Amavi Cellars

Today we share a Walla Walla winery that represents significant value. Over the years I have particularly admired the wines of Amavi that show a marvelous combination of expert winemaking and terroir. I think that Amavi must visit for those who love fruit driven, yet poised red and white wines (and killer Rose!). And the sweeping views of the Walla Walla Valley are nearly as good as the wines! Amavi is a small, family owned winery that sources from great vineyards such as Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge and Les Collines to create their rich and ready to drink wines. Head winemaker Jean-François Pellet is a third-generation winemaker and grape grower. Pellet also makes wines for Amavi’s sister property, Pepper Bridge. Pellet is one of the great talents in the Walla Walla Valley and he is a downright awesome guy to grab a glass of wine with.

Tasting with Pellet, we tried the range of his wines and I was blown away with overall quality for the price.  For many years now Amavi has been crating a Semillon that rivals the best in North America. Their new 2022 Amavi Semillon (OB, 92) is beautifully textured and shows insanely good flavor range. He also makes some of the best Rose you will find in the Walla Walla Valley, as the 2022 Amavi Rose (OB, 92) is soft and approachable with serious complexity and great weight. Learn more about Amavi at http://www.amavicellars.com Here are the great new release wines from Amavi.

2022 Amavi Semillon- One of the great wines of its kind made in the state, the 2022 Amavi Semillon was stored in neutral oak barrels before bottling and has 13% Sauvignon Blanc blended in. Right away this shows off cantaloupe and ripe pear notes on the palate, with cashew nut and baking spices that all meld together beautifully. Rich and viscous with a serious underlying tension, this is a steal at under 30 bucks. Enjoy now and over the next five plus years. Drink 2023-2029- 92

2022 Amavi Rose- Coming from Summit View, Seven Hills and Taggard Vineyard Cabernet Franc grapes, this was entirely aged in stainless steel before bottling. Warm this up a bit to take in the outstanding flavor range. Wild mushroom, red rose water, cranberry and guava fruits combine with copious minerals on the palate and a smooth texture. This is exceptionally good stuff. Drink 2023-2029- 92

2020 Amavi Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2020 Amavi Cabernet Sauvignon mainly comes from the Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge Vineyards and has 15% Merlot blended in with small parts Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This is juicy and ripe wine with blackberry and black currant flavors that mingle with espresso grounds on the palate. Savory and rich, enjoy now and over the next five years. Drink 2023-2028- 91

2020 Amavi Syrah- This 2020 Syrah has 9% Grenache blended in and was stored in only 18% new French oak before bottling. Kirsch and black raspberry flavors combine with shades of garrigue and scorched earth on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, this is delicious stuff to enjoy now. Drink 2023-2028- 91

2020 Amavi ‘Stone Valley Vineard’ Syrah- A very refined and also highly-drinkable version of the Walla Walla Rocks, the 2020 Amavi ‘Stone Valley Vineyard’ Syrah is a really outstanding effort considering the challenges faced this vintage. Umami and green olive tapenade flavors combine with black tea, exotic spices and plump dark fruits on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2028- 93

2020 Amavi ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Syrah- Another stellar bottling, the 2020 ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Syrah was stored in 35% new French oak before bottling. Dried lavender and tar notes combine with freshly tilled soils, black currants and shades of charcuterie on the palate. Complex and delicious, showing stony and salty undertones, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next few years. Drink 2023-2028- 93

Leonetti Cellar Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Few Washington wineries have managed to produce the level of consistent greatness that Leonetti Cellar has achieved. Your first Leonetti Cellar wine was probably a seminal wine moment for you. Mine came roughly 20 years ago in college but I will never forget that bottle of 2000 Leonetti Cellar Merlot.

A few years back Leonetti decided to produce new wines to their lineup — all single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon wines from a range of sites throughout the Walla Walla Valley. I was amazed with the quality of their 2019s which was a vintage that could be very difficult for Bordeaux varietals with the early October freeze events. 2020 was another challenging vintage for most vintners. However, 2020 like 2019 is not a poor vintage but is instead a producer vintage where you must choose your wine purchases judiciously.

The 2020 single vineyard Cabernet wines by Leonetti are clean, not marred by any smoke influence. You can buy these with confidence. As with any great Washington wines produced in 2020, I recommend drinking them now. All of these new Leonetti wines benefit from an hour or more in the decanter. I absolutely adored the new high elevation 2020 Leonetti Cellar ‘Loess Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 97) which is extremely concentrated and deep, with massive tannins right now. This is a stunning Washington Cabernet that will appeal to all collectors of Washington wines. 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.

2020 Leonetti Cellar ‘Holy Roller Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The beautiful 2020 Leonetti Cellar ‘Holy Roller Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon has 17% Sangiovese blended in and comes from this very unique location in the Walla Walla Rocks District. The wine has a small portion of Sangiovese blended in, as this displays dark plum and tobacco leaf  alongside wet stone on the nose.  The palate is open and rich with a great core of black fruits alongside light stony and tilled soil undercurrents. This is a joy to drink right now. Drink 2023-2030- 96

2020 Leonetti Cellar ‘Serra Pedace Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The Serra Peace Vineyard is located in the SeVein project in the southern part of the Walla Walla Valley that is set at 1200 feet.Very heady on the nose, this unveils layers of dark licorice, tar and tobacco leaf with shades of graphite. The palate is soft showing good concentration and underlying verve. Firm tannins hold together a deep core of black and blue fruits alongside stony undercurrents. This is fantastic stuff to savor now — and be sure to give this an hour in the decanter prior to consuming. Drink 2023-2030- 96

2020 Leonetti Cellar ‘Loess Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon-Surely the most exotic of the single vineyard bottlings, the amazing 2020 Leonetti Cellar ‘Loess Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from this high elevation site set at 1100 feet. This really needs an hour in the decanter before enjoying. Ripe huckleberry and blueberry fruits collide with copious minerals, wet rock and anise flavors on the palate. A show-stopper, this is a sensational wine that will be best enjoyed now and over the next seven years to come. Drink 2023-2030- 97

2020 Leonetti Cellar ‘Mill Creek Upland Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon-Dense and massive, the outstanding 2020 Leonetti Cellar ‘Mill Creek Upland Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon has 8% Petit Verdot blended in and will surely satisfy any lover of Washington Cabernet Sauvignon. Sourced from this high-elevation location in the foothills of the Blueridge Mountains on the eastern side of the Walla Walla Valley, the wine shows off wintergreen notes alongside espresso grounds, dark chocolates shavings and shades of black licorice with stony undertones on the nose. The palate very smooth and concentrated with a seamless texture and wonderful stony/silty soil undertones. A deep core of dark fruits will greet you woven together with the pillowy mouthfeel. Give this an hour in the decanter before consuming. Drink 2023-2031- 96

DAMA Wines

Today we highlight one of the great female-owned wineries of the Pacific Northwest. Mary Tuuri Derby has a long history in the Washington wine industry. It was all the way back in 2000 that Mary and her husband, Devin Derby, got their start in Washington wine by creating famed Spring Valley Vineyard.

DAMA was the creation of a new brand and a new beginning for Derby. She has been partnered at DAMA with Judith Shulman over the last ten years. I really have enjoyed these wines. Derby’s winemaking style is with minimal intervention and a judicious use of oak. She sources from some of the finest vineyards in Washington State.

I love the new 2022 DAMA Rose (OB, 91) which is vibrant and very fresh with a top notch texture. Even better is the incredible new 2019 DAMA ‘Stoney Vine Vineyard’ Syrah (OB, 94) which shows insanely good flavor range and is downright delicious stuff to savor right now. Learn more about these fantastic wines at https://damawines.com Here are the great new releases by DAMA.

2022 DAMA Rose- Made from Cabernet Franc grapes, the beautifully textured and soft 2022 DAMA Rose is another killer new bottling by winemaker Mary Derby. This comes off very refined and elegant on the palate with plenty of stony minerals that combine with shades of kumquat zest, red raspberry and guava puree. Enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next five years. Drink 2023-2028- 91

2022 DAMA Grenache Blanc- Fresh and vibrant, the 2022 Grenache Blanc displays loads of bright acidity once on the mouth. Kiwi and gooseberry flavors parade alongside copious minerals and shades of citrus blossom water on the palate. This is a really great wine for a hot summer day. Drink 2023-2027- 91

2021 DAMA ‘GSM’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘GSM’ is a killer Grenache-dominant Southern Rhone-inspired wine that is already nicely evolved with its pure red fruit flavors and silky mouthfeel. Layers of Bing cherry, cigar box, scorched earth and notes of menthol all come together wonderfully on the palate. Very fresh and vibrant, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2028- 91

2018 DAMA Cabernet Franc- The delicious 2018 DAMA Cabernet Franc was aged for 22 months in 100% French Oak (50% new) before bottling. Black plum and wild blackberry combine with violets on the palate. The sense of balance here is exceptionally good. Smooth throughout the drinking experience, this is beautiful Cabernet Franc that is already wonderfully evolved. Drink 2023-2030- 93

2019 DAMA ‘Stoney VIne Vineyard’ Syrah- Coming from a cooler vintage, this 2019 ‘Stoney Vine Vineyard’ Syrah offers terrific flavor range. Iodine, boysenberry and black olive tapenade combine with Mandarin orange rind, white pepper dusted bacon and shades of charcuterie on the palate. There is nothing quite like this site and this is a beautiful expression that is drinking right in its sweet spot. Drink 2023-2030- 94

2021 DAMA ‘Lonesome Springs Ranch’ Syrah- Very complex the 2021 ‘Lonesome Springs Ranch’ Syrah shows beautiful range on the nose from red rose petals to smoked brisket alongside green olives and a great core of red fruits. Medium-bodied and plump once on the mouth, this shows loads of mouth-watering acidity that combines with a beautiful core of raspberry and cranberry fruits with tilled soil and pipe tobacco undertones. Drink 2023-2030- 92

Robert Biale Vineyards

You might not know that Zinfandel is one of the founding varietals of California. Long before Napa Cab hit its heyday,  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. I lhave loved these wines for years that are truly one of a kind and a throwback to old-school Zinfandel that shows not only good concentration but fantastic, bright acidity.

Winemaker David Natali is a New York native, David graduated from Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service and developed a passion for winemaking after bottling at a friend’s small winery. He formerly served as cellar hand at Clos Pegase Winery and later studied at the University of Montpellier in France, where he received his master’s degree in Viticulture and Enology. After two and a half years of living and studying abroad in Montpellier, France, and Udine, Italy, David returned to California. He became the Assistant Winemaker for La Rochelle Winery, later taking the Assistant Winemaker position at Robert Biale Vineyards. He managed the cellar and lab’s daily operations to implement new winemaking techniques under the guidance of Winemaker Tres Goetting. In 2022, David was promoted to Head Winemaker.

I adored the 2021 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  2021 Robert Biale ‘Varozza Vineyard’ Zinfandel (OB, 96) will go neck and neck with any Zinfandel made in California with its scintillating combination of flavor range, concentration and seamless mouthfeel. Learn more about this storied Napa property at http://biale.com Here are the great new wines by Robert Biale. 

2022 Robert Biale Vineyards ‘Clementina’ White Wine- A unique white wine from the Oak Knoll AVA, the 2022 ‘Clementina’ shows bright acidity and a smooth texture with peach, green apple and copious minerals on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2028- 91

2021 Robert BIale Vineyards ‘Black Chicken’ Zinfandel- The 2020 ’Black Chicken’ comes from a range of vineyards in the Oak Knoll AVA. throughout Sonoma and Napa Valley. It is soft and refined on the mouth with juicy red and dark fruits that combine with shades of black tea on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2029- 92

2021 Robert Biale ‘Old Kraft Vineyard’ Zinfandel- The 2021 ‘Old Kraft’ is sourced from a St. Helena vineyard with vines planted in the 1890s. The wine comes off wonderfully smooth as it typically does throughout the experience. Sage, black currants, and dill notes combine with shades of milk chocolate on the palate. This shows wonderful poise and balance, with equally good concentration. Enjoy this beautiful Zin now and over the next decade. Drink 2023-2033- 94

2021 Robert Biale ‘R.W. Moore Vineyard’ Zinfandel- The downright ancient ‘R.W. Moore Vineyard’ was planted back in1905. This is soft and elegant Zin that is simply impossible to resist right now. Roasted figs and dates combine with chocolate cake, loamy soils and shades of black licorice and baking spices on the palate. Dense and showing a smooth texture, without being heavy at all, this outstanding Zinfandel easily has another decade ahead of it. Drink 2023-2033- 94

2021 Robert Biale ‘Bedrock Vineyard’ Zinfandel- The famed ‘Bedrock Vineyard’ dates all the way back to 1850s and is currently owned by the Peterson family. The palate is concentrated with a fantastic combination of dense red and dark fruit flavors. With more air notes of menthol and red rose water emerge, making this not only rich and layered but especially complex Zinfandel. Quite simply a knockout wine, this beauty will last for a decade or more — but why wait? Drink 2023-2033- 95

2021 Robert Biale ‘Varozza Vineyard’ Zinfandel- Always what I consider to be one of the great Zinfandel wines made in California, the 2021 Varozza Vineard comes from this location  in Saint Helena which was planted over a century ago. The wine takes on an incredible elegance and great underlying verve. Red cherry candy, pipe tobacco, and red plum flavors combine with salty soil accents on the palate. Seamless, complex and delicious, this is a stunning bottling that is amongst the finest of its kind that I have tasted in the past year. Drink 2023-2035- 96

2021 Robert Biale ‘Morisoli Vineyard’ Zinfandel- This bottling comes from the Rutherford AVA and has Zinfandel vines that were planted back in 1985. The wine comes off very seamless and well-balanced. Loamy soils combine with red currants, black plum and tobacco leaf flavors on the palate, with baking spices. Showing a smooth texture and great sense of finesse and concentration, this is already singing. Drink 2023-2033- 94

2021 Robert Biale ‘Royal Punishers’ Petite Sirah- The 2021 Robert Biale ‘Royal Punishers’ Petite Sirah is another fantastic edition of this bottling that will go neck and neck with anyone for the price. This is concentrated and delicious Petite Sirah with huckleberry and blueberry flavors that combine with dark chocolates shavings and fantastic underling tension. Very concentrated, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next decade. Drink 2023-2033- 93

L'Angolo Estate

L’Angelo Estate

Today we share one of the newer locations that is located in the Dundee Hills. L’Angolo Estate was founded by proprietors Holdings and Lou Renton, who purchased a 20 acre property in the Dundee Hills several years back. The estate vineyard is planted to 6 acres of Pinot Noir and 4 acres of Chardonnay, which were planted in two successive years. Vines are set in a combination of Jory and Nekia soils, as the site has four clones of Pinot Noir and two clones of Chardonnay across 13 clone-specific vineyard blocks. The last two releases of wines from this site have appeared as nicely concentrated and loaded with red and black fruit flavors, with great flinty and stony undertones.

At the helm is winemaker Chase Renton who has a background in wine sales and also studied at Apicius Wine Studies in 2011. He has led L’Angolo since 2012 and has formerly worked harvests in California and Burgundy before settling down in Oregon. The wines that he makes have a beginning, middle and end. I was very impressed wth the concentration, finesse and mouthfeel that he was able to achieve in his 2019 wines.

The new wines come from the warm 2021 vintage which has been somewhat of a home run for winemakers across the Willamette Valley. I love the new 2021 L’Angolo ‘Estate’ Chardonnay (OB, 92) which shows good richness and flavor range.  The best wine that I tasted was the impossible to resist 2021 L’Anoelo ‘Il Terzo’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which comes from a single clone and is absolutely fabulous stuff even to consume in its heady youth. Learn more about this fantastic Dundee Hills outpost at https://www.langoloestate.com and here are my reviews of the new 2021 L’Angelo Estate wines.

2021 L’Angolo ‘Estate’ Chardonnay- The outstanding 2021 ‘Estate’ Chardonnay displays the same flinty notes that I noticed in their 2020 bottling. Baking spice drenched pear, shades of nectarine and salty soils all combine on the nose, with sourdough bread notes. The palate is very soft and inviting with a smooth texture and good sense of weight. Layers of citrus and melon fruits combine nicely with copious minerals backing things up. Medium to full-bodied, this is delicious stuff to consume now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2023-2031- 92

2021 L’Angolo ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- The 2020 ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir by L’Angolo is a beautifully rich showing from this slightly warmer vintage. Once on the nose this exudes class with red currants and wild mushroom notes alongside blood orange zest and freshly tilled soils. The palate shows both bright acidity and solid concentration, loaded with citrus rind and red fruit flavors. This is already beautifully evolved stuff that is best consumed over the next decade. Drink 2023-2033- 92

2019 L’Angolo ‘Il Terzo’ Pinot Noir- The best wine that I tasted from the new lineup, the 2021 ‘Il Terzo’ comes from a single block of Dijon clone 777 which was planted at the southern portion of the L’Angolo Estate vineyard. Right away the bouquet captivates with exotic spices and wild blackberry notes alongside damp basement and stony undercurrents. The palate is concentrated and very plush on the approach as this guides you through a terrific array of red and black fruit flavors, with damp earth and stony tones. This is a beautiful Pinot Noir to consume now that will also reward you down the road in the cellar. Drink 2023-2038- 94

2021 L’Angolo ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir- A delicious new wine from this warm vintage, the 2021 ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir is a fantastic new release that is already nicely evolved. Bright and heady on the nose, this offers tart cranberry and red currant jelly notes alongside shades of white pepper and black truffle shavings. The palate is refined and silky with smooth tannins and a soft mouthfeel. Loaded with black and red fruits, this is downright delicious Pinot Noir that has some great aging potential.  Drink 2023-2036- 93

Aridus

Arizona has some surprisingly good wineries. For years I have admired the wines by Aridus. The winery is family-owned and is located in southeastern Arizona. The winery opened back in 2012 after refurbishing an existing 28,000 square foot apple warehouse which had been built in 1982. It is one of the largest winery facilities in the state. They have a 40 acre site for their estate vineyard along Turkey Creek in Pearce, AZ which they have owned since 2009. At 5,200 feet in elevation, the site has warm days and cool nights. A range of varieties have been planted there including Viognier and Tempranillo.

Winemaker Lisa Strid is at the helm and makes a range of delicious and forward wines. I love the new 2020 Aridus Viognier (OB, 91) which is bright and juicy with a good underlying acidity. Learn more about these exciting wines at https://www.ariduswineco.com and here are the new releases by Aridus.

2020 Aridus Viognier- This comes off very smooth on the mouth with a silky texture. Layers of ripe peach and sweetened gooseberry greet you with some solid underlying tension. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2027- 91

2019 Aridus Syrah- The 2019 Aridus Syrah is a seriously good wine that shows outstanding flavor range on the palate. Smoked brisket and bacon fat tones combine with bright black raspberry and wild blackberry tones, with loamy soils. Delicious and showing good underlying finesse, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2028- 91

2019 Aridus Tempranillo- Flinty and stony, the 2019 Tempranillo displays a delicious core of red and dark fruits on the palate, with hints of milk chocolate. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2028- 91

Elentone

There is little doubt that sparkling wines of the Pacific Northwest are here to stay. A very exciting limited production winery out of Washington, Elentone is the brainchild of winemaker Chris Sherry. Sherry hails from Brighton in southern England, which is somewhat of a stone’s throw from England’s premier sparkling wine country. Sherry is an avid Brighton football supporter and shares the same passion for sparkling wines.

