Dear Friends,
Today we wish you all seasons greetings from Owen Bargreen. We are very humbled by your support and following. 2024 might have been mixed bag in terms of wine sales across America but wine quality continues to rise. Let’s just say that you won’t ever see me sipping on seltzers. I will continue to do my best in promoting the great wines that I taste across the world. This year I have published more than 150 articles for for OwenBargreen.com. There will be more of the same in the new year.
2024 brought us our first Owen Bargreen 100 Point Wine event, featuring famed Vigneron Christophe Baron and his Horsepower wines. It is no surprise that this year Horsepower lands at #1 on our top 100, this time coming from the 2022 ‘Fiddleneck Vineyard’ which was a site that Christophe planted, formerly dawning beautiful Fiddleneck flowers. It was a very difficult call at #1 with very strong opposition from Quilceda Creek, Devil Proof, Force Majeure and Cayuse. Ultimately Horsepower once again retained its spot at the top.
It is my sincere hope that you are able to try some of the beautiful wines on this list. I wish you my deepest gratitude for all of your support, yearning for a fruitful and safe holiday season for you all. Happy Holidays and hope that 2025 brings you all great joy and prosperity, with beautiful wines in your glass.
1) 2022 Horsepower Vineyards ‘Fiddleneck Vineyard’ Grenache
Washington I Walla Walla Valley I $120.00 I 100 Points
A wonderful foil to the ‘Sur Echalas Vineyard’ Grenache, the 2022 ‘Fiddleneck Vineyard’ Grenache shows very different flavor and aromatic profiles — yet is clearly equal in overall quality. This Grenache was sourced from this stony site first planted back in 2015. Exuding class, this delivers a Chateau Rayas quality to this wine in terms of its purity of red fruits. The nose takes on hauntingly good range, offering pomegranate seed, kelp and blood orange zest tones alongside wet rock and hints of beef drippings. The aromatic range is mind-bending. The palate is liquid silk in its red fruit purity, showing dizzying underlying finesse and a generous mouthfeel. A total stunner, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next eight years to come. Drink 2024-2032- 100
2) 2022 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Columbia Valley | $250.00 | 100 Points
The head-turning 2022 Quilceda Creek ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon has 10% Mach One Vineyard fruit blended in, with the remainder coming from the famed Champoux Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. The nose is beyond alluring with toasted walnut and gorgeous purple rose petals that combine with boysenberry cordial, Turkish coffee and shades of dark licorice. The crazy complex aromatics bring you back to the glass for more enjoyment. Pillowy and opulent on the mouth, the seamless texture leads alongside outstanding weight and finesse. This is a perfect wine in a vintage that shows what can be accomplished in a slightly cooler year. Savor this remarkable achievement over the next twenty plus years to come. Drink 2026-2050- 100
3) 2021 Devil Proof ‘Farrow Ranch’ Malbec
California | Sonoma County | $275.00 | 100 Points
Coming from this site that started this brand, the ‘Farrow Ranch’ Malbec comes from tiny berries at this dry-farmed site set on volcanic soils. The 2021 ‘Farrow Ranch’ Malbec was stored for 22 months in 90% new French oak before bottling. Violets, tar, scorched earth and dried herbs combine with blueberry compote on the nose. The palate is incredible elegant and rich with a seamless drinking experience from start to finish. Big, bold and dense, with glorious length, this is nothing short of perfection in a bottle. Drink 2024-2050- 100
4) 2021 Force Majeure ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Red Mountain | $150.00 | 100 Points
The 2021 Force Majeure ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunning wine that has otherworldly potential. This is a bit backwards right now but you can see the potential in this head-turning Cabernet. Loaded with dense blackberry, huckleberry sandalwood and sagebrush notes, with Turkish coffee, this is a massive, brooding Cabernet Sauvignon that will satisfy for decades to come. Give this another year or two in the bottle and this is going to blow your mind. Drink 2025-2050- 100
5) 2021 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Armada Vineyard’ Syrah
Oregon | Walla Walla Valley | $100.00 | 100 Points
The intoxicating 2021 ‘Armada Vineyard’ Syrah is an otherworldly effort from this warm vintage. Planted at roughly 1800 vines per acre, this 7-acre vineyard, created in 2001 was the highest density planting in the Walla Walla Valley until 2008. Weighing in at 14.1% alcohol, this opens with an intense bouquet of iodine, chorizo and red rose petals that combine with orange blossom, tar and sweet pipe tobacco. The palate is viscous and smooth with a marvelous sense of mouthfeel, weight and finesse. This bottling is considerably better than the outstanding 2020, as this is utter perfection in the glass with its oyster sauce and rocky soil accents on the palate. Loaded with mouth-watering acidity and weight, what a pleasure this is to consume now. Drink 2024-2034- 100
6) 2021 Domaine Serene ‘Monogram’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $425.00 | 99 Points
The 2019 ‘Monogram’ is a barrel selection wine that comes from the Grace and Cote Sud Vineyards, as Mark Bradford vineyard selections were not blended into this. Leaving no doubt of its stunning flavor density and flavor range, this is brooding and intense wine that has massive cellaring potential. The nose has otherworldly aromatic range from red and black florals to dusty soils, blood orange zest, wet rock, and shades of black raspberry. Dense and seamless on the mouth, this effortlessly glides throughout the drinking experience. Weightless yet massive in terms of dense dark fruits, this is a stunning wine that is absolutely on par with the otherworldly 2018 ‘Monogram’ bottling. Enjoy now and over the next twenty plus years. Drink 2025-2050- 99
7) 2021 Cardinale Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Napa Valley | $350.00 | 99 Points
What must be one of the finest renditions of this wine, the 2021 Cardinale is composed of nearly all Cabernet Sauvignon (91%) with the remainder Merlot. Stored in 80% new French oak before bottling, this is a massive beast that really needs several hours in the decanter before consuming. A brilliant melange of mountain huckleberry and wild blackberry combine with tar, graphite, anise and creme de cassis on the palate. Big and round, with refined tannins and a generous mouthfeel, everything is firing on all cylinders here. This beauty will easy cellar for another twenty years. Again, this is not a pop and pour so give it plenty of time if you cannot resist opening it. Drink 2025-2050- 99
8) 2021 Dossier ‘Halo Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Columbia Valley | $250.00 | 100 Points
The 2021 Dossier ‘Halo Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunning wine that is mainly coming from the Ciel du Cheval and Summit View vineyards. Sandalwood, anise, creme de cassis and violets all parade on the palate. The palate is plush and dense with a refined texture. Everything is picture perfect in terms of poise, weight, flavor density and texture. This is quite simply a perfect wine. Drink 2024-2044- 100
9) 2021 Ridge ‘Monte Bello’ Chardonnay
California | Santa Cruz Mountains | $125.00 | 97 Points
