Dear Friends,
I want to extend my warmest holiday greetings from Owen Bargreen. We are very humbled by your support and following. 2023 has been an electric year of world-class wines, incredible wine events and gatherings. It is so wonderful to share wine with friends and family once again. Wineries are still coming out of the fog from the Pandemic. I pride myself to work hard in promoting the great wines that I taste across the world. It has been a wonderful experience writing hundreds of my own articles for OwenBargreen.com
We will work hard to push more events that highlight the best wines of these regions in the future. Our 2023 Top 100 includes including many highly collectable wines but also wines that embody good value. 2021 was very good to the wines of the Willamette Valley, as this year we see in our Top 100 a record number of Oregon wines. Don’t miss out on those beautiful reds and whites from 2021. Out of thousands of wines that I tasted in the past year I adjudged several wines to be nothing short of perfection in a bottle. This year it was a very close call at the top. We have a new wine at our number 1 position for 2023. The 2021 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a perfect bottle that is arguably the finest wine of its kind ever made in Washington State. This is perfection for me and I hope you have a chance to try this beauty.
I want to offer my deepest thanks for all of your support and I want to wish you all a fruitful and safe holiday season. I wish you all a Happy Holidays and hope that 2024 brings you all great joy and prosperity, with beautiful wines in your glass.
1) 2021 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Columbia Valley | $250.00 | 100 Points
The 2021 ‘Columbia Valley’ mainly comes from the Champoux Vineyard (90%) with the remainder coming from the Mach One Vineyard. A range of Cabernet Sauvignon clones are blended into this wine that spent 20 months in all new French oak before bottling. The aromatics really pop here with violets alongside potpourri and Turkish coffee, sandalwood, allspice dusted dates and shades of black licorice. The palate is generous, weightless and very generous as this is a total show stopper. Concentrated blue and black fruits with walnut, with creme de violette all brilliantly combine with the elegant mid-palate mouthfeel. Finishing extremely long, this is nothing short of perfection in a bottle. I don’t say this lightly but this is arguably the finest ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon that I have ever tasted. Give this three hours or more in the decanter if enjoying now. Drink 2024-2044- 100
2) 2021 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache
Washington I Walla Walla Valley I $120 I 100 Points
Stony, salty and very savory, the stunning 2021 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache is one of the great wines that I have tasted over the past year —and is nothing short of perfection in a bottle. Coming from this very tightly-spaced site set on cobblestones in Milton-Freewater, this nose can only be from one place in the world. Seaweed, wet gravel, anise, bacon fat and menthol notes all combine with pure pomegranate and red cherry fruits on the nose. The palate is extremely stony and salty, with loads of mouth-watering acidity. Finishing long, this memorable effort with serious nerve is already drinking beautifully now — but will cellar well over the next eight plus years. Drink 2023-2031- 100
3) 2021 Kobayashi ‘Mizunera’ Cabernet Franc
Washington | Yakima Valley | $200.00 | 100 Points
This is now the second edition made of this wine following the incredible 2019 bottling. The 2021 ‘Mizunara’ is the only wine of its kind, as the barrel costs a whopping 8 thousand dollars including shipping. As one of the most expensive wines in Washington State, it is also one of the finest that you will find. Cedar and exotic spices combine in this downright explosive nose with red currants, coffee grounds, pipe tobacco and hints of fresh sage. Seamless and elegant, with serious savory notes, refined tannins and downright insane flavor range, you won’t find anything like this in the world. Try to procure a bottle if you can, as there are only 100 cases made. Drink 2023-2043- 100
4) 2020 Cayuse Vineyards ‘God Only Knows’ Red Wine
Oregon | Walla Walla Valley | $100.00 | 99 Points
Translucent in its core, the Grenache-dominant 2020 ‘God Only Knows’ Red Wine has a small amount of Syrah blended in. Sourced from the Armada Vineyard which was first planted back in 2001, this was stored in neutral oak for 21 months and weighs in at a mere 13.7% alcohol. The palate is exceedingly fresh, showing a sterling veil of tension on the mouth. Very pretty guava and cran-cherry fruit flavors combine with Hoisin sauce, tobacco leaf, wet rock and charcuterie board, with blood orange zest accents. This is incredibly clean wine considering the conditions at harvest. Generous and done in a slightly richer style than the 2019, this beauty is best enjoyed now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2028- 99
5) 2020 Force Majeure ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Red Mountain | $120.00 | 99 Points
The 2020 ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunning new bottling that is showing beautifully even so young. Right now the wine is unbelievably good, with a brilliant combination of weight, texture and bright underlying acidity. A fantastic melange of black and blue fruits greet you on the palate, with chocolate, creosote and espresso ground accents. Give this plenty of air before consuming, as this beauty is already signing its high octane. Drink 2023-2033- 99
6) 2021 HALL ‘Rainin Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Napa Valley | $350.00 | 100 Points
The 2021 ‘Rainin Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from this small vineyard set on Diamond Mountain. This 8 acre site is set on iron rich volcanic soils on what was once a lush forest. Once on the nose this displays sweet pipe tobacco notes alongside espresso grounds, creme de violette and violets. Very inky and brooding in the glass, this takes on an opulent, pillowy texture once on the mouth that makes this truly a joy to drink. This powerful and dense yet very seamless throughout the drinking experience. Finishing exceedingly long, with heady dark and blue fruits, this stunning wine is nothing short of perfection in a bottle. Drink 2023-2045- 100
7) 2019 Devil Proof ‘Rockpile Ridge’ Malbec
California | Sonoma County | $275.00 | 100 Points
This site is set at 1400 and is very windy which creates very think skins on the Malbec berries. The 2019 ‘Rockpile Ridge’ Malbec opens with intense black licorice, blackberry compote, and espresso ground aromas. The palate is wonderfully stony with insanely good tension and mouthfeel — and a finish that literally will not stop. This is opulent, incredibly textured Malbec that is truly one of a kind. Drink 2023-2045- 100
8) 2021 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘Foothills Reserve’ Syrah
Washington | Walla Walla Valley | $85.00 | 99 Points
A total masterclass, the 2021 ‘Foothills Reserve’ is a barrel selection wine that comes from the Reynvaan’s high elevation estate Foothills In The Sun Vineyard. The site is set on Loess soils with deep basalt deposits and I have been writing about the potential of this site for more than a decade. Today, wines from this high-elevation location are every bit as good as those from their Rocks District vineyard. Hoisin sauce, beef drippings, menthol, and shades of wild blackberry all combine on the nose. The palate is utterly seamless with serious tension, weight and mouth-watering acidity. It offers La Landonne levels of flavor complexity, yielding blood orange zest notes alongside red cherry candy, cigar ash, wet stone and pipe tobacco that all brilliantly meld together on the palate. Showing seriously good flavor and aromatic range, enjoy this simply stunning Syrah now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2023-2037- 99