All of his wines are made in the traditional Champagne method and are given a limited amount of dosage. Just as the last releases by Elentone, these are very fresh and show fantastic underlying acidity with a soft mousse. The latest releases both come from the exciting Rainmaker Vineyard which is producing some really outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the Columbia Gorge AVA. The 2019 Elentone ‘Noa Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 93) shows amazing salty character with really good stuffing. Learn more about these beautiful wines at elentone.com and here are the outstanding new wines by Elentone.

2019 Elentone ‘Noa’ Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine- The 2019 ‘Noa’ comes from the Rainmaker Vineyard in the Columbia Gorge AVA. This is very ripe and fleshy despite the coolness of the vintage. Ripe nectarine and green apple tones combine wth sallty minerals on the palate. Fresh and vibrant, this is downright awesome stuff to enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 93

2019 Elentone ‘Shadow’ Rose Sparkling Wine- This Blanc de Noirs Sparkling Wine also is sourced from the Rainmaker Vineyard and was stored for 36 months en tirage before disgorgement. The wine shows a beautiful core of tart red fruits with blood orange zest, tilled salty soils and shades of wild mushroom on the palate. Highly nuanced and downright geeky, this is a beautifully showing by winemaker Chris Sherry. Enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2023-2031- 93

Columbia Crest

It has now been more than 20 years that I started noticing the incredible value that Columbia Crest offers. Time after time I would go to the grocery store or wine shop and purchase these wines with continually over-delivered for the price. I also experimented with aging the wines, as they held marvelously for 8 plus years. One of the outstanding value Washington producers, Columbia Crest is the only Washington winery to have their wine appear at #1 on the Wine Spectator Top 100 list.

Founded in 1982, Columbia Crest is one of the longer-serving Washington wineries as their first wine release was back in 1987. Juan Munoz-Oca presided over these wines beginning in 2011 and then in 2018 Katie Nelson was named new Columbia Crest winemaker as she today serves as head winemaker for Chateau Ste. Michelle. Katie did a marvelous work with her wines and today Will Wiles has been at the Columbia Crest helm since 2021. I have known Will for many years and admired his work as assistant winemaker at Col Solare. Will has a Washington State University degree in Horticulture with an emphasis in Viticulture and Enology. In his post-college years, he has worked for a range of wineries before being named as head winemaker in 2021.

His new wines were really outstanding across the board. Don’t sleep on the awesome new 2021 Columbia Crest ‘Grand Estates’ Chardonnay (OB, 90) which is one of the best value Chardonnays out of Washington that you will find. I am enamored by the 2018 Columbia Crest ‘Walter Clore Reserve’ Red Wine (OB, 93) which has tremendous depth and concentration with a silky mouthfeel.Learn more about these outstanding values at columbiacrest.com Here are some of the great new wines by Columbia Crest.

2021 Columbia Crest ‘Grand Estates’ Chardonnay- You would be hard-pressed to find a better domestic Chardonnay at this price. Very smooth upon entry, the 2021 Columbia Crest ‘Grand Estates’ Chardonnay offers serious bang for the buck with buttered praline, juicy peach and kiwi tones alongside a smooth texture. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2028- 90

2020 Columbia Crest ‘Red Blend Gold’ Red WIne- The 2020 ‘Red Blend Gold’ is smooth and soft on the mouth with juicy red currants, black raspberry and tar notes on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2027- 90

2020 Columbia Crest ‘Grand Estates’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Another really good value, the 2020 Columbia Crest ‘Grand Estates’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows a soft texture with layers of loganberry, creosote and chocolate cake on the palate. Drink 2023-2027- 90

2018 Columbia Crest ‘Walter Clore Reserve’ Red Wine- Years ago I would purchase cases of this wine, particularly the incredible 2002 and 2004 editions. Flash forward now, this wine has been produced for more than 20 years. The 2018 edition is mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (53%) with a large portion of Merlot (32%) and the remainder Cabernet Franc. It is poised, silky and elegant on the mouth, reveling in its black plum, cocoa dusted black cherry, dark currant and loamy soil flavors. An outstanding value, this is one to buy by the case for any lover of top Washington State Bordeaux blends. Drink 2023-2035- 93

2019 Columbia Crest ‘Reserve Heart of The Hill Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This is the first edition of this wine that I have tasted from this site high atop on Red Mountain. The 2019 ‘Heart of The Hill Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers good concentration and a smooth mouthfeel on the palate. Layers of kirsch cordial, scorched earth, black licorice, tar and creme de cassis all parade on the palate. Seriously good, this is a gorgeous effort in a somewhat challenging vintage for Bordeaux varietals. Drink 2023-2035- 94

Interview with Stephanie Cohen, Winemaker at Col Solare

Friends, today we have an exciting feature on Stephanie Cohen. Cohen took over for legendary Col Solare winemaker Darel Allwine roughly a year ago. She joined the Col Solare team in 2020 and has worked with some top winemakers across the globe and in the Chateau Ste. Michelle family. Her future is bright as I am really excited to see her hands in the Col Solare wines moving forward, as she tackles one of Washington’s great winery brands. Without further adieu here is my interview with Stephanie Cohen, Winemaker at Col Solare.

OB: How did you decide to come to Columbia Crest?

SC: I decided to work at Columbia Crest because I was at the point in my career that I was honestly looking to get my foot in the door in a winemaking position. I had already worked at 6 wineries in several different wine regions including Napa, Marlborough, Margaret River, and Willamette Valley at small to medium scale ultra-premium wineries. While my heart was in small wineries with ultra-premium wines, the Chemical Engineer in me wanted to experience a large winery. After interviewing at Columbia Crest, I felt it was the perfect fit for that stage in my career because I could work with large-scale wine production in every style imaginable and reserve cellar fermenters as small as 1 ton. Not only was I exposed to different scales of winemaking, but I also got to work with fruit from all over Washington State and really find the style of winemaking that works for me.   

OB: You were promoted to Col Solare winemaker roughly one year ago, taking over for eminent winemaker Darel Allwine. Can you talk about what you learned from him in crafting your wines?

SC: Prior to coming to Col Solare, I had 8 harvests under my belt where I learned from many talented winemakers including Marla Carrol, Josh Widaman, Matt Wengel, and Katie Nelson. Between these experiences and tasting as much as possible, I developed my own philosophy and style. Once I came to Col Solare, I was able to taste with and learn from Renzo Cotarella, Marcus Notaro, Darel Allwine and Juan Munoz Oca. Prior to taking over, I would say that Darel provided the space for me to grow. From those who came before me I began to truly understand the goal and identity of Col Solare established by the Antinoris which I carried with me into the 2022 vintage. 

OB: You joined the Col Solare team in 2020. What were some of the things that you did in the cellar to mitigate the smoke conditions that winemakers on Red Mountain were faced with?

SC: We did end up treating some lots with FPS Carbon, and ultimately put together the best wines to make our 2020 Col Solare Cabernet.

OB: Talking vintages, 2021 and 2022 seem to be very promising for Red Mountain red wines. Can you talk about what you are seeing in the cellar with these wines? How do you see the wines from these vintages being different?

SC: 2021 and 2022 could not have been more different. 2021 was the hottest vintage on Red Mountain producing very tiny berries with ultra-low yields for an early harvest. Due to the small berries, the 2021 wines are powerful, but the quality of the tannins is still quite nice.

 Meanwhile the 2022 growing season started off very cool and wet producing large canopies and big clusters. Fortunately, we experienced the most beautiful, warm October that allowed us to achieve full ripeness of flavor despite the late start. Though a bountiful harvest, the quality is outstanding and is shaping out to be one of the best vintages for Col Solare. The sheer intensity of fruit that continues to persist in barrel is matched by a creaminess and elegance that has rarely been seen here.

OB: What are some of your favorite wines of the world? Do you have an epiphany wine?

SC: I love trying wines from all over, but two wines that I had the pleasure of tasting in the last year that I keep thinking about are the 2019 Chateaux Margaux and the 2001 Silex. I love that these two wines have a strong sense of place and identity. I am also just completely blown away by how well the 2001 Silex aged as there was still an incredible freshness to it.

My epiphany wine was the 2012 O’Shaughnessy Mt Veeder Cab. Somehow near the end of my first harvest in Napa I wound up on a dinner boat cruise in the San Francisco Bay with some phenomenal Napa producers including O’Shaughnessy and Robert Craig. There were so many wonderful wines from Napa’s great 2012 vintage on the boat, but this one screamed out to me. It was the perfect expression of Mt Veeder with intense fruit, eucalyptus, and fine-grained, silky tannins. Whether it was that wine or that evening talking to passionate winemakers and winery owners, afterwards I knew that making high quality wine was what I wanted to do with my life.

Chateau L'Escarelle

Sitting in the beautiful and spacious tasting room last summer, I tasted through the latest offerings of Chateau L’Escarelle. There were no duds in this lineup. The wines brilliantly reflected the salty terroir that the vines thrive in. The house is located in the heart of Provence, and has 100 hectares of vines that flourish in their 1,000 hectares of beautiful countryside land. They even have world-class accommodations there that are a must visit for anyone who has never been to this remote and highly scenic part of Provence. I know I cannot wait to be back.

Current owner Yann Pineau has helped the property earn the highest level of agriculture certification (Level 3) in France.

The estate itself dates back to the early 18th century as in the 20th century the estate was purchased by François Joseph Fournier, a Belgian adventurer who made his fortune in Mexico and who already owned the island of Porquerolles. Then in 2014 the house was sold to current owner Yann Pineau who sought to make the land both biodiverse and organic. In 2016 the site was given a Level 3 (highest level) of agriculture certification by the French ministry.

I had a chance to taste the latest wines by this house and was once again amazed with the overall quality. Their entry level wine, the 2022 Chateau L’Escarelle Vin De Provence Rose (OB, 90) shows remarkable complexity a a downright killer price (under 20 dollars USD). Don’t miss out on the 2022 Chateau L’Escarelle ‘Les Deaux Anges’ Rose (OB, 92) which shows off a silky texture and is wonderfully rich on the mouth, with salty accents from this terroir. Learn more about this outstanding Provence house at https://www.escarelle.fr/?lang=en and here are my reviews of the beautiful Rose wines by Chateau L’Escarelle.

2022 Chateau L’Escarelle Vin De Provence Rose- Coming from this 1,000 hectare property with 100 hectacres of vines, this shows salted nectarine, wet stone and red raspberry flavors alongside a good sense of tension. Enjoy this seriously good value now. Drink 2023-2027- 90

2022 Chateau L’Escarelle ‘Rumeurs’ Rose- The outstanding 2022 Chateau L’Escarelle ‘Rumeurs’ Rose combines Cinsault with Grenache and Syrah. This shows a soft texture with layers of kiwi, Yakima cherry and shades of juicy peach. The underlying finesse and salty undertones really make this tick. Drink 2022-2028- 91

2022 Chateau L’Escarelle ‘Les Deux Anges’ Rose- The 2022 Chateau L’Escarelle ‘Les Deux Anges’ Rose is a fantastic blend of 60% Syrah, 25% Grenache, and 15% Cinsault. Coming from vines set on limestone soils, this was aged on the lees before bottling. This comes off wonderfully smooth throughout the drinking experience. A very pretty core of red fruits greet you with red rose water and shades of honeydew melon. Drink 2023-2029- 92

2022 Chateau L’Escarelle ‘Le Pacha’ Rose- Named after a rare form of butterfly found on the estate, the 2022 ‘Le Pacha’ blends Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah and is a collaboration between Alice Pelestor (Cellar master) & Patrick Lobier (Wine grower). It comes off very pretty with bright guava and strawberry fruit flavors alongside kumquat zest and wet limestone accents. This is beautiful wine to enjoy now and over the next seven years. Drink 2023-2030- 92

Vérité 2013 Retrospective

Today we explore one of the outstanding producers of Bordeaux style wines in California. Vérité was a brand many years in the making. The idea was to capture a style of wine that would sit neck and neck with the outstanding wines of Bordeaux. Jess Jackson looked to France in starting his new brand and sought out a French winemaker to come to Sonoma and realize his dream. He found his person, Pierre Seillan, who has now has spent the past five decades making world-class wines at Verite.

Seillan’s career started at Bellevue, his family's estate in Gascony, France, where he explored wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and several white varieties. Seillan had two decades in Bordeaux crafting wine at several châteaux for Raoul and Jean Quancard.  

1998 was Seillan’s first vintage of Vérité and the rest has been history. Over time they added wines to their collection as ‘La Muse’ was their right bank style wine and ‘La Joie’ which was their Cabernet Sauvignon based wine. In 2000 the winemaker then made a blend with more Cabernet Franc named ‘Le Desir.’ Over time more Cabernet Franc and Merlot was planted at their estate vineyard. I had the chance a few months back to taste through the new releases as well as the incredible 2013 wines. 2013 was a great vintage in Sonoma, one that was ripe and expresses the heat of the vintage. I was enamored by all three of the wines, two of which I scored a perfect 100 points to. The 2013 Vérité ‘La Joie’ Red Wine (OB, 100) is a scintillating blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Soft, beautifully textured and seamless, this is a truly refined effort that is absolutely irresistible now. Learn more about this famed house at https://www.veritewines.com/ and here are my 2013 wine reviews of Vérité..

2013 Vérité ‘La Muse’ Red Wine- The brilliant 2013 Vérité. ‘La Muse’ Red Wine is an incredible wine. The nose is beautiful evolved right now. Wet gravel, black rose, and blackberry jam nots alongside shades of chocolate covered cherry all combine aromatically. The palate shows unbelievable acidity as you would almost anticipate this being a new release. Very dense and showing massive dark fruits, this is beautiful wine to consume now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2023-2045- 98

2013 Vérité ‘La Joie’ Red Wine- The 2013 Vérité ‘La Joie’ Red Wine is a beautiful blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Anise, dark currants and black cherry compote fill the nose with shades of dried herbs mark the nose. The palate is soft and refined with scintillating texture and wonderful verve. This has no rough edges. It is quite simply a perfect wine. Drink 2023-2050- 100

2013 Vérité ‘Le Desir’ Red Wine- The 2013 ‘Le Desir’ is a stunning wine that is only starting to show its side. The palate is deep and concentrated with massive tannins that frame a deep core of roasted figs, black currant jelly, mocha and tar with creme de violets. Finishing long with refined tannins, minerals and concentrated black fruits, this really showing brilliantly now. Drink 2023-2050- 100

Planeta

A famed Sicilian winery that dates back centuries, Planeta’s agricultural history goes all the way back to the 17th century. Flash forward to the 1990s the winery moved to become a cooperative and later began growing non-indigenous varietals on their land. The family believed in the potential of varieties like Chardonnay and Syrah when nobody in the region were growing these grapes. They now produce a range of wines from all corners of Sicily, utilizing both indigenous and traditional varietals.
I can fondly recall first tasting these wines roughly 20 years ago. “A Syrah or Chardonnay from Sicily?” I thought. “This is a must-try!” I was amazed how these wines showed and how the terroir impressed me.

The new wines I tasted were very good across the board, none more so than the 2021 Planeta Chardonnay (OB, 92) — a wine that literally screams terroir with its stony and salty tones. Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://planeta.it/en and here are my reviews of the great new Planeta wines.

2022 Planeta Rose- This  well-structured 2022 Rose comes off a touch lean with melon and red raspberry tones on the palate, showing good underlying verve. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2027- 89

2021 Planeta ‘La Segreta’ White Wine- This awesome new white wine is a great combination of 50% Grecanico 30% Chardonnay 10% Viognier and 10% Fiano. This comes off soft on the palate with sweet kiwi and nectarine notes alongside a silky texture and copious minerals on the palate. Really good, this outstanding value is best consumed now and one the next few years. Drink 2023-2027- 91

2021 Planeta Chardonnay- Beautifully textured, salty and lithe, the 2021 Planeta Chardonnay was sourced from vineyards in Ulmo and Maroccoli, and was stored in French oak barrels before bottling. It is rich with nutmeg dusted brioche and starfruit tones alongside baked pear on the palate. This is really delicious stuff to enjoy right now. Drink 2023-2029- 92

Kerloo Cellars

Another spring and another electric lineup of Kerloo wines by winemaker Ryan Crane. Cane started first at Animale Cellars in Seattle, and then later trained under Marie-Eve Gilla at Forgeron Cellars while completing his degree in Enology and Viticulture at Walla Walla Community College. For years I have admired his old-world approach to winemaking. These are wines that breathe tension and terroir.

Do not miss out on his subtle and highly nuanced 2022 Kerloo ‘Lonesome Springs Ranch’ Rose (OB, 92) which is chalk-filled of verve and shows beautiful red fruits with plenty of stony undertones. I adored the outstanding value 2022 Kerloo Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay (OB, 92) which comes from two outstanding sites in the Columbia Valley and is a downright steal at under 30 bucks. This is one to buy by the case. Learn more about this outstanding winery at www.kerloocellars.com. Here are the great new releases by the talented Ryan Crane and his Kerloo Cellars.

2022 Kerloo Cellars ‘Lonesome Springs Ranch’ Rose- This outstanding and very Provencale-inspired Rose comes from the Lonesome Springs Ranch Vineyard. Very crisp and nuanced with its bright guava and cranberry fruit flavors that mingle well with blood orange zest and stony minerals on the palate, this is drinking beautifully right now. Don’t serve too cold to take in the outstanding range of flavors. Drink 2023-2028- 92

2022 Kerloo Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay- An insanely good value at under 30 bucks retail, the 2022 Kerloo Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay comes from two esteem sites — the Lonesome Springs Ranch and Rainmaker Vineyards. It comes off very fresh and nicely textured from the less stirring as cantaloupe, bright pear and starfruit flavors collide with plenty of minerals on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2028- 92

2022 Kerloo Cellars ‘Roussanne-Marsanne’ White Wine- This outstanding blend was entirely sourced from the Lonesome Springs Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. Soft and supple on the mouth, yet showing a good mineral backbone, this yields green papaya, mango, and Japanese pear flavors with nutty undertones on the palate. Lithe and polished, this is delicious to consume now and over the next six years to come. Drink 2023-2029- 93

2022 Kerloo Cellars Viognier- Coming from the Yakima Valley, this 2020 Viognier offers solid depth and richness with a soft mouthfeel. Layers of beeswax, honeysuckle water, and honeydew melon flavors all come together with shades of macadamia nut on the palate. Nicely textured and showing good finesse, this is beautiful stuff to consume now and over the next five plus years. Drink 2023-2028- 92

2020 Kerloo Cellars ‘Lonesome Springs Ranch Vineyard’ Mourvedre- Smoky and savory with good freshness, the 2020 Kerloo Cellars ‘Lonesome Springs Ranch Vineyard’ Mourvedre shows off bacon fat, tar, coffee grounds and shades of green olive on the palate, with good underling minerality. Delicious and complex, enjoy now and over the next five plus years. Drink 2023-2028- 93

2020 Kerloo Cellars ‘Solaksen Vineyard’ Syrah- Coming from the Royal Slope AVA, this 2020 Syrah offers red currants and Mandarin orange flavors alongside Umami, smoked brisket and suggestions of marionberry on the palate. Fresh and medium-bodied, enjoy now. Drink 2023-2028- 91

2020 Kerloo Cellars ‘The Chapel’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2020 ‘The Chapel’ comes almost entirely from the storied Red Willow Vineyard with a touch of Bacchus ‘Old Block’ Cabernet Sauvignon blended in. The wine shows beautiful balance on the palate, with creosote, espresso grounds and freshly tilled soils alongside shades of creme de violette. Medium-bodied, this is neatly done considering the challenges faced this vintage. Drink 2023-2028- 93

Mollydooker

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about the Mollydooker wine. Sure, everyone knew about the hype the brand had initially received from the wine publications — but I wanted to try these wines on my own. I took the liberty to taste their top wines and was absolutely floored with the combination of texture, flavor range and flavor density. Quite simply, these wines were the real deal.

