Bibi Graetz

One of the inspired producers out of Tuscany, Bibi Graetz has revelation since he began winemaking in 2000. In literally the storybook setting of a medieval castle, Castello di Vincigliata, Bibi Graetz creates each wine at this storied estate overlooking Florence. Bibi started with a small, 5-acre vineyard on this hillside in Fiesole. Since his first release in 2000 Bibi has become one of Tuscany’s cult winemakers without having any formal training in winemaking. His famed Testamatta and Colore bottling have made him an international success. Today Bibi source’s from old vines in Tuscany as well as old vines from the Isola del Giglio. His wines are crafted from traditional varieties of Sangiovese, Colorino, and Canaiolo for the reds and the indigenous varieties of Ansonica and Vermentino for his whites wines.

I adored the 2019 wines which were taken from a cooler vintage. The 2019 Bibi Graetz ‘Testamatta’ Red Wine (OB, 95) which shows beautiful finesse and flavor development even at the two year mark. and really good core of red and dark fruits with wonderfully rustic tones. Even better was the stunning 2019 Bibi Graetz ‘Colore’ Red Wine (OB, 97) which is a silky wine crafted from 100% Sangiovese. — the first time he has opted for a 100% Sangio ‘Colore’ wine. You should not miss these sensational new wines that are perfect for any serious collector of Italian wines. Learn more about these gorgeous new wines at http://www.bibigraetz.com Here are the incredible new release wines by Bibi Graetz.

2019 Bibi Graetz ‘Testamatta’ Red Wine- The 2019 ‘Testamatta’ is a 100% Sangiovese wine sourced from vines roughly 35-50 years of age. Once on the nose this is much more open than the ‘Colore’ showing bright red fruits that dazzle alongside peat moss and damp earthy tones, with a whiff of smoke. The palate is medium to full-bodied with outstanding freshness and orange rind, and smoked pork shoulder undertones. Gorgeous even after a two hour decant now, this outstanding new bottling will enjoy a very long life ahead of it. Drink 2022-2040- 95

2019 Bibi Graetz ‘Colore’ Red Wine- The utterly astounding 2019 ‘Colore’ is blend of 70 year old vine Sangiovese as Bibi has elected not to add any Colorino or Canaiolo this vintage. Sangiovese vines were all sourced from the Siena, Lamole and Vincigliata Vineyards. The wine opens with a profound bouquet of dark fruits with leather, pipe tobacco and stony undertones, with dried herb accents. Full-bodied, with a great acid backbone and plenty of tension, this is a full-throttle joyride at the moment that really needs a few years to soften in the cellar. Get ready for the exceedingly long finish. I can imagine this beautiful aging well for another 25 years. Drink 2024-2050- 97

Robert Biale

One of the top producers of Zinfandel in North America, Robert Biale Vineyards dates back to 1930s where Pietro Biale planted Zinfandel on the Napa Valley floor. HIs son, Aldo, took over making wine during the Prohibition, using the code name ‘Black Chicken.’ Aldo’s Vineyard still stands today in Napa and is one of the premium vineyard sites that Robert Biale sources from, as well as esteemed spots like the Monte Rosso Vineyard and the Stagecoach Vineyard.  

Winemaker Tres Goetting serves as Robert Biale winemaker, working alongside viticulturist Robert ‘Bob’ Biale. Tres has over 26 years of winemaking experience. HIs new releases were simply gorgeous. 

Check out the 2019 Robert Biale ‘Black Chicken’ Zinfandel (OB, 92) which is a beautiful wine with a silky mouthfeel and plenty of red and dark fruits. I adored the new 2019 Robert Biale ‘Beatty Ranch’ Zinfandel (OB, 94) which is thick and juicy with bright acidicity and lovely volcanic terroir. Learn more about this great Napa property at http://biale.com Here are the new reviews of Robert Biale. 