9) 2016 Chateau St. Michelle ‘Eroica Single Berry Select’ Riesling
Washington | Columbia Valley | $250.00/.375L | 99 Points
Without a doubt the top dessert wine produced in the Pacific Northwest (and arguably in North America), the Trockenbeerenauslese-inspired 2016 ‘Eroica Single Berry Select’ is another dazzling edition of this wine that flirts with perfection. Once on the nose this takes on a literal cornucopia of stunning aromatics. Honeysuckle, apricot jelly, vanilla creme brûlée, candied kumquat and ginger notes all combine on the nose. The palate is deep and penetrating yet comes off very weightless and displays a dazzling level of underlying finesse. Decadent and rich, this is going to be an epiphany wine for you to savor. Drink 2023-2045- 99
10) 2018 Domaine Serene ‘Monogram’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $425.00 | 99 Points
The 2018 ‘Monogram’ is a stunning bottling that flirts with perfection as this is a knockout blend of Pinot Noir from the Grace, Mark Bradford and Cote Sud Vineyards. Stored in 70% new French oak, the 2018 ‘Monogram’ deftly embodies this warm vintage. Once on the nose this takes on roasted date, huckleberry, red rose water, peat moss, and shades of blood orange zest. The palate is soft and round with serious power and weight. Finishing extremely long, with ripe black fruits, this is an absolutely stunning wine that is quite simply the finest wine from the Willamette Valley that I have tasted this past year. Drink 2023-2043- 99
11) 2021 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit Blanc de Tablas’ White Wine
California| Paso Robles | $65.00| 96 Points
The beautiful 2021 ‘Espirit Blanc de Tablas, is another world-class release of this wine. This edition has considerably more Roussanne (70%) than the 2020 bottling. This varietal is really shining brightly here, with its hedonistic bent and plenty of body. Wet gravel notes combine with ripe cantaloupe, juicy peach and suggestions of salted Brazil nuts. With a refined texture, wait for the near minute-long finish. Astonishingly good in its youth, this beauty will live on for another fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2023-2040- 96
12) 2021 Delmas Syrah
Oregon | The Rocks District | $85.00 | 97 Points
The stunning 2021 Delmas ‘SJR Vineyard’ Syrah is another sensational effort from this famed outpost in the Walla Walla Rocks District of Milton-Freewater. Coming from this site that is set on large cobblestones. Umami, green olive tapenade and Hoisin sauce as well as Asian spices mark the nose alongside boysenberry and tar notes. This shows a fantastic underlying finesse with a silky smooth mouthfeel and loads of depth, concentration and mouth-watering acidity. Finishing extremely long, this just might be the best Delmas Syrah ever made. Drink 2023-2032- 97
13) 2016 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve’ Sparkling Wine
California | Carneros | $125.00 | 96 Points
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
14) 2021 Rasa Vineyards ’Courageous Convictions’ Port Style Wine
Washington | Columbia Valley | $70.00 (.375L) | 98 Points
Brothers Pinto and Billo Naravane are unabashedly infatuated with vintage Port and for years they wanted to make a Washington Port style wine using indigenous grapes. They now have met their match, as they utilize Touriga Nacional. Tinta Roriz, Tinta Cao and Souzao grapes that were sourced from the Yakima Valley. The nose is incredible expressive, showing Asian spices alongside sandalwood, huckleberry compote, Turkish coffee and suggestions of eucalyptus. The palate is soft and seamless with incredible verve, texture and weight. Milk chocolate, toffee, creme de violette, tar, anise flavors all collide, with nuances of damp soils, pencil lead and Mandarin orange peel. In terms of flavor complexity, this is pretty hard to top. Hedonistic, yet showing loads of mouth-watering acidity, this is 2021 actually considerably better than the 2020 version and retains its honor as the finest Port-style wine ever made in Washington State. Grab your Cohiba and dig in! Drink 2023-2040- 98
15) 2020 Leonetti Cellar ‘Serra Pedace Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Walla Walla Valley | $150.00 | 97 Points
Located in the SeVein project, the Serra Pedace is a southern Walla Walla Valley site that is set at roughly 1,200 feet. The nose is intense and hedonistic with black rose petals and dark currants that combine with black tea notes that all mingle in the glass. The palate is very deep and concentrated, with beautiful underlying finesse and a lengthy finish. Smooth tannins line the core of concentrated black fruits, as this beautiful wine will live on for at least another twenty years to come. Give this beauty at least an hour in the decanter prior to enjoying, Drink 2022-2042- 97
16) 2019 Sanguis ‘Loner The Golden Hour’ Chardonnay
California | Santa Rita Hills | $75.00 | 96 Points
Sourced from the John Sebastiano vineyard, the wine utilizes one Wente clone block at the top of the hill at one thousand feet, as well as a block utilizing clone 76. This was stored in neutral oak puncheons before bottling, as the wine shows some very good cellaring potential. The mesmerizing aromatics bring you back to the glass, arousing the senses with honeysuckle, white peach, wet stone, and Pazazz apple. The palate is very focused and concentrated with unbelievably good length. Wait for the minute long finish. Drink 2023-2032- 96
17) 2015 Roederer Estate ‘L’Ermitage’ Rose Sparkling Wine
California | Anderson Valley | $100.00 | 95 Points
Glowing and very pretty in pink, the stunning 2015 Roederer Estate ‘L’Ermitage’ Rose Sparkling Wine is beautiful evolved now at eight years of age. Made from a proprietary blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this shows good richness on the nose with sous bois, alongside Yakima cherry, white peach and shades of red raspberry. The palate is big, with serious weight and fantastic underlying poise. Ginger, guava, cran-pomegranate and shades of white truffle all beautifully meld together on the palate. Really good now, this has at least a decade of life in front of it. Drink 2023-2033- 95
18) 2022 DeLille Cellars ‘Chaleur Blanc’ White Wine
Washington | Columbia Valley | $42.00 | 94 Points
This edition of the ‘Chaleur Blanc’ combines 69% Sauvignon Blanc with the remainder Semillon. Showing a deep color, this offers roasted hazelnuts on the nose with bright pear and starfruit tones. The palate is marvelously textured with showing good viscosity and weight without coming off as heavy. Very youthful and finesse-driven, this is beautiful wine to cellar over the next ten years. Drink 2023-2033- 94
19) 2018 Melka Estates ‘La Mekerra Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc
California | Napa Valley | $150.00 | 96 Points
This beautiful wine is a barrel selection wine using several clonal selections of Sauvignon Blanc that saw some battonage. This bottling is wonderfully textured with serious weight and tension. Gooseberry and bright green apple combine with suggestions of baking spice dusted brioche notes combine on the palate. Stored in roughly 60% new French oak (cigar barrels), this finishes very long. Enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next decade. Drink 2023-3033- 96
20) 2021 Saviah Cellars ‘The Funk Estate’ Syrah
