Cote Nicault

Today we focus our spotlight on one of Washington’s top winemakers, Gilles Nicault. Nicault’s family has a history in agriculture dating back to the 1930s in Africa. Growing up Gilles was exposed to the great wines of the Rhone Valley by his father who was an enophile, particularly enjoying the great wines of Chateauneuf du Pape. Gilles became infatuated with those wines as well and made the decision to study winemaking and viticulture at the acclaimed University of Avignon. It was a huge move for Gilles to move to the United States and he landed in Walla Walla back in 1994, working for Woodward Canyon. Studying under the guidance of eminent Washington wine icon Rick Small he knew there was unparalleled potential in Washington wine.

Washington wine visionary Allen Shoup hired him as the first and only winemaker for Long Shadows Vintners in 2003, and for many years he has served as Director of Winemaking and Viticulture there, making some of the finest wines that Washington State has to offer.

Côte Nicault is a limited production, Rhone inspired wine that Gilles makes each year. The wine is all about balance between Mourvèdre, Grenache and Syrah. I love the stunning 2021 Côte Nicault Red Wine (OB, 97) which is the finest rendition of this wine that I have tasted yet. Learn more about these great wine at https://www.cotenicault.com and here is the great new future release by Côte Nicault.

2020 Cote Nicault ‘Full Disclosure’ Red Wine- The 2020 Cote Nicault ‘Full Disclosure’ is a stunning wine from this tough vintage. 100% Grenache sourced from Red Mountain, only 69 cases of this special bottling were made. Red currants and garrigue mark the nose with tar and tobacco leaf. The palate is silky and refined with serious texture, verve and bright acidity. A glorious core of red fruits greets you on the palate alongside orange rind and menthol notes. Enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2030- 97

2021 Cote Nicault Red Wine- The 2021 Cote Nicault is equal parts Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah sourced from Red Mountain. On the nose this takes on layers of dark currants and scorched earth with fresh sage and Mandarin orange zest. The palate walks a tightrope between smoked meats and charcuterie alongside bright citrus zest, wild strawberry and cran-pomegranate flavors. The viscosity and underlying verve is there, as this takes on a slightly hedonistic bent from this warm vintage on Red Mountain. Enjoy this heavyhitter of a wine now and over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 97

2021 Cote Nicault ‘Full Disclosure’ Mourvedre- The 2021 ‘Full Disclosure’ is a unique, 100% Mourvèdre wine coming from Red Mountain. Green peppercorns and bacon fat mark the nose alongside boysenberry fruit tones and shades of creosote. The palate is soft, round and generous with terrific underlying acidity and a refined texture that makes this effortlessly glide throughout the drinking experience. Glorious now, savor this beauty over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2034- 97

2022 Cote Nicault ‘Full Disclosure’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Full Disclosure’ is a co-ferment of Grenache and Mourvèdre that comes from the Red Haven Vineyard on Red Mountain. White pepper and red currant jelly alongside orange peel, tobacco leaf and shades of charcuterie all fill the palate. The viscosity and verve is absolutely dazzling. Enjoy this stunning wine now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2036- 97

Tenor

Last night I tasted with the winemaking team of Tenor. The wines were so impressive that I had to immediately post on them. This program has been building and building since the winemakers from Quilceda Creek joined the Matthews and Tenor programs. Today the team is led by Alex Stewart and Hal Iverson. Stewart talked about the importance of incorporating single vineyard wines in this program.“We thought that the vineyards showcase what makes the vineyard special. In retrospect, Tenor is the soloist and so that makes sense.” Said Iverson “We can take our wines and blend it and it would be great, it would be a really nice wine but the Spice would not be the Spice, the Olsen would not be the Olsen. It spoke to us.”

Tenor owner Bryan Otis explained “When you have a brand like Tenor you sort of start it with the thinking that there is something here in the name, see how people respond. Coming back it was always destined to have its own set of single vineyards. The dots always connect backwards like Steve Jobs said.”

These are full-throttle wines that are not for the weary. If you do not like the wines of Aubert or Kongsgaard then they probably won’t speak to you. I’m full enamored by the 2022 Tenor ‘Connor Lee Vineyard’ Chardonnay (OB, 96) which is a rich and unctuous rendition of this varietal.  I was equally blown away by the 2022 Tenor Pinot Noir (OB, 96) which is the finest Washington State Pinot Noir that I have ever tasted. Learn more about these great new wines at tenorwines.com. Here are the beautiful new releases by Tenor.

2023 Tenor ‘Spice Cabinet Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2023 Tenor ‘Spice Cabinet’ Sauvignon Blanc is a new wine for this brand coming from this Columbia Valley site. Toasty French bread and hazelnut aromatics combine with shades of green papaya and mango on the nose. The palate is deep and concentrated stuff with a silky texture and loads of mouth-watering freshness. Enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next eight years. 100% new French oak. Drink 2024-2031- 95

2023 Tenor ‘Olsen Vineyard’ Sauvignon Blanc- The 2023 Tenor Sauvignon Blanc comes from this slightly cooler site set in the Yakima Valley. Vines for this wine are located in the higher portion of the vineyard. The aromatics are gorgeous with passion fruit and mango giving this an exotic feel. The palate is weightless and dense with beautiful freshness. This is nothing short of a stunning new bottling that has some really good aging potential. Drink 2024-2034- 96

2022 Tenor ‘Connor Lee Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2022 Tenor ‘Connor Lee Vineyard’ Chardonnay comes from this site that is one of the oldest plantings for this varietal in the state. A brilliant golden hue, this delivers buttercream and roasted pineapple on the nose alongside cloves and shades of bananas foster. The palate is rich and unctuous with loads of underlying finesse. The flavor density here is outstanding, offering generous citrus, melon and tropical fruit flavors. Luxurious in its body and waxy texture, enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2034- 96

2022 Tenor ‘Solaksen Vineyard’ Chardonnay- This 2022 Chardonnay comes from the Solaksen Vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA. This utilizes clone 15 and 76 selections that were planted in 2015. Soft and supple on the palate, this offers saline drenched lemon curd flavors alongside juicy peach, walnut and shades of salty soils. Complex and delicious, enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2034- 95

2022 Tenor ‘La Reyna Blanca’ Chardonnay- The outstanding 2022 Tenor ‘La Reyna Blanca’ Chardonnay is set in the Royal Slope AVA, planted near the Solaksen Vineyard. Pink lady apple and creme brûlée notes meld well with baking spice dusted pie crust and shades of roasted pineapple on the nose. The palate is world-class in terms of depth and freshness with loads of mouth-watering acidity. A gorgeous bottling now, enjoy over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2034- 96