It was an exceedingly short amount of time that Sarah and Sparky Marquis made Mollydooker one of the top wine brands of Australia. Their first wine, the 2005 ‘Carnival of Love’ Shiraz was immediately awarded 99 points by Robert Parker and was sold out in five days. I was amazed with what the produced even in very tough vintages like 2011 as the wines seemed to exceed quality compared to other producers. It has now been more than five years since Sarah has taken sole control of the winery and now has her son, Luke, the ‘Blue Eyed Boy’, leading global sales. Many people have considered the 2021 vintage in South Australia to be one of the best that they have witnessed in history. Fruit set was marvelous as was the even ripening found this year.

I adored the new Mollydooker lineup. I know you will love the deep and concentrated 2021 Mollydooker ‘Carnival of Love’ Shiraz (OB, 96) which is pillowy and soft with a seamless texture.  I was super impressed with the latest 2021 Mollydooker ‘Gigglepot’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 94) which shows serious value and offers lovely herbal undertones alongside a great concentration of dark fruit flavors. Learn more about this famed South Australian winery at https://www.mollydookerwines.com.au/ Here are the beautiful new wines by Mollydooker.

2021 Mollydooker ‘The Scooter’ Merlot- The outstanding 2021 ‘The Scooter’ Merlot shows fresh Bing cherry and coffee ground notes on the nose with shades of black plum melding together in the glass.  The palate is soft with a silky mouthfeel and good length, showing some bright underling acidity. This is delicious stuff to consume now. Drink 2023-2027- 91

2021 Mollydooker ‘Two Left Feet’ Red Wine-  The 2021 Mollydooker ‘Two Left Feet’ Red Wine is a really great blend of Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. This is immediately gratifying on the palate with cassis, wild blackberry and cedar notes alongside shades of black olives. Medium to full-bodied, enjoy this great new blend over the next five plus years.Drink 2023-2028- 91

2021 Mollydooer ‘The Maitre D’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2021 Mollydooer ‘The Maitre D’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows lovely herbal undertones with red bell pepper, tobacco leaf and shades of wild blackberry on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a good concentration of black and blue fruits alongside tar and espresso ground flavors. Medium to full-bodied, this is another downright killer value that is best consume now and over the next five to seven years. Drink 2023-2029- 92

2021 Mollydooker ‘The Boxer’ Shiraz- A killer value, the 2021 ‘The Boxer’ Shiraz offers ripe boysenberry, juicy plum, Black Forest Cake and tar notes on the palate alongside espresso bean accents. Medium to full-bodied this is delicious wine to enjoy now. Drink 2023 2028- 92

2021 Mollydooker ‘Gigglepot’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Mollydooker ‘Gigglepot’ Cabernet Sauvignon was stored in 80% American oak before bottling. This edition is been better than that produced in 2020. The garrigue notes here are really rocking as green bell pepper, white pepper dusted brisket, tar and Turkish coffee notes all seamlessly meld on the palate. Very refined and similarly weightless as the 2020 edition, this beauty is showing marvelously now and will surely live on for another decade. Drink 2023-2033- 94

2021 Mollydooker ‘Blue Eyed Boy’ Shiraz- A beautiful new edition of the BEB, this 2021 Mollydooker Shiraz was aged in 100% new American oak before bottling. While at 16% alcohol, this has a fantastic underling finesse with dark currants, mocha, tar and violet flavors that all frame this beautiful wine. With more air the smoky, salty and savory notes meld beautifully as this outstanding wine is already nicely evolved and will show well for another decade to come. Drink 2023-2033- 94

2021 Mollydooker ‘Enchanted Path’ Red Wine- A total show-stopper, the 2021 Mollydooker ‘Enchanted Path’ combines 70% Shiraz with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, all sourced from the Gateway and Rivers Lane vineyards in McLaren Vale. Stored in nearly all new French oak, this opens with Asian spices and Earl Grey tea notes alongside huckleberry and suggestions of dark chocolate covered espresso bean on the nose. The palate is very powerful and rich, yet shows an outstanding sense of poise despite weighing in at 16% alcohol. The heady core of black and blue fruits greets you alongside its pillowy texture. Savor this beauty now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2023-2035- 96

2021 Mollydooker ‘Carnival of Love’ Shiraz- Another sensational edition of the Mollydooker ‘Carnival of Love’ Shiraz from 2021 — and I am not the least surprised. I’ve had every edition of this wine for more than a decade. This bottling was as usual aged in all new American oak. On the nose this takes on dense black currant jelly, cigar box and shades of creosote with Arabica bean. The palate is soft and inviting with its plush texture and seamless mouthfeel as this effortlessly glides throughout the drinking experience. A joy to drink now so young, this will easily cellar for another ten years and potentially more. But why wait? Drink 2023-2036- 96

2023 Sonoma Report: Tough Sledding in 2020, While 2019 and 2021 Offer Bright Horizons

“2020 was not an easy vintage” said David Ramey as I sat beside him. “But we made some really great wines” he said with a grin. The 2020 vintage was not only difficult for many producers but production was typically down considerably as yields were down 53% for Chardonnay as Clare Ramey explained. Clare, David’s daughter, has now been working on the production side at Ramey Wine Cellars, starting at the winery one decade ago. Tasting the 2020 vintage Chardonnays with David Ramey, I was grinning ear to ear as well. The wines showed a purpose with a beginning, middle and an end. They showed beautiful balance and were not at all affected by the smoky conditions in September. I am downright thrilled to see the next generation of Ramey wines.

I remember that early September in 2020 very well, as my wife and I had traveled to Sonoma during the worst of the vintage fires. As a birthday gift I had taken her to wineries, as we embarked on a road trip with our toy poodle all the way down from Seattle during the pandemic. Fast forward to March 2023, tasting many of the wines made in this vintage, I found that generally there was considerable variation in quality — possibly more than I have ever seen over the 20 years that I have been coming to Sonoma County. Tasting through several hundred wines, the range in quality reminds me a bit of the 1998 vintage — one that saw considerable rain and had ripening issues.

2020 in Sonoma is a vintage that you must focus on producers, as top producers made world-class wines. Jesse Katz of Devil Proof and Aperture Cellars fame made some impressive wines in 2020. “You had to know what you were doing” Katz said. “But I think that we made some incredible wines despite the fires” Katz said. His 2020 red blends from Aperture came off very clean and were amongst the finest I tasted from this vintage. His show-stopping Devil Proof wines from 2019 were the top wines that I reviewed for my Sonoma Report. I scored both the 2019 Devil Proof Malbecs 100 points, making them one of the few 100 point wines I have tasted over the past year. What separates Devil Proof wines from others is the depth of flavor, the concentration, texture and refinement. They are a must-try for any serious collector of Sonoma wine. Balance with deep concentration is something that Verite wines have been known for. Their latest set of releases from the 2019 vintage are extraordinary and will age brilliantly for decades to come.

In terms of Burgundian varietals, I absolutely adored what Auteur accomplished with their 2021 releases as their ‘Green Acres’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) and ‘Labrynth’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) were amongst the most beautifully composed wines of their kind that I tasted in my report. Ross Cobb is arguably the world's champion of the Sonoma Coast AVA. His salty and savory Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs were also top wines from this report, coming from these incredible, terroir-infused sites that neighbor the Pacific Ocean. Equally good is the new Chardonnay by Marcassin which dates all the way back to 2013 and is absolutely glowing with depth and flavor range right now. Similarly the 2019 Stonestreet ‘Upper Barn’ Chardonnay (OB, 96) is a sensational, very seamless expression of Sonoma Chardonnay.

In the Russian River Valley DuMol made some brilliant and also very delicious 2020 wines that were very clean, rich and focused across the board. Merry Edwards has consistently been producing some of the most inspired wines of the Russian River Valley. The new sparkling wine (OB, 95) from them comes from the 2013 vintage and saw extended tirage — and it is a show-stopping effort that is incredible deep and complex. Similarly, their 2021 Pinot Noirs were consistently great and are a must-purchase for any lover of Sonoma Pinot.

Speaking of bubbles, I first visited Iron Horse back in 2002 and was overcome with the beauty of this Green Valley location. For years I have really admired these wines and they knocked it out of the park with their 2019 offerings. Both the 2019 ‘Oceans Reserve’ and the ‘Wedding Cuvee’ deserve a spot at your Thanksgiving table or summer backyard BBQ.

There are lots of great Sonoma wines made in 2020. In short, don’t pan the 2020 vintage as poor but know that 2020 is truly a producer vintage just as 1998 was. There are some incredible wines to be found and much promise appears to ahead with the wines made in 2021. I’ll eagerly await tasting some of those next spring. Here are my reviews, placed in alphabetical order.

Alexander Valley Vineyards

2019 Alexander Valley Vineyards Zinfandel- The really good 2019 Alexander Valley Vineyards Zinfandel comes from this warm vintage, as this wine was first made all the way back in 1978. Medium-bodied, this shows nice bramble notes alongside red cherry and red raspberry with hints of clove. Drink 2023-2029-89

2019 Alexander Valley Vineyards Syrah- This 2019 Syrah comes from vines which were first planted back in 1995. Smoky and peppery notes mark the nose alongside ripe dark fruits. The palate shows bright underlying acidity with a medium-bodied tar, blackberry and black cherry notes. Enjoy this now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2029- 90

Alma de Cattleya

2022 Alma de Cattleya Sauvignon Blanc- The 2022 Alma de Cattleya Sauvignon Blanc shows ripe green olive and gooseberry notes alongside unripe pear tones and nectarine skin. Medium-bodied, enjoy this fresh Sauvignon Blanc now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2027- 89

Aperture Cellars

2021 Aperture Chenin Blanc- This Chenin Blanc was stored in 20% new neutral oak before bottling. The wine is sourced from vines first planted in the 1920s The palate is soft and shows lovely honeydew melon and vanilla notes alongside bright kiwi tones on the palate. Soft and round, with a seamless texture, this is beautiful wine that shows both excellent weight and tension. Drink 2023-2030- 93

2021 Aperture Sauvignon Blanc- This 2021 Sauvignon Blanc has 3% Semillon blended in and was stored in 33% new French oak before bottling. This was the first white wine that winemaker Jesse Katz made under the Aperture label. The nose is intoxicating with roasted hazelnuts, white peach and shades of bright pear. The palate is very seamless and soft with an outstanding sense of texture and great length. Finishing long with minerals and light cream, this is truly outstanding wine that will cellar beautifully for another eight plus years. Drink 2023-2031- 94

2020 Aperture Bordeaux Red Blend- This has 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Malbec and 28% Merlot with 11% Cabernet Franc. The wine has incredible balance and bright acidity with a seamless texture. The weight and acidity really drive this core of blueberry, huckleberry, black tea, exotic spice and dark chocolate shavings. Very complex and polished, this will easily cellar for another ten years. Drink 2023-2033- 95

2020 Aperture Cabernet Sauvignon- This 2020 Cabinet Sauvignon has small parts Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot blended in. Mostly sourced from the eastern hillsides of the Alexander Valley, this was stored in 55% new French oak for 18 months prior to bottling. This comes off super soft and vibrant with layers of creme de violette, mocha, tar and blackberry compote. Finishing very long, this is drinking beautifully right now and will live on for another decade or more. Drink 2023-2035- 96

2019 Aperture Nomad Red Wine- The 2019 ‘Nomad’ is Merlot dominant (55%), with smaller portions Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. The nose is wonderfully perfumed with red rose petals alongside blackberry compote, kirsch and wet stone notes. The palate is dense and refined with silky tannins that frame a rich core of red and dark fruits with coffee grounds and shades of creme de violette. Drink 2023-2045- 96

2019 Aperture ‘Farrow Ranch’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2019 ‘Farrow Ranch’ is the first vintage of this wine coming from a site that comes from a steep rocky hillside. The palate is extremely seamless as this wine shows insanely good texture with amazing length. Creme de cassis, wet stone, creosote, blackberry cobbler and espresso grounds all come together wonderfully on the palate. This is quite simply a masterpiece and is one of the finest wines of its kind I have ever tasted from this region. Drink 2023-2045- 99

2019 Aperture ‘Oliver Ranch’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The ‘Oliver Ranch’ is vineyard that is set on gravel as this Cabernet Sauvignon was stored in 80% new French oak before bottling. The nose is heady and hedonistic with huckleberry compote, Turkish coffee and copious violets with stony undertones. The palate is incredibly seamless and as this glides throughout the drinking experience. Dense and deep, with great length, this is stunning Cabernet Sauvignon that will live on for at least twenty years. Drink 2023-2045- 98

2019 Aperture ‘SJ Ranch’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2019 ‘SJ Ranch’ is sourced from a site perched high up on Chalk Hill that is set on both clay loam and gravel. Purple rose petals combine with mocha, espresso grounds and dark currant notes on the nose. The palate is very stony and flinty from the vines set on gravel. Creme de cassis, espresso grounds and creme de violette tones all combine on the palate. Very dense and layered, this is a beauty to enjoy right now. Drink 2023-2045- 98

2019 Aperture ‘Del Rio’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Another show-stopper in the Aperture lineup, the 2019 ‘Del Rio’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a vineyard set on a steep hillside in the corner of the Alexander Valley. The vines are set on white chalky volcanic soils with limestone underneath. The 2019 ‘Del Rio’ opens with wet stone, scorched earth, black currant cordial and shades of violets. The palate is deep and plush with a seamless texture and incredible length. Powerful and concentrated, this will live on for decades to come. Drink 2023-2045- 98

Asthete

2019 Asthete ‘Dry Stack Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc- Coming from this site in the Bennett Valley, this wine was stored for 6 months in 30% new French oak before bottling. Ripe melon tones combine with copious minerals, nectarine and shades of bright starfruit, with stony undertones. The combination of texture and bright acidity here is outstanding. Drink 2023-2031- 95

2020 Asthete ‘Dry Stack Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This 2020 Rose was stored in a blend of equal parts neutral oak, new oak and once used oak barrels. Wild mushroom, nectarine and light red cherry tones dominate the nose. The palate is very soft and shows great vibrancy and texture, with good length. Layers of very pretty red fruits combine with rose water tones on the palate. Drink 2023-2029- 93

2020 Asthete Pinot Noir- Stored for 21 months in 50% new French oak, this 2020 wine combines three different Pinot Noir clonal selections. Roasted figs, cola and cranberry tones with red rose petals all combine on the nose. The palate is soft and round with a silky texture and excellent length. Concentrated red fruits and mouth-watering acidity really bring things together here, as this is best enjoyed over the next ten plus years. Drink 2023-2035- 94

Auteur

2021 Auteur ‘Green Acres’ Chardonnay- The outstanding 2021 Auteur ‘Green Acres’ Chardonnay was sourced from the Carneros AVA and utilizes old Wente Clonal selection Chardonnay. Very soft and seamless on the mouth, this delivers bright lemon zest, wild mushroom and buttered brioche notes alongside salty undertones. Brimming with bright acidity enjoy this beautiful Chardonnay now and over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 95

2021 Auteur ‘Labyrinth’ Pinot Noir- One of the world-class Sonoma Pinot Noirs that I have tasted this year, the knockout 2021 Auteur ‘Labyrinth’ Pinot Noir exudes class from this vintage. Entirely Pommard clonal selection Pinot Noir, this was aged for 13 months in 75% new French oak before bottling. Tart red fruits collide with stony minerals, tilled loamy soils and a touch of saline drenched meats. Very complex and delicious, with serious stuffing and verve, this is really just an infant right now. Drink 2024-2040- 95

Belden Barns

2020 Belden Barns Gruner Veltliner- Nicely textured, this shows green apple, salted cantaloupe and cantaloupe knots on the palate, with good underlying viscosity and length. Enjoy this delicious wine at a slightly warmer temperature to take in the full range of flavors. Drink 2023-2028- 90

2019 Belden Barns ‘Serendipity Block’ Pinot Noir- Very fresh, the juicy 2019 Belden Barns ‘Serendipity Block’ Pinot Noir shows good underlying acidity alongside tilled red soils, wet rock and bright red fruits with citrus rind accents. This is really beautifully evolved now, so consume over the next few years. Drink 2023-2029- 91

Bella Vineyards

2019 Bella Vineyards ‘Rocks Edge’ Zinfandel- The 2019 ‘Rocks Edge’ Zinfandel comes fro vines set on clay loam and volcanic soils. This shows off a silky texture with beautiful red floral notes alongside bright black and red fruits that parade with shades of Mandarin orange peel. Drink 2023-2029- 91

2019 Bella Vineyards ‘Block 10’ Zinfandel- A really nicely made Zin, the 2019 ‘Block 10’ has a large portion of Syrah (15%) blended in. It fits in like a glove, offering smoky and savory notes alongside wild blackberry cobbler and coffee ground notes. Drink 2023-2031- 92

Benovia

2020 Benovia ‘Russian River’ Chardonnay- The 2020 Benovia ‘Russian River’ Chardonnay shows off a juicy core of stony minerals, white peach and Japanese pear flavors on the palate, with excellent length. Drinking great now, enjoy over the next five plus years while the lovely mouth-watering acidity remains intact. Drink 2023-2029- 92

2020 Benovia ‘Russian River’ Pinot Noir- A touch lean, the 2020 Benovia ‘Russian River’ Pinot Noir offers herbal undertones alongside lighter red fruit flavors. Drink 2023-2028- 89

Benzinger

2021 Benzinger ‘Quintus’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 ‘Quintus’ shows loads of tart red fruits with bright acidity on the palate. Forward and juicy, enjoy now. Drink 2023-2029- 89

2019 Benzinger ‘Sunny Slope Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2019 Benzinger ‘Sunny Slope Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers sandalwood and ripe red cherry notes on the nose alongside herbal accents. Medium-bodied and well-balanced, this offers plump dark fruit flavors alongside hints of coffee grounds. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2029- 90

Brooks Note

2021 Brooks Note ‘Petaluma Gap’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 Brooks Note ‘Petaluma Gap’ Pinot Noir shows off ripe guava and cranberry notes on the palate, with a light dusting of salinity and good minerality. Drink 2023-2029- 90

2021 Brooks Note ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir- Very smooth upon entry, the 2021 Brooks Note ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir offers medium-bodied red fruit flavors with tilled salty soils on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2029- 90

