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Former US ambassador, Katheryn Hall, along with her husband, Craig Hall, founded HALl back in 1992.

Former US ambassador, Katheryn Hall, along with her husband, Craig Hall, founded HALl back in 1992.

HALL White Wines and Rose

August 19, 2021

HALL might be synonymous with Cabernet Sauvignon but some might not know that they make some gorgeous Rose and white wines as well. Founded back in 1992 by Katheryn and Craig Hall, over time they built one of Napa’s most beautiful, state of the art, wineries that is quite simply a must visit for any serious Napa enophile. I always enjoy my visits to this special property. 

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. These brands have performed remarkably well since their inception. The BACA line in particular offers very serious value. I am always skeptical when I review canned wine but the 2020 BACA ‘Ring Around The Rose’ Rose (OB, 90) is one of the best canned wines I have tasted in the past year. Beautifully textured, with good range and astringency, this is sure to impress any canned Rose skeptic. I adored the new 2019 HALL ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 92) which deftly combines texture and freshness as this would beautifully match with some Kumamoto oysters. Learn more about these great wines at hallwines.com Here are the fantastic new release wines by HALL.


2019 HALL ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2019 HALL ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc is outstanding for the price. Nutty undercurrents with kiwi and gooseberry fill the nose. The palate is fresh, vibrant and beautifully textured with just a kiss of sweetness. Ripe pear and nectarine tones collide with starfruit and minerals on the palate. The freshness here is seriously good, as this would offer a perfect foil for fresh Kumamoto oysters. Drink 2021-2025- 92



2019 HALL ‘Knights Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc- Quite different than the ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc, this is a barrel-fermented edition that shows considerable heft and weight. The texture is really outstanding as rich Japanese pear and honeydew melon flavors mingle with toasty brioche and lemon curd undertones. Drink 2021-2027- 92



2019 BACA ‘Stargazing’ White Wine- The 2019 ‘Stargazing’ is a new wine by BACA that is sourced from the ‘Spirit Canyon Vineyard’ in Mendocino County. Showing a round and generous texture, this takes on kiwi and melon flavors that mingle with vanilla cream and shades of papaya on the palate. Drink 2021-2026- 91



2020 BACA ‘Ring Around The Rose’ Rose- The 2020 ‘Ring Around The Rose’ is so good that you will have to take a double take that it comes from a can. Fresh, vibrant and nicely textured, this shows plenty of ripe and slightly sweet Yakima cherry and melon flavors alongside a good veil of tension and peat moss undertones. Drink 2021-2024- 90



2020 WALT Rose- Made from Pinot Noir grapes, the 2020 WALT Rose is a fabulous effort that unveils earthy tones on the nose with red cherry, red raspberry and tobacco leaf. The palate is highly nuanced and carries a gratifying texture and length. Ripe red fruits collide with stony minerals, wild mushroom and orange rind flavors on the palate. Drink 2021-2026- 91





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Here we have the thrilling new lineup of Sanguis wines.

Here we have the thrilling new lineup of Sanguis wines.

Sanguis

August 19, 2021

It was back in 2011 when I was at a rather serious tasting in the Seattle area. I had never tasted Sanguis wines before but I was immediately struck by the depth and complexity of these wines. My mind instantly went to Sine Qua Non when I tried their Syrah wine merely based on the insanely good texture and range. Gratifying and well-structured, superstar winemaker, Mattias Pippig crafts some scintillating wines for his winery, Sanguis, truly one of the great boutique wineries in California. Pippig produces a really novel range of wines, from Viognier to Cabernet Franc. Latin for blood, the German-born Matthias Pippig previously worked as a wine importer for Marc DeGrazia Selections, and Estate Wines, before starting his winery in the Santa Ynez Valley.These are a must-buy for any serious collector of California wines.

Pippig changes blends yearly in his Rhône and Bordeaux style wines, hand sorts each wine and never makes the same wine twice. While many of the wines weigh in at more than 15% alcohol, they do not present as highly alcoholic. However, the theme of impressive weight and tension runs through all of his wines. 

For my palate Pippig crafts makes some of the great and unique white blends in California. The new edition, the 2018 Sanguis Tell-Tale Heart’ White Wine (OB, 94) is dense and massively concentrated from the Marsanne and finishes exceedingly long. This is just a beautiful wine even to enjoy so young. Even better is the thrilling 2018 Sanguis ‘Optimist’ Red Wine (OB, 96) which shows insanely good range and texture with loads of nuance.This surely will have a long life in the cellar. Learn more about these very special wines at sanguiswine.com or visit their hip tasting room in downtown Santa Barbara, which is by appointment. Here are the new releases by Sanguis.


2019 Sanguis ‘Gypsy Soul’ Rose- This is now the 9th edition of this wine. Showing off its beautiful salmon hue, the heady aromatics are downright intoxicating with rose water and orange peel tones alongside red currants and toasty oak. Once on the mouth, the flavor density, richness and bright acidity of the wine all deftly combine. This red fruit and rose water driven wine finishes exceedingly long. Utterly sensational now, the 2018 ‘Gypsy Soul’ Rose has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2021-2029- 94


2018 Sanguis ‘Spiritual Gatherings’ White Wine- A compelling blend of Chardonnay and Roussanne, this saw 25 months of large used barrels and stainless steel prior to bottling. High-toned honeysuckle and white rose meld with honeydew melon and wet stone tones on the nose. The palate is fresh and lively with a good sense of acidity and concentration. Ripe citrus and orchard fruits mingle with vanilla cream tones on the palate. Really good now, this has another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2021-2029- 93


2018 Sanguis ‘Tell-Tale Heart’ White Wine- A truly unique wine comprised Marsanne, Chardonnay, Roussanne and Viognier, the nose reminds me most of Marsanne with its buttery edge with roasted Macadamia nut, lychee and dense melon fruits that combine aromatically. The palate has seriously good range from green papaya and heavy whipping cream to toasty brioche, and salty undertones. Drink 2021-2031- 94


2018 Sanguis ‘Verve’ Red Wine- The 2018 ‘Verve’ is a sensational blend of Grenache, Petit Verdot and Roussane that saw 25 months of large format used oak before bottling. The nose is highly complex from red florals and lemon blossom to cardamon dusted French bread and garrigue tones that all meld in the glass. The palate is plush with a sensational sense of texture. Ripe red fruits parade with minerals, blood orange rind and stony minerals on the palate. The gratifying length provides the perfect ending as this has another fifteen years of life ahead of it. Drink 2021-2035- 95


2018 Sanguis ‘The Modern’ Red Wine- The 2018 ‘The Modern’ blends Syrah, Viognier, Petit Verdot and a touch of Marsanne. The lemon blossom high-tones from the Viognier and Marsanne are really lovely and combine with a brilliant core of red and dark fruits with creosote accents aromatically. The palate is dense and beautifully concentrated, with a massive wall of dark fruits, alongside citrus rind, scorched earth and tobacco leaf flavors. Downright delicious now, this has a long way to go. Drink 2021-2033- 95


2018 Sanguis ‘Optimist’ Red Wine- The 2018 ‘Optimist’ combines Syrah, Grenache, Petit Verdot and Roussane that were all aged for 25 months in a combination of new and used oak barrels before bottling. The palate is plush and beautifully textured, with insanely good length. The fruit quality is very pretty with cranberry, teaberry and linzer torte, alongside dried herbs, orange rind and melon undertones. Complex and delicious now, with good finesse, this beautiful, one of a kind wine, would be a remarkable pairing for duck a l’orange. Drink 2021-2035- 96


2018 Sanguis ‘Bossman’ Red Wine- The 2018 ‘Bossman’ combines Syrah, Grenache, Viognier and Cabernet Franc. This is dense wine without being overly heavy and drinks much better at a slightly cooler temperature, helping out the Grenache and Viognier play their role. Silky tannins line this outstanding wine that exudes class from start to finish. Layers of very pretty red fruits mingle with rose water, tar, orange zest and cinnamon sticks on the palate. The lighter herbal undertones add to the complexity here. Sinfully good in its youth, this has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2021-2035- 95


