Elephant Seven

Today we share an electric producer of white and red wines out of Walla Walla. Joshua West and his wife started this winery several years ago. Josh has a background in investment banking and has only has been winemaking on a full time basis for the past decade. He has previously worked for Whitehaven in New Zealand as well as interning at Figgins, Cadaretta, and Dusted Valley in Walla Walla. He now has a tasting room in downtown Walla Walla, as his wines show good depth and wonderful underlying finesse.

The new white wines by Elephant Seven are fantastic. Check out the very fresh and vibrant 2021 Elephant Seven ‘Blue Mountain Vineyard’ Marsanne (OB, 92) which is a tension-filled expression of this varietal with wonderful acidity and salty tones. Learn more about this exciting new Washington winery at https://www.elephantsevenwine.com/ Here are the new releases by Elephant Seven. 

2021 Elephant Seven ‘Blue Mountain Vineyard’ Marsanne- Coming from the ‘Blue Mountain Vineyard’ which is set at 1200 feet, this wine was picked in late August and then was stored for six months in French oak before bottling. Macadamia nut, lychee and starfruit with toasty French bread all hit the nose. The palate is very fresh and focused with a great mineral backbone and viscosity. Enjoy this fresher style of Marsanne over the next six years. Drink 2022-2028- 92

2021 Elephant Seven ‘Blue Mountain Vineyard’ Roussanne- The really good 2021 Elephant Seven ‘Blue Mountain Vineyard’ Roussanne comes from this high elevation site in the Walla Walla Valley. Stored for six months in French oak, this delivers mango and green papaya notes alongside good freshness and salty undertones on the palate. Drink 2022-2028- 92

Bollinger 'R.D.' Champagne

It isn’t everyday that I have a chance to sit with two bottles of Bollinger ‘Recently Disgorged’ (R.D.) Champagne. However, this was the case on a glorious night last weekend in Los Angeles. The idea of selling a recently disgorged older champagne is quite novel. This idea comes from the mind of Madame Bollinger and in 1967 she introduced the innovative Récemment Dégorgé, revealing a new and spectacular facet of champagne. This created an opportunity to enjoy a wine which had a very long period of aging on lees with recent disgorgement to be sold and shared with the world.

Sitting with these two wines, I was floored by the overall impression of how true each spoke to the overall vintage. 2004 was deep, concentrated and fleshy, just like the great wines made that vintage. Similarly, 2007 was bright and nervy, with formidable finesse and beautiful nuance. For my palate, the clear winner was the 2004 Bollinger ‘R.D. Extra Brut’ Champagne (OB, 97) which has to be considered one of the great champagnes of the world. While obviously quite big, this has a sensational underlying finesse and is truly singing now. Try to find a bottle while you can! Learn more at https://www.champagne-bollinger.com and here are my notes from the stunning ‘R.D.’ Champagnes by Bollinger.

2004 Bollinger ‘R.D. Extra Brut’ Champagne- The 2004 Bollinger ‘R.D. Extra Brut’ Champagne is an utterly fabulous bottle from this fleshy and opulent vintage. The wine combines 66% Pinot Noir with 34% Chardonnay, coming from 16 sites and nearly all (88%) Grand Cru fruit. Right away the wine dazzles with intense citrus oil notes alongside cantaloupe, starfruit and toasty brioche. The palate is big, bold and is very true to the great wines made this vintage. Hazelnut and lemon oil meld together with the beautiful underlying viscosity and tension. This is simply irresistible champagne to savor now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2022-2032- 97

2007 Bollinger ‘R.D.’ Champagne- This bottle was disgorged in late 2020. A blend of 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay which was nearly all sourced from Grand Cru vineyards, this really needs an hour to fully evolve and show its beautiful aromatic range. Salted cashew nut and white peach combine with layers of baking spice dusted marzipan and lovely peat moss accents. The palate is very fresh and refined, showing the linear aspect of this vintage. Racy acidity and bright green apples dominate the palate, as this beauty is starting to hit its stride. Enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2022-2037- 94

Alma Rosa

One exciting Santa Barbara County property, Alma Rosa Winery is situated on the north-facing slopes of the Santa Rosa Hills in Santa Barbara County. The wines are well-balanced and have great terror from this close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. I love the new wines made by Samra Morris who was born and raised in Bosnia. Morris holds both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Food Sciences from The University of Sarajevo, College of Agricultural and Food Sciences. Post-graduation, Morris interned in the Department of Enology at The University of Sarajevo before deciding to pursue a winemaking career.

She got her start as a tasting room associate in Napa Valley, then went on to intern in the vineyard for St. Supery, spent three harvests as a harvest intern for esteemed winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown and was part of the cellar team for Michael Mondavi Family Estate. In 2017, Morris joined the Free Flow Wines team as a lab assistant, was promoted to lab supervisor the following year and then to QC manager. Tony Biagi serves as Alma Rosa consulting winemaker.

I loved the wines here across the board and do not miss out on the 2020 Alma Rosa ‘El Jabali’ Chardonnay (OB, 92) which is dense and polished with a soft mouthfeel. Just as good is the 2020 Alma Rosa ‘El Jabali’ Grenache (OB, 92) which deftly balances weight and finesse. Learn more about these great wines at almarosawinery.com and here are the new wine reviews by Alma Rosa.

2020 Alma Rosa ‘El Jabali’ Chardonnay- The outstanding 2020 Alma Rosa ‘El Jabali’ Chardonnay offers toasted French bread with banana and shades of mango on the nose. The palate is fresh and polished with a silky texture. Enjoy this over the next eight plus years. Drink 2022-2030- 92

2020 Alma Rosa ‘El Jabali’ Grenache- This comes off intense and very fragrant with raspberry, chocolate and shades of red rose petals that all meld in the glass. The Grenache is beautifully textured, with good weight and finesse. Rich and layered, enjoy over the next eight years. Drink 2022-2030- 92

2020 Alma Rosa ‘El Jabali’ Syrah- The really good 2020 Alma Rosa ‘El Jabali’ Syrah delvers a hedonistic nose with violets and black tea with blackberry compote and a dash of white pepper. Very silky and elegant on the palate, the combination of freshness and depth, with salty undercurrents really carry this beautifully. Drink 2022-2030- 93

2020 Alma Rosa ‘El Jabali’ Pinot Noir- The 2020 Alma Rosa ‘El Jabali’ Pinot Noir comes off very salty and savory on the nose with diatomaceous earth, potpourri and shades of orange rind. The palate is soft and inviting with a smooth texture. Enjoy now. Drink 2022-2026- 90

2020 Alma Rosa ‘La Encantada’ Pinot Noir- The beautiful and fresh 2020 Alma Rosa ‘La Encantada’ Pinot Noir offers a soft mouthfeel with ripe red cherry and red raspberry flavors, with a silky texture. Enjoy now. Drink 2022-2026- 90

2020 Alma Rosa ‘Bentrock’ Pinot Noir- Delicious to consume now, the 2020 Alma Rosa ‘Bentrock’ Pinot Noir shows off Mandarin orange zest, pomegranate seed and red florals on the nose, with salty earth undertones. The palate displays good underlying finesse, with salty and ashy undercurrents. Drink 2022-2028- 91

2020 Alma Rosa ‘Attente’ Red Wine- A blend of 59% Grenache with 41% Syrah, the 2020 ‘Attente’ Red Wine opens with smoked brisket, violets and suggestions of Earl Grey tea. The palate is soft and inviting with a smooth texture and lengthy finish. Juicy and ripe, showing good underlying brightness, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2022-2030- 93

Leonetti Cellar Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

After a long day of work last Thursday I sat down with the new Leonetti wines from the 2019 vintage. For many 2019 brought a host of issues with Bordeaux varietals, with the early October freeze forcing a litany of producers to pick their grapes. This led to some wines being lean, linear and lacking mid-palate flavor density and flavor complexity.

