Cava Mestres

A historic spot in Cava, Mestres is a house with an incredible past. A few years ago I embarked on a trip to Cava for the first time. What we currently think of Cava in the United States is an antiquated point of view, based on inexpensive wines that are mainly imported to our country. Top Cava is nothing short of world-class wine.

One of the oldest houses in Cava, The Mestres family dates back to 1312 as a wine negotiant and they have owned vineyards in Sant Sadurni d’Anoia since at least 1607. Many years later in 1925  Josep Mestres Manobens made his first sparkling wine by blending indigenous varietals Macabeu, Xarel-lo, and Parellada. Joan Aura serves as cellar master winemaker. They source from their 74 acre estate, which is divided into two plots: Clos Damiana and Clos Nostre Senyor as well as some area vineyards. Their vineyard is set on calcareous clay soils.

Having visited this winery it is set in a storybook setting in the small town of Sadurni d’Antonia, which is roughly an hour from Barcelona via train. The region is quite mountainous and it has a very different climate to Barcelona having a considerably lower maritime influence. Mestres give their sparkling wines extended time (18 months to 7 years) on the lees in bottle, which contributes to the complexity of the wines. During our cellar tour we had a chance to see some of their wines that have date back fifty years. Like many of Spain’s most celebrated houses, Mestres prides themselves at aging their wines and releasing them when they find them ready. While visiting I was able to view the disgorgement process as well as some bottling while we were there and I was amazed at the attention to detail as the cellar master inspects each individual bottle, regardless of price. They are truly a storied house in sparkling wine. 

I love their new ‘Reserva’ bottling, the 2020 Mestres ‘1312’ Rose Cava (OB, 92) is super fresh and lively with great nuance I loved the with their 2018 Mestres ‘Coquet Gran Reserva Brut Nature’ Cava (OB, 93) which is wonderfully salty and shows good weight and length. Learn more about this storied winery at http://www.mestres.es/?lang=en Here are the great new wines by Cava Mestres.

2020 Cava Mestres ‘1312’ Rose Reserva- The outstanding 2020 Cava Mestres ‘1312’ Rose Reserva blends 50% Trepat with 30% Monastrell, and 20% Pinot Noir. Aged for 2.5 years on the less prior to disgorgement in May 2022, this was given 6G/L dosage. Guava puree, kumquat zest, and suggestions of black truffle shavings all mark the nose. The palate shows plenty of body, finesse and mouth-watering salty undercurrents that combine with the very pretty core of red fruit flavors. Enjoy his beautiful wine now and over the next ten years. Drink 2023-2033- 92

2018 Cava Mestres ‘Gran Reserva Coquet’ Cava- The 2018 Cava Mestres ‘Coquet Gran Reserva’ Cava is a beautiful wine that combines of 30% Macabeu, 30% Xarel.lo and 40% Parellada which is named after the first vineyard Mestres purchased all the way back in 1607. This Brut Nature was stored on the lees for 42 months before disgorgement in December 2022, this offers cashew nut flavors alongside green papaya, mango and shades of Pink Lady apple. Fresh and nicely textured, showing good weight, this is drinking marvelously now. Drink 2023-2037- 93

2016 Cava Mestres ‘Gran Reserva Visol’ Cava- The 2016 ‘Visol’ is a masterful effort made from Macabeo, Xarel·lo and Parellada vines that are more than 50 years old. The base wine was stored on the lees for six months and then a further 50 months before disgorgement in December 2022.  and lasts 50 months. Showing a rich, golden hue, the ‘Visol’ offers nutmeg dusted French bread, and salted Macadamia nut aromas alongside sandalwood and Japanese pear notes that all meld in the glass. The palate is rich and refined with serious texture and underlying verve. With the nutty and earthy tones, this is drinking marvelously now at the seven year mark. Drink 2023-2037- 95

Brilliant Mistake

There is little doubt that the Napa Valley is teeming with amazing new winery projects. Brilliant Mistake Wines was started by John & Stacy Reinert now a decade ago. While dating John and Stacy would frequent the Napa Valley and were inspired by the wines made by Thomas Rivers Brown and Juan Mercado amongst others. They learned more and more about wine and thought that it would be best to start their own project.

One of Napa’s great talents, winemaker Maayan Koschitzky, has cut his teeth at cult projects such as Screaming Eagle, Dalle Valle, and currently serving as director of winemaking at Atelier Melka. For all of his success, he is extremely down to earth. Brilliant Mistake was first born in 2013, and has been producing knockout quality wines. These are made in very limited production and source from esteemed sites including the famed ‘Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III.’

The wine show good structure and poise, with fantastic concentration throughout the drinking experience. These are fruit and non-fruit driven, with some seriously good aging potential. I was enamored by the 2022 Brilliant Mistake Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 95) which is rich and layered with fantastic flavor range. The insanely good 2021 Brilliant Mistake ‘G3’Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 98) is a total show-stopper that is remarkably elegant and will live on for decades to come. Learn more at brilliantmistakewines.com Here are the incredible new releases by Brilliant Mistake.

