Meyye Wines

A winery that honors Native American traditions, Meyye Wines was founded by Rob Campbell who is a member of the Coastal Miwok/Southern Pomo tribe. “I may be the only Native American winemaker who also owns his own label” Campbell noted. Each wine has different birds that are honored. “I’m intentionally using the Coast Miwok language since the language was considered ‘officially dead’ in the past” he said.

After serving as winemaker for Robert Story for 11 years, Campbell wanted to start his own winery. The wines he made were seriously good, having a beginning, middle and an end. I adored the 2020 Meyye Wines ‘Kuluppis’ Chardonnay (OB, 92) which shows off this special site and offers beautiful balance and texture. Learn more about these at meyyewines.com and here are my reviews of the new Meyye Wines.

2020 Mayye Wines ‘Kuluppis’ Chardonnay- Coming from the Sangiacomo Vineyards, this 2020 Chardonnay offers a smooth texture with beautiful weight and poise, with bright pear and brioche tones on the palate. Drink 2023-2031- 92

2019 Meyye Wines ‘Omay’ Pinot Noir- The 2019 ‘Omay’ was sourced from the Petaluma Gap AVA. Showing a soft mouthfeel, this reveals bright cranberry, citrus rind and freshly tilled soil flavors. Medium-bodied, this has good poise and is ready to go right now. Drink 2023-2029- 91

2018 Mayye Wines ‘Sokootok’ Red Wine- The 2018 ‘Soootok’ combines Grenache (50%) with smaller parts Syrah, Petit Sirah, Counoise and Zinfandel all from the Amador County. Juicy, with bright acidity, this offers pomegranate seed flavors alongside salty soils, tobacco leaf and shades of Mandarin orange zest on the palate. Medium-bodied, enjoy now. Drink 2023-2029- 91

2015 Meyye Wines ‘Palachchak’ Zinfandel- This excellent 2015 Zinfandel has 5% Syrah blended in. It comes off round and smooth on the palate, with loads of mouth-watering acidity. Ripe red fruits combine with shades of kumquat zest and loamy soils on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2029- 91

Lingua Franca

One of the standout producers of Oregon Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Lingua Franca was founded by Larry Stone and David Honig. Earlier this year the winery was sold to Constellation Brands and this will be an exciting development for the future. At the helm is Thomas Savre who is one of the state’s finest winemakers. As this winery expands it will be very interesting to see how these wines develop. Savre crafts very age worthy wines that show good richness and tension. I’ve had the chance to taste some older wines and have been really impressed with their aging potential.

The new wines come from the warm 2021 vintage which was a welcome change across the valley after 2020. Last year Savre made some incredible wines from that smoke-filled vintage that were arguably the wines of the vintage. This edition of wines he has hit another total home run. HIs 2021s show good depth, concentration and flavor density with fantastic underlying finesse. They are already beautifully evolved wines.

Check out the gorgeous 2021 Lingua Franca ‘Avni’ Chardonnay (OB, 94) which shows incredible concentration and flavor complexity. This is far from your typical entry level Oregon Chardonnay. Even better is the thrilling 2021 Lingua Franca ‘Lingua Franca Vineyard’ Chardonnay (OB, 96) which rivals the finest Chardonnays in this region. Massively complex, stony and heady, with great finesse, this is one for any serious collector of Oregon wines. Learn more about Lingua Franca at https://www.linguafranca.wine Here are the beautiful new releases by Lingua Franca.

2021 Lingua Franca ‘Avni’ Chardonnay- The 2021 ‘Avni’ is an outstanding entry level Chardonnay by Lingua Franca. Sourced from a range of sites including the Lingua Franca Estate, Bunker Hill, LSV and sites in the Chehalem Mountains and Yamhill-Carlton, this beautiful wine was was aged in combination of 21% new, 600-liter puncheons and mainly in old French oak barriques (63%) before for eleven months before bottling. This is lifted and wonderfully stony on the nose with white grapefruit zest, chamomile tea, nectarine zest and shades of Gravenstein apple. Nicely textured, the flinty tones shine through on the palate, with fantastic underlying finesse and plenty of lip-smacking acidity. This is a marvelous accomplishment in this warm vintage as each sip makes this more impossible to resist. Enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2023-2031- 94

2021 Lingua Franca ‘Lingua Franca Estate’ Chardonnay- Rich and very polished, the 2021 Lingua Franca ‘Lingua Franca Estate’ Chardonnay is a totally stunning wine that is already nicely evolved. Coming from this site in the Eola-Amity Hills this beauty was stored in 21% new, lightly toasted 500-liter puncheons and barriques, as well as 79% old French oak puncheons and barriques from a range of coopers. Crushed wet rock, pink grapefruit blossom, lemon zest and shades of pastry crust all meld on the nose with Japanese pear notes. The plate is rich and plush with a silky texture and glorious sense of length. Wiat for the minute-long finish. This beauty will go for another two decades. Drink 2023-2039- 96

2021 Lingua Franca ‘Bunker Hill’ Chardonnay- Always one of the unique Chardonnays made in the Willamette Valley, the 2021 ‘Bunker Hill’ comes from this super unique place that was planted all the way back in 1995. The nose displays the classic wet stone and volcanic ash notes that comes form this special location. Meyer lemon oil and starfruit aromatics combine with suggestions of mango, toasted hazelnut and a light dusting of white pepper. The complex aromatics go on and on. Despite the warmth of the vintage, the wine displays a dazzling verve as this deftly glides throughout the drinking experience. Like the ‘Lingua Franca Estate’ this shows remarkable length as well as flavor density. Quite simply a joy to drink, this will live on for another twenty years — if you can wait! Drink 2023-2043- 96

2021 Lingua Franca ‘Avni’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 ‘Avni’ Pinot Noir comes from several vineyards in the Willamette Valley that showcases stony soil sites. This edition is very juicy and rich with a smooth texture and good underlying finesse. Ripe red currants parade with Mandarin orange zest, salty soils and shades of red licorice. Complex and delicious, this beauty is absolutely singing right now. Drink 2023-2033- 93

2021 Lingua Franca ‘Lingua Franca Estate’ Pinot Noir- Deeply perfumed and showing off its rich hue in the glass, the 2021 Lingua Franca ‘Lingua Franca Estate’ Pinot Noir is a total knockout wine from this hotter vintage. The nose is filled with beautiful black florals with shades of black truffle, gunpowder, flint and kumquat rind notes that all take shape in the glass. The palate is soft and refined with a silky texture. This shows good elegance but also a great concentration of red and dark fruit flavors, with stony and herbal accents. Considering the stuffing and underlying finesse I can see this easily being a 20 year wine. Drink 2023-2043- 95

2021 Lingua Franca ‘The Plow’ Pinot Noir- A big wine from a warm vintage, the 2021 Lingua Franca ‘The Plow’ Pinot Noir does not stand translucent in its glass. The beguiling nose offers serious range from pretty orange rose petals to wet stone, cigar box, garrigue and suggestions of wild blackberry. The palate is soft and seamless, as this effortlessly glides throughout the drinking experience. Generous and rich, with good nerve, this beautiful wine will have another twenty years in front of it. Drink 2023-2043- 95

Laurent-Perrier Champagne

One of the famed champagne houses, Laurent-Peerier was established in 1812 and 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.

Laurent-Perrier produces a beautiful range of champagnes including one of the world’s most popular Rose champagnes. Their new NV Laurent-Perrier Brut Rose Champagne (OB, 93) is a masterful effort with incredible flavor range. I adored the 2012 Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne (OB, 93) which shows off the brilliant richness of this vintage. Chef du cave Michel Fauconnet has been with Laurent-Perrier since August 1973. He had a great deal of work experience in the cellars after getting a certificate in agricultural engineering at the Agricultural College of Rethel (in the Ardennes region). He has served as Production Director and 'Chef de Cave', Laurent-Perrier’s Cellar Master, a position held since February 2004. A truly inspired story, he first began working for the company as a manual worker from 1974-76 before being promoted to the technical staff in 1980. A year later, he received the accolade of 'Chef de Cercle' and was responsible for Laurent-Perrier’s winery and the fermentation process of all of Laurent-Perrier’s wines. Michel Fauconnet took over from Alain Terrier, who retired after 30 years and to whom he was Executive Deputy. Learn more about this historic Champagne house at http://www.laurent-perrier.com/en/the-wines/

NV Laurent-Perrier ‘La Cuvee’ Brut Champagne- The outstanding NV Laurent-Perrier ‘La Cuvee’ Brut Champagne is composed of mostly Chardonnay with smaller parts Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, with 15-30% reserve wines blended in. This is generous and rich on the mouth with toasted hazelnuts, pastry crust and shades of Pink Lady apple. Drink 2023-2029- 91