This was now the second time I had the chance to taste the brilliant 2019 single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon wines by Leonetti. I will fully admit that tasting with winemaker Chris Figgins my jaw dropped after my first taste of their 2019 ‘Holly Roller.’ ‘This is seriously good stuff’ I said. Chris only nodded and smiled.

My second go around with these wines was just as electric. One thing that made these wines so special was their location being high above the freeze done. Unlike most sites in Washington, when the freeze hit the high-elevation Cabernet spots were not impacted. I was blown away with the high elevation 2019 Leonetti Cellar ‘Loess Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 97) which is one of the wines of this vintage and is a massive, tannic beast that really needs a lot of air now if enjoying. The same is true with the scintillating 2019 Leonetti Cellar ‘Serra Pedace Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 97) which is equally hedonistic and dense, with amazing layers of fruit, tannin and underlying finesse. Taste these wines and you will see why they are some of the most compelling you will find in the Pacific Northwest. Learn more at https://leonetticellar.com and here are my reviews of the incredible new single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon wines by Leonetti Cellar and winemaker Chris Figgins.

2019 Leonetti Cellar ‘Holy Roller Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Surprisingly bright and lithe, the very polished 2019 Leonetti Cellar ‘Holy Roller Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this stony site in the Walla Walla Rocks District. A beautiful blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Sangiovese, this unveils layers of smoldering rocks with dried herbs, cigar ash, black currant jelly and boysenberry preserves on the palate. Firm tannins and a wonderful salinity runs through the core of this beautiful wine. Consume now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2022-2038- 96

2019 Leonetti Cellar ‘Serra Pedace Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Located in the SeVein project, the Serra Pedace is a southern Walla Walla Valley site that is set at roughly 1,200 feet. The nose is intense and hedonistic with black rose petals and dark currants that combine with black tea notes that all mingle in the glass. The palate is very deep and concentrated, with beautiful underlying finesse and a lengthy finish. Smooth tannins line the core of concentrated black fruits, as this beautiful wine will live on for at least another twenty years to come. Give this beauty at least an hour in the decanter prior to enjoying, Drink 2022-2042- 97

2019 Leonetti Cellar ‘Loess Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The brilliant and heady 2019 Leonetti Cellar ‘Loess Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this eastern Walla Walla Valley site on the edge of the Leonetti Estate, set at roughly 1100 feet. Needing about an hour in the decanter to be awoken, once aroused this revels in its beautiful black florals, with pipe tobacco, freshly tilled soils and suggestions of blackberry pie. The palate is very fresh and refined with silky tannins that frame a brilliant core of black cherry, black raspberry and anise tones, alongside graphite and sagebrush undercurrents. This is simply a magical effort from this cooler vintage. Drink 2022-2042- 97

2019 Leonetti Cellar ‘Mill Creek Upland Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- You will love the 2019 Leonetti Cellar ‘Mill Creek Upland Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon which is well-structured, yet massive and dense. Coming from this high-elevation site on the eastern side of the Walla Walla Valley, the wine unveils sagebrush and crushed mint notes alongside Black Forest Cake and coffee grounds on the nose. The palate is soft and refined, showing serious concentration and finesse. Finishing long with black currants and copious minerals, this is gorgeous wine to consume now and over the next twenty years. Give this at least two hours in the decanter if savoring in its bright youth. Drink 2022-2042- 97

Champagne Soutiran

A brilliant, boutique , grower Champagne house based in Ambonnay, Champagne Soutiran has a sensational range of wines that are sourced from Grand Cru and Premier Cru sites. The Pinot Noir and the Chardonnay for these wines are planted on hills exposed south and southeast, with strong sun exposure. Wines are aged in Burgundy barrels and show wonderful chalky character from this site.

Gerard Soutiran started this house back in 1950. In 1969, Alain, the eldest of Gérard’s 4 children, created his own house with his wife Roselyne and made a range of champagnes under the name Soutiran Pelletier. Then in 1989, following her business studies, Alain’s eldest daughter Valérie joined the family business. She took over management and developed the commercial side and the house became Champagne Soutiran.  Ten years later in 1999, Valérie’s husband Patrick Renaux joined the business and worked on the commercial side. Years later he took over production aspects and the elaboration of wines. Today this grower house utilizes all of their 8 hectares of vineyards that they use are from mostly Valeries's family and a little from Patrick's family for the Cuvee Alexandre.

I loved the range of wines by Soutiran. Check out the incredible 2015 Champagne Soutiran ‘Grand Cru’ Champagne (OB, 93) which is rich and generous from this warm vintage. Just as good is the Champagne Soutiran ‘Rose de Saignee’ Rose Champagne (OB, 93) which is sourced from the fantastic 2008 vintage and spent ten years in barrel before disgorgement. This is a heady, rich Rose champagne that is already beautifully evolved.Learn more about this great champagne house at https://www.soutiran.com/en/home/ and here are my reviews of the new wines by Champagne Soutiran.

NV Champagne Soutiran ‘Premier Cru Alexandre’ Champagne- The elegant NV Champagne Soutiran ‘Premier Cru Alexandre’ Champagne offers biscuit and dried mango notes alongside ginger and white peach on the palate. Lithe and polished, enjoy this lighter to medium-bodied Champagne over the next five to seven years. 20% Pinot Meunier with equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Drink 2022-2028- 91

2015 Champagne Soutiran ‘Grand Cru’ Champagne- Sourced from only Grand Cru Vineyards, the 2015 Champagne Soutiran ‘Grand Cru’ Champagne shows off its golden hue in the glass. Very salty with good finesse once on the palate, flavors of baked apple, lemon rind dusted brioche and salted Marcona almond all come together brilliantly. Finishing long, this is outstanding now and will confute to build for at least another decade. Drink 2022-2033- 93

NV Champagne Soutiran ‘Grand Cru Perle Noire’ Champagne- A blend of 100% Pinot Noir mainly from the 2015 vintage (58%) with the remainder from the 2012, 2013 and 104 vintages, this beautiful multi-vintage wine offers beautiful underlying tension with plenty of salty and chalky undertones. Rich and layered with honeycomb, salted cashew nut and green papaya, this is already showing brilliantly now. Drink 2022-2032- 93

NV Champagne Soutiran ‘Grand Cru Brut Nature’ Champagne- Mostly comprised of Grand Cru Chardonnay grapes from the 2016 vintage, the ‘Grand Cru Brut Nature’ shows tart green apples, sourdough bread, crushed chalky rocks and yeasty tones on the palate, with considerable finesse. Disgorged in June 2021, this has beautiful length and underlying richness that will surely satisfy cultured palates for another decade or more. Drink 2022-2032- 92

NV Champagne Soutiran ‘Grand Cru Signature’ Champagne- Utilizing a base from the 2018 vintage, the NV Champagne Soutiran ‘Grand Cru Signature’ Champagne is blend of near equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Grand Cru vineyards. Immediately very dense and gratifying, the ‘Grand Cru Signature’ opens with roasted hazelnuts with citrus rind and shades of brioche. Very smooth on the mouth, the silky mouthfeel impresses, as this finishes long with citrus fruits and minerals. Drink 2022-2032- 92

NV Champagne Soutiran ‘Cuvee Rose’ Rose Champagne- The delicious NV Champagne Soutiran ‘Cuvee Rose’ Rose Champagne combines 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay all sourced from Grand Cru Vineyards which was mainly sourced from the 2017 vintage. Red rose petals and red raspberry notes combine with kumquat zest and baking spice dusted brioche all meld together on the nose. The palate is crisp and refreshing, with good underlying weight. Drink 2022-2029- 91