2019 Robert Biale ‘Black Chicken’ Zinfandel-  The 2019 ‘Black Chicken’ is a sourced from a host of old vine Zinfandel vineyards. Dill, blackberry compote and shades of scorched earth mark the nose. The palate is beautifully ygtxtured with layers of red and dark fruits alongside chocolate and menthol undertones. Drink 2021-2029- 92

2019 Robert Biale ‘Bedrock Vineyard’ Zinfandel- The famed ‘Bedrock Vineyard’ dates back to the 1850s. Juicy and concentrated, with loverly acidity and salty undertones, this outstanding Zinfandel is silky and elegant wine that is drinking marvelously right now and will cellar well over the next twelve years. Drink 2021-2033- 94

2019 Robert Biale ‘Founding Fathers’ Zinfandel- The nose is evocative with its toasty oak profile with red plum, raisin and red cherry compote. The palate is very refined with a soft mouthfeel and lovely length. Glorious now, with its maraschino cherry, orange rind and tobacco leaf  this has another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2021-2029- 93

2019 Robert Biale ‘Beatty Ranch’ Zinfandel- The 2019 ‘Beattie Ranch’ is a new wine to the Biale Zinfandel lineup. The ‘Beatty Ranch’ is a high-elevation site that is set on volcanic soils. Th3 palate is full-throttle with its red and dark fruits alongside a seamless texture and wonderful length.  Powerful and sturdy, this has some really nice cellaring potential. Drink 2021-2031- 94

2018 Robert Biale ‘Basic Black’ Red Wine- A truly unique field blend of Grenache, Alicante Bouchet, Early Burgundy, Zinfandel and a host of other varietals, the 2018 ‘Basic Black’ is soft on the mouth with very pretty red cherry, pomegranate seed and wintergreen flavors with tilled soil undertones, Fresh and lively, showing good flavor density, this beautiful wine will cellar well for another decade. Drink 2021-2031- 93

2019 Robert Biale ‘Old Kraft’ Vineyard’ Zinfandel- The ‘Old Kraft Vineyard’ is a very old site that was first planted back in the 1860s and then replanted in the 1890s. Silky and elegant on the mouth, this rich and beautifully textured wine evokes huckleberry and Earl Grey tea flavors alongside minerals and tar undertones. This is an utterly sensational effort that is stunning to enjoy in its youth. Drink 2021-2033- 94

2019 Robert Biale ‘R.W. Moore Vineyard’ Zinfandel- The 2019 ‘R.H. Moore Vineyard’ Zinfandel is a beautiful effort by the talented Tres Goetting. Once on the nose this takes on pretty red florals woven together with smoke, white pepper and red currants. The palate is elegant with a soft texture and beautiful length. Enjoy this sensational bottling over the next decade. Drink 2021-2031- 94

2019 Robert Biale ‘Aldo’s Vineyard’ Zinfandel- Located near a housing development in the Oak Knoll District of the Napa Valley, the tiny ‘Aldo’s Vineyard’ was planted back in 1937. The Zinfandel comes off beautifully perfumed with red rose petals alongside orange rind, tobacco leaf and baking spices that all meld in the glass. The palate is dense and plush with incredible elegance and verve with salty and damp earthy undertones. Drink 2021-2033- 94

2019 Robert Biale ‘Stagecoach Vineyard’ Zinfandel- Robert Biale had a small parcel planted to Zinfandel at the famed Stagecoach Vineyard. The palate is dense and rich with beautiful red florals alongside volcanic earth, tar, red currants and blackberry flavors. Dense and chewy with bright acidity, this outstanding new Zinfandel will provide ranking enjoyment for at least another decade. Drink 2021-2033- 94

2019 Robert Biale ‘Royal Punishers’ Petite Sirah- The 2019 ‘Royal Punishers’ Petite Sirah is a stunning new wine that is drinking marvelously even at the two year mark. Blueberry pie, dark chocolate shavings, smoke and leather all come together on the palate, with mineral and tilled earth accents. Fresh and vibrant with bright acidity, this beautiful new wine is fantastic to enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2021-2031- 93