2022 Tenor Pinot Noir- The world-class 2022 Tenor Pinot Noir is mainly sourced from the Connor Lee Vineyard and was stored in 90% new French oak barrels before bottling. The wine yields knockout aromatics with exotic spices and generous red fruits alongside shades of bergamot, orange peel and a dusting of white pepper. The palate is complex and seamless with serious heft and underling finesse. Offering its plush texture and very pretty red fruit core, with flat out fabulous underlying verve, enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2034- 96

2022 Tenor Grenache- The 2022 Tenor Grenache was mostly sourced from the Corfu Crossing Vineyard as well as the Thunderstone Vineyard in the Royal Slope AVA. Stored in nearly all new French oak, this delivers alluring red rose petals and potpourri notes on the nose alongside blood orange zest and fresh sage tones. The palate is plush and seamless, displaying great flavor range with concentrated pomegranate seed, strawberry and red cherry flavors alongside suggestions of Satsuma orange zest and menthol accents. Showing beautiful salinity, this comes off very heady and intense. Enjoy this gorgeous wine now and over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 96

2022 Tenor ‘Stoneridge Vineyard’ Syrah- Sourced from this famed site in the Royal Slope AVA, the 2022 Tenor ‘Stoneridge Vineyard’ Syrah is very concentrated in the glass and was given a touch of stem inclusion. Hoisin sauce and soy sauce character combine with roasted duck, bacon fat and stony accents on the nose. The palate is concentrated and fresh with serious texture and good underlying finesse. A knockout wine from 2022, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 97

2022 Tenor ‘Scarline Vineyard’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘Scarline Vineyard’ Syrah comes from this site in the Royal Slope AVA. Hedonistic and heady, this delivers mocha, black currants and Kalamatta olives on the nose alongside dusty soils and tar. The palate is beautifully structured and dense with lovely tension and a glorious core of black fruits. The salty nuances and soft mouthfeel really entice, as this is best consumed now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2034- 96

The Black Square

Today we share a brand new wine brand by the top notch team of Todd and Carrie Alexander. The Black Square is a commitment to making world-class Cabernet Sauvignon from The Rocks District. Todd Alexander of course is former general manager and winemaker at the esteemed Bryant Family Vineyard, one of the original “cult wines.” He and Carrie made their move to the Pacific Northwest, taking the scene by storm making 100 point wine for Force Majeure. Todd is a firm believer in the wines from the Rocks District. I am as well as I scored his latest ‘SJR Vineyard’ from Force Majeure 100 points — one of the few 100 point wines that I have tasted in the past year.

I’ll admit that I think that Syrah tends to play better than Cabernet in the Rocks but I was really excited about this new project, The Black Square. This is the first edition of this wine that is a total show-stopper. Think pillowy texture and stunning depth, flavor range and concentration. Without further adieu here is my review of the 2022 The Black Square and learn more at https://www.blacksquarewine.com/background/

2022 The Black Square Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 The Black Square Cabernet Sauvignon is a brand new wine coming from The Rocks District AVA. It is inky in the glass, offering perfumed dark rose petals and smoldering stones on the nose alongside shades of garrigue and tar. The palate is utterly ethereal and seamless with a soft texture and gorgeous sense of weight and length. Finishing long with heady dark fruits and salty river stones, this is a novel, otherworldly effort that is already drinking beautifully. Enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2024-2034- 99

Cimento

Today, we share an electric new brand from The Rocks District of Milton Freewater, in the Walla Walla Valley. Cimento, a Latin word with a historical meaning, refers to a mixture used by goldsmiths to purify precious metals, usually by fire. In the seventeenth century, the term gained broader meaning and referred to testing or experimenting: ‘to try’ or ‘to experiment.’ The name is meant to lend itself to a philosophy of experimentation.

When I tasted with Cimento co-founder Dave Wanek and Winemaker Todd Alexander in early November, David noted, “We desire to expand upon our business backgrounds to build a long-lasting, sustainable business. This requires real talent at the helm and a product that stands on its own. We have incredible talent on the farming and winemaking sides, which goes a long way toward helping create a sustainable business.”

He continued, “Early in our exploration of the area, we met Geologist Kevin Pogue and found in him someone who shared a passion for unique places to grow grapes. We also found that The Rocks District of Milton Freewater offered compelling and wholly singular expressions of the varieties grown there. We desire to grow fruit and make wines of the highest quality without compromise, and we are able to be patient. We planted a site that had been an old cherry orchard and called it Orselli. We also purchased Stone Valley and River Rock Vineyards and are excited about the age of the vines there.”

David enlisted Todd Alexander to craft wines from these three unique sites. Cimento focuses on single-vineyard expressions of the fruit grown in this unique region, defined by a single soil series. The team is committed to single-vineyard winemaking, which speaks to how things are made in the rest of the world.  “The best wines of the world are single-vineyard expressions. To me, that is what wine is all about and what we are doing with this project,” David concluded.

Winemaker Todd Alexander said that a big emphasis is on farming, saying, “Everything they have done is thoughtful.” Todd, “And there is nothing that is rushed. A winery is being built, and we have a thoughtful approach to the winemaking.” He continued, “Terroir is real, and we believe in it. We look at benchmarks like Jamet as an influence.”

The new wines were really electric, coming from the 2021 and 2022 vintages. I am enamored by the 2021 Cimento Syrah (OB, 97) which is wonderfully savory and stony. The 2022 Cimento Syrah (OB, 98) shows exotic flavor and aromatic range. It is a total stunner that is already drinking beautifully right now. Learn more at https://www.cimentowines.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Cimento wines.