2022 Brilliant Mistake Sauvignon Blanc- The 2022 Brilliant Mistake Sauvignon Blanc was stored in French oak barrels before bottling. Beautifully textured, this offers rich pear and pink grapefruit flavors that combine with shades of lychee and kiwi on the palate. Showing copious minerals, this beautiful wine will live on for another ten years to come. Drink 2023-2033- 95

2021 Brilliant Mistake ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Coming from a range of vineyards throughout the Napa Valley, the 2021 Brilliant Mistake Cabernet Sauvignon is a totally stunning new effort by winemaker Maayan Koschitzky. This shows beautiful concentration with good underlying verve. Mocha, tar, cassis and tiled soil notes all enter the palate, with crushed wet rock and shades of pipe tobacco. Complex and highly delicious in its heady youth, with a smooth texture and great underlying finesse, this beauty will cellar well for another twenty years to come. Drink 2023-2041- 96

2021 Brilliant Mistake ‘G3’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 100% varietal Brilliant Mistake ‘G3’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the famed Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard in the Oakville AVA. Right away the brilliant high-toned florals allure, with dark rose petals that combine with loamy soils, mocha, black licorice and dark chocolate shavings. The wine is brilliantly structured with a hedonistic bent and plenty of salty minerals. A fabulous core of black and fruit flavors greets you, as this elegant, evocative wine is just starting to come into its own. Give this several hours in the decanter if savoring in its full-throttle youth. Drink 2023-2042- 98

TOR

A world-class producer of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, TOR is a namesake winery for Tor Kenward who spent 26 years building Beringer Vineyards into the wine juggernaut that it is today. As their vice president he was instrumental in helping create that brand into national prominence  before retiring in 2001. For years the Beringer Reserve wines were truly some of the finest in Napa and Tor played a major role in that project. Beringer actually paid for Tor to study viticulture and enology following his retirement, as Tor built his brand as an ultra-premium producer single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons, sourcing from the top blocks within premium sites throughout Napa Valley. The current TOR lineup sources from esteemed sites such as Beckstoffer To Kalon, Vine Hill Ranch and Tierra Roja in Oakville, and Melanson on Pritchard Hill. These wines have really spoken to me for years. I love their polish, their texture and sense of place. For my palate, this is some of the finest expressions of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon that you will find in the entire valley.

The new releases that I tasted come from the warm 2021 vintage. Don’t miss out on the 2021 TOR ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 99) which flirts with perfection. Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://torwines.com Here are the gorgeous new wines by TOR. 

2021 TOR ‘Melanson Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- This incredible 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from the Melanson Vineyard which is located on Pritchard Hill, and set on very rocky soils.  This edition is 100% varietal and was stored in 80% new Taransaud French oak barrels before bottling. It is a masterpiece by winemaker Jef Ames and proprietor Tor Kenward. Very inky in the glass, this offers wet gravel and creme de violette aromatics that leap out of the glass, alongside shades of creosote and sandalwood. The palate offers a seductive texture, with a bright beam of acidity that runs through the generous core of mocha with black and blue fruit flavors, with salty and stony accents. With more air, notes of lavender and crushed mint enter the fray. The combination of concentration, texture and underlying finesse really drives this wine that flirts with perfection. Truly a joy to consume in its heady youth, this stunning Cabernet Sauvignon will shine on for decades to come. Drink 2023-2045- 99

2021 TOR ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon-  One of the finest new world wines that I have tasted in the past year, the 2021 TOR ‘Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a masterclass from this famed Napa house. This wine comes from the famed vineyard that was planted in 1868 and acquired by Andy Beckstoffer in 1993. The wine has as small portion of Cabernet Franc blended in, as this spent 31 days fermenting and then was stored for twenty months in 80% new French oak barrels before bottling. Needing an hour in the decanter to be fully expressive, once aroused this unveils layers of freshly tilled loamy soil aromas alongside dried herbs, creme de cassis and suggestions of espresso grounds that all sing in unison. The palate is soft and initing with an opulent texture and refined structure. Dense, yet showing a weightless appearance once on the palate, this is pure class and liquid velvet on the mouth. Enjoy this head-turning Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon now and over the next twenty plus years. Drink 2023-2045- 99

R. Lopez de Heredia

Some winery visits you just never forget. Such is the case with my visit to R. Lopez de Heredia several years back. For years I have admired the incredible Vina Tondonia wines and I was so eager to see the cellar, winery and vineyards. R. Lopez de Heredia is without a doubt one of the famed properties in the La Rioja region. It has an incredible history as R. Lopez de Heredia was founded in the nineteenth century when French negociants visited the Rioja region to find alternative sources of quality grapes to transform into wine, following their phylloxera epidemic had decimated their vineyards. Don Rafael López de Heredia y Landeta, started his winery in Haro, the capital of the Rioja Alta region. The winery is a stunning older building with arguably the most incredible wine caves of the region.