Champagne Soutiran ‘Rose de Saignee’ Rose Champagne- Sourced from the 2008 vintage, the gorgeous ‘Rose de Saignee’ Rose Champagne by Champagne Soutiran was aged for ten years before disgorgement in 2019 and 2020. Deeply colored, this delivers rich red raspberry, wild mushroom and red cherry candy flavors, with suggestions of wild mushroom and pomegranate seed. Beautiful now, enjoy this outstanding Rose Champagne over the next eight plus years. Drink 2022-2030- 93

Fleur de Miraval

Today we share a relatively new Champagne project made from the spirit of three iconic P’s: Pitt, Perrin and Peters. Fleur de Mirval utilizes 75% Chardonnay from the terroirs of the Côte des Blancs, and the saignée juice from Pinot Noir grown on the terroir of Vertus. Remarkably the Perrin family are now in their fifth generation and have helped create the world brand, Miraval, into one of the iconic Rose wines. Brad Pitt has a large hand in operations, explaining “For me, champagne conjures up feelings of celebration, quality, prestige and luxury. But rosé champagne is still relatively unknown. I wanted us to try to create the defining brand of rosé champagne, focusing all our efforts on just this one color. The result is spectacular and I’m very proud of it.”

Finally the Peters family crafts this wine. Rodolphe Péters is now at the head of 50 acres, 40 of which are Grand Cru mainly around Mesnil-sur-Oger in the Côte des Blancs and he heads this project that includes wines from the 2012 and 2014 vintage, with a base from 2017.

How was the wine? The 2021 edition entitled ‘‘Exclusivement Rose 2’ Rose Champagne (OB, 95) was truly remarkable MV wine especially after some air. This beauty really needs to be served on the warmer side to savor the sensational range of nutty, earthy and red fruit-driven flavors and aromatics. At $350.00 retail, this is no cheap treat either. Learn more about this famous new Champagne brand at https://fleurdemiraval.com/en and here is my review of the brand new wine by Fleur de Miraval.

MV Fleur de Miraval ‘Exclusivement Rose 2’ Rose Champagne- The brilliant MV Fleur de Miraval ‘Exclusivement Rose 2’ Rose Champagne was crafted by Rodolphe Péters at his house in Le Mesnil sur Oger,, as this is the 2021 edition of this wine  The core of the wine comes from Chardonnay (75%), which includes wines from the 2012 and 2014 vintages. The base comes from the 2017 vintage, as this was disgorged in April 2021 and was given a dosage of 4.5 G/L. A brilliant salmon hue, this offers very delicate cranberry and red raspberry with teaberry notes, with saline drenched green melon and hints of morel mushroom on the palate. The underlying richness and nuance of the wine really makes this shine. Enjoy this beauty now and and over the next fifteen years to come at a slightly warmer temperature. Drink 2022-2037- 95

L'Ecole No. 41

It has now been 20 years since I first visited on of Walla Walla’s first wineries, L’Ecole No. 41. In 2002 I was a college senior at Whitman College and on this summer day I walked in as a wine critic. Man, does time fly! While I had entered this historic schoolhouse building many times, this was a very special visit, tasting with winemaker Marcus Rafanelli and GM Marty Clubb. For years Clubb has helped build this program into a national power for Washington State wine.  It is a big job at L’Ecole as Clubb oversees more than 90 lots of wine each year.

The new wines were gorgeous across the board. Do not miss on the 2021 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Luminesce’ White Wine (OB, 92) which maintains beautiful poise and a great range of flavors. Even better was the incredible 2019 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Apogee’ Red Wine (OB, 95) which is dense and tightly wound, really needing another year or two in the bottle to fully strut its stuff. This was a visit to remember. Learn more about these great new wines at lecole.com and here are my reviews of the beautiful new wines by L’Ecole No. 41.

2021 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Columbia Valley’ Semillon- The really good 2021 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Columbia Valley’ Semillon comes from the Stillwater, Rosebud, Klipsun, Lodmill, Oasis and XL Vineyards. With 18% Sauvignon Blanc blended in, this offers Macadamia nut, white peach and shades of honeydew melon. The palate is fresh and beautifully textured, with good weight and finesse. Drink this outstanding value over the next five to seven years. Drink 2022-2027- 92

2021 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Luminesce Seven Hills Vineyard’ White Wine- The 2021 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Luminesce Seven Hills Vineyard’ White Wine is a blend of 70% Semillon with the remainder Sauvignon Blanc. The palate is very fresh and fragrant with nectarine, gooseberry and shades of Pazzaz apple, with flinty and nutty undercurrents. This is delicious, highly complex wine that will drink well for at least another five years. Drink 2022-2029- 92

2021 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay- This mainstay from the Columbia Valley come from a range of vineyards including Heritage and Stillwater Creek Vineyards. This saw extended battonage and was left on the lees for four months before bottling. The nose screams buttered brioche with bright pear and marzipan notes. The palate shows good weight and finesse with excellent length. Drink 2022-2028- 92

2021 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Evergreen Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The Evergreen Vineyard is one of the great cooler sites for Chardonnay which is located in the Ancient Lakes AVA. This block comes from old Chardonnay vines, as this also saw extended battonage before bottling. Japanese pear and buttered sourdough bread combine with shades of Marcona almond on the nose. The palate is very fresh and beautifully textured. Drink 2022-2030- 93

2019 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Perigee’ Red Wine- The 2019 ‘Perigee’ combines Cabernet Sauvignon (52%) and Merlot (19%) with smaller parts Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.  Entirely sourced from the Seven Hills Vineyard, this evokes shades of garrigue, black cherry compote, tar and tobacco leaf. The palate shows good tension and refined tannins that frame a great core of dark fruits, with stony and herbal accents. Finishing long, this is very refined Cabernet Sauvignon that will cellar well for another fifteen plus years. Give this another year in the bottle to fully evolve. Drink 2023-2037- 94

2019 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Apogee’ Red Wine- The 2019 ‘Apogee’ is sourced from the Pepper Bridge Vineyard, as this combines Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) with Merlot (25%) and small parts Malbec and Cabernet Franc. The nose displays a dense core of black raspberry with graphite, and dried herbs with tar accents. The palate is very juicy and backwards with serious tension and lovey stony accents. Very intense, with a strong mineral backbone, and refined tannins, this is gorgeous wine that has serious aging potential. Give this at least another year in the bottle prior to consuming. Drink 2023-2042- 95

2019 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Summit View Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This is 100% clonal selection 191 from the Summit View Vineyard, as the Cabernet Sauvignon was stored for 22 months before bottling. Dense and intense on the mouth, this delivers heady black fruit and creosote flavors with gobs of mouth-watering acidity and a firm tanning backbone. The light dusting of salinity adds to the enjoyment, as this is great Cabernet Sauvignon to consume now and over the next fifteen years. Give it a long decant if enjoying now. Drink 2023-2038- 93

2020 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘GSM Seven Hills Vineyard’ Red Wine- Equal parts Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre the 2020 ‘GSM Seven Hills Vineyard’ was stored in French oak barrels for 18 months before bottling. Roasted meats and black raspberry alongside tar and sandalwood notes all combine on the nose. The palate is very fresh and beautifully textured, with good length. Drink 2022-2029- 92

2020 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Estate Seven Hills Vineyard’ Syrah- Delicious and savory, this saw roughly 10% stem inclusion as the 2020 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Estate Seven Hills Vineyard’ Syrah was stored in 25% new French oak before bottling. The wine shows off a beautiful texture, with rich boysenberry, tar and roasted date flavors, with brisket undertones. The loamy, salty soil accents add to the enjoyment, as this is best consumed over the next eight plus years. Drink 2022-2030- 93

Krug Champagne

A simply marvelous Champagne house, Krug is the brainchild of Joseph Krug, founded back in 1843. The house is based in Reims and is currently owned by LVMH Moet Hennessy whose portfolio includes famed French houses like Moet & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Chateau d’Yquem and Ruinart. Originally from Mainz (modern day Germany), Joseph Krug moved to Paris to work in accounting for Champagne Jacquesson and learned so much about Champagne that he began making his own privately. A brilliant linguist, Joseph spoke French, English and German and spoke some Russian, which put his Champagne house in good position to sell to overseas markets.