Oregon | The Rocks District | $75.00 | 95 Points
Located in The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, the famed Funk Estate Vineyard is set on alluvial soils, including basalt pebbles, cobbles and boulders. Winemaker Richard Funk has blended in 4% Viognier, as the wine was stored in 40% new French oak for eighteen months prior to bottling. The nose is distinctly Rocks Syrah, with beef drippings, Umami and black olive tapenade with green peppercorns and creme de violette aromatics that simply dazzle in the glass. The palate is refined and soft as medium to full-bodied dark fruit flavors collide with milk chocolate, smoked brisket, sweet pipe tobacco and blackberry pie flavors. Sensational to enjoy right now, this beauty has another decade of life in front of it. Drink 2022-2032- 95
21) 2021 Audeant ‘Foothills’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $95.00 | 95 Points
The 2021 ‘Foothills’ Pinot Noir is a barrel selection wine made from the Luminous Hills and Cherry Grove Vineyards. Deeply perfumed on the nose, this takes on some fantastic aromatic range. Teaberry and allspice combine with tart cranberry and red rose petal notes on the nose. The palate is beautifully textured with a seamless mouthfeel. Jam-packed with texture, bright acidity and pure red and dark fruit flavors, this is a delicious, refined Pinot Noir that is already drinking beautifully. Stony and salty accents line this fantastic bottling that will live on for another fifteen plus years. Drink 2023-2038- 95
22) 2022 WALT ‘Bob’s Ranch’ Pinot Noir
California | Sonoma Coast | $95.00 | 97 Points
The 2022 ‘Bob’s Ranch’ comes from this vineyard located in the Petaluma Gap, located just south of Sebastopol. An 88 acre site, mostly planted to Pinot Noir, this wine is a barrel selection from the best blocks in the vineyard. Bob’s Ranch Pinot Noir was first made with the 2014 vintage. The palate comes off super seamless and concentrated with serious flavor density, power and brilliant underlying finesse. A massive core of dark fruits greet you with freshly tilled soils, with underlying citrus zest accents. Super complex and delicious, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next fifteen plus years. For my palate this is the finest edition of this wine made yet. Drink 2023-2039- 97
23) 2019 Aperture ‘Farrow Ranch’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Sonoma County | $1750.00 | 99 Points
This is the first vintage of this wine coming from a site that comes from a steep rocky hillside. The palate is extremely seamless as this wine shows insanely good texture with amazing length. Creme de cassis, wet stone, creosote, blackberry cobbler and espresso grounds all come together wonderfully on the palate. This is quite simply a masterpiece and is one of the finest wines I have ever tasted from this region. Drink 2023-2040- 99
24) 2022 Melville ‘Estate’ Chardonnay
California | Santa Rita Hills | $45.00 | 93 Points
Fresh, lithe and polished on the mouth, the 2022 ‘Estate’ Chardonnay is another killer value made by winemaker and owner Chad Melville. Bananas and poached pear flavors combine with shades of marzipan and copious minerals on the palate. Finishing long with wet stone and rich pastry crust flavors, this is a dazzling effort that is already nicely evolved. Drink 2023-2033-93
25) 2021 Avennia ‘Arnaut’ Syrah
Washington | Columbia Valley | $60.00 | 96 Points
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
26 ) 2021 Domaine Drouhin ‘Edition Limitee’ Chardonnay
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $125.00 | 97 Points
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
27) 2022 Long Shadows ‘Poet’s Leap’ Riesling
Washington | Columbia Valley | $25.00 | 94 Points
The 2022 ‘Poet’s Leap’ mainly comes from the Gamache Vineyard with vines that were planted in the 1980s. This wine was originally made in conjunction with German producer Armand Diehl. Only 1 G/L sugar, this Trocken style has fantastic tension with petrol, lemon/lime zest, juicy white peach, wet stone and shades of Gravenstein apple. Nicely textured, this is gorgeous stuff that is amongst the finest made in Washington State. Drink 2023-2030- 94
28) 2021 Robert Biale ‘Varozza Vineyard’ Zinfandel
California | Napa Valley | $75.00 | 95 Points
Always what I consider to be one of the great Zinfandel wines made in California, the 2021 Varozza Vineard comes from this location in Saint Helena which was planted over a century ago. The wine takes on an incredible elegance and great underlying verve. Red cherry candy, pipe tobacco, and red plum flavors combine with salty soil accents on the palate. Seamless, complex and delicious, this is a stunning bottling that is amongst the finest of its kind that I have tasted in the past year. Drink 2023-2035- 96
29) 2021 Liminal ‘High Canyon’ Syrah
Washington | Columbia Valley | $85.00 | 96 Points
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
30) 20121 Brilliant Mistake ‘G3’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Napa Valley | $250.00 | 98 Points
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
31) 2020 WeatherEye Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Red Mountain | $150.00 | 98 Points
Juicy, bright and a total knockout, the 2020 WeatherEye Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from from three different sites in the WeatherEye Vineyard. Stored in 70% new French oak before bottling, this delivers fantastic freshness and balance, with deep concentration. Iron and black currant cordial with violets, alongside firm tannins and shades of Black Forest Cake all brilliantly combine on the palate. Plush and soft, showing beautiful refinement, this is just an infant right now so be sure to give this two hours in the decanter before consuming. Drink 2023-2033- 98
32) 2020 FIGGINS ‘Estate’ Red Wine
Washington| Walla Walla Valley | $125.00 | 97 Points
The 2020 ‘Estate’ Red Wine is a powerful and beautiful effort considering the challenges of the vintage. The wine is a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot that was sourced from this site set on deep silty loam soils. This really needs an hour in the decanter to be fully expressive and once aroused it is a dream to consume. Black currants, green bell pepper, graphite, loamy soils, mocha, tar and Earl Grey tea flavors all magically combine on the palate, with very refined tannins. Showing great length and concentration, this beauty is good to go now — and will live on for at least another five to seven years. Drink 2023-2030- 97
33) 2021 Matthews ‘Reserve Cuvee’ Red Wine
Washington | Columbia Valley | $195.00 | 97 Points
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
34) 2021 Lingua Franca ‘Bunker Hill’ Chardonnay
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $95.00 | 96 Points
Always one of the unique Chardonnays made in the Willamette Valley, the 2021 ‘Bunker Hill’ comes from this super unique place that was planted all the way back in 1995. The nose displays the classic wet stone and volcanic ash notes that comes form this special location. Meyer lemon oil and starfruit aromatics combine with suggestions of mango, toasted hazelnut and a light dusting of white pepper. The complex aromatics go on and on. Despite the warmth of the vintage, the wine displays a dazzling verve as this deftly glides throughout the drinking experience. Like the ‘Lingua Franca Estate’ this shows remarkable length as well as flavor density. Quite simply a joy to drink, this will live on for another twenty years — if you can wait! Drink 2023-2043- 96
35) 2020 Ridge Vineyards ‘Monte Bello’ Chardonnay
California | Santa Cruz Mountains | $90.00 | 96 Points
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
