Domaine Drouhin Oregon

Today we share one of the all-time greats out of Oregon. It is hard to believe that Domaine Drouhin Oregon began in in the 1980s, founded by famed Burgundy producer, Domaine Drouhin, headed by Robert Drouhin, who decided to purchase land in the Dundee Hills. What was previously only Christmas trees and wheat, the Drouhin family began planting their first vineyards in Oregon. Robert chose his daughter, Véronique, to serve as DDO winemaker, and her brother Philippe Drouhin took responsibility for viticulture.  In 1988, DDO produced its first vintage, from purchased grapes, and in 1989 built the landmark, four-story gravity flow winery. I had a great visit to the winery in August and am always blown away with the sweeping views of the Willamette Valley.  I’ve been lucky enough to have DDO bottlings back more than twenty years in my family’s personal collection.

The wines I tasted were incredible, showcasing the warm 2021 vintage. I adored the 2021 Domaine Drouhin Oregon ‘Laurene’ Pinot Noir (OB, 97) which is arguably the finest bottling of its kind that I have ever tasted — up there with the epic 2002 bottling. Don’t miss out on the outstanding value 2021 Domaine Drouhin ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which is also arguably the finest bottling of its kind that I have ever tasted. Learn more about this iconic Oregon winery  at http://www.domainedrouhin.com/ Here are the awesome new releases from Domaine Drouhin Oregon. 

2021 Domaine Drouhin ‘Arthur’ Chardonnay- The 2021 ‘Arthur’ was stored in only 15% new French oak as well as stainless steel before bottling. Brioche notes combine with Pazzaz apple and wet stone on the nose. The palate is fresh and vibrant with smooth texture and great a sense of weight. Drink 2023-2031- 93

2021 RoseRock Chardonnay- The 2021 RoseRock Chardonnay was also stored in roughly 15% new French oak before bottling. Very smooth and mineral-driven on the approach, this shows a silky mouthfeel. Layers of bright orchard fruits parade with lemon rind, vanilla cream and suggestions of baking spices on the palate. Drink 2023-2031- 93

2021 Domaine Drouhin ‘Edition Limitee’ Chardonnay- The 2021 Domaine Drouhin ‘Edition Limitee’ Chardonnay is a stunning wine that is amongst the finest you will taste in the Willamette Valley. Smooth and polished throughout the drinking experience, this yields bright pear and pastry crust flavors alongside baking spice dusted pineapple, showing the warmth of the vintage. This has a mind-numbing, minute long finish that just won’t stop. A true tour de force, this beauty will live on for decades to come. Drink 2023-2040- 97

2021 RoseRock ‘Maigold’ Chardonnay- The ‘Maigold’ is the top Chardonnay bottling by RoseRock that was stored in 50% French oak before bottling. The bright acidity and smooth texture really entices, as this is a seamless Chardonnay to sip. Bright lime zest and creme brûlée notes combine with shades of cinnamon and cloves. Finishing very long, this is generous and dense Willamette Valley Chardonnay that is drinking beautifully in its heady youth. Drink 2023-2039- 96

2021 Domaine Drouhin ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Nor- The beautiful 2021 Domaine Drouhin ‘Dundee Hills’ Pinot Noir is already wonderful to enjoy right now.  This might be the best edition of this wine that I have tasted over the past twenty years. On the nose this takes on black truffle notes alongside wild blackberry and shades of peat moss. The palate is silky and refined with soft tannins and a brilliant core of red and dark fruit flavors. Delicious and bursting with flavor, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2023-2033- 94

2021 RoseRock Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2021 RoseRock Pinot Noir comes from this hot vintage in the Willamette Valley. Nicely structured, with good weight, citrus zest and loads of mouth-watering acidity, this is absolutely delicious Pinot Noir that is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2023-2031- 93

2021 Domaine Drouhin ‘Origine 34’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 ‘Origine 34’ comes from top Pinot Noir barrels that were considered for ‘Laurene’ Pinot Noir. Stored in only 25% new French oak, this offers white truffle shavings alongside boysenberry, black cherry and notes of pine needles. The palate is nicely structured, with a seamless texture and serious underlying finesse. Bright red fruits combine with Mandarin orange rind and Enoki mushroom with umami accents on the palate. Drink 2023-2038- 95

2021 Domaine Drouhin ‘Laurene’ Pinot Noir- The nose on this 2021 ‘Laurene’ is utterly fabulous. Black truffle, anise, dark currants and shades of cigar box fill the nose alongside freshly tilled soils. The palate is just so wonderfully balanced, showing great weight and poise, as this effortlessly glides throughout the drinking experience. A massive core of red and dark fruits combine with garrigue and shades of Nori. This will easily be a 20 year wine. Drink 2023-2043- 97

2021 Domaine Drouhin ‘Edition Limitee’ Pinot Noir- The incredible 2021 Domaine Drouhin ‘Edition Limitee’ Pinot Noir is a sensational warm vintage effort that is already showing beautifully. The palate is dense, chewy and filled with power, with fantastic tension holding everything together. Seamless and seductive throughout the drinking experience with heady dark fruits, this is a monumental bottling that is amongst the finest you will taste in Oregon. Drink 2023-2043- 97

2021 RoseRock ‘Zephrine’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 ‘Zephrine’ Pinot Noir was stored for 15 months in 25% new French oak before bottling. Bottled in February 2023 this comes off very elegant and silky on the palate, as this is driven by a gorgeous pure core of red and dark fruit flavors alongside red rose water, orange rind and suggestions of tobacco leaf. Drink 2023-2040- 95

Liminal

Today we share one of the electric wine brands of the Pacific Northwest. I’ll fully admit that I was floored when I first tasted these wines which are sourced from the WeatherEye Vineyard (https://www.weathereyevineyard.com) one of the famed sites in Washington State viticulture. This site is set on the windswept ridgeline of Red Mountain in Washington State and is planted to 30 acres of Rhône, Bordeaux, and Spanish varieties. Quite diverse, the vineyard ranges from 950’ to 1410’ of elevation, and has extreme slopes and soils ranging from dune sand to fractured bedrock basalt. The talented Ryan Johnson serves as vineyard manager, having previously managed the esteemed Ciel du Cheval Vineyard for 15 years. Ryan farms this vineyard meticulously and wines from this site have a very wild appearance from the sagebrush, rabbitbrush and yarrow as well as many other native plants that can be found amongst the vines. Liminal took aim to make wines that showcase this very wild terroir, creating wines that show serious nerve and viscosity. I’ve now tasted these wines for four vintages and they have been some of the most exceptional wines in the state.

The 2021 wines that I just tasted were extraordinarily good. The 2021 vintage so far has been really exceptional for red wines. This vintage was marred by a heat dome in early June but otherwise saw a very consistent growing season with limited heat spikes and warm weather throughout. I adored the new 2021 Liminal ‘WeatherEye Vineyard’ Grenache (OB, 96) which has a sensational purity of fruit and plenty of spicy and herbal nuances. Learn more at https://www.liminalwine.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Liminal Wines.

2021 Liminal Grenache-The 2021 Liminal Grenache is a knockout wine from this vintage and might be the best edition of this wine that I have tasted yet. Very dark in color, this offers a brooding bouquet of purple rose petals alongside citrus zest, cardamom and shades of roasted dates, with garrigue accents. The palate is soft and refined with a seamless texture and glorious sense of length. Finishing exceedingly long with bright red fruits and herbs, this is nothing short of a stunning Grenache that has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2023-2037- 96

2021 Liminal ‘The Barbarous Heart’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘The Barbarous Heart’ is a stunning Melanie of 42% Grenache with near equal parts of Syrah and Mourvèdre all coming from the famed WeatherEye Vineyard. Once on the nose this takes on layers of green peppercorns and allspice dusted red fruits that collide with black currants and tar notes. The palate is plush and also mineral-laden with a seamless texture and deep concentration of red and dark fruit flavors. Finishing long, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2023-2038- 96

2021 Liminal Syrah- The 2021 Liminal Syrah is an incredible new bottling by winemaker Chris Peterson. Inky in the glass, this is coming from the WeatherEye Vineyard High Canyon and has a small portion of Viognier blended in. Stored in mostly neutral oak puncheons, this offers creosote and blackberry compote flavors that mingle well with Turkish coffee, Middle Eastern spices, and suggestions of creme de violette. Deep and concentrated, with a great acid backbone, this is glorious stuff to savor in its heady youth. Drink 2023-2038- 96

Avennia

Sometimes when I am tasting wines they are so exceptional that I immediately need to post on them. One of the premier producers of Rhone and Bordeaux varietals, Avennia is a joint venture between former Microsoft exec Marty Taucher and winemaker Chris Peterson. Avennia has made their world class wines for more than a decade. It seems like their overall quality just gets better and better as they become more and more familiar with the vineyards and winemaking style.

Winemaker Chris Peterson is one of Washington’s great talents. His wines have beautiful poise, texture and weight. Chris did an amazing job with his 2020 wines where many other producers did not fare as well. The first 2021 wines that I have tasted from him are seriously good, that show the richness and depth from this warm vintage. Don’t miss out on the 2021 Avennia ‘Justine’ Red Wine (OB, 95) which shows a beautiful purity of red fruit flavors with serious nuance and texture. Learn more about these special wines at avennia.com Here are my reviews of the two new Avennia wines. 