Calligraphy

2021 Calligraphy ‘Bootlegger’s Hill’ Pinot Noir- This 2021 Russian River Valley bottling offers a soft mouthfeel with a smooth texture upon entry. Layers of pretty red rose water, red cherry candy and guava fruits all combine on the palate, with citrus rind and salty soil accents on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, this is gratifying Pinot Noir that is already drinking really well now. Drink 2023-2031- 93

Carol Shelton

2019 Carol Shelton ‘Karma Zin’ Zinfandel- The 2019 ‘Karma Zin’ offers bright red fruit flavors with good underlying acidity on the palate. Quite forward and delicious, enjoy now. Drink 2023-2029- 90

2019 Carol Shelton ‘Rockpile Reserve’ Zinfandel- The 2019 ‘Rockpile Reserve’ Zinfandel shows nice stony accents alongside medium to full-bodied kirsch, marionberry and bramble notes on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2029- 90

Catteleya

2021 Cattleya ‘Cuvee No. 5 Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay- The 2021 ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay is wonderfully salty on the mouth. Layers of brioche and baking spice dusted pear combine with the bright minerality. Awesome to consume now with its soft mouthfeel, this would pair beautifully with miso black cod. Drink 2023-2029- 91

2021 Cattleya ‘Cuvee No. 8’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Cuvee No. 8’ offers ripe teaberry, cran-cherry and loamy soil tones on the palate. Very fresh and fragrant, with plenty of bright underlying acidity, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 91

Chalk Hil

2022 Chalk Hill ‘Estate’ Sauvignon Blanc- All estate fruit, this brilliant 2022 Sauvignon Blanc has 5% Sauvignon Gris blended in. Stored for five months in French oak (12%) new, this shows rich gooseberry, wild mushroom and pear notes alongside shades of salted cashew nut on the palate. Enjoy now and serve slightly on the warmer side to take in the fantastic range of flavors. Drink 2023-2028- 92

2018 Chalk Hill ‘Estate’ Red Wine- This marvelous new red blend combines 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 34% Malbec, 10% Petit Verdot, and a touch of Carménère. Stored in 61% new French oak this delivers rich cassis, lavender and violet notes on the palate, with milk chocolate and loamy soil accents. Beautifully textured with serious weight, this is a joy to savor  now and over the next ten years. Drink 2023-2033- 93

Chateau St. Jean

2020 Chateau St. Jean ‘Belle Terre’ Chardonnay- I’ve tasted nearly all of the ‘Belle Terre’ Chardonnays back 20 years and this edition is nicely textured and fresh on the mouth. Bosc pear and kiwi notes combine with shades of vanilla cream on the palate. This is fantastic to enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2028- 91

2019 Chateau St. Jean ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay- Dense and heady, the 2019 ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay offers vanilla creme brûlée, marzipan, nutmeg dusted Challah bread and shades of ripe banana on the palate alongside nice finesse and salty accents. Full-throttle and dense, this is delicious wine that is best served slightly warmer to take in the outstanding range of flavors and aromatics. Drink 2023-2029- 93

2018 Chateau St. Jean ‘Cinq Cépages’ Red Wine- This 2018 edition of the ‘Cinq Cepages’ combines mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller portions of Malbec and Merlot. It comes off very rich and layered with toasty oak alongside milk chocolate dusted black cherry, cassis and anise notes. Medium to full-bodied, enjoy this delicious wine now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2023-2031- 92

Chev

2020 Chev ‘Russian River Valley’ Chardonnay- Stored in a range of concrete eggs, amphora and new French oak, this 2020 ‘Russian River Valley’ Chardonnay shows off juicy pear and starfruit tones on the palate, with good finesse. Quite forward, enjoy now. Drink 2023-2028- 90

2019 Chev ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir saw 44% new French oak before bottling. This comes off very forward and juicy with red fruits and cola alongside a good degree of finesse. Drink 2023-2029- 90

Cobb

2019 Cobb ‘Doc’s Ranch Vineyard’ Chardonnay- You have to admire the incredible terroir here which comes off very salty from this Sonoma Coast vineyard, Aged for 10 months in 25% new French oak, this offers salted pear and Macadamia nuts alongside lemon rind and shades of shortbread. Seriously good now, with great verve and richness enjoy over the next ten years. Drink 2023-2033- 95

2019 Cobb ‘Doc’s Ranch Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 Cobb ‘Doc’s Ranch Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is a stunning new effort by winemaker Ross Cobb. Stored for 22 months in 40% new French oak, this is overtly salty from the marine sedimentary soils, as tart red fruits collide with citrus blossom water, and flinty undertones. Sensational now, try to resist this beauty for another year. Drink 2024-2040- 95

2021 Cobb Wines Riesling- Sourced from a site in Anderson Valley, this is beautifully textured stuff with serious weight. Layers of gooseberry, green apple and beeswax notes combine on the palate. This is serious stuff that will cellar well for another eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 93

2021 Cobb Wines ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir- This is the first vintage with the new label, as this is also a new wine that is a blend of all of Ross Cobb’s vineyard designates. Very perfumed with red rose petals and candied red fruits, this shows nice earthy undertones as well. The palate shows gobs of crunchy red fruits with citrus water and shades of salty earth. Drink 2023-2033- 93

2019 Cobb ‘Kiser Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This site utilizes Dijon clone 114 and 115, as this underwent 35% whole cluster fermentation. The wine shows intense damp soil character with stony undertones and a beautiful core of red fruits. Incredibly complex, with serious finesse, this is beautiful wine that is already nicely evolved. Drink 2023-2038- 95

2019 Cobb ‘Wendling Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This is located right across the street from the Kizer Vineyard, as this had 35% whole cluster fermentation. Purple rose petals combine with a dusting of white pepper, red currants and tobacco leaf with silty soils emerge on the nose. The palate has incredible verve and underlying weight. Heady, salty red and dark fruits combine with the prominent wet soil aspects on the palate. Marvelous now, this will cellar well for another fifteen years. Drink 2023-2038- 95

2019 Cobb ‘Swan and Calera Clone Doc’s Ranch Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 Cobb ‘Swan and Calera Clone Doc’s Ranch Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from vines planted back in 1998 and 2011. This tightly spaced spot is very close to the Pacific Ocean. This clonal selections wine has very pretty rose petal notes on the nose alongside blood orange zest and salty soils. The palate is lithe and polished with exotic spices, copious minerals and pomegranate seed flavors with shades of crushed wet rock. Very serious and nervy, this beauty will cellar well for another fifteen plus years. Drink 2023-2038- 96

2019 Cobb ‘Coastlands Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This 50% whole cluster Pinot Noir comes from this site near the Pacific Ocean which was planted back in 1998. This has Pommard, Mt. Eden and Wadenswil clonal selections as well as Martini selection. Very salty and savory on the nose, this takes on pretty guava fruits alongside wild strawberry, potpourri and fresh sage. The palate is incredibly fresh and vibrant with marvelous tension. The purity of salty red fruits on the palate really impress here, as this beautiful wine will cellar well for another fifteen plus years. Drink 2023-2038- 96

2019 Cobb ‘Old Firs Coastlands Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘Old Firs’ is named for the Douglass Firs that remain at this property. This underwent 60% whole cluster fermentation. There are cedar notes from the closeness to the trees on the nose, with red currants, red cherry candy, and kumquat zest notes, with freshly tilled salty soils. The palate is plush and soft with serious finesse and length. Very pretty in its guava fruit profile on the palate, this finishes long with copious minerals. Drink 2023-2038- 96

2019 Cobb ‘Diane Cobb Coastlands Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The really good 2019 Cobb ‘Diane Cobb Coastlands Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from this site, planted back in 1989, which has a wide range of Pinot Noir clones. The Pinot Noir was 60% whole cluster fermented and it comes off very polished and seamless on the palate, loaded with bright red fruits, kumquat zest, sandy soils and copious baking spices. Finishing long, this is beautiful Pinot Noir that will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2023-2038- 96

Comstock

2016 Comstock Zinfandel-  Extremely smooth on the palate, the 2016 Zinfandel shows black tea and exotic spices that combine with the ripe dark cherry and dark raspberry notes. The salty tones add to the enjoyment here, as this nicely evolved older wine is drinking marvelously now. Drink 2023-2029- 91

2018 Comstock Zinfandel- Slightly backwards, with gobs of mouth-watering acidity, the 2018 Comstock Zinfandel really needs a lot of air right now. Medium-bodied dark fruits greet you with coffee ground and milk chocolate accents. While well-structured and well-made, this could have a bit more stuffing. Drink 2023-2029- 90

Coursey Graves

2021 Coursey Graves ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay- The very stony and salty 2021 Coursey Graves ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay shows lighter to medium-bodied salted pear and apple notes, with hints of biscuit on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2029- 90

2016 Coursey Graves ‘Bennett Mountain Estate’ Red WIne- The outstanding 2016 Coursey Graves ‘Bennett Mountain Estate’ Red WIne combines Merlot (60%) wth Cabernet Sauvignon (40%). This comes off a touch overripe with jammy red and dark fruits, with chocolate notes. Drink 2023-2028- 88

Crossbarn

2022 Crossbarn ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay- The 2022 Crossbarn ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay is a soft and approachable bottling with brioche notes and bright pear that combine with the good sense of salinity from this site in Sonoma County. Drink 2023-2028- 90

2021 Crossbarn ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 Crossbarn ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir offers straightforward red raspberry, cranberry and cola notes on the palate, with bright acidity backing everything up. Delicious to consume now, with a salty edge, enjoy over the next several years. Drink 2023-2029- 91

Davis Bynum

2019 David Bynum ‘Lindley’s Knoll’ Pinot Noir- Coming from Pinot Noir vines set on sandy clay loam soils, the 2019 David Bynum ‘Lindley’s Knoll’ is well-structured with plenty of mouth-watering acidity. Medium-bodied red fruits collide with notes of cola and kumquat zest. Delicious now, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2023-2033- 92

2018 Davis Bynum ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir- Coming from a range of sites in the Russian River Valley, the 2018 David Bynum ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir- was stored in French and Hungarian oak for 12 months before bottling. Very pretty aromatically with citrus blossom and red rose petals, alongside tart red raspberry notes. Nicely textured and structured, this is beautiful, well-made Pinot Noir that will cellar well over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 93

Devil Proof

2019 Devil Proof ‘Farrow Ranch’ Malbec- This site was acquired by Jesse Katz back in 2021. The wine was aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak before bottling. This site has been dry farmed since 2010. The palate is utterly seamless and deep with heady black and blue fruits with wet stone, bitter chocolate, and creosote. This is quite simply a perfect wine with no rough edges. Tannic, massive and virtually impossible to replicate, try to grab a bottle if you can. Drink 2023-2040- 100

2019 Devil Proof ‘Rockpile Ridge’ Malbec- This site is set at 1400 and is very windy which creates very think skins on the Malbec berries. The 2019 ‘Rockpile Ridge’ Malbec opens with intense black licorice, blackberry compote, and espresso ground aromas. The palate is wonderfully stony with insanely good tension and mouthfeel — and a finish that literally will not stop. This is opulent, incredibly textured Malbec that is truly one of a kind. Drink 2023-2040- 100

Domaine de la Riviere

2019 Domaine de la Riviere ‘Next Door Neighbor’ Chardonnay- The really great 2019 Domaine de la Riviere ‘Next Door Neighbor’ Chardonnay offers white peach and banana tones on the palate with salty undercurrents. Showing good viscosity and underlying verve, enjoy over the next six to eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 92

2020 Domaine de la Riviere ‘Middle Reach Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2020 Domaine de la Riviere ‘Middle Reach Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is very well-made considering the challenges of the vintage. Medium-bodied pomegranate seed and citrus rind flavors combine with stony undertones. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2026- 90

Dry Creek Vineyard

2019 Dry Creek Vineyard ‘Historic Blocks’ Zinfandel- This wine is sourced from pre-prohibition Zinfandel vines on the eastern edge of the Dry Creek Valley. A joy to drink right now, the 2019 Dry Creek Vineyard ‘Historic Blocks’ delivers nice density and weight once on the mouth. Tobacco leaf and leather accents combine with wild blackberry and bing cherry flavors. Drink 2023-2032- 92

2019 Dry Creek Vineyard ‘The Mariner’ Red Wine- The 2019 ‘The Mariner’ combines mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (61%) with smaller parts Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. This comes off very juicy with forward dark fruits with chocolate fudge and espresso grounds. Drink now. Drink 2023-2029- 90

2020 Dry Creek Vineyard ‘Old Vine’ Zinfandel- Tart red fruits combine with a soft mouthfeel and plenty of bitter tannins here making this a touch out of balance. Drink 2023-2025- 88

DuMol

2020 DuMol ‘Chloe’ Chardonnay- The 2020 ‘Chloe’ Chardonnay is crafted from the Lorenzo and El Diablo Vineyards in the Russian River Valley. Barrel fermented for 11 months, this utilizes Montrachet and old Wente selections. The nose is utterly fantastic with salted praline, white peach and brioche notes that combine with stony and flinty undertones. The palate is big and downright voluptuous, with a great mineral backbone. This flat out delicious Chardonnay is exceedingly difficult to put down right now — and will provide drinking enjoyment for the next eight to ten years. Drink 2022-2030- 94

2020 DuMol ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2020 DuMol ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Chardonnay is a masterclass by Scotsman winemaker Andy Smith. Ripe pineapple and butterscotch notes fill the nose, with shades of salted nectarine skin. The palate is silky smooth, as this glides throughout the drinking experience — like a fine, warm vintage Chassagne-Montrachet. Salted Macadamia nut notes combine with rich orchard and tropical fruits, with stony undercurrents. Not for the weary, serve slightly on the warmer side to take in the marvelous range of flavors. Drink 2022-2034- 95

2020 DuMol ‘DuMol Estate Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The seriously good 2020 DuMol ‘DuMol Estate Vineyard’ Chardonnay comes from 16 year old vines that utilize Mt. Eden and Hyde Wente clonal selections. Stored for 11 months in 30% new French oak, this shows off saline drenched pear, mango and lime zest notes on the nose. The palate is mineral-driven and quite refined, with a soft texture, with lemon dusted brioche, nectarine and salty undercurrents. Very gratifying with its combination of verve and viscosity, the ‘wow factor’ 2020 ‘DuMol Estate Vineyard’ Chardonnay will surely live on for at least another decade. Drink 2022-2033- 96

2020 DuMol ‘Finn’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from the Occidental and the Bressay Estate Vineyard, the 2020 ‘Finn’ Pinot Noir is a spectacular effort from this challenging vintage for Pinot Noir. Aged for fifteen months in only 27% new French oak, this offers boysenberry on the nose alongside cedar and shades of black florals. The palate is soft and very inviting with its smooth mouthfeel. Stony minerals and light tannins frame a beautiful core of black fruit flavors, with orange zest accents. Drinking beautifully now, enjoy this delicious Pinot Noir over the next fifteen years. Drink 2022-2037- 94

2020 DuMol ‘Flax Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- For years I have admired wines from this site in the Russian River Valley. The 20202 ‘Flax Vineyard’ is pillowy once on the attack, with a seamless texture. You are greeted with tart cranberry notes alongside wild blackberry coulis, cigar box, freshly tilled salty soils and copious minerals on the palate. The layers of brightness and salinity really add to the enjoyment here, as this beauty is already hitting it stride and will continue to drink well for another fifteen years. Drink 2022-2037- 95

2020 DuMol ‘DuMol Estate Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Showing serious aging potential, the outstanding 2020 DuMol ‘DuMol Estate Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes entirely from their Coffee Lane Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. Aged for fifteen months in 30% new French oak, this beautiful wine displays pretty red rose petal aromas alongside black raspberry, wild mushroom and peat moss accents.  The palate is plush and also very fresh, with serious finesse. Finishing long with black fruits and minerals, this great new 2020 Pinot Noir is best enjoyed over the next twelve plus years. Drink 2022-2034- 94

Dutton-Goldfield

2020 Dutton Goldfield ‘Dutton Ranch Walker Hill Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Coming from old Wente clonal selection Chardonnay, this is a beauty from 2020. Ripe peach, baking spice laced French bread, vanilla cream and hints of pie crust all enter the fray on the palate. Full of depth and finesse, this is gorgeous wine to consume now and over the next ten years. Drink 2023-2033- 93

2020 Dutton Goldfield ‘Mendocino Hills’ Pinot Noir- This shows off a soft mouthfeel with straightforward dark cherry, red raspberry and cola notes on the palate. Showing good weight and freshness, this fruit-forward, delicious Pinot Noir is best enjoyed now and over the next several years. Drink 2023-2029- 91

2020 Dutton Goldfield ‘Angel Camp’ Pinot Noir- Coming from the Anderson Valley, this offers black cherry, black tea and tilled soils with stony undercurrents. Enjoy now and over the next five years. Drink 2023-2028- 91

2020 Dutton Goldfield ‘Dutton Ranch Morelli Lane Vineyard’ Zinfandel- This 2020 bottling comes off very fresh and clean with tart red fruits, a touch of sassafras, cola and suggestions of orange rind. Obviously quite an early pick, this is very fresh, fragrant and delicious wine to enjoy now and over the next five to seven years. Drink 2023-2029- 91

2017 Dutton Goldfield ‘Cherry Ridge Vineyard’ Syrah- A knockout wine, the 2017 ‘Cherry Ridge Vineyard’ Syrah shows a literal cornucopia of aromatics. Lavender, thyme, baking spices and creme de violette all fill the nose with shades of creosote. The palate shows serious poise and power, with good underlying finesse. Layers of black and blue fruits collide with freshly tilled soils, iron and bulls blood tones. Gratifying and novel, this is complex and delicious Syrah to consume now and over the next seven years. Drink 2023-2030- 94

Ehret

2018 Ehret ‘Bella’s’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 Ehret ‘Bella’s’ Cabernet Sauvignon has just a dash of Merlot (3%) blended in. This is marvelously dense with chocolate fudge and blackberry pie notes, making this very quintessential Sonoma in its flavor profile. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next decade. Drink 2023-2033- 93

2018 Ehret ‘Hillside Reserve’ Red Wine- The nicely structured 2018 Ehret ‘Hillside Reserve’ Red Wine shows Sandy and salty tones on the palate, with black tea, black raspberry and milk chocolate notes. Enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2023-2033- 92

En Garde

2021 En Garde ‘Pleasant Hill’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2021 En Garde ‘Pleasant Hill’ Pinot Noir was stored for 14 months in 25% new French oak barrels. Soft red fruits collide with copious minerals and loamy soil notes on the palate. Juicy and delicious, enjoy over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 91

2021 En Garde ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir- Very fresh with lovely tension, the 2021 En Garde ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir offers red rose water and pomegranate seed flavors on the palate, with salty soil accents. Medium-bodied and chalk-filled with finesse, uncork this over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 92

Ernest Vineyards

2019 Ernest Vineyards ‘H. Klopp Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The brilliant 2019 Ernest Vineyards ‘H. Klopp Vineyard’ Chardonnay is brimming with bright acidity once on the mouth. Very seamless and elegant, the wine shows tart citrus rind notes alongside Japanese pear and pastry crust. Finishing long, with good stuffing, this is really complex Chardonnay that will cellar beautifully over the next ten years. Drink 2023-2033- 94