Paul Krug, took over for his father and began selling Krug across Great Britain. There was great turmoil at the house following Paul’s death in 1910 with two World Wars, while some contend that the best Champagnes of the century were made between 1926 and 1928. While I have never had these wines, many critics have said that they are some of the best wines that they have ever tried.

Krug produces a host of wines including vintage wines and multi-vintage Krug ‘Grande Cuvée’ (which I reviewed), as well as a stunning rosé, a vintage Blanc, a vintage Blanc de Blancs from the Clos du Mesnil Vineyard, a vintage Blanc de Noirs from the Clos d'Ambonnay Vineyard and older vintages released as Krug Collection series.

The new Krug Grande Cuvee 170th Edition is a remarkable achievement made from 195 wines from 12 different years, the youngest of which is from 2014, while the oldest dates back to 1998. This thing is really just an infant Champagne that is built to age. Learn more about these very special wines at https://www.krug.com Here is my review of the Krug Grande Cuvee 170th Edition Champagne.

Krug ‘Grande Cuvee 170th Edition’ Champagne- Complex, delicious and still massively youthful, the Krug Grande Cuvee 170th Edition is a masterful blend of 195 wines from 12 separate vintages — from 2014 to 1998. This edition has considerably less Pinot Meunier (11%) to combine with 51% Pinot Noir, 38% Chardonnay. This was aged for roughly seven years before disgorgement and immediately gratifies with its candied ginger and musty aromas alongside baked apple and lemon rind dusted brioche tones. The silky mousse makes this irresistible once on the attack. Finishing very long with copious citrus fruits and minerals, this beauty has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2022-2036- 96

Long Shadows

More than a decade ago I fondly recall taking friends to the Long Shadows tasting studio in Woodinville. The winery was a brand new project at the time and a really big deal! For many years Long Shadows has made their name by crafting outstanding red wines with a superstar cast of winemaking talent that spans the globe. Gilles Nicault serves as Long Shadows head winemaker. A great dude with a killer palate, Gilles was formerly at Woodward Canyon and is one of the brightest talents in the state. One thing I have found with these wines over the years is how brilliantly they can cellar. I have really enjoyed tasting many of his older wines, particularly their ‘Pedestal’ and ‘Feather’ wines from the 2004-2008 vintages. These wines are meant to age and are really singing right now.

The new releases by Long Shadows were seriously good across the board. Long Shadows produces a beautiful Chardonnay, their 2020 Long Shadows ’Dance’ (OB, 93)which is very fleshy and broad-shouldered, with a great underlying finesse. Even better is the incredible new 2019 Long Shadows ‘Feather’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which shows serious weight considering the vintage, with lovely herbal and earthy accents. Learn more about this amazing winery at http://www.longshadows.com/ Here are the beautiful new release wines from Long Shadows.

2020 Long Shadows ‘Dance’ Chardonnay-  The 2020 ‘Dance’ Chardonnay is mostly sourced from the 1985 and 1988 plantings from the French Creek Vineyard as well as 1990s plantings from the Boushey Vineyard. This was stored in mostly concrete and neutral oak, with 31% new French oak. The palate is soft and inviting with a seamless texture. Layers of white peach and Mayer lemon vanilla cream come together with stony minerals and suggestions of baking spice dusted brioche. This is elegant, rich and well-balanced Chardonnay that is up there with the finest you will find in the state. Enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2022-2030- 93

2019 Long Shadows ‘Feather’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Stored for 22 months in 85% new French oak, the 100% varietal 2019 Long Shadows ‘Feather’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from old vine Dionysus Vineyard, as well as Weinbau, with smaller portions coming from the Horse Heaven Hills sites. The nose immediately gratifies with sagebrush, scorched earth, mocha, dense black fruits, with toasty oak accents. The palate is very fresh and beautifully textured. Fine grained tannins line a beautiful core of black currants, blackberry compote and coffee ground flavors. This is an extraordinary effort considering the coolness of the vintage. Delicious to consume now, this beauty will easily cellar for another fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2022-2037- 95

Soos Creek

I love Washington wines that deliver great value. A winery that won’t break the bank that produces incredibly consistent wines, Soon Creek is one of the value producers in Washington, that was founded all the way back in in 1989 by David and Cecile Larsen. David Larsen has crafted wines for more than 30 vintages now. Originally starting to make wine in the Boeing Wine Club (and even blackberry wine), David caught the wine bug thanks to inspiring trips to Europe and Napa Valley.

David focused his project model Quilceda Creek, producing only one Cabernet wine. Over the years he has expanded his lineup. He sources from some of the great sites in the state including Ciel du Cheval and Klipsun in Red Mountain, David makes roughly 2,000 cases each year focusing on high quality red wines. Recently I sat down with David and tasted some of his brilliant older wines, including a 2002 from magnum. The wines showed exceptionally well and proved that his wines can cellar for more than a decade.

I loved the 2019 Soos Creek ‘Sundance’ Red Wine (OB, 91) which is soft and inviting and an amazing deal at $25.00. Don’t miss out on the delicious 2019 Soos Creek ‘Red Mountain’ Cabaret Sauvignon (OB, 93)  which is dense and polished with a seamless texture. Learn more about this great boutique winery at http://www.sooscreekwine.com Here are the excellent new wines by Soos Creek.

2019 Soon Creek ‘Sundance’ Red Wine- While ‘Sundance’ might be their entry level wine, the 2019 edition is no simple red wine. This comes off very soft and inviting with layers of black currants, Arabica bean and huckleberry with creosote notes. Complex and delicious, enjoy this medium-bodied effort over the next five to seven years. Drink 2022-2029- 91

2019 Soos Creek ‘Last Rodeo’ Red Wine- The 2019 ‘Last Rodeo’ is a blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, with 20% Merlot. It is soft and inviting with a smooth texture and a pretty red fruit profile, with worn leather and graphite notes. Complex and delicious, consume this beauty now and over the next ten years. Drink 2022-2032- 92

2019 Soos Creek ‘Lee Tastevin’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Coming from the Ciel du Cheval, Ranch at the end of the Road and Klipsun Vineyards on Red Mountain, this delicious 2019 wine delivers good structure and flavor density with tar, anise, blackberry compote and dark chocolate shaving flavors. Delicious to consume now, enjoy this beauty over the next fifteen years. Drink 2022-2037- 93

2019 Soos Creek ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Coming from both the Ciel du Cheval and Klipsun Vineyards, the 2019 ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers black rose petals, cigar box and scorched earth notes with heady dark fruits on the nose. Refined and opulent, velvety tannins frame a core of anise, blackberry pie, black currant and espresso grounds. The palate is silky smooth, as this is gorgeous stuff to drink now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2022-2037- 93

2019 Soos Creek ‘Soleil’ Red Wine- The really good 2019 Soos Creek ‘Soleil’ Red Wines mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (57%) with smaller portions Merlot and Cabernet Franc blended in. Very soft on the mouth, this revels in its ripe red currant, black cherry, dried sage and cigar ash flavors. Enjoy this outstanding new red blend over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2022-2035- 92

2019 Soos Creek ‘Ciel du Cheval’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Really good even at the three year mark, the 2019 Soos Creek ‘Ciel du Cheval’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a masterclass by winemaker David Larsen. He has opted to blend in 20% Cabernet Franc, as the florals really pop instantly in the glass, with black tea, boysenberry coulis and garrigue notes. The palate delivers plenty of mouth-watering acidity, with refined tannins that hold in place a core of medium to full-bodied dark fruits, with coffee grounds and herbal undertones. Drink 2022-2037- 93

Robert Biale

Robert Biale Vineyards

There is little question that Zinfandel is one of the world’s great varietals, as Zin served as one of the founding varietals of California. One of the standout producers of California Zinfandel, Robert Biale has roots in the 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. For years Tres Goetting has served as Robert Biale winemaker, as he recently moved to Ridge. Longtime viticulturist Robert ‘Bob’ Biale knows how to farm these Zinfandel vineyards incredibly well. The new lineup is incredibly consistent across the board.