2021 Cimento Syrah- The 2021 Cimento Syrah underwent 10% whole cluster fermentation, The wine comes form the Le Mani Vineyard in the Rocks District. Stored in 33% new French oak for 18 months this delivers black olive tapenade and smoldering stone alongside Umami and bacon fat notes. The palate is refined and elegant with a smooth mouthfeel and wonderful stony character. The savory character and tart black fruits with beef drippings really adds to the enjoyment. Drink 2024-2034- 97

2021 Cimento Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Cimento Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the San Tomasso Vineyard in the Rocks District. Vines were planted back in 1998. Tobacco leaf and dark currants line the nose alongside shades of coffee grounds and black licorice. Aged in 70% new French oak, this is round and generous on the mouth, with mouth-watering acidity and a beautiful vein of wet gravel. There is nothing quite like this. Very Pauillac-like, and medium to full-bodied showing wonderful freshness, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 96

2021 Cimento Cimentare (1.5L) Malbec- 100% varietal, the 2021 Cimentare is a stunning wine that is unlike anything from this region. Dark chocolate shavings and blueberry compote alongside wet rock and shades of black licorice all mark the nose. The palate is juicy and concentrated with serious stuffing and mouth-watering acidity. Ridiculously good in terms of viscosity and richness, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2034- 97

2022 Cimento Grenache- The 2022 Cimento Grenache comes from the Orselli Vineyard was stored in 50% new French oak before bottling. The wine has a range of clonal selections as well as multiple rootstock and training methods at this site. This is wonderfully pure, showing a light stony essence as well as bright red fruits with citrus rind, blood orange zest, charcuterie and stony minerals. The mouth-watering acidity is astonishingly good. A world-class wine, enjoy now and over the next decade. Drink 2024-2034- 99

2022 Cimento Syrah- The 2022 Cimento Syrah has a knockout nose with Kalamata olive and smoked meats alongside shades of orange peel and wild blackberry compote. The palate is world-class and fresh with serious tension and richness. The energy of the wine is incredible, as the mouth-watering acidity and beef dripping character really impresses. This is very Jamet meets the Rocks. Enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 98

2022 Cimento Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Cimento Cabernet Sauvignon offers milk chocolate and sagebrush on the nose alongside blackberry compote and shades of anise. The palate is fresh and lively with loads of finesse. Medium-bodied, very fresh and elegant, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 96

2022 Cimento Cimentare (1.5L) Malbec- The outstanding 2022 Cimento Cimentare (1.5L) Malbec is a juicy and also very nervy bottling that was stored in 75% new French oak for 22 months before bottling. Amazing tension greets you with a big mouthfeel upon entry. This is decadent in its core of blue fruits, with graphite and loads of stony minerals. Delicious now, enjoy over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2036- 98

Cuvaison

I love visiting Cuvaison in Carneros. Highly-scenic with Pacific breezes, this spot has been a pillar of consistency. The tainted hands of winemaker Steve Rogstad have guided this house, making world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that focuses on poise and texture. I have long admired these wines and fondly recall tasting some impressive early 2000s Chardonnay when I was in graduate school. It is hard to believe that this winery was first founded back in 1969. Then in 1979 they acquired 400 acres of highly prized land north of San Pablo Bay in the Los Carneros district of Napa Valley which is a site that is highly influenced by fog and cooler temperatures from the bay.

The new Cuvaison which come from the 2020 and 2022 vintages. I adored the new 2022 Cuvaison Pinot Noir (OB, 92) which is forward and juicy, capturing the heat of the vintage beautifully. Learn more about this outstanding producer at https://www.cuvaison.com and here are the killer sparkling wine, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir releases by Cuvaison.

2023 Cuvaison Sauvignon Blanc- The really good 2023 Cuvaison Sauvignon Blanc delivers ginger and gooseberry notes alongside rich melon and minerals on the palate. Nicely textured, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2028- 91

2022 Cuvaison Chardonay- The 2022 Cuvaison Chardonnay was mainly stored in neutral oak barrels before bottling. It is rich with honey and banana tones alongside pineapple upside-down cake accents. Drink 2024-2030- 91

2022 Cuvaison Pinot Noir- The really good 2022 Cuvaison Pinot Noir offers rich cola and red raspberry notes on the palate with salty minerals and shades of dried herbs. Delicious and juicy, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2024-2032- 92

Argyle

When I was first getting into Pacific Northwest wine I was immediately drawn to Oregon bubbles master, Rollin Soles, who was making some of the most electric wines you would find on the west coast. Argyle continues to make some of the most consistently great Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sparkling wines, and has been led for many years by director of winemaking Nate Klostermann. Nate is so talented and does an amazing job with the sparkling wine program.

I was totally blown away with the new 2013 Argyle ‘Extended Tirage’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 96) which spent 10 years on the lees and is absolutely brimming with bright acidity and texture. 2013 was a tough vintage for red wines but the sparkling wines from this vintage continue to shine brightly. Learn more about these outstanding wines at argylewinery.com and here are my tasting notes from a sensational tasting of Argyle Sparkling Wines.

2013 Argyle ‘Extended Tirage’ Sparkling Wine- The 2013 ‘Extended Tirage’ was disgorged in July 2023. Given 3 G/L dosage, The wine was picked before the rains of the 2013 vintage. On the nose this shows baking spice dusted pastry crust, Pink Lady apple, and juicy peach notes with shades of diatomaceous earth. The mousse is super refined and elegant, as this glides throughout the drinking experience. 60% Pinot Noir with the remainder Chardonnay. This is ethereal stuff that is only starting to hit its stride. Drink 2024-2038- 96

2022 Argyle ‘Spirithouse’ Pinot Noir- The 2022 ‘Spirithouse’ Chardonnay was stored in mainly neutral oak barrels prior to bottling. This shows plenty of tension and richness with layers of Japanese pear, vanilla cream, toasted hazelnuts and brioche notes. Layered and complex, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 94

2022 Argyle ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir- A sensational wine from this slightly cooler vintage, the 2022 ‘Nuthouse’ Pinot Noir was sourced from the Eola -Amity Hills AVA. Dusty soils and copious minerals combine with suggestions of tobacco leaf, and dense red fruits combine on the palate. Fresh and vibrant, with great depth, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2024-2039- 95

Brandlin Estates

The Brandlin Estate dates all the way back to the 1870s, when the family emigrated from Switzerland. They later descended on the Napa Valley and started their homestead high on Mount Veeder. They saw the potential of the land and soon began their fruit orchard, ran the local grain store and stagecoach. In 1926, Henry Brandlin planted his first grape vines at Brandlin Estate—vines that are still alive today.

Brandon Estates encompasses nearly 50 acres of vines, with many nearly 20 years of age. Wines are made by Cuvaison winemaker Steve Rogstad, who has crafted outstanding Chardonnay and other varietals for decades. Check out the 2021 Brandlin Estates ‘Mount Veeder’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which is nicely concentrated and structured stuff that shows off the warmth of the 2021 vintage. Learn more about these great wines at brandlinestate.com and here are my reviews of the new Brandlin wines.