2018 Sanguis ‘1/1’ Syrah- The 2018 ‘1/1’ shows off a light dusting of white pepper alongside smoked brisket, dark currants, black tea and exotic spices on the nose. The palate is soft, plush and really inviting. Sour red fruits collide with blackberry cobbler, coffee grounds, kumquat zest, and tobacco leaf tones on the palate. The flavor range is just sensational, building with each sip. Really good even at the three year mark, this will cellar for at least another decade. Drink 2021-2033- 94


2018 Sanguis ‘The Highlands’ Red Wine- The 2018 Sanguis ‘The Highlands’ Red Wine is a sensational blend of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Layers of red and dark fruits collide with smoky minerals, wet stone, tobacco leaf and citrus zest undertones. Soft and round on the palate, with beautiful length, this has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2021-2033- 94


2017 Sanguis ‘Tell Me A Tale’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 ‘Tell Me A Tale’ saw 26 months of large format oak prior to bottling, Aromatically this is beautifully expressive with pencil lead and dark currant aromas alongside potpourri and shades of mocha. The palate is dense and delicious with layers of dark frutis, creosote, coffee grounds and tar. Soft and generous on the mouth this exudes class with its massive core of dark fruits, espresso bean, tobacco and sagebrush tones. This has potentially two decades to go. Drink 2021-2038- 95


2017 Sanguis ‘Nothing If Not A Game’ Red Wine- The ‘Nothing’ is definitely the opposite of what it describes, as this is a massive blend of Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah that saw 26 months of large format oak treatment before bottling. Polished and layered with black tea, green bell pepper, dark chocolate shavings and boysenberry cobbler flavors, this is a beautiful wine that really improves following a one hour decant. Drink 2021-2038- 95

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I wanted to share my 2018 Washington Red Wine Report, the first of its kind for Decanter.

I wanted to share my 2018 Washington Red Wine Report, the first of its kind for Decanter.

Washington Report For Decanter

August 5, 2021

Friends,

The first of its kind for this publication, I wanted to share my report on 100 red wines reviewed for Decanter. Hope you enjoy, what a beautiful vintage for red wines in Washington.

https://www.decanter.com/premium/washington-reds-2018-vintage-overview-and-top-scoring-wines-462142/?fbclid=IwAR3cCWTjaghKfrXsHrLm7obnahxPMeu4GK0B9HwnFJ9cO4x4VS3sQVBIyD8

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Here we have the sensational new 2018 Ramey Chardonnays.

Here we have the sensational new 2018 Ramey Chardonnays.

Ramey Chardonnay

August 5, 2021

One of the great winemakers in North America, David Ramey is the owner/winemaker of Ramey Wine Cellars, producer of some of the best Chardonnay on this planet. The winery sources from some of the great vineyards in Sonoma, including the Hyde and Ritche Vineyards. He makes wines that embody good balance and poise, regardless of vintage. His single vineyard Chardonnays in particular show incredible terroir, richness, range and poise that put them in the upper echelon of California Chardonnay. For my palate, these might just be the finest Chardonnays that I have tasted from David Ramey over the past fifteen years. 

I adored the 2018 Ramey ‘Ritchie Vineyard’ Chardonnay (OB, 96)  which is one of the best Chardonnays in North America that I have tasted in the past year. Even their lower priced bottling from the Sonoma Coast was incredible. Their 2018 Ramey ‘Fort Ross-Seaview’ Chardonnay (OB, 94) literally screams terroir with its salty tones and beautiful length. Learn more about these incredible new wines at http://www.rameywine.com Here are the great new releases by Ramey.


2018 Ramey ‘Fort Ross-Seaview’ Chardonnay- The 2018 ‘Fort Ross-Seaview’ Chardonnay is sourced from the Martinelli Charles Ranch which is two miles from the Pacific Ocean. The wine shows off a pretty bouquet with saline drenched orchard fruits with lime zest and flinty undertones. The palate is beautifully textured with a soft mouthfeel and wonderful length. The sense of place and balance here is sensational. Gorgeous now, this will continue to deliver drinking enjoyment for at least another decade. But why wait? Drink 2021-2033- 94


2018 Ramey ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The acclaimed ‘Hyde Vineyard’ is located on the Napa side of the Carneros district and has old Wente clone Chardonnay set on Haire Clay Loam soils. Aged for 20 months in 25% new French oak, this shows off flinty undertones alongside wild mushroom, peat moss and ripe Japanese pear on the nose. The palate is soft, showing good depth and an opulent texture yet maintaining a high degree of verve. Layers of buttercream, brioche, salted Marcona almond and Pink Lady apple all parade alongside minerals and smoky undertones. Drink 2021-2035- 95


2018 Ramey ‘Ritchie Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The ‘Ritchie Vineyard’ is set on sandy Goldridge loam with Old Wente clonal selection Chardonnay that was planted back in 1972. The Chardonnay was also aged for 20 months in 25% new French oak and shows off aromas of smoke and pine needles alongside ripe pear, nectarine and roasted hazelnuts. The palate is big and bold, yet vibrant with a massive veil of tension that runs through the core of orchard and citrus fruits, with salt and baking spice dusted Challah bread. The exceedingly long finish really impresses. Gorgeous now, this impeccably balanced wine with gobs of stuffing will provide drinking enjoyment for another fifteen years. Drink 2021-2035- 96


2018 Ramey ‘Rochioli Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2018 ‘Rochioli Vineyard’ Chardonnay was mostly sourced from the Mid-40 block (84%) of the vineyard, as this saw 25% new French oak for 20 months prior to bottling. The nose verges on tropical fruits with roasted pineapple, vanilla cream, cardamom and salted Macadamia nut on this absolutely intoxicating bouquet. The palate shows great viscosity with a light dusting of salinity. Bright pear and starfruit tones combine with French bread, white truffle and suggestions of dried mango. The flavor range here is just extraordinary, as is the combination of poise and richness. Utterly gorgeous in its youth, this beautiful wine will cellar for another twenty years. Drink 2021-2035- 96


2018 Ramey ‘Westside Farms’ Chardonnay- The 2018 ‘Westside Farms’ Chardonnay’ is sourced from Ramey’s estate 75-acre ranch that is set on Yolo silty loam soils. Aged for 20 months in 25% new French oak this takes on pineapple and lemon zest alongside nutmeg and Shitakii mushroom tones that all dance in the glass. The palate is seamless with a great combination of weight, texture and verve. Layers of toasty oak and salted Macadamia nut collide with smoky minerals, lemon oil and a light dusting of white pepper. While not as big as the ‘Rochioli’ bottling, this expresses impeccable balance and has some seriously good aging potential. Drink 2021-2035- 95


2018 Ramey ‘Woolsey Road Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The incredible 2018 ‘Woolsey Road Vineyard’ is owned by the Maritnelli family but has been planted to David Ramey’s specifications since 2007. Once on the nose, the dense pear and green apple tones impress, alongside wet stone, apricot and shades of orange blossom. The palate is beautifully balanced with great weight and viscosity, as well as a light dusting of salinity. Lemon oil topped brioche combines with Gravenstein apple, sourdough bread and baking spices on the palate. Fantastic to savor now with its great sense of freshness, like the other ’18 bottlings, this has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2021-2035- 95

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Here is the utterly sensational 2017 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc.

Here is the utterly sensational 2017 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc.