Truly one of the outstanding new world Chardonnays, the 2021 ‘Monte Bello’ Chardonnay was stored in mainly American oak barrels (18% new) before bottling. This really needs about an hour to breathe. Everything is in total harmony here. Vanilla and pear notes mingle well with peaches, and shades of banana on the nose. The palate is viscous, seamless and beautifully textured, as this glides throughout the drinking experience. While quite rich, the dazzling underlying tension produces a mouth-watering effect, as the mid-palate flavor density and flavor range really drives this beauty. This has both the poise and opulence to cellar well for another fifteen years to come. Drink 2024-2039- 97
10) 2022 Reynvaan ‘In The Rocks’ Viognier
Oregon | The Rocks AVA | $65.00 | 97 Points
The 2022 ‘In The Rocks Vineyard’ Viognier is a world-class and tension-laden bottling that is already showing beautifully. Once on the nose this takes on layers of kiwi, starfruit and freshly cut limes alongside wet gravel and suggestions of star jasmine, evoking plenty of exotic appeal. The palate is beautifully textured and deep, with serious concentration and underlying finesse. The near minute-long finish is the perfect crescendo to this incredible bottling. Enjoy now and over the next seven plus years. Drink 2024-2031- 97
11) 2021 L’Aventure ‘Estate Cuvee’ Red Wine
California | Paso Robles | $130.00 | 98 Points - This 2021 inky colored wine combines 50% Syrah with the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. This is a massive beast of a wine that is decadent and heady with a fantastic acid backbone. Heady boysenberry and wild blackberry puree flavors combine with tar, beef brisket, with creosote notes. There is some massive potential here, as it has only begun to hit its stride. Drink 2024-2045- 98
12) 2022 Tablas Creek ‘Espirit Blanc de Tablas’ White Wine
California| Paso Robles | $60.00| 96 Points
This combines 33% Roussanne, with 32% Grenache Blanc and smaller portions Picpoul, Clairette, Picardin, Bourboulenc. This is the smallest amount of Roussanne ever blended into this wine, as this varietal was farmed at less than a ton an acre. The nose is hugely complex. Macadamia nut, honeydew melon, bright kiwi and shades of nectarine with stony minerals all mark the nose. The body is voluptuous despite being only 12.5% alcohol. Silky smooth throughout the drinking experience, showing no rough edges, and loads of mouth-watering acidity. Wait for the exceedingly long finish that lingers on the tongue. This will cellar so beautifully. Drink 2024-2039- 96
13) 2021 Cobb ‘Rice-Spivak Vineyard’ Pinot Noir
California | Sonoma | $85.00 | 97 Points
The famed Rice-Spivak Vineyard is set on volcanic ash and is located south of the town of Sebastopol. Very dark in the glass, this delivers wet stone, tart wild blackberry and sandalwood notes on the palate, alongside citrus blossom water and shades of sea salt. Complex and delicious, with good concentration and finesse, enjoy this beautiful Pinot Noir over the next fifteen years. Drink 2024-2040- 97
14) 2021 Aperture ‘Del Rio Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Sonoma | $200.00 | 100 Points
The 2021 ‘Del Rio Vineyard’ comes form white chalky soils, with underlying limestone, with vines planted back in 1992 to Clone 7 selection. These are some of the smallest berries in anything farmed by Aperture. Stored for 22 months in all new French oak, this 100% varietal wine offers deme de cassis and mocha tones alongside sagebrush and black olives with stony accents. The palate is soft and seamless as this glides throughout the drinking experience. Very pure in its core of black and blue fruits, enjoy this stunning wine now and over the next thirty years. Drink 2024-2050- 100
15) 2021 Booker ‘Ones’ Syrah
California | Paso Robles | $150.00 | 99 Points
The 2021 ‘Ones’ was stored in 50% new French oak before bottling. The nose is powerful and muscular. Creosote, Turkish coffee and black rose petals all mingle well with a glorious core of black and blue fruits. The palate is ultra-refined with a seamless texture, as this effortless glides throughout the drinking experience. Deep and layered, yet showing fantastic underlying finesse and stony character, this total stunner of a wine is already drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2024-2044- 99
16) 2020 Abeja ‘Skysill Estate Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Walla Walla | $225.00 | 100 Points
100% varietal, the world-class 2020 Abeja ‘Skysill Estate Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this site farmed at less than 2.5 tons per acre, with very compact clusters and berry size due to the wind at this site. Stored in mainly new French oak, this was bottled in July 2023. Very inky in the glass, this reveals layers of sagebrush, violet rose petals and pencil lead alongside toasty oak, dark currants and suggestions of Asian spices. The intoxicating aromatics bring you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The palate is very seamless throughout the drinking experience. The length, weight and tension in the wine is astonishingly good as this flirts with perfection. A total stunner, congrats to the winemaking team of Amy and Dan Wamplfer. No reason to cellar this incredible wine that is truly one of the finest Washington wines made in the 2020 vintage. Tasted on two separate occasions, give this at least two hours in the decanter if enjoying now. Drink 2024-2033- 100
17) 2021 Rasa Vineyards ‘Naravane’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Columbia Valley | $800.00 | 100 Points
The 2021 ‘Naravane’ is a new wine by Rasa Vineyards with a hefty price tag. This is what winemaker Billo Naravane has chosen as his top barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon from the vintage. Stored for 36 months in new French oak barrels, this delivers sandalwood and anise on the nose alongside shades of creme de violette and tar. The palate is utterly seamless and elegant with a great underlying sense of poise and weight. This effortlessly glides throughout the drinking experience, with no rough edges. Give this at least two hours in the decanter if enjoying now. Drink 2024-2044- 100
18) 2021 Leonetti ‘Reserve’ Red Wine
Washington | Walla Walla | $200.00 | 99 Points
A massive, blockbuster release that delivers an Oscar-worthy performance, the 2021 Leonetti ‘Reserve’ is amongst the finest wines that I have ever tasted from this estate — every bit up there with the scintillating 2018 bottling. A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon with 14% Malbec, 7% Petit Verdot and 4% Merlot this exudes class on the nose with black currant cordial, scorched earth, sweet pipe tobacco, fresh sage and suggestions of Black Forest cake. The highly complex and heady aromatics are a joy to take in. The palate is rich and viscous with serious power and fantastic verve. A total heavyhitter, the 2021 ‘Reserve’ is nowhere near ready and will really benefit from another three plus years of bottle age. Please be patient with this incredible wine. Drink 2027-2055- 99
19) 2017 Roederer Estate ‘L’Ermitage’ Sparkling Wine
California | Anderson Valley | $100.00 | 96 Points
A stunning wine, the 2017 Roederer Estate ‘L’Ermitage’ Sparkling Wine combines 52% Chardonnay, 46% Pinot Noir with the remainder Pinot Meunier. About 5% of reserve wine from 2012 vintage was used. This is big and bold with a reined mousse and serious sense of weight. Loads of salty minerals combine with brilliant red raspberry and cantaloupe as well as brioche flavors. Finishing long with serious tension, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2024-2040- 96
20) 2021 Beaux Freres ‘The Beaux Freres Vineyard’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $150.00 | 98 Points
