir. The 2016 Calera ‘Mills Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which has amazing terroir and good richness with great earthy tones. Learn more about these outstanding new wines at https://www.calerawine.com Here are the great new releases by Calera. 

2018 Calera Chardonnay- This Mt. Harlan bottling shows really nice aromatic range with white grapefruit blossom and toasty oak alongside brioche tones and baking spices that are all woven together in the glass. The freshness imparted is seriously good as layers of Meyer lemon cake and nutmeg mingle with wild mushroom and wet stone with a great veil of tension on the palate. Delightful to enjoy now, this outstanding new Chardonnay will cellar well over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2020-2028- 92

2017 Calera ‘Mills Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Mills Vineyard’ was planted back in 1984 to Calera clone Pinot Noir vines. The nose is highly Burgundian with the smoky, flinty and earthy tones alongside the core of dark fruits and citrus rind accents. Soft, round and generous on the palate, the silky mouthfeel entices. Ripe dark cherry tones are woven together with smoke, blood orange rind, red raspberry, minerals and peat moss on the palate. Complex and delicious, this gorgeous new effort will have a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2025- 94

2017 Calera ‘Ryan Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Ryan Vineyard’ is the highest elevation site of in the Calera vineyard portfolio and is named after vineyard manager Jim Ryan, as Pinot Noir vines were planted back in 1988. Potpourri and smoky tones are woven together with pomegranate seed, pine needles and ripe red cherry on this gorgeous bouquet. The palate is plush with wonderful freshness and verve. Beautifully textured, ripe red currants and Bing cherry mingle with minerals, raspberry coulis and damp earth tones all brilliantly combine on the palate. The long finishes lingers. Fantastic in its youth, this has both the stuffing and bright acidity to cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2017 Calera. ‘Selleck Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The high elevation ‘Selleck Vineyard’ is set at 2,200 feet, as Pinot Noir vines are set on a southwestern facing slope. Sour kirsch cordial, red florals, teaberry and shades of guava and orange rind that all take shape in the glass. The palate is silky and elegant, with a soft mouthfeel. Bright Yakima cherry and Satsuma orange zest flavors combine with minerals, wild mushroom and smoky undertones all brilliantly meld together. This is extremely elegant wine, as the length is simply outstanding. Gorgeous to enjoy in its youth, this has another ten to fifteen years of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2017 Calera ‘de Villiers Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘de Villiers Vineyard’ is a high elevation site set at more than two thousand feet, planted to Calera selection clone Pinot Noir. On the nose there is dense kirsch tones that combine with sandalwood, orange zest and exotic spices that mingle in the glass. The palate has great depth and concentration with a bright beam of salinity that runs through the core of pretty red fruits, rose water and citrus rind accents. The freshness and acidity here is outstanding. Seriously good in its youth, the beautiful ‘de Villiers Vineyard’ Pinot Noir will provide drinking enjoyment for at least another decade. Drink 2020-2033- 93

2017 Calera ‘Reed Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- One of the great sites high atop Mt. Harlan, the ‘Reed Vineyard’ is planted to Calera clone Pinot Noir. Right out of the gate a whiff of salted volcanic earth entices, as layers of forest floor, wild blackberry and baking spices all sing in unison on the nose. The palate is beautifully textured as the bright red fruits, earthy tones and citrus rind accents are all marvelously melding together. Fresh and vibrant, yet showing a good degree of weight, the outstanding 2017 ‘Reed Vineyard’ Pinot Noir will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2035- 94

2017 Calera ‘Jensen Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Named after California Pinot Noir icon, Josh Jensen, this new 2017 wine shows aromatics of cherry cola and saline drenched raspberries with suggestions of white truffle shavings that all meld together in the glass. The palate is soft and inviting, as delicate red fruits dance with suggestions of baking spices, blood orange zest, Umami and rose water that was sourced from a volcanic site. The bright sense of minerality and seamless texture really works here. Outstanding to savor in its youth, the 2017 ‘Jensen Vineyard’ Pinot Noir will cellar well for a decade or more to come. Drink 2020-2035- 94

Epoch

Today I have the honor to host Epoch winemaker Jordan Fiorentini for Instagram Live at 4PM. I hope you can join!