2021 Brandlin Estates ‘Estate Cuvee’ Red Wiine- Seriously good, the 2021 ‘Estate Cuvee’ shows off its inky core in the glass. Mocha, tar and tobacco leaf mark the nose alongside dense dark fruits and pencil lead notes. The palate is rich and layered with gobs of tension and great depth. Enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2034- 93

2021 Brandlin Estates ‘Mount Veeder’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The brilliant 2021 ‘Mount Veeder’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows off great aromatic range with dark currants and anise alongside smoldering stones and shades of espresso grounds. The palate is rich and decadent with a polished texture. Delicious now, enjoy over the next fifteen plus seas to come. Drink 2024-2039- 95

Hamilton Russell

Today we share on the premier producers in South Africa. Hamilton Russell is set in one of the most southerly wine estates in Africa and one of the closest to the sea  Located in the maritime, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley appellation, just behind the old fishing village of Hermanus, the house focuses on producing limited amounts of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Anthony Hamilton Russell took over from the founder, Tim Hamilton Russell, in 1991, and bought the property from the family in 1994. Tim originally purchased the undeveloped 170 hectare property in 1975, searching for a great site to make Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Vines are set on stony, clay-rich, shale-derived soil which create lovely earthy and terroir-driven wines. Their new releases were really outstanding. The wines are very reminiscent of Burgundy in terms of nuance.

I adored the new 2022 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay (OB, 95) which is nothing short of world-class in terms of tension, weight, length and stony/salty terroir. Learn more about these outstanding wines at http://www.hamiltonrussellvineyards.com Here are the new release wines by Hamilton Russell. 

2022 Ashbourne ‘Sandstone’ White Wine- A truly unique wine that saw extensive aging in Sandstone, the 2022 Ashbourne White Wine offers freshly cut grass and gooseberry notes on the nose alongside salted pear. The palate is a knockout in terms of texture and flavor density. A stunning wine with its oily texture and wonderful depth and length, enjoy now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2034- 94

2022 Hamilton Russell Chardonnay- A beautiful wine from 2022, the world-class Hamilton Russell Chardonnay comes from this step slight set on stony, clay-rich soils. This is rich and mineral-laden stuff that has gobs of salty character alongside bright Japanese pear, peach and suggestions of toasted hazelnut. Complex, elegant and highly refined, coming up very weightless, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next twelve plus years. Drink 2024-2036- 95

2022 Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir- The brilliant 2022 Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir is a highly nuanced, stunning rendition of this wine winemaker Emul Ross. Sourced from their estate vineyards in Hemel-En-Aarde, this offers kumquat zest and black truffle crudo on the nose alongside shades of pomegranate seed and damp earth. The palate is laden with minerality, showing a smooth mouthfeel and glorious sense of length. Enjoy this stunner now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2024-2039- 95

2022 Southern Right Pinotage- The 2022 Southern Right Pinotage delivers smoky minerals on the nose alongside wild blackberry and shades of peat moss on the nose. The palate is dense, chewy and full of finesse. Heady red and dark fruits greet you on the palate alongside the beautiful veil of tension. Showing outstanding weight and length, enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2036- 94

Marques de Caceres

One of the outstanding Rioja houses which is ready available throughout the United States, Marques de Caceres has made their name by providing beautiful value-driven Rioja wines since the 1990s. I have long admired their Reserva and Gran Reserva and was so impressed with how they age. I love visiting this spot in Rioja which offers a marvelous tour. Located in the Rioja Alta region, In 1970 Enrique Forner founded the winery which was an alliance between the the Cenicero region in the La Rioja Alta. This family had been focused on the wine trade for five generations, sourcing from some of the great growers and vineyards in the region in a Bordeaux like concept. Cristina Forner is the fourth generation owner of this wine family. They produce a great Grand Reserva, but their Reserva is also consistently good and commands a lower price tag. Check out the terrific value 2020 Marques de Caceres ‘Crianza’ Rioja (OB, 91) which punches well above its weight in this category. Learn more about these special Rioja wines at https://www.marquesdecaceres.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Marques de Caceres.

2023 Marques de Caceres Rose- The 2023 Rose offers orange peel and wild strawberry notes on the palate with copious minerals. This is really good for the price. Drink 2024-2028- 90

2022 Marques de Caceres Red Blend- The 2022 Red Blend combines Syrah, Grenache and Tempranillo. It is forward and juicy red fruits with Mandarin orange zest with salty soils on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2024-2028- 89

2020 Marques de Caceres ‘Crianza’ Rioja- The 2020 ‘Crianza’ was stored in oak for three years before bottling. This is delicious and concentrated stuff that packs a punch for its price. Wild blackberry and black cherry combine with toasty oak, hazelnut and shades of blood orange zest on the palate. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2030- 91

2021 Marques de Caceres Garnacha- Sourced from D.O.P. Carinena, this 2021 Garnacha offers asphalt and rich red fruits on the nose with wet stone and shades of bergamot. The palate is light and coming off a bit herbal and lean in terms of red fruit flavor density. Drink 2024-2028- 88

2018 Marques de Caceres ‘Reserva’ Rioja- The 2018 ‘Reserva’ Rioja has 15% Garnacha and Graciano from Rioja Alta, blended in. This is a soft, fresh approach to the wine, offering black plum and exotic spice notes on the palate, alongside orange rind accents. Drink 2024-2031-91

2020 Marques de Caceres ‘Excellens’ Rioja- Made in the modern style, the 2020 Marques de Caceres ‘Excellens’ Rioja a delicious rendition of this wine that is drinking beautifully now at the four year mark. A rich core of espresso bean and dark fruits greet you on the palate, with plenty of minerality to back everything up. Enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 92

Cellar Selection: 1979 Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande

Today we share one of the great wines I tasted while recently abroad. Chateau Pichon Lalande was founded by Pierre de Mazur de Rauzan towards the end of the XVIIth century. This 80 hectare site extended from Pauillac and Saint-Julien.

Pierre de Rauzan married off his daughter Thérèse to Jacques François de Pichon, Seigneur de Longueville Rauzan, Rauzan then passed on the estate to them which became the Pichon Longueville estate. Ths would later split the second growth houses of Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande and Chateau Pichon Baron. Rauzan gave his three sons 60 acres of vineyards around Chateau Margaux that would later be Chateau Rauzan-Segla and others.

In 1925, Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande was bought by Edouard Miailhe and Louis Miailhe. The daughter of Edouard Miailhe, May Elaine de Lancquesaing became the owner and manager of the property. In 2006, de Lencquesaing sold a majority interest in the Château to the Rouzaud family, which also owns the Champagne house Louis Roederer. In 2009, the Roederer Group invested 30 million dollars in a replanting plan and a new wine cellar, making the vineyards biodynamic.

The house typically has a higher level of Merlot and lower percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in their blends compared to their neighbors. Usually now the range is between 70 and 75% Cabernet Sauvignon.