36) 2021 Sleight of Hand ‘The Psychedelic’ Syrah
Oregon | Walla Walla Valley | $75.00 | 96 Points
A follow up to the really good 2020 edition, the 2021 Sleight of Hand ‘The Psychedelic’ Syrah was sourced from the famed Stoney Vine Vineyard in the Walla Walla Rocks District. For my palate this is up there with the 2018 as the finest edition ever made of this wine. Soft, sultry and seamless on the mouth, this greets you with a literal cornucopia of flavors, while maintaining bright underlying finesse. Black olive tapenade, wet gravel, mortadella, black raspberry, black truffle shavings and bulls blood flavors all marvelously combine with blood orange zest accents. This is simply a marvelous, warm vintage wine that is already expressing itself in all its splendor. Hail hail to the stones! Drink 2023-2031- 96
37 ) 2013 ROCO ‘Delayed Disgorgement’ Sparkling Wine
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $110.00 | 97 Points
This beautiful sparkling wine was stored on the lees for 10 years prior to disgorgement. A blend of 67% Pinot Nour with the remainder Chardonnay, this shows up fat and unctuous on the mouth, reminding people that 2013 was a flat out fabulous growing season prior to torrential rains at harvest. This beauty was obviously picked before the rains. Golden raisin, Japanese pear and toasted hazelnut flavors combine with shades of banana and even Yakima cherry on the palate. Novel, complex and delicious, with serious richness and underlying finesse, this is quite simply a masterclass by Oregon bubbles master Rollin Soles. No reason to cellar this fully mature heavyhitter of a wine. Drink 2023-2031- 97
38) 2019 Pott Wines ‘Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Napa Valley | $150.00 | 98 Points
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
39) 2021 TOR ‘Cuvee Torchiana’ Chardonnay
California | Napa Valley | $85.00 | 96 Points
The incredible new ‘Cuvee Torchiana’ comes from the three-acre Beresini Vineyard which was planted roughly 30 years ago. The wine was stored in Saury and Damy medium-toast oak barrels prior to bottling. This is an incredible golden hue on the glass, offering toasted hazelnut on the nose alongside banana, grilled pineapple, and shades of lemon rind dusted brioche bread. The palate is absolutely seamless throughout the drinking experience. Melon and citrus fruits combine with vanilla creme brûlée, baking spices and an opulent texture on the palate. Wait for the minute-long finish! Drink 2023-2033- 96
40) 2021 Dossier ‘Flagship’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Columbia Valley | $110.00 | 96 Points
The 2021 Dossier ‘Flagship’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunning wine that mostly comes from the Ciel du Cheval and Summit View vineyards. Stored in 60% new French oak for 22 months, this offers incredibly complex aromatics of espresso grounds, mocha, tar and Asian spices with creme de violette. The palate is tannic and massive, showing very broad shoulders, with Turkish coffee and scorched earthy notes alongside a massive core of black and blue fruit flavors. Totally stunning and delicious, this has some serious aging potential, as this will easily be a 20 year wine. Drink 2024-2040- 96
41) 2021 Single Barrel ‘Solaksen’ Chardonnay
Washington | Royal Slope | $50.00 | 95 Points
Coming from the Royal Slope AVA, the 2021 Single Barrel ‘Solaksen’ Chardonnay comes from a high elevation vineyard that is planted on a northern facing slope. Cardamom and rich baking spices greet you on the nose alongside bananas foster, peach and shades of shortbread. The palate is concentrated but shows a fantastic level of freshness. Finishing extremely long, with outstanding viscosity, this is a beautiful expression of Washington Chardonnay which is not for the weary. Drink 2023-2033- 95
42) 2019 Verite ‘Le Desir’ Red Wine
California | Napa Valley | $475.00 | 98 Points
The 2019 ‘Le Desir’ combines Cabernet Franc (83%) with the remainder Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. This shows beautiful red rose petals on the nose with suggestions of baking spices, anise and Turkish coffee. The palate is deep and heady with incredible intensity and a hedonistic bent. This is a total stunner. Drink 2025-2050- 98
43) 2019 Cobb ‘Coastlands Vineyard’ Pinot Noir
California | Sonoma Coast | $85.00 | 96 Points
This 50% whole cluster Pinot Noir comes from this site near the Pacific Ocean which was planted back in 1998. This has Pommard, Mt. Eden and Wadenswil clonal selections as well as Martini selection. Very salty and savory on the nose, this takes on pretty guava fruits alongside wild strawberry, potpourri and fresh sage. The palate is incredibly fresh and vibrant with marvelous tension. The purity of salty red fruits on the palate really impress here, as this beautiful wine will cellar well for another fifteen plus years. Drink 2023-2038- 96
44) 2021 Merry Edwards ‘Olivet Lane’ Pinot Noir
California | Russian River Valley | $95.00 | 95 Points
Olivet Lane was planted back in 1975. The property is run by the Pelegrini Family. This wine utilizes 100% Martini clone and is stored in 75% new French oak for ten moths before bottling. The wine shows a gorgeous core of black cherry, black raspberry and teaberry notes with shades of forest floor. Finishing long with copious minerals, this is gorgeous wine to consume now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2023-2038- 95
45) 2021 Walter Scottt ‘X Novo’ Chardonnay
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $75.00 | 96 Points
This wine has developed a cult following over the years. This edition is seamless, silky and very elegant Chardonnay that will live on for two decades. On the nose this takes on poached pear and pastry crust notes that combine with toasted hazelnut and suggestions of cardamom dusted pineapple. The palate is soft and round with seriously good underlying finesse. The flinty tones take you straight to Burgundy, as this beauty is drinking marvelously even at the two year mark. Drink 2023-2038- 96
46) 2021 DuMol ‘Wester Reach’ Chardonnay
California | Sonoma County | $80.00 | 96 Points
The 2021 ‘Wester Reach’ Chardonnay is mainly sourced from the Flax and Charles Heintz Vineyards, as this was stored in 30% new French oak for 11 months before bottling. Right away you are allured by toasted pineapple and mango notes on the nose alongside shades of shortbread, flint and hazelnuts. The palate is soft and refined with a soft mouthfeel and beautiful sense of verve. Concentrated and showing incredible flavor range, the 2021 ‘Wester Ranch’ will live on for at least another ten plus years. Drink 2023-2035- 96
47) 2022 Upchurch Vineyard Rose
Washington | Yakima Valley | $28.00 | 93 Points
The complex and utterly fabulous 2022 Upchurch Vineyard Rose is simply a joy to consume right now. Made entirely from Yakima Valley Grenache, this offers serious weight and finesse with guava and strawberry fruits, as well as kiwi notes, showing copious stony minerals and just a kiss of sweetness. Don’t serve this too cold to take in the full range of flavors. Drink 2023-2029- 93
48) MTR Productions Syrah
Oregon | Walla Walla Rocks District | $85.00 | 97 Points
The 2018 MTR Productions ‘Memory Found’ Syrah is a world-class wine that is one of the great wines produced this outstanding vintage. Needing an hour in the decanter, this slowly unveils layers of green peppercorns and bacon fat alongside boysenberry and tar notes that all combine in the glass. The palate is soft and refined with incredible elegance. Nori, oyster sauce and beef drippings combine with cigar ash and shades of huckleberry all combine beautifully on the palate. Very seamless, as this glides throughout the drinking experience, the 2020 ‘Memory Found’ will live on for a decade or more. Give this an hour of air and watch this stunner evolve. Drink 2023-2033- 97