2021 Avennia ‘Justine’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Justine’ is an incredible wine made by Chris Peterson. Mainly Grenache (65%) with the remainder Mourvèdre and Syrah, this displays beautiful high-toned red rose petals and pink grapefruit blossom tones on the nose alongside red currants, guava and shades of red licorice candy. The palate is soft and seamless throughout the drinking experience, with a silky texture and good concentration and underlying finesse. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next twelve plus years to come. Drink 2023-2035- 95

2021 Avennia ‘Arnaut’ Syrah- The 2021 ‘Arnaut’ is a thrilling wine that comes from the Boushey Vineyard. This beauty is already drinking marvelously. Black plum, white pepper dusted bacon and dark currants all mark the nose with damp soils and shades of Kalamata olive. The palate is weightless and has great depth and length. A heady core of roasted figs, creosote and kirsch cordial flavors greet you, with good underlying verve and dark chocolate cake nuances. This is absolutely delicious Syrah that will live on for at least another twelve years to come. Drink 2023-2035- 96

Champagne Jeaunaux-Robin

A relatively new Champagne house to me, Champagne Jeaunaux-Robin was founded back in 1964 by Michel and Marie-Claude Jeaunaux. The house is now managed by husband and wife Cyril & Clémence Jeaunaux-Robin. A very small estate of a mere 5.7 hectares (the family’s backyard) in the village of Talus-Saint-Prix in La Vallée du Petit Morin, vines are roughly 40 years of age and are set on flinty soils.

The wines I tasted are marvelously balanced, with plenty of tension and a smooth mousse. They are brilliant wines that would match so well with a range of delicate foods. The best wine I tasted was the NV Jeaunaux-Robin Le Dessous De La Cabane Brut Rose (OB, 93) which shows plenty of tart red fruits and shows the great potential of Pinot Meunier in this region. Learn more at http://www.valkyrieselections.com/webmedia/Jeaunaux Robin Rose Dessous Technical Sheet1.pdf and here are my reviews of the fantastic new wines by Jeaunaux-Robin.

NV Jeaunaux-Robin Esclats de Meuliere Extra Brut- Juicy pear and kumquat notes align with salty minerals and Marcona almond flavors with loads of mouth-watering tension on the palate. The flinty accents here really add to the enjoyment. Drink 2023-2031- 92

NV Jeaunaux-Robin Le Dessous De La Cabane Brut Rose- The outstanding NV Jeaunaux-Robin Le Dessous De La Cabane Brut Rose is mostly comprised of Pinot Meunier (75%) with smaller parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. A beautiful salmon hue, this offers delicate red fruit flavors with salted macamadia nut and lime zest flavors on the palate. The racy acidity entices as this fresh style of Rose is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2023-2033- 93

Hattingley Valley

It has now been sadly several years since I have visited the beautiful vineyards of Haltingly Valley. A world-class producer of sparkling wines, Haltingly Valley is a 90 minute trek from Central London to arrive in the British countryside. Hattingley Valley is a family owned business located in Hampshire specializing in premium English sparkling wines. Simon Robinson founded Hattingley Valley in 2008, planting Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier in his 24 hectacre vineyard (60 acres). With help from the talented Emma Rice they established their winery in 2010. Wines are fermented using a small portion of of oak barrels wit the remainder stainless steel.

I loved the latest set of Hattingley releases. A really good wine for the price, the NV Hattingley Valley ‘Classic Reserve’ Brut Sparkling Wine (OB, 91) has bright acidity and a soft mousse. Even better is the 2014 Hattingley Valley Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine (OB, 93) which shows plenty of richness and copious minerals on the palate. Learn more about this outstanding English producer of sparkling wine at https://www.hattingleyvalley.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Hattingley Valley.

NV Hattingley Valley ‘Classic Reserve’ Brut Sparkling Wine- The outstanding NV Hattingley Valley ‘Classic Reserve’ Brut Sparkling Wine comes from this vineyard that is set on chalky soils located in Hampshire, England. The ’Classic Reserve’ comes from a range of vintages, including some reserve wines, combining 47% Chardonnay, and 32% Pinot Noir, with 19% Pinot Meunier and 2% Pinot Précoce. Quince, lime zest and green apple flavors with chalky soils combine with the smooth mousse and bright underlying acidity on the palate. This is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2023-2030- 91

2014 Hattingley Valley ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- The 2014 Blanc de Blancs is a stunning wine that is drinking beautifully right now. This 100% Chardonnay comes from nearly all Hampshire Vineyards with 26% sourced from Sussex.  A small portion was stored in used oak barrels before disgorgement. Right away the wine shows beautiful finesse with layers of citrus fruits that combine with stony and salty minerals, alongside ripe nectarine skin and sourdough bread flavors. Finishing long with copious minerals and lime zest, this is a beautiful effort that will live on for another decade to come. Drink 2023-2033- 93

2018 Hattingley Valley Brut Rose Sparkling Wine- The 2018 Hattingley Valley Brut Rose is a fantastic bottling that stands very pale in the glass. The wine combines 50% Pinot Noir with 45% Pinot Meunier, and 5% Pinot Noir Précoce. The wine shows delicate salmonberry and kumquat rind flavors alongside red raspberry, wild mushroom and shades of salty soils on the palate. The soft mousse entices, as this warm vintage beauty is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2023-2030- 92

PerUs

Your ears tend to perk up when Russell Bevan has a new project. PerUs is an ultra-premium producer of red wines out of Napa, sourcing from some great vineyards including Sugarloaf Mountain and Edcora Vineyard (high elevation site). PerUs was founded by Anmol Bhandari who was born and raised in New Delhi, immigrated to the United States and built a successful career in finance – initially at Goldman Sachs and later co-founding Cians Analytics based in New York – a company that provides research and analytical support to international financial institutions. Anmol was introduced to Dustin Wilson, Master Sommelier, and they both would travel to the Napa Valley to research both vineyards and winemakers. Dustin introduced Ammol to Russell Bevan, one of the world’s great winemakers. PerUs only made 30 cases in their first vintage, 2013. They now make a downright killer range of wines that not only offer heady dark fruits but wonderful underlying finesse.

The new wines come from the 2021 vintage which was warm and dry. The wines I have tasted from ’21 have been really fantastic. I love the new 2021 PerUs ‘Alessio’ Red Wine (OB, 97) which is wonderfully concentrated and shows beautiful depth with some serious cellaring potential. I was floored by the stunning 2021 PerUs ‘Armaan’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 98) which is a stunning expression of Oakville, sourced from the esteemed Tench Vineyard. This is a bold, hedonistic expression of Napa. Learn more about this famed boutique winery at https://www.peruswine.com/pages/home.php Here are the stunning new releases by PerUs.

2021 PerUs ‘Janeen’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A mere 120 cases was made of the fantastic 2021 ‘Janeen’ was mostly sourced from the Sage Ridge Vineyard, with smaller parts from the Sugar Loaf Vineyard. Garerigue and red bell pepper notes combine with blueberry compote on the nose. The palate is plush wit hloads of concentration, finesse and firm tannins. Turkish coffee, boysenberry cordial, dark chocolate shavings and graphite flavors wonderfully meld together on the palate, with a seductive texture. Finishing long this glorious wine will live on for another twenty years to come. Drink 2023-2041- 97

2021 PerUs ‘Armaan’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The brilliant 2021 ‘Arnaan’ Cabernet Sauvignon mainly comes from the 61 acre Tench Vineyard which is set in the Oakville AVA. Tar and anise line the nose alongside allspice dusted blackberries and shades of creme de violette. The palate is rich and viscous, with espresso grounds and violets, alongside huckleberry fruit flavors. The marvelous tension combines with a length mineral and black fruit-laden finish Seductive and delicious, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2023–2041- 98

2021 PerUs ‘Alessio’ Red Wine- The 2021‘Alessio’ is a spellbinding combination of Sugarloaf Vineyard Merlot (60%) with equal parts Tench Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and Sugarloaf Vineyard Cabernet Franc. Black tea and exotic spices combine with espresso grounds, black raspberry puree and shades of black rose petals on the nose. The palate is soft and refined with a silky texture and wonderful sense of length and weight. This is seriously good stuff, where you can see each working part moving in seamless unison. Drink 2023-2041- 97

,

Larmandier-Bernier

A house with a longstanding tradition in Champagne, the Larmandier and Bernier Families have been involved in the Champagne vineyards since the French Revolution. We can trace back as early as the 18th century, the Larmandiers moreover participated in the rise of Côte des blancs with the fame of their Cramant Blanc de blancs Nature.

The house was officially started as Champagne Larmandier-Bernier upon the marriage of Philippe Larmandier and Elisabeth Bernier in 1971. Larmandier-Bernier has fifteen hectares under vine including the Cote des Blancs Grand Cru under vine, including the Grand Cru villages Cramant, Chouilly, Oger and Avize, as well as the premier cru village of Vertus. The vineyards are mostly planted to Chardonnay with less than 20% planted to Pinot Noir.

The new wines were really outstanding across the board. I loved the NV Larmandier-Bernier ‘Longitude’ (OB, 93) which is 100% Premier Cru Chardonnay that is both elegant and seamless. Learn more about this great house at https://larmandier.fr/en/our-domain/ and here are my reviews of the beautiful new wines by Larmandier-Bernier.

NV Larmandier-Bernier ‘Latitude’ Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut- The NV Larmandier-Bernier ‘Latitude’ Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut offers baking spice dusted green apple aromatics with lemon rind, and roasted almonds that all meld in the glass. Soft, wonderfully salty and refined, with a generous mousse, this is already drinking beautifully now. Drink 2023-2031- 92

NV Larmandier-Bernier ‘Longitude’ Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut- Sourced from Premier Cru Vineyards, the ‘Longitude’ has a refined nose of ginger and bergamot notes that combine wth Bartlett pear, lime zest and suggestions of pie crust. The palate has a silky mousse and refined effervescence. Seamless through the drinking experience this would pair marvelously with fresh nigiri. Drink 2023-2033- 93

Laurent Perrier 'Grand Siècle' Champagne

Today it is my pleasure to introduce one of the great champagne houses in the world. The ‘Grand Siecle’ is a captivating, consistently great wine that captures the art of blending. It 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.