This is a winery pitted in tradition as R. Lopez de Heredia wines are aged considerably longer than most and they are only sold when the winemaker finds them to be drinking perfectly. Their current releases are more than a decade old. I had the incredible chance earlier in the year to taste the 2008-2010 Vina Tondonia together. These are wines that at 15 years of age are incredibly youthful and still have decades of life in front of them. I am completely enamored by the 2011 R. Lopez de Heredia ‘Vina Tondonia’ Rioja Reserva (OB, 95) which shows amazing aging potential in this brilliant vintage. Learn more about this famed  winery athttp://www.lopezdeheredia.com Here are the beautiful new wines by R. Lopez de Heredia.

2011 R. Lopez de Heredia ‘Vina Tondonia’ Reserva Rioja- The 2011 R. Lopez de Heredia ‘Vina Tondonia’ Reserva is a world-class Rioja with 20% Garnacha and 5% both Graciano and Mazuelo blended in. Coming from this vineyard set on limestone and clay, the wine was stored in homemade 225L American oak barrels before bottling. This 2011 Rioja offers beautiful red rose petals on the nose with cranberry, orange peel, worn leather and shades of freshly tilled stony soils. The palate is soft and refined with elegant tannins that frame a core of bright red fruits alongside blood orange zest, wild mushroom and great length. This is a total stunner that will live on for another twenty years to come. Drink 2023-2042- 95

Andrew Januik

One of the nicest guys in Washington wine is also making some world-class Cabernet Sauvignon that you need to keep your eye on. It has now been ten years since Andrew Januik started his own line of wines, focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon. Today he is making a range of wines which includes his fantastic ‘Southern Sojourn’ wine from Argentina. His ‘Stone Cairn’ is a Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon that is inky and intense, with beautiful texture and a good core of finesse. The wine is sourced from a host of Red Mountain AVA vineyards including Shaw, Obelisco, Quintessence, and Ciel du Cheval vineyards. Oak treatment is moderate, usually around 55% for roughly twenty months before being stored in the bottle. The wines are well-priced when you consider the price that Cabernet Sauvgnon can fetch.

I have really enjoyed how these wines age, as I have tasted many older vintages with Andrew and have found them to get better and better. He did an amazing job navigating the cooler 2019 vintage. His work in 2020 was even more impressive as the wines were all exceptional despite the obvious challenges of the September weather.  The 2020 Andrew Januik ‘Stone Cairn’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 94) is a marvelous effort that is rich and shows loads of nuance with a silky mouthfeel. These wines are extremely reasonably priced under 50 dollars. Check out more about these beautiful wines at https://www.noveltyhilljanuik.com/wines/andrew-januik/ Here are my tasting notes from the new Andrew Januik wines.

2020 Andrew Januik ’Lady Hawk’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2020 Lady Hawk Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA and is 100% varietal Cabernet Sauvignon. This is very soft and round on the mouth, with a silky texture. Layers of toasty oak mingle well with graphite, black currants, espresso grounds and shades of mint leaf. Really delicious now, this will be great to savor over the next seven years to come. Drink 2023-2030- 93

2020 Andrew Januik ‘Stone Cairn’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2020 ‘Stone Cairn’ comes from Red Mountain as this is now the 10th edition of this wine. Inky dark in the glass, this unveils layers of cassis, creme de violette and scorched earth on the nose with sandalwood and pencil lead notes. The palate is concentrated and deep with refined tannins that frame a beautiful core of black and blue fruits with garrigue undercurrents. This is seriously good stuff to consume in its heady youth. Drink 2023-2030- 94

2020 Andrew Januik ‘Baba Yaga’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2020 ‘Baba Yaga’ comes from the Southwind Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley. This edition is really delicious and inviting already at the three year mark. Tar, anise and creme de cassis flavors mingle well with dark rose petals and shades of black licorice on the nose. The palate is soft and nicely textured, with good weight and length. Finishing long, this is great stuff to consume now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2030- 93

2020 Andrew Januik ‘Doppel Ganger’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2020 ‘Doppel Ganger’ is the inaugural release of this wine which was sourced from the Andrews Family Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills. Right away alluring aromatics of violets, tar and mocha combine on the nose wth freshly tilled soil notes. The palate is soft and inviting with polished tannins that frame a core of blackberry and black cherry fruit flavors with coffee grounds and a graphite edge. Drink 2023-2033- 93

2020 Andrew Januik ‘Los Molinos’ Red Wine- This is Andrew Januik’s GSM-inspired bottling that is near all equal parts Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. This is nicely smoky and savory with layers of wild blackberry and black raspberry fruits that mingle well with the dried herbs, smoked brisket and scorched earthy notes. Drink 2023-2030- 92

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

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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