49) 2020 Corison ‘Sunbasket Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Napa Valley | $225.00 | 96 Points
The 2020 ‘Sunbasket Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is another lively and very focused effort from this downright tough vintage in the Napa Valley. Once on the nose this takes on layers of Turkish coffee alongside loamy soils, creme de cassis and Kalamata olive notes. The palate is soft and refined with a smooth texture and plenty of concentration. The bright underlying finesse combined with good weight and is classic Corison. Drink this beauty now and over the next five plus years. Drink 2023-2029- 96
50) 2021 Cairdeas ‘‘Caslen An Papa’ Red Wine
Washington | Lake Chelan | $65.00 | 95 Points
A seriously great new wine from an outstanding, warm vintage, the 2021 Cairdeas ‘Caslen An Papa’ Red Wine is a blend of almost equal parts Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. The 2021 is very pure and elegant on the palate. Layers of blood orange zest combine with pure guava and Yakima cherry fruit flavors alongside baking spices and herbal accents. A totally stunning wine, enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2023-2033- 95
51) 2021 MacRostie ‘The Key’ Chardonnay
California | Sonoma Coast | $75.00 | 95 Points
The 2021 ‘The Key’ combines grapes from the Sangiacomo, Dutton Ranch and Dale Ricci Vineyards. Stored in 31% new French oak, this offers a generous mouthfeel and texture, as this effortlessly glides throughout the drinking experience. Toasty oak notes combine with butterscotch, bananas foster, roasted pineapple and marzipan flavors on the palate. Unabashedly rich, this is glorious, dense Chardonnay that has plenty of salty and stony nuance. Enjoy now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2023-2033- 95
52) 2021 Doubleback Chardonnay
Washington | Walla Walla Valley | $90.00 | 96 Points
A downright ebullient bottling, the 2021 Doubleback Chardonnay once again enshrines itself in the upper echelon of Pacific Northwest Chardonnay. A golden color dawns the glass, as the 2021 Doubleback Chardonnay saw extended battonage before bottling. Speaking with winemaker Josh McDaniels last summer, he mentioned how this wine is one of his favorite projects. The palate is utterly seamless, showing tremendous depth, concentration and underlying finesse, as this glides throughout the drinking experience. Buttered French bread, marzipan and salted cashew nut flavors with hints of bananas foster. This really needs to be served at a warmer temperature to take in the full scintillating range of flavors and aromatics. Do not miss out on this very Kongsgaard meets Washington Chardonnay wine. Drink 2023-2033- 96
53) 2021 Passing Time ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay
Washington | Columbia Valley | $50.00 | 94 Points
Brimming with intensity and weight, the 2021 ‘Columbia Valley’ by Passing Time is an incredible effort in this warm vintage. Mostly sourced from the Bacchus Vineyard (75%) as well as the Boushey Vineyard (25%), the wine was stored in only 15% new French oak before bottling. A bright golden hue greets you in the glass, with a silky mouthfeel. Toasty brioche, lemon zest, nectarine, roasted pineapple and shades of cardamom dusted starfruit all wonderfully combine on the palate. Don’t serve this beauty too warm so you can take in the scintillating range of flavors. This is a knockout wine in 2021. Drink 2023-2031- 94
54) 2021 Prospice Wines ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Syrah
Washington | Walla Walla Valley | $50.00 | 95 Points
The vibrant and very juicy 2021 Prospice ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Syrah comes from this high-elevation vineyard in the foothills of the Blueridge Mountains. This is quite simply phenomenal wine from Prospice, loaded with Asian spices, garrigue, wet stone and dense dark fruits. Finishing long with blackberry fruits and minerals, enjoy this highly nuanced beauty now and over the next decade or more. Drink 2023-2033- 95
55) 2019 Cote Nicault Red Wine
Washington | Columbia Valley | $75.00 | 95 Points
The 2019 Côte Nicault is a downright killer wine from this slightly cooler vintage in the Columbia Valley. The Côte Nicault blends Mourvèdre, Grenache and Syrah and comes off quite spicy on the nose, with white pepper dusted bacon, red currants, tobacco leaf and shades of black licorice. The palate is rich and concentrated with a great mineral backbone that holds everything together nicely. A generous combination of red and dark fruits greet you, with garrigue and blood orange zest notes, as this beauty is already singing at the four year mark. Enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2023-2035- 95
56) 2022 Massican ‘Gemina’ White Wine
California | Napa Valley | $65.00 | 94 Points
The 2022 ‘Gemina’ is a unique blend of 62% Greco with the remainder Falanghina. The name is inspired by an ancient varietal that dates back to the first century AD, called Aminea Gemina. Ripe pear, vanilla cream and shades of lychee mark the nose, with nutty undertones. The palate shows lovely weight and a downright oily texture. Layers of pretty lemon oil and melon fruits collide with suggestions of baking spices on the palate. Drink 2023-2030- 94
57) 2021 Beaux Frères ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $80.00 | 95 Points
Pretty, gorgeous and brimming with aging potential, the outstanding 2021 Beaux Freres ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir is a highly memorable wine that I purchased at a restaurant. The wine drinks like a ‘Cru’ level Oregon Pinot and comes off as soft and round on the mouth, with a gorgeous core of pomegranate, guava and red raspberry fruits. Full-bodied, with refined tannins. With more air salty soil and tangerine peel nuances enter the fray. Enjoy this outstanding Oregon Pinot Noir now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2023-2038- 95
58) 2021 Bledsoe | McDaniels ‘Coulee’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $95.00 | 96 Points
This is the first version of this wine that is sourced from their estate vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills that is a windy site set on broken basalt. Stored in all new French oak, this saw 50% whole cluster fermentation. The wine comes off as wonderfully earthy on the nose, with red rose petals and black truffle shavings that mingle well with orange peel and shades of freshly tilled salty soils. The palate shows a world-class purity of red fruit flavors. Think pomegranate seed, guava and bright red cherry flavors that meld with the lovely earthy, stony and salty nuances of the wine. Drink 2023-2038- 96
59) 2021 Artist Block ‘Woo Juice’ Chardonnay
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $75.00 | 94 Points
The 2021 ‘Woo Juice’ comes from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. This is stony, salty and seductive Chardonnay which offers a very polished mouthfeel and glorious sense of length. The flavor range is really outstanding from salted Marcona almond to Japanese pear, baking spice dusted French bread and shades of kumquat zest, with wet gravel accents. Highly complex, big and juicy, this is impossible to resist even at the two year mark. Drink 2023-2033- 94
60) 2020 Caliza ‘Azimuth’ Red Wine
California | Paso Robles | $80.00 | 94 Points