Another wine with serious aging potential, the fabulous and flamboyant 2021 Beaux Frères ‘The Beaux Freres Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from Dijon clone Pinot Noir. Also very dark in the glass, this reveals rich wild blackberry and black cherry notes on the nose with stony soils, cigar box and shades of milk chocolate. The palate is plush as silky tannins frame this gorgeous core of black fruit flavors alongside crushed mint, cardamom dusted red raspberry and rich fig notes. Big and bold, this has incredible richness yet comes across weightless on the mid-palate. Give this an hour of air if enjoying now, as this beauty will live on for easily another twenty years to come. This is one of the great wines of Oregon that I’ve had the pleasure of tasting in the past year. Drink 2025-2045- 98
21) 2021 From The Sky Down ‘Connor Lee Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Columbia Valley | $250.00 | 99 Points
Coming from plantings from 1987 and 1992 plantings, with 5% Merlot added, the 2021 From The Sky Down ‘Connor Lee Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers rich kirsch cordial and creme de cassis notes alongside sagebrush and sweet pipe tobacco notes on the nose. The palate is soft and plush with a refined texture and serious sense of weight. Salty soils, ultra-refined tannins and a lengthy finish complete this beautiful wine that is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2024-2040- 99
22) 2022 Two Vintners ‘O.G.’ Gewurtztraminer
Washington | Columbia Valley | $30.00 | 93 Points
This 2022 Gewwurtztraminer comes from the Olsen Vineyard and saw extended maceration (8 weeks) and is a brilliant yellow hue in the glass. Big and bold on the mouth, this shows lychee and peach tones on the palate, alongside good freshness and a seamless mouthfeel. For the price this one is a total steal. Drink 2024-2031- 93
23) 2021 Cadence ‘Bel Canto’ Red Wine
Washington | Columbia Valley | $75.00 | 97 Points
The 2021 ‘Bel Canto’ combines nearly all Cabernet Franc (89%) with 8% Merlot and the remainder Petit Verdot. The noise is delightfully Bordelaise wth Right-bank inspired wet gravel with red bell pepper alongside boysenberry compote and shades of coffee grounds. Everything is in clockwork balance in terms of weight, acidity and finish. For my palate, this is truly one of the great ‘Bel Canto’ wines ever produced. Enjoy now and over the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2024-2044- 97
24) 2021 Beaulieu Vineyard ‘Georges de Latour’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Napa Valley | $170.00 | 98 Points
The 2021 ‘George de Latour’ is a beautiful follow-up to the outstanding 2020 which is one of the brilliant wines of the vintage. This is inky and dark in the glass, revealing in its loamy soil character on the nose, alongside violets, and Black Forest cake. The palate is wonderfully gratifying in terms of power, length and weight, with bright underlying acidity. Everything is clockwork here, with plenty of damp earthy character and a loaded core of black and blue fruits. Usually this wine needs time but it is really hitting its stride right out of the gate. This will easily be a 20 year wine. Drink 2024-2046- 98
25) 2022 HALL ‘Kathryn Hall’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Napa Valley | $225.00 | 95 Points
The 2022 HALL ‘Kathryn Hall’ comes from a range of sites including the Sacrashe, Carpenter as well as the Cook, Stagecoach and Beller Vineyards. This shows plenty of mid-palate richness and an opulent texture with beautiful fresh dark fruits. This is elegant, seamless wine that is already drinking really well. This is an amazing achievement in a generally difficult vintage that is best consumed now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2037- 95
26) 2021 Beringer ‘Private Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Napa Valley | $175.00 | 98 Points
The 2021 Beringer ‘Private Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon is an outstanding new bottling that comes from this exciting vintage in the Napa Valley. Coming from a range of sites throughout the Napa Valley, this Cabernet was stored for 20 months in new French oak (65% new). The nose is very alluring with creme de violette, tar, tobacco leaf and cocoa powder notes. The palate is smooth and silky, as this refined wine glides throughout the drinking experience. Showing plenty of power, yet not coming off overly heavy, enjoy this stunning effort now and over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2024-2044- 98
27) 2022 Avennia ‘Parapine’ Grenache
Washington | Columbia Valley | $45.00 | 96 Points
The 2022 ‘Parapine’ really needs about an hour in the decanter to fully get going. Once aroused this unleashes a gorgeous core of bright red fruits that meld well with tobacco leaf, umami and orange peel notes, with salty soil accents. Full-bodied and unabashedly bold in terms of flavor density, enjoy this outstanding wine now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2034- 96
28) 2022 Domaine Drouhin ‘Laurene’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $85.00 | 96 Point
A stunning wine, the 2022 Domaine Drouhin ‘Laurene’ Pinot Noir is a knockout wine made from this vintage. On the nose this offers cigar ash alongside black cherry and black raspberry notes with blood orange zest accents. The palate is plush and refined with good weight and a lengthy finish. Generous now, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2024-2044- 96
29) 2022 TOIL Oregon Chardonnay
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $85.00 | 95 Points
The incredible 2022 TOIL Chardonnay was stored in only 17% new French oak before bottling. It is very fresh, fragrant and viscous now at the two year mark. On the nose this takes on layers of honeysuckle, baking spice drenched pear and sourdough bread. The palate is very soft and refined, as this effortlessly glides throughout the drinking experience. Salty and savory with plenty of melon and citrus fruit flavors, this is a deep, concentrated and generous effort that is best consumed on the warmer side. This is the finest TOIL Chardonnay yet produced. Drink 2024-2035- 95
30) 2021 Passing Time ‘Block 1311’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Columbia Valley | $150.00 | 99 Points
The ‘Block 1311’ is named after Dan Marino and Damon Huard’s jersey numbers, as this wine was entirely sourced for the Wallula Vineyard which neighbors the Columbia River. Pillowy and soft, this is seamless stunning wine that is meant to be enjoyed with friends and family. Creme de violette, asphalt, cassis, Arabica bean and blueberry compote flavors all magically combine with stony and salty soil components. Texturally downright ethereal, this beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon will deliver drinking enjoyment for another twenty years. But why wait? Drink 2024-2048- 99
31) 2022 DeLille Cellars Roussanne
Washington | Columbia Valley | $45.00 | 94 Points
The outstanding 2023 DeLille Cellars Roussanne is a gorgeous edition of this wine that deftly combines weight and finesse. Stored in a combination of neutral oak, concrete and stainless steel this offers bright honeysuckle on the nose alongside kiwi and brie cheese notes. The palate is soft and refined with a smooth texture and great sense of weight. Beautifully balanced, coming from the Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, this is another stunning release of this wine. Drink 2024-2031- 94
32) 2019 Hill of Tara ‘Chapter II-Ode to Tormey’ Cabernet Franc
California | Sonoma | $175.00 | 98 Points