La Rata

I have been blown away with the La Rata Red Wine since its inception in 2012. What was originally a trial project,  Elizabeth Bourcier has created one of the great cult wines out of the Pacific Northwest. Originally initially inspired by the insanely good Clos Erasmus wines of the Priorat region, Elizabeth made the bold decision blend both Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon together, since they wines tend to ripen at the similar times on the stony terroir of Milton-Freewater. Elizabeth chose to use Grenache from Armada Vineyard and Cabernet Sauvignon from En Cerise Vineyard. Now she has added a touch of Syrah to the equation. The wine was named “The Rat” and then Spanglish-cized: ‘La Rata’. The name ‘La Rata’ also connects with Elizabeth, as her zodiac sign which is the rat.  

I adored the new 2018 La Rata Red Wine (WWB, 96) which is made in a richer style than the 2017 but is every bit as good. The mind-numbing aromatic and flavor range moves everywhere from Umami and smoky tones to bright red fruits. For those who prefer a bigger style of La Rata, this is right up your alley and a must-purchase for any serious Washington and Oregon wine collector. The 2018 ‘La Rata’ will soon be offered by Full Pull Wines and is very challenging to find in the retail market even on winebid.com. Learn more at http://laratawines.com/wines.html Here is my review of the thrilling 2018 La Rata Red Wine by Elizabeth Bourcier of Cayuse Vineyards.

2018 La Rata Red Wine- The 2018 La Rata red wine is a gorgeous, one of a kind, blend of 54% Grenache, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Syrah made by Cayuse assistant vigneronne Elizabeth Bourcier. The wine saw only third fill large format oak barrels before bottling, and had 60-70 stem inclusion on the Grenache. The nose is hedonistic with black cherry cordial, Hoisin sauce, Umami, orange rind, white truffle shavings and white pepper with shades of smoked bacon fat. The intoxicating nose brings you back to the glass for more hedonistic enjoyment. The palate shows a great degree of freshness with beautiful finesse and a great core of red and dark fruits that mingle with the earthy undertones of the wine. This version is geared a touch more towards weight than the 2017 edition. Truly outstanding to savor at the moment, the 2018 La Rata will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2021-2029- 96

Delmas

Today we bring you one of the outstanding producers of the Walla Walla Rocks District. Delmas was born more than a decade ago and has been one of the most impressive startup wineries that I have seen since its inception.  Founded by Mary and Steve Robertson, Steve has a background in real estate development and business management and was previously in Napa before planting vines in his ‘SJR Vineyard’ which is set on massive cobblestones. The vineyard is planted to mainly Syrah but also has a small portion of Viognier and Grenache planted as well. Steve hit a home run when he hired Billo Naravane, MW, to serve as his consulting. winemaker. 

Delmas first crafted their Oregon and Walla Walla Valley Syrah with the cool 2010 vintage which I had the pleasure to taste as part of a special vertical tasting several years back. More recently I tasted a vertical dating back to their 2013 vintage which was an amazing retrospective. 

I adored the new 2019 Delmas Syrah (OB, 96) which is completely different from the 2018 but is every bit as good. The wine has a higher degree of tension with plenty of stony tones. This is a world-class Syrah that is magical to enjoy in its youth. Learn more about these very special wines at https://delmaswines.com Here is my review of the 2019 Delmas Syrah (fall 2021 release).

2019 Delmas Syrah- The 2019 Delmas Syrah is one of the prettiest expression of this wine that I have tasted. This very Burgundian style of Syrah saw 60% new French oak before bottling. The wine shows beautiful red florals with wet stone, Umami, orange blossom. The palate is exceedingly elegant with silky tannins and a light dusting of white pepper and salinity. Guava, pomegranate seed and orange rind flavors combine with wet stone and rose water undertones. This is a beautiful foil to 2018, as this beautiful wine is lithe and full of life even at the two year mark. Drink 2021-2031- 96