The fabulous Grand Siecle 26 ed. is a knockout wine made by chef du cave Michel Fauconnet. The wine utilizes the base of the outstanding 20212 vintag. For my palate he has crafted one of the finest tête de cuvée wines in the world. This wine is irresistible to enjoy right now but will also provide drinking enjoyment for decades to come. Here is my review of the new Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle No. 26 Grand Siècle Champagne. Learn more about this historic Champagne house at http://www.laurent-perrier.com/en/the-wines/

Laurent Perrier ‘Grand Siecle No. 26’ Champagne- The ‘Grand Siecle’ No. 26 is an incredible wine that mostly was sourced from the 2012 vintage. The wine combines 60% Chardonnay with the remainder Pinot Noir, this was sourced from a selection of 9 Grand Cru Vineyards. Biscuit and marzipan notes mark the nose alongside salted green apple and kumquat notes. The palate shows beautiful weight and tension as its silky mousse really makes this glide throughout the drinking experience. Lifted ginger and orange blossom tones combine with the fantastic core of sourdough bread, Gravenstein apple, and cantaloupe flavors. The concentration and verve suggests this will live on for another fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2023-2038- 97

Domaine Carneros

There is little doubt that Domaine Carneros is one of the amazing places to taste in the Napa Valley. Imagine tasting top sparkling wines with incredibly thoughtful food pairings on a terrace with sweeping views of the valley. Domaine Carneros literally  towers over the valley, showcasing sweeping views for miles that you won’t find at any other winery. It is hard to believe that this house was started all the way back in the 1970s as Claude Taittinger, of famed Champagne house Taittinger, began his search for a good spot to make California Sparkling Wine. Finally in 1987 he selected a 138-acre parcel in the Carneros region of the Napa Valley. The spot he selected is truly unique, as it has a massive maritime influence being perched near the bay. The vineyard is quite windy and produces highly concentrated berries that are very small in size.

A few years back Domaine Carneros hired Remi Cohen to serve as CEO and director of winemaking. She took over Napa pioneer Eileen Crane, who had been crafting sensational, age-worthy sparkling wines in the Napa Valley for over 30 years. These are wines that age brilliantly as in the past year I have tried more than ten year old bottles of her ‘Le Reve’ which is one of the premier sparkling wines that you will find in North America.

Do not miss out on the 2016 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 96) which is heady and intense, showing off the richness of this vintage., Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://www.domainecarneros.com Here are the new sparkling wines by Domaine Carneros

2018 Domaine Carneros ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine- The gorgeous 2018 Domaine Carneros ‘Brut Rose; Sparkling Wine is made from mostly estate Pinot Noir. This is deeply concentrated in the glass, showing white grapefruit blossom that combines with star jasmine, green apple and shades of crushed oyster shell. The palate offers racy acidity with bright red fruit flavors that coat the mouth. Enjoy now and love the next eight years to come. Drink 2023-2031- 92

2016 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- The outstanding 2016 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine is another world-class release from this wine. This is deeply concentrated in the glass, showing white grapefruit blossom that combines with star jasmine, green apple and shades of crushed oyster shell. The palate offers racy acidity on the mouth with a beautiful, soft mousse and gobs of mouth-watering acidity. With more air the citrus oil flavors become more and more intense, alongside passion fruit and shades of white truffle, alongside nutty accents. This is hedonistic and complex sparkling wine that will cellar well for another fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2023-2038- 96

2021 Domaine Carneros ‘The Famous Gate’ Pinot Noir- Richly colored in the glass, the 2021 Domaine Carneros ‘The Famous Gate’ Pinot Noir offers ripe cranberry and strawberry tones on the nose alongside dill and shades of toasty oak. The palate is soft and refined with really good verve and flavor density, reveling in its pretty red fruit flavors. Finishing long, this is delicious wine to consume now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2023-2033- 93

2021 Domaine Carneros ‘Tula Vista’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 Domaine Carneros ‘Tula Vista’ comes from estate Pinot Noir vines. Juicy red raspberry, kumquat and anise tones combine with lavender and pomegranate seed flavors. Delicious now enjoy over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2023-2035- 93

Big Table Farm

Today we share one of the great producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir out of the Willamette Valley. Big Table Farm has been one of the consistently great producers in Oregon over more than a decade. Founded by Clare Carver and Brian Marcy — the winery has a working farm with pigs, chickens and a recently planted vineyard. The winery is located in a remote, beautiful location in the northern end of the valley. Marcy has a longstanding history in the wine industry, formerly serving as winemaker for Neyers prior to moving north and settling in the Willamette Valley.These are wines that age brilliantly and are known for great texture and beautiful pure red and dark fruits, with loads of nuance. I can’t wait to try the wines from their new estate plantings someday.

The new wines come mainly from the 2021 vintage which was a warm vintage. Wines that I have tasted so far from 2021 have been really outstanding, showing plenty depth and concentration. I adored the new 2021 Big Table Farm ‘Sunnyside Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (OB, 95) which shows amazing flavor range and a seamless texture. Big Table Farm make one of the great Rose wines in the Pacific Northwest and the 2022 Rose (OB, 94) is a total knockout in terms of weight, flavor range and mouthfeel. I would definitely buy this one by the case. Learn more about Big Table Farm at http://www.bigtablefarm.com/ Here are the fantastic new release wines by Big Table Farm.

2022 Big Table Farm Rose- Year after year Big Table Farm produce some of the finest Rose made in the Pacific Northwest. Made entirely from Willamette Valley Pinot Noir grapes, the vibrant color might suggest Syrah, as this beauty was stored in neutral French oak barrels before bottling. The wine is round and seamless, with a silky texture and glorious sense of length. Finishing long with bright guava and strawberry fruits, with starfruit and kumquat accents, this mineral-laden effort is really hitting its stride right now. I’ll be eager to see how this beauty ages. Drink 2023-2030- 94

2022 Big Table Farm Pinot Gris- Big Table Farm has now been making one of Oregon’s most intriguing Pinot Gris bottlings for more than a decade. This is an orange Pinot Gris wine that comes from the Belle Pente Vineyard and saw extensive skin contact as the deep color suggests. The wine drinks somewhat like a great white Pinot Noir, with plenty of nutty and earthy tones alongside melon, red raspberry and shades of salty soils on the palate. Complex and very delicious, enjoy this beauty now and over the next five plus years. Drink 2023-2028- 94

2021 Big Table Farm ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Chardonnay- The 2021 ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Chardonnay is a limited production bottling with less than 100 cases produced. Seeing limited new French oak before bottling, this comes off very fresh and vibrant on the palate, with a seamless texture. The combination of concentration and finesse really moves this wine as honeydew melon, baking spice laced pie crust, and notes of Meyer lemon zest all meld together on the palate. This is just a joy to savor right now in its heady youth. Enjoy now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2023-2033- 94

2021 Big Table Farm ‘Eola-Amity Hills’ Chardonnay- Just like the ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Chardonnay bottling, the 2021 ‘Eola-Amity Hills’ Chardonnay was extremely limited in production (92 cases). This bottling also saw a limited amount of new French oak prior to bottling, as this opens with beautiful white rose petal aromatics alongside shades of shortbread, and kumquat zest. The palate is beautifully textured, with serious weight and great underlying finesse. A total warm vintage knockout, enjoy this stunning wine now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2023-2033- 95

2021 Big Table Farm ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Pinot Noir- The 2021 Big Table Farm ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Pinot Noir is a bold, warm vintage effort that is built to cellar. The wine is very soft and seamless on the mouth, delivering a smooth drinking experience. Bing cherry and shades of pomegranate seed combine with citrus rind, baking spices and freshly tilled salty soils on the palate. This is seriously good stuff that will no doubt drink well for another fifteen years. Drink 2023-2038- 94

2021 Big Table Farm ‘Cattrall Brothers’ Pinot Noir- This beautiful bottling has now been made for over ten years. The 2021 ‘Cattrall Brothers’ Pinot Noir comes from this small site that was planted all the way back in the 1970s. This is a fresh and vibrant edition of this wine that shows beautiful tart red fruits and red rose water notes alongside blood orange zest and copious minerals, with salty soil accents on the palate. What this doesn’t have in terms of density it brings flavor complexity in troves. Drink 2023-2038- 95

2021 Big Table Farm ‘Sunnyside Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The beautiful 2021 Big Table Farm ‘Sunnyside Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from this site farmed by Luci Wisniewski and Tom Owen since the early 1980s. This edition is very bright and beautiful with a gorgeous core of red fruit flavors alongside a seamless texture and generous appeal. Finishing long with red fruits and minerals, with kumquat and stony accents, this beauty has another fifteen years to go. Drink 2023-2038- 95

Champagne Ayala

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

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

Just as I adored last years wines, the new Ayala releases were fantastic across the board. Once again I was completely enamored by the NV Champagne Ayala ‘Brut Majeur’ Rose (OB, 93) which has a fantastic combination of weight and finesse with juicy red fruit flavors. Even better is the gorgeous 2016 Champagne Ayala ‘Le Blanc de Blancs’ (OB, 94) which is loaded with freshness and shows good aging potential. Learn more about this great historic house in champagne at https://www.champagne-ayala.fr/en/our-heritage/ and here are my reviews of the beautiful wines by Champagne Ayala.

