Gran Moraine

Gran Moraine is named after the cataclysmic floods that occurred in the northern Willamette Valley of Oregon during the last ice age. As the flood waters receded, they impacted the region, leaving small indentations or mini valleys (moraines), similar to those in the the Côte ’Or in Burgundy. Located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, Gran Moraine has 220 acres planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Winemaker Shane Moore is an Idaho native and has created some outstanding rereleases for Gran Moraine. He has a bachelor of science in enology and viticulture from Washington State University and previously spent three years gaining international winemaking experience in Canada, Western Australia and Israel’s Golan Heights. In 2011 Shane began working for Jackson Family Wines winemaking team as an enologist, crafting cool climate California Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. 

Shane helped build the Gran Moraine winemaking team and was named winemaker in 2016. HIs new releases were truly outstanding across the board. I love the new sparkling wine, the 2014 Gran Moraine ‘Blanc de Blancs’ (OB, 91) which is fresh and chalked full of finesse. I adored the outstanding 2019 Gran Moraine ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Pinot Noir (OB, 92) which has really nice earthy tones and a silky texture from this somewhat challenging vintage in Oregon.  Learn more about this fantastic winery at https://www.granmoraine.com Here are the great new releases by Gran Moraine. 

2014 Gran Moraine ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- The gorgeous 2014 Gran Moraine ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine shows off Challah bread, lemon zest and chalky minerals on the palate with good length. Enjoy this over the next eight years. Drink 2021-2029- 91

2018 Gran Moraine ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Chardonnay- Soft, nicely textured and very approachable now, the 2018 ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Chardonnay reveale shades of sourdough bread, white peach and Pink Lady apple on the palate, with light minerals backing thing up. Finishing long, this beautiful effort is already nicely evolved and will drink well over the next eight years. Drink 2021-2029- 92

2019 Gran Moraine ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Pinot Noir- Bright with good tension, the 2019 ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ by Gran Moraine is an excellent, cool vintage effort. Teaberry and pine needles combine with orange zest embers that all take shape in the glass. The palate shows sterling tension and medium-bodied red fruit flavors that combine with the earthy undertones of the wine. I can see this cellaring well for at least another decade. Drink 2021-2031- 92

Hazelfern Cellars

I love the great boutique producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir out of Oregon, Hazelfern Cellars has an inspired story being by Brian and Laura Liang. Brian has been making wine since 2006 but in 2018 he left his corporate job to focus on winemaking and operations at Hazelfern, located in Newberg, Oregon. Intriguingly, a great deal of Brian’s wine education was acquired watching YouTube videos on winemaking. Winemaking in their Portland basement wasn’t the easiest of tasks but over time Brian saw his winemaking style evolve. Laura also serves as co-winemaker and I have been massively impressed with what they have crafted in the past several years.

The wines show off wonderful texture and mouthfeel. The 2019 Hazelfern ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay (OB,92) is a flat out delicious wine that shows this silky texture, with beautiful length. This is just a killer value in Oregon wine. Look to the stunning 2019 Hazelfern ‘Prime Cut’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which is a barrel select wine that shows amazing cellaring potential and really good flavor and aromatic range. Learn more about this outstanding winery at https://www.hazelfern.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Hazelfern. 

2019 Hazelfern ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay- Nicely textured, the 2019 ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay reveals lemon curd tones alongside hazelnuts, nectarine and cantaloupe tones on the palate. Medium-bodied and delicious, this is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2021-2028- 92

2019 Hazelfern ‘Rock Block’ Chardonnay- Sourced from this small site on the eastern edge Willamette Vallley, the 2019 ‘Rock Block’ unveils wonderful stony undertones on the palate, alongside lemon zest, white peach and shades of buttered brioche. Medium-bodied, wait for the exceedingly gratifying finish. Drink 2021-2029- 94

2019 Hazelfern ‘Little Hells’ Chardonnay-The ‘Little Hells’ is sourced from the slopes of Chehalem Mountains’ Little Hells Canyon, as Chardonnay vines utilize Dijon 76, 95, 96 clonal selections. Fresh and polished once on the mouth, the wine delivers baking spice laced sourdough bread alongside suggestions of Pink Lady apple, nectarine and stony undertones on the palate. Delicious to enjoy now, this has another eight plus years to go in the cellar. Drink 2021-2029- 93

2019 Hazelfern ‘Prime Cut’ Chardonnay- The 2019 ‘Prime Cut’ Chardonnay is a glorious new effort by Brian and Laura Laing. Pastry crust, lime zest, wet stone and shades of cardamom all grace the nose. The palate is fresh and focused, with a vibrant sense of verve. Layers of citrus and orchard fruit flavors arouse, alongside stony minerals, wild mushroom and suggestions of vanilla cream. This finishes very long as the gratifying ‘Prime Cut’ will cellar well over the next ten plus years. Drink 2021-2031-94

2020 Hazelfern Rose- The beautifully textured 2020 Hazelfern Rose is an outstanding effort that has the weight and finesse to cellar well over the next five years. Cranberry and orange rind flavors collide with minerals and stony undertones on the palate. While summer might be over, this is fantastic stuff for your Thanksgiving table. Drink 2021-2026- 91

2019 Hazelfern Gamay Noir- Stony, elegant and vibrant,, the 2019 Hazelfern Gamay Noir is a fantastic new bottling from this cooler vintage. Lithe and light on its feet, this dazzles with the great veil of tension that runs through the core of pretty red fruits alongside menthol, wet stone and shades of iodine on the palate. Drink 2021-2029- 93

2019 Hazelfern ‘Yamhill Springs Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Yamhill Springs Vineyard’ is a 15 acre site set on Jory and Bellpin soils. Smoldering stones come together with red currants, Bing cherry and cigar ash on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied and fresh with a lengthy finish and silky smooth viscosity. A pretty core of red fruits greet you, alongside savory and salty underpinnings, as this might not be the most generous Pinot Noir but it comes off as highly refined, finesse-driven, elegant and very true to the vintage. Drink 2021-2033- 93

2019 Hazelfern ‘Robinson Family Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Robinson Family Vineyard’ utilizes 100% Pommard clone Pinot Noir, as this was aged for 12 months in 25% new French oak before bottling. Nervy and tense with bright red fruits and citrus rind undertones alongside shades of white truffle, this beautiful wine is already nicely evolved and will provide drinking enjoyment over the next ten to twelve years. Drink 2021-2033- 92

2019 Hazelfern ‘Silvershot Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘Silvershot Vineyard’ is another outstanding 2019 Pinot Noir by Hazelfern. Saline drenched red fruits combine with red rose petals, orange blossom, baking spices and cedar planks on this evocative bouquet. The palate is lithe and polished with a smooth texture and really good length. Drink 2021-2033- 93

2019 Hazelfern ‘La Chenaie Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Located in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, the ‘La Chenaie Vineyard’ is a 103 acre site set on Jory, Gelderman, and Ritner soils. Wet stone and blood orange rind tones combine with ripe red raspberry and shades of charcuterie mingle together on the nose. The palate is soft and round with silky tannins that line a core of pretty red fruits with stony and earthy undertones. Delicious and complex to savor even at the two year mark, this outstanding new wine will continue to provide drinking enjoyment for another ten to fifteen years. Drink 2021-2034- 93

2019 Hazelfern ‘Prime Cut’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Prime Cut’ is a barrel selection wine made by Brian and Laura Laing. Aged for 16 months in 100% French Oak (40% new oak) this shows off pretty red florals that combine with tilled soils, cigar box and cran-orange tones that all meld in the glass. The wine is silky throughout the drinking experience, finishing exceedingly long. This has both the finesse and stuffing to cellar well for another fifteen years. Drink 2021-2035- 94

Domaine Serene

One of Oregon’s top producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Domaine Serene has quickly also become one of the regions top sparkling wine producers. It was nearly twenty years ago that I first visited Domaine Serene. One of the Pacific Northwest’s most gorgeous wineries, Domaine Serene was founded more than thirty years ago Domaine Serene was founded by Dundee Hills pioneers Grace and Ken Evenstad, 

They quickly built their wine program and had incredible international success particularly with their Pinot Noirs. These are wines that are incredibly age-worthy and I have recently tried vintages back to 2002 that are absolutely singing even nearly at the 20 year mark. 

Before coming to Domaine Serene, I admired Michael Fay’s winemaking skills at Goldeneye. He was brought to Domaine Serene as head winemaker and Michael does a masterful job with crafting his wines regardless of vintage. Assistant winemaker Rachel Zasadni has now been at Domaine Serene for more than ten years and has been in charge of the sparkling wine production. The new MV Domaine Serene ‘Evenstad Reserve M.V. 3’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 95) is their finest effort yet, with sterling minimality and incredible finesse with a very refined mousse. Just as good is a wine that is unlike anything else produced in the Pacific Northwest. The 2018 Domaine Serene ‘Grand Cheval’ Red Wine (OB, 95) is a silky, elegant effort that is sure to stump any top sommelier, as this wine blends Domaine Serene ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir with ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Syrah from the Walla Walla Valley. Learn more about this famed estate at http://domaineserene.com/ Here are the incredible new release wines by Domaine Serene.