The 2019 Hill of Tara ‘Chapter II-Ode to Tormey’ Cabernet Franc is a world-class bottling by winemaker Alex Kanzler that needs a lot of air before enjoying. Wonderfully herbal on the nose this revels in red bell pepper, alongside thyme, blackberry pie and suggestions of dark chocolate shavings. The palate is silky and refined with a seamless texture and fabulous level of freshness. A bit closed now, this can really use another year of bottle age — but it will be exceedingly hard to be patient because it is so good following three hours in the decanter. Drink 2025-2045- 98
33) 2022 Cimento Syrah
Oregon | The Rocks District | $250.00 | 98 Points
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
34) 2021 Saviah Cellars ‘The Funk Estate’ Syrah
Washington | Walla Walla Valley | $75.00 | 96 Points
Another world-class release, the 2022 Saviah ‘The Funk Estate Vineyard’ Syrah comes from this slightly cooler year in The Rocks District. This edition has 4% Viognier blended in. The beautiful white florals from the Viognier are singing now as wet rock and prosciutto aromatics combine with red currants, orange peel and shades of smoked brisket. The palate is fresh and lithe with a smooth mouthfeel and generous sense of weight. A total stunner, this is amongst the finest editions of this wine from Saviah that I have tasted. Drink 2024-2034- 96
35) 2023 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay
Washington | Columbia Valley | $22.00 | 92 Points
The 2023 L’Ecole No. 41 ‘Columbia Valley’ Chardonnay comes from a range of sites including the Evergreen, Stillwater Creek and Coyote Canyon vineyards. Stored in 25% new French oak before bottling, this offers poached pear and baking spice laced pineapple tones on the palate alongside a smooth mouthfeel and juicy melon flavors. Absolutely delicious now, enjoy this fantastic value over the next six plus years. Only 23 dollars retail, making this a total steal. Drink 2024-2030- 92
36) 2021 Mt. Brave Cabernet Franc
California | Napa Valley | $150.00 | 98 Points
A world class wine by Chris Carpenter, the 2021 Mt. Brave Cabernet Franc shows off its inky core, revealing violets, tar and menthol tones in the glass, alongside a hedonistic black fruit aromatic backbone. The palate is plush and dense with a refined mouthfeel and glorious depth and complexity. Beautifully-structured, with heady black and blue fruits, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next twenty years to comer. Drink 2024-2044- 98
37) 2023 Holocene ‘Aureolin’ Chardonnay
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $75.00 | 96 Points
The outstanding 2023 Holocene ‘Aureolin’ Chardonnay comes from the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. This is gorgeous, tension-filled wine with serious viscosity and verve. Lemon oil, flint, orange blossom water, and suggestions of Japanese pear all brilliantly combine on the palate. Full-bodied and full of energy, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next fifteen years to come. Showing so brilliantly in its heady you makes you wonder why wait? Drink 2024-2039- 96
38) 2021 Denner ‘Cirrus’ Red Wine
California | Paso Robles | $75.00 | 96 Points
The beautiful 2021 Denner ‘Cirrus’ Red Wine combines 65% Grenache which was co-fermented with Mourvèdre. This saw 100% whole cluster fermentation. Juicy and concentrated, this is a stunning new bottling with smoky and savory tones alongside salty soils, charred meats, black currants, black raspberry cordial and shades of green olives. Drink 2024-2043- 96
39) 2022 Melville ‘Sandy’s Block’ Pinot Noir
California | Santa Barbara | $85.00 | 95 Points
The ‘Sandy’s Block’ comes from a block named after Chad’s beloved Aunt Sandy, this block is situated on the east side of our estate, to the north of the winery. The resultant wine is chalk-filled with salty character and tension, with ripe loganberry and yakima cherry flavors that collide with the salty minerals. Gorgeous in its heady youth, enjoy now and over the next fifteen yeas to come. Drink 2024-2039- 95
40) 2021 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Walla Walla Valley | $150.00 | 98 Points
A total stunner, the 2021 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon is a ultra-refined blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Malbec and smaller portions Merlot and Petit Verdot that was sourced from the McQueen, LaFore, and Schafer vineyards. This was stored in a combination of 74% new French. Oak, Italian concrete and neutral oak barrels before bottling in August 2023. Remarkably perfumed once poured, this offers espresso grounds, tar and sagebrush notes on the nose with suggestions of graphite and freshly tilled loamy soils. The palate is soft and refined with fantastic power and flavor density. Firm tannins frame a gorgeous core of black fruits alongside Turkish coffee, anise and creme de cassis, this is one of the finest editions of this wine ever produced. If savoring in its full-throttle youth, give this an hour or two in the decanter to fully unwind. This total heavyhitter of a wine will easily live on for another twenty years. Drink 2024-2045- 98
41) 2023 Long Shadows ‘Cymbal’ Sauvignon Blanc
Washington | Columbia Valley | $45.00 | 94 Points
The 2023 Long Shadows ‘Cymbal’ Sauvignon Blanc was stored in 25% new French oak and is sourced from four separate sites— the McNary, Gamache, Boushey and Bacchus Vineyards. This has a magical push-pull in terms of weight and vibrancy. Beautifully-textured, this offers kumquat rind and Japanese pear flavors that mingle well with green papaya, freshly cut grass and cloves. A joy to consume, don’t serve this beauty too cold. The best yet of this edition by winemaker Gilles Nicault. Drink 2024-2034- 94
42) 2022 Liminal Viognier
Washington | Columbia Valley | $65.00 | 95 Points
Coming from the WeatherEye Vineyard this beautiful new 2022 Viognier comes from a parcel of land high atop Red Mountain. This is wonderfully textured stuff with honeysuckle water and hints of rosemary alongside rich honeydew melon and shades of juicy nectarine on the palate. Fresh and lithe with a smooth texture and great underlying tension, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years to come. Drink 2024-2032- 95
43) 2021 WeatherEye Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Columbia Valley | $150.00 | 99 Points
The stunning new 2021 WeatherEye Cabernet Sauvignon combines 5% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Stored in 75% new French oak barrels, this offers amazing texture, weight and underlying finesse. Deep and concentrated, with very concentrated black and blue fruit flavors, sweet pipe tobacco, with pencil lead and garrigue notes, this is going to be a really long-aging wine that is best enjoyed a year from now and over the next twenty years. Drink 2025-2050- 99
44) 2021 FIGGINS Red Wine
Washington | Walla Walla | $150.00 | 99 Points
A proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, the stunning 2021 FIGGINS Red Wine was stored in 57% new French oak prior to bottling and is entirely sourced from their estate vineyard in the foothills of the Blue Mountains. It shows off its sexy, inky core, reveling in violets, dark currants, sweet pipe tobacco and loamy soil notes on the nose. The palate is plush, deep and concentrated, with serious structure, tension, weight and depth as this glides throughout the drinking experience. Everything is in clockwork balance here, as the green herb, iron, dark chocolate shavings and graphite tones from the Petit Verdot mesmerize, alongside the dense dark fruits from the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. A complete wine, this is truly one of the finest ever made by winemaker Chris Figgins. Try to cellar this beauty for another two years. Drink 2026-2046- 99
45) 2021 Lingua Franca ‘Nov Vino’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $125.00 | 97 Points