Hamilton Russell

I love balance in wines from South Africa. A winery that truly focuses on balance and terroir, Hamilton Russell is one of the premier producers of Burgundian varietals in South Africa. As one of the most southerly wine estates in Africa and one of the closest to the sea  Hamilton Russell winery is located in cool, maritime Hemel-en-Aarde Valley appellation, just behind the old fishing village of Hermanus. The winery focuses on producing limited amounts of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Anthony Hamilton Russell took over from the founder, Tim Hamilton Russell, in 1991, and bought the property from the family in 1994. Tim originally purchased the undeveloped 170 hectare property in 1975, searching for a great site to make Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Vines are set on stony, clay-rich, shale-derived soil which create lovely earthy and terroir-driven wines. Their new releases were really outstanding. 

I adored the new 2020 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay (OB, 94) which is slightly on the fleshier style for them but still shows vibrant acidity and amazing terroir. I adore this wine and it’ll cellar well for another decade or more. Just as good is the sensational 2020 Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which reminds me of a warm vintage in Beaune. This wine too has some massive cellaring potential. Learn more about these outstanding wines at http://www.hamiltonrussellvineyards.com Here are the new release wines by Hamilton Russell. 

2020 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay- Anthony Hamilton Russell has told me several times how he loves Burgundy wines with balance that are not overly oaked. This wine literally screams terroir with salty diatomaceous earth aromatics with wet granite, and lighter orchard fruit aromas that take shape in the glass. The palate shows good richness and a silky texture with gobs of acidity and beautiful length. This is up there with the finest Chardonnay I have tasted from South Africa. Drink 2021-2035- 94

2020 Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir- The 2020 Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir is a beautiful, terroir-driven wine by the talented winemaker Emul Ross. Sourced from estate vineyards from Hemel-En-Aarde, vines are set on stony, clay slopes. Once on the nose this takes on highly Burgundian tones of peat moss and wild mushroom alongside blood orange zest and flinty undertones. The palate is very generously textured and seamless with a beautiful air of elegance, as this effortlessly glides across the drinking experience. A thrill to enjoy even so young, this has at least another fifteen years ahead of it. But why wait? Drink 2021-2035- 94

Ridge Vineyards

I have long admired the wines of Ridge Vineyards, fondly revisiting some wines in my personal collection back to the 1970s. One of the great historic wineries in California, Ridge Vineyard is perched atop the Santa Cruz Mountains in a stunning spot with views that sweep across Silicon Valley. While I love tasting at their Sonoma Valley location, their Monte Bello Estate is even more gorgeous. Founded by three Stanford Research Institute engineers, winemaker Paul Draper joined in 1969. They have received considerable prestige for their wines in historical terms, as Ridge Vineyard's 1971 Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon achieved international fame for its fifth-place finish in the 1976 “Judgement of Paris” wine tasting.

Ridge has crafted a fantastic new lineup of new wines. Look for their 2020 Ridge Grenache Blanc (OB, 92) which has a soft texture and really good flavor range. Even better is the show-stopping 2018  Ridge Vineyards ‘Monte Bello’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 96), is a densely packed, tightly wound beast that will need some years in the cellar to tame. This one can go for twenty to thirty years! Learn more about this historic winery at ridgewine.com Here are the amazing new release wines from Ridge Vineyards.

2020 Ridge Vineyards Grenache Blanc- Fresh, vibrant and beautifully textured, the 2020 Grenache Blanc by Ridge exudes class with its gooseberry, green papaya, white peach and stony mineral flavors. Medium to full-bodied, with plenty of finesse, and salted Macadamia nut undercurrents this beautiful wine has another seven plus years to go. Drink 2021-2028- 92

2016 Ridge Vineyards ‘Lytton Estate’ Syrah- The 2016 ‘Lytton Estate’ Syrah is blended with 7% Viognier. The beautiful floral tones from the Viognier really work wonders, as rich black tea and blackberry tones fill the nose. The palate is generous and bright with a silky texture. With beautiful length, this has some really nice aging potential. Drink 2021-2031- 93