MV Domaine Serene ‘Evenstad Reserve M.V. 3’ Sparkling Wine- Now in its third edition, the absolutely brilliant ‘M.V. 3’ Sparkling Wine is a captivating new release that exudes class and is very Oregon meets Krug ‘Grand Cuvee.’ A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines from their estate plantings in the Dundee Hills, this golden hued sparkling wine brings cardamom dusted shortbread aromas woven together with Japanese pear and shades of salted macadamia nut. The silky mousse is very refined, as the wine shows a beautiful texture and astringency upon entry, with beautiful length, tension and salty undertones. This is absolutely brilliant stuff to consume in its youth, but has both the weight and finesse to cellar well for another fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2021-2036- 95

2019 Domaine Serene ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Chardonnay- The 2019 Domaine Serene ‘Evenstad Reserve’ Chardonnay is an extraordinary release from this famed Dundee Hills estate. Sourced from a host of estate vineyard sites utilizing Dijon clonal selection and Jory soils, the wine opens with toasty oak, bright pear and lemon zest dusted brioche tones alongside salty and stony undertones on the nose. The palate is seamless and soft with a silky texture. Layers of pretty orchard fruits collide with sourdough bread and copious minerals on the palate. Showing brilliant length, this outstanding bottling will cellar well for at least another ten years. Drink 2021-2033- 94

2018 Domaine Serene ‘Grand Cheval’ Red Wine- The ‘Grand Cheval’ was an extraordinary project created by the late Ken Evenstad, dedicated to his grandfather, as this blends Seven Hills Vineyard Syrah with Domaine Serene Estate Pinot Noir. Smoky and savory tones fill the nose alongside a brilliant core of dark fruits and tobacco leaf undercurrents. The palate is utterly seamless with a brilliant texture and plenty of novelty. Your sommelier friends quite simply won’t know what this wine is. They will surely find it seamless and gratifying at the finish, with blackberry topped chocolate torte tones. Enjoy this glorious wine over the next fifteen years. Drink 2021-2036- 95

Penner-Ash

One of Oregon’s storied properties, Penner-Ash was founded back in 1998 by Lynn and Ron Penner-Ash. Their first vintage was 2005 and they received remarkable success with vintages to follow. Located in the Northern Willamette Valley’s Yamhill-Carlton sub-AVA the pair built their LIVE (Low Input Viticulture & Enology) Certified sustainable gravity-flow winery surrounded by a 15-acre Estate Vineyard. The winery was sold to Jackson Family in 2016 and today founding Winemaker Lynn Penner-Ash works hand in hand with Kate Ayres.

Quality has been really consistent since the sale. I have been really impressed with the last five or so vintage releases. I adored the 2018 Penner-Ash ‘Willamette Valley’ Chardonnay (OB,93) which shows beautiful depth and texture from this warm vintage. This is a great Chardonnay to cellar and watch evolve. Learn more about this great story at https://www.pennerash.com and here are my reviews of the new Penner-Ash wines. 

2018 Penner-Ash ‘Willamette Valley Chardonnay- The 2018 Penner-Ash Chardonnay shows ripe honeysuckle tones on the nose with baking spice laced sourdough bread and bright melon tones. The palate is fresh and viscous with a great beam of tension as saline dusted orchard and citrus fruits greet you alongside undercurrents of wild mushroom. Really good to enjoy right now, this has another eight plus years ahead of it. Drink 2021-2029- 93

2019 Penner-Ash ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- Done in a fresher style, the 2019 ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir shows off a polished texture with layers of marionberry and black cherry that mingle with tilled soils and shades of peat moss on the palate. Enjoy this medium-bodied effort over the next seven years. Drink 2021-2028- 91

2019 Penner’Ash ‘Estate Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘Estate Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is a medium-bodied Pinot Noir that is already nicely evolved. Ripe teaberry and red raspberry flavors mingle with minerals and flinty undertones with shades of tangerine rind on the palate. Drink 2021-2028-91

Darioush 'Darius II' Vertical Tasting

Step inside Darioush winery and you’ll be blown away with the jaw-dropping beauty of the confines. Modeled after a Persian palace, Darioush was started by businessman Darioush Khaledi who was enamored with the wines of the Napa Valley and longed to create his own.

The Darius II is the top wine produced by Darioush. It is always a Cabernet Sauvignon dominant wine and in many years it has more than 90% single varietal. Current vintages of this wine are predominantly sourced from the Darioush Estate Vineyard, as well as their Sage Vineyard on Mt. Veeder. Wines are crafted by winemaker Steve Devitt with Michel Rolland serving as consulting winemaker. Each wine has a beautiful label as Darioush has partnered with the Victoria and Albert Museum in London to showcase Persian art that varies each vintage.

The Vintages

2012 Vintage: 2012 was a near-perfect growing conditions, coming off the very cool 2011 and 2010 vintages. Weather overall cooler than 2013 and 2014.

2013 Vintage: A warmer growing season, 2013 had dry summer conditions with Cabernet Sauvignon achieving some great hang time. 2013 had hot conditions but no major heat spikes.

2014 Vintage: 2014 saw another warm growing season, as some have seen this year as having new perfect conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Wines:

Each wine was singing in its own right. The 2012 Darius II (OB, 95) is less fleshy, softer and more refined than the more bombastic 2013 (OB, 96) and also unabashedly hedonistic 2014 (OB, 96). Quite honestly, all three wines showed so marvelously it was an embarrassment of riches going back and forth between the wines. They all are delicious to consume right now and will each cellar well for at least another ten years. Learn more about these wines at darioush.com and here are my tasting notes from vintages 2012-2014 of Darioush ‘Darius II’ Cabernet Sauvignon.

2012 Darioush ‘Darius II’ Cabernet Sauvignon- You have to love the development of the 2012 ‘Darius II’ now at the nine year mark. Taken from a slightly cooler growing season than the 2013 and 2014 wines, this is a highly elegant but also very gratifying blend of nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon (95%) with 5%Merlot. Ripe dark currant tones mingle with loamy soils, pipe tobacco and loganberry preserves on the palate with chocolate and cedar underpinnings. Fresh and lithe, this is drinking beautifully now and will continue to evolve over the next decade. Drink 2021-2031- 95

2013 Darioush ‘DariusII’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Rich and heady, the 2013 ‘Darius II’ is starting to fall right in its sweet spot. This is the first vintage that marries Darioush and London’s Victoria & Albert Museum, as the bottle displays detail from a man’s cloak or ‘Aba’ which was woven in Kashan, Iran in the 1870s. Once on the nose very sweet cassis fruit greets you alongside suggestions of coffee grounds and dark chocolate shavings. Full-bodied, viscous and showing a great mineral streak, this beautiful wine exudes class from start to finish, with outstanding length and a massive core of dark fruits with firm tannins holding everything in place. Enjoy this phenomenal 2013 wine over the next fifteen years. Drink 2021-2036- 96

2014 Darioush ‘Darius II’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The intense and massive 2014 ‘Darius II’ is just starting to shed some baby fat and after some air is really blossoming nicely.  The stunning label depicts the tradition of the Saghi, or Wine Bearer, an influential and heralded position in the ancient Persian royal courts. Once on the nose this takes on layers of creme de violette, woven together with tar and tobacco leaf tones that all sing in unison. Full-bodied, decadent and showing nicestucture, layers of chocoalte cake, tar and sweet pipe tobacco with leather accents all fill the palate nicely. Gorgeous to consume now, be surety give beauty this at least a two hour decant if savoring in its current nascency. Drink 2021-2038-96

Crazy beautiful label on the 2013 ‘Darius II’

Wade Cellars

Dwyane Wade is a tireless worker. Never satisfied and even after retirement Dwyane constantly visits the Napa Valley, as his new project Wade Cellars, is another fantastic success. Wade has his Cabernet Sauvignon crafted from the Oakville AVA and has visited the Napa Valley for many years. 

An interest in wine is something that soon evolved into a passion for Dwyane. During his tenure in Miami he became more fueled by the food and wine he enjoyed with his teammates Chris Bosh and Lebron James. Following visits to Napa, he decided to finally start his own winery, which began with their 2014 release, looking to his friend Jayson Pahlmeyer for guidance. For over 30 years Jayson Pahlmeyer has produced beautiful Napa Valley wines.