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte

August 4, 2021

One of the top producers of Bordeaux Blanc, Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte is located in the Pessac-Leognan appellation and located south of the city of Bordeaux in Martillac. A house with an incredible history, Smith-Haut-Lafitte dates back to the 14th century with the house of Verrier Du Boscq who planted vines on a gravelly plateau named Lafitte already in 1365. In 1720, it was bought by the Scotsman Georges Smith who added his name and also who built the manor house of the property. Today the modern facility focuses on biodiversity in the vineyards. Most of the vineyard production focuses on their red wines (67 hectares planted to red varietals compared to 11 hectares planted to white varietals).

I love the red wines from Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte but I have always felt that the white wines from this estate are truly something special that rival the best in Bordeaux — especially when you factor price. I have also noticed an increase in quality of the wines starting in the late 1990s. I recently had the chance to visit the 2017 and 2018 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte and was absolutely mesmerized with both bottlings. They were each unique and quite differently evolved. The 2017 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc (OB, 97) shows more mid-palate ripeness and slightly less finesse than the 2018 bottling. The ’17 shows nothing short of insanely good aromatic and flavor range, and is just starting to evolve into some nutty tones. The 2018 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc (OB, 97) is soft and a bit slower to evolve at the moment. It is a dense, tightly wound wine that will need more time to fully be aroused in the bottle, but is a masterclass of its own just as the ’17 is. Learn more about these famed wines at https://www.smith-haut-lafitte.com/en/home/ and here are my tasting notes from the glorious 2017 and 2018 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc wines. 



2017 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc- This is now the second time in the past year that I have had the opportunity to review this beautiful wine. A dazzling blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc with 5% Semlillon and 5% Semillon Gris, this Bordeaux Blanc exudes class with pine nuts, honeysuckle and banana tones alongside dried apricot and brandy soaked pear with flinty undertones. The palate is plush and soft with a gorgeous sense of texture and verve. Green papaya, wet stone, Macadamia nut, Japanese pear and cantaloupe flavors all shine brightly together. Sinfully good now even at four years of age, this has a really long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2021-2042- 97


2018 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc-The 2018 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Blanc is a dense and gorgeous bottling that is only beginning to show glimpses of its full potential. Flinty aromas meld with cantaloupe, green bell pepper, and lime zest. The palate is lush and beautifully textured and structured with salted pineapple, cantaloupe, wet stone, salty minerals and green apple flavors. The gratifying length adds to the enjoyment as this outstanding Bordeaux Blanc will continue to cellar well for another twenty years. Give this at least two hours in the decanter if enjoying now. Drink 2021-2042- 97

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Here we have the great new labels on the Erath Pinot Noirs.

Here we have the great new labels on the Erath Pinot Noirs.

Erath

August 4, 2021

An Oregon winery synonymous with value, Erath has its roots planted as one of Oregon’s historic wineries. Dating back to 1976, Erath’s first wines were made with the 1982 vintage by legendary winemaker Dick Erath. Dick was an engineer-turned-viticulturist was first inspired to pursue winemaking in 1965 after making wine in his garage. He finished some coursework at UC-Davis in 1968, Erath then moved to the Chehalem Mountains in the Willamette Valley. His family resided in an unheated logger’s cabin on 49 acres and he soon found that Pinot Noir grew very well in the region.

Dick grew the brand to a whopping 35,000 cases and eventually sold to Chateau Ste. Michelle in 2006. I began tasting these wines with the 2002 vintage and I have been impressed with the remarkable consistency — not only of their top bottling but their entry level wine. This year’s edition, the 2019 Erath ‘Oregon’ Pinot Noir (OB, 89) punches above its weight class with a solid mouthfeel and soft texture. Even better is the 2018 Erath ‘Willakia’ Pinot Noir (OB, 92) which has good flavor density and verve with nice citrus notes alongside there of red and dark fruits. Learn more about this outstanding winery at erath.com and here are my tasting notes from the new wines by Erath. 


2019 Erath Rose- The soft mouthfeel really drives this wine as very pretty pear, guava and strawberry flavors all meld in unison. Drink now while the good sense of acidity remains. Drink 2021-2023- 89


2019 Erath ‘Oregon’ Pinot Gris- The really good 2019 Erath ‘Oregon’ Pinot Gris shows off wet stone, lemon rind and Japanese pear flavors alongside a good sense of finesse and stony mineral undertones. Nicely textured, with good length, enjoy this outstanding value over the next few years. Drink 2021-2024- 90


2018 Erath ‘Oregon’ Chardonnay- Toasty brioche notes mingle with lemon zest, wild mushroom and juicy starfruit flavors. Great now, this is best enjoyed over the next several years while the freshness remains intact. Drink 2021-2025- 90


2019 Erath ‘Oregon’ Pinot Noir- The nose here shows pretty red florals with red cherry and shades of tobacco. Fresh and nicely textured, this has good finesse with delicate red fruits alongside lighter wet stone and tilled soil undertones. Enjoy this excellent value over the next several years. Drink 2021-2025- 89


2019 Erath ‘Reserve Collection’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘Reserve Collection’ is a barrel select wine from a host of sites across the Willamette Valley. A soft texture greets you with layers of pretty cran-cherry, pomegranate seed and damp earthy tones on the palate. Enjoy this fragrant and lighter style Pinot Noir over the next eight years. Drink 2021-2029- 90


2018 Erath ‘Knight’s Gambit’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Knight’s Gambit’ Pinot Noir has really good aromatic range from orange rind and cherry preserves to menthol and peat moss undertones that all sing in unison. The palate is fresh and lithe with great structure and mouthfeel. Wild blackberry and red currant flavors collide with minerals, wet stone and blood orange zest. The combination of weight and acidity really make this tick. Drink 2021-2033- 92


2018 Erath ‘Willakia’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 Erath ‘Willakia’ Pinot Noir shows a soft sense of texture with beautiful red and dark fruits that collide with minerals, bay leaf and Satsuma orange zest. Full-bodied and showing the warmth of the vintage, this excellent new Pinot Noir will be best enjoyed over the next decade. Drink 2021-2031- 92

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Here we have the sensational new wines by Soter Vineyards.

Here we have the sensational new wines by Soter Vineyards.

Soter Vineyards

August 3, 2021

One of the outstanding Oregon estates founded by Tony and Michelle Soter, the Soter 'Mineral Springs Ranch’ is a 240-acre oak savanna in the center of the Willamette Valley. The vineyard is certified biodynamic and was planted to 15 acres of Pinot Noir in 2002 and 2003, and an additional 15 acres in 2006. Two acres of Chardonnay were included in the 2006 plantings and are devoted entirely to our sparkling wine production. Small extension blocks have been added over the years to grow our total production to 40 acres. Having visited the winery several years back, it is a simply gorgeous site to sample their beautiful range of wines. 

Chris Fladwood serves as winemaker, and has a decorated career which included several years in the Army, until dedicating his civilian life to winemaking. Chris has worked harvests in New Zealand as well as Bordeaux. Chris was named Soter cellar master in 2009 and has worked his way to the winemaker position. What I love about this new portfolio is their range of pricing including their second tier wines, Planet Oregon, which are outstanding for the price.

Soter has gained national attention for their sparkling wines. I absolutely loved their 2017 Soter ‘Mineral Springs’ Rose Sparkling Wine (OB, 94) which is sensational and highly nuanced with a silky mousse. Soter has a value wine in their portfolio that over-delivers for the price. The new 2018 Soter ‘Mineral Springs’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 94)  which is deeply concentrated and shows lovely salty tones. This has some seriously good cellaring potential. Learn more about this famed Oregon producer at http://sotervineyards.com/ Here are the beautiful new wines by Soter Vineyards. 