NV Laurent-Perrier Brut Rose Champagne- Bright and wonderfully salty, the NV Brut Rose Champagne shows a silky mousse and is loaded with rich red fruit flavors on the palate. Showing serious tension and depth, this is a stunning example of NV Rose Champagne that is best consumed now and over the next ten years. Drink 2023-2033- 93

NV Laurent-Perrier ‘Ultra Brut’ Champagne- The NV ‘Ultra Brut’ was first made back in 1981. This zero dosage wine combines Chardonnay (55%) with Pinot Noir (45%). This is very fresh and finesse-driven with sourdough bread, Key lime rind, and notes of Gravenstein apple. Ripe and round on the mouth, this is a delicious rendition that would be a sensational match for fresh uni sushi. Drink 2023-2029- 92

NV Laurent-Perrier ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Brut Nature Champagne- The brilliant new Laurent-Perrier ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Champagne is sourced from the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims. Once on the nose this takes on layers of white grapefruit zest, woven together with lemon rind dusted shortbread and shades of cardamom. The palate is rich and viscous with serious underlying tension. Fantastic to consume now, this will live on for another ten plus years. Drink 2023-2033- 93

2012 Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne- Coming from this outstanding vintage, the 2012 Brut Champagne benefits from a bit of air once opened. Layers of baking spice dusted French bread, Japanese pear, white peach and juicy honeydew melon all combine on the palate, with ginger accents. This is really a joy to drink right now at a slightly warmer temperature. Drink 2023-2033- 93

Saviah Cellars

Today we share one of the outstanding Walla Walla houses that somehow manages to fly under the radar. Saviah Cellars was founded back in 2000, starting with only 300 cases produced. Today they particularly gain fame from their Syrah wines that are sourced from their two estate vineyards in the Walla Walla Rocks District. Saviah was started by winemaker Richard Funk and his wife, Anita, who are both natives of Montana who moved to Walla Walla in 1991 and later planted their first vineyard in 2001. Saviah is a family name from Anita’s great-grandmother, a schoolteacher, artist and author, who settled in western Montana in the early 1900s. 

Richard is one of the great people in Washington wine. I had such a nice visit with him before he did a little pre-harvest trip to Italy. Rich makes some truly outstanding wines. With him I toured his two great estate vineyards, ‘The Stones Speak’ and ‘The Funk Estate’ vineyards. With a foundation  in microbiology, Richard previously worked as the Environmental Health Specialist with the Walla Walla County Health Department and is a self-taught winemaker. Richard has assisted several wineries with their start-up processes and served as the winemaker for Watermill Winery from 2006-2009, àMaurice winery from 2005-2006 and also has served as a consulting winemaker for several new wineries.

I love the new wines across the board. Check out the 2019 The Jack Syrah (OB, 91) which is one of their value wines and this Syrah over performs for the price. I adored the new 2020 Saviah ‘The Funk Estate’ Syrah (OB, 95) which is a masterful effort from a tough vintage. Learn more about this outstanding winery at https://www.saviahcellars.com/ Here are the outstanding new wines by Saviah.

2022 The Jack Sauvignon Blanc- Very fresh and smooth, the 2022 The Jack Sauvignon Blanc shows gooseberry and kiwi notes on the palate, with stony undertones. Showing good richness and persistence, enjoy this great value now and over the next several years. Drink 2023-2026- 90

2021 The Jack Chardonnay- Another really good value, the 2021 The Jack Chardonnay displays Meyer lemon cream, brioche and shades of banana on the palate, with good underlying. verve. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2028- 90

2019 The Jack Syrah- The 2019 The Jack Syrah shows nice stuffing considering the coolness of the vintage. Black olives and brisket notes collide with black currants and stony undertones on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2028- 91

2020 The Jack Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2020 The Jack Cabernet Sauvignon shows off blackberry compote and black licorice notes alongside allspice on the palate. Medium-bodied, with a neat texture, enjoy now. Drink 2023-2026- 90

2020 Saviah ‘GSM’ Red Wine- Mainly Grenache (75%) with smaller portions Syrah and Mourvedre, this offers an ebullient core of bright red fruits alongside wet stone, and blood orange zest. With a polished texture, this is drinking marvelously now.  Drink 2023-2029- 93

2020 Saviah ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah- The beautiful 2020 Saviah ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah is another standout bottling from this longtime producer.  Smoked meats and bulls blood flavors combine with ripe boysenberry on the nose. Drink 2023-2029- 93

2020 Saviah ‘The Stones Speak Vineyard’ Syrah- The brilliant 2020 Saviah ‘The Stones Speak Vineyard’ Syrah is a beautiful showing that comes off very clean from a challenging vintage. Crème de violette, smoldering stone, black truffle, Oyster sauce and Nori notes all combine on the palate. This is hugely complex stuff that will satisfy now and over the next five plus years. Drink 2023-2029- 95

2020 Saviah ‘The Funk Estate Vineyard’ Syrah- Not to be outdone, the gorgeous 2020 Saviah ‘The Stones Speak Vineyard’ Syrah comes from this difficult vintage and is a standout wine of The Rocks District. Black currants combine with espresso grounds, wet gravel, Kalamata olive  and smoked short rib on the palate. Delicious and also very fresh, enjoy this beauty over the next few years. Drink 2023-2029- 95

2020 Saviah ‘Hunt & Gather’ Red Wine- The outstanding 2020 Saviah ‘Hunt & Gather’ Red Wine combines 60% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Syrah all sourced from The Funk Estate Vineyard. Salty and savory, the 2020 ‘Hunt & Gather’ shows off black tea and loganberry notes on the nose alongside seaweed and shades of Hoisin sauce on the nose. Generous, with good length, this is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2023-2029- 94

2019 Saviah ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A barrel select wine sourced from the Walla Walla Valley, the 2019 Saviah ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes off wonderfully stony on the palate with rich black cherry and black raspberry flavors with salty river rock alongside Earl Grey tea and garrigue notes. Drink 2023-2029- 94

Cayuse Vineyards 'Impulsivo' Tempranillo Vertical

One of the outstanding and novel wines produced in North America, Cayuse might be best known for their Syrahs but they make sensational Tempranillo. Vigneron Christophe Baron was raised in Champagne and was was the youngest heir of the famed Champagne house, Baron Albert. His ancestors had worked the land at Baron Albert since 1677. As a young boy Christophe worked harvests and eventually studied viticulture in Burgundy and Champagne. After some travels he was drawn to the Willamette Valley, and was set on making great Pinot Noir. One day he was outside of Walla Walla and saw terroir inspired by the stony galets of Chateauneuf du Pape. We are all thankful that he decided to plant his vineyard back in 1997 and the rest has been history. Christophe has had unparalleled success in the Walla Walla Valley since that time, crafting stony wines that show an incredible combination of tension, range and terroir.

He made the brave decision to plant Tempranillo in the stones which and was the first of his kind to do so. He saw the potential for this earthy varietal to flourish in his vineyards. While his Tempranillos might not share the glamour of his famed ‘Bionic Frog’ Syrah and others, he and director of winemaker Elizabeth Bourcier are crafting some of the finest Tempranillo you will find in North America, rivaling the best in Rioja and Ribera del Duero.

2020 was a hard vintage with the smoke event impacting the vineyards throughout the Pacific Northwest. Many Oregon Pinot Noir producers did not make red wines in 2020. His 2020 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Impulsivo’ Tempranillo (OB, 96) is one of the best wines made this vintage. Stony and savoy with loads of texture and mouth-watering acidity, this beautiful wine is drinking marvelously right now. I really enjoyed tasting this wine alongside the 2019 and 2018 editions of the ‘Impulsivo.’ The 2018 and 2019 are quite different animals, with the 2018 being fleshy and dense — more hedonistic — while the 2019 has better finesse and bright acidity. I scored both of these wines 97 points, as they are truly unique wines of epic proportion. These wines can be found at select wine shops, on the Cayuse mailing list or online and learn more at cayusevineyards.com. Here are my reviews of the incredible 2018-2020 Tempranillos by Cayuse Vineyards.