Jon Keyes makes the wines for Wade Cellars. I had a great time tasting with him a few weeks back as he poured these wines as well as a beautiful range of wines. The 2018 Wade Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 92) is an outstanding new wine with beautiful poise and fruit flavors. Learn more about this exciting new winery project at dwadecellars.com and here is my review of the new Wade Cellars wine. 

2019 Wade Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from Oakville this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon delivers black tea and herbal undertones with green bell pepper and blackberry compote on the palate. Finishing long, this is really refined stuff that will drink well for at least another decade. Drink 2021-2033- 92

Goldeneye

It was a really hot summer day in early September and I embarked on my visit to Goldeneye. We were in for a heat wave, as we had an early morning tasting appointment where temperatures reached 90 degrees! This was quite unusual at what is usually a very cool site. For years I have admired the wines of Goldeneye, a Duckhorn venture located in Philo, California in the heart of the Anderson Valley. Famed Domaine Serene winemaker Michael Fay was at Goldeneye before moving north and they rely on the talented Katey Larwood for winemaking, as I interviewed her last year. Katey has experience working harvests across the globe and began studying wine while attending school in Santa Barbara. Her wines have been really good since she has been at the helm.

I love the new releases which come from what was generally thought of an easier vintage in 2018. Goldeneye has three estate vineyards (Confluence, Gowan Creek and The Narrows) in the Anderson Valley encompassing 200 vine acres and more than 20 Pinot Noir clones.  

I was totally impressed with the new sparkling wine, the 2018 Goldeneye ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 92) which shows a very pretty red fruit profile and really good finesse. and a silky mouthfeel. I was blown away with the 2018 Goldeneye ‘Ten Degrees’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which is dense, and chewy with some incredible cellaring potential and insanely good range even at the three year mark. Learn more about these outstanding Pinot Noirs at https://www.goldeneyewinery.com Here are the great new releases by Goldeneye. 

2018 Goldeneye ‘Anderson Valley’ Brut Rose Sparkling Wine- This great new bottling by Goldeneye and winemaker Katie Larwood is comprised of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. The wine was whole cluster pressed, and then aged on the lees for 10 months and then en triage for two years before spending an additional six months in the bottle before release. Fresh orchard fruits greet you with saline drenched peach and Japanese apple tones melding well with brioche undertones. Fantastic now, this has another ten years or more to go in the cellar. Drink 2021-2031- 92

2018 Goldeneye ‘Anderson Valley’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from the Anderson Valley, the 2018 Goldeneye Pinot Noir reveals pretty red rose petal aromatics alongside orange blossom, red cherry compote and freshly tilled soils. The palate is soft, plush and filled with vibrant acidity. Layers of baking spices and red and dark fruits parade with earthy undertones and suggestions of cigar box on the palate. Great to consume right now, this has the freshness and stuffing to go for at least another ten years. Drink 2021-2031- 92

2018 Goldeneye ‘Gowan Creek Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Centrally located in the Anderson Valley, the ‘Gowan Creek Vineyard’ is home to a large variety of Pinot Noir clonal selections. Black tea and Asian spice tones combine with suggestions of blackberry compote on the nose.  The palate is wonderfully earthy with peat moss tones that combine with suggestions of black cherry cordial, tilled loamy soils and cran-orange notes. Seriously good in its youth, this outstanding new bottling will cellar well for another fifteen years. Drink 2021-2036- 94

2018 Goldeneye ‘Ten Degrees’ Pinot Noir- Katey Larwood meticulously chooses her favorite barrels in the ‘Ten Degrees’ Pinot Noir. This edition is amongst the finest I have ever tasted from this estate. Once on the nose this takes on layers of pomegranate seed, salty soils, soy sauce and suggestions of boysenberry cordial that all dance together in unison. The palate is generous and bold, yet has beautiful restraint. It is quite simply a seamless drinking experience throughout as layers of kirsch cordial, red raspberry topped shortbread, blood orange zest and wild mushroom all brilliantly combine, with seriously good length and tension. The light dusting of salinity adds to the enjoyment, as the 2018 ‘Ten Degrees’ will no doubt be a 20 year old wine. Be sure to give this an hour of air before consuming in its brilliant youth. Drink 2021-2040- 95

Willamette Valley Vineyards

Oregon winemaking has a  rich history in the Pacific Northwest. One of the oldest wineries in the valley, Willamette Valley Vineyards founder, Jim Bernau, purchased the Estate site in 1983 and  planted Pinot Noir (Pommard and Wadenswil clones), Chardonnay (Dijon and Espiguette) as well as Pinot Gris. Bernau took winemaking classes at UC Davis and finally started the winery full time in 1989. Willamette Valley Vineyards has grown considerably in the past 20 years, as they merged with Bill Fuller of Tualatin Vineyards (established in 1973), the O'Briens for Elton Vineyard (established in 1983) and Loeza Vineyard (planted in 2015). The winery now sources all of its Pinot Noir from its nearly 500 estate-grown vineyards.

I loved the new wines by Willamette Valley Vineyards as the winery has been a pillar of consistency over the past few years. Look to the outstanding and rich new 2018 Willamette Valley Vineyards ‘Tualitin Estate’ Chardonnay (OB, 93) which has sensational texture and good finesse with excellent flavor and aromatic range. I adored the new  2018 Willamette Valley Vineyards “Bernau Block’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which is already nicely evolved at the three year mark and shows lighter truffle tones alongside a core of fresh fruit. This beauty is really starting to hit its stride. Here are the new releases from Willamette Valley Vineyards and check out their impressive lineup of Pinots and Chardonnays at http://wvv.com

2018 Willamette Valley Vineyards ‘Tualitin Estate’ Chardonnay- The ‘Tualitin Estate’ was established back in 1973 and is set on Laurelwood soils. The wine has a great sense of stuffing and bright minerality, as layers of lemon oil, baking spice dusted brioche, Japanese pear and salty accents all impress. Enjoy this beautiful bottling over the next decade. Drink 2021-2031- 93

2019 Willamette Valley Vineyards ‘Dijon Clone’ Chardonnay- The 2019 ‘Dijon Clone’ Chardonnay reveals ripe melon and buttered French bread with stony minerals on the palate, with a soft mouthfeel and beautiful length. Rich and layered, enjoy this bright style of Oregon Chardonnay over the next five to seven years. Drink 2021-2027- 92

2019 Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Blanc- Fleshy and vibrant, the 2019 Pinot Blanc displays starfruit tones that combine with shades of cantaloupe, wet stone and a silky texture on the palate. Enjoy this beautiful wine in the short-term. Drink 2021-2026- 91

2019 Willamette Valley Vineyards ‘Dijon Clone’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘Dijon Clone’ Pinot Noir was aged for only nine months in 12% new French oak prior to bottling. The wine comes off very fresh and pure in terms of bright red fruit flavors (guava, strawberry and red cherry) with smoky and earthy undertones. This is seriously pretty stuff that is best enjoyed in its vibrant and silky youth — over the next five to seven years. Drink 2021-2027- 92

2018 Willamette Valley Vineyards ‘Appellation Cuvee’ Pinot Noir- The 2018 ‘Appellation Cuvee’ is a blend of clonal selections (Pommard, 777, 115 and Mariafeld). Aged for sixteen months in a small percentage of new French oak (12%), this evokes beautiful red raspberry and  red rose petals aromatically with freshly tilled soils. The palate is silky smooth with serious weight and structure, showing a good core of red and dark fruits and plenty of weight and poise. Downright delicious now, this outstanding 2018 Pinot Noir has some really nice cellaring potential. Drink 2021-2031- 93

2017 Willamette Valley Vineyards ‘Ingram Estate’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Ingram Estate’ is located in the Eola-Amity Hills and is set on Nekia and Jory soils. The nose reflects that and shows a dusting of volcanic soils, as pretty red fruits collide with shades of orange rind on the nose. The palate is fresh and lively with a silky texture plenty of lip-smacking acidity. This finishes very long as this beautiful wine has only just begun to hit its stride. Drink 2021-2033- 93

2018 Willamette Valley Vineyards ‘Bernau Block’ Pinot Noir- Ancient for Oregon standards, the ‘Bernau Block’ was planted in 1983 to Dijon selections 667 and 777 and is named after Willamette Valley Vineyards founder Jim Bernau. Silky tannins line the core of wild blackberry, Bing cherry, smoky minerals and shades of black truffle crudo on the palate. The length and weight add to the enjoyment as this has at least another decade to go. Drink 2021-2031- 93

Domaine Carneros

One of my fondest memories of 2020 is tasting at Domaine Carneros on a smoke-filled day. Truly one of the most beautiful sites in Napa, Domaine Carneros is a stunning winery in the Carneros region of Napa Valley. Taking inspiration from a French chateau in Champagne, Domaine Carneros towers over the valley, showcasing sweeping views of the Napa Valley. Claude Taittinger of famed Champagne house Taittinger, began his search for a good spot to make California Sparkling Wine in the late 1970s. Finally in 1987 he selected a 138-acre parcel in the Carneros region of the Napa Valley. 