2017 Soter Vineyards ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine- Needing a bit of air to fully unwind, the 2017 ‘Brut Rose’ by Soter shows off pretty grapefruit blossom with guava,  raspberry  and wet stone tones that all meld in the glass. The palate shows a beautiful purity of red fruits alongside tilled soils, orange rind and a soft mouthfeel. This is exceedingly refined bubbles with its stony undertones. The silky mousse and wonderful tension of the wine really shine through, as this outstanding bottling has a decade or more to go in the bottle. Drink 2021-2033- 94


2018 Soter ‘Estates’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Estates’ Pinot Noir reveals a gorgeous bouquet. The aromatic range is exquisite from red rose petals to red currants, cigar box, wet stone and orange rind tones that all meld in the glass. The palate is refined and sinfully good. Broad shouldered with its deep core of guava puree flavors, woven together with red cherry and boysenberry cordial tones. But with more air this reveals more nuances with with nori and salty accents that flirt with cedar, and peat moss flavors. A gorgeous showing now at only three years of age, the 2018 ‘Estates’ Pinot Noir will continue to provide drinking enjoyment over the next fifteen years. Drink 2021-2036- 94 


2018 Soter ‘Mineral Springs Ranch’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from this Yamhill-Carlton AVA vineyard, the 2018 ‘Mineral Springs Ranch’ Pinot Noir saw 40% new French oak for twelve months prior to bottling. The palate is very focused and refined with a bright beam of salinity the runs through the core of ripe red fruits with tobacco leaf and forest floor undertones. Beautifully textured, with outstanding length, this great new 2018 Pinot Noir will cellar well over the next fifteen years. Drink 2021-2036- 94

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Here we have the beautiful new releases by Giovanni Manzone.

Here we have the beautiful new releases by Giovanni Manzone.

Giovanni Manzone

August 2, 2021

Barolo is a beguiling region that produces some of the great wines of the world. It was back in 1925 that Giovanni Manzone purchased 'Ciabot del Preve' (the Parish Priest house) and he started the winemaking in Monforte d’Alba. During the years the Manzone family purchased important vineyards on the historic hill of ‘Castelletto’ and ‘Gramolere’ two top crus in  Monforte d'Alba. In the last several years Mauro (2005) and Mirella Manzone (2012) joined their father Giovanni in the management of the winery. Mauro and Mirella are graduates from the famed Oenology School of Alba. Manzone estate is located in Monforte d’Alba, Piedmont, in the southeastern portion of the Langhe hills. Manzone owns 8.5 hectares (about 20 acres) of vineyards and uses estate-grown grapes only. The entire production is roughly 45,000 bottles per year.

I love the Manzone wines and have bought many of these wines over the years, particularly the well-priced ‘Bricat’ which consistently over-delivers for the price. I absolutely loved the 2016 Giovanni Manzone ‘Bricat’ Barolo (OB, 93) which has a silky mouthfeel and is beautifully textured with very pretty red fruits. Even better is their top wine coming from the 2013 vintage, their Giovanni Manzone ‘Gramolere Riserva’ Barolo (OB, 94) which is still very youthful but has another twenty years in the cellar to go. Learn more about this famed Barolo estate at http://www.manzonegiovanni.com Here are notes from the outstanding new wines by Manzone.


2018 Giovanni Manzone Rossese Bianco- Crafted from a relatively rare indigenous varietal that shows really nice nutty and earthy tones on the palate alongside nectarine and white grapefruit tones. Medium-bodied and showing a great combination of freshness and texture, this beautiful wine is best enjoyed over the next five years. Drink 2021-2026- 90


2017 Giovanni Manzone ‘La Marchesa’ Barbara D’Alba- The 2017 ‘La Marchesa’ Barbera is an outstanding effort that saw 16 months in large puncheons prior to bottling. The nose is located with sour red fruits that collide with smoke, bramble and orange zest tones. The palate is soft and inviting with great acidity. Shades of pomegranate and kirsch mingle with tilled soils, and tobacco leaf, alongside a beautiful teexture and light dusting of salinity.  This is seriously good now and has another decade to go. Drink 2021-2030- 91


2016 Giovanni Manzone ‘Gramolere’ Barolo- The 2016 Giovanni Manzone ‘Gramolere’ Barolo  is a gorgeous effort that shows off red florals alongside orange rind, cranberry and dried herbal tones aromatically. Fresh and vibrant with a plush sense of texture, the wine is dense and concentrated with layers of beautiful red fruits and cigar box tones. While really great to savor following a two hour decant, this has more than fifteen years to go in the cellar. Drink 2021-2035- 92


2016 Giovanni Manzone ‘Bricat’ Barolo- Even more impressive than the ‘Gramolere’ bottling, the 2016 ‘Bricat’ Barolo moves more towards hedonistic and polished with its gorgeous bouquet and massive wall of red fruits. With more air shades of black truffle and freshly tilled volcanic soils combine with the bright acidity and beautiful length. Overall, this is a stunning new Barolo that probably can benefit from another year or two in the bottle.  This has the potential to cellar well for another two decades. Drink 2022-2038- 93


2016 Giovanni Manzone ‘Castelletto’ Barolo- The 2016 ‘Castelletto’ Barolo is absolutely singing at now the five year mark. Ripe strawberry, tobacco leaf and red cherry compote all fill the nose with red rose petals and damp earthy accents adding to the enjoyment. This becomes even more dense and hedonistic with a bit more air, as layers of ripe red fruits are woven together with stony minerals, menthol, blood orange zest and even shades of dark currants. A complete wine now, this beautiful Barolo will definitely benefit from another year in the bottle. Drink 2022-2038- 93


2013 Giovanni Manzone ‘Gramolere Riserva’ Barolo- I was enamored by the gorgeous 2013 ‘Gramolere Riserva’ Barolo which saw 54 months in large puncheons prior to bottling.  Right away alluring smoke and gravel tones combine with a beautiful core of red and dark fruits with shades of potpourri. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a sinfully good texture. With great acidity and length, ripe red and dark fruits mingle with a dusting of salinity and volcanic earth. Beautiful to savor now, be sure to give this at least a two hour decant if enjoying in its youth now at the eight year mark. Drink 2022-2040- 94

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Here we have the new 2017 Caladan Cabernet Franc.

Here we have the new 2017 Caladan Cabernet Franc.

Caladan

July 29, 2021

I love world class Cabernet Franc. A new winery that focuses on creating terroir-driven Cabernet Franc from Spring Mountain District, Howell Mountain, Diamond Mountain District, and Mount Veeder. They include a small amount of Merlot in their blend. A Jackson Family brajnd, Caladan utilizes the talents of legendary vintner Chris Carpenter.This wine is similarly structured to his La Jota and Cardinale wines that show not only great terroir but a beginning, middle and an end. 

I’ll fully admit that I was blown away with the 2017 Caladan Cabernet Franc (OB, 97) which really needs another year or two of bottle age. Now at the four year mark after two hours in the decanter this shows gorgeous range from black fruits to chocolate and herbal undertones. This is a beautiful expression of terroir that is perfect for any serious collector and lover of world class Napa Cabernet Franc. Learn more at http://www.caladanwines.com and here is my review of the new release Cabernet Franc by Caladan.


2017 Caladan Cabernet Franc- This new project by the talented Chris Carpenter is mostly sourced from the Yverdon Vineyard (64%) on Spring Mountain. A blend of 77% Cabernet Franc with the remainder Merlot, this really needs a two hour decant to fully show at its best. The nose is simply gorgeous with black florals alongside graphite, Turkish coffee, dark chocolate and shades of huckleberry compote. The palate is extraordinarily refined, with a great sense of salinity, viscosity and tension. The flavor range here is seriously good from iodine and Black Forest cake with espresso bean, dried herbs and creosote. This finishes long and comes off almost weightless. Glorious now after a long decant, this has potential to age for thirty years. Drink 2023-2045- 97

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Here is the great new value Rose sparkling wine by Planet Oregon.

Here is the great new value Rose sparkling wine by Planet Oregon.

Planet Oregon

July 29, 2021

I love wineries that have a cautious eye for the environment. Planet Oregon is a value production winery by Soter that includes wines from sustainably farmed grapes. The winery also monitors carbon emissions, energy use, and waste production in crafting their sparkling wine and Pinot Noir. Soter donates a portion of wine profits from the sale of Planet Oregon wines to the Oregon Environmental Council.