2018 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Impulsive’ Tempranillo- A blockbuster effort, the 2018 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Impulsivo’ Tempranillo is a dense and heady wine that really needs about an hour of air to fully get going. Once on the nose this takes on layers of bacon fat, black currants, tar and black licorice notes with plenty of stony undertones. The palate comes off fat and viscous with a tremendous texture and great underlying tension that runs through its veins. Rich and layered, with tobacco leaf and black olive accents, this is an astonishingly good wine that will live on for at least another ten years. Drink 2023-2033- 97

2019 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Impulsivo’ Tempranillo- A virtuoso performance in this slightly cooler vintage, the very stony and delicious 2019 ‘Impulsivo’ is up there with the finest wines of its kind in North America. Deeply colored in the glass, this reveals wet rock, violets, black tea and exotic spices on the palate, with menthol and concentrated boysenberry flavors. Complex and delicious, with great weight, length and finesse, this beautiful wine will provide drinking enjoyment over the next decade. Drink 2023-2033- 97

2020 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Impulsivo’ Tempranillo- The sensational 2020 ‘Impulsivo’ is a powerful wine from a tough vintage. On the nose this shows dried herbs and freshly tilled rocky soils alongside black plum and baking spices. The palate is deep and concentrated, yet maintains beautiful freshness and a strong douse of salinity. Complex, novel, enjoy this one of a kind Tempranillo now and over the next six years. Drink 2023-2029- 96

Catena Zapata

Today we share the story of Catena Zapata, one of the finest producers of Malbec and Chardonnay in Argentina. The story begins with the long journey of Nicola Catena who sailed from Italy to Argentina in 1898. Nicola is known for planting his first Malbec vineyard back in 1902. Malbec had previously been a blending grape in Bordeaux and Nicola and he saw its potential in high-elevation Mendoza.

Nicola’s grandson, Nicolas, took over the winery in the 1960s but was faced with inflation and political turmoil in Argentina, so he took a job as a visiting economics professor at UC Berkeley. He then came back to Argentina and wanted to focus on the winery, deciding to plant Chardonnay and Malbec at a 5,000 feet elevation. This was an unusual vineyard practice at the time but the risk paid off. Soon Nicolas was crafting incredible wines from these vines that became blind tasted ahead of epic wine projects like Chateau Latour and Opus One. 

In 2001 Nicolas' daughter Dr. Laura Catena took over the Research & Development program at Bodega Catena Zapata. An Emergency Room physician, with degrees from Harvard and Stanford, Dr. Laura Catena brought a very strong science background to the family winery's R&D project. She immediately set about working with the high altitude Malbec that her father had planted and has achieved incredible success at the winery since taking over. I have met Dr. Catena many times and she is an incredible person who has done wonders for her brand. I first started tasting Catena wines twenty years ago and they have been a pillar of quality. At the helm is the Malbec Magician, Alexander Vigil. Vigil came to Bodega Catena Zapata in 2002 as head of Research & Development. In 2003 he joined the enology department and he has served as winemaker for many years now.

The new wines by Catena Zapata are incredible across the board. Look to their sensational 2019 Catena Zapata ‘White Bones’ Chardonnay (OB, 97). This was an absolutely epic Chardonnay that shows insanely good terroir with its salty and stony tones. I am enamored by the new 2019 Catena Zapata ‘Nicolas Catena Zapata’ Red Wine (OB, 96) which is dense, chewy and hedonistic — a delight to savor now and over twenty years. Learn more about these wonderful wines at http://www.catenawines.com Here are the gorgeous new releases from Catena

2019 Catena Zapata ‘White Stones Adrianna Vineyard’ Chardonnay- One of the unique wines from this region, the 2019 Catena Zapata ‘White Stones Adrianna Vineyard’ Chardonnay comes from a select 27 rows within Block 1 of the Adrianna Vineyard which is set on small, oval white stones. Wonderfully stony and flinty on the palate, this shows a gorgeous combination of depth, tension and length, with a finish that just won’t quit. Lemon peel flavors combine with pastry crust and shades of green apple with wet stone all combine on the palate.  This is a wonderful foil for top Chablis and do not serve cold. Drink 2023-2035- 96

2019 Catena Zapata ‘White Bones Adrianna Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2019 Catena Zapata ‘White Bones Adrianna Vineyard’ Chardonnay a knockout wine by winemaker Alexander Vigil. One of the great white wines made in Argentina, the ‘White Bones’ come from a site in the Arianna Vineyard that has many limestone deposits and fossilized animal bones. This comes off wonderfully stony on the nose with white pepper, peat moss, lemon oil and shades of black truffle. The palate is concentrated, showing gobs of minerality and a minute-long finish. Kudos to the Catena winemaking team on this masterpiece. Drink 2023-2035- 97

2019 Catena Zapata ‘Nicolas Catena Zapata’ Red Wine- The insanely good 2019 ‘Nicolas Catena Zapata’ combines Cabernet Sauvignon (42%) with Malbec (30%) and the remainder Cabernet Franc (28%). The nose shows incredible herbal tones with red bell pepper and garrigue notes alongside a great melange of black and blue fruits. The palate is soft and refined with silky tannins that frame a core of wet stone, anise, creme de cassis, and beef drippings. Complex and delicious, this easily will live on for another fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2023-2039- 96

2021 Catena Zapata ‘River Stones Adrianna Vineyard’ Malbec- A massive wine that has serious depth and concentration, the incredible 2021 Catena Zapata ‘River Adrianna Vineyard’ Malbec  comes from a site set on an ancient riverbed. Violets covered with chocolate cake, espresso grounds, anise and exotic spices all fill the nose. The mouth is silky and rich with a seamless texture. Heady, yet quite weightless, this beauty shows intense terroir with the stony undercurrents. There is nothing quite like this in the world. Drink 2023-2042- 97

2021 Catena Zapata ‘Fortuna Terrae Adrianna Vineyard’ Malbec- The 2017 ‘Fortuna Terrae’ Malbec is sourced from a site in the Arianna Vineyard with deep loamy soils. Inky in the glass, this offers huckleberry and tar notes on the nose with shades of wet rock and espresso grounds. The palate is lithe and polished wth refined tannins that frame a core of massive blue and black fruits. This is just a joy to consume now, as this beauty will live on for another fifteen plus years to come. There are light herbal tones on the nose that combine with violets, blackberry cordial and mocha tones. Drink 2023-2038- 96

2020 Catena Zapata ‘Nicasia Vineyard’ Malbec- The ‘Nicasia Vineyard is set In La Consulta, due south from the Uco Valley, as this location is need after Nicolas Catina’s grandmother and has vines that are up to 90 years of age. Very brooding in the glass, the 2020 ‘Nicasia Vineyard’ offers hedonistic blueberry compote, Turkish coffee, pencil lead and sandalwood tones on the palate, with salty and stony undercurrents. Complex and rich, with serious nuance, this has some beautiful aging potential considering its poise and weight. Drink 2023-2039- 97

2021 Catena Zapata ‘Argentino’ Malbec- The 2021 ‘Argentino’ comes from vines that are more than 100 years of age. Given 20% whole cluster fermentation, the wine was stored in small and large format French oak barrels before bottling. This quite literally bursts out of the glass with flavor. Anise, dark currant cordial, violets, blackberry pie and shades of Black Forest cake all brilliantly combine on the palate, with stony undertones. Complex, nuanced and extremely delicious, this beauty will cellar well for another twenty years. Drink 2023-2043- 97

Ladera 'Reserve' Cabernet Sauvignon Vertical Tasting

Yesterday I sat with the beautiful range of Ladera wines, I was amazed with the consistency and quality that each wine offered. Over the past two decades Ladera has been guided by the Stotesbery family. Based on Howell Mountain, Ladera focus on high elevation mountain fruit for the Cabernet Sauvignon wines as well as their Russian River Valley Pillow Road Estate Vineyard for the excellent Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Having decades of experience as ranchers, Pat and Anne Stotesbery acquired their first Napa Valley mountain vineyard in 1996. A few years later in 1999 they founded Ladera, which means “hillside” in Spanish and Italian, and made their debut vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon.

The wines are made by Jade Barrett, who has made wines throughout New Zealand, Australia and California. A former assistant winemaker at Lewis Cellars, Jade’s wines have incredible poise and structure. They have power without being overly jammy or fruity. This is the new era of Napa Cabernet.

The 2013 Ladera ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 96) is quite frankly in a magical place right now. This beauty shows off the heat of this vintage without being overblown, as lovely non-fruit flavors are now settling in. Nearly as good was the new 2018 Ladera ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which is starting to shed its baby fat and shows a beautiful texture and outstanding flavor range. This beauty will easily be a twenty year wine. Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://laderavineyards.com/ and here are my reviews of the Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Reserve’ wines by Ladera.