NV Champagne Ayala ‘Brut Majeur’ Brut- An outstanding value, the NV Champagne Ayala Brut Majeur is a blend of 70 crus from all of the Champagne region. Bright acidity lines this wine that offers lemon/lime flavors with chalky soils and shades of nectarine on the palate. Showing plenty of freshness and a soft mousse, this beauty will live on for another seven years to come. Drink 2023-2030- 91

NV Champagne Ayala Brut Nature- The NV Brut Nature was stored for roughly four years en tirage. Mostly Chardonnay with smaller portions Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, this offers bright kumquat and lemon rind flavors that combine with salted peach and shades of ginger on the palate. Lithe and polished with a soft mouthfeel, enjoy now and over the next six plus years to come. Drink 2023-2028- 92

NV Champagne Ayala Rose ‘Brut Majeur’ Champagne- Each vintage I taste the NV Champagne Ayala Rose ‘Brut Majeur’ Champagne I am so impressed with what they have captured here. This new edition combines equal parts Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier with the majority of the wine being Chardonnay.  The wine was given 7 G/L dosage as this displays a dazzling sense of tension and excellent weight once on the mouth. Ripe red raspberry, blood orange zest and salmonberry notes combine with nutty and salty accents on the palate. Complex and delicious, no reason to cellar this beauty. Enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2023-2031- 93

2016 Champagne Ayala Le Blanc de Blancs- The 2016 Champagne Ayala Le Blanc de Blancs is nearly all comprised of Chardonnay picked from three Grand Cru vineyards (Chouilly, Cramant and Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger). The wine was aged en tirage for six years before disgorgement. Very salty and showing brilliant terroir, crushed wet limestone and salty tones combine with ripe pear, and candied ginger on the palate. The weight really shows off nicely as this warm vintage wine will live on for another fifteen plus years to come. This is brilliant stuff to consume in its nervy youth. Drink 2023-2037- 94

Pott Wines

One of the truly great producers out of Napa, Aaron Pott built an illustrious winemaking resume as he took his studies at University of California, Davis, across the pond to Bordeaux. Pott was chosen to serve as winemaker at famed Right Bank house Château Troplong Mondot and later director of Château La Tour Figeac. Pott wanted to return to the Napa Valley and make world class Cabernet Sauvignon there, and served as Beringer’s “flying winemaker” making wine in France, Italy and Chile, later taking over as winemaker at St. Clement in 2001. Aaron then was honored to become winemaker at famed property Quintessa in 2004 which was the same year that he brilliantly purchased a 76 acre (.2 acres planted) property on Mt. Veeder and began to develop their own vineyards. 2007 marked the birth of Pott Wines and as the first vintage of Incubo was created. The rest has been history as critics across the globe has lauded these beautiful wines.

The wines are just sensational from 2021 and are for my palate just as good as the thrilling 2019s. Do not miss out on the 2021 Pott Wines ‘Dynamite with a Laser Beam’ Pinot Noir (OB, 96) which is a dense monster of a Pinot Noir with loads of dark fruits and earthy tones. I adored the new 2021 Pott Wines ‘Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 98) which is named for the Bond film that did not feature Roger Moore or Sean Connery, as the director chose model George Lazenby to play Bond. But this 2021 is a wine to make the late Sean Connery proud with its flavor density, complexity and seamless mouthfeel. earn more about these beautiful wines at https://www.pottwine.com/ Here are my tasting notes for the new Pott Wines.

2021 Pott Wines ‘Dynamite with a Laser Beam’ Pinot Noir- The absolutely stunning 2021 Pott Wines ‘Dynamite with a Laser Beam’ Pinot Noir comes from the Elswick Vineyard in the Anderson Valley. Medium to full-bodied, this is a beautiful, fleshy beast of a Pinot Noir from this region. Damp earth and shades of black truffle crudo combine with dark raspberry, roasted fig, wild blackberry and garrigue notes all combine on the palate. This is an utterly sensational wine with serious tension and weight that will cellar well for decades to come. Drink 2023-2040- 96

2021 Pott Wines ‘Stacked’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Stacked’ comes from the Remedium Vineyard on Howell Mountain. This site at 1500 feet elevation is set on aiken clay and sandy slam soils, as the wine combines Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Highly concentrated blackberries combine wth pencil lead, mocha and loamy soils on the palate, with stony accents. Brilliant and so well-balanced, with herbal tones from the Cabernet Franc, this is a gorgeous effort that is already singing in its heady youth. Give this an hour in the decanter before enjoying. Drink 2023-2040- 96

2021 Pott Wines ‘Agnes Sorel’ Cabernet Franc- Coming from the Pott Arc Vineyard, the ‘Agnes Sorel’ is a natural wine of organically grown Cabernet Franc from Mt. Veeder. Stored in amphorae this offers violets alongside coffee grounds, anise and shades of stony soils on the nose. Fresh and viscous, this comes off impeccably balanced with serious weight and tension, with refined tannins and a fantastic core of black and blue fruits. Generous and round on the mouth, this is drinking beautifully now and will continue to provide drinking enjoyment for another ten to fifteen years to come. Drink 2023-2038- 97

2021 Pott Wines ‘Space and Time’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Space and Time’ is sourced from the Chateauneuf-du-Pott Vineyard. Mostly Cabernet Franc with the remainder Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this beautiful wine offers beautiful black and purple florals from the Franc immediately on the nose, alongside Turkish coffee, tar, wet stone and shades of wild blackberry compote. Harmonious and deep, with refined texture and outstanding weight, this is a totally stunning effort that is already really gratifying to savor now in its heady youth. Drink 2023-2040- 97

2021 Pott Wines ‘Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Pott Wines ‘Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the famed Stagecoach Vineyard which is located high atop Atlas Peak. 100% varietal, this is powerful and dense, yet impeccably refined. Silky tannins frame an ebullient core of black and blue fruits with loamy soils, mocha, creosote and suggestions of graphite. A total stunner, try a sip and you will be blown away just how good this is drinking at the two year mark. Drink 2023-2043- 98

2021 Pott Wines ‘Incubo’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 ‘Incubo’ comes from the Chateauneuf-du-pott Vineyard, located in the Mount Veeder AVA. The name comes from a mythical creature supposed to guard a hoarde of treasure. Violets, anise, and dark currants mark the nose alongside suggestions of wet stone. The palate is plush with a seamless mouthfeel and beautiful length. Showing beautiful poise and concentration, this is already nicely evolved and will live on for decades to come. Drink 2023-2040- 96

Matthews

My first visit to Matthews was roughly 20 years ago. I was a graduate school student and I loved the rustic and relaxed setting that they curated in Woodinville. Today the space has been remodeled into a much larger and much more modern place to taste their beautiful wines.

A winery with deep roots in Woodinivlle, Matthews began all the way back in 1992. After floundering for several years the Otis family took over ownership of the winery and has totally transformed the program. This is in large part due to the abilities of proprietor Bryan Otis, who studied communications in college and had previous stints in tech as well as banking prior to taking over for his family winery. In 2021 he made national news, taking a huge splash by hiring the winemaking team from Quilceda Creek.

It has now been more than two years since they have been hired and I was extremely eager to see their hands in their wines. Their first vintage making the wines from start to finish came with the 2021 vintage. The 2021 wines are by far the finest Matthews wines ever produced. Do not miss out on the 2022 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 95) which would surely rival anything of its kind in the state. I am enamored by the right bank inspired 2021 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Cuvee (OB, 97) which is dense and heady, yet shows off a seamless mouthfeel and is loaded with dense dark fruit flavors. Learn more about these amazing new wines at http://www.matthewswinery.com/ Here are the great future releases by Matthews.

Matthews is represented by Winebow Imports (USA) and Enoteca (Japan).

2022 Matthews ‘Columbia Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2022 ‘Columbia Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc was stored mostly stored in stainless steel with a small portion of neutral oak

before bottling. The wine had some lees stirring while in tank. Honeysuckle and green papaya notes combine with shades of mango and cantaloupe. The palate is rich and viscous with a sensational sense of mouthfeel and smooth texture. This is heady and delicious Sauvignon Blanc that is drinking beautifully now. Drink 2023-2029- 93

2021 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Sauvignon Blanc- The totally stunning 2021 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Sauvignon Blanc is an outstanding wine that shows off the warmth of the vintage. Stored in roughly 35% new French oak, this saw extended battonage. On the nose this shows baking spice dusted brioche, papaya and shades of roasted pineapple on the nose. The palate is smooth and beautifully textured, with outstanding weight and length. Unfined and unfiltered, this beauty will live on for another eight plus years and is just sensational to enjoy now. Drink 2023-2031- 95

2022 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Sauvignon Blanc- Set to be released in November 2022, this has several new vineyards as well as the Olsen and Spice Cabinet Vineyards. The wine saw some extended battonage and is also unfined and unfiltered. 100% varietal, and picked later during the growing season, the nose shows incredible richness and depth. Banana, lush melon fruits and starfruit tones mark the nose. The palate is rich and layered with a seamless texture that makes this glide throughout the drinking experience. This is a Chardonnay lovers Sauvignon Blanc that will live on for another eight to ten years. Drink 2023-2031- 95

2021 Matthews ‘Columbia Valley Cuvee’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Cuvee’ combines 68% Merlot with the remainder Cabernet Franc and Malbec. This shows solid concentration with a soft mouthfeel. Layers of ripe dark figs with sweet chocolate and allspice dusted blackberry all combine on the palate. This is a forward and delicious, solid showing from this warm vintage. Drink 2023-2031- 92

2021 Matthews ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Coming out strong out of the gate, the 2021 ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is nearly all varietal. Dark chocolate shavings, baking spices and anise come together on the nose. The palate is beautifully balanced with a seamless texture and great sense of weight, with heady roasted date and black currant flavors. Generous and rich, this is a gorgeous showing from 2021. This is a serious value to purchase by the case. Drink 2023-2033- 94

2021 Matthews ‘Columbia Valley’ Claret- Every bit outstanding the 2021 Claret combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot with smaller parts Malbec and Petit Verdot. Chocolate and espresso grounds mark the nose alongside shades of huckleberry and dried herbs. The palate is soft and well-balanced with a smooth texture. Showing salty and earthy undertones, this is a fantastic showing that displays each varietal working in seamless motion. Drink 2023-2033- 94

2021 Matthews ‘Royal Slope Cuvee’ Red Wine- The really good Merlot dominant 2021 Matthews ‘Royal Slope Cuvee’ Red Wine offers garrigue and blackberry notes on the nose alongside shades of tar, with stony undercurrents. The palate is soft and enticing with good richness and a seamless texture. Layered with its core of dense dark fruits, tobacco leaf and coffee grounds, this is a beautiful showing that is already drinking nicely at the two mark. Savor this beauty now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2023-2035- 95