Over the past year Domaine Carneros has a new CEO, Remi Cohen who in 2015 was named to Wine Enthusiast’s 40 under 40 recognition as a tastemaker and influencer in the Napa Valley. Remi follows famed Napa Sparkling Wine pioneer, Eileen Crane, in crafting wines for this impressive bubbles house.

I was blown away with the new 2014 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 96) which is amongst the best sparkling wines made in North America. Quite frankly this is up there with the best edition of this wine that I have ever sampled. The wine was initially inspired by Champagne Taittinger’s Comtes de Champagne, as their tête-de-cuvée, and impresses its silky mouthfeel and wonderful veil of tension. This edition is particularly bold with some incredible cellaring potential. It will surely be a 20 year old wine! Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://www.domainecarneros.com Here are the new wines by Domaine Carneros

2019 Domaine Carneros ‘The Famous Gate’ Pinot Noir- Ripe and chewy now at the two year mark, the 2019 ‘The Famous Gate’ reveals black cherry cola notes alongside bramble and tilled soils on the palate. Fresh and viscous with lovely citrus rind accents, with a light salinity, this outstanding 2019 Pinot Noir will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2021-2031- 93

2014 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve’ Sparkling Wine- Taken from this warmer vintage in Carneros, the 2014 ‘Le Reve’ is a spectacular new bottling that is dense and intense, yet exceedingly well-balanced. 100%Chardonnay sourced from their estate vineyard, with only .9% dosage, the wine shows off white peach and star jasmine tones aromatically alongside shades of Meyer lemon zest dusted brioche and freshly tilled salty soils. Complex and ripe once on the mouth this takes on pretty Gravenstein apple and baking spice topped Challah bread tones that march on across a great veil of tension and salinity. A complete wine, considering the weight and freshness, the stunning 2014 ‘Le Reve’ will cellar well over the next two decades. Drink 2021-2039- 96

Opus One

A famed partnership between Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Opus One crafted their first vintage in 1979. At the time Opus One was the first ultra-premium California wine to be sold in France and Internationally.  Opus One produces only one wine and a second wine (Overture) – both of which are typically a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Opus One sources from four estate vineyards. This includes two sites comprising roughly 100 acres within the famed ‘To Kalon Vineyard’ and their ‘Ballestra’ and ‘River’ parcels comprising 70 acres which envelop the winery.  

Last year I had the chance to taste with famed Opus One winemaker Michael Silacci (https://www.instagram.com/tv/CDm9m4uAU8i/). He crafts some elegant, rich Napa Cabernet blends that will stand the test of time. While at the winery recently I checked in with the absolutely stunning 2008 Opus One, a wine that is slowly moving into secondary tones of leather and tilled soils. That wine will surely be at least a 20 year old wine. The new 2018 Opus One (OB, 98) was taken from a really great warm vintage in Napa and this edition captures the warmth of the vintage but shows the classic restraint and tension that Opus One is known for. Silacci has blended in a larger portion of Petit Verdot this vintage which gives the wine a lovely herbal undertone and light green bell pepper tones that evoke a Bordelaise edge. Seamless with its beautiful texture this beautiful wine has decades to go. Learn more about Opus One at http://www.opusonewinery.com/ Here are my notes of the gorgeous new release by Opus One.

MV Overture Red Wine- The MV Overture red wine blends all five Bordeaux varietals and is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (86%) sourced from the 2014-16 vintages. The wine is already beautifully evolved and shows tar and sandalwood tones alongside cassis and ripe boysenberry flavors. With a seamless texture this beautiful wine has another fifteen years in front of it. Drink 2021-2036- 94

2018 Opus One Red Wine- The 2018 Opus One Red Wine is an utterly captivating wine that blends 84% Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller parts Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and a dollop of Malbec. The nose is utterly captivating with green bell pepper alongside shades of fresh sage, cassis and mocha tones that all take shape in the glass. Seamless and pillowy mid-palate, the wine effortlessly glides across the drinking experience. Dense dark fruits collide with shades of creosote and dried herbs on the palate. The long finish lingers as this extraordinary wine has a really long life ahead of it. Drink 2022-2040- 98

La Pelle

One of the outstanding newer winery projects in Napa, La Pelle was founded back in 2016 by Maayan Koschitzky, Miguel Luna and Pete Richmond. Literally translated as ‘The Shovel’ in French, La Pelle is an homage to the toiling process of vineyard management and the grape growing process to finally making the wine and removing grape skins with a shovel. All three owners have diverse backgrounds as Maayan is a winemaker and farmer from Israel, Miguel is a viticulturist and winemaker from Mexico, and Pete  is a vineyard manager and business owner from Northern California). 

Vines chosen for their wines are entirely sourced from Silverado Farming Company (which Pete founded in 2001 and Miguel joined as partner in 2015), La Pelle controls all farming and in addition has access to some of the finest vines in Napa Valley. I was really impressed with the new wines and adored the new 2019 La Pelle Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 93) which is fresh and vibrant with seriously good texture. Even better is the sensational 2018 La Pelle ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which has depth and concentration with another twenty plus years to go. Learn more about this outstanding newer outpost at lapellewines.com and here are my reviews of the brilliant new La Pelle wines. 

2019 La Pelle Sauvignon Blanc- The 2019 La Pelle Sauvignon Blanc was aged on the lees for eighteen months, including weekly battonage for the first six months before bottling. Right away this shows beautiful honeydew melon tones alongside beeswax and nutty tones aromatically. Fresh and lithe, this shows bright acidity alongside lemon rind, white peach, green apple and shades of cashew nut on the palate. Enjoy this beautiful wine while the incredible bright, lip-smacking acidity, remains intact. Drink 2021-2025- 93

2019 La Pelle Chardonnay- This 2019 Chardonnay is sourced from 1973 plantings in the Bien Nacido Vineyard farmed by the Miller family. This was aged in oak barrels for twelve months, seeing native and malolactic fermentations. White peach, Gravenstein apple and baking spice flavors combine with stony undertones all brilliantly combine on the palate. Showing a soft mouthfeel with great finesse, this beautiful wine will cellar well for the next decade. Drink 2021-2031- 93

2019 La Pelle ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2019 La Pelle Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from three distinct sites in the Napa Valley. Aged for eighteen months in 50% new French oak, this delivers cassis and mocha tones aromatically alongside tilled soils and stony undertones aromatically. The palate is plush with a seamless texture. Gorgeous creme de violette, mocha, tar and anise tones combine with minerals on the palate. Glorious to consume now, this has another fifteen to twenty years to go in the cellar. Drink 2021-2037- 94

2018 La Pelle ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Slightly more dense and intense than the ‘Napa Valley’ bottling, the 2018 La Pelle ‘Reserve’ is a barrel selection wine that exudes class. Once on the nose this shows off cassis, chocolate covered dark currants and shades of Turkish coffee that all take shape in the glass. Seamless and soft with a plush texture, this delivers plenty of cassis, leather, anise and black cherry cordial flavors alongside a vibrant sense of minerality. Gorgeous to consume in its youth, this has another twenty years to go. Drink 2021-2041- 95

Ramey Wine Cellars

Sitting across from legendary winemaker David Ramey, he grinned ear to ear when describing his new 2019 wines. “2019 is a great vintage” he said. “For white grapes  particularly I don’t see many significant differences between, ’12, ’13, ’14, ’15, ’16, ’17 and’18. We have been targeting about 23 brix and we like the finished wine around there.”

I then asked him about how he felt climate change was impacting Burgundian varietals. “The bigger difference with climate change and drought is part of the weird weather we are having” he said. “Drought years 14-16 and when you have this drought (also 2021) the soil dries out early and we don’t get frost anymore. There used to be ice on the ponds but not anymore. There is now an early bud break. Our growing seasons are not hotter as far as I am concerned but the bud break to harvest period is the same length of time, it is just moved up. Instead of harvesting whites in September now they are harvested in August. But the hang time is the same as it was before.”

There is good reason why Ramey has been named one of the Chardonnay masters of the world. Over the years Ramey has moved to using less new French oak in all of his Chardonnays — particularly in his village level Chardonnays that check in at only 15% new French oak. These wines are full-bodied and very gratifying despite the lower levels of new French oak. I adored the new 2019 Ramey Wine Cellars ‘Fort Ross-Seaview’ Chardonnay (OB, 93) which is dense and fresh with lovely saline tones. One of the great Chardonnay wines that I have tasted in the past year, the 2019 Ramey Wine Cellars ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Chardonnay (OB, 97) is dense, fresh and shows incredible verve and length. This will be a 20 year old wine. Learn more at rameywinecellars.com and here are my reviews of the outstanding new wines by David Ramey.