2013 Ladera ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2013 ‘Reserve’ by Ladera is a scintillating edition of this wine that is inky in the glass. 100% varietal, this was stored in 82% new French oak barrels for 22 months prior to bottling. Right now this is right in its wheelhouse, showing impeccable balance between poise, weight and flavor range. Shades of graphite and anise combine with cassis and espresso ground flavors on the palate. Finishing very long, this is exceedingly good right now — and has at least another decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2023-2035- 96

2014 Ladera ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The incredible 2014 Ladera ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this high elevation site on Howell Mountain. All Cabernet Sauvignon, this screams terroir on the nose with shades of tilled volcanic soils alongside dark currant cordial, blackberry pie and coffee grounds. The palate is soft and inviting with copious minerals that combine with the silky texture and beautiful length.  A joy to drink now, this is right in its sweet spot — and will provide drinking enjoyment for another ten plus years to come. Drink 2023-2033- 95

2015 Ladera ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2015 Ladera ‘Reserve’ is already wonderfully evolved right now and is a touch on the leaner and herbal side than the other ‘Reserve’ bottlings. Quite different than the 2013 and 2014, the 2015 ‘Reserve’ has a bit more sage and menthol character on the palate, with medium to full-bodied dark fruit and chocolate flavors. Really delicious now at the eight year mark, enjoy this beauty over the next eight plus years. Drink 2023-2031- 93

2016 Ladera ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The absolutely gorgeous 2016 Ladera ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a heady, masterful wine that shows great concentration and poise in this warm vintage. Once on the nose this takes on layers of spice box and anise notes that combine with huckleberry and suggestions of Black Forest cake. The palate shows a beautiful sense of verve and refinement, as every working part is singing in unison. Finishing very long, this 2016 Cabernet is a total thrill to consume now and will provide drinking enjoyment for at least another fifteen years. Drink 2023-2038- 95

2017 Ladera ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- From what was a somewhat challenging vintage in Napa, the 2017 ‘Reserve’ is an elixir joyride that shows little signs of slowing down. The palate shows massive concentration and structure, with very refined tannins and a smooth mouthfeel. Generous and broad-shouldered, this reveals in its wet stone, creme de cassis and Turkish coffee flavors alongside more sandalwood and garrigue nuances. Such a pleasure to consume now, this has both the stuffing and tension to clear well for another fifteen to twenty years — but is nearly impossible to resist now. Drink 2023-2039- 95

2018 Ladera ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The most recent edition of the ‘Reserve’ is a complete knockout of a wine as this is now my second time tasting this beauty.  Right away this shows beautiful toasty oak notes alongside a dense combination of black and blue fruits on the nose with shades of wet rock and loamy soils. The palate shows good refinement with silky tannins that frame a gorgeous Corte of creme de violette, black currants, espresso grounds, tar and stony accents. This will easily be a 20 year wine. Be sure to allow this to have an hour or two in the decanter before consuming. Drink 2023-2042- 95

Screaming Eagle

For years I have admired this limited production winery based in Napa. While I have only had the top wine by Screaming Eagle once in my lifespan, I have been really impressed with their second wine, which is named ‘The Flight.’ Priced at over one thousand dollars retail, this is not a cheap treat by any means.

Stan Kronke owns Screaming Eagle and the site was originally founded by Tony Bowden, back in 1986 as he acquired a spot with mostly white varietals planted amongst roughly 60 acres. Over the years he replanted Bordeaux varietals and he would sell his grapes to other producers. It wasn’t until 1992 when they finally made their own wine. Heidi Barrett would become winemaker at Screaming Eagle and produced several 100 point wines by Robert Parker in the 1990s.

Winemaker Nick Gislason has been at the helm since the challenging 2011 vintage. He had formerly worked at Harlan and Craggy Range in New Zealand before being hired by Kronke. Today his top Cabernet Sauvignon wine can fetch north of three thousand dollars. I recently had the chance to taste the 2019 ‘The Flight’ which is their Merlot based blend and it was absolutely thrilling to enjoy. This is some of the finest Merlot that you will taste in Napa, as every working part was in clockwork unison. Here is my review of the 2019 ‘The Flight’ by Screaming Eagle.

2019 Screaming Eagle ‘The Flight’ Red Wine- The 2019 ‘The Flight’ is a gorgeous blend of 65% Merlot, with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the remainder Cabernet Franc that was stored in French oak barrels before bottling. Heady and very inky in the glass, this revels in its black tea and asian spice notes alongside a whiff of bell pepper and suggestions of Turkish coffee. Very complex and dense with a silky mouthfeel, this glides throughout the drinking experience, delivering plush black and blue fruit flavors alongside a wonderful beam of tension.  This will easily be a 20 year wine. Drink 2023-2045- 97

Rocky Pond

A winery that keeps trending upwards, Rocky Pond is one of the excellent producers in the Chelan region. They have now formed their own AVA, Rocky Reach, as their estate vineyards are planted on very stony soils, in close proximity to the river. One of the great moves they made was hiring former Quileceda Creek GM John Ware to their team. Ware was a large part of  Quilceda Creek becoming one of the prominent houses of the Pacific Northwest.

Rocky Pond has recently hired the former assistant winemaker at HALL, Elizabeth Keyser. She grew up with wine in her family and then worked at Zachys for two years as a junior wine buyer. Talking to her she shared her interest in learning about wine and stated “Guided myself down a path of working my first harvest and then I could never go back to a desk job.” She then completed a degree from Cornell and worked in the Finger Lakes region before moving to Oregon working for A to Z. She stated “I was about to turn 30 and I had to get a real job. I was introduced to Steve Levesque at HALL and was hired as an assistant winemaker. I did a lot of hands on cellar work and became winemaker and then Megan and Allison working with them when Steve left the team. I was ready for more of a creative outlet and it wasn’t necessarily tied to Napa or Sonoma. Steve is a mentor for me today and was candid with them and he said that there was a cool project happening in Washington and I would love for you to meet John Ware and the family. I was ready to sink myself into this project.”

With regards to the 2022 vintage she thinks that both reds and whites look exciting. “Whites carry the acid well and with reds we wanted to coax out the green tannins and what are the fingerprints of the cooler vintage. I am excited by them and it is cool to step into a season like that and have life and freshness” she said.

With Elizabeth I tasted the new red wine releases by Rocky Pond wines were excellent, deep and concentrated efforts. I love the new 2021 Rocky Pond ‘Statastone’ Red Wine (OB, 92) which is dense and rich, with a nice red fruit profile. Learn more about this winery at https://rockypondwinery.com Here are the new release wines by Rocky Pond. 

2022 Rocky Pond ‘Stratastone’ White Wine- The 2022 ‘Stratastone’ incorporates mostly Rhone varieties (60% Viognier, 22% Roussanne) with smaller parts Semillon and Marsanne which were co-fermented and were stored in 30% new French oak before bottling.  The wine comes off nicely textured with good nutty accents. Green papaya, mango, beeswax and shades of Pink Lady apple all combine on the palate. Enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2029- 92

2021 Rocky Pond ‘Stratastone’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Stratastone’ is comprised of mostly Syrah (62%) with smaller parts Grenache and Mourvèdre that was stored in oak puncheons and was unfined and unfiltered before bottling. This shows a soft mouthfeel once on the attack with layers of boysenberry fruits, white pepper dusted smoked meats, green olives and shades of chocolate. This is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2023-2031- 92

2021 Rocky Pond ‘Estate’ Syrah- The 2021 ‘Estate’ Syrah has 10% Cabernet Sauvignon blended in. It stands inky in the glass, revealing beautiful aromatics of brisket, green peppercorns, violets and shades of milk chocolate. This is beautifully balanced on the palate with good concentration, structure and a smooth texture. Loads of blue fruits, anise and chocolate flavors all combine on the palate. Enjoy this outstanding wine now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2023-2031- 93

2021 Rocky Pond ’11 Dams’ Red Wine-  An intriguing blend of Malbec (51%) with 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, this was aged for 22 months in 35% new French oak before bottling. Pretty red florals, black tea and anise combine with concentrated black fruits. This shows good structure and weight with sweet pipe tobacco and creme de cassis with black cherry cordial flavors. Drink 2023-2029- 91

2020 Rocky Pond ‘Double D Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Rocky Pond ‘Double D Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is an outstanding blend that is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (75%) and spent 22 months in 50% new French oak before bottling. Dark currants and black raspberry aromas combine with potpourri and shades of black licorice. The palate is smooth and shows beautiful concentration and underlying acidity. Fantastic to enjoy now, this is just a joy to drink in its heady youth. Drink 2023-2031- 93

Piolet

Washington has a range of up and coming wineries. For years I have admired the wines by Piolet that continue to remain under the radar but over-deliver in quality. These inspired wines show incredible value and are quite simply a joy to drink. Piolet was founded by two mountaineers, Andy Ferguson and Alex Stewart. Andy is a former winemaker at Chateau Ste. Michelle and worked on their best wine, the ‘Single Berry Select’ which is one of the finest dessert wines you will find in North America. Andy also worked at Quilceda Creek prior to devoting all of his time to Piolet. Alex is a former winemaker at Quilceda Creek and has helped craft gobs of 100 point Cabernet Sauvignon.