Both their sparkling wine and Pinot Noir are exceedingly reasonably priced at $24.00. I found both to be downright awesome values. While not highly complex or nuanced, the 2020 Planet Oregon Rose Sparkling Wine (OB, 90) delivers soft red fruits with a great sense of mousse. Just as good is the 2019 Planet Oregon Pinot Noir (OB, 90) which is a killer value with its red fruit profile. Learn more at planetoregonwines.com and here are my reviews of the new Planet Oregon value wines. 


2020 Planet Oregon Rose Sparkling Wine- This shows pretty cherry and cranberry flavors alongside shades of watermelon and tobacco leaf. Well-structured with a soft mousse, this is really good stuff to enjoy now as I don’t see this improving with bottle age. Drink 2021-2024- 90


2019 Planet Oregon Pinot Noir- This reveals a plush texture with plenty of ripe and sour red fruits alongside mineals, tilled soils and stony undertones. Plush and nicely textured, this killer value Pinot Noir another eight years ahead of it. Drink 2021-2029- 90

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Great new wines by Lemelson Vineyards.

Great new wines by Lemelson Vineyards.

Lemelson Vineyards

July 28, 2021

For years I have enjoyed the wines of Lemelson Vineyards, one of the region’s outstanding producers of Pinot Noir. It all began back in 1995 environmental lawyer, Eric Lemelson began planting Pinot Noir. He later created a high tech gravity flow winery which processed it’s first vintage in 1999. All farming practices are organic at Lemelson. Matt Wengel serves as Lemelson winemaker. Matt is a graduate of the prestigious UC Davis Enology and Viticulture program. Following his time workin harvests in Sonoma County, he worked in South Africa at Warwick Estate and had stops in Chile as well as upstate New York. He eventually accepted a position at Stags Leap Winery in Napa Valley and well as serving as assistant winemaker at Clos Pegase for several years prior to. Coming to Lemelson Vineyards.

I have been very impressed with Matt’s wines. These are beautifully textured wines that have good length and flavor density. I adored the new  2018 Lemelson ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay (OB, 93) which has great stuffing and poise. This is an outstanding Chardonnay that will cellar well over the next decade. Nearly as good is his 2018 Lemelson ‘Meyer Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 92) which is very pretty with a nice dusting of salinity. Learn more about these excellent new wines at http://www.lemelsonvineyards.com Here are the great new wines by Lemelson Vineyards.


2018 Lemelson ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay- Ripe pear and vanilla cream with flinty undertones mark the nose as this 2018 ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay was entirely sourced from the ‘Chestnut Hill Vineyard’ set on volcanic soils. The palate evokes a big mouthfeel with layers of brioche and creme brûlée alongside ripe pear and starfruit tones. The wonderful length add to the crescendo, as this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next decade but is fantastic to consume in its youth. Drink 2021-2031- 93


2018 Lemelson ‘Thea’s Selection’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from a host of Pinot Noir clonal selections and vineyards throughout the Willamette Valley, the 2019 ‘Thea’s Selection’ shows off a soft mouthfeel with ripe red currants, orange peel and tilled volcanic soils on the palate, with salty undertones. Ripe and showing nicely in its youth, enjoy this great effort over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2021-2029- 91


2018 Lemelson ‘Stermer Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Planted back in 1997, the ‘Stermer Vineyard’ is located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, as Pinot Noir vines are set on marine sedimentary soils. Aged for fifteen months in 44% new French oak, this evokes black tea, red currants and salty soils on the nose. The palate is round and generous with ripe red fruits that mingle with peat moss and tiled soils. With good length, this has at least another decade to go. Drink 2021-2031- 92


2018 Lemelson ‘Meyer Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Located in the Dundee Hills AVA, the ‘Meyer vineyard’ is a steeply planted site ranging from 550-800 feet and set on Jory and Nekkia soils. The palate shows good freshness and a light dusting of salinity alongside a ripe sense of mouthfeel and great veil of tension. Pomegranate seed, orange rind and tobacco leaf mingle with the salty and earthy undertones of the wine. Enjoy this beauty over the next ten to twelve years. Drink 2021-2033- 92


2018 Lemelson ‘Chestnut Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Chestnut Hill Vineyard’ is one of the highest elevation locations in the Willamette Valley, as the vineyard is planted to Dijon 115 and Pommard clone Pinot Noir. The palate shows a good core of red and dark fruits with salty undertones as well as blood orange zest and shades of wintergreen. Complex and utterly delicious to enjoy now, this has at least another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2021-2033- 92


2017 Lemelson ‘Jerome Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The 2017 ‘Jerome Reserve’ is a barrel select wine that was mostly sourced from the Stermer and Meyer Vineyards. This underwent 15% whole cluster fermentation and was aged in 44% new French oak for sixteen months prior to bottling. Once on the nose this takes on layers of pretty red fruits with red rose petals, grapefruit blossom and underbrush aromas. The palate is silky and seamless, with pomegranate seed, orange zest, cranberry, teaberry and salty soils. A beautiful wine from start to finish, this will continue to provide drinking enjoyment over the next fifteen years. Drink 2021-2035- 93

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They inaugural shindig event will be held at the newly minted Yellowhawk Resort.

They inaugural shindig event will be held at the newly minted Yellowhawk Resort.

Yellowhawk Resort

July 27, 2021

Some big news out of Walla Walla as Basel Cellars is known now as Yellowhawk Resort. To celebrate they have created The Shindig which is an end of summer party at the resort that includes a Friday evening reception and wine tasting event, as well as the Saturday Grand Gallop dinner and auction. Both events will spotlight area wineries and feature live music from local musicians. The auction is hosted in partnership with the Blue Mountain Community Foundation to raise funds to support the local wine and culinary industry workforce and local nonprofits that are helping children have a healthy post-pandemic return to school.

Some incredible wineries will be there including Reynvaan, Sleight of Hand, Leonetti, Long Shadows and many others.

Here are all the participating wineries:


PARTICIPATING WINERIES:

  • BLEDSOE FAMILY WINERY

  • CANVASBACK

  • CAPRIO

  • GROSGRAIN

  • FIGGINS FAMILY

  • FORCE MAJEURE

  • THE WALLS

  • LAGANA CELLARS

  • L’ECOLE

  • LEONETTI

  • LONG SHADOWS

  • PEPPER BRIDGE

  • REININGER

  • REYNVAAN FAMILY VINEYARDS

  • SLEIGHT OF HAND

  • TIME & DIRECTION

  • VA PIANO

  • VALDEMAR ESTATES

  • VITAL

  • WOODWARD CANYON

  • MORE TO COME

Yellowhawk Resort was purchased in December 2020 by Pacific Northwest hospitality leaders Dan Thiessen, Chad Mackay, Scott Clark, Philip Christofides and Paul Mackay and is part of the Revelers Club collection of properties. The sparkling wine program is led by winemaker George-Anne Robertson and they will be making a host of reds, whites and sparkling wines. They are also selling some of their older Basel Cellars wines. Learn more about this exciting new resort and event at https://yellowhawkresort.com/

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It is a great honor to be joining the team of superstar wine critics at Vinous.

It is a great honor to be joining the team of superstar wine critics at Vinous.

Owen Bargreen Joins Vinous

July 21, 2021

Friends, it is my great honor to announce that I will be joining Vinous as editor. I’m thrilled to be a part of their illustrious team and will be writing about Washington wines, as well as overlooked areas around the US, including Virginia, Michigan and Texas.

It has been a dream of mine to be a part of Vinous and their vision in providing cutting edge wine reviews and content. I’ll continue my coverage of Oregon, California and world wines through my own website OwenBargreen.com.