2019 Ernest Vineyards ‘Cleary Freestone Ranch’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 Ernest Vineyards ‘Cleary Freestone Ranch’ Pinot Noir was stored in 40% new French oak for 18 months prior to bottling. Gobs of tension greets you on the palate, showing salty minerals alongside tart red fruit flavors with tangerine peel notes. This beauty will evolve well over the next decade — but is really hard to resist in its tension-filled youth. Drink 2023-2033- 93

Flambeaux

2019 Flambeaux ‘Flambeaux Vineyard’ Zinfandel- The really good 2019 Flambeaux ‘Flambeaux Vineyard’ Zinfandel is brimming with bright acidity and baking spices once on the mouth. Gobs of red fruit flavors greet you with citrus rind and minerals. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2028- 90

Fort Ross

2020 Fort Ross ‘Fort Ross Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Very bright in the glass, the 2020 Fort Ross ‘Fort Ross Vineyard’ Chardonnay offers excellent weight with sweetened nectarine, Bartlett pear and vanilla creme brûlée notes on the palate. The weight and underlying acidity really carry things nicely here. Drink 2023-2029- 92

2019 Fort Ross ‘Fort Ross Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Stored for 11 months in 30% new French oak, this great new 2019 Pinot Noir shows off dusty soils alongside tart red berry and orange blossom notes on the nose. Lighter to medium-bodied, with plenty of finesse, enjoy over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 91

Fulcrum

2021 Fulcrum ‘Gap’s Crown Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This brilliant new Pinot Noir comes from the famed ‘Gap’s Crown Vineyard’ in the Sonoma Coast AVA. Medium-bodied salty red and dark fruits combine with copious minerals and coffee ground flavors. Enjoy this outstanding salty and terroir-driven Pinot Noir now and over the next ten years. Drink 2023-2033- 92

2021 Fulcrum ‘Wildcat Mountain’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 ‘Wildcat Mountain’ Pinot Noir utilizes clonal selections 777, 667 and Pommard Pinot Noir, as this was stored for 11 months in 36% new French oak prior to bottling. Juicy red fruits collide with citrus blossom water and stony minerals with freshly tilled rocky soils. Complex and delicious, savor this beauty over the next decade. Drink 2023-2033- 92

Gary Farrell

2019 Gary Farrell ‘Fort Ross Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This come from the Sonoma Coast AVA, as this beautiful new Pinot Noir shows off light to medium-bodied tart red fruits with a smooth texture and vibrant underlying acidity. This is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2023-2031- 92

2021 Gary Farrell ‘Russian River Selection’ Pinot Noir- The well-made and well-structured 2021 Gary Farrell ‘Russian River Selection’ Pinot Noirs shows pomegranate seed and tart red cherry flavors alongside silty soils on the palate. Drink 2023-2031- 91

Goldeneye

2019 Goldeneye ‘Anderson Valley’ Pinot Noir- The really good 2019 Goldeneye ‘Anderson Valley’ Pinot Noir was sourced from a range of estate vineyards (72% estate) including Gowan Creek and Split Rail vineyards. Aged for sixteen months in 51% new French oak, this reveals peat moss and guava tones with shades of Yakima cherry and tobacco leaf. The palate is rich and beautifully textured, with good length and finesse. Drink this nicely evolved beautiful Pinot Noir over the next decade. Drink 2022-2032- 92

2019 Goldeneye ‘Gowan Creek’ Pinot Noir- This 100% estate vineyard Pinot Noir was sourced from the ‘Gowan Creek Vineyard’ which is located in the slightly warmer end of the Anderson Valley. A mix of Pommard 5, Martini, 828, 667, Mt. Eden, Swan and 777 clonal selections, the wine bursts out of the glass, reveling in potpourri, ripe cherry and strawberry tones alongside shades of cardamom on the nose. The palate is dense and plush, creating a seamless effect that makes this glide though the red fruit-dominated drinking experience. This has really nice aging potential and is already beautifully evolved at the three year mark. Drink 2022-2035- 93

2019 Goldeneye ‘Ten Degrees’ Pinot Noir- A stunning new wine by winemaker Katie Larwood, the 2019 Goldeneye ‘Ten Degrees’ Pinot Noir is up there with the finest Anderson Valley Pinot Noirs I have sampled in the past year. A barrel selection wine from estate vineyards, this dense Pinot Noir is loaded with intense dark fruits with exotic spices, loamy soils and shades of peat moss once on the nose. The palate is refined with very soft tannins that frame a core of loganberry, black tea and blackberry compote flavors. With more air suggestions of cola and sassafras enter, as this glorious wine really needs two hours of air if enjoying in its scintillating youth. Drink 2022-2038- 95

Hoot Owl

2013 Hoot Owl Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2013 Hoot Owl Cabernet Sauvignon shows off rich dark currants combine with blackberry jam and espresso grounds on the palate. Juicy and nicely evolved, drink now. Drink 2023-2028- 91

2016 Hoot Owl Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2016 Hoot Owl Cabernet Sauvignon has good concentration and underlying finesse with chocolate, blackberry jam and Turkish coffee notes. Great now, enjoy over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 92

Imagery Estate

2020 Imagery Cabernet Franc- Very highly tannic this shows herbal notes alongside rather nondescript black fruit flavors. Drink 2023-2026- 88

2020 Imagery ‘Pallas Estate Red’ Red Wine- This shows cigar ash and black currant flavors alongside very gritty tannins. Drink 2023-2026- 88

Iron Horse

2019 Iron Horse ‘Ocean Reserve’ Sparkling Wine- Made from Chardonnay grapes, this exudes class with its silky mousse once on the mouth. Baking spice dusted brioche notes combine with lemon rind and copious minerals on the palate. Truly outstanding with its length, viscosity and underlying tension, this beautiful wine will cellar well for at least a decade. Drink 2023-2033- 94

2019 Iron Horse ‘Wedding Cuvee’ Sparkling Wine- For years I have admired the ‘Wedding Cuvee’ which now has been made for several decades. This 2019 edition is mainly Pinot Noir (77%) with the reminder Chardonnay. It is filled with wonderful tension and salty undertones as ripe melon and citrus fruits collide with pastry crust notes on the palate. Quite literally a joy to drink right now, this has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2023-2038- 95

J Vineyards

NV J Vineyards ‘Cuvee 20’ Sparkling Wine- The NV ‘Cuvee 20’ comes from the Russian River Valley and blends 51% Chardonnay, and 41% Pinot Noir, with 8% Pinot Meunier. It is very round and generous on the palate with ripe red raspberry and melon fruits that combine with citrus blossom water on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2028- 90

2018 J Vineyards ‘Blanc de Noirs’ Sparkling Wine- The 2018 ‘Blanc de Noirs’ is really thriving now at the five year mark. 100% Pinot Noir, his delivers lovely weight on the palate with shades of quince, Yakima cherry, white peach and ginger, with salty accents. The refined bubbles and silky mousse both awaken the senses, as this is marching on nicely right now. Enjoy over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2023-2033- 93

2016 J Vineyards ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The outstanding 2016 J Vineyards ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine spent roughly 5 years on the less before disgorgement. This comes off wonderfully yeasty with sourdough bread notes that combine with nectarine, starfruit and suggestions of marzipan on the palate. Showing good underlying richness and finesse, this is beautiful stuff to enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2023-2033- 93

Jordan

2021 Jordan Chardonnay- Sourced from the Russian River Valley, this shows off brioche and Meyer lemon cream on the nose alongside toasty oak. The palate is fresh and lithe with a silky texture and a lush sense of mouthfeel. Very well-balanced, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 92

2019 Jordan ‘Alexander Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2019 ‘Alexander Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers a soft mouthfeel with black currants, tobacco leaf and wild blackberry cobbler on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2023-2031- 91

Keller Estate

2020 Keller Estate ‘Oro De Plata’ Chardonnay- This wine comes from the Petaluma Gap and was aged in stainless steel before bottling. This shows a silky texture coming off very elegant with bright underlying acidity. Starfruit and pear tones combine with copious minerals on the palate. Drink 2023-2031- 92

2019 Keller Estate ‘Rotie’ Red Wine- Very nicely textured, this Cote Rotie inspired wine offers white pepper dusted bacon, red raspberry and roasted fig notes alongside shades of green olives. Delicious and complex, enjoy over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 92

Knights Bridge

2021 Knights Bridge Chardonnay- The 2021 Knights Bridge Chardonnay is very concentrated with sweetened peach and pear flavors. While nicely textured, the sweetness makes things a touch out of balance. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2026- 89

2019 Knights Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon- This Knights Valley batting offers ripe boysenberry and blackberry cobbler notes on the palate, with hints of coffee grounds. This is forward and delicious stuff, with a good acid backbone, that is best enjoyed over the next few years. Drink 2023-2029- 91

Kobler

2021 Kobler ‘Bacigalupi Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Very smooth on the mouth and also nicely textured, the 2021 Kobler ‘Bacigalupi Vineyard’ Chardonnay shows off white peach and Japanese pear notes alongside salty soils on the palate. Drink 2023-2029- 91

2019 Kobler ‘Bacigalupi Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This classy Pinot Noir offers nori, red currants and copious spices on the palate, with loamy soil accents. Medium-bodied with a soft mouthfeel, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2023-2031- 91

Kokomo

2021 Kokomo ‘Dry Creek Valley’ Zinfandel- This is fresh with bright acidity, as the 2021 Kokomo ‘Dry Creek Valley’ Zinfandel shows off red fruit flavors alongside silty soils and a ripe mouthfeel on the palate. Drink 2023-2029- 90

2021 Kokomo ‘Sonoma County’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Kokomo ‘Sonoma County’ Cabernet Sauvignon was stored in only 20% new French oak before bottling. Medium-bodied dark cherry and dark raspberry notes combine with coffee ground flavors on the palate. Drink 2023-2028- 89

Korbel

2018 Korbel ‘Natural’ Sparkling Wine- A good value, the ‘Natural’ offers tart green apple and pear flavors with yeasty undertones. Drink 2023-2027- 87

Kosta Browne

2020 Kosta Browne ‘One-Sixteen’ Chardonnay- Winemaker Julien Howsepian has sourced this wine from a range of famed Russian River sites including the Ritchie and Keefer Ranch Vineyards. Nectarine and green apple notes combine with baking spice dusted sourdough bread on the nose. The palate is ripe and plump with a seamless texture and wonderful length. The lingering mineral and brioche laced finish really entices, as this beautiful wine is drinking marvelously now and will continue to do so over the next decade. Drink 2022-2032- 93

2020 Kosta Browne ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir- Sourced from mainly the Gap’s Crown Vineyard, this delicious new Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir was stored for fifteen months in 34% new French oak before bottling. Salted red fruits and kumquat zest combine with toasty oak tones on the palate. Finishing very long, this is delicious, beautifully-textured Pinot Noir that is already nicely evolved. Drink 2022-2032- 93

2020 Kosta Browne ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir- The 2020 Kosta Browne ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir is a gorgeous new bottling that was stored in 32% new French oak for fifteen months before bottling. Sassafras and cola tones mingle well with cran-cherry and cloves on the nose. The palate is very refined and seamless with generous weight and a silky texture. Finishing very long, this gorgeous new bottling will satisfy over the next ten years or more. Drink 2022-2034- 94

2020 Kosta Browne ‘Santa Rita Hills’ Pinot Noir- Harvest for this Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir  came two weeks earlier than normal as this was aged in a small part American oak and 47% new French oak prior to bottling. Once on the mouth, the soft texture entices. Salty cran-raspberry and loganberry tones combine with citrus zest, and diatomaceous earth undertones on the palate.  This is very elegant, terroir-driven Pinot Noir that is best consumed over the next ten plus years. Drink 2022-2033- 94

2020 Kosta Browne ‘Anderson Valley’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2020 Kosta Browne ‘Anderson Valley’ Pinot Noir spent fifteen months in 38% new French oak before bottling, as this is the first year this wine has been sourced from The Narrows and Confluence Vineyards. The wine is soft and generous with plenty of peat moss and forest floor tones on the palate, with huckleberry and black cherry compote. Gorgeous to consume now, enjoy over the next ten to twelve years. Drink 2022-2034- 94

Kukeri

2021 Kukeri ‘Russian River Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2021 Kukeri ‘Russian River Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc shows off a silky texture with lemon rind and sweetened gooseberry notes alongside salty undercurrents. Drink 20023-2028- 90

2021 Kukeri ‘Cuvee Ivonne’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘Cuvee Ivonne’ shows iron and meat dripping flavors with copious tension and tart red fruits on the palate. Enjoy this nicely structured light style Pinot Noir over the next six to eight years. Drink 2023-2029- 90

Kunde

2021 Kunde ‘Sonoma Valley’ Chardonnay- The 2021 Kunde ‘Sonoma Valley’ Chardonnay is a really nice wine for the price. Marzipan and ripe nectarine flavors combine with vanilla cream on the palate. Drink 2023-2028- 89

2019 Kunde ‘Sonoma Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Ripe black currants and blackberry flavors combiene with minerals and coffee ground flavors on the palate. Forward and delicious, enjoy now. Drink 2023-2028- 89

La Follette

2020 La Follette ‘Zéphyr Farms’ Chardonnay- The 2020 La Follette ‘Zéphyr Farms’ Chardonnay shows off bright minerals with lemon rind and melon notes on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2026- 89

2019 La Follette ‘Heitz Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This Russian River Valley bottling shows tart cranberry and pomegranate seed flavors alongside shades of blood orange zest and silty soils. Enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 91

Landmark

2020 Landmark ‘Overlook’ Chardonnay- Big, round and generous on the mouth, this terrific value 2020 Chardonnay shows brioche notes alongside salted pear and nectarine flavors on the palate, with flinty undertones. Drink 2023-2029- 91

2019 Landmark ‘Overlook’ Pinot Noir- Juicy, with bright acidity, the 2019 ‘Overlook’ Pinot Noir offers ripe red currant flavors with salty soils and tangerine rind flavors.  Enjoy this great value over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 91

Laurel Glen

2019 Laurel Glen ‘Counterpoint’ Red Wine- The 2019 Laurel Glen ‘Counterpoint’ Red Wine shows nice poise and balance with medium bodied blackberry and black cherry flavors with plenty of minerals backing things up. Drink 2023-2029- 90

2019 Laurel Glen Cabernet Sauvignon- Coming from Sonoma County, this 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon has nice structure and weight with bright acidity that combines with the core of dark fruits and chocolate fudge flavors. Drink 2023-2030- 90

Longboard Cellars

2021 Longboard Cellars ‘Rochioli Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Very perfumed and complex, the 2021 Longboard Cellars ‘Rochioli Vineyard’ Chardonnay shows a smooth texture with good weight. Layers of salted pear with lemon zest and creme brûlée flavors all brilliantly combine on the palate. Drink 2023-2031- 92

2019 Longboard Cellars ‘Mavericks Chrome’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2019 ‘Mavericks Chrome’ has a good combination of structure and stuffing once on the mouth. Ripe dark fruits combine with espresso grounds and dark chocolate shavings on the palate. Drink 2023-2030- 91

MacRostie

2019 MacRostie Vineyards ‘Sparkling Brut’ Sparkling Wine- The 2019 ‘Sparkling Brut’ is a methode champenoise wine that spent 30 months en tirage before disgorgement in August 2022. This is very fresh on the mouth, with a ripe texture. Layers of honeydew melon and baked apple combine with good finesse on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next seven years. Drink 2023-2030- 91

2021 Clockwise Sauvignon Blanc- The 2021 Clockwise Sauvignon Blanc was matured entirely in stainless steel and was mostly sourced from the Jewell Ranch. White grapefruit and nectarine tones combine with shades of gooseberry and stony minerals on the nose. The palate is very fresh and lithe with a soft texture upon entry. Gorgeous to consume now, enjoy over the next five years. Drink 2022-2027- 91

2021 MacRostie Vineyards Rose- Sourced mostly from a cooler portion of the Thale’s Estate Vineyard in the Russian River Valley, this was fermented in both stainless steel and neutral oak barrels before bottling. A pretty salmon hue, this offers guava and cranberry flavors that mingle well with shades of kumquat and wet rock on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2022-2026- 90

2020 MacRostie Vineyards ‘Nightwing Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Coming from a site near the Gap’s Crown Vineyard, the ‘Nightwing Vineyard’ is set at 1400 feet and features 44 acres of Pinot Noir and 30 acres of Chardonnay. This wine is very fresh and smooth on the mouth with a sensational texture. Layers of buttercream and lemon rind dusted brioche combine with salted praline notes on the palate. Complex and quite salty, this utterly fabulous Chardonnay to enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2023-2033- 93

2021 MacRostie ‘Woolsey Road’ Chardonnay- The 2021 MacRostie ‘Woolsey Road’ Chardonnay comes from this site set in the Russian River Valley. It is intense and seamless on the palate, showing vanilla creme and lemon meringue alongside serious tension and a smooth mouthfeel. Drink 2023-2031- 93

2020 MacRostie ‘Day Ranch Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Day Ranch Vineyard’ is an Anderson Valley site that is planted to a range of clonal selection Pinot Noir. The wine was stored for ten months in 25% new French oak before bottling, as it slowly unveils ripe red currants and tobacco leaf with flinty undertones on the nose. The palate comes off fresh and beautifully textured, with concentrated tart red fruit and citrus rind flavors. Enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 92

2021 MacRostie ‘Nightwing Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2021 MacRostie ‘Nightwing Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from the Petaluma Gap as vines at this site are set at 1200 feet. The salty soil element here rings true as tart red and dark fruits combine with this seriously good sense of terroir. Enjoy this beauty over the next decade. Drink 2023-2033- 93

Marcassin

2013 Marcassin ‘Estate Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay- The 2013 Marcassin ‘Estate Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay is dense and delicious without coming off heavy. Once on the nose this takes on layers of toasty oak, buttered brioche and vanilla cream alongside salted Pink Lady apple and shades of wild mushroom. The palate is rich and viscous with a great underlying acidity — and formidable length. A complete wine, enjoy now and over the next five to seven years. Drink 2022-2029- 96

Marchelle

2021 Marchelle ‘Lorenzo Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The seriously good 2021 Marchelle ‘Lorenzo Vineyard’ Chardonnay is brimming with bright acidity on the palate. Lemon zest and green papaya flavors combine with salty accents on the palate. Drink 2023-2031- 92

2021 Greg La Follette Pinot Meunier- Very translucent in the glass, this shows serious tension once on the mouth. Layers of white truffle and red currants dance together with the copious minerals. Enjoy now while the vibrant minerality remains intact. Drink 2023-2030- 92

Merriam

2018 Merriam ‘Windacre Vineyard’ Merlot- This comes off soft and refined with heady dark cherry and blackberry cordial flavors alongside good tension. Already quite evolved, enjoy now. Drink 2023-2029- 90

2018 Merriam ‘Gloeker-Turner Ranch’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 Merriam ‘Gloeker-Turner Ranch’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes fro a site which is set in the Rockville AVA. Showing a soft mouthfeel, this offers red rose water, tobacco leaf and black licorice flavors alongside boysenberry preserves. Drink 2023-2030- 90