Piolet has limited production bottlings that scream density and texture. They make an incredible Syrah from the famed Stoneridge vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA. I love the new 2020 Piolet ‘L’Inspiration du Pere’ Syrah (OB, 95) which is dense and heady with lovely stony character and serious stuffing. Just as good is the incredible new 2020 Piolet Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which shows great concentration from this highly challenging vintage. Learn more at pioletvintners.com Here are the outstanding new wines by Piolet.

2021 Piolet ‘Le Blanc’ Sauvignon Blanc- This oak-barrel aged 100% varietal wine is unctuous and rich with a smooth mouthfeel. Kiwi and cantaloupe flavors combine with shades of starfruit and copious minerals with baking spice laced brioche notes. A joy to drink now, this has bot hthe stuffing and bright acidity for some good aging potential. Drink 2023-2031- 94

2020 Piolet ‘L’Inspiration du Pere’ Syrah- Rich and polished, the outstanding 2020 Piolet ‘L’Inspiration du Pere’ Syrah comes from the famed Stoneridge Vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA. Powerful and sturdy with a soft texture, this yields dense dark and blue fruit flavors with smoked brisket, anise, allspice and shades of chocolate cake. Very hedonistic and delicious, with stony accents and a good mineral backbone, this outstanding 2020 Syrah is one of the best wines of its kind made in this challenging vintage. Savor this beauty now and over the next five to seven years. Drink 2023-2029- 95

2020 Piolet ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2020 Piolet ’Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon was stored for 24 months in nearly all (90%) new French oak prior to bottling. It takes on a wonderful sense of viscosity and a pillowy texture. Concentrated black cherry and black raspberry favors combine with anise, milk chocolate and sagebrush undercurrents. Complex and delicious, this beauty is shining brightly right now. Drink 2023-2031- 95

Chappellet

One of the outstanding producers in Napa, Chappellet was founded by visionary Donn Chappellet, Donn began his wine education by collecting Bordeaux wines while in college. He later ran Interstate United Corporation, a coffee-vending distributorship he co-founded in the mid-1950s, which he helped turn into the third-largest such business in the United States, with more than 7,000 employees and a listing on the New York Stock Exchange.

He finally decided to sell his shares of Interstate United in 1966 and guided by the legendary winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff of Beaulieu Vineyards bought 320 acres of rocky mountain terrain at the eastern edge of the Napa Valley. Donn saw this terroir as one which would connect with the great wines of Bordeaux. He saw the potential for Pritchard Hill and initially planted Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon which was met with great critical acclaim. Sadly passing in 2016, Donn became a legend of this great site in the Napa Valley.

A winemaker needing no introduction, Phillip Corallo-Titus has been at Chappellet remarkably since 1990. A graduate of UC Davis, Phillip spent time traveling to both Bordeaux and Burgundy to learn about these esteemed regions. In 1981, Phillip joined the Chappellet team as assistant winemaker, and then in1990, Donn Chappellet invited Phillip to return to the winery as Chappellet’s winemaker, a position he has held ever since.

I love the new wines especially the 2021 Chappelllet ‘Dutton Ranch’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which is rich and viscous with salty tones. Learn more about this famed Napa estate at chappellet.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Chappellet. 

2021 Chappellet ‘Sangiacomo Vineyard’ Chardonnay- This outstanding new wine come from three Carneros sites that utilizes Robert Young, Hyde and Catarina clonal selection Chardonnay. This comes off nicely textured and fresh with a smooth mouthfeel. Layers of buttercream, honeydew melon, juicy peach and nutty undertones combine on the palate. Lovely to savor now, this has both the stuffing and verve to cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2023-2033- 93

2021 Chappellet ‘Dutton Ranch’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 ‘Dutton Ranch’ Pinot Noir comes from this stored site that was first established back in 1967. This edition utilizes a range of clonal selection Pinot Noir. Very soft and supple on the mouth, this has wonderful salty undertones alongside freshly tilled loamy soils, black cherry, cola and red raspberry with lavender notes that all seamlessly combine on the palate. Complex and delicious, enjoy this beauty now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2023-2038- 94

Henschke

Today we share one of the great Aussie producers known for world-class Shiraz. A winery with serious history, Henschke has been making wines for over 150 years. Now in its sixth generation, Henschke sources from outstanding sites in Eden Valley, Barossa Valley and the Adelaide Hills. Vineyard manager Prue Henschke takes on 105 hectares of vineyards, spanning from Eden Valley to Lenswood in the Adelaide Hills wine region. Stephen and Prue Henschke produce wines that show great flavor density and balance. Their ‘Hill of Grace’ is one of the famed wines of Australia. While I did not taste that wine, I had a chance to review their exceptional portfolio of wines. Each showed great terroir and balance.

The new wines by Henschke were really outstanding. I adored the new 2022 Henschke ‘Julius’ Riesling (OB, 92) which is bone dry and filled with beautiful tension. Even better is the stunning 2017 Henschke ‘Mount Edelstone’ Shiraz (OB, 96) which is super heady and delicious stuff that has both the weight and finesse to cellar well for another twenty years to come. Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://www.henschke.com.au/ and here are my reviews of the new Henschke releases.

2022 Henschke ‘Julius’ Riesling- This 2022 Riesling comes from an Eden Valley site set on sandy loam over gravel and bedrock with patches of clay. The wine is named after ancestor Julius Henschke, who made his mark as an acclaimed artist and sculptor. A whiff of petrol grips you immediately in this bone-dry bottling. Bright green apple and green papaya notes combine with wet stone and nutty accents on the palate. Complex and delicious, enjoy this now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2028- 92

2020 Henschke ‘Johann’s Garden’ Red Wine- The 2020 ‘Johann’s Garden’ combines 80% Grenache with the remainder Mataro. The wine is a tribute to early Silesian pioneers of the Barossa, many of whom carried the first name of Johann, as vines for this wine are 70 or more years old. Rich and heady on the mouth, this shows beautiful poise with pretty guava, cranberry and ripe raspberry notes, with scorched earth and suggestions of white pepper. Complex and delicious, enjoy this fantastic new bottling now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2023-2031- 94

2020 Henschke ‘Marble Angel Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2020 Henschke ‘Marble Angel Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Barossa Valley and was stored in large French oak (14% new) for 18 months prior to bottling. This is dense and delicious Cabernet with sagebrush and crushed mint aromas that combine with cassis, and shades of black licorice. Very seamless on the mouth, this shows good length and viscosity. Drink 2023-2033- 93

2018 Henschke ‘Keymeton Euphorium’ Red Wine- The 2018 ‘Keymeton Euphorium’ Red Wine combines mostly Shiraz (65%) with smaller portions Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and a dash of Merlot. This wine was stored in only 20% new French oak barrels before bottling as all varietals were sourced from sites in the Eden and Barossa Valleys. This displays concentrated dark fruit flavors alongside tobacco leaf, anise, black currant cordial and suggestions of coffee grounds. Everything is in beautiful balance here. Drink 2023-2035- 94

2020 Henschke ‘Tappa Pass’ Shiraz- The 2020 ‘Tappa Pass’ comes from 70 year old Shiraz vines that were grown in the Barossa Valley. Aged in 25% new large format oak barrels for 18 months before bottling, this beautiful Shiraz revels in its dense concentration and pillowy texture. Heady its dark currant, boysenberry and mocha profile, yet showing beautiful underlying finesse, this beautiful wine is absolutely singing its high octave right now. Drink 2023-2033- 94

2017 Henschke ‘Mount Edelstone’ Shiraz- The Mount Edelstone vineyard was planted by Ronald Angas back in 1912. This was first bottled as a single-vineyard wine in 1952. Stored in a combination of French and American oak for 18 months before bottling, this offers heady dark currant, black olive and menthol flavors alongside great underlying verve and an incredibly long finish. Complex and delicious with its stony and smoky undercurrents, and outstanding finesse this beautiful wine will easily live on for another fifteen to twenty years to come. Drink 2023-2038- 96

Dalset and Sylvi

I am always very excited to taste a winery’s wine for the first time. Two new brands that I had quite literally never heard of until last weekend, Dalset and Sylvi are brands created by Even Johansen, former winemaker at Aquilini. Even is a graduate of the Walla Walla College ecology and viticulture program and has formerly worked for Bergevin Lane and then later Tertulia Cellars, before landing at Aquilini. He then marched on as an intern to Screaming Eagle where he worked with the winemaking team and learned more about making Napa wines. Johansen now serves as assistant winemaker to Seth Kizke at Upsidedown Wines.

I was massively impressed with the new 2019 Sylvi Gruner Veltliner (OB, 92) which is showing amazing texture and weight, with a smooth mouthfeel and serious flavor density. Even better is the flat out delicious 2017 Dalset Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 93) which is heady and rich, showing off the Red Mountain fruit with plenty of nuance. Learn more about these great new wines at SylviWines.com and here are my reviews of the new Dalset and Sylvi wines.