Thank you all for your support over the years and I am very eager to begin this new journey at Vinous.

https://www.vinous.com/articles/owen-bargreen-joins-vinous-jul-2021

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Great photo here of the de Lancellottis, Paul and Kendall.

Great photo here of the de Lancellottis, Paul and Kendall.

de Lancellotti

July 20, 2021

Oregon is home to a wealth of small, top class wineries that seem to consistently over-deliver for the price. Paul and Kendall de Lancellotti founded their own winery and both were both early partners of Bergstrom Wines in 1999. They chose to plant their own vineyard in 2001 which was 16 acre Chehalem Mountain parcel focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Flash forward several years, de Lancellotti Family Vineyards was founded in 2005 focusing on producing high quality Pinot Noir that showcases specific terroir and vineyards. 

For years I have admired the wines of Robert Brittan who serves as consulting winemaker for de Lancellotti. The new wines came from 2019 which had some massive challenges at harvest and a very even growing season. Don’t miss out on the 2019  de Lancellotti ‘Le Mie Figlie’ Chardonnay (OB, 92) which is plush and beautifully textured with great finesse and salty tones. Even better is the 2019 de Lancellotti ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which has great depth and stony tones with a silky texture. Learn more about these great wines at  http://www.delancellottifamilyvineyards.com/ Here are the great new wines by de Lancellotti.



2019 de Lancellotti ‘La Sorella’ Chardonnay-  Sourced from Anderson, Formaglini and Hyland Vineyards, ripe orchard fruits with lemon curd and stony undertones fill the nose. The palate is soft and plush with good verve and excellent length. Shades of lemon oil and salted Macadamia nut add to the enjoyment here, as this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2021-2029- 91



2019 de Lancellotti ‘Le Mie Figlie’ Chardonnay- Soft and generous once on the mouth, the 2019 ‘Le Mie Figlie’ Chardonnay evokes lemon zest and toasted brioche tones as well as hints of honeydew melon and saline drenched pear on the palate. With plenty of body and finesse, this beautiful wine will provide drinking enjoyment over the next decade. Drink 2021-2031- 92



2019 de Lancellotti ‘Estate’ Chardonnay- The 2019 de Lancellotti ‘Estate’ Chardonnay is a brilliant new bottling that utilizes Dijon clones 96 & 76. Aged for ten months in French oak, this shows heady Challah bread, banana and toasty oak tones on the nose with shades of Meyer lemon rind. The palate is plush and seamless as this effortlessly glides across the drinking experience, yielding copious citrus and orchard fruits alongside a seamless texture and bright veil of tension. Gorgeous in its youth, this has another decade or more to go. Drink 2021-2033- 93



2020 de Lancellotti ‘Pinot Nero Bianco’ White Pinot Noir- Flinty tones match shades of white peach, golden delicious apple and nutty tones on the palate, with a good degree of finesse. This is best enjoyed over the next several years. Drink 2021-2024- 90



2019 de Lancellotti ‘La Sorella’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘La Sorella’ shows off a soft mouthfeel with forward red currents and red cherry candy alongside minerals and damp earth undertones. Lighter to medium-bodied, enjoy over the next five plus years. Drink 2021-2026- 90



2019 de Lancellotti ‘Famiglia’ Pinot Noir- Soruced from the ‘Formaglini Vineyard’ in the Chehalem Mountains AVA, the ‘Famiglia’ evokes black truffle and a dusting of white pepper alongside bright and youthful red fruits on the nose. The palate is soft and round, delivering lighter to medium-bodied sour red fruits that collide with minerals, orange zest and smoky/earthy undertones. This is packed full of finesse. Drink 2021-2029- 91



2019 de Lancellotti ‘Arlyn Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘Arlyn Vineyard’ Pinot Noir exudes class with its silky texture. Guava and red rose water combine with wild mushroom, orange rind and shades of cran-cherry on the palate. Fresh, vibrant and mineral-driven, this will go for another decade or more. Drink 2021-2033- 92



2019 de Lancellotti ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir by de Lancellotti is a gorgeous effort in this somewhat challenging vintage. Once on the nose this takes on teaberry alongside guava puree, blood orange zest and shades of cardamom dusted cranberry that all meld in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a silky texture and shows nice stony undertones. Ripe red fruits collide with stony minerals, and tilled soil tones on the palate. Gorgeous now, this has a long way to go. Drink 2021-2035- 93



2019 de Lancellotti ‘Onelia’ Pinot Noir- This densely packed, 100% whole cluster fermented Pinot Noir is another glorious showing by de Lancellotti. The palate is round and generous, delivering loads of ripe red fruits alongside citrus zest, wet stone and peat moss undertones. Glorious to enjoy even after a two hour decant in its youth, this will cellar well over the next fifteen years. Drink 2021-2035- 93



2019 de Lancellotti ‘La Corsia’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘La Corsia’ Pinot Noir is shining brightly now even at the two year mark. Utilizing Dijon clone 667, this beautiful wine sat in French oak for fifteen months before bottling. The resultant wine is fresh and wonderfully textured with very pretty red fruits that mingle with baking spices, orange rind, and tobacco undertones. The generous length and lift of the wine adds to the enjoyment. Drink 2021-2035- 93

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Jesse Lange crafts some beautiful wines for his namesake winery.

Jesse Lange crafts some beautiful wines for his namesake winery.

Lange Winery

July 19, 2021

Sitting across from Jesse Lange, we both reveled in the moment. It had been more than a year since I’ve had the chance to visit his family’s beautiful estate with sweeping views across the Willamette Valley. One of Oregon’s historic wineries, Don and Wendy Lange took a chance by acquiring a large chunk of land back in1987. Over time Jesse has developed into their head winemaker, taking over for his father. 

Jesse’s formal winemaking training occurred at New Zealand’s Lincoln University while on a student exchange scholarship from Oregon State in 1999. Jesse 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 has served on the board of the Willamette Valley Wineries Association. They opened their new tasting room in 2018 which is simply gorgeous.

I was very impressed with what I tasted from Lange. Look to their 2020 Lange ‘Reserve’ Pinot Gris (OB, 92) which is beautifully textured and has some good cellaring potential. Even better is the fantastic new 2020 Lange ‘Three Hills Cuvee’ Chardonnay (OB, 93) which shows good depth, poise and concentration. Learn more about this outstanding Oregon winery at https://www.langewinery.com/ Here are the great new wines by Lange Estate


2020 Lange Rose- The 2020 Lange Rose shows off ripe watermelon, guava and pomegranate seed with shades of blood orange rind and smoky undertones. Fresh and vibrant with very pretty red fruits and red florals, this is gorgeous for a hot summer day. Drink 2021-2025- 90


2020 Lange ‘Classique’ Pinot Gris- The 2020 ‘Classique’ saw nearly all stainless fermentation and 10% barrel fermentation. This reveals gooseberry and white peach aromas that collide with  shades of green papaya on the nose. The palate is lithe and fresh with a great veil of tension. Layers of lemon zest dusted sourdough bread, freshly nutgrass and bright pear mingle with wet stone and minerals on the palate. Drink 2021-2026- 91


2020 Lange ‘Reserve’ Pinot Gris- Partially fermented in concrete tanks, the 2020 Lange ‘Reserve’ Pinot Gris shows off ripe Japanese pear and starfruit alongside baking spices and hints of candied pink grapefruit on the palate. This shows good length and a gratifying texture. With more time you gain nutty and earthy undertones adding to the enjoyment. Gorgeous now, this will age well for another five to seven years. Drink 2021-2028- 92


2020 Lange ‘Classique’ Chardonnay- The 2020 ‘Classique’ Chardonnay is a gorgeous new bottling that has great tension and mouthfeel. Aged mostly in two to five year old French oak (roughly 20%) new, this shows nice melon and toasty brioche tones alongside lighter lemon zest and salty tones on the palate. Drink 2021-2027- 91