2019 Ramey Wine Cellars ‘Fort Ross-Seaview’ Chardonnay- The. 2019 ‘Fort Ross-Seaview’ Chardonnay shows a whiff of salty orchard. Fruits with shades of marzipan and brioche. The palate is fresh and lively with serious tension and a silky mouthfeel. Gobs of lip-smacking acidity impress here, as this lively wine finishes very long. Drink 2021-2031- 93

2019 Ramey Wine Cellars ‘Russian River Valley’ Chardonnay- The 2019 Ramey Wine Cellars ‘Russian River Valley’ Chardonnay was stored in 15% new French oak for one year before bottling. This is a gorgeous Chardonnay that has wonderful weight and tension. Once on the mouth this takes on a silky texture with ripe Japanese pear, white peach and salty undertones on the palate. Glorious now, this has another ten years in front of it. Drink 2021-2029- 93

2019 Ramey Wine Cellars ‘Westside Farms Vineyard’ Chardonnay- David Ramey bought this site back in 2012 and he began working with the vineyard back in 2013 as grapes from this vineyard were planted way back in 1990. The heady 2019 Ramey Wine Cellars ‘Westside Farms Vineyard’ Chardonnay shows an incredible bouquet of lemon zest and baking spice dusted brioche alongside shades of banana and ripe pineapple, with nutty and earthy undertones. The palate is plush with silky mouthfeel and wonderful length with serious tension and salty undertones. Gorgeous now, this has another fifteen years to go. Drink 2021-2036- 95

2019 Ramey Wine Cellars ‘Rochioli Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Located between Westside road and the Russian River, this famed vineyard planted by Joe Rochioli is set on alluvial soils with gravel and loamy deposits. Shades of wild mushroom and bright orchard fruits combine with suggestions of mango and salted Macadamia nut tones. The mouthfeel is fantastic here with beautiful length and power, yet this comes off very weightless. Wait for the exceedingly long finish. Drink 2021-2036- 96

2019 Ramey Wine Cellars ‘Woolsey Road Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Sourced from old Wente Clonal selection Chardonnay from the Hyde Vineyard, this tightly spaced vineyard is set on older volcanic soils. On the nose the 2019 ‘Woolsey Road Vineyard’ Chardonnay takes on Marcona almond with roasted pineapple, alongside shades of tilled soils aromatically. The palate is silky and elegant with light tannins and a soft mouthfeel that frame a beautiful range of orchard fruits alongside lemon zest dusted French bread and baking spice flavors. Fresh and lively with gobs of finesse, this beautiful wine is made for some medium-term cellaring. Drink 2021-2036- 96

2019 Ramey Wine Cellar ‘Ritchie Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2019 ‘Ritchie Vineyard’ is a seamless, tension-driven thrill ride of a wine that has a really long way to go. The palate is soft and seamless with serious weight and tension and depth. Layers of bananas foster and white peach combine with suggestions of Marcona almond topped shortbread. Silky and elegant, with an exceedingly long finish and gobs of mouth-watering acidity, this outstanding wine will provide drinking enjoyment for another twenty years. Drink 2021-2038- 96

2013 Ramey Wine Cellars ‘Ritchie Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Very refined, the beautifully evolved 2013 Chardonnay is a show-stopper now at the eight year mark. Dense and intense, yet very weightless and fresh, this gorgeous wine delivers nectar and Japanese pear flavors alongside gunpowder and roasted peanut flavors on the palate. This will be a 20 year old wine. Drink 2021-2031-96

2019 Ramey Wine Cellars ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Chardonnay- David Ramey began sourcing from this famed site in Carneros since 1996. This is now the 24th vintage of this wine. This 2019 edition is an unbelievably good effort with sensational richness and finesse, as this rivals any new world Chardonnay that I have tasted in the past year. Once on the nose this exudes class with rich layers of baking spice dusted Challah bread, ripe banana and suggestions of salted Macadamia nut. The palate is dense and seamlessly glides across the drinking experience. Glorious in its bright and lithe youth, this has another fifteen plus years to go. Drink 2021-2036- 97

2017 Ramey Wine Cellars ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir- The 2017 ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir is a gorgeous effort that has really good weight and tension. The nose shows serious range from teaberry and orange rind alongside cola and cran-cherry tones that all meld in the glass. The palate shows light cola tons alongside mulberry and salty undertones on the palate. Fresh and vibrant with really good balance, this outstanding effort is delicious to consume now and has another ten to fifteen years to go. Drink 2021-2035- 94

2018 Ramey Wine Cellars ‘Sonoma Coast’ Syrah- Dense and dark in the glass, the 2018 ‘Sonoma Coast’ Syrah was co-fermented with 8% Viognier. Right away this reveals salty tones that combine with smoked brisket, orange zest and suggestions of black cherry cordial. The palate is dense and fresh with intense blueberry and Black Forest Cake flavors alongside good freshness and gobs of minerals.Gorgeous now this will evolve well for another fifteen plus years. Drink 2021-2036- 95

2016 Ramey Wine Cellars ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a gorgeous effort from this warm vintage. Herbal undertones mark the nose alongside cassis and blackberry tones with graphite accents. The palate is very elegant with firm tannins that frame medium bodied dark fruits with chocolate and coffee ground undertones. Drink 2021-2035- 93

2017 Ramey Wine Cellars ‘Cooley Ranch’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The Cooley Ranch is a large site in the northern part of Sonoma County, as this wine is sourced from a hillside location. Black tea and blackberry compote fill the nose with lovely herbal undertones. The palate has great freshness with ripe black fruits that collide with shades of graphite and roasted figs flavors. Drink 2021-2036- 93

2011 Ramey Wine Cellars ‘Annum’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Beautifully evolved now, the 2011 Ramey Wine cellars ‘Annum’ is gorgeous now at the eleven year mark. Anise, cassis and green bell pepper flavored mingle with light salty and meaty undertones on the palate. Drink 2021-2031- 94

2011 Ramey Wine Cellars ‘Pedregal Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This gorgeous effort is very warm vintage left bank Bordeaux. On the nose there is violets and green bell pepper alongside shades of tar and wild blackberry tones. The palate is seamless and elegant with very refined tannins that frame a core of dark fruits with smoky and tobacco tones. This elegant wine isn’t going anywhere for a while. Drink 2021-2036- 95

WALT

WALT is HALL’s seriously good winery that focuses on world class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The winery was named after Kathryn Hall’s parents, Bob and Dolores Walt who were originally vintners and were  a source of daily inspiration for her. WALT Wines sources from some Pacific Coast's most distinctive vineyards from Sonoma to Oregon. This unique winery project really showcases unique terroirs. I have been really impressed with the wines coming from this house and in particular those sourced from their estate vineyard, Bob’s Ranch, which is located in the Petaluma Wind Gap near Sebastapol. This site was purchased by the HALLs and has been producing some absolutely epic Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that rivals anything out of Sonoma. The wines from this site are big, beautiful and full of bright acidity.

The new wines were sensational across the board. I absolutely loved their new 2019 WALT ‘Bob’s Ranch’ Chardonnay (OB, 94) which shows seriously good freshness with amazing flavor density. I was crazy about the 2019 WALT ‘Clos Pepe’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which is fresh and vibrant, terroir-driven Pinot Noir that has wonderfully salty tones. Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://www.waltwines.com Here are the beautiful new wines by WALT.