Spend a little time with Jordan Fiorentini and you will be glad that you did. Cherry and full of joy for what she does, she is very serious about crafting wines that embody poise and richness.  I have long admired Epoch wines based out of Paso Robles. Regardless of vintage, Epoch wines thrive in the warmest and coolest of vintages. I have been particularly impressed how they have navigated the run of very warm vintages which began in 2012 and has continued with their latest releases. The wines are obviously quite dense but have a good degree of tension and freshness. Their estate vineyards continue to produce wines that show outstanding complexity and there is very good reason why Phillipe Melka is making wine from them — they help create some of the finest wines in the region. 

Superstar winemaker, Jordan Fiorentini continues a long run of great wines with the most recent set of releases. I adored the 2017 Epoch ‘Ingenuity’ Red Wine (OB, 95) which has amazing range and shows off the potential of Paso Robles Petite Sirah. Jordan crafts a sensational Rose wine and her 2019 Epoch Rose (OB, 92) is dialed in with mostly Mourvedre, showing a great feeling of weight as this is layered and highly complex wine. Learn more about these outstanding wines at epochwines.com. Here are the great new wines by Epoch.

2019 Epoch Rose- The 2019 Epoch Rose is a sensational effort that captures the art of blending. Mostly Mourvedre (62%) with smaller parts Grenache and Syrah, this shows wet stone and pretty red fruits with red rose petal and smoky undertones on the nose. The palate is beautifully textured with great length and tension, delivering guava, cranberry and red raspberry flavors alongside stony and earth undertones. Enjoy this sensational new Rose at a warmer temperature to get the full range of flavors and aromatics. Drink 2020-2025- 92

2019 Epoch ‘Estate’ White Wine- The 2019 ‘Estate’ blends mainly Grenache Blanc (47%) and Viognier (42%) with the remainder Roussanne. White peach, gooseberry, kiwi, orange blossom and wet stone tones all fill the nose. The palate is fresh and wonderful vibrant with a soft mouthfeel. Layers of nectarine and Pink Lady apple combine with wet stone, minerals and green papaya tones on the palate. Great to enjoy right now, this has some aging potential. Drink 2020-2025- 92

2017 Epoch ‘Ingenuity’ Red Wine- Always one of the unique blends of the region, in 2017 they have blended 56% Petite Sirah with16% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, and 13% Grenache. Inky and brooding once in the glass, this shows off wonderful blueberry cordial tones woven together with pipe tobacco, black currants and shades of dark chocolate shavings that all move in unison. The palate shows a sensational combination of verve and weight. Layers of black and blue fruits play well with the chocolate, Turkish coffee and earthy undertones of the wine. Downright killer to enjoy in its youth, this outstanding and novel red blend will cellar well over the next ten plus years. Drink 2020-2032- 95

2017 Epoch ‘Veracity’ Red Wine- The 2017 ‘Veracity’ is another outstanding new release by superstar winemaker Jordan Fiorentini. A Southern Rhone style blend of 47% Mourvèdre, 34% Grenache and 19% Syrah, this shows off heady aromas of red florals alongside red currants, cigar box and smoked meats. The palate shows a wonderful purity of red fruit, as the Grenache is clearly stealing the show here. Suggestions of blood orange zest and dark licorice mingle with creosote tones on this complex palate. The sense of finesse and mouthfeel add to the enjoyment. This is gorgeous wine to savor in its youth, as the 2017 ‘Veracity’ will cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2020-2030- 95

2017 Epoch ‘Estate Blend’ Red Wine- The 2017 ‘Estate Blend’ by Epich combines 36% Syrah, 21% Grenache, 17% Mourvèdre, and 14% Tempranillo with smaller parts Zinfandel and Carignan. Aged for eighteen months in 40% new French oak, this shows sweet tobacco with roasted dates, blackberry pie and shades of chocolate covered espresso bean on this beautiful bouquet. The palate shows good freshness and tension with dense dark fruits that parade with violets, Turkish coffee and blueberry pie flavors, alongside a good veil of tension. Dense and delicious to savor right now, the 2017 ‘Estate Blend’ will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 93

Rodney Strong Vineyards

It was several years back and I was meandering my way through the Russian River Valley when my friend and I stumbled upon Rodney Strong. I had tried these wines many times before but had never visited their tasting room. We had a really good time tasting through the good range of wines. 