2018 Sylvi Gruner Veltliner- Stored for seven months in a neutral cigar barrel this offers honeycomb character alongside green papaya and shades of cantaloupe with loads of mouth-watering acidity. Drink 2023-2029- 91

2019 Sylvi Gruner Veltliner- This comes from a site neighboring the Olsen Vineyard. This shows serious nerve with serious texture and fantastic flavor range from cashew nut to peach and green apple. This is just a hare better than the 2018 right now. Drink 2023-2029- 92

2017 Sylvi Syrah- The outstanding and dense 2017 Sylvi Syrah comes from the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard and saw extended barrel aging. This is concentrated and layered with black real berry alongside scorched earth and tar notes. This is deep and delicious wine that is showing beautifully now. Drink 2023-2033- 92

2017 Dalset Syrah- Coming from the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, this shows plenty of concentration and nerve with tor, black tea, anise and crème de cassis flavors alongside tar accents. Showing fantastic nerve, this is beautiful stuff to enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2023-2033- 93

2017 Dalset Cabernet Sauvignon- The seriously good 2017 Dalset Cabernet Sauvignon is an outstanding effort that is already beautifully evolved. Tannic and heady with beautiful concentration and finesse, this offers black olives and black tea flavors along side shades of creosote, black currants and vibrant minerals. Drink 2023-2035- 93

The Devil Is A Liar

Today we share an electric newer brand in Washington, founded by winemaker Seth Kitzke. The Devil Is A Liar (TDIAL) is an ultra-premium label that focuses on wines made from WeatherEye Vineyard fruit. Seth has made quite a name for himself with his beautiful and also very well-priced wines under his label UpsideDown Wine, which is wife Audrey helps run as well. TDIAL wines are geared to display intensity and flamboyance — they are not for the weary. I think that they beautifully showcase this site, which is set high on the northern slope of Red Mountain.

I adored the new 2020  The Devil Is A Liar Red Wine (OB, 94) which is dense and heady with fantastic mineral backbone. Even better is the 2021 (95-97) which is the best rendition of this wine that I have tasted so far. Learn more about this really exciting newer brand at http://thedevilisaliarwine.com and here are my reviews of the new TDIAL wines.

2020 The Devil is a Liar Red Wine- This killer new wine spent 30 months in Austrian oak casks before bottling. The final blend was 78% Grenache with Syrah, Mourvèdre and a splash of Viognier. This comes off marvelously perfumed on the nose with violet rose petals, anise and citrus blossom. The palate is round and generous with good freshness and flavor density. Rich red fruits combine with loads of mouth watering acidity. Drink 2023-2035- 94

2021 The Devil is a Liar Red Wine (95-97)

WeatherEye Vineyard

Today we share one of the electric wine brands of the Pacific Northwest. WeatherEye Vineyard is the brainchild of Cameron Myhrvold, longtime advocate for the Washington Wine Industry who in 2004 purchased this property based on an idea to grow grapes where no one had attempted before — on the top and north face of Red Mountain. Today most of the fruit is sold to 10 different wineries and a small portion is held back for WeatherEye Vineyard. The site is farmed by Ryan Johnson former vineyard manager at Ciel du Cheval Vineyard. Ryan also co-founded the Force Majeure Vineyard and has unparalleled knowledge of Red Mountain’s upper slopes. With WeatherEye he utilized eve4rything in his 20 years of vineyard management experience to create a vineyard space that is unlike anything in the Pacific Northwest.

Winemaker Todd Alexander needs no introduction, formerly with Bryant Family before transforming the Force Majeure Vineyards program. Sitting with Todd and tasting the new WeatherEye wines he was extremely excited about the new wines from the 2021 vintage — one that showed good warmth but also maintained excellent freshness. I am enamored by the new 2021 WeathereEye Vineyard Roussanne (OB, 97) which is amongst the finest renditions of this varietal that you will find on the west coast. Rich, layered and polished with an unctuous texture, this beauty is absolutely singing right now. A totally stunning new wine is the 2020 WeatherEye Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 98) which is one of the best wines made this vintage. Decadent and chewy with beautiful structure and flavor density, this beauty really needs about an hour in the decanter prior to savoring. Learn more about this famed property at https://www.weathereyevineyard.com/ and here are my reviews of the new WeatherEye Vineyard wines.

2021 WeatherEye Vineyard Clairette- The 2021 Clairette was stored in all neutral oak barrels for 15 months. This comes off very nutty with roasted Macadamia nut alongside white peach and Japanese pear with light baking spice notes. The palate comes off wonderfully salty from this unique high-elevation terroir, with loads of mouth-watering acidity. This is world-class stuff. Only 50 cases made. Drink 2023-2031- 95

2021 WeatherEye Roussanne- Stored in neural oak as well as sandstone amphorae, the 2021 Roussane shows cantaloupe alongside star jasmine, nectarine and kiwi notes with pastry crust accents. The palate is seamless and silky as this effortlessly glides throughout the drinking experience. Rich and viscous with bright underlying acidity, this is simply sumptuous stuff that will cellar easily for another ten years. Drink 2023-2031- 97

2021 WeatherEye Vineyard Marsanne- This 2021 Marsanne comes from a well-shaded block on the south side of the vineyard. The wine was destemmed and sat on the skins for seven days and then was placed in barrel to finish its fermentation. The palate is plush and seamless with plenty of rich orchard fruits and nutty flavors. Showing amazing weight and length, this is absolutely stunning wine to enjoy over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2023-2031- 97

2021 WeatherEye ‘l’Atomique’ White Wine- This sat on the skins to dryness and combines mostly Viognier and Roussane, with smaller parts Clairette, Marsanne and Grenache Blanc. The color is extremely intense, as is the nose which displays heady kiwi, kumquat and hazelnut tones, alongside baking spices. This is relatively high-alcohol but comes off very fresh. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2023-2031- 96

2021 WeatherEye ‘Hillfighter’ Roussanne- This was stored in neutral oak for 15 months before bottling. The palate is soft and round with a refined texture. Papaya and peaches combine with nutty undertones on the palate. This is outstanding stuff for the price. Drink 2023-2029- 93

2020 WeatherEye Vineyard Grenache- This 2020 Grenache comes from vines that neighbor copious sagebrush. This was stored in neutral puncheons for 19 months before bottling. This is extremely perfumed on the nose with red rose petals, Mandarin orange rind, white pepper and shades of beef drippings. The palate is rich and concentrated with bright underlying acidity. Clean and dense, showing beautiful finesse. Drink 2023-2033- 96

2020 WeatherEye Vineyard Mourvedre- This wine comes from the northern part of the hill, as the Mourvèdre underwent 30% whole cluster fermentation and then was stored in neutral puncheons for 19 months prior to bottling. This comes off very savory with bacon fat, garrigue, iron, beef drippings, white pepper dusted bacon and black currants on the palate. The palate is very fresh and polished with a soft mouthfeel and wonderful love of finesse. This is just starting to hit its stride. Drink 2023-2031- 96

2020 WeatherEye Vineyard Syrah- Coming from the northern slope of this vineyard which is set on sandy loam over fractured basalt, this 2020 Syrah shows off yarrow, kirsch cordial, wild blackberry and shades of wet stone. The aromatic range is insanely good. The wine shows beautiful balance and weight on the palate, with immense underlying finesse and a stony, citrus and black fruit core. This is delicious, immensely complex wine that is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2023-2031- 98

2020 WeatherEye Tempranillo- This 2020 Tempranillo was stored for 22 months in all neutral French oak before bottling. The palate is very concentrated and deep with immense texture and finesse. Boysenberry and crushed mint flavors combine with bulls blood and stony undertones. This is insanely good wine that has brilliant complexity and is irresistible to consume right now. Drink 2023-2031- 96

2020 WeatherEye Cabernet Sauvignon- Juicy, bright and a total knockout, the 2020 WeatherEye Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from from three different sites in the WeatherEye Vineyard. Stored in 70% new French oak before bottling, this delivers fantastic freshness and balance, with deep concentration. Iron and black currant cordial with violets, alongside firm tannins and shades of Black Forest Cake all brilliantly combine on the palate. Plush and soft, showing beautiful refinement, this is just an infant right now so be sure to give this two hours in the decanter before consuming. Drink 2023-2033- 98

2020 WeatherEye Vineyard ‘Hillfighter’ Red Wine- The 2020 ‘Hillfighter’ combines mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache with smaller portions Merlot, Tempranillo and Syrah. This shows milk chocolate notes on the nose alongside rich dark fruits, tobacco leaf and scorched earth notes. The palate is fresh and viscous with a soft mouthfeel and good verve. Drink 2023-2029- 93

Timo Mayer

A brilliant producer from Australia, Timo Mayer offers a fantastic portfolio of wines from the Yarra Valley, ranging from tension-filled Chardonnay to earthy Pinot Noir. Timo Mayer grew up in Germany, where his family have been making wine for over 400 years. He then took the plunge to move to Australia and studied winemaking at Wagga Wagga, before working at De Bortoli and Gembrook in the Yarra Valley and establishing Mayer Wines in 2000.