2019 WALT ‘Bob’s Ranch’ Chardonnay- Sourced from the Sonoma Coast AVA, with Chardonnay vines (various clonal selections) planted at ‘Bob’s Ranch’ back in 2010, this property was acquired by HALL back in 2014. The Chardonnay revels in its silky texture with layers of buttercream, pear, baking spice dusted brioche and a seamless dining experience all the way through. The flavor density is fantastic and wait for the exceedingly long, gratifying finish. Drink 2021-2031-  94

2019 WALT ‘La Brisa’ Pinot Noir- The silky and refined ‘La Brisa’ is sourced from the Sonoma Coast AVA and mainly from the Bob’s Ranch Vineyard. The saline drenched red fruits all wonderful complement the freshly tilled soils on the nose. The palate is silky and refined with gobs of minerality and finesse. Very pretty red fruits mingle with peat moss and orange rind on the palate. Finishing very long, enjoy this outstanding wine over the next decade. Drink 2021-2029- 94

2019 WALT ‘Blue Jay’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from the Anderson Valley, HALL has roughly 80 acres planted to Pinot Noir in this region, all near the town of Booneville. The ‘Blue Jay’ is considerably more earthy than the ‘La Brisa’ with more peat moss character and damp earth. The palate is dense and round with a generous mouthfeel and beautiful length. Red and dark fruits mingle with damp earth and wild mushroom on the palate. Drink 2021-2029- 93

2019 WALT ‘Rosella’s Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘Rosella’s Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is sourced from this site locate in the western mountains that rise above the Salinas Valley. This vineyard is named after the winegrower’s wife. Right away the nose delivers high-toned red florals alongside guava and pomegranate seed tones with salty tilled soils. Dense and rich saline dusted red fruits mingle with tobacco leaf, leather and a bright veil of tension on the palate. Exceedingly good now, this has another decade or more to go. Drink 2021-2031- 94

2019 WALT ‘Shea Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- WALT has been sourcing from this outstanding Oregon Vineyard for many years now and this cool vintage effort is really singing even at the two year mark. The pretty red florals brilliantly combine with fresh red fruits aromatically. Generous and soft with a rich mouthfeel, the Pinot Noir delivers peat moss flavors alongside ripe red cherry and tobacco leaf with good finesse and a long finish. This is already quite nicely evolved, as this beautiful new Pinot Noir will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2021-2031- 94

2019 WALT ‘Clos Pepe’ Pinot Noir- The Clos Pepe Vineyard was founded in the late 1980s by Steven and Kathy Pepe. The vineyard is located just east of Lompoc in the Santa Rita Hills appellation. The 2019 ‘Clos Pepe’ revels in its aromatic range from peat moss and pipe tobacco to bright red fruits and wild blackberry. The palate is dense and fresh with beautiful red florals alongside orange rind with sandy soil undertones. Gorgeous now, this has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2021-2033- 95

Yao Family Wines

Growing up I always loved seeing NBA superstar Yao Ming come to town and play against my Seattle Supersonics. We always knew that we would have trouble with his massive size. I attended hundreds of Sonics games in my youth, and was able to witness some amazing teams with Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton. The Houston Rockets, one of their main rivals, drafted a relatively untested center named Yao Ming in 2002 with the first pick in the NBA draft. This became a serious coup for the Rockets and a huge challenge for other NBA centers to deal with Yao’s offensive and defensive abilities — and his 7’7’’ frame. Yao became an NBA sensation and one of the best players in the league, finally retiring after a series of injuries in 2011. 

Yao saw a great opportunity in launching Yao Family Wines that same year. Yao Family Wines sources from a host of great Napa Valley vineyards. The grapes are fermented and then aged up to 18 months in 100% French oak barrels and the best lots are then chosen for the final blend. The wines were beautiful across the board. I adored the 2018 Yao Family Wines Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 93) which is beautifully structured, with good finesse and flavor density. Learn more about these outstanding wines at yaofamilywines.com Here are the new wines by Yao Family Wines. 

2018 Yao Family Wines ‘Family Table’ Red Wine- Deeply concentrated, the 2018 ‘Family Table’ Red Wine displays lovely tobacco leaf and iodine flavors alongside black cherry cordial, mocha and shades of creosote on the palate. Enjoy this outstanding new wine over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2021-2033- 92

2018 Yao Family Wines Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 Yao Family Wines Cabernet Sauvignon is an outstanding effort from this great vintage throughout Napa Valley. Once on the nose this takes on layers of violets with espresso bean and rich dark fruit tones. The palate is dense and full-bodied with lovely black tea and blackberry compote flavors that collide with minerals and smoky undertones. Enjoy this outstanding effort over the next fifteen years. Drink 2021-2035- 93

Domaine Trouvère

Quite literally a brand new winery, Domaine Trouvère is Lange Estate Winery's sister label, created by founders and winemakers Don, Wendy and Jesse Lange to accentuate small-lot wines that come from older vintages. These wines are all ready to go upon release and are drinking marvelously, not needing any time in the cellar.

I have been skeptical about wines coming from the Umpqua Valley in terms of consistency of flavor density and flavor complexity, which can be remarkably inconsistent for my palate. These wines from this region by Jesse Lange were seriously good. I adored the 2015 Domaine Trouvere ‘Artist Series Reserve’ Tempranillo (OB, 91) which is already beautifully evolved and shows a great core of black and blue fruits with good acidity. A total home run, the 2019 Domaine Trouvère ‘Indegne’ Pinot Gris (OB, 93) is novel and vibrant, with incredible freshness. I can’t help thinking how magical this wine would be with some killer oysters. Learn more about this exciting new project at langewinery.com and here are my tasting notes on the new Domaine Trouvere wines.

2019 Domaine Trouvère ‘Indegne’ Pinot Gris- Sourced from the Dundee Hills, the ‘Indegne’ is created from a white grape mutation of Pinot Gris. Bright, with outstanding acidity and serious finesse, upon entry you are greeted to gobs of lip-smacking acidity that mingles well with the soft sense of texture and beautiful length. Meyer lemon oil, roasted hazelnut and Gravenstein apple all combine brilliantly on the palate. This is begging for fresh Kusshi oysters. Enjoy this seriously good and novel wine in its youth while the sense of brightness remains intact. Drink 2021-2026- 93

2016 Domaine Trouvère ‘Artist Series’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from both Dijon and traditional clonal Pinot Noir, this Willamette Valley AVA bottling shows plenty of weight with ripe bing cherry, tobacco leaf and boysenberry flavors with smoky minerals rounding out this great new wine. Despite the heat of the vintage this comes off very light on its feet. Drink 2021-2028- 92

2017 Domaine Trouvère ‘Artist Series’ Syrah- This 100% Umpqua Valley Syrah was aged in a combination of French and American oak for eleven months before bottling. The palate shows great finesse with a soft mouthfeel and silky tannins that line a core of black fruits with smoky undertones. While delicious and well-structured I would prefer a bit more mid-palate flavor density considering the varietal. Drink 2021-2025- 90

2015 Domaine Trouvère‘Reserve Artist Series’ Tempranillo- Also sourced from the Umpqua Valley, the ‘Reserve’ Tempranillo shows a touch better flavor density than the Syrah, offering blue and black fruits alongside chocolate and sage undertones. Delicious now,  and already nicely evolved, savor this Tempranillo over the next five to seven years. Drink 2021-2026- 91

Ram's Gate

A really good Sonoma producer of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Ram’s Gate offers a range of unique tasting opportunities with their vineyard designate wines. They even offer a five course wine and food pairing in their dramatic hillside setting right outside of Carneros. Last year I had the chance to taste with Director of Winemaking at Ram’s Gate Winery, Joe Nielsen and we chatted about their approach which is showcasing the special vineyard sites in their program.

Following nearly ten years at Donelan Family Wines in Santa Rosa, Joe became Director of Winemaking at Ram’s Gate in 2018. I think that these might be the best wines I have ever tasted from this house. I adored the very Chablis 2018 Ram’s Gate ‘Flora Marie Vineyard’ Chardonnay (OB, 92) which is vibrant and fresh with stony undertones. The best wine I tried was the sinfully good 2018 Ram’s Gate ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Syrah (OB, 94) which shows off gobs of tension and insanely good range with salty undertones. This full-throttle joyride has a long way to go but it is irresistible in its youth. Learn more about these great new wines at ramsgatewinery.com and here are my tasting notes of the outstanding new wines.

2018 Ram’s Gate ‘Flora Marie Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Aged for eleven months in 33% new French oak this Russian River Valley Chardonnay shows off pretty white peach tones with toasty oak and sourdough bread aromatically. The palate is fresh and vibrant with plenty of lemon oil and stony soil tones alongside shades of green apple. Enjoy this beautiful, very Chablisesque wine over the next seven plus years. Drink 2021-2028- 92

2018 Ram’s Gate ‘Cellar Note’ Chardonnay- Sourced from the Sonoma Coast AVA, the 2018 ‘Cellar Note’ shows off a light dusting of salinity that falls upon rich orchard fruits with hints of vanilla cream on the palate. Full-bodied and rich, enjoy this beautiful bottling over the next seven to ten years. Drink 2021-2028- 92

2018 Ram’s Gate ‘Gap’s Crown’ Pinot Noir- One of the famed sites in the Sonoma Coast AVA, the ‘Gap’s Crown Vineyard’ has a massive maritime effect with cool breezes and constant fog. Utilizing Dijon clone 777, the wine opens with suggestions of teaberry, cran-orange, peat moss and salty undertones on the palate. This finishes very long. Great to enjoy in its youth, the 2018 ‘Gap’s Crown’ Pinot Noir has another twelve plus years to go in the cellar. Drink 2021-2033- 93

2018 Ram’s Gate ‘El Diablo Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘El Diablo Vineyard’ is a rocky site that is located right off of Eastside Road in the Russian River Valley. Aromatically this is already very nicely evolved with black tea, exotic spices and tilled soil tones alongside a core of red fruits. The palate is fresh, polished and beautifully textured with great length and a beautiful purity of red fruit. Enjoy this outstanding wine over the next twelve to fifteen years. Drink 2021-2035- 93