The vintage I tasted was one year before my birth year, 1979, which was not a good year in Bordeaux. The 1979 Chateau Pichon Lalande (OB, 93) has lost much of its fruit but has some really nice truffle and dusty soil notes. It is smooth and refined on the palate, a true joy to drink now. Learn more about this famed house at https://www.pichon-comtesse.com/en and here is my review of the 1979 Chateau Pichon Lalande.

1979 Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande- The really good 1979 Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande is an excellent effort from this tough vintage. On the nose this has black truffle shavings and salty soils alongside shades of dried herbs and faint dark currant tones. The palate is refined and elegant with faint tannins that frame a core of wild mushroom, damp earth and shades of wild blackberry. Enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2030- 93

Scharffenberger

We share a great spot for California bubbles today. Out of the Anderson Valley, Scharffenberger Cellars was founded back in 1981 and is located only a few miles from Pacific Ocean. The brand was started by John Scharffenberger, and was bought by Louis Roederer in 2004. Winemaker Jeffrey Jindra crafts some beautiful value sparkling wines that are fresh and vibrant with great texture. The tasting room is in a charming Mendocino country bungalow in downtown Philo. Behind it, the 35,000-square-foot winery sits to the north amid hillside vineyards. An old redwood grove has been carefully protected on the 160-acre property.

I loved the new wines, especially the NV Scharffenberger ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 91) which is soft and nicely textured. Learn more about this storied Anderson Valley house at https://scharffenbergercellars.com and here are my notes on the beautiful new sparkling wines.

NV Scharffenberger ‘Brut Excellence’ Sparkling Wine- The really good NV Scharffenberger ‘Brut Excellence’ Sparkling Wine combines 60% Chardonnay with the remainder Pinot Noir. Soft and very approcahblem this offers peach and kiwi nots alongside cashew nut accents and red raspberry. Enjoy now and over the next six years. Drink 2024-2030- 90

NV Scharffenberger ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine- Very pale in the glass, the brilliant NV Brut Rose was given 10G/L dosage and combines 55% Chardonnay with 45% Pinot Noir. Fresh and nicely textured, this offers salted minerals alongside guava and strawberry fruit flavors with orange zest notes. Drink 2024-2030- 91

Hyatt Vineyards

“When I met him I really liked him” winemaker Caleb Foster told me regarding his first interaction with the Hyatt owner. Foster came to Hyatt Vineyards in 2022. He stated “I had 700 barrels of this wine and I found a future here. Forget about the past, here is where you are going. The kids wanted to keep the winery and they live around the block. They saw the last 40 years of this place and they were here for the good times. Sean Hyatt told me that there were standing room only, 1000 people a weekend, this was in the ‘90s.” Hyatt once produced 30 thousand cases of wine years ago. They have 90 acres that they own and harvest as some of the fruit is sold. Ste. Michelle once bought two-thirds of the vineyard. They now make 20 thousand cases of wine.

Talking Riesling, he looked for the Kabinett style with the ‘Dry’ Riesling which was kept on the lees and then bottled in January 2024, as this was picked at roughly 20 Brix. With the ‘Lynda’s’ Riesling this was made in a Auslese style and is named after the founder’s wife. This also aged on the lees for a shorter period before bottling. The Rose was acutely made with Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that was gently pressed and then stored on the lees in stainless steel.

To my knowledge they are the only winery in our state that makes Saperavi which is a middle-eastern varietal that dates back eight thousand years. The Persian kings were drinking this varietal.”

The wines were very good across the board. I really enjoyed the 2023 Hyatt ‘Lynda’s’ Riesling (OB, 92) which is dense and has a sterling tension. Learn more about these great new wines at https://www.hyattvineyards.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Hyatt wines.

2023 Hyatt ‘Dry’ Riesling- Coming from the Rattlesnake Hills, the 2023 ‘Dry’ Riesling (4 G/L residual sugar) offers petrol and orange blossom alongside wet stone notes on the nose. The palate has good freshness and tension with a smooth texture, loaded with peach and melon flavors alongside a bright sense of minerality. Drink 2024-2029- 91

2023 Hyatt ‘Lynda’s’ Riesling- Perched in a blue bottle, the 2023 ‘Lynda’s’ is an Auslase-inspired bottling that is absolutely delicious. Sweet pear and nectarine flavors collide with honey and minerals on the palate. This shows some beautiful length as the Riesling is best consumed now and over the next six plus years. Drink 2024-2030- 92

2023 Hyatt ‘Desert Rose’ Rose- The 2023 ‘Desert Rose’ is a beautiful wine that is showing brilliantly right now. Made from mainly Cabernet Franc grapes, the wine was lightly pressed and then was aged in stainless steel before bottling, as this was aged on the lees. Bright guava, green melon and red cherry with strawberry notes all complete this wine that shows damp earth accents. This is really good stuff at only 12.5% alcohol. Drink 2024-2030- 92

2022 Hyatt Saperavi- Saperavi is a middle-eastern varietal that dates back eight thousand years. The Persian kings were drinking this varietal. This was made by Caleb Foster prior to him tasting the varietal as this was stored in all natural oak barrels before bottling. Black currants, tar and huckleberry fruit notes mark the nose with graphite accents. The palate is soft and elegant with a smooth texture. Juicy black and blue fruits mingle well with a smooth texture. Drink 2024-2032- 90

2022 Hyatt Syrah- The 2022 Hyatt Syrah has roughly 5% Viognier blended in and was stored in neutral oak barrels before bottling. Inky in the glass, this offers pencil lead and violets on the nose alongside smoke and shades of black licorice. The palate is very fresh and soft with a soft texture and good sense of weight and tension. Lithe and polished, this is really enjoyable stuff to enjoy over the next eight years. Drink 2024-2032- 92

2022 Hyatt Merlot- The 2022 Hyatt Merlot was also stored in neural oak barrels (French and American oak) prior to bottling. This shows loganberry and milk chocolate notes alongside garrigue notes on the nose. The palate is fresh and polished with a smooth texture, loaded with juicy red fruits. Drink 2024-2032- 91

2022 Hyatt Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Hyatt Cabernet Sauvignon is a delicious bottling that is already showing nicely at the two year mark. Stored in French and American used oak barrels, this offers creme de violette, tar, anise and shades of black currants on the palate alongside graphite accents. This needs a bit of time for the fruit to fully set in. Drink 2025-2035- 92

2023 Hyatt Black Muscat Dessert Wine- A Rose-colored dessert wine, the 2023 Black Muscat sets in at 7% alcohol. A beautiful floral bouquet greets you with potpourri alongside bright red fruits and candied orange notes. The palate has serious tension with lip-smacking acidity. Delicious now, don’t serve too cold! Drink 2024-2029- 91

Tirriddis

Today we share an exciting new sparkling house in Washington State. A few years back Tirriddis began as a project with three friends —Andrew Gerow, Matthew Doutney, and Gabriel Crowell — who were all completing their degree in Viticulture & Enology at WSU Tri-Cities. The name, Tirriddis, derives from Tirage, Riddle, and Disgorge - the three steps to naturally produce sparkling wines. Focused solely on this traditional method, they use unique "non-traditional" styles to emphasize Washington's world class growing environment.