I adored the 2020 Robert Biale ‘Black Chicken’ Zinfandel (OB, 92) which is superb for the price and shows great tension with lovely milk chocolate tones. One of the best Zinfandel wines I have tried this year, the  2020 Robert Biale ‘Varozza Vineyard’ Zinfandel (OB, 95) shows amazing a seamless texture and tremendous depth. This is a must-buy for any serious collector of California Zinfandel. Learn more about this storied Napa property at http://biale.com Here are the great new wines by Robert Biale. 

2018 Robert BIale Vineyards ‘Black Chicken’ Zinfandel- The 2020 ’Black Chicken’ comes from a range of vineyards throughout Sonoma and Napa Valley. Very soft on the mouth, this delivers delicious green olive and dill notes that combine with boysenberry. Drink 2022-2030- 92

2020 Robert Biale ‘Old Kraft Vineyard’ Zinfandel- Coming from vines planted in the 1890s, this, making it one of the oldest grapes that you will find in Napa. .Ver smooth throughout the drinking experience, light tannins line a core of red cherry candy, dill and sage with shades of coffee grounds.  Everything is in wonderful balance here, as this beauty will show drinking enjoyment for at least another decade. Drink 2022-2033- 93

2020 Robert Biale ‘Pagani Ranch’ Zinfandel- Sourced from this site in Sonoma County this shows beautiful red florals on the nose, with dusty earth and shades of white pepper and rich red fruits. The palate is soft and inviting with some great underlying acidity, and light dusting of salinity. Layers of red rose water and pomegranate seed, orange rind and milk chocolate combine with the beautiful finesse on the palate. Refined and elegant, with good richness, this beautiful Zinfandel is only starting to hit its stride. Drink 2022-2033- 94

2020 Robert Biale ‘Monte Rosso Vineyard’ Zinfandel- Years ago Robert Biale began sourcing from this high elevation site on Moon Mountain that is best known for Cabernet Sauvignon. This outstanding 2020 Zinfandel offers excellent underlying freshness with ripe red currants, cigar box and orange rind tones that combine with the finesse and salty accents. Drink 2022-2032- 93

2020 Robert Biale ‘R.W. Moore Vineyard’ Zinfandel- The very old ‘R.W. Moore Vineyard’ was planted all the way back in 1905. Once on the nose this shows off red and black florals with wild blackberry and suggestions of loamy soils. The palate is very fresh and shows outstanding underlying finesse. Deep red and dark fruits collide with damp earth and cigar ash notes. Outstanding to savor in its youth, this has at least another decade ahead of it. Drink 2022-2033- 93

2020 Robert Biale ‘Bedrock Vineyard’ Zinfandel- An ancient site for Zinfandel grapes, the ‘Bedrock Vineyard’ dates all the way back to the 1850s and is currently owned by the Peterson family. Ripe Bing cherry and dusty soils combine with chocolate covered black raspberry on the nose. The palate is very elegant and rich, with wonderful viscosity and length — this simply glides throughout the drinking experience. Finishing very long this beauty is drinking great now and will provide drinking enjoyment for another ten to twelve years. Drink 2022-2033- 94

2020 Robert Biale ‘Varozza Vineyard’ Zinfandel- One of the most consistently great Zinfandel wines that I have tasted over the past decade, the brilliant 2020 Robert Biale ‘Varozza Vineyard’ Zinfandel comes from this site in Saint Helena which was planted over a century ago. Once on the nose this takes on layers of black tea and blackberry compote with shades of ripe plum and salty undertones. The palate is deep and concentrated, as this comes off very seamless and elegant. Finishing long with black currants, freshly tilled soils and salty accents, this is a stunning effort that will surely live on for at least another decade. Drink 2022-2035- 95

2020 Robert Biale ‘Royal Punishers’ Petite Sirah- The 2020 Robert Biale ‘Royal Punishers’ Petite Sirah is another gorgeous effort by this Zinfandel house that has a sterling reputation for Petite Sirah.  Very fresh, with a soft texture, light tannins frame a brilliant core of pencil lead, anise, blueberry compote and espresso bean. Delicious and deep, this heady Petite Sirah will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2022-2032- 93

Lange

A true champion for great Oregon Pinot Gris, Lange was founded by Don and Wendy Lange as they purchased a large chunk of land on a steep Willamette Valley hillside back in1987. Over time Jesse Lange has developed into their head winemaker, taking over for his father. Sitting across from Jesse last year we tasted a wine more than 20 years old and were blown away with the aging potential in these wines.

Jesse’s formal winemaking training occurred at New Zealand’s Lincoln University while on a student exchange scholarship from Oregon State in 1999. Jesse then spent two years as cellar rat for winemaker Bruce McGuire at Santa Barbara Winery prior to coming back to his family winery. He joined the winemaking team in 2004 and has served on the board of the Willamette Valley Wineries Association. They opened their new tasting room in 2018 which is simply gorgeous.

I love the new Lange wines which are very consistent across the board. Look to their 2021 Lange ‘Reserve’ Pinot Gris (OB, 92) which is rich and viscous with great natural acidity. Even better is the fantastic new 2021 Lange ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Chardonnay (OB, 93) which has terrific weight and loads of mouth-watering acidity. Learn more about this outstanding Oregon winery at https://www.langewinery.com/ Here are the great new wines by Lange Estate

2021 Lange ‘Reserve’ Pinot Gris- The 2021 ‘Reserve’ Pinot Gris is very smooth upon entry. Roasted cashew nut, white peach and shades of green apple all meld in the glass. Delicious and bright, enjoy in tis youth while the brightness remains intact. Drink 2022-2028- 92

2021 Lange ‘Three Hill Cuvee’ Chardonnay- Beautiful and fresh, the polished 2021 ‘Three Hills Cuvee’ by Lange shows off ripe melon with Pink Lady apple flavors alongside good richness and finesse. The nutty and earthy undertones add to the enjoyment. Enjoy over the next eight plus years. Drink 2022-2030- 92

2021 Lange ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Chardonnay- From this famed site that was planted back in 1998, the 2021 ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Chardonnay offers nectarine skin and vanilla cream flavors that combine with salty soils and gobs of mouth-watering acidity on the palate. This is exceedingly hard to put down now — and will provide drinking enjoyment for at least another eight years. Drink 2022-2030- 93

2021 Lange ‘Estate’ Chardonnay- From their estate vineyard in the Dundee Hills, this 2021 Chardonnay delivers flinty and nutty accents that combine with serious finesse, stony minerals and rich orchard fruit flavors. This is everything that you want in an elegant Oregon Chardonnay. Drink 2022-2030- 94

2021 Lange ‘Classique’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 ‘Classique’ offers excellent finesse with lighter cranberry, orange zest and pomegranate seed flavors alongside stony minerals on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2022-2026- 90

2021 Lange ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 Lange ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir shows ripe raspberry and Yakima cherry flavors that meld with lighter garrigue notes on the palate. Light to medium-bodied, with tons of finesse, enjoy now. Drink 2022-2027- 91

Herman Story

I love the unabashedly bold wines of Paso Robles. Years ago I was tasting with my colleague Dr. Jae Hong in Paso and we were both massively impressed with the Herman Story wines. These were unctuous, full-bodied wines that still had marvelous poise that holds everything brilliantly together. A man with a great story in wine, Russell P. From is the creative genius behind Herman Story wines. Russell grew up visiting his grandfather’s farm in eastern Missouri, driving a tractor and generally getting into whatever trouble he could find. Over time Russell grew very fond of the outdoors. Growing up in the East Bay of San Francisco, Russell attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, studying agricultural business, harkening back to his days visiting that Missouri farm.