Timo and his wife Rhonda planted a 2.4 hectare vineyard on a slope, which they named Bloody Hill ‘because it was bloody steep!’. The vineyard is located right in the heart of the Yarra Valley.

I adored these wines across the board. Check out the incredible 2021 Timo Mayer ‘Yarra Valley’ Gamay (OB, 94) which is a very pretty expression with delicate red fruit flavors and earthy tones. The best wine I tasted was the sensational 2021 Dr. Mayer ‘Yarra Valley’ Pinot Noir (OB, 96) which is wonderfully earthy in its truffle notes. Learn more about this famed producer at http://www.timomayer.com.au/ and here are my reviews of the incredible new wines by Timo Mayer.

2021 Timo Mayer ‘Yarra Valley’ Chardonnay- Coming from 20-year-old vines set in the Bloody Hill vineyard — a 6- acre plot on red rocky, volcanic soils, this displays a dazzling tension once on the mouth with salty soil and stony accents. Ripe pear and papaya notes combine with Meyer lemon rind on the palate. This terroir-driven bottling is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2023-2030- 93

2021 Timo Mayer ‘Yarra Valley’ Nebbiolo- This 2021 Nebbiolo comes from the De Bortoli Vineyard which is located in Dixons Creek in the northern Yarra Valley. Vines at this site are set on Humevale siltstones soils. Very translucent in the glass, this offers rich pomegranate seed, red cherry candy and red rose petal notes on the nose alongside blood orange zest notes. The palate is plush and beautifully textured, with good length and viscosity. Fantastic to enjoy now, this beauty will cellar well for another decade. Drink 2023-2033- 94

2021 Timo Mayer ‘Yarra Valley’ Gamay- This 2021 Gamay comes from 20 year old vines at the Roundstone Vineyard. The nose is very pretty with guava fruit tones, alongside Yakima cherry and shades of white peach. The palate is fragrant and nicely textured, with fantastic underlying verve. Seriously good and very one of a kind, this beautiful Gamay is already nicely evolved and will provide drinking enjoyment for another ten plus years. Drink 2023-2033- 94

2021 Timo Mayer ‘Yarra Valley’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2021 Timo Mayer ‘Yarra Valley’ Pinot Noir is sourced from the Bloody Hill vineyard, which is located on the base of Mount Toolebewoong. Vines are set on shallow gravel topsoil interspersed with broken sandstone over rock. This comes off wonderfully stony with great nerve and underlying tension. Filled with this incredible terroir, with a dusting of white pepper and black truffle shavings, this is delicious, tension—filled Pinot Noir that is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2023-2035- 95

2021 Dr. Mayer ‘Yarra Valley’ Pinot Noir- The truly amazing 2021 Dr. Mayer ‘Yarra Valley’ Pinot Noir is a superlative bottling that shows a incredible combination of flavor density, verve and stony terroir once on the mouth. Filled with mouth-watering red fruit flavors, with more air, the stony and damp earthy components really impress, with shades of black truffle crudo and Mandarin orange zest. This has some great aging potential but is quite simply a joy to savor right now. Drink 2023-2038- 96

2021 Timo Mayer ‘Yarra Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The beautiful new 2021 Timo Mayer ‘Yarra Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this Yering site, roughly an hour north-east inland from Melbourne. The wine is nicely concentrated with firm tannins and beautiful blackberry and boysenberry flavors that collide with smoky minerals, and tobacco leaf notes. Full-bodied and nicely textured, this beauty will cellar well over the next ten to fifteen years to come. Drink 2023-2038- 95

Baer

Before I was a full time wine critic I have fond memories of visiting Baer Winery in Woodinville on the weekends and tasting their new wines. Sometimes Lisa would be there to chat about the vintages and what they had been doing at this small, exceptional, family-run winery. I have many of these wines in my cellar and have enjoyed opening the 2012s and 2013s over the past year — wines that are drinking exceptionally well right now. Baer was founded in 2000 by Lance Baer. Lance was known for crafting exceptional red wines as many of his wines were met with critical acclaim. 

Erica Orr took over this program many years back and originally got her start in the wine industry back in 1998, working her first harvest with eminent winemaker Cathy Corison in the Napa Valley. She immediately caught the wine bug and enrolled in the enology master’s degree program at UC Davis where she completed her master’s degree in 2003. Erica also has a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from UC Berkeley and three years of research experience as a biochemistry lab technician for 2009 Nobel Laureate Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn at UC San Francisco. 

Her background in chemistry gives her a very precise, scientific winemaking style that I have noticed over the years. She crafts wines that show serious finesse as her reds deftly show off the potential of the Stillwater Creek Vineyard which is located in the Royal Slope AVA.

I adored her 2019 Baer ‘Star’ Merlot (OB, 92) which is round with juicy red and dark fruit flavors. I love the new 2019 Baer ‘Callisto’ Red Wine (OB, 93) which is a unique blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon that shows really good flavor range. Learn more about this great Woodinville winery at at baerwinery.com Here are the great new releases by Baer

2022 Baer ‘Shard’ Chardonnay- For years Erica Orr has been making the ‘Shard’ — arguably the best unoaked Chardonnay made in Washington State. This 2022 edition displays dazzling nerve and tension, with plenty of weight. Freshly cut pears, mango, and juicy peach flavors combine with shades of salted butter French bread on the palate. This is just a joy to drink right now and drinks better slightly on the warmer side. Drink 2023-2030- 92

2021 Baer ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay- The ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay is a new wine to the Baer lineup, as this bottling is clone 95 Chardonnay from block 25 in the Stillwater Creek Vineyard. Stored in Tonnellerie Quintessance is called “Hydro-Dynamique” barrels, this offers a smooth mouthfeel with fantastic texture. Layers of orchard and tropical fruits combine, all leading to a minute-long finish. A steal at 35 bucks, this 2021 Chardonnay is flat-out fabulous stuff that has both the stuffing and verve to cellar well for another ten years. But why wait? Drink 2023-2033- 93

2019 Baer ‘Star’ Merlot- Unlike the 2018 edition of ‘Star’ which is100% varietal, the 2019 ‘Star’ has 13% Cabernet Franc blended in. Stored in a mere 20% new French oak barrels, this Stillwater Creek Vineyard bottling offers very pure red and dark fruit flavors on the palate alongside tobacco leaf, milk chocolate and shades of wet stone. Nicely structured, this medium-bodied beauty will shine on for at least another ten years. Drink 2023-2035- 92

2019 Baer ‘Callisto’ Red Wine- The already nicely evolved 2019 ‘Callisto’ blends 50% Syrah with 44% Cabernet Sauvignon and a touch of Petit Verdot — all sourced from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard. This wine was stored in a considerably higher than average portion of new French oak (48%) before bottling. Espresso bean and blueberry compote from the Petit Verdot seem to be shining brightly, alongside boysenberry and toffee undertones. You are going to love this beautifully-posed wine that will cellar on for another decade or more. Drink 2023-2032- 93

2019 Baer ‘Ursa’ Red Wine- An outstanding wine from this cooler vintage, the 2019 ‘Ursa’ melds near equal portions Merlot and Cabernet Franc with 19% Cabernet Sauvignon. Stored in 49% new French oak barrels prior to bottling, this opens with pretty red rose petal aromas alongside black tea, menthol and dense dark fruits with chocolate fudge undertones. The palate is soft and lithe with a silky texture and excellent length. Very polished, and while this might not bear the concentration of the 2018 ‘Ursa’ it is absolutely a joy to drink right now. Drink 2023-2035- 92

2019 Baer Cabernet Franc- The 2019 Cabernet Franc combines 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, as this was stored in 39% new French oak before bottling. The beautiful black and red florals greet you already, showing notes of black raspberry and bay leaf. The palate is very smooth and soft with a polished texture. While obviously not a big wine, this is seamless and elegant Cabernet Franc by winemaker Erica Orr, with its salty undertones that wonderfully showcases the Stillwater Creek Vineyard in a cooler vintage. Drink 2023-2034- 93

2019 Baer Malbec- A darker color than the other bottlings, the 2019 Malbec comes from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA. This edition has 10% Petit Verdot and Syrah blended in. It engages you with heady blue fruit flavors alongside wet stone, dark chocolate shavings and shades of Turkish coffee on the palate. Lush and round, this is absolutely beautiful stuff to savor right now at the four year mark. Drink 2023-2035- 93

2019 Baer ‘Arctos’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from the Stillwater Creek Vineyard, the flat out delicious 2019 ‘Arctos’ is a Cabernet Sauvignon wine that has 13% Petit Verdot blended in. It is complex and delicious to savor right now. Black Forest Cake, huckleberry, Cuban cigar and shades of black licorice all parade on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, and highly poised, enjoy this beauty now and over the next twelve plus years. Drink 2023-2035- 93

Tenor

For years I have admired the wines by Tenor, one of the great Washington wine brands owned by Matthews. Founded back in 2007, Tenor focuses on 100% single varietal wines from various sites across Washington State. Wines are made in limited production, usually 150-200 cases. Over the years I have been impressed with the textural qualities of these wines that have impressed even during challenging vintages like 2015. 