2021 Matthews ‘Royal Slope’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sensational and heady, the 2021 Matthews ‘Royal Slope’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a brilliant showing in this warm vintage. Violets and tar notes mingle well with shades of dark currants and mocha on the nose. The palate is seamless and inviting with serious concentration and good underlying verve. This is a joy to consume right now. Drink 2023-2035- 95

2021 Matthews ‘Royal Slope Claret’ Red Wine- The amazing 2021 Matthews ‘Royal Slope Claret’ Red Wine is already drinking beautifully despite its youth. It comes off layered aromatically with baking spices, cocoa powder and shades of boysenberry puree on the nose. The palate is refined and smooth, showing good flavor density and solid underlying finesse. Flavors mocha, tar and black currants all meld together, finishing long with minerals, dark fruits and chocolate. Drink 2023-2036- 95

2021 Matthews ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon- You are going to love the 2021 Matthews ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Cabernet Sauvignon that was mainly sourced from the scenic Wallula Vineyard with a small portion coming from the Phinny Hill Vineyard. On the nose this takes on very classic violet rose petals that you see from this varietal grown here.  A touch of green herbs add to the intrigue, as the palate displays a dazzling array of texture, weight and underlying verve. Very soft on the mouth, this is downright delicious stuff to consume now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2023-2038- 96

2021 Matthews ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Claret- The 2021 Matthews ‘Horse Heaven Hills’ Claret combines mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (68%) with the reminder Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The Cabernet is really shining here. Deep espresso ground and cassis notes combine with suggestions of baking spices, chocolate covered black cherry and light herbal accents on the palate. This offers good freshness with a smooth texture as this is going to satisfy for at least another twelve years. Drink 2023-2038 -95

2021 Matthews ‘Red Mountain Cuvee’ Red Wine- The 2021 Matthews ‘Red Mountain Cuvee’ Red Wine is mostly composed of Merlot and Cabernet Franc that comes from largely the Red Mountain Vineyard. The wine is absolutely singing in its full-throttle youth. Very deep and brooding with good concentration, the palate delivers tar and anise flavors with scorched earth and heady blackberry and black currant flavors. This is very true to the region and vintage. Drink 2023-2038- 95

2021 Matthews ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Matthews ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon has just a touch of Merlot blended in. It shows off its very deep hue in the glass, slowly unveiling creosote and garrigue aromatics that parade with concentrated black fruits. The palate is plush and soft with a smooth mouthfeel. Layers of espresso grounds and tar mingle well with blueberry pie, sagebrush and dark chocolate shavings on the palate. Really good now, this will live on for another fifteen years. Drink 2023-2038- 95

2021 Matthews ‘Red Mountain’ Claret- Another brilliant wine in the Red Mountain lineup, the 2021 Red Mountain Claret is silky smooth on the mouth, already reveling in its richness and bright mineral backbone. The palate is dense with plenty of dark fruit flavors alongside suggestions of cardamom, sandalwood and creme de violette. Finishing long with rich dark fruits and copious minerals, enjoy this beauty now and over the next fifteen years to come.

Drink 2023-2038- 95

2021 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Merlot- One of the finest wines of its kind in the state, the incredible new 2021 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Merlot is soft and refined on the mouth with a seamless texture. This weightless beauty displays great elegance and weight, with mouth-watering acidity holding everything neatly together. Light tannins combine with shades of Turkish coffee, freshly tilled salty soils, violets and lighter green herbal nuances on the palate. This quite literally glides throughout the drinking experience as it is already showing beautifully — and is sure to live on for at least another fifteen years. Give this an hour in the decanter if enjoying in its bold youth. Drink 2023-2038- 96

2021 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Cuvee- The 2021 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Cuvee combines mostly Merlot and Cabernet Franc with small parts Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a world-class effort by the new Matthews winemaking team that shows all three working parts in seamless motion. Stored in 100% new French oak, this hedonistic beauty shows red bell pepper and mocha flavors that collide with anise, black currants, Chinese five spice and loamy soil accents.  Very complex, this could easily be a 20 year wine. But why wait? Drink 2023-2038- 97

2021 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The blockbuster 2021 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a world-class effort that is already drinking beautifully at the two year mark. Once on the nose this offers a massive wall of black and blue fruits that are complimented by graphite and tilled soil accents. The palate comes off balanced and well-poised, with firm tannins holding everything in place. Turkish coffee grounds and creme de cassis notes mingle well with dried sage and shades of Black Forest Cake on the palate. If enjoying now, be sure to give this at least an hour in the decanter. Drink 2023-2038- 96

2021 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Franc- The sensational 2021 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Franc will quite frankly rival anything of its kind from Washington or California. It is a sensational, elegant effort that is already drinking beautifully. The wine displays a fantastic herbal character alongside the massive more of dark chocolate and heady dark fruits. This is a wow-factor, heavyhitter of a wine that is a must-purchase for any lover of Cabernet Franc. Drink 2023-2038- 96

2021 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Claret- The incredible 2021 Matthews ‘Reserve’ Claret is mainly comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%). The wine is a thrilling joyride of texture, weight and bright underlying tension. The palate shows opulent creme de violette, espresso and garrigue notes that combine with boysenberry pie and shades of scorched earth. The underlying structure seems to match perfectly with the weight, as this beauty really needs an hour or two in the decanter if enjoying in its full-bodied youth. Drink 2023-2038- 96

Ridge Vineyards

I’ll fully admit that I tasted my first Ridge wine prior to my drinking years. My father had poured a little 1970s Ridge for me from his cellar, as he helped out at a harvest there many years back. One of the historic wineries in California, Ridge Vineyards was founded by Paul Draper in the 1960s and their gorgeous estate is in a dramatic setting, set at 2300 feet in the Santa Cruz Mountains. If you have never visited this scenic site you are in for a treat. The Ridge Vineyard's 1971 Monte Bello Cabernet Sauvignon achieved international fame for its fifth-place finish in the 1976 “Judgement of Paris” wine tasting.

Consistency is paramount at Ridge. I have yet to taste a Ridge wine that is not made with intention. These wines are structured, well-built and age gracefully. The new fall 2023 wines were truly outstanding. These will all be released in Fall 2022. Do not miss out on the stunning 2020 Ridge ‘Monte Bello’ Chardonnay (OB, 96) which evolves into a stunning, seamless wine after an hour of air. This beauty will easily go for another decade. I loved the new 2021 Ridge ‘Benito Dusi’ Zinfandel (OB, 96) which shows some massive cellaring potential and is very seamless and generous on the mouth. Learn more about this historic winery at ridgewine.com Here are the amazing new release wines from Ridge Vineyards.

2022 Ridge Vineyards Grenache Blanc- The seriously good 2022 Ridge Vineyards Grenache Blanc has 14% Picpoul added. Right away this offers alluring aromatics of star jasmine and honeysuckle alongside ripe kiwi and kumquat notes. The palate is very fresh and lithe with a soft mouthfeel and great sense of length. Juicy starfruit and pear fruits greet you, as this Southern Rhone inspired wine is drinking nicely now, and is best enjoyed over the next five to seven years to come. Drink 2023-2029- 93

2020 Ridge Vineyards ‘Monte Bello’ Chardonnay- Nothing short of a world-class wine, the 2020 ‘Monte Bello’ Chardonnay was stored for fifteen months in primarily American oak barrels before bottling in May 2022. The wine is shockingly good to consume now and not needing any air. Weightless on the mid-palate, this offers a gorgeous level of flavor density and flavor complexity, yet is weightless throughout the drinking experience. Roasted pineapple and mango fruit flavors combine with flint, brioche and suggestions of masa on the palate. Try to grab this beautiful Chardonnay while you can, as the near-minute long finish will linger long in your mind. This is one of the great Chardonnays made in North America. Drink 2023-2035- 96

2021 Ridge Vineyards ‘Lytton Springs’ Red Wine- A standout value, the 2021 Ridge Vineyards ‘Lytton Springs’ Red Wine combines 72% Zinfandel with 15% Petite Sirah, 9% Carignane, and very small parts Alicante Bouschet, Cinsaut, and Counoise. Once on the nose this exudes class with its high-toned red rose petal tones alongside red licorice, ripe strawberry and bramble notes. The palate is soft and refined with soft tannins that greet you alongside an electric core of red fruit flavors, with pink bubblegum, coffee grounds and shades of cardamom spice. Really good now, this will easily go from another eight years to come. Drink 2023-2033- 93

2021 Ridge Vineyards ‘Blasi’ Zinfandel- The 2021 ‘Blasi’ has 3% Petite Syrah blended in, as this comes from the Metcalf Vineyard in the Chalk Hill appellation. Juicy raspberry and red cherry notes combine with toasty oak, and shades of mulling spices. The palate is soft and refined with serious elegance. A core of rich red fruits greet you alongside light tannins and rocky and orange zest undercurrents on the palate. Give this an hour of air before consuming. Drink 2023-2035- 94

2021 Ridge Vineyards ‘Pagani Ranch’ Zinfandel- Nearly all Zinfandel (90%), this has 5% both Alicante Bouchet and Petite Sirah blended in. The nose is absolutely rocking right now. Heady red fruit aromas combine with shades of black olives and a dusting of white pepper on the nose. The palate is bright and very concentrated, loaded with red cherry and tobacco leaf flavors, alongside wet gravel and citrus zest, making this exceedingly complex and delicious. This is even better than the 2020 version.Showing fantastic structure and weight, this beauty will easily go from another fifteen years. If enjoying in its youth, this needs about an hour in the decanter to be fully aroused. Drink 2023-2038- 95

2021 Ridge Vineyards ‘Benito Dusi’ Zinfandel- This outstanding 2021 Zinfandel was first made by Ridge in 1967 and comes from vines that were first planted in the early 1920s. Inky and concentrated in the glass, this shows a dizzying array of red and black florals, alongside garrigue, green peppercorns and shades of beef brisket. The palate is nicely structured, with a refined texture and plenty of mouth-watering acidity. Showing even more flavor density and flavor complexity than the 2020 edition, this has flat out fabulous concentration and an exceedingly long finish that will be sure to entice. This beauty is built to age. Drink 2023-2038- 96