He was inspired to become a winemaker at a young age, first interning at Lockwood Vineyards in his Freshman year of college — and he has never looked back, now working over 25 harvests. His winery, Herman Story, began in 2001 and has received great critical acclaim since its inception in 2002. Having tried these wines over the past decade, the style tends to be a bold, unbridled style of winemaking that full-throttle and hedonistic. 

I adored the new 2020 Herman Story wines. The new 2019 Herman Story ‘Tomboy’ Viognier (OB, 92) is fresh and rich with a great mineral backbone. I adored the new  is unctuous and rich with a silky texture. Even better is the sinfully good 2019 Herman Story ‘Nuts & Bolts’ Syrah (OB, 94) which is a hedonistic monster of a Syrah that is absolutely delicious to consume right now. Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://www.hermanstorywines.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Russell P. From and his Herman Story winery.

2020 Herman Story ‘Tomboy’ Viognier- The 2020 ‘Tomboy’ was sourced from Santa Barbara County. Deeply concentrated honeysuckle and orange blossom tones alongside praline notes that all meld in the glass. The palate is dense and plus with a seamless texture and glorious sense of length. Not for the weary, enjoy over the next five plus years. Drink 2022-2028- 92

2019 Herman Story ‘On The Road’ Grenache- The 2019 ‘On The Road’ unveils beautiful red rose petals, tobacco leaf and tangerine zest tones. The palate is plush and soft with a generous texture and nice sense of weight. Finishing long with minerals, scorched earth and herbal accents, this is a gorgeous new Grenache that will cellar well for another eight plus years. Drink 2022-2030- 93

2020 Herman Story ‘Nuts & Bolts’ Syrah- Very dark and brooding in the glass, the 2020 ‘Nuts & Bolts’ Syrah offers extremely concentrated black cherry, blackberry and tar tones on the palate with great tension holding everything together. Delicious and decadent, this will carry on well for another decade. Drink 2022-2030- 94

2020 Herman Story ‘Bien Naceido Vineyard’ Syrah- Sourced from this famed site in the Santa Maria Valley, the 2020 ‘Bien Naceido Vineyard’ Syrah shows off lovely white pepper dusted brisket, black olive tapenade and blackberry compote with black rose tones that all sing in unison. Very refined on the mouth, this is very salty and savory Syrah that will gratify over the next ten years. Drink 2020-2030- 95

2020 Herman Story ‘Milk & Honey’ Red Wine- A blend of mostly Tempranillo and Syrah, this exudes class on the nose with smoked pork shoulder, worn leather and intense dark fruits with creme de violette notes. The palate is well-balanced and shows wonderful earthy tones from the Tempranillo and greta flavor range. This has both the weight and finesse to cellar well for another decade. Drink 2022-2032- 94

2020 Herman Story ‘First Time Caller’ Petite Sirah- The 2020 ‘First Time Caller’ is a dense and chewy new Petite Sirah that is delicious even in its youth. Blueberry compote, mocha, tar and anise tones combine with firm tannins on the palate. Finishing very long, this is novel and complex Petit Sirah that is definitely not for the weary. Drink 2022-2032- 94

Mt. Brave

One of the beautiful, high-elevation sites in the Napa Valley, the majestic Mt. Brave Vineyard is a high elevation site that is set on gravelly loam with large rocks throughout. This is very labor intensive land to farm and the wines from this site shows incredible density of fruit but also wonderful, earthy terroir. The elevation also adds to the freshness in the core of the wine. For years I have admired these wines that employ good body and depth but also serious finesse and rocky undertones from the soil profile.

At the helm is superstar winemaker Chris Carpenter, who is truly one of Napa’s greats.  Chris has crafted some stunning wines from the 2019 vintage. The 2019 Mt. Brave ‘Mt. Veeder’ Merlot (OB, 95) is deep and concentrated wine that is already beautifully evolved following a decant. It is a stunning wine that will easily live on for another twenty years. Learn more about this famed winery at mtbravewines.com Here is my review of the 2016 Mt. Brave Merlot. 

2019 Mt. Brave Merlot- The absolutely delicious 2019 Mt. Brave Merlot comes from eastern-facing slopes on Mt. Veeder.. It immediately gratifies with chocolate covered kirsch notes alongside black raspberry, graphite and loamy soils. The intense aromatics bring you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The wine showcases velvety tannins that frame a beautiful core of red and dark fruits, with espresso grounds, mocha and lighter dried herbal notes. Finishing very long, this is soft, complex and stunning high-elevation Napa Merlot to consume now and over the next twenty years. Give this at least an hour in the decanter if enjoying now. Drink 2023-2043- 96

2019 Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon- The beautiful 2019 Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon has 5% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc blended in. Needing an hour in the decanter to be fully aroused, this delivers ripe cassis and huckleberry notes that combine with wet stone and suggestions of sandalwood on the nose. The palate is refined and elegant, with plenty of dense dark fruits and power — yet comes off quite weightless. Refined tannins and bright acidity frame this outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon that is only starting to come into its own. Drink 2023-2043- 96

Champagne Bollinger

One of the brilliant historic houses in Champagne, Bollinger was first founded in 1829 in Ay by Hennequin de Villermont, Paul Renaudin and Jacques Bollinger. Today the house continues to be run by members of the Bollinger family. This house has been particularly popular in Britain as Bollinger Champagnes have been come to be known as “Bolly”. It is quite amazing that Bollinger dates back to 1585 when the Hennequins, one of the Bollinger founding families, owned land nearby. Before the Bollinger house was founded, in the 18th century the Villermont family made wine and then 1750, Villermont settled in the location 16 rue Jules Lobet, which would eventually become the head office for Bollinger.

In 1803 Jacques Joseph Placide Bollinger was born in modern day Germany and after moving to the Champagne region he started work at the Champagne house of Muller Ruinart. In 1829 he partnered with Hennequin de Villermont, Paul Levieux Renaudin to form Bollinger in Ay, France. The partners agreed that the Villermont name would not be used on the labels, hence the house name Renaudin Bollinger. Starting when Jacques Bollinger married Charlotte de Villermont, the house has been managed by the Bollinger family. Even though Paul Renaudin passed without an heir to his name, the label did not become solely Bollinger until the 1960s. Founder Jacques had two sons Joseph and Georges that were important in expanding the family estate by purchasing vineyards in nearby villages. The sons also developed the image of the brand, such as when Bollinger received a Royal Warrant in 1884 from Queen Victoria which still appears on their label.

Following the death of Jacques Bollinger in 1941, Lily Bollinger took over the brand and expanded production considerably. Since 1994, Ghislain de Mongolfier has managed Bollinger. A great-grandson of the founder, Mongolfier has also served as president of the Association Viticole Champenoise since 2004, after leading the Commission of Champagne for 10 years. Bollinger has had roles in many James Bond films, including the 1973 film Live and Let Die  where Bond asks for a bottle of Bollinger entering his hotel. In the 1985 film A View to a Kill James Bond notes that his champagne is ‘Bollinger 1975.’