The 2020 ‘Azimuth’ combine mostly Mourvèdre (44%) with smaller portions Grenache and Syrah. Smoked meats, lavender and dense dark fruits mark the nose. The palate is fresh and beautifully textured with a rich mouthfeel. Loaded with boysenberry and black cherry cordial flavors, with smoky and herbal accents, this is delicious wine that is already hit its stride. Drink 2023-2033- 94
61) 2021 Argyle ‘Nuthouse’ Chardonnay
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $45.00 | 95 Points
This 2021 ‘Nuthouse’ Chardonnay was largely sourced from the Lone Star Vineyard with some coming from the Spirit Hill Vineyard. Aged in roughly 20% new French oak, this is beautifully crafted wine with serious richness and underlying tension with salty. Ripe orchard and citrus fruits collide with toasted Macadamia nut notes. Drink 2023-2035- 95
62) 2021 Result of A Crush ‘Christmas Cuvee’ Red Wine
Washington | Walla Walla Valley | $28.00 | 93 Points
The 2021 ‘Christmas Cuvee’ has a touch of Viognier and Marsanne blended in. This comes off super high-toned with citrus zest and orange blossom notes that combine with salted charcuterie and shades of Kalamata olive. The wine comes off super plush with a seamless texture and great sense of weight. A great core of black fruits greets you, as this is already beautifully evolved stuff that is drinking so well right now. Drink 2023-2030- 93
63) 2022 Big Table Farm Rose
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $48.00 | 94 Points
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
64) 2021 Abeja ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot
Washington | Columbia Valley | $90.00 | 95 Points
The 2021 Abeja Merlot is a powerful and deep wine that is 100% varietal. Stored in roughly 35% new French oak, this yields gorgeous aromas of toasty oak and Asian spices combine with wild blackberry and chocolate covered black cherry notes with coffee grounds. Silky smooth on the palate, this is elegant, beautifully textured Merlot that shows beautiful texture, weight and length. Just an infant now, this has some incredible aging potential. Drink 2023-2040- 95
65) 2019 Dunham Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Columbia Valley | $50.00 | 94 Points
Really good considering the harvest conditions, the 2019 Dunham Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is now in its 25th edition. This version has 5% Merlot blended in and was stored in 32% new French oak and 18% new American oak before bottling. This wine is deep and rich but is all about balance. Turkish coffee notes combine with sandalwood, violets, and loamy soils on the palate. Finishing long with rich roasted figs and copious minerals, enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2023-2036- 94
66) 2021 Hundred Suns ‘Sequitur Vineyard’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $80.00 | 95 Points
I am unabashedly enamored by wines from this site planted by Oregon wine legend Mike Etzel and located in the Ribbon Ridge AVA. The 2021 ‘Sequitur Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is loaded with bright underling acidity, reveling in its Bing cherry and pomegranate seed flavors alongside wet stone and a silky texture. The finish just won’t stop. Glorious now in its heady youth, enjoy this beautiful Pinot Noir over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2023-2038- 95
67) 2020 The Devil Is A Liar Red Wine
Washington | Columbia Valley | $95.00 | 94 Points
This killer new wine spent 30 months in Austrian oak casks before bottling. The final blend was 78% Grenache with Syrah, Mourvèdre and a splash of Viognier. This comes off marvelously perfumed on the nose with violet rose petals, anise and citrus blossom. The palate is round and generous with good freshness and flavor density. Rich red fruits combine with loads of mouth watering acidity. Drink 2023-2035- 94
68) 2021 Granville ‘Louie’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $85.00 | 96 Points
The ‘Louie’ is a barrel selection wine that comes from the Holstein Vineyard. Very dense and concentrated on the mouth, this show incredible tension and verve on the tongue. The nerve and weight of the wine really impresses as pure red and dark fruits combine wth Enoki mushroom and shades of white pepper on the palate. This could easily be a 20 year old wine. Drink 2023-2043- 96
69) 2016 Brittan Vineyards ‘The Puncheon’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $75.00 | 96 Points
The 2016 ‘Puncheon’ is a single barrel bottling made from Robert Britain’s Estate Vineyard in the McMinnville AVA. It is one of the great Pinot Noirs that I have tasted in the past year out of Oregon. The nose comes off sensationally well with red currants, tobacco leaf, freshly tilled rocky soils and shades of cardamom. The palate is silky and downright ethereal with serious length and a finish that just won’t quit. This wonderfully displays the rocky profile of this site, with salty undertones an an ebullient core of bright and tart red fruits. A world-class wine, enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2023-2033- 96
70) 2020 Kerloo Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay
Washington | Columbia Valley | $30.00 | 92 Points
An insanely good value at under 30 bucks retail, the 2022 Kerloo Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay comes from two esteemed sites — the Lonesome Springs Ranch and Rainmaker Vineyards. It comes off very fresh and nicely textured from the less stirring as cantaloupe, bright pear and starfruit flavors collide with plenty of minerals on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2028- 92
71) 2019 Nine Hats Syrah
Washington | Columbia Valley | $28.00 | 93 Points
The outstanding 2019 Nine Hats ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah comes off as a ‘Baby Sequel’ with its outstanding range of aromas and flavors. Bacon fat and garrigue notes combine with tilled soils and copious dark fruits on the nose. The palate is rich and dense with plenty of underlying finesse. As is, the wine is exceedingly difficult to put down once opened with its dense figs, boysenberry and dark cherry notes alongside hints of dark chocolate. Enjoy now and over the next seven years. Drink 2023-2030- 93
72) 2021 Dutton-Goldfield ‘Stubbs Vineyard’ Pinot Noir
California | Russian River Valley | $75.00 | 95 Points
The Stubbs Vineyard was planted back in 1996 by Tom and Mary Stubbs. This site is set in the Petaluma Gap appellation and is a cooler site that is located at the bottom of a valley. The win3 was stored in 50% new French oak before bottling, and offers wet soil notes alongside dark cherry, plum and shades of baking spices on the nose. The palate is soft and refined with plenty of earthy and damp soil notes alongside a core of rich dark fruits and hints of cola. This is seriously good stuff in its heady youth. Drink 2023-2035- 95
73) 2019 Soter ‘Mineral Springs Vineyard’ Rose Sparkling Wine
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $85.00 | 94 Points
The fabulous ‘Minerals Springs’ Brut Rose was disgorged in May 2023 and was given 4G/L dosarge. This spent three and a half years en tirage, as the wine is a blend of mostly Pinot Noir (81%) with the remainder Chardonnay. A gorgeous salmon hue, this offers plenty of stuffing with a refined mousse and loads of salted citrus fruit flavors alongside guava puree and bright red raspberry. Finishing long with copious minerals, this beautiful wine has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2023-2035- 94
74) 2021 Airfield Estates ‘Donald Miller’ Chardonnay
Washington | Yakima Valley | $45.00 | 93 Points
The 2021 ‘Donald Miller’ is a barrel selection wine that is a tribute to owner Marcus Miller’s grandfather. Showing off its golden hue, this is just as rich as the color suggests. Honeydew melon, ripe peach and baking spice dusted pastry crust flavors all brilliantly combine on the palate, with nutty accents. This is silky throughout the drinking experience as this beautiful 2021 Chardonnay is best consumed on the slightly warmer side. Drink 2023-2031- 93