Merry Edwards

2013 Merry Edwards Sparkling Wine- Nutty and earthy, the 2013 Sparkling Wine by Merry Edwards is an incredible, tension-filled wine that is really peaking now at the ten year mark. On the nose this shows off tasty brioche notes alongside baked pear and shades of candied ginger. The palate is very plush and soft with a refined mousse. Finishing long with peat moss, and stony minerals, this is a beautiful wine that is best enjoyed over the next few years. Drink 2023-2029- 95

2021 Merry Edwards ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir- This outstanding Pinot Noir was stored in 55% new French oak for ten months before bottling This shows beautiful red florals on the nose with shades of red currant, red cherry compote and a touch of white truffle. The palate is very fresh with good texture and underlying finesse. Drink 2023-2033- 93

2021 Merry Edwards ‘Olivet Lane’ Pinot Noir- Olivet Lane was planted back in 1975. The property is run by the Pelegrini Family. This wine utilizes 100% Martini clone and is stored in 75% new French oak for ten moths before bottling. The wine shows a gorgeous core of black cherry, black raspberry and teaberry notes with shades of forest floor. Finishing long with copious minerals, this is gorgeous wine to consume now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2023-2038- 95

2021 Merry Edwards ‘Coopersmith’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Coopersmith’ is an estate site in the Russian River Valley. This comes off very dense and earthy with serious texture and finesse. Layers of marionberry, tart guava and shades of orange rind with freshly tilled loamy soils. The salty undertones add to the enjoyment as this is best consumed now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2023-2038- 95

2021 Merry Edwards ‘Georganne’ Pinot Noir- This site is the hottest in the Merry Edwards lineup and comes from the northern part of the Russian River Valley, near Dry Creek. The site is set on iron-rich soils. Stony undercurrents combine with wild herbs and ripe red fruits.  The palate is soft and inviting with a silky texture and great length. This is drinking beautifully now. Drink 2023-2038- 95

2021 Merry Edwards ‘Dach Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This is the first wine in the Merry Edwards lineup to come from the Anderson Valley.  This was stored in 55% new French oak and utilizes 100% heritage clonal selection Pinot Noir. Very rich and voluptuous with a soft mouthfeel and great core of tart red and dark fruits with freshly tilled soil notes. Drink 2023-2038- 95

Migration

2021 Migration ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay- This Sonoma Coast bootleg spent ten months in 34% new French oak before bottling. Very salty on the palate, this offers ripe peach, pear and salted cashew flavors. Finishing long with butter, cream and minerals, this is delicious wine to consume now and over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 92

2021 Migration ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir- Coming from the Running Creek, Thomas, Ross, Marshall and Goff Vineyards, the Pinot Noir was stored in 34% new French oak for ten months before bottling. Salty and savory on the nose, this offers good underlying finesse. Ripe red currants, cranberry and wild strawberry tones combine wth salty undercurrents. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 92

Monroy

2019 Monroy ‘Chalk Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A touch lean, the 2019 ‘Chalk Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers good structure with lighter to medium bodied dark fruit flavors. Drink 2023-2028- 88

2020 Monroy ‘Chalk Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Herbal and backwards,  the 2020 ‘Chalk Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows very gritty tannins with ash notes and light black fruits. Drink 2023-2025- 84

Nalle

2020 Nalle ‘Dry Creek Valley Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This shows off red bell pepper notes with black cherry and cocoa powder and dried herbs. This shows nice acidity and a firm finish. Drink 2023-2032- 91

2020 Nalle ‘Ranch Red’ Red Wine- A soft and approachable blend of 60% Zindfandel with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine shows off pretty red fruits with good mineral and loamy soils. Well-balanced, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2030- 90

2020 Nalle ‘Dry Creek Valley’ Zinfandel- Garrigue and dill notes combine with ripe red currants and sandalwood on the nose. Juicy with bright acidity and showing red cherry candy with good finesse, this finishes long with bright red fruits and minerals. This excellent wine has 7% Petite Sirah and 3% Carignane blended in. Drink 2023-2030- 91

Nottingham Cellars

2021 Nottingham Cellars Chardonnay- This displays a smooth mouthfeel with sweetened peach and golden delicious apple flavors. Forward and delicious, this is great Chardonnay to enjoy now. Drink 2023-2028- 90

2021 Nottingham Cellars Cabernet Franc- Very dark in the glass, the 2021 Nottingham Cellars Cabernet Franc offers a deep core of violets and black currant flavors with great underlying verve. Heady and delicious, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2023-2033- 92

2021 Nottingham Cellars ‘Monte Rosso Vineyard’ Zinfandel- coming from one of the great sites for Zinfandel in Sonoma, the 2021 ‘Monte Rosso Vineyard’ Zinfandel shows off good concentration with bright acidity. Latyers of wild blackberry and green herbs combine with firm tannins on the palate. Drink 2023-2030- 91

Paradise Ridge

2019 Paradise Ridge ‘The Confessor GSM Blend’ Red Wine- The 2019 ‘The Confessor’ has bright acidity that entices right out of the gate, with a smooth texture. Medium bodied red fruits greet you with citrus zest and stony as well as smoky undercurrents. Drink 2023-2030- 91

2019 Paradise Ridge ‘Elevation’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2019 ‘Elevaion’ comes from the Rockville AVA. The wine is currently a bit backwards, lacking a touch of weight with medium bodied roasted date and black currant flavors. Drink 2023-2030- 89

Papapietro Perry

2020 Papapietro Perry ‘Pommard Clone Pinot Noir- The great new 2020 Papapietro Perry ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir was stored for 11 months in 70% new French oak. This comes off marvelously earthy with tart red fruits that combine with blood orange zest and silty soil flavors. Delicious now, consume this one over the next few years. Drink 2023-2029- 92

2020 Papapietro Perry ‘Nunes Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Fleshy and soft on the mouth, the 2020 Papapietro Perry ‘Nunes Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is a terrific effort considering the challenges of the vintage. Ripe red currants dance well with minerals and loamy soils on the palate, with menthol undertones. Drink 2023-2030- 91

Patz & Hall

2020 Patz & Hall ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay- The seriously good 2020 Patz & Hall ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay shows salted praline notes alongside bright Japanese pear and nutmeg dusted brioche notes on the palate . Drink 2023-2030- 92

2020 Patz & Hall ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir- A really nice effort in a tough vintage the 2020 Patz & Hall ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir shows a smooth texture with bright red currants that combine with wild strawberry and salty accents on the palate. Drink 2023-2030- 92

Pedroncelli

2022 Pedroncelli Sauvignon Blanc- Soft on the mouth, this shows baked apple, sweetened gooseberry and kiwi notes. Drink 2023-2027- 89

2020 Pedroncelli ‘Mother Clone’ Zinfandel- The 2020 ‘Mother Clone’ is soft and very bright on the mouth with ripe red raspberry, bramble and wild strawberry notes. Well-balanced, this is a really nice effort in a challenging vintage. Drink 2023-2028- 90

Pfendler

2021 Pfendler ‘Petaluma Gap’ Chardonnay- The 2021 Pfendler ‘Petaluma Gap’ Chardonnay utilizes Clone 95 selection, as this was stored for ten months in 50% new French oak before bottling. Very smooth with buttered sourdough bread alongside Bartlett pear and creme brullee flavors, this is delicious chardonnay to consume now and over the next seven years. Drink 2023-2030- 92

2021 Pfendler ‘Helgren Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Very bright and juicy, the generous 2021 Pfendler ‘Helgren Vineyard’ Pinot Noir shows teaberry notes alongside ripe guava, strawberry and salty undercurrents. Drink 2023-2033- 92

Pride

2020 Pride Cabernet Franc- Smooth and soft on the mouth, the 2020 Pride Cabernet Franc is a beautiful wine made in this difficult vintage. On the nose this takes on dried herbs with cedar and red bell pepper alongside boysenberry cordial. The palate is soft and refined with a silky texture. Enjoy this beauty over the next few years. Drink 2023-2028- 93

2020 Pride ‘Reserve Claret’ Red Wine- Mostly sourced from Sonoma County (85%), the 2020 ‘Reserve Claret’ is plush once on the mouth. Ripe figs and dark raspberry tones combine with graphite and mocha flavors on the palate. Medium to full bodied, enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2023-2028- 92

Quivera

2021 Quivera ‘Fig Tree Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc- Very light in color, the 2021 ‘Fig Tree Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc displays faint kiwi notes with green melon on the palate. Drink 2023-2027- 87

2019 Quivera ‘Wine Creek Ranch’ Grenache- This is nicely structured Grenache with light red cherry and red raspberry flavors on the palate. A touch lean, enjoy now. Drink 2023-2027- 87

Ram’s Gate

2020 Ram’s Gate ‘Cellar Note’ Chardonnay- The 2020 ‘Cellar Note’ is a vintage cuvee which was made from 13 barrels. The nose shows off butterscotch, lemon oil and ripe pineapple notes with suggestions of salted cashew nut. The palate is soft and refined with a light underlying salinity that combines with the good tension. Finishing long, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2022-2028- 91

2020 Ram’s Gate ‘El Diablo Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2020 Ram’s Gate ‘El Diablo Vineyard’ Chardonnay comes from this warmer site on Eastside Road on the Russian River Valley.  Utilizing Montrachet and Robert Young clinical selections, this was stored in 30% new French oak prior to bottling. The nose is gorgeous with orange blossom and lemon rind dusted brioche with shades of juicy papaya. The palate is ripe and beautifully textured, showing outstanding length and lovely fresh pastry crust, kumquat zest and stony minerals, this is drinking beautifully now and will continue to evolve well for another ten years. Drink 2022-2030- 93

2020 Ram’s Gate ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The ‘Hyde Vineyard’ is one of the most famous sites in the Carneros region of the Napa Valley and Ram’s Gate has been sourcing from this site since the 2012 vintage, as this was stored in 35% new French oak before bottling. On the nose this takes on ripe white peach and Pazzaz apple tones that combine with caramel topped brioche. Generous and layered, with a downright killer vintage, the 2020 Ram’s Gate ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Chardonnay will live on for at least another decade. Drink 2022-2032- 93

2020 Ram’s Gate ‘Cellar Note’ Pinot Noir- Winemaker Joe Nielson made 15 barrels of this Pinot Noir from three different Sonoma Coast vineyards.  This comes off very clean and pretty. The nose shows off cran-cola tones alongside white pepper, Mandarin orange zest and peat moss accents. The salty character really shines in this downright delicious Pinot Noir. Enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2022-2030- 91

2020 Ram’s Gate ‘El Diablo Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Picked in early August, this is sourced from two separate clonal selections in the ‘El Diablo Vineyard.’ Stored for 16 months in 33% new French oak, the nose takes on layers of ripe red cherry with red rose petals, cinnamon sticks and suggestions of forest floor. The palate is jam-packed of tart red fruits that combine with wet stone, kumquat zest and loads of mouth-watering acidity. Broad-shouldered and generous, this is gorgeous Pinot Noir to consume now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2022-2034- 93

2020 Ram’s Gate ‘Rush Crispo Vineyard’ PInot Noir- The ‘Rush Crispo Vineyard’ is a small, 4 acre vineyard entirely sourced from Ram’s Gate, located on River Road, not far from Martinelli Vineyard. The vineyard is planted to two clones (115 and Pommard) of Pinot Noir that create very small, concentered clusters. The wine is soft and round on the mouth, with a smooth texture. Very juicy red fruit flavors combine with exotic spices, blood orange zest and suggestions of wild mushroom on the palate. Drink 2022-2034- 92

2020 Ram’s Gate ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2020 Ram’s Gate ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir comes from this windy and cooler site in the Carneros AVA. Soils here are low-vigor and vines tend to be shut down by pressure from the high winds which leads to very concentrated berries. Given 25% whole cluster fermentation the nose shows toasty oak with ripe guava and salmonberry notes alongside salted citrus rind. The palate is very fresh and focused with a smooth texture and bright acidity. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next ten plus years. Drink 2022-2035- 93

Ramey Wine Cellars

2020 Ramey ‘Russian River Valley’ Chardonnay- The 2020 Russian River Valley’ Chardonnay spent twelve months on the lees and barrel (10% new). Mostly sourced from the Westside Farms Vineyard (45%) as well as the Dutton and Frank Johnson Vineyards, right away this opens with brioche bread with shades of cardamom and allspice, alongside ripe cantaloupe. The palate is very fresh, with a sterling tension that runs through the brilliant core of melon and citrus fruits, with an electric and very lengthy finish. Drink 2022-2030- 93

2020 Ramey ‘Fort Ross-Seaview’ Chardonnay- Stored in only 15% new French oak, this shows salty and tangy, the 2020 Ramey ‘Fort Ross-Seaview’ Chardonnay comes from the Martinelli Charles Ranch Vineyard, which is set on the second ridge in from the Pacific Ocean. This offers salted pear and Challah bread notes with copious baking spices on the nose. The palate is filled with mouth-watering acidity and tension that brings you back to the glass for more salty and savory enjoyment. This is very difficult to put down. Drink 2022-2030- 93

2020 Ramey ‘Woolsey Road Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Dense on the palate, the Woolsey Road Vineyard’ comes form a site that is located immediately south from the Martinelli winery. The Chardonnay was planted by the Martinellis for David Ramey back in the mid-2000s. This Wente Clonal selection Chardonnay was stored in 24% new French oak for 20 months before bottling. Big on the mouth, this offers ripe banana and suggestions of papaya flavors, with strong flinty underpinnings. Finishing exceedingly long, enjoy this beauty now and over the next decade. Drink 2022-2034- 95

2020 Ramey ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Talk about a world-class Chardonnay, the 2020 Ramey ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Chardonnay is a mouth-watering, intense and satisfying journey from the beginning to the end. Old Wente and Calera clonal selections, this runs the gamut of flavors — from tropical and melon fruits, to suggestions of salted Macadamia nut and wet stone — all leading to the exceedingly long, and very gratifying finish. Don’t serve this too warm! Drink 2022-2036- 96

2020 Ramey ‘Westside Farms’ Chardonnay- Also very dense, the 2020 Ramey ‘Westside Farms’ Chardonnay (Clone 4) was stored for 18 months in concrete eggs before bottling. Immediately gratifying this offers cardamom dusted banana bread and salty soil flavors alongside suggestions of roasted pineapple, with nutty accents on the palate. Very smooth throughout the drinking experience, the seamless texture impresses. Full-bodied, with plenty of finesse, enjoy now and over the next twelve plus years. Drink 2022-2036- 95

2018 Ramey ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir- This is now the fifth vintage of this stunning  ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir offers beautiful balance from this warm vintage. Stored in roughly 50% new French oak for 18 months, on the mouth the soft mouthfeel immediately entices. Layers of cran-cola, cedar, wintergreen and tart strawberry with morel mushroom all combine with copious minerals on the palate. Very layered, the exceptionally long finish adds to the enjoyment. Drink 2022-2036- 94

2017 Ramey ‘Cooley Ranch’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 Ramey ‘Cooley Ranch’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a cooler site that is located in the northern corner of Sonoma County. This ranch encompasses thousands of acres and is very remote. This is quite simply a stunning new wine by David Ramey. On the nose this takes on red bell pepper with blackberry compote and underbrush notes alongside shades of pencil lead. The combination of concentration, mouthfeel and finesse is outstanding. Very well balanced, with tar, mocha, anise and shades of loamy soils. The stony element of the wine really impresses. Give this at least an hour in the decanter before enjoying. Drink 2022-2038- 95

2018 Ramey ‘Oakville’ Cabernet Franc- This 2018 Cabernet Franc comes from a stony, tighly-spaced vineyard which is near Rudd Winery. Given 100% new French oak for 22 months this offers incredible black and blue fruits with suggestions of Turkish coffee on the nose. The palate is massive and round, with a seamless mouthfeel. Finishing very long, give this at least another year in the bottle for this to fully come together. There is incredible potential here. Drink 2023-2042- 95

Ridge Vineyards

2020 Ridge ‘Lytton Estate Syrah/Grenache/Mataro’ Red Wine- This blend is nearly all Syrah (79%) with 14% Grenache and 7% Mataro blended in. It comes off exceedingly well-balanced and clean with a silky texture and opulent red and dark fruit flavors. With more air tobacco leaf and coffee grounds meld well with shades of graphite on the palate. Really good now, this will easily cellar well for another ten plus years. Drink 2023-2033- 94

2019 Ridge ‘Demostene Ranch’ Red Wine- The 2019 ‘Demostene Ranch’ combines 58% Zinfandel and 42% Carignane which was sourced from old-vine plantings in the Alexander Valley. The nose shows dill and coffee ground notes alongside bramble and dried herbs alongside black cherry notes. The palate is silky smooth and refined with a seamless texture. These two varietals seem to complement each other so well, as this quite literally sings in unison with its pretty core of red and dark fruits alongside salty and savory notes. The combination of bright acidity and weight suggests this will easily cellar for another ten plus years. Drink 2023-2035- 95

2018 Ridge ‘Buchignani Ranch’ Zinfandel- Coming from this site in the Alexander Valley, the wine has 20% Carignane blended in. It comes off very soft and seamless on the mouth, with red currants, dates, fresh dill and suggestions of red cherry candy on the palate. Finishing long with black fruits and copious minerals, this is beautiful, well-structured Zinfandel to cellar over the next ten plus years. Drink 2023-2033- 94

2021 Ridge ‘Mancini Ranch’ Red Wine- A blend of mostly Carignane (73%) with the reminder Zinfandel, the 2021 ‘Mancini Ranch’ was sourced from this site in the Russian River Valley which boasts 80 year old vines. The old-vine Carignane is really singing now. Ripe cranberry fruit combines with blood orange zest, cardamom, espresso grounds and copious minerals on the palate. Really refined and seamless throughout the drinking experience, this beauty will easily live on for another fifteen plus years. Drink 2023-2038- 95

Rochioli

2023 Rochioli ‘Russian River Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc- Aged in 100% stainless steel, this comes from very old vine Sauvignon Blanc vines planted back in 1959. Ripe papaya with gooseberry and green papaya notes dominate the nose. The palate is soft and shows an oily texture with good flavor density. Drink 2023-2030- 92

2021 Rochioli ‘Estate’ Chardonnay- This is a blend of four estate vineyards and sat in 25% new French oak for nine months before bottling. Butterscotch, white peach and vanilla cream notes with hazelnuts mark the nose. The palate is deep and viscous with great underlying tension. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2023-2031- 93

2021 Rochioli ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir was stored for 15 months in 30% new French oak before bottling. This is very soft and refined with a very pretty core of red cherry and guava fruits alongside kumquat zest and a dash of white pepper. Drink 2023-2033- 93

Rodney Strong

2017 Rodney Strong ‘Symmetry’ Red Wine- The 2017 ‘Symmetry’ is mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (69%) with smaller parts Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. This shows a lot of stuffing with a great mineral backbone. Plush black fruits mingle well with espresso grounds and dark chocolate shavings on the palate. Drink 2023-2038- 93

2018 Rodney Strong ‘Rockaway’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 ‘Rockaway’ comes from this site which is located in the Alexander Valley. Ripe huckleberry and black cherry cordial flavors combine with chocolate covered raspberry on the palate. Really good now, this has both the stuffing and verve to cellar well for another fifteen years. Drink 2023-2038- 93