2021 Ridge Vineyards ‘Ponzo Vineyard’ Zinfandel- The brilliant 2021 Ponzo Vineyard’ Zinfandel has 5% Petite Sirah blended in. A vineyard with some serious longevity, Bob Ponzo has been farming this Russian River Valley site for 40 years. Menthol, worn leather and red licorice aromas combine with suggestions of blood orange zest. The palate is fresh and refined with a soft mouthfeel and beautiful sense of concentration. Bright guava and Bing cherry flavors parade with copious minerals and loamy soil undertones. Complex and delicious to consume in its heady youth, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2023-2038- 95

2021 Ridge Vineyards ‘Rockpile’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Rockpile’ combines 73% Zinfandel with 23% Petite Sirah and a touch of Alicante Bouchet that were all sourced from the Botticelli Vineyard. Bright red currants combine with tar, salty soils, and shades of rhubarb on the nose. The palate shows a seamless texture with plenty of length and refinement. Elegant throughout the drinking experience, with soft tannins and a great core of red and dark fruits, this one is definitely built to age. Give this at least an hour in the decanter of savoring now. Drink 2023-2038- 95

2021 Ridge Vineyards ‘Evangelho’ Red Wine- One of the truly unique wines in California, the 2021 ‘Evangelho’ is a knockout blend of 58% Carignane with 22% Zinfandel and the reminder Mataro all coming from the Contra Costa County. Stored in only 20% new American oak barrels, this offers beautiful verve and weight on the palate. Creme de violette, tar, crushed mint, and suggestions of coffee grounds all combine on the palate. Loaded with mouth-watering acidity and showing an exceedingly long finish, this beauty will cellar well for another fifteen plus years to come. Try to resist this incredible wine for at least another year. Drink 2024-2038- 95

2021 Ridge ‘Sandy Lane’ Carignane- One of the historic sites in the Contra Costa County, the  Sandy Lane Vineyard was planted all the way back in the 1890's, as this site is a head-trained, dry farmed location grown in pure sand. Very inky in the glass, this shows off intense black florals and Asian spices on the nose alongside dark currants and stony undertones. The palate is wonderfully terroir-driven with its salty profile. Power and finesse drive this black-fruit driven beauty. Seamless throughout the drinking experience, this is quite simply a total stunner that may live on past twenty years. Drink 2024-2040- 96

2020 Ridge Vineyards ‘Lytton Estate’ Petite Sirah- The 2020 ‘Lytton Estate’ Petite Sirah is a fantastic wine made in a tough vintage. The wine is loaded with concentrated huckleberry, black tea, blackberry cobbler and Turkish coffee flavors the combine with a fantastic mineral backbone and firm tannins. A slumbering giant right now, this needs a few more years of bottle aging to be fully awoken — but the potential is there.  Drink 2025-2035- 94

Bibi Graetz

A winery with immense quality and a relatively short but highly impressive history, Bibi Graetz taken Tuscany by storm since being founded more than twenty years ago in 2000. Graetz has a storybook setting at their medieval castle, Castello di Vincigliata, that is a sight to be seen. Bibi Graetz crafts each wine at this storied estate overlooking Florence. Bibi started his winery with a small, 5-acre vineyard on this hillside in Fiesole. Since his first release in 2000 Bibi has become one of Tuscany’s cult winemakers without having any formal training in winemaking. His famed Testamatta and Colore bottling have made him an international success as these wines have been revered by critics across the globe. Today Bibi source’s from old vines in Tuscany as well as old vines from the Isola del Giglio which is a remote island that has ancient indigenous vines planted. His wines are crafted from traditional varieties of Sangiovese, Colorino, and Canaiolo for the reds and the indigenous varieties of Ansonica and Vermentino for his whites wines.

2021 saw intense heat during summer. I adore the warmth of the wines that show great mid-palate ripeness and texture. They are not for the faint of heart. The 2021 Bibi Graetz ‘Testamatta’ Red Wine (OB, 95) displays some rustic tannins and refined texture with seriously good aging potential. Even better was the stunning 2019 Bibi Graetz ‘Colore Bianco’ White Wine (OB, 98) which is the finest Italian white wine that I have tasted in several years. There is nothing quite like this wine in the world. You should not miss these sensational new wines that are perfect for any serious collector of Italian wines. Learn more about these gorgeous new wines at http://www.bibigraetz.com Here are the incredible new release wines by Bibi Graetz.

2022 Bibi Graetz ‘Testamatta Bianco’ White Wine- This ‘Testamatta Bianco’ has now been made since 2016 as this site utilizes old vine Ansonica which is sourced from the remote Giglio Island. Vines up to 100 years of age for this wine are set on steep granite slopes at the Serrone Vineyard which is located in the south-eastern portion of the island. This incredibly scenic sot is facing the ocean at an altitude that ranges from 60 to 150 meters. The nose is wonderfully salty and savory. Salted peach and pear notes combine with bright honeysuckle and suggestions of wet stone all mark the nose. The palate is seamless and elegant with lovely weight and beautiful length. This is a totally stunning wine that is drinking beautifully now at the two year mark. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2023-2033- 95

2022 Bibi Graetz ‘Colore Bianco’ White Wine- The 2022 ‘Colore Bianco’ is a magnificent effort that is powerful, bright and finesse-driven. The wine comes from 100% Ansonica grapes which are sourced from the Island of Giglio. Set on granite, the wine comes from the Pietrabona Vineyard which is a terraced site situated on the southwest part of the island, set between 200 and 500 feet. Utterly seamless throughout the drinking experience, the wine os a Toal knockout with its texture, depth and underlying salty terroir. Wet gravel, salted nectarine, juicy white plum and suggestions of yarrow all combine on the palate. Very wild and showing serious nuance, this near minute-long finish entices with cream and copious minerals. A total stunner, the 2022 ‘Colore Bianco’ is going to satisfy for more than a decade to come — and is totally irresistible in its youth. Drink 2023-2040- 98

2021 Bibi Graetz ‘Testamatta’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Testamatta’ is produced from Sangiovese, utilizing vines that are roughly 40-50 years of age. Right now this is really delicious and savory, as the ‘Testamatta’ often needs many years in the bottle to fully unravel. The shades of dark truffles really entice on the nose, alongside wild blackberry, worn leather and plenty of damp earth notes. The palate is soft and inviting with a smooth texture and gorgeous sense of length. Really good to consume now — especially after an hour in the decanter — this beauty will surely live on for another fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2024-2040- 95

2021 Bibi Graetz ‘Colore’ Red Wine- The totally stunning 2021 ‘Colore’ utilizes Sangiovese vines that are more than 70 years old and is mostly sourced from a cooler, high elevation site located in Lamole. Utterly fabulous after two hours in the decanter, this yields dazzling potpourri notes that mingle well with fresh orange blossom, white pepper, smoked pork shoulder and rich dark fig aromas. The palate is very soft and savory with refined tannins providing ample structure. The sense of weight and underlying poise really guides this beautiful bottling that could benefit from another year or two in the bottle. Enjoy this total stunner now and over the next twenty plus years to come. Drink 2025-2050- 97

Cliff Lede

An amazing success story out of Canada, Cliff Lede grew up involved with his family’s successful construction business. He first visited Napa during a business venture in the 1990s. Lede was already a collector of top Bordeaux, and he was immediately drawn to the incredible landscapes and wine culture of Napa. He saw the great potential in the Stags Leap District and founded Cliff Lede Vineyards. One year later, the southwest facing hillside just above the Silverado Trail which became his Poetry Vineyard. Wines from this vineyard are some of the finest that I taste in the Napa Valley.

I have loved these wines for more than a decade. A really great new release that shows outstanding value under 35 bucks, the 2022 Cliff Lede ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 93) is texturally beautiful from the Semillon blended in. I just adored their 2019. Cliff Lede ‘Poetry’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 99) which borders on perfection. Silky and rich, this is a sensational new wine. which is incredibly soft and has insanely good length. The core of blue and dark fruits is so impressive here. I love the new 2018 Cliff Lede ‘To Kalon Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 98) which deftly showcases this world class vineyard. This Cabernet will surely live on for decades to come. These are just sensational new wines for any serious collector of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Learn more about this outstanding producer at https://cliffledevineyards.com/ Here are the beautiful new wines by Cliff Lede.

2022 Cliff Lede ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc-The delicious 2022 Cliff Lede ‘Napa Valley’ Sauvignon Blanc has some Semillon blended in from their estate vineyards in Calistoga. The smooth texture is really outstanding as nutmeg drenched pear, brioche and shades of papaya all come together neatly on the palate. Finishing long, this is a beautiful wine that is showing great in its youth. Drink 2023-2030- 93

2021 Cliff Lede ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Cliff Lede ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is soft and supple once on the mouth, showing some refined tannins. Layers of tar and tobacco leaf combine with mocha, dark currants and suggestions of graphite on the palate. Really good, enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2023-2033- 93

2021 Cliff Lede ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This brilliant new bottling comes from the famed ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard’ was bought purchased from Beaulieu Vineyard in 1993. Napa icon Hamilton Crabb first planted the vineyard in 1868, and it was then replanted in 1994 to multiple clones of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, as the site shows tight vine spacing and a more modern trellising system. The wine comes off as impeccably balanced, with plenty of loamy soil character. Blackberry pie, creosote and anise tones combine with suggestions of espresso grounds on the palate. Finishing very long, this is already head-turning wine that needs about an hour in the decanter prior to savoring. Drink 2024-2042- 97

2021 Cliff Lede ‘Poetry’ Red Wine-One of the unique sites in the Napa Valley, the Poetry Vineyard was designed by David Abreu and is set on a steep west-facing hillside. This 2021 wine is nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon (89%) with the remainder Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The green herbal notes from the Petit Verdot are sensational right now as creme de cassis and violets combine with pencil lead, and Turkish coffee notes on the nose. The palate is weightless with a seamless texture and beautiful verve. Every working part is moving seamlessly here. Finishing very long with black currants, refined tannins and a graphite edge, this beautiful wine will easily live on for another twenty years. Drink 2024-2044- 99

2021 Cliff Lede ‘Rhythm’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The sensational 2021 ‘Rhythm’ was entirely sourced from the Cliff Lede Estate Vineyards in the Stags Leap District. Inky in the glass, this shows concentrated black and blue fruit flavors alongside tar, Arabica bean grounds and suggestions of creosote. Finishing long with good concentration and finesse, this beauty will easily live on for another fifteen plus years. Drink 2024-2040- 96

Nicolas Feuillatte

One of the great value champagnes in the United States market, today we share what is the most popular selling brand in France and third largest globally. It is incredible that roughly 24 million bottles are made by Feuillatte with 10 million under their name. Nicolas Feuillatte was born in Paris in 1926 into a family of wine and spirits importer-negociants. After the Second World War, he decided moved overseas and in 1960 became the USA's leading importer of African coffee. He later went on to invest in the vineyards of Champagne and the first grapes are sold to negociants. In 1976, he created and produced the eponymous champagne for a close circle of "American friends". Its commercial success is immediate. He sold his brand in 1986 to the Centre-Vinicole de la Champagne. Today Nicolas Feuilette is imported to the United States by Chateau Ste. Michelle Estates.