The new wines were every good. I love the MV Tirridis ‘Washington Rendition No. 3’ Sparkling Wine (OB, 90) which is a kitchen sink blend that is really well-done. Learn more at https://www.tirriddis.com and here are my reviews of the new Tirriddis wines.

MV Tirriddis ‘Brut Red’ Sparkling Red Wine- The ‘Brut Red’ was given 12G/L dosage with the base vintage being 2022. Red currant, pomegranate seed and earl grey tea alongside orange rind notes all combine on the palate. This is novel and complex stuff that is delicious to enjoy right now. Drink 2024-2029- 90

MV Tirriddis ‘Washington Rendition No. 3’ Sparkling Wine- This wine is a kitchen sink blend of varietals that combine Pinot Gris (29%) with 15% Chardonnay and the remainder Riesling, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Albarino and others. Given 15G/L dosage, this opens with peach and Marcona almond on the nose alongside shades of white flowers. The palate is soft and refreshing, loaded with melon and red fruit flavors. Based vintage comes from 2022. Drink 2024-2029- 90

MV Tirriddis ‘Blanc de Gris Rendition No. 4’ Sparkling Wine- Coming from the 2022 vintage, the ‘Blanc de Gris’ comes from high altitude vineyards in the Rattlesnake Hills AVA. On the nose this takes on layers of nutmeg dusted pie crust and Macadamia nut alongside Japanese pear, alongside shades of kumquat rind. The palate is refined and generous with beautiful depth. Drink 2024-2032- 91

MV Tirriddis ‘Barrel Fermented Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine- The MV Tirridis ‘Barrel Fermented Blanc de Blancs’ Sparkling Wine was stored in mostly new French oak barrels before bottling. The wine was given 4G/L dosage before bottling with a 2022 base. Fresh and lithe, this offers Meyer lemon zest alongside sourdough bread, white peach and suggestions of salty minerals on the palate. Drink 2024-2031- 92

MV Tirriddis ‘Grand Rendition’ Sparkling Wine- This is the first edition of this wine with a base from 2020 and 2021. Aged for 30 months en tirage, the wine is nearly all Chardonnay. Given 10G/L dosage, the wine was entirely sourced from the Rattlesnake Hills AVA. This is dense and chewy stuff with ginger, orange zest, and Pink Lady apple notes alongside a beautiful effervescence. Drink 2024-2031- 92

Elias Mora

Today we share one of the jewels of this tiny region of Spain, Toro, Elias Mora has been producing gorgeous, terroir-driven Tempranillo wines now for decades. I love the consistency of the house and the quality of wines even at their entry level. There is something that they are able to produce with not only rich fruits but dusty soils that makes these wines so wonderfully earthy and rustic to back up the dense dark fruits. Elias Mora makes some world-class Reserva and Gran Reserva bottlings that are also amongst the best in the region. These wines age exceptionally well. Winemaker Victoria Benavides founded this house back in 2000 and named it after the former owner of the vineyard, Elias Mora.

I adored these wines across the board. For a killer value check out the 2022 Elias Mora Toro (OB, 92) which is dense, chewy and full of life. I adored the 2018 Elias Mora ‘La Senda de Los Lobos’ Toro (OB, 96) which comes from this single vineyard and has gobs of viscosity and aging potential.You have to admire the level of richness, finesse and texture. Learn more about these beautiful wines at https://bodegaseliasmora.com/en/ and here are my reviews of the new Mora wines.

2018 Elias Mora ‘La Senda de Los Lobos’ Toro- A world-class wine, the 2018 Elias Mora ‘La senda de Los Lobos’ Toro was sourced from 80 year old Tinta de Toro vines and was stored in 100% new French oak for 17 months prior to bottling. This edition is every bit as good as the scintillating 2017. Mocha, tar, damp earth and bulls blood parade with exotic spices on the palate. Full-bodied, with a brilliant core of pure black fruits, this is heady, concentrated and beautifully structured wine that has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2024-2044- 96

2022 Elias Mora ‘Toro’ Toro- The 2022 ‘Toro’ is a great new effort that is drinking marvelously right now. Coffee grounds, black fruits and shades of scorched earth all combine with the wonderful verve on the palate. Delicious and lithe, enjoy over the next eight years. Drink 2024-2032- 92

2020 Elias Mora ‘Crianza’ Toro- The 2020 ‘Crianza’ is sourced from Tinta de Toro vines set at roughly 800 meters. Inky in the glass, this takes on a gorgeous bouquet of red raspberry and garrigue notes alongside pencil lead and shades of Black Forest cake. The palate is soft and refined with a silky texture and beautiful underlying tension. Dense and heady, enjoy now and over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2024-2036- 93

2017 Elias Mora ‘Reserva’ Toro- A stunning wine that is now at the seven year mark, the 2017 ‘Reserva’ is deeply colored in the glass. Coming from old vine Tinta de Toro, this offers freshly tilled salty soils, tar and tobacco leaf notes on the nose alongside a graphite edge. The palate is dense and complex with refined tannins and a great sense of weight, showing off a beautiful range of black fruit flavors. Elegant and sinfully good now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen years. Drink 2024-2039- 94

Abeja

Today we share one of the outstanding outposts of Walla Walla. I have long enjoyed visiting this scenic site in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. Abeja is one of the most beautiful sites you will see in the Walla Walla Valley. They have a brand new facility there that is spacious and squeaky clean. Abeja wines were first made by illustrious winemaker John Abbott as this location boasts eight luxury cottages, with a large farmhouse, creeks, and gardens on the 38 acre property. Abeja relies on the winemaking talents of Dan Wampfler and Amy Alvarez-Wampfler. Both Dan and Amy have more than 30 years of combined winemaking experience. They work closely together on the wines and craft truly one of the great overall lineups of wine. There is little doubt that the Abeja Chardonnay has been one of the benchmarks for Washington State.