Rowen Wine Company

2018 Rowen Wine Company Red Wine- The 2018 Rowen Wine Company Red Wine is very soft and approachable on the mouth. Layers of medium to full-bodied ripe date and red currents combine with coffee grounds on the palate. Drink 2023-2030- 91

2018 Rowen Wine Company ‘2040’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Dense and delicious, the 2018 Rowen Wine Company ‘2040’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows polished tannins that frame a deep core of dark raspberry and dark cherry flavors. Bright, with good acidity, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next ten years. Drink 2023-2033- 91

Saini Vineyards

2019 Saini Vineyards ‘Old Vine’ Carignan- The outstanding 2019 Siani Vineyards ‘Old Vine’ Carignan is a delicious, tension-filled wine that is drinking great right now. Red raspberry and Bing cherry notes mingle with dusty soils and cigar box notes. Enjoy this great wine over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2023-2031- 92

2019 Saini Vineyards ‘Old Vine’ Zinfandel- Soft and approachable on the mouth, the 2019 Siani Vineyards ‘Old Vine’ Zinfandel displays good minerality with medium bodied red fruits and chocolate fudge flavors. Drink 2023-2030- 91

Saintsbury

2021 Saintsbury ‘Roberts Road’ Pinot Noir- Well-structured and very bright, brimming with acidity, the 2021 Saintsbury ‘Roberts Road’ Pinot Noir shows red florals on the nose with peat moss and vibrant red fruits. The palate is soft and refined with a silky texture and glorious sense of length. Really good now, enjoy this beauty one the next fifteen years. Drink 20023-2038- 93

2021 Saintsbury ‘Pratt Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2021 Saintsbury ‘Pratt Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from this famed site in the Sonoma Coast AVA. Stored for 11 months in only 16% new French oak, this offers heady red fruit flavors that mingle with salty soils and blood orange rind. Great now, enjoy this outstanding wine for another fifteen years. Drink 2023-2038- 93

Sangiacomo

2021 Sangiacomo ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay- The brilliant 2021 Sangiacomo ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay offers a smooth texture on the mouth. Salty soils combine with ripe nectarine and honeydew melon flavors alongside vanilla cream. Very seamless, this is already great wine to consume now and over the next ten years. Drink 2023-2033- 92

2021 Sangiacomo ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir- Made by winemaker James McPhail, this saw 29% new French oak for ten months before bottling. It is very polished and soft on the mouth with ripe guava and red currant flavors that mingle with the salty undertones. This is already seriously good stuff to consume over the next ten plus years. Drink 2023-2033- 93

The Setting

2021 The Setting Sauvignon Blanc- Coming from a slightly warmer site on Dry Creek, the 2021 The Setting Sauvignon Blanc was stored in 38% new French oak before bottling and saw extended battonage. The wine shows incredible freshness and finesse with bright underlying acidity. Juicy gooseberry and starfruit tones combine with a seamless texture on the palate. This is seriously good Sauvignon Blanc that will age gracefully for at least another eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 95

2019 The Setting ‘Alexander Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Densely concentrated, this is 100% varietal wine that was aged for 22 months in 80% new French oak before bottling. Very concentrated black currants and black cherry flavors that combine with decadent milk chocolate notes. Finishing very long, this is an incredible effort that will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2023-2045- 96

2019 The Setting ‘Rockpile’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2019 ‘Rockpile’ comes from this stony site in the Alexander Valley. Beautiful black florals combine with black tea, black licorice and creosote notes. The palate is massive and incredibly powerful with the incredible stony terroir. Dense and intense, with bright acidity, this is quite simply a knockout wine. Drink 2023-2045- 98

St. Francis

2020 St. Francis ‘Old Vine’ Zinfandel- This shows a soft mouthfeel with approachable black fruit and coffee ground flavors, with light tannins and underlying acidity. Drink now. Drink 2023-2026- 88

2019 St. Francis ‘Lagomarsino Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2019 St. Francis ‘Lagomarsino Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers soft black cherry and blackberry flavors with hints of sage. Medium-bodied, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2028- 89

Sojourn Cellars

NV Sojourn Sparkling Wine- This is a limited production wine that is made from Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. This is a zero dosage bottling that offers brioche and saline drenched pear on the nose with hints of cashew nut. The palate shows good weight with wonderful structure and copious minerals. Drink 2023-2029- 92

2022 Sojourn Rose- Made from Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir grapes, this outstanding 2022 Rose comes off very clean with bright acidity and a soft mouthfeel. Watermelon and Yakima cherry notes combine wth green melon on the palate. The salty tones from this site really adds some downright sexy nuance. Drink 2023-2029- 92

2021 Sojourn Cellars ‘Gap’s Crown Vineyard’ Chardonnay- This 2021 edition of this Chardonnay is also very much better than its 2020 edition. For years I have admired wines from this famed site that borders the Pacific Ocean in the Sonoma Coast AVA. Stored in 30% new French oak, this offers good viscosity and richness on the palate, with overt salty accents, with Macadamia nut, white peach and juicy starfruit flavors. Drink now and over the next decade. Drink 2023-2033- 94

2021 Sojourn Cellars ‘Durell Vineyard’ Chardonnay-  Located in the Sonoma Coast AVA, the famed Durell Vineyard utilizes old Wente Clonal selection Chardonnay. Vines were planted back in the 1990s. This version is considerably better than the 2020 edition and displays a smooth texture and glorious sense of weight and underlying tension, with salty and silty mineral tones. Ripe nectarine, Japanese pear and salted pie crust flavors all gloriously combine. This is seriously good stuff that will live on for decades to come. Drink 2023-2033- 94

2021 Sojourn Cellars ‘Reuling Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Sourced from the Sonoma Coast AVA, the 2021 Sojourn Cellars ‘Reuling Vineyard’ Chardonnay comes off very clean with good finesse and salty accents. Shades of salted brioche, wet stone and ripe peach all combine with suggestions of baking spices on he palate. This finishes very long with salty minerals and cream. Drink 2023-2031- 92

2021 Sojourn Cellars ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 Sojourn Cellars ‘Russian River Valley’ Pinot Noir is very juicy and ripe with a core of bright red fruits that collide with the fantastic underlying finesse. With more air cola and tilled soil flavors come alive. Drink this great value now and over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 92

2021 Sojourn Cellars ‘Sangiacomo Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Coming from this site near the Pacific Ocean, the 2021 ‘Sangiacomo Vineyard’ Pinot Noir shows off pretty violet florals on the nose alongside freshly tilled loamy and salty soils, Bing cherry and shades of cardamom dusted red raspberry. The palate comes off very fresh with beautiful tension. A pure core of red fruits greets you with blood orange zest and salty accents on the palate. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2023-2038- 94

2021 Sojourn Cellars ‘Reuling Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Coming from this site in the Sonoma Coast AVA, the 2021 ‘Reuling Vineyard’ offers tart cranberry and black cherry notes alongside very salty accents on the palate. Showing good weight and underlying verve, and finishing very long this is outstanding Pinot Noir to enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2023-2035- 93

2021 Sojourn Cellars ‘Wohler Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This site in the center of the Russian River Valley is set on Goldridge soils. The 2021 ‘Wohler Vineyard’ Pinot Noir shows bright red and dark fruits on the palate, with tobacco leaf, salty soils and suggestions of black tea. Complex and delicious, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2023-2035- 93

2020 Sojourn Cellars ‘Ridgetop Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The delicious 2020 Sojourn Cellars ‘Ridgetop Vineyard’ Pinot Noir was stored in 50% new French oak prior to bottling. Red cherry and salted strawberry flavors mingle with loamy soils on the palate. Great now, consume this over the next five years. Drink 2022-2027- 91

2020 Sojourn Cellars ‘Walala Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This Sonoma Coast AVA Pinot Noir unveils nice salty character once on the palate. The soft mouthfeel entices as mouth-watering red fruits greet you, alongside a good beam of tension. Drink this soon. Drink 2022-2027- 91

2020 Sojourn Cellars ‘Riddle Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2020 Sojourn Cellars ‘Riddle Vineyard’ Pinot Noir was stored in 50% new French oak before bottling. This Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir reveals a soft mouthfeel and good length with light red fruit flavors and citrus rind undertones. This is a commendable effort considering the challenges of the vintage. Drink 2022-2026- 90

2019 Sojourn Cellars ‘Oakville’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Just a touch (2%) of Petit Verdot was added to this Cabernet Sauvignon which underwent native yeast fermentation and then was stored in 75% new French oak before bottling. Dark current cordial, coffee grounds and shades of mocha all fill the palate, with good concentration and length. Very nicely textured, with refined tannins, this beautiful wine will cellar well easily over the next fifteen years. But why wait? Drink 2022-2037- 93

2019 Sojourn Cellars ‘Oakville Ranch Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The seriously good 2019 Sojourn Cellars ‘Oakville Ranch Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunning new wine that is built to age but also is appealing in its hedonistic youth. Stored in 75% new French oak, this gives off a touch of toasty wood, alongside blackberry pie and black forest cake tones on the nose, with loamy soil undercurrents. Once on the mouth this displays a beam of tension that plays well with refined tannins and a deep core of dark fruit flavors, with espresso ground accents. Give this at least an hour of air if consuming now. Drink 2022-2042- 95

Stonestreet

2018 Stonestreet ‘Red Point’ Chardonnay- The 2018 ‘Red Point’ was stored for ten months in 40% new French oak before bottling. This comes off very seamless with poached pear, white peach and vanilla cream. This finish is just exceptional, showing good weight and minerality. Enjoy this beauty over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 94

2019 Stonestreet ‘Upper Barn’ Chardonnay- The 2019 Stonestreet ‘Upper Barn’ is a stunning wine that is absolutely intoxicating to enjoy now. This is utterly seamless wine that has no rough edges. Densely packed citrus and orchard fruits with shades of roasted pineapple, and buttered pastry this is a world-class Chardonnay that will cellar well for at least another ten years. Drink 2023-2035- 96

2017 Stonestreet ‘The Silks’ Red Wine- Mostly Cabernet Franc, this offers sandalwood with bright red rose petal tones on the nose alongside graphite and anise. The palate is soft and shows light tannins that frame a beautiful core of red and dark fruit flavors, with coffee ground accents. Drink 2023-2029- 92

Stressed Vine Cellars

2021 Stressed Vine Cellars ‘Block 10’ Pinot Noir- Juicy red fruits with bubblegum and salty notes combine on the palate. Drink now. Drink 2023-2026- 88

2021 Stressed Vine Cellars ‘Vineyard Select Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 Stressed Vine Cellars ‘Vineyard Select Reserve’ Pinot Noir shows red raspberry and clove notes alongside a light degree of tension. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2028- 89

Taft Street Winery

2022 Taft Street Sauvignon Blanc- Cantaloupe, kiwi and minerals follow this forward and nicely balanced 2022 Sauvignon Blanc. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2027- 89

2022 Taft Street Rose- Made from Pinot Noir grapes from the Russian River Valley, this has pink bubblegum, guava and stony minerals on the palate. Soft and approcaable, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2027- 89

Teac Mor

2021 Teac Mor Chardonnay- The 2021 Teac More Chardonnay shows ripe papaya with sourdough bread notes on the palate, with a smooth texture. Finishing long, enjoy this great wine now and over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 91

2021 Teac Mor Pinot Noir- WIld straweberry notes mark the nose on this Russian River Pinot Noir, with freshly tilled salty soils and shades of cardamom. The palate os wonderfully earthy wth a smooth texture and good sense of weight. This is really nice stuff that is already beautifully evolved. Drink 2023-2031- 91

Ten Acre

2019 Ten Acre ‘Earl Stephens Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 Ten Acre ‘Earl Stephens Vineyard’ Pinot Noir offers baking spices and tart red cherry notes on the nose with loamy soils. The palate is viscous and rich with good underlying tension. This is really delightful to consume right now at the three year mark. Drink 2023-2033- 92

2018 Ten Acre ‘Jenkins Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This comes from this Russian River Valley site, as the wine offers bright minerality and a smooth texture once on the mouth. Guava and wild strawberry flavors combine with copious minerals and salty soil notes on the palate. Finishing long, this is really good stuff to consume over the next decade. Drink 2023-2033- 92

Tongue Dancer

2020 Tongue Dancer ‘Platt Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2020 Tongue Dancer ‘Platt Vineyard’ Chardonnay  is a really good effort in this vintage. Lemon rind and poached pear notes combine with copious minerals on the palate. Full-bodied and showing lots of verve, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2023-2033- 92

2021 Tongue Dancer ‘Sonoma County’ Pinot Noir- Forward and delicious, the 2021 Tongue Dancer ‘Sonoma County’ Pinot Noir shows plenty of ripe red fruits with citrus zest and stony minerals on the palate. Drink 2023-2029- 90

Trombetta

2019 Trombetta ‘Gap’s Crown Vineyard’ Chardonnay- Coming from this site which neighbors the Pacific Ocean, the 2019 Trombetta ‘Gap’s Crown Vineyard’ Chardonnay shows off toasty brioche notes alongside banana and hints of roasted pineapple on the palate. This is really nice stuff already at the three year mark. Drink 2023-2031- 92

2019 Trombetta ‘Intingoli Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2019 Trombetta ‘Intingoli Vineyard’ Chardonnay shows salty soil notes alongside praline, white peach and juicy starfruit flavors on the palate. Finishing long with vanilla cream and minerals, this is an outstanding effort in 2019. Drink 2023-2031- 92

Verite

2019 Verite ‘La Muse’ Red Wine- The 2019 ‘La Muse’ blends 90% Merlot with the remainder Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The wine comes from the Alexander Valley, Bennet Valley, Chalk Hill and Knights Valley regions. The nose is exotic with asian spices that combine with chocolate fudge, espresso grounds and blueberry compote notes. The palate is deep and concentrated with wonderful underlying tension. The structure and weight here really makes this tick, as this finishes exceedingly long with black fruits and minerals. Drink 2025-2050- 97

2019 Verite ‘La Joie’ Red Wine- The 2019 ‘La Joie’ blends 84% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Merlot, Caneret Franc and Petit Verdot. Black florals combine with shades of black forest cake, mocha, tar and anise on the nose. The incredible aromatics bring you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The palate is intense and powerful with great underling acidity and very refined tannins. Stunning now, this has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2024-2050- 98

2019 Verite ‘Le Desir’ Red Wine- The 2019 ‘Le Desir’ combines Cabernet Franc (83%) with the remainder Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. This shows beautiful red rose petals on the nose with suggestions of baking spices, anise and Turkish coffee. The palate is deep and heady with incredible intensity and a hedonistic bent. This is a total stunner. Drink 2025-2050- 98

Viluko

2016 Viluko Malbec- Nicely structured, and well-evolved now at the seven year mark, the 2016 Viluko Malbec shows green herbs with milk chocolate and blackberry cobbler notes on the palate. Drink 2023-2030- 90

2016 Viluko Cabernet Sauvignon- The forward 2016 Viluko Cabernet Sauvignon delivers dark chocolate flavors alongside black raspberry and black cherry flavors on the palate. Medium-bodied, enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2023-2029- 90

WALT

2021 WALT ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay- The 2021 WALT ‘Sonoma Coast’ Chardonnay (30% new French oak) comes together with ripe mango, banana, lemon cream. white peach and copious salty minerals on the palate. The long finish lingers marvelously on the tongue, as this beauty is best best enjoyed over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 93

2021 WALT ‘Sangiacomo Vineyard’ Chardonnay- WALT has been working with this site for more than a decade, as they source from three parcels in the vineyard. Each lot is picked separately and then blended back together. This comes off very salty and savory with salted Marcona almond, toasted brioche bread, and roasted pineapple notes on the palate. Drink 2023-2035- 94

2021 WALT ‘Bob’s Ranch’ Chardonnay- This wine comes from a cooler site that sees a lot of fog during harvest. Stored in 35% new French oak, this offers serious weight and great underlying finesse. Cantaloupe and lemon curd flavors combine with shades of Japanese pear and nutty undertones. Gorgeous to consume now, this will only get better with age. Drink 2023-2035- 95

2021 WALT ‘La Brisa’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 ‘La Brisa’ Pinot Noir is a gorgeous offering that blends a range of vineyards from the Sonoma Coast AVA. Very juicy with pomegranate seed, kumquat zest, freshly tiled salty soils and shades of red rose water, this is delicious, bright and concentrated Pinot Noir that is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2023-2031- 93

William Knuttel

2021 William Knuttel Chardonnay- Toasty sourdough bread and baking spices mark the nose with Japanese pear tones. Medium-bodied, this is already nicely evolved stuff to enjoy in the short-term. Drink 2023-2029- 89

2019 Wiliam Knuttel Cabernet Sauvignon- Black cherry, black licorice and black currants all combine here in the ripe 2019 Wiliam Knuttel Cabernet Sauvignon, showing some nice herbal accents. Enjoy this now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2029- 90

Wren Hop

2019 Wren Hop ‘Field Busker’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 Wren Hop ‘Field Busker’ Pinot Noir shows a bright underlying tension with tart red fruits, citrus blossom and salty soil flavors on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2030- 90

2019 Wren Hop ‘Harvest Thief’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 Wren Hop ‘Harvest Thief’ Pinot Noir offers a smooth texture once on the mouth, with good underlying minerality. Straightforward red fruits greet you, as this is already nicely evolved stuff at the four year mark. Drink 2023-2030- 90

Dr. Loosen

Today we present one of the all-time greats from the Mosel region of Western Germany. The Dr. Loosen estate has been in the same family for more than 200 years. Dr. Ernst Loosen assumed ownership in 1988, he realized that, with ungrafted vines averaging 60 years old in some of Germany’s top-rated vineyards, he had the raw materials to create stunningly intense, world-class Rieslings. He was the only one of his siblings interested in taking over the winery and Ernst focused on becoming one of the regions top winemakers, as he completed his studies at Germany’s renowned winemaking school in Geisenheim and then completed a self directed review of the great wines of the world including Austria, to Burgundy and Alsace, even to California. He wanted to visit these great winemaking regions and learn from other top winemakers.

Dr. Loosen has gained an International reputation for killer value Rieslings that shows that special blue slated terroir and bright minerality of the reigon. He has also been collaborating with Chateau Ste. Michelle for more than a decade and helps produce what is year after year one of Washington’s top Rieslings, the Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Eroica’ Riesling.