By far one of the most popular Champagne brands in the United States, you can find Feuilette Brut anywhere from a posh wine shop to a local supermarket. They make a range of entry level, vintage and tete de cuvee wines. Their top wine the ‘Palmes d’Or’ spends ten years on the lees and is a special wine made from top vineyards.

Cellar master Guillaume Roffiaen has been at the helm at Nicolas Feuilette since 2014, formerly being at Champagne Drappier. Roffiaen Roffiaen studyed agricultural engineering and agribusiness at the Institut Superieur d’Agriculture in Lille and then oenology in Reims, where he gained a national diploma in winemaking. His new wines are gorgeous across the board. I loved the 2015 Nicolas Feuilatte ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Champagne (OB, 93) which is big and bold, with loads of citrus oil flavors and a soft texture. Evne better is the incredible new 2008 Nicolas Feuilatte ‘Palmes d’Or’ Champagne (OB, 95) which is a total stunner to consume now. Right at peak, this will easily go for another ten years but is irresistible to savor right now. Learn more about this famed house at https://www.nicolas-feuillatte.com and here are my reviews of the great new Nicolas Feuilatte wines.

NV Nicolas Feuilatte ‘Reserve’ Champagne- One of the most popular champagnes in the United States, and a fantastic aperitif, the NV Nicolas Feuilatte ‘Reserve’ Champagne shows off plenty of freshness on the palate with green apple, white peach and pastry crust tones. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2027- 90

NV Nicolas Feuilatte Rose Champagne- Really delicious to enjoy now, the NV Nicolas Feuillatte Rose Champagne displays good tension with plenty of crunchy cranberry and red raspberry flavors, with lemon zest accents. This is great stuff to drink now and over the next five years. Drink 2023-2026- 91

2015 Nicolas Feuilatte ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Champagne- This is now the second time that I have had the chance to taste the beautiful 2015 Feuilatte ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Champagne. This sat on the lees for five years before disgorgement. Shades of citrus rind, cardamom and pastry crust all combine on the nose. The palate shows a soft mousse and beautiful weight and length from this warm vintage. Enjoy now and over the next seven plus years to come. Drink 2023-2030- 93

2008 Nicolas Feuilatte ‘Palmes d’Or Champagne- This is now the third chance I have had to review the beautiful 2008 Nicolas Feuilatte ‘Palmes d’Or Champagne which comes from this outstanding vintage.  The wine combines equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and was stored on the lees for a whopping ten years before bottling.  Right away the secondary notes are rocking with wild mushroom and forest floor accents that combine with a beautiful bouquet of melon rind, lychee and kumquat zest. The palate is round and generous with fantastic weight and finesse. Finishing very long, with its silky mousse, this is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2023-2034- 95

Tenor

There was immediately a captive audience for one of the biggest events in Pacific Northwest wine back in 2021. News spread that the winemaking team from Quilceda Creek was going to join Matthews and Tenor. This was huge news and the Northwest wine scene eagerly awaited to see their hands in the Matthews and Tenor programs. It is hard to believe that it has now been more than two years since they have been hired —an all-star team of Alex Stewart, Hal Iverson and Jesse Schmidt.

Tasting yesterday with Alex and Hal, they shared their thoughts on the new Tenor wines. “These are a bigger style for us” said Hal. “And we don’t like lean wines” Alex explained. “I’m not a huge fan of lean Cab either” I explained. For years I have reviewed wines highly based on novelty and typicity. Does a Washington Cab taste like a Washington Cab? Is there something special about the wine? I take my knowledge of benchmark wines of the world whenever I taste new wines.

Tasting through the Tenor wines I felt that each was made with very special intention. Are they full-throttle? Absolutely. Are they delicious? Absolutely. While deep and rich, each bottling possesses an excellent underlying poise. There is no doubt that these are the finest Tenor wines that I have tasted. I am honored to be the first wine critic to taste these wines, which were tasted twice over several hours.

I adore the 2021 Tenor Chardonnay (OB, 95) which is very Kongsgaard meets Washington. I don’t know a Chardonnay lover that will not adore this wine. The finest Washington Pinot Noir made yet, the 2021 Tenor Pinot Noir (OB, 95) is rich and layered with a Sonomaesque flavor profile. This beauty is going to really impress you. Learn more about these great new wines at tenorwines.com. Here are the beautiful new releases by Tenor.

2021 Tenor Sauvignon Blanc- The 2021 Tenor Sauvignon Blanc comes from the La Renya, Bacchus and Connor Lee Vineyards. Aged in 80% new French oak he wine saw extended lees contact, as this shows off cantaloupe and papaya aromatics that combine with Brazil nut and shades of sweetened gooseberry. The palate is rich and concentrated with good underlying tension and saline drenched nectarine and green apple flavors. Finishing long this is a beautiful expression of Washington Sauvignon Blanc. Drink 2023-2031- 94

2022 Tenor Sauvignon Blanc- The 2022 Tenor Sauvignon Blanc is a seamless wine made by the new Tenor winemaking team. Coming from this slightly cooler vintage, this saw a touch more cigar barrel aging. Coming from the Spice Cabinet and Olsen Vineyards, this offers lychee and pineapple notes alongside dense pear and stony undercurrents. The palate is rich and layered with a soft mouthfeel and glorious sense of length. Delicious even its youth, this beauty will show well for another eight to ten years. Drink 2023-2031- 95

2021 Tenor Chardonnay- The 2021 Tenor Chardonnay comes from a combination of sites including Connor Lee, Solaksen and La Reyna Blanca Vineyards. The resultant bottling is a total stunner, being very Kongsgaard meets Washington. Baking spice dusted Japanese pear with creme brûlée, honeydew melon and shades of sweetened gooseberry all mark the nose. The palate is rich and dense with incredible texture and weight — yet not coming off at all heavy. Big and bold, with bright underlying acidity, this is a joy to consume right now. Drink 2023-2031- 95

2021 Tenor Pinot Noir- The 2021 Tenor Pinot Noir comes mainly from the Connor Lee Vineyard which produces berries with think skins. Stored in 90% new French oak barrels with varying format size, this offers generous black and red fruits on the nose with toasty oak, and suggestions of violet rose petals. The palate is plush and concentrated with a seamless texture. Showing good weight and underlying verve, this is quite simply the fines Washington State Pinot Noir that has been produced. Drink 2023-2033- 95

2021 Tenor Grenache- The 2021 Tenor Grenache was sourced from the Thunderstone and Corfu Crossing Vineyards in the Royal Slope AVA. The nose comes off very pretty with potpourri aromatics, followed by guava puree, orange blossom and suggestions of ripe Yakima cherry. The palate is soft and refined with a smooth texture, as this glides throughout the drinking experience. While stored in 100% new French oak, this does not display major oak influence. Finishing long, showing mouth-watering acidity with pretty red fruits and exotic spices, this beauty is absolutely singing now. Drink 2023-2035- 96

2021 Tenor Syrah- The 2021 Tenor Syrah was mainly sourced from Scarline Vineyard, with the remainder from the Stoneridge Vineyard. Stored in 100% new French oak, the wine was almost entirely de-stemmed during the fermentation process (roughly 10% whole cluster fermented). The aromas of green olives, and black currants grip you alongside violet rose petals and dense dark fruits. The palate is extremely concentrated with outstanding flavor density and serious complexity. Bulls blood and black olives combine with dense blackberry and black currant flavors, with salty undertones. Drinking beautifully now, enjoy this beauty over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2023-2035- 96

2021 Tenor Merlot- The 2021 Tenor Merlot is a rich and deep bottling that is amongst the finest renditions in the state. Right away the wine is very alluring with its high-toned red florals that mingle well with cigar box, and concentrated dark fruits with chocolate tones. The palate displays some glorious concentration with refined tannins that frame a heady core of huckleberry and black currant fruits, with graphite and espresso ground notes on the palate. This is already a beautiful wine to consume now. Drink 2023-2038- 96

2021 Tenor Cabernet Franc- The 2021 Cabernet Franc is one of the finest wines of its kind that I have tasted over the past year. It shows a high-end Napa level of concentration with lovely nuance. Once on the mouth this displays lovely weight with a pillowy texture and strong underlying finesse. Freshly roasted coffee bean flavors mingle well with sagebrush, boysenberry fruits and hints of red bell pepper. This is highly refined Cabernet Franc that will continue to provide drinking enjoyment over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2023-2038- 96

2021 Tenor Cabernet Sauvignon- The brilliant 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is the finest wine in the Tenor collection of wines. Coming from the Wallula Gap, Canyons, Quintessence, and Stoneridge Vineyards, this comes off deep and voluptuous once on the mouth, as layered tannins combine with a seamless texture. Bright underlying acidity combines with the core of blueberry compote, creosote, creme de violette, Turkish coffee, crushed mint and graphite notes on the palate. Extremely complex and novel, this is a stunning new wine that really needs about two hours in the decanter before consuming. Drink 2024-2040- 97

Lange

Sitting across from Jesse and Don Lange, you could just feel the sense of history in the building. “This is where we used to hold tastings” said Don. Years before they built their state of the art tasting facility I fondly recall visiting the expansive Lange property roughly twenty years ago for the first time. I was captivated by the sweeping views of the valley from this site.