This 2022 Pinot Noir is a two barrel selection of Pinot Noir in which one barrel was completely de-stemmed and the other was given 100% whole cluster fermentation. This is a very generous and broad-shouldered wine, with dense red and dark fruits alongside shades of milk chocolate, green peppercorns, black truffle and shades of stony minerals alongside peat moss accents. The flavor complexity and flavor density exhibited here is nothing short of exhilarating. What a wine! Drink 2024-2044- 97
46) 2021 TOR ‘Vine Hill Ranch’ Cabernet Sauvignon-
California | Napa Valley | $250.00 | 99 Points
The 2021 ‘Vine Hill Ranch’ by TOR comes from this famed spot in the Oakville AVA, as this site neighbors the wooded hills of the Mayacamas Mountain Range. This bottling comes from blocks 4, 7, and 3 and was stored in 80% new French oak prior to bottling. Exotic spices mark the nose alongside creme de violette, mocha, tar and black licorice. The palate is seamless and beautifully concentrated, with its stony soil character, as every working piece moves in seamless unison. A total stunner from this enticing vintage, savor this beauty now and over the next twenty five years — or potentially more. Drink 2024-2049- 99
47) 2021 Sleight of Hand ‘Off He Goes’ Syrah
Washington | Columbia Valley | $95.00 | 96 Points
This is now the second approach that I’ve had to this stunning Syrah by Sleight of Hand. The 2021 ‘Off He Goes’ is a beautiful tribute to winemaker Eric Dunham of Dunham Cellars fame. Entirely sourced from the Les Collines Vineyard, this is exceedingly inky in the glass, showing stony and herbal aromatics that meld well with iron, violets, steak tartare and heady dark fruits. The incredible aromatic range brings you back to the glass for more enjoyment. On the mouth this is soft and inviting with a seamless texture and fantastic underlying sense of verve. Stony, savory and full of life, enjoy this incredible wine now and over the next ten plus years to come. Give it an hour of air if consuming in its full-throttle youth. Drink 2024-2035- 96
48) 2021 Revana Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Napa Valley | $225.00 | 99 Points
The 2021 Revana Cabernet Sauvignon comes from their estate vineyard and was stored in 80% new French oak before bottling. Loamy soil and violets mark the nose alongside wild blackberry and shades of dark chocolate shavings with graphite notes. The palate is silky and refined with a serious sense of weight and underlying verve. A total stunner, with serious weight and length, this is a show-stopper that is drinking marvelously right now in its heady youth. Enjoy now and over the next twenty years. Drink 2024-2044- 99
49) 2022 Walter Scott ‘Koosah Vineyard’ Chardonnay
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $65.00 | 97 Points
This brilliant 2022 Chardonnay comes from this site that has a strong influence from the Pacific Ocean, set on broken basalt. The stony and salty influence in the wine is neatly defined, as wet stone and salted orchard fruits combine with shades of marzipan and a refined texture on the palate. This expression of terroir is quite simply magical. While really delicious and novel now, enjoy over the next ten to fifteen years to come. Drink 2024-2040- 97
50) 2021 Corison ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Napa Valley | $125.00 | 96 Points
A gorgeous wine from a great vintage, the 2021 Corison ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon is already beautifully evolved right now. On the nose this displays tar, anise and beautiful black rose petals, with a graphite edge. The palate is soft and refined with a seamless texture. Layers of dense black and blue fruits parade with stony minerals, espresso ground and loamy soils. A total knockout, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next twenty years. Drink 2024-2044- 96
51) 2022 Cristom ‘Mt. Jefferson Cuvee’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $40.00 | 93 Points
Stored in 22% new French oak for 11 months,, this undercut 52% whole cluster fermentation. A killer value, the Oregon, the 2022 ‘Mt. Jefferson Cuvee’ shows off teaberry and cranberry notes on the nose alongside wet gravel and suggestions of orange peel. The palate is juicy and round with loads of mouth-watering acidity and rich, tart red fruit flavors with orange peel, tobacco and salty soil accents. Drink 2024-2032- 93
52) 2022 Sphaerics ‘If and only if’ Chardonnay
California | Sonoma | $75.00 | 96 Points
Coming from the Upper Barn Vineyard, this is an inaugural release by winemaker Laura Jones, formerly Aubert’s assistant winemaker. A brilliant golden hue in the glass, this really needs about 20 minutes of air to fully be aroused. The nose is gorgeous with toasty oak and brioche tones that mingle well with Meyer lemon cream and shades of wild mushroom. The palate is plush and silky smooth with a beautiful sense of texture and underlying verve. A seamless Chardonnay with no rough edges, consume this stunner now and over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 96
53) 2022 Aubert ‘Larry Hyde & Sons’ Chardonnay
California | Carneros | $190.00 | 97 Points
A mesmerizing wine from this famed site in the Carneros region, the 2022 Aubert ‘Larry Hyde & Sons’ Chardonnay is dense, rich and weightless once on the mouth. Buttercream and Challah bread combine with rich orchard fruit flavors, with Meyer lemon cream accents. The finish just won’t quit. A dizzying wine to consume in its heady youth, watch this evolve over the next ten plus years. Drink 2024-2036- 97
54) 2022 Rochioli ‘River Block’ Pinot Noir
California | Sonoma | $125.00 | 97 Points
The dazzling new 2022 Rochioli ‘River Block’ Pinot Noir is a gorgeous bottling by Tom Rochioli. Very brooding in the glass, this is concentrated and finesse-laden Pinot Noir that offers cola, sassafras, salty minerals and rich loganberry and wild blackberry fruit flavors. A total show-stopper, enjoy this stunning and hedonistic Pinot Noir now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2024-2040- 97
55) 2021 Epoch ‘Veracity’ Red Wine
California | Paso Robles | $95.00 | 97 Points
Mainly coming from the Paderewski Vineyard, the 2021 ‘Veracity’ is a blend of near equal parts of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Aged for 17 months in 20% new French oak before bottling, this delivers a downright killer nose with smoked brisket, milk chocolate, iodine and rich dark currants that all parade in the glass. This has a wonderful sense of weight, finesse and bright salinity. This has fantastic mouth-watering acidity that combines with the beautiful core of black fruits. Already drinking marvelously, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2024-2040- 97
56) 2019 Ramey ‘Annum’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Napa Valley | $125.00 | 98 Points
The 2019 ‘Annum’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a gorgeous new bottling that is already drinking marvelously at the five year mark. Once on the nose this takes on layers of creme de cassis, mocha, tar and anise tones with shades of wet gravel. The palate is seamless and beautifully. Neatly structured with good weight and balance, everything is working marvelously here in terms of fruit and non-fruit flavors. Finishing very long, this is a scintillating effort that is going to be at least a 20 year wine. Drink 2025-2050- 98
57) 2019 Corliss Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Columbia Valley | $125.00 | 99 Points
The gorgeous and heady 2019 Corliss Cabernet Sauvignon was stored in nearly all new French oak before bottling. The nose is aroatnicallqy intense and downright gorgeous with sandalwood notes alongside anise, creme de cassis, Turkish coffee and shades of graphite. The palate is seamless and intense with serious texture, verve and flavor density. Weightless throughout the drinking experience, this effortlessly glides through the mid-palate. Showing glorious length, this is really only an infant now at the five year mark. Cellar this beauty for another twenty five years. Drink 2026-2050- 99