2020 Lange ‘Three Hills Cuvee’ Chardonnay- The 2020 ‘Three Hills Cuvee’ is a beautiful new wine by Jesse Lange. Aged in roughly 30% new French oak, wine also was aged partially (20%) in concrete eggs prior to bottling. Cardamon dusted Challah bread and lemon curd tones all mingle on the nose. The palate is fresh with good flavor density and weight, with a light salinity on the mid-palate. Vibrant and beautiful now, they will continue to cellar well for another decade. Drink 2021-2031- 93


2020 Lange ‘Estate’ Chardonnay- The 2020 ‘Estate’ Chardonnay is a limited production bottling that is showing beautifully even after six months. Ripe lychee and wet stone combine with lime zest and baking spice dusted sourdough bread on the palate. This shows gobs of finesse and tension. Drink 2021-2031- 92


2020 Lange ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2020 ‘Freedom Hill Chardonnay’ shows good finesse with salty minerals, lemon rind and shades of French bread on the palate. Melon and wet stone add to the enjoyment here as this shows good length and a soft mouthfeel. Drink 2021-2028- 92


2020 Lange ‘Classique’ Pinot Noir- The 2020 ‘Classique’ Pinot Noir saw more French oak than normal. This shows a good veil of tension with crunchy red fruits, cigar box and orange rind on the palate. This shows really good concentration and finesse. Drink 2021-2027- 90


2019 Lange ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘reserve’ Pinot Noir is a beautiful bottling by Jesse Lange. Once on the nose this takes on peat moss with Yakima cherry and bulls blood tones that all impress. The palate is soft and generous with silky tannins. Refined, with its great combination of red and dark fruits alongside earthy undertones, while not densely concentrated, this gorgeous effort will cellar beautifully for another decade. Drink 2021-2031- 91


2019 Lange ‘Three Hills Cuvee’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘Three Hills Cuvee’ is loaded with crunchy red fruits on the palate, with vibrant minerality and a light dusting of salinity. Medium bodied and full of life, this beautiful wine that is showing nice red florals with pomegranate and wild blackberry on the palate, has another decade to go in the cellar. Drink 2021-2031- 91


2019 Lange ‘Yamhill-Carlton Assemblage’ Pinot Noir- A blend of sites in this AVA, the 2019 Pinot Noir shows pretty red florals with orange rind and shades of guava on the nose. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a soft mouthfeel and shows wonderful refinement. Strawberry and guava with red rose water all brilliantly combine on the palate. This is beautiful stuff. Drink 2021-2031- 92


2019 Lange ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir is a gorgeous effort that is showing brilliantly even at the two year mark. Huckleberry and black tea combine with wild mushroom on the nose. The palate is silky and elegant with a great veil of tension. Ripe blackberry and black cherry mingle with minerals and orange zest on the palate. This is absolutely singing now. Drink 2021-2034- 93

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One of my favorite photos with eminent vigneron Christophe Baron.

One of my favorite photos with eminent vigneron Christophe Baron.

4K Followers

July 17, 2021

Friends, I wanted to share my feelings of gratitude for helping me reach 4K followers on Facebook. It is an honor and a privilege writing about the great wines of Oregon, Washington, California and abroad. Thank you all for your continued support and I hope you all enjoy a wonderful weekend with beautiful wines. Here is one of my favorite photos with famed vigneron Christophe Baron. 🍷

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Glorious range of new wines by Caliza.

Glorious range of new wines by Caliza.

Caliza

July 15, 2021

One of the outstanding producers in Paso Robles, Caliza focuses on Rhone style red and white wines, as well as truly unique blends that even incorporate Petite Sirah. Caliza, Spanish for "limestone", connects the name to the 20-acre Caliza vineyard. The vineyard is predominantly comprised of hillsides with south-facing slopes which leads to maximum sun exposure.. Set at 900-1200 feet above sea level in Templeton Gap area, the vineyard faces strong diurnal shifts which creates some nice tension in the wines. 

Founded by Carl and Pam Bowker, who planted near L’Aventure and Booker, they very carefully sought a site that had distinct terroir. You can get the flinty and stony character in the wines. Carl Bowker graduated from Napa Valley College’s Viticulture and Enology associate program in 2004 and one year later he and his wife purchased this exciting site. These are unabashedly big wines that show good texture and length.Don’t miss out on the stunning new 2018 Calia ‘Cohort’ Red Wine (OB, 94) which is sinfully good in its youth with its massive depth and concentration. Just as good is the outstanding 2018 Caliza ‘Reserve’ Syrah (OB, 94) which needs a long decant before enjoying but has some serious cellaring potential. Learn more about this outstanding winery from Paso Robles at https://www.calizawinery.com Here are the great new wines by Caliza. 


2020 Caliza ‘Pink’ Rose- Fresh and vibrant with a soft texture, the 2020 ‘Pink’ reveals just a kiss of sweetness with its melon and lighter red fruit flavors and stony undertones. Nuanced and showing good finesse, enjoy this great effort over the next few years. Drink 2021-2025- 91


2020 Caliza ‘Kissin Cousins’ White Wine- The 2020 ‘Kissin Cousins’ reveals honeysuckle with bright pear and starfruit tones aromatically. The palate is beautifully textured, showing good weight and flavor density with melon, kiwi and white peach with vanilla cream undertones. Drink 2021-2025- 92


2017 Caliza ‘Cohort’ Red Wine- Inky and brooding in the glass, the 2017 ‘Cohort’ is mainly Petite Sirah 958%) with smaller parts Syrah and Mourvedre. Smoky and earthy on the nose, with high-toned violets and chocolate undertones, the heady aromatics bring you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The palate is dense and chewy with great acidity and viscosity. A massive wall of black and blue fruits greet you with a strong veil of tension and stony minerals on the palate. Seriously good even at the four year mark, this has another decade or more to go. Drink 2021-2031- 94


2018 Caliza ‘Companion’ Red Wine- The 2018 Caliza ‘Companion’ is a silky blend of near equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon (52%) and Syrah (48%). Flinty undertones with smoked brisket and cigar ash alongside blackberry cordial all mark the nose. The palate is dense and rich with a soft mouthfeel and beautiful layers of black fruits as well as espresso bean and pipe tobacco tones. Generous and showing good length, enjoy this outstanding wine over the next ten years. Drink 2021-2031- 93


2018 Caliza Syrah- This 100% Caliza Estate bottling was aged in 60% new French oak before bottling. Round and soft on the mouth, the reveals huckleberry syrup, black tea, exotic spices and chocolate tones on the palate. Full-bodied, yet showing some good acidity, enjoy this beauty over the next decade. Drink 2021-2031- 93


2018 Caliza ‘Reserve’ Syrah- A hedonistic monster of a wine, the 2018 ‘Reserve’ by the talented Carl Bowker is absolutely sensational even in its youth. Creosote and dark currents mingle with chocolate covered espresso bean and black licorice on the nose. The palate is intense and voluptuous with great texture and a weightless experience mid-palate. Sinfully good now, give this at least an hour decant if enjoying in its youth. Drink 2021-2035- 94

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Fantastic photo here of the talented Aaron Pott who has crafted a gorgeous new set of releases for Fe Wines.

Fantastic photo here of the talented Aaron Pott who has crafted a gorgeous new set of releases for Fe Wines.

Fe Wines

July 15, 2021

A winery with terroir at heart, Fe (pronounced FEE) is the atomic symbol for iron, a substance that you will find throughout the soils of their Spring Mountain Vineyard. It is quite remarkable that seven years of viticulture went into the first vintage of Fe Wines. This location sees a good amount of fog to moderate the summer heat. 

At the helm is Aaron Pott, who has an illustrious career in wine. After achieving his undergraduate degree at University of California, Davis, he attained master’s degree in Viticulture, Wine, and Terroir from the Université de Bourgogne. In Bordeaux, he was winemaker at Château Troplong Mondot and director of Château La Tour Figeac. He also has his own brand of stunning wines. 