2020 was not an easy vintage for winemakers but the new 2020 Tenor wine comes off very rich and clean with no smoke influence. This is a beauty you can buy with confidence. Learn more about these great new wines at tenorwines.com. Here are the beautiful new releases by Tenor. 

2020 Tenor ‘1:1’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2020 Tenor ‘1:1’ comes from the acclaimed Wallula Gap and Champoux Vineyards and was stored in all new French oak barrels before bottling. This wine was blended by the new Tenor/Matthews winemaking. This intense showing comes off very inky in the glass, displaying great aromatic range of creme de cassis with dark chocolate shavings, graphite, espresso grounds and freshly picked violets. The palate is silky and refined, with serious flavor density and marvelous texture. While obviously big, this has a weightless feel on the mid-palate. A joy to drink now, give this about an hour in the decanter if savoring in its heady youth. Drink 2023-2033- 95

Review: Hotel Football, Old Trafford: Laughable One Star Service at Two Star Hotel

I will fully admit that I was very excited for a stay at a football themed hotel. Little did I know, the place was a complete disaster. I checked in to my room at Hotel Football and was informed that my space was on the 5th floor.

Much to my surprise, and disappointment the room had two twin beds. Since I am 6’5’’ I rang the front desk, saying that I wanted to be in a larger bed, which was what I had ordered. The woman at the front desk told me that I had not booked a room with a larger bed and I was supposed to push the two beds together.

I told her that was not true, that I would have ordered a room with a larger bed because I was so big. When I asked for another room, she said that all rooms were sold out. I told her that there are 133 rooms in the hotel, there are no games going on and it was not possible that the hotel was fully booked.

At that point I realized that it was fruitless to continuing arguing with her — she was just not going to give me another room and she was being completely dishonest to me in terms of room availability. In terms of the size of the room, it was extremely small for Europe standards. The room’s decor reminded me of a cheap Holiday Inn or Ramada. The one chair in the room was even more uncomfortable than it was ugly. I’ve stayed in all kind of rooms in Paris, London and Rome that were easily twice the size of this shoebox. The room itself is extremely narrow so it literally gives you a feeling of being boxed in. Fortunately I am not claustrophobic.

The bathroom was extremely small and spartan, with very cheesy slogans etched on the glass. This also was not football themed by any means. The room did not have any football memorabilia. Bathroom products were not marked by any brand so you had no idea where they came from. This is not consistent with somewhere with a 4.5 star rating.

The ‘netting’ themed backboard was also extremely cheap looking and poorly done. Being a stones throw from Manchester United I was shocked there were no jerseys or any memorabilia in the room — quite literally nothing related to Manchester United that stands only a few hundred meters away from the hotel. The room was not dirty but it was very sterile. It would have been very easy for them to place a jersey, or something actually football-themed on the wall. Instead they took the lazy, cheap approach in terms of the decor. Walls were paper thin as I could hear my ‘neighbors’ having sex.

There isn’t really a lobby or space for any place to sit in the ‘lobby’ as the lobby is more of a breezeway. I entered Cafe Football for a drink and ordered a scotch on their menu which they said they were out of. Instead I ordered another one on the menu that I didn’t really want. There were several people there with their pints but there wasn’t anywhere to sit at the bar.

Sleep wasn’t easy to come by on the incredibly uncomfortably firm twin mattress but I did manage to push these two beds together as the front desk worker graciously suggested.

Hotel Football, Old Trafford has somehow been given a 4.5 Star rating by Marriott. Ratings must have been completed by people who have never stayed at this Ramadaesque motel located right outside Old Trafford. I was very excited to visit this supposed football themed hotel but my stay at Hotel Football was a thorough disappointment from start to finish.

Review: British Airways First Class Seattle to London

A seriously good product with solid service, British Airways First Class has often been commented on as the best business class in the sky. Sure, there are some snags, but the overall product that they deliver on BA First is top notch. As I made my way to gate S10 from the tiny, laughably poor British Airways First Lounge in Seattle, I had a feeling this was going to be a great flight.

Boarding was a breeze as I moved through Business Class to take a glance of my seat, 2F. I had read that row 1 can be a bit more noisy with the First bathroom located on the left side in front of Row 1 and the galley near there as well. My seat location proved to be very quiet even with a full cabin.

The seat was very wide with 78 inches in length and plenty of room for my 6’5’’ frame. It could be easily adjusted to a lay flat bed that was extremely cozy with the classy bedding selected. The seat has a classy reading light that can be easily adjusted as well as bright overhead light. Arm rests were made of new leather and offered good support.

There was a small storage locker behind the seat where small personal belongings could be stowed. The bathroom was offered rather spartan aesthetics but included their signature first Elemis products.

Here I am seated in 2F.

New touch screens have recently been added to the First cabin, as well as a cool, interactive map, great for AV geeks. Loads of in-flight entertainment was available and I switched on Tulsa Kings for a good laugh. Headphone quality was adequate, albeit not exceptional. There was a small charging station next to the seat and a small closet in front to hang jackets and to stow shoes.

I think few would argue that British Airways First has been well-known for their service and the additional training that flight attendants have to serve the cabin. I experienced marvelous service throughout the flight and I was almost immediately served champagne with mixed nuts. This was no ordinary champagne but one of my favorite Tete de Cuvees from Laurent Perrier, their ‘Grand Siecle’ which is a blend of rare vintages and old wines. It is one of the finest multi-vintage champagnes in the world, retailing at $250.00 USD.

Very high-class products on British Airways First Class.

Pajamas and slippers were provided by Temperley London and the toilet kit came with Elemins products. They provide an extremely high quality eye mask as well.

Just adore that brilliant golden hue of the champagne.

I was handed a menu which included the exceptional wine list. In addition to the ‘Grand Siecle’ Champagne, they had a great British sparkling wine from Hattingley Valley as well as an older Rose wine from Lanson that combined some vintages more than 15 years old.

A top notch wine list by British Airways that has improved considerably since my early 2020 review.

Very quickly I was served some delicious canapés. I was particularly impressed with the chilled beef which tasted better than it looked.

More champagne was on the way from my attentive flight attendant who was originally from Sicily. She had been called in last minute for the flight but did resent that one bit. Service was in perfect cadence, which gave me plenty of time to rest after my meal. I had asked for my food to be served rather quickly so I would have adequate time to rest on the flight. She did her absolute best to manage that request.

I chose the Tuna and Seabass, and it was a difficult choice!

The tuna was a bit bland, needing a bit more flavor in the dish and sauce.

Fish is beyond difficult to do well on a plane. Even in Emirates First I’ve tasted the struggle. This sea bass was incredibly moist and delicious. It was the finest fish dish I had ever tasted on a plane. The grilled lemon was the perfect foil to the fish’s flaky texture and soft middle.

This was a total match made in heaven, the cheese plate with top notch Tokaii.

I was so excited for the next round of food, my cheese pairing with the Royal Tokajii House 5 Puttenyos, a rich and viscous bottling from 2013. Especially with the blue cheese, as well as the Humboldt fog (L on photo) this was a dream. I ate rather quickly and wanted to get some rest for my long journey.

Turndown service was fantastic, as was a glass of the 250 USD retail Johnny Walker Blue Label Scotch. I was going to enjoy some of that before bed.

Here is the full English breakfast.

I slept four hours on that comfy bed which was really fantastic. I arose and immediately ordered an espresso and a full English breakfast which was very tasty other than the eggs which were a bit rubbery. Service was exceptional post-sleep.

As we prepared for landing, I was feeling well-rested and very full from my meal. It was a marvelous experience aboard this flight and was excited to have some time in the famed Concorde Room at London Heathrow.

British Airways delivers a very polished First Class product that includes amazing food and wine quality and service. My flight attendant was fantastic and attentive despite being called in last minute. The other attendants were very engaging and kind which is just the kind of service that you look for aboard British First. I disembarked thinking that I can’t wait for my next flight on British Airways First Class.