58) 2022 DuMol ‘Hyde Vineyard’ Chardonnay
California | Carneros | $90.00 | 96 Points
The 2022 ‘Hyde Vineyard’ is a total knockout wine from this famed site that is very windy which leads to small, concentrated berries in the Carneros AVA. This delivers gorgeous salty and savory tones with each sip. Pear, sweet gooseberry and brioche notes combine with a gorgeous melange of citrus fruit flavors. Finishing exceedingly long, this is a stunning ‘Hyde Vineyard’ that still has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2024-2036- 96
59) 2022 Tensley ‘Tensley Vineyard’ Syrah
California | Santa Barbara | $90.00 | 96 Points
The outrageously good 2022 Tensley ‘Tensley Vineyard’ Syrah has a nice saline streak alongside iodine, cassis, menthol and shades of blackberry compote. Full-bodied and define right now in its heady youth, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2034- 96
60) 2021 Hartford Family ‘Seascape’ Chardonnay
California | Sonoma | $75.00 | 96 Points
This site was purchased back in 1995, with the first vintage being from 1996. The site is unique and very cold, as Chardonnay is sometimes picked at this highly foggy site in November. The palate is salty and refined with good richness and stony minerals. Salted lime, crushed wet rock and saline drenched pear all combine on the palate. This is a stunning wine that literally screams terroir. Drink 2024-2038- 96
61) 2021 Argyle ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $30.00 | 92 Points
The 2021 ‘Brut’ by Argyle is beautifully-textured stuff that deftly captures the heat of the vintage. The weight yo upick up really shines when this is served on the warmer side. Challah bread and cantaloupe tones combine with salty minerals and shades of ginger on the palate. A gorgeous new wine, this is such a killer value at around 30 dollars USD.. Drink 2024-2032- 92
62) 2021 Benom ‘Origin’ Cabernet Sauvignon-
California | Paso Robles | $100.00 | 97 Points
The 2021 Benom ‘Origin’ comes four different sites from Paso Robles. The wine spent 25 days of maceration. Stored in 70% new French oak, the wine shows anise and creme de cassis notes alongside mocha and shades of garrigue. The wine is impeccable in terms of balanced. Full-bodied with fleshy texture and beautiful finesse, this black-fruit driven wine is absolutely singing even now. If you can, give it a few years in the cellar. One of the great wines I have tasted from this region, only 500 cases made of this beauty. Drink 2026-2045- 97
63) 2022 Big Table Farm ‘Cattralll Brothers’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $65.00 | 95 Points
Big Table Farm has been sourcing from this site since 2009, as this utilizes Wadesnwil clonal selection Pinot Noir. Black truffle and orange peel notes combine with wild blackberry on the nose. The palate is fresh and complex. Medium-bodied and loaded with minerality, with a core of red and dark fruits, this is delicious rendition of this wine that will age gracefully for decades. Drink 2024-2039- 95
64) 2021 Dunham Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah
Washington | Columbia Valley | $40.00 | 94 Points
The outstanding 2021 Dunham Cellars ‘Columbia Valley’ Syrah was sourced from the Lewis and Kenny Hill Vineyards. Stored in mostly neutral oak barrels, this delivers mocha, tar and dried herbal tones on the nose alongside iodine tones. The palate is soft and refined with a gorgeous texture. Black florals mingle well with loganberry preserves, asphalt and suggestions of garrigue on the palate. A beautiful wine made from this great vintage, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years to come. Drink 2024-2032- 94
65) 2021 Cote Nicault Red Wine
Washington | Columbia Valley | $85.00 | 97 Points
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
66) 2021 Soos Creek ‘Enchantments’ Merlot
Washington | Columbia Valley | $30.00 | 93 Points
The 2021 ‘Enchantments’ Merlot comes from the Beverly, Champoux, Mattawa and Discovery Vineyards. Composed of 75% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and the remainder Syrah, this was stored for 21 months in mainly neutral oak barrels prior to bottling. Improving after an hour of air, this yields roasted dates and espresso grounds on the nose alongside violets and shades of scorched earth. The palate is silky and elegant with a smooth texture. A killer value at a mere $30 bucks retail, this is a beauty to buy by the case. Drink 2024-2034- 93
67) 2021 Chosen Family Winery ‘Salty Goats’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Napa Valley | $175.00 | 96 Points
The outstanding 2021 Chosen Family ‘Salty Goats’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Diogenes Ridge Vineyard high atop Howell Mountain. Inky in the glass, this delivers cassis, anise, creme de violette and plenty of graphite character on the palate. This has gobs of minerality, staying light on its feet despite the jaw-dropping power. A total joy to savor in its full-throttle youth, enjoy this sultry and seductive Napa Cabernet now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Be sure to decant for at least an hour if enjoying now. Drink 2024-2040- 96
68) 2022 Granville ‘Odella’ Chardonnay
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $85.00 | 96 Points
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
69) 2021 Kanzler ‘Estate Reserve’ Pinot Noir
California | Sonoma | $95.00 | 96 Points
The 2021 ‘Estate Reserve’ comes from this great vintage for Sonoma Pinot Noir. The wine comes entirely from the Kanzler estate vineyard which has been farmed since 1996, mainly from the bottom portion of this site. Stored in 50% new French oak, once on the nose this takes on layers of black truffle with loganberry and black cherry and cola notes. The palate is very refined and elegant — seamless throughout the drinking experience. Drink 2024-2044- 96
70) 2018 Brittan Vineyards ‘The Puncheon’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $95.00 | 96 Points
The epic 2018 ‘The Puncheon’ comes from this outstanding, warm vintage and is amongst the great Oregon Pinot Noirs I have tasted this year. This is a hand-selected puncheon by winemaker Robert Brittan from several of the blocks across the vineyard. Black truffle crudo and loganberry compote mark the nose alongside suggestions of pine needles, wet rock and fresh thyme. The palate is soft and elegant with a round and generous mouthfeel. Seriously good now, showing good length and underlying tension, watch this evolve over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2024-2040- 96
71) 2023 Gramercy Cellars ‘Mourvèdre’ Rose
Washington | Columbia Valley | $45.00 | 94 Points
The world-class 100% Mourvèdre Rose bottling saw extensive time in neutral oak barrels before bottling. This comes off sturdy and well-structured, with beautiful bright strawberry, cranberry and pomegranate seed fruit flavors alongside wild mushroom and loamy soils. The weight and flavor range give this a very Chateau de Pibarnon feel. Full-bodied and beautifully textured, enjoy this outstanding new bottling now and over the next eight years — just don’t serve too cold! Drink 2024-2032- 94
72) 2021 Stonestreet ‘Upper Barn Vineyard’ Chardonnay
California | Sonoma | $150.00 | 96 Points
The 2021 ‘Upper Barn’ is a utterly fantastic new Chardonnay bottling by Stonestreet. Right away on the nose you are allured with layers of tropical fruits and butterscotch alongside juicy pear and suggestions of baking spice dusted pie crust. The palate is rich and dense with a heady concentration and beautiful underlying tension. Finishing exceedingly long, this is a head-turning bottling that will cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2023-2033- 96