Bollinger produces a great range of Champagnes and is probably best known for their ‘Special Cuvee’ Champagne that is Pinot Noir dominant and includes reserve wines that are up to fifteen years of age. I loved the new NV Bollinger ‘Special Cuvee’ Champagne (OB, 92) which shows brilliant brioche and mustycomponents. Bollinger has gained a sterling reputation for their ‘La Grand Annee’ wines and I have certainly enjoyed many of these over the past few decades. Their new release, the 2014 Bollinger ‘La Grande Annee’ Champagne (OB, 95) is an incredible effort that shows great flavor density and weight, with serious structured. This is big, bold 2014 Champagne that brilliantly showcases this unabashedly rich vintage. Learn more about this famed Champagne house at https://www.champagne-bollinger.com Here are my reviews of the beautiful new releases by Champagne Bollinger.

NV Champagne Bollinger ‘Special Cuvee’ Champagne-  The NV ‘Special Cuvee’ is a compelling blend of 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Meunier which was sourced from almost entirely Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards. Very rich and generous in the glass, this offers lovely musty aromas on the nose with baked green apple, star jasmine and a dusting of white pepper. The palate is big and broad-shouldered, with brilliant underlying finesse. Enjoy now and over the next eight years. Everything is wonderfully in balance here, as this just may be the pinnacle of champagne in this price range. Drink 2022-2030- 92

NV Champagne Bollinger Rose- A downright gorgeous salmon hue, the NV Champagne Bollinger Rose is a lovely blend of 62% Pinot Noir and 24% Chardonnay with 14% Pinot Meunier that was sourced from nearly all Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards. Very tart red fruits combine with salted green melon, sourdough bread and suggestions of green apple on the palate. Refined and elegant, this is beautiful wine to consume now and over the next ten years. Drink 2022-2032- 92

2014 Champagne Bollinger ‘La Grande Anne’ Champagne- The 2014 Champagne Bollinger ‘La Grande Anne’ Champagne is a full-bodied effort that is somewhat reminiscent of the 2012 bottling in terms of overall weight. A blend of 61% Pinot Noir, 39% Chardonnay that was given 8G/L dosage, once on the nose this shows off light musty aromas of white truffle and freshly tilled salty soils, alongside bright Gravenstein apple and lemon rind accents. The palate is plush and full-bodied, showing a gratifying sense of both weight and verve. Finishing long with stony and salty undertones, this is a terrific showing even now at the eight year mark, as the ebullient 2014 Champagne Bollinger ‘La Grande Anne’ Champagne will surely live on for at least another fifteen years — and potentially more. Drink 2022-2037- 95

Cardinale

I fondly remember my last trip to Cardinale several years back. Set on a highly scenic location, Cardinale has a patio that boasts sweeping views of the valley. It is truly one of the great spots in Napa to taste wine. This is a spot where world-class hospitality matches the quality in the glass.

The wines by Cardinale have been seriously great and incredibly consistent. While the price tag is high, I have absolutely loved not only the richness and flavor density of the wine but the bright acidity that makes this wine age so gracefully for decades.  Located on the Napa floor, in Oakville not far from Robert Mondavi Winery, Cardinale offers a comparison tasting at the winery as you can see how beautifully the wines age. The Cardinale Red Wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon based wine with smaller parts of Merlot blended in. At the helm is Chris Carpenter, is an MBA graduate who has previously worked for Domaine Carneros, Domaine Chandon California, as well as Tenute Antinori, Santa Cristina Estate, in Montefiridolfi, Italy, before coming to Cardinale. Chris is humble when talking about his wines. He is truly one of the great talents of Napa.

I was lucky enough to attend a stunning tasting of Cardinale at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in New York a few years back. Chris talked about the aging potential of these wines, that are rich but highly structured with a great combination of power and finesse. The new release is simply magical and has so much aging potential. The 2019 Cardinale Red Wine (OB, 97)  is powerful and polished with a massive core of dark fruits and coffee grounds. It is a hedonistic monster of a wine that really needs time in the cellar right now. I think this beauty has potential to age for twenty five plus years. Learn more about these beautiful wines at http://www.cardinale.com/ and here is my tasting note for the gorgeous new 2019 Cardinale Red Wine.

2019 Cardinale Red Wine- The 2019 Cardinale Red WIne is a stunning effort by winemaker Chris Carpenter. Needing two plus hours in the decanter to fully develop, the wine leads with layers of toasty oak and blackberry compote that mingle with dark chocolate covered Arabica bean, and huckleberry cordial notes. With more air the beautiful aromas become more intoxicating. Once on the mouth you sense the core being beautifully textured and structured, with firm tannins holding everything together. Rich anise, and black currants amalgamate with espresso grounds, and creme de violette, with copious minerals. Try to avoid consuming this beautiful wine for at least another year. Drink 2024-2048- 97

Rivaura

Idaho wine is on the rise as Rivaura is one of the most scenic spots you will find in the Pacific Northwest. Set on a stunning riverfront location just outside of Lewiston, Idaho, on the Clearwater River, it was back in 2014 that Rivaura founders Ron Hewett, Sr., along with his sons Ron, Jr., and Reece Hewett, founded this winery. For more than 60 years, this family has grown up along the banks of the Clearwater River in the Lewis-Clark Valley, just a tad east of Lewiston, Idaho at Arrow near Juliaetta, Idaho.

Prior to stating their winery the Hewetts talked to Kevin Pogue, PhD, RG, of VinTerra Consulting based in Walla Walla, Washington. Dr. Pogue's noted "The Rivaura vineyards are ideally situated to grow grapes to make superb wines.” Touring the vineyards I was very impressed with the vine health and the location in close proximity to the river which serves as a mitigating factor.

I am so impressed with the new wines by Rivaura. Billo Naravane, MW, of Rasa Vineyards fame, has crafted another outstanding range of wines for Rivaura, coming from the 2020 vintage. A killer value is the 2020 Rivaura ‘River Ranch Red’ Red Wine (OB, 91) which shows good richness and flavor complexity.  I adored the new 2020 Rivaura ‘Reserve’ Syrah (OB, 93) which shows very unique terroir and plenty of dense dark fruits with savory notes. This is delicious wine to consume now and over the next ten years. Learn more about this really exciting new Idaho wine project at rivaura.com and here are my reviews of the new Rivaura wines. 

2020 Rivaura ‘River Ranch Red’ Red Wine- Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with some Merlot and a touch of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, this was stored in 30% new French oak before bottling. The nose shows garrigue notes with rich dark fruits and chocolate fudge accents. The palate is soft and gratifying with serious tension and texture. This is nothing short of a sensational value at 30 dollars retail. Drink 2022-2029- 91

2020 Rivaura Petit Verdot- The 2020 Rivaura Petit Verdot shows off beautiful black florals with black currants, cigar box and green olive notes. The palate is plush and dense with serious texture and a sterling underlying tension. Finishing long with black fruits and minerals, this is gorgeous, generous wine that is already beautifully evolved. Drink 2022-2030- 93

2020 Rivaura Malbec- Stored in roughly 30% new French oak, the 2020 Malbec delivers black rose petals with anise, exotic spices and shades of boysenberry coulis. The palate is soft and beautifully textured, with a strong underlying tension. Flinty and stony undertones combine with a deep core of dark fruits on the palate. Drink 2022-2030- 92

2020 Rivaura Cabernet Sauvignon- 100% varietal, this was stored for 18 months in roughly 49% new French oak before bottling. Anise and dark currants combine with blackberry compote on the nose. The palate shows serious finesse with stony undertones alongside rich dark fruits and chocolate undertones. Drink 2022-2034- 92