I love the new 2023 Abeja ‘Washington State’ Chardonnay (OB, 94) which is a stunning bottling that comes from several Columbia Valley sites. Just as good is the gorgeous 2023 Abeja ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Viognier (OB, 94) which has an awesome push-pull in terms of richness and tension.  is rich with outstanding flavor complexity and great underlying tension. Learn more about this outstanding winery at http://www.abeja.net/ Here are the great new wines by Abeja.

2023 Abeja ‘Washington State’ Chardonnay- The outstanding 2023 Abeja ‘Washington State’ Chardonnay comes from a range of sites throughout the Columbia Valley. It is seamless and beautifully balanced, coming off fat on the mouth, yielding layers of buttercream, poached pear and baking spice laced Challah bread flavors. Medium to full-bodied with good underlying tension, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 94

2023 Abeja ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Viognier- The 2023 Abeja ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Viognier is a fabulous release by winemakers Amy and Dan Wampfler. Stored in mostly neutral oak, on the nose this shows off bright star jasmine and honeysuckle notes alongside shades of papaya and rich honeydew melon. The palate is refined and elegant with a smooth mouthfeel. Generous and well-structured, enjoy now and over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 94

2022 Abeja ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Chardonnay- A gorgeous 2022 Chardonnay coming from the Mill Creek and Skysill Vineyards, this offers brioche and Golden delicious apple on the nose alongside roasted pineapple. The palate is plush and refined with a seamless texture and great veil of tension running through the core of melon, orchard and citrus fruits. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next decade. Drink 2024-2034- 95

2022 Abeja ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot- The 2022 ‘Columbia Valley’ Merlot is a 100% varietal wine sourced from the Red Mountain, Walla Walla Valley, and White Bluffs AVAs. Toasty oak and espresso grounds mark the nose alongside chocolate covered black cherry. The palate is refined and luxurious in terms of weight, texture and structure. A stunning wine from this slightly cooler vintage, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2024-2039- 95

2021 Abeja ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Abeja ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautiful rendition of this wine that has 13% Merlot blended in and hails from the Red Mountain, Walla Walla Valley, and White Bluffs AVAs. Once on the nose this offers dark currants and sandalwood tones alongside Black Forest cake and tar accents. The palate is deep and refined with a smooth mouthfeel and great sense of concentration. Generous and delicious to consume now, this will cellar well for at least another fifteen years. Drink 2024-2042- 96

2021 Abeja ‘Heather Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Abeja ‘Heather Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a downright gorgeous offering that has a long way to go in the cellar. Sourced from the Heather Hill Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley, this shows off dried herbs, creme de violette and Turkish coffee notes on the nose. The palate is luxurious and refined with serious texture, verve and flavor density. A joy to consume now, enjoy now and over the next twenty years. Drink 2024-2044- 97

Granville Wine Co.

Jackson Holstein is one of the great young talents in Oregon wine. I have been tasting these wines now for several years and they are getting better and better. Granville Wine Company was founded by the Holstein family a few years back as Jackson and Ayala Holstein founded their winery paying homage to Jackson’s father who was a viticulturist. As a child Jackson spent time pruning vines and washing bins and didn’t fall in love with Oregon wine until college when he and his wife found their calling. They began making wine as a hobby and also worked at wineries and traveled to international wine growing regions. Over many years I adored the ‘Cowhouse’ bottlings by Rollin Soles for Argyle, which came from Jackson’s family vineyard, the Holstein Vineyard. I fondly recall enjoying the 2004 and 2005 Cowhouse bottlings in particular which I savored over several years in my personal collection.

I love the new top Granville wines from the 2022 vintage. Don’t miss out on the 2022 Granville Wine Company ‘Odella’ Chardonnay (OB, 96) which is amongst the finest wines that I have tasted from Mr. Holstein. This is seriously dense, delicious and nery Chardonnay that is best consumed now and over the next ten plus years. Learn more about these great new wines at http://www.granvillewines.com Here are the new wine releases by Granville Wine Company.

2022 Grandville ‘Odella’ Chardonnay- This is the second release of this wine.  Coming from the Koosah and Summit Vineyards, this was stored in 40% new French oak before bottling. Salted nectarine and macadamia nut notes combine with flinty accents on the nose. The palate is very nervy and dense with serious tension and loads of mouth-watering acidity. here is a diatomaceous earth note that makes this very Oregon v Chablis. The unctuous texture coats the mid-palate, as this has downright killer length. Enjoy this beauty over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2024-2041- 96

2022 Granville ‘Louie’ Pinot Noir- Stored in 40% new French oak, this is sourced from the Holstein Vineyard in the Dundee Hills AVA. This underwent 40% whole cluster fermentation, as this opens with black truffle shavings, tar, anise and shades of black raspberry notes. The palate is elegant and refined with a silky texture and plenty of weight and verve. Dense and chewy, this has some incredible aging potential. Drink 2024-2044- 95

Chehalem and Stoller

Today we share some of the outstanding houses of the Willamette Valley, both owned by Stoller. Earlier in the year I had the chance to interview Oregon wine icon, Bill Stoller who chatted about his illustrious history in wine. Stoller dates back to 1993 when Bill Stoller acquired a family property from his cousin. Immediately Stoller saw potential to grow world class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Two years after the acquisition he planted 10 acres each of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and fast forward to today the vineyard is now the largest contiguous vineyard in Oregon's Dundee Hills. The property spans 400 acres, with 225 acres focused on growing vines at elevations ranging from 220 to 640 feet. Ten varietals are planted in this vineyard, including Viognier, Pinot Meunier and even Aligote. 

The new wines were awesome and Chehalem winemaker Katie Santora has created another outstanding entry level Pinot Noir. I really enjoyed the 2023 Chehalem ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir (OB, 91) which has good depth and flavor range at a great price under 40 bucks. Learn more about this outstanding Oregon winery at https://www.stollerfamilyestate.com and chehalemwines.com and here are my reviews of the the beautiful new wines by Stoller and Chehalem.

2023 Stoller ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- The label spells out ‘bright cherry | raspberry |baking spices’ which for my palate is right on the money alongside citrus rind and damp soil notes on the palate. Highly enjoyable now, savor over the next six plus years. Drink 2024-2030- 91

2023 Chehalem ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir- More earthy and less fruity than the 2023 Stoller WV bottling, the 2023 Chehalem ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir delivers freshly tilled soils and peat moss notes on the palate that take shape alongside a core of tart red fruits. Really we—done and nuanced, enjoy over the next six to eight years. Drink 2024-2032- 91

Miguel Torres

Today we share a really good winery out of Chile. Miguel Torres (born 1941) is a Spanish winemaker, author and businessman. He is President and Managing Director of Bodegas Torres, and is a member of the fourth generation of this family business. He also manages the company's vineyards in Chile and collaborates with his sister Marimar Torres in California. Miguel Torres wines are sold in more than 100 countries!