73) 2021 Groth ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Napa Valley | $225.00 | 97 Points
The 2021 ‘Reserve’ is a stunning new bottling by Groth that shows off its brooding core in the glass. On the nose this takes on layers of dark and blue fruits that mingle well with wet stone, freshly tilled damp soils and suggestions of violets. The palate is dazzling and dense as this effortless glides throughout the drinking experience. Truly delicious now in its heady youth, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next two decades. Drink 2024-2044- 97
74) 2022 Hazelfern ‘Sea Ghost’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $75.00 | 95 Points
The 2022 ‘Sea Ghost’ comes from three locations set on Marine Sedimentary soils. Stored in 25% new French oak this offers diatomaceous earth and salty red fruits on the nose with kumquat rind notes. The palate is refined and loaded with bright acidity and juicy red fruits. A joy to consume now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2024-2039- 95
75) 2022 PerUs ‘Janeen’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Napa Valley | $175.00 | 96 Points
The 2022 ‘Janeen’ is a stunning wine coming from the Sage Ridge Vineyard. 100% varietal, this shows off pretty violet rose petals with boysenberry cordial, mocha and tar notes. Full-bodied and very dense, with good verve considering the heat of the vintage, enjoy now and over the next ten to fifteen years to come. Drink 2024-2040- 96
76) 2021 St. Innocent ‘Shea Vineyard’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $65.00 | 95 Points
The 2021 ‘Shea Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is sourced from this site set on shallow marine sedimentary soils. Salty and savory on the mouth, this shows a beautiful core of red raspberry and guava fruit flavors alongside salty soil accents on the palate. Fresh and vibrant with a seamless texture, and fabulous weight, this is a total stunner that is drinking marvelously now at the three year mark. Drink 2024-2040- 95
77) 2021 Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Napa Valley | $125.00 | 95 Points- A beautiful wine from a great vintage, the 2021 Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon was stored in mainly new French oak (64% new) before bottling. This vintage unlike 2020 has 8% Cabernet Franc blended in as the 2020 utilized nearly 20% Merlot. This edition is impeccably balanced, with toasty oak notes alongside creme de cassis, sweet pipe tobacco, damp soils, black currants and suggestions of fresh sage. A totally dazzling effort that is already nicely evolved, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years to come. Drink 2024-2039- 95
78) 2021 Lachini ‘Prima’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $125.00 | 95 Points
A limited production bottling, the 2021 ‘Prima’ is a world-class bottling that is up there with the finest wines made from this estate. The Pinot Noir combines Dijon clone 115, Dijon clone 116, Pommard clone and Waidenswil selections. This is bold and seamless wine that offers a great core of black and red fruits, with volcanic earth and gobs of salty character. Full-bodied, beautifully speaking to the vintage, with herbal undertones, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2024-2039- 95
79) 2021 Gard ‘Toro’ Red Wine
Washington | Columbia Valley | $75.00 | 95 Points
A new wine, the 2021 ‘Toro’ combines 60% Grenache with the remainder Tempranilllo that was stored in American oak barrels for 30 months prior to bottling. Dill pickle and orange peel notes combine with bright red fruits on the nose. The palate is plush, soft and refined with generous mouthfeel. This works beautifully together as there is nothing quite like this in Washington. Drink 2024-2034- 95
80) 2022 Lange ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $85.00 | 95 Points
The 2022 ‘Estate’ is a barrel selection wine coming from this 65 acre location in the Dundee Hills AVA set on Jory soils. The nose shows dense dark fruits with black florals alongside suggestions of marionberry and tangerine zest. The palate is dense and very volcanic soil-infused with its beautiful core of black and red fruits. Considering the vintage there is some really good flavor density. This has a long way to go in the cellar. Drink 2024-2040- 95
81) 2021 Mirror ‘Sugarloaf Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc
California | Napa Valley | $150.00 | 96 Points- This 2021 Cabernet Franc comes form the Sugarloaf Vineyard which was first planted in 2006 and sits at 1250ft in elevation. This is seriously good and well-structured stuff that has a long way to go in the cellar. Loamy soils and creme de cassis flavors mark the palate, alongside wet stone, and sweet pipe tobacco. Gorgeous now, give this an hour in the decanter if consuming over the next few years. Drink 2024-2044- 96
82) 2023 WALT ‘Bob’s Ranch’ Pinot Noir
California | Sonoma | $125.00 | 96 Points
This wine comes from this famed 75 acre Sonoma Valley site that was developed by Paul Hobbes and Ulysses Valdez. The site has a range of California heritage selections as the location was formerly owned by the Peterson family. On the nose this takes on layers of cola and crushed wildflowers alongside bergamot, black cherry compote and suggestions of wild blackberry. The palate is refined and elegant with plenty of depth and black truffle shavings. Deep, concentrated and loaded with finesse, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2024-2039- 96
83) 2021 ROCO ‘RMS’ Sparkling Wine
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $65.00 | 96 Points
The 2021 ‘RMS’ is a stunning blend of 66% Chardonnay with the remainder Pinot Noir. Like the 2020 edition, this is a salty, tension-laden bottling that is drinking marvelously right now. A light effervescence greets you alongside salted Macadamia nut and marzipan combine with honeycomb, kumquat zest and shades of cantaloupe on the palate. Full-bodied, with serious verve and richness, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next ten years to come. Drink 2024-2034- 96
84) 2023 Clarice Wine Company ‘Gary’s Vineyard’ Pinot Noir
California | Santa Lucia Highlands | $85.00 | 96 Points
The 2023 Clarice Wine Company ‘Gary’s Vineyard’ Pinot Noir comes from this nearly 30 year old, 50+ acre vineyard that was named after partners Gary Franscioni and Gary Pisoni. Deeply fragrant, this shows off lavender and loganberry notes on the nose alongside shades of diatomaceous soils. The palate is soft and refined with a silky texture and generous core of red and black fruits. Salty and very savory, this is a world-class Pinot Noir that is built to age. Drink 2024-2038- 96
85) 2021 Ram’s Gate ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir
California | Carneros | $95.00 | 94 Points
The really good 2021 Ram’s Gate ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir comes from this windy and cool location Carneros AVA that neighbors the Sonoma Raceway. The wine was 25% whole cluster fermentation and opens with salty black raspberry and Umami notes alongside shades of white pepper and pomegranate seed. The palate shows a beautiful texture and good sense of weight. Rich and viscous, with good length, this is drinking beautifully right now. Drink 2024-2038- 94
86) 2017 Domaine Carneros ‘Le Reve’ Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine
California | Carneros | $125.00 | 95 Points