75) 2019 Open Claim ’19's 25 Vintners Reserve’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $125.00 | 96 Points
The 2019 ’19’s 25’ is a single barrel wine made by Tony Rynders that comes from Block 6 in the Open Claim Vineyard. It smells incredibly perfumed once in the glass. Violet rose petals and potpourri notes combine with shades of dark chocolate covered red raspberry. This shows incredible texture and concentration with beautiful underlying verve. Cardamom and red cherry candy combine with shades of pomegranate seed, kumquat zest and wild mushroom on the palate. Complex and really delicious, this heady wine is absolutely singing right now in its full-bodied youth. Drink 2023-2038- 96
76) 2019 Gramercy Cellars ‘Holy Roller Vineyard’ Syrah
Oregon | Walla Walla Rocks District | $75.00 | 95 Points
This unbelievably good 2019 Syrah comes from the ‘Holly Roller Vineyard’ which was planted by Chris Figgins and is set on ancient cobblestones. Umami, bacon fat, menthol and charcuterie notes combine with shades of boysenberry on the nose. The palate is soft and seamless with a lovely mouthful, bright acidity and good sense of flavor density. A literal cornucopia of flavors greets you from spicy red peppercorns and allspice to dark currants, pipe tobacco, stony soils and soy sauce rubbed flank steak. This is an incredible wine that is already beautifully evolved so enjoy now and over the next five to seven years. Drink 2023-2030- 95
77) 2022 Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc
California | Napa Valley | $50.00 | 94 Points
The 2022 Spottswoode Sauvignon Blanc has 2% Semillon blended in and comes from mainly vineyards in Napa County, with roughly 40% coming from Sonoma County sites. The nose is brilliant right now with pink grapefruit blossom, lime zest and salted cashew nut notes.The palate is fresh and viscous with a seamless texture and great sense of weight, as well as underlying tension. This is absolutely delicious stuff to consume now, as this 2022 bottling has some good aging potential as well. Drink 2023-2031- 94
78) 2021 Hazelfern ‘Prime Cut’ Chardonnay
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $85.00 | 95 Points
The deftly textured and still very nervy 2021 ‘Prime Cut’ is a stunning showing in this warm vintage. Once on the nose this takes on layers of salted peach, wet stone, pineapple and shades of cardamom dusted brioche. The palate is viscous and lithe with a smooth mouthfeel. Showing outstanding length and weight, this beauty is only starting to hit its stride. Drink 2023-2038- 95
79) 2019 Iron Horse ‘Wedding Cuvee’ Sparkling Wine
California | Sonoma County | $85.00 | 95 Points
For years I have admired the ‘Wedding Cuvee’ which now has been made for several decades. This 2019 edition is mainly Pinot Noir (77%) with the reminder Chardonnay. It is filled with wonderful tension and salty undertones as ripe melon and citrus fruits collide with pastry crust notes on the palate. Quite literally a joy to drink right now, this has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2023-2038- 95
80) 2021 St. Innocent ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Blanc
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $35.00 | 94 Points
For years Mark Vlossak of St. Innocent has been a statewide champion for Pinot Blanc. This edition is beautifully textured, with serious weight and tension. Layers of kiwi, peach and copious minerals greet you on the palate, with loads of lime zest and mouth-watering acidity, already displaying mushroom and Macadamia nut tones. This is a total stunner that will build earthy and nutty tones as it ages. Drink 2023-2031- 94
81) 2019 Sequitur ‘Ribbon Ridge Woodstock’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $85.00 | 95 Points
The downright stunning 2019 Sequitur ‘Ribbon Ridge’ Pinot Noir is a tribute wine to the 50th anniversary of the iconic music festival. This is a nod to the rains during the festival and also at harvest (albeit considerably cooler during the Oregon harvest!). Considering the rains at harvest, this is rich and concentrated, with a deep core. Very rich and concentrated, showing linzer torte, cran-pomegranate, wild blackberries and copious minerals, this is a stunning, very pure Pinot Noir from this slightly cooler vintage. Showing great length and loads of mouth-watering acidity, I can see this cellaring well for another fifteen plus years. Drink 2023-2038- 95
82) 2020 Andrew Januik ‘Stone Cairn’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Red Mountain | $65.00 | 94 Points
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
83) 2021 Holocene ‘Memoralis’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $75.00 | 95 Points
This comes from the Monk’s Gate Vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, which is a small, 18 acre site set on Willakenzie soils. Coming from vines [planted back in the 1990s, this offers teaberry and ripe raspberry on the nose alongside shades of cardamom dusted hazelnut. This comes off rich and very polished on the mouth, with great weight and a deep concentration of red fruits. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2023-2038- 95
84) 2019 Lachini ‘Prima’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $85.00 | 94 Points
The 2019 ‘Prima’ is a stunning wine made from a slightly cooler vintage. The wine utilizes Dijon clone 115, Dijon clone 114, Pommard clone and Waidenswil clonal selections, as the 2019 shows serious weight despite the challenges at harvest. Neatly concentrated with bright Yakima cherry and red raspberry cordial notes alongside wet rock and sous bois notes, this is drinking beautifully now. Drink 2023-2038- 94
85) 2020 Massalto ‘Facade’ White Pinot Noir
Washington | Royal Slope | $55.00 | 94 Points
Coming from the Solaksen Vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA, this spent 22 months in 30% new French oak before bottling. Macadamia nut, kiwi and juicy pear on the nose. The palate is big and bold with serious flavor density, showing gorgeous nutty and earthy character alongside melon fruits. Drink 2023-2030- 94
86) 2019 Epoch ‘Ingenuity’ Red Wine
California | Paso Robles | $75.00 | 95 Points
Made mostly from Petite Sirah grapes, the heady and intense 2019 ‘Ingenuity’ is already drinking beautiful now at the four year mark. Coming from the Paderewski Vineyard, this beauty is extremely dark once in the glass, reveling in dark rose petal and violet notes alongside Turkish coffee and blueberry compote on the nose. Full-bodied and beautifully textured, this is seamless to consume now and will surely provide drinking enjoyment over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2023-2035- 95
87) 2021 Lange ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $85.00 | 94 Points
A beauty with some nice aging potential, the 2022 ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir by Lange is a great showing from this vintage. Smooth and supple once on the mouth, light tannins frame a beautiful core of red cherry and guava fruits alongside suggestions of salty soils and blood orange zest. This finishes very long as this concentrated, silky Pinot Noir is only just stating to come into its own. Drink 2023-2035- 94
88) 2022 DeLancellotti ‘Pinot Nero Bianco’ White Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $45.00 | 93 Points