2020 Rivaura ‘Reserve’ Syrah- Coming from a low-yielding hillside site, the 2020 ‘Reserve’ Syrah is 100% varietal wine that is very inky in the glass. The aromatic range shows beautiful black rose petals with garrigue, wet stone and shades of black olive tapenade. This shows power and precision with serious flavor density and bright acidity holding everything in place. Drink 2022-2033- 93

2020 Rivaura ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Franc- The 2020 ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Franc shows beautiful florals on the nose with blackberry compote and shades of wild herbs. The palate is soft and inviting with a great mineral backbone. Deep and concentrated with a rich core of black currants, blackberry pie and garrigue, this is beautiful wine to enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2022-2033- 93

2020 Rivaura ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Coming from the north blocks of the vineyard, this is a selection of three clones. Aged for 18 months in 55% new French oak, this delivers cigar box, black currant jelly and cigar box notes that all meld in the glass. This is very seamless Cabernet Sauvignon that is texturally gratifying. Enjoy this beauty over the next ten plus years. Drink 2022-2035- 93

2020 Rivaura ‘Insomniac’ Red Wine- This comes from the south block of the Rivaura Vineyard and is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with smaller parts Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Aged in 55% new French oak for eighteen months before bottling, this will be released in spring 2023. Herbal and wild on the nose, this evokes suggestions of sagebrush, black cherry cordial and cigar ash that combine with suggestions of graphite. This is very seamless and elegant throughout the drinking experience. Drink 2022-2035- 93

Champagne Andre Chemin

One of the great value producers out there in Champagne, André Chemin has been a family house since its creation in 1948. It blends its champagnes in the heart of the Reims mountains. Most of their vines planted are Pinot Noir, as their entry level, killer value Premier Cru Champagne is also 100% Pinot Noir.

Today, Sébastian and his wife Eva are at the head of a 6.5 hectare family estate on the Premier Cru hills of the Reims Mountain. They produce a beautiful range of champagnes that impress for the price. Learn more about these great wines at https://www.champagneandrechemin.fr/bruttradition.html and here are my reviews of the outstanding new release Andre Chemin.

NV Andrew Chemin Premier Cru Rose Champagne- Fresh and vibrant, the Premier Cru Rose Champagne offers vibrant strawberry and guava notes, with bright acidity and citrus zest accents and a dusting of white truffle. The silky mousse impresses, as this is beautiful stuff to consume now and over the next eight years. Drink 2022-2030- 92

NV Andre Chemin Premier Cru ‘Tradition’ Champagne- 100% Pinot Noir, the brilliant NV Andre Chemin Premier Cru ‘Tradition’ Champagne shows plenty of weight and surrounding tension once on the attack. Layers of baking spice dusted brioche, yellow rose water, white peach and ginger all collide on the palate. Seriously good now, enjoy over the next eight plus years. Drink 2022-2030- 92

Top Source

It has been several years since I have known fellow Whitman grad and Washingtonian, Meredith Hyslop. Meredith started in the wine business in Walla Walla Valley when there were only 25 existing wineries in the region. After studying Enology and Viticulture at the Walla Walla Institute she moved to France to study in Dijon. Her studies brought her to the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France where she worked for 12 years. Upon her return to her home state, she decided to start her own winery to showcase the premium quality of her home state at a competitive price point.

Founded in 2020, This is now the second chance I have had to taste these delicious wines by Top Source and I swear that they both come from the Rocks District. There is something so pretty about each wine and each have a soft texture and stony accents. They are both delicious and are highly recommended. Learn more about this new producer at https://www.skurnik.com/producer/top-source/ and here are my reviews of the outstanding new Top Source wines.

2019 Top Source Columbia Valley Red Wine- A blend of 60% Grenache with the remainder Syrah, this shows beautiful stony accents on the nose with red rose petals, red currants, cigar ash and shades of green olives that all come together marvelously in the glass. The palate is silky and elegant with incredible texture and finesse. A cornucopia of Umami greets you with seaweed, Hoisin sauce and white truffle notes that combine with red raspberry and salted huckleberry. Complex and delicious, this is delightful to consume now and over the next eight years. Drink 2022-2030- 93

2019 Top Source ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah- Wonderfully stony and terroir-driven, the 2019 2019 Top Source ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah offers beautiful black tea and exotic spice notes on the palate, with smoldering stones, blackberry compote and bulls blood accents. Salty and very savory, this is beautifully-textured Syrah that is already nicely evolved — and will continue to produce drinking enjoyment over the next eight years. Drink 2022-2030- 93

Champagne Ayala

A historic house in Ay in Champagne, Ayala was founded back in 1860. It was at that time that Edmond de Ayala, a Colombian by birth, settled in the Château d'Aÿ in 1850, where he began studying the Champagne business. Back then the château was owned by the Viscount of Mareuil, and it was he that taught Edmond what he knew. Edmond later married the Viscount's niece, whose dowry included both the Château and its vineyards and the brand was born.

Ayala currently produces both vintage and non-vintage wines.  The brand is managed by Hadrien Mouflard, who formerly served as secretary general for Champagne Bollinger. The house is owned by Bollinger, as Caroline Latrive seres as the chef de cave. It is also one of the founding members of the Syndicate des Grandes Marques bak in 1882.

The new wines were gorgeous across the board. I was completely enamored by the NV Champagne Ayala ‘Brut Majeur’ Rose (OB, 93) which is dazzling and fresh with delicate red fruits and serious finesse. Even better is the gorgeous 2015 Champagne Ayala ‘Le Blanc de Blancs’ (OB, 94) which shows plenty of density and richness from this warm vintage. Learn more about this great historic house in champagne at https://www.champagne-ayala.fr/en/our-heritage/ and here are my reviews of the beautiful wines by Champagne Ayala.

NV Champagne Ayala ‘Brut Majeur’ Brut- The NV Champagne Ayala Brut Majeur is a blend of 70 crus from all of the Champagne region, this blends 45% Chardonnay with 35% Pinot Noir and the remainder Pinot Meunier. The palate is wonderfully salty, with plenty of racy acidity. Lemon and lime zest combine with stony minerals and salted nectarine on the palate. Delicious to consume now, enjoy over the next seven plus years. Drink 2022-2029- 91

NV Champagne Ayala Brut Nature- Aged for nearly four years en tirage, the NV Champagne Ayala Brut Nature is a blend of mostly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with a dash of Pinot Meunier.  Crushed seashells and lemon zest flavors combine with copious minerals on the palate. Enjoy now while the bright tension remains intact. Drink 2022-2027- 92

NV Champagne Ayala Rose ‘Brut Majeur’ Champagne- The very delicate NV Champagne Ayala Rose ‘Brut Majeur’ Champagne blends 50% Chardonnay with the remainder Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, and was given 7 G/L dosage. The palate is very viscous and refined with a soft mousse. Layers of pomegranate seed, blood orange and Yakima cherry, with salted cantaloupe all brilliantly combine on the palate. This comes off very full-bodied, with good finesse, this beauty is showing brilliantly now and will continue to showcase its outstanding flavor range over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2022-2030- 93

2015 Champagne Ayala Le Blanc de Blancs- Brilliant even in its vibrant youth, the NV Champagne Ayala Le Blanc de Blancs mainly was sourced from three separate Grand Cru vineyards (Chouilly, Cramant and Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger) and sat six years on the lees prior to disgorgement. The nose shows brilliant saline drenched pear, white pepper and shades of ginger. The palate is rich and viscous, showing the weight and intensity of the vintage. The sense of weight and heady saline drenched citrus and orchard fruits really provide a beautiful sense of opulence. Stunning in its full-bodied youth, this is brilliant wine to consume now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2022-2037- 94