The 2017 ‘Le Reve’ Blanc de Blancs is a magical, 100% Chardonnay wine made by winemaker Zak Miller, sourced from their Carneros estate vineyard. Given just a touch of dosage, the 2017 ‘Le Reve’ opens with toasted hazelnut and rich melon notes on the nose, with citrus zest and shades of Yakima cherry. The palate is rich and viscous with serious underlying tension. Very mineral-laden and showing more verve than the ’16, with a touch less viscosity, this is a stunning rendition of this wine that will age gracefully for another fifteen plus years. Drink 2024-2039- 95
87) 2022 Alexana ‘Gran Moraine’ Chardonnay
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $75.00 | 94 Points
The outstanding 2022 Alexana ‘Gran Moraine’ Chardonnay delivers salted peach and Macadamia nut notes on the nose. The palate is refined and beautifully textured with great tension and weight. Delicious now, watch this evolve over the next ten years to come. Drink 2024-2034- 94
88) 2021 Januik ‘Reserve Red’ Red Wine
Washington | Columbia Valley | $125.00 | 96 Points
The 2021 ‘Reserve Red’ is a beautiful barrel-select wine by Andrew Januik. Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, this offers a smooth texture and comes off very seamless throughout the drinking experience. Turkish coffee, creme de violette, and blackberry compote all combine on the palate, alongside loamy soils. A total stunner, enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2024-2042- 96
89) 2022 Devona ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $75.00 | 95 Points
The 2022 ‘Freedom Hill Vineyard’ Pinot Noir is a mostly Pommard clonal selection bottling that is rich with lovely earthy nuance now. Stored in mainly neutral oak barrels, this shows off cloves and red currants on the nose alongside menthol and dusty soil notes. The palate is rich and layered with serious concentration and verve. A glorious core of loganberry and cherry fruits greet you with kumquat zest and damp soils with suggestions of black truffle shavings. Complex and delicious, this is the best Oregon bottling that I have tasted yet from Devona — a total stunner! Drink 2024-2040- 95
90) 2021 The Walls ‘Curiositas’ Red Wine
Washington | Red Mountain | $125.00 | 97 Points
The stunningly good 2021 The Walls ‘Curiositas’ Red Wine has 5% Petit Verdot blended in. Coming from the Quintessence and Heart of the Hill Vineyards, this delivers heady dark fruits that combine with mocha, tar and allspice alongside creme de violette notes and tar. This is incredible stuff — for my palate the finest wine yet for The Walls. A must-taste! Drink 2024-2040- 97
91) 2022 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Eroica’ Riesling
Washington | Columbia Valley | $22.00 | 93 Points
The 2022 ‘Eroica’ was given 2G/L residual sugar. Honeydew melon and bight pear mark the nose alongside orange blossom notes. The palate is fresh and smooth with bright sense of tension and mouth-watering acidity. This is nearly impossible to put down when opened. Drink 2024-2030- 93
92) 2019 King Estate ‘Brut’ Sparkling Wine
Oregon | Willamette Valley | $65.00 | 94 Points
This 2019 sparkling wine sat en tirage for four years and is near equal parts of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This is beautiful and generous on the palate with rich melon and kumquat fruit flavors alongside shades of guava on the palate. Salty and dense, with biscuit undertones, this is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2024-2032- 94
93) 2021 Sojourn Cellars ‘Oakville Ranch Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon
California | Napa Valley | $175.00 | 96 Points
The gorgeous and generous 2021 Sojourn Cellars ‘Oakville Ranch Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon has 4% Petit Verdot blended in. Very inky in the glass, this delivers a killer bouquet of creme de cassis, violets, loamy soils and suggestions of pencil lead. The palate is soft and refined with serious power yet coming off very elegant. A massive wall of black and blue fruits greets you alongside dark chocolate shavings, sandalwood and loamy soils. A total stunner, enjoy now and over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2024-2044- 96
94) 2019 Foxen ‘Julia’s Vineyard’ Pinot Noir
California | Santa Barbara | $75.00 | 95 Points
This Pommard clonal selection Pinot Noir comes from the Julia’s Vineyard which is home to some of Santa Barbara's oldest Pinot Noir vines. This site was first planted between 1970 and 1971 as part of the original Tepusquet Vineyard. This is rich and nicely concentrated Pinot Noir with a smooth mouthfeel and salty/stony accents alongside a brilliant core of red fruit and red rose water flavors. Drink 2024-2040- 95
95) 2019 Prospice ‘Reserve Quintessence Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Red Mountain | $125.00 | 95 Points
This limited production bottling comes from the Quintessence Vineyard on Red Mountain. This has beautiful flavor density considering the coolness of the vintage as they had picked prior to the freeze event in October 2019. Blackberry compote, scorched earth and tar notes combine with anise and graphite on the palate. Refined and elegant, showing a seamless textural quality this is a beautiful wine that is built to age. Drink 2024-2042- 95
96) 2022 Illumination White Wine
California | Napa Valley | $50.00 | 94 Points
Heady and unreserved, the 2022 Illumination is fat and unctuous on the mouth. Cashew nut and green papaya flavors mingle well with orange rind water and cloves. Complex and showing good minerality despite the obvious heat of the vintage, this is an awesome effort in 2022. Don’t serve this beauty too cold! Drink 2024-2030- 94
97) 2019 Merryvale ‘Profile’ Red Wine
California | Napa Valley | $250.00 | 96 Points
The 2019 ‘Profile’ is a striking blend of almost all Cabernet Sauvignon with just a kiss of Cabernet Franc blended in. The wine was stored for 20 months in 80% new French oak before bottling. Brooding in the glass, this slowly unveils aromatics of pencil lead, creme de cassis, mocha, and scorched earth notes. The palate is refined and ultra-smooth, as this is utterly seamless throughout the drinking experience. Loaded with concentrated black and blue fruit flavors, with graphite and stony accents, this far and away the finest wine I have tasted from this estate. Drink 2024-2044- 96
98) 2020 Ehret ‘Hillside Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon-
California | Sonoma | $150.00 | 95 Points
The best wine of the tasting, the full-throttle 2021 Ehret ‘Hillside Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a barrel selection wine that shows what is possible from their Knights Valley estate vineyard. Delicious black fruits combine with shades of violets, tar and tobacco leaf on the nose. The silky and refined texture really makes this sing. Once on the mouth the palate is loaded with black and blue fruits alongside graphite, salty soils and shades of tar. Give this at least an hour in the decanter if enjoying in its hedonistic youth. Drink 2024-2040- 95
99) 2021 Elentone ‘Willow Blanc de Noirs’ Sparkling Wine
Washington | Lake Chelan | $50.00 | 93 Points
This Pinot Noir sparkling wine come from the Clos Cheval Vineyard in the Lake Chelan AVA. Given 2G/L dosage this was harvested early in August. Guava and ripe melon tones combine with ripe strawberry on the nose. Showing a soft mouthfeel, this offers good richness and a refined mousse. The palate has very delicate and red fruit tones. Beautifully balanced, showing good weight and freshness, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years to come. Drink 2024-2032- 93
100) 2021 Abeja ‘Heather Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon
Washington | Walla Walla Valley | $150.00 | 97 Points
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