2018 Ram’s Gate ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Syrah- The Ram’s Gate ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Syrah underwent 55% whole cluster fermentation and spent 20 months in 25% new French oak before bottling. Deeply concentrated, rich and viscous, this takes the lead with blackberry jam, mulling spices, cigar ash and shades of salty loamy soils. Full-bodied and highly novel, with a great veil of tension, this beautiful bottling is outstanding to consume now and will provide drinking enjoyment for at least another decade. But why wait? Drink 2021-2034- 94

2018 Ram’s Gate ‘Grenache/Syrah Cellar Note’ Red Wine- A unique wine for the Carneros AVA, this combines near equal parts of Grenache and Syrah, as this saw 20 months in French oak (33%) new before bottling. Delicious and lithe, with rich red currant, boysenberry and Chinese black tea flavors with salty undertones, this outstanding new bottling will cellar well over the next ten plus years. Drink 2021-2033- 93

2018 Ram’s Gate ‘Bismark Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvingon- This Moon Mountain AVA spent 18 months in 65% new French oak before bottling. Silky smooth upon entry, the Cabernet reveals dark chocolate and huckleberry flavors alongside coffee grounds and smoky minerals on the palate. Enjoy this great new wine over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2021-2033- 93

Hundred Suns

Hundred Suns is a story by Grand Coulter and Renee Saint-Amour who left California for Oregon. Grant first worked as assistant winemaker at Hamacher wines and then spent the bulk of 10 years as assistant winemaker and then winemaker at Beaux Freres. Then in 2015 they both sold their Portland house and bought a house in the Willamette Valley to start their project, Hundred Suns. Grant became winemaker for Flaneur Wines and in 2018 they bought a 4.5 acre property in the Eola-Amity hills.

I have enjoyed these wines very much over the past several years but have not had the chance to sample the overall lineup. These wines are technically very brilliant, each showing a beginning, a middle, and and end. They tell you a story about each individual site. I was blown away with the value wine, their 2019 Hundred Suns ‘Old Eight Cut’ Pinot Noir (OB, 92) which for 30 bucks you would be hard pressed to find a more compelling Pinot Noir in Oregon. One of the great Oregon Pinot Noirs that I have sampled over the past year, the 2019 Hundred Suns ‘Sequitur Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) is a complete wine. This has gobs of finesse but also is very generous and downright sexy on the palate.

2019 Hundred Suns ‘Tualitin Estate’ Gamay-  This sexy Gamay reveals sexy red florals and crunchy red fruits that collide with cedar, ash and shades of peat moss on the palate. Fantastic now, this has both the stuffing and verve to cellar well for another decade.  Drink 2021-2029- 92

2019 Hundred Suns ‘Eola-Amity Hills’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘Eola-Amity Hills’ Pinot. Noir reveals ripe red currants, and tobacco aromatically, with forest floor undertones. Once on the mouth this shows off a soft mouthfeel with pretty red fruits that mingle with rose water, cedar and damp earthy tones. Complex and delicious to consume now, this has another decade of life in front of it. Drink 2021-2031-  92

2019 Hundred Suns  ‘Bednarik Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Bednarik Vineyard’ was first planted back in 1988 and is set on marine sedimentary soils. The wine shows off wonderfully salty red fruits that collide with orang rind, menthol, pine needles and wild mushroom tones on the palate. Bright, with good acidity and weight, this will cellar well over the next ten to twelve years. Drink 2021-2034- 93

2019 Hundred  Suns ‘Shea Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from this famed site located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, the beautiful 2019 ‘Shea Vineyard’ Pinot Noir opens with ripe Yakima cherry aromas alongside freshly tilled soils and cran-orange tones that all meld in the glass. The palate is plush and lithe with glorious length and weight. Enjoy this beautiful, finesse-driven wine over the next decade. Drink. 2021-2033- 94

2019 Hundred Suns ‘Sequitur Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- I have been fully amazed by the wines coming off this vineyard over the past few years — a site planted by Oregon wine legend Mike Etzel and set in the Ribbon. Ridge AVA. The Pinot Noir revels loads of tension with gorgeous rose water, red cherry, pomegranate seed and orange rind tones that all come together seamlessly. The drinking experience is pillowy and smooth throughout. Enjoy this stunning new Pinot Noir over the next fifteen years. Drink. 2021-2036-  95

2019  Hundred Suns ‘Old Eight Cut’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Old Eight Cut’ Pinot Noir is simply singing even in its heady youth.  Weighing in at only 13.2% alcohol,  this finesse driven wine shows off ripe strawberry, peat moss and pomegranate seed tones alongside a great veil of tension. Enjoy this outstanding value over the next decade. Drink 2021-2031-  92

Darioush

The Darioush story is an incredible tale of the American dream. Northern Iran is one of the birthplaces of wine, as records from 5,000 B.C. indicate a nomad culture living there and celebrating wine. Darioush Khaledi was instilled at an early age with the winemaking craft of his father and began collecting fine wine at a young age. He migrated from Iran to the United States and owned what was once the largest family-owned grocery store business in California. His passion for wine met its apex in 1997 when he formed Darioush winery. Darioush Khaledi is an inspired American dream.

After an incredible business success, Darioush set out to craft the best overall lineup of wines in Napa. Darioush created one of the most beautiful wineries in the entire west coast. Upon entering the winery you are greeted by Persian inspired pillars that make you feel like you’re entering a royal palace. Imported travertine lines the entire winery and the calming water feature inside the winery really is something special. You have to  check out the Provence inspired garden setting that literally feels like a world away.

The new lineup of wines by Darioush was amazing across the board. I loved the new 2020 Darioush Viognier (OB, 93) which is soft and generous with outstanding length. I adored the new 2018 Darioush Shiraz (OB, 95)  which is one of the great Syrah bottling I have tasted this year from Napa. Learn more about this special winery at darioush.com. Here are the great new wines by Darioush.

2020 Darioush Viognier- Fresh and beautifully textured, the 2020 Darioush Viognier is a spectacular new wine that has some good cellaring potential. Ripe kiwi, starfruit and melon tones combine with minerals and wet stone and nutty undertones on the palate. Gorgeous to enjoy now, be sure at a warmer temperature where the full range can be displayed. Drink 2021-2028- 93

2019 Darioiush ‘Sage Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2019 Darioush ‘Sage Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc is a vibrant and beautiful textured bottling that has some aging potential. Ripe kiwi, starfruit and banana flavors combine with nutty and honeydew melon undertones on the palate. Gorgeous now, this has another decade of life in front of it. Drink 2021-2029- 93

2019 Darioush Pinot Noir- This edition is another outstanding release by Darioush. Soft, round and generous with a silky texture, this delivers beautiful red cherry cola, red raspberry and tobacco leaf undertones with shades of freshly tilled soils. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2021-2033- 94

2018 Darioush Shiraz- The color here is crazy inky, as the 2018 Shiraz revels in its gorgeous aromatics ranging from blueberry pie to black tea and espresso bean with loamy soils. The palate is fresh and vibrant with dense dark and blue fruit flavors and silky tannins that line them. With more air comes more flavor complexity with light dried herbs and smoked BBQ beef rib flavors come into play. Highly delicious to consume right now, this has another fifteen years in the cellar to go. Drink 2021-2035- 95

2018 Darioush Cabernet Franc- The 2018 Darioush Cabernet Franc was sourced from Darioush estate vineyards in Mount Veeder, Atlas Peak and throughout the Napa Valley. Aged for 22 months in 70% new French & European oak barrels, this 100% Cabernet Franc wine shows boysenberry liquor aromatics woven together with exotic spices, loamy soils and dark chocolate shavings that all meld in the glass. The palate is deep and intense, with wonderful dark currants, dark chocolate covered espresso bean, and creme de violette tones, mingling with the dusty terroir. The combination of viscosity and freshness is gorgeous, as this splendid bottling reminds you why Darioush has such a sterling reputation for Cabernet Franc. Be sure to give this a long decant if enjoying in its youth. Drink 2022-2040- 96

2018 Darioush ‘Duel’ Red Wine- The ‘Duel’ is a one of a kind project by Darioush that combines Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Right away you are allured by the intense red and dark fruits that parade with cocoa powder, baking spices and dried herbal aromatics. The palate is plush and dense, with a wonderful hedonistic bent, yet showing plenty of bright acidity and firm tannins to hold things in place. Ripe red currants, cigar ash, blackberry torte and shades of mocha all impress on the palate. Deep and delicious to enjoy in its youth, this has some serious aging potential. Drink 2020-2035- 94

Vina Almaviva

One of the great wines of the world, today we present Vina Almaviva. An illustrious story dating back to 1997, Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, Chairman of the Advisory Board of Baron Philippe de Rothschild SA, and Eduardo Guilisasti Tagle, Chairman of Viña Concha y Toro S.A., sealed a partnership agreement with a view to create an exceptional Franco-Chilean wine called Almaviva. Produced under the joint technical supervision of both partners, the first vintage had great acclaim upon its launch in 1998. The rest has been history. 