For his wines Dr. Loosen sources from some of the Mosel’s top vineyards including the Wehlener Sonnenuhr and the Urziger Wurzgarten. I love the new range of wines that he produced. Check out the killer value 2021 Dr. Loosen ‘Blue Slate’ Riesling (OB, 91) which is very fresh and vibrant on the palate with a great core of fruits. The 2021 Dr. Loosen ‘Erdinger Teppchen’ Spatlase Riesling (OB, 94) which might not be the most dense Spatlase but is seamless and absolutely irresistible right now with its beautiful tension and stony tones. Learn more about this famed winery at https://drloosen.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Dr. Loosen

NV Dr. Lo With Bubbles Riesling (alcohol removed)- Peach and green apple notes mingle with sweetened gooseberry on the palate.  Drink 2023-2026- 88

2021 Dr. Loosen Riesling- A killer value, the 2021 Dr. Loosen Riesling shows plenty of minerality once on the mouth. Layers of Pink Lady apple collide with wet stone and shades of kerosene on the palate. Drink 2023-2028- 89

2021 Dr. Loosen ‘Dry’ Riesling- Juicy and delicious, the Trocken-inspired ‘Dry’ Rielsing offers sourdough bread and Gravenstein apple flavors alongside plenty of stony minerals. Drink this great value now. Drink 2023-2028- 89

2021 Dr. Loosen ‘Red Slate’ Riesling- The 2021 ‘Red Slate’ is filled with marvelous tension once on the mouth. Layers of bright citrus rind flavors collide with Granny Smith apple and copious minerals on the palate. Enjoy now while the freshness remains intact. Drink 2023-2028- 90

2021 Dr. Loosen ‘Blue Slate’ Riesling- The 2021 ‘Blue Slate’ is an irresistible value buy by Dr. Loosen. Fresh and finesse-driven, this shows lovely stony undertones alongside sweet nectarine, Yakima cherry and green papaya notes on the palate. Drink 2023-2029- 91

2021 Dr. Loosen ‘Erdener Teppchen’ Spatlase Riesling- The impossible to resist 2021 Dr. Loosen ‘Erdener Teppchen’ Spatlase Riesling might not be the richest Spatlase on the market but the sense of balance is absolutely impeccable. Green apple and freshly sliced lime flavors combine with wet slate and shades of petrol on the palate. Seamless, and mineral-driven, this is quite frankly a joy to consume right now. Drink 2023-2033- 94

Laurent Perrrier 'Grand Siecle' Vertical

For my 43rd birthday I was able organize a tasting I’ve wanted to do for a decade. What I consider to be one of the great wines of the world, the ‘Grand Siecle’ is Laurent Perrier’s tête de cuvée which is blended from a host of vintages and also crafted from only grand cru vineyards. Established in 1812, Laurent Perrier is located in the heart of Champagne, in Tours-sur-Marne. Vines are set on limestone soil, highly chalky and showing the distinctiveness of the region. The chalk subsoil holds sufficient water, during dry spells and due its porous nature also provides good drainage when it is wet to prevent roots of becoming water logged, acting a bit like a sponge.

For my tasting I procured editions 23, 24 and 25 of this wine. I had tasted the 22nd edition in November 2022 and sadly the bottle did not show particularly well. The new edition, the 25 (OB, 97) is truly a thing of beauty. In this Grand Siecle 25 ed. chef du cave Michel Fauconnet has blended wines from the 2008, 2007, and 2006 vintages. This wine is truly one of the finest tête de cuvée champagnes in the world. The wine also needs about 40 minutes of air to really come into its own. Almost as good was the Grand Siecle 23 ed. (OB, 96) which was sourced from the 2006 (65%), 2004 (20%), and 2002 (15%) vintages. Mainly Chardonnay (58%) with the reminder Pinot Noir, this is a utterly fantastic wine right now, as it tapered off in terms of finesse after about an hour. Plump and ripe, this really shows off the fleshy character of the 2006 vintage in Champagne. A step back but still outstanding was the Grand Siecle 24 ed. (OB, 94) which was laden with finesse and stony character. A blend of 55% Chardonnay and 45% Pinot Noir from 100% Grand Cru vineyards this utilizes a base of the 2007 vintage as well as wines from the 2006, and 2004 vintages. Learn more about this historic Champagne house at http://www.laurent-perrier.com/en/the-wines/ and here are my reviews of the 23-25 editions of ‘Grand Siecle.’

Laurent Perrier ‘Grand Siecle No. 25’ Champagne- The ‘Grand Siecle’ No.25 is mostly from the 2008 vintage (65%) with smaller parts from the 2007 (25%) and 2006 (10%). A blend of 60% Chardonnay with the remainder Pinot Noir, this comes from a selection of 9 Grand Cru Vineyards. The nose is wonderfully complex with lemon zest dusted biscuit and shades of kumquat blossom and salted cashew. The palate is deep and concentrated with plenty of weight and finesse. Gorgeous now, this will easily age for another fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2022-2038- 97

Laurent Perrier ‘Grand Siecle No. 24’ Champagne- Outstanding but a step back from the 23 and 25 eds., the ‘Grand Siecle No. 24.’ utilizes the 2007 vintage as the base, with wines also coming from the 2006 and 2004 vintages. It comes off very stony and laden with finesse once on the mouth. Ginger and marzipan notes combine with shades of Gravenstein apple and quince on the palate. A delight to enjoy now with its laser freshness, I can see this easily cellaring for another ten years. Drink 2023-2033- 94

Laurent Perrier ‘Grand Siecle No. 23’ Champagne- One of the stars of this tasting, the Laurent Perrier ‘Grand Siecle No. 23’ Champagne is a simply marvelous effort at now several years since release. This edition was mainly sourced from the warm 2006 vintage (65%) as well as the 2004 and 2002 vintages. It is wonderfully fleshy and rich once on the mouth with a silky mousse. Layers of honey dusted brioche and yellow plum combine with Pink Lady apple notes alongside notes of white truffle on the palate. This is one to consume now, as the finesse seems to slow down rather quickly after opening. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next five years. Drink 2023-2028- 96

Quilceda Creek 2013 Retrospective

Today we have a very special feature for you. One of the great wines made in North America, Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon is arguably Washington State’s signature wine. I have had the chance to visit these wines back to the 1990s and it is remarkable how well they can cellar. Even in the most challenging vintages, Quilceda Creek has been a pillar of consistency. Originally founded by Alex and Jeanette Golitzin back in 1978, Quilceda Creek Director of Winemaking Paul Golitzin was entored by his father Alex Golitzin and his great Uncle Andre Tchelistcheff. Paul Golitzin took what he had learned and developed his own style that has been some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon made in Washington State.

Even in the smoke-filled 2020 vintage, Quilceda Creek shined. The wines I tasted came from my cellar and had not been moved at all. 2013 was a vintage that seems to be somehow overshadowed by the 2012 vintage which was very classic in Washington State. 2013 saw considerable more heat than 2012 but did not posses the intense heat spikes of 2015. Harvest saw some cooler temperatures which helped with the wines retaining acidity. I have found that many top Bordeaux style wines from 2013 are every bit as good — if not better — than those produced in 2012. My tasting of Quilceda Creek was a perfect example of this. Both wines that I tasted, their 2013 ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 99) and the Galitzine Vineyard (OB, 99) flirted with perfection. They are now quite divergent, as the Galitzine is showing more non-fruit notes with tar, scorched earth and coffee notes. The 2013 ‘Columbia Valley’ is seamless and balanced, with lovely underlying freshness and a pillowy texture.  Both are an incredible piece of Washington wine history. Learn more about these wines at quilcedacreek.com and here are my reviews of the sensational Quilceda Creek wines from 2013.

2013 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 100% varietal 2013 ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes entirely from the Champoux Vineyard. Stored for 20 months in French oak this shows off pencil lead, violets, freshly tilled loamy soils and dense dark plum notes on this captivating bouquet. The palate is soft and inviting with a silky texture and ultra-refined tannins. Plus, rich and very hedonistic, this is scintillating stuff that flirts with perfection and is really in its wheelhouse right now. Drink 2023-2033- 99

2013 Quilceda Creek ‘Galitzine Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The outrageously good 2013 Quilceda Creek ‘Galitzine Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this site in Red Mountain. Very dark with a deep core, this was stored for 20 months in all new French oak as this is almost all Cabernet Sauvignon (95%) from Galitzine Vineyard with 5% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Wallula Vineyard. The non-fruit notes are really rocking with scorched earth notes combine with Turkish coffee, tar, tobacco leaf and huckleberry cordial. The palate is silky and downright delicious, as this is showing brilliantly right now. Seamless and sensual wine right now, no reason to cellar this beauty any longer. Drink 2023-2033- 99

DeLille Cellars

I have long been enamored by the consistently great wines by DeLille Cellars. I fondly recall tasting there twenty years ago during my time in graduate school. DeLille rose to prominence under the guidance of eminent winemaker Chris Upchurch. Their director of winemaking Jason Gorski, has consistently crafted incredible wines regardless of vintage. DeLille Cellars was the first winery in Washington to focus on creating Bordeaux style wine blends and makes arguably the best Bordeaux style white wine in North America with its ‘Chaleur Blanc.’ For my palate the Chaleur Blanc will challenge some of the finest white wines you will find in Bordeaux. DeLille sources from their estate, 20-acre vineyard in Red Mountain as well as premier vineyards in the Yakima Valley. Their new Woodivinlle winery is a must visit as it boasts modern decor with a fantastic rooftop that even has views of Mt. Ranier.

2020 was not a vintage kind to most wineries. It is very impressive how Gorski navigated this vintage with his team. He has created wines that are clean with good concentration. As I recommend for all red wines made in this vintage, it is best to consume them young. I also adored the 2022 DeLille Cellars Rose (OB, 93) which has been one of the most consistently great Rose wines over the past five years made in the Pacific Northwest. Don’t miss out on the 2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Four Flags’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which is one of the finest renditions of this wine that I can remember over the past decade. Learn more about this fantastic winery at www.delillecellars.com Here are the great new release wines from DeLille.

2022 Metier Sauvignon Blanc- Sourced from the Horse Heaven Hills, the 2022 Metier Sauvignon Blanc shows pretty white rose petals and pink grapefruit blossom notes that combine with kiwi notes on the nose. The palate is soft and nicely textured with bright acidity that holds together a core of green apple and kumquat with green papaya notes. Drink 2023-2027- 90

2021 Metier Red Blend- The 2021 Red Blend by Metier is a medium-bodied combination of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot that shows good stuffing and brightness. Milk chocolate and black currants combine with shades of baking spices on the palate. Drink 2023-2027- 90

2021 Metier Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Metier Cabernet Sauvignon is a really good value that is nearly 100% varietal. Roasted herbs and dark cherry dominate the nose with tobacco leaf accents. This shows good balance with medium bodied dark fruit and coffee ground flavors. Drink 2023-2028- 90

2022 DeLillle Roussanne- For years DeLille Cellars has been making some of the finest Roussanne that you will find in the state. This 2022 edition is entirely sourced from the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard on Red Mountain. Stored in a combination of natural oak, concrete and stainless steel this shows amazing flavor range with serious texture and verve. This is silky and very easy to drink with citrus blossom, kiwi, cantaloupe and brie cheese notes. Drink now and over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 94

2022 DeLille Cellars Rose- This 2022 edition combines Grenache (50%) with 39% Mourvèdre and the remainder Cinsault. Very fragrant on the nose with white peach and guava notes alongside Yakima cherry and damp soil undertones. The palate is soft and beautifully textured with serious underlying verve. A pure core of red fruit flavors greets you, showing strawberry and red raspberry notes alongside kumquat rind and stony undertones. Complex and delicious, this will age brilliantly for another eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 93

2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Blanc’ White Wine- This edition of the ‘Chaleur Blanc’ combines 69% Sauvignon Blanc with the remainder Semillon. Showing a deep color, this offers roasted hazelnuts on the nose with bright pear and starfruit tones. The palate is marvelously textured with showing good viscosity and weight without coming off as heavy. Very youthful and finesse-driven, this is beautiful wine to cellar over the next ten years. Drink 2023-2033- 94

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Marguerite’ White Wine- The 2020 ‘Marguerite’ is named after the Marguerite daisy which is a symbol of patience. Stored for more than a year in oak barrels, this comes from some of the oldest Sauvignon Blanc in the state. Very smooth and rich on the mouth, this shows a beautiful range of flavors from juicy peach and kiwi notes alongside honeydew melon and stony minerals on the palate. Drink 2023-2033- 94

2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Sagemoor Vineyards’ Riesling- Coming from the White Bluffs AVA, this 2022 Riesling was sourced from the Bacchus and Dionysus Vineyards. This shows a sterling tension with green apple, kumquat and petrol notes on the palate. Nicely textured, this is really great wine to enjoy on a hot summer day. Drink 2023-2029- 92

NV Forget-Me-Not Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine- The NV Forget-Me-Not Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine is the first bottling of sparkling wine that DeLille Cellars has produced. This fruity bubbles offers up peach and lemon zest flavors that combine with copious minerals on the palate. Drink 2023-2028- 90

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘StoneTree Vineyard’ Mourvèdre- Coming from the Wahluke Slope, this 2020 Mourvèdre offers chocolate and smoked meat tones on the nose alongside a rich core of dark fruits. The palate is fresh and refined with silky tannins that frame a core of ripe dark plum, tobacco and mocha flavors. Drink 2023-2029- 93

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Le Dessein’ Red Wine- A Rhone inspired blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, the 2020 ‘Le Dessein’ evokes Provencale herbs notes with black currants and pipe tobacco on the nose. The palate comes off fresh and lithe with a soft mouthfeel. Red raspberry combine with loamy soils, and dried sage on the palate. Drink 2023-2028- 92

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Signature’ Syrah- The 2020 ‘Signature’ Syrah is a seriously good effort out of the Yakima Valley. The nose is seriously good with blood orange and iodine alongside sagebrush and shades of creme de violette. The palate is fleshy and big with bright underlying acidity. Very smoky and savory with great concentration, this is fantastic wine to enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2028- 94

2019 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Syrah- The outstanding and very inky 2019 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Syrah (clone 383) was stored in 30% new French oak before bottling. Kirsch and black olives combine with loamy soils and scorched earth notes on the palate. This is very fresh and rich Syrah that is built to age. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten years. Drink 2023-2033- 94

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Doyenne’ Red Wine- The Provence-inspired 2020 ‘Doyenne’ comes from Columbia Valley and combines Syrah (60%) with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon. This is rich and viscous wine that shows brilliantly salty and savory undertones on the palate. Black olives, black tea and rich dark fruits parade with chocolate notes on the plate. Drink 2023-20230- 94

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ Malbec- The delicious 2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ Malbec is a dense and concentrated effort that is great to enjoy right now. Kirsch and dark currant flavors combine with huckleberry and suggestions of violets on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2028- 93

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Minuet’ Red Wine- The 2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Minuet’ Red Wine is a beautifully balanced wine from the Yakima Valley. Nicely textured, with medium weight, this displays ripe boysenberry and black cherry flavors with chocolate and good structure on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2029- 92

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘D2’ Red Wine- The 2020 ’D2’ combines 61% Merlot with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and a touch of Petit Verdot. This comes off very clean on the palate with chocolate, blackberry and black cherry flavors, with tilled soil notes. Enjoy this outstanding wine now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2028- 92

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Le Colosse’ Red Wine- This 2020 by DeLille combines mostly Merlot (92%) with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is fresh showcasing ripe red currant flavors that combine with pipe tobacco, red raspberry and loamy soil notes. Finishing long, this is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2023-2029- 94

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Red Willow’ Red Wine- This outstanding blend from the Red Willow Vineyard combines 47% Cabernet Franc with 40% Merlot and the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine displays beautiful florals with ripe red currants, menthol and shades of chocolate covered red cherry. The palate is fleshy and intense, with fantastic underlying verve. Drink 2023-2029- 95

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Four Flags’ Cabernet Sauvignon- 100% varietal, the 2020 ‘Four Flags’ is a marvelous showing from this challenging vintage. Right away this offers alluring garrigue and violet rose petal notes on the nose alongside espresso grounds. The palate is impeccably balanced, with good weight and a gorgeous core of dark fruit flavors. This is very clean and is best consumed now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2029- 95

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Shaw Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Also 100% varietal, the 2020 ‘Shaw Vineyard’ displays ripe huckleberry notes that combine with espresso grounds and dark current with roasted fig accents on the nose. The palate is refined and rich with plenty of concentration and depth. This is truly outstanding and decadent Cabernet Sauvignon that is best consumed now and over the next seven years. Drink 2023-2029- 95

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Klipsun Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This comes from this famed site in the heart of Red Mountain. Scorched earth and dried herbal notes come together with rich dark fruits on the nose. The palate is rich and viscous with salty undertones and a bright underlying acidity. Drink 2023-2029- 94

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Harrison Hill Vineyard’ Red Wine- Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (65%) with the remainder Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this shows tar and mocha on the nose with garrigue and shades of wild blackberry. The palate is soft and refined with silky tannins that combine with a rich core of dark fruit flavors. Drink 2023-2029- 94

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Estate’ Red Wine- The 2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Estate’ Red Wine blends 63% Cabernet Franc with the remainder Merlot, Cabernet Franc and a dash of Petit Verdot. Rich dark chocolate and roasted dates combine with garrigue and freshly tilled soils on the nose. The palate is very fresh and refined with silky tannins that combine with rich dark fruits and creme de violette flavors. Drink 2023-2029- 95

2020 DeLille Cellars ‘Grand Ciel’ Red WIne- Coming from their estate vineyard on Red Mountain, the 2020 ‘Grand Ciel’ offers terrific concentration and finesse with great balance. Sagebrush, black currants, loamy soils and Turkish coffee flavors. The balance is here. Drink 2023-2029- 95

Cristom Vineyards

One of the premier producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley, Cristom Vineyards has been on the world stage, particularly for their single vineyard Pinot Noir bottlings that you can find at some top New York Michelin Star restaurants. While Cristom has made their name in Pinot Noir, they also craft some incredible single vineyard Chardonnay bottlings. The new wines I tried were all from the 2021 vintage, one that had consistently warm weather during the summer. Check out their entry level 2021 Cristom Vineyards ‘Eola-Amity Hills’ Chardonnay (OB, 93) which is a steal considering the weight and flavor density this packs. I love the 2021 Cristom Vineyards ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) which shows these wonderful stony and flinty tones from this acclaimed site. Check out more about these outstanding wines at https://www.cristomvineyards.com and here are my reviews of the new releases by Cristom.

2021 Cristom Vineyards ‘Eola-Amity Hills’ Chardonnay- Coming from a host of great vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, this 2021 Chardonnay opens with salted cashew nut with peach and stony undertones on the nose. The palate is soft and is filled with lemon zest, brioche and wonderful tension that frames this outstanding value. Enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 93

2021 Cristom Vineyards ‘Louise Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The exceedingly good 2021 Cristom Vineyards ‘Louise Vineyard’ Chardonnay is a stunning effort from this warm vintage in the Willamette Valley. Chardonnay was planted in the lower part of this site which was first planted back in 1993. It is nicely concentrated but also very nicely poised. Kumquat rind, Japanese pear and honeydew melon flavors combine with shades of hazelnut topped shortbread on the palate. Only 100 cases made of this brilliant Chardonnay. Drink 2023-2035- 95

2021 Cristom Vineyards ‘Seven Springs Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The famed ‘Seven Springs Vineyard; was founded back in 1982 as this site is set on ancient volcanic soils. This is a very nervy and tension-filled Chardonnay once on the mouth, showing a delicious set of melon and citrus fruits. With more air the stony and flinty tones become more evident as this is drinking beautifully right now and will surely provide drinking enjoyment for another decade or more. Drink 2023-2035- 95

2021 Cristom Vineyards ‘Royer Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The ‘Royer Vineyard’ is located southwest edge of the Eola Hills. This 15 acre site is planted to Riesling and Chardonnay. This 2021 Chardonnay is a deep and concentrated wine that is irresistible in its youth. Heady, and laden with its core of starfruit, Pink Lady apple and baking spice and buttered French bread flavors, it is a stellar wine to consume right now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2023-2035- 95