Right now Fe Wines are producing two wines, a red blend and a near 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from their estate site on Spring Mountain. I adored both of these wines that have good restraint, power and precision. I simply adored the 2018 Fe Wines Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 97) which should be in the cellar for any serious collector of Napa wines. Learn more about these gorgeous wines at https://www.fewines.com and here are the fantastic new 2018 releases by Fe Wines. 



2018 Fe Wines ’26’ Red Wine- This proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot shows off sandalwood with red currants, espresso bean and loamy tilled soils on the nose. The palate is very silky and elegant with rich cassis and anise flavors alongside milk chocolate and sweet pipe tobacco undertones. The length and viscosity suggest this has another fifteen plus years to go in the cellar. Drink 2021-2036- 95



2018 Fe Wines Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 Fe Wines Cabernet Sauvignon is a downright head-turning wine nearly all comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon (91%). Once aroused this takes on heady creme de cassis, Turkish coffee, tar and graphite tones that all impress in the glass. The palate is exceedingly refined with a silky elegance and a seamless texture. Layers of boysenberry cordial and mocha combine with menthol and shades of creosote on the palate. This finishes exceedingly long. Glorious in its vibrant youth, this has at least two decades to provide drinking enjoyment. Drink 2022-2040- 97

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Here we have the glorious 2000 Chateau de Beaucastel.

Here we have the glorious 2000 Chateau de Beaucastel.

Chateau de Beaucastel

July 14, 2021

Chateau de Beaucastel


Today is Bastille Day! And we pay homage to one of the acclaimed houses in the southern Rhone region of France. Chateau de Beaucastel produces some of the finest Châteauneuf du Pape in the world. Everyone who has tried this famous wine can think back to their first bottle of Chateau de Beaucastel. I recall my first one while I was in college, enjoying the absolutely epic 1998 Chateau de Beaucastel. I remember the stunning combination of weight and tension in the bottle — one that literally begs you to enjoy more. I have very fond memories of a 1989 Chateau de Beaucastel, one of the famed vintages for this wine that I had the pleasure of enjoying with friends several years back. 

The region of Chateauneuf du Pape has an incredible history and was was first mentioned in 11th century historical records. The town of Avignon in this region was the previous site of the papacy, following a Roman invasion. Bertrand de Got, archbishop of Bordeaux, was elected pope in 1305, and took the name of Clement V as he transferred the papacy from Rome to Avignon in 1309. The register of pontifical letters reveals that Clement V visited Châteauneuf on several occasions, at times for many months.

Wine had a serious effect in this region before the arrival of the papacy but there are no actual historical records of wine or vineyards prior to this time. We do know that most of the wine grown in this region prior to the 18th century was drunk within a year, which was true to the cultural times. It wasn’t until 1923 when local wine producers led the way to have their wines classified as Châteauneuf-du-Pape Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) was formed.

The famed Chateau de Beaucastel is named after the Beaucastel family which lived in this region in the 16th century. Amazingly we can find records that show a Pierre de Beaucastel buying a barn and some associated land at Coudoulet in 1549, and this land is still part of Château de Beaucastel's holdings. In the 19th century, when the Phylloxera epidemic struck the region, the owner decided not to replant the vineyards but rather to sell the property. In 1909, it was bought by Pierre Tramier, and the vineyards were rebuilt under his ownership. After him, his son-in-law Pierre Perrin took over management and expanded Château de Beaucastel's vineyard holdings considerably. The property has stayed in the Perrin family since.

For many years I have enjoyed very old bottlings of this estate, back to the 1980s. These wines are extremely complex, acid driven and age-worthy. Chateau de Beaucastel is one of the few wineries that uses 13 different Rhone varietals in its Châteauneuf du Pape, and typically uses a high proportion of Mourvèdre. I was very impressed with the vertical tasting, as these wines show as well as any other estate in Châteauneuf du Pape. I have been incredibly impressed with the consistency from this producer as these are some of the most age worthy wines from this region.

A few weeks back I enjoyed the glorious 2000 Chateau de Beaucastel.  Sitting with friends, it was so much fun taking notes on this wine and watching the wine evolve over 30 minutes. This is a beautiful wine that won’t improve, so uncork it soon! Learn more about this famed estate at http://www.beaucastel.com Here is the gorgeous ‘00 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape. 


2000 Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape- Starting its decline but absolutely stunning over the first hour, the 2000 Chateau de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape is a wonderful piece of history that blends 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, 5% Cinsault and 15% a blend of Vaccarèse, Terret noir, Muscardin, Clairette, Picpoul, Picardan, Bourboulenc, Roussanne. Right out of the gate the Umami and smoked meat tones impresse with lovely black olives and lighter red fruits all parade on the nose. tapenade, huckleberry, herbs de Provence, and shades of Umami. The palate has good freshness that remained intact over the first 30-45 minute mark after uncorking. Sour raspberry, bandaid, green olives and salty and stony undertones mingle on the palate with rose water and citrus rind undertones. Complex and delicate now, enjoy this beauty over the next few years if you still have some left. Drink 2020-2023- 93

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Here is the fantastic range of Full Pull wines.

Here is the fantastic range of Full Pull wines.

Full Pull Wines

July 13, 2021

One of the most popular ways to buy wine in the Seattle area, Full Pull is an online retailer formed by Paul Ziterelli. A few years back Paul had the brilliant idea to commission Morgan Lee to make wines that reflect individual blocks in a parcel, forming Block Wines and selling the wines through Full Pull. I have been really impressed with what he has churned out, whether it is finesse-driven Semillon to stony Syrah.

Morgan Lee of Two Vintners fame has a minimal interventionist style of winemaking. He uses oak wisely and crafts wines that have good freshness and terroir. I love the new 2019 Block Wines ‘Ankleroller Block Stones Speak Vineyard’ Syrah (OB, 93) which has amazing aromatic and flavor range that screams Rocks Syrah. I adored the 2018 Block Wines ‘Block 1 Discovery Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 92) which shows good restraint and has some solid aging potential. Wines from the Discovery Vineyard are becoming more and more impressive and this is one brilliant new wine from there. Learn more about these wines at http://www.blockwines.com/ and here are the brilliant new releases by Full Pull and Block Wines


2019 Block Wines ‘Ankleroller Block Stones Speak Vineyard’ Syrah- Located in the Walla Walla Rocks District, the ‘Stones Speak Vineyard’ is farmed by Richard Funk and planted to Syrah on now relatively medium-aged vines. One whiff and you’ll instantly get that ‘Rocks’ character with wet stone, Umami, teaberry and blood orange zest with a lighter core of saline drenched red fruits. The palate shows good finesse and salinity, with a brilliant stony character. Ripe, yet not at all jammy, everything is in balance here. Enjoy this great new 2019 Syrah over the next eight years. Drink 2021-2029- 93


2019 Full Pull & Friends ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah- This lighter, finesse-driven bottling reveals guava and red currants with orange zest and wet stone on the palate. Almost Pinotesque in terms of its weight and earthy undertones, this is drinking brilliantly right now and will carry on for at least another five years. Drink 2021-2026- 91


2019 Starside Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2019 Starside Cabernet Sauvignon is an outstanding value from the Columbia Valley. The sense of finesse is really nice as ripe dark currants and tobacco leaf flavors mingle with shades of milk chocolate on the palate. Drink 2021-2027- 90


2018 Block Wines ‘Block 1 Discovery Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Located in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, the ‘Discovery Vineyard’ has slowly been making a really strong reputation for balanced, and downright delicious Cabernet Sauvignon. This edition by Block Wines exudes both with refined tannins and a good core of dark fruits with pipe tobacco, sagebrush and flinty undertones. Enjoy this beautiful and elegant style of Cabernet Sauvignon over the next decade. Drink 2021-2031- 92

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