I have been so impressed since I tried these wines decade ago. For those who have never had the cache to try Vina Almaviva, you are in for a great treat. The wines show incredible terroir and a wonderful veil of tension. They age gracefully too, as I tried the 2011 bottling not long ago and it was truly singing. One thing I love about this blend is how it captures the art of truly exceptional Carmenère. A varietal that has been a shining star for Chile, this wine really is one of the finest expressions of Carmenère that you will find. Although the blend is Cabernet Sauvignon dominant, Carmenère adds the lovely herbal tones and scorched earth accents to this formidable wine. 

Almaviva wines dense and massive, needing a lot of air prior to enjoying. Like many great modern wines of the world, they are approachable in their youth after a long decant. I recently had the chance to taste the 2019 Vina Almaviva and was absolutely blown away with the quality of the wines. The 2019 Almaviva Red Wie (OB, 98) is a spellbinding blend of nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon with 23% Carmenère blended in. This is a magical, one of a kind wine, that has a long life ahead of it. Learn more about this famed winery at http://www.almavivawinery.com/en/ Here is my review of the new 2019 Almaviva. 

2019 Vina Almaviva Cabernet Sauvignon- The stunning new 2019 Vina Almaviva Cabernet Sauvignon is a benchmark Bordeaux style wine from this storied partnership between Concha y Toro and Baron Philippe de Rothchild. Sourced from vineyards in the Puente Alto region, this vintage they have a higher percentage of Carmenere blended in, as the finished wine is comprised of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Carmenère (from Peumo), 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Merlot. The Carmenere is immediately gratifying on the bouquet, showing its hallmark green bell pepper and a dusting of white pepper alongside a seamless core of dark fruits with espresso ground undertones. The palate is utterly seamless as this glides throughout the drinking experience working like a fine Swiss time piece, with every component singing their five part harmony in unison. Soft and impeccably balanced, this very approachable wine is sensational to savor now and will provide drinking enjoyment for at least another fifteen years. What a wine! Drink 2021-2038- 98 

HALL

One of the great Napa Valley wineries, HALL was founded in 1992 by Katheryn and Craig Hall. What was initially a very simply constructed tasting room, roughly ten years ago HALL have built one of the most beautiful, state of the art, wineries in Napa. This is a must visit for any serious Napa enophile. I always enjoy my visits to this special spot in St. Helena.

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 rights. I have been blown away with the consistency of these wines, particularly in recent years. It is clear that the focus on quality is paramount as this winery has not only been blessed with an exceptional run of vintages but has been known to succeed even in the more challenging vintages like 2010 and 2011. HALL now makes a series of value wines that are really good. 

The new lineup by HALL is exceedingly good across the board. I was completely blown away with the new 2018 HALL ‘Kathryn Hall’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 97) which is soft, pillowy and providing tons of drinking enjoyment even right now. One of the best wines I have had all year, the 2018 HALL ‘Rainin VIneyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 100) is perfection in a bottle. This seamless, sensational wine has such a long life ahead of it. Learn more about these beautiful wines at hallwines.com Here are the beautiful new wines by HALL.

2018 HALL ‘Ellie’s’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Named after Craig Hall’s grandmother who was an artist, the 2018 ‘Ellie’s’ Cabernet Sauvignon reveals ripe dark currants collide with tobacco leaf, milk chocolate and shades of coffee grounds on the nose. The palate is very elegant with silky tannins that come together with ripe dark fruits, cigar box and pipe tobacco on the palate. With good freshness and finesse, this gorgeous new bottling will cellar well for another fifteen years. Drink 2021-2036- 94

2018 HALL ‘Eighteen Seventy-Three’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The ‘Eighteen Seventy-Three’ is named after the first year that vines were planted at the HALL Saint Helena location. This is a wine that is mostly sourced from Howell Mountain and Atlas Peak. Right away this shows off black tea and exotic spices that mingle with a core of ripe dark fruits on the nose. The palate is fresh with bright acidity alongside black currants, blackberry and coffee grounds with herbal undertones that all meld together beautifully. The oak character in the wine beautifully compliments the core of fruit and non-fruit flavors. Highly enjoyable in its youth, this has another fifteen to twenty years to go. Drink 2021-2038- 95

2018 HALL ‘Stags Leap District’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 ‘Stags Leap District’ Cabernet Sauvignon exudes class with its blueberry pie, toasty oak, espresso bean and graphite tones aromatically. Full-bodied with gobs of tension and flavor density and opulence, layers of ripe black and blue fruits collide with Turkish coffee and shades of salty soils on the palate. Deeply concentrated and showing serious tension and weight, this gorgeous bottling has another twenty years to go. Drink 2021-2041- 96

2018 HALL ‘Montagna Vineyards’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The high-elevation ‘Montagna Vineyards’ are located in Pritchard Hill on the south side of Lake Hennessey near the famed Stagecoach Vineyard. On the nose this shows off black rose petals alongside black tea, exotic spices and shades of creme de cassis that all meld in the glass. The palate is dense, plush and highly refined with gobs of tension and mouth-watering acidity. A light dusting of salinity falls on the core of black and blue fruits with espresso bean and creme de violette all impress on the palate. The aromatic and flavor range is truly outstanding as this generous bottling has two decades of life ahead of it. Drink 2021-2041- 98

2018 HALL ‘Bergfeld’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 ‘Bergfeld’ is located at the HALL property in Saint Helena. 20 acres are planted to mainly Cabernet Sauvignon as soils are very well-drained in this ancient riverbed soils. Showing off its dense and polished mouthfeel, silky tannins line a massive core of blackberry, creme de cassis and mocha flavors with salty undertones and shades of loamy soils on the palate. Gorgeous now, this has a long way to go in t he cellar. Drink 2021-2038- 95

2018 HALL ‘Auspicious’ Cabernet Sauvignon- During the blending process of making the Howell Mountain the blend they chose did not quite meet the Howell Mountain requirements. The toasty oak on the nose beautifully compliments the core of blue and black fruits with espresso bean undercurrents. Full bodied and rich, firm tannins hold in place downright sexy core of black tea, Turkish coffee, black tea, cigar box, blueberry pie and loganberry cordial on the palate. The flavor range exhibited is sensational. Gorgeous to consume now, this will have another twenty plus years ahead of it. Drink 2021-2041- 97

2018 HALL ‘Jack’s Masterpiece’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Named after HALL director of winemaking Mike Reynolds’s son, Jack, the ‘Jack’s Masterpiece’ is a stunning new wine that has some serious aging potential. Sourced from more than 20 vineyard sites, this shows off ripe dark currants that mingle with espresso bean, blackberry compote, graphite and leather undertones on the palate. Silky tannins and a lengthy finish complete this beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon bottling that has a really long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2021-2041- 96

2018 HALL ‘Kathryn Hall’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 ‘Kathryn Hall’ is a blockbuster new release by HALL that is silky, refined and shows incredible flavor density. Sourced from a host of vineyards including Sacrashe Vineyard. Once on the nose this takes on layers of dark florals that combine with creme de cassis, loamy soils and anise aromatically. The palate is seamless and silky throughout the drinking experience, as this exudes elegance. This finishes exceeding long with minerals and dark fruits. Absolutely gorgeous to enjoy in its youth, this has another twenty years to go in the cellar. Drink 2021-2038- 97

2018 HALL ‘Rainin Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The Rainin Vineyard is a small site located on Diamond Mountain. Right away you are captivated by the aromas of violet rose petals alongside Earl Grey tea, huckleberry cordial and shades of tar. The aromatic range here is simply magical. The palate is silky and utterly seamless as firm tannins line a massive wall of blueberry compote, dark chocolate shavings, graphite, creme de cassis, loamy soils and shades of creosote. The wine effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. This is nothing short of perfection in a bottle — a timeless Cabernet Sauvignon that will be exceedingly long-lived. Drink 2021-2041- 100

2018 HALL ‘Sacrashe Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The Sacrashe Vineyard is partially owned by HALL, as they control 33 acres at this site. The alluring aromas of tar and dark currants mingle well with coffee grounds and shades of black licorice. The palate is exceedingly refined with silky tannins that line a sumptuous core of black currant cordial, mocha, creosote, graphite and loamy soils with a light dusting of salinity on the palate. Seamless throughout the drinking experience this utterly fantastic bottling will cellar well for another twenty plus years. Drink 2021-2045- 99