Fast forward more than a decade, it has now been several years since I have tried the Rodney Strong wines. Over the years they have built a strong reputation for good value Chardonnay, along with their Bordeaux style wine, ‘Symmetry.’ The winery dates back more than 55 years ago, when a celebrated American dancer named Rod Strong settled in Sonoma County to pursue a second lifelong creative passion: winemaking. Rodney Strong Vineyards was the 13th winery bonded in Sonoma County and today the winery remains family owned. 

I really enjoyed the range of new release wines. A good value, their 2018 Rodney Strong ‘Chalk Hill’ Chardonnay (OB, 90) delivers good poise and balance, as this wine would pair well with a massive range of foods.  I really loved their 2016 Rodney Strong Vineyards ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 92) which is deep, inky and full of classic Sonoma flavors with its rich dark fruit profile. Learn more about this great Sonoma estate at https://www.rodneystrong.com/ Here are the great new releases by Rodney Strong Vineyards. 

2018 Rodney Strong Vineyards ‘Chalk Hill’ Chardonnay- This shows good freshness with Meyer lemon cream and minerals on the palate alongside Japanese pear tones. Medium bodied and well-balanced, enjoy over the next five to seven years.  Drink 2020-2025- 90

2017 Rodney Strong Vineyards ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir- This comes off a bit lean and angular with the lighter red fruit flavors with citrus rind accents. Enjoy over the next several years. Drink 2020-2024- 87

2016 Rodney Strong ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Half sourced from Sonoma County and Alexander Valley, this was aged for 30 months in 50% new French oak prior to bottling. Mocha, tar and red belll pepper tones fill the nose. The palate is plush, showing a soft mouthfeel and delivering really nice viscosity. Rich dark fruits collide with smoke, minerals and shades of sage and red bell pepper on the palate. Gorgeous now, this has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2032- 92

2016 Rodney Strong Vineyards ‘Symmetry’ Red Wine-  The 2016 ‘Symmetry’ is a great melange of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller parts Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Once on the nose this takes on bell pepper and Turkish coffee tones with black florals and exotic spices that all take shape in the glass. The palate is well-balanced with medium to full-bodied dark fruits that mingle with espresso bean, minerals and salty terroir. Drink 2020-2032- 91

2016 Rodney. Strong Vineyards ‘Brothers’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The ‘Brothers’ is sourced from a 141 acre site near the town of Cloverdale. Aged for 26 months. In 54% new French oak, this shows off rich blueberry tones alongside wild blackberry and Black Forest Cake aromatics that all take shape in the glass. The palate is plush and beautifully textured, showing a great veil of acidity that runs through the core of dark fruits with minerals and espresso bean tones. Gorgeous in its youth, this has another fifteen years to go. Drink 2020-2035- 92

Turnbull

One of the stalwart Napa wineries,  I fondly recall tasting at Turnbull more than a decade ago in a really nice and relaxed tasting room environment. They have been in the valley for more than 35 years and focus their program on Cabernet Sauvignon. Prior to the pandemic their tasting room is open to guests 7 days a week as their focus their wines on estate vineyards.

4th generation winemaker, Peter Heitz, has been with Turnbull since 2007. Raised in Carneros he began learning about wine at a young age as weekends were spent farming in Calistoga. Peter studied at UC Santa Cruz before working for Beringer and working up to the role of assistant winemaker. 

I really enjoyed his new release 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 91) which has good freshness and balance. This wine also shows good value which can be very hard to find in Napa. Learn more about this storied winery at https://www.turnbullwines.com Here is my review of the new Cabernet Sauvignon by Turnbull.

2018 Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon- Forward and delicious, the 2018 Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon shows mocha, and tar tones alongside a deep core of dark fruits on the nose. The palate has good freshness with medium bodied blackberry, black cherry cordial and espresso bean flavors.  This is sturdy Cabernet Sauvignon that is great in its youth and will provide drinking enjoyment over the next decade to come. Drink 2020-2030- 91