2018 Ridge Vineyards Syrah/Grenache/Mataro- A truly unique blend, this beautiful wine shows off really nice smoky tones with white pepper and a touch of dark cherry with tobacco leaf undertones aromatically. The palate shows a silky texture with gobs of mouth-watering acidity and plenty of finesse, as this effortlessly glides throughout the drinking experience. Gorgeous in its youth, enjoy this beauty over the next decade. Drink 2021-2031- 93

2019 Ridge Vineyards ‘Lytton Springs’ Red WIne- Mostly Zinfandel (73%) this forward wine shows red plum, red cherry and dill flavors with good richness. Enjoy this good value over the next seven years. Drink 2021-2028- 91

2018 Ridge Vineyards ‘Mazzoni Home Ranch’ Red Wine- A highly unique and impeccably blend of 56% Zinfandel, 42% Carignane and a touch of Petite Sirah, this shows beautiful balance with ripe red raspberry and red cherry flavors alongside dill and pipe tobacco undertones. Medium to full-bodied with gobs of mouth-watering acidity, this is a sensational bottling that has another fifteen years of life ahead of it. Drink 2021-2035- 95

2018 Ridge Vineyards ‘Hooker Creek’ Zinfandel- The 2018 ‘Hooker Creek’ blends in a touch off Petite Sirah (4%) and Alicante Bouchet (2%). The palate is exceedingly silky with light tannins that frame a generous core of red and dark fruits with tobacco and bay leaf and orange rind undertones with red floral accents. This is exceedingly good even to consume at the three year mark. Drink 2021-2033- 94

2019 Ridge Vineyards ‘Guadagni’ Zinfandel-  A blend of76% Zinfandel with the remainder Petite Sirah, the ‘Guadagni’ is exceedingly polished with firm tannins that mingle with red cherry candy, leather, black tea and exotic spices. Full-bodied with plenty of structure and bright acidity, this is a sumptuous bottling that has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2021-2033- 95

2019 Ridge Vineyards ‘Rockpile’ Red Wine- The 2019 ‘Rockpile’ blends 71% Zinfandel with the remainder Petite Sirah. Despite the high percentage of Petite Sirah, this wine screams balance rather than weight or intensity. Silky tannins frame the beautiful core of wild blackberry compote, menthol, Mandarin orange zest and ripe Yakima cherry on the palate. This is exceedingly delicious to consume now, as this has another fifteen years to go. Drink 2021-2035- 95

2019 Ridge Vineyards ‘Pagnani Ranch’ Zinfandel- A blend of 90% Zinfandel with small parts Petite Sirah, and Alicante Bouchet, this beautiful wine shows off a core of ripe red plum, soy sauce, white pepper and a touch of blueberry compote on the palate. Full-bodided, with bright lip-smacking acidity, this outstanding new Zinfandel will be drinking well over the next fifteen years. Drink 2021-2035- 95

2019 Ridge Vineyards ‘Evangelho’ Red Wine- The 2019 ‘Evangelho’ combines 47% Carignane, 29% Zinfandel and the remainder Mataro. Inky and intense once in the glass, the brilliant core of huckleberry, smoke and creme de violette all come together beautifully on the palate. With a generous texture and good length, this outstanding, one of a kind blend, will cellar well for another fifteen years. Drink 2021-2038- 96

2019 Ridge Vineyards ‘Buchignani Ranch’ Carignane- The 2019 ‘Buchignani Ranch’ Carignane is sourced from very old vines. The heady aromatics impress with Earl Grey tea, black currant jelly and smoky undertones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is intense and well-balanced with heady dark and red fruits that collide with minerals and scorched earthy tones. This wine is truly in its own category. Drink 2021-2035- 95

2019 Ridge Vineyards ‘Benito Dusi’ Zinfandel- This 100% Zinfandel wine weighs in a touch higher than the other Zins (15.1%) yet the freshness is wonderfully intact here. Rich red fruits parade with stony minerals, smoke and shades of Hoisin sauce on the palate. Completely delicious to consume now, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next ten years. Drink 2021-2031- 94