Coming from their estate vineyard, this White Pinot Noir is an outstanding showing in this cooler vintage. On the nose this takes on layers of cardamom dusted pear with nectarine and suggestions of sourdough bread. The palate is big, rich and shows a wonderful sense of weight and texture despite the coolness of the vintage. The underlying salty tones and racy acidity add to the enjoyment here as this beauty is ready to go now and will surely provide drinking enjoyment over the next eight years. Drink 2023-2031- 93
89) 2021 Clarice Wine Company Pinot Noir
California | Santa Lucia Highlands | $75.00 | 94 Points
The outstanding 2021 Clarice Wine Company Pinot Noir comes from the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA (Rosella’s and Gary’s Vineyards). Stored in 30% new French oak, this is rich and layered Pinot Noir that is already drinking beautifully. Tart pomegranate seed flavors combine with wet stone, crushed mint, cloves and shades of satsuma orange zest. This is quite simply delicious juice that will cellar well for another decade or more. Drink 2023-2035- 94
90) 2020 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Walla Walla Valley 40th Anniversary’ Red Wine
Washington | Walla Walla Valley | $80.00 | 95 Points
Showing off the iconic schoolhouse label that I enjoyed for more than a decade prior to my writing career, the 2020 ‘Walla Walla Valley 40th Anniversary’ blends Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge fruit and is mostly Merlot (50%) with the remainder Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine comes together pillowy and soft with a seamless texture and glorious sense of length. Bright black currants and blackberry tones combine with shades of creosote, garrigue and coffee grounds on the palate. This is seriously good stuff that is best enjoyed after a one to two hour decant. Drink 2023-2030- 95
91) 2019 L’Angelo ‘Il Terzo’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $85.00 | 94 Points
The 2019 ‘Il Terzo’ is sourced from a single clone and single block fermenter of Dijon clone 777 from the South block of the L’Angelo Estate vineyard. The nose is alluring with red rose petals, cigar box, volcanic soils and suggestions of red currants. The palate is very refined and layered, as this is truly some complex Pinot Noir. Not overly rich, but very well-balanced, this walks the tightrope with copious red and black fruits, with peat moss and wild mushroom flavors already emerging. A delicious 2019 Pinot Noir, this beauty is great now but will cellar well for another fifteen years to come. Drink 2023-2038- 94
92) 2019 Frank Family Wines ‘Patriarch’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Napa Valley | $275.00 | 97 Points
One of the great wines that I have tasted from Frank Family, the stunning 2019 ‘Patriarch’ was stored for 21 months in 75% new French oak barrels prior bottling. Very soft and approachable on the mouth, with refined tannins, this is silky, elegant and very rich Cabernet that is quite simply a joy to drink. Boysenberry preserves combine with espresso grounds, creme de violette, spice box and shades of black licorice all enter the fray on the palate. Powerful yet quite refined, this beauty will live on for decades to come. Be sure to give this two hours in the decanter if enjoying now. Drink 2025-2047- 97
93) 2020 Cadence ‘Bel Canto’ Red Wine
Washington | Columbia Valley | $75.00 | 95 Points
A consistently fantastic wine in the Cadence lineup, the 2020 ‘Bel Canto’ is a Right Bank inspired blend of 73% Cabernet Franc with the remainder Merlot. Chocolate cake and shades of pencil lead all fill the nose with purple red petals and shades of lilac. The palate is fresh and viscous with lovely herbal undertones and fantastic finesse. Tar and black licorice notes mark the palate alongside a core of beautiful red fruits and tobacco leaf. This is quite simply a joy to drink right now, as this is best enjoyed over the next seven plus years. Drink 2023-2030- 95
94) 2021 Mirror ‘Petaluma Gap’ Chardonnay
California | Sonoma County | $55.00 | 93 Points
The 2021 Mirror Chardonnay comes from the Calesa Vineyard in the Petaluma Gap region. This is a rich and opulent style of chardonnay with Meyer lemon cream, cantaloupe, brioche and shades of cardamom dusted creme brûlée on the palate. Very polished and smooth, this is absolutely delicious Chardonnay that should be served a touch on the warm side to take in the beautiful range of flavors. Drink 2023-2030- 93
95) 2021 White Walnut ‘North Block’ Chardonnay
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $75.00 | 95 Points
The 2021 White Walnut ‘North Block’ Chardonnay comes from this site high atop the Dundee Hills AVA. The nose shows off bright Bartlett pear, cardamom dusted cantaloupe, rock salt encrusted Challah bread and suggestions of stony minerals. The palate is utterly seamless and very soft, as this glides throughout the drinking experience. Deeply concentrated, with its lovely salinity and underlying finesse, this is a stunning new bottling by winemaker Chris Mazepink. Enjoy now and over the next twelve years to come. Drink 2023-2035- 95
96) 2021 Moonbase ‘Funk Vineyard’ Syrah
Oregon | Walla Walla Rocks District | $65.00 | 94 Points
The acclaimed ‘Funk Vineyard’ was planted and created by iconic winemaker Richard Funk of Saviah. This 2021 Syrah from the Rocks District is very salty and savory with a smooth mouthfeel and loads of mouth-watering acidity, this is an outstanding example from this site. Nori and rich dark fruit flavors combine with milk chocolate, smoked brisket and shades of smoldering stones on the palate. A total knockout, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next eight plus years to come. Drink 2023-2031- 94
97) 2021 Beringer ‘Private Reserve’ Chardonnay
California | Napa Valley | $65.00 | 95 Points
Coming from the Gamble Ranch Vineyard, this 2021 Chardonnay shows really good opulence once on the mouth. Layers of butterscotch and toasted almond combine with baking spice dusted pie crust and lemon cream flavors on the palate. Rich and decadent, don’t serve too warm to take in the gorgeous range of flavors. This beauty will easily live on for another decade. Drink 2023-2033- 95
98) 2021 Devison ‘Phantom Lamb’ Syrah
Washington | Columbia Valley | $65.00 | 95 Points
This awesome and deeply perfumed 100% Syrah comes from the Scarline Vineyard. Aged in natural oak barrels, this revels in its dark florals and smoky aromas alongside shades of Korean BBQ beef ribs and dense dark fruits. The palate is plush and seamless, coming off very soft on the mouth. Layers of rich boysenberry and huckleberry fruits combine with espresso grounds, dark chocolate shavings and shades of pink peppercorns. This is a total stunner even at the two year mark. Drink 2023-2035- 95
99) 2021 Adelshiem ‘Ribbon Springs Vineyard’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $85.00 | 95 Points
The Ribbon Springs Vineyard is the largest of the Adelsheim estate vineyards and is set on marine sedimentary soils. This scintillating 2021 Pinot Noir comes off very pretty and wonderfully salty on the palate, yielding tart pomegranate seed and salmonberry flavors that combine with ripe strawberry and blood orange zest notes. Beautifully textured, this deep and concentrated Pinot Noir is an absolutely gorgeous effort from this warm vintage. Drink 2023-2038- 95
100) 2022 TruthTeller ‘Quip’ Rose
Washington | Columbia Valley | $25.00 | 92 Points
The 2022 ‘Quip’ comes from the Yakima Valley and is a 100% Mourvèdre wine that was aged in stainless steel before bottling. The wine is sinfully good to enjoy right now, with wild mushroom, pretty red rose water, guava and red cherry flavors. Fairly burly with its rich texture, enjoy this at a warmer temperature to take in the combination of weight and bright underlying acidity. Drink 2023-2028- 92