It was back in 1987 that Don Lange, took a chance by acquiring a large chunk of land that had sweeping views of the Willamette Valley. Don made the wines for many years and over time his son Jesse transitioned into their head winemaker, taking over for his father. During my recent visit we would taste through the recently bottled 2022 wines. 2022 was a cooler year that had a very moderate growing season but a warm fall that led to late-ripening. Jesse spoke with glee about 2022. “We were so thrilled with the way that these turned out, the fall literally saved the vintage” he said. The 2022 wines by Lange are extremely well-made but also have a very classic feel, a slight departure from warm vintages like 2021.

I adored the 2022 Lange ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir (OB, 93) which is a wine that is already drinking beautifully and has a ton of aging potential. Even better is the stunning 2022 Lange ‘Estate’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) which is deep and concentrated with fantastic flavor density already. This beauty will go for another fifteen plus years. Learn more about this outstanding Oregon winery at https://www.langewinery.com/ Here are the great new wines by Lange Estate

2022 Lange ‘Classique’ Chardonnay- The 2022  Dijon clonal selection ‘Classique’ Chardonnay was stored in 15% new French oak before bottling. This shows good ripeness and tension with nectarine and Pink Lady apple flavors that combine with juicy starfruit and baking spices. Drink 2023-2031- 91

2022 Lange ‘Three Hills Cuvee’ Chardonnay- The 2022 ‘Three Hills Cuvee’ is an outstanding showing that mainly was sourced from the Estate, Freedom Hill and Durant Vineyards, the wine was stored in 20% concrete eggs before bottling. Rich and layered, this is delicious wine that has fantastic underlying finesse and mouth-watering acidity. Rich citrus oil flavors combine with pastry crust and shades of allspice on the palate. Drink 2023-2033- 92

2022 Lange ‘Estate’ Chardonnay- A totally stunning wine, the 2022 ‘Estate’ Chardonnay is a dense and delicious bottling that is already showing beautifully. Once on the nose this shows off lime zest alongside diatomaceous earth, white rose, toasted walnut and suggestions of pie crust. The soft texture entices, as this shows beautiful length and underlying verve. You’re going to love how this is already evolved. Drink 2023-2037- 95

2022 Lange ‘Freedom Hill’ Chardonnay- Set on this site that has vines on Bellpine Soils, this was stored in 40% new French oak. Chardonnay vines were planted all the way back in 1998. This is heady and delicious stuff that is absolutely delicious to enjoy right now. Nicely textured and rich, with its core of melon and citrus fruits, this is decadent wine that is already beautifully evolved. Drink 2023-2037- 94

2022 Lange ‘Classique’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Classique’ comes from a range of sites including the Estate and Freedom Hill Vineyards. This offers macerated strawberry notes that combine with balsamic vinegar, cedar, and pretty red florals. Fresh and nicely textured, with good weight, this is delicious Pinot Noir that is already nicely evolved. Drink 2023-2029- 91

2022 Lange ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir- The outstanding 2022 Lange ‘Reserve’ Pinot Noir is nicely textured and weighted even so young. A pure core of red fruits greets you with stony soils, Mandarin orange zest and shades of baking spices. Complex and delicious, this is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2023-2033- 93

2022 Lange ‘Three Hills Cuvee’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Three Hills Cuvee’ is an outstanding bottling from this late harvest year. The wine comes off very fresh and fragrant with pomegranate seed, Yakima cherry, kumquat zest, sweet raspberry and suggestions of baking spices on the palate. Drink 2023-2032- 92

2022 Lange ‘Lucky River Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- This comes from a new property acquired by the Lange family in January 2022. The wine shows beautiful purity of fruit with guava, red currants and cedar notes alongside gorgeous red rose florals. This is very Barolo meets Willamette Valley with its high tones. Drink 2023-2037- 94

L'Ecole No. 41

One of the outstanding places in Walla Walla to taste wine, I fondly recall rolling through the double doors of L’Ecole No. 41 for the first time.  walking through their big set of double doors and tasting their beautiful range of wines. For several years now winemaker Marcus Rafanelli has been crafting a beautiful range of wines. Last summer I had a chance to taste with him and GM Marty Clubb who shared some really cool older wines. The wines are very well balanced and show remarkably consistency across the lineup. I regularly recommend to people that they will likely really love the range of wines that L’Ecole producers, whether they are a white or red wine lover.

I love the new wines by L’Ecole. Don’t miss out on the 2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Evergreen Vineyard’ Chardonnay (OB, 93) which has plenty of freshness and mouth-watering acidity. The best wine I tasted and one of the finest I have ever had from L’Ecole is their 2020 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Cellar Selection Ferguson Vineyard’ Red Wine (OB, 96) which is a complete stunner and shows massive cellaring potential with its very stony profile. I am really excited where this winery is headed. Learn more about this outstanding winery at http://lecole.com/ Here are the great new wines by L’Ecole No. 41.

2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay- Consistently one of the great value Chardonnays of the Pacific Northwest, the 2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay was sourced from the Schmitt, Evergreen, Stillwater Creek, Coyote Canyon, and Oasis Vineyards. Ripe and fat on the mouth, this delivers heady banana, Pink Lady apple and starfruit flavors alongside baking spices and a bright sense of tension. Really good now, enjoy this sensational value over the next five to seven years to come. Drink 2023-2029- 92

2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Evergreen Vineyard’ Chardonnay- For years the Evergreen Vineyard in the Ancient Lakes AVA has been one of the premier sites for Chardonnay in the state. This version is chalk-filled with finesse, as green apple, papaya and stony minerals all greet you on the palate, with a seamless mouthfeel. Really good now, this has both the tension and weight to cellar well for another seven plus years. Drink 2023-2030- 93

2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Columbia Valley’ Semillon- The seriously good 2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Columbia Valley’ Semillon was stored in mostly neural oak barrels and was given constant battonage before bottling. The wine is beautifully textured, with good weight and bright underlying acidity. Beeswax and cantaloupe flavors combine with shades of green papaya and juicy pear on the palate. Stony undercurrents add to the intrigue as this is best enjoyed now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2027- 92

2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Old Vines Upland Vineyard’ Chenin Blanc- Coming from vines planted in the late 1970s Upland Vineyards is farmed by the Newhouse family. This edition of this wine is very rich and viscous with great underlying finesse. Honey and rich melon flavors combine with Pazzaz apple, white peach and stony undertones. Enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next seven years to come. Drink 2023-2030- 93

2022 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Luminesce Seven Hills Vineyard’ White Wine- The 2022 ‘Luminesce’ combines Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc from the acclaimed Seven Hills Vineyards, set on the foothills of the Bluewood Mountains. Stored in only 15% new oak barrels, this offers a soft texture with layers of Granny Smith apple, mango and honeysuckle water alongside banana, baking spices and suggestions of shortbread on the palate. Complex and delicious to consume now, this beauty has some solid aging potential. Drink 2023-2030- 92

2020 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Apogee’ Red Wine- The ‘Apogee’ has been made by L’Ecole since 1993. This edition combines 56% Cabernet Sauvignon with 28% Merlot and smaller parts Malbec and Cabernet Franc.Stored in 40% new French oak for 22 months, this offers tar, tobacco leaf and red bell pepper notes on the nose with blackberry pie. The palate is fresh and lithe with a polished texture. Showing good weight, this offers nice pencil lead and espresso ground flavors alongside a dense core of dark fruits. A beautiful wine made in a tough vintage, savor this now and over the next seven years to come. Give this an hour or two in the decanter if enjoy in its youth. Drink 2023-2030- 95

2020 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Perigee’ Red Wine- The 2020 ‘Perigee’ was entirely sourced from the Seven Hills Vineyard. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (54%) with 24% Merlot and the remainder Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Malbec, this was stored in 40% new French oak barrels before bottling. Sandalwood notes combine with Asian spice and rich dark currants with dark chocolate shavings on the nose. The palate is fresh and rich with great tension and flavor density. Just like the 2020 ‘Apogee’ this beautiful Bordeaux style wine really needs about two hours in the decanter to fully get going. Drink 2023-2030- 95

2020 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Cellar Selection Ferguson Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- 2020 marked the 40th anniversary for L’Ecole No. 41, as this head-turning Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from the Estate Ferguson Vineyard, named after winery founders Baker and Jean Ferguson. The vineyard is one of the great sites in Washington with 30 planted acres, having vines uniquely set on broken basalt rock (from 15 million year old lava flows) with a thin layer of loess soil on top. This commemorative wine is arguably the finest wine I have ever tasted from this estate. Stored in 40% new French oak barrels for 22 months before bottling, the wine comes off initially very wound up and nervy, as this really needs about two hours in the decanter to fully evolve. Crushed wet rock combines with violets, tar, anise and shades of creme de cassis all brilliantly meld together on the nose. The palate is rich and vicious with a sensational sense of tension, weight, length and rocky undertones. The terroir here is nothing short of world-class. Like all wines I taste from this challenging vintage, I recommend drinking over the next five to seven years. Give this beauty at least an hour in the decanter if savoring in its heady youth. Kudos to head winemaker Marcus Rafanelli on this crowning achievement. Drink 2023-2031- 96