2018 Ridge Vineyards ‘Monte Bello’ Red Wine- This vintage has a lower percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon (68%) with smaller parts Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The nose exudes class with toasty oak that wraps around the core of blackberry compote, dark currants, cigar box and garrigue undertones. The palate is deeply concentrated with a brilliant veil of tension and a light dusting of salinity that falls over the core of dark fruits. Full-bodied and voluptuous to consume in its youth, I have little doubt this will be a 20-30 year old wine. Drink 2021-2041- 96

Chateau Musar

One of the famed historical properties in Lebanon, Chateau Musar is located in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley. Chateau Musar was founded in 1930 by Gaston Hochar. In 1959, after studying oenology at the University of Bordeaux, his son Serge became winemaker. Serge produced wines even through the Civil War (1975-90). The Hochar family continues to run this historic winery.  The vineyards of Chateau Musar are located in the Bekaa Valley and in Mount Barouk, around Kefraya and Aana, which is about a two-hour drive from the winery in Ghazir, just north of Beirut. Red wines are comprised of Cinsault, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah & Grenache while white wines are composed of indigenous varietals Obaideh (a native of Chardonnay) and Merwah (a native variant of Semillion), as well as Chardonnay, Viognier & Vermentino. 

I love the new 2014 Chateau Musar ‘Gaston Hochar’ Red Wine (OB, 93) which is dense and chewy with a soft mouthfeel. This beautiful wine will cellar well for another fifteen to twenty years. Learn more about this famed winery at https://chateaumusar.com Here are the great new wines by Chateau Musar. 

2014 Chateau Musar ‘Gaston Hochar’ Red Wine- The 2014 Chateau Musar ‘Gaston Hochar’ is sourced from very old vines for this wine date back to the 1930s. The wine is a blend of near equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan and Cinsault from vineyards near the Bekaa Valley villages of Aana and Kefraya which are gravelly soils over limestone. The wine is drinking marvelously now especially following a one hour decant. Layers of bright red and dark fruits collide with espresso bean, black tea and red bell pepper tones on the palate. Glorious now even at the seven year mark, this has another fifteen plus years to go. Drink 2021-2038- 93

Tesselaarsdal

I love top South African produces that show great terroir. For years I have admired the wines of Tesselaarsdal. The winery was founded by longtime Hamilton Russell employee Berene Sauls. Sauls initially joined Hamilton Russell Vineyards in February 2001 as an au pair at the age of 19. She soon moved to an administrative position and quickly got involved in the much more complicated administration linked to wine exports: labeling as well as the warehousing of the estate’s winesShe named her winery after a historic Overberg farming hamlet of Tesselaarsdal, located near the Hemel-en-Aade Ridge wine appellation. 

Berene employs a reductive approach to her Chardonnay that makes it rich and viscous, yet very bright. She employs Hamilton Russell winemaker Emul Ross to make her wines and grape purchases are secured with Babylon Vineyards. The new 2020 Tesselaarsdal Chardonnay (OB, 93) is a dream to enjoy right now with a long finish and bright acidity. Learn more about this outstanding producer of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at 

2020 Tesselaarsdal Chardonnay- Shining brightly, this 2020 Chardonnay has intense acidity with crisp Gala apple, wet stone, white peach and shades of vanilla cream on the palate. Wait for the very long finish with minerals and cream. Beautifully textured and full-bodied, with some serious heft, this outstanding new Chardonnay will cellar well over the next fifteen years. Drink 2021-2033- 93

HALL White Wines and Rose

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

Sanguis

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

Washington Report For Decanter

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

Ramey Chardonnay

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

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte

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

Erath

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

Soter Vineyards

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

Giovanni Manzone

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

Caladan

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

Planet Oregon

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

Lemelson Vineyards

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

Yellowhawk Resort

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/