The new wines come from the 2021 and 2022 vintages. They are some really nice values. I really enjoyed the 2022 Miguel Torres ‘La Causa’ Cinsault (OB, 90) which is really easy to drink right now. Learn more at https://www.migueltorres.cl/en/quienes-somos/#nosotros and here are my reviews of the Miguel Torres wines.

2021 Miguel Torres ‘La Causa’ Cinsault- This 2021 Cinsault offers garrigue and red currants on the nose alongside strawberry notes and menthol accents. The palate is soft and elegant with a smooth texture. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2030- 90

2021 Miguel Torres ‘La Causa’ Pais- The 2021 Pais shows bergamot and orange rind notes on the nose with pomegranate seed tones. Fresh and smooth with an elegant texture, enjoy now and over the next six plus years. Drink 2024-2031- 91

2021 Miguel Torres ‘Cinsault | Pais | Carignan’ Red Wine- The 2021 Miguel Torres ‘Cinsault | Pais | Carignan’ Red Wine shows off ripe red fruits with shades of tobacco leaf and salty soils on the palate. Medium bodied, enjoy now. Drink 2024-2030- 90

2022 Miguel Torres ‘Andica’ Carmenere- This 2022 Carmenere has a msooth mputhfeel and comes of slightly sweet. Herbal and sweetened blackberry flavors mingle together on the palate. Drink 2024-2028- 87

2022 Miguel Torres ‘Andica’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Miguel Torres ‘Andica’ Cabernet Sauvignon delivers tar, black licorice and black currant flavors that meld well with chocolate accents. Drink 2024-2030- 89

2022 Miguel Torres ‘Millapoa’ Pais- The 2022 ‘Millapoa’ Pais shows dried herbs on the nose alongside ripe red fruits with sandalwood accents. Soft and elegant, enjoy now. Drink 2024-2030- 90

Cellar Selection: 2016 Quilceda Creek 'Galitzine Vineyard' Cabernet Sauvignon

It is always a pleasure to dip into my cellar and grab a Quilceda Creek wine with some age. This weekend I had some friends over and had to open an older wine. This wine was the 2016 Quilceda Creek ‘Galitzine Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon. I think this is up there with the 2018 as well as the 2021 and 2022 as the finest ‘Galitzine’ wines made.

The Galitzine Vineyard is a small site set in the Red Mountain AVA, which is typically the warmest appellation in Washington State and an ideal region for growing red wine grapes. The location is farmed by Vineyard Manager Dan Nickolaus, and the 17-acre Galitzine Vineyard was planted in 2001-2002 exclusively to Cabernet Sauvignon Clone 8. The vineyard is clearly really coming into its own right now at the twenty year mark. Wines from this site have massive power with beautiful tar and scorched earth notes from this hot site. This is usually one of the earlier sites to be harvested by Quilceda Creek.

2016 was a beautiful growing season, especially for red wines. There was a warm, rather hot summer with relatively moderate temperatures in the fall and certainly more moderate than the extremely hot 2015 vintage. This helped with wines attaining bright acidity.  Without further adieu, here is my review of the gorgeous 2016 ‘Galitzine Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon by Quilceda Creek.

2016 Quilceda Creek ‘Galitzine Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauviginon- A stunning wine from this warm vintage the 2016 Quilceda Creek ‘Galitzine Vineyard’ is a dense and hedonistic treat that is really right in its sweet spot. It is inky and very perfumed in the glass, offering scorched earth and tar with pipe tobacco leaf and dense dark and blue fruits on the nose. The palate is plush and seamless as it glides throughout the drinking experience. Unabashedly bold and thick with serious viscosity and its pillowy texture, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 100

Xurus Vertical Tasting

Today we share a great vertical tasting out of Lake County. Xurus began back in 2007 with eminent winemaker Dennis Malbec, former cellar master at Chateau Latour. Xurus is a partnership between two brothers-in-law uniting in a shared passion for making great wine. They craft their Xurus Cabernet Sauvignon from a site set on rolling hills of Northern California’s Lake County.

The wines were very good across the board. I really enjoy the 2012 Xurus (OB, 92) which is beautifully structured and the 2014 Xurus (OB, 93) which is ore dense and heady. Learn more about these outstanding wines at https://xurus.com and here are my reviews of the Xurus vertical tasting from vintages 2010 to 2014.

2010 Xurus Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from Lake County, the 2010 Xurus Cabernet Sauvignon is a fine showing in this slightly cooler vintage. Once on the nose this takes on layers of black currants and cassis notes with black licorice and shades of pipe tobacco. The palate is medium to full-bodied with soft tannins that frame a generous core of black fruits and chocolate. Enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2030- 92

2011 Xurus Cabernet Sauvignon- This delicious, cool vintage Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from the Sonatina Vineyard. Stored for 18 months in 60% new wood, this delivers a smooth mouthfeel upon entry. Blackberry compote and milk chocolate flavors combine with stony minerals and savory herbs on the palate. Very Bordelaise and showing good weight despite the obvious challenges this vintage, enjoy now and over the next six years. Drink 2024-2030- 91

2012 Xurus Cabernet Sauvignon- The outstanding 2012 Xurus Cabernet Sauvignon was stored for 18 months in 70% new French oak prior to bottling. This is elegant and delicious Cabernet Sauvignon with bay leaf and graphite notes alongside espresso grounds and shades of Black Forest cake on the palate. Delicious now, this will cellar for another decade. Drink 2024-2034- 92

2013 Xurus Cabernet Sauvignon- A beautifully balanced effort, the 2013 Xurus Cabernet Sauvignon speaks to the warmth of the vintage. Soft and elegant on the mouth, this has a generous texture, yet maintains bright underlying acidity. Chocolate cake and Turkish coffee notes combine with boysenberry and black cherry flavors, alongside suggestions of creosote. Medium to full-bodied, enjoy now and over the next ten to twelve years. Drink 2024-2034- 93

2014 Xurus Cabernet Sauvignon- A delightful wine from this giving vintage, the 2014 Xurus Cabernet Sauvignon was stored for 20 months in 65% new French oak barrels prior to bottling. Pencil lead and black florals mark the nose alongside sandalwood and dusty soils. The palate is plush and soft with good elegance and poise throughout the drinking experience. Medium to full-bodied, enjoy this outstanding bottling now and over the next twelve years. Drink